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Shelley's Bookshelf
Death By Prophecy
Lauren Maddison
Alyson Publications
PO Box 4371, Los Angeles, CA 90078-4371
ISBN: 1555837646, $14.95, www.alyson.com
Lauren Maddison, now a Southern California resident, is also known for her mysteries Deceptions
and Witchfire. She was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award.
Connor Hawthorne is a daughter and friend of an erstwhile congressman. Her partner, Laura Nez,
comes from more exotic origins. She regularly travels to a place she calls "Dreamland" to talk
with
her deceased grandmother, who gives her spiritual advice. While traveling in California, Laura and
Connor encounter a mysterious priest and buy a beautiful pendant that has meanings and
connections to forces that will draw them into a possible spiritual and earthly meltdown involving
a
sociopath named Ricky Bell:
"The presence shifted and sparkled, and their eyes were drawn to what could almost be described
as
a human face floating in the center of the nimbus of light. 'I have looked into you, and although
your
minds are filled with confusion, your hearts are pure. You have been offered the ultimate love,
and
you have accepted it. Thus, your prayers are easily heard and easily made manifest in your world.
We will share consciousness of each other again very soon, for you will be in need of a guardian
angel before too long. Now take the gift and go swiftly.' The light winked out as if it had never
been
there and was instantly replaced by the sun's early-morning warmth."
Death By Prophecy isn't really a whodunit. It is more of a mystical trip shared by two women
whose
love of each other and the people around them elevates their activities to a higher plane. It's
religious
message is one of a rethinking of what the Catholic church means to women, and the
machinations
of those who would keep it as a strict patriarchal religion. The plot is an intricately woven pattern
that pulls many seemingly unrelated segments together to form a whole. The characters are
fascinating, and there is no wasted space in this narrative. The reader is pulled along a path that
makes us question the meaning of religion, life, and what comes after.
Lauren Maddison has created a mystical masterpiece in Death By Prophecy. This tale has so many
facets that the reader will want to explore the story more than once. A great read by a gifted
author.
This is an excellent story!
Death Goes Shopping
Jessica Burton
Napoleon Publishing/RendexVous Press
1005-3266 Young Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3P6
ISBN: 0929141954, $10.95 U.S.; $12.95 CAN, 1-877-730-9052,
www.rendezvouspress.com
Jessica Burton has an interesting resume. Born in Scotland, she has lived all over the world, as her
father worked for the British airline for six years. She emigrated to Canada, completed her
schooling, and worked in the newspaper industry, followed by the shopping centre industry. She
presently lives in Brampton, Ontario.
Jenny Turnbull is the promotion director of Rosewood Centre. Her job revolves around planning
holiday festivities, handling disgruntled customers, and keeping the public relations on a smooth
plane. She handles her job with panache, and everyone loves her, as she has the answer to almost
every problem which presents itself. That is, until someone murders three diners in the middle of
the
food court during a Halloween celebration. Jenny is an inveterate knitter, and one of the casualties
is
a good friend who ran the wool store:
"'She was such a nice person and so helpful.' I couldn't let it go. 'I was just in her store yesterday
to
see if the rest of my wool was in yet, this new stuff she put me on to. How can I be talking to her
one day, and she's dead the next? She was going to order me a particular shade of green they've
just
introduced. I really need that colour now I've changed my whole pattern around.'"
Death Goes Shopping is an exquisitely written tale of two roommates caught up in a murder that
appears to be a senseless act on the surface. But Jenny, armed with a sense of humor that will
keep
the reader laughing and engaged, and her security guard roommate, Helen, eventually put the
pieces
together to solve an intricate puzzle. Burton does a great job with her premier mystery, and Jenny
is
a lovable heroine who blithely traipses through the world with lots of energy, enthusiasm, and
wisdom.
Jessica Burton's knowledge of both the newspaper business and the shopping centre business lend
credence to her tale. She truly writes what she knows, and her realm of expertise is interesting and
provides a scenic landscape for her tale. Her main characters are sweet and well-rounded, and
their
side escapades complete the tale. Burton even works in some Scottish fairy dust for the reader's
pleasure. A rousing first effort!
Collateral Damage
Austin S. Camacho
Infinity Publishing
519 W. Lancaster Avenue Haverford, PA 19041-1413
ISBN: 0741412896, $14.95, www.buybooksontheweb.com
Austin S. Camacho is an author, journalist, and public affairs specialist. He has experience with
the
Department of Defense, providing crucial information to service members about health issues
during
their deployment. He also provided information via the American Forces Network, as a radio and
news reporter. He is a native New Yorker with a degree from Union College in Schenectady. He
has
spent time in Israel during Desert Storm, and has lived in Missouri, California, Maryland, Georgia
and Belgium. He now lives in Virginia with his wife and two teenagers.
Fans of Hannibal Jones, professional troubleshooter, will welcome this second installment.
Hannibal
is now well established in his profession, and his girlfriend, Cindy, who is a high-powered
attorney,
is a beautiful ally and balancing force. His latest adventure begins when Bea Collins comes for
help
in finding her boyfriend, Dean Edwards. Hannibal thinks that this is just a case of a jilted woman,
until Oscar Peters, a friend of Dean's, is killed and Dean is the primary suspect:
"'He didn't call the police when he found...this?' 'Mister Edwards was upset,' Hannibal said. 'This
man was his friend. And we weren't sure if he was in fact dead. Mister Edwards has had some
problems of an emotional nature.' Thompson's eyes came up from his pad without his head
moving.
'I see. Did you know the deceased?'"
Hannibal Jones is a new kind of pulp detective. Larger than life; he is a world traveler. He knows
how to use his fists, but he also is a sensitive soul who can relate to his victims. Camacho has
done
an excellent job of expanding Hannibal's influence in this second novel. The reader has become
comfortable with Hannibal's character, his partners, and his way of operating. Camacho has a
great
thing going with Hannibal Jones, and he should keep cranking out these stories.
Death On The Hill
James R. Snedden
Barclay Books
6161 51st St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33715
Becki@barclaybooks.com, http://www.barclaybooks.com
ISBN: 1-931402-05-1 $14.95 (U.S.) $20.95 (CAN)
Jim Snedden has had a multi-faceted career: as an international business executive, newspaper
columnist; college instructor; and a career consultant. He is intensely interested in
people-watching
and politics. He is presently a resident of Arizona.
Jeremy Dawkins, investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune is out in Los Angeles visiting his
friend, Bill, who has just purchased a small newspaper in Palos Verdes. Jeremy is drafted into
helping out when an Asian woman and her dog are found murdered in her own driveway. Jeremy
starts digging, and is able to help out by using some cross-country communications to find
important
sources. What he does find out is that the woman who has been murdered is not whom she seems
to
be. Then one of his sources is murdered, but not before he has given Jeremy the overview of the
Chinese community and its underbelly:
"Cocking his head to one side, a serious expression crossed his face. 'My initial reaction is, that it
will be difficult and possibly dangerous. The Chinese, the Koreans and the Japanese, all have the
equivalent of the Mafia in this country. And just like the Mafia, they have ties to the homelands.
They are much more ruthless and efficient than the Mafia, for they operate in a society closed to
occidentals. They have never been infiltrated by the FBI, and generate no publicity.'"
Jim Snedden writes a most enjoyable and readable mystery/thriller which opens up the world of
the
East within the United States. Jeremy Dawkins is the quintessential newspaperman, able to piece
together cause and effect with few clues, logic, and lots of contacts. His irreverent personality
endears him to the reader, as he tries to wade his way through California-speak, food, and
women.
He is sort of a Bruce Willis of the newspaper world, and he adapts to the lifestyle of California
before he notices that he is indulging in more than simply an unsolved mystery.
Death On The Hill is good, clean fun. Snedden's writing is breezy and entertaining, and it is easy
to
get into the flow of the story. One can almost see the bachelor pad that Jeremy and Bill inhabit in
a
sort of Odd Fellows way. Snedden shows us that investigating murders can be fun.
Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer
Cindy's Bookshelf
The Playboy & Plain Jane: Desire No. 1483
Leanne Banks
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373764839, 186 pages, $4.25
Launching the "Dynasties: The Barones" continuity series - highly recommended The Valentine
Day
curse strikes CEO Nicholas Barone hard, first when he learns of his fianc‚'s mercenary nature, and
again a year later when she dies, leaving him the father. Deprived of the first year of his daughter's
life, Nicholas vows to be an excellent father, but he needs help. Molly's cranky response to her
new
environment has taken its toll on his parents and on himself. A degree in computers seems an odd
qualification for a nanny, but Gail Fenton's gift for peek-a-boo soon convinces Nicholas he has
found
the right woman for his daughter. Gail knows she's nothing like the beautiful, sleek women
Nicholas
usually dates, but soon she finds herself hoping she can prove herself to be as right for the father
as
she is the daughter. Readers who treasured the "Dynasties: The Connelly's" continuity in 2002,
will
love the return to the family theme with "Dynasties: The Barones" in 2003. With lighthearted
levity
and sizzling chemistry, author Leanne Banks presents a mismatched hero and heroine that
discover
more than superficial passion. As a nanny myself, I always find great amusement when authors
successfully combine spegetti-os and nursery rhymes with the complexities that draw hearts
together. Banks' treatment is remarkably skillful with the eccentricities that make characters
dazzle.
In addition, Banks gracefully introduces a remarkable cast of characters readers will look forward
to
meeting in their own stories.
Serving Up Trouble: Intimate Moments No 1194
Jill Shalvis
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373272642, 248 pages, $4.75
When life shifts from mundane to terrifying in one brief moment, Angie Rivers undergoes an
epiphany. Her life has become boring, even if she had methodically become the antithesis of
everything her parents want for her. So when a man grabs her for a hostage, Angie determines
that
life will change if she is given a second chance. Fortunately, officer Sam O'Neill stands in line next
to
her, springing into action and taking down the would-be robber.
Sam considers himself a rather cynical cop, destined to remain single after his mother and
ex-wife's
rejection of his career. He distances himself from his emotions and devotes his life to his job. Then
Angie rocks his world, making him feel and need. Unfortunately, as she continues to put herself in
danger as the only person who can identify the leader of an identity theft ring, Sam's need to
protect
her from danger seems to override his own common sense and self determined destiny.
Jill Shalvis is Serving Up Trouble with style. Quirky, sexy, impulsive Angie brings sparkling life to
Sam's gray existence. Angie's second chance brings about a decision to change her life, following
her
dreams and pursuing her goals despite the discouraging words of her family. As a result, Angie is
a
powerful, delightful heroine, serving up trouble to criminals and Sam in equal measure. Author
Shalvis succeeds in gracefully combining suspense, sparkling energy and humor for a fantastic
read.
Serving Up Trouble belongs on the keeper shelf. Very highly recommended.
Twilight In Babylon
Suzanne Frank
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0446611654, 466 pages, $7.99
Life in ancient Jerusalem brings time traveler Chloe Kingsley its own brand of sorrow. When their
home burns, Cheftu rushes Chloe to the deep secret chambers housing the Arc of the Covenant.
Cheftu knows Chloe is about to die, and implores that she be given life, purpose and love.
It takes awhile for Chloe to realize that she is more than a wander from a region destroyed by
flood.
Lost in history, Chloe finds answers in the market, when she seeks her fortune, and recalls her
own
history. She first met the fortuneteller when she was a child in Cairo. She encountered her again in
Ancient Atlantis, and a third time in Jerusalem before landing in ancient Mesopotamia.
Chloe eventual finds Cheftu, her nineteenth-century time-traveling French physician husband, only
now he has become the high priest of the god of fertility. But the path to reestablishing a life
together is riddled with trials and challenges. Chloe insists upon attending school, reforms
cuneiform
writing, and starts the first fast-food franchise with the trademark of the golden arches.
Meanwhile,
stargazers predict the necessity of human sacrifices to avert another disaster, with Chloe a part of
the sacrifice.
Author Suzanne Frank brings ancient history to life in Twilight In Babylon. Vivid historical detail
combine with the author's lively, at times irreverent voice, to produce a fascinating time travel
adventure. While I love reading books in a series, as a reviewer I often read books out of
sequence,
or only read part of the series. Only occasionally do I encounter a novel of such depth and breadth
that I want to locate the its predecessors if only to savor the author's powerful story telling ability,
but that is my response to Twilight In Babylon. While a marvelous romance binds the hero and
heroine, it is their struggles with establishing a new life wherever they might find themselves that
grips my attention attention. I've reviewed many time travel romances, but Suzanne Frank's
imaginative weave of history and modern perspectives supersedes virtually any other's efforts. A
remarkable and memorable tale, Twilight In Babylon comes very highly recommended.
High On A Hill
Dorothy Garlock
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 044661209X, 386 pages, $6.99
The prohibition brings big business to bootleggers, speakeasies and gangsters. For years Annabel
Lee Donovan, daughter of a bootlegger, has endured frequent upheaval and promises that her
father
will soon leave the business behind. Their latest move brings them to Henderson, Missouri to a
house on a hill. Annabel worries over her father's frequent absences, but tries to make their new
home comfortable. Her father leaves behind two men to look to her safety and take turns guarding
their stash, Boone and Spinner.
One day a seriously injured young man appears on her doorstep seeking help. Annabel welcomes
Jack Jones, nursing him back to health and earns his loyalty. Jack does not know a family friend,
Corbin Appleby, tracks him. A former police chief, Corbin insists that he is not a Fed, but his
interest
in her father's business and in the illegal activity in the area leaves both Annabel and Boone
suspicious. In addition, Annabel has dangerous neighbors to contend with, especially when one
decided that she belongs to him.
As a new comer to Dorothy Garlock's work, I found her choice of setting, the Prohibition,
absolutely fascinating, and her writing delightful. Annabel proves to be a delectable combination
of
contradictions, raised fairly conservatively by a bootlegging father. Her need for permanent roots
proves charming from her acquisition of farm animals to garden planting. As her attraction for
Corbin slowly blossoms, suspicion of his motives leaves her questioning his trustworthiness. The
Secondary plot proves even more delightful, especially as Boone and Tess almost upstage the
romance between the main characters. A beautifully realized old fashioned romance with a
emphasis
on family ties, High On The Hill comes highly recommended.
Southern Comfort Indigo: Sensuous Love Stories
J. M. Jeffries
Genesis Press
315 Third Avenue North, Columbus, MS 39701
ISBN 1585710288, $8.95
Ten years in the Army prepared Hardesty Arnaud's for gunfire and dead bodies, but it took a
medal
of honor to earn her way to becoming St. Martin's Police Chief. Unfortunately, the three
patriarchs
of the community seem to think they are in charge, able to ferret out anything, no matter how
deeply
buried. Hardesty knows they offered her the chief's job only because they could not turn her
down.
Now only two days on the job and Hardesty has a murder to solve. She quickly concludes that the
body is a mob hit, and another missing man would have been the US Marshall assigned to protect
him. The situation is potentially explosive.
Growing up in the ghetto and rescued by a miracle, Nick has made becoming the first black FBI
director his career goal. Proud of his city ways, the overwhelming heat and humidity of Louisiana
plagues him, as does the spitfire who blocks his investigation. Nick has spent the last five years
putting the Patrini family out of operation. The dead man had been their lawyer, knowing
everything
from where the bodies were buried to the account numbers of the offshore bank accounts.
Without
the lawyer's testimony, Nick's investigation comes to nothing and the sexy small town cop
presents
an unwanted complication.
With nothing in common except a murder investigation, Hardesty and Nick clash in an exciting
romantic thriller of the high caliber readers have come to expect from J.M. Jeffries. In Southern
Comfort opposites collide an entertaining romance as dangerous to the heart as it is the small
town
of St. Martin. The gritty policy procedural elements sharply contrast the growing relationship
between Hardesty and Nick, resulting in a fast paced read impossible to put down. The richly
created small town with its quirky citizens and old-fashioned values provides a powerful backdrop
for intrigue and betrayal. Southern Comfort comes highly recommended.
Hamlet Dreams
Jennifer Barlow
Aardwolf Press
P.O. Box 14792, Durham, NC 277709-4792
ISBN 0970622511, 224 pages, $13.95
For years Zac has visited the Other Place, visiting medieval fortresses, Avalon, Sherwood Forrest
and anywhere else his imagination takes him. Normally he snaps right out of what he calls
"Hamlet
Dreams" when he hears the sound of an alarm, an ambulance passing, or when he feels a light
touch.
Since he started dating Cecile, Zac has not visited the Other Place as frequently. When he does
visit,
Zac finds it increasingly difficult to rouse from the dreams; it is as if something holds him
there.
For six months Zac and Cecile have dated. While they have come close to consummating their
relationship, Cecile always withdraws before they can. Nightmares of a vicious attack prevent
Cecile
from relaxing enough to make love with Zac, regardless of how tenderly he holds her. Her
roommate suggests their mutual virginity may be part of the problem, but Cecile does not agree.
Moreover, someone knows of their difficulties, turning their challenges into an opportunity to
release evil into the world.
On the first day of a new semester of teaching, Cecile discovers a mysterious note that states: "I
have not forgotten you." She reads a hint of hidden menace into the words, fearful her stepfather
has
returned to stalk her in retribution for his jailing. Eventually, she discovers Zac slumbering so
deeply
that she cannot wake him; summoning aid, she helps to hospitalize him. But the doctors are
baffled
and eventually label Zac's case psychiatric. Cecile does not suspect that the force holding Zac
captive is not of this world and brings incredible danger to them both.
Author Jennifer Barlow creates a surreal landscape of deceptive danger and lurking menace in
Hamlet Dreams. Both Zac and Cecile love each other deeply but are young and na‹ve, making
them
easy to prey to the malevolent forces that seek to manipulate them with their own fears. As Zac
travels the labyrinth of his own psyche, he must confront the dark fantasies and hidden desires that
even he has never acknowledged. Traversing a landscape constructed of fear and impossibility,
Barlow leads the reader through a stunning tale of delicious malevolence and dangerous desire.
No
reader will want to miss this unusual and compelling novel.
Outrageous Detour
Lindy Anne Nisbet
Xlibris Corporation
436 Walnut St., 11th Floor, The Independence Building Philadelphia, PA 19106
ISBN 1401030785, 256 pages, $21.99
Lulu Glenn joins other American tour members to travel Peru and Bolivia. They share astonishing
similar stories of the circumstances bringing them together, having undergone many magical
occurrences and joined the tour to find others of like mind. Indeed, years of metaphysical research
culminate in profound spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical transformation for Lulu and her
companions.
Lulu has a gift for seeing connections where others miss them. She is a conduit, and soon she
discovers she also shares telepathy with another tour member named Bud Towne. Hiking together
with four other tour members around the monastery where they are staying, Lulu becomes aware
of
the heightened vibrations surrounding her, which create vortexes and portals of energy. But even
she
does not suspect the detour that will take her and her companions on a journey through
underground caverns and other dimensions.
Author Lindy Anne Nisbet draws upon her own metaphysical experiences and her vivid
imagination
to create a fascinating spiritual journey in Outrageous Detour. Channeling, telepathy, even tantric
sex become a part of this metaphysical exploration that spans cultures, dimensions and
civilizations.
Readers will want to keep an open mind with this humorous adventure where anything can
happen,
and most likely does. Ancient fertility rights, humanities' connection to this planet and others, and
super powers makes Outrageous Detour an outrageous success. Highly recommended.
The Healer: Superromance No 1105
Jean Brashear
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 373711050, 298 pages, $5.25
Staff at Mercy Hospital calls her Miracle Malone until a riding accident destroys the gifted
surgeon's
right hand. Once her hand could massage life back into the heart she held, now it cannot grasp
and
release objects. When her physical therapy reaches a plateau without the necessary recovery to
return her to the cardiac surgical suit, Caroline takes a month to recover in the Davis Mountains
of
West Texas. Like Caroline, Diego Montalvo had once been terribly ambitious until a mission gone
wrong burdens him with irredeemable guilt. Now Diego marvels that his hands, which once
brought
death, can bring forth life. As his grandmother ages, he steps into her place in the community as a
healer where many of his people are more than a hundred miles from medical care and cannot
afford
it anyway. Nevertheless, his years as a medic have left scars much deeper than the ones displayed
on
his body and causing his limp. Author Jean Brashear creates a powerful tale of spiritual healing in
The Healer. Brashear's graceful narrative seamlessly bridges two vastly different worlds. Both
Caroline and Diego undergo a tragic transforming moment that changes the course of their lives,
leaving them with spiritual wounds as damaging as the ones that tear their flesh. In this searing
tale,
contradictions and impossibilities give way to hearts that need to rediscover dreams and
self-forgiveness. Secondary characters, particularly Diego's insightful grandmother, provide
intriguing depth to this powerful tale. Once again Brashear proves herself to be an author of
fabulous richness, making her a favorite of romance readers. The Healer comes very highly
recommended.
Fire and Ice: Harlequin Blaze No 65
Tori Carrington
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790694, 250 pages, $4.50
A one-night stand leaves both Tommy "Wild Man" Brodie and Jena McCade longing for more.
He is
a highly paid hockey player; she is a criminal defense attorney. Both are accustomed to working
hard
and playing equally as hard, never taking their sensual liaisons too seriously until they meet each
other. It has been three months since their sizzling night together, and both still fantasize about it.
So
when an injury takes Tommy off the ice, he decides recuperation at Jena's place is just what the
doctor ordered. Jena decides that she needs a wife when she opens her door and finds Tommy on
her doorstep. Her instant response ignites them both. Jena's sexual escapades have become
legendary among her friends, and her sudden reticence in sharing her experience makes them all
suspicious. Perhaps bad-girl Jena has finally met her match. Tommy is everything that Jena wants
in
a short-term affair, but she'd better decide quick if she wants something brief or if she is willing to
risk for a whole lot more. Writing duo Tori Carrington live up to their blazing reputation with Fire
And Ice, balancing steaming romance, hot erotica, rich character development and a delightful
plot.
While Jena and Tommy know from the beginning that they are perfect partners in bed,
establishing
an equal relationship proves much more challenging, especially with Jena making some rather
stereotyped assumptions. Furthermore, Jena's struggle with career and personal demons reveal her
vulnerabilities in a way that cannot help but endear her to readers' hearts. Fans will also welcome
the
return of Dulcy and Quinn from A Stranger's Touch. Carrington makes it difficult to wait for each
new scintillating release, and readers will be left panting for the release of Going Too Far in
February 2003. Add Fire And Ice to your keeper shelf as it comes very highly recommended.
My Husband, My Babies: Superromance No 1098
Debra Salonen
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710984, 298 pages, $5.25
Nicknamed Jenny Perfect, Jenny's life no longer seems so right. Just after artificial insemination
with
her brother-in-law's sperm, she and Josh learn that his childhood cancer has returned. The
insemination results in strained relations between Jenny and Sam. Suddenly a time of joy becomes
tainted by the strain of sorrow. Despite her pregnancy with twins, Jenny devotes herself to Josh's
care, going strait from childbirth to the dying man's bedside. Josh's death leaves both Jenny and
Sam
bereft. In Josh's absence, necessity draws Jenny and Sam together in childcare and grief. Soon
attraction brings about feelings of guilt, deepening the incredible emotional complexity of the
novel.
My Husband, My Babies will illicit extreme emotional responses in the reader from joy to sorrow,
resulting in a read that brings both giggles and tears. Death and loss are handled with respect and
compassion, paving the way for a remarkable tale of healing. Each character is deftly woven,
resulting in believable people capable of selfishness, profound love, and extraordinary depth.
Jenny
and Sam's struggle to reconcile guilt and new love rings with honesty and complexity. Perhaps the
greatest hero of the novel is Josh, who accepts death with grace and life with joy. With My
Husband, My Babies, Debra Salonen gracefully paves the way for sisters Andrea and Kristin's
stories, hinting at deeply held pain and weakened family bonds. A fabulous beginning to this new
series, My Husband, My Babies comes very highly recommended.
North Country Man: Superromance No 1102
Carrie Alexander
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711018, 298 pages, $5.25
While she practically begged for an easy assignment, Claire Levander expected deluxe
accommodations, certainly nothing as rustic as the Upper Michigan. Her boss promises that they
have booked her into the Day Brook House where she will have nothing to do but breath fresh air
and release stress. And decide if she wants to recommend that Bel Vista Hotel Corporation
should
purchase the property from its unsuspecting owners. Her boss could not have been more wrong.
Before she even arrives, Claire encounters Michigan's wildlife with uncomfortable closeness,
including the hermit Noah Saari. The proprietor of Day Brook House puts Claire in the "Valentina
bridal suite." Rumored to be cursed, the suite displays a bridal painting that does not convey the
joy
of a wedding, but suggests a much more foreboding and chilling tone. According to the prophesy,
any woman staying in the suite will be married before the year is out in retribution for the jilted,
suicidal Valentina. But Claire's social life has been on hold for a long time, and establishing a
relationship with an alpha male as reclusive as Noah might hold some especially difficult
challenges.
Especially since she will be leaving in a week to resume her high powered career. An orphaned
cub
and other assorted wildlife lend an intriguing backdrop to Carrie Alexander's North Country Man.
The closeness of the citizens of the small community of Aloutette, Michigan, both alienates and
draws characters together with painful gossip and sparkling loyalty. While Claire and Noah might
be
the stereotypical case of opposites attract, their path is quite original from steam baths and fallen
plaster to a creative legend. Further, Noah lends a powerful presence to the novel with his
genuine
heart and deeply held secrets. As his past becomes revealed, readers will find him as irresistible as
Claire does! In addition, while many elements might seem to superficially follow traditional
plotting,
Alexander has a flair for giving them subtle twists that keeps her writing refreshing and diffrent.
An
absolutely delightful read, North Country Man comes very highly recommended.
The Sweetest Taboo: Harlequin Blaze No 68
Alison Kent
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790724, 248 pages, $4.50
Inheriting her grandfather's bar gave Erin Thatcher endless hours of work but not satisfaction. Yet
the bar is her legacy from the grandfather who gave up everything to care for her, and Erin
intends it
to succeed. Late hours and restlessness lead to imaginative interludes with the man in the
apartment
above hers. Elevator rides, chance encounters in the parking garage or mailroom make her long
for
more. Then Erin reads an article that motivates her to break all the rules and pursue her desire.
She
wants sex with a bad boy, a rake, a rapscallion with no guilt and no worries. Sebastian Gallo lives
a
very controlled life, allowing no one to come close emotionally. He buries his dark past and
hidden
pain in his fiction hero Ryder Falco, penning sinister, dark fiction, working out his angst by late
night
prowling and spending long hours in his opulently decadent shower. Sebastian's solitary existence
is
a design of his own making as opposed to the horrible years of his childhood. Long ago he vowed
he
would never look to someone else for security, substance or support. But then, he underestimated
the needs of his heart. The Sweetest Taboo combines raw sexual energy with fierce emotional
passion in a savvy blend of extremities certain to fulfill the most demanding lover of romance and
erotica. Indeed, author Alison Kent has a gift for cutting to the very essence of modern woman's
struggle to reconcile her needs and desires with the standards society sets. Sexual freedom does
not
give Erin the experience she imagines as she struggles to divorce extraordinary sex from its
emotional ramifications. Sebastian likewise struggles with self-identity, rejecting his past by create
a
fictional character that bears the brunt of his dark side. Further, the pace of the novel maintains a
gripping edge as both Erin and Sebastian struggle with their inner demons and deepest desires. A
titillating read with gritty detail and fierce emotion, The Sweetest Taboo comes very highly
recommended.
Gift of Christmas: Superromance No 1092
Jan Freed, Janice Johnson, and Margot Early
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710925, 296 pages, $5.25
Harlequin Superromance has combined three uniquely creative tales to touch the heart at this
holiday
season. Each story offers something a little different, whether it is a family rediscovering the love
that binds or the start of something new. The Gift Of Christmas comes highly recommended.
"Stuck
with Each Other," by Jan Freed: The Anderson household has grown apart, so Jim surprises them
with an expensive skiing vacation just sixteen days before Christmas. Unfortunately, his wife
Sharon
resents being taken away from her new career without warning, and the children prefer to hang
with
friends rather going off with family. At Jim's insistence, they accept the opportunity, detouring by
his
father's mountain home before heading to the ski resort. Seeing the tension and bickering between
adults and children, Grandpa arranges his own holiday surprise, hoping to remind them of the love
they still share. Freed's story will echo many readers' own lives with the stress and responsibility
that
tear this family apart. The Andersons are wonderful; Jim and Sharon have been married for a
number
of years, taking one another and their three children for granted without meaning to. The children
react against absent and busy parents with bids for attention and outrageous behavior. A
wonderful
story of love and healing, "Stuck with Each Other" kicks this collection off with a bang!
"Undercover Santa" by Janice Kay Johnson: Sergeant Reed McCall might be wearing the padding
and beard of Santa, but he feels more like Scrooge when he receives his undercover assignment.
Someone threatens to kill a Santa, so as many cops as can be spared are assigned to Santa duty.
When an armed man takes a woman and her son hostage, along with "Santa", they find
themselves
locked in a storeroom, discovering the magic of unexpected encounters.
Readers familiar with Johnson's marvelous stories of men in uniform will recognize her indelible
style
and unorthodox approach to the holidays in "Undercover Santa." For a cop that does not like
kids,
Reed will undergo a remarkable transformation that readers will treasure. Unexpected twists to
the
tale will both surprise and amuse readers, making "Undercover Santa" a delightful read.
"Epiphany"
by Margot Early: Born to hearing impaired parents, Carmen Dinesen never felt accepted by her
family and their world. When her parents died unexpectedly, Carmen took responsibility for her
younger, hearing impaired sister, Bizzy. Now Bizzy wants only one thing for Christmas; she wants
to adopt a wild mustang. Unfortunately, they do not fit in small apartments or small budgets. Then
Chris Good Rider proposes marriage, providing a home and a mustang to fill Carmen and Bizzy's
dreams. Too bad he does not profess love as well. Author Margot Early paints a world most
hearing
people never consider, reversing roles so that it is the one who can hear who feels left out.
Carmen's
struggle with self-acceptance results in a unique kind of healing. Flaws suddenly become
endearing,
and with love anything becomes possible. Indeed, Early creates a beautiful world of wisdom, rich
with heritage and love, for the holiday season.
A Man for the Night: Blaze No 64
Miranda Lee
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790686, 251 pages, $4.50
Josie Williams needs a date for her ten-year high school reunion. When she showed up five years
ago, she came away with mortified memories of a night in tears. This time she intends to arrive
with
her boyfriend in tow, ready to sparkle and dazzle. Too bad she breaks up with her current
boyfriend
just before the reunion. At a friend's suggestion, she arranges an escort for the evening. When she
meets, however, Josie's fantasies take flight, and she dreams of taking him home as her sex slave
for
the night. Callum McCloud's younger brother makes big bucks escorting attractive women. But
when his big break comes for his acting career, he is scheduled for a date with Josie. So he
convinces his older brother to fill in. Callum did not expect such a sexy lady, and suddenly his
libido
kicks up to high. Now he is determined to fill every fantasy Josie has on her wish list. But more
than
lust brews in their heated encounter, and emotions will demonstrate a will of their own. While A
Man For The Night may not offer the daring eroticism readers expect from the Blaze series, it
does
offer such a marvelous story that it merits reading. Author Miranda Lee delivers an Alpha male
who
does not hesitate to stick up for his lady. His battle ready attitude when they arrive at Josie's
reunion
reveals a knight in white armor with a heart of gold. Not only does he fill Josie's fantasies, but he
will inspire some hot ones for readers as well. Josie's determination to lure him into bed, contract
or
no, demonstrates the modern, powerful woman readers delight in. A Man For The Night comes
highly recommended.
Magnolia House
Lyn Lawrence
Amber Quill Press
P.O. Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
Electronic ISBN 1592790208, $5.50, Paperback ISBN 1592799868
Cindi Lynn comes to Magnolia House hoping to seek sanctuary. She has had surgery on her vocal
cords, and her mother recently died from cancer. But her arrival heralds even more trouble with
her
father Jim Lynn going missing and presumed dead. Her father's mistress, gone to seek Jim in
Columbia, also disappears. Furthermore, the house itself offers its own unique challenges with
rumors of supernatural haunting.
Caretaker Dell Comeaux immediately finds himself drawn to Cindi. When he overhears a
suspicious
conversation between Jim Lynn's business partner and the cook, Dell begins to suspect the truth
of
the dangers lurking around Magnolia House and its occupants. Someone certainly seeks to drive
Cindi away before she can learn the truth.
Author Lyn Lawrence deftly blends the romantic mystery of Louisiana with paranormal intrigue in
Magnolia House. Her descriptions of the house and its surroundings are downright seductive,
even
as her characters come vividly alive. Cindi's struggles to reconcile a painful history with her father
to
the place she now occupies results in a dynamic read, heightened by the electricity of romance and
danger. The supernatural influence of ghosts and the Monster of Loggy Bayou add a fascinating
tone to this chilling work. Richly developed and filled with secrets and possibilities, Magnolia
House
comes highly recommended.
The Ditchwalkers
Morgana MacArthur
Amber Quill Press
P.O. Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
Electronic ISBN 1592790186, $5.50
In the town of Providence, restaurant owner Ester-Jo Arnold enjoys listening to customers,
offering
support and counsel when appropriate. But one strange day three customers arrive that she simply
cannot reach. The final one leaves her an enigmatic message: "Walk Away." She does, selling her
restaurant to the father of Tammy Jean Elrod, a young woman who has always dreamed of
running
her own place.
Tammy's shaky year long relationship with Jake deteriorates as he expects more than she can give.
Tammy's close relationship with her father Jimmy becomes the central point of contention. When
her
father purchases the diner for her, Jake promises to help ready it for business. But a new man in
town has caught Tammy's attention, and volunteers his time as well. Just the thought of Mo holds
Tammy mesmerized.
After a relatively short, dissipated life, Mort "Mo" Krisner's life ends suddenly in a back ally drug
deal gone bad. He finds himself assigned to Purgatory where names are replaced by numbers and
an
assignment in Providence. He wanders from road to road seeking freedom from Purgatory by
corrupting Providence's citizens, but corrupting them seems impossible. Only the time he spends
with Tammy relieves his tortured existence, but he can offer her nothing.
The Ditchwalkers by Morgana MacArthur may be read on two levels: as a paranormal romance
and
as an examination of values and belief. Tammy and Mo's romance seems doomed from the
beginning, yet their attraction cannot be denied. As ditchwalkers attempt to corrupt the town of
Providence, they reveal how even a town that cherishes its godliness may still nurture fear, deceit,
hypocrisy and intolerance. As Christian beliefs, Wiccan beliefs, and paranormal elements collide,
readers find themselves questioning their own paradigms. Surprisingly, the author's evenhanded
approach to spiritual beliefs neither discounts nor belittles Christian or Wiccan belief; instead,
MacArthur honors both as paths to the Divine that must work together to overcome the evil that
threatens the town of Providence. A stunningly original novel.
Spider In The Christmas Tree
Fran Keighley
Wings ePress Inc.
P. O. Box 726, Lusk, WY 82225
e-Book $6.00, Paperback $10.95, 213 pages
Liza's purchase of her first house breaks the family tradition of marrying young and staying close
to
home. Her traditional Italian family reacts with a mixture of horror and shock. Despite her lack of
interest in dating, Liza also has no less than four sexy bachelors professing their interest and
offering
help with everything from moving furniture to hanging a new door for her house. In fact, Liza has
a
secret Santa who cheerfully brings gifts and romantic kisses while carefully concealing his
identity.
Meanwhile, Liza has more serious concerns as well. She and her sisters own a thriving second
clothing business, and each the three sisters managers her own store. Indeed, Liza bought interest
in
the stores and manages Three Sisters even though employee Sandra seems to think she is in
charge.
In addition, two part-time teen helpers seem more interested in padding their own wardrobes and
decorating windows than in counting correct change and adhering to punctuality, and Liza has her
hands full. Especially when an expensive dress goes missing, much to a client's irate response,
thereby casting suspicion on all of the shop's employees.
The legend of the spider in the Christmas tree-the industrious spider spins beautiful silken webs to
bring beauty to the tree-servers as strong inspiration for the title of the this new novel by Fran
Keighley. Like the little spider, Liza industriously spins out a new life, managing her shop and
fixing
up her new house. However, readers would do well to not allow the light tone to mislead them
into
believing that A Spider In The Christmas Tree is pure fluff. Sharply contrasting its light tone and
jovial romantic interests lays a danger that strikes with little warning. But the lack of bloody
descriptions and the incognito Santa Claus does allow the emphasis to remain on hearts and
surprises, making A Spider In The Christmas Tree a delightful holiday read. A Spider In The
Christmas Tree comes highly recommended.
Disappearing Into View
Andrew K. Stone
So There Books
ISBN 0967907314, 260 pages, $11.20
At fifteen, bitter disillusionment shatters Colin Franklin's world. Rather than live in the society of
his
father's making, Colin chooses homelessness. The transience of street living made the questions
and
doubts of his childhood nothing but ephemeral memory. Colin supports his meager need selling
pigeons to restaurants as replacement for the squab on their menus. It worked for years until one
evening when Sid gave him two bucks for a bird he found dead. That bird gives the small time
crook
Vince food poisoning. Curious about the enterprising young man, Vince seeks Colin out and
offers
him a job. Nicknamed "Birdy", Colin helps manage a food processing plant that uses goose,
rabbit,
and rat meat in its product. Production increases radically to meet demand as Vince's underworld
connections require more and more. The homeless staff the plant, working intense hours for
practically nothing. Soon Birdy comes to question what he sees occurring, piecing together his
shattered existence in a transformational odyssey of profound insight and redemption. A potent
psychological drama, Disappearing Into View provides an extraordinary view of a world most of
society chooses to ignore. Beneath the streets of Boston exists a society of the homeless,
comprised
of surprising characters from the deranged and delusional, to the surprisingly wise and complex.
The
darkness of the tale finds relief in scintillating dialogue, dramatic surprise, and penetrating depths.
A
tale that poses dark and troubling questions with amazing clarity.
Dreams Don't Last: A Sharyn Howard Mystery
Joyce and Jim Lavene
Avalon Books
160 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
ISBN: 0803495684, $13.97
When someone shoots Senator Caison Talbot, Sheriff Sharyn Howard finds herself in the
unexpected position of believing in his innocence. Although Talbot had been a close associate of
her
father before his death in the line of duty, Sharyn has never trusted him, especially since he
became
engaged to her mother. Indeed, Tabot and District Attorney Jack Winters represent the old way
of
doing things in Diamond Springs, where powerful men keep dangerous secrets.
Meanwhile, Sharyn faces reelection with an unsolved shooting and an unsolved murder in her
district. She had previously earned the position by merit of being the deceased sheriff's daughter;
now she must win the election on her own record. With the senator's shooting and a Jane Doe on
her hands, Sharyn cannot shrug off the intuition that the cases are somehow linked. Furthermore,
not
only does she faces a political landmine but things are even worse on the home front.
Readers familiar with the previous books in the Sharyn Howard Mystery series will find Dreams
Don't Last to be the best yet. Surprising twists and turns keep the pages turning at a fast clip,
once
again demonstrating the prowess of authors Joyce and Jim Lavene. Some readers unfamiliar with
what has gone on before may feel somewhat handicapped by the frequent references to Sharyn's
past
history, particularly with the district attorney, that are not reiterated in this installment. Indeed,
Sharyn's personal life has evolved slowly through the previous novels, as she becomes an
increasingly powerful, mature heroine, making reading the backlist extremely worthwhile. Readers
will be anxious for the next book of the series to learn the result of the election, and to see where
the
surprise announcement at the end will lead. Dreams Don't Last comes very highly
recommended.
T'ongil: The Thirst For Love
Julian Winter
Stillmind
P.O. Box 331, Framingham, MA 01704
ISBN 0971598118, 302 pages, $19.95
The women call their clients horses, riding them to provide satisfaction. But Changmi is different,
riding the horses for her own pleasure, often chastised for taking too long with men who are
already
hooked on her. When Ainsley Revere comes to her, he proves himself to be different than the rest
of
the horses, seeking to know the elusive woman behind the fa‡ade. But his interest threatens the
careful barriers that protect a prostitute.
Ainsley is a cat whisperer, able to understand the big cats of the jungle. He wears the scars of
Rose,
a jaguar, on his back. Raised by his Native American grandfather, time slows for him on occasion,
allowing him to embrace the movement of leaves or the meaning of sunlight on a pond. He cannot
control the gift, but embraces it when it is offered. Once, in that twilight world where time stops,
Ainsley rescues a child who falls into the cat pit, but the jaguar Bella Donna watches and promises
to exact her toll.
Like the child that he rescues, Ainsley braves the world in which Changmi lives, attempting to
extract her from it before it devours her. Like the cats he treasures, Changmi does not trust his
intentions, viewing his intrusion with caution. She is nicknamed Rose, like the cat that marked
Ainsley, and the scars she can leave are just as deadly. But their lives are tightly bound by destiny
and promise.
Author Julian Winter weaves a mystical, mesmerizing text in T'ongil. T'ongil is a Korean world
meaning to connect and unify. T'ongil brings together Native American and Korean cultures in a
rich
tapestry of heart-rending sacrifice and secrets. As the novel progresses, the delicate connections
of
its weave lead to a lyrical world of magic and love. As readers savor the carefully revealed bits
and
pieces that comprise complex characterization and sophisticated narrative choices, T'ongil
becomes
a tale of profound, mystical beauty. T'ongil comes very highly recommended.
Cindy Penn, Senior Reviewer
http://www.wordweaving.com
Bogstad's Bookshelf
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Creatures
David Brawn, et. al.
Houghton Mifflin
0618258116, $8.95
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Photo Guide
David Brawn
Houghton Mifflin
0618257365, $8.95
The Lord of the Rings: The Making of the Movie Trilogy
Brian Sibley
Jane Johnson and Chris Smith, eds.
Houghton Mifflin
HB 0618258000, $29.95, PB 0618260226, $17.95
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Visual Companion
Jude Fisher
Houghton Mifflin
0618258027, HB $18.95
The official reporters of the Lord of the Rings movie efforts have brought us four book titles,
released in November this year by Houghton Mifflin, immediately before the release of The Two
Towers, itself. The Sibley, Fisher and "Photo Guide" books are follow-ups very similar in form to
books they released last year. The other, a photo guide to various beings of Middle Earth, is
entitled
'Creatures', and follows the photo guide format but focuses on the creation of non-humans rather
than on the story line. Last year, Sibley issued a short Insider's Guide, with black and white
pictures
only, for $6.95, but this hasn't appeared for The Two Towers. As I have now seen the film twice,
and read the books many times, I speak with some authority on the relationship of these tie-ins to
the movie. At the same time, I will try to avoid 'spoilers' for those of you who've done neither and
are not familiar with the novels.
The four lavishly colored objects-d'art listed above were obviously created in pursuit of another
kind
of audience than the Insider's Guide. First of all, the smallest of them, the two photo guides, are
each
$8.95, which is still a hefty chunk of cash for 44 page books. All four new titles are replete with
stills, primarily but not exclusively from the second movie, The Two Towers, which, if your local
theatre is any indication, is still drawing full-house audiences for eight shows per day and more on
weekends. As with the first set of books issued in 2001, some stills reappear in more than one
title,
for example, a full-face picture of Treebeard and of the "Easterlings" marching into Mordor.
Likewise, of these four, the Visual Companion is the greatest feast for the eyes and features a
fold-out map and battle plan of the penultimate battle of Helm's Deep which occurs near the end
of
the movie. The exterior of the map is a visual image of the moments before the battle starts, in
falling rain with blue-tones predominating. The foldout provides just enough visual and written
information so that one could follow the lines of force in the battle, something which is impossible
in
the film, but not enough detail to satisfy a devotee of the film OR the book.
The Visual Companion and the Photo Guide are arranged in the sequence of the film, which is
somewhat difficult to follow for the uninitiated. This is because there are several stories, some of
which intersect, that follow from the 'sundering' of The Fellowship of the Ring, which made up
the
climax of the last film. For those who don't plan to read the books or need some help sorting this
all
out, the Photo guide provides a simple narrative. It assists a viewer about 1) Frodo and Sam's
journey and the appearance of Gollum, 2) Merry and Pippin's journey and their part in the battle
with
Saruman and 3) Strider/Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas' attempted rescue of Merry and Pippin, which
plunges them into the battle to save Gondor and hold back the forces of evil in Helm's Deep. The
sequenced photo-stills are accompanied by scanty text, with short quotations from the individuals
pictured (although even less dialog from the 'bad' guys). One could read through the text in a
matter
of ten minutes. In this smaller and simpler visual guide, the more dramatic sequences include the
pictures of King Theoden before and after he is freed from Sauron's control, and the few photos
of
Fangorn Forest.
The great battle of Helms Deep, where men, dwarves, and elves fight off orcs, Uruk Hai,
Easterlings, trolls, etc. does not come off as well in small-format, despite the high quality of color
reproduction, as it does in the Visual Companion. The latter focuses, however, on character and
setting with section-titles such as Gollum, Eomer, Eowyn, Wargs, Ents, Uruk Hai, etc. It is a
visual
feast that places the many and sometimes confusing characters in the context of the story's many
landscapes. This provides an aid to the reader in comprehending what Merry and Pippin are doing
at
Saruman's stronghold near the forest as well as what Faramir is doing with Gollum, Sam and
Frodo
while the battle for Helms Deep develops away from the Rohirrim for Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn
and
King Theoden's women, children and men. This Visual Companion should be savored for it's
poster-like imagery, many full-page stills of characters and settings, more so that as a guide to the
plot or the characters of the story. In fact, there are many pictures of the actor who does Gollum's
voice and performed as a stand-in for the computer-animation generated creature you see in the
film
and none of the to which you are accustomed. Gollum. After seeing some of these pictures and
watching a background show on the production where you saw this fellow in action, I was sorry
he
had not acted in the film. I think it's just possible that he could have been a very convincing
Gollum.
The third visually-significant title is "The Two Towers: Creatures," and, contrary to my
expectation
the creatures include dwarves, elves, men and Hobbits as well as the monster-like entities that
populate the film at every turn. This title is new in the sense that it focuses on and identifies the
odd
characters of different races rather than the plot of the film. The organizing principle is the
introduction of each 'type' of creature, and this roughly follows their introduction in the filmic
sequence, but the book is also much more about illustrations than it is about information, as with
the
Visual Companion and Photo Guide. In most cases, as with Hobbits and Merry, Pippin, Frodo and
Sam, Dwarves and Gimli, Elves and Galadriel, Arwen and Legolas, Ents and Treebeard, trolls and
the cave troll, Uruk Hai and Lurtz, the class of creature is introduced along with individuals from
that group who figure specifically in the film. In all of these cases, group-scenes have been
important
to help us contextualize each character. Their character partakes of the group's identifying
characteristics (for Hobbits, this occurred in the first film). This book is partially in the service of
making that link between the general and the particular lest we elide the fact that 'everyone' on
middle earth knows how a Dwarf or Elf will react and awaits only this particular dwarf's or Elf's
realization of the characteristic personality (and mild animosity for each other)
The Lord of the Rings: The Making of the Movie Trilogy
Brian Sibley
Jane Johnson and Chris Smith, Eds.
Houghton Mifflin
192 pages. HB 0618258000, $29.95. PB 0618260226, $17.95
I have saved my favorite title for last, or course, and the fact that this title appears in both large
format hardback and paperback versions is some indication of the publisher's confidence in its
importance also. While I intend to keep all four titles as souvenirs, I must admit that I don't expect
to read them with the attention that I have given to Sibley's new The Making of the Movie
Trilogy.
In fact, I was delighted to note that we get a brief description and picture of Sibley at the end of
this
book. The focus is the many behind-the-scenes people and techniques it took to bring the whole
trilogy of movies into being and its twelve chapters reveal intriguing, if not detailed, information
on
Weta, the various physical settings, full-sized and miniature and with special attention, of course,
to
New Zealand, music, costume, props, hair and whiskers, faces, and the many complicated special
effects. Understandably, this book has more text than any of the other three, I would say offhand
about 60% text and 40% is more than 300 hundred photographs from all three films. This is still
far
less information than a movie enthusiast would want, but I can understand that Sibley wanted to
maintain some balance between his audience of Tolkien and movie fanatics and a merely
interested
viewer. Perhaps he and the film producers are also relying on the many web sites (maybe I should
be
reviewing those), which take up the more technical details, either to present them or to worry at
them like a Warg on a diet. http://www.lordoftherings.net/ is the official site for the movies.
In any case, this is a book you will want to read from cover to cover, whether before or after
you've
seen the second movie of the trilogy. I don't think I mentioned how much I liked the movie, by the
way. Don't expect it to explain the plot or either or all of them, however. Expect to find out how
Hobbit feet were made and put on, how much time it took for Lurtz to assume the makeup for his
'birth' scene and Orcs and Uruk Hai to get ready to appear on the screen. Expect also to see many
pictures of the principal actors and of Peter Jackson in informal poses, cutting up and relaxing
between filming sessions. One of my favorite pictures is on page 186, and shows the actual
Customs
Entry desks to New Zealand for the opening of the film. Above the desks, the signs say: Orcs,
Trolls, Journalists and Hobbits, and it is a testament to New Zealand's enthusiasm for hosting the
filming of many outdoor scenes that they allowed this minor bit of humor for the usually
humorless
function of immigration officers. Suffice it to say that, if I could buy only one of the four, it would
be this one.
Dr. Janice M. Bogstad, Professor
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
International Editor
Midwest Book Review
Kaveny's Bookshelf
I am going to review a few art books for this month's Kaveny's Bookshelf as I sit looking out my
window on a dark and cloudy winter day in Eau Claire Wisconsin. My friend Albert the fat and
clever Grey Squirrel is just venturing out for the day. Albert is big enough so that he has no fear
of
the neighborhood Cat Cleo who is dust colored and lightly stripped. They do seem to give each
other a pretty wide berth out of reasons of professional courtesy, and they seem to have worked
out
a deal by which Cleo gets the mice and Albert gets the nuts. You might say that we have a little
Peacable Kingdom in the backyard of our soon to be 127 year old newly acquired (Oct 2001)
home
at 239 Broadway Street in Eau Claire WI. Of course I am referring the classic painting Peaceable
Kingdom of the Branch, c. 1826-30 by Edward Hicks, 1755-1828 an American Quaker preacher
from Pennsylvania. You can find out more about Hicks by going to this Website
http://www.ols.net/users/rh/peace.htm.
First I want to mention to beautifull minature art books based on the work of J.R.R Tolkien.
Poems from The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien
Hougton Mifflin
ISBN: 0618009345; 48 pages; $5.95 Retail price.
This Tiny HC With D.J is so small I Can Hold in The Palm of my rather large hand. This
miniature
book illustrated with thirty of Tolkien's very own paintings and drawings, contains all the poems,
and includes Gollum's eight wondrfull riddles, this would be a be a perfect Stocking Stuffer for
lovers of The Hobbit and Tolkien's Middle-earth and kids under the age of eighty seven.
Father Christmas Letters Mini-Book
J.R.R. Tolkien
Houghton Mifflin Co.
ISBN: 0395959195; 96 pages; $5.95 Retail price
One of J.R.R Tolkien's ways back to the world of the living as a seriously disabled World War
One
Veteran was to write these wonder letters to his family as if he were Santa and writing from The
North Pole, and to illustrate them himself. The perfect stocking stuffer! A holiday classic
repackaged
in a mini-book edition. This delightful gift book originates from the beautiful letters and drawings
that J.R.R. Tolkien, the master of Middle-earth writing in the guise of Father Christmas, sent to
his
children over a twenty-year period from 1920- 1940. Perfect for reading aloud to children, yet
collectible for adults. Illustrated in full color. J.R.R. Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892. He is
the
celebrated creator of Middle-earth and author of the great modern classic, The Hobbit, the
prelude
to his epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. Other works by J.R.R. Tolkien include The
Silmarillion. J.R.R. Tolkien died in 1973 at the age of 81.
Tazio Secchiaroli: Greatest of the Paparazzi
Diego Mormorio, Alexandra Bonfante-Warren (Translator)
Harry N Abrams, Publisher
ISBN: 0810941775. Price $49.95
This beautifull book has a wonderful section on the greatest lady of Italian Film Sophia Loren
who I
have been in love with for 45 years since I first saw her in parade magazine falling out of her
swimming suit. This book is full of Movie stars in sharp suits and.sunglasses, disgraced princesses
on
cherry-red Vespas--all the sights and scandals of the via Veneto at the height of Euro-cool were
captured by the packs of shutterbugs who haunted the streets of Rome in the '50s and '60s. The
most
famous of these guerrilla photojournalists was Tazio Secchiaroli, and the popular magazines
lovingly
recorded his tussles with reluctant subjects.
The Renaissance: Masterpieces of Art and Architecture
Susan Wright
Todtri Publishers
Price 16.95 ISBN:1577170350
PERFECT condition . The masterpieces of art and architecture from the Renaissance period are
presented in this volume. Oversize; includes 107 beautiful illustrations. This book is worth the
price
for the Self Portrait of Albrecht Duer page 65 would make this a wonderfull gift for your fifteen
year
old teen age daughter who thinks that the past is full of nothing but old farts and suits of
armor.This
face could sell a million albums execpt that now the are all on CD by the book get her interested.
The quality of these reproductions is amazing.
Art Nouveau and the Erotic
Ghislaine Wood
Harry N Abrams, Publisher
ISBN: 0810942135, 96 pages, 18.95
The publishers words do not do justice to beautifull book which is from one of the finest art
publishers in the world and it shows The swirling luscious forms of the Art Nouveau style are
synonymous with the erotic, which defined the the kind of sensual apex of the start of the last
century This p book, exploding with sensual images, discloses how artists and designers from
Aubrey Beardsley to Gustav Klimt explored and exploited the idea of the erotic in their aesthetic
endeavors. Ghislaine Wood employs a extensive range of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry,
photographs, and more-many from the superb collections of London's Victoria & Albert
Museum-to
illustrate the hot , often shockingly explicit content of many works from a time of sexual license
and
decadent lavishness. Visually arresting this book is not only for lovers of Art Nouveau but also for
the vast audience for books on erotic art. GHISLAINE WOOD is assistant curator of the major
exhibition on Art Nouveau at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and the National Gallery of
Art, Washington, D.C., and a contributor to the book Art Nouveau, 1890-1914. She lives in
London
80 illustrations, 60 in full color
Ancient Faces Egyptian Faces : Mummy Portraits in Roman Egypt
Susan Walker, editor
Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, N.Y.
Routledge
ISBN: 0415927455, $35.00, 176 pages
I have seen similar portraits to these when I was in Oxford. I also have seen them in the Chicago
Art
institute. Though I have seen many faces I always go back to the same face and I can see now
before. If one would only change her hair a bit she could be a fashion model in the New Yorker.
One
of the strangest things about the Roman past is that it is both distant and modern at the same time.
I
wonder if perhaps 2000 years in the future someone may look back at the American past and link
it
with the Romans as they study the greatness of failed empires. I have included a bit of the
publishers
information about this beautifull and haunting book." From the first major discoveries a century
ago,
the painted portraits of Roman Egypt were a revelation to scholars and the public alike, and the
recent finding of a new cache of these gilded images, which made national headlines, have only
heightened their mystery and appeal. Published to coincide with a new major exhibition of these
portraits, Ancient Faces is the most comprehensive, up-to-date survey of these astonishing works
of
art. Dating from the later period of Roman rule in Egypt, shortly before the birth of Christ, the
painted mummy portraits are among the most remarkable products of the ancient world, a fusion
of
the traditions of pharonic Egypt and the Classical world. They are historical and cultural objects
of
outstanding importance and beauty, superb works of art that represent some of the earliest known
examples of life-like portraiture. Though the subjects of the portraits believed in the traditional
Egyptian cults, which offered them a firm prospect of life after death, they also wished to be
commemorated in the Roman manner, with their fashion of dress and adornment signaling their
status in life. Despite their ancient history, these portraits speak to the modern eye with a beauty
and
intensity that would be lost to portraiture until the Renaissance. About the Author Susan Walker
is
Deputy Keeper of the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, the ritish Museum. Her
publications include Greek and RomanPortraits and Roman Art" This book has my highest
personal
reccomendation.
Come Take This Lute: A Quest for Identities in Italian Renaissance Portraiture
E. H. Ramsden
A Nadder Book, First published in Great Britain 1983
ISBN: 0-90654-0364, Price 19.95
A Quest for Identities in Italian Renaissance Portraiture, an art book with a difference, combining
the authority of a work of a scholarship with all the fascination of a detective story, but based not
on
fiction but on fact. Color frontispiece, with numerous black and white works of art. 219pp.
Publisher's gilt clothe. D.J. With a frontispiece and 84 illustrations. If you have read this far is in
fact
a fascinating book in which the author tries to find out the identity of both the sitter and the
painter
in the case of five portraits and makes all come alive magically.
Philip Kaveny, Literary Editor
Midwest Book Review
Shirley's Bookshelf
Rainy Day
David Reale 26 pages
Adventure Book
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-074, $2.99 Download
It's raining and Johnathon does not know what to do. He tries playing video games but that is
boring. He turns on the TV but nothing interests him there. I know, he thought, I'll run up and
down
the stairs. That was fun for a while until Mom reminded him of the rules. No running in the house.
Oh my! What is Johnathon to do?
This delightful tale allows you to trot along with a young boy on a very boring rainy day. Your
child
will relate to the boredom that little Johnathon is experiencing and they will be surprised at how
he
ends his dilemma. I know I was!
This is an adorable read, with a lesson tucked away for your child and for the adults too.
Illustrations are so realistic that you actually can see the boredom on Johnathon's face. Good
job!
I recommend this read for both children and adults. His boredom was solved in a way that was
very
beneficial for Johnathon and his Mom. Grab up this book and share it with your child. A good
read,
especially on those 'rainy' days.
Volarte
Lisa Cortney
Adventure Books
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-140-1, $4.99 Download, 53 pages
What is it like to fly through the air, to spread your wings and glide across the bounty of the sky?
In
this tender book you will share in the joy of flying that Volarte experiences. Voltarte, a Shagya
Arabian horse is born on a beautiful Island called "The End of the Rainbow." From his birth he is
special, as he is the only black horse in the herd. He is the son of the leaders of this flying herd of
horses and he is destined to take his place as head of the herd, but not before he faces great
adversities.
A gentle story that threads colorful words about life and the frailty of it. Volarte loses his Mother
in
a terrible flying accident and is separated from the rest of the herd. During this time he finds his
love
Melissa, and meets Millie, her Mom. Volarte is amazed, as Melissa is also black like him. Millie
has
a disability, she is blind, but that has not stopped her from doing wonderful things in her life.
Volarte
is encourages by Millies achievements and draws from them in his own situations.
Finally finding his way back to his herd with his young love Melissa and her Mom, Millie; Volarte
finds them dying of a mysterious illness Overjoyed to see his father is still alive, Volarte takes the
burden of solving the mystery of this mysterious illness that is killing the heard upon his shoulders.
This is a challenge for him since he can no longer fly due to his injuries sustained by the flying
accident. Can he overcome his disabilities as Millie has?
This is a story that teaches with care, the cycle of life and death, love, hope and courage. The
words
are weaved in a way that are accepted by the mind and the heart of the reader. Although some
tears
maybe shed, the final outcome is one of continued life, overcoming obstacles, and renewed hope.
A
good story with many valuable lessons. Share this with your children, you will not be sorry.
The Twisted Mile
Jeffrey W. Waller
Adventure Book Publishers
http://www.puzzllesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/ adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-168-1 Download $4.99 463 pages
You know you have a good fiction book in your hand when what you are reading could very well
be
reality. Your mind twists and turns as you remind yourself this is not true, yet somewhere inside
of
you, you believe it is. Author Jeffrey Waller has done just that with his outstanding novel, "The
Twisted Mile."
Bill Murphy has invented many people's worse nightmare, a perpetual motion wheel. His
invention
could free the people of the world, but also make those of power and influence come tumbling
down. Bill knows this and decides to take his wife Sara and go into hiding while the patent is
issued
for his invention. He had done some research and realized that another inventor of the wheel ,
Johann Bessler, years before had disappeared after making his findings known. What truly had
happened to him remained a mystery. Bill knew there was danger in his pursuit of giving the
world
this liberty, but I don't believe even he realized the price that was about to be paid.
The novel is fast moving, detailed and heart racing. As you watch the greed and murderous hatred
emerge in the hearts of those that the wheel would destroy, you realized that to some ,life has no
meaning, the bottom line is money. Bill loses everything, as killers pursue him and his family,
destroying the life he had known ,forever. Was the price too high to pay, I for one think so, but
you
as the reader will have to make that decision on your own.
I could only hope that this would never happen in real life, but inside I shudder knowing it
probably
could. This is one novel you do not want to miss reading. But, be forewarned you will experience
an
array of emotions, as you weep and cheer with Bill Murphy, and you wonder has something like
this
already happened? We may never know.
Excellent job Mr. Waller! You drew me completely into the story and made your characters a part
of
my life. Thank you for a wonderful read!
Circus Sammy
Kim Nasr
Adventure Books
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
ISBN # 1-55313-150-9 22 pages eBook $3.49 download Trade print $29.49
ISBN#1-55313-151-7
In this delightful tale Sammy decides to visit the cirucs. Ready for an enjoyable day, Sammy is
wide
eyed as he sees all the wonderful circus sights. However, he was not ready for the adventure he
was
about to take.
To his surprise the circus clowns decide to include Sammy in their act. Dressing him up and
changing his name to Fred; Sammy gets shot out of a cannon, ends up in the lions cage and
becomes
the star of the show.
An adorable read, Mr. Nasr uses rhyme and humor to bring this lively children's story to life.
Colorful illustrations will make your little one giggle and draw them into the story. I have that on
good authority, as my 3 year old granddaughter and I shared this tale.
I will quote her words, "Read it again Grammie!" What else can this reviewer say?
Lost In Spillville -- A Byte Me Teen Fiction
Sam Drexler & Fay Shelby
Awestruck Ebooks
ISBN # 1-58749-371-3, $4.75 Download Diskette $8.95, http://www.awe-struck.net
Did you know that there is a museum in Spillville, Iowa that houses clocks made by two brothers,
named Frank and Joseph Bily? Very interesting to have reality added to this book, and a great
background for this delightful teen read, "Lost In Spillville."
Ozy and Erika are your typical teens, struggling to find their place in the soon to be adult world
that
they are rapidly moving towards. Each has their own grievances against their parents and it is this
that brings the two together as friends.
One day they decide to run away, but they don't get very far as they developed car trouble close
to
the town of Spillville. Making their way there, they decide to bide sometime while the car is being
towed and hopefully fixed. They decide to visit the museum filled with clocks. Tired from their
walk
into town they both fall asleep and are locked in the building after closing hours. Unable to get
out,
they decide to investigate the clocks and come up with an idea to set them all to go off at the
same
time. Little did they know that they would be activating a time travel machine and would be
transported into another time. What an adventure awaited them!
The story goes on to the many woes that the two encounter trying to get back to their own time.
This really was quite enjoyable as the two 16 year olds worked around their problems and their
fears.
Erika and Ozy realized how much they had taken for granted in their lives and longed for their
own
time and the people that loved them. I liked the way the authors brought out what was really
important, family and friends; and showed how the little things that the two thought were so
important, really were not. They did this in a very gentle way, not preachy, but they definitely got
the point across.Good job!
I enjoyed this book and would recommend this for teens and adults as well. It has a tad of history,
a
chuckle of humor, and a moral lesson, all wrapped up in a nice package. You will enjoy this
read!
Wooing Jenny and Shipwrecked-A Doubletake
Elaine Hopper
Awestuck Ebooks
ISBN# 1-58749-334-9 $4.95 Download $8.95 Diskette, http://www.awe-struck.net
I was very impressed upon receiving this review package. Two ebooks for the price of one, quite
a
good deal for the bargain hunter in all of us.
The first of the books was Shipwrecked, a story of a very wealthy young man William Scott
Vanderhorne IV and an average young woman, Katie McLaughlin, who is a Karate teacher.
During a storm, while aboard a ship, the two were thrown into the troubled seas and ended up on
an
island in the middle of no where.Katie was recovering from a broken heart by Sam, another
wealthy
man. Sam deserted her when his family threatened to disinherited him if they were to marry. The
wounds were still fresh within her and Katie was not about to trust Scott, even if he was the only
man she may ever see again.
Scott was engaged to a young woman named Julia, but something inside of him was drawn to this
spicy young woman that he was now marooned with.
Soon a relationship developed between them and love was rooted in their hearts for one another.
Never knowing if they were going to be rescued they went before God and said their marriage
vows
to each other. Bliss was short lived however, as pirates came upon them and demanded their
money
and jewels. Upon finding out that they were shipwrecked and had no worldly possessions, they
decided to keep them hostage and hope for ransomed.
Katie had made a friend on the Island, a cute little monkey she called Friday. Katie noticed that
there
was a certain fruit Friday would not eat and she wondered if that fruit was poisonous. Katie had
prepared a delicious meal of fish and fresh fruit for her honeymoon dinner that night and now the
pirates demanded she serve it to them. In Katies wisdom, she carefully included some of the fruit
that Friday would not eat. She was right, the fruit indeed was deadly as two of the pirates were no
more after eating it. This left only two for Katie to fight. Katie with her knowledge of karate
could
handle herself quite well; she would have to since Scott was bound in ropes and would be of no
assistance to her. Katie was able to overpower the two men and freed her husband and they made
their way to the pirates ship. Once aboard they called for help, which soon arrived, but Katie's
problems were only just beginning.
Scott's family did not accept his love or his marriage to Katie; and Julia announced that she was
carrying Scott's child. Scott was besides himself, he did not want to desert his unborn child, but
his
heart belonged to Katie. Scott did not know that Katie also was carrying his child. Katie slips out
of
Scott's life and hides herself as he desperately tried to find her after finding out that Julia was
never
really pregnant with his child.
Where could she be? Even his detectives could not locate her. Will they ever be reunited? I will
not
tell,but if you love happy endings, you will love this one. Shipwrecked, a story of love lost and
found! A tender read.
Wooing Jenny
Sam Stone loved Katie, or at least that is what he thought. Why were his parents insisting that he
marry his old friend Jenny, and why was she going along with their plot to ruin his
happiness?
Jenny had always loved Sam, but she didn't know of their parents plans to blackmail Sam into
marrying her. She wanted a man who wanted to marry her because he loved her,not because he
was
being forced to or lose his inheritance.
Sam was furious at his parents, but didn't want to see the family business go into the hands of his
brother, who would ruin all they had worked for. Yes, he would marry Jenny for 3 years and if it
didn't work out he wanted out of the marriage and still have his inheritance. Jenny wanted no part
of
this arrangement.
As Sam tried to convince Jenny to go along with his plan, he begins to have feelings for her he
never
realized. Finally, after a period of 'wooing' her, he asks her to go away with him alone to see how
they felt about each other. After much persuasion Jenny finally consents and they travel to the
Fijian
Islands. It is here that they truly discover their love for one another and realize they were to be
together forever.
However their happiness is interrupted as pirates board their ship and kill the Captain keeping
Sam
hostage. Jenny hides and they do not know she is aboard. She comes up with a plan to free Sam
and
executes it. Thus begins the battle for their lives against pirates, sharks and the sea.
A good love story filled with adventure and romance,and a very happy ending!
Lonely Heart
Karin Story
Amber Quill Press
PO Box 50251 Bellevue, WA 98015
ISBN # 1-59279-008-9, Download $5.50, 143 pages
What are the feelings of a young girl becoming a woman? Struggling to have her own identity and
still maintain unity with her family. That is what young Alyx Mossman is trying to achieve in this
excellent novel for young adults "Lonely Heart".
Moving from NY to Colorado with her family, Alyx encounters the trauma of being the new girl
in
High School. Not only is she new, but she is different from the others, in dress, action and
attitude.
Alyx catches the eye of the popular Tom Eberson and is befriended by his sister Carrie. Alyx at
first
is not pleased with this unwanted attention, as she is struggling with her relationships at home and
the guilt of the death of a friend she left behind.
To make matters worse, Randi, another student at school, has her eyes on Tom and does not like
the
interference of Alyx. This novel is not your run of the mill story, as there are secrets from the past
and trials that all the characters in this novel are experiencing.
Karin Story speaks in a way that young people will relate to. She brings her characters to life and
keeps the reader interested in the story as it twists and turns into mystery, suspense and danger for
Alyx and her new friends.
The author also brings the innocence of young love into the storyline in a tender, gentle way. This
was quite an enjoyable read and I recommend it for adults and young readers alike.
Tracks
Libby McKinmer
Amber Quill Press
PO Box 50251 Bellevue WA 98015
http://www.amberquill.com
ISBN# 1-59279-009-7, Download $5.50, 108 pages
I loved this book! I have to say right off the bat that I was drawn immediately into the suspense of
this great novel by Libby McKinmer.
A serial rapist is at large in Yorktown and Detective Emily Evans is put in charge of the force task
to find and capture him. there is one problem however, this is quite personal for Emily since her
own
sister Rowena was raped and killed by such a person as this. Emily was determined not to let this
one get away.
Finding the one link between the victims, Emily sees that each woman had placed a personal ad in
the local paper, "The Daily Gazette." Emily immediately sets out to talk to the managing editor
Mac
Landon, but she was not prepared for what she was about to experience.
Love at first sight? This was the case at the meeting between Emily and Mac and soon they joined
forces not only in a relationship but in capturing the rapist.
I like the way that the author brought in Dr. Barbara Tutten, a psychologist, to help the detectives
understand the mind of the man they were trying to apprehend. I found it quite interesting and
think
it added to the story-line.
Emily places an ad in the personals and sets herself up as bait against the strong wishes of Mac,
not
to do so. Unfortunately Emily finds herself at the mercy of the serial rapist.
Who is he and who rescues Emily?
You will have to read this great story to find out.
Attention grabber from the first to the last, Tracks, a novel well worth your time. Sit back and
enjoy
this suspenseful read. You will not be sorry.
Legend of Otherland
Chuck Kelly
Synergebooks
http://www.synergebooks.com
ISBN#0-7443-0204-8, Download $5.00, 103 pages
Do you like stories of Kings and Queens, a young Prince and an evil aunt? If you do this is the
story
for you. Set in the Kingdom of Otherland, this is a delightful tale that is sure to entertain both old
and young alike.
Thirteen year old Bunker Charles is the young Prince of Otherland who feels life is passing him
by.He is tired of being kept a prisoner for his own protection. He is however, about to take an
adventure that he won't soon forget.
The story beings when Evil Pencinell, his aunt, invades their Kingdom and young Prince Bunker is
told the story of his mother's twin sister who turned to evil and resides on the other side of their
Kingdom.
Evil Pencinell has come to steal a person and turn them into evil just like her. Prince Bunker and
his
father watched from the Castle as the Evil Pencinell set her sights on a young girl and quickly
whisked her away. Prince Bunker saw his opportunity for adventure and against his father's
wishes
takes off to rescue the young maiden.
The story then takes you to the dark evil side of their Kingdom where Pencinell lives. The young
Prince and the young girl Gittel battle to escape the clutches of the Evil Pencinell. They battle sea
monsters and evil little creatures. Delightful!
This is a wonderful read for children and adults alike. Adventurous with just a tad of the 'scary'
added in for flavor. A really fun read that I would highly recommend for everyone. I really
enjoyed
this story and know you will too.
The Witchery Way
Robert L. Ferrier
Synergebooks
http://www.synergebooks.com
ISBN# 0-7443-0151-3, Download $5.00, 171 pages
I loved this story. Set in Oklahoma it opens up with mystery and intrigue. Just my cup of tea.
Indian
burial grounds, spirits of the night, rattle snakes slithering in pits. The author uses all the elements
of
suspense to draw you into the story-line from the get go. Excellent!
The main character are Jade Wade and his father Ed. Buying the Choctaw Railroad had been a
lifetime dream for Ed, but making a go of it seemed to bring nothing but heartache. If this failed,
his
future was doomed. This is the background of the story as one mishap happens after another.
Have you ever been in a town that is 'owned' by someone? That is what Ed and Josh are facing,
but
they also have friends that are willing to help get to the bottom of who is sabotaging their
railroad.
Somebody didn't want that train traveling through the foothills. What were they afraid would be
uncovered and why?
The author takes you on an adventurous ride as you meet Indians, experience some mystic spells
of
the spirit world and wonder just who is friend and who is foe in this winding tale that is flavored
with a flare of Indian charm. Weaving days gone by with modern times, a very nice touch!
A very enjoyable read, one you will not want to miss and one with a happy ending!
Kittens In The Wild
Derek Kittle
SynergEbooks
http://www.synergebooks.com
ISBN# 1-931540-31-4 Download $5.00 CD Rom $8.99, 25 pages
As I began to read "Kittens In The Wild", I didn't realize how much educational information I
would
receive. The story opens with a Mama Cat and her kittens living under someone's house, for
warmth
and safety.
The author tells the reader about new born kittens, how they are born with their eyes closed and
gives tid bits of information to help them learn about cats and their young. He goes on to explain
how the Mama cat hunts food and how she protects herself and her offspring from nosey dogs
that
come to take a peek.
The story is told in a way that children can understand. Also included are 'facts' about new born
kittens and addresses that may be helpful to those who need to find a home for some unwanted
kitten.
Derek Kittle explains in a way that children will understand, why it is important for an animal to
have an operation so they do not have any more offspring and he explains how too many cats
make
the food source scarce and they starve to death.
The information is told in an easy to understand manner, but the importance of the message is
loud
and clear. The photos are excellent and help to bring clarity to the story.
A very educational and fun read for your child.
Little Miss One Way
Megan Bossler
SynergEbooks
http://www.SynergEbooks.com SynergEditor@aol.com
ISBN# 1-931540-04-7 $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 27 pages
As I read this book of poetry I could feel the authors heart in every word. In the beginning of the
book, she writes that her poetry is not stereotypical and I have to agree with her. The words she
writes are from her spirit to the readers.
In reading of the different poems, I could sense that she was writing from experiences in her own
life
and was in a way baring her emotions to the reader.
Perhaps wondering if they too, had experienced these same emotions in their life. Perhaps
reaching
out to share, in some small way, a truth they both endured.
Sharing one's heart in verse is a gift that this reviewer does not look upon lightly. I enjoyed her
words of love, pain, and life and I believe you will too. The talent of a young mind is evident in
this
work of poetry.
Roger The Trainee Reindeer
H.J. Tomlinson
Synergebooks
1235 Flat Shoals Road King, NC
http://www.synergebooks.com SynergEbooks@aol.com
ISBN# 0-7443-0163-7 $4.00 $8.99 CD Rom
I truly enjoyed this tender book about Roger the reindeer. Roger had always wanted to be on the
Reindeer Team with all the other reindeer that took Santa on his yearly ride. Finally when Blitzen
had to retire because of flat hooves (isn't that the cutest) Roger had his chance.
Roger made his way to the Chief Elf for his audition. He had to be tested by standing on the roof
of
a snowy house and he had to be tested on his flying skills. How well would Roger do?
Roger had one problem, he always had to use the potty. Poor Roger, he just could not seem to
hold
it, and he left a puddle under him just about everyplace he went.
What would Roger do, he just had to make the team. Finally there was one more test left, would
Roger be able to overcome his problem? Would he make the Reindeer Team? Ah! You must read
this great little story to find out.
I highly recommend this read. I smiled all the way through it and shared it with my grandchildren.
It
will keep their attention, I promise, and will also help little ones who may not always be able to
hold
it!
You don't want to miss out on this read. Share it with the little ones you love, you won't be
sorry!
Prima Donna Duck
Judy Parker, author & Mathew Excell, illustrator
SynergEbooks
SynergEbooks@aol.com http://www.SynergEbooks.com
1235 Flat Shoal Rd. King, NC
ISBN# 0-7443-0262-5, $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 17 pages
Let me say right off that the illustrations in this little children's book are delightful. I loved the
expressions on Donna the Ducks face. I began to chuckle from page one.
Donna thought she was way above all the other ducks or the animals for that matter. She didn't
want
to get her feathers wet, or make honking and quacking sounds. She didn't want to do anything
that a
little duck should do!
"Why", said Donna, " I should live in the big house on the hill!" Oh my! Big mistake Donna!
Donna is not greeted quite as she expected as she prances up to the owner of the big house on the
hill. Would Donna be on the dinner table that night? You'll have to read this tale to find out.
A great little story, teaching children to appreciate who they are and not try to be someone they
are
not. I think we all, children included, know some people who would benefit from the lesson in this
story. Your children will get a good chuckle out of the antics of Donna the Duck and tucked
within
is a lesson they can use for life.
A very good read!
Salome & Sheba's First Christmas
H.J. Tomlinson, author
Ed Woodward lll, illustrator
SynergEbooks
http://www.SynergEbooks.com Synergebooks@aol.com
ISBN# 0-71143-0234-X, $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 13 pages
Salome and Sheba are sisters and they are pet rats of a little girl named Phoebe.
Phoebe was very excited as she fed and talked with her little pets one day. She told them that
tomorrow was Christmas and Father Christmas would be visiting to bring all good children
toys.Salome and Sheba had never heard of Christmas before, but they knew it was something very
special indeed.
Salome and Sheba watched as Phoebe and her friend Jade decorated the Christmas tree and put
their
favorite thing on it, chocolate. "Yum!" The little rats said, "Chocolate is our favorite!" They were
hoping they might get some too.
The sisters watch Phoebe place some mince meat pies on a table and a glass of milk before she
went
to bed. They thought perhaps this treat was for them, not realizing it was for Father Christmas
himself. They were soon to find out.
"Salome & Sheba's First Christmas" is a happy tale showing the joy of receiving something very
special on a very special day, from a very special person! Your little ones will enjoy reading this
story as visions of Christmas excitement fills the air. An adorable story to share with the entire
family.
Salome & Sheba Clean Up
H.J. Tomlinson, author
Ed Woodward lll, illustrator
SynergEbooks
1235 Flat Shoal Road King, NC
http://www.SynergEbooks.com, SynergEbooks@aol.com
ISBN# 0-7443-0234-X $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 13 pages
Salome and Sheba make a new friend in this adventure as Phoebe's cousins, Thomas and Theo
come
to visit. They too have a pet rat named Ratasha.
Ratasha is a little different than Salome and Sheba, she has a different smell and the girls wonder
why. It seems Ratasha has been bathed for her entry in a show the next day, she was hoping to
win
first prize. It was very important to her owners, Thomas and Theo, and she wanted them to be
happy.
The little rats became fast friends and decided to take Ratasha on an adventure out of her cage.
She
had never been out in the "world" and she was excited. Unfortunately Ratasha ended up in the
garbage and she no longer smelled as a show rat should. What were they going to do? It was
almost
morning?
This is a great little story and one your children will giggle at, as the little rats figure out how to
make Ratasha show ready again. A really fun read!
Highly recommended!
Salome & Sheba Bag A Burglar
Heather J. Tomlinson, author
Ed Woodward lll, illustrator
SynergEbooks
http://www.synergEbooks.com SynergEbooks@aol.com
1235 Flat Shoals Rd. King, NC
ISBN#0-7443-0412-1 $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 13 pages
Salome and Sheba, Phoebe's pet rats, were looking forward to a good nights sleep. It had been a
very hot summer day and Phoebe had left the window open so the cool air that was coming
through
felt very good to the girls.
Just getting good and comfortable for the night, the girls all of a sudden heard strange voices in
the
room. Who could this be? They didn't recognize the voices. They would soon find out.
Burglars had made their way through the open window and they were about to steal some of
Phoebe's property. "Oh no" Yelled Sheba, "They can't have Phoebe's silver picture frame with the
only picture she has of her father. I have to stop them."
The adventure begins as the two little rats make their stand against the notorious burglars. Who
will
win? How can two little rats fight off two big men?
This is a learning read, one that will show your child that bad deeds will be punished. A good
lesson
written in a way that children will understand.
Twelve Tiny Tales
Theresa Jodray
Photographs by: Theresa Jodray and Amanda Aneas
SynergEbooks
1235 Flat Shoals Road King, NC
http://www.synergEbooks.com SynergEbooks@aol.com
ISBN# 1-931540-84-5, $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 28 pages
This was a lovely book, twelve beautifully woven poetic tales accompanied by magnificent photos
that help to bring the words to life.
Starting with January and the story of snow, your adventure begins. As you read the words and
look
at the picture, you feel as if you must pull your coat closer to you to keep out the North wind.
Brrr!
Excellent visual effects!
My favorite, however, was July and the Tabby cat Boris, who by the way is really a girl. But Boris
has a special place on this earth and a special mission that will touch your heart. Perhaps you will
need a tissue when you read this tale. I know I did!
All in all, a gentle, tender, colorful read. One you will enjoy sharing with your entire family. Not
the
norm, but with this work that is a good thing!
The Nurse In The Purse
Geri Ahearn, author
Raine Szramiski, illustrator
SynergEbooks
1235 Flat Shoals Rd., King NC 27021
http://www.SynergEbooks.com SynergEbooks@aol.com
ISBN# 0-7443-373 Hard cover/Paperback- 36 pages
ISBN# 1-931540-20-9 Download -34 pages Download $5.00 Paperback $7.99
It's Molly's birthday and she was excited. Mom made her and all the family some delicious
pancakes
and told Molly it was her very special day.
All children will immediately relate to the excitement of that one day of the year when they are
'truly'
special and will want to see what surprises await Molly.
Molly wants to go to the toy store and Mom tells her she may chose any toy she wants. Molly
wants
a purse, a pretty pink purse and this one has a surprised tucked away inside. A surprise just for
Molly.
As Molly settles in for the night to her amazement a little nurse pops out of her brand new purse.
Who would have ever quessed? At first Molly was a little afraid, but her fears are soon brought to
rest as Maria tells her that she is her new magical friend that will always be there to help her.
Molly is delighted as Maria shows her how she can dance and sing and do all kinds of fun things.
A
bond is immediately made between the two and Molly is excited over the future with her new
friend.
"The Nurse in the Purse" is a joyful tale of a little girl who finds a special friend on her birthday. It
is
a story that will let the children's imagination rise as they too will think how nice it would be to
have
their own special magical nurse. Don't be surprised if you see them peeking in purses next time
you
go to the store. They will want to share in all the adventures that Molly and Maria will have and
will
look forward to more reading.
A cute story with endless possibilities!
Tales Of Miss Tirrie And Imagination
H.J. Tomlinson, author
Joanne 'Bella' Hodges, illustrator
SynergEbooks
1235 Flat Shoals Rd King, NC
http://www.SynergEbooks.com
ISBN# 0-7443-0239-0, $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, pages 25
Miss Evander Ellen Poll Tirrie was different. She was different in the clothes she wore, in the
color
of her hair, and even in the shoes she wore. She also had a pet rat named Imagination, or Madge
for
short.
Miss Tirrie loved her pet rat and could not understand why other's seemed to not want him
around.
After all, he was well behaved and really no problem at all.
One day Miss Tirrie got a mysterious invitation from Professor Bunsen for tea. Not just for
herself,
but also for Imagination. Miss Tirrie was very happy, but Madge was not so sure about the whole
thing. After all, they didn't get invited to many places, why would someone invite them now?
Imagination and Miss Tirrie set off for their tea date. After arriving and settling in, the professor
has
Madge taken into the kitchen where a special treat has been prepared for him. Or so that is what
Miss Tirrie is told. That is where the trouble begins.
The Professor does not plan on giving Madge back to Miss Tirrie, but wants to use him as a
breeder
for experiments. He is not a very nice man! The story goes on from there with Madge making
some
new friends in the laboratory of the professor, helping them escape and finding his way back to
Miss
Tirrie's house.
You will enjoy this little tale that shows children that it is ok to be different, it's not ok to be cruel,
and it's natural to fall in love.
I truly enjoyed this read and recommend it for you and your children! Perhaps it's because I too,
am
a little different!
A Tree For Chris
Karen Phillips, author
Adriana Uribe, illustrator
SynergEbooks
http://www.SynergEbooks.com
ISBN# 1-931540-82-9 $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 27 Pages
What is in the mind of little three year old Chris as he wonders around the Christmas tree lot
looking
for the tree that is "just for me?" Mom isn't sure, but has the blessed insight to allow her little one
to
make the decision on his own. I wonder how many Moms are as wise as she?
Little Chris chooses one that is just his size for a reason that will warm your heart this Holiday
Season.Why was it so important for Chris to have a tree just his size? The answer may bring tears
to
your eyes.
A delicate and tender story, one that all Moms should share with their little ones; and one whose
meaning should be taken to heart in their own lives ,during this special time of year. Colorful,
vibrant
illustrations sparkle out at you, bringing Chris and his special tree to life.
I recommend you read this delightful story and share it with every member of your family.
Perhaps
you will understand what Chris already knows, the true meaning of Christmas! It was a great
reminder to me! Thank you Chris!
Interview with Jeffrey W. Waller, author of "The Twisted Mile" from Adventure Books
I choose to interview Mr. Waller because his book intriqued me. I believe, I'm sorry to say, what
he
writes about in his book could be a reality in someone's life. Scary thought! Mr. Waller's book
"The
Twisted Mile" is outstanding and I encourage you to read it. Believe me, you will not be sorry.
With
that said lets begin:
Q: As I have just written, I thought your book was outstanding. Please tell us what inspired you
to
write "The Twisted Mile?"
A: It was rather like it happened for Bill Murphy in the story. Years ago I was watching a
documentary on a PBS station while I was living by myself in Isla Vista, CA. The documentary
was
generally about some of history's more mysterious characters and Mr. Bessler, a German
mathematician and inventor of the early 1700's, was one of those featured. What excited me about
the story was not so much the possibility of perpetual motion as a reality as it was the
circumstances
of Mr. Bessler's story. As I wrote though, I did become more intrigued with perpetual motion as
mankind's great hope for the future. Consider that...an inexhaustible, pure, perfectly dependably,
and
free energy source. Wow! I hope that doesn't classify me as a romantic. I don't think I could
stomach that. I'd like to think that it's a little more like gold-fever with me. Getting back to
Bessler:
Strangely enough such figures as a German nobleman, numerous local officials, the Czar of
Russia,
and none other than Sir Isaac Newton played a pivotal role in some of the decisions Bessler made.
What intrigued me was why someone who had supposedly fraudulently claimed such a discovery
would react the way Bessler did. Would a fraud go into a rage and destroy the secret to protect it
and then drop off the face of the earth when a business agreement could not be reached with the
Czar? Wouldn't someone like that simply sneak out of town in the middle of the night and show
up
somewhere else? So, surely then Bessler was for real, right? That question nagged at me and soon
I
was drawn toward doing something about it. If someone would have asked me two months prior
to
that TV show if I would like to become a writer I would have said, "Huh?" One day I mentioned
it
to my wife (an artist and teacher) and she simply said, "Go for it!"
Q: Your characters became so real to me, I still think about them. Tell us, were they fashioned
after
people you know?
A: Not only the people but the places as well. It was far easier for me to write from memory
about
events taking place in and about real towns, real houses, and real people. I even had to change the
names of several characters in the story after I realized that I had let in a little too much
reality!
Q: You did a wonderful job making your characters real to life. With a novel like this, I would
imagine you had to do some research, how did you go about this?
A: This was not an easy subject to work with. Where does one look for stuff about what happens
to
someone who discovers perpetual motion? Where does one look for info about perpetual motion
itself? Yes, I did extensive research, reading several books on the subject (both pro and con),
surfing
the web, studying the mechanical engineering aspects of what form a device might take... Plus, it
always pays to write about something you know about.
Q: Is "The Twisted Mile" your first published work, if not please tell us what is.
A: It is my first novel. I did however write numerous articles that were posted on an
internet-based
writers forum site. I think I made about twenty bucks for about fifty articles; not very profitable.
It
was fun though. One of the categories was politics and I really had fun just quoting and doing
commentary on our politicians! May I say here that I hope it is one of many more published
works. I
look forward to reading another novel with your name on it.
Q: With such an exceptional novel to show, how long did it take you to find a publisher?
A: FIVE LONG YEARS! Some of the subject matter in the book was a little bit dated and I had
to
change a few things to make the story more current. I'm sorry to hear that. Publishers need to
realize
there are some wonderful stories out there by first time authors that need to be read and enjoyed
by
the reading world
Q: Please tell us how long you have been writing and how many hours a day you spend
writing.
A: This whole thing started with that PBS television show back in 1979, but I didn't start writing
in
earnest until I just couldn't hold it in anymore, about 1990. I haven't been able to quit my "day
job"
just yet. When I wrote The Twisted Mile, I had been forced to take employment out of town.
During the week if I wasn't at work, I was writing; sometimes six or eight hours at a stretch. I
wrote
well over half of the book during a three month period. Lately I write whenever I can find the
time.
Usually late at night, wrapped in my comforter, I scratch out a half dozen pages long hand.
Q: Would you please tell us how long it took you to complete "The Twisted Mile"? I see where
you
say you wrote half of it in a three month period. Pretty impressive considering how outstanding
your
novel is.
A: It's not easy going to school full-time while you're working full-time and trying to write a
book. I
attended NEMCC from 92-95 for an associate in computer programming. Progress on my book
during that period was sparse. When you can sit down for eight hours at a time and the words just
pour out of you, and because of that you can do twenty pages or more per night, that's when
writing
is fun, when it actually gets done. Then came the hard part; the edits. It was full five-year effort,
though it wouldn't have been more than one if I'd have been able to concentrate more on it.
Besides,
I didn't say I finished it in three months.
Q: Do you have any interest in writing in other genres and if so what would they be?
A: I can feel a few humorous ideas kicking around in my head. Beyond that, whatever pops into
my
feeble little mind.
Q: Do you have other works now in progress and in what genre are they. Also, when do you
think
they will be released to the public?
A: I'm working on another adventure story set in modern-day Peru. It's still in rough draft (hand
written) and isn't finished yet. Again, I only get to put in an hour or so at a time.
Q: You say your wife was instrumental in encouraging you to write "The Twisted Mile." Tell me,
do
you feel having the backing of family and friends as a writer is important?
A: Certainly! It's hard to do anything if you don't have someone who believes in you. My wife and
family have been a blessing in every way!
Q: Where do you see yourself in your writing career in 5 years?
A: Peru! No, just kidding. Who knows? With any luck, I'll be haggling with Speilberg over the
rights
to my third or fourth best-seller. If you did go to Peru.....I bet you would come away with a great
storyline for a book!
Q: How much promoting of your book have you done and are required to do? Do you have a
publicist and do you have any tips you would like to share with our readers in this area?
A: I'm not required to do any. Beyond pestering my family and friends, there hasn't been much
from
me. Did I mention that I work in a college library? That helps... Publicist? What's that?
Q: Since you fashioned the characters after people you know, are they aware of this fact. If so,
how
do they feel about it?
A: Most of the ones I was thinking of probably don't know. I avoided using any immediate family
members (mostly). I would hope that they would be pleased.
Q: In writing this novel, did you ever have a little fear that the 'government' might take a closer
look
at you? We know it's fiction, but I think we all know that something like this could happen,
unfortunately!
A: Don't say that! You want to give me nightmares? Sure I've thought about that. Writing about it
and not thinking about it would be like having someone tell you not to think about elephants!
That's
the first thing that pops into your mind. But, really! What would they say? Let us look under your
bed? Nothing but dust bunnies down there. Besides, that's not where I hid the prototype. Anyway,
it
would probably sell some books...wouldn't it? Hmm... Could you call the FBI for me? I joke
about
it, but would I be surprised? No. Not after the Waco, TX fiasco. About a year ago I found myself
in
a chat room on the Michael Reagan website. I just threw it out there to see what sort of reaction I
might get, you know, that I'd recently discovered perpetual motion. Two or three told me that if it
was true, I was a dead man. How would one just come out and say something like that? "Yippee!
Free energy! By the way, you're all out-of-work..." A lot of people would not be very happy to
hear
that. That, I suppose is another reason I felt compelled to write it.
Q: I ask this to all the authors I review. If you could speak to publishers on behalf of new authors
what would you like to tell them?
A: HELP! Hee hee! Like your answer! :0)
Q: Do you think you will write another book continuing the story of "The Twisted Mile?"
A: I'm not planning on it. At least nothing has come to mind. It's hard to see another story coming
out of it.
Q: What would the world be like with a perpetual motion wheel?
A: A perpetual motion device available to the public would change everything. A perpetual
motion
device available to the select few would change nothing.
Q: If we may ask, how are your sales?
A: Slower than I would have hoped, but better than I feared. Readers! You need to buy this book.
Believe me, it is a great read!
Q: In general, do you find being a published author as thrilling as you thought it would be?
A: Absolutely! But I still don't "know how to act" as we say in the South. Ah! I know that saying
well!
Q: Do people treat you differently?
A: I don't think so...at least I hope not.
Q: What advice would you give to authors looking for a publisher?
A: Like I quoted in the foreword to TTM, "Absolutely, positively, never, ever give up!"
Would you please use this space for any final words you would like to leave with our readers.
About
yourself, your book or publishing in general. Writers: Write the book you can't find on the
bookshelves. Write about the things you know (people can tell), and don't even try to write unless
you feel like you will explode if you don't. Step one: Put one foot in front of the other. Step Two:
Repeat Step One. Put your favorite heavy metal music on as loud as you can stand it, go to that
other world where your story is, close your eyes, and create! The title comes from a Daniel
Lanois
song called THE MAKER. That song to me is a song of defiance, and that is what The Twisted
Mile
is; defiance. It takes the reader kicking and screaming to a place where no one wants to go. It's a
place where you're surrounded but all alone; fearless yet helpless; victorious yet utterly defeated.
This is a story that was made necessary by thousands of years of man's yearning for a better life
and
the utopia we once had when mankind drew it first breaths. It asks questions like, "If someone did
find the secret, would we be ready for it?" The answer to that lies within the reader's own heart. I
would challenge readers to ask themselves, "Am I ready to run The Twisted Mile?" Thank you so
much Mr. Waller for a wonderful interview and for a wonderful novel. I am looking forward to
reading more books by you, so hurry and get another one out there. You are a very talented
author
and I am sure we will be hearing your name mentioned among the great in the future! God's speed
and blessings!
Interview with Shar Durksen, Publisher and Editor of Adventure Book Publishers
A Division of Durksen Enterprises Ltd. #712-3545-32 Ave NE Calgary, AB T1Y 6M6
adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/ I have to say that
I
found this wonderful publishing company by accident one day while surfing the net. I am so glad
that I did. Adventure Books have some of the most outstanding novels that I have ever read. I
asked
Shar Durksen for an interview because I wanted to know the ins and outs of a company that
supports so many gifted writers. Let's begin.
Q: Hi Shar. As I have just stated, I believe you have an outstanding company. Would you please
tell
us the number of years you have been in this position and number of years your company has been
in
existence:
A: Adventure Book Publishers began in 1997 but Durksen Enterprises Ltd. has been operating
since
1972.
Q: I'm interested to know how your company was started, what is the vision behind it and how
long
you have been part of that vision.
A: Seeing the frustration experienced by new writers who were largely being ignored, led me to
see
if I couldn't do something to change the attitude about 'unknowns'. We have set extremely high
standards for our books and the result is that we have not only great stories but also stories that
are
well-written. That is a true statement readers!
Q: Please tell us what type of books you publish....exp: ebooks/paperback, etc.
A: We have downloadable eBooks, jewel-cased eBooks on diskette (ideal for gifts, commercial
use,
etc.) and are now adding trade edition print versions as well.
Q: Please tell us what you see for the future for your company and how you plan to obtain
that.
A: To promote literacy and eBooks, as well as help schools, groups and organizations, we have
designed a special fundraising program. As this concept and program becomes established as a
viable alternative to standard programs, we will grow along with it. At the same time, we may be
able to see our 'new' authors become as much of a household name as King or Clancy. Shar, after
reading and reviewing several of your books, I do not think that is farfetched. I loved everyone of
them.
Q: Please tell us about your fundraising program. I never heard of this with a Publishing House
before and it sounds interesting. I'm sure our readers would like to know more about it.
A: It's getting harder to generate donations for schools, clubs, groups and organizations so we
created a program involving jewel-cased eBooks as an alternative to chocolates or '-athons'
(spelling, walk, etc.). While promoting eBooks, the groups can earn a good return for their efforts
in
an ongoing basis since we always have new releases coming out. The jewel-cased versions make
great economical gifts, promote reading, are long lasting and are a versatile way to enhance
computer skills. In addition to several schools already trying this approach, we currently have
several charities that are seriously looking at our program and we are looking at other avenues as
well. That is a great idea. Readers interested?? Let me ask you something's about
submissions
Q: Are you open to all genres, or are there some you will not print, and some you lean more
towards
than others?
A: We do not consider erotica or any manuscripts with excessive, graphic or inappropriate sex,
language and violence. The mark of a good writer, we feel, is one who is able to stimulate the
imagination without using an in-your-face description. I agree. I have read some of those
in-your-face books and felt it truly took away from the entire story.
Q: How many submissions (average) do you receive per month and how many (average) do you
accept? Do you have a set limit?
A: All submissions reviewed are by invitation only and we get at least a dozen queries per day. Of
these, there may be 2 or 3 that merit a follow-up. Once reviewed in entirety, we may only
seriously
consider 1 or 2 out of every 10. At the moment, we have a huge backlog and need to get our
work
more current before we can consider any further new works.
Q: How many books do and will you produce in a year/season?
A: About 50 or so.
Q: Would you tell us what grabs your attention in a submission and what will totally turn you
off?
A: A well-written concise synopsis of no more than 3 or 4 paragraphs can do the trick as this
instantly tells me about the author's skills. The things that totally turn me off are
grammatical/spelling errors along with my personal favorite - using a conjunction to begin a
sentence. While this practice has become a common and even acceptable thing, it simply tells me
that
the writer does not have the necessary skills to rework what they are trying to say without
breaching
basic grammatical rules.
Q: Does every query that comes to you get full attention and do you give the author an answer in
a
reasonable amount of time?
A: Even though we are not able to consider any new submissions for the time being, we still fully
review each query and try to respond as quickly as possible.
Q: Let me ask you something all authors would like to know. Do you work with a standard
contract
and what is your royalty payment for authors?
A: We have a basic contract with non-negotiable terms as we try to be fair to all. Our royalty is
based on 20%.
Q: You said you are now adding trade edition print versions to your list, will all of your books be
offered in hard copy?
A: We will try to make the majority of our books available in print, although with the sheer
numbers,
this will take some time.
Q: If not, how is the choice made concerning which books will be converted?
A: At the moment, we are trying to accommodate and are giving priority to those authors wanting
bulk copies.
Q: Will the authors have a choice?
A: To a degree. We try our best to work with each individual as much as possible.
Q: Do your authors have a say so in their cover design?
A: Authors are free to submit cover graphics and we will certainly consider them although this
does
not mean we will accept them for use.
Q: How do you determine the pricing of your books?
A: The pricing structure for our eBooks is based on content, size and quality. The print versions,
however, are dictated by the quotes we get from our supplier, which is something we really
cannot
control.
Q: What do you do as the Publisher to help promote your books and what is the responsibility of
the
author in this area?
A: We try to get our site and individual books listed in as many search engines as possible as well
as
with other sites and we make every effort to work with interested outlets. It is very important for
authors to take the initiative for promoting their book on a local level through newspapers, TV,
radio, etc., most of which are only too willing to feature a local author. In many cases, authors
can
access areas that we can't - local bookstores, libraries, and so on. While we try to promote our
books, many times our catalogs are treated as junk mail whereas a local author puts a 'face' and
human touch to the contact.
Q: Where can your books be found?
A: All our books (download, jewel-cased and print) are available through our site at
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/ and many of our jewel-cased eBooks can be
found
at amazon.com, galaxylibrary.com and jaqkar.com.
Q: Do the current market trends have any bearing on what submissions will be accepted?
A: No. If a book is well written, has a good story line, believable characters and is well plotted, it
should catch readers' eyes. A quality book can get great results simply by word of mouth
sometimes.
Q: Do you feel you have a good working relationship with your authors, answering their
questions
and concerns in a timely manner?
A:With most, yes. The most difficult part is that while each writer dreams of being the next King,
Clancy or Rowland, reality is that marketing a book takes a lot of work. Writing a book and then
just sitting back and expecting millions to roll in simply does not happen.
Q: I ask every publisher this question that I review because I feel it is a concern for all writers.
When
you have to reject a submission how do you handle it?
A: First and foremost, it is necessary to be honest - with myself as well as with the author. Are the
skills not there? Is the story too flawed and where? Is the story something outside our field or are
we not able to believe in it enough to adequately market it? From here, it is then necessary to tell
the
author without being brutal about the issue.
Q: Are you truly aware that you hold the heart of the author in your hands?
A: Even if a book is truly horrible in every aspect, the writer has put much of himself/herself into
the
work. From that perspective, doing a rejection is one of the most difficult parts of my job. This
element is even more pronounced for me since we specialize in new authors and these are the
people
who generally already have enough rejections to wallpaper a house.
Q: I understand you could not possibly accept every book that comes your way, but many
publishers
are very insensitive to the feelings of writers. What is your handling on this please?
A:We try to be as constructive as possible. If there are any redeeming elements to the work, we
make suggestions as to how the story might be improved and on many occasions, will offer to
review the work again.
Q: What is the most difficult part of your job and what is the most enjoyable?
A: The rejection part is certainly at the top of the list as well as the frustration of not being able to
accept all the good manuscripts that come our way. I also wish I had more time to spend with
each
individual on a personal basis and feel that we not only have a group of fine authors but, more
importantly, a fine group of people.
Q: Where do you think Ebooks will be 3 years from now in the world of readers?
A: EBooks still have a long way to go to become widely accepted. This is a slow but steady
process.
On the other hand, eBooks are definitely here to stay.
Q: Would you give us a few tips that might help an author with their submission to a
publisher?
A: It is really important that author and publisher are a match. To that end, writers need to
familiarize themselves with the type of books the publisher has, the formats used (electronic, print,
etc.) and how willing the author is to help in promoting their book. Once that is in place, writers
must approach their query letter in the same way they would a job interview - with their 'best foot
forward'. As in every interview, that first impression can mean everything.
Q: I have read several of your books and find them to be outstanding! (Please see reviews of these
works in this posting) Would you please use this space for any final thoughts about your company
or
publishing in general that you feel might be of interest to our readers.
A: We are so proud of our wonderful group of authors and feel we have some of the best quality
books available on the market today.
Q: I see on your website you have a great variety of children's books, let me ask you some
questions
about that genre.
Q: What do you look for in a children's book submission?
A: An upbeat tone, a 'lesson' without being preachy, an entertaining fantasy or something that
might
be used as an educational tool.
Q: Do you expect the illustrations to be submitted with the story or do you have your own
illustrators?
A: We tried offering illustrations but working at arm's length did not have desired results so we
now
require illustrations to be available with the story. Many times, authors are either able to do their
own or will work with someone they know to produce the desired effect.
Q: Are children's authors given the same contract as authors of other genres?
A: Yes.
Q: Are illustrators and authors expected to split the royalty on their book/books?
A: Where applicable, we do our author/illustrator contracts in dual names and however they wish
to
do the split is their choice.
Q: Is there any specific age group that you lean towards more than another in this genre?
A: We are open to all age groups from the very young to the young adult.
Q: Is there a set number of children's books that you produce each year/season?
A: We do not set a basic 'quota' for any genre. We do, however, try to have several books by the
same author as children have their favorites storytellers just as adults do.
Q: Do you find the market is good in this genre?
A: Not as good as it should be, unfortunately.
Q: Are your children's books available in print?
A: We are now beginning to offer some in full color print. The down side is that printing anything
in
color becomes an expensive venture, especially where small runs are involved.
Hope this helps.
Shar editor@puzzlesbyshar.com Adventure Book Publishers I want to thank Shar for a great
interview, packed full of information for YOU the writer! If you have not checked out their
books, I
strongly recommend that you do. They are wonderful! I know this company and it's authors have
a
bright future ahead of them. I am sure we will be hearing about their books more and more. God's
speed to all of you at Adventure Book Publishers.
Interview with Steven Schreibman:
The author of "Blood In My Hairspray", ISBN# 1-4033-2617-7, published 1st Books Library, I
chose to interview Mr. Schreibman because I felt his book was different and interesting. I believe
you will find this interview the same. Let's begin!
Q: Would you please tell us what inspired you to write "Blood in My Hairspray?"
A: I lived in New York City for 14 years. There's an energy there, right on the street, that's simply
infectious. Walking to work every day, seeing the people, passing the shops, feeling the heat and
cold so intimately...it sparks a certain creativity. I also think getting lost in one's own story
relieves
the boredom of shlepping everywhere. That, combined with an acute sense of the absurd,
provided
the real essence of the story. Yes Steven, I have to agree. I grew up in the New York City area
and I
know what you mean by the energy there.
Q: Let me ask you this, is this your first published work?
A: Yes. It's always been a dream for me to be a published author. As young as age 9, I used to
staple
notebook paper together and write stories and pass the "book" around to the class. I still have
them...they were about a set of twins--one boy, one girl--and the things that happened to them
around holidays and such. I've always said Freud would enjoy analyzing that conceit. Twins--dual
gender--did this represent both sides of me?? I had never written anything long-form before
"Blood
In My Hairspray." Just prior to really tackling that manuscript, I wrote a short story--it was about
30
pages--and it followed the life of one woman through adolescence, marriage, family, adulthood. It
was loosely based on the life of my grandmother. So I realized that I could create a string of
narration and write against that. That I could put the work down, pick it back up, and continue
writing. That it didn't all have to be in one sitting or it was worthless. That the story could live
inside
of me and I could embellish and edit and create a mini piece of literature. Then, honestly, one day
while walking to work--I had to cut through Times Square to get to the office, so the craziness
must've really rubbed off on me--the idea for "Blood In My Hairspray" popped into my head. It
was
strange...at first I didn't "believe" that it was worth writing. So I thought, Oh, forget about
it...something else will pop up. I didn't trust my instincts. But the story stayed with me over the
next
couple of weeks and I found myself enjoying visiting with it throughout the day. The next thing I
realized I was writing it. This was the Summer of 1994.
Q: How long did it take you to complete "Blood in My Hairspray?"
A: The first real, presentable draft took about three months. I was a man obsessed. It was
wonderful, really, being able to let go and just write the thing. Whenever I ran into a wall I'd take
a
walk outside and work out the plot.
Q: Did you find it difficult to find a publisher?
A: Absolutely. I actually approached the work in a very businesslike manner. I had just completed
my MBA at night school, so perhaps this all appeared as an antidote to that. Anyway, after
finishing
the book I went about securing an agent. Put together a pitch letter, made dozens of copies of the
manuscript, the whole nine yards. I'd shared my plan with a girl I worked with and she thought I
was
crazy, but enjoyed watching whatever mania I was going through. I found that agents were very
receptive to the story. I was shocked, actually! It was strange and interesting and weird and
thrilling
to have people I didn't know tell me they liked it. But the bottom line was always the
same--"There's
no market out there for gay fiction." As a Marketing professional myself, I knew that products
that
delivered on their promises were successful, regardless of whatever category you put them in.
You
say "gay fiction," and all of the sudden doors close. People wanted the story to be more
serious--AIDS, death, the dignity of dying--or more heterosexual or more whatever. They just
didn't
"get" the voice of the book. Remember, this was before "Will & Grace," "Sex & The City,"
"Queer
As Folk," "Six Feet Under," "The Producers," and a whole host of popular works out there today
that leverage the gay sensibility. I knew the book was funny regardless of the category...why
couldn't I convince an agent? I ended up finding an agent who believed in me, believed in the
book,
believed in the humor, the story, the characters--everything. He worked at ICM, at the time the
biggest and most influential of all talent management companies. He saw in "Blood In My
Hairspray" the potential for a sitcom, a musical, a movie...he loved the dialogue. And he, too, was
gay, so I thought there'd be someone in my corner who really could make this real. The bottom
line?
No publisher would touch it. They said "Blood In My Hairspray" was "too gay." I was furious!
What the hell did "too gay" mean? Not ashamed? Not afraid? Confident? Strong? I was infuriated
that ven publishing houses that sought out gay-themed books didn't know what to make of it.
Again,
they wanted AIDS stories, or sex in the locker room stories, or lesbian anthologies...anything but
what I had to offer. Frankly, I was pissed. And disillusioned. So I shoved the manuscript in a
drawer
and went on with my life. Six years later, upon turning 40, I took another look at it. It still made
me
laugh. So I rewrote it--and made it gayer--and published it myself.
Q: I'm sorry you had such resistance in finding a publisher. Do you feel now that publishers,after
seeing your published work ,will be more receptive to your next writing?
A: Possibly. It's like anything. The more "real" and "accepted" it appears, the more likely others,
too,
will accept the material. Publishers have to take a leap of faith to make books happen, and a lot of
them are scared. I also believe that gay people, especially gay men, working in the publishing
industry are concerned about marginalizing their own output. That is, they may feel better about
themselves and their contribution to the bottom line with an "important" or more literary gay
book.
Q: What would you like to tell a publisher if you could speak on behalf of new authors?
A: I'd say, "Shut up and make books, will ya? That's your job!" There may be a few best practices
traditional publishers can pick up from the Print on Demand (POD) folks that could really change
the industry.
Q: Tell me, did you fashion your characters after people that are in your life?
A: There are certainly similarities between myself and friends of mine and the characters in this
book. The main character, Damian, is a lot like me--Jewish, kooky, dateless, irritable bowels--but
the similarity only goes so far. He's much angrier than I am, much more politically
incorrect...which
was why his dialogue was fun to write. Muff, the paraplegic, is modeled after my friend Ed, who's
also in a wheelchair. It was my tribute to him that I could include a differently-abled character
where
the crux of his being in the story was NOT about his injury. Girl From Canada is there because my
first boyfriend in New York was from Canada and had the cutest darn accent. I couldn't get
enough
of it. Bits and pieces of other people I've known and seen run throughout the book. Oh--and
Edgar,
the gay cop? There really is such a person, but I made him much more dashing in the story. I think
all writers pull from their own realities to create fiction.
Q: I know we talked some about this but tell us more about the location of your book. Did you
choose that location because you are familiar with it?
A: Yes. As I said, I lived in New York for 14 years. I was in LOVE with the West Side. There is
something about it...the neighborhood feeling, the trees, even the slums...it's just different from
the
East Side. You can walk from the Upper West Side, into Hell's Kitchen (where the book takes
place), into Chelsea, in the Greenwich Village, into SoHo and see so much of what makes New
York great. The East Side is more conservative and boring. Also, at the time I wrote the book
Hell's
Kitchen was undergoing a renaissance. Realtors began calling the neighborhood "Clinton" (I don't
know the complete historical significance of that name), developers were tearing down tenements
and putting up these major high-rises, apartment values were rising...it was good and bad all at the
same time. So I think emotionally I felt an intense attraction and involvement to what was going
on
around me. "Blood In My Hairspray" is my way of cementing that connection to the
neighborhood.
Q: You come against Catholic Priests pretty hard in your book. If I may ask is that due to a
personal
'bad' experience or just something you added to the story-line?
A: I approached the whole book with an eye towards the absurd. I'd never had an intimate
encounter
with any clergyman--unfortunately--but I had a sense that this type of behavior existed. You have
to
also understand that Damian became very streetwise at an early age. As a gay teen, he (like many
gay teens) realizes his perceived, false inferiority to others based on society's expectations. So he
uses his sexuality to his benefit, as an advantage over others. And one of the main points in the
story
is that gay people are EVERYWHERE. Notice the sexual tension between all the males in the
book.
Regardless of their "official" orientation, there's a gay undercurrent everywhere. I believe that
exists
in reality, and wanted to magnify it in my story. For the record, the bit about the priests was not
an
attack on the Catholic religion. But it's interesting to note that, just as the book went to press, the
newspapers were exploding with stories about priests taking advantage of children.
Q: Do you have other works in progress and if so what genre are they?
A: I've also written a manuscript entitled "Love, Daddy." It's the same genre as "Blood In My
Hairspray"--comic, gay-themed, fiction. It's about a Mafia chieftan who, after getting in an
accident,
falls in love with his son. On a deeper level it explores the relationships between gay men and their
dads. But it's funny, too, and hopefully entertaining. For the record, "Love, Daddy" is not based
on
anything that's happened to me in my life.
Q: Where would you like to see yourself in your writing career in 5 years; and how do you plan to
achieve that goal.
A: My first goal is to make "Blood In My Hairspray" as big as I can. I would like to see it adapted
to
both the stage and screen. I love how the dialogue turned out...there are a lot of great lines in it,
and
any good actor would have a field day with them. I'd like to take it as far as possible.
Interestingly,
as I continue writing, ideas for additional books seem to come to me more easily than in the past.
In
addition to "Love, Daddy," I have outlines for a play, another novel and a non-fiction piece as
well.
Q: Do you have to promote your own book? If so have you found this to be easy/hard?
A: Yes, I have to promote my own book. And any new author, no matter where they're published,
has to promote his own book because publishing houses are afraid to spend the money necessary
to
build awareness behind that new author. And I don't blame them, given the amount of new books
that hit the market every year. So once you realize that you're the one responsible for your book's
sales volume, that you're in charge, then that's half the battle. You control what people hear about
the book. As a Marketer by trade, I've enjoyed orchestrating the marketing behind "Blood In My
Hairspray." And it's fun for me to be as outrageous as I want, without having to answer to
anybody
about it. Yet, it does take a lot of time, a lot of phone calls, a lot of hassles. It'd be great if
someone
else could do all this so I can focus on my "real" job. But that's not in the cards until the thing is a
monster hit.
Q: Will you be writing a sequel to "Blood in My Hairspray?"
A: What would I call it--"Blood In My Gel"? I don't know Steven, I could think of alot of
adventures your characters could experience. You might want to give it some thought!
Q: Do you ever experience writers block and if so what do you do to remedy it?
A: When I find myself unable to plot my way out of a situation, or if I'm in need of a plot device, I
either take a walk--and let myself think through the situation--or I play the situation out loud. For
some reason these tactics free my mind up a little and help me look at the issue in a different way.
If
I find that I simply am unable to write, then I stop writing and do something else entirely.
Q: How does your family feel about the book you have written? Do you feel family support is
important to an author?
A: To be honest, my family is embarrassed by "Blood In My Hairspray," given its gay content.
They
believe that, at 40 years of age, people still may not know about my sexuality and it's better left as
a
non-issue. I disagree completely, and, having survived the coming-out process as a teenager and
knowing the difficulty other gay people have coming to terms with their sexuality, I believe it's
important to be true to yourself and unashamed and just plain "out." Also, their embarrassment
reinforces the internalized homophobia and low self-esteem some gay people experience. I believe
I
can help the world by being openly gay and helping people realize that gay people are everywhere,
and they're just like you.
Q: If we may ask, how are your sales?
A: I don't know exactly...I'm afraid to find out! All I know is I just need to keep flogging the book
and as long as I do that sales will increase. I do know that "Blood In My Hairspray" is now the #1
book of all time at An Open Book in Columbus, OH. (It even beat out Chastity Bono's memoirs
and
the ever-popular "Buttmen 2"!) Out of 3,000,000 books available on Amazon, I'm at about
1,400,000. So I have a loooooooong way to go to make an impact. Lots of work ahead of me,
that's
for sure.
Q: In general, do you find being a published author as thrilling as you thought it would be? Do
people treat you differently?
A: Believe it or not...yes! People have responded very positively. It's interesting...not at all what I
expected. I think it goes back to the idea that people need affirmation from an outside source
before
they accept an idea or story as worthwhile. For them, seeing something in print, bound between
covers, means that it's official, it's "real." I go into bookstores and hand people my book--it's very
ballsy, I know, but someone's gotta do it, right?--and people are always very happy to meet the
author. Then of course I stand there until they decide to buy the thing...I'm not happy unless I can
convince another person to buy "Blood In My Hairspray." You know Steven, maybe we all need
to
get a little more pushy in selling our own books!
Q: What advice would you give to authors looking for a publisher?
A: Don't listen to anyone who tells you your idea isn't worthwhile. If you believe it is, then it is.
Also, you need to know that publishers are a very frightened, risk-averse breed. Technology has
made it easy for anybody to get their stories out there. So if The Establishment says "no way," it's
your responsibility to just do it! Would you please use this space for any final words you would
like
to leave with our readers. About yourself, your book or publishing in general.
A: I invite readers everywhere to check out "Blood In My Hairspray." I'm open to any and all
feedback about the book, from the cover design, to the story, to the characters, to the
typeface...anything! Drop me a line: stevenschreibman@yahoo.com. Please give contact
information
for our readers:
Readers may order the book through any bookstore, or online wherever books are sold (e.g.,
www.amazon.com, www.bn.com, etc.) Readers may contact me directly at
stevenschreibman@yahoo.com if they have any questions about the book, or want to give me hell
for any reason. Bookstore owners may order "Blood In My Hairspray" through Ingram. Thank
you
Steven for a really fun interview. I have a feeling you are going to take the publishing world by
storm because of your determination. Best of luck to you in the future.
Interview with Karen Phillips, author of "A Tree for Chris!"
Thank you Karen for allowing me to do this interview. I have read and reviewed your children's
book, "A Tree For Chris" and enjoyed it. Please tell us what inspired you to write this story.
A: Like all mothers, my child brings tears of joy to my eyes at the most unexpected times. The age
of three is a magical age for children, they are aware of what is going on around them and start
building memories that will last them a lifetime. This was the first Christmas where he understood
that Santa brought gifts to him if he was good and had fun driving around and looking at
Christmas
displays and lights. Chris asked when we were going to get our tree and the evening that I said
let's
go, Chris jumped with joy. (As only three year olds can, up and down and in circles, laughing and
enjoying life). After we got home, we decorated our tree and Chris seemed very anxious holding a
special box and guarding it with special care. You have to read the story to know why he guarded
this box but it's part of the inspiration behind the story. Later as Chris lay sleeping in his bed, I
glanced in to check on him and he was smiling in his sleep. I sat down that night and wrote the
story
to him.
Q: I can tell by your words that that experience touched your heart deeply and that tenderness and
love shows in your story. Please tell us how long it took you to complete your work.
A: A Tree For Chris took about 2 hours to write, I took a little additional time to edit. It was
important to me that the story stay in tact the way I wrote it that night. I believe that is the magic
of
the book and why readers love to read this story, they feel the inspiration.
Q: Please tell us if this is your first published work and if not what is:
A: A Tree For Chris is my first published children's book. I have been writing professionally for
television and radio and for my advertising agency for years. I have two other children's books
written that are in the process of being illustrated.
Q: Did you find it difficult to find a publisher and how long did you search for one?
A: I had only submitted to a couple of publishers before Synergebooks asked if they could publish
"A Tree For Chris". I believe it would have been harder to find a traditional publisher. Thank you
Karen. Would you tell us what inspires you to write:
A: I have always been a story teller, holding the neighborhood children's attention at the early age
of
10. I remember telling stories about an Uncle with a ranch in Colorado. The Uncle was a vet and
had
exotic animals on his ranch. When I would visit I would get to help him feed and care for the
animals. I would tell stories of the zebras and elephants and even of stories on how my Uncle was
bringing back extinct animals. Parents use to love me as a babysitter because the kids were also
quiet
when they came home waiting to tell their parents about my stories. I started writing little stories
for
friends to give to their children, and they would come back asking for more. That inspired me to
submit my children's stories and was happy to hear that Synergebooks picked up A Tree For
Chris.
Q: Do you write only in the children's genre or are you planning to expand in other area's?
A: I love writing children's books and I'm working on a series I hope to have picked up next year.
I
also have two mystery novels started and hope to have one submitted by first quarter of next
year.
Q: Please tell us how many hours a day you spend writing.
A: I write for business for 5 hours daily and the hours for my books varies by the day. I work
when
my creativity strikes on the books so I can't say it's daily. I would say I put about 40 hours a
month
into concept and first draft
Q: Do you have problems with 'writers block' and if so how do you remedy it?
A: I can't say I have writer's block, but I try to have an idea of where I want to head with my
writing. I visualize the story and doodle pictures of characters to help me get "in the mood" to
write.
If I could, I would spend all of my time writing books....one day!
Q: Was there any 'difficult' area for you in writing "A Tree For Chris?"
A: No, this was the easiest story to write because it was an actual happening. And my son is so
animated, even now.
Q: Does your little one realize that Mom has written a book to honor him?
A: Chris isn't that little anymore but he does realize I wrote a story for him and I read it to him as
he
was growing up. He is now seventeen and thinks it's really neat that we have a book out about
him.
Q: Did writing this book make a difference in your life, and if so please tell us how?
A: Writing the book didn't make a difference, I didn't have the courage to submit it to anyone for
years. When I started sharing my writing is when my life changed and I realized I had a talent that
would touch others.
Q: Is there something you would like to tell the publishers out there on behalf of writers?
A: Publishing is not an easy business, but writers put their heart and souls into their work and
sometimes it's not saleable. I would tell a publisher to make sure they don't try to edit the book
too
much from the original storyline. To try to respond to the writer quickly when they receive a
manuscript and to be upfront about the services they actually provide. On the reverse side, I
would
tell writers to keep working and to be brave enough to let someone read your work. Be strong
enough to take criticism and to stick to your storyline with editors. Keep notes on all of your
story
ideas and learn how to make an outline of your story to keep you on track. I also recommend
putting a target date on when you would like your first book to be published and work toward
making it happen.
Q: Where do you see yourself in your writing career in 5 years and what are you doing to achieve
that goal?
A:I own an advertising and marketing firm and I see myself still having this as my primary
business. I
would like to have the children's series that I'm working on in print and possibly as an animated
cartoon series. I would like to have one successful novel and have book tours scheduled around
the
country within 5 years.I have a business plan and marketing plan that I am following to achieve
my
goals. I seek out publicity, one thing I've learned you have to do for yourself. I send press releases
out and love being interviewed.
Q: Do you take authors as well as publishers to represent?
A: We have worked with writers for magazine articles and submissions and are working with two
authors on a self-published cookbook and a medical publication. We can work with authors but
most of the smaller writers can't afford to hire a publicist. The larger writers have publicists as
well
as managers.
Q: Why do you think it is important to have a publicist?
A: I think this probably depends on how serious the writer is. If the person is looking at writing as
a
career, they should spend their time on writing and let the publicist handle the PR. Publicists or
marketers have connections and spend their time building the authors and finding opportunities
for
interviews, book signings, etc. An author can do the very same thing but they usually don't have
the
connections or the time to spend on doing the job. Thank you Karen!
Q: Please give contact information for our readers: Karen Phillips can be reached by email at
karensphillips@cox.net or karenphillips@lighthouseventuregroup.com
"A Tree For Chris" - Synergebooks.com Please see review in this column
I want to thank Karen Phillips for a great interview and I recommend you check out her book. I
wish Karen the best in her future in all that she does!
Shirley Johnson
Reviewer/Interviewer
Laurel's Bookshelf
Fruit Of A Poisonous Tree
Norm Harris
1stBooks Library
2595 West Vernal Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404-2782
ISBN 1-5882-0963-6, $11.95, 288 pages, 1-800-839-8640, www.1stbooks.com
Fruit Of A Poisonous Tree is consistently a best seller at 1stBooks for good reason. It's a very
good
book. The writing style is crisp, the story fast moving, and the characters integrated nicely with
the
plot. Norm Harris details the convoluted machinations of world powers and their minions with
panache.
Faydra Green, a Navy lawyer, also happens to be the daughter of ex-president Green. Her entire
life
has been spent attempting to succeed on her own merit. When a Navy SEAL is found murdered,
Faydra is hand picked my her superiors to investigate. It isn't long before the savvy Faydra
concludes the arrested murder suspect is not the killer.
From that beginning investigation, Faydra is drawn ever deeper into a world of CIA and NSA
spooks, specially trained hit men and trouble shooters, and the inner workings of more than one
world power. The USA and Russia, complete with top secret weaponry, are taken to the very
brink
of all-out war with North Korea.
The author has created a fascinating mix of characters to protect and aid Faydra's investigation.
The
E-Team is a group of specially trained young warriors, answerable only to the President and a
small
handful of military officers. Everything about this group is classified, including their real names.
Navy captain Egan Fletcher is no stranger to action himself. He accompanies the E-team in their
quest to save the world from a biohazard holocaust. All characters play a part, and play it
well.
Military enthusiasts should love this book, as should those who crave fast paced mystery thrillers.
Norm Harris has a winner here, with action packed movie written all over it.
Unfinished Business
Elizabeth Lucas-Taylor
Dandelion Enterprises, Inc.
c/o Carol Adler, President
5250 South Hardy Drive Ste. 3067, Tempe, Arizona 85283
ISBN 1893302687, $14.95, 370 pages, 1-877-517-9436
With this first book, Elizabeth Lucas-Taylor has crafted a winner from first page to last. Dubbed
romantic intrigue by the author, it was that and much more. The characters were well-developed,
the
technical aspect of the story realistic, and her writing full bodied.
Lindsay Mayer is insecure, plump, and maybe just a little frumpish around the edges. Her
marriage
to the irresistably sexy Griffin is unraveling. He's been troubled lately, avoiding her, and staying
gone
from home for increasing periods of time. What is her college professor hubby up to? Despite the
love and chemistry they've always shared, Lindsay fears he may have found another woman.
When
she discovers him in his bathrobe, sharing a ritzy hotel room with an exotic beauty, her worst fear
is
confirmed.
The proof of Griffin's infidelity almost kills her. When she doesn't hear from him in weeks, she
feels
her life is over. Enter a savvy long time friend, Chloe Brennan, recently assigned to a new position
in
Washington, DC. Chloe has the contacts and the means of turning her friend's life around, if only
Lindsay will cooperate for once. The shattered Lindsay has nothing left to lose. With Griffin gone,
her life is over anyway, so she puts herself in Chloe's hands.
Segue five years into the future. Lindsay has now been successfully transformed into Honor
Danforth, technical wunderkind of the British MI5.
Expert in foreign languages and dialects, master of computer wizardry, tireless tracker of elusive
foreign agents. she blocks all thoughts of Griffin from her heart and mind. She's shed excess
weight,
dyed and straightened her curly hair, changed her eye color and adopted a British accent to reflect
her new life. The pain of Griffin's loss is blunted. She's moved on to another life, but not to
another
man. No man could ever be enough after Griffin.
When she's assigned to protect the British Embassy in Washington DC, everything she ever
believed
about her marriage is rocked with one revelation after another. Griffin appears in tuxedoed
splendor,
hobnobbing with British and American dignitaries with suave familiarity. And then she learns he's
CIA - one of the best - assigned to her team, in league to ferret out one of the worst terrorists the
West has ever known.
Griffin believes his wife died five years before. He's never come to grips with the guilt and sorrow.
For certain he has avoided replacing her because Lindsay can never be replaced. His immediate
sexual attraction to the cool and very British Honor Danforth is a mystery, but one he's bent on
solving.
If ever any male and female belonged together in the biblical sense, it's Griffin and Lindsay/Honor.
But each plays their own game as agent until the old familiar chemistry takes over. Amidst that
inevitable sexual explosion, somehow they must stay on their toes and thwart the plans of
Embassy
moles and ruthless terrorists.
Oh what a fun trip it was helping these two resolve their Unfinished Business! I recommend it to
those who enjoy action and intrigue, but only for adults and mature adolescents due to strong
sexual
content.
A Mother's Journey
Sharon Kay
Dandelion Enterprises, Inc.
c/o Carol Adler, President
5250 South Hardy Drive Ste. 3067, Tempe, Arizona 85283
ISBN 1893302520, $16.95, 214 pages, 1-877-517-9436
Sharon Kay has traced one woman's path through life with loving details and amazing insights.
The
revelations found within the covers of this book were nothing short of amazing.
Norah Mason marries young after growing to young womanhood in a family ruled by a father
who is
something less than pleasant. Her husband Mike is supportive, kind, the sort of breadwinner
women
hope for. Their life together through the years is filled with happiness and sorrow, struggle and
joy.
Nearly every reader, male or female, will relate to their experiences. Four children come along.
Life
isn't always easy, but Norah toughs it out through troubled times the way she thinks is right. And
then, with children half grown, along comes spiritual enlightenment.
Like the author says in quotes, "The fastest way to Spirtual Enlightenment is a nervous
breakdown."
Norah battles depression, anxiety, anger, bitterness, and a lack of joy that permeates her life.
Changes are in order. Norah faces difficult truths about herself, truths that have been hidden all
her
life and taken a toll on her well being. Her journey to peace and acceptance of herself is taken one
incremental step at a time until she triumphs. The reader travels with her on this journey, and
learns
a thing or two along the way.
This was a wonderful book. Uplifting, enlightening and joyous despite the troubles Norah faces.
Anyone who wishes to learn more about life and love, will find a treasure in A Mother's
Journey.
Notes From Nobody
Claudia (Balch) Turner VanLydegraf
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
ISBN 1-58851-861-2, $16.95, 137 pages, www.publishamerica.com
The subtitle of this book does, indeed, provide a telling introduction to the author's story. "A
loving,
helping, caring gift for one mother's adopted out lives." The two children she adopted out were
both
conceived in love. They never left her heart.
Ms. VanLydegraf most assuredly had a lot of love to give if only life had turned in her favor. But
both "princes" she loved and dreamed about as husbands turned out not to be so charming. It was
the early 1960's when her youth and naievete got in the way of better judgement. The era of
flower
power and free love, in her case, was anything but free. She found herself young, pregnant,
abandoned, and short on options in those days. What support her parents might have offered was
limited by debilitating disease.
In this true story, the author bluntly and honestly details the tragedy of unmarried pregnancy and
the
adoption process, what leads up to it as well as what haunts all parties afterwards for decades.
The
reunion with both adopted out sons is joyous, but remains bittersweet around the edges. Her heart
and spirit were changed by life experience. She will never be the same, despite establishing
relationships with both the sons she gave up in her teens. That is the poignant message delivered
in
Notes From Nobody. Mother Love cannot always conquer all, but it keeps trying no matter
what.
Chasing Horses
Christy Tillery French
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
ISBN 1-58851-259-2, $24.95, 268 pages www.publishamerica.com
On the back cover of Chasing Horses, the author says she likes to write about quirky Southern
women. I know first hand about the South and Southern women. I'd say she caught the nuances
just
right.
Cherokee England - Ricki to her friends - is divorced from a husband she still loves and searching
for some meaning in her life. Ricki and Danny England were high school sweethearts, married
young, and produced a son who's reached the age of 17. How the fire that always flared between
them died out, Ricki hasn't figured out. She still misses Danny, but he has a new woman in his life
and is planning a second marriage. Ricki tries to face her life with humor and courage, but it isn't
always easy.
Activities with Women Aware and Responsive (WAR) fill the void. She and her fellow vigilantes
step in when public WAR activities fail. That Ricki keeps herself in hot water with these covert
activities is an understatement. Danny is a politician who aspires to climb the ladder of success.
Ricki's dabbling in slightly illegal vigilanteism brings his fiery temper to a boil, and introduces her
to
a sexy, charming detective with the Knoxville Police Department. Sam. Both literally and
figuratively, with Sam, Ricki adds a notch to her bedpost. She figures, if Danny can play around
then
I can too. Sam isn't the last notch she adds to her bedpost either. As Ricki fights injustice on all
fronts with WAR, and experiments with expanding her sexual experience, she reclaims Danny's
favors and attention.
Chasing Horses is a lesson Ricki learns at last: The best way to catch a horse is not to chase him.
Ms. French's novel is a mix of dark truths and humor, romance and thriller, with a little dash of
pathos. I enjoyed it.
This book is for mature readers due to spicy sexual content.
Conquering The Mysteries And Lies Of Grief
Sherry Russell
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
ISBN 1-59129-724-9, $16.95, 105 pages, www.publishamerica.com
For those who have suffered loss of a family member or friend, this book is a must read. And
those
who still struggle with the happenings of 9-11 may just find healing within these pages.
Regardless
of the reason, those who grieve will find Ms. Russell's book to be packed with wisdom and
comfort.
It's obvious from page one that the author did not write this book off the top of her head. The
subject is not presented lightly. Ms. Russell did her homework, her research. I found the content
to
be presented succinctly, in a personable and soothing writing style. The author does not present a
blanket "solve-all" approach to grief and loss but does provide the tools necessary to take that
first
step through the maze and confusion.
As a reader who has experienced all phases of grief and loss first hand - both as a Registered
Nurse
and a fellow human being - I was impressed by the content of this book. The author gently and
lovingly guides her readers along a sometimes thorny path providing fresh perspectives. I
recommend this book to anyone who may be struggling with grief and loss of any kind.
Heart Of A Victim In Harm's Way
Rosy Latur
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
ISBN 1-59129-675-7, $21.95, 273 pages, www.publishamerica.com
We read about deranged people in the newspapers, or watch such horror stories on TV, but most
of
us are lucky enough not to live such nightmares first hand. The author of this true story reveals in
straightforward, conversational style her front row seat on a man's madness and perversions.
Rosy Latur was a lonely widow, unworldly and open hearted. She enjoyed laughing and having
fun,
loved her family and friends, and did her best to walk a Christian walk. She lived well, in a lovely
home, and had enough money set aside to live comfortably. Sympathy for a down and out Konn
Rodent soon turned to love, on Rosy's part at least.
Konn is aptly named. A more deranged con artist has seldom been described in my recollection.
The
reader wonders very early on why on God's green earth a woman with as much going for her as
Rosy would stay with such a maniac. The answer she provides is simple. Rosy loved him with all
her
heart, and was totally devoted to the man. As her nightmare life unfolds, and her heart and spirit
sicken, the reader hopes for a happy ending to her story. Alas, that doesn't happen.
Konn drains her dry of everything. Physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially, Konn leaves
her in his wake like a wild tornado run amuck. He strips her pride, her hope, and leaves her
nothing.
The only thing that means anything to Konn is pornography and self-indulgent sexual fantasies. As
his horrid world reveals itself, Rosy is at first in denial, and then shock. The husband who has no
romantic interest in her lavishes himself on prostitutes and strippers. Untold thousands of dollars
are
spent on his perversions, while Rosy stands by hopeless to prevent it.
Heart Of A Victim In Harm's Way is a daunting first hand account of how pornography can kill
the
addict's personality and spirit. It's a sad story, made even sadder because Konn Rodent doesn't
have
to pay the piper in the end. Rosy pays, as do the friends and family who love her, but Konn goes
on
his merry way to brutalize and ruin other unsuspecting women. Personally, I don't know where
Ms.
Latur found the courage to survive and tell her story. I wish she would have included pictures of
Konn Rodent in her book. Or maybe even posted him on the front cover for all the world to see,
along with a sign saying "WARNING! If you see this man, beware.".
This book is not for sensitive adults or adolescents due to the perverse and troubling subject
matter.
Wayne's Dead
Christy Tillery French
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
ISBN 1-59129-197-6, $19.95, 181 pages, www.publishamerica.com
Ms. French has created a tidy thriller here, beginning with the prologue and ending with the
epilogue's last line. The characters are believable and carry this story along swiftly with gritty
realism. That the reader suspects from the beginning who the murderer might be does not dilute
the
suspense.
Jackson Daniels - Jack to his friends - is a lonely police detective whose empty life has worn him
down. When a serial killer stalks successful lawyers in Knoxville, there are few clues to help Jack
and his partner Marvin break the case. Each crime scene they encounter is awash with the sight
and
scent of blood, every victim has been mutilated. And above each death bed the murderer has
scrawled, "Wayne's Dead". Every facet of their investigation leads to a dead end.
Jack meets and is immediately attracted to the beautiful and childlike Gillian. Starkly sexual one
minute and innocent enough to break Jack's heart the next, her changeability keeps him off center
and bemused. All Jack knows is that he can't remember loving or being loved so thoroughly in the
past, and can't imagine life without her.
The author interweaves Jack's love story with a serial killer's handiwork in ways that make
Wayne's
Dead a fast and fascinating read. This is not a story for children or sensitive adults due to realistic
dialog, violent scenarios, and mature themes. But those who enjoy adult thrillers will find it worth
their while.
Once And Again
Carla Dalton
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
ISBN 158851-119-7, $21.95, 264 pages, www.publishamerica.com
Carla Dalton's first published book is an appealing western romance with characters in keeping
with
the genre. The Wyoming Territory of 1876 is a vast expanse of land, and the people living there
are
cut from a rugged cloth. Nature, native Indians both good and bad, and the land itself all figure
prominently in this tale, but what really makes Once And Again work is the characters.
Lance McCoy is the prodigal son returned after ten years' absence. At age twenty-six, memories
of
his abusive, alcoholic father still rankle. The return home after his father's death is bitter tinged. In
his mind, he's still the outcast son of the local drunken womanizer. That his father nearly drank
and
gambled away his mother's cattle ranch adds further reluctance to his homecoming. Lance hopes
for
a swift return to New Orleans and his successful life there, but feels an obligation to help his
mother
Charlotte save her birthright. He carries with him a lock of auburn hair, a pocket knife, and near
forgotten memories of a girl he once adored.
Jenny Sterling is the hard working daughter of a wealthy and successful cattle rancher. Since Jack
Sterling's stroke a year before, Jenny has taken on more responsibility than any young woman of
means should have to bear.
Despite her father's standing in the territory, Jenny is an outast herself. Nine years earlier, she bore
a
daughter out of wedlock. Only pride, courage, love of her daughter, and her father's support keep
Jenny going. Lance McCoy's return brings back old memories, ones she tries to smother
down.
The reader guesses straight off who fathered Jenny's child. Old feelings simmer just below the
surface with Lance's daily presence in Jenny's life. That desires thought long forgotten erupt into
mature passion is inevitable. Lance is no longer an abused and introverted boy. He's a man of the
world who knows what he wants, and he wants Jenny. She's proud, headstrong, more beautiful
than
any woman Lance has ever known, and afraid of being hurt by love again. Lance will kill in cold
blood to protect her and even willingly face his own death before book's end, all in the name of
love.
The flavor of the Old West as it used to be is strong in this book. And the characters created by
Ms.
Dalton are realistic and fascinating. I've barely scratched the surface in my review of this tale.
You'll
have to read the book to get the full effect.
Recommended for adults and mature adolescents due to strong sexual content.
BJOYFL
Lynn Barry
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
ISBN 1-59129-710-9, $19.95, 179 pages, www.publishamerica.com
With her second book, Lynn Barry has matured as author and gained strength in her chosen style.
This time around, she took the seemingly mundane premise of a not-so-young woman going to
college and transformed it into yet another rich slice of real life. Dark humor is Barry's trademark,
but BJOYFL gives the reader more than that. Poignancy and pathos also play a part in giving this
book life.
Valerie Martin is 35 years old, still single, and in college for the first time. She works in a
supermarket and has a small apartment above it, but makes the most of a rather dull existence.
She
faces life with humor despite the emptiness she feels. Val wants a mate and looks at nearly every
man she meets with that thought in mind. She wants a husband, children, and envies friends who
have such blessings in their lives. Val is a loyal and supportive friend, but secretly envies Ellie,
who
adores her long-time husband, and Debbie, the single mother who is lively and earthy.
Val's failed attempts at finding romance are often funny, reported as they are in first person, but I
also found them to be bittersweet, sometimes tragic. Her struggle to find love and marriage,
provide
support to her friends, and gain a coveted degree in higher education seemed all too real to
me.
The title says it all. BJOYFL. Val learns the secret to "being joyful" and sets about to tie up loose
ends in her life as well as the lives of her friends.
Does she find happiness with a husband? Gain that coveted degree? You'll have to read the book
to
learn that answer. One hint: You'll be joyful at the end of this adventure. Ms. Barry made very
sure
of that.
Interview with Lynn Barry:
Interviewer's note: I wanted to interview Lynn Barry because her approach to writing, her writing
style and outlook on life are archetypical.
LJ for MBR: Both your published books - Puddles and BJOYFL - have been described as quirky
and darkly humorous. They are that, but also delve deep into your characters hearts and minds,
their
lives to become a rich cross section of American life. Did you deliberately set out ahead of time to
accomplish that, or do your books take on a life of their own as you write?
Lynn:You said it better than I could have, Laurel. My books take on a life of their own. A title
comes to me and something nudges me to sit down and get going. I have no clue what the story
will
be about, or even what is coming up on the next page. I never dream about my books, or plot
ahead.
My methodology reminds me of why I like to read certain books. I can't wait to sit down with the
story to see what will happen next. Of course, when I analyze what I've written it usually reflects
the
things I have pondered in my lifetime. I am a "ponderer."
In Puddles I pondered teenage girls' behavior a lot during and after working at a home for
wayward
teens and raising a daughter influenced me, as well as being a strong willed daughter
myself...Other
things I have pondered that showed up in Puddles are: infidelity, homosexuality, child
pornographers
(having lived in a community where two were caught and convicted), and ministers dealing with
temptations (having been a member of several churches that let go of their ministers due to
unacceptable behavior). I long ago adopted a philosophy that "life is a soap opera," and that (to
me)
became the central theme of my first book, Puddles. Most characters in my books seem to be
blends
of many people I've known or know about; hence the "slice of real life."
As for BJOYFL, I saw the vanity plate with the letters BJOYFL on it and knew it would be the
title
of a book I would write, and I did. I had a conversation with a gal at church one Sunday about
how
exciting her life must be as a single person and she confessed that she would give it up to be
married
and have a family. The look and cry of desperation I witnessed, along with the letters on the
vanity
plate, were what nudged me to start, BJOYFL. I have been married thirty years and it has been a
long time since I was single, but I admit it was fun writing as if "I" was. Writing in first person
made
it feel as if "I" was the main character. I did go back to college during my 30s so that must be
where
I drew from for some of the inspiration.I really can never explain why I write what I write. It just
comes to me.
So, Laurel, yes...my stories do take on a life of their own. This is part of the reason I love to
write. I
also thoroughly enjoy the editing process, which is when I "fiddle" with my fiction and have fun.
Good question, thanks.
LJ for MBR: You said you went to college in your 30s, much like the heroine of BJOYFL. What
were your courses, and what - if any - effect did your education have on your writing?
Lynn: I majored in Writing Arts with a minor in Criminal Justice. The courses I took and/or had
to
take were mostly for nonfiction writing. The assignments I received helped me when I worked at
a
weekly newspaper for three years, and in turn all the writing and interviewing I did for the paper
helped my fiction writing.
I actually did better gradewise on papers I wrote for nonfiction classes while attending college
than
the writing I did in two creative writing classes.
I loved writing a humor column when I worked at the paper. This weekly exercise of creating a
column gave me much practice in using my stream of consciousness, the foundation of my way of
fiction writing.I named my column, "Imagine That." Every week I ended my ramblings with those
two words, "Imagine that." The natural flow or channeling I used to write the column most
closely
resembles my inspirational method of writing fiction; seeing what comes to me and going with
it.
I have been told that I should try to write a nonfiction book, but I really only want to write fiction
books. Thinking about writing nonfiction books bores me. Perhaps I will change my mind at some
point. The best advice about writing a professor told me was that, "less is more."
LJ for MBR: Many authors say that writing the book is easy, it is promoting it that is hard. What
do
you do to market or promote your books?
Lynn: After fantasizing about being a published author for so long, I love every aspect involved,
from writing to promoting my work. Some of the many ways I promote are:spending time
emailing
people, newpapers and businesses about my book; plastering flyers on bulletin boards; passing out
business cards; and most recently setting up a display at the diner (by the door they come in and
go
out through) I run with my husband. I absolutely love to tell people I am a published author and
shamelessly promote my work.
LJ for MBR: If you were talking to a group of aspiring but unpublished authors, what sort of
advice
would you give them?
Lynn: If I was talking to a group of aspiring, unpublished authors I would advise them to forget
about getting published and just write. I spent years worrying more about "getting published" than
writing. When I finally relaxed and stopped worrying or obsessing about getting published, I got
published. The prize is getting the writing right, not getting it published before it is.
LJ for MBR: Someone once said, "Write what you know". Regardless of genre or theme, your
books have an underlying warmth that appeals to me as a reader. The love, support, and nurturing
of
family. The importance of friends to a human's well being. Is that a deliberate aspect you add into
your books, an extension of what you experience in your own life, or both?
Lynn: As an inspirational writer I can't minimize the reality of my method, in that I let go
completely
and write what comes to me. I really don't deliberately set out to write a certain message into my
books or try to convey a particular set of values. The stories obviously are a blending of things "I
know" about but more importantly they seem to be about what some other force (God or my
soul)
seems to want me to know or "get". In other words, I benefit from writing the way I do. I learn
things about life I didn't know before the process of my story writing began. It is as mysterious
and
unexplainable as that to me.
LJ for MBR: What I was trying to get at was the importance of family aspect always woven into
your books. If you don't mind, I wish you would share a little about your family because I know
you
are very proud of them.
Lynn: As for "writing what you know"...I have been married thirty years, have four kids and six
grandkids and that is what comes out in my stories...family.That is what I know a lot about.
My family is my source of pride and purpose. I have sons who are extremely creative; write their
own songs and perform in a band (www.navar.net), along with working full-time jobs and
attending
to their own family obligations.
One of my children joined the family through adoption and was a former foster child, therefore I
have a child in need of a family taken care of in my books, too. Again, I don't plan this, but it
always
shows up. I am still raising my youngest, who is currently in sixth grade.
I dedicated my first book to my parents and my second book to my husband. Family matters to
me.
LJ for MBR: Are you currently working on another book, or in the planning stages of one? If so,
would you give a hint as to it's subject?
Lynn: I am currently working on a new book. I have a respected NY agent interested in reading
100
pages of my new book after having read the first 5. This is wonderful news to an author, but I
only
had 22 pages written. I am working on the 100 pages, now.
The new book is being written by the inspirational method; the way I wrote my first two books,
but...today I experienced a vision of a synopsis and can only explain this new revelation as a sign
from God, since it has never happened before. I still don't know what each new page will be
about,
but I was concerned about getting the pages done and off to the agent. My nervousness was
relieved
with the plot awareness that came to me. Thank God.
My new book began with its title, like the others did, and seems to be about drifters finding their
way and how they interact with one another.
LJ for MBR: Oh, how exciting! A New York agent is every author's dream. So your next book
will
be about drifters, another chance to dig deep into the human psyche, Barry style. Care to divulge
the
working title?
With or without learning the title to your newest book, I'll be bringing the interview to an end. Is
there any question you wish I had asked, or any information you'd like to share with our
readers?
Lynn: The title is Dead Trees. And yes, it is already deep into.....something. Thanks, Laurel. I
have
enjoyed being interviewed.
LJ for MBR: I know you're more than busy, so appreciate this time you set aside for me. Good
luck
with your latest adventure.
Lynn Barry's books - Puddles and BJOYFL - can be found at www.publishamerica.com,
www.amazon.com, and www.bn.com, ordered through wholesale book distributors, or ask for
them
at your favorite bookstore.
Interview with Shel Horowitz:
Interviewer Note: I wanted to interview Shel Horowitz because he edits and selects the content
for
the 1stBooks Library newsletter. In addition to that, he is an author, trained as a journalist, and
specializes in affordable, effective marketing to national audiences.
LJ for MBR: You have so many accomplishments, I barely know where to begin. Tell us first
about
the 1stBooks Library newsletter. How and when did the newletter begin, and do you choose all
the
content?
Shel: A few years ago, I was hired to rewrite some of the author pages for the 1stBooks website.
I
guess they liked what I did, because in early 2002 they approached me about editing the
newsletter,
which is called 1stNews from 1stBooks, and circulates to about 60,000 people. Yes, I choose the
content: I solicit, choose, and edit all the articles. I'm fortunate to know a lot of people in the
independent publishing world, so I've been able to get articles from some of the top names in the
business. My corporate contact will occasionally ask me to include a news item or to run an
article
on a particular topic. I've tried to have one article on financial success (usually marketing but
sometimes tax advice), one article on the craft of writing, plus some inspirational short features to
show how other 1stBooks authors are succeeding. We do two issues a month except in July and
August, when we drop down to one.
LJ for MBR: As a recipient of the 1stBooks newsletter, I can vouch for the fact that it is always
helpful and informative.
Shel: Thanks for the compliment! If any of your readers would like to read back issues, they can
find
the complete archive at http://www.1stbooks.com/backissues/index.html
LJ for MBR: You specialize in affordable, effective marketing to national audiences. Give us an
overview of your business and the tools you use for marketing.
Shel: With pleasure! I write marketing materials and strategic plans for small businesses and
nonprofits, as well as lots of authors and publishers. My focus is always on what will produce the
most desired results, but do so cost-effectively and ethically, and without crossing into hype.
Thus,
my copy focuses heavily on benefits, problems solved, and other human stories the reader can get
involved in.
As a specific example, I was hired to write a press release for a new book on electronic privacy.
Too
many public relations textbooks will tell you to write a headline like "Electronic Privacy Expert
Releases New Book." But that's not NEWS! New books hit the shelves 120,000 times a year, just
in
the U.S. That's a "who cares" headline and goes straight to the recycle bin unless the journalist is
really desperate to fill space. The headline I wrote: "It's 10 O'Clock--Do You Know Where Your
Credit History Is?"
One other difference between me and traditional PR shops is that I only do the copywriting and
planning, not the distribution or follow up--and this enables me to keep my prices absurdly low. I
do
the parts I like and do well--STRATEGIC PLANNING AND COPYWRITING--and the client
either does the rest or outsources it. And it means that authors and small business owners can get
the benefit of professional marketing materials for a very low investment.
Also, for the do-it-yourselfer, there's my book, Grassroots Marketing: Getting Noticed in a Noisy
World. It has a fairly complete course on copywriting, among many other things. It was a
ForeWord
Magazine Book of the Year Award Finalist, incidentally.
As for the specific tools I use, they vary depending on the client's needs. Among those I use most
frequently: press releases, services that tell me what journalists are working on which stories and
need sources for them, pitch letters to journalists, direct-mail letters, Internet discussion groups, a
web site, articles on others' websites, sell sheets, print ads, talk show appearances...oh, the list
goes
on for quite a while!
The important thing is to get the right message to the right people at the right time, and move the
buying decision forward.
LJ for MBR: Congratulations on your book being a finalist in contention for Foreword Magazine
Book of the Year. I know very little about Foreword Magazine. Can you tell us a bit about
it?
Shel: Foreword is a magazine serving the independent publisher community, very nicely done, out
of
Traverse City, Michigan. they have an awards program every year, similar to the Ben Franklin and
the Ippy
LJ for MBR: You mentioned developing marketing tools and plans for authors and publishers.
Many
authors know little about marketing their work, myself included. Based on your experience, what
advice would you give to authors struggling to market themselves or their books?
Shel: 1) Study the market before you go to press--check pricing on similar titles, run the numbers
to
make sure you can compete--your printing costs will be higher per book than someone buying
10,000 copies. 2) Have a marketing plan. Know who your target audience is, what they read and
listen to, where to find them 3) Start keeping files on journalists who cover that beat 4) Find these
communities online and participate, even before the book is ready 5) Also participate in the
independent publisher discussion lists, which are an amazing source of advice from people who've
"been there, done that."
LJ for MBR: Your website, http://www.frugalmarketing.com , has some excellent tips for authors
and anyone needing marketing ideas. I was impressed with the wide range experience reflected
there. Tell us about your background and how you got into marketing.
Shel: In college, I wrote for my school paper. And I've always been very involved with various
"better world" causes, so once I had a tiny bit of journalism training, I started volunteering to do
press and publicity for some of these groups. I learned a lot about "media jujitsu" when one of
these
groups, somewhat controversial, had its meeting notices refused by a local paper--but the paper
gave
front page coverage to our struggle to get into its pages. For the next two years, we were
constantly
in the news pages and the letters column, but not in the calendar. And our membership grew
substantially.
I remember one anti-nuclear group I worked for was so poor, there was no money to mail press
releases (this is 1977, before most people hadaccess to fax or e-mail)--so I delivered press
releases
throughout downtown Providence (where I was living at the time) on my three-speed
bicycle!
When I moved to Massachusetts and opened up my business in 1981, I started applying the
marketing tools I'd learned in the movement to a business setting. It was three years before I even
bothered to get into the Yellow Pages; all the initial marketing was through free/ultra-cheap
methods
like press releases and fliers. I started my business with a $200 overall investment, of which $12
went to publicity, $12 to office supplies, and $176 for a heavily used IBM Selectric typewriter.
Here
it is 21 years later, and I was able to parlay that $12 initial marketing investment into a successful
international copywriting and publishing business. In fact, the first page of my book, Grassroots
Marketing: Getting Noticed in a Noisy World, describes how to start a business with marketing
investments of $10, $100, $1000, and $10,000.
And in the 80s I started paying attention to some of the books on marketing, written by people
like
Jeffrey Lant and Melvin Powers. I realized there was some science involved and began to get a
handle on it. By 1985, I self-published the first of three books on low-cost, high-results
marketing. It
was a pretty terrible book, but it was the kernel of my two later books, both of which are
excellent.
I really got my start in book marketing when I bought my second marketing book, Marketing
Without Megabucks: How to Sell Anything on a Shoestring, back from Simon & Schuster and
had
to start moving copies myself. That was in 1995 and the information in the book was already four
years old. And then 5 years later, Grassroots came out. Meanwhile, I'd developed a reputation as
someone who really knows how to write press releases for books that will get noticed--my stuff
has
been in the NY Times and Publisher's Weekly, among other places. And incidentally, I'm putting
the
finishing touches on a new marketing book right now, about the idea that you can succeed best
when you really work on the human factor - and even your competitors can turn into very good
allies. I haven't finalized the title yet, but it's getting great feedback. I already have blurbs from
Jack
Canfield, (Chicken Soup), and the editor of Writer's Digest, among others. Since so many major
corporations seem to have forgotten about ethics, cooperation, and customer satisfaction, I think
the
time is ripe for this book.
LJ for MBR: I'd say you fit the description of a "self-made man". You took your strengths and
built
a business. One aspect of your answer intrigued me - the part about buying your book back from
Simon and Schuster. Many authors think that once they make it to the majors, they have it made
but
I have often had doubts about that. Can you share a bit more about that experience?
Shel: Glad you asked! I found an agent who sold Marketing Without Megabucks: How to Sell
Anything on a Shoestring to Simon & Schuster in 1991, and it was published in 1993. They did
virtually nothing to promote it, although they did get it reviewed in two significant markets:
Library
Journal and the Christian Science Monitor--but other than that they left it to me to promote.
This is a book that, with the right promotion and the resources of a giant publisher, should have
easily sold 10,000 copies a year every year for five years. However, there was no incentive for me
as
an author to do any serious promotion (I did some, at the beginning). But in two years, when
they'd
sold about 8,000 copies, they remaindered it. I had a contract clause giving me the right to buy
back
inventory at their printing cost. So I bought all the remaining copies and have been selling them
ever
since. It's still a good book, though of course it's pre-Internet and a lot less comprehensive than
Grassroots Marketing: Getting Noticed in a Noisy World. I kept it alive with an e-mail
update--one
of the first e-books, actually--and then once I got the contract for Grassroots, I stopped selling
the
update and told people about the forthcoming book. And once the new one was out, I dropped
the
price of Marketing Without Megabucks. I still have a couple of hundred of them that I offer to
people hiring me as a speaker, very cheaply, or to retail customers at a deep discount.
One interesting thing: I was able to get significant coverage for an old book. As recently as
1999--eight years after I turned in the manuscript--Bottom Line did a three-page story on the
ideas
in Marketing Without Megabucks. After that I stopped pushing it, because I concentrated on
getting
press for Grassroots.
LJ for MBR: On your website, you say you are a "frugalist". What exactly is a frugalist?
Shel: I coined that word. Someone who lives his or her life in accordance with the principles of
frugality. Four of my SIX books are about being frugal--either frugal marketing or frugal fun.
Now,
let's clarify: frugal doesn't mean stingy, it doesn't mean deprived. I have a rich and satisfying life,
filled with blessings--but it seems I spend a lot less to achieve that than others. For instance, I love
to travel--and my wife and I took a six-day trip to Greece, spending only $400 total to get there,
stay there, eat there, tour the attractions, and bring back souvenirs. The story of how I did that is
on
the Frugal Fun Tipsheet Archive page at
http://www.frugalfun.com>http://www.frugalfun.com
LJ for MBR: You say you plan to self publish and outsource the print runs. Authors are told
literary
circles "frown" on self published books so we all shy away from that if possible. You are a
successful author and businessman. Tell our readers why you have an affinity for self
publishing.
Shel: I will publish any way it makes sense for a particular book. I self-published my first
marketing
book because I wanted to learn the process (and did a lot of stupid things because I didn't yet
know
where to access resources on how to do it right--I was in my 20s). I had already published one
book
with a small commercial house, but FOR the next book, after deciding I was a lousy publisher, I
got
an agent who sold it to a NYC big house. My third book, The Penny-Pinching Hedonist: How to
Live Like Royalty with a Peasant's Pocketbook, I would have gladly published traditionally, but
my
agent couldn't find a publisher for it so I did it myself. I did a much better job on that, but still,
that
was several years ago and I think I can do a lot better now. My fourth book was a fortuitous
accident. I approached a publisher on the floor of Book Expo of America because I thought his
house would be a good fit to republish the Hedonist book--but he was more interested in having
me
revise my marketing book, so that's how Grassroots came to be. They were a wonderful house to
work with, except that the advance was small--but since I'd planned on self-publishing, it was
money
in my pocket--and we worked out an amazing contract that left me with all rights except the
bookstore and library markets, where I don't do much anyway--and I also got a very good deal on
copies I could purchase and resell.
For this new book, I told my agent to please try to sell book club and foreign rights, but that I'd
only
consider selling the US rights if there was a very significant advance. For this book, I did not want
to give up control. A year or two after the book is out, when it has a track record, I could sell it
off,
but at that point I'll be able to negotiate from a position of strength, and keep control.
As to your second sentence--yes, there is a prejudice against self-published books--but gorgeous,
well-edited, well-produced books with useful info on timely subjects can overcome that prejudice.
There are many, many stories of famous best-sellers that started as self-published, including the
Christmas Box, Celestine Prophecies, and many others.
LJ for MBR: Is there is any question you wish I had asked, or any information you would like to
share with our readers. For example, do you have any new projects on the back burner?
Shel: I was hoping you'd ask me that! I've just finished the manuscript for a new book that I'm
extremely excited about. The working title is Marketing As If People Matter: Choosing to Profit
Cooperatively and Ethically. It's a book on ethical and cooperative marketing--not a specific
how-to
book like most of my others, but a business think book. It's not a big, thick book--but I think it
has
the potential to revolutionize the business world! And from a publishing point of view, I'm
approaching this with a very different strategy from my previous books. I want to publish it
myself,
beautifully, and sell a whole lot of copies (though starting with small runs so I'm not sitting on
inventory)--and then, down the road, I can negotiate a resale with a domestic publisher. I expect
to
go to press with a ton of endorsements, attempt to win some awards a year later--but I will
completely outsource the bookstore piece, probably to Biblio or Lightning Source.
Another project: I'm getting low on my book on Frugal Fun, which I self-published traditionally. I
will keep the entire old volume available as an e-book, but also HOPE TO take the revised and
updated content and break it into a series of smaller branded books covering different aspects of
frugal fun. The first will probably be called Travel Cheap!
LJ for MBR: Good luck with all your projects, Shel. I'll remind our readers that your websites are
http://www.frugalfun.com and http://www.frugalmarketing.com Thanks for agreeing to this
interview and taking time for me.
Shel: You're welcome.
Interview with Tracy Sutterer:
Tracy Sutterer is the author of one published book, The Contingency of Power, and an educator
in
South Dakota. Tracy developed, promoted, and oversees a creative writing program for teens in
her
school district. This interview deals mainly with the creative writing program and its effect on her
students.
LJ for MBR: What gave you the idea originally to develop this special program and ask authors to
participate as mentors? Tell us how you went about it.
Tracy: One of the things good educators do is take what really excites them and adapt it for use in
the classroom. It's the same thing that happens to a writer when he/she goes to a writer's
conference.
That writer learns a new concept and tries to adapt it to his/her own writing style in order to make
the writing better. I am always looking for concepts that meet my class criteria, but also incites
interest within my students.
I started writing my book while in the spring semester of 2001. I learned a very great deal about
writing a book and having it published while in this process. I'm still learning about this subject. I
don't think it's possible to know everything about it. My book was published in March of 2002. I
then began learning some methods of promotion.
In January of 2002, I was still in the cover stage of my book when I got the idea of my program.
Through the process of publishing with PublishAmerica, I became associated with a core group of
authors that had published with the same company. Through emails, I had gained friendships with
these authors and those friendships have grown since.
The idea for my program just kind of hit me. I didn't know exactly how to make it work, but I
knew
that it would be beneficial for my students. I took the idea to my Principal first. She and I
developed
the concept into a working project. There were, of course, legalities that needed to be worked out
first. After my Principal gave me the ok, I sent an email to eight of my author friends from
PublishAmerica to see if there would be enough interest from them to make it work. I was very
pleased that all of them said yes almost immediately. I then told my fellow teachers what I was
planning to do. They were all supportive as well. I sent out an announcement to the students and
my
program began.
To be honest, I wasn't at all sure how many students would respond. I thought that my eight
authors would be able to handle the amount of students with ease. I was wrong. My program
took
off like a shot out of gun. I soon had more students than my authors could handle. I then asked
for
more authors to help me. By the end of the school year, I had 24 students in my program with 15
authors assisting me.
My program is pretty simplistic really. It does take a great deal of my time though. It's important
to
note that my students do this on a volunteer basis. They are not graded for this program. They do
it
on their own time which in my view makes them more dedicated to their craft. I, in turn, do not
get
paid for the extra time I spend on this program. I do it voluntarily as well, but the joy my students
display is far more rewarding than any monetary gain.
Basically, my program is done through emails. I have students that write poetry, short stories,
and
essays. My students give me their work. I type it in an email to their author mentor and send it to
that author. The author reviews the student's work and makes suggestions on making it better and
sends that review back to me. I make a copy of the email and give it to the student. I am in charge
of
all the emails going out and in. The student doesn't write to the author directly and the author
doesn't write to the student directly. It is because of this that the program works. My superiors
demanded that everything go through me so it would not create a legal problem in the future.
LJ for MBR: What guidelines do you use to pair up students with authors?
Tracy: There are some aspects that I take into consideration before I pair the authors and
students. I
consider the strengths of both parties first. If I get a student that writes Science Fiction, for
example,
I place that student with an author that writes in the same genre. This gives the student an author
who knows precisely what works and what doesn't. The majority of my kids write poetry. So I
place
them with authors who write and critique poetry.
Another consideration I make is personality. I try very hard to pair kids up with the author or
authors that will appreciate their personality traits. For example, I place my more sensitive
students
with authors that I know will take that into consideration while critiquing them. I also work with a
great many students that describe the horrors of their own lives in great detail. I place them with
the
author or authors that I know can relate to those events.
I also have to think about the needs of my authors as well as my students. All of my authors do
this
voluntarily. I don't pay them. I ask them all to give me a number of students that they want to
mentor. I try very hard to respect that number. I give them as many students as they believe they
can
handle. I couldn't do this program without them. In my view, the authors make my program the
way
it is. I love them a lot. So do my kids.
LJ for MBR: This is your second school year into the program. What is your assessment as to
how
effective it has been so far, and does the school system continue to support it?
Tracy: All right. I guess I need to back the truck up. I work in an alternative high school program.
There are three buildings in which this program takes place. I currently work in two of these
buildings. Our program is part of the whole school district, but I don't work in the 'traditional'
school
setting. The kids I work with are, for lack of a better phrase, 'at risk.' They, for a number of
different
reasons, were not successful in the 'traditional' high schools. Some were in trouble with the law
which made them behind in their credits. Some skipped too much school, while others had severe
illnesses or a death in the family that prevented them from completing certain credits. Our job in
the
alternative program is to give these students the opportunity to pick up the credits they have
missed
so that they can graduate. With this in mind, I work with a sometimes difficult group of kids. Our
class sizes are smaller and the kids have to apply to the Academy in order to get in. We don't just
take anybody. I presently, teach Drama 1, English 9, English 10, and Reading.
Our school district, as well as other ones from across the nation, has placed a major push on the
reading and writing test scores of its students. My program supports the raising of these scores.
Because of that, my superiors have been very supportive of my program.
I started this year with 15 authors. I thought since I needed more last year that 15 would be a
good
number. Well, I was wrong again. I now have 18 authors with 31 kids so far in the program. I
keep
the emails going in and out on files in my email. Last year between January and May, I sent out
and
received more than 750 emails. So far this year, from September to the end of November, I have
sent out and received a little over 650. That's a lot of emails.
I judge the success of my program on two basic factors. One of those factors is the reaction of
my
kids to this program. You have to keep in mind that the majority of my kids have no healthy role
models in their lives. I cannot begin to tell you the joy I feel when I watch a kid's face light up
after
reading an email from his/her author. That's truly indescribable. So for my kids this is really two
fold.
First they have someone reading their work and giving some very powerful feedback and
secondly,
they have someone that truly cares about them. My kids ask the authors questions that don't just
include the writing process. They ask about life in general and the feedback they get is absolutely
heart warming. My kids know that I'm a published author. They have seen my book, but they
don't
see me the same way. While I have a very good relationship with them, they see me as a teacher.
They place their mentors on a pedestal of sorts. It's wonderful to see and hear the amount of joy
and
respect that my kids have for their mentors.
The other factor I take into account is feedback from my authors. I keep an open communication
with them at all times. They make suggestions that help me a great deal.
There are other additions that I plan on making and more things I want to do. I plan to start a
Writer's Group at school for instance. My long range plans include published work with all of my
students contributing. I would eventually like to take my kids through the process of writing a
manuscript and getting it published. That project is a ways down the road, but I have every
intention
of doing it.
Have I been successful so far? Yeah. I think so.
LJ for MBR: As a mentor in your program, I can agree with your statement regarding the abilities
of
your students. I have been awed by the caliber of writing I see in these young people. Raw, heart
rending, painfully honest, amazing, imaginative are a few descriptive terms that come to mind. In
your estimation as teacher, what more could the system do to encourage such gifts in our
children?
By system, I mean school, legal system, and society as a whole.
Tracy: In my view? I tend to state things pretty straight up so I will continue that process while
answering this question. I was called into my Principal's office one morning last fall. My Principal
and two of my fellow teachers were in the office and wanted to discuss one young man that was
creating some major problems in another class. They needed a place for this student to go because
his current classroom environment was not working out for him or the teacher in the room. I
didn't
know this young man at all. As my boss put it, "He's disruptive. He talks constantly and he has
been
giving his teacher a real hard time. He's a real pain. We would like him to spend that period in
your
room. He's your type of kid." And he is. He's opinionated, disruptive, creative, a real pain to have
in
class and I love him to death. I have several young men just like him that hang around me all the
time. I have some young ladies as well that do the same thing. To me they're my sons and
daughters
and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm not the only teacher in the building who feel like this. As
a
matter of fact, all of the teachers I work with are the same way. The kids I don't reach will be
reached by one of my colleagues. We all have sons and daughters. My point to this story is simple
really. If you want the young people in your communities to have a chance at a healthy life, they
need healthy role models to show them the way. They need adults who are willing to spend time
with them and those adults don't need to be teachers. They can be of any profession. That's one of
the many things that I love about my program. It offers my kids more opportunities to meet
healthy
adults who are willing to help and prepare them for a better existence. So in other words, get
involved with the kids in your communities. If you help just one kid, you have performed a
tremendous service to both the kid and yourself. Think about that.
The second major point to this question comes from a simple, clear cut fact of life. When state
budgets are cut, one of the first places to feel the effects is in the realm of education. This causes a
trickle down effect. The state cuts its funds to education and that cut has to come from the school
districts of that state. When teacher positions are eliminated, class sizes go up. That doesn't help
the
student's ability to learn at all. Generally, the first courses that are cut are in the areas of Fine Arts,
Speech/Debate, and Music. If we want our students to be creative thinkers and problem solvers,
why do we take away the classes that offer to teach them those skills? The truth is that teachers
are
underpaid, overworked, and asked to perform tasks that Superman wouldn't want to attempt. If
we
want educated young people, we need to finance their public education adequately to fulfill those
needs. The phrase "you get what you pay for" comes to mind here.
LJ for MBR: Many of the at risk students you work with are quite intelligent and insightful. They
have excellent vocabularies and vivid imaginations. Do your students read many books? If so,
what
are their interests? Classics? Contemporary?
Tracy: Some of my students are avid readers. Mainly they read from one or more of the following
genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Nonfiction. Tolkien, King, and Poe are the most
favored writers. I have students (mostly young ladies) that like nonfiction selections. They read
biographies of celebrities for the most part.
The classics are not usually picked up by my kids. They prefer the more contemporary selections
on
my shelves. My students also like plots that involve characters that are their own age. They relate
to
the subject matter in a more favorable manner.
LJ for MBR: You mentioned the contribution of the arts - literature and music in particular - and
how such offerings always seem to be the first to be cut from school curriculum. I would think the
success of your special course and the blossoming of certain participating students would be a
positive example. Is there anything that one person or small group can do to further and expand
such
programs?
Tracy: The best and easiest way for an individual or group to help is to volunteer in the school
system closest to them. Writers are always needed. An individual or group could give
presentations
or workshops for young people interested in improving their talents. This approach also works for
any area of the arts. For those really ambitious and dedicated artists out there, there are programs
done through the state governments for "Artists in the Schools." Grants are awarded to
individuals
and groups who help school programs in these areas. Presently, we have a young lady who is
helping some of our students paint murals on our school walls. She is paid by a grant through the
state. We often have visiting actors helping our theatre students. We recently had a woman come
in
and give a presentation on her biking trip across Africa. These are just some examples. We also
have
groups that sponsor our student of the month programs. Volunteering is the key to making it all
work.
LJ for MBR: Where do you see yourself as educator and author five years from now?
Tracy: Wow. Good question. To be honest, I'm not at all sure. I just signed up with a nearby
college
to start my Master's program. With any luck, I'll have my Masters in two years. I will be teaching
as
long as I'm driven to do so. Right now, I love my job and can't see myself doing anything else, but
life has a habit of changing at a drop of a hat for me. I certainly hope that my drive and my love
for
my job continues. As long as I continue to learn and grow, I'll keep on doing it.
As for my writing, my first novel, The Contingency of Power, has gotten good reviews. I'm very
happy with the success I've had with that. My second novel, Reap The Whirlwind, is being
considered by my publishing company at the moment. I hope they will accept it soon. I'm
currently
writing the first book in a trilogy about three brothers in Scotland. I'm having fun with that. I hope
to publish a book of poetry one of these days. I guess as long as the ideas keep coming into my
mind, I'll keep writing. I love doing it.
LJ for MBR: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any other information you would like
to
share with our readers?
Tracy: I would like to thank you, Laurel, for giving my program so much attention. I never
dreamed
when I started it that so many people would become involved. I've had several people both in the
city I work in and on the net ask me about it. I've even been asked to help start other programs
like
this in different parts of the U.S. That's pretty exciting.
My focus is on my kids. I want them to have opportunities that I never had. I want them to feel
good about themselves and to embrace and develop their talents. I'm very proud of them and what
they have accomplished.
I have long ranging goals with this program so it doesn't stagnate. I would like to have a
published
book with their work in it. I want to start writer's groups within our school. Both of these plans
are
in my head and are a ways off, but not impossible. I don't believe in impossibilities. The ideas are
just
not fully developed yet. There's no limit to the creative powers of the human mind.
LJ for MBR: A much quoted TV spot seems appropriate here. "A mind is a terrible thing to
waste."
In the richest, most powerful country in the world, young minds should have every opportunity
available in education. Thank you for your part in that. And thank you for taking time for this
interview.
Laurel Johnson
Reviewer/Interviewer
Midwest Book Review
Klausner's Bookshelf
Wed And Buried
Toni L.P. Kelner
Kensington
ISBN 1575668408, $22.00, 269 pp.
It has been seven months since Richard and Laura have given birth to their daughter Alice but
they
are still basking in the afterglow and are acting like typical doting parents. Laura has no intention
of
leaving her Boston home and going to visit her relatives in her hometown of Byerly. However,
when
she gets a call saying that Aunt Margie eloped with the town's wealthiest citizen Big Bill Walters,
The Flemings hightail it to Byerly as fast as they can. When they arrive in the Carolinas, Maggie
tells
them that there have been three attempts made on her husband's life so they married so she can
legitimately watch his back. Laura and Richard, who have solved many a murder case in Byerly,
immediately tells them will find out who wants Maggie's husband dead. Over the years, Bill has
made many enemies but nobody seemingly with a strong enough motive to kill him so Laura and
the
local police decide to bait a trap and see what they catch. Laura has so many relatives living in
Byerly that they are each taking turns watching Alice while her parents investigates a crime. Lice
steals the show without saying a word. Byerly is a small southern town located in North Carolina
with an ambiance of genteel civility and welcome. Toni L.P. Kelner has written another
delightfully
adorable amateur sleuth tale. Wed And Buried is a quirky, quaint, and refreshing novel.
Death By Chocolate
G.A. McKevett
Kensington
ISBN 0575667126, $22.00, 256 pp.
She comes from McGill, Georgia but Savannah Reid migrated to California to gain independence
from her large and needy family. She is a full-figured woman who is conformable in her own
skins.
Her idol is Lady Eleanor, the queen of chocolates, who makes mouth watering desserts on her
television show and sells her chocolates in her specialty shops. When Eleanor starts getting death
threats, she hires Savannah as her bodyguard and to find who is sending the frightening letters.
When Savannah finally gets to meet Eleanor, she is very disappointed because the woman is a
mean-spirited, spiteful virago. Her husband left her for another woman, her twin sister doesn't
visit
her, and her own daughter refuses to venture near her. The only person who seems to love
Eleanor
is her six-year-old granddaughter. Yet when somebody murders her, Savannah feels obligated to
find
out who killed her because she died while her bodyguard was only yards away from her. Savannah
Reid is a mixture of Southern California cool and Southern Georgia sentiment. A person has to
admire this protagonist because even though she didn't like her client very much, she works extra
hard to find out whom her killer was. There are so many legitimate suspects that the reader won't
be
able to deduce whom the culprit is until the shocking climax. Death By Chocolate is G.A.
McKevett
at her very best.
I Brake For Bad Boys
Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, and Shannon McKenna
Kensington
ISBN: 0758204175, $14.00, 320 pp.
"Drive Me Wild" by Lori Foster. Her two buddies are with their soulmates after visiting the sex
shop
so the pressure is on Erica Lee, but no man has the guts to venture into her turf of sarcastic skin
ripping. No one except Ian Conrad who knows the women's game of fulfilling a fantasy. He plans
a
weekend with Erica that he hopes will last a lifetime. Strong ending to an Indiana sex shop trio of
novellas. "Something Wild" by Janelle Denison. Ever since Jill Richardson joined the company as
a
contractor, Eric Wilde has spun fantasies about her that Jill rejects as she once was burned when
she
mixed business with pleasure. With the contract nearly ended, Eric offers to maintain a
professional
relationship on the job, but at night play erotic games together. Jill's agreement breaks her
personal
vow while readers will enjoy the heat emanating from this tale. "Touch Me" by Shannon
McKenna.
Masseuse Tess Langley rejects the advances of Jonah Markham because she sees sexual scratch
marks on his back as a warning. Jonah desperately offers tons of cash if she provide massages to
guests at a party he hosts. However, no one but he shows up. Though the baggage is
overwhelming,
this fine tale that will send readers seeking a retreat with their significant other I Brake For Bad
Boys is a heated frolic that lives up to its predecessor anthology I Love Bad Boys, not an easy
task
to accomplish with the level of fun torridly fired up by the previous collection.
Simply Irresistible
Kristine Grayson
Zebra Books
ISBN: 0821771485, $6.50, 320 pp.
The three Fates (Lachesis, Atropos, and Clitho) arrive at Vivian Kinelly's Portland home seeking
help from her Aunt Eugenia who recently died. The trio was stripped of their magical power for
one
year in an effort to bring some competition into the magical realm in an effort to revitalize it in the
age of scientific skepticism. Now someone is trying to kill them while they lack the ability to
perform
magic. The threesome realizes that Vivian is not ready to be their champion so they ask her to find
master magician Henry Baron, owner of a local pet store under the name of Dexter Grant. Vivian
explains to Dexter what is going on and he knows she is the soul mate he has waited an eternity
for.
Sparks fly between them even as they intercede in an effort to keep the "retired" Fates from harm.
Readers will find Simply Irresistible simply irresistible because the whimsical story line contains
characters that make magic so real that it feels more like a branch of science. The story line never
takes itself seriously while providing sub-genre fans with an amusing war of the magicians
(reminiscent of the Corman's movie The Raven). The lead couple is a charmed pair who one does
not need a crystal ball to feel they belong together. However, the three Fates and the new wave
substitutes turn Kristine Grayson's fun plot into a jocular joyful experience.
Thicker Than Water
P.J. Parrish
Pinnacle
ISBN 0786014202, $6.99, 368 pp.
Two decades ago Jack Cade was convicted of raping and murdering fifteen- year-old Kitty Jagger
as
his pick axe was the murder weapon and her bloody panties with his blood type were found on in
his
truck. Rather than go to trial and risk the Florida electric chair, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter
and was sentenced to twenty years in the state pen. He served his sentence and is released from
prison. A few days after gaining his freedom, the police arrest Jack for the murder of his defense
attorney Spencer Duvall. Ronnie Cade hires unlicensed private investigator Louis Kincaid to find
evidence to clear his father. After gaining access to all the evidence, Louis is convince that Jack
Cade did not do the current homicide or kill Kitty Jagger. He embarks upon a quest to find Kitty's
killer, one that if he's successful he believes will clear Jack on both murder charges. When Louis is
able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, he vows to see that justice occurs though it means
breaking the laws he was once swore to uphold. Thicker Than Water is a fast-paced crime thriller
that starts out at hyperspeed and never eases off the throttle. The protagonist is an honorable
person
who believes that justice needs assistance because the law is not always right which is one of the
reasons he no longer wears a badge. There are plenty of suspects for both crimes including Jack,
but
it isn't until the last chapter that the real killer is revealed. P.J. Parrish's novels will appeal to
readers
who like James Patterson and Michael Connelly.
Rumpole Rests His Case
John Mortimer
Viking Press
ISBN: 0670031399, $24.95, 224 pp.
As a barrister, Horace Rumpole faces the difficult challenges of new age crimes in this delightful
anthology with his brain, a cheroot, and a shot of Old Bailey. Horace deals with an aristocratic
former blackmailer, an illegal alien fighting exportation that means death, a politician facing ruin
due
to alleged drug usage and the modern stalker using e-mail as the source of contact. As anyone can
see, he defends a series of peculiar clients. However, all is not great for Horace who collapses in
the
midst of a courtroom, placing him under greater control of his general officer and concerned wife
Hilda. It is hard to believe that six years have passed since the last Rumpole tale, but the myriad of
his loyal followers will rejoice that he is as sharp as ever. Horace narrates the tales that are mostly
his first person perceptions. Scenes flash by at a rapid rate more so than the typical legal thriller
contains which makes for a fast delightful reading experience. Simply put, John Mortimer keeps
his
superstar charming and witty so hopefully we fans will not have to wait quite as long for his next
appearance.
The Terra-Cotta Dog
Andrea Camilleri
Viking Press
ISBN: 0670031380, $19.95, 192 pp.
Small time drug dealer and brothel owner Gege Gulotta arranges a meeting between his old
schoolmate Sicilian police inspector Salvo Montalbano and Mafiosi big shot Gaetano "Tano The
Greek" Bennici. Tano asks Salvo to fake a raid and arrest him because he needs to go to the
hospital
for an illness without losing face among his peers. Though he has some doubts about becoming
Faustus, Salvo agrees. The simple performance of acting out the arrest of Tano almost collapses
as
Salvos' troops trip over one another. However, Tano's enemies manage to kill him anyway, but
not
before Salvo follows clues to a cave where a cache of loot and illegal arms are found right next to
another cave where the remains of two lovers killed several decades ago lie next to a terra-cotta
dog. Salvo begins his investigation in his droll style, which means search the literature as much or
more so than interrogating those linked to the case. The second Inspector Montalbano case is a
strong police procedural due to the lead character, who is sort of similar to Colombo though a lot
more wittier. The investigation will entertain readers, but mostly because Salvo is a great
character.
How can you not like someone whose preference is quiet time alone to finish a Barcelona
detective
story rather than deal with mobsters or search caves for clues. Fans of refreshing lively police
investigations will want to obtain this novel as well Andrea Camilleri's previous Salvo book, The
Shape Of Water.
The Truest Power
Rebecca Neason
Aspect
ISBN: 0446611336, $6.99, 462 pp.
Lysandra the Seer, her companion Cloud Dancer the Wolf and Renan the Priest have stopped
Baron
Giraldus and his sorcerer Aurya in their effort to have the Baron named as the High King. Perhaps
more critical they have found the heir to the throne of Aghamore, Selia. However, proof of her
ascendancy remains limited to the prophecy of the Thirteenth Scroll of Tambryn naming the Font
of
Wisdom. Since she does not know how to use her powers being inexperienced in magic and
politics,
many especially the barons do not agree to the naive lass sitting on the throne left unoccupied
since
King Anri died without a child. Still, if Selia persuades the Archbishop of her right as the next
monarch, she will fulfill her destiny. However, devious Bishop-ordinary Elon Gallivan assisted by
his
lackeys Giraldus and Aurya control the Archbishop through forbidden evil beings. At the same
time,
the barons and an invading army say otherwise. Fans of epic fantasy battles between good and evil
will want to read The Truest Power, a delightful sequel to the wonderful The Thirteenth Scroll.
Though the book stands alone, as with many series in this genre, it is better to peruse the first
novel
before devouring this tale as the prequel sets the stage for book two. Still the story line is filled
with
adventure, much of the magical in nature. The key good guys seem authentic even those yielding
non-human powers while the malevolence is as nasty as they get. If the first two books are any
indicators Rebecca Neason will beguile are enslaved audience with her next tale.
A Prince Of The Aerie
John Barnes
Aspect
ISBN 0446610828, $6.99, 316 pp.
Fifteen hundred years into the future, mankind has not only reached the stars, humanity has tamed
them. Mercury is mined for the precious metals needed by the rest of the galaxy and most people
live past three centuries. Marik Space station is the hive and the Aerie house billion of people
living
on many artificial worlds. Politics remain much the same in the thirty- sixth century as it does in
the
present day and there is a great need for the PSA located in the Hive to train intelligent agents.
Jak
Jininaka and his friend Dujou are agents-in-training who need to practice their skills in order to
complete the Junior Task. The opportunity arrives when Princess Shyf of Greenworld sends him a
message saying she needs his help. Jak and Dujou race to the rescue only to find the message was
a
hoax. When an operative sends a message to Greenworld saying trouble is brewing, Jak and
Dujou
are sent to investigate. They find out that Jak's greatest enemy is trying to establish himself as
ruler
of that planet. The two PSA trainees devise a plan that will foil his scheme and hope they live to
see
it succeed because after all they want to pass their Junior Task. Set in a far distant future where
anything is possible, Jak sets out on a quest to help a friend and finds himself placed in the
princess's
harem considered raunchy, but the scenes are played for laughs. In fact, John Barnes does a
brilliant
job satirizing space operas in general as a final send off salute to Star Wars and the numerous
clones.
Gentleman Caller
Bobby Hutchinson
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525003, $6.99, 376 pp.
To support herself and her baby Graham, Maxine Bleckner provides phone sex to her clients
under
the name India McBride. She needs eight to ten customers every day talking to her over her 900
number for at least twenty minutes to buy diapers and baby food. In spite of walking her infant
while
on the phone with paying studs, her business has become so successful; she has hired an
employee.
However, Maxine worries about the future once Graham becomes of an age where he
understands
how she puts food on the table. Vancouver Star assigns reporter Harry Watson, single father of a
three year old daughter, to investigate phone sex. Though he has no experience in this safe sex,
Harry calls Maxine, but he cannot bring himself to discuss his libido. Instead he wants to just talk
to
an adult. As Maxine and Harry begin to fall in love over her 900 number (and the Star's business
account), both worry that if they are to meet, they will see the child in each one's life ending the
relationship before it began in person. Gentleman Caller is a funny creative romance that is at its
best
when Maxine fakes heat as she changes a diaper. The story line works amusingly well when the
couple talks over the phone while tending to their respective child though a sidebar involving
another couple with intriguing commitment problems takes away from the prime tale. Still Bobby
Hutchinson furnishes a wild romantic romp that sasses modern sexual not in the flesh encounters
at
two cents a page.
Cupid.Com
Karen Lee
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505524821, $5.99, 305 pp.
Psyche is disappointed in the track record of her husband stupid Cupid as divorce rates are
climbing
to record levels, couples live together without marital vows, and numerous claim they are not in
love. She blames the mess on her spouse still living in the world of the ancients. He needs to
modernize his methods to confront technology's interference in the game of love for people who
no
longer believe that all they need is love. Their father's will is quite specific. Chloe Phillips is to run
Creative Investments while her brother Oz will manage the rest of the firm. Oz worries that his
sister
will ignore the fiscal perspective and hurt their company. He hires consultant A.J. Lockhart to
keep
Creative Investments out of the red. Chloe obtains a new software program, e-Cupid that reveals
a
person's true love. Formerly accepting that the elusive butterfly will never visit her, Chloe learns
from her program that A.J. is the stud that lights her fire. As she stands in the shadows of love,
she
finds love hurts because she knows he is her sibling's stooge. Worse e-cupid has every male who
meets Chloe falling in love with her. Fans in need of an uplifting amusing All I Need Is Love
romance that brings Cupid into the technology information age will enjoy Cupid.com. The tale is
funny fluff as Karen Lee plays it totally for laughs. Chloe and A.J. make a charming couple who
comes together over the fiasco caused by e-Cupid. Readers needing escape from the holidays will
cherish a moment's pleasure with this whimsical treasure.
Lord Of The Dark Sun
Stobie Piel
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525054, $5.99, 358 pp.
To celebrate graduation from the Intersystem Academy, Princess Ariana persuades her friends to
journey to the outpost of the Border Territory. However, instead of fun at the infamous Lodder
Vale, Automons, using a strange gas, capture Princess Ariana and her shipmates. Ariana knows
her
father will come after her with every force the Intersystem can muster even as she is transported
to
Mining Colony Fifteen. At the slave camp, the men seem identically beaten souls except for one
colonist who displays dignity and honor. Ariana begins to fall in love with this slave and together
they escape, but he is recaptured. A decade later, Ariana knows she loves her former slave mate
and
returns to find him though she believes the colony was destroyed. The nameless slave now using
the
moniker Damen escaped and has become a pirate. He captures Ariana, but the passion they shared
ten years explodes into a deep love. Howeverowever, each keeps secrets that if revealed will
probably end their relationship before it can flourish. Lord Of The Dark Sun is a terrific,
action-packed romantic science fiction romance that fans of the author will enjoy while turning on
new readers to the talent of Stobie Piel. The story line will appeal to both the romance and alien
world audience because the non-earthly environs and species seem real and the star-crossed lovers
strengthens that authenticity. Though the pirate spin seems unnecessary with all the outer space
adventure already packed in the novel, Ms. Piel spins a solar heated tale that shows she is one of
the
top cross-genre authors under the White Sun.
Whatever It Takes
Winnie Grimes
Leisure
ISBN 0843951389, $5.99, 320 pp.
In 1894 Pepper Cloud Missouri, widow Maddy Potter plans to never remarry. Instead, Maddy is a
do-gooder always rescuing some needy person or animal. Her latest charge, seven-year-old Katie,
gets inside Maddy's heart so she wants to adopt the child, but knows a single woman has no
chance
of approval. She concocts a plot to insure her success because she believes that a female engaged
to
marry will persuade the adoption board into believing a man is there to take care of the child.
Maddy
hires a gentleman to woo her, propose, but jilt her at the altar. Her friend sends her brother
Clayton
Kincaid to act as Maddy's beau. Clay thinks that Maddy is another of his mother's matchmaking
ploys, but after seeing her in a revealing dress, he agrees to her whirlwind courtship idea. As
Maddy
and Clay fall in love, he doubts that her home is safe enough to raise a child. Even if it costs him
his
heart he will insure that Katie is protected. What makes Winnie Grimes latest tale more than just
an
enjoyable late nineteenth century Americana romance is the eccentric cast who bring to life the era
as few novels do. Maddy is a delightful character using the armor of widowhood to fend off males
and to enable her to live an off-center lifestyle. Maddy's bunkmates (human and animal) provide
the
means for the audience to see the depths to Maddy's soul. Clay has flaws, "debts", and concerns
that
turn him into a caring person. Sub-genre fans will win with the amusing with a serious underlying
theme Whatever It Takes.
Death In The Family
Jill McGown
Ballantine
ISBN 0345458486, $22.95, 320 pp.
Detective Chief Inspector Judy Hill and her lover DCI "appalling first name" Lloyd had to cancel
their wedding because their baby came four weeks early. Charlotte Frances is an adorable cherub
and her father is totally besotted with her while Judy is constantly worrying whether she should go
back to work or be a stay at home mom. While pondering her dilemma, an au pair girl cries out
that
her baby has been stolen. The crime hits Judy hard because the seventeen-year-old watcher was
not
only negligent but also because she knows the infant and the mother. At almost the same time
across
town, Lloyd is at the scene of a homicide identified as Leslie Newton and an accident victim.
Leslie's
lover Ian Waring undergoes surgery after he is stabilized. There are many suspects but Lloyd
really
does not know who committed the murder. If it were not for startling circumstances involving the
kidnapped baby, the case would have been solved much sooner. Jill McGown writes some of the
best British police procedurals on the market today and Death In The Family is one of her better
ones. The personal relationship between the two DCIs and their love for their daughter will appeal
to fans that gain pleasure from a warm, well-written romantic police procedural. Readers will
never
guess who the killer is but they will be glad to see that an innocent person obtains the justice he
deserves.
Stars & Stripes Triumphant
Harry Harrison
Ballantine
ISBN 034540937X, $24.95, 256 pp.
The American Civil War is cut short when England invaded the split United States causing the
South
to rejoin with the North into one nation again to successfully repel the enemy. England attacks
again, this time through Mexico. To get the British troops off American soil, the United States
invades Ireland, forcing the English troops to return home and fight in Ireland. The British troops
were no match for the Americans and Ireland became a free nation, independent of Great Britain
once and for all. England is now a brooding giant harassing American shipping that sell cotton to
Germany and France. The Irish in England, men, women and children are rounded up and put in
concentration camps. Through intelligence reports, it becomes apparent that it is only matter of
time
before hostilities strike up again. Generals Sherman and Grant devise a first strike invasion force
to
invade and conquer England, something that hasn't happened since 1066. The risks are great but
the
rewards are a permanent peace. Harry Harrison, the master storyteller of alternate history will stir
the fervor of readers as a fictitious United States manages to triumph over its most powerful
enemy.
In a series of detailed battle scenes, the author shows how a struggling nation can defeat a
superpower (a message for modern times?). Stars & Stripes Triumphant features real leaders of
the
nineteenth century including a very much alive President Lincoln.
The Speed Of Dark
Elizabeth Moon
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345447557, $23.95, 352 pp.
Though Lou Arrendale suffers from autism, he refuses to allow that condition from stopping him
from living a fruitful "normal" life. Lou works at a pharmaceutical company and has many friends.
He has adapted to the troubles his condition causes him in a non-autistic society by adopting
polite
mannerisms such as shaking hands and using salutations. Lou tries very hard to behave "normal"
when he is in the urban wilderness. However, the CEO of his firm wants to cut costs by firing the
autistic work force that needs special assistance to perform. Lou is given an option of taking an
experimental drug that will allegedly turn him into a normal, but he hesitates. He worries that if he
becomes normal is he Lou? Adding to his dilemma is his deep feelings for Marjory Shaw, a
normal
who probably will never love the present Lou. Would the revisionist Lou still love her? Before he
can decide what to do, Lou must hide from a stalker who wants to harm him. The Speed Of Dark
is
an incredible novel that captures the essences of an intelligent autistic person struggling to
independently survive in a constantly changing world. Though the stalking angle adds suspense,
the
excitement of the subplot takes away from the powerful themes of focusing on autism and the
ethical
issue of chemical cures to the mind and body changing the essence of the person. This strong tale
with powerful characters will remind the audience of Flowers for Algernon and Rain Man as
Elizabeth Moon takes the reader inside the soul of the hero.
Along Came Trouble
Sherryl Woods
Mira
ISBN: 1551669552, $6.50, 400 pp.
In Virginia, Larry and Mary Elizabeth Chandler are having marital problems after just six years
together, as he is a serial womanizer. Mary Elizabeth finally has had enough with her philandering
spouse. During a public argument she informs him that she is divorcing him. Later Mary Elizabeth
returns to their home only to find the bloodied corpse of Larry. In shock, Mary Elizabeth flees to
the
home of her former boyfriend, Sheriff Tucker Spencer. He is not home when she arrives so she
strips out of her blood soaked clothing, darns Tucker's T-shirt, and goes to sleep in his bed. When
Tucker and Mary Elizabeth talk, she persuades him that she is innocent. Though she dumped him,
he
takes a leave of absence to investigate the case on his own time without the impediment of
officialdom. As he and Liz work closely together, they fall in love all over again, but though he
accepts she would not kill anyone, he refuses to trust her with his heart. Along Came Trouble is a
police procedural romance in which little investigating actually occurs. Tucker the pucker sucker
takes a leave of absence that still should not enable him to make inquiries even as a private citizen
into this case due to a conflict of interests. Mary Elizabeth is a frazzled individual who is in shock,
which leads to poor judgment. The characters are strong especially the numb yet dumb heroine
whose efforts to regain lost trust is intriguing but the plot still requires enormous acceptance. Fans
of Sherryl Woods' romantic suspense novels will enjoy the final tale of the Trinity Harbor
trilogy.
Deadly Intent
Christine Heggan
Mira
ISBN: 1551666480, $6.50, 400 pp.
Though her beloved mother Irene suffers from early stages of Alzheimer's, award-winning chef
Abbie DiAngelo feels life is good. The single mom is proud of her nine-year-old son Ben and her
restaurant Campagne is the hottest spot in Princeton, New Jersey. Her era of good feeling ends
when her stepbrother Ian MacGregor reenters her life for the first time in almost three decades.
He
demands she give him $100K or he will provide evidence to the Palo Alto police that her mother
killed her stepfather by having a fire set to their home. Abbie's counteroffer is 48K, which Ian
accepts. However, his former partner Arturo Garcia arrives in town, seeking vengeance on Ian
who
betrayed him to the cops ten years ago. Arturo kills Ian. The police lean towards Abbie killing her
sibling, but Detective John Ryan, a single dad, thinks otherwise. As they fall in love while he
conducts his homicide investigation, Abbie finds her life spin into something worse as someone
she
cherishes is kidnapped with only John willing to risk all to keep everyone safe. This exciting
romantic suspense picks up speed the moment Ian begins his extortion plot and never eases up
until
the final twist occurs. Though the kidnapping seems contrived, readers will enjoy the tension that
the
plot emits. Abbie is a wonderful lead protagonist whose courage to confront her foes will make
her a
fan darling. The support cast rounds out a strong plot even if Scott Rolen was traded during the
last
season from the Phillies.
The Harbor
Carla Neggers
Mira
ISBN: 1551666510, $6.99, 384 pp.
In Goose Harbor, Maine, Police Chief Patrick West stops at the home of his centenarian Aunt
Olivia, the author of the Periwinkle cozies, before completing his pre-work jog. Not long
afterward,
while on her daily run Patrick's police detective daughter Zoe finds her father's dead body. Olivia
dies the next day from the shock of her beloved nephew's murder. Zoe pressures everyone for
answers, but none surface so she accepts a job in Connecticut. A year later, Zoe, who was fired
two
months ago, receives a frantic call from her sister pleading with her to come home because
someone
broke into her sibling's home. Zoe returns where she meets FBI agent J.B. McGrath whom
everyone
thinks he is investigating the unsolved murder of a cop. Instead, J.B., who has roots here, is on
forced vacation after a harrowing undercover assignment. As J.B. and Zoe fall in love, the mere
presence of them worries a killer who wants his secrets interred with Patrick and Olivia and will
add
a corpse or two to insure it. The sequel to The Cabin, The Harbor is an exciting police procedural
romantic suspense that works on all cylinders due to the mentally wounded cops. Most interesting
is
that neither Zoe nor J.B. are actively seeking the culprit, but everyone believes that is what both
are
doing, which ironically leads the duet into sleuthing. Readers will like the heroes and much of the
townsfolk, but will be surprised with the identity of the villain, whom comes out of nowhere.
Carla
Neggers provides a powerful tale that readers will enjoy and demand Christina's story next.
The Captain's Woman
Merline Lovelace
Mira
ISBN: 1551666499, $6.50, 384 pp.
In 1898, Victoria Parker toils on her father's newspaper the Cheyenne Daily Tribune as a reporter,
but she wants to do more than just local gossip as she dreams of working alongside the reporters
covering hot spots like Cuba. Victoria also fantasizes what life would be like if Rough Rider
Captain
Sam Garret loved her as much as she loves him, but his heart belongs elsewhere. When Sam
rescues
Victoria from a precarious situation, he proposes as he inadvertently compromises her. Victoria
obtains the chance to attain her other goal by covering the Spanish-American War when she joins
the newly formed Army corps of nurses. Like her journalist peers, Victoria reports the war from
the
front and gains quite a reputation throughout her community. Sam sees Victoria in a different
light,
as he now loves the woman he previously thought was a kid. However, while he remains in the
post
war Cuba, the deadliest adventures of Victoria are just beginning. Merline Lovelace provides
readers
with an intriguing military historical romance that is headlined by a delightful lead couple
complemented by real persona who make 1898 come alive. The plot look at a key moment in
American history that encompasses the global implications of war and victory with Spain, the
impact
of the media on the international scene, and the beginning of the formal role of women in the
military. Fans of vividly descriptive novels will want to read The Captain's Woman and Ms.
Lovelace's two previous military historical romances (see The Horse Soldier and the Colonel's
Daughter) while wondering if "All's Quiet on the Western Front" is next.
Murder Can Rain On Your Shower
Selma Eichler
Signet
ISBN: 0451208234, $5.99, 272 pp.
With her sister Margot still in Florida recovering from an ankle injury, private investigator Desiree
Shapiro takes her niece Ellen to a surprise wedding shower at the Silver Oaks Country Club in
Forsythe, Long Island. While everyone eats salad, the groom's Aunt Bobby Jean Morton keels
over
and dies. Everyone attending the event except Desiree and Ellen and perhaps the victim's
sister-in-law apparently hated the trice married Bobby Jean. The groom Mike Lynton, who might
have been the only living person quite fond of his aunt, calls Desiree to hire her to investigate the
death of his aunt. She refuses his offer of money though she could use the cash as the Manhattan
sleuth considers him family and plans to make her own inquiries. Now if the plump Desiree can
only
be as confident with her attraction to smallish neighbor Nick Grainger as she is in trying to solve a
homicide, life would remain still broke, but perfect. The latest Desiree Shapiro tale is an exciting
private investigator tale that is fun to read because of the delightful cast, especially the heroine.
The
who-done-it is cleverly designed so that the reader receives clues to narrow down the myriad of
suspects who attended the luncheon and wanted Bobby Jean dead. However, Selma Eichler's
novel
belongs to everyone's favorite sappy sucker Ms. Shapiro and the supporting ensemble who make
this
lively widow so much fun to watch in action whether it is questioning a suspect or trying to pick
up
the neighbor in the supermarket.
Scandal
Heather Cullman
Signet
ISBN: 045120767X, $6.50, 352 pp.
In 1798, after twelve years making a fortune in India, commoner Gideon Harwood returns home
to
help his family. Though he has his two sisters at hand, Gideon's brother Caleb is missing. Lady
Stanwell informs Gideon she has pertinent information involving Caleb, but when he visits her she
is
dead from an accidental fall. Gideon visits the grieving Lord Stanwell, but he offers nothing, as he
has no idea what his deceased wife knew. In London, Gideon runs into Lord Stanwell, catching
him
in a scandalous situation. To insure he gains Gideon's silence, Stanwell bribes him with the hand
of
his daughter in marriage and entrance amidst the Ton for his sisters. Gideon agrees to marry Lady
Julia, currently in her third season and the recipient of twelve proposals all rejected as she plans to
wed for love, on the condition that she pretends to love him in public. Given no choice, Julia and
Gideon marry, but that sham turns into real thing if the commoner and the lady can learn to trust
in
the love of their partner. Scandal is an enjoyable Regency romance with a twist not often seen in
the
genre. The story line contains delightful subplots to include the snail game, Gideon's investigation
for his missing sibling, Stanwell's secret, and other pleasant foibles. Gideon's dilemma is
intriguing.
He fears telling Julia the secret about her father because he thinks that could end their
relationship;
yet he panics over not revealing it to her for fear if she learns the truth elsewhere that would end
their relationship. Heather Cullman entertains the troops with this wonderful historical.
The Last Jihad
Joel C. Rosenberg
Forge
ISBN: 0765307154, $24.95, 351 pp.
Though spread over three continents, the attacks on the four cities are almost simultaneous. In
Denver, the President of the United States coming home for the Thanksgiving Holiday barely
escapes the assassination attempt. London, Paris, and Riyadh are not quite as fortunate as
terrorists
cause mass destruction. Later evidence ties these deadly assassins to Saddam Hussein who has
sent
other operatives around the world to do his bidding. A new hope for peace arises in the Middle
East
when oil is discovered off the coast of Gaza. The President sends his friend Jon Bennett,
accompanied by Erin McCoy, to broker a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. However,
before the negotiations can be completed, Israel recovers proof that Iraq has nuclear warheads
that
Hussein used with a SCUD and further evidence that the "Butcher of Baghdad" plans to turn DC,
New York, and Tel Aviv into metallic salt. Either Israel or America must resolutely destroy
Baghdad and its innocent Muslim population to stop Hussein's global threat. The Last Jihad is an
exciting post 9/11 thriller that never slows down until the final page is read. With President Bush
and Ms. Rice gleeful aside, some key underlying premises involving the Hussein threat must be
accepted as gospel (will smell like limburger cheese to the left) if the audience wants to fully relish
this exciting story line. Especially terrifying is the reality of the key premise of how easy hijacking
a
private aircraft is. Fans of political-military thrillers taken from the headlines will want to read Joel
C. Rosenberg's nonstop action tale of potential mass destruction.
Much Ado About Murder
Simon Hawke
Forge
ISBN: 0765302411, $23.95, 237 pp.
After leaving their hamlet for cash, wannabe playwright Will Shakespeare and his equally hopeful
thespian Tuck Smythe think all's well as they are on the brink of fame (and steady meals with
decent
ale) when the plague strikes. To reduce the chance of the epidemic spreading, theaters are closed.
With the halls shut, Will markets a sonnet romance writing business while Tuck toils at a smithy.
Former troupe player Ben Dickens introduces Will and Tuck to his friend, goldsmith Corwin. who
loves Hera, the daughter of wealthy Genoa ship trader Master Leonardo, who recently relocated
to
Britain. When Hera's reputation goes into a tankard, a hurt Corwin ends their engagement.
However, someone murders Leonardo with Corwin considered the prime suspect. Will, Tuck, and
Ben scrutinize the crime and the victim, only to learn that when it comes to an Elizabethan
tragedy
in which the world is the investigative stage, homicide is Much Ado About something deadly to
the
actors. The third Shakespeare and Smythe sleuth story is an exciting historical mystery that
engages
the audience with its insight into the Bard and the era he wrote his great works. Though the plot
moves slower than the first two novels as the who-done-it fails to take the stage until the fourth
act,
fans will relish the relationship, oft dysfunctional, between the protagonists. Will and Smythe
accompanied by Ben set forth on A Mystery Of Errors while trying to solve The Slaying Of The
Shrew's Father. Much Ado About Murder is much ado about strong writing that thou the reader
will
taketh to enjoy.
A Shortcut In Time
Charles Dickinson
Forge
ISBN 0765305798, $24.95, 304 pp.
Euclid Heights, Illinois is a very special place because at certain moments when conditions are
right,
people can go back or forward in time. Josh Winkler is the first to discover this when he goes
back
fifteen minutes in time. He tells his wife Flo and his daughter Penny but they think he is either or
not
in his right mind. His wife, a pediatrician, insists he obtain an MRI to see if he has a brain tumor
but
it comes back negative so they just ignore the whole situation. Life gets more complicated when
fifteen-year-old Constance Morceau shows up telling Josh she is from 1908. He doesn't believe a
word she says and believes the girl is a con artist wanting to rip them off. Josh checks the records
and believes Constance. She is accumulating knowledge before she tries to return to her own
time.
When Constance disappears, Josh thinks the time traveling episode is finished until his own
daughter
vanishes and he must go back in time to bring her home. A Shortcut In Time is a wacky, way out
time traveling adventure that would make a great movie (similar to Back to the Future but
wackier).
Charles Dickinson uses the time travel paradox to show that time is fluid and the future can be
changed. The protagonist is an easygoing struggling artist who takes the idea of traveling in time
in
strides. Yet unbelievable as that sounds, he's a plausible character and readers will hope that he
can
find a way to go back in time to retrieve his daughter before she dies in the 1918 flu
epidemic.
The Man Who Killed His Brother
Stephen R. Donaldson
Forge
ISBN 0765302039, $24.95, 254 pp.
In Puerta Del Sol Mick "Brew" Axbrewder does his best to drink himself to death in order to
obliterate the memory of killing his brother. The commission yanked his private investigator's
license
because the man his brother was chasing had a gun and would have killed him. He didn't do jail
time
because the man his brother was chasing had a gun and would have killed him when Brew
intervened. When he is sober he works for Ginny Fistoulari, his one time sleuthing partner and
lover.
He must sober up and tackle the disappearance of his niece as her mother hires Ginny's firm
because
she knows that Brew will work harder than anyone else will even without the impetus of killing
her
daughter's father. Ginny and Brew discover that nine girls in six different schools have
disappeared
when they were isolated from other schoolmates and adults. Seven of the girls were found dead
from a heroin overdose after working the streets as a prostitute. Gin and Brew must find Alathea
before the same fate befalls her. The Man Who Killed His Brother reaches rock bottom when the
novel opens but the reader sees flashes of good in this tortured person, as he seeks sobriety in
order
to find his niece. A lifetime won't be long enough for Brew to forget that he killed his sibling but
working the case gives him glimpses of a redemption that could be his if he turn his life around
and
works for the common good. The mystery is creatively designed and organized and Gin and Brew
mix well together, but what else would anyone expect from Stephen R. Donaldson.
The Prize In The Game
Jo Walton
Tor Books
ISBN: 0765302632, $25.95, 320 pp.
Teenage Princes Conal, Darag, and Ferdia, and Princesses Emer and her sister Elenn are in
training
together. However, during a competition, a war-horse dies in a tragic accident. The careless
incident
angers Rhiannon, the Goddess of Horses and other Beasts. She curses the kingdoms of the island
of
Tir Isarnagiri.
Though expected to marry Darag, Emer falls in love with Conal. He shares her deepest feelings as
both fantasize of vanishing together. However the Prince knows he cannot leave as he has
responsibility to his people being one of the two future contenders for the High King of the island.
When war abetted by Rhiannon explodes, Emer confronts a personal dilemma between her duty to
her beloved homeland and loyalty to her beloved Conal with the choice she makes impacting Tir
Isarnagiri forever. Expanding on a chapter from the King's Peace, The Prize In The Game is an
interesting Arthurian-like fantasy that allows readers to see up close the personalities of the key
cast
before they go on their differing quests. The story line slowly heats up so that the audience knows
how each of the quintet interacts with one another, but once the plot boils it never cools off until
the
climax that sets in motion another sequel. Though told mostly through what happens to Conal,
Emer, or Elenn, the five key characters enable fans to feel they know this fantasy realm as well as
they do their homeland (then again in the USA geography is not a forte). Fantasy aficionados will
look forward to the next novel set in Jo Walton's fantasy world.
Ithanalin's Restoration
Lawrence Watt-Evans
Tor Books
ISBN: 0765300125, $24.95, 269 pp.
In Ethshar of the Rocks, apprentice wizard Kilisha returns to the shop after collecting ingredients
for
her next lesson when she realizes a disaster has occurred. The shell of her mentor Ithanalin the
Wise
lies perfectly still as if he has been turned into a statue. Using a magic mirror that absorbed much
of
Ithanalin's memory she learns what happened to her teacher. He was working on a spell when
someone knocked on his door. When he went to answer, he tripped over a spriggan and lost
control
of the spell sending his essence among the nearby inanimate objects. The knocker opened the door
letting out the fleeing rug and much of the furniture. Kilisha begins an effort to gather up the
animated inanimate objects so that she can get help from the Wizards Guild in performing a
restorative spell. However, because of rebellion elsewhere, Kilisha receives little aid from the
guild
so she must depend on her own resources to gather the now living artifacts, amuse a spriggan that
just wants to have fun, and hopefully with fingers crossed bring back her teacher to his former
self.
This amusing fantasy is a delightful tale that showcases Lawrence Watt- Evans' ability to cast a
spell
on his audience. The entertaining story line is an action-packed journey into wizard-hood that
teens
will especially like, as there is plenty of cotton candy to sweeten the tale. Kilisha is a wonderful
heroine who faces the responsibilities thrown on her with trembling fear, but performs her duties
majestically. The support cast, especially the spriggan, adds to a gentle frolic for genre fans.
Fitcher's Brides
Gregory Frost
Tor Books
ISBN: 0765301946, $25.95, 400 pp.
On his estate near Jekyll's Glen, New York, Reverend Elias Fitcher and his flock await the end of
the
world here in our Lord 1843. Elias and his faithful work and pray knowing that he will lead the
way
through the gate of Heaven when Revelations begins. Elias casts a spell on many of the local
residents who become firm believers in his end of the world pitch. This includes the Charter
family,
at least the parents, who moved from Boston after the financial collapse of the Panic of 1837.
Elias
decides that when he enters Heaven, he will have a wife with him. He chooses the oldest of the
three
Charter sisters, Vernelia as his spouse. She quickly realizes that her husband is not a messenger of
God, but more likely the Angel of Death as she hears rumors of vanished wives and followers.
Vern
wonders how she will survive and if not will her middle sibling Amy and then her youngest sister
Kate be the next two brides. Fitcher's Bride is a tremendous retelling of the Bluebeard legend that
catches the key warning themes. Especially embedded into the powerful plot due to a robust cast
are
that of the dangers of total faith in a person or institution without questioning, and the underside
perils of lust, avarice and curiosity killing the cat (Fitcher insured satisfaction didn't bring them
back). The novel contains a strong introduction that explains the Bluebeard saga, but though well
written is not necessary for a reader to peruse if they just want the entertainment from a
tremendous
adult fairy tale.
Tapping The Dream Tree
Charles de Lint
Tor Books
ISBN: 0312874014, $26.95, 544 pp.
This seventeen-story collection takes Charles de Lint fans back to their favorite urban center
Newford where magic is a way of life. Sixteen of the stories have been released in other
publications, but not in one book. One tale is brand new. Each story contains an assortment of
seeming losers obtaining a new lease on life either by the help of a kindhearted magical being or
overcoming a malevolent essence. The stories are well written fantasies, but intended for the
Newford crowd. Any other reader should try one of Charles de Lint's novels such as The Onion
Girl
first.
The Omega Expedition
Brian Stableford
Tor Books
ISBN: 0765301695, $27.95, 348 pp.
In the thirty-fifth century, scientists including historian Mortimer Gray awaken a twenty-second
century human Madoc Tamlin from suspended animation. To his shock, Madoc learns that his
revival was a prototype before the real effort of bringing back mankind's most important historical
figure perhaps since the first Adam, Adam Zimmerman. When global capitalism collapsed as
predicted by the Marxists only too late for the Communists early in the twenty-first century,
Adam
took over the planet and actually averted an environmental disaster way beyond biblical
proportions.
He saved the world with his actions leading to the development of the emortal post-human culture
based on technology. Madoc realizes that emortality does not mean perfect cohesiveness and
harmony as factions argue over elements and definitions of emortality. The six novels that make
up
Brian Stableford's futuristic history of humanity are incredible accomplishments that display what
science fiction can achieve. The latest tale, The Omega Expedition, ties up loose ends while
providing a deep thought-provoking cerebral tale that leaves the audience to think what is really
mankind and how would immortality impact the soul? None of the sextet is a one-day read as the
complexities seem inhuman for any person to have written, but worth the time for those fans who
take delight in a brainiac novel and series
Up In A Heaval
Piers Anthony
Tor Books
ISBN: 0312869045, $24.95, 348 pp.
Mundane snail mail ending up in Xanth is forwarded to Demon Jupiter. Irate by what he receives,
Demon Jupiter hurls his dreaded red spot at Demon Earth. If he throws a strike, Xanth will be
destroyed. Umlaut, who now knows that all good deeds including forwarding snail mail leads to
adventure, learns from the Good Magician that he must deliver the remaining mundane mail to
hope
to avert the disaster he started. Umlaut accompanied by his pals Sesame Snake and Sammy Cat
begin the treacherous trek to save Xanth by delivering the mail even as other demons try to
manipulate his raging hormones. The twenty-sixth Xanth tale (Grafton has a few to catch up) is
the
usual pun per line tale that shows Mr. Anthony has no piers when it comes to irreverent "adult
conspiracy" humor that sends readers diving off the dock into a wild fantasy play on the English
language. The story line is typical of the Xanth tales, but during the Myth-Adventures with no
Asprin for pain relief, many of the participants in the glory of Xanth make an appearance. Though
newcomers might struggle in the realm of punning, fans will delight in this comic endeavor as Mr.
Anthony shows his usual amusing cat tail of a tale
Catspaw
Joan D. Vinge
Tor Books
ISBN: 0765303418, $14.95, 352 pp.
Though an orphan street punk, Cat used his psionic abilities to save the galaxy from a peer (see
PSION), but his reputation formed that has traveled light years to earth. When someone tries to
kill
Lady taMing, head of the wealthy and powerful family that runs Centaur Transport, her
supporters
abduct Cat to provide psionic protection to her. His kidnappers drug Cat, so that the half-breed
cannot use psychic powers against them, but provide an antidote so that he can protect Assembly
member Lady taMing. However, while doing his new job keeping his client safe, Cat uncovers
secrets about powerful individuals including taMing family members who will kill him to keep
their
skeletons in the closet. Catspaw is a powerful science fiction that describes an astonishing New
York City in a few centuries. The well-designed plot provides a complex multiple helix of a
political
and social futurology that will stun readers on its realistic but different outlook. However, in
building her lush realm, Joan D. Vinge pays a price as the massive particulars that serve as the
theme's center with its future's profundity also keeping the story line from attaining light speed.
Still,
this sequel will please the author's fans and anyone who relishes galaxy building as a key
ingredient
of a novel set several hundred years into the future.
Thieves World: Turning Points
Lynn Abbey, editor
Tor Books
ISBN: 0312875177, $25.95, 320 pp.
In Sanctuary, Cauvin the Stonemason is the misfortunate owner of deceased Molin Torchholder's
wealth of sorcery and money. Though he prefers none of this as he is just a working stiff, Cauvin
has
no way of ridding himself of Molin's deathbed "gift". If he did he would bring back the shade of
that
dead scheming witch to take it all away. However, as guardian of the city, Cauvin informs His
Tyrant Arizak perMizhur to be wary of everyone, especially visitors, as the time of the Double
Eclipse will being every Tom, Dick, and Halott to the center of magic, Sanctuary. With this
background, ten highly regarded authors jump off of editor Lynn Abbey's recent updating of
Thieves
World universe (see Sanctuary) to provide fresh tales with fresh persona that cross all the known
kinds of magic including of course the shadowy thieves. Each tale is well written adding to the
mythos of this long running series. The contributors are great genre guns who do not hide in the
shadows or need necromancy to relate a powerful anecdote that will elate fans of the series. This
work will surely introduce this wild realm to a host of newcomers and please existing fans with
this
entertaining swords and sorcery extravaganza. A warning label should state that used bookstores
should be aware of a run on the Thieves World volumes once Turning Points hits the streets.
Conan The Swordsman
L. Sprague de Camp, Lin Carter, and Bjorn Nyberg
Tor Books
ISBN: 0765300699, $23.95, 256 pp.
Conan The Swordsman, the latest reprint of the now legendary 1970s-1980s Conan revival, is a
marvelous short story collection. Each story holds its own with the overall Conan mythos and
most
add depth to the celebrated character and his world. The delightful eight stories are well written
with
each tale co-authored by L. Sprague de Camp (who had to be a Howard clone) with either Lin
Carter or Bjorn Nyberg. Especially good is "Legions of the Dead" that Robert E. Howard would
have believed he authored because it reads so much like his original works. Equally fascinating to
readers is a seven- page essay that provides plenty of insight into Conan and his world as well as
Robert E. Howard from the late L. Sprague de Camp's perspective. Fans of Conan will want to
read
this wonderful anthology that showcases one of fantasy's most endearing and enduring
protagonists.
A Little Help From Above
Saralee Rosenberg
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0060096209, $13.95, 336 pp.
In Long Island Lauren calls her older sister Shelby Lazarus, a Chicago Tribune reporter, that their
parents were critically injured while jogging. Shelby, estranged from the family for two years,
does
not want to return home, but reluctantly does. In heaven the girls' mom had intervened with the
estrangement by causing the crisis, but did not mean for her husband and his second wife (her
sister)
to be severely injured. Still, Shelby is coming home. Shelby notices that Aunt Roz (she cannot call
her mom) has kept all her childhood awards and meets Lauren's second husband even as she
wonders when her sister married. Lauren asks Shelby to come see their parents, but Shelby has
never stepped inside a hospital since her mother died three decades ago. She learns that Lauren is
a
DES baby who cannot conceive a child when her sibling asks Shelby to become a surrogate
mother.
As other secrets are revealed that hurt everyone, even Shelby's mother realizes that her beloved
family may need a higher level of heavenly intervention if they are to share a loving future
together.
A Little Help From Above is a whimsical look at serious modern day women's issues. Shelby is an
interesting character though she "kvetches" too much while the strong support cast deals with too
many different crises so that none fully retain audience empathy. In her debut, Saralee Rosenberg
shows plenty of talent with a plot that will leave her audience wanting similar tales (with less
baggage) while wishing her mazel tov with her career.
Book Of Shadows
James Reese
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0061031844, $7.99
In France, six year old Herculine watches her mother die a horrible weird death leaving the child
to
fend for herself. Herculine arrives at the "stone", the holy house at C--- where the nuns take her in
as
the only scholarship student praying she one day will see God like they do. Years later, unable to
resist, Herculine commits sins that require severe punishment as fears of evil and witchcraft are
whispered among the residents of C----. While being incarcerated, four demons visit Herculine.
The
demon priest Father Louis, the damned Madeleine, the demonic Asmodei, and the evil witch
Sebastiana come to open her mind to the full realm of pleasure. Herculine escapes with her
rescuers
to set on a quest to learn why she is the chosen. Her mission is filled with erotic dark magic and
death as a revolution fueled by otherworldly madness leads to mass insanity and murder. Though
well written in a weird meandering way filled with surprising shockers, Book Of Shadows is not
for
everyone as the story line contains graphic scenes of cruelty, abuse, and terror. The story line
takes
the traditional elements of a gothic novel (innocent vulnerable female, dark menacing males and a
remote foreboding abode), but turns them upside down with a spin away from the genre due to
the
self-discovery of the dark side by the heroine. Herculine, who narrates the tale, keeps the center
from imploding into a sea of uncontrollable weirdness so that the audience has an entertaining yet
strange historical horror novel.
Selkirk's Island
Diana Souhami
Harcourt
ISBN: 0156027178, $13.00, 246 pp.
In 1703 an aristocrat and a sea captain cut a deal to pillage the Manila galleon. In 1704, they set
sail
with one of the sailors being Alexander Selkirk, a poor Scot. Alexander and the officers especially
Captain Dampier had several arguments. So the Captain marooned Selkirk on a remote South
Seas
Island three hundred miles from South America and now owned by Chile and renamed Isla
Robinson
Crusoe. For the next four years he survived by himself before finally being rescued. Selkirk
became a
celebrity in England and the model for Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, written two decades
later.
Diana Souhami provides readers with a delightful biography of Selkirk that separate fact from
fiction. Ms. Selkirk digs deep into the records of the time so that the audience obtains a complete
picture of the man, which is quite different from the legend. The results are a superb biography
that
showcases Ms. Souhami's talent as much as her subject, the ultimate survivor. Readers will enjoy
"The true and strange adventures of the real Robinson Crusoe" as much as the Defoe's
fictionalized
account. Just reconsider the role of those goats.
The Company Of Strangers
Robert Wilson
Harcourt
ISBN: 0156027100, $14.00, 481 pp.
During World War II, British intelligence hires Andrea Aspinall, a mathematical wizard who
thinks
numbers are perfect. Andrea is to use her numerical skills to learn German atomic weaponry
secrets.
In Lisbon, Andrea vanishes under a new identity. She also meets German attach‚ Karl Voss, who
believes the Nazis are losing the war and destroying Germany in their efforts to keep fighting.
Karl
and Andrea share a delightful night of lovemaking while violence flares everywhere. However, by
morning's light Andrea has a secret to hide and an addict's thirst for more clandestine operations
even if espionage is such an imperfect realm to this numerical expert. As the war ends and the
Cold
War heats up in places like divided Berlin, Andrea remains a prime player, whose past will soon
catch up to her. Andrea is the numero uno of this exciting espionage thriller. From the beginning
readers understand her as she joyfully explains the world in terms of the perfection of
mathematical
systems even if she fails to include the number six as a divisor into itself. The story line spans
several
decades, but though interesting and insightful also acts like a suspense thinner. Still readers will
enjoy this action packed tale mindful of The Third Man because the novel contains people,
including
those individuals still out in the cold, that seem real. Readers will enjoy The Company Of
Strangers
and seek other works from Robert Wilson (see A Small Death In Lisbon).
Lead Me On
Julie Ortolon
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312983484, $6.50, 352 pp.
Badly hurt in a relationship once before, Allison St. Claire vowed never again would a man
devastate her heart again. However, when horror writer Scott Lawrence checks into her family
owned and operated Pearl Island Inn on Galveston Island, Allison reconsiders her pledge. Scott is
immediately attracted to Allison from the moment he first sees her, but she is wife material and all
he
desires is a fling to end his frustrating two years of celibacy. He does not want marriage so he
plans
to avoid her. However, the stubborn Allison convinces him to enjoy an affair with her during his
month stay with the stipulation neither would have regrets and insist on a further attachment.
Between love and a threat to the inn, Scott finds he wants to rewrite the ending from a gothic
horror
to a romantic happily ever after together. The latest St. Claire tale, Lead Me On, is an engaging
contemporary romance starring two enchanting emotionally wounded lead warriors. The support
cast including the return of the stars (Aurora and Chance) of the first novel Falling For You and
Allison's brother enhances the audience's appreciation of the story line by enabling the reader to
understand the motives of the protagonists. Fans will want to read Julie Ortolon's delightful tale
while waiting for the final St. Clair story starring the male sibling Adrian.
Celt And Pepper
Ralph McInerny
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312291175, $22.95, 240 pp.
Everyone on campus during the winter break is shocked with the death of visiting Irish poet
Martin
Kilmartin. The South Bend police rule that the ailing Martin died from a heart attack while in the
office he used while visiting the University of Notre Dame. Professor Roger Knight met the poet
once, enjoying the discussion and Martin's works. He immediately finds discrepancies at the crime
scene that he feels should not be sneezed away as the ramblings of an obese academia amateur.
With
the help of his professional sleuth sibling Phil, Roger investigates what really happened to Martin.
Instead of a simple case, he soon finds university backstabbing, politics, and dispute over
establishing the post of Director of the Malachy O'Neil Center of Catholic Literature, an
assignment
Roger thought Martin was perfect to lead. Did one of these individuals with motive actually
pepper
the deceased Celt's phone causing the sneeze that killed Martin? The investigation is fun, but take
a
back seat to the university that stands out in this exciting amateur sleuth tale. Fans will enjoy the
satirical look at professors acting more like Ali-Frazier (either sex) and kissing the butt of a
donor.
Additionally, the intriguing look at the football stadium during the season (especially with the
Fighting Irish in the top ten) brings home a further taste of the school. Still the who-done-it is
nothing to sneeze at as Ralph McInerny ironically pokes fun at his own previous work in the
series
with a delightful Notre Dame University mystery.
Queen Bee Of Mimosa Branch
Haywood Smith
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312300565, $24.95, 352 pp.
At nineteen, she married Phil to flee her controlling mother who told her never to come back.
Now
turning fifty, Linwood Breedlove Scott is an ex wife as Phil deserted her for a stripper taking their
life savings with him. With no place to go, Lin returns to the family home in Mimosa Branch,
Georgia. Her first sight as she parks near the house is seeing her Alzheimer's victimized Uncle
Bedford running outside wearing only Depends. That might be tough to deal with, but Lin loves
her
uncle and will help care for him. Her mother Miss Mamie with her "I told you so" will be more
difficult to contend with. However, Lin refuses to bury herself in pity or even in a proper southern
woman's cocoon as defined by Miss Mamie. Instead Lin obtains a job at the drugstore and finds
herself attracted to her boss Grant Owens. His butt is so tight, pennies could not fall out, but the
new Lin decides to loosen his change as she begins the seduction of Grant. The Queen Bee Of
Mimosa Branch is a witty look at a woman struggling to find herself though she is middle age.
The
tale works best when Lin provides amusing acerbic asides to the reader that focus on what she
wants, which is often opposite of what she does. Thought the tale turns into a warm buttercup
near
the end, fans of small town Southern living seen filtered through the eyes of a former practitioner
will gain plenty of delectation from Haywood Smith's hilarious slice of life.
Sisters Three
Jessica Stirling
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312305230, $26.95, 448 pp.
Europe seems on the verge of another major war less than two decades since the "war to end all
wars" closed its last trench. In Glasgow, gas masks are more precious than masquerade masks are
as
the four Conway females understand. The mother Lizzie is a Scottish steal magnolia while her
three
daughters contain as much medal in their blood, but also have different aspirations. Married to
wealthy gangster's son Dominic Manone and mother to his children, Polly lives a luxurious yet
birdcage life. Babs struggles with a glib spouse and a horde of children. Rosie enjoys working at a
bookstore until she meets a cop. Polly finds precarious thrills in an affair with one of Dominic's
henchmen, while her husband sees a chance at a fortune if he partners with a femme fatale. As
Dominic gets in dangerously deep, Polly is yanked in several opposite directions. Her biological
family pulls on one arm and her husband on the other. Solace seems only in that illicit affair, but
can
she trust any man, her sisters, or her mother or should she go with the flow of her own dreams?
The
sequel to Jessica Stirling's Prized Possessions is an intriguing look at the late 1930s in Scotland as
Hitler beats the war drums. The story line slowly simmers enabling the audience to fully taste the
era. Though the stars, the four females seem less than complete compared with their male
counterparts living life to the fullest. Ms. Stirling's audience and those fans of historical character
studies will want to read Sisters Three.
Mistletoe And Murder
Carola Dunn
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312287755, $23.95, 26 pp.
In 1923, a finally married Daisy Fletcher (nee Dalrymple) accedes to her pushy mother's demands
that the family spend Christmas at Brockdene, a Cornish estate owned by Lord Westmoor
because
she is writing an article on the holdings. Accompanying the Dalrymple females for the holidays is
Daisy's husband, Scotland Yard Inspector Alec. At Brockdene, they find the Earl does not live
there,
but the poor side of the extended family, three generations of Norvilles do. Daisy realizes that the
manor contains several angry residents. The matriarch is Susannah Norville, whose husband
Albert
drowned fifty years ago before she arrived from India with their two sons. Albert's wealthy family
rejected her verbal claim as his widow as spurious. Her oldest son Victor returns from to India
accompanied by Reverend Calloway, who claims he wed Albert and Susannah. He also has
documented proof to his assertion that alters the line of succession to the earldom. However,
someone murders the Reverend. Alec contains the crime scene and sends for his team to help
investigate. Daisy makes inquiries too, but the killer willingly will murder again. Daisy and her
mother are fun characters who turn this combo amateur sleuth- police procedural into a
lighthearted
historical romp. The amusing story line becomes a bit jumbled (keep a family tree or two handy)
that
leads to some confusion as to who's who and whom belongs to who (this homicide occurs before
Abbott and Costello). Fans of a buoyant easygoing who-Dunn-it that never takes itself serious will
want to read Mistletoe And Murder.
An Artful Death
Roderic Jeffries
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312307454, $22.95, 224 pp.
Off the coast of the Spanish Island of Mallorca, former British cabinet minister Keith Vickers,
known for his womanizing and running businesses into bankruptcy, goes sailing. Not long
afterward,
observers notice Keith's cruiser Valhalla, drifting and subsequently with no one on board. Soon
the
mystery of the missing Keith is solved when his body washes ashore, an obvious victim of murder.
Inspector Enrique Alvarez investigates, but runs into walls that would deter a less dedicated cop.
He
follows up on information provided by Keith's housekeeper that her employer and an unknown
British official argued. Alvarez questions visiting Brit George Lovell who refuses to cooperate
and
formally complains to the inspector's superior Chief Sala. Though he loses a few pounds of flesh
when Sala rips him for being an idiot and is threatened by Lovell's bodyguard companion, Alvarez
continues placing pressure on the visitor as well as other prime suspects. The who-done-it is fine,
but as usual with the Inspector Alvarez novels, the book belong to the stoic, courageous, but
beleaguered hero. Alvarez is henpecked by his sister and skinned alive by his boss. The murder
mystery is fun and Alvarez's methodical investigation is cleverly designed, as Roderic Jeffries
writes
an artful police procedural.
A Restless Evil
Ann Granger
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312306555, $23.95, 256 pp.
Dr. Guy Morgan calls the Bamford police station to report he found human bones in the
Cotswold
Lower Stovey Woods. When Detective Superintendent Alan Markby on a house-hunting trip with
his beloved Meredith Mitchell learns of the human remains, he thinks back to a haunting failure.
As a
rookie over two decades ago, he never caught The Potato Man, a serial rapist, who vanished,
after
his third rape. Alan hopes that even after all this time has passed, a break has finally occurred.
However, a new concern surfaces when another dead body is found, but this one is a recent
corpse.
As he digs deeper accompanied by his lover, the locals refuse to cooperate making their
investigation that much harder and leaving the dedicated cop feeling d‚j… vu as he wonders if he
will
fail again. The latest Mitchell and Markby novel is a delightful village mystery. The story line
contains a strong who-done-it and an insightful look at a decaying hamlet especially the surly
townsfolk and their detest of the new money brought in by outsiders. The two wonderful heroes
augment the enjoyable plot, especially Alan's memories of that case that still disturbs him. Ann
Granger provides her usual, a wonderful village cozy that is a treat for sub-genre fans.
Corpse Candle
P.C. Doherty
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312300875, $24.95, 320 pp.
Due to its modern leader, Abbot Stephens, the St. Martin's-in-the-Marsh Monastery is a
prosperous
business center. In fact the Bendictine monks who reside at the abbey have a standard of living
that
is the envy of most non- residents in the year of our lord 1303. As the good time roll, the monks
heatedly debate expanding their business or renewing their vows to God. The argument changes
when Abbot Stephens is found dead inside his locked chamber with some of the monks thinking
otherworldly forces from either heaven or hell punished their leader. Many of the local peasants
agree believing that the ghost of a robber baron committed the crime. Stephens' friend King
Edward
I wants secular answers so he sends his loyal Royal Clerk Hugh Corbett to investigate the
homicide.
Hugh and his able assistants begin to uncover secrets about Abbot Stephens that expands the list
of
suspects even as the killer murders more brothers leaving the calling card of the Devil's Mark
behind.
Perhaps the leading medieval mystery writer of today (besides Corbett, there are Brother
Athelstan
and Canterbury Tales), P.C. Doherty provides a tremendous lock door fourteenth century
who-done-it. The key to a Doherty tale are all here in Corpse Candle. The characters are deep,
believable, and enhance the feel for the era that is vividly described yet interwoven into the plot.
The
hero is a courageous intelligent person whom readers will respect. With all that inside a strong
investigation with myriad of suspects, but complex so that the audience struggles with deciding
whom is leaving behind the Devil's Mark.
Desert Winter
Michael Craft
St. Martin's Press
ISBN 03123051X, $23.95, 288 pp.
After spending over three decades on Broadway directing award winning plays Claire Gray at the
age of fifty-four changes careers when she is recruited by computer mogul billionaire Glenn Yeats
to
chair the theatre department at the Desert Arts College in Palm Springs. After three months of
working there she is only a week away from directing her first play "Laura". She wants everything
to
be perfect so she and her friend Grant Knoll ask local collector Stewart Chaffee if she can borrow
his valuable Australian case clock that will bring much authenticity to the production. Grant and
Claire agree to pick it up the next day after Stewart recalls where he placed it, but when they visit
the estate, they find Stewart dead. Confined to a wheelchair, it at first looks as if the refrigerator
fell
on top of Stewart but the police quickly discover it is a murder. There are so many suspects with
sufficient motive and opportunity that Claire devises a very clever way to smoke the killer out of
hiding. Michael Craft is a talented, gifted storyteller who is clearly a grandmaster of the amateur
sleuth tale. Claire's romance with a student almost half her age feels natural and beautiful, and her
ability to connect the dots makes her a realistic detective. Fans of the Mark Manning series also
written by Mr. Craft will be delighted to know that he plays a key role in this tale and his nephew
Thad makes a cameo appearance in this crafty all in the family production.
The Guards
Ken Bruen
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312303556, $23.95, 304 pp.
In Galway, Ireland, Ann Henderson visits finder (there are no private detectives in this country)
Jack
Taylor in his office, a table at Grogan's Pub. Jack is an alcoholic former Garda who was fired for
hitting a VIP. Ann hires Jack to look into the death of her beloved sixteen year old daughter
Sarah,
ruled a suicide. Ann does not believe her daughter would leave her so alone in life and then there
was the anonymous phone call insisting the teen was drowned. Jack asks his partner Catherine
Bellingham to do some computer research. Cathy learns that the victim worked at Planters where
two other young girls also killed themselves and that the manager plays golf with the Garda
superintendent and hires police guards as moonlighters. As he digs deeper two thugs beat up Jack,
warning him to back off, but he recognizes the shoes as belonging to the Garda. Jack continues
his
inquiries while other incidents occur, but whether it is the alcohol providing false courage or just
Ann encouraging him, he refuses to quit until he uncovers the truth of what happened to Sarah.
The
Guards is a terse crime thriller that grips the audience from the onset because the protagonist is a
hard-boiled antihero acting heroically. Readers will like the lead character, though many will
prefer
he give up the booze, but then readers wouldn't know Jack. Though some personal subplots
explain
Jack, they also take away from the fast-paced story line that will remind the audience of the 1930s
detectives as Ken Bruen provides an engaging urban noir that hijacks readers from start to
finish.
Let Loose The Dogs
Maureen Jennings
St. Martin's Press
ISBN 0312307519, $24.95, 320 pp.
In 1895 Toronto gambling on which dog could kill the most rats in a set of time is an illegal, but
widespread practice. Harry Murdock bets his entire summer earnings on his dog Havoc winning a
contest, but at the last moment he was distracted and Mr. Delaney's canine is victorious. A
drunken
Harry accuses Delaney of cheating. However, when someone kills Delaney, the police charge
Murdock with the crime. He's found guilty and is sentenced to hang. The warden contacts
Murdoch's son William, an acting- detective. When Harry begs his son to clear his name, Will is
dismayed because he doesn't want to help the man who beat him up so many times, but accedes to
his request. At first it looks like nobody other than Harry could have killed the victim but Will's
investigation rattles many of the betting community whose alibis aren't as airtight as they want
every
one to believe. Let Loose The Dogs is a very atmospheric, gothic like story starring a likable
protagonist who readers will admire. The audience empathizes with Will as they understand the
hero's ambivalence about investigating his father's case since he fled his childhood home when he
was thirteen to escape his father's fist. The fact that he gives it an honest effort makes him better
than many people who hold grudges beyond the grave. The mystery is well done with a plethora
of
suspects who could have committed the crime but Will only has a few days to discover if one of
them is the killer before his father hangs.
Autumn Leaves
Victor McGlothin
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312286767, $24.95, 352 pp.
Kennedy James is not sure if she is unhappy with herself or her lover wealthy businessman
Simpson
Stone, who enjoys kinky especially with him in control in bed. Even outside he must be in charge
so
she wonders why she still sees him at the cost of her freedom. At the University of Texas
Consolidated, football has climbed in popularity with the success of the team led by sure shot
future
professionals Marshall Coates and Rorey Garland. Rumors spread that Rorey is gay because he is
a
BMOC and yet no one ever sees him with a woman. However, Rorey tells his best friend Marshall
that he loves females, but now suffers from AIDS caught from his last girlfriend, a name on the
decease's shroud wall. As Rorey considers suicide he has one last fling, but sets in motion the
spread
of the deadly illness to others like Kennedy who begins the journey from denial to acceptance with
the help of an assistance group, Autumn Leaves. This well written modern day drama focuses on
the
AIDS epidemic and other social issues jolting the African-American college and professional
communities, but is also a microcosm of modern society as a whole. The story line works because
author Victor McGlothin avoids sugar coating the ravages of AIDS and keeps his ensemble quite
human with errors and misjudgment. Though some of the tertiary characters speak like
stereotypical
forms, this serious novel will hook the audience with its somber message that death in the form of
illnesses like AIDS knows no contrived human boundary.
My Husband, My Babies
Debra Salonen
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373710984, $5.25
Growing up as a triplet left Jenny O'Neal with a special bond with her sisters, though they call her
"Jenny Perfect" because she always does everything right. Jenny and her husband Josh are
expecting
twins, however because of health reasons his brother Sam served as the surrogate father. When
Josh
dies, Jenny feels all alone as she gives birth to fraternal twins. Sam helps Jenny through her
mourning by bringing her and her babies onto his ranch. As they spend time together raising the
children, Sam and Jenny begin to fall in love. However, neither one of them can deal with this new
emotion as Josh's death remains raw and his memory too positive for either person to tread down
that path. My Husband, My Babies is a tearjerker romance that will leave readers weeping an
ocean
of teardrops for the lead couple. The story line never goes too soapy due to the interactions of the
strong cast that stops any player from going over the edge. The lead couple is a delight as they try
to
ignore their feelings out of love and respect for the late Josh. The secondary characters to include
memories of Josh make possible for the audience to see the soul wrenching that Sam and Jenny
deal
with as they search for new beginnings. Debra Salonen provides a strong relationship drama that
leads to immense pressure to match the quality of this tale with the other novels starring sisters
Andrea and Kristin.
First Love, Second Chance
K. N. Casper
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 037371100X, $5.25
As a member of "The First Family of Texas", Michael First seems to live the perfect life that
everyone else covets. He comes from a highly respected and wealthy family and has been
successful
in business. His marriage is considered not only stable, but the happily ever after that exists in
fairy
tales only. In fact, Michael seems to be the handsome prince who always succeeds in the fairy
tales.
Michael's allegedly idyllic life abruptly ends when the police charge him with killing his spouse.
Michael hires his high school girlfriend, attorney Lara Stovell to defend him in court. As the
media
fries Michael as a fallen angel, an attraction between the lawyer and her client ignites. This not
only a
big legal taboo, but also any wrong doing could supply the extra power to the state, known for
capital punishment, to execute Michael. Though readers will just have to accept the affluent
influential Michael selecting Lara as his dream team lawyer with the choices he has (Cochran
anyone?), fans will enjoy this strong legal procedural romance. While the lead couple's attraction
intensifies, the suspense grows at the same rate as the prosecution's case against the accused fits
like
a glove. Though the legal thriller subplot is cleverly designed as the prime theme, the romance
boils
to a point that augments the main plot with ethical questions. Lara is a fine protagonist as she
argues
that her client is not guilty. However, Michael owns K. N. Casper's novel as he battles guilt, a
depressing feeling of pending doom, and love as much as he tries to prove he is innocent to his
beloved and his family.
The Sweetest Taboo
Alison Kent
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373790724, $4.50, 248 pp.
Erin Thatcher loves her work as the owner-manager of the successful pub Paddington's On Main
in
downtown Houston. However, though her career provides much satisfaction, Erin feels it is time
to
open up her personal life that she kept on hold. She wants a fling before she settles on Mr. Right
whomever that might be. Every time she sees her loft neighbor or hears him playing the blues, she
dreams of a night of sex. She decides her neighbor Sebastian Gallo is the perfect romantic romp;
Erin pursues making her fantasy starring him real. Sebastian shares her torrid reverie, but shies
away
from his desires as he fears if he went under the covers with her, she would uncover his dark
secret
that he is the author of the Slater best-selling horror novels under the name Falco. Still, neither
can
resist the lure of a one night-stand which can blossom into a life time of happiness if both parties
cease running form commitment. The Sweet Taboo is a captivating contemporary romance that
works on several levels. Obviously being a Blaze imprint means torrid scenes. Those are well
written
and fit nicely into the story line. However, what turns on Alison Kent's novel is the amusing yet
serious banter between the lead protagonists and the electronic dialogue amidst the females of the
"man to do" crowd that is part humor, part compassionate, and totally on top.
Fire And Ice
Tori Carrington
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373790694, $4.50, 250 pp.
Albuquerque Defense attorney Jena McCade finds herself drifting into daydreams of making love
with LA Aces' star hockey player Tommy "Wild Man" Brodie after they shared an evening a few
months ago. Even working on the high profile, media delight Glendale murder case can't stop Jena
from dazing about the top ace in her black book. Tommy wants to shed his image ever since he
spent the greatest night of his life sharing a bed with Jena. While recovering from a knee injury, he
decides on a heart-driven whim to deliver a pizza to the woman who has taken over his mind.
Without calling, Tommy flies from Los Angeles to Albuquerque and goes straight to Jena's home.
Instead of wanting to eat a pizza, Jena makes it clear she wants to devour Tommy. As they share
great sex in her home, he wonders how to convince the woman he loves that he wants to come
home to her forever when she detests a contract that calls for eternal commitment. When it comes
to
a blazing romance placed inside an interesting contemporary story line that anchors the tale, no
one
quite attains the combo like Tori Carrington. The success of this writing team is the
characterizations that seem so real that readers want the protagonists to make it. Fire And Ice is
typical of Team Carrington with a delightful lead couple, strong supporting cast, and engaging
prime
and secondary plots. Fans will adore the hero, root for the heroine, want the heroic pair to find a
forever love, and seek out their significant other for some cooling relief.
Simply Sexy
Carly Phillips
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 037369105X, $4.25, 219 pp.
When reporter Colin Lyons learns that his beloved adoptive father suffered a stroke, he takes a
leave
of absence from his South American assignment to return to his Massachusetts hometown to run
Joe's labor of love, Ashford Times. However, Colin learns that his mentor assigned his second
wife
to run the newspaper. She has converted the focus into fluff while the paper is now losing money.
Colin plans to eliminate the bubbles by bringing serious news back as the prime theme of the
paper
and consequently out of the red. Colin realizes that he finds one of the new hires, advice columnist
Rina Lowell, Simply Sexy. Though he tries to avoid her, she turns the heat up, as she wants her
boss
by her side permanently. He cannot resist her and decides a holiday fling is just the thing, but as he
falls in love he wonders how she will react to his New Year's Resolution to fire the frivolous,
which
includes her. Like Rina's column, Simply Sexy is mostly fluff, but anyone looking for an amusing
good time will join this reviewer and declare so what. Instead, the audience receives a humorous
tale
with some serious undertones involving coping with loss and the state of small town newspapers.
The key to this novel, as with the previous "Simply" tales (being reprinted starting in April), is the
two delightful protagonists, who struggle between professional desires, fears of commitment, and
a
growing love for one another. Readers will enjoy Carly Phillips' heated holiday romance that
contains much merriment with just the right dab of solemnity.
More Naughty Than Nice
Julie Kistler
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691076, $4.25, 218 pp.
Stephanie Blanton was upset with the promotion of strawberry deadhead Missy to head up the
cosmetics line of Marsh-Penworthy, but boinkability is more important than intelligence and
consumer understanding when it comes to male bosses thinking as usual with the wrong head.
With
the encouragement of her friend Anna and a few drinks, Stephanie decides to stop being the good
loyal woman with an empty Christmas stocking and become a bad girl. Her campaign centers on a
"stiletto through his heart". Three years later, Stephanie is on tour as the notorious author Stevie
Bliss, whose scandalous "how to" book Blissfully Single, has stormed the country. In Chicago,
newspaper columnist Owen Dasher interviews the sexy vixen with a hidden agenda. He plans to
debunk her theories on love and de- myth the growing legend that surround her exploits even as
he
wants to have her in his bed permanently. More Naughty Than Nice is a fun holiday romance
starring two delightful lead protagonists whose real desires are hidden by outer masks that enable
each one of them to masquerade as bed hoppers when they want only each other. The story line
never takes itself seriously so that the audience receives an amusing battle of the sexes stuffing
stocker. Fans will want Julie Kistler to stay in the same neighborhood telling "Ethel's" tale
next.
The Baby Plan
Susan Gable
Harlequin Super Romance
ISBN: 0373711034, $5.25
Architect Jake Manning seems to have everything going with a career that has earned him respect
and women who desperately want him. However, Jake feels incomplete as if he is missing out on
the
most important aspects of life. He realizes what he covets and concludes that raising a baby would
make his life perfectly complete. As he does in business, the bachelor develops a baby plan since
adoption agencies reject his application. Jake decides mechanic Harley Emerson would be the
ideal
mother to birth his child though he will pay her to stay out of their lives afterwards. However,
Harley craves respectability and security that Jake can provide her. She tenders a counteroffer of a
marriage of convenience. Reluctantly, he agrees, but neither expected to fall in love with one
another
especially when the matchmaker has yet to be born. On the surface, this contemporary romance
sounds inane with its marriage of convenience, male biological clock ticking theme. However, the
lead couple makes the tale worth reading as their needs seem quite different but are actually the
same which leads to a passionate relationship novel. Readers who enjoy a family drama will take
imminent delight in Susan Gable's delectable The Baby Plan.
Bounty Hunter's Bride
Carol Finch
Harlequin Historical
ISBN: 03732935X, $5.25
In the 1870s New Orleans, wealthy Walter Malloy parades potential husbands past his daughter,
but
Hanna rejects each of them until he informs her she will wed Louis Beauchcamp, merging the two
biggest shipping firms in the area. Walter hires a chaperone to guard his daughter so Hanna
concludes she will never be free of her domineering father or his hand pick lackey of a spouse
unless
she marries someone else. She decides her choice must be a wanderer who would never be home
to
order her to do things. Hanna escapes and flees to Fort Smith, Arkansas. She selects half-breed
Cale
Elliot as her mate based on his reputation as a deputy working for Judge Parker and his work as a
bounty hunter will keep him away from her. Cale accepts her plan because he believes that a wife
could be the key to gaining entrance to the notorious gang who killed his brother. As her father
and
her "fianc‚" come to collect her, the newlyweds fall in love, but both remain in deadly danger if
the
outlaws learn who he is. Though some readers might scratch their heads on the relative ease of
Hanna's transformation from a life of opulence to that of a frontier woman, Americana fans will
relish the adaptation to her new life because she is a brave admirable individual. Cale has his own
demons to contend with, but knows he would die for his bride. The lead characters are deep and
their adventures are typical of a Carol Finch reading riot as the Bounty Hunter's Bride is a stirring
western romance that entertains the troops.
Name & Address Withheld
Jane Sigaloff
Red Dress Ink
ISBN: 0373250223, $12.95, 336 pp.
Between her advice on City FM radio station and her column, Lizzie Ford has become London's
most popular Agony Aunt as her feedback is humorous yet practical. As successful and good her
advice is, Lizzie is lonely until she meets copywriter Matt Baker at the office Christmas party
when
he rescues her from a bore. Matt and Lizzie are attracted to one another and begin to see each
other
until they fall in love. However, Matt finally reveals that he is married for the last five years to
Rachel. Lizzie refuses to be the other woman even as she crosses her fingers that Matt's unhappy
marriage ends and while she provides advice to a person who seems more like his wife. Readers
desiring a humorous yet serious look at romantic triangles will enjoy Jane Sigaloff's warm romp.
The
story line is fun due to the first hand account by the lead female protagonist. Though the climax
seems quite simplified after the gyrations of agony suffered by Lizzie, fans of contemporary tales
will
take delight with the lightening up of the other woman plot that is the focus of Name & Address
Withheld.
Spanish Disco
Erica Orloff
Red Dress Ink
ISBN: 0373250231, $12.95
Though West Side Publishing book editor Cassie Hayes now lives in Boca Raton, Florida, she has
never shredded her New York City lifestyle, which means coffee at any hour. In the case of her
top
novelist, Michael Pearton that could mean three in the morning her time as he calls her from
England
whenever he suffers writer's block or needs phone sex. Cassie likes this relationship because she
fears an in the flesh coupling. Pulitzer Prize winning recluse Roland Riggs agrees to allow West
Side
to publish his first work since he won the Pulitzer for Simple Simon decades ago. His condition is
that the editor resides in his remote home to teach him how to disco dance and court a woman
because he is in love for the first since his wife was murdered. Cassie has the assignment that
makes
her stomach grind not so much because of the spicy food served or that she will be hustling her
butt
off, but because relationships are not her thing. Yet when Michael becomes extremely jealous, as
he
loves his Floridian based editor, she begins to reconsider what life is all about encouraged by
Roland's struggle to regain his. Spanish Disco is an enjoyable contemporary romance that plays
out
on several levels as the cast consists of walking wounded souls. Though the tale evolves around
gun
shy Cassie, readers also obtain a reasonably deep look inside the souls of Roland, Maria
(housekeeper and the love of his life), and Michael. Fans of dramas with a dysfunctional
relationship
theme as its core will want to disco with Erica Orloff's romantic romp.
Out Of The Blue
Isabel Wolff
Red Dresss Ink
ISBN: 037325024X, $13.95, 448 pp.
Faith and Peter Martin celebrate their fifteenth wedding anniversary, which he completely forgot
about, with friends and family including their two teenage children. Peter apologizes to his wife
blaming it on the pressure at work caused by new a new chairwoman at the publishing firm where
he
works as a director. At the party, Faith's friend Lily makes a seemingly innocuous remark praising
Faith for being "marvelous to trust him". However, Lily's casual comment makes Faith relook
Peter
who has bought new clothing and lost weight. She checks his credit card where she finds he
bought
flowers for someone. She questions him and he blows her off as being silly. Ultimately, she
believes
he is innocent and praises him for his faithfulness only to have him break down and confess he had
an affair. As Peter tries to win back his wife, Faith begins to branch into other areas encouraged
by
her daughter and best friend. Out Of The Blue could have been another "He did, she did" tale, but
is
more than that due to the rich cast that turns the prime theme of deceit into a deep character
study.
Faith lives up to her name until she learns Peter cheated. Peter feels guilt over his actions and his
subsequent cover-up. Their daughter Katie steals the show with her Freudian analysis of everyone
around her while Lily is a rip the skin off of everyone else magazine editor. These and other
secondary players make for an upbeat amusing tale of relationships in the modern age that will
have
every spouse checking his pockets.
Cupid's Melody
Karen Fox
Jove
ISBN: 0515134910, 272 pp.
Faery Nic Stone loves his mortal wife Anna so much so that he begs Fae Queen Titania to confer
immortality on his beloved spouse. Titania consents to perform the deed if Nic paints her portrait.
However, Titania plays a trick on Nic by not informing him at the time of the agreement that
Anna
had to die in order to be reborn an immortal. Twenty-five years later, Nic thinks he finally located
his Anna who uses the name Dianna Fielding, a renowned singer. Nic attains a gardening position
on
Dianna's estate where her sister Stacy also lives. Though Nic is certain that Dianna is his love, he
finds himself attracted to Stacy. Nic must tell the real Anna "I love you" to the real Anna or
become
Titania's slave, the other stipulation in their deal. Cupid's Melody, the sequel to the Prince Of
Charming, is a delightfully whimsical and amusing fantasy romance. The story line will charm the
audience especially when those wild pixies take center stage though they do distract from the
prime
plot. The strength of this tale resides with the characters. Readers will adore the endearing Nic as
faces a dilemma that could mean his existence and hiss at the mischievously devious Titania who
always has one more trick up her sleeves. The two sisters are interesting as they cause readers to
share with Nic his predicament. Karen Fox enchants her audience with this enjoyable reading
happening.
Twisted Shadows
Patricia Potter
Jove
ISBN: 0515134392, $6.99, 416 pp.
In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, two unsavory individuals visit Samantha Carroll at her Western
Wonders Art Gallery. They insist her real father crime boss Nicholas Merlitta is dying and wants
to
see her for the first time since her mother fled Boston with her over three decades ago. Samantha
believes her father David died two years ago though they insist otherwise and also inform her that
she has a twin brother. Samantha confronts her mother Tracy who admits that she is the daughter
of
Nicholas. Samantha decides to meet her brother and her biological father. Meanwhile, FBI Special
Agent Nate McLean is stunned to learn that Merlitta's wife and daughter lives. He decides to use
Samantha to get at Nick, Jr. who he thinks is laundering money. Nate seeks revenge for the
shooting
death of his mother by the Merlitta mob. However, he never thought he would fall in love with
someone who shares the blood of his enemy yet now risks his life to keep her safe from an
unknown
assailant perhaps her twin. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy the fast-paced Twisted Shadows.
The story line starts at quite a clip as Tracy holding two eight month old infants flees the mob
though there seems a disconnect since she ended with one child and her spouse the other
(explained
somewhat much later). Nate is an obsessed agent whose dreams are on the verge of coming true
when love twists his equilibrium for living. Samantha is a brave and wonderful individual while the
support cast provides depth leading to Twisted Shadow captivating the audience.
Maid Of Killarney
Ana Seymour
Jove
ISBN: 0515134155, $5.99
In 1576, urged on by his friends the Riordan brothers after the latest round of peace talks with the
Queen failed, a weary John Black goes home to Killarney for some peace and rest. However, on
the
trek homeward, John interrupts some lads dunking a young lady in Cotter's Pond. The trio tests
whether the lass is a witch. They toss the bundle containing the girl into the water before fleeing.
The bundle sinks to the bottom, but he dives in and rescues the child. He takes her to her home in
Whistler's Woods. John brings little Daphne safely to her concerned mother Lily, but both quickly
leave him with not much beyond a bit of gratitude, wanting him on his way. A bit stunned not just
by
their attitude, but that Lily is clearly high born, John leaves. However, John cannot forget the two
females so he persists on becoming part of their lives even after learning that Daphne's clubfoot
make them pariahs at best and witches at worst. Readers will find Ana Seymour's latest Irish
historical romance absorbing due to the pleasing lead couple and the mature Daphne struggling in
a
world that condemns her. The story line is more character study than the typical sub-genre novel,
but the audience will see more of the inner goodness of John and Lily while also observing the
reaction of the townsfolk towards the innocent but physically handicapped Daphne. Maid Of
Killarney is a charming relationship drama that brings the different sixteenth century classes
vividly
alive.
The Pepperdogs
Bing West
Simon & Schuster
ISBN 0743235894, $25.00, 365 pp.
Captain Tyler Cosgrove, US Marine Corps Reserve, is doing his last patrol in Kosovo because he
has been granted leave to fly back to the states to see his dying mother. One hour before his patrol
is
over, his path crosses that of Soca, a psychopathic Serb who just killed a woman in cold blood
and
stole her valuables. When the captain tries to stop him, his foe knocks him unconscious and takes
him across the border into Serbia. Captain Mark Lang is very close to Cosgrove and is determined
to find him and bring him home. Accompanying him are the men in his unit, The Pepper Dogs.
They
all come from New York and their families are all close friends. When an official rescue attempt
fails, the men go it alone. Deliberately ignoring orders and prepared to take the consequences,
their
exploits are being broadcasted on to the net with pictures and text turning them into real
American
heroes. Politically and diplomatically their country doesn't know what to do with them but even
the
hard-liners hope they will make it back to safety. Bing West has written an exciting techno-thriller
that is in the same class as the works of Dale Brown and Tom Clancy. The men that comprise The
Pepperdogs are true heroes because they do the right thing in searching of their friend even
though
they have to go outside legal channels to do it. There is so much action in this novel that the
reader
will want to finish in one sitting to find out if everyone makes it back alive.
Kitchen Privileges
Mary Higgins Clark
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743206053, $24.00, 208 pp.
Mary Higgins Clark has been a best selling author of suspense for what seems forever though her
first book was a bio of George and Martha Washington. Ms. Clark returns to the world of
non-fiction with an autobiography that may be her best work to date. Ms. Clark warmly discusses
her life growing up in the Bronx, a very harsh one due the Depression. Even more heartwarming
is
her "courtship" and first marriage that should have turned Ms. Clark into a romance writer instead
of
the queen of suspense. She follows this up with the tragedy of suddenly raising children, as a
widow
with income problems until her first sale brings in needed cash. Finally, she discusses her second
chance at love with her second marriage. Throughout the book, Ms. Clark displays her love for
writing without padding fluff or an outrageous scandal. Instead the author's myriad of fans and
readers who enjoy a well written insightful biography will take delight with this encouraging story
that does not apologize for Ms. Clark following her dreams and encourages others to do likewise.
For attaining one's dreams is how to attain happiness.
The Fifteen Streets
Catherine Cookson
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743236785, $25.00, 224 pp.
The Fifteen Streets are slums filled with abject poverty that usually leads to its residents giving up
on
the future as the hard work destroys the dreams and hopes for something better if not for
themselves
at least for their offsprings. A drunk sired John O'Brien, yet the lad once believed that hard work
was the avenue out. However, his toil on the docks has left him with deep doubts and the
realization
that the odds are he will end up just like his dad. Upon meets his younger sister's teacher Mary
Llewellyn, John renews his belief he will make something of himself because now he has the
impetus
to become a better person. Mary comes from a higher class than John yet prefers working with
the
children of the Fifteen Streets in the belief that education is the ticket out of destitution. As John
and
Mary fall in love, the pressure increases to end this forbidden relationship that binds two people
from
opposite sides of the tracks. Although the class differences blocking a relationship seem
antiquated,
this reprint of a classic Catherine Cookson book stands the test of time due to the ageless themes
that survival and intelligence is inadequate without love, passion, and hope. The descriptions of
the
Fifteen Streets neighborhood are sadly realistically horrifying then and now yet brilliantly
interwoven
into a powerful plot. Fans will admire Mary and root for John to overcome the impossible, which
is
why the deceased Ms. Cookson remains a favorite.
Grail Prince
Nancy McKenzie
Del Rey
ISBN 0345456483, $14.95, 528 pp.
Galahad, the oldest son of Lancelot knows his father loves King Arthur's spouse Queen
Guenivevre.
Galahad also realizes that his weak mother despises her husband, but does nothing except rant to
her
children. Still he loathes his sire for giving his heart to the wrong person. He concludes that
women
are feeble and deceitful and vows to avoid all females, preferring abstinence to a woman's wiles.
When Arthur nears death following the battle of Canlann against his own son, he asks Galahad to
fulfill a quest. He wants Galahad to unite Excalibur with the Grail and the Spear so that his
beloved
Britain will never be invaded. Galahad travels forever seeking the answers to what Arthur laid on
him. If he learns how to love, he would find the treasures are near, but the truth is even the
woman
who apparently is his destiny cannot seem to reach his heart. Mostly through Galahad's eyes, this
fantasy is a strong look at Camelot after King Arthur's death. The story line is action-packed, but
is
more of a character study than the usual genre novel. Readers see inside into the soul of Lancelot
paying the piper for his heroism and sacrifice. However, this is Galahad's tale as he struggles to
overcome the lessons of his childhood that focused on his mother's hatred of his father for his
unrequited love and subsequent family neglect. Arthur is more of a father to the troubled lad. The
Grail Prince will enchant the Camelot crowd who will demand that this Yankee author provide
more
tales in King Arthur's Court.
The Briar King
Greg Keyes
Del Rey
ISBN 0345440668, $23.95, 566 pp.
Before the Age of Mankind, the god-like Stasloi ruled the world. They forced humanity to do
their
bidding until Genia Dare led the successful revolt that destroyed their former masters. It is now
2,223 years after the defeat of the Skosloc and King William Dare rules Croetheny. Because his
son
is simple minded, he has named his three daughters as his heirs. The kingdom is not aware of it
but it
is tottering on the edge of extinction. The holter of the King's forest sees strange creatures in the
woods. People mysteriously murdered without a mark on them. Finally, the Briar King, one of the
old Gods, is awakening from his long slumber and it will take everything humanity has not to be
destroyed by him. There is a plot afoot to kill the king and queen and their three daughters so that
the son will be declared the ruler controlled by the puppet master who put this devious plan in
motion. This first novel in a four book series introduces the characters and sets the stage for what
is
to come. Good men die and heroes fall while men and women are tested for the upcoming battles
and intrigues. This is epic fantasy on a grand scale, one that will appeal to fans of Terry Brooks
and
David Eddings. It will seem like a long wait to readers before the next installment is published in
what looks like an electrifying quartet.
Prince Eternal: Sacred Soul
Monique Mucia
iUniverse
ISBN 0595143504, $16.95, 325 pp.
Lucifer impregnates the gypsy woman Falon when she left the haven of her clan. After the rape,
Falon returns to Devil's Mountain, Wallachia to give birth to his child before dying in fear of the
devil's whelp. The lad Vladimir Dracula struggles with the lure of his patriarchal bloodlines with
only
his cousin Vashti providing him some peace from his sire. Eventually Vlad leads the army in the
fight
with the Turks. Fourteen years later, after imprisonment by the enemy and a thirst for human
blood,
Vlad returns home to finds Vashti hates him for the death of her father. Vashti locks him up, but
releases Vlad only to have him jail her. In the dungeon, Lucifer visits Vashti because he plans to
use
her to gain his son's cooperation. She concludes that she is the key to who will own Vlad's soul,
his
devilish father or God. Will Vashti help Vlad follow the light or will she complete her vengeance
by
sending him into the eternal darkness as her own sister has chosen? Prince Eternal: Sacred Soul is
a
great retelling of the Dracula legend as the tale is a delightful historical horror novel that brings to
life 1430 Eastern Europe but never loses focus of its Dracula theme. Besides the 1430 Wallachia
background, some of the key cast members seem human with flaws and frailties while others (like
Lucifer and Vashti's fallen sister) make the inhuman feel genuine. Monique Mucia provides a
stirring
adaptation that will send the audience seeking more dark blood novels in what looks like a
superior
series.
A Winter Marriage
Kerry Hardie
Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316076228, $24.95, 394 pp.
Fiftyish Hannie Bennet has been a wife four times. After the recent death of her latest, Hannie
leaves
her teenage son Joss in Africa so that she can go prospecting unhindered for numero five.
Ironically
at a wedding, she meets elderly international reporter Ned Renvyle. He offers her a marriage of
convenience in which she would be his companion on his remote Irish farm near Youghal and she
and her son would no longer have to worry about finances. They marry and move to his home and
her son joins them. Hannie hates the isolation and acts withdrawn with her husband and the
villagers.
Quickly, everyone detests her scorn and hatred begins to take shape towards the outsider refusing
to
fit in. Worse, as Josh behaves destructively, Hannie deceives her spouse and the townsfolk trying
to
hide a secret that could destroy everything she strives to achieve even when threatened by
blackmail
and violence. A Winter Marriage is a tremendous contemporary relationship drama with deep
moral
roots that will surprise the audience not looking for subtle, multiple meaning allusions such as the
title with several interpretations. Hannie is a wonderful protagonist whose morality seems lowly,
but
keep digging to see more to her soul. Ned and Joss enable the audience to observe their personal
problems as well as providing an electron microscope level of depth into the heart of Hannie. Yet
with all that emphasis on character, the story line never slows down until the final truths are
bared.
Kerry Hardie provides a strong novel that entertains the audience yet the basic themes never
waver.
The Poison Master
Liz Williams
Bantam
ISBN 0553584987, $5.99, 416 pp.
Centuries ago on the orb Latent Emanation, the alien Lords of the Night made the planet their
own
with 1,000 humans as their servant slaves. In the present, the Lords rule with an iron grip abetted
by
the human Unpriests who willingly serve their masters while the rest of humanity swells as second
class citizens, knowing that anytime they can be enbonded, forced to directly serve their masters.
Alchemist and apothecary Alivet Dee is saving her money to get her sister Inki unbonded but her
goal seems futile when one of her clients dies and she is wanted for murder. On the run she meets
Fifth Grade poisoner Ari Mahedi Ghairen of the planet Hathes who needs her help in destroying
the
Lords of the Night. She travels with him to his own world where they devise a poison that might
free her world of her enemies. However, first she must discover if Ari is the friend he appears or
the
enemy that will kill her as predicted to her by one whom knows him very well. Liz Williams has
created a very innovating, cutting edge science fiction thriller that starts off at supersonic speed
and
turns into faster than light until the plot attains a satisfying if startling climax. The hero is an
enigma
who readers never really get to understand but the heroine endears herself to the audience from
the
start with her plans to reclaim her sister from indentured servitude. The Poison Master is science
fiction at its thought provoking very best.
Golden Fool
Robin Hobb
Bantam
ISBN 055380151, $24.95, 528 pp.
It has been many years since Fitz Chivalry Farseer has been in Buckkeep or had anything to do
with
his legitimate relatives but when the Piebalds kidnap Prince Dutiful, Fitz mounts a successful
rescue
operation. Now he is permanently ensconced in the keep, posing as a bodyguard to a man with
more
personas then fingers, acting as a spy to his former mentor, Chade the Assassin. Fitz uses the alias
Tom Badgerlock because if his real name and identity became known, many people will want him
executed for crimes and actions he never committed. Tom has many difficult tasks to perform
including teaching the Prince how to use Wit and Skill (forms of magic) when he is only learning
how to use it himself. He must also keep himself and his Prince safe from the Piebalds, open
practitioners of magic who think they should be the ones residing in the seats of power. The
prince
and Fitz must also be prepared for a quest that might cost them their lives if they complete it. The
hero of Golden Fool is one of the most likable protagonists to grace a fantasy novel. Unlike most
heroes, Fitz isn't very heroic but that doesn't stop him from trying to do the right thing even if he
occasionally makes errors. His concern for the well being of his Farseer relatives is another reason
that readers will gather him into their hearts. The next installment in this exciting trilogy will take
place on the island where the Prince must undertake a quest if he is to stay engaged to the girl
who
he hopes win one day be his wife so stay tuned to this series.
Turning The Storm
Naomi Kritzer
Bantam
ISBN 0553585509, $6.99, 384 pp.
The perfume war fought between the mages of Verdiana and those of the Kingdom of Vesuvia
devastated the lands leaving behind a desert. Out of this fiasco, the Fedeli force everyone to
practice
their religion while the Circle of Mages hones their skills for the next battle. The Fideli assault the
conservatory where Eliana practiced the violin. She flees to the wasteland, where she eventually
leads a counter revolt as the head of the newly formed Lupi. A battle against the mages leaves
many
of her supporters dead. Eliana joins the outlawed Redentori and is a major reason they defeat the
Mages in another skirmish. Cutting off enemy supply lines, Eliana and her side cause the Fedeli
and
Circle mages to prepare for an upcoming fight. Though a great military tactician, Eliana can win
only if she is not betrayed by her allies. Turning The Storm is a mega action-packed fantasy tale
that
never slows down until the final battle is done. Eliana is a great warrior-leader, a sort of Joan of
Arc,
who rallies her forces through intelligent strategy and by front line example. The prime motif of
the
tale is oppression as shown by the repression of any religion except that practiced by the Fideli
and
the abuse of power by the Mage and the other leaders. Still with all that action, a strong lead
heroine, and a deep message, the villains are real complex protagonists supported by strong
beliefs.
With this book and Fires Of The Faithful, Naomi Kritzer shows how thought provoking yet
entertaining the genre can be when a talented magician casts a writing spell on the readers.
Area 51: The Truth
Robert Doherty
Dell
ISBN 0440237068, $6.99, 320 pp.
Many of the stories about Area 51 are true including the fact that an alien mothership was found
in a
Groom Mountain Cavern with directions to the locations of nine smaller ships. The area was
quarantined and labeled top secret with all information concerning the alien artifact run by a
black-ops committee Majestic 12. Millennium ago aliens known as the Airlia came to earth and
lived
on the now destroyed island of Atlantis. When the second wave of Airlia landed on earth, the two
groups made war with each other with the humans who lived among them totally unaware of their
presence. Now it is known that aliens walks among us and they are not friends of the humanity.
Earth is devoting all of her resources to expel the invaders as well as a second alien the Swarm
who
harvest and destroy whole worlds. Mankind wants to be free to find it's own destiny and not be
ruled
by creatures that don't have our best interests at heart. Many of the legends that been paced down
through time including the Ark, Excalibur, Atlantis and the Holy Grail all have to do with the
shadow war that the aliens have been fighting. Area 51: The Truth is loaded with action but short
on
characterizations as the character serve as symbols rather than three-dimensional people. Still
those
readers who enjoy an adrenaline rush of excitement will relish this story line. Robert Doherty adds
to
the myths surrounding Area 51.
Comanche Woman
Joan Johnston
Dell
ISBN: 0440236800, $7.50, 400 pp.
In the 1843 Republic of Texas, as he promised three years ago to her sister, half-breed Long
Quiet
continues his search for the missing Bayleigh "Bay" Stewart with no success. When he saves the
life
of chief Many Horses Long Quiet believes his quest might be over when he learns of Shadow, a
white woman owned by this Comanche chief. As his reward, Long Quiet receives Shadow, who is
Bay. Long Quiet is patient with his frightened gift, but begins to reach the woman he has
cherished
ever since he saw her back east years ago. When someone tries to kill her, Long Quiet takes Bay
to
safety. Though they love one another, he knows his Indian people needs him so he wants to live in
Comancheria while she needs to go to her family ranch. Bay returns home to learn that the family
faces a financial crisis with their only hope left for her to marry her wealthy former suitor Jonas
Harper. However, she now carries Long Quiet's baby causing a different dilemma. Though the
story
line is typical of most of Joan Johnston's Texas historical romances, the reprint of Comanche
Woman will please sub-genre fans because this is one of the best entries in the extended mythos.
The
story line enables the audience to observe the lifestyles of Native American and Texans in the
middle
nineteenth century yet provides wonderful lead protagonists and a strong secondary cast including
stars from the first novel (see Frontier Woman). This is an entertaining tale that readers will gain
plenty of pleasure while awaiting the next reprint, Texas woman.
Do The World A Favor And Other Stories
Mat Coward
Five Star Books
ISBN: 0786243139, $25.95
The fourteen crime stories that make up this anthology are all well written fun to read. Mat
Coward
provides the audience with strong characterizations whether the protagonist is a hero or a criminal
so that in spite of the "shortness" the key player seems real. The cast is atypical of short stories, as
the development of the stars like Colin Mann and "Mugged" will feel as if they headlined a novel.
The story lines contain twists regardless of which sub-genre the tale belongs to though many cross
the artificial lines of two or more. Filled with intelligence and witty dialogue, do yourself a favor
and
enjoy this collection that will send readers seeking Mr. Coward's novels such as Up And Down
and
In And Out (just don't use a taxi).
Eternal City
Nancy Kilpatrick & Michael Kilpatrick
Five Star Books
ISBN 0786249608, $25.95, 290 pp.
It's been a rough two years for Claire Mowatt with her husband dying in a freak accident and then
two years later her Aunt Lillian is declared dead in a drowning accident. Claire is driving up to
Chesborough, four hours away from Toronto, with her twelve-year-old son to inspect the lake
front
cottage she inherited from Aunt Lillian. The owners of Nirvana, The Eternal City, a self contained
gated and domed community on Skeleton lakes already made Claire an offer on the place. When
they arrive at the cottage, they meet the next door neighbor Gord Roberts and his son Jeremy.
Gord
implores her not to sell the property and to join him in his fight against Nirvana. Ever since the
complex was built, the animals and fish are dying off and people who oppose the Eternal City
wind
up dead or missing. Varik, the CEO of Nirvana, wants Claire just like he wants what the unholy
creatures he made a pact with promised him. Nancy and Michael Kilpatrick have written an
enthralling horror novel about creatures that tap into humanity's basic desires by promising to
fulfill
them in return for services rendered. The actions of the hero and the heroine are believable and
the
creatures act according to their biological imperative so it's inevitable that when they meet the
results are catastrophic. Eternal City is what horror is all about.
The Offer
Robert J. Randisi
Five Star Books
ISBN: 0786248653, $25.95
Assistant Curator at the St. Louis Art Museum Robin Lobianco meets gorgeous Vince and Amy
Wheaton at a museum event. The trio hit it off and start to socialize, which is good for the curator
who is separated from her husband Frank. Following one particular event, a somewhat intoxicated
Robin joins the Wheatons in a m‚nage a trios. What she did mortifies Robin, who wants to move
on
and forget the sexual encounter. They ask Robin to move in with them as they love her, but she is
horrified by the suggestion and rejects it. They begin harassing her through greeting cards until
Robin turns to the police for help. Detective Jack Jones, on clerical duty with the death of his
third
partner in the last two years is assigned to help Robin because the mayor declared the museum a
key
part of the city. As the Wheatons' campaign of terror increases, only Jack stands between them
and
their destruction of Robin, who, they insist, they love. Fans of taut suspense chillers will be unable
to
refuse to read The Offer. The story line works because the key players seem human. The
Wheatons
are a Fatal Attraction duet whose obsession seems frighteningly real. Robin is a powerful victim
filled with remorse while Jack is a cop struggling with being a death magnet that only his wife the
stripper helps his esteem. Robert J. Randisi turns up the tension leaving the audience to think
twice
about whom they accompany home.
Bone Dry
Bette Golden Lamb and J.J. Lamb
Five Star Books
ISBN: 0786249129, $25.95, 256 pp.
In San Francisco's Ridgewood Hospital, the staff is upset as the bone marrow to be used in an
autologous replacement surgery to save the life of patient Carl Chapman is missing from the lab.
Especially shook up is nurse Gina Mazzio, who has been with Carl from the beginning of his
cancer
treatment and now cannot understand why he seems so stoic about his pending death. Lab worker
Faye Lindstron stole the bone marrow at the machinations of her boyfriend Frankie Nellis. She has
taken others also as Frankie demands fifty thousand dollars from the near death sufferers or they
will
die. As Alan Vasquez of administration tries to bury the scandal, Gina and a few other caring
medical practitioners struggle to uncover why a simplistic procedure has gone awry not knowing
that Frankie will kill to continue his lethal scheme. Medical procedural fans will have a field day
with
the exciting Bone Dry even with knowing the perpetrators from almost the beginning as authors
Bette Golden Lamb and J.J. Lamb use dramatic irony to make Gina question whether Vasquez is
the
culprit. The story line is action packed never slowing down until the final beach blanket scene.
Though Faye is too pathetic a character and Frankie is too evil, readers will devour this strong
thriller starring a wonderful Bronx transplant that is quite the lioness when it comes to protecting
her
cubs (patients).
The Shadow Women
Angela Elwell Hunt
Warner
ISBN: 0446530115, $19.95, 390 pp.
The Shadow Women is an interesting biographical fiction focusing on the life of Moses through
the
first hand accounts of the three women who most influenced his life by loving and caring for him.
Readers obtain an insightful perspective of the Hebrew leader filtered through the lenses of his
sister
Miryam, his Egyptian mother Merytamon, and his Bedouin wife Zipporah as each tell their side of
the story. Seven years old Miryam saves her infant brother's life and as an adult lives more like a
male leader until her personal encounter with God. Merytamon, needing a baby to cement her
position, finds the infant floating amidst the reeds and raises the child with love as if he came from
her womb. Zipporah shows her courage when she marries her "teacher" whom in many ways
seems
her superior yet she proves that she is his loving partner. The background descriptions are quite
powerful reminiscent of Anita Diamant's The Red Tent, but avoiding the sexual connotations of
the
latter novel as the targeted audience is quite obvious conservative Christian, especially with the
controversial ending. Though inconsistent at times, Angela Elwell Hunt sculptures an engaging
look
at the man who never quite made it into Canaan that will please her chosen readers.
Breakout
Richard Stark
Warner
ISBN: 089296779X, $23.95, 288 pp.
Thanks to incompetent partners failing to do the assigned jobs during a pharmaceutical heist,
master
thief Parker using the name Kasper lands in the Stoneveldt Detention Center, a maximum-security
holding jail in a Midwest state. Not noted for wanting to be a guest of any state, Parker selects
two
colleagues Tom Marcantoni and Brandon Williams to bust out of jail. The trio successfully
escapes
their incarceration. However, before Parker can return to the haven of New Jersey, he reluctantly
agrees to rob a wholesale jewelry company that keeps its inventory in an armory. Parker and his
partners easily gain entrance to the supposedly impenetrable artifice, but leaving proves disastrous
as
their entrance-exit tunnel collapses. Through a pizza delivery, Parker escapes, but now prison
officials and the police seek to capture the elusive thief while other demands on his time exist
when
all he wants is to relax in the Garden State. In the usual amusing yet stark story line, Richard
Stark
provides a tremendous antihero crime thriller. Parker is as always a delightful criminal and his
partners bring out the best or perhaps the worst in him. All this action leads to the star going
home
with such a small bounty that his girlfriend wonders whether itwas it worth the score. Another
win
for readers as this one evening sitting is a triumphant tale that shows how a talented author can
use
the English language sparingly to paint a masterpiece summed in one word Parker.
The Christmas Train
David Baldacci
Warner
ISBN: 0446525731, $19.95, 258 pp.
When Eleanor Carter was with Tom Langdon, he was a rising hotshot journalist who cared about
his
work and her. When she left him for the glitter of Hollywood as a screenwriter, he lost focus and
turned into a fluff reporter. Banned from flying, Tom takes the rails from DC to Los Angeles to
see
his girlfriend, a voice-over actress, for Christmas. To pass the boring time, he plans to write an
article on traveling cross-country by train. Tom meets several of his fellow passengers, but hears
that
a Hollywood group is also on board but staying incognito to avoid the media. However, Tom
soon
learns that Eleanor is among the Hollywood band. Shockingly (maybe not it is a Xmas story), her
current director persuades Tom and Eleanor to work together on a project with him. If Tom can
work with Eleanor who he still loves and wants back in his life permanently, his career will regain
the momentum it lost when her departure sent him spinning into a state of inertia. Though the
small
levels of suspense seem contrived, this holiday romance is a fun tale filled with solid characters,
especially the lead protagonists, and plenty of train lore. The story line is at its best when Tom and
Eleanor take center stage, as both appear so real that the audience will believe they shared a train
ride with both of them. Most of the other passengers provide humor so that those fans of warm
Yuletide tales will take delight in David Baldacci's engaging by the fireside amiable tale.
Twilight In Babylon
Suzanne Frank
Warner
ISBN: 0446611654, $7.99, 466 pp.
Twentieth century time traveling Texan Chloe Kingsley and her soulmate nineteenth century
Cheftu
are in Jerusalem (see Sunrise On The Mediterranean) when a fire leaves the former American near
dead. Cheftu rushes Chloe to the Ark of the Covenant, but she is transported into another time,
place, and body. Chloe finds herself occupying the body of a woman in Ancient Sumeria as a
flood
devastates the land. With her usual aplomb Chloe journeys to Ur where justice is blind for men
only
and education is for boys. Applying her twentieth century values, Chloe challenges the patriarch
society and opens up a fast food restaurant even while Cheftu arrives as a high priest in search of
her. The final tale in Suzanne Frank's time travel series, Twilight In Babylon, is an exciting novel
that
for the most wraps up loose ends for readers of the previous books, but newcomers may struggle
with connectivity. The story line is loaded with biblical era detail and some modern day
anachronisms, but regardless moves rather quickly forward. The lead couple, as with the prequels,
brings the plot to life though refreshingly yet surprisingly Chloe and Cheftu traverse separate
subplots for much of the novel. Ms. Frank's provides a delightful conclusion that purists may dub
more alternate history than historical.
The Experiment
Stephen Kyle
Warner
ISBN: 0446609447, $7.99, 448 pp.
In 1945, Nazi research scientist Dr. Viktor Schiller knows he must destroy his work before
releasing
a genetic abomination on humanity. He genetically experimented with three female prisoners in an
effort for their offsprings to accumulate the knowledge of the mother. However, the results prove
dangerous as he erased what makes a person human and instead bred a subspecies of killers. He
travels to Oztenhausen Concentration Camp to kill the three females, but two of the subjects
survive
along with the infant daughter of the one he kills as the Americans arrive. Viktor takes over the
identity of his Jewish friend, Heinrich Knelmann. Viktor moves to America to live as Heinrich. He
moves in with Heinrich's son and sister, posing as a psychiatrist. Over the years he kills two of the
subject-carriers and is down to two people to clean up his mistake. One is a 1950s offspring
whom
he plans to turn into a vegetable. The other is that World War II infant that escaped him. She has
finally been tracked down as a stuntwoman. Soon he will rectify the blunder he brought forth on
humanity. The Experiment is an exciting thriller that hooks the audience because the Nazi
experiments during World War II make the theme plausible. The ensemble cast seems real, but
especially Alana and her flashbacks to her mother living in a World War II concentration camp.
However, the tale belongs to the obsessed German research scientist. Viktor, unlike Victor
Frankenstein, tries to take responsibility for what he believes are the horrors he has unleashed on
the
world yet never stops to see what the true results are.
The Playboy
Carly Phillips
Warner
ISBN: 0446610550, $5.99, 384 pp.
Yorkshire Falls police officer Rick Chandler is known as much for his work holding up the law as
for his reputation with the women. Several years, Rick married a pregnant woman, who
eventually
dumped him for the boyfriend who originally deserted her. Following that episode, in spite of the
machinations of his ailing mother, Rick vows never again. Rick pulls over to help stranded driver
Kendall Sutton, who still wearing a bridal gown, was jilted by her fianc‚. Kendall has moved into
the
home of her deceased aunt, an abode that needs lots of work. Rick offers her a deal. If she
pretends
to be his lover and thus help him ward off his mother's minions, he will fix her house and help her
with her teenage sister. As they put up a pretense of a loving couple, Rick and Kendall find
neither
want the sham to end as they are in love, but both has been burned once before in a loving
relationship. The second Chandler family contemporary romance, The Playboy, is an engaging tale
that fans of Carly Phillips will fully relish. The story line focuses on two weary warriors whose
wary
looks at love make for a fine novel. His two brothers and mom and her sister provide depth so
that
the audience will gain pleasure in this novel, obtain the previous book (see The Bachelor) and
anxiously await the finale (the exempt brother's story).
Bride Of The Beast
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Warner
ISBN: 0446612324, $5.99, 352 pp.
In 1330 Scotland, widow Lady Caterine Keith struggles to keep her strategically located
Dunlaidir
Castle safe from the odious Sassunach like malevolent Sir Hugh de la Hogue who insists she
marry
him. Her best friend Lady Rhona sends a message to Caterine's sister Linnet, married to Duneen
Mackenzie, for help. Linnet obtains a pledge from loyal knight and friend Sir Marmaduke
Strongbow to keep her sibling safe. Marmaduke arrives at the castle, but is rejected by Caterine
not
because of his scarred visage, but because he is English. In spite of his tainted blood, Caterine
believes her sibling would only send someone she trusts. Caterine offers a pretend marriage, but
the
honorable Marmaduke insists on a real wedding. She agrees, not understanding that Marmaduke
wants her not the estate. A sequel, Bride Of The Beast, is a delightful fourteenth century Scottish
romance that brings back characters from Devil In A Kilt to include Marmaduke. The story line is
typical of the sub-genre, but what makes it stand out is the lead couple especially the male
protagonist. His honor, loyalty, and compassion make him a hero for any age while Caterine is an
intrepid lady who is the perfect complement to the male champion. Historical readers will enjoy
Sue-Ellen Welfonder's wonderful writing that shows she is one of the top knights of the era.
Green Girls
Michael Kimball
Morrow
ISBN: 0060087374, $24.95, 400 pp.
In New England, writer Jacob Winter goes berserk when he learns his wife is having an affair.
Unable to control his rage, he assaults his wife's lover, ending in jail. Surprisingly, an old college
crony Alix Callahan who he has not seen in well over a decade bails Jacob out of jail. Alix asks
Jacob and her exotic gardening business partner and lover July to meet her at a nearby large
bridge.
At the site, Jacob see Alix apparently fall to her death though her corpse is not found. The police
consider Jacob with his record for violence as a prime murder suspect, but subsequent events
make
him wonder if Alix lives. July's estranged husband is coming to collect two live hides and the drug
money that his wife and her lover stole from him when they set him up to take the fall. Most
important of all, Jacob wants to return to his family, but July has her hooks into him making
extraction nearly impossible. This regional noir is at its best when Jacob stays on center stage
though
his behavior is self-destructive. When the exciting story line turns to paranormal elements it loses
its
gritty edge of a secular world in chaos. Jacob is an intriguing character who Fraud would have
loved
to analyze while the rest of the cast adds depth to his seemingly fall into the abyss of hell. Readers
who love adrenaline rush of non stop suspense that grows chillier by the paragraph will want to
read
Green Girls because Michael Kimball attains the pinnacle of suspense and keeps the thrill at that
height until the climax.
Death In Dublin
Bartholomew Gill
Morrow
ISBN: 0060522577, $23.95, 304 pp.
In Dublin, Trinity College Security Chief Raymond Sloan abets two felons in bypassing the
protection afforded to one of Ireland's most precious treasures, the Book of Kells. The thieves
take
two of the four tomes plus two other priceless books and stuff their insider ally into the
hermetically
sealed vault so that Raymond dies from suffocation. Chief Superintendent of Serious Crimes Unit
Peter McGarr and his team work the murder investigation, but struggle with the interference of
media darling Chief Superintendent Jack Sheard. The condescending Sheard provides news
conferences that leave Peter in awkward situations. As the ransom becomes known, Peter believes
that The New Druids, an anti Christianity group that blames that religion for destroying Ireland
for
over a millennium, is behind the theft and the murder. However, action must occur rather quickly
as
the group threatens to burn a page every day if they fail to receive the demanded cash. This
exciting
police procedural works on several levels. First the obvious theft and murder investigation hooks
the
reader from the moment Raymond circumvents the security system. Second Peter's personal life is
in
shambles since the murder of his spouse two years ago seems on the verge of resuscitation due to
a
reporter and his daughter. Finally, the media comparison of darling Jack vs. pain in the butt Peter
is
quite a revelation as the former takes care of the press regardless of the impact on the victims
while
the latter considers the victims, his team, and the case over the journalists. Once again
Bartholomew
Gill humanizes his key cast so that sub-genre fans open the New Year with a triumph.
Dhampir
Barb & J.C. Hendee
Roc
ISBN 0451459067, $5.99, 384 pp.
As a child Magiere was shunned by the townsfolk because her father was a traveling noble and her
mother was a peasant woman. They made her life so miserable that she ran away from home at
seventeen carrying only a magical knife and two amulets that her father left behind for her. She
worked at any job she could find, traveling from town to town until she met the half- elf Leesil.
Together they worked the perfect con, pretending she was a vampire hunter who could rid the
town
of a vampire that was in the area. After she saved enough money, Magiere bought an inn in the
town
of Miiska. Nobody could be more surprised than Magiere and Leesil to learn that a trio of
vampires
lived in the town and what's more they know about her since she killed one of their kin. Magiere
comes to learn she is the natural enemy of the vampire, a Dhampire born of a mortal woman and a
vampire father, with powers she must learn to use if she doesn't want to end up being a vampire's
meal. Barb and J.C. Hendee have written a refreshingly innovative horror novel where the
protagonists and antagonists act according to their own nature. The vampires serve as worthy
adversaries for the Dhampir to destroy if she can and the reader will be rooting for her all the way.
After years of being homeless, Magiere and her half elf companion finally have a home and they
will
do everything in their power to protect it. The plot is meaty and juicy with unexpected turn so
that
readers are already anticipating the next surprise.
Deathstalker Legacy
Simon R. Green
Roc
ISBN 0451459071, $23.95, 480 pp.
Three generations ago, Owen Deathstalker destroyed the Empress Lionstone and by that one feat
alone, assured his place in history. He disappeared and nobody knows if he still is alive, but all the
planets in the New Empire venerate his memory. At the time that King William passes the crown
to
his son Douglass, the empire was at its zenith, a golden age where peace was the norm and
prejudices for the most part were set aside. Upon becoming King, Douglas appointed Lewis
Deathstalker as the king's champion. This turns into a grave and fatal error for it was expected
that
Finn Durandel would get the position. Both men were Paragons (heroic soldiers that represented
the
King's justice) but Lewis is Douglas's trusted and only friend. Finn did not know how much he
wanted the position until he lost it and he vows to take away everything and everyone that means
something to the king before he finally destroys his highness. He becomes a mole in the palace,
spreading dissension everywhere he goes and making sure that his enemies pay the price for
standing
against him. The golden age of mankind is ending due to one man's jealousy. Deathstalker Legacy
is
space opera at its action best. The novel is populated with heroic figures reminiscent of Lancelot
and
Arthur and villains that make Darth Vader seem like a nice person. The antagonist is so successful
because he knows so many government secrets and enemies and willingly uses them to his own
advantage. Once again, Simon R. Green has written a work that will appeal to Star War fans.
Final Justice
W.E.B. Griffin
Putnam
ISBN 0399149260, $26.95, 416 pp.
Instead of going to law school and becoming an attorney in the prestigious family firm, Matt
Payne
joins the Philadelphia police force. At first, everyone connected to Matt, on the job and off, thinks
this is something he has to get out of his system before returning to the "proper" fold. Matt
however
solves some high profile cases and eventually becomes a respected detective. When he passes his
sergeant's exam with the highest score, he obtains his wish a transfer to homicide. From the day
he
arrives there, he gets in the middle of the action, helping his superiors on a robbery that ends up
with
a woman and police officer dead. He's also assigned to work the case of a rape murderer who has
to
be caught before he strikes again. In the middle of all this, he is assigned to baby sit a movie star
in
town to raise funds for charity. Matt Payne may be an excellent police officer but he also has to
learn
that he is not a superhero before he implodes. Fans of police procedurals have a treat in store for
them when they read Final Justice as readers observe a day-to-day look into the workings of a
police
department and the toll it takes on an individual officer. W.E.B. Griffin humanizes the police
officers
he writes about so his audience feels sympathetic towards them and hope they are not killed in the
line of duty. The final call on this novel is a winner for the audience.
Prince Of Lost Places
Kathy Hepinstall
Putnam
ISBN: 0399149368, $23.95, 192 pp.
In Ohio, the bomb at their son's school that killed a child traumatized more than just the teachers
and
elementary school students. Florist Martha Warden, mother of one of the pupils six-year-old son
Duncan, could not cope with her feelings she was hopeless to keep her child safe. Her husband
David forced Martha to visit a shrink, but that just made the woman feel worse. Finally, although
she
loves David, three months ago, Martha abducted Duncan and vanished into an isolated cave near
the
Rio Grande with a sixty- day food supply, candles, and John Denver. Martha easily adjusts to her
new lifestyle consisting of fishing and teaching. However, David has hired a detective to find and
bring home Martha. The outsider uses the name of her deceased father and arrives with chocolate
candy for Duncan. The detective struggles with his own demons while he tries to gain Martha's
trust
He desires her world of peace more than his own fractured torturous mental landscape. Kathy
Hepinstall provides her audience with a deep psychological tale that moves slowly forward, but
any
faster pace would destroy this astute character study. The key to the tale is Martha who has found
haven in an alternate reality that her mind has created so that she can physically and mentally live
safely in her new world. Readers who want action need to try a different panorama, but fans of
discerning stories that look inside the essence of the soul will want to read Martha's moving
motif.
The Arraignment
Steve Martini
Putnam
ISBN 0399148787, $25.95, 416 pp.
The law firm of Madriani and Hinds of Coronado, California consists of two partners, Harry
Hinds
and Paul Madriani. They are an ethical pair who refuse to accept drug cases. At the coaxing of his
trophy wife, Nick Rush, a criminal attorney at the legal giant Rocker, Dusha and DeWine, asks
Paul
to take on the case of Gerald Metz, a business man entangled with a grand jury probe. Nick
explains
he is unable to provide Metz with legal support because of a conflict of interest. Paul has doubts
but
meets Metz. Paul quickly figures out that his potential client is lying to him and that he might be
indicted for money laundering. After consulting with Harry, they agree they want no part of the
case. Paul reluctantly tells Nick he won't represent the man. A few minutes later as Paul is walking
away from the scene, someone kills Nick and Metz in a drive- by shooting. Though he knows he
has
no reason to, Paul feels guilty and decides to investigate Nick's death. He almost gets himself and
Harry killed in the process. Crime thriller fans will find Steve Martini's latest work exciting and so
engrossing that it is impossible to put down until the last page is turned. Paul Madriani is the
Perry
Mason of the new millennium, an attorney with ethics who goes the extra mile for his client and
will
even work for free to see justice occur. The Arraignment is realistic and believable, yet so vivid a
novel with strong believable characters that the storyline would make an exhilarating movie.
Uncovering Sadie's Secrets
Libby Sternberg
Bancroft
ISBN: 1890862231, $16.95, 190 pp.
Bianca Balducci is a sophomore at St. John's Parochial School in Baltimore. Her best friends
Kerri
and Nicole know that Bianca has a crush on junior Dog Patterson. So her pals arrange for the
three
coeds to meet Dough and his friend at the mall. Also there is weirdo Sadie Sinclair. The
discussion
between giggles focuses on Bianca's older sister Connie, a private investigator. Sadie shows
interest
for the first time and asks what Connie could do for someone being framed for murder. Bianca
gives
Sadie her sibling's business card. Bianca sneakily checks her sister's voice mail and learns that
Sadie
using the alias Bobbie McCormick called Connie. As the mystery of Sadie grows, Bianca deals
with
two stalkers including a woman claiming motherhood. The soph gets deeper into the mess even as
her social life seems ready to take off with Doug that is once she uncovers Sadie's secrets. This is
an
engaging young teen mystery that is fun to read, as the lead protagonist hooks the audience with
her
combination of sweet innocence and crafty guile. Uncovering Sadie's Secrets entertains readers
because the mystery is fun but the cast seems so real. Libby Sternberg's Balducci tale would make
a
fine present for especially the female Potter crowd and us geriatrics that grew up with the hardy
Nancy Drew novels.
Kings Of Many Castles
Brian Freemantle
Thomas Dunne
ISBN: 0312304129, $24.95
MI5 Agent Charlie Muffin is currently assigned to Moscow where he serendipitously resides
secretly
with Russian intelligence official Natalia Fedova. Natalia and Charlie quietly raise their child
together though both seem edgy and nervous as their professional work interferes with their
relationship. However, all hell breaks loose when the Russian president and the American First
lady
are critically wounded. The police arrest George Bendall, son of the infamous British turncoat
who
defected three decades ago, for the assassination attempts. Though the lone gunman case is
documented by the TV cameras that caught the shootings, Charlie quickly thinks otherwise as he
smells his defunct rivals the KGB behind this odious incident. However, proving this when the
media-government bureaucracy says otherwise will be extremely difficult and dangerous. Though
his
latest caper is an exciting espionage tale, after a quarter of a century of saving the free world,
Charlie seems a bit tired especially in his personal life. The story line is at its best when Charlie
uncovers pet rocks seeking the evidence that a conspiracy is involved as government programs
never
die. Series fans will judge this a strong effort and anyone else who takes delight in a modernized
Kennedy-like conspiracy plot will rush to read this Brian Freemantle's latest thriller.
Midnight Crusader
Nancy Gideon
ImaJinn
ISBN 1893896870, $13.75, 280 pp.
In the thirteenth century, the honorable knight Gabriel de Magon loved Naomi Berthilde, but
when
her life was tragically cut short, he allowed himself to be transformed into a vampire. He intends
to
wait for as long as it takes for her essence to be reincarnated into another body so they could be
together at last. While working to police his own kind, he meets Naomi Bright, the very image of
the
woman he has loved for centuries. Circumstances force them apart once again but he catches up
with her in Las Vegas only she has no memories of him. She has been made a thrall to her
vampiric
boss Zanlos and has to do his bidding. When Gabriel and Naomi meet again past and present
memories merge and in her heart she recognizes her true love. When she is finally able to break
free
of Zanlos' spell, they have to defeat an ever more dangerous enemy, one who wants Gabriel
destroyed. Nancy Gideon has written another enthralling and soul-stirring vampire romance
starring
two star-crossed lovers who never seem to get it right. The hero still retains his courtly manners
and
sense of chivalry but it is the heroine who will steal the readers' hearts with her gentle spirit.
Midnight Crusader will appeal to readers who like Anne Rice, Linda Lael Miller, Karen E. Taylor,
and of course Ms. Gideon.
The Assassins Of Tamurin
S.D. Tower
Eos
ISBN: 0380978032, $25.95, 464 pp.
The Riversong villagers assign the lowest lowlife eleven-year old urchin Lale to deliver the golden
needles to the princess because no one else is available. The child loses her package while
crossing
the dangerous Hatch Creek ford. Already considered worthless, the villagers drive the lass away.
After a harrowing trek, Lale finds refuge with the "Midnight Mother", Makina, the ruler of
Tamurin.
Makina sends her latest "daughter" to the School of Serene Repose. Six years later, Lale attends
the
School of Three Rivers for ninja training. A few years later, Makina believes Lale is ready to
begin
her plan of vengeance on the neighboring ruler Terem Rathai. Lale enters Terem's land Bethiya as
an
actress. Terem notices her and Lale is quickly becomes his mistress. Lale finds Terem is an
enlightened kind monarch and begins to fall in love with him. However, if she changes loyalty, she
dies a nasty death by sorcery while as a war fought on two fronts (mundane and magic) is
imminent.
The Assassins Of Tamurin is a taut, exciting, and well written epic fantasy that works on several
levels because the countries seem so authentic as if magic existed in Ancient Asia. This occurs
because the characters whether they are peasant villagers or evil or benign monarchs provide a
realistic social environment for the plot, especially the fantasy elements to perch. The first person
account by Lale that later becomes a dialogue with Terem enables the audience to understand the
key characters. Though the ending seems to rapidly short, this novel towers over much of what
the
genre offers.
Desert Wives
Betty Webb
Poisoned Pen Press
ISBN 1590580303, $24.95, 302 pp.
Outside of the region, it's not a well-known fact that along the Arizona- Utah border, there are
various polygamous communities flourishing and the authorities turn a blind eye because their
family
trees also contain many polygamous members. Private detective Lena Jones, based in Scottsdale,
is
hired by thirteen year old Rebecca's mother to get her out of the polygamy compound of Purity.
The
girl's non-custodial parent kidnapped her with the intention of marrying her off to the Prophet
Solomon Royal in exchange for receiving two sixteen-year old wives. Lena is able to get Rebecca
out safely but not before they both see that Solomon was murdered by a gunshot. A few days
later
Rebecca's mother is arrested for the crime because she can be placed near the scene just before
the
murder, yelling at the Prophet. Lena, with the help of an inside sympathizer, infiltrates the
compound
to discover who the real murderer is, a difficult job because many people had various reasons to
want Solomon dead. After reading Desert Wives, reader will come away horrified that women in
the
twenty-first century in America can be treated like cattle and have no recourse but to endure their
suffering. Betty Webb tells a compelling story and raises a social issue that most people don't even
realize exists. This is one book that the audience will be unable to forget due to its subject
matter.
The First Law
John Lescroart
Dutton
ISBN 0525947051, $25.95, 384 pp.
It is a little known fact that some selected areas of San Francisco are policed by Patrol Specials,
licensed private security specialists accountable to the SFPD. Wade Panos has six areas that he
and
his team patrol, but they are also into payola, shakedowns and when somebody gets in their way,
they use intimidation tactics to get in his way. Pawn Shop dealer Sam Silverman couldn't afford
their
rates anymore and suddenly he is robbed and killed. The police led by the Patrol Special's tips are
convinced that bar owner John Holiday and two of his friends are the guilty parties because Wade
wants his shop and this is a cheap way to get it. John's lawyer is Dismas Hardy, who is bringing a
civil suit against Wade and his men for brutality and intimidation. Dismas is threatened twice and
he
thinks Wade is behind the threats to him and his family. To obtain justice, he, his brother-in- law,
Lt.
Abe Glitsky, and John might have to go outside the law to see justice done. Make room John
Grishan for John Lescroart as the new king of legal thrillers. The First Law is full of action,
seat-of-your pants suspense, and plenty of chilling scenes. The hero doesn't want to fight and even
leans towards caving in when he and his family are threatened but in the end he stands for justice
when the law doesn't work. Readers will definitely want to put this legal thriller in the keeper
shelf.
The Hours
Michael Cunningham
Picador
ISBN: 0312305060, $13.00, 228 pp.
Three women from different eras share the commonality of the female of the species. Book editor
Mrs. Clarissa Vaughan, nicknamed "Mrs. Dalloway", struggles between her professional life and
her
personal life in modern day New York as she plans a gala event for a friend. In 1923, Mrs.
Virginia
Woolf begins writing her novel Mrs. Dalloway, but by 1941 the specter of war leaves her
distraught
and thinking suicide. A decade later, California housewife Mrs. Laura Brown reads Woolf's
classic
Mrs. Dalloway as she wonders is that al there is to life at least with her perfect family. These three
women from different ages of the twentieth century that share much in common as they encounter
a
haunting tedious existence as the mainstay of their daily living. Rotating points of view, Michael
Cunningham provides an interesting look at historical parallelism focusing on the more things
change, the more they remain the same. The three women are clearly the keys to this tale. The
two
fictionalized protagonists cleverly persuade the readers to believe that they were just as real as
Mrs.
Woolf was. Though some passages seem winded, fans of deep character studies will feel that The
Hours is the Holy Grail of the sub-genre with its insightful yet compassionate look at three
women
through their stories that interact yet stand alone as reflections on their lives.
Sins Out Of School
Jeanne M. Dams
Walker & Company
ISBN 0802733794, $23.95, 264 pp.
Expatriate American Dorothy Martin is approaching seventy but she acts like a woman at least
two
decades younger. She lives in the quaint little town of Sherebury with her husband, retired chief
constable Alan Nesbitt. The couple prepares to host a Thanksgiving dinner for their friends. Three
days before the big event she is asked to do a friend a favor by substituting at St. Stephen's
school.
She reluctantly agrees and finds out that this is the first time the regular teacher Amanda Doyle
took
leave without calling. The day of the Thanksgiving dinner, Dorothy is asked to baby-sit Amanda's
nine year old child because the teacher is in police custody as a suspect in the murder of her
husband
who was found dead in their flat with a knife in his back. Dorothy doesn't believe for one moment
that Amanda or Miriam could have killed John because they were so frightened and browbeat by
the
abusive man. She starts snooping again and finds other notable suspects and inadvertently puts
Alan
and her in danger from a killer who wants to see certain secrets stay buried. Jean M Dams writes a
lively, exciting and ample mystery staring a heroine that is impossible not to like. She sticks her
nose
into places where it doesn't belong especially when people tell her to mind her own business. She
remains steadfast seeking out the truth even if she is given the cold shoulder for asking
impertinent
questions. Sins Out Of School is an excellent mystery that deals with the issue of verbal abuse on
a
family.
Dark Ambition
Allan Topol
Onyx
ISBN: 0451410645, $6.99, 480 pp.
The State Department's Office of Diplomatic Security has two experienced agents guarding
Secretary of State Robert Winthrop. After his wife Ann leaves, only gardener Clyde Gillis remains
on the property until George Nesbitt arrives for his appointment. George is actually a woman who
kills America's top diplomat before leaving for her home in Connecticut. Clyde finds the body, but
fears what happened to his father in Mississippi will happen to him and flees the scene. With
strong
circumstantial evidence, the FBI quickly concludes that Clyde killed Robert though no one can
locate Nesbitt. Justice Department Attorney Ben Hartwell leads the prosecution team but also
wants
to insure that the government does not use Clyde as a convenient scapegoat just in case the man is
innocent. Anne believes Clyde is innocent and hires her friend lawyer Jennifer Moore to defend
him.
Jennifer and Ben have a history, but both will do the right thing though that is not safe as this
simple
robbery gone bad case has more of an international flavor than either lawyer realizes. Legal
procedural fans will relish this strong novel starring a delightful duo, but the female assassin steals
the plot. Dark Ambition never slows down as the case against Clyde seems airtight and he
changes
his innocent attitude after a visit from the Connecticut killer. Readers will question more so than
even Ben does how a vanished Nesbitt fails to place doubts on the case and why no one wonders
why the missing visitor left no fingerprints in Winthrop's home. Still readers will follow the lead of
the Attorney General's Office and not object because Allan Topal provides quite a thriller.
Godcountry
Colleen Drippe
Novel Books
ISBN 1591050278, $16.95, 202 pp.
In the far distant future, mankind has colonized so many planets in so many galaxies that humanity
is
beginning to mutate. On earth many areas are radioactive and the poor sell their children into
slavery. Eduardo Sabat was once a slave of the criminal Feullier Corporation but his slaveband
went
inactive when the company's computers were destroyed. He is now a registered mercenary who
has
been hired to do a search and rescue operation. The son of the Hithian's Autarch has been arrested
on the planet Quele, held captive by the religious priest who will kill him for not worshipping their
pagan gods. Sabat, who has worked as a tomb raider in Godcountry, is invaluable to the team for
few know how to survive in that area. Getting into Godcountry proves almost impossible because
enemies both known and those hidden in shadows try to stop him. That seems as easy as 1 2 3
when
compared to escaping from the ruling theocracy that wants Sabat dead. Godcountry is an action
packed science fiction thriller that would make a dynamite movie in the tradition of Star Trek and
Star Wars. The protagonist of this novel has done and seen a lot of horrible things as a slave but
he
learns that being free comes with its own set of responsibilities because he has to please an even
harder task masker: himself.
Destiny's Game
Linnea Sinclair
Novel Books
ISBN 1591050456, $TBA, 110 pp.
The Cinru space station, one of the oldest and least maintained in the Argossan System, is home
to
many people including numerous homeless children and teens living in the corridors and hiding in
the
cubby holes of the station. Captain Kelsey Ross, an in-system spaceship captain, tries to help them
out as much as possible but when Queen Raina dies and Sartan becomes the new ruler, Cinru
becomes a place ruled by martial law. Sartan's military arm, the SAM's hold the station in a tight
grip, not letting anyone leave without special permission. When Kelsey comes to the attention of
the
authorities, she is arrested. Only with the help of the Corries and the pirate Matthias Kincaid, a
man
with his own agenda and attracted to the fiery Kelsey, does she stand a chance of survival. Award
winning author Linnea Sinclair has written an exciting space opera starring a cast of likable
characters especially Kelsey who goes from the reactor into the nuclear waste without losing her
equilibrium. This is the prequel to the Cinru Station Chronicles and various authors will write
further
stories in the series. Ms. Sinclair has done an excellent job of laying the groundwork for this series
and proves once again that she is a very talented artist.
The Flower Of Clear Burning
Joel Van Valin
Novel Books
ISBN 1591050264, $17.95, 271 pp.
Hillkirk is a quiet, relatively safe town that lies in the eastern part of the realm. Theresa Winered is
a
married woman stifling from the confines of her position. Hanoli, a barmaid, tries to keep her
dignity
in her squalid existence. Valla is the local midwife respected for her knowledge of herbal
medicine.
Although these three women are of different statures in life, their practice of Wicca makes them
natural allies in the dark days that are soon to be upon them. An unstoppable plague is sweeping
is
on the from the southlands. At the same time a ravaging horde of Barbarians from the east is
sweeping closer to them every day, destroy anything in its path. Theresa travels into the forest of
Havernon and becomes one of the leaders in the war effort. Hanoli and the man she loves travels
to
the island of Isalt in hopes of finding The Flower Of The Cruel Burning, the only known cure for
the
plague. Valla stays in Hillkirk hoping to give comfort to her patients. These three remarkable
females, already courageously helping people, play a heroic role in a war they thought there was
no
hope of winning. Lovers of fantasy that like heroic battles and plenty of action inside a believable
plot will want to read The Flower Of Clear Burning. The characters make this novel stand out
from
other works of similar style and caliber. The women accept burdens men normally assume with a
determination to complete them or die trying. Joel Val Valin is a gifted storyteller who will appeal
to
fans of Patricia Briggs and Candace Sans.
Moonlight Legacy
Jewell Dartt
Amber Quill
ISBN: 159279033X, $TBA, 250 pp.
In Silver Valley, North Carolina, Hadden McNeal waits at the altar, but his bride to be Miranda
Slate fails to show up. Instead her grandmother Elizabeth arrives with a note saying she changed
her
mind because she does not love him. Hadden confronts Miranda, who canceled the marriage when
that very day she changed into a werewolf. Though a half-breed, she cannot halt the metastasis
into
a wolf when the moon rises. Skeptical Hadden accepts the truth declaring he will help Miranda
though he does not know how. Purebred loup garou Drake Guignard has come for Miranda to
complete the vow her mother broke years ago. While he looks forward to her becoming his bride
and savior of the divided pack, his wanton killing of humans horrifies her. Still she craves fresh
meat
and mankind is choice cuts. Miranda rejects Drake and turns to Hadden for help. They visit a
mountain witch while Drake begins a reign of terror to force her to acquiesce. Moonlight Legacy
is
a delightful werewolf romance that fans will enjoy because Jewel Dartt insures the transformation
of
Miranda and the full- blooded Drake seem like real species. The story line is a take on good vs.
evil
with the twist that Drake's belief in werewolf superior to Homo sapiens turns humanity into a
giant
stockyard for him and his kind. Though his best friend is to conveniently an expert on the
supernatural, Hadden is a wonderful hero willing to risk his life for his beloved. Ms. Dartt
provides a
strong paranormal tale that will keep North Carolina residents indoors when the bad moon
arises.
Kiss Of Deceit
Patricia A. Rasey
Amber Quill
ISBN: 1592799906, $15.49, 274 pp.
In Ohio homicide detective LeAnne McVeigh brings in for questioning Marcus "Snake" Gallego
biker husband to the first female victim Jillian, dead of erotic asphyxiation. However, soon other
women soon follow with the only connections between them apparently being that they cheated
on
their husbands and that the serial killer relishes his deadly power trip. LeAnne continues to
investigate Snake and his cronies, but is shocked how enticing the big biker is though she is
engaged
to prosecutor Chad Baker. Other suspects surface, but the killings continue placing Henry County
under the terrorizing grip of a dangerous serial killer. LeAnne thinks Snake is innocent and
actually a
good person hiding inside his biker garb but Chad has no doubts he is the culprit. His fiancee
wonders is that unprofessional jealousy talking? Kiss Of Deceit is a tremendous police procedural
with enough romance that will entice romantic suspense readers too. The story line moves faster
than Snake's Harley can go, but insures that he and LeAnne come across as real people. On the
surface the lead protagonists seem opposite one another as he lives for the day in his grassroots
lifestyle while she looks to the future yet both have deep senses of loyalty and duty. There are
plenty
of suspects with motives provided for each one. No deceit, this is a winner for those fans who
enjoy
a taut mystery with plenty of racy tension. Strongly recommend also reading Patricia A. Rasey's
backlist to include Fa‡ade, Deadly Obsession and The Hour Before Dawn as this reviewer intends
to
do.
Alice At Heart
Deborah Smith
Belle Books
ISBN: 0967303524, $14.95, 320 pp.
Though it is February, Odd Alice swims the icy waters of Lake Riley high in the Georgia
Mountains
as if it is a summer day. Her idyllic watery solace ends with a splash and a vision. She rescues a
child
who fell into the lake and Griffin Randolph, the treasure seeker starring in her vision who faces
death from an underwater explosion near Spain until just Alice pleaded with him to breath.
Because
the child she saved is related to the Governor, Alice becomes a publicized hero with the
Bonaviendier siblings attending the ceremony and claiming she is one of them. They prove their
contention as they share the same webbed feet. Alice visits the three sisters at their Sainte's Point
Island home where she also meets Griffin. As Alice begins to learn about her mermaid heritage,
she
and Griffin fall in love, but their families have been feuding for quite awhile as landlubbers and
water
people have never mixed. Alice At Heart is a tremendous opening book of what appears to be the
beginnings of a long delightful series starring the residents of Sainte's Point and the across the bay
town of Bellemeade. The story line predominately focuses on a first person account by Alice, but
does switch to third person accounts of other prime players deftly handled by Deborah Smith so
that
the audience obtains a deeper understanding of the cast. Though the tale suffers from the first
novel
syndrome of introducing the entire universe in one sitting, Ms. Smith provides a powerful and
absorbing novel that at its heart is simply fun to read.
A Promising Man (And About Time, Too)
Elizabeth Young
Avon
ISBN: 0060507845, $13.95, 402 pp.
In London twenty-nine years old Harriet Grey avoids any entanglement with John Mackenzie,
though he probably hangs better than the fertility god statue of Wooden Wally in the store
window
and easily makes her heart beat faster. Harriet believes that John is the lover of her old schoolmate
Nina, a perfect female specimen whom she has envied forever. John manages to talk with Harriet,
not an easy task, which leads to their initial attraction for one another growing. Desiring to trump
Nina, but afraid she is Asking For Trouble, Harriet cannot simply accept that this wonderful male
specimen would choose her over her beautiful rival. She asks for advice from her motley crew of
housemates and just about anyone else who will listen. As John and Harriet begin to fall in love
while the rest of her world confronts minor crises, she fears confronting her beloved on the key
question whether he and Nina share a bed? A Promising Man (And About Time, Too) is a
delightfully humorous romantic romp that once again proves London swings at least for the Chic
crowd. The story line is at its best when the enchanting Harriet (what can you expect with a name
like that?) is on the center stage as her doubts on competing with Nina come through loud and
clear.
When the vast secondary players go into a soliloquy they slow down the plot though they provide
some insight into the star, but more into their own personalities. Though not satirical, Elizabeth
Young writes a warm, amusing contemporary romance that is fun to read.
Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
Michael Ledwidge
Atria
ISBN 074344257, $23.00, 320 pp.
John Coglin is a dedicated New York patrol officer who transferred to Street Crimes. His girl is
pregnant with his child and any day he is going to give her a ring so they can start their life
together.
On his way home from work, he notices a group of teen-age thugs beating up an old man. He
intervenes only to have the leader Ream almost kills Coglin. Expecting to die, Coglin shoots the
black teen. A fellow officer arrives and places a throwaway gun in the vicinity of Ream. At first
it's
judged an acceptable homicide, but the media and political forces working behind the scene stir up
the public. Coglin goes on trial for second-degree murder, but receives a tip that he's going to be
found guilty. He joins his Uncle Aidan, a former IRA assassin and bank robber extraordinare, on a
plan to rob a Rockerfeller Center office of millions of dollars worth of diamonds. However, a very
special visitor at the office where the gems are located leads to the Feds. Only FBI Agent Collette
can, if she chooses, bring salvation to Coglin. Before The Devil Knows You're Dead is a dark and
gritty urban noir novel. It is unfair that the protagonist goes to trial and what happens during it
makes him realize that those who he thought were friends or allies have turned their back on him
or
actually betrayed him. It's difficult to judge him because few would know what they would do
given
his choices. Michael Ledwidge plays on the emotions of the readers like a master pianist.
The Deal Killer
Jack Bludis
Design Image
ISBN: 1891946188, $15.95, 238 pp.
In 1951 Hollywood, Regal Pictures mogul Robert regal Clarke asks Brian Kane one more time to
explain what he does for the studio. Brian tells her he is a private detective on retainer by Regal.
He
gets a hundred a month for doing nothing and fifty a day if he is doing something. Robert orders
Brian to handle the blackmailing of his girlfriend actress Hanna Mills, but neither of them will
provide him any information beyond a vague threat that the culprit will go to columnist Andrea
Anderson with some damaging information. Brian waits for a final scene of western to be shot so
he
can question Hanna who stars in the film. However, during the climatic shoot-out someone
assassinates legendary actor Niles Walker. As the police investigate the murder, Brian knows that
a
link between the homicide and the blackmail case exists, but Robert still remains obstinate about
what he knows and orders Brian to forget about the murder and concentrate on what he is being
paid to do: protect him and Hanna. The Deal Killer, the second Kane 1950s Hollywood private
investigative tale (see The Big Switch, obtainable from Design Image), is an exciting hard- boiled
detective story with an undercoating of humor that somewhat softens yet hones the plot's edge.
Sub-genre fans will relish the story line that moves briskly forward mostly through the actions and
interactions with and to Brian who struggles with uncooperative clients. Jack Bludis furbishes a
delightful tale for those readers who enjoy a tough but caring sleuth doing the job his way.
Out Of The Ruins
Sally Wright
Multinomah
ISBN 1590520319, $10.99, 276 pp.
In 1960, Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia is one of last barrier islands to be privately
owned by an individual. Charlotte Hill MacKinnon, the owner of most of the land intends to keep
it
that way. When she dies, she leaves her holdings on Cumberland Island to Hannah Williams Hill,
her
sister in law. Hannah feels the same way about Cumberland as Charlotte did and she intends to
fight
off the developers and the Parks Department who want to take it by eminent domain. Even
though
she is in the end stages of multiple sclerosis, her mind is clear and she asks her nephew, archivist
Ben
Reese to help her. Ben has one satisfying conversation with Hannah before she dies and he wants
to
help the new heir, Johanna Elliott, a shy retiring opera singer who intends to carry out her aunt's
wishes. Ben isn't sure that Hannah died from natural causes so he starts his own investigation just
to
make sure that there isn't a killer on the loose ready to strike again. Sally Wright is a very
talented,
very visual writer who describes Cumberland Island in such detail that readers will feel they have
visited the place. The fourth Reese mystery is the best yet, primarily because the audience feels
closer to the protagonist. Out Of The Ruins is a cerebral brainteaser that will appeal to fans of
literary mysteries.
Captured By Your Kiss
Jen Holling
Pocket Books
ISBN: 0743438043, $6.99, 416 pp.
In 1542, as war threatens Scotland, the Bloodstone Keeper Mona Graham decides to retrieve the
gem in an attempt to gain peace. She needs a protector on her quest to keep her safe from her
son-in-law Ridley, who desires her almost as much as he covets the Bloodstone. Unlike his
deceased
father who forced Mona to marry him to gain possession of the magical artifact, Ridley plans
simply
to take the stone from his mother-in-law. Mona chooses Ridley's prisoner Patrick Maxwell to
guide
her. Mona frees Patrick and he reluctantly agrees to escort her even while Ridley's men pursue
them.
As Mona and Patrick fall in love, they find the Bloodstone, but Ridley takes it from them. He uses
the stone to see into the future to insure his side slaughters his opponent in the upcoming war
between England and Scotland. Only Mona has the remote chance of stopping his ascendancy, but
she needs the extended family of her beloved to remotely hope to win. The conclusion of the
Brides
of Bloodstone trilogy, Captured By Your Kiss, is an exciting wrap up to delightful tales. This
novel
ties up all the threads of the previous novels (see Tempted By Your Touch and Tamed By Your
Desire) yet also can stand-alone. The story line contains fantasy elements such as a quest and
magical powers inside a strong Scottish historical romance that will elate readers of the two
genres.
Though acceptance of how fast Ridley and his thugs seem to travel is needed, Jen Holling
provides a
terrific triad that requires more romantic fantasy from this awesome author.
Nobody But You
Julie Kenner
Pocket Books
ISBN: 0743446046, $6.99, 400 pp.
As she turns thirty, Jacey Wilder feels it is past time to straighten out her life. She decides a good
place to start is with Albert Alcott, a man she met while on vacation. She deserted Albert when
she
thought he might be a serial killer, but realizes her error. She hires private detective David
Anderson
to locate the man though she believes he is a flake. David quickly learns that Albert never
graduated
from Harvard Law as he boasted to Jacey. Next he takes her to Albert's former address only to
learn
he died. David provides solace, but Jacey is not hurting. Meanwhile Albert faked his death and has
returned from Mexico seeking the diamonds he stole from mobster Joey Malori. As Albert and
Joey
converge on Jacey, she and David fall in love, but he will earn his fee keeping his beloved client
safe.
Nobody But You is an amusing romantic suspense as only Julie Kenner can write. The story line
cleverly combines humor with tension and intrigue so that the audience has a delightful tale
though
how fast the mob catches up with Albert upon his return seems stretched. The lead couple
belongs
together and the support cast (from his aunt to the crooks) makes for a wonderful read for
sub-genre fans.
One Step Beyond
Henning Mankell
Vintage Books
ISBN: 1400031516, $13.00, 400 pp.
On Midsummer's Eve 1996, the three twentyish friends garbed in period piece costumes celebrate
the holiday in the woods that is near the midpoint between their homes until someone kills the
trio.
Swedish Inspector Kurt Wallander just returned from vacation worries about what diabetes is
doing
to his health, but the shootings take precedent over his personal pity. Though the illness seems to
tire him, he contends with the demands from the media, brass, and politicians to solve the case
yesterday. Adding to Kurt's pressure is the murder of a fellow officer Svedberg with half the man's
head blow to bits. Kurt digs deeply into the personal life of Svedberg, uncovering things he can
not
fathom with what he knew of his peer. As he realizes that the cases tie together and a serial killer
haunts the south of Sweden, Kurt and his team constantly fails to stop an adept killing machine.
One
Step Beyond is not a rehash of the scripts from the TV show, but instead is a terrific English
translation of a strong Swedish police procedural. Though at times the interpretation seems off,
the
story line provides the audience with a delightful investigation and a deep look at the aging
protagonist as he struggles with health problems. The sleuthing makes for a wonderful time for
those
readers who relish international flavor to their law enforcement stories. However, the key to this
novel is the hero, a tired person who pushes to perform his duty. The genre audience has the treat
of
six other Wallander cases will also be translated and published over the next two years.
Tough Luck
Jason Starr
Vintage Books
ISBN: 0375727116, $12.00, 256 pp.
Teenager Mickey Prada works at Vincent's Fish Market in Brooklyn while sharing a flat with his
Alzheimer's suffering father. Mickey counts pennies planning to attend Baruch and earn an
accounting degree that is when he is not serving fresh fish to customers or searching for his father
lost somewhere in Brooklyn. With his love life showing zero, his only positive is that his father
has
not found the train to Manhattan or Queens and even more teeth gnashing no thonks Da Bronx.
With his bookie, Mickey places losing bets for a fish customer Angelo Santoro. However, Angelo
fails to pay up so now Mickey's credit is shot to hell and his body might soon follow. Desperate,
Mickey and his buddies commit a failed robbery in the Manhattan Beach section of the borough.
Though shocked with Hard Feelings, he goes home expecting the police to come, but instead
learns
he has funeral expenses as his father just died along with Mickey's dreams of a white-collar
accounting job. Tough Luck is an amusing urban noir that spins darkly following the
misadventures
of Mickey through one blue note after another. This character study focuses on the aspirations of
a
youngster whose dreams seem so simple yet might as well be in another galaxy. Mickey is a great
protagonist while his friends torturing him over his girlfriend void seems as real as the tour of
Brooklyn's mean streets. Though not a spark of light to grow a tree in this black hole of a tale
exists,
fans of Jason Starr will relish this humorous trek through the rotted inside of the Big Apple.
Boy On The Porch
Dee Holmes
Berkley
ISBN: 0425188159, $6.99, 320 pp.
In Bedford, Rhode Island, one year ago today, Annie Hunter's beloved husband Richard suddenly
dies of a massive heart attack at forty-two years old. Though still grieving, Annie's interior
decorator
business remains a success though her personal life is a zilch. Annie comes home from work only
to
see a young adolescent sleeping on her porch with her dog resting next to him. She calls the
police
who take Cullen Gallagher down to station, but not before he claims Annie is his mother and
Richard his father. At the police station, Annie learns that Cullen lives at Noah House for
Troubled
Boys, managed by Linc McCoy. As Annie and Linc overcome their initial distrust of one another
they work together to learn the truth behind Cullen's continual claim that Richard is his father.
They
fall in love with one another, but both believe that the other is wrong for them even if they work
so
well together. Dee Holmes furbishes her fans with an exciting contemporary romance that will
grab
the heartstrings of the audience because of Cullen's need to belong to a family. Linc and Annie are
a
fine couple, but the tension between them changes rather quickly from suspicion of motive to that
of
love. Readers will receive plenty of pleasure from Boy On The Porch, a wonderful character study
that supports a tough love approach to the problems of youth.
Hanging By A Thread
Monica Ferris
Berkley
ISBN 0425187144, $6.50, 272 pp.
Betsy Devonshire owns Crewel Jewel, a needlework craft shop located in Excelsior, Minnesota,
that
is doing quite well. Thanks to the old Minnesota winters, Betsy needs extensive roof work done
and
she hires general contractor Foster Johns to perform the roofing. All her friends, workers, and
customers are appalled and concerned because everyone believes Foster murdered his mistress
Angela and her husband Paul. After the roofing job is completed to Betsy's satisfaction, Foster
asks
her to find the evidence that will clear his name. He swears he killed neither of them and Betsy
intuitively believes him. During her questioning she learns that Paul was an abusive husband and
Angela was a battered wife who had an affair with Foster. She also learns that Paul's airtight alibi
doesn't hold up which means that he could have killed his wife. Now she has to prove it as well as
find the weapon that killed both victims in the hopes that clues will lead to answers. This is the
sixth
installment in the popular cozy series and it is every bit as good, if not better, than the first five
novels. The heroine has shown tremendous growth as a character and the support cast makes the
story line both colorful and humorous. There is no way anyone will guess how the victims died
but
once presented to the audience it becomes understandable and believable. Instead of knitting on a
Minnesota wintry night, this a perfect work to read.
Murder Checks Inn
Tim Myers
Berkley
ISBN 0425185257, $5.99, 200 pp.
It's not many people who live and work at a place that means everything to them but Alex
Winston
is one of the chosen few. He works and lives in a lighthouse motel, the Hatteras West Inn and
Lighthouse located in the small town of Elkton Falls, North Carolina. The guests he serves always
entertain him and he currently looks forward to the Trask family reunion. However, when they
check in, he realizes they are not on vacation but are there for the reading of a will. Alex's Uncle
Jase is to read the will to the grieving family, the wife Cynthia, the daughter Ashley and the
brother
Steven but he is murdered before he can. The only item missing from his office is the will and that
makes the Trask family members prime subjects. A previous unknown but acknowledged
daughter
also is one of the beneficiaries of the will and she too is considered a suspect. There is one more
questionable person that must be considered. Alex's brother Tony desperately needed the money
that
Jase left him in his will. Alex is determined to find out who is uncle's killer is even it means risking
his own life. Murder Checks Inn is so colorful that readers would like to take a vacation at the
lighthouse motel depicted in the novel. The scenery is picturesque while the story line is fast light
and entertaining. The support cast adds an extra touch of color to the tale. The protagonist is very
likable and he knows all the suspects have viable motives, which makes him even more
determined
to find the real killer.
The Dogfather
Susan Conant
Berkley
ISBN 0425188388, $22.95, 272 pp.
In her not so distant past, Holly Winter, dog lover and owner of two Alaskan malamutes did
something that brought her to the attention of mob boss Enzio Guarini concerning his hated
son-in-law. Although she never intended to have anything to do with him again, she is virtually
kidnapped by his overzealous employees while walking the dogs. The ride gets off to a bad start
when the dogs eat Enzio's cannolis before they are brought to his home where he informs Holly
that
he wants her to train his new four month old rambunctious puppy. Not being an idiot who wants
to
relocate underground, Holly agrees to train the puppy. One day while Holly and Enzio are
working
together in a parking lot, one of Guarini's guards is murdered. Holly is instructed to go home and
forget about the incident. However that proves difficult when a bomb blows up her car, an FBI
agent threatens her and somebody takes a shot at her while she is dining with her policeman
buddy.
What can one expect in Cambridge? The Dogfather is a hilarious parody of "The Godfather" with
Enzio being the right Brando. Surprisingly, the mobster discovers who the killer is, not the
heroine.
The female protagonist tries to make the best of an untenable position and at times her actions are
extremely funny. Susan Conant always writes an excellent who-done-it but this one is especially
good due in large part to Holly's reactions to certain incidents, cannoli anyone?
A Piece Of Heaven
Barbara Samuel
Ballantine
ISBN 0345445678, $23.95, 336 pp.
Luna McGraw lost custody of her daughter when her husband took her to court with proof that
she
was an unfit mother because of her drinking. After four years of out of control alcoholic bingeing,
she hit rock bottom and finally entered rehab. Now she is four years sober and her ex-husband has
transferred custody of their daughter Joy to her. Luna looks on this as a second chance to be the
mother that her daughter needs but she is scared that she will fail her. Thomas Coyote is a
two-time
loser in the divorce wars. His second wife cheated on him with his brother after they learned
Thomas
is sterile; now she is pregnant and married to his sibling. The last thing he wants to do is fall in
love
for the third time but when he meets Luna, the attraction is electrifying. Luna feels the same way
but
she is fighting it because she fears rejection from her daughter as much as from Thomas. A Piece
Of
Heaven is a beautiful love story starring two scarred individuals who still have issues from
previous
relationships they have to resolve before they can think of coming together. The likable characters
are realistically drawn, especially Joy who is wise beyond her years. Barbara Samuel has written a
relationship drama that will appeal to fans of Kristin Hannah and Barbara Delinsky.
A Fine Dark Line
Joe R. Lansdale
Mysterious Press
ISBN 0892967293, $24.95, 304 pp.
In the summer of 1958, the Mitchel family moves to Dewmont, East Texas to run the drive-in
movie
theatre, which they just bought. They hire half black-half Indian Buster Lighthouse Smith to
operate
the projector and a black woman Rosy to help Mrs. Mitchell with the cooking and the cleaning.
Thirteen year old Stanley Jr. becomes closer to Buster and Rosy than he does to his parents
because
they listen to his dreams and fears. While playing with his dog Nub, Stanley finds a half-buried
chest.
When he opens it he discovers inside a bunch of love letters written in 1942. There are no
signatures
on the letters only initials and Stanley becomes obsessed with finding out who wrote them and
what
happened to them. He figures out who the writers were by questioning various townsfolk. He and
Buster, a former Seminole police officer, investigate further, an action that puts him, his family
and
his two friends in danger. A Fine Dark Line is a powerful coming of age tale set in a place and
time
when people of influence can get away with murder. The summer of 1958 is a traumatic time for
the
protagonist as he learns about sex, incest, homosexuality, and wife beating while someone tries to
kill him. He successfully blackmails the town's most powerful citizens yet understands his
experiences are meaningless in the greater scheme of life. Joe R. Lansdale once again transcends
genre to write a haunting historical novel focusing on the human condition.
Reality Check
Leslie Carroll
Ivy
ISBN: 0804120005, $6.99
New York's SOHO copywriter Liz Pemberly feels her personal life is at zero so when she sees a
NY
Post advertisement for contestants to go on TV's Bad Date she decides to try out. The rules are
simple as fourteen participants will vie for the one million dollar jackpot with each telling about a
terrible date they suffered through. Each week, the audience will vote one person off the show
and
there is to be no fraternizing or the contestant will be disqualified. At the audition, Liz meets
Miami
restaurant owner Jack Rafferty, who she thinks is quite a hunk. As several weeks pass in which
Liz
and Jack survive, they feel a deep attraction to one another. However, both know that if they
begin
dating, they will lose the opportunity for the grand prize. Still they start to wonder if the money is
worth it as they are starting to fall in love, but what will happen if they ever commence dating.
This
contemporary satirical romance spoofs the reality shows leaving no one standing at the end. The
story line is amusing especially when the worst dates are presented and more so as Liz and Jack
squirm to ignore their feelings, as deep in their hearts they believe that the show might cause them
to
miss a perfect match. Leslie Carroll furbishes a cheeky tale that readers will laugh with the
characters while checking into the next rounds of reality TV.
Lady Of Desire
Gaelen Foley
Ivy
ISBN: 0804119740, $6.99, 432 pp.
In 1816 teenager Lady Jacinda Knight, daughter of the infamous "Hawkscliff Harlot", refuses to
marry Lord Griffith since he is not her soulmate. Instead, Jacinda chooses to flee to Paris.
However,
while waiting passage, an urchin steals her purse. Jacinda gives chase and ends up in hiding while
a
gang war occurs in a rundown part of London. Not long afterward, one of the gang leaders Billy
Blade catches Jacinda. Billy finds himself attracted to the compassionate and unconventional
beauty
and she realizes the notorious chief of thieves is all she desires. As Billy decides to go straight and
claim his aristocratic title as an earl to win her hand, he must contend with his rivals who now
know
his weakness is that of the heart. Gaelen Foley's latest Regency romance is an exciting tale starring
two delightful incomaprables. The story line is action-packed with two distinct settings that both
bring out the key characteristics of the lead duo. Though the novel would have caused more of a
refreshing stir as a star- crossed dilemma if Billy was just what he first seems, a reprobate, readers
will find much positive about Lady Of Desire as is the case with all of Ms. Foley's historicals.
Custard's Last Stand
Tamar Myers
NAL
ISBN 0451207823, $19.95, 240 pp.
Unlike those in Lancaster and similar towns, the Amish and Mennonite of Hernia are not a tourist
attraction and the townsfolk want to keep it that way. There is only one place to stay when
visiting
Hernia and that is the PennDutch Inn, a place where the rich, famous and powerful flock to when
they want to get away from it all. The owner Magdalena Yoder is looking forward to a visit from
George Clooney but due to a misunderstanding she winds up with business Mogul Colonel
George
Custard, his cook and his chauffeur. Magdalena is horrified to learn that the Colonel wants to
build a
five star hotel that will cater to society's blue bloods. She embarks upon a campaign to have the
zoning variance issued by her brother in law revoked. When she returns from a meeting, she finds
the Colonel dead, a victim of a gunshot to his head. Her brother-in-law the chief of police asks
Magdalena to investigate, but with so many suspects not wanting Custard's hotel in their area,
solving the crime is proving quite difficult. Custard's Last Stand is a humorous amateur sleuth
novel
with no violence or bloodshed. There are numerous suspects, but none apparently with a strong
enough motive to kill. The heroine's knowledge of the town's history enables her to find a path
towards solving the case, but even with that Magdalena has plenty of work left. Tamar Myers
once
again provides a fascinating cozy that is a delicious one sitting shoe fly pie.
Holder Of Lightning
S.L. Farrell
Daw Books
ISBN 0756401305, $23.95, 576 pp.
Centuries have passed since the mage-lights disappeared taking all of the realm's magic with it.
Seventeen-year old Jenna Aoire, a crofter's daughter living in Ballintubber, tends sheep on
Knobtop
Hill when the mage-lights suddenly reappear. She picks up a brightly colored shining stone not
realizing that she has found Lamh Shabhala, the master stone that will reawaken the other
dormant
stones once it is charged up with power. Noble Tiarna Mac Ard, pledged to the high king Ri
Gabair,
comes to take Jenna and her mother to court so they will be protected from anyone who wants to
steal Lamh Shabhala. When she gets to court she learns that everyone wants to either use her for
their own end or try to take the stone from her. Every time she harnesses the power of the
mage-lights it takes a painful toll on her physically but when all the other stones of power are
charged up, Jenna's troubles begin. Magic walks the land and people will attempt to abuse Jenna,
controller of the most powerful artifact of all, as a weapon if she fails to apply her magic for the
greater good. Holder Of Lightning, an epic fantasy novel, is based on ancient Celtic tradition and
legend yet is set in a realm that is subtly different. The heroine goes from a na‹ve peasant fearing
the
responsibility that she has been given into a ruler in her own right, not afraid to take charge of her
own destiny and that of others. Now that magic is let loose in the land, it will be interesting to see,
in
future installments, how mankind deals with it.
Orphans Of Earth
Sean Williams and Shane Dix
Ace Books
ISBN 0441010067, $7.50, 384 pp.
The alien Spinners bestow gifts upon races far less technologically advanced than they are. These
presents include a faster than light ship and ftl communication ability. The largess is soon
considered
a curse because shortly after they are used the Starfish arrive, hostile aliens who destroy entire
solar
systems, wherever beings that use the ftl communications exist. The Starfish destroy Earth and the
rest of the solar system. Human colony planets, spread out throughout the known universe, are
being destroyed and it looks like Homo sapiens will soon become an extinct species. Caryl Hatzis
and human engram (an advanced simulation) Peter Alander are desperately trying to find a way to
save what is left of mankind. They discover a third alien race, the Yvel, who have been trailing in
the
wake of the Spinners and the Starfish for twenty-five hundred years. They survive by staying
behind
their enemy but now Caryl and Peter want humanity and the Yvel to make a stand against the
Starfish. Orphans Of Earth is space opera at it's finest as Sean Williams and Shane Dix have
created
a rousing adventure starring alien races that seem so real and superior to mankind that it is no
wonder there is no communication between the various species. Though the Yvel are alien also,
they
share the same needs as humans and make believable allies. It will be interesting to see what far
away galaxy the next installment in this exciting series takes the reader to visit.
Cold Streets
P.N. Elrod
Ace Books
ISBN: 0441010091, $22.95, 400pp
In wintry 1938 Chicago, four thugs kidnap sixteen year old Sarah Gladwell, a teen with the
intelligence of a ten year old. As instructed, Sarah's mother Vivian avoids the police, but hires
private investigator Charles Escott and his partner Jack Fleming, owner of the Lady Crymsyn
nightclub who are considered off limits by the mob. As a vampire, Jack has several handy qualities
to
include becoming invisible. He rides alongside Vivian though the woman does not know he is
there.
After the money drop, Jack rescues the girl and captures the four criminals. He hypnotizes them
into
confessing, but one of them, the ringleader Hurley Dugan, fails to react to his suggestion, claiming
innocence, a circumstance that only drunks and the insane can accomplish. Worse, Hurley, hiding
in
Jack's vehicle, realizes that the sleuth is a vampire when he sees Jack drink the blood of a cow.
Now
Hurley is blackmailing Jack, who plans to have justice his style. The latest entry in the Vampire
Tales is an exciting supernatural detective tale. As with the previous books in this series, the novel
combines hard boiled sleuths, gangster with and without hearts, and a nightcrawler into a
delightful
story line that brings home the Cold Streets of 1938 Chicago. The twist this time is the prime
villain
knows his enemy and plans to use it to advantage, leading to readers having one of the better tales
in
an intriguing series.
Small Magick
Liddy Midnight LTD
ISBN: 1553160576, $TBA
Though she provides Small Magick through logical deductions, Drey envies the mage abilities of
her
family. Everyone, but her can perform tremendous feats. Her solace lies with her pipes, Mousie
the
mousebane tabby, and the great outdoors. Following Mousie and aided by the wind revealing a
path
she has never seen before, Drey climbs a mountain. Drey feels different inside the circle on a
hillside.
Elated with the belief she can perform magic here, she toots her pipes and casts a spell that binds
a
wind sprit in mortal dress to her. Cyrus expects that she summoned him to give her sexual
pleasure
and provides such as only a wind spirit could. However, when it is time for him to return to his
normal form, she cannot release him because does not know how or even how she captured him.
As
Drey falls in love with her spirit, she decides to sell herself in bondage to a mage who can liberate
her beloved Cyrus. The second tale in Liddy Midnight's Dark Ages Erotic Fantasy series, Small
Magick, is an enchanting story that casts a spell on the audience. The story line bewitches the
reader
into believing that sexy spirits can be summoned. Drey is an ambrosial darling who tries to do the
right thing even at personal sacrifice. Cyrus may be a wind spirit, but he sure knows how to heat
the
pages of a novel. Fans into something delectably different will want to read this novel and its
predecessor Fire And Ice because the works of the majestic Ms. Midnight magically moves
readers
into a mystical realm.
An Accidental Goddess
Megan Sybil
Baker LTD
ISBN: 1553165780, $21.99, 237 pp.
The Raheiran forces win the battle against the Fav'lhir that saves the Kahlaran. However, during
the
fight, the explosion of an enemy ship near her vessel apparently killed Raheiran Special Forces
Captain Gillaine Davre and her sentient ship SIMON. Three hundred and forty-two years later,
Gillaine surfaces but cannot explain how or why. Because she was a hero in the great battle, over
time her role grew and changed into one whom died divinely so that the Kahlaran remade her into
a
Goddess with her own temple. Shocked beyond belief, Gillaine wants to tell the truth that the
enemy
explosion propelled her through a time warp, what really occurred at the decisive battle, and how
mortal she is, but quickly realizes how fragile the Kahlaran remains. Admiral Rynan Makarian
finds
himself quite attracted to Gillaine and quickly concludes she is his soulmate. Though she feels the
same, she fears the consequences to her worshippers of acting on her heart's desires. However,
history seems to be repeating itself as a threat from space is nearing leading Gillaine to wonder if a
higher purpose sent her through time to complete the job. An Accidental Goddess is an exciting
science fiction fantasy with a delightful dab of romance that readers of all three genres will agree
is a
clever action-packed conjoining of elements that make for quite a terrific time for the audience
regardless of classification preference. The lead protagonists are intrepid and caring individuals
who
understand their duty yet find a love that transcends the ages leading to the audience seeking
other
works by Megan Sybil Baker (see the prequel, Wintertide).
Amaryllis
Tricia McGill
Wings Express
ISBN: 1590889827, $TBA
Melanie Ross is in shock unable to accept that that someone murdered her husband, an
undercover
law enforcement official. Not long afterward, the flu is killing Irena, a planetary visitor from
Amaryllis on the other side of the universe. Irena knows she must be left behind to die, as the
clock
is running out on her people. Irena's sensory powers bring her to a cemetery in Sydney, Australia
where she telepathically observes a lonely figure mourn even as her husband's killer threatens her
life. Irena offers a deal that if Melanie delivers her craft to her planet, she will insure Reve returns
to
punish her husband's murderers. Melanie agrees so Irena prepares her for the trek before she
herself
dies. However Commander Reve of Starship Victus is unhappy that this inferior being has
replaced
his mate Irena. He reads her mind and finds her passionate nature quite thrilling, which bewilders
him. Melanie is also confused as Reve could have been Chris' identical twin and the Amaryllisans
look like doppelganger of famous earthlings. As Reve and Melanie become better acquainted,
they
fall in love, but neither trusts the other though Reve can read her mind, which he has no ethical
qualms in doing even as Melanie wonders what the Amaryllisans are hiding behind their masks.
Amaryllis is a strong outer space romance starring two delightful star- crossed lovers (literal and
figurative). The story line is loaded with earthly and solar action. The support cast enables the
audience to understand decisions made especially those by Melanie. Tricia McGill provides
readers
with a cogent romantic science fiction that is sure to gain her fans from both genres.
Falling Star
Karen Wiesner
Hard Shell Word Factory
ISBN: 0759900833, $12.95, 239 pp.
Rori Mason knows what an abomination men are from first hand experiences. The rejection by her
beloved Nate for another woman and ultimately a decade wasted with an abuser provided
empirical
data to Rori what the traits of the Y chromosome are. After vowing no men, Rori earns income
ironically as a stripper. Life uses love to orchestrate a cosmic satire that Rori knows makes her
the
butt of the joke as she encounters Nate for the first time since he deserted her. To her chagrin and
shame, Rori still loves Nate even though he married someone else. Nate's wife is dead and he
raises
their daughter alone while ministering to a small flock of worshippers. Nate learns where Rori is
performing and soon realizes he needs her in his life permanently. She treats him with disdain to
hide
her true feelings that mistrust coincides and shares her heart with her love of him. Falling Star is a
wonderful contemporary romance that hooks the readers because of the delightfully humanistic
lead
female protagonist. Though Nate is a wonderful person and his daughter precocious, Rori owns
the
novel chapter, page, and word. Readers will admire her for she refuses to allow life's left hooks to
keep her down on the canvas. Fans of a warm second chance at love tale starring people readers
will
cherish should read Karen Weisner's beautiful book one of the Angelfire trilogy and obtain the
other
two novels, First Love and Forever Man, as soon as possible as this reviewer plans to do.
Fever Linda
Dominque Grosvenor
BET
ISBN: 1583142614, $15.00, 177 pp.
Nina loves Tim, but resents the fact that he spends 110% of his time on his film. Ignoring Nina,
Tim
directs and produces his film while also working on distribution. Nina feels ignored and her own
identity buried under the avalanche of being the wife of Tim the moviemaker. In spite of loving
him
and having given up her own career and Brooklyn home to accompany Tim to California, Nina
decides she cannot compete with his mistress, film making so she flees Los Angeles for New
York.
Sam loves Carla, but struggles with her inability to show she cares for him. However, Sam fails to
really see what is mentally destroying Carla, who believes she cannot turn to her spouse for
solace.
She holds a secret that if revealed probably will destroy her marriage, his love for her, and
ultimately
her life. Troi has been there and done that as a survivor of the downside of relationships. She has
turned around her negatives into a positive. Feeling altruistic and mature, Troi wants to share her
experience with these two couples struggling to survive after the initial rush of passion has ended.
Fans of deep relationship dramas starring real people struggling with their past and present will
relish
Linda Dominque Grosvenor's strong insightful tale. The theme focuses on the exertions of the two
couples to make it as a pair while not losing one's own essence. Troi serves as the role of
model/mentor as well as the literary device that links the couple's subplots into a cohesive story
line.
Fever is a fantastic reading experience.
Harriet Klausner
Senior Reviewer
Donovan's Bookshelf
The Poetry Anthology 1912-2002
Joseph Parisi & Stephen Young
Ivan R. Dee, Publisher/NBN, dist.
1332 North Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60622
1566634687 $29.95 1-800-462-6420
The Poetry Anthology 1912-2002 gathers ninety years of Poetry Magazine, a publication founded
in
1912 which published some of the most well-known poets of American history. This impressive
and
recommended anthology provides a decade-by-decade approach, juxtaposing such major talents
as
Yeats, Teasdale and Millay with Hughes, Crane and Cummings. An exceptionally well-rounded
treatise emerges as a result.
Mao: A Reinterpretation
Lee Feigon
Ivan R. Dee, Publisher/NBN, dist.
1332 North Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60622
156663458X $24.95 1-800-462-6420
Mao: A Reinterpretation is a new political biography of Mao which provides a different view of
the
leader as a committed revolutionary who contributed to China's history and culture. The real Mao
wasn't a genius, nor the evil leader later biographies have portrayed. This reinterpretation
examines
both his life and the lasting effects of his ideals.
Power To Destroy
John A. Andrew III
Ivan R. Dee
1332 North Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60622
1566634520 $27.50 1-800-462-6420
Any who would understand the functions and purposes of the IRS over decades of history and
Presidential changes will want to read Power To Destroy, which explores how various projects
and
government agencies have changed IRS functions over the years. Both parties used the IRS to
achieve political goals during the 1960s and 70s: this explains and explores methods and
purposes.
Aldous Huxley
Syville Bedford
New Amsterdam Press
c/o Ivan R. Dee, Inc. Publisher
1332 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60622-2632
1566634547 $24.95 1-800-462-6420
Syville Bedford's literary biography Aldous Huxley blends Huxley's remarkable life with his quite
successful literary career, all wrapped in the familiarity of the author with Huxley's family over the
decades. With such associations in hand, biographer and author Syville Bedford then deftly probes
Huxley's life and writings, creating a memorable biography and a set of insights that deserves
ongoing mention.
Macmillan UK/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1-800-423-4525 www.amazon.com
Nigel Henbest & Heather Couper's Extreme Universe (0752261630, $29.95) explores the most
violent and awesome objects in time and space and will appeal to a wide and general interest
audience. It deserves ongoing mention as a fine library acquisition, packed with color photos and
details rich in scientific history and insights on the Universe's origins. Duff Hart-Davis' Fauna
Britannica (029782532-1) has a specialized focus which may limit its audience to British libraries,
but this colorful and weighty reference will prove a strong work for any whose interest in animals
has been awakened. Creates wild and domesticated which have lived and now live in the British
Isles
are covered in colorful detail enriched by a healthy dose of natural history.
Trafalgar Square Publishing
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1-800-423-4525 www.amazon.com
These film titles provide insights, entertainment, and solid views of film history. Steven Paul
Davies'
Prisoner Handbook (Boxtree, 0-7522-1968-5, $19.95) will fascinate any who relished this cult
TV
series, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Only 17 episodes were made, but the
semi-supernatural overtones and symbolism has kept it engrossing: this book reviews these
episodes,
fan responses, and philosophy alike. Ian Markham-Smith and Liz Hodgson's Nicholas Cage (John
Blake, 1-85782-396-6, $16.95) surveys one of the most secretive stars in Hollywood, revealing
his
private and professional life and surveying his film contributions. Plenty of detail on his major
films
makes for chapters which will intrigue any fan of the actor. Eric Braun's Frightening The Horses
(Reynolds & Hearn,1-90311-10-2, $24.95) surveys gay icons of the cinema, survey gay-themed
productions through surveys of the actors and actresses who appeal to gay viewers. From Judy
Garland to Marlon Brando, this packs in intriguing surveys. David Bishop's Complete Inspector
Morse (Reynolds,26-9, $24.95) will reach a narrower audience of fans of the Oxford sleuth TV
show, but any who have enjoyed these programs on US television will find this a viewer's
pleasure,
packed with a critique of the character, the original novels which produced him, and the writers'
involvement in the characters of the series. All are excellent, involving titles.
Dover Publishers
31 E. 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
1-800-223-3130 www.amazon.com
These new Dover publications are outstanding values: they provide reprints and coverages of
topics
ranging from fashion and decoration to architecture, and will please any seeking value for their
library holdings. William Radford's Architectural Details And Measured Drawings Of Houses Of
The Twenties (0486421562, $14.95) provides an unabridged republication of a 1921 classic
which
holds value for modern readers. This offers a collection of scaled, measured drawings in 1920s
styles
for domestic architecture craftsmen, lumber dealers and builders: residential structures receive
meticulous coverage. Masterpieces Of American Architecture by Edward Hoak and Willis Church
(0486422312, $29.95) provides a republication of a 1930s original covering major notable
American
buildings and their designers. Lack and white photos and scaled plans pack the presentation of
classic structures. Matthaeus Merian's Great Scenes From The Bible (0486420434, $12.95)
reproduces over two hundred 17th century engravings all the plates from Icones Biblicae,
originally published in Germany in the 1600s. Black and white plates show intricate detail. John
Batchelor's 100 Historic Ships In Full Color (048642671, $11.95) provides the artist's panoramic
views of a number of historic ships dating from ancient to relatively modern times. This is an
original
Dover publication packing in some truly outstanding ship paintings. He 1919 catalog Roycroft
Decorative Accessories In Copper And Leather (0486421120, $12.95) presents over two hundred
photos of elegant, hand-hammered bowls, vases, bookends and other materials. Collectors and
antiquarian dealers in particular will find this fascinating. Masterpieces Of Art Nouveau Furniture
(0486421139, $16.95) reproduces the Majorelle catalogue of 1910, presenting a host of black and
white images of the specialty furniture produced by this designer. An excellent reference for art
libraries. The Dover library's Great Self-Portraits (0486421686, $5.95) provides over forty works
of
art, edited by Carol Belanger rafton and conveying in black and white some of the finer images
artists have of themselves. JoAnne Oilan edits Parisian Fashions Of The Teens (0486417506,
$16.95), a collection of over three hundred costumes from L'Art et la Mode. This origina Dover
publication holds over a hundred black and white plates representing early 20th-century fashions
and
styles. Olian's Everyday Fashions Of The Fifties (0486422194, $14.95) provides excellent fifties
styles as pictured in Sears catalogs of the times. Over a hundred captioned Sears catalog holdings
are packed into this representation. All are outstanding values.
Knopf
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
Two excellent new titles provide lively histories and discourses on science and nature. Gaby
Wood's
Edison's Eve (0679451129, $24.00) tells of the search for mechanical life during the 18th and
19th
centuries, from a fabricated mechanical duck which was touted to digest its food to the Turk, a
chess-playing machine proported to think. Hoaxes, shams, and efforts and experiments in artificial
intelligence are examined in this fun guide to past concepts. Pieter Folkens' Guide To Marine
Mammals Of The World (0679411410, $26.95) describes all 120 species of whales, porpoises,
and
marine mammals, from behavior and reproduction to distribution around the world. Packed with
color photos and illustrations, it will make an excellent library reference for any researcher seeking
basic information in a single volume.
Diane C. Donovan
West Coast Editor
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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