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MBR Bookwatch

Volume 4, Number 6 June 2005 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Donovan's Bookshelf Harold's Bookshelf Klausner's Bookshelf
Laurel's Bookshelf Shelley's Bookshelf Shirley's Bookshelf
Vicki's Bookshelf    

Donovan's Bookshelf

Chicken Fried
Nicola Morgan
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
0763627356 $15.99 www.candlewick.com

Becca's family is odd to say the least and Becca needs some new friends - but she lives in the country, is being homeschooled, and has to spend her time tending chickens on their farm. So how can she meet new people? It's natural she'd be attracted to Jazz and Mel, cool girls who live nearby, and invite them to an under-supervised party which provides a recipe for disaster

The Royal Mice: The Sword and the Horn
Loretta Krupinski
Hyperion Books
77 West 66th St., NY, NY 10023-6298
0786818360 $16.99 1-800-423-4525 www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com

The Queen has employed Max the Magnificant to chase the royal mice from the castle - but the mice plan to chase away Max instead. Can the royal palace mice use magic to go up against one of the greatest mouse-catchers of all time? An engaging story evolves.

Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet
Selected by Neil Philip
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10003
0618194630 $19.00 1-800-225-3362 www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com

Mexican folk stories don't just tell a tall tale: they include a healthy dose of Mexican culture and insight in the process. Folklorist Neil Philip uses authentic sources to create this collection, which blends classic folklore, Catholic images, and Mexican-American story traditions. Kids in grades 4-6 will enjoy the diverse stories - and the colorful drawings of Jacqueline Mair, whose illustrations are enchanting additions to an already-strong collection.

Dust to Eat
Michael L. Cooper
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10003
0618154493 $15.00 1-800-225-3362 www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com

Readers in grades 5-6 will relish an unusual account of the drought and the 1930s Depression in the same book. Michael Cooper has written many young adult books on American history: DUST TO EAT pairs vintage photos with insights on the twin disasters which led to struggles for survival. Add personal anecdotes by John Steinbeck and more and you have a moving review of a nation in crisis.

Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10003
www.clarionbooks.com

Two exceptional stories are very different and fun presentations. Regina Hanson's A SEASON FOR MANGOES (061815972X, $15.00) reveals Sareen's first 'sit-up', a Jamaican tradition celebrating the life of a loved one who has died. The entire village is mourning her beloved Nana: Sareen wants to tell stories of Nana's last mango season, but what if she just can't find the words, or cries? A poignant story of death and revitalization includes many cultural insights on Jamaica. Alastair Taylor's MR. BLEWITT'S NOSE (0618423532, $16.00) tells of one primrose Pumpkin, who finds a lost nose on a park bench. Something has to be done to locate its owner: but what? It's up to her smelly dog Dirk to connect the missing nose with its owner in this zany tale.

The Champ
Tonya Bolden
Knopf/Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0375824014 $17.95 1-800-726-0600 www.randomhouse.com/kids

Tonya Bolden has produced many books for adults and children alike: her picturebook biography THE CHAMP: THE STORY OF MUHAMMAD ALI receives fine realistic paintings by R. Gregory Christie as it tells of the life of the former boxing champ who served as an inspiration for millions. While some reading skills are required, kids will find THE CHAMP a quite accessible account.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl
Knopf/Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0375831975 $22.95 1-800-726-0600 www.randomhouse.com/kids

It's hard to believe it's the 40th anniversary of the classic CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, but here it is again, illustrated by Quentin Blake and celebrating nearly half a century of notoriety as a children's best-selling favorite. Young Charlie's magical tour of Mr. Wonka's chocolate factory provides a lesson in what happens to disobedient kids, with full-color artwork by Blake embellishing the experience.

Knopf/Random House
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 www.randomhouse.com/kids

Three new titles provide intriguing plots for young leisure readers in advanced elementary grade levels. Wendelin Van Draanen's SHREDDERMAN: MEET THE GECKO (0375823530, $12.95) presents the third in the 'Shredderman' series about a nerdy eleven-year-old who is an online superhero at night, exposing villains on the Internet. A new adventure pits him against a young film star's evil reporter. If Trixie Belden sounds familiar, she is - she's back with new covers for contemporary audiences and new releases, and adventure #10, THE MARSHLAND MYSTERY (0375830502, $6.99), presents a set of marshy mysteries involving a burned-out house, and a spooky story surrounding pirate treasure. Trixie first appeared over fifty years ago under the pen of Julie Campbell, who wrote the first six in the series before turning the books over to a variety of writers who wrote under Kathryn Kenny, producing over thirty adventures total. Modern audiences will relish the mystery. Grace Cavendish's CONSPIRACY (0385731531, $6.95) joins others in the 'Lady Grace' historical mysteries, telling of Lady Grace's struggle to foil the plot to murder Queen Elizabeth. CONSPIRACY is the third in the series and here the spunky young detective sniffs out who the perp is in the Queen's murder plot.

I See a Kookaburra!
Steve Jenkins & Robin Page
Houghton Mifflin
222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116
0618507647 $16.00 www.hmco.com www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com

Combine an 'I see ' peekaboo animal habitat format with facts about animals and a host of colorful drawings and you have an engaging picturebook surveying the world's habitats and the unique animals which live in them. The blend of a full page of clear animal pictures and a page of jungle and other habitats where the animals 'hide' make I SEE AKOOKABURRA! DISCOVERING ANIMAL HABITATS AROUND THE WORLD a lively, special coverage.

Hotel Deep
Kurt Cyrus
Harcourt Inc.
525 B Street, San Diego, Ca 92101
0152167714 $16.00 1-800-543-1918 www.harcourtbooks.com

Ages 4-10 will find striking and lovely HOTEL DEEP: LIGHT VERSE FROM DARK WATER, juxtaposing the strong poems and equally powerful paintings by Kurt Cyrus. Full colorful pages of realistic illustrations accompany rhyming poems which aren't just presented in stanzas, but circle the fish playfully. The art work and impact are simply exquisite. Cyrus lives near the Pacific Ocean: source of much inspiration for HOTEL DEEP.

Harcourt Inc.
525 'B' St., San Diego, CA 92101
www.harcourtbooks.com

Young leisure readers receive something different with these new releases, which feature bright drawings and different, unusual plots. Karen Beaumont's I AIN'T GONNA PAINT NO MORE! (0152024883, $16.00) enjoys bright and zany illustration by David Catrow, an award-winning political cartoonist and a prior children's book illustrator, as it dabs paint into a world made black-and-white by a mother tired of her son's mess. Unpredictable results mix with bright, fun colors. Linda Ashamn's TO THE BEACH! (0152164901, $16.00) will reach ages 3-7 with its fun story of a wacky family's struggle to reach the beach. Nadine Bernard Westcott's drawings are the funny, perfect accompaniment to the lively tale of a family which keeps forgetting everything in their haste to make way. Alexander Stadler's BEVERLY BILLINGSLY TAKES THE CAKE (0152053573, $16.00) will reach the same age group with its equally hilarious story of young Beverly's birthday journey to the Land of Cake. A baking crisis on a special friend's day leads to her struggle for resolution. J. Patrick Lewis' PLEASE BURY ME IN THE LIBRARY (0152163875, $16.00) will reach ages 6-9 with a lovely tale receiving fun, appealing drawings by Kyle M. Stone as it pays tribute to the joys of reading. Zany rollicking rhymes bring everything to life. Mem Fox's HUNWICK'S EGG (0152163182, $16.00) tells of a mysterious egg which appears outside Hunwick's burrow and doesn't hatch right away. Hunwick thinks it's his friend and he knows its secret. Simply gorgeous, outstanding illustrations by Pamela Lofts combined with Mem Fox's usual winsome original theme makes HUCKWICK'S EGG one of the top recommended picks of the Spring children's picturebook publishing season.

Fire in the Heart
Deepak Chopra
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0689862164 $14.95 1-800-223-2336 www.simonsayskids.com

Deepak Chopra is well known for his spiritual advice titles for adults: well, here's one for teens: a spiritual set of lessons which presents an easy series of 'what I learned' lessons blending autobiographical reflection, spiritual insights, and inspirations for teens.

The Salem Witch Trials
Jane Yolen & Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0689846207 $16.95 1-800-223-2336 www.simonsayskids.com

Roger Roth provides realistic drawings to accent THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS, a survey of one of history's unsolved mysteries. Why did the hysteria over witches occur when the townspeople already had their hands full with smallpox, Indians, and land division issues? Study the clues to the mystery and find out possible influences.

The Girl In Rose
Peter Hobday
Weidenfeld & Nicolson/Trafalgar Square, dist.
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0297847473 $32.50 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Rebecca Schroeter was a lady of fashion in Georgian England with few prospects for romance until she fell in love with her music master and eloped with him to London, becoming a part of the big city musical world and meeting London's leading politicians and bluestockings. THE GIRL IN ROSE chronicles the vivid world of classical composer Haydn, and reads like fiction with high dramac and action.

Coconut Comes To School
Berlie Doherty
Collins/Trafalgar Square, dist.
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0007104332 $17.95 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

The donkey Coconut lives to come to school as much as the kids like having her: but teacher Mr. Clapper doesn't appreciate Coconut's braying and disruptions, and has a plan to make Coconut go away. His plan works all too well - but Mr. Clapper comes to find value in Coconut, after all, in Doherty's warm story of an unwelcome school guest.

The Lonely Giraffe
Peter Blight
Bloomsbury Books/Trafalgar Square, dist.
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0747568944 $16.99 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Poor giraffe is feeling left out: his long neck keeps him from the action and he startles his friends and isolates them but when disaster strikes, it's the lonely giraffe who discovers his underlying talents in Blight's appealing LONELY GIRAFFE, offering Michael Terry's engaging drawings.

Floppy Ears
Ruth Louise Symes
Orion/Trafalgar Square, dist.
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1842552543 $13.99 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Tony Kenyon creates lovely, engaging drawings in FLOPPY EARS, the story of a little rabbit who tries to keep up with his siblings, to no avail. Floppy Ears is always being told he's too little but he does have some talents

Homage to Eros
Dannie Abse, Selector
Robson/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1861057644 $15.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

100 poems perfect for Valentine's or any anniversary celebration, pack HOMAGE TO EROS: 100 GREAT POEMS OF LOVE AND LUST. These poems all say 'I love you' in different ways, from Ovid to the more modern Garcia Lorca and DH Lawrence: enthusiasts of poetry with more than a bit of romantic in 'em will relish the fine presentation.

Hesperus Press/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
$13.00 each 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Hesperus Press continues to expand their unique line of reprints of famous authors' lesser-known literary works, adding two major publications to the set. Charlotte Bronte's THE FOUNDLING (1843910985) tells of one Edward Sydney, an abandoned orphan who finds a mentor and protector in a rich local landowner who raises him. When the landowner dies, only then does Edward discover the circumstances of his birth, and sets out to journey to his roots in a mythical kingdom. George Sand's THE DEVIL'S POOL (1843911051) tells of a man's determination to remarry after his wife dies and he is left with three young children. His journey to a rich widow leads to an unexpected romance with a simple shepherdess from his own village in this star-crossed romance of ironies and missed signs.

Trafalgar Square Press
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Two new travel guides appear in updated editions to provide the latest facts. Shane Winser edits The Royal Geographical Society's EXPEDITION HANDBOOK (1861970447, $29.99), providing many updates to information equipment, techniques, and travel relating to scientific and adventure expeditions. EXPEDITION HANDBOOK isn't for the casual tourist who would shop Paris: it's for the person or group embarking on desert, mountain, or tropical forest expeditions and covers everything from choice of machetes and caving equipment to maps and how to write expedition reports. The new edition of Ronald Bergan's classic GREAT THEATRES OF LONDON (0233000666, $30.00) reflects extensive updates to the influx of new stars to the London theater scene. New sections have been added on the Almeida, Shakespeare's Globe and more, to update cultural history, shows, and theatre atmosphere.

Easy Orchids
Liz Johnson
Firefly Books
155 East 34th St. #5B, New York NY 10016
1552979350 $29.95 1-800-387-5085 www.fireflybooks.com

If you've ever admired those lovely blooming orchids in the nursery but heard they were fussy and difficult to grow, then Liz Johnson's EASY ORCHIDS; THE FAIL-SAFE GUIDE TO GROWING ORCHIDS INDOORS is for you. Johnson is owner of McBean's Orchids in the UK: the company has grown them since 1879, and renown in its industry for its expertise. Liz is also an orchid judge. Her background lends to a clear survey of orchid growing requirements, dos and don'ts. Chapters recommend varieties which will grow most successfully in the home, discuss care from potting and feeding to humidity, and provide a wealth of gorgeous illustration to go along with the advice. What more could you wish for?

Firefly Books
155 E. 34th St. #5B, New York NY 10016
1-800-387-5085 www.fireflybooks.com

Two exciting, very different transportation books are recommended picks for discriminating collections seeking something different. William Fotheringham's CYCLE RACING: HOW TO TRAIN, RACE AND WIN (1554070139, $19.95) is aimed at competitive cyclers and covers everything from equipment and training to diet, health and undertaking successful races. While there are color photos throughout, the meat and heart of CYCLE RACING lies in its race-specific instructions and precise guidelines on how to win. Marc H. Choko and David . Jones' POSTERS OF THE CANADIAN PACIFIC (1552979172, $49.95) packs in over 300 examples of Canadian Pacific train travel in full-page color displays. At its height the Canadian Pacific was heralded as the world's finest railway, and it produced over 2,000 posters promoting its railway services over the course of nearly 100 years. POSTERS OF THE CANADIAN PACIFIC is a specialty item - but a luxurious, lovely collection honing over 300 of the best examples from the company's history.

Firefly Books
155 E. 34th St. #5B, New York NY 10016
1-800-387-5085 www.fireflybooks.com

Homeowners should consider having these handy guides in their home library: they promise lasting value as references for any do-it-yourselfer. Helen Bowers' INTERIOR MATERIALS & SURFACES: THE COMPLETE GUIDE (1552979679, $35.00) provides a sourcebook packed with a comprehensive breakdown of each material's possible applications. From finishes to suitability of the material to a particular project, INTERIOR MATERIALS & SURFACES discusses properties, use and maintenance, safety, and availability and cost. Steve Dodds' TOOLS: A TOOL-BY-TOOL GUIDE TO CHOOSING AND USING 150 HOME ESSENTIALS (1554070600, $19.95) provides a thorough guide to what tools should be basic to a beginner's collection, how to choose, and how to use. Detailed descriptions provide solid information on tool history, what applications each tool is suited for, and nine types of tool kits, from home and car to children's kits. Very practical guides, each: both promise lasting use for the homeowner.

Firefly Books
155 E. 34th St. #5B, New York NY 10016
1-800-387-5085 www.fireflybooks.com

Two very different, excellent sports guides provide colorful blends of history and practical advice for enthusiasts in each area. Joe Tomlinson and Ed Leigh's EXTREME SPORTS: IN SEARCH OF THE ULTIMATE THRILL (155297992X, $19.95) packs in the color action photos to accompany discussions of cliff diving, skateboarding, sky flying and more. Tips run from the very basic of equipment and clothing purchases to the more advanced advice on tricks, safety and descriptions of the special challenges of each jump or maneuver. It's the blend of specific tip and overall review of each 'extreme sport' which makes EXTREME SPORTS: IN SEARCH OF THE ULTIMATE THRILL a winning review. James Davis pairs with photographer Skin Phillips IN SKATEBOARDING IS NOT A CRIME: 50 YEARS OF STREET CULTURE (1554070015, $19.95): a comprehensive history of skateboarding from the 1950s to modern times. Discussions analyze skateboarding greats and venues around the world, survey equipment and sports figures alike, and pack in plenty of colorful action photos throughout.

Firefly Books
4 Daybreak Lane, Westport, CT 06880
1-800-387-5085 www.fireflybooks.com

Memory is an alliance of systems that work together: but how does it operate to encourage learning, cognition, and forgetting - and how about repressed memories and memory's applications in specific incidents? Alan Baddeley's YOUR MEMORY: A USER'S GUIDE (1552979857 $24.95) provides an illustrated new edition for specialists and non-specialists alike, surveying how memory works, the mechanics of short- and long-term memory, and the latest research in psychology pertaining to memory. Outstanding and impressive is the weighty, oversized volume PHOTOGRAPHIC ATLAS OF THE BODY (1552970733, $49.95), packing in astonishing color photos of the inner workings of the human body using new imaging technology, from microscopic close-ups to dyes and colors to enhance blood clots and more. An introduction to imaging techniques is followed by chapters filled with essays and explanations of body parts and images. Simply a 'must' for any comprehensive health library collection. Drs. Sasha Bernatsky and Jean-Luc Senecal edit LUPUS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW (1554070635, $16.95), a comprehensive overview of the disease, its symptoms, and its management. This isn't just a doctor or two's expertise: over 15 lupus experts contribute their case studies, resources, and insights for a consumer-oriented guide which is easy to understand.

Local and Regional Government Information
Mary Martin, Editor
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
1573564125 $65.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

All kinds of citizens will find this reference on using government information to be important; from students and government workers to corporate researchers, making it a recommended pick for public as well as college-level library holdings. LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION: HOW TO FIND IT, HOW TO USE IT provides an easily-used reference to the basics of locating local and regional government information, from what to look for to what to expect in results. From legal codes and court records to police reports and school and zoning records, the maze of government agencies and information holdings are compiled into chapters with easy headings for quick consultation. Certain to be a lasting reference, LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION provides exact steps on locating and using all kinds of government information for many different agencies.

From Daytime to Primetime: The History of American Television Programs
James Roman
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0313319723 $49.95 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

From Westerns and soap operas which have spilled into evening television to sports broadcasts and miniseries, the fine line between daytime and evening television has blurred, and has shaped American society itself. James Roman surveys this changing landscape in FROM DAYTIME TO PRIMETIME, providing a history of American television programming, examining popular sitcom and series show, and drawing important connections between viewing choices and changing consumer expectations. A fine history presents a logical set of transitions between themes and delivery choices based on programming history.

Diamonds Around the Globe
Peter C. Bjarkman
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0313322686 $75.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

There are plenty of baseball guides on the market covering everything from how to play to how to observe: so why another? Because Diamonds Around the Globe: The Encyclopedia of International Baseball is studded with facts about international playing, revealing the evolution of baseball in each country or region, discussing globalization influences, and covering the history of tournament play and teams around the world. Organized by country, DIAMONDS AROUND THE GLOBE presents biographical sketches of major players, discussions of batting history and averages, and top stories of notable events.

Understanding Melville's Short Fiction
Claudia Durst Johnson
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0313331294 $45.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Herman Melville is best known for Moby Dick, a much-studied novel; but students often receive preliminary introductions via his shorter works - "Billy Budd", for example. Understanding Melville's Short Fiction: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources & Historical Documents is the best guide to accompany a study of these shorter works, reviewing the issues central to Melville's 19th-century world and revealing the underlying economic and social issues within each story. Chapters arranged by theme provide contrasts, quotes, and critical analysis of these key topics, making UNDERSTANDING MELVILLE'S SHORT FICTION perfect supplemental reading for any in-depth Melville report at the high school or college levels.

Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Military history collections as well as general world history holdings will easily find a place for Richard A. Gabriel's weighty 3-volume reference EMPIRES AT WAR (0313332169, $225.00): for over 5,000 years empires have battled to determine the course of world history, and this encyclopedia survey details their military might, using a A-Z chronological approach to chart the first clashes of war to modern times. Each volume includes over a hundred maps and illustrations to demonstrate weaponry, dress and military strategy, outlines of logistics and tactics as well as weaponry, and a review of at least one major battle by each empire. Two additions to Greenwood's 'guides to historic events of the ancient world' ($45.00 each) provide excellent overviews of two selected historical periods. James W. Ermatinger's DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE (0313326924) is designed as a basic introduction to the period, combining lively chapters with biographical sketches of key figures and annotated primary source materials. Classroom as well as library use will keep DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE in wide circulation. The second arrival is Stanley Bursetin's REIGN OF CLEOPATRA (0313326278): a survey to Cleopatra VII and her time. Chapters provide a fine overview of Cleopatra's era and dynasty, packing in details on her multicultural Egyptian society and Alexandria's conflicts. If it's American history through music which is desired, John Ogasapian's MUSIC OF THE COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY ERA (0313324352, $55.00) fits the bill. Especially recommended for collections with an in-depth American music history or American Civil War holding, MUSIC OF THE COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY ERA focuses on the cultural and times of early Colonial America, which gave rise to new kinds of music incorporating multicultural influences across New England. If it's a history of Germany society you wish, especially a survey of ground-breaking, society-altering events, don't miss Frank W. Thackeray's EVENTS THAT CHANGED GERMANY (0313328145, $65.0). Ten topical chapters profile ten events which changed the face of Germany, with essays from different contributors providing background expertise and depth to discussions of these events. A chronological order allows for ease in progressing from theme to theme, and allows for an easier understanding of how the events linked to create the German psyche. THE HISTORY OF KOREA by Djun Kil Kim (0313332967, $45.00) is also key to understanding Korea's place in the modern world: part of Greenwood's 'Histories of Modern Nations' series, it surveys the social and political changes Korea has experienced over the centuries. Friom the three great Korean dynasties which kept peace starting in the 7th century to the influence of neighboring nations in modern times, readers receive a fine overview. For an excellent reference on early American history, Patricia L. Dooley's THE EARLY REPUBLIC (0313320845, $65.00) fits the bill for discriminating collections seeking primary documents on early American events. Documents are presented from 17909 to 1820, and were key to debates on issues in the media of the time: such documents include multiple citations for newspapers of the day, illustrating both sides of a given debate of the times, from the nation's first regime change when the Federalists lost the White House to the Republicans, to the wars against the Native Americans. Three treatises on early history are picks for high school to college collections which have courses in these subject areas. Gregory S. Aldrete's DAILY LIFE IN THE ROMAN CITY (031333174X, $49.95) covers life in Rome, Pompeii and Ostia, covering not just history but political and governmental structures, local culture, dangers and pleasures, and the arts. Students receive plenty of references and supporting documentation. Carol G. Thomas and Craig Conant's THE TROJAN WAR (031332526X, $45.00) surveys a critical event in history and serves as a foundation introduction to the times. Chapters use primary documents and studies to survey the late Bronze Age and thestate of Troy before, during and after the Trojan War. An excellent reference, as is James Allan Evans' THE EMPEROR JUSTINIAN AND THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE (0313326820, $45.00), another addition to Greenwood's 'Guides to Historic Events of the Ancient World'; this providing an introduction to Justinian's reign and time. Biography blends with history using annotated primary documents to provide a review of the Late Antiquity and its influences.

Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com

Nic Bishop's colorful chameleon photos lend in Joy Cowley's captivating CHAMELEON, CHAMELEON (0439666538 $16.95), a fine picturebook survey of a cautious chameleon who searches for a new home. The two chameleons photographed for the book are panther chameleons from Madagascar: the 'plot' may read like fiction but the very simple coverage is all factual - and appealing with its colorful close-ups. Saxton Freymann and oost Elffers' FOOD FOR THOUGHT (0439110181, $14.95) uses garden veggies to emphasize five major concepts kids need to learn: shapes, colors, numbers, letters and opposites. Fun vegetable and fruit art accompany very simple one-page concept coverages, lending to an intriguing learning experience. Montgomery Alabama, Birmingham: these served as early fronts testing newly established civil rights laws, and Diane McWhorter has written A DREAM OF FREEDOM (0439576784 $19.95), which focuses on the movements of these battlegrounds, using the movements themselves - SNCC, SCLC - as a foundation for a logical analysis of civil rights issues, events, and historic rallies. Add vintage black and white photos of people and places and you have an unforgettable documentary for grades 4-7. Also unforgettable is Walter Dean Myers' ANTARCTICA: JOURNEYS TO THE SOUTH POLE (0439220017, $18.95), charting the journeys of early explorers who risked their lives to cross the Antarctic Circle. Primary source material - letters and journals - details the words and experiences of the explorers themselves.

Guru: My Days with Del Close
Jeff Griggs
Ivan R. Dee
1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622
1566636140 $24.95 1-800-462-6420

If the name Del Close sounds familiar, it should be: he was a legend of improvisational theater, discovered many comedy giants from Bill Murray to Mike Myers, and he built a reputation as one of the zaniest theater gurus ever: author Jeff Griggs was his student in Chicago when he was asked to help his mentor on weekly errands. GURU tells of the friendship that evolved, examining Close's genius and eccentricity in a biography which ranges form his Kansas childhood to his notorious adult years. A whimsical, fond and controversial coverage and image evolves.

Ivan R. Dee
1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622
$8.95 Each www.ivanrdee.com

Numerous easy to read titles by Paul Strathern have provided students of philosophy with essential study guides to the works and ideas of different philosophers: now students have a set of biographical studies of the world's finest writers to choose from which adopt the same approach in reviewing major works and culling major writer ideas into easily-digested chapter overviews. Three new additions to this "In 90 Minutes" series are BECKETT (1566635861), NABAKOV (156663590X) and D.H. LAWRENCE (1566636345): each title provides an entertaining, lively survey of each writer's ideas and work, synthesizing the extent of each writer's major works into a discussion which is very simple to absorb. A 'must' for high school students to adults seeking an excellent, easy introduction to each major figure.

Amacom Books
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
www.amacombooks.org

Two new guides are recommended picks for workers: each provides food for thought on how to handle workplace issues. Mette Norgaard's THE UGLY DUCKLING GOES TO WORK: WISDOM FOR THE WORKPLACE FROM THE CLASSIC TALES OF HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN (0814408710, $17.95) uses the fun and colorful lessons gleaned from folk story teller Hans Christian Andersen to provide links between the lessons of his folk stories and the modern workplace. Chapters are arranged by popular stories such as Ugly Duckling and Emperor's New Clothes, and use each story lesson as a foundation for understanding common workplace conflicts and issues. More serious but no less pointed is Salvatore R. Maddi and Deborah M. Khoshaba's RESILIENCE AT WORK (0814472605, $22.00), demonstrating how the successful workforce person handles a turbulent business world with apparent ease. The key is using resilience and flexibility to combat the effects of chaos, stress and workplace challenges: case studies, examples and self-assessment tools encourage readers to learn and apply the basic lessons of resilience to the workplace.

Diane C. Donovan
West Coast Editor

Harold's Bookshelf

The Johns Hopkins Complete Home Guide to Symptoms & Remedies
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc.
151 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011
ISBN: 157912402X $19.95 725 pp. plus index

This book has a rather unique layout that actually makes it easier to use than most similar books. The first part of the book focuses on symptoms. You look up your primary symptom, and then look to see if there are associated symptoms that match yours. If you have a match of symptoms then you read the different possible diagnosis for those symptoms and the distinguishing features of each diagnosis. The best way to illustrate how easy it is to use an example. Suppose you see some blood in your urine. You look up "Blood in the urine" and find that there are two subdivisions - with urinary difficulty or incontinence, without urinary difficulty or incontinence. If there is no urinary difficulty or incontinence then there are five possible diagnoses provided. Each of these five provides distinguishing features so you can easily figure out if you match one of them.

The second part of the book details the disorders provided in the symptom diagnosis portion. So, if you determined that you probably have an esophageal stricture you can look that disorder up and find out what it is, what causes it, prevention strategies, diagnostic techniques, how to treat it, and most importantly, when to call a doctor. With clear writing and lavish illustrations it provides a clear understanding of the problem. The John Hopkins Complete Home Guide to Symptoms & Remedies is a very highly recommended book to have handy in every home.

The Big Book of IQ Tests
Norman Sullivan, Philip J. Carter
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc.
151 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011
ISBN: 1579120229 $9.95

This fun book is divided into four sections: Elementary Level, Challenging Level, Master Level, and Comprehensive Supertests. As you might guess from those section titles some of the tests are much easier than others and within the tests some types of questions are much easier than others. Each test series contains a wide cross-section of different types of puzzles so you are tested thoroughly. For example, there are diagrammatic puzzles, probability questions, crosswords, cryptograms, anagrams and other questions that really don't fit neatly into any of these categories. Self-scoring answer sheets complete the book and let you know approximately where you fall. I found that it was not uncommon to vary by as much as ten points around a median. Fun to do and interesting, The Big Book of IQ Tests is recommended to anyone who enjoys solving puzzles.

Country Wisdom and Know-How
Janet Rubel
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
151 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011
ISBN: 1579123686 $19.95 476 pp. plus index

If you could gather up the wisdom of the many generations of farmers, ranchers, outdoorsmen, homesteaders, and mountain-men and put it into a book you would end up with a book like this. While this is not as thorough as the multi-volume sets like the older Foxfire series, it is one of the most complete single-volume works available. The text is small in order to cram all the information into this oversized almost 500 page book but it is still readable and very interesting. The book is divided into the six major sections of animals, cooking, crafts, gardening, health and well-being, and home. Each of these major divisions is subdivided into multiple more detailed sections. For example, the animals section includes information on attracting desirable animals such as humming birds, building bird shelters, feeding birds while preventing squirrels from robbing the feeder, getting rid of problem animals, taking care of your pets, herbal treatments for dog problems, rabbit husbandry, horsemanship, raising chickens and ducks, beekeeping, and butchering. Each section is similarly detailed with the gardening section being particularly large. Country Wisdom and Know-How is an indispensable reference volume for anyone interested in country living and is highly recommended.

Firefox Hacks
Nigel McFarlane
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596009283 $24.95 363 pp. plus index

When I started reading this book I was somewhat disappointed. The first "hacks" were of such a mundane nature that not knowing them would make me wonder if you were even an Internet surfer at all. Everyone who surfs the net should already know this stuff. By the time he gets to the ninth hack it starts to get really interesting and by the time I ended the book I had completely changed my opinion. The book does develop into what I would expect of a book with this title and from this publisher. By the time I had read them all and tested several of the hacks this book had become one of my favorite resources on Firefox (my personal browser of choice). McFarlane includes a great deal of valuable information on security, efficiency, web surfing, RSS feeds, and even web development and hacking the interface. Firefox Hacks is highly recommended to anyone wishing to use the browser to its fullest extent.

Corporate Software Project Management
Guy W. Lecky-Thompson
Charles River Media, Inc.
10 Downer Avenue, Hingham, MA 02043
ISBN: 1584503858 $44.95 341 pp. plus appendix and index

Basically this is one of many books on software project management. However, it does have a few features that make it a standout in this category. One of the things that differentiate this book is the included software tools like Open Work Bench and version control software. While many project management books cover just management of the project from an internal perspective, this one includes management of the external factors with the client. For example they discuss the importance of setting up a liaison center as a primary contact point for the client and dealing with client dissatisfaction. It is obvious that the author has had some experience with project management from gathering client expectations through delivering the final product.

Some of the areas discussed include setting standards and guidelines, project specifications, development and testing, and requirements definition. He details some of the things that need to be captured up front for a successful project such as system context, operating environment, end-user services, supporting services, documentation, and maintenance.

I've seen a lot of software projects go awry for various reasons and this book details the steps to be taken to prevent those problems right from the start. Because it takes a complete view and deals not only with the coding and the internal perspective of project management but also with client relations and setting up a framework within which to work with the client, Corporate Software Project Management is highly recommended and superior to most other project management books.

Pro Apache, Third Edition
Peter Wainwright
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219, Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 1590593006 $49.99 839 pp. plus index

In this voluminous title author Peter Wainwright covers the Apache web server in detail. Chapters include Installing Apache and basic configuration, building Apache the way you want it, configuring Apache the way you want it, deciding what the client needs, delivering dynamic content, hosting more than one web site, improving Apache's performance, monitoring Apache, Securing Apache, Improving Web Server Security, and Extending Apache. It has some excellent sections on advanced configuration, handling robots, dealing with errors and handling them correctly, name-based and IP-based virtual servers, and improving the performance of your server. The section on securing Apache covers authentication (including digest and LDAP) and using SSL (including some advanced configuration techniques).

There are better books that deal with some of the specific areas of this text (for example, Hardening Apache is much more thorough on the subject of securing your server) but you won't find a more comprehensive text in a single volume than this one. Pro Apache, Third Edition is highly recommended and my first choice for anyone looking for a single book to learn how to setup and configure an Apache server or serve as their primary reference.

Beginning SUSE Linux
Keir Thomas
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219, Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 1590594584 $39.99 446 pp. plus appendixes and index

I've spent years working with Linux and think it is one of the best operating systems going but I have spent very little time with the SUSE distribution. This book not only describes the basics of SUSE Linux but also includes a DVD with a complete copy of version 9.1 ready to install. Why should you consider looking at SUSE? If you work in the networking technical support arena then sooner or later you will have to deal with a SUSE system. Since Novell and IBM worked together to purchase the rights to SUSE Linux you can be sure it will appear in many networking environments.

The first part of the book provides the reader with the history of Linux, its benefits, and a description of some of the different distributions of Linux. This is common to all introductory Linux books and can be skipped if you are already knowledgeable about Linux in general.

The second section covers installing Linux and walks the reader through the installation process for the version on the DVD. It is absolutely critical that this section be detailed and thorough. The authors do an excellent job by dividing it up into four sections - pre-installation steps, installing SUSE, solving installation problems, and GUI configuration with SaX2

Part three includes instruction on the very basics of what you need to know in order to work effectively in Linux. The subjects in this section include booting Linux for the first time and logging in, virtual desktops, setting up e-mail and instant messaging, getting your hardware up and running, securing your system with the basic security tools and setting up the Linux firewall, using Linux replacements of Windows programs, managing your files, including accessing Windows files, floppies, CDs and DVDs, and dealing with common problems.

If you want to have a deeper understanding of Linux (beyond the basic user level), part four introduces the Linux shell (the BASH shell in particular) and how it can be used to work with the system from the command line. The authors also discuss the Linux virtual file system and how it works. They conclude with a discussion of how to control processes and jobs. This is one of the really great things about Linux - the ability to change priorities for specific jobs.

Part five covers multimedia and working with MP3s, CDs, viewing movies, and editing images. Of course it also covers playing and ripping MP3 Music, recording audio and burning CDs. It includes the very basics of using GIMP, the powerful image editing software included with Linux.

Part six covers working with Open Office. Open Office is Linux software that does essentially the equivalent tasks as Microsoft Office (it even reads and writes Microsoft Office files). Of, if you prefer, they also cover how to install Microsoft Office in Linux so that it works correctly. The various chapters in this section each take on one aspect of office including using Writer, Calc, Impress (presentation software), and ReKall (database).

Part seven is various operating system administration tasks including installing new software, managing users, optimizing the system, backing up data, scheduling, and remote access. The authors do an excellent job in this area for a beginner book. If you are an administrator of a SUSE system you will want a much more detailed book.

This is a good book that is fun to work with, very well written, and covers the subjects in appropriate detail for a beginner volume. There are better and more thorough books on some of the programs covered in this book (for example, there are complete books dedicated just to OpenOffice) but this book is not intended to be a complete reference on all the Linux programs. Beginning SUSE Linux is a beginning book to get the reader familiar with the operating system and common programs and at this task it does an excellent job. Beginning SUSE Linux is highly recommended and comes with a great operating system and default software.

Hardening Linux
James Turnbull
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219, Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 1590594444 $44.99 510 pp. plus appendixes and index

The book starts with the basics of hardening a Linux system to prevent purposeful attack as well as the inadvertently harm some users may cause. This basic section includes booting securely, securing virtual consoles, passwords, groups, users, authentication modules, package management, hardening your kernel, and removing development tools that are not needed.

Of course no book on hardening a system would be complete without discussing how to build an effective firewall. The section on firewalling is excellent and strikes a solid balance between a technical presentation and a user level presentation.

Other important areas include securing connections, secure remote administration, public-key encryption, securing files and file systems, mounting drives securely, securing removable drives, encrypting the file system, and file integrity using tripwire.

Of course setting all of that security up helps a lot but you still need to test the system to see that it works the way you want it to. The author examines several security testing tools to scan your system for root kits and weak passwords as well as using packet sniffers, the Snort intrusion detection system, and other tools.

The book assumes some very basic familiarity with Linux including a file editor, the grep utility, file permissions and ownership, user administration, package management, the purpose and layout of init and init scripts, the basics of networking (TCP/IP, subnetting, etc.), and mounting and unmounting a partition. Hardening Linux is a highly recommended book and provides a better overall view of Linux security than most similar choices.

Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld's 2005 Breakthrough Health
Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D.
Rodale Press
33 East Minor St., Emmaus, PA 18098-0099
ISBN: 1594861404 $14.99 261 pp. plus index

Once again Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D. brings the reader up to date with the most recent advances in health. He provides current research including not only traditional methods of treating medical problems but also all the current research using less conventional techniques. Areas covered include allergies and asthma, alzheimer's, arthritis, cancer, depression, diabetes, ear infections, heartburn, heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive bladder, tendonitis, uterine fibroids, and many others. For each item he gives a brief synopsis of it, follows with a section titled "Here's What's New", and concludes with a section called "The Bottom Line". A great reference for catching up with current research from a highly respected source, Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld's 2005 Breakthrough Health: Up-to-the-Minute Medical News You Need to Know is highly recommended.

Ocean Whisper
Dennis Rockhill
Raven Tree Press, LLC
200 S. Washington St., Suite 306, Green Bay, WI 54301
ISBN: 0974199249 $16.95 32 pp. Ages: 4 - 8

This is a children's picture book that encourages creative thinking. The pictures follow a logical sequence so a child can make up their own story by filling in the details. At the beginning of the book is a poem that can be used for guidance on how the author meant the story to be viewed. The poem is printed in both English and Spanish for those who are learning one or the other of the languages. Ocean Whisper is a fun book for parent and child to enjoy together and recommended for creative thinking.

Tito, the Firefighter
Tim Hoppey
Raven Tree Press, LLC
200 S. Washington St., Suite 306, Green Bay, WI 54301
ISBN: 0972497331 $16.95 32 pp. Ages: 4 - 8

Written in English but introducing 17 Spanish words, Tito, the Firefighter is the story of a young boy who lives in East Harlem where most of the residents speak Spanish as their first language. Tito wants to be a firefighter but he is too young. Finally he finds an opportunity to help the firemen when a person needs help but cannot speak English. An inspiring book for young children and a good way to learn Spanish vocabulary, Tito, the Firefighter is a recommended read.

Alcoholism Myths and Realities
Doug Thorburn
Galt Publishing
PO Box 7777, Northridge, CA 91327-7777
ISBN: 0967578825 $14.95 148 pp. plus appendix, endnotes, and index

In this book Doug Thorburn takes on 118 common and often pervasive myths about alcoholism and alcoholics. Each myth is defined and explained and then followed by an explanation of why it is inaccurate. One of the benefits of the various books by Doug Thorburn is his discussion of ways to diagnose alcoholism much earlier than current, commonly accepted methods. Instead of waiting until the problem of the alcoholic has created financial, legal, or medical troubles he proposes ways to diagnose the disease much earlier. Some of these myths are concepts that continue to conceal the early stage alcoholic and so encourage their progression into latter stage diagnosable alcoholics. Destroying these myths is part of the process of educating others so they can intervene before the person becomes the more advanced alcoholic we are all familiar with. Alcoholism Myths and Realities is recommended for anyone interested in the subject of alcoholism.

The Story
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310923719 $24.99 444 pp.

This is Today's New International Version of the Bible organized not by book and verse but as one seamless story from beginning to end. One of the difficulties for many people who study the Bible is the fact that it is not organized chronologically but the historical books often cover the same period (i.e. 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles) or are organized by the length of the book (major prophets vs. minor prophets) or other ways. This is a unique way of presenting the complete Bible story that brings pattern and structure to all the disconnected stories we tend to learn in church.

Others have taken the Bible and organized it into chronological order before but generally they have produced a paraphrased story and not a translation. What makes this book unique is that they have retained the translation so it is still a good study Bible. I recommend The Story as the best chronological Bible available today because it stays as true as possible to being a translation that has just had the chapters and verses reorganized to make it a single story.

I Love You This Much
Lynn Hodges, Sue Buchanan
Zondervan Publishing
Zonderkidz imprint
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310232686 $14.99 36 pp. Ages: 8 and under

Based on a lullaby that expresses the daily love between a parent and child, this book also comes with a CD so a child can learn the song or follow along with the book. With a calming melody it is a great way to start or end a day. With illustrations of a bear parent and cub the book illustrates the various things a parent and child do as expressions of that special bond. The book ends with the bears praying and trusting each other "to God's loving care". I Love You This Much is a great feel-good book to share with your young child, a beautiful and soothing lullaby, and a recommended purchase.

Loving Your Parents When They Can No Longer Love You
Terry D. Hargrave
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310255635 $14.99 251 pp.

Taking on a tough and timely issue for millions of Americans, Terry D. Hargrave's book is much more than the title would suggest. It is about more than dealing with aging parents with Alzheimers or another mental problems where they can no longer express affection for you the way they once did. It also examines the problems of how the need to care for aging parents may disrupt your life and plans. How do you deal with dependent parents? How do you deal with forgetfulness, not taking medicine, doing things they should no longer be doing, etc. The book and the advice it contains is both practical, such as finishing up family business, and enlightening.

The author deals with this problem in part by changing perspective and viewing the process of caring for aging parents as a spiritual journey that you undertake. He also looks from the perspective of the parent - trying to deal with declining health, a lack of independence, and other normal changes that come with age.

One particularly valuable aspect of the book is that it provides a clear vision of areas that need to be discussed and dealt with as parents age. These areas include legal and financial decisions, how much care is needed, when it needs to be done, by whom it should be done, various living options, depression, dementia, alzheimer's disease, dealing with a parent who has been unkind, and accepting and planning for death. Loving Your Parents When They Can No Longer Love You is highly recommended for anyone dealing with aging parents and the life changes that come about as a result.

Breakout Churches: Discover How to Make the Leap
Thom S. Rainer
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 031025745X $22.99 203 pp. plus multiple appendixes, notes, and index

This is a thorough examination of what causes some churches to suddenly have a tremendous growth surge while others in the same area falter. The author limited the analysis to churches where there was no change in leadership so the sudden growth could not be related to that change. The analysis of the growth pattern is fairly detailed given the complexity of the situation under study. It includes examining the situation before the sudden growth, the structure of the church leadership, doctrinal positions (conservative vs. liberal), and many other pertinent factors. This is a well-researched book presented in a way that is easy to understand and follow. Thom Rainer does an excellent job of wading through the various potential factors and getting down to the ones that actually affect the results. Some of these pertinent factors were ones I expected, others were surprising and conflict with much of the current ideas of church expansion. Breakout Churches: Discover How to Make the Leap is recommended to all churches who want to understand the common factors of church growth and the sometimes confusing times that tend to occur just before the leap.

10 Great Dates for Empty Nesters
David Arp, Claudia Arp
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310256569 $12.99 224 pp.

This book is much more than just ten unrelated date suggestions for Empty Nesters. The dates form a specific progression of activities designed to help you rekindle your relationship with each other. It can be hard for any couple to adjust their lifestyle after years of focusing on their children and suddenly that focus in their life is gone. The dates go from Celebrating the Empty Nest to Becoming a Couple Again, Rediscovering "Intimate Talk", Clearing the Air, Rocking the Roles, Discovering the Second Spring of Love, Loving Your Family Tree, Growing Together Spiritually, Investing In Your Future, and Feathering Your Empty Nest with Fun. The second part of the book is a dating guide that includes the plan for each date, dating ground rules, suggested things to discuss, directions to take on the date, etc. This is really an excellent guide and a bit of organized self-help therapy organized into a dating format. Creative, fun, and an opportunity to revitalize your marriage after the children are gone, 10 Great Dates for Empty Nesters is highly recommended.

NIV Audio Bible: Dramatized [MP3 AUDIO]
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 031092264X $49.99, 6 audio CDs

This is the complete New International Version of the Bible in a compressed MP3 format. This format has both advantages and disadvantages. The greatest advantage is that you get the entire Bible on just six CDs. It even comes with a nice fabric CD holder to keep them from getting scratched. The entire Bible can be placed in a common 6 CD changer and listened to at your convenience. The down side of the MP3 format is a problem with the format itself. If you are traveling short distances or only listening for a short while then each time you start to listen it begins at the start of that MP3 track. As a result I found myself often having to listen to the same verses over and over because I didn't listen to it long enough to go to the next track. The Zondervan company has done a good job of ameliorating this problem to some extent by putting each chapter on its own track, but some chapters are long and so it is still a problem at times. With a true audio CD my player will pick up in the middle of a song or wherever I left off, not so with the MP3 format.

The actual dramatized reading of the Bible is excellently done and I am very impressed with it. My experience with similar products from other publishers has been that the dramatization is highly overacted and includes background music that more suited to a Cecil B. DeMille movie than an audio Bible. Zondervan strikes a perfect balance between the dramatization and the reading such that it is a joy to listen to and effectively pulls the listener into the story.

This is the perfect choice for those who plan to listen to it for at least half an hour or more at a time. If you plan to listen for shorter periods of time you may be better off choosing the much larger 64 CD audio product. The perfect combination of size and dramatization makes the NIV Audio Bible: Dramatized a highly recommended choice.

The Missing Canary
Ann Doro
Tree of Life Publishing
P.O. Box 421004, Summerland Key, FL 33042
ISBN: 0974505226 $12.95 92 pp. Ages: 7 - 14

A well-written juvenile mystery story, The Missing Canary leads the reader on a fun-filled journey. After solving a minor mystery two youngsters start their own detective agency. But the next case is not so easy to solve. What could the disappearance of a horse and a canary have in common? What are the strangers in town up to? Only when you reach the end will you find out how everything relates to each other. A fun adventure/mystery for the juvenile market, The Missing Canary is a highly recommended purchase.

Word Myths: Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends
David Wilton
Oxford University Press, Inc.
198 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
ISBN: 0195172841 $21.95 200 pp. plus notes and index

We have all heard stories of where different words and phrases originated. Some are quite fascinating and most are at least somewhat logical. The problem is that many of these legends are simply wrong. With a long list of word myths that include "dirt poor", "devil to pay", "under the weather", "real McCoy", "squaw", and "kangaroo" it is a fascinating read that not only debunks the traditional myths but also, where possible, supplies the correct origin of the word or phrase. Word Myths: Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends is hard to put down once you get started and thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end - highly recommended.

The University of Maryland at College Park, A History
George H. Callcott
Noble House
8019 Belair Road, Suite 10, Baltimore, MD 21236
ISBN: 1561678899 $24.95 165 pp. plus index

Although I have no particular knowledge or interest in the University of Maryland at College Park, this history is so well written that I still found it an interesting read that was hard to put down until I had finished it. The author goes through the history of the college from its founding as the Maryland Agricultural College through the Civil War, the Great Depression, and the riots of the 1970's to today. An intimate portrait of the college as well as a trip through the history of this part of Maryland it contains many period photographs that add to the charm of the book. "The University of Maryland at College Park, a History, is highly recommended to anyone interested either in the college or the history of Maryland in general.

Cyber Spying
Ted Fair, Michael Nordfelt, Sandra Ring
Syngress Publishing, Inc.
800 Hingham Street, Rockland, MA 02370
ISBN: 1931836418 $39.95 426 pp. plus index

This is not a book about security and defending yourself from spying but the basics of why one might consider spying on other members of their family. Whether because they suspect infidelity, criminal activity or some other concern there are a lot of reasons why people might want to find out what others are doing on their computer. A very important point made in the beginning of the book is the question of the ethics of spying including the effect it has on the trust of a relationship. The authors also point out that sometimes spying is much less of an ethical consideration. Sometimes it might be part of protecting your children from online predators or other real dangers.

The book covers the basics of spying including creating a plan, getting the right software or hardware to implement the plan and actual implementation. The authors do a good job of pointing out how we leave tracks behind and how to get rid of those tracks as well as how to exploit them.

Written for the novice user it starts at the very beginning with things like how to open the command prompt and running explorer. From there it goes on to look at more basic as well as intermediate level techniques. The authors even include information on some rather advanced software such as ethereal (one of my personal favorites). It does give you a solid understanding of what the different software is capable of doing but really doesn't provide a thorough treatment of any of them. In the case of Ethereal and Snort both have complete books written about how to use them effectively so obviously part of a chapter barely scratches the surface of what can be done.

For the most part it teaches the easier ways of finding out information without using difficult advanced tools. It includes how to access areas where passwords, usernames, etc. are stored as well as directories and files that do not show up in explorer unless you know how to hand-enter the path to them.

Whether you are spying on someone's web browsing, e-mail, internet chat, or instant messaging the basics are all here. They even include information on how to remove evidence of your activities and ways to tell if you are being watched.

These techniques are mainly for local network spying and not for use over the Internet. Although still subject to many ethical and other considerations, for the purpose of finding out what is going on within your local network Cyber Spying is highly recommended.

Looking Forward: An Optimist's Guide to Retirement
Ellen Freudenheim
Stewart, Tabori & Chang
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
ISBN: 1584793422 $15.95 356 pp. plus index

Taking a positive view on retirement as an opportunity to pursue options in your life that were not available while working full time, author Ellen Freudenheim provides a fresh look at the wide open world of a positive retirement. She suggests that you start by getting to know yourself again in a retirement perspective. From there you can branch out to altruistic opportunities, traveling, spiritual growth, hobbies, and passions. She ends the book with a section on dealing with practical matters of retirement such as paying for it and decluttering your life. Viewing retirement not as an end of your working years but the birth of another stage of your life including new opportunities makes Looking Forward a recommended read.

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too!
Nancy Fayrweather Bailey
Elderberry Press, LLC
1393 Old Homestead Drive, Second Floor, Oakland, OR 97462
ISBN: 1932762329 $19.95 190 pp.

If you are on a low-carbohydrate diet you find out quickly just how many recipes have some sort of bread in them. To resolve this problem Nancy Fayrweather Bailey has come up with a recipe for a low-carbohydrate substitute for flour that can be used in most recipes for a surprisingly good result. The flour substitute is called MixQuick and contains soy flour and oat flour to increase the protein count while greatly reducing the carbohydrate count. Recipes in the book include pancakes, souffles, muffins, quiche, lasagna, pizza, and burritos.

The MixQuick is the base for all the recipes and while I only tried making one unit of the MixQuick and two recipes the results were surprisingly good. These are low-carbohydrate recipes that I could live with. Have Your Cake and Eat It Too is recommended to most readers and highly recommended to anyone on a low-carbohydrate diet.

Taijiquan: The Art of Nurturing, the Science of Power
Yang Yang
Zhenwu Publications
PO Box 11386, Champaign, IL 61826
ISBN: 0974099007 $29.95 200 pp. plus references and index

More than just a collection of the movements for various forms of Taijiquan, this book includes the theories and principles of Taiji from both Eastern and Western perspectives. The author examines the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of the art to bring the reader a deeper appreciation of what it is and is not. It even includes one of the best sections I have ever seen on what to look for in a good teacher. With the popularity of Taiji there has been a flood of teachers, some of whom know little about the art other then one of the standard forms.

Of course it includes the expected meditation forms and techniques that are in all Taijiquan books. If you have ever wondered why you should practice Taiji this book contains an excellent section on the best of what Taiji has to offer the practitioner. The book concludes with an appendix that covers the history of the popular Chen Style. Taijiquan: The Art of Nurturing, the Science of Power is a highly recommended book to anyone interested in Taiji.

We Interrupt This Broadcast
Joe Garner
Sourcebooks
PO Box 4410, Naperville, IL 60567-4410
ISBN: 1570719748 $49.95 175 pp.

Perhaps one of the most innovative ways to study and share history, We Interrupt This Broadcast contains not only information on 43 of the most important events of the 20th century but also actual audio tracks from the original radio broadcasts. The stories told and broadcasts heard range from the Hindenburg explosion to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan's Surrender, Lee Harvey Oswald's Assassination, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assassination, Apollo 13, the Kent State Massacre, Nixon's resignation, the shooting of President Reagan, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the O. J. Simpson saga, Princess Diana's death, the 2000 election, and finally the September 11th attacks, as well as 29 other historically important events. Each event is described in detail including important facts leading up to the event and the effect it had on the U.S. We Interrupt This Broadcast is very highly recommended and should be in the library of everyone who loves or teaches history.

The Dog from Arf! Arf! To Zzzzzz
The Dog Artist Collection
HarperCollinsPublishers
1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019-4703
ISBN: 0060598573 $14.99 40 pp. Ages: 4 - 8

If you are a fan of "The Dog" you will find twenty-six pictures here, one for each letter of the alphabet. Each page contains a word for that letter of the alphabet with an appropriate "The Dog" picture. For example, Beg shows a dog sitting up and begging and Fetch shows a dog with a stick in its mouth. If you are a fan of "The Dog" and your child is just learning to read you will get a lot of fun together out of this book. Be sure not to miss the picture at the very beginning before the alphabet begins, it is perhaps the best illustration of "puppy dog eyes" you'll ever see. The Dog from Arf! Arf! To Zzzzzz is recommended.

The Making of a Bestseller
Brian Hill, Dee Power
Dearborn Trade Publishing
30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60606-7481
ISBN: 0793193087 $19.95 241 pp. plus index

This is a collection of information from interviews with authors, editors, agents and booksellers who were involved in the making of a bestseller. It is organized into three distinct sections - The Bestseller, Publishing, and The Author. Part one includes an examination of what makes a book become a bestseller, the effect of reviews, and how the constant change readers' taste affects the sale of a book. Part two examines editors and publishers, what publishers look for in a book they select for publication, why some books are declined, using literary agents, establishing brand name awareness, and book promotion. Part three examines how to build a career as an author from the initial idea to writing the book and the ins and outs of life as a bestselling author. There are no theories in this book; it is all advice and experiences from established publishers and bestselling authors. The Making of a Bestseller is recommended to anyone who wants to understand what it takes to become a bestselling author.

A Child's ABCs of Praise
Patti Wiens
Creative Marketing Concepts, Inc.
2775 Jade Street, Mora, MN 55051
ISBN: 0976140802 $14.99 60 pp.

Working through the alphabet one letter at a time each letter is used to point out one aspect of the nature of God and includes a related Bible verse. For example the letter D is "I praise you because you Deliver". It then provides and opportunity for discussion by asking the question "Have you ever been rescued, or needed someone's help?". The page ends with Matthew 6:13 which says "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." This is a wonderfully done book that opens the opportunity for discussion between parent and child. As a way to bond deeper with your child while teaching them the nature of God this is one of the best books I have seen. A Child's ABCs of Praise is highly recommended.

Harold McFarland
Senior Reviewer

Klausner's Bookshelf

Graveyard Shift
Kelly Lange
Mysterious
ISBN: 0892967579 $24.95

Los Angeles TV news anchorwoman Maxi Poole is outraged when her boss managing editor Pete Capra assigns her to work the graveyard shift, which means one of two things: you're a rookie or your career is in jeopardy. She wants to tell Pete to stick his assignment up his butt, but also knows that will end any hope of returning to either the morning or evening shift. Adding to Maxi's concern is that Pete hires stringer Tom McCartney to keep an eye on her while the newcomer investigates serial killings tied to the derelict at MacArthur's Park. Meanwhile someone breaks into the home of Maxi's neighbor, city councilman Conrad Lightner killing his wife and kidnapping his housekeeper's child. Maxi and Tom investigate the Lightner scenario hoping to rescue an apparent innocent child and uncovering a murderer's identity, exposing a serial killer, and most important learn why Pete put her on the overnight shift as she romantically sizzles with her new partner. The third Poole tale, GRAVEYARD SHIFT, is a wacky wild investigative thriller that grips the audience from the moment that Maxi is exiled to the ratings cometary shift. The story line is a breezy fun romp staring magnificent Maxi, a terrific protagonist who this time her romantic interest is alive and kicking that is if they survive the cases (unlike her deceased manipulative spouse actor Jack N in THE REPORTER). Fluffy, Unconditionally! Outrageous, of course! A fun frolic, absolutely!

Winddreamer
Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Amber Quill
ISBN: 1592799213 $18.00

Conar McGregor barely survived the horrific Labyrinth and his subsequent freedom as the Dark Lord seeking vengeance against his long time enemy the evil sorcerer Kaileel Tohre. He remained alive in the Labyrinth and afterward by dreaming of his beloved wife Liza. However, while he was thought dead, Liza, who loved Conar with her soul, married his best friend Legion A'Lex. Her second spouse loved her even before she wed Conar, but hid his feelings until he concluded that his friend was dead. However, Conar returns from the dead and wants Liza back. Legion has tasted heaven and feels his wife reciprocates so he refuses to cede the field to Conar. Liza must choose between her first husband who she loves with all her soul and her second spouse who she loves with all her heart. Kaileel plans to use the triangle to kill Conar. The sixth tale in the Windlegend saga, WINDDREAMER, is a terrific dark romantic fantasy that centers on a triangle that will tear at the hearts of the audience as each of the trio deserves better than fate's latest torment. Conar is a battered tortured soul whose solace is Liza and knows Legion has been a loyal friend; Liza loves both her men who she feels deserve the best, which she begins to believe is not her as she struggles to choose knowing one will be shattered; Legion is a good person who loves Liza and cherishes his fond friendship he once had with Conar. Throw in the evil Machiavellian sorcerer into the already entangled relationships lead to a great fantasy although reading the previous tales especially Book V, WINDREAPER, enhances the experience.

Wolfpointe
Rick Buda
Twilight Times
ISBN: 1931201080 $15.50 175 pp.

Ace Underground Specialists Earl Suggs prides himself with always being first at the job site, but this time when he tosses his match into the ditch a fire ball erupts and engulfs him. Timber Park Police Department Officer Malcolm "Mac" MacKurghdy arrives at the scene as the first responder to investigate. He realizes that the case is not quite a negligent accident as some things involving the "gas" fails to fit the circumstances. Still his superior Captain Dave Strickland informs him the case is resolved as a stupid tragic incident. Veterinarian Dr. Elaine Johnson alarmingly wonders about a geometric increase in the number of animals tortured, mutilated and murdered. She and Mac make inquiries that lead to wealthy Clinton Delevan, who has under construction over one hundred homes that will sell for $500,000 each, but only town leaders and Delevan know that underneath the exclusive site is a toxic swamp. Ironically unbeknownst to these avarice souls the toxin in the swamp has dramatically magnified the Ojibwa Indians' Windigo deep hatred of humanity, as the spirit wolf speaks for the swamp desecrated by mankind. The cast turns this intriguing supernatural police procedural into a must read for fans of both genres. The story line mixes everyday rural living with greedy investors and an otherworldly essence into an action-packed tale. Interestingly Mac is a terific character struggling with his who-done-it inquiries that is difficult enough since the evidence seems illogical, but also with his superior yanking him off his investigation for reasons that just fail to make sense to him. Rick Buda is on the environmental side of the development debate, yet any fan of a supernatural tale will appreciate his cautionary thriller.

The Bright Forever
Lee Martin
Crown (Three River)
ISBN: 1400097916 $23.00

In a summer night in 1972 Tower Hill, Indiana, nine-year-old Katie bikes to the library but fails to return home. Her family owns the "itty-bitty" town's biggest business a glassworks firm and is considered Tower Hill's First Family so when something happens, townsfolk react. Katie's parents and her teenage older brother seem to love Katie, who always appeared contented. Her summer math tutor reticent lonely Henry kissed the preadolescent on the day she vanished and has stolen hair from her bedroom; he feels guilty for his pedophilic desires but his student respected him something he has never known especially during his abusive childhood. Remarried widow Clare knows her charming abusive spouse Raymond has drug induced blackouts and wonders could he have killed the girl. Raymond knows that pathetic Henry has a crush on the little girl and uses it. Though hope remains at first, as days pass, a stunned town believes the First Daughter is dead. The searchers become angry while pondering their own transgressions; increasingly the conversation turns towards avenging vigilante righteousness. Readers will appreciate this tense thriller that brings the underlying tension of the Ox-Bow Incident to the 1970s. The seemingly simple act of riding a bike turns ugly forcing everyone to introspect on their own sins as the changing perspectives enable the audience to understand the actions and reactions over a few days to the missing child; especially intriguing is Katie's parents wondering if they are being "punished". The collective guilt (though overdone) insures that THE BRIGHT FOREVER turns eternally dark for the townsfolk as the loss of innocence means no counterbalance to the eternal gloom of adulthood's reality shattering youthful dreams.

Kingston by Starlight
Christopher John Farley
Crown (Three Rivers)
ISBN: 1400082455 $13.95, 336 pp.

In the eighteenth century in County Cork Ireland, Anne Bonny enjoys her wealthy childhood until her father gambles away their fortune; he flees to America leaving his two women behind buried under a cloud of scandal and a mountain of debt. Annie and "Ma" book passage on a slave ship heading to the Americas. However, Ma dies on the journey and Annie lands in South Carolina but she has no idea where her dad is and has no inclination to find him. Instead the ocean voyage fueled a desire in Annie to sail the seven seas. As a female she knows that would be impossible; however being as tall and broad shouldered as some men, Annie dresses like a man. Thus she begins sailing the Caribbean and drinking at taverns in the Bahamas where she meets pirate Calico Jack Rackam who is shocked to meet a buccaneer who can play chess better than he can. She joins his crew as William "a man of the sea" and his bed as Anne. They make a fortune attacking Spanish vessels and are joined by another pirate Read with a similar secret as that of William. All is well until the trio is caught and forced to stand trial. KINGSTON BY STARLIGHT is an interesting biographical fiction that provides a different spin to the legendary female pirates of the Caribbean. Interestingly the audience obtains the perspective of an aging Bonny looking back at what she considered her prime time. Christopher John Farley provides a powerful, colorful, but tainted (after all it is the cross dressing pirate telling her story) tale of life in the eighteenth century Caribbean.

Snap Hook
John R. Corrigan
University Press of New England
ISBN: 1584653329 $24.95, 251 pp.

Though almost ten years on the PGA Tour, golfer Jack Austin struggles to keep his playing card. Though he has never won a tournament and he understands the significance of an experienced caddie can have on the game, Jack still hires a new caddie Nash Henley with limited experience but who suffers from dyslexia like he does. As he battles to make the cut, he notices a strange individual hanging around the tour. He asks questions and soon learns that Nikoli Silcandrov of the Russian Mafia is scheming to use the PGA Tour to launder money. To insure cooperation, the Nikolai and his thugs kidnap the four month old daughter of PGA Tour Charities Director Brian Taylor, who leads the raising and distributing of $50 million annually. Unable to ignore the double bogie, Jack tries to rescue a youngster and insuring the mob's plan fails while also playing against Phil Mickelson. In his second book tour, Jack shoots a birdie as golf fans and sport mystery buffs will enjoy his efforts to make the cut and to stop the mobsters. The story line is fast-paced on the greens, in the clubhouse, and off the course as Jack searches for the kidnapped child. His caddie enables the audience to see another side of the caring Jack. Though the audience will have to accept the blackmail premise, readers will believe that John R. Corrigan finished in the top ten with SNAP HOOK.

Center Cut
John R. Corrigan
University Press of New England
ISBN: 1584654058 $24.95

Since choking at the end of a tournament further placing his PGA card membership in jeopardy, golfer Jack Austin has played poorly as his confidence has tanked. Adding to his woes that his game is imploding, he fears he soon will have to play the satellite tour after ten years in the majors even without a single win. As he begins to show signs of attaining par and feels ready top go head to head with Tiger or Phil, Jack notices that Lynn Ashley, wife of PGA player friend Grant, is seen in the company of Jack's married agent, Jim Dempsey. Not long afterward, someone kills Grant's caddy in what appears to be a drug deal turned ugly. Just after that Jim and Lynn announce they are leaving their respective families for one another. Nothing seems logical to Jack who is just starting to regain his game and does not need the distraction, but cannot help investigating although that places him in danger of missing the cut on the course and in life. In his third golf mystery, John R. Corrigan aces the tale with a terrific look at the PGA coupled with an intriguing murder mystery. Jack is at his best as he makes mistakes about life, golf, and the who-done-it. His insight into his rivals, their caddies, and lastly their spouses is worth the price of admission. Because the characters are so fully developed especially Jack, fans of a strong sports mystery, not necessarily golf aficionados, will take the eighteen-hole tour and enjoy every hole.

Goat Song
Chantal Pelletier
Bitter Lemon Press
ISBN: 1904738036 $13.95, 176 pp.

In Montmarte, a double murder occurs in the Moulin Rouge. Gloom and doom French Inspector Maurice "More is Less" Laice and his superior Aline LefŠvre, a positive thinking active lesbian who at times lets her other "head" do her thinking, lead the investigation. The crime scene produces nothing. Thus the two cops turn to the victims seeking who might have a motive to kill the duo. Lead dancer Manfred and Lisa the trainee are the victims; the culprit intermingled their corpses in some sort of macabre dance. However, outside of the Moulin Rouge, the victims seem to have little in common as Manfred is a purebred native and Lisa is a Corsican emigrant. The case goes nowhere sending the pessimistic Maurice deeper into depression while Aline tells him to find solace in orgasms. Still the two cops argue about life, but keep digging within the Moulin Rouge community and the growing Corsican immigrants flocking to the city. The key to this strong often amusing and as often gloomy French police procedural is the two cops, as opposite of a pair that readers will ever find. Laice is a fortyish person who at times acts like an ailing octogenarian who no longer can get it up while the promiscuous Aline lives for multiple orgasms with her female partners. At times the depth into the lead couple is so deep and powerful the murder mystery takes a back seat even with the fast-pacing of the plot that like the stars contrast between the upbeat and the downbeat.

Havana Red
Leonardo Padura
Bitter Lemon
ISBN: 1904738095 $13.95, 233 pp.

In 1989 the strangled corpse of a man choked to death by a red ribbon around his throat but also wearing a beautiful expensive red dress is found in the Havana Woods. Lieutenant Mario Conde leads the investigation into the homicide of Alexis Arayan, the son of a highly respected diplomat, making the case politically significant. Mario learns that the victim lived with playwright and director Alberto Marques so he begins his inquiries with the former theater great disgraced and exiled by the government as a non because he is a homosexual. Marques gave Alexis, who fled from his family, refuge allowing the young transvestite to move into his falling apart home alongside his only treasure, books. As the case turns even darker under the tropical summer sun, Marques assists Mario on the investigation while trying not to hinder the law enforcement official due to his sexual preference branding him an outcast. HAVANA RED is a terrific Cuban police procedural that provides a dark view of life on the island. The cast makes the story line as the audience sees first hand how a dedicated cop struggles to solve a murder mystery while the Party looks over his shoulder. Marques is a two edged sword as the government's displeasure with him is a problem, but his access to the underground is an asset. Leonardo Padura has three more Conde novels to come in what has started off as a fantastic first tale.

Killer Summer
Lynda Curnyn
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895224 $12.95, 336 pp.

Zoe, Sage and Nick look forward to sharing the beach house for the entire summer on Fire Island, New York as guests of documentary filmmaker Maggie Landon. However, even before they can use their first drops of suntan lotion, Maggie's naked corpse is found on the beach. Maggie's spirit watches her friends and her spouse go on as if nothing happened to her. Her spouse Tom even has the audacity of throwing summer parties. No one mourns for her and in fact everyone seems happier without her. However, Zoe feels guilty about not seeming to care and wonders how Maggie's husband keeps partying when he should be grieving and wondering who killed his wife unless he knows. She also observes that Nick is not himself as if he struggles with secrets perhaps dealing with Maggie. Finally Sage acts as if Maggie possessed her soul trying to score as because any moment she might go to the great beyond. Zoe needs to learn the truth even if it means putting a damper on the summer including breaking her heart. Ironically the unpopular Maggie in the afterlife is the best character of this chick lit amateur sleuth tale as her commentaries on the reactions to her murder are amusing and fun. Zoe runs a fine second as her conscience guides her and she could have carried the tale. Instead the alternating chapters between the cast jars the reader though providing differing perspective especially explicit descriptive that is not always needed. Still Zoe's investigation into her friends and Maggie's lament make for an overall humorous fun tale.

Badwater
Clinton McKinzie
Delacorte
ISBN: 0385338473 $23.00, 324 pp.

Wyoming State Police Special investigator Antonio "Ant" Burns is depressed since his life is collapsing. From being a law enforcement superstar to someone who is on unofficial "probation" for an incident at a prison when he used unwanted force, Ant knows he must watch his step or else lose the badge. Worse, he badly misses his infant daughter living in Denver with her mother. Finally the most dismal assault on his psyche is his guilty memory that his actions almost killed his brother, leaving him disfigured. Only mountain climbing gives him a reprieve from his feelings of failure. Currently, he assists the prosecution on a high visibility case in which the defendant is accused of negligence leading to the drowning death of a ten-year-old boy. The townsfolk of Badwater want the accused tourist convicted of murder. However, Ant finds interesting evidence that will radically change the perspective of the case though no one seems interested in what he has uncovered. Instead the attorneys on both sides work for themselves as neither camp cares about a deceased child or a despondent tourist languishing in jail. Alone or perhaps with his sibling at his side if he can muster the courage to ask, Ant risks becoming a victim too. In his latest rock climbing case, Ant is over the edge in freefall with failures in his personal life leading to job fiascos. The investigation is shrewdly developed to insure Ant's woes get in the way and that regardless of his findings the dueling legal teams only care about furthering their careers. Fans of strong police procedurals will appreciate this fine tale in which Lady Macbeth would envy the lawyers.

Curse the Dark
Laura Anne Gilman
Luna
ISBN 0373802277 $13.99, 400 pp.

In a world where most people don't believe in magic, there is a group of practitioners, humans who have talent to use the current from electricity to perform magic. Wren is a Retriever, a lonejack (a Talent not affiliated with the Mage Council); a person who finds and returns missing objects to the client. Her partner Sergei convinces her to take a contract from the Silence an organization who keeps the world from imploding. Their first assignment is to retrieve a manuscript that was stolen from the House of Legend a church in Sienna, Italy. When they arrive there, they learn that the church is not wired for electricity because the monks, unknowingly are guarding the library which contains malevolent manuscripts, texts and books. These guardians know that whoever reads the manuscript disappeared. Information sends them back to New York where the book is now in the hands of a private library that they are unable to gain access to due to spells. If they don't find a way to return the book to the Silence, the tome will wreck havoc on the city and then the country and if not unchecked, the world. CURSE THE DARK is a great romantic fantasy that will appeal to readers of Laurell K. Hamilton. The heroine is blacklisted by the Mage Council, is trying to keep the lonejacks from battling the council and is trying to adjust to the consummation of her relationship with Sergei. She also wants the fatae (the non-human magical creatures) protected by Talents who see them as an unfavorable species. Laura Anne Gilman is a master at characterizations, a great world builder and a gifted storyteller.

The Destined Queen
Deborah Hale
Luna
ISBN 0373802439 $13.95, 400 pp.

When Maura Woodbury started on her quest to find the Waiting King she was destined to marry him as she was THE DESTINED QUEEN. She is accompanied by outlaw Rath Talward. They fall in love but it is not until the Sacred Glade that Rath is revealed as the Waiting King, the reincarnation of King Elzeban who is destined to return to help Umbria in the darkest hour which is now as the cruel and oppressive Hans rules with an iron fist. A small bird carrying a message tells them to go the Vestan Islands. When they arrive, the islanders, who fled Umbria when the Hans invaded, give Rath an army to free his countrymen. As the rightful king returns to the homeland Maura must find the staff of Velarken which will grant Rath one wish he must use wisely if he is to defeat the Hans without turning into a tyrant like them. THE DESTINED QUEEN is romantic fantasy at its very best. The love between the two protagonists gives them the strength against overwhelming odds to believe they can defeat their enemies if they listen to their hearts as well as to their heads. The common people rally around this legendary king but more is needed to oust the enemy from their homeland. Deborah Hale's romantic fantasy is a moving and beautiful tale showcasing two characters who capture the readers interest because they are flawed people trying to do the right thing ever when they are not sure which course that is.

Cast In Shadow
Michelle Sagara
Luna
ISBN: 0373802366 $13.95, 400 pp.

In the Kingdom of Karaazon, in the capital of Elantra, the river Abalyne separates the fiefs from the rest of society. In the fiefs, warlords rule over their own domain and have their own laws and armies. Surprisingly, the sentient species on both sides of the river, human, avian, immortal, etc get along with one another. Now there is a crisis brewing that has it roots in a series of killings that happened in the fiefs years ago when children were killed over a period of three years. Now the killings have started only this time there are only three days between killings and the victims, like the ones three years ago have strange tatoo like makings on their bodies. Kaylin, who originally came from the fiefs, also had the mysterious markings on her body before the killings started. Now she works on the right side of the law and is determined to find the killer before the magical ritual is completed and more lives are lost. CAST IN SHADOW is a magnificent fantasy filled with plenty of suspense, a terrific who-done-it, and a wonderful heroine sacrificing her own needs to provide selfless service to end the killing in the fiefs. Michelle Sagara provides a fantastic realm in which the audience will believe that diverse sentient species exist and live and work in harmony at least until the murders occur leading to everyone pointing fingers at anyone different. Ms. Sagara smoothly has combined mystery and fantasy in this terrific tale. She has the talent to become a star in the fantasy genre.

The Misted Cliffs
Catherine Asaro
Luna
ISBN 0373802269 $13.95, 352 pp.

Verquelle was the King of Harsdown but when he was defeated in battle to annex the Kingdom of Aronsdale, the monarch vanquished him to a place where he has been imprisoned for eighteen years. King Muller and Queen Chime are the rulers of Harsdown and the country has flourished under their reign. The heir is Princess Melody, a bright beautiful and loving person who is adored by her subjects. Verquelle's son Cobalt the Dark rescues his father and brings him to his home the Castle of the Clouds. Cobalt was raised by a sadistic grandfather and a distant mother but his newfound father gives him the approval he needs. Both his grandfather and his father want to go to war with Harsdown so Verquelle can reclaim his throne but Cobalt convinces them that he should marry the heir and their offspring will sit on the throne. Melody has no choice but to agree to this arrangement as she doesn't want her country to go to war but she concludes that Cobalt is not evil but a person deprived of kindness and affection. He decides to conquer two countries that border Aronsdale using his grandfather's troops and his father's knowledge of war. Melody hopes that her love will temper his dark side so that he doesn't become a tyrant others fears. Catherine Asaro has written a beautiful and vividly descriptive tale that is a cross between a romantic fantasy and a swords and sorcery tale. The heroine is a bright lodestar that attracts her dark prince who is a tragic figure in the tradition of Heathcliffe. Hearts will go out to the beleaguered anti hero who seeks love and acceptance. Catherine Asaro is one of the reigning queens of brilliant romantic fantasy.

The Wizard of Washington Square
Jane Yolen
Starscape
ISBN: 0765350165 $5.99, 78 pp.

Preadolescent David accompanied by his canine D. Dog walks around Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village feeling lonely. His family has just relocated from Connecticut to New York and he has no friends. When his canine's ball lands in the fountain in the middle of the park he meets Leilah who goes into the water to retrieve the toy. Leilah informs him that the fountain is home to a wizard. David scoffs at the inane girl, but soon they encounter THE WIZARD OF WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK, who explains he is a second rate failure, which is why he has been exiled to the land of non-believers. He proves his incompetence when he accidentally turns D. Dog into a statue. Before the Wizard can figure out how to rectify his blunder, antiques dealer Mr. Pickwell steals the statue to sell it. David and Leilah team up to retrieve D. Dog while the Wizard works on a reversal spell. THE WIZARD OF WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK is a fantastic urban fantasy that the elementary school crowd and their parents will enjoy. The story line enchants the audience as David and Leilah become friends while trying to rescue his dog from a terrible fate. The Wizard will remind readers of Oz as he bungles spells. Jane Yolen entertains her young readers with a fine friendship fantasy.

Talk of the Ton
Eloisa James, Julia London, Rebecca Hagan Lee and Jacqueline Navin
Jove
ISBN: 0515139300 $7.99, 422 pp.

"A Proper Englishwoman" by Eloisa James. In 1817, the Ton enjoys the scandalous behavior of Kerr rumored to have been seen about town with a Frenchwoman. That is the Ton minus Kerr's fiancee Emma who decides if Franco amour is what her wandering future spouse desires so be it. "The Vicar's Widow" by Julia London. In 1816 Darien wildly kisses Kate, the Vicar's wife, until she sadly walks away. Three years later, he is the toast of the Ton and she is a widow that he still desires. However, Emily wants Darien so she spreads rumors to eliminate her rival by turning the Vicar's Widow into the TALK OF THE TON. "Clearly a Couple" by Rebecca Hagan Lee. Free Fellows League agent Jonathan escort India, just freed from a harem imprisonment, to her family. The Ton blames India for her captivity though she was an innocent victim and assumes he has gotten his way with the "loose" woman. Instead Jonathan has fallen in love with India. "Miss Jenny Alt's First Kiss" by Jacqueline Navin. Everyone knows that Jenny, her aunt's companion, is on the shelf. Everyone that is except Miles who seeks a bride and based on their first kiss knows who he wants as his permanent lady. The four tales are well written especially the Ton exchanging malicious gossip that leaves a reader feeling like a Peeping Thomasina. However, the lead couples fall in love too fast as the novella format somewhat shortchanges the romances. Still these are four fine Regencies and fans will appreciate the titillating tremors of Polite Society causing a scandal even when unwarranted.

The White Wolf's Son
Michael Moorcock
Aspect
ISBN 0446577022 $24.95, 330 pp.

Oonagh von Bek is staying at the family home in Ingleton, West Yorkshire in England where she meets two men she instinctually distrusts. Friends of her grandmother Oona Von Bek also arrive in the village to guard her from her enemies. As she explores the nearby caves, a quake opens the multiverse sending Oonagh into another realm where she meets an educated fox who walks upright and wears clothes. He becomes her protector when the two men follow her into the underground city of Mirenburg, a mirror image of the city above ground. It is there that she is reunited with her grandmother, the near immortal beautiful Oona who has, with the champions who tried to protect her in Ingleton, come to bring her home if they can find the right road in the multiverse. Elric the Eternal champion is diverted from his one thousand year quest to find his sword Stormbringer to search for his great-granddaughter and foments a rebellion against the twisted science and sorcery using empire of Granbretan in order to try to find her more easily. Oonagh and her friends travel into the heart of the rebellion where she is kidnapped by her enemies who want to remake the multiverse in their own image. Different Avatars of the Eternal Champion make appearances in this classic Good vs. Evil fantasy. Elric's role as the Eternal champion is to make sure that Oonagh isn't used to bring about the apocalypse her enemies desire. He is a heroic and tragic figure, controlled by forces that nobody can defeat because they bring balance to the universe. Michael Moorcock, the grandmaster of sword and sorcery fantasy, provides one of the best books he has ever written.

The Prometheus Project
Steve White
Baen
ISBN: 0743498917 $24.00

The President explains to the President-elect the real burden past down from leaders since the Truman-Eisenhower transition when Mr. Inconnu arrived with the threat. With evidence including the ship he stole, Mr. Inconnu proved that the galaxy is owned by superpowers that use the technologically backward like Earth as colonial pawns. To survive Earth must show they are much higher up on the food chain than we are. Former Special Forces grunt Bob Devaney (not the Cornhusker) works for THE PROMETHEUS PROJECT; the greatest disinformation campaign ever conducted, whose mission is to keep aliens from realizing how backward we really are. Bob understands that failure means earth will become an exploited protectorate. However, two events have occurred that could wreck the deception. The President elect is an ideologue who may not be able to accept the real meaning of the theory of relativity and that someone intimately involved in the hoax is selling real world information to an outer space criminal mob. Bob is to find out who is the traitor worse than Judas is and insure that THE PROMETHEUS PROJECT continues to fake out the ETs. The prime suspect is the woman Bob loves. Steve White writes a fabulous satirical science fiction thriller that skewers we're number one American political- information-military-production complex. The story line is fast-paced with the audience learning from the onset how the greatest disinformation top secret project works and why through the change of administrations. Bob is a terrific protagonist as he struggles to uncover the identity of the traitor with all evidence pointing towards his beloved. Fans except those who believe God directs the president will appreciate this terrific lampooning of the values of the USA.

Alternate Generals III
Edited by Harry Turtledove
Baen
ISBN: 0743498976 $24.00, 306 pp.

The premise of this terrific alternate military history collection is to change circumstances of famous war heroes (depending on which side the reader is on) by placing them in some other scenario whether that is Joan of Arc not being burned or Robert E Lee named as ambassador to England for the triumphant Confederacy, etc. Modifying a pivotal moment or placing a victorious leader into a difference circumstance to "determine" whether they would remain winners are the underlying themes behind this strong anthology. Readers will appreciate all thirteen tales starring a diverse bunch of conquerors and generals, but not quite in the role that history reveals to us. Each tale is well written and fans of alternate history will complete the book in one sitting. Especially enlightening is how much other factors besides strong leadership play in success and how easily yet disconcertingly the Iraq freedom invasion seems so analogous even when looking for a missing elephant in Ancient Rome. This is a great series of tales that will keep the audience reflecting on war and leaders.

Expiration Date
Eric Wilson
WaterBrook
ISBN: 1578567459 $13.99, 400 pp.

Clay Ryker left town with a basketball scholarship to the University of Wyoming. Afterward he stayed in state and opened up a successful business and married. In the past year his life collapsed starting with his business and followed by his marriage. Twenty-nine years old Clay crawls home to live with his parents in Junction City, Oregon. As a teen Clay witnessed bad eerie things that he shared with no one. Now he touches people and knows their EXPIRATION DATE, when they will die. He begins receiving ugly notes and soon people begin dying just as he predicted. Clay realizes his past has come back and this time he cannot flee as he must face a malevolence residing in a 1917 Russian Rasputin train on display. The human representative of the malicious Consortium wants him dead as a sacrifice to hell. EXPIRATION DATE is an intriguing horror tale filled with twists that spin the reader from comfort zones into wondering what next. Clay is a fine character struggling with failure and with the return of the evil he first experienced as a teen. Fans will wonder just who are or perhaps what the Consortium is as Eric Wilson slowly provides insight into this group and their current agents of evil Asgoth and Monde. The Good vs. Evil war is cleverly handled as the Good is far from perfect and in some ways bad.

Emily Ever After
Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt
WaterBrook
ISBN: 1400070422 $11.95, 320 pp.

Her Uncle Matthew obtains Emily Hinton a job as assistant to a long time friend Bennett, a publisher at Morrow and Sons, a highly regarded Manhattan publishing firm. Though her parents are concerned that their daughter is moving to the capital of glitz, an excited Emily relocates from Jenks, California (near San Diego). In New York, Emily tussles with the looser lifestyle as emulated by her roommate, her boss and her peers at the company. She finds some solace when she works at her Uncle's soup kitchen, but notices how his partner Josie loves him though Matthew is unaware of her feelings. Emily struggles between what she believes is right and the hedonistic fun of her new friends and city until she must take a moral stand on a book's content knowing it will cost her a job she treasures if she doe. Will Emily do what she believes is the right thing or will she remain silent as a lamb? EMILY AFTER EVER is an intriguing contemporary tale starring a delightful protagonist struggling with the materialistic and often cynical assault on her spiritual beliefs. Emily is a terrific character who originally goes along to belong, but soon has doubts as she is uncomfortable with not being herself. Though her final stand turns too easily as black and white in spite of a revelation about the married Bennett and his "girlfriend" readers will admire Emily's courage to adhering to her beliefs rather than pretending all is well.

The Sound of My Voice
Jo Kadlecek
WaterBrook
ISBN: 1578568587 $12.99, 352 pp.

Her mother cooks Jordan her favorite meal before she moves from her Jackson, Mississippi home to New York City; however her last supper becomes a battlefield between her father Peter, an assistant Baptist pastor, and her. They bitterly argue over her move to New York City. In Manhattan Jordan studies playwriting at a theater workshop while tasting the city. A few years pass with Jordan waitressing at the Dream Time Tavern while she writes a play Windfall with religious overtones that contain basic human values that is performed in the Village. Peter preaches to the hometown flock. He can accept their needs but is unwilling to reconcile with his daughter as he remains steadfast in his belief that theater and his ministry do not mix. He refuses to speak to Jordan. When her mother lies dying, her Aunt calls her home to say her goodbyes to the woman Jordan has missed. Her mom's last wish is for her two loved ones to make up and come together. THE SOUND OF MY VOICE is an interesting character study that focuses on the debate of whether modern day artistic endeavors fit inside or outside the Christian religion. Jordan and Peter represent the poles in the dispute on the place of secular art in a religious pantheon. That enables the audience to look much deeper into the argument, but also makes the spat seem childish and inane, but then again many family arguments that lead to years of non communication are heated but silly in terms of the price. Jo Kadlecek provides an interesting family drama played on a two-state stage but with universal implications.

Aprons on a Clothesline
Traci DePree
WaterBrook
ISBN: 1578567300 $12.99, 320 pp.

In Austin, Minnesota, near Lake Emily, Virginia Morgan tells her friend Lillian Biddle that she has a bad headache, but will be okay. However, not long afterward, Virginia collapses inside the Spam Museum. Nurse Mary Shrupp calls 911 believing the kindhearted grandmother suffered a stroke. Virginia survives, but is not the same person as she feels unneeded since she is unable to help others like she has all her life. Depressed, Virginia begins to question whether she and those caring for her would be better off if she was dead especially since she knows that others in town need help but her body refuses to cooperate. However, she thinks her worst failure is not being there for Jessie Wise who needs a nurturing mother just like the pre stroke Virginia provided to everyone for decades in the Lake Emily area. Instead the post stroke Virginia has given up on life. APRONS ON A CLOTHESLINE is a deep look at small town rural life with an emphasis on believing in God, hard work, and honesty with one's self and towards others. Many of the characters return from previous novels (see A CAN OF PEAS and DANDELIONS IN A JELLY JAR) with new troubles as relationships change. However, the star of this tale is Virginia who goes from an active elderly person providing assistance and nurturing whenever she can to a beaten individual struggling with receiving love and care as opposed to giving. Fans of inspirational character driven tales will enjoy the Lake Emily series especially this powerful third entry.

Heavens to Betsy
Beth Pattillo
WaterBrook
ISBN: 1400070449 $12.99, 320 pp.

In Nashville, thirty years old Associate Reverend Betsy Blessing is planning to tell the congregation at the Church of the Shepard that she is quitting the pulpit though she remains a staunch believer. Her problem is not doubts, but fear of failure letting down the Congregation. Betsy believes the most difficult task will be to tell her two best friends, Reverends David Swenson and Laronda Mason. Betsy and David go to a movie together as friends when he reaches over to grab her popcorn and touches her thigh instead. She feels the electricity of his touch and reassess how she feels about her friend. However, Betsy vows not to act on her sudden attraction for David because she believes two reverends in a family always lead to divorce as neither has the time to provide full emotional support to the other. When Reverend Black decides to retire, Betsy takes over the ministry, but besides her fears of failing her flock she fears her feelings for David have grown deeper; could he be falling for her too? This chick lit goes pulpit is an entertaining contemporary romance starring a likable protagonist who provides a deep understanding into the lifestyle of a reverend. The friendship turning romance will remind the audience of that Bonnie Riatt hit song and the barbs between the pair are amusing but also show how supportive they are of one another. Though her conversion from the queen of frump to enlightened looks seems a stretch, readers will appreciate this insightful look at the romance of two reverends.

Completely Yours
Sheridon Smythe
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526131 $6.99

Fontaine Spencer owns Next Stop, a travel magazine that reviews restaurants, hotels, and other entertainment centers so tourists know the best, the worst, and the ugly. Someone from within the magazine warned Dallas businesses that Fontaine was coming; this cost her the ability to obtain unbiased insight. Thus she needs a decoy for Atlanta to prevent deja vu, so that she can serendipitously do her job and uncover who is selling information. She asks her twin sister Callie to pose as her. Fontaine arranges for Mr. Complete to escort her sibling around town. Nightclub owner Dillon Love is keeping an eye on his friend's escort service while his friend is away on vacation. Dillon is irate with Night Stop for a blistering review of his nightclub. He decides to escort Callie to teach her a lesson avenging her bad comments about his establishment. However, he soon finds he wants her to give him positive reviews to a lifetime plan, but fears how she will react to his duplicity; she on the other hand cannot understand why she feels in love with him one moment and aloof the next. Unbeknownst to Callie, Dillon's ruse includes his identical twin Wyatt. Twins switching places has been done seemingly forever, but Sheridon Smythe refreshes the technique by having two pair exchange places leading to a wild romantic romp that works because the audience can still "see" who is who while ironically the players misunderstand what is going on. Readers will find the exchanges intelligent while the twins switch so that actions and reactions differ and confuse the participants. Fans of amusing contemporaries will enjoy this tale of mischievous twins and its humorous gender war predecessor MR. COMPLETE.

Follow Me
Mary Beth Bass
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526344 $5.99, 352 pp.

On the advice of her friend Toby, Dr. Ian Gilbertson takes his beloved Clare Islington to the Black Hound Inn in Dorset, Vermont. Seven years ago Clare had an eerie experience at this supposedly haunted historical site; Toby insists that returning her will enable her to move on with her life and Ian's hopes with him. In 1824, Harcourt Abernathy stays at the relatively new Black Hound Inn in Vermont where he is conducting business. He mourns the death of his beloved Kate, who passed away five months ago, but he has never recovered form the loss. Clare thinks back to her first stay at the inn when she met an almost two century old ghost Harcourt who insists she is the reincarnation of his Kate. Shaken to her core, Clare fled. Now that she is back, Harcourt hopes to woo her back to his time where he is a mortal not a spirit although Ian is worthy human competition. Though at times it is difficult to follow the plot switches between the past and present, readers will enjoy this enthralling paranormal romance. The characters drive the tale as the romantic triangle of the present and the melancholy love story from the nineteenth century come across due to fully developed key players. Fans will want to follow Mary Beth Bass for future tales of love from beyond if this is an indicator of her work.

The Hallowed Hunt
Lois McMaster Bujold
EOS
ISBN 0060574623 $24.95, 480 pp.

Lord Ingrey Kin Wolfcliff is dispatched by his employer to bring back the body of the murdered Prince Boleso to the capital city of Easthome for the funeral. He is also to bring back the royal's killer Lady Ijada who claims self-defense as he tried to rape her and was prepared to sacrifice her in a black magical rite. Instead, she conked him on the head and the spirit of the leopard he killed entered her body when she touched the dying prince. Ingrey knows all about animal spirits inhabiting humans as he is possessed by a wolf in a rite that was conducted by his father. On the way back to the capital where the hallows king is dying, Ingrey is attracted to his prisoner but finds himself compelled to kill her. The geas is broken by a powerful sorcerer and they make it safely to Easthome. Ingrey spies on Earl Wencil because the people in power are afraid that he will try to usurp the rightful heir, Prince Biast. Little do any of them know that Wencil's plan for Ingrey involves the old magics outlawed when the Weald was invaded by the Darthacan Quintarians who worshipped five gods and forced their religion on the conquered people. Ingrey grows into his acceptance of his wolf spirit and he is helped by Lady Ijada who accepts the spirit leopard that was thrust into her. She has a role to play in the final working of the weald magic one that could cost her life or that of Ingrey if she falters in her convictions. Brilliant characterizations, a fast paced and exciting storyline and a villain it is hard to hate make THE HALLOWED HUNT a fantastic epic fantasy worthy of a Hugo or a Nebula Award nomination.

Society Girls
Sarah Mason
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345469577 $12.95, 368 pp.

Clemmie Colshannon returns crawling to her actor parents' home in Cornwall to wait tables after her globetrotting around the world proved disastrous following the loss of her job and her boyfriend importance in that order. However, she has no time to mope as she learns that Bristol Gazette society pages editor Emma McKellan has vanished one week before her marriage to Charlie Davidson over the objection of her wealthy father solicitor Sir Christopher. The Bristol Gazette crime reporter Clemmie's sister Holly (see PLAYING JAMES) thinks Sir C has abducted his daughter to prevent the nuptials and she plans to break the story. She enlists Clemmie to assist her, but the bumbling siblings uncover a lot more than an irate father protecting his daughter from a gold-digger. Instead they connect Sir C to a drug case involving Charlie, who he put behind bars, and learn that Emma is pregnant and being used by Charlie to enact revenge. When Charlie realizes what the sisters are doing he switches targets causing Clan Colshannon to invade France. The second Colshannon tale is a wacky amateur sleuth tale starring an eccentric crowd that seems like the Little Foys were turned on their head. The investigative story line hooks the audience as much for the interrelationship between the lead family as for the mystery. Readers will appreciate this amusing mystery and look forward to a third Colshannon sibling leading miscues in a future cozy.

Stolen Magic
M.J. Putney
Ballantine/Del Rey
ISBN: 0345476891 $23.95, 352 pp.

In 1748 England, the Guardian Council Chief Enforcer of the use of magic, Earl Simon Malmain travels to the castle of Lord Drayton to charge him with using his mage skills to abet the Jacobytes. Drayton remains relaxed considering who is unwanted guest is and coolly changes his foe into a unicorn; only a virgin can convert Simon back into a human. The evil magician boasts that having a unicorn will make him the most powerful person ever on the planet. However, Simon escapes from the castle though he remains in his mythological form. Simon the unicorn meets Drayton's servant "Mad Meggie", who is a virgin with a special skill with animals. She frees him from the spell and in turn he liberates her from an enchantment that left her under Drayton's control. They partner in an effort to stop Drayton, who wants to halt the Industrial Age from replacing the enlightened magical era. This is a terrific romantic fantasy that uses mid eighteenth century England as a backdrop to anchor the magical elements so that the audience believes in spells, unicorns, and the battle of the mages. The story line is action-packed yet insures the key three characters appear fully developed. The romantic subplot between Meg and Simon accentuate a fabulous tale that will send enchanted readers seeking A KISS OF FATE.

The God Particle
Richard Cox
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345462858 $13.95, 320 pp.

Los Angeles-based businessman Steve Keely is in Zurich with his assistant Serena who does not hide how much she wants him although he plans to marry Janine. After a spat with Serena, Steve answers his ringing cell phone to overhear his beloved Janine making love to someone named Barry. Heartbroken he quietly and sadly says goodbye. He picks up a Russian, Ana, in a bar and goes to her place, but someone enters her room and beats Steve up. He goes to the hospital where after physically healing he finds he is able to predict the future with uncanny accuracy and perform things on a par with a Jesus miracle. Mike McNair is the head physicist of the North Texas Superconducting Super Collider project. On a plane heading to Dallas, he meets news anchor Kelly Smith over Mark Twain. As they become acquainted his Noble Prize obsession takes back seat to this woman who has opened his eyes to a vast world he ignored. However, she will take a back seat to the universe that Steve shows him when the business mogul desperately turns to the physicist for help as he struggles to cope with powers beyond that of a human. THE GOD PARTICLE is a superb science fiction thriller that uses relatively up to date theories on subatomic particles as a base for a terrific action-packed thriller. The amazing feat of this tale is even with a deep science base that educates the reader and plenty of non-stop action, the key players, especially Steve and Mike, seem genuine. Richard Cox writes a deep thriller that will remind readers of Ursula Le Guin's THE LATHE OF HEAVEN.

The Power of the Dog
Don Winslow
Knopf
ISBN: 0375405380 $25.95

President Nixon declares war on drug trafficking so in Culiacan, Mexico, United States DEA Agent Art Keller is assigned to destroy the evil empire of drug kingpin Don Pedro Aviles. In his endeavor, Art meets and befriends Adan and Raul Barrera; not realizing that the two siblings are nephews of rising drug lord Miguel Barrera. . Meanwhile in San Diego Nora Hayden decides to get paid for what men want from her at about the same time that Manhattan's Sean Callan becomes a mob hit man. Over the next three decades the paths of these six people intersect several times until 1999 when a no longer idealistic Art sees his side losing the war on drugs with peers coming home in body bags. He no longer worries about the line between the law and crime as justice is what he demands. He plans to begin with his former friends the Barrera brothers. As for Nora as Adan's mistress if she becomes collateral damage so be it even if that means Sean will come after him. Don Winslow provides a deep look at the war on drugs that seem a failure after three decades, which will lead readers to ponder the chances of winning the war on terrorism by military means. The story line is action-packed though it occurs over three decades and is clearly driven by the key cast members especially the Barrera brothers and Keller. THE POWER OF THE DOG is that rare thriller that has the audience on the edge of their seats yet analyzing the outcome in terms of the potential of a slow win of the war on terror.

Acts of Faith
Philip Caputo
Knopf
ISBN: 0375411666 $26.95, 669 pp.

In the oil rich Nuba Mountains of Sudan, Muslims wage war on the natives. A variety of individuals with differing purposes try to provide sustenance to the beleaguered populace. One relief group Knight Air includes Biracial Kenyan Fitzhugh Martin who fills his previously vapid life as a soccer star with meaning due to the relief operation. Americans Douglas Brathwaite and Wes Dare, and Canadian Mary English also find spiritual sustenance with the fly lift effort. At the same time as Knight Air and other rival relief groups struggle to assist the blacks, the ferocious slaughter continues as Arab warlord Ibrahim Idirs keeps fighting though he misses his black mistress who is probably dead. The Sudanese People's Liberation Army has its agenda too and so does the altruistic Knight Air who chooses an immoral means that will geometrically increase the death rate in order to end the killings. Using detailed events to describe a devastating war, Philip Caputo provides a deep look at what Colin Powell declared as genocide. The story line uses action to paint a complex multifaceted look into the killing fields of Sudan and how mercenaries, missionaries, military and mindless humanitarians cause havoc on the beleaguered local populace. Though depressingly a Rwanda replay, ACTS OF FAITH is a thought provoking anti-war thriller that even uses seemingly out of place romantic subplots to serve as ironic counterpoint to the killings in which all is not quiet on the southern front.

Bangkok Tattoo
John Burkett
Knopf
ISBN: 1400040450 $24.00

In Bangkok, Nong, part owner of the Old Man's Club, calls her son Royal Thai police detective Chai Jipleecheep and her partner, Chai's superior Colonel Vikorn to inform them that one of their ladies, Chanya killed a visiting American. While Nong thinks killing customers is bad for business, Vikorn informs Chai that the homicide was an act of self defense without visiting the crime scene or interviewing the woman who has confessed. Chai persuades his boss to come to the hotel room where the murder occurred. The victim not only had his penis removed, but possessed an interesting Visa that allowed multiple reentries over the next two years. In other words Mitch Turner was from the CIA. Vikorn knows self defense or homicide means the CIA, the FBI, and the Thai government will be all over them from head to toes. Instead Vikorn, needing to protect his investment decides to throw the blame on Al Qaeda, which will make the Americans happy. While Vikorn tries to con the Yanks and his superiors, Chai conducts inquiries into the homicide because he has problems accepting that even an opium dazed Chanya would commit mutilation. This Thai police procedural is a wonderful tale starring an interesting detective trying to remain honest when surrounded by corrupt individuals including his mother. The secondary cast provides insight into the society as well as set an amoral tone to the tale that only seemingly Chai counters. The official inquiries are cleverly designed to occur below the radar screen of the Americans seeking the Al Qaeda connection. Fans of exotic locale who-done-its will enjoy this fine tale and seek Chai's previous solid investigative tale (see BANGKOK 8).

The Missing Person
Alix Ohlin
Knopf
ISBN: 0375415246 $22.95, 292 pp.

Three years ago Lynn Fleming left Albuquerque to study art history as a graduate student in New York. Her mom notices her scorn towards her dusty hometown as if Brooklyn and Manhattan are the world. Mom is concerned that her son Wylie cut off his phone and refuses to talk to her. Mom, a travel agent, informs her not listening daughter that she booked a flight for her via Minneapolis to come home to talk sense into Wylie who has been abducted by eco-freaks. Knowing her research grant is gone and her affair with her married faculty advisor finished though he offers a final Paris fling, Lynn returns to Albuquerque. Finding her younger brother proves easy. Wylie's eco-criminal crony Angus and Lynn begin an affair as she is attracted to his upbeat charm until she begins seeing a dangerous side to her lover as she becomes involved with the risky actions of Wylie's eco-terrorist group. She even makes progress on her dissertation when she finds two works left by her late father painted by a 1970s local artist Eva Kent who has tragic ties to her parents. THE MISSING PERSON is a well written character study as much as a mystery that hooks the audience the moment mom refuses to take no as an answer from her daughter. Lynn holds the tale together several intriguing subplots converge through her as she struggles with the past that seems to have imposed a will on her present and immediate future. Don't let the title fool you, this is not an amateur sleuth investigation, but instead a mus