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MBR Bookwatch

Volume 5, Number 6 June 2006 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Cowper's Bookshelf Dunford's Bookshelf Klausner's Bookshelf

Laurel's Bookshelf Shelley's Bookshelf Shirley's Bookshelf

Taylor's Bookshelf Vogel's Bookshelf

Cowper's Bookshelf
Priority Parenting
Steve Ganger
Herald Press
616 Walmnute Avenue, Scottsdale, PA 15683-1999
0836193318 $9.99 www.heraldpress.com

Very highly recommended reading for Christian parents regardless of their denominational affiliation, Priority Parenting: Reclaiming Your Home For Heaven's Sake by Steve Ganger is an informed and informative introduction and guide for properly instilling a religious influence into family life. Creatively presenting a multitude of strategies and escapes from the often tedious and distraction prone task of parenting, Priority Parenting offers readers insightful information for what family oriented activities may help to validate a more graceful and spiritually healthy marriage which is not only good for parents, but as well for the children. Priority Parenting provides an invaluable understanding and sensitive approach to parenting and marriage for all practicing Christians.

Servant of the Gods
Amy Wolff Sorter
Amber Quill Press
PO Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
1592797709 $16.00 amberquill.com

Servant of the Gods is a historical fiction novel that brings to life the events of the Song of Deborah, the Biblical story of how Deborah and Barak led an army to defeat the Canaanites and lay claim to Israel. Written to give the reader a closer insight into the life of Deborah herself, Servant of the Gods follows her from her birthright as a Canaanite priestess to her role as a female leader in a patriarchal society. A profound tale, with gripping dialogue and a firm grounding in scripture.

Beyond The Lie
Alice Smith
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
PO Box, 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516
076420176X $14.99 www.bethanyhouse.com

Highly recommended reading, Beyond The Lie: Finding Freedom From The Past by Alice Smith is an outstanding guide for Christians caught up in terrifying feelings of shame and distrust, and who are searching for an escape to a personal world less susceptible to the all consuming evils promoted by the broader culture of the world today. Providing an informed and informative mapping of the proper pathway to a spirituality healthier lifestyle, Beyond The Lie helps the reader to avoid being victimized or otherwise lapse into behaviors that would disgrace themselves and their families. Above all else, Beyond The Lie gratefully speaks to Christian readers of the glorious sacred love of Christ redeeming them from the bonds of their past, the temptations of the present, and the promise of the future.

You, Me And Who?
Emily Parke Chase
Kindred Productions
1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3M 3Z6
1894791088 $8.99 1-800-545-7322 www.kindredproductions.com

You, Me And Who?: Five-Minute Devotional For You And Your Date by Emily Parke Chase is a collection of succinct commentaries on retaining a love for Jesus and other applicable issues on the subject of teenage dating. Providing instructive guidelines founded in the ideals of Christian conduct for scenarios and situations commonly encountered by teens, You, Me And Who? carries its readers through discussion questions, creative date ideas, prayers, and so much more. Devoted to helping teens through the intricacies, responsibilities, and temptations involved in the complicated world of dating, You, Me And Who? is very highly recommended for all adolescent readers regardless of their denominational affiliation.

At Home In The World
Margaret Guenther
Seabury Books
445 - 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10016
1596270268 $16.00 www.seaburybooks.org

At Home In The World: A Rule Of Life For The Rest Of Us by Margaret Guenther (Associate Rector, St. Columba's Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C.) offers insights into living our lives while in the midst of our personal quest for God. A compilation of lively advice and heart-felt wisdom on living for the Lord applicable to singles, couples, parents, extended families, members of churches, professionals and laborers, homemakers and students, At Home In The World draws upon ancient and contemporary sources of revealed knowledge and experience-based wisdom on such issues as poverty, chastity, obedience, authority, money, pleasure, power, friends, enemies, hard times, and more. A welcome addition to any Christian Studies supplemental reading list regardless of denominational affiliation, At Home In The World is thoughtful, thought-provoking, inspirational, motivational, and recommended reading.

Roses In December
Marilyn Willett Heavilin
Harvest House Publishers
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, OR 97402
0736917799 $10.99 1-877-307-0662 www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Roses In December: Comfort For The Grieving Heart by Marilyn Willett Heavilin presents readers with a thoughtful and thought-provoking understanding of God and the remarkable empathy and healing power of God's comfort. Providing an expansive introduction to the living grace of God for those who grieve the loss of a loved one, Roses In December presents readers with a comprehensive and easy-to-follow mapping of God and the special attributions of such an accepting deity. Roses In December is very strongly recommended for all readers hoping for an accessible guide to a more spiritual response to the inevitable disappointments of marriage, sibling conflicts, familial disputes, as well as support and understanding the grieving process brought on by personal tragedy or the death of loved ones.

Mary Cowper
Reviewer

Dunford's Bookshelf
Steal Away
Hugh Poland
Judson Press
PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482
0817014918 $13.00 judsonpress.com

Steal Away: Devotions For Baseball Fans by Hugh Poland is a unique and remarkable collection of baseball feats and facts with a deftly intertwined understanding of Jesus and the scriptures. Introducing readers to an interwoven interpretation of America's favorite game and the basic tenants of Christianity, Steal Away provides readers with an uncompromising wisdom of the baseball's spiritual implications and reveals biblical lessons taught by both the ball game and sacred scriptures. Thoughtful and thought-provoking, Steal Away is very highly recommended reading for all Christian baseball fans.

Hell's Abyss Heaven's Grace
Lawrence D. Hart
Cowley Publications
4 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
1561012416 $14.95 1-800-225-1534 www.cowley.org

Written by an Episcopal priest, Hell's Abyss Heaven's Grace: War and Christian Spirituality is a strident call to the power of nonviolent resistance, rather than war, to change the world. Scrutinizing "Just War" theory as well as America's tainted history of war, conquest, international theft and exploitation, Hell's Abyss Heaven's Grace calls upon the need Christians have to live in accordance with the Gospel. Looking to images of Christian leaders around the world who apply nonviolence methods to resist, Hell's Abyss Heaven's Grace embraces the weapons of truth, courage and faith as paramount virtues in keeping with God's law. Highly recommended.

Michael Dunford
Reviewer

Klausner's Bookshelf
The Banners of Alba
Jen Black
Cambridge
ISBN: 1594313261, $17.95

In 1034, the nephew of King Malcolm of Alba and the heir apparent to his throne Daveth mac Finlay is loyal to his monarch; he is also one of the best, if not the best, field commanders. However, Finlay is stunned to learn his fealty is abused as Malcolm has chosen his grandson Prince Duncan to one day replace him as ruler of Alba. On top of that affront, Malcolm has married Finlay's beloved Kilda to his cousin Gille. Angry, Finlay flees for nearby Orkney ruled by his friend the Overlord Thorfinn and his intelligent independent sister Ratagan. Thorfinn has plans to seize the Alba throne and wants Finlay's support. Though still outraged by his uncle's duplicity, he is wary of the harm that civil war would cause on the innocent peasant population. As Finlay falls in love with the feisty Ratagan, he questions his judgment while two major sets of conspiracies engulf him. Finlay is the key for if he chooses war Thorfinn might succeed; if he selects peace Duncan inherits. Digging deep inside his troubled soul, he realizes he has not stripped honor from his heart honor; Finlay decides he will travel the honorable path for what he deems the good of Alba. Though there is a major romantic subplot, THE BANNERS OF ALBA is more a magnificent medieval fiction that brings to life the twelfth century through the power struggles. Readers will appreciate the internal dilemma confronting the hero as he must choose between two paths filled with deceit. Symbolically the two women in Finlay's life represent the choices he has. As the champion learns that picking what he deems is good for Alba is not necessarily good for him, readers obtain an exhilarating historical thriller starring a hero worth rooting for.

The Cottagers
Marshall N. Klimasewiski
Norton
ISBN: 0393060772, $24.95

Nineteen years old unemployed Cyrus Collingwood lives year round in East Sooke on Vancouver Island. He detests the summer rentals though the hot weather invaders are the prime source of income for the locals. Cyrus enjoys being a peeping tom spying on the temporary newcomers and in brazen moments loves to assault their rentals though besides scaring ten years off their lives, he normally does not harm them. This summer he obsesses over two families; married Brooklyn couple Samina and Nicholas and their three-year-old daughter Hilda; and their St. Louis friends Laurel and Greg. He pretends to be their friend by showing them the hidden highlights of the island. However, the brilliant teen reads his guests quite nicely as he realizes there is an undercurrent professional rivalry and resentment between the historian Nicholas, the biographer Greg, and the English professor Laurel as well as realizing Greg is a womanizer. The exotic looking Samina is the one that attracts Cyrus as she does not fit with the others and he fails to psychology profile her. When Nicholas fails to return from a walk, accusations fly everywhere encouraged by sly Cyrus who knows what happened on the solitary beach. The concept that the masks people wear in relationships change when the dynamics between individuals alter which can be caused by an outside party is proven in this tale. The story line is fascinating though the action is limited and the key characters never seem fully developed. Relationship drama fans will appreciate the hypothesis driven plot that unmasks visage armor, but fails to go deep into the psyche of the island visitors or even Cyrus.

The Destiny Mask
Martin Sketchley
PYR
ISBN: 1591024390, $15.00

Then Military Intelligence Officer Alexander Delgado failed to complete his escort mission intended to forge an alliance between Earth's dictator General William Myson and the Seriattic Royal Household. Instead royal child-bearer Vourniass Lycern became Alexander's lover and gave birth to his twin sons (see THE AFFINITY TRAP). The boys were separated with Myson raising Michael while Delgado, an outlawed insurgent considered a terrorist raising Cascari. Two decades later Michael and Cascari each believes they are the legal heir to the Monosiell head of Seriatt's Royal Household. The current Monosiell, Delgado and Myson push to place their "son" in the position of power that would make the dictator invincible or insure that the terrorist has a real chance at success in the struggle between them. Neither Michael nor Cascari know that they are siblings let alone twins. Meanwhile besides the strategic importance of the Seriatts' location near the M4 wormhole, the royals believe they are on the verge of a time travel breakthrough that will change the balance of power through THE DESTINY MASK. Delgado and Myson want ownership. This sequel is an exciting science fiction thriller that can be read without perusing the previous novel (THE AFFINITY TRAP) though the experience is enhanced with back to back reads as that explains the heated rivalry between the antagonists. The story line is action-packed and incredibly fast-paced (no time outs) but somehow driven by the enmity between Myson and Delgado as nurtured by them as part of their imprint on their respective sons. However what makes the tale real is the terrorists are disorganized and badly trained as they are under constant pressure by the more powerful dictatorship. Readers will appreciate this strong military sci fi thriller.

Twisted Tales
Brandon Massey
Dafina
ISBN: 0758213530, $6.99

The "them" starring in this interesting collection are abusive individuals paying the piper for odious deeds towards others. Each tale is well written with realistic characters whether they are victim or culprit throughout the anthology. However, upon reading fourteen tales with the identical twisted theme of an abuser (even disguised as a doppelganger grandmother or a hitchhiker) getting their due, the compilation runs thin. Still read a few at a time over a period, as these entries will grip readers who root for the underdog to rise. Especially strong is The Sting and The Hitcher (think of the movie), which the audience will have to reread several times because they are so good. Brandon Massey provides a strong fascinating series of character studies that star twisted protagonists and the victims often submissives they afflict.

Takedown
Brad Thor
Atria
ISBN: 0743271181, $25.00

Bypassing government channels and working with Canadian Black Op Agents who want Al-Qaeda terrorist Sayed Jamal in American hands, counterterrorist agent Scott Horvath sneaks the killer across the border and gives him to a waiting team. At the same time Al-Qaeda weapon's expert Mohammed bin Mohammed who vanished two days before 9/11 is kidnapped from his Somalian residence. Mohamed is preparing to buy nuclear material that a contact will only sell to him; the Americans want the material and those involved. The Al-Qaeda leadership seeks Mohammed because he is there only member who can put the nukes together. A daring plan is implemented when the terrorists learn where the Americans are holding Mohammed. They blow up the tunnels and bridge effectively closing Manhattan to all traffic, disable the subway system and use missiles to keep boats and helicopters from leaving or entering. They search the city for Mohamed while Scott who was in town visiting a pal, chases after the terrorists with a group of ex-agents to help him. What makes TAKEDOWN an exciting yet frightening thriller is that the tale seems plausible after the events of 9/11. Readers will picture what Brad Thor describes happens in Manhattan and then see a city quickly dissolve into chaos, death, and destruction. The protagonist is a patriotic warrior risking his life to stop his country's enemies. Mr. Thor is a terrific thriller writer and fans of Dan Brown and Thomas Harris will want to read his latest masterpiece.

Married to a Stranger
Patricia MacDonald
Atria
ISBN: 0743269551, $24.00

Psychologist Emma Hollis works at the Wrightman Youth Crisis Center whose director Dr. Burke Hunter married her best friend Natalie. However diagnosed as bi-polar, Natalie committed suicide. Emma is hesitant to have Burke serve as her fiance's best man at their small wedding in a few days. Burke insists on facing it because David is a close friend and he introduced the couple to each other. Following the nuptials, David and Emma head to a secluded cabin in the New Jersey woods for a honeymoon. On their first day, David vanishes while outside chopping wood and a masked man tries to kill the pregnant Emma. A hunter hears Emma's screams; rushes over to help but the intruder kills the Good Samaritan with David's abandoned ax. Emma takes the hunter's weapon and the attacker flees just before David reappears. The police think David is trying to kill her especially when she is almost thrown off at a train station; even Emma begins to wonder about her spouse. Fans of Mary Higgins Clark and Nancy Taylor Rosenberg will find MARRIED TO A STRANGER a mesmerizing reading experience. Although the audience will agree with Emma and the cops that David is the prime suspect, others could also be the culprit. As with Hitchcock's terrific Suspicion, readers will wonder until the very end whether David wants his wife dead. Patricia MacDonald is one of the top suspense writers of the past few years (see THE GIRL NEXT DOOR).

The Days of Summer
Jill Barnett
Atria
ISBN: 0671035355, $24.95

In 1957 in Los Angeles, oil heir Rudy Banning and his artist wife Rachel drink too much before driving their vehicle head on into a car containing singer Jimmy Peyton and his manager. All four die in the car accident. The Banning children Jud and Cale move into the home of their ruthless grandfather, a coldhearted affluent business mogul; Peyton's daughter Laurel remains with her devastated mother, his widow Kathryn. Thirteen years later on Catalina Island, Laurel and Cale meet and fall in love. However, his grandfather forces Cale to choose between Laurel and medical school; he selects becoming a doctor. Laurel soon meets Cale's brother Jud and feelings grow between them while Cale is off at school. Over the next three decades Cale holds grudges against his brother and the one woman he loved. Now the trio meet once again as Jud begins to court Laurel who turns to cardiologist Cale for heart surgery. THE DAYS OF SUMMER is a fascinating relationship drama that follows the lives over several decades of two brothers and the woman they both desire connected initially by tragedy. The story line is a sudsy soap opera especially during the present era subplot and to a lesser degree in 1970. Still the three protagonists are fully developed leading to fun learning the outcome even though their triangle seems contrived.

A House Divided
Deborah LeBlanc
Leisure
ISBN: 0843957301, $6.99

In Crowly, Louisiana, avaricious building contractor Keith LaFleur and assistant acquisitions manager for Costless Drugs Patricia Egan meet to discuss moving a vast building. Keith explains to his brother-in-law and lead foreman Jeff Mabry who soon arrives that to accomplish the request in a week they will need to cut the building in half, move it in two parts, and then put back together. Keith and Jeff enter the edifice, but the contractor smells gas which his foreman does not. Next Keith feels something crawling on him, but nothing is there until something bites him. Other incidents follow. Once the house is divided, Laura Toups opens a beauty salon near Matt Daigle's Tin Cup establishment. They are attracted to one another and she likes his preadolescent son. However they will soon be caught up with the inexplicable events of the LaFleur project that become a little more dangerous with each ensuing episode. Unbeknownst to them, is the Devillier family tragedies. Meanwhile Keith, acting increasingly bizarre, dismisses claims that Morgan, the ghostly mother, is trying to prevent her building from being split as no one will separate her from her children even as a more mundane culprit is also at work. A HOUSE DIVIDED is a solid haunted house thriller that grips readers from the first moment that Keith sniffs gas and Jeff standing next to him does not. The haunting action-packed story line never slows down from that initial occurrence as it plays out on two complex levels. Though Keith displays no redeeming qualities, fans will enjoy this tense thriller because readers will empathize with most of the key cast members including Morgan.

Maidensong
Diana Groe
Leisure
ISBN: 0843957107, $6.99

The Northmen attack Hordaland in retaliation for a raid on Sognefjord a month ago. In the assault they kill her renowned story telling father, the skald Magnus Silver-Throat and capture amongst others his two children, Rika also a skald storyteller and her brother Ketil as slaves of the Jarl of Sogna. The ruler's younger brother Bjorn the Black led the raid that imprisoned Rika, who vows to kill him. Bjorn decides he wants the courageous skald, but knows he must ask his sibling for permission. Instead of showing his appreciation the Jarl displays his jealousy of his brother's success. Still even as Rika and Bjorn begin to fall in love, the Jarl promises her to his Byzantine trading partner as he loathes his sibling and gives him nothing even what he earned. This exciting Dark Ages romance takes the audience on a deep tour of Scandinavia and the Byzantine Empire with a deep look at the societies of both. The story line is action-packed as the two lead protagonists fall in love while landing in one escapade after another due to the betrayal by the treacherous Jarl, however, whose loathing seems cartoonish. Sub-genre fans will welcome Diana Groe to the circa tenth century world with her fabulous debut historical.

A Taste of Darkness
Nina Bangs
Leisure
ISBN: 0843956348, $6.99

Vampire Reinn Mackenzie wants nothing to do with his peers or for that matter any creature, supernatural or human. However, the Clan Council informs him he has no choice as he the Guardian of the Blood. Instead of peaceful solitude, Reinn must hunt down vampires who mate with shapeshifters, a major taboo forbidden by the clan. Reinn knows he must kill Alan Mackenzie who is engaged to marry a were-cat Woo Woo Inn. However, going undercover, Reinn learns that the trio of Sparkle, Stardust, and Ganymede are stirring up their usual cosmic relational troubles. He also finds himself attracted to were-cat Krisa, but wonders if the three troublemakers are behind his desire. However, when Reinn realizes that someone is trying to force Krisa to change into her alter ego, a saber tooth tiger, he becomes too involved as he falls in love, but killing himself for breaking the taboo seems extreme. This entertaining star-crossed supernatural romance grips the audience from the moment a disgruntled Reinn goes undercover and never slows down through a series of capers until the final confrontation. Readers will believe in vampires and were-creatures as the Nina Bangs' mythos seem genuine. Sub-genre fans will appreciate the WICKED NIGHTS of this fun humorous and sexy paranormal romantic suspense thriller.

Midnight Blue
Phoebe Conn
Leisure
ISBN: 0843957093, $6.99

In 1781 recently widowed by the war, pregnant Sarah Godwin Hadley sails from Charleston, South Carolina to England to be with her family. However, her vessel the Beatrice is stopped by American privateer Captain Chris Macleod and his crew of the Island Belle. He takes the feisty woman prisoner to his stronghold in Martinique surviving a hurricane and eluding the British war ships. On the Caribbean island, Chris and Sarah find there is an attraction between them. He especially enjoys playing with her newborn son and eventually they make love. Falling in love, he wants her and her infant safe while he continues the fight for freedom. Thus he takes her to his family home in Virginia to live with his parents. He comes home after suffering a severe war-related injury, but though he physically heals, mentally he hurts, ultimately rejecting the love that Sara offers freely to him. The impact of the Revolutionary War on different people is felt throughout this solid late eighteenth century romance. The story line provides the audience how hostilities can stop things taken for granted like sailing across the ocean. Chris is a combination pirate (call him privateer to his face) and southern gentleman while Sarah in spite of seven months pregnancy and shortly after giving birth is regal. Though the tension between them especially after his injury seems forced, fans will enjoy Phoebe Conn's take on love and war.

Midnight Blue
Phoebe Conn
Leisure
ISBN: 0843957093, $6.99

In 1781 recently widowed by the war, pregnant Sarah Godwin Hadley sails from Charleston, South Carolina to England to be with her family. However, her vessel the Beatrice is stopped by American privateer Captain Chris Macleod and his crew of the Island Belle. He takes the feisty woman prisoner to his stronghold in Martinique surviving a hurricane and eluding the British war ships. On the Caribbean island, Chris and Sarah find there is an attraction between them. He especially enjoys playing with her newborn son and eventually they make love. Falling in love, he wants her and her infant safe while he continues the fight for freedom. Thus he takes her to his family home in Virginia to live with his parents. He comes home after suffering a severe war-related injury, but though he physically heals, mentally he hurts, ultimately rejecting the love that Sara offers freely to him. The impact of the Revolutionary War on different people is felt throughout this solid late eighteenth century romance. The story line provides the audience how hostilities can stop things taken for granted like sailing across the ocean. Chris is a combination pirate (call him privateer to his face) and southern gentleman while Sarah in spite of seven months pregnancy and shortly after giving birth is regal. Though the tension between them especially after his injury seems forced, fans will enjoy Phoebe Conn's take on love and war.

Savage Beloved
Cassie Edwards
Leisure
ISBN: 0843952733, $6.99

In 1849 Kansas, Wichita tribesman Two Eagles assaults Fort Hope in an attempt to free his Uncle Short Robes held prisoner there. Fearing the worst from the savages, Candy Creighton hides, but is soon abducted by the outraged Two Eagles as a savage beating has left his uncle near death. He takes her as the price for the affront committed by the military to his beloved relative. Candy swears to her captor that she did everything she could and more to ease Short Robes' plight. Two Eagles wants to believe her, but knows whites lie. As she adapts to life amongst his tribe, she falls in love with him and quickly cherishes his people. He reciprocates, but their road to happiness is filled with danger from outside and betrayal from inside. The plot is the same for the gazillion time. The lead couple is also the same noble ethical individuals as always for the gazillion time. So knowing all this, somehow even vowing never again, this reviewer enjoys Cassie Edwards' formulaic Indian romances. This one is no exception as the plot and lead protagonists are from the same cookie cutter, refreshed somewhat by the lifestyle of the Wichita tribe. As always Ms. Edwards entertains her fans.

Burning Tigress
Jade Lee
Leisure
ISBN: 0843956887, $6.99

In 1898 Shanghai, Charlotte Wicks runs her family home which requires taking care of her mentally-impaired brother and seeing to her squanderer self-indulgent father. Though she loves her sibling, she has no hopes for any relationship with a man; still Charlotte dreams of escaping the web she lives inside of as she envies yet feels good about the ecstatic happiness her best friend Joanna Crane (see HUNGRY TIGRESS) has obtained. Adding to her desires is finding a tigress' sacred scrolls that have Charlotte yearning to learn all that it contains. Ken Jin runs the Wicks business from behind the scenes. He also is a dragon, but is on the brink of losing his prowess unless he meets a tigress that he can call his. When Charlotte who he already is attracted to, asks him to teach her to be a tigress, Ken feels much more enlightened since he began instructing Charlotte and believes nirvana is attainable. The latest Taoist historical romance is an exhilarating tale starring a fascinating tutor and a beguiling pupil. Though somewhat similar to some of the previous novels with an Asian-western match-up, fans of the series will still appreciate the lead couple's evolving relationship in which the audience will wonder just whom is teaching who as the pairing of Yin and Yang make both of them complete and prove that the whole can be greater than the sum of the parts. Readers will appreciate the latest entry in the wonderfully erotic Tigress tales.

One Cold Night
Kate Pepper
Onyx
ISBN: 0451412141, $6.99, 309 pp.

NYPD police detective David Strauss is a very contented man who is totally in love with his wife Susan and adores her younger sister Lisa who lives with them so she can go to a special school for talented musicians. In his personal life, the only problem is Susan keeps telling him she is not ready to have a child. Lisa, who was told she was adopted, wants to find her biological parents. Susan wants to give the two people she loves most what they really want. She intends to tell David that she is ready to have his baby but first she tells Lisa she is her biological mother. Lisa is so disturbed she runs out of the loft late at night. When she fails to return, Dave and Susan go looking for her and evidence points to her being abducted. The investigation leads police to the conclusion that the man who abducted Lisa is the same person who abducted another young girl a year ago, who looks like Lisa, was also adopted and was born in the same general area. She has never been found and Dave's biggest fear is that Lisa will be lost to them forever. Kate Pepper can always be counted on to write a good thriller and in ONE COLD NIGHT she succeeds her fans' expectations. The protagonist is a dynamic person who forgives his wife within hours of her startling revelation concerning Lisa. Readers will adore Lisa who is spunky and refuses to cower before the abductor. Fast pacing, shocking twists, and startling revelations and an exciting storyline are only some of the reasons the audience will enjoy this chilling thriller.

I See You
Holly Lisle
Onyx
ISBN: 0451412214, $6.99, 320 pp.

Paramedic Dia Courvant is an adrenaline junkie who channels her need to live on the edge by saving lives in risky situations. When she and her team are called to a multi-car pile up with injures and death, she notices a police detective looking around the area. She finds his actions strange because the Highway Patrol usually works the highway accident scene in the Fort Lauderdale area. Detective Brig Hafferty is searching to see if an explosive device caused the lethal explosion because they were at the scene of similar incidents. He notices Dia but since his divorce he wants nothing to do with women; she feels the same way as a widow she does not need another adrenalin junkie ever since her spouse died in an accident in which a car crashed into an ambulance. Someone stalks Dia, sending her gifts and breaking into her home to leave messages on her mirrors. She asks Brig for help. Teaming up they learn that Sinclair Forbes, her late husband's best friend, drove the vehicle that killed him. Dia believes he deliberately killed her husband making her feel sick as she had saved Forbes' life. He is coming for her with Brigs vowing to keep the woman he now loves safe. Holly Lisle is a great romantic suspense writer who creates likable characters (Forbes aside) and places them in realistic yet stratospheric levels of conflict scenarios. There is plenty of action in I SEE YOU while the romantic subplot provides some relief from the tension. Using misdirection, false leads and red herrings, Ms. Lisle has her audience wondering how Forbes has easy access to the heroine's life. With all this going for it, this is obviously a one sitting read.

Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man
Claudia Mair Burney
NavPress
3820 N. 30th Street, Colo Spgs, CO 80904
ISBN: 1576839788, $12.99

Forensic psychologist Amanda Brown just turned forty, but the single woman wants a baby and knows her time is running out because she suffers from endometriosis. Her medical examiner sister Carly buys her a sexy outfit and takes her to dinner, but Amanda and Carly have to leave as Carly is called to a crime scene. There she meets Lieutenant Jazz Brown whom she thinks is a fine man, but concentrates on the homicides. She has been to this house before to investigate a cult leaders and his followers on behalf of a member's father. That man and another are among the dead. Jazz and Amanda hit it off, but he tells her they cannot have a relationship even as they need to team up to solve the case. The victims apparently took communion with poisoned bread and wine. One member of the cult Susan goes to Amanda's church where counseling to aid to people who suffered at the hands of a cult is offered. When Susan leaves, Amanda risks her life to find her, unaware that her decision will lead her to face and defeat evil in its most primal form. Jazz and Amanda are terrific protagonists trying to live their lives in accordance with God's commandments. Both have relationship issues as Amanda was once an abuse victim who lost her baby due to that and Jazz's wife dumped him without warning. Claudia Mair Burney provides a good murder mystery wrapped like a moebius string in and out of a quirky relationship drama.

The Land of the Wand
Debora Elizabeth Hill, Sandra Brandenburg
Lost Myths Ink
ISBN: 1929374437, $13.99

In an import store at Chicago's Illinois Center mall, four seemingly normal Homo Sapiens are drawn to a wand on display. They cannot resist its lure though the quartet (Swedish heavy metal rock star Marshall Storm of the group Stockholm, fantasy author Evan Stone, architect Valaura Bennet, and Burger World server Lillian Curtis) appears to have nothing in common. That is until the wand transports them into a strange place like nothing any of them have ever seen before. They meet the "Daemona" people with hooves who are under assault by a stunningly gorgeous winged race Anjeles who want to eradicate the species. The Daemona consider the foursome as their saviors with pacifist Marshal as the champion and the remaining peace-loving trio his helpers. Hoping to prevent ethnic cleansing, the transported earthlings struggle to understand their hosts led by four sibling rival monarchs (Nicholas, Mephistopheles, Beelzebub, and Lucifer) battling one another as much as the adversary and the Anjeles whose King Yahoo rules in Paradiso. Give peace a chance seems unlikely in a realm where holy war is the norm. This is a terrific allegorical fantasy that grips readers once the four humans are introduced (cleverly done in separate prologues to open the tale) and never slows down until the final Stockholm Concert. The story line is action-packed but intelligently uses tiny spins such as names of monarchs and species to provide a "truth" somewhat differing from religions back home. Readers will believe that the four heroes left the Midwest for another dimension as they seem genuine throughout making their Gulliver like travels seem authentic. This one sitting saga is worth the journey.

Rain of Fire
Linda Jacobs
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815295, $6.99

When the Utah Institute Director Professor Stanton suffers a debilitating stroke, he wants geologist Kyle Stone to replace him. Instead ambitious Dr. Hollis Delbert pulls a stunt and takes charge. He removes Kyle's earthquake reading equipment slated for Yellowstone, which has had some activity of late, and uses it for his study of the Salt Lake area though that has been inundated with equipment since just before the 2002 Winter Olympics. Still she defies Hollis and brings some portables to the area where her parents died during an earthquake in 1959 when she was a little girl. Desperate for help, she turns to her former lover volcanologist Dr. Nicholas Darden, who assists her with some of his equipment. As the tremors increase, Hollis manipulates the Institute brass leading to Kyle's firing even as Ranger Wyatt Ellison and Nicholas heat the air as much as the geo-thermo activities does the ground as they compete for her affection. RAIN OF FIRE is an exciting thriller that grips the audience with the tremors that threaten Yellowstone at a time when there seems to be an increase of major natural disasters. The story line is action-packed but driven by the rivalry between Hollis and Kyle in which he behaves totally unprofessional while she is absolutely dedicated. The romantic triangle is deftly handled, but the tale is more a cautionary thriller warning people about the potential of natural disaster in a place where most people fail to realize the danger.

The Shadow
Shelly Munro
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815503, $6.99

With her father's health failing, Lady Katherine Fawkner knows she must bring in income to maintain their standard of living and pay off a debt to loan shark Richard Brauchamp, who is willing to accept her as remittance. Ergo she trains to replace him as the family cat burglar, the Shadow. Her first job stealing jewels from Perdita Moning starts off well until she overhears the target talking to her apparent lover just before a shot is fired. She finds the woman dead, takes her jewels, but also sees a photograph of a family with a girl who looks like her daughter Amber. Katherine has the first clue to identify who drugged and raped her six years ago when she was eighteen years old. Police Inspector Kahu Williams leads the homicide investigation. He has met Katherine already and is attracted to her and though she reciprocates she has doubts about a cop in her life especially with her family. As she makes inquiries into the family photo she lifted, he begins to unwind threads that could lead him away from a killer to a female thief. Readers will think of To Catch a Thief as Katherine and Kahu play a game of romantic cat and mouse. The two are a fun couple with her DNA baggage and his occupation making for strange bedfellows. The dual investigations, her amateur sleuth into who drugged and raped her and his into homicide and theft, make for a fine courtship that fans of a lighthearted romantic mystery will appreciate.

The Long Hunter
Don McNair
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815511, $19.95

In 1770 Matt McLaren watched in horror as Indians attacked his family's Virginia farm killing his parents and kidnapping his sister Mandy. He vows to somehow rescue his sibling as he blames himself for her abduction, but first must recover his health He staggers into a bar where owner Struthers "bounds" him in exchange for food and shelter. When elderly frontiersman Noah Dandridge sees the sickly child, he removes him from the cruel master. With help of Reverend Ashbrooke, Matt is bound to the caring Noah, which angers Struthers. The innkeeper kills Noah, but Matt kills him. When he flees the crime scene, the law enforcement officials assume he is a murderer. Using the skills he learned from Noah, Matt becomes a hunter still seeking his sibling in Indian Territory though years have passed. THE LONG HUNTER is a fabulous insightful historical thriller that showcases some of abuses of colonial society. The story line focuses on the adventures of Matt as he tries to survive under laws that offer no protection towards the young similar to Charles Dickens's complaints about Victorian living conditions for the poor and disenfranchised. The support cast though somewhat stereotyped augment the enlightening look back in time. The final twist seems so plausible that it enhances the entire novel adding to the realism of a well written late eighteenth century American tale.

Mohr
Frederick Reuss
Unbridled
ISBN: 1932961178, $25.95

Jewish author Dr. Max Mohr, whose latest work The Diamond Heart had just been serialized, leaves his native Nazi Germany for war torn China. On the morning he is to depart from his home in the Tegernsee Valley, his weary wife Kathe is sad as if she knows something about her spouse's journey. She wonders why not some place closer like Prague unless they are to remain apart. Their young daughter Eva is excited as her father says his two women will join him soon, but though mom does not dissuade her otherwise she feels that is youthful foolishness. There he becomes a physician in Shanghai while his daughter waits word from him to join him and his wife waits for something else. Though feeling more like a memoir narrative told in alternating chapters in China (Max's adventures) and Germany (the tales of Kathe and Eva) than a novel, biographical fiction readers will enjoy this interesting look at the highly regarded playwright. The story line is pieced together from family photographs that Frederick Reuss saw with approximately fifty included (part of why the book reads more like a memoir). This is a well written and fascinating period piece that enables readers to compare mid 1930s Germany and China with characters that seem so genuine that the audience can feel the pain of Kathe and the change from euphoria to doubter in Eve. Many readers will be disappointed that Mr. Reuss finally cannot explain why Mohr didn't take his family. Still this is a super insightful historical novel.

Song of the Crow
Layne Maheu
Unbridled Books
ISBN: 1932961186, $23.95

I Am the crow is upset as he observes the Man-Beast named Noah chopping at his home, a Giant tree containing his nest. I Am thinks he has had enough troubles in his life from being an orphan at a young age while his sibling My Other cannot believe that the Man-Beast would destroy their abode. I Am does not trust those who live in the deadly "underworld" where predators and food reside. To his surprise, I Am realizes that he understands the language of the God Crow directing Noah to build an ark nowhere near the sea, which makes no sense to the crow. Subsequently as other Man-Beasts plead with Noah to take them on board his ship, I Am also knows what they are saying about an upcoming flood that will soon destroy the world. Just before the torrential rains come, I Am stows away on Noah's vessel. Though the nomenclature and vernacular used by I Am can be difficult to follow at times, SONG OF THE CROW is a terrific allegory that looks closely at Noah's Ark through the personification of a crow. I Am is a fabulous protagonist struggling to survive in a dangerous world about to become eradicated. Mindful (at least of the clips I have seen) of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth", fans of biblical fables will appreciate Layne Maheu's look at heaven and earth on the eve of destruction.

Blind Days Can Be Murderer
Mindy Starns Clark
Harvest House
ISBN: 0736914862, $11.99

Her agent pushes Jo Tulip, whose TipsfromTulip.com is a household hints website, to try online dating to gain needed publicity for her helpful tips Internet page. Jo signs up with Dates&Mates who hook her up with Brock Dentyne, whose name alone warns her off. Meanwhile her best pal Danny Watkins who was there for her when she was jilted (see THE TROUBLE WITH TULIP) wishes she would notice him as someone who cherishes and loves her in a romantic way, not as a pal since childhood. The date with Brock takes a macabre twist when he begins coughing and choking before collapsing and seeming to drop dead. Stunned, Jo finds this is only the beginning of her nightmare as someone stalks her and her house is broken into. The assault on her leads to identity theft, an arsonist burns her house down; she survives abductions and beatings, and finally recognizes that Danny is the one even as she resolves to uncover who is after her and why. The second Tulip tale is a delightful chick lit amateur sleuth thriller that grips the audience from the first cough until the final "romantic" twist. The story line is character driven, but not just by Jo as the audience obtains the points of view of several key support players including the bad guys and Danny (between dribbles). With a strong fully developed cast and a fabulous lead protagonist starring in an amusing "why me" whodunit, fans will appreciate Mindy Starns Clark's terrific tale.

The Road to Jude
Michelina Pagano
Treble Heart
ISBN: 1931742936, $6.95

She wakes up frightened as nothing seems right as she looks around and only sees a cement sidewalk that as far as her eyes can look goes on forever. There is no grass or dirt or people; only endless pavement. Adding to her trepidation is that she cannot remember her name, where she is from, or how she ended up by herself on this concrete. Every direction she looks is the same so she just begins to walk towards smoke in distance. When a man accosts her by asking who she is, she bravely tells him she does not know. He says likewise he has no idea who he is either. Since he wears the clothing of a fireman, she dubs him "Hero" and he attracted to her eyes calls her "Pretty One". Though both confused they continue their trek together as he mentions the old woman who insisted "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" before she seemingly exploded into nothingness. This is the start of a quest hoping to find civilization, but in truth seeking deeper answers to why and where; answers that will leave both seeking much more on a spiritual plane consisting of cement and one weird edifice. THE ROAD TO JUDE is a strange yet enlightening allegorical tale that grips the audience from the moment Pretty One realizes she is alone on a cement jungle and never slows down until the journey on THE ROAD TO JUDE is completed for the moment. The action is limited somewhat, but readers will not care as the trek feels like a walk in the Twilight Zone yet is much more; slowly Pretty One, Hero and readers will comprehend the whys of a wonderful metaphysical tale that delves into the spirituality of humanity.

Highland Lover
Hannah Howell
Zebra
ISBN: 0821777599, $6.50

In 1475 Scotland, Alana is tossed into a dark cell occupied by a man when she refuses to tell her abductors the Gowans who she is. They want to ransom her. Being small, her jailers and her roommate assume she is a child though over the next few days Gregor thinks she might be a tiny woman. While Gregor MacFinagal Cameron decides to end his relationship to Mavis before they become betrothed, Alana Murray worries about her twin sister Keira who she knows by her dreams is in trouble. Working as a team with Alana on his shoulders to try to climb through the trapdoor on the ceiling, the duo escapes though it took several nights of failures and bruises. When he finally sees her in the light, he knows she is an adult that he desires. They make it to the woods where she is too exhausted to continue so he carries her until they find shelter, an abandoned cottage. Gregor is attracted to Alana and wonders if she is his soulmate. He plans to break off totally with Mavis before he reveals his feelings to Alana. When she dreams Keira needs her, Gregor holds her and soon kisses her. Alana knows Gregor is her soulmate. They talk and he promises to help her find her twin, but first they journey to his home where Mavis and her sire already announced their betrothal. The strong lead couple and solid support cast turn HIGHLAND LOVER into an entertaining medieval romantic thriller. Readers will feel that they accompany Gregor and Alana on their dangerous trek to find safety. Though the last twenty-five pages feel like filler and Keira's troubles and the Gowan menace are totally resolved outside the plot, fans will appreciate this delightful fifteenth century Highland romance.

Master of Desire
Jessica Trapp
Zebra
ISBN: 0821778625, $6.99

In 1487 Lady Ariana willingly would die or kill to keep her young son Jason safe. When her abusive husband threatened the life of her seven year old child, Ariana acted like a lioness and killed him. However, instead of a haven for her and Jason, she has been blackmailed into becoming the Spy of the Night, working for the Lancaster side against the crown. Bounty hunter Gabriel goes after the Spy of the Night whose actions led to the murder of his half-brother. He captures Ariana and plans to take her to London to face justice for her seditious actions and the killing of his sibling. He also knows that with the Spy of the Night facing the King's justice he and his family will gain ownership of her estate. However, as he spends time with Ariana, he finds he desires her and that she is an honorable courageous person trying to keep her son safe. As they fall in love, neither see any way out of their predicament except marriage, but she has learned the hard way not to trust men. The lead duo makes for a passionate fifteenth century romance that will thrill fans of the sub-genre. The story line is action-packed, but clearly belongs to the protecting lioness and the hunter as the audience will wonder whether love is enough. Adding to the tale's depth is though the Wars of the Roses is over with York the victor; the intrigue continues leaving outsiders like Ariana in precarious situations. Jessica Trapp provides a wonderful late medieval romance that historical readers will enjoy.

The Replacement
Susan Wales and Robin Shope
Revel
ISBN: 0800731115, $12.99, 368 pp.

Washington Gazette political journalist Jill Lewis waits at the Capital building to meet with Senator Brown, who asked for her to see him. She thinks how frightened the Senator seemed when he called her late at night. However, before they meet, he apparently dies from a heart attack. Senator Tommy Harrison is going to replace him as the Minority Leader. Harrison believes his predecessor was murdered and so he asks Jill to use her media sources to investigate. Her efforts prove successful forcing an autopsy to be performed that revealed that traces of MST, a toxic substance found in the venom of a very poisonous snake, is in the blood of the deceased. That leads to Bio-Tech where experiments using the substance on brain tumors were being tested. Two other people with knowledge about MST are murdered; Jill learns her "client" Senator Tommy Harrison has stock in Bio-Tech making her wonder if he could be the killer. The reporter quickly learns how politics and big business are the modern day double helix that leads to unchecked power and some who have it use it to break laws they were sworn to uphold. Jill courageously pursues the story though obviously aware that an insider wants her to back away. Her tenaciousness almost makes her the next victim, but also provides a fascinating and enthralling investigative political thriller for fans to enjoy.

Waking Up in Charleston
Sherryl Woods
Mira
ISBN: 0778323366, $6.99

Known throughout the South Carolina Low Country as being benevolent, William "Big Max" cut off his beloved only child Amanda when she eloped with loser Danny O'Leary. Several years later, Danny is dead and Amanda raises three youngsters while trying to pay off her late husband's massive debt; she and Big Max remain estranged. Preacher Caleb Webb arranged for a house to be built for Amanda and her children with supplies contributed from a friend's construction company, labor mostly volunteered by his congregation, and property secretly given by Max (see FLIRTING WITH DISASTER). Caleb loves Amanda while her children think of him as their father. However, he knows that he deceived her by hiding his close relationship with her dad and as she learns more of what he concealed, the angrier she gets. Caleb sacrifices his dreams to marry Amanda in order to reconcile the ailing Big Max, an Alzheimer's victim, and Amanda before it is too late for her children to know their grandfather. This terrific relationship drama stars likable protagonists who allow pride bias their decisions before learning that is no replacement for the love of family. Amanda is a courageous individual struggling with her feelings for the Preacher who has made life better for her and her children; the kids love him as if he is their father. Max wants so badly to ask his daughter to forgive him, but is unable to swallow the devastation of her possibly rejecting him as he feels he deserves so he works in secret. Caleb is pulled in two directions as he wants to shout to everyone he loves Amanda though that is obvious to all, but also wants to reconcile father and daughter. Sherryl Woods provides a deep character driven tale.

Never Too Late
Robyn Carr
Mira
ISBN: 0778322971, $6.99

Teacher Clare Wilson has been put out with her spouse Roger, but lately feels a bit sorry for him as he turns forty, struggling with the concept of aging. Their fourteen years old son Jason feels his mom is too easy on Roger, but she cannot help herself as that is her make-up. However, as always Roger finds a way to nuke her empathy as she once again catches him cheating this time in their bed not long after his latest plea for forgiveness. Clare plans to divorce him. On her way home Clare is in a car accident. Police Officer Sam Jankowski gets help to her rather quickly. Sam visits Clare making it obvious he desires her. Also in her life is football coach Pete Rayburn who wants to score touchdowns with her. She likes both men, but remains wary of all males after Roger the dodger. This is an interesting cotemporary tale starring a likable thirty something heroine struggling with the fact that her spouse (soon to be ex) cannot stay zippered; their teenage son loathes his father; and the two new attentive men in her life. Clare keeps the solid relationship story line focused as she ponders what to do about the four males who currently have shaken her equilibrium. Robyn Carr writes a fine modern day relationship drama.

Once a Thief
Suzann Ledbetter
Mira
ISBN: 0778323005, $6.99

In Plainfield, "home stager" Ramey Burke knows she is all alone as she has been for a few years since her spouse and parents are gone and her living relatives are behind bars. Though feeling overweight, Ramey likes her current serene lifestyle in which she is involved with no one except clients when she finalizes the clean up of a house before it is placed in sale. That is she was all alone, but now the state has freed elderly Aunt Melba Jane and Uncles Ed and Archie, who move in with Ramey. The Dillinger trio enjoys discussing the good old days of professionally robbing banks, which Ramey finds appalling and fascinating. However, when Ramey finds a corpse of a colleague of her live in relatives, the Plainfield police immediate suspect the Dillinger trio killed the victim. Ramey knows her felonious relatives would never murder anyone so she begins to investigate. That makes lead police detective Mike Constantine worried for her safety though he welcomes her intelligence and insight as she proves more than capable as a sleuth and definitely kissable though the case comes first. ONCE A THIEF is an amusing lighthearted romantic mystery starring likable lead characters and her zany relatives. The whodunit is fun to follow as Mike realizes quickly that Ramey is more than just an asset on the case as he uses her help almost as much to keep her safe as for her insight. Suzann Ledbetter writes a comical wacky tale that her fans will fully appreciate.

The Final Kill
Meg O'Brien
Mira
ISBN: 0778320871, $6.99

Abby Northrup converted a monastery into a shelter for battered women and children. However, she never expected to see her close friend Alicia Gerard arrives with her daughter seeking shelter. When they do Abby notices both seem despondent and in shell shock. Not long after taking the two females in the FBI arrives at the monastery demanding Abby turn over Alicia to them as she is a murderer, but the Feds are too late as Alicia quietly left. Sheriff Ben Schaeffer warns Abby to stay out of the investigation, but her concern for her pal forces her to sleuth for the missing woman. Ben proves right when Abby steps into danger that impacts national security with only her beloved sheriff trying to keep her safe. Though it takes time to lay out the plot, be patient because THE FINAL KILL is a terrific thriller that is worth reading as Meg O'Brien writes a deep character driven amateur sleuth mystery. The romantic subplot enhances the prime whodunit and where is she investigation conducted by the heroine. Ben is a delightful champion trying to persuade the woman he loves to back off as the Feds and others demand she stay out of this or else. This superb tale will provide plenty of fun to fans of romantic suspense.

Thriller: Stories to Keep You Up All Night
Edited by James Patterson
Mira
ISBN: 0778322998, $24.95

This anthology is faster than hyperspeed as each of the thirty contributions are well written thrillers using the definition provided by James Patterson in his introduction to the book as being "the force with which they hurtle the reader along." The tales run the gamut of what most readers consider a thriller though some seem more like a detective story. Included are legal, espionage, adventure, medical, police procedural (mystery genre?), romance, historical, high tech, political, religious and military, etc. The authors are the who's who superstars of the genre though some are probably more renowned as mystery writers as the line of demarcation seems blurred. What is fascinating is that several authors are females which were virtually unheard of just a decade or so ago. The introduction to each tale showcases how talented Mr. Patterson is while the short stories display the skills of the author. Fans will appreciate this fine compilation, the first by the newly formed International Thriller Writers group, which lives up to its subtitle: "Stories to Keep You Up All Night"; this compilation will do so for several evenings.

Invisible Girl
Tess Hudson
Mira
ISBN: 0778323145, $13.95

In Manhattan Maggie Malone's brother Danny is shot and her Irish-American father is murdered. She assumes the two incidents tie together with a third that of her mother Vietnamese expatriate Mai dying years ago in the East River. Unable to ignore the tragedies that she also concludes are tied to her late dad's mysterious work, Maggie investigates who shot her sibling and killed her father because she feels that will reveal why her mother died. However, as she begins to unravel a web of deceit that leads back to the Viet Nam War era "Operation Babylift", someone wants Maggie to stop digging for the truth. That unknown adversary makes it clear she will die if she continues on her quest, but Maggie is beyond concern as she is fixated on knowing all the players and whys. This is a fascinating look at the impact of the Viet Nam War on a generation of Amerasians but at times is difficult to follow with the constant switching between the present and the 1960s. When the story line focuses on Maggie's amateur sleuth investigation into her family history as opposed to shifting eras, the tale is gripping and fun to follow, but before fully hooking the reader a time transfer occurs and jolts the plot. This is still worth reading by readers who do not mind a bit of disorientated time joggling and the final spin is fabulous as Tess Hudson shines a light on a little known poignant piece of history by showcasing its aftermath thirty plus years later.

The Turning
Jennifer Armintrout
Mira
ISBN: 077832298X, $6.99

In the Michigan Emergency Room Dr. Carrie Ames is in the morgue when a vampire attacks her. She slowly recuperates from the assault, but she is no longer the same person as in her efforts to thwart the molestation, she exchanged blood with Cyrus the vampire; she is now a creature of the night. Carrie struggles with the "Big Change as no one is there to nurture or guide her. She seeks information that leads her to an occult bookstore owned by Nathan the vampire. He tries to provide her some support as she transforms. Nathan also warns her to be careful of a vampiric group, the Movement that wants to commit suicidal genocide by killing all of their kind while the opposite side is 200 proof evil as they attack innocent people. Nathan insists Cyrus is one of the malevolent types, using his assailing her as his anecdotal example. She must choose one side or the other as there is no third position; whatever she chooses someone plans to kill her for selecting wrong. The first book of the Blood Ties tales is a delightful horror thriller with some romantic and chick lit elements that enhance the overall impact of a swell written vampire story. The heroine is a wonderful protagonist as she struggles with the Big Change and an attraction to two individuals from feuding camps. Though gory and even unintended comical at times, THE TURNING is a terrific debut novel.

The Rome Affair
Laura Caldwell
Mira
ISBN: 0778323099, $6.99

In Chicago, architect Rachel Blakely struggles with the fact that her plastic surgeon spouse Nick admitted that he cheated on her when he was in California giving a talk. Nick is doing everything he can to regain the trust of his "Golden Girl". Randall Design sends employee Rachel to Rome on business. Since Nick cannot get away from his work and besides she does not want him with her, she takes her long time best friend Kit Kernaghan with her. In Rome, Rachel meets artist Roberto who shows her a portrait he swears he made over ten years of his fantasy woman. That person is Rachel. When she learns that Nick failed to go to work, she assumes he cheated on her and turns to Roberto for comfort; they share a night of lovemaking. Not long afterward, Kit begins blackmailing Rachel threatening to tell Nick that his wife cheated on him. Kit's reason for this is that he has no money to pay for her mom's cancer treatment. Rachel is willing to provide for Kit's mom, but is outraged over the extortion attempts. However, she pays anyway to keep the ROME AFFAIR quiet, but soon someone else decides on a more lethal remittance. This interesting suspense thriller acts at first somewhat more like a marriage in trouble tale starring a desperate male seeking a second chance until the first blackmail spin that twists into something more sinister and climaxes with a shocking final gyration that will stun the audience. No one will see it coming though clues are everywhere as Laura Caldwell lulls her audience with delightful sleight of the hand plot tricks that make sense with every turn. The lead threesome seems real though one must wonder why Rachel failed to recognize the avaricious desires of Kit; still fans will enjoy this superb dark tale.

Hurricane
Karen Harper
Mira
ISBN: 0778323072, $7.99

Counselor Julie Minton has renovated her family's Osprey resort on one of the 10,000 islands near Naples, Florida so that she can bring teen cutters for a few weeks of therapy. The other counselor Kaylin McKenzie "arranges" for Julie's fourteen year old daughter Randi to share a water jet ski with seventeen years old Thad Brockman; the younger teen has a crush on the older boy. When they fail to return with Hurricane Dana bearing towards the islands, Julie panics. Julie meets with Thad's dad charter fishing operator Zack, a former military Special Ops soldier. The widower agrees that they should search for Randi and Thad though he feels they are all right and probably out of gas on one of the smaller islands. However, as they begin their search starting with asking his estranged in-laws if they stopped there, Randi and Thad are in deeper trouble than anyone can imagine, having been netted by drug traffickers. Karen Harper provides a powerful romantic suspense thriller that never slows down until the final confrontation in the eye of the storm. The storyline is action-packed as a frantic Julie and a calm but concerned Zack search for their missing children before Hurricane Dana strikes, but are unaware that the kids are in deeper water with the drug dealers who they know. Though the romance seems inane, rushed and unnecessary with so much else going on, fans will enjoy this exhilarating Type 4 drama.

Belle Point
Karen Young
Mira
ISBN: 0778323102, $6.99

At a charity event to raise money in which her husband St. Louis Jacks star pitcher Buck Whitaker is the featured speaker, a distracted Anne knows she must tell her spouse that she is ten weeks pregnant. When she starts bleeding, she informs Buck that she is carrying his child and needs to go home; he persuades her to let him give his talk then they will depart. On the way home he acts as if he does not want the child just before they crash when he swerves to avoid a deer in the road. She miscarries. Unable to forgive Buck for his behavior before the accident, Anne leaves him to return to their hometown of Tallulah, Mississippi where she hopes to heal and determine whether she should divorce him. To pass time, Anne begins looking into the history of BELLE POINT, the plantation owned by her husband's family. Her investigation begins to reveal secrets that frighten her mother-in-law; who fears her standing as a pillar of society would crumble so she will do anything to insure they remain buried. Buck follows Anne home because he loves his wife and wants her back in his life, but first he knows he needs to gain her forgiveness with how he reacted when she announced her pregnancy. BELLE POINT is an exciting regional romantic suspense in which much of the action comes late in the story line as readers learn early what motivates the lead couple, especially their separation and what inflames the key support players. The story line starts out slow until Anne finds strange connections between Viet Nam and 1985 involving the name Baker; As Anne plays amateur sleuth, readers will wonder what she will ultimately uncover and whether she and Buck, still in love, can reconcile in this fine Magnolia State thriller.

Copycat
Erica Spindler
Mira
ISBN: 0778323129, $21.95

In 2001 in Rockford, Illinois, the Sleeping Angel Killer (SAK) murders three preadolescent girls in their bedrooms while their parents were nearby. He left his smothered innocent victims looking as if they were peacefully asleep. Rockford Police Department Violent Crimes Bureau Detectives Kitt Lundgren and Brian Spillare head the investigation. At the same time Kitt's ten year old daughter Sadie dies from leukemia, which drives the cop to drink and costs her an opportunity to catch SAK. Five years later, SAK who was silent since Kitt failed, apparently has returned as another young girl Julie Entzel is smothered in her bedroom. Heading the investigation is ambitious Detective Mary Catherine "M.C." Riggio; she does not want the loser Kitt on the case. Kitt, who has not touched a drink in eighteen months in spite of a divorce, notices that the hands of the victim is different than the case she worked on; this leads to the cops wondering if a possible COPYCAT killer exists. Not long after the media announces the return of the Sleeping Angel Killer, SAK calls Kitt to insist that she take charge of the inquiry into what he claims is a careless copy cat killer or else he too will return to murdering the innocent. The key to this tense serial killer thriller that makes for a fresh entry is the dysfunctional relationship between the two female detectives. The story line is action-packed from start to finish yet readers see deep inside Kitt and M.C. to see what motivates each of them. The final twist will stun the appreciative audience as Erica Spindler spins a fabulous suspense tale.

Taken
Chris Jordan
Mira
ISBN: 0778322939, $21.95

In Fairfax, Connecticut, widow Kate Bickford watches her eleven years old son Tomas stroke the winning hit in a Little League game. Afterward he goes to purchase a sundae while his mom goes to their minivan to wait for him. Her child never shows up. When a few minutes pass and no one knows where he went, a stunned Kate heads home assuming a communication mix-up, but Tommy is not who greets her. Inside her home waiting for her is Tommy's kidnapper, former Special Ops officer Steve Cutter, who coldly explains how to get her son back before he departs. Complicating matters for the frantic mother is Cutter has left her a mess in her basement freezer; the murdered corpse of Sheriff Fred Corso, the coach of Tommy's baseball team. The police believe Kate killed Fred in a probable lovers' quarrel and do little to search for Tommy as they do not believe her that her son is in trouble. Kate knows she needs professional help on her two-front war. She retains attorney Maria Savalo to deal with the cops and child abduction recovery expert Randall Shane to deal with Cutter; she needs both to rescue Tommy. Chris Jordon pens a tense character driven chilling tale that grips the audience from the moment that Kate meets Cutter who has already TAKEN her son, invaded her home, and murdered the sheriff. Readers initially believe that the kidnapper is only after some easy money and willing to kill to obtain it, but soon realize that his motive is much stronger and deeper than cash. Though the behavior of law enforcement seems odd with the alerts on child abductions, fans will consider this one of the short list novels for thriller of the year.

The Lavender Field
Jeanette Baker
Mira
ISBN: 0778323110, $6.99

Dr. Werner Pohl, director of the famous Vienna Spanish Riding School, is worried as his latest Lipizzan horse comes down with Navicular Disease. Pohl realizes the only hope to save the school resides in California where years ago Franz a trainer from the school brought the horses to keep them safe from the Nazis. The government hires Kentucky attorney Whitney Benedict, heir to Whitney Downs thoroughbred stable, to negotiate with the late Franz's son Gabriel Mendoza owner of the California Lipizzan stock. Gabe loves the three children he raises with the help of his mom Mercedes; their mother Kristen walked out on them to tour with a rock band. The older two are his stepchildren while the youngest is his daughter. Sixteen years old Eric seems reasonably adjusted and enjoys living on the ranch. Fourteen year old Emma misses her mother and shows her anger. Claire suffers from Asperger's Syndrome. Whitney arrives at the ranch to offer the Austrian deal to Gabe. He tells her he must speak with his three sisters before deciding, but will probably say no. Whitney meets his three children with Emma acting nasty, Eric welcoming, and Claire introverted. As Whitney and Gabe discuss the proposal over the next few days they fall in love; but she is thoroughbred Kentucky and he is Lipizzan California leaving no room for compromise. The fine lead characters are complemented quite nicely by a strong support cast especially their extended families and the Lipizzan horses. The interesting story line contains several people and the Austrian horses having problems that enhance the relationship between the lead couple. Though vehicle failures is used as a hokey "matchmaking device", fans will enjoy this romance between two likable people with different breeding.

A Year in the World: Journeys of a Passionate Traveller
Frances Mayes
Broadway
ISBN: 0767910052, $26.00

This journal is a surprise because Frances Mayes is renowned for her love of Tuscany, but confesses a weakness for wanderlust so+ she and her companion Ed went on a year long trek. As she did with UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN, Ms. Mayes divides her anecdotal stops into distinct chapters making it easy to pick up and put down so that it can be reading over several days by armchair travellers. Each of the escapades are cleverly described so that the reader feels as if they have met the same people that the Mayes encounter whether it be a guide in Fez, a Greek family baptism, the people they dine with or serve them in Madrid, or a rug dealer in Istanbul. Food and shelter are big issues as the traveling duo wants local flavor. Those two critical staples are vividly described in each chapter, but the trek belongs to the people that Ms. Mayes and Ed encounter on their journey as their peculiarities come across as warm and welcoming to readers. Couch potato tourists will want to read the well-written A YEAR IN THE WORLD: JOURNEYS OF A PASSIONATE TRAVELLER.

The Butterfly Farm
Diane Noble
WaterBrook
ISBN: 1400070392, $13.99

Working for the San Francisco Town Crier magazine as a travel writer, widow Harriet McIver is sailing on the cruise ship Sun Spirit towards Costa Rica. Her boss asks Harriet to keep an eye on her niece, Carly Lowe, on the tour also as part of a student contingency from Sheperton College. When Carly fails to return to the vessel, no one except her roommate Zoe Shore and Harriet seem worried. That night, passenger Harry Eason is found dead in a swimming pool with the deadly, if swallowed in large quantities, blue morpho butterfly nearby. Former SFPD Detective Adam Hartsfield is on board working a private investigation, but seems disinterested in the death though he tells Harriet that the victim was a sleuth who rescued youngsters from cults. As the vessel stops for time at a nearby health spa with a famous butterfly farm, Harriet knows something sinister has happened to Carly and plans to find and rescue the teen. Though the suspense takes a while to get started, THE BUTTERFLY FARM is a terrific amateur sleuth thriller that once the accelerator is pressed takes off and never slows down until the final twist. Harriet is a noble protagonist, a West Coast Jessica Fletcher refusing to back down in spite of warnings especially from Adam and understanding how treacherous the situation is. The look at Costa Rica enhances a wonderful tale starring a heroine who not only keeps the plot focused, but deserves future travelogues for armchair mystery aficionados.

DragonKnight
Donita K. Paul
WaterBrook
ISBN: 1400072506, $13.99

Leaving Castle Pelacce, squire Bardon heads with his dragon Grier to an isolated mountain retreat so that he can meditate before he pledges his allegiance to Wulder and in turn becomes a knight. However, his solitude is interrupted before it begins when an elderly woman and her beautiful granddaughter are at the cabin retreat. The elderly Kye believes that Bardon is destined to help her though he says otherwise as she feels there is a reason that fate brought them to meet like this. Kye believes that Bardon and her granddaughter N'Rae will rescue the latter's father Sir Jilles comatose in a chamber. Bardon believes otherwise. However, after needing rescues by Grier and N'Rae he begins to reconsider. He soon not only learns that other knights have been captured and put to sleep and concludes that his destiny resides with the two females who ruined his isolation before he had his first moment to reflect. DRAGON KNIGHT is an entertaining romantic fantasy starring likeable heroes not ready for prime time forced to enter the fray. The action-packed story line is fast-paced with Grier providing some comic relief as he constantly rescues his human mate. Bardon and N'Rae are a fine pairing starting with her rescuing him (becoming the norm for the future knight) and continuing as their quest expands from saving her father to saving the realm. As with DRAGONSPELL and DRAGONQUEST, Donita K. Paul provides an entertaining coming of age fantasy.

Consider Lily
Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt
WaterBrook
ISBN: 1400072565, $11.95

In San Francisco, Lily Traywick knows that she is 180 degrees different from her perfectly fashioned parents as she prefers softball on the nearby sandlots while they enjoy an evening in Paris. She scoffs at gene pool theory as their DNA must have skipped her without a trace. Her parents own Traywick's of San Francisco, the chicest department store in the state. Lily, knowing she is going to own the store one day works in the Silver spoon children's wear, but is not that good at selling. Lily has never been on a date, but her best friend Reagan Axness, who should have been the Traywick daughter, helps her with a makeover and arranges a date with Daniel. Lily has a good time, but realizes she and Daniel are going to remain friends. New store employee Sam March likes Lily and begins to date her. They fall in love, but Lily fears that he desires the new glamour image not the real sweatshirt soul that she truly is. Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt provide a delightful contemporary tale that emphasizes "to thine own self be true" especially if you want others to be true with you and to believe that you are being truthful with them. Lily is a wonderful protagonist struggling to make her parents proud of her, but not really understanding what they, especially her mom, wants of her until her mother takes drastic action late in the tale. The support cast, even Sam to a degree, enable the reader to better understand Lily's trepidations as much as from her self-analysis asides to the reader. CONSIDER LILY is a fine character study starring a somewhat typical chick lit heroine, who fans will adore.

The Second Coming of Mavala Shikongo
Peter Orner
Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316735809, $23.95

In 1991 Cincinnati, Ohio resident Jewish idealist Larry Kaplanski accepts a position to teach English and history in Goas, Nambia at a boys' only Catholic School. Larry like the other four male volunteers already working there Larry finds the desert climate unbearable and the locale lonely and tedious with little to do. Not long after Larry arrived in Nambia, Mavala Shikongo, the sister-in-law of the school's principal, shows up for a short while. The former female civil war soldier does not stay long before vanishing only to return soon afterward with a small boy accompanying her. She becomes a teacher at the school. Her peers are bewitched by Mavala and so are many of her students perhaps because she is the only available game in town. Still while the other male teachers seek female companionship in a nearby village, she and Larry begin rendezvousing; however like the vanishing sheep she disappears again leaving her lover to wonder if his beloved will ever return to him. The vivid portrayal of the climate (endless drought), the symbolism of the vanishing sheep and the failed farm turned church school, and the aftermath of a bitter civil war make this a poignant but not easy to read complex tale. The harshness rightfully so permeates the cast and subsequently the audience. Larry seems like a fish out of water as he realizes he cannot teach, fumbles at lovemaking, and has not adapted to the environs except when he is with Mavala. She is an enigma, coming and going in at first thought like a wisp, but is actually much deeper. Though the support cast never seems fully developed, THE SECOND COMING OF MAVALA SHIKONGO is a deep look at Nambia at a time of hope and despair.

Seven Loves
Valerie Trueblood
Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316058939, $23.95

Retired Seattle high school English teacher May Nilsson reflects back on her life by looking back on her relationships with people she cared about over the years. Front and center in her salad days is her activist mom Anna, who though a woman led labor protests during the depression. Perhaps May thinks the pivotal moment occurs in 1960 when May feared that her spouse Cole was not the sire of Nick whom she was carrying at that time. She thought that her boss African American school principal and father of six Nathaniel sired the fetus growing inside her. Years later she touches lives with police officer Arne. He chased her Nick, an addict, across a frozen lake until her son died when the ice gave out. Through it all, the betrayals and the grief, there is always Cole. Though the prose seems overly poetic especially at the darkest interludes, Valerie Trueblood provides a strong relationship drama starring a fascinating woman looking back at those who touched her heart. May is a complex protagonist as she cheats on her spouse yet always returns to him as she and Cole share a bipolar relationship of passionate caring love on one side and betrayal on the other. Her other loves are also deep, but it is Cole that connects this fine character study.

One Mississippi
Mark Childress
Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316012114, $24.95

In 1973, the Musgrove family relocates from Indiana to Mississippi as the bread winner has been transferred. Sixteen years old Daniel is unhappy with the move that not only has him leave his friends in the Hoosier State, but also as soon as he arrives at Minor High School he feels like an alien. Daniel becomes friends with fellow outsider (though native) Tim Cousins, a clown who firmly lives by the adage that the world is a stage of endless comedy acts. On the other hand Daniel finds football gorilla Red Martin wanting to pound his head into the turf; for that matter he enjoys doing that to Tim too. On prom night Tim and Daniel accidentally run over a pretty black female Arnita Beecham. However, the two pranksters set it up so that Red is accused of a hit and run. When Arnita recovers she falls in love with Daniel, angering Tim and jeopardizing their alibi. ONE MISSISSIPPI is an intriguing Nixon Era crime drama that stars two alienated teens, who are supported by a strong cast mostly of their high school peers. Tim and Daniel will remind the audience of some of the descriptions of the school mass killers as they are alienated outsiders bullied by an insider. Thus readers obtain a well written psychological thriller that starts off as youthful amusing pranks for much of the novel but abruptly spins into a dark thriller that makes the story line feel like two separate plots linked by fascinating alienated teens.

Dead Before Dying
Deon Meyer
Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316000132, $24.95

In Cape Town, South Africa, a killer has murdered three victims with no apparent links. The culprit used a Boer War German Mauser gun with bullets as old as the weapon is to fire two shots to the head and to the chest of the victim. Murder and Robbery Squad Captain thirty-four years old Mat Joubert heads the investigation. Mat knows this case is probably the last opportunity to salvage a career that has rapidly collapsed since his beloved wife Lara was killed on duty during a police matter two years ago. Mat investigates the three murders, but finds no motive to tie them together. He begins to wonder if the killer is just randomly selecting his victims. Still as the local residents panic over who is next, the media adds to the feeding frenzy and the brass, especially the ambitious politicians in and out of the police station, demand either the culprit or a fall guy. Mat struggles with finding clues before he has to visit the crime scene of the next victim. This graphic South African police procedural is a tense gritty serial killer noir that grips the audience from start to finish with a haunting final twist. Mat is an interesting detective carrying plenty of baggage in a career that is as dead as the victims of the killer, but hooks fans, who will join him as he seeks evidence especially something that ties the dead together. Readers will appreciate Deon Meyer's strong vivid murder mystery and want to read his other South African novels (see HEART OF THE HUNTER and DEAD AT DAYBREAK: PAST IS NEVER DEAD).

The Girls
Lori Lansens
Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316069035, $23.95

In Leaford, Ontario, their teenage mother abandoned the conjoined twins when they were two weeks old. Instead a nurse Aunt Lovey and her spouse Stash adopted and raised them as if Ruby and Rose Darlen were not connected at the head. Rose has the fully developed normal body but a distorted face pulled out of shape towards Ruby's pretty normal face. Ruby's legs never developed so Rose does the walking for both of them. As Lovey intended when she showered them witth love and nurturing as two people, they have differing personalities and even separate jobs at the library. Nearing their thirtieth birthday, Rose starts writing her autobiography while persuading Ruby to do likewise. Rose tells much of their past starting with the birth during a tornado, the abandonment, and the loving nurturing of Lovey and Stash. Ruby provides some tidbits that she is not just a pretty face as her sibling insists with an Indian artifact collection as her proof. However, neither wants to explain how they are dying from a tumor though Ruby tries nor how Rose became pregnant (gave up the child for adoption) with a boy who kissed Ruby while deflowering her. This is the story of two sisters who have never looked into each other's eyes. THE GIRLS is a terrific character study that looks deep into the relationship between sisters. The key to the tale is that Lori Lansens avoids turning the conjoined twins into melodramatic caricatures; instead they have distinct personalities and even rivalries as each lives a relatively normal lifestyle making them seem real and their relationship plausible. The support cast especially their adoptive parents add to the depth of two siblings living normal separate lives though facially tied together.

Murder Most Holy
Michael J. Manno
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143870, $25.95

Special Investigation Unit Police Captain Hodges assigns Detective Sergeant Jerome "Stan" Stankowski to head the investigation into the murder of a nun. The victim is twenty-five year old Anna Marie Wilborn, daughter of a loathed newspaper publisher, who was killed in a car bombing in the Midwest town of Forbes Island. To Stan's chagrin, the Attorney General's Office punishes him by assigning fastidious Parker Noble to help. While fussy Parker considers raiding the refrigerator of the deceased, the local law enforcement assumes he is in charge. As Stan asserts authority over the case, he interviews friends and the brother of the late Sister. Unable to talk with her father who is hospitalized having suffered a seizure; Stan assumes he was the target not the nun. One of Anna Marie's friends, Buffy Coyle, recently fired from the newspaper, offers more than just assistance on solving the homicide. She seems to genuinely desire Stan, who is taken aback by her attention after his two week matrimonial debacle with Diane. To make maters worse, there are suspects are everywhere especially within the most respected pillars of the community. This interesting police procedural is fun for two prime reasons. First the victim's dad has enemies everywhere and so readers will agree with Stan's premise that he was the target and that his daughter was unlucky to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Second the interrelationships between Stan, Parker, and Buffy make for a delightful often amusing investigation though at times their exchanges overwhelm the case. Fans will enjoy this lighthearted whodunit and want more inquiries led by this noble threesome.

The Mote in Andrea's Eye
David Niall Wilson
Five Star
ISBN: 1594144532, $25.95

It was watching her father die during a hurricane when she was just a child that motivated Andrea Jamieson to become a scientist studying storms. Currently she heads Operation Stormfury studying how to prevent or lessen the impact of oceanic fed storms on land. She works with her lover flier Phil Wicks, a former US Navy pilot. His prime mission is to drop silver iodide on hurricanes. They are currently tracking a horrific storm over the Devil's Triangle heading towards North Carolina Phil flies towards the torrent, but when he makes his approach to drop the silver iodide, he vanishes along with the storm. Stunned Andrea tries to track what happened to her beloved who simply vanished somewhere apparently into nowhere along with the lost storm at sea or elsewhere. THE MOTE IN ANDREA'S EYE is a terrific fantasy romantic mystery that grips the readers starting with the action of the storm and never slows down as the audience switches from adrenalin pumping to pondering what is going on with David Niall Wilson's superb thriller. Andrea and Phil is a fine couple, who as partners and as individuals make the plot seem real. Mr. Wilson writes a fantastic thriller that fans of nature out of control tales will want to read and hope Hollywood will film it.

Death of an Obnoxious Tourist
Maria Hudgins
Five Star
ISBN: 1594144672, $25.95

After their five children left the nest, her husband dumped History professor Dotsy Lamb; to feel good about herself and to move on; she and her friend Lettie join a tour group visiting Italy. The tourists are an eclectic mix with all being very pleasant except Meg Bauer who, unlike her two sisters, is a harridan tearing into everyone even her kind siblings. When Meg is found murdered in her room by a knife that her sister Beth recently purchased, the police arrest gypsy street peddler Ivo Ramovic. Earlier he stole Beth and Meg's room key along with Beth's credit card and traveler's checks. When confronted he had both plus a large sum of cash. When evidence proves his innocence, suspicion shifts to Beth. Dotsy believes Beth is innocent so she plans to uncover the real culprit, but not before another group member is murdered. Readers will have no sympathy towards the culprit who took immense pleasure hurting others, but will feel for Beth, a nice person caught up in circumstances that make her look guilty as she had the motive and the opportunity and owned the means. The protagonist is an independent energetic senior citizen who shows her obstinacy with the trip to start her life anew and with the investigation. Maria Hudgins writes a delightful amateur sleuth tale and armchair detectives will enjoy seeing Italy through Dotsy's eyes.

Rain
Cary Brown
Five Star
ISBN: 1594144249, $25.95

After raising her children by running a bed and breakfast, Jeanne realizes she is tired of mothering her guests and being available whenever her adult children need her. She decides to start a new life starting with selling the B&B and moving into an RV. She travels staying at RV camps and writing pamphlets on sights to see in a particular area. At her latest camp stop, Jeanne meets Becca whose husband Larry left her leaving a vague note behind that told her nothing. Also at the camp, retired police officer Matt wants to work with Jeanne to find out what happened to Larry. Becca learns that Larry had a life apart from her; he was a healer using elixirs he made that worked when regular medicine failed. Larry's family believes that he in hiding, dead, or making a new life for himself without Becca. Matt and Jeanne try to help Becca find answers and closure though the truth may prove painful. RAIN is an imaginative mystery because the plot revolves around learning what happened to the missing Larry. The look at life in an RV camp adds fascination to the whodunit, but the key cast members never come fully alive especially at the campgrounds where they represent stereotypes. Still this is a fast-paced tale in which readers along with Becca will want to know what happened to Larry.

Lost Among the Angels
Alice Duncan
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143633, $25.95

In 1926 Los Angeles, former cop turned private investigator Ernest Templeton wants nothing to do with the classy Bostonian, but she refuses to accept no for an answer. Instead the Boston Brahmin Mercy Allcutt obtains a job working for Ernie though he plans to keep her in the office as show candy. However, Mercy refuses to sit idly working on her cuticles. Instead she demands Ernie teach her all he knows about sleuthing. Stunned by her energy and eagerness, Ernie, who thinks humanity should be classified below the other primates, finds Mercy at his side as they work the gamut of cases from kidnapping to murder, and meet an array of nasty individuals from a toy poodle accompanied by a siren (mercy says vamp) vamp to a stalker and a cold blooded killer. This is on the job training just like Mercy wanted, but it frightens the heebie-jeebies out of Ernie because he is afraid that she will get hurt. Readers will appreciate this terrific historical mystery that brings to life Southern California in 1926. Ernie is fabulous as he changes from a jaded person trying to rid himself of an aristocratic parasite to worrying how to keep her safe mostly from herself; he wonders what to do with the enthusiastic Mercy. However, there is no question that this is the heroine's tale as she jumps without looking from one escapade to another. Readers of 1920s private detective stories will want to read the fantastic LOST AMONG THE ANGELS.

Pistols at Dawn
Michele Ann Young
Five Star
ISBN: 1594144605, $25.95

In 1817 Earl Simon "Satan" St. John allowed the drunken opponent to survive their duel; afterward he observed a young woman rush to foolish Yelverton, who upon seeing her, shot himself in the head. Simon, at the urging of the deceased's second the odious Viscount Ogden, agrees to serve as guardian to the grieving sister Victoria, who loathes him. Simon plans to marry the beauty off to an acceptable man who will be an aristocrat as soon as possible. On the other hand, Victoria is sick of stupid males misbehaving with no care about others. Meanwhile Simon, a cynic when it comes to love, finds he is attracted to his ward. He struggles with the fact that all women are cheats and whores, but Victoria seems honest and refuses to sell herself to him or any bidder. Still he sees her price even as he refuses to see anyone but him making love to her. The lead characters keep this strong regency romance from being a historical soap opera as they seem real and their changing relationship plausible. The story line contains some action, but is clearly driven by Satan and his angel as she sensing his inner goodness and helps him overcome the trauma that owns his soul. Sub-genre fans will enjoy PISTOLS AT DAWN.

The Mantua-Maker's Beau
Anne Holman
Five Star
ISBN: 1594144524, $26.95

In 1774 Bath, England apprentice dressmaker Clementina Willoby cannot believe that her recently deceased employer Mrs. Elizabeth Hunter failed to change her will and leave the shop to her; instead her nephew James, residing in the colonies inherited the dress making shop. Though she knows she has talent and can score a job working for someone else, Clementina wants to be her own boss. She obtains passage on a ship owned by the man she seeks James. Clementina is stunned by the harsh conditions that the indentured servants endure on the trek across the Atlantic. Initially she blames James assuming he only cares about profit, but upon meeting him in Philadelphia Clementina realizes he has no interest in shipping business as he is working on building a sawmill in the wilderness. Clementina takes James to task as neglect is not acceptable as an excuse. As they fall in love, war seems imminent between England and the colonies with James in support of the rebels while Clementina is English to the core. THE MANTUA-MAKER'S BEAU is a superb historical tale with a strong romantic subplot. The story line provides a deep look at various groups just prior to the beginning of the Revolutionary War. The relationship between the lead couple deftly enhances the conflicting perspectives of the colonists towards the growing hostilities yet will still delight historical romance readers. Anne Holman provides a wonderful eighteenth century Americana tale that will please historical and romance fans.

Where Mercy Flows
Karen Harter
Center Street (Warner)
ISBN: 1931722609, $12.95

Seven years ago teenager Samantha Dodd eloped with her boyfriend causing a strain with her mother and sister, but especially with her father, the "Judge". Over five years she had an extramarital affair that led to her giving birth to a boy, TJ. Her husband walked out on her and their marriage. Samantha was too proud to go home and face the judgment of her father until now. Ailing, lacking health insurance and afraid for TJ, Samantha returns to the home of her parents in Stillaguamish Valley, Washington. Samantha's mom and sister welcome her and TJ with open arms. She also hits it off with childhood friend Donnie Duncan, who has always loved Samantha. However, her relationship with the Judge remains strained as she feels he judges her as a failure. When he learns that she suffers from a viral heart disease that will lead to his beloved daughter's death and danger from a stalker, the Judge takes action from the heart to stop the assailant and to learn from his friend Dr. Matt what he can do to save the life of his daughter. This is a fabulous character driven tale in which Samantha will soon learn what true love really is. The cast is strong as each of the family members seems real and the dynamics with Samantha at the center fabulous as she sees her mom fears she will leave again; sis prays for her salvation; and dad remains in judgment. She will realize she has been judge, jury and hang-woman and must pardon herself in this superb heart-wrenching inspirational family drama.

True Believer
Nicholas Sparks
Warner
ISBN: 044669651X, $12.95

Scientific American investigative journalist Jeremy Marsh exposes the fakes and charlatans that make supernatural claims, but in his skeptical mind take advantage of people, many of whom are grieving their losses. He enjoys debunking the fraudulent like Clausen who are conmen, but also knows his recent TV outing of this fake has made Jeremy a household name. His next assignment is visiting the real south, Boone Creek, North Carolina where allegedly ghosts of long dead slaves come out every night in the Cedar Creek Cemetery. Though Duke University sent experts last year they failed to explain the eerie lights. Jeremy arrogantly assumes the school failed because they sent true believers instead of a cynic like him. As he begins his inquiry Jeremy meets and falls in love with the librarian Lexie Darnell; she reciprocates. However, she is a TRUE BELIEVER while he is a true skeptic, but what makes their future together doubtful is he plans to expose her beloved grandmother Doris, the town psychic, as a fake though so far he has failed to prove this. A departure from Nicholas Sparks' tragic tale, TRUE BELIEVER is a fun paranormal romance starring two opposites falling in love. The sparks between Jeremy and Lexie would light up the Tarheel State as fans will enjoy their attraction that ignites into love. This is more for romance readers as the mystery of the cemetery spirits lacks suspense; Mr. Sparks' audience will appreciate his fine contemporary while wondering whether the New Yorker and the Tar Heel can forge a relationship.

Stand For Something: The Battle for America's Soul
John Kasich
Warner
ISBN: 044657841X, $24.95

Former Ohio republican Congressman turned TV commentator John Kasich makes a strong case that America is in trouble because the moral values that have made the country strong seems abandoned by leaders in and out government. Those in government have been selling their souls to be reelected; those in the private sector have done likewise for the profit margin; and even religious leaders have surrendered the concept of inclusiveness for intolerance. Mr. Kasich makes a plea to regain the America that fought for the rights of everyone. His plea for ethics is well written and though he supports business censorship (not government) he also praises liberal democrats and pounds conservative republicans. His take on the blue-red state debate is fascinating (the "amoral" blue states have a lower divorce rate). Readers, especially those who follow his TV appearances will appreciate his outlook that seeks consensus not the Delay way of killing any opponent regardless of the issue, collateral damage to America or the cost. Remember Mr. Kasich put up when he was in Congress as a key player in the balanced budget debates that led to the Clinton surpluses (ancient history).

Kingdom Come
Tim Green
Warner
ISBN: 0446577421, $24.95

James King built his multi-billion dollar empire starting with one back hoe, but he has made many enemies over the years mostly in business. However, it is not the business adversaries that visit his upstate New York mansion on a wintry night. Instead Jessica Coder, wife of his friend and employee Thane, holds James responsible for the death of her oldest child when he refused to help them possibly save the boy's life. She goads her spouse into killing James though afterward Thane struggles to wash away the blood from his hands having used a hunting knife. James's son Bob becomes suspicious when Thane is elected CEO to replace his late father especially the way Jessica easily switches from soccer mom to jet setter. As Bob investigates the death of his dad and the takeover of the Fortune Five Hundred Company, other people are murdered to cover the original crime. To keep his wife quiet and to keep his position of power and money Thane manipulates the mob, the Feds, and the company board into battling one another while fending off Bob. This modernization of Macbeth is an interesting tale, but lacks any character for readers to root for them to triumph and the audience knows that Thane and Jessica are destined to fail. His weakness including visits from the ghost of James and her ambition that pills cannot wash away make her guilt more intense than Bob's obstinacy. Though no Shakespeare, Tim Green's fans will enjoy his latest action-packed crime caper.

Finishing Touches
Deanna Kizis
Warner
ISBN: 0446578088, $23.95

Furniture store manager Jesse Holtz has two close friends, Cecile and Bryn who make her feel life is good. Jesse especially is happy for Cecile, who is getting married in a few days to Zach, her college boyfriend. However a tragic auto accident kills Cecile. Bryn and Zach mourn their loss, but not as heavily as Jesse grieves. Zach offers comfort and Jesse accepts it. As they get closer to one another, Bryn feels left out with no one to help her through the loss. Almost one year later, Jesse realizes no one has really moved on something that Cecile would have expected of them. Perhaps the, $50,000 that she inherited from her friend can be put to good use helping everyone fondly remember Cecile and also get on with their lives while she personally can celebrate her growing relationship with Zach resented by seemingly everyone else who insists he belongs to Cecile. FINISHING TOUCHES is an intriguing character study that follows several people going through the phases of grief after a loved one died suddenly in an accident. The key troupe members to include the late Cecile consist of full dimensional caring characters who struggle to come to grips with the tragedy, which leads to new issues between them. Though at times the ensemble support cast seems overwhelming and slows down the insightful story line, contemporary readers will appreciate this often sad, but also at time humorous well written relationship drama.

The Serial Killers Club
Jeff Povey
Warner
ISBN: 0446578428, $24.95

The serial killer attacks the man, but somehow he turns the tables and kills his assailant. He goes through his adversary's wallet and finds an invitation to a gala hosted by Errol Flynn. Curious with how a long dead Hollywood actor could sponsor a party, the man decides to attend as the guy he just killed. At the murder celebration, the "intruder" quickly realizes that the eighteen other attendees are killers, who somewhat disguise their real identity by using the moniker of a Hollywood star. The newcomer insists he is Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and makes plans to kill everyone of these predators. Before he gets very far both an FBI agent and the survivors notice their numbers shrinking. The Fed offers clemency if he eliminates the gang while the killers search for the serial killer within their ranks. THE SERIAL KILLERS CLUB is a terrific lampooning of the recent inundation of serial killer novels. The dark thriller stars an anonymous storyteller, who seems so killingly innocent yet once he joins the club becomes the top gun serial killer ironically killing serial killers. Not for everyone (especially fans of "Carole Lombard" or "Cher" to name a few of the peers of "Fairbanks") "Doug's" take on serial killing is a fresh brisk satire.

A Wedding to Die For
Radine Trees Nehring
St. Kitt's Press
ISBN: 1931206015, $16.00

Carrie and retired police officer Henry are getting married, but the bride is discouraged because all the bridal magazines write articles about younger women. Even though she is a senior Carrie wants a fancy wedding with her wearing a beautiful white gown. Her friends Shirley and Eleanor come to the rescue designing her wedding gown and suggesting the ball room at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs for the reception. When Carrie and Henry arrive at the hotel, the ambience captures her attention and the floral design created by Ashur and Chandra Mukherjee are gorgeous. While speaking with the designers, a shot rings out, but though no one is hurt everyone is shook. Chandra and Ashur inform Carrie that a pair bigot half-sisters Jan and Sonya want the Indians to leave because they are taking business away from them; the siblings harass them and use their influence to destroy the Mukherjee business. That night the soon to be newlyweds find Sonya's body not far from the spot where the Mukherjee's van was parked. A few days later the Mukherjee's store is bombed. Carrie, Henry, Shirley and Eleanor play detective to prove that Chandra and Ashur are innocent of any wrongdoing. A WEDDING TO DIE FOR is an exciting amateur sleuth mystery due in large part to the wedding couple who shows that seniors can find love and can be productive members of society. Their ability to find information helps them work the case as each one of the sleuthing quartet shows a keen mind that the younger generation should honor not dispose of as is the American way. The Mukherjee stand as testimony to immigrants as they believe in the American way and that most people are not racists. As always Radine Trees Nehring proves to be a wonderful storyteller.

In Fury Born
David Weber
Baen
ISBN: 1416520546, $27.00

Alice Deries was a loyal Imperial Marine and Drop Commando doing what was necessary for the Empire though she saw many of her peers die in combat. However, a political decision that cost unnecessary lives of her brethren left her outraged and her loyalty shaken as she realizes they are just pawns of the powerful; Alice resigns her commission and starts a sedate family life on Mathison. Space pirates arrive at Mathison destroying the colony. The Empire proves either inept or corrupt or as Alice believes both as they fail to capture the murderous plunderers who killed her family. No longer caring what happens to her, Alice decides to provide justice for those who died in vain when she was military and on Mathison starting with the pirates and anyone connected to them including as she suspects the highest levels of Imperial power. IN FURY BORN is an expansion of the highly regarded PATH OF THE FURY by mostly adding the early background that led to Alicia becoming an avenging angel. The story line is action packed as Alicia performs impossible superhero feats for much of the book. When she is not doing the superwoman deeds she receives reader empathy as fans will understand why she went over the edge; when she is doing the unachievable, her opponents receive some sympathy as everyone expects Alicia to succeed. David Weber provides a fun outer space thriller of the lone cowgirl kicking the butt of government, military, and pirates.

The Red Carpet
Lavanya Sankaran
Dial
ISBN: 0385338201, $13.00

These eight stories focus on people from Bangalore where "beggars and billionaires" make up the two caste social system. The tales are well written as conflict exists between rich and poor, tradition and modern, East and West, and religion and secular. Each contribution is well written, poignant and insightful as readers obtain the duality of western influence with some locals believing it is intrusive and destroying a way of life while others welcome the choices and freedoms. Perhaps the best example of the battling sides is "Bombay This," in which thirtyish software programmer Ramu asks his old fashion traditon-based mother to find him a wife. Readers who want something intelligent but different will want to read The Red Carpet anthology as it is worth the time and intriguingly the underlying concepts of conflict between the groups and even between subgroups applies in the United States with issues like abortion.

Squeeze Play
Kate Angell
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526670, $6.99

Tampa Bay Bomber World series hero Richard "Risk" Kincaid is going home to Frostproof, Florida now that the season is over to see Jacy Grayson, who he has loved since high school. However, Jacy sees him as her best buddy, the guy she turns to when her latest romance fizzles. This year at the annual charity event he plans to win her heart. Unbeknownst to Risk is that Jacy has loved him since high school and makes up lovers so that he can mend her so called broken heart. She knows one day she must tell him the truth perhaps at this year's charity event. Stephanie "Stevie" Cole knows her baseball trivia while everyone else knows she loves World Series seventh game losing pitcher Aaron Grayson who is also coming home to Frostproof for the charity event. However, this year Aaron brings two people with him, a dreaded fiancee Natalie and his roommate Zen Driscoll, who at first sight finds himself half in love with Stevie. This is a fun baseball romance with two (and indirectly three) tales of love though the main story line follows the escapades of Risk and Jacy. The lead male risks everything with a bottom of the ninth suicide squeeze that will leave him with Jacy or striking out into a double play as both will end miserable. The supporting role players, Stevie and Zen, and to a lesser degree Aaron and Natalie also score as readers will enjoy the off season capers of baseball stars and the women they love.

Completely Irresistible
Sheridon Smythe
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526689, $6.99

With the death of her evil wealthy grandmother Amelia Hancock, Kasidy Evans decides to find the tape that the witch used as blackmail over her father. However, Kasidy is taken aback when she overhears family lawyer Drucilla Jacob imply while talking with her grandma's escort Wyatt Love that he was more than just a companion at events; he apparently was her lover. That explains why Wyatt has temporarily control over the fortune and the three poodles that Amelia loved more than her human relatives. Wyatt offers Kasidy the position of canine caretaker, which she accepts as this gives her the opportunity to search for the tape that has controlled her father's behavior and kept him from returning home to Atlanta. However, nothing goes right as others seem to seek items too. Making matters worse as she tries to avoid her "boy toy" employer, Kasidy feels like a traitor as she is attracted to Wyatt; making her wonder about her own values. Fans of an amusing contemporary romance will enjoy this delightful tale starring two strong protagonists with the wrong concept of the other and one of the best supporting casts in years. The story line moves forward based on the misconceptions that Kasidy and to a lesser degree Wyatt believe are true about one another even as neither want to fall in love because of them, but do anyway. As with COMPLETELY YOURS (starring Wyatt's twin), fans will find this fun tale COMPLETELY IRRESISTIBLE.

Prince of Ice
Stobie Piel
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526514, $6.99

The mages of Woodland in Amrodel have been caught unaware from the evil of the Arch Mage who has put many of them into a comatose sleep. This is the first step by the malevolent being to escape his tomb incarceration. The last hope in the Woodlands rests with Cahira. She is provided with the dragonfly sword, the only know weapon that can kill the Arch Mage, and a shield containing what little is left of magical prowess by the mages. Her quest is to find the Warrior of the Light, the only person who can use the sword. However, by seeking this champion she has also provided the Arch Mage the second step in his resurrection. When Cahira meets Aren, chief of the Norsk she feels she has found the hero to battle the Arch Mage. They, accompanied by his men, begin the journey to the catacomb of the Arch Mage for the final confrontation. PRINCE OF ICE is a fun coming of age fantasy in which the young champions are learning on the job while fighting an invincible opponent with the stakes being the world (talk about pressure). Cahira and Aren is an interesting paring as their respective people have an adversarial history while the Arch Mage is cleverly kept in the shadows making him seem even more powerful and sinister. Fans of quest fantasies will find this tale quite appealing.

Steel Sky
Andrew E. Murphy
per Aspera Press
1425 N. 46th St., Seattle, Wa. 98103-6711
ISBN: 0974573450, $24.95

After a series of global catastrophes, the Founders built the Hypogeum a city two kilometers underground. After almost over four centuries, it is vastly overcrowded, a quarter to a million people live in a place designed for fifty thousand. There are fourteen levels, and the higher the class designation a person is assigned the closer they live to the top of the city. The inhabitants have no idea there is a surface where people once lived or a real sun and moon. The air outside the buildings of the Hypogeum is poisonous due to the toxic waste produced on the lower levels. People need respirators to breathe once they leave a building and the whole city is ruled by the corrupt Orcus whose heir Second Son is a weak bully and a sexual predator. The people are controlled by Orcus using a technology that only his family knows about. A feeling of hopelessness pervades the city until the mythical Winnower returns killing corrupt officials and giving hope to people who need a champion. He has no idea that his appearance will signal the destruction of civilization as he knows it. STEEL SKY is an imaginative work that draws the reader into the exciting, character driven storyline and keeps them there until they reach the end of the tale. The Hypogeum is a bleak place where euthanasia for the sick or destitute is mandatory and the human body is recycled for various needs of the city. It is an intricately detailed world that the readers can see in the mind's eye, a place that makes an impoverished war torn nation seem like paradise. Andrew C. Murphy is a gifted storyteller who creates characters that are a microcosm of humanity.

Ten Thousand Charms
Allison Pittman
Multnomah
ISBN: 1590525752, $12.99

Pregnant Gloria returns to the nearest thing she can call home, Jewel Gunn's fancy brothel in Silver Peak, Wyoming Territory where she expects her former mentor to perform an abortion for her. However, Gloria changes her mind, but plans to abandon the baby at the brothel so she can reclaim her freedom. Also pregnant is haughty Katherine, wife of miner John William MacGregan. The two women give birth with Gloria surviving quite nicely after her daughter is born while Katherine dies after her son is born. John pays Gloria to be his son's "milk cow". However, when he concludes that the mine will close soon, he persuades Gloria to take her child and come with him and his son to start over in Oregon. She agrees to remain the cow if he raises her daughter as is; her plan being to leave them once the infants no longer depend on her milk. As she meets the kind Maureen Brewster who encourages her to believe that even a whore has room in the Lord's tent, tragedy strikes the unorthodox family, which in the past would have driven Gloria away, but this time she has a chance for a better life if she accepts God's grace. This is an interesting Americana romantic character study that looks deep into the mindset of a prostitute who sees a bleak future for herself. The cozy story line allows the reader to understand Gloria and why she feels the Lord would never accept someone like her. John and Maureen add friendship, love, and belief to the fine mid nineteenth century tale, but this is Gloria's story.

The Soul Hunter
Melanie Wells
Multnomah
ISBN: 1590524276, $12.99

SMU psychology Professor Dr. Dylan Foster returns home to find a bloody axe at her door. Her boyfriend funeral home director David Shykofsky arrives soon after and calls the cops. Detective Jackson of Dallas Police Department arrives and wonders if Dylan is pulling a stunt though he cannot fathom a motive. The next morning the police find a dead nineteen years old student Drew Sturdivent killed by an axe. However Detective Jackson and his partner Mike McKnight quickly rule that Dylan did not commit the homicide, but they do have a viable suspect, though no in custody. However, Dylan wonders if evil lumberjack Peter Terry has returned seeking souls. The return of Dylan and the evil Peter makes for a superb intriguing tale in which the eternal war between good and evil is fought within each person's soul. Dylan remains a reluctant heroine still not grasping the battle she is in yet knowing much more as to whom the real enemy is. Her prime defense is God, but at times she doubts the Lord is nearby. Fans will enjoy this police procedural suspense thriller that plays out on two planes mostly the mortal but always lurking is the SOUL HUNTER.

Sisterchicks in Gondolas
Robin Jones Gunn
Multnomah
ISBN: 1590525051, $12.99

Sam, head of an international missionary based in Europe, invites Jenna to cook at a leaders' retreat in Venice; he also gives her a second free ticket so she can bring a friend. Jenna muses that she had not heard form Sam in years and that the one time she came along as a cook she stunk at it. However, something inside her says this is right so she plans to go and knows immediately who she will invite to travel with her from Dallas for a week at a fifteenth century restored palace. She asks her sister-in-law of three decades Sue who has been her best friend of about the last five years to accompany her. In Venice, Steph meets the sisterchicks as they eat gelato in Campo Apostoli and escorts them to the extravagant palace they are staying. The two American visitors easily fall into the soft warm lifestyle of gondolas while making pastas for the retreat's attendees. As Venetia enters their hearts, they gain courage to live life to the fullest; something neither has tried in a long time out of fear of failure and self pity and ridicule. Die hard fans of the series or newcomers will enjoy the latest sisterchicks tale. The pairing of two middle age women is fun as Jenna and Sue are genuine friends who take Venetia by storm as they have several adventures and escapades while readers enjoy their guided tour of the canals. Though obviously somewhat like the previous five tales, SISTERCHICKS IN GONDOLAS is a fun gambol that as always cherish the loving friendship between women.

Time Dancers
Steve Cash
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345470931, $14.95

In 1919 Zianno "Z" Zezen, a Meq-American, is about to turn twelve for the twentieth time since he has yet to meet his soul mate, Z remains a preteen. This is the norm for his Basque ancestry who never age past twelve until they meet the one. He feels pretty good about coming home to St. Louis, but soon learns that he cannot stay long as the Time of the Remembering is upon his people. However, he and his associates are busy at the moment; lethal Meq Fleur-du-Mal feels the necessity to commit genocide of his immortal race. He has a compatriot Zuriaa who assists him by abducting the oldest known living Meq the matriarch Susheela the Ninth in order to force her to reveal to them location of the mystical Sixth Stone that could lead to a pandemic eradication. Z and his cronies must once again stop Fleur du-Mal. The sequel to THE MEQ, TIME DANCERS is a wild zany science fiction thriller that uses real twentieth century historical points and persona as anchors though several of the choices seem to flakily fluky to fit the plot. The story line is all over the place. But smoothly moves forward. Z and his family and friends remain fascinating characters while the assassin Fleur du-Mal seems even more deranged this time around. Fans of zany way out science fiction thrillers will enjoy Steve Cash's latest entertaining madcap ride.

The Candle of Distant Earth
Alan Dean Foster
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345461312, $23.95, 242 pp.

On the planet Hyff, an astronomer sees three ships approaching and fear the Iollth are approaching as they do every century or so to loot and plunder. The Hyffs are pacifists by nature and simply do not have the military mindset to wage war even on an enemy. However, the ships the astronomer saw are not from Iollth but are Nyyuan carrying Marcus Walker, the sentient speaking canine George, the squid like creature Sque and the giant Braouk from the planet Tuuqalia. These four aliens have been abducted from their homeworlds by the Vilenjii traders who believe sentient beings are commodities to be taken. The astronomers of Hyff find Braouk's planet but before they can travel there the Iollth arrive. The people of Hyff have been so kind and helpful to them, they find they can't leave without solving the Iollth problem. On Braouk's world they find the homeworld of Sque and once they arrive there, the isolationist egotistical beings of K'eremu refuse to help George and Marcus find earth because it is not their problem. Readers are treated to a tour of the galaxy filled with sentient aliens of all shapes and sizes. It is a dazzling universe and Earth is considered such an isolated backwater place, nobody knows where it is. Allen Dean Foster has written an excellent Star Wars like novel that dazzles the readers with characters that are so realistic and unusual. There is plenty of action but what makes this tale stand out from others is that that these different worlds are explored in intricate detail.

After the Rice
Wendy French
Forge
ISBN: 0765313766, $12.95

In Victoria, Canada, Megan and Matt have not yet celebrated their first anniversary together, but she feels overwhelmed and stressed out by the demands of both their families. She believes she has enough on her plate with returning to school and just the typical adjustments that any couple in their first year as husband and wife goes through though they are obviously in love with one another. Her older sister Karen, still breast-feeding, needs a break before she suffers a breakdown so she unceremoniously dumps her "Pink Tyrant" of an infant off on Megan while their other sibling Andrea nests on the couch. Worse, her drunken Uncle Tony takes over the cottage's basement. Finally with mid-terms coming soon, her in-laws scheduled an anniversary dinner on the same date and time that Megan and Matt are expected to attend a gala at her great-aunt's home in which Megan's parents expect them there. However, the real cloud is that Megan believes she is pregnant though she and Matt agreed to never have children. As she struggles with what to do, she finds herself never alone with Matt to simply talk with him about how he feels now that she is carrying. This zany tale contains a strong subplot about pregnancy which is handled deftly while never losing the wit or denigrating the personnel decision. The story line is filled with an ensemble cast, but each including the dog and the tyrant has distinct personalities emphasized by their demands and wants. Megan is terrific as the focus of the plot as she goes from beleaguered to over the edge. Fans of family dramas filled with humor and seriousness that blend brilliantly together will appreciate this strong look at relationships AFTER THE RICE is tossed.

Cat in a Quicksilver Caper
Carole Nelson Douglas
Forge
ISBN: 0765314002, $19.95

Midnight Louie wants his human pet Vegas public relations specialist Temple Barr's two lovers, former magician turned something Max Kinsella and former priest turned radio host Matt Devine, to limit their stay in his home especially his bed. It is bad enough she has two duds and one stud in her life, Louie wonders how a flaming fireball redhead became a bleached blonde though he appreciate that Temple has stayed out of trouble enabling Louie to investigate female felines. However, Louie should have known better as trouble is defined as Temple. She prepares the publicity for the White Russian Czarist art exhibition at the New Millennium Hotel; however, nothing goes smooth as the pre-show publicity is not about the art, but instead a puzzling death. The publicity fails to improve when a deadly accident occurs during the opening. Besides the deaths that look suspicious to Louie, someone steals the prime exhibit item, the priceless Czar Alexander's scepter. Louie searches for the scepter and a killer as he believes the accident was a homicide while Matt proposes to Temple and LVPD Detective Carmen Molina claims Max is stalking her. All is normal even with evil Synth magicians plotting a nefarious sleight of the paw � it is Louie's memoirs. Though he has gone through his second set of nine lives, Midnight Louie's latest cat-escapades are brisk fun as his companion lands them in several capers including bedroom visitors. The story line is fast-paced as Temple learns that blondes have more fun might be misleading with murder, theft, and the Synth to deal with. Fans of the series will appreciate Louie's usual on target asides re the foibles of humans and his efforts to keep Temple safe. CAT IN A QUICKSILVER CAPER is a purrfect Midnight Louie feline sleuth extraordinaire.

I Went to Vassar for This?
Naomi Neale
Making It
ISBN: 0505526867, $6.99

In New York City Cathy Vorhees thought she was on the fast track to the executive suite, but instead lost the Retro Freezer account and was fired. Stunned and despondent she goes home with a Retro freezer Classic TV dinner that she tosses into her microwave. However, her day in hell is topped when her microwave fails, emitting a strange light. When she awakens from the microwave disaster, Cathy finds herself in 1959 living as prim and proper office dictator Cathy Voight. Before she suffers a heart attack or is murdered by one of her frightened employees, Cathy tries to mellow out though pork, sugar and office sexual harassment makes her wonder where the happy days are. Still she expects to wake up from this nightmare and never eat a Retro Freezer dinner again even as her roommates Tilly and Miranda persuade her that they are real and her confusion was caused by an electric shock. Still she confides much in hunky Hank, her landlord, and seeks her way back to the future. Mindful of Peggy Sue Got Married; I WENT TO VASSAR FOR THIS? is a wonderful time travel chick lit tale starring a heroine who uses sarcasm to hide her fear and to disguise her disgust with conditions at the end of the Eisenhower years. Cathy is a fabulous protagonist unable to cope with the suppressive submissive rol

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