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Volume 5, Number 3 March 2006 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Kaveny's Bookshelf Klausner's Bookshelf Laurel's Bookshelf

Shelley's Bookshelf Shirley's Bookshelf Vicki's Bookshelf

Kaveny's Bookshelf
I am happy to be alive, proud to be an American. And here's a review article on

Inside The Third Reich
Albert Speer
BBS Publishing Corporation
1 Galahad edition
ISBN: 0883659247, $29.95, 596 pages

I called James Andrew Cox (my editor and chief at the Midwest Book Review) a few minutes ago and gave him notice that he would be mentioning him in this month's "Kaveny’s Bookshelf".

This month I will start bookshelf with a Russian proverb which goes something like this. “In order to get to know a man you have to eat a pod of salt with him.” Well for those of you that don’t know a pod is an Imperial Russian unit of weight equal to thirty two pounds. Well Jim and I did most of our salt eating about thirty two years ago with our stints together helping to found a number of organizations in Madison Wisconsin including the community radio station W.O.R.T, Public Access Cable Television, The Madison Science Fiction Club, and, WISCON (the world’s largest and only feminist science fiction convention held annually in Madison Wisconsin). Incidentally WISCON is now in its 30th year and will be held at The Concourse Hotel in Madison over Memorial day week end, but if you want to attend you better get your membership in since they are placing a cap on registration at one thousand.

After having said that I am going back to a cold morning exactly thirty years ago when Jim and I had signed up to put Community Radio W.O.R.T on the air at the air at 6:00 A.M since the F.C.C License required that it be on the air twenty hours a week twenty seven three hundred and sixty days a year. Well in any case Jim just informed me (in our cell phone conversation) that in order for him to get the third class F.C.C Broadcast License he and our long time friends Hank Luttrell and Richard Russell had make a eight hour round trip to downtown Chicago from Madison and take a several hour test in order to be a radio broadcaster. Interestingly enough the third class F.C.C Broadcast License in the mail a year later for just filling out an application.

But in any case, back to that icy morning thirty years ago when I said to Jim Cox shortly after he climbed down from scrapping the ice off the transmitter tower an as we were watching all tubes and dials warm up as we went though all the steps necessary to start transmitting, that we are doing that all over the world people would literally die to have a chance to do. That was, we had the right and the privilege to (with the exception perhaps of inciting a riot) say over the air pretty much what we wanted. That was a pretty big deal those thirty years ago -- and when it was a criminal offence to own a mimeograph machine in without a license in the former Soviet Union, and I bet one would not want to be caught with mimeograph in China even today, or just about any non-western European or mid-eastern nation even today.

I would also comment that local branch of American Nazi appeared on W.O.R.T about the same time. And many of we who were definitely leaning toward the left politically in those days found ourselves in the position of having to stand up for The Nazi’s constitutional right to be hateful
loud-mouth morons.

Last month I promised that I would included a sample of what I do academically in the form of a book review. Time is running short so I had better fess up.

Albert Speer’s Cathedral of Ice

In this short paper I will examine a brief moment in the life of Albert Speer (1905-81). Albert Speer was a major player in Hitler’s Third Reich before he was thirty, serving as Hitler’s chief architect in Nazi Germany from 1934 ? 1942 and minister of armaments from 1942 to 1945. In the autumn of 1945, with Germany defeated and in ruins, Albert Speer found himself on trial for his life as a one of the twenty-two major Nazi war criminals.

There is no need to establish Albert Speer’s guilt as a major Nazi war criminal or his complicity in The Holocaust. The historical record of this is established beyond any doubt by his conviction by The Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal in 1946. Speer, in his own words, escaped death by hanging by a single vote of the Tribunal. Rather, I will argue in the deepest philosophical sense that Albert Speer lived an exemplary life of bad faith.

My intent is to use Albert Speer’s creation of The Cathedral of Ice spectacle as a signifier for a repeated pattern of bad faith. exhibited in the ensuing half Century of his public life. Albert Speer created his Cathedral of Ice (light) special effects, which illuminated the nighttime sky, for the 1934 Nazi Nuremberg party rally. I will demonstrate that Speer knowingly used monumental special effects to conceal the seedy, almost tawdry, human weakness, fragility, and fear in those Nazis that actually performed (at least in the Nazi’s own terms) this ritual which came to be forever know as Cathedral of Ice (light)

To establish what I mean by bad faith I chose a classic definition established by Speer’s contemporary, the French existential philosopher and member of The French Resistance Jean Paul Sartre (1905-1980). In my opinion, the most appropriate summary of this concept was found at the Blue Pete website.

"The crucial concept in his diagnosis is that of self-deception or 'bad faith' (mauvaise foi). Bad faith is the attempt to escape anguish by pretending to ourselves that we are not free. We try to convince ourselves that our attitudes and actions are determined by our character, our situation, our role in life, or anything other than ourselves.

I will also draw some of my material from sociological and philosophical discourse, and some from critical theory. The question I pose in this paper is: in achieving this Cathedral of Ice special effect of seemingly removing the Nazis from what is human, seedy, tawdry, weak, and fragile, was Albert Speer complicit in separating the Nazis on a rank and file basis from their own humanity and in turn setting the stage for at least some of the evils that were to follow in The Holocaust. I will also suggest, by extension, that Albert Speer, in his autobiography Inside the Third Reich, was guilty through the use of highly sophisticated narratives strategies. Using these types of misdirection, he was able to gain a certain contemporary historically sympathy by presenting himself as the only Nazi only who took responsibility for his actions even from his victims.

In order to complete this task, I must use an interdisciplinary methodology, as I draw on film and literary narrative studies, and rely on certain close reading strategies we have put into practice elsewhere in this course. It is my hope to illuminate Albert Speer's apparent virtuosity first as Hitler's toady, then in avoiding the hangman, and finally convincing some of his victims, and their decedents, that he was somehow on a morally higher plane than Adolph Eichmann, for example, who Speer does not mention in Inside The Third Reich on a single page.

It is my sense of things that in the world of art and literature successful practice nearly always precedes theory. For example, Albert Speer never knew that he was at using narrative suture in both his visual Cathedral of Ice (1934) or thirty years later when he used it in literary narrative form to misdirect his auditors and remove responsibility from himself in his autobiography. In fact, I suspect he would have been appalled that he was making such effective use of anything based on the theories of the Jewish psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud (1859-1939). Following the Nazi German Anschluss, Freud fled Austria with his family with the financial help of his patient and friend Princess Marie Bonaparte, on June 4th, 1938.

I will readily agree that my use of narrative suture is by its nature summary but nevertheless useful in indicating how narrative structures and visual techniques in film may be used to control what the reader sees in a film, or most importantly, who and how they identify with characters in a narrative. In the Cathedral of Ice, Speer controls the crowd and what the crowd sees and remembers. He controls the British ambassador, and most importantly what the Newsreel cameras see by raising everything beyond human scale, by distancing those who are marching as an out of step mob away from the proximity of anyone who would recognize them for their human faults, almost in the same way that the child is the only one who sees though the emperors new clothes in the classic fairy tale.

However, this is not to argue that Speer created some irresistible force which transcended human will. American film maker Frank Capra (1897-1991) instantly recognized the Nazis for what they were and used some of same images to make the Nazis look ridiculous in the Why we fight film series. I only suggest this to indicate that it was not inevitable that one fall for Nazi imagery and pageantry, and to put such acts within the sphere of human responsibility and volition.

In my conclusion, I will turn to Albert Speer’s portrayal in the book Daily Life in The Holocaust by Eve Nussbaum, and Carol D. Schultz (1998) to indicate that Speer achieved a kind of savior-of the-good-Germany status even among Holocaust survivors by his narrative strategies of suture which he built up throughout his autobiography. (p. 287).

Albert Speer, who had admitted that the ties between him as armaments minister and the charges of slave labor were very strong, was given twenty years because of his apparent repentant attitude and his efforts to halt Hitler's scorched earth policy, designed to annihilate the rest of Germany, from taking effect. (Speer: Inside The Third Reich, 1970 Avon, p. 83).

Though the material cited is not present in my hardcover, American English, first edition, relating to the effort of (Albert Speers ) to halt Hitler’s scorched earth policy? It is however a recurrent theme in through the entirety of Inside The Third Reich as Speer plays a kind of cat and mouse game with his proximity from Hitler. So, or example, in Chapter 19: Second in Command, ? pp (267-277), Speer can boast about Hitler referring to Speer himself as second in command and yet in his conclusion, Chapter 35 Speer can write about the Nazi era and the Second World War as if it were some natural catastrophe in which technology simply outstripped human control Thus he can argue that he was a victim just as much as anything else. Yet elsewhere he is willing to take credit for greatly increasing Nazi war production, which of course prolonged the war and the operation of the death camps by several months. Speer thus demonstrates both that he did his job well and argues that he could do nothing else.

Appendix on Methodology

I have deliberately chosen a postmodern methodology in this paper which I hope it proves to be at least useful and informative at least to an extent. At the same time I wish to indicate that such a methodology is deficient in dealing with maters relating to the Holocaust because by its very nature it deconstructs, perhaps to the point of arguing that all values are radical and contingent including the value of human life.

However found as I did my supplemental reading for this project which involved reading most of the four following books. Admitting the Holocaust: Collected Essay’s Edited by Lawrence Langer, New York, Oxford University Press 1995. Documents On The Holocaust: Selected Essays on the Destruction of The Jews of Germany , Austria , Poland, and The Soviet Union Edited Eighth Edition, Edited by Yizahak Arad, Israel Gutman and Abraham Maragaliot. University of Nebraska Press, 1999.Ethics and extermination: Reflection on Nazi Genocide, by Michael Burleigh, Cambridge University Press, 1997. finally Daily Life during the Holocaust by Eve Nussbaum Soumerai, and Carol D. Schulz, Greenwood Press 1998 something else happened as a certain moral currency asserted itself in the text of these works as I read them on an individual and human level

What I mean by to show what I mean I will sight two examples first the historical event of death camp camp guards forcing inmates to throw their caps towards the fences of death camps past the deadlines, then forcing them to retrieve them, and the drawing some pleasure of nearly unimaginable perversion in shooting them as the try to comply.

The second thing I will take from this paper will change how I have constructed my world view nearly since my first memory when I heard my uncle Philip tell me about the concentration camps which he had witnessed as a combat infantry officer whose unit finished the war in Czechoslovakia when I was a little boy in the early 1950?s.

Turning to Eve Nussbaum, and Carol Schulz, report first hand in Chapter 25 pp. (291-297) of Daily Life during the Holocaust that the death camps and concentration camps became displaced person camps. According to a report sent by Earl Harrison Dean of The University of Pennsylvania Law School Earl Harrison to President Harry Truman, "We (The United States) appear to be treating the Jews in as the Nazi treated them except that we do not exterminate them" p 294.

I had always assumed that the camps were closed and aid relief was given, however it appears that even Jewish relief efforts were delayed until the fall of 1945 p. 295. This is the point at which most research papers indicate as sort of gesture that the fate of the camps and their inmates after WWII is an area in which more research needs to be done. Often this is a required trop of the timidity of academic discourse, however in this case I think it is a burning necessity.

I wish now that I would have spent more time analyzing the photographs that Speer has include in Inside The Third Reich. This became clear this morning as I discussed the my paper with my most resistant read, my wife who holds a doctorate in comparative literature from U.W Madison which she earned in 1992 I showed her the photograph of Speer facing 407 of the text and commented on how masterfully he had presented himself as a victim of some great historical and tragic event, particularly if one contrast this photograph will all the other ones presented on Speer’s monumental architecture and nearly half the other photo’s which put him very close and personal proximity to Hitler even at the earliest points of his career when he jumped on the Nazi bandwagon in his late twenties. My point in all this is that if we let him Speer lets us in show it all as he sees it and takes us in. My wife did not agree, she said all she saw was a tired old man who I could tell she felt some sympathy for. Speer was forty one year old when the photograph was taken and he had in fact taken her in. This is just how Speer wanted to be seen as moved from persecutor to share victim hood by construction of his presentation representation. I of course realize that one of my grounding assumptions in this take on Speer is, though he may not have been aware of every aspect of how he represented himself, it was after all his auto biography.

Phil Kaveny
Literary Editor

Klausner's Bookshelf
Storm
Bill Bright & Jack Cavanaugh
Howard Publishing Company
ISBN: 1582294933, $12.99, 368 pp.

In 1798 Yale College freshman Asa Rush is eager to attend classes since school president Timothy Dwight announced his intention to re-establish God in the campus including the curriculum. However, Asa’s first assignment is a stuttering humiliating debate with cocky senior student Eli Cooper. His spirits pick up again when he notices his sister’s friend Annabelle in his class. He finds her charming and attractive, but so does Eli. They compete for the love of Annabelle. President Dwight informs Asa that the lad has a calling from God to befriend Eli. Asa does not feel very Christian towards his rival, but knows he must try. Meanwhile, the election of 1800 between Adams and Jefferson is heating up the country with the latter’s supporters talking a second American Revolution if the former triumphs. As a Jeffersonian, Eli leads the local organized insurrection. However, a third force Scourge manipulates the Jeffersonian and the Federalists, pushing for a civil war. While both sides ready for war, with little hope for success except in his faith that God will show him the way, Asa tries to turn Eli away from hostilities by trying to lead his adversary to God. This is a superb inspirational historical political fiction story that grips the audience on several levels. The key to the fine tale is that the religious message of the Lord shapes individuals, groups of people, and nations, etc and is imbued inside the exciting plot without preaching. Instead readers obtain a powerful gaze at America at the end of the eighteenth century as the Jeffersonians and Federalists battle for control during a pre-Darwinian era when faith in God is being shook by philosophy during the Age of Reason.

The Once and Future Con
Peter Guttridge
Speck Press
P. O. Box 102004, Denver, Co. 80250
ISBN: 1933108061, $14.00

Nick Madrid returns to his college for the first time in about fifteen years to attend a reunion at Oxford. He meets his college girlfriend Faye, who apparently married his rival for her affection back then, Jonathan Askwith. The hostilities between Nick and Jonathan remain high. However, Nick is not interested in rekindling the fire with Faye; instead he wants to light a new one with Genevra Wynn, a friend of his pal Bridget Frost though in her heels she stands at least two inches taller than Nick’s 6’4”. Bridget apparently likes Genevra’s brother Rex. Genevra invites Nick and Bridget to join their company by publicizing their discovery of King Arthur's grave site at what they are converting into Avalon Theme Park to make lots of money since heritage is in. As he considers the venture Nick has doubts, but agrees to at least look at their Camelot. He also learns that his enemy Jonathan drowned in his own puke in the chapel apparently too drunk to move. Nick travels to the site, but instead of chivalry, he soon finds sexual taboos as the norm and a serial killer eliminating the competition. The humor in this you can’t go home Madrid mystery is less than in his previous appearances as this is more personal than ever; Nick is stunned with a revelation about a fifteen year old son of Faye, sexual misconduct with incest and adultery flowing free, and the homicides. The story line is action-packed once Nick journeys to Avalon and never slows down until the final con is confronted. Fans of the series will enjoy the journalist’s latest investigative tale.

Cripple Creek
James Sallis
Walker
ISBN: 0802733824, $23.00, 208 pp.

Turner tries for what seems to him the umpteenth time to start over; this time he is a deputy sheriff in Cripple Creek, Tennessee. The small town near Memphis has little crime so he expects to “heal” again this time from the CYPRESS GROVE investigation. However, perhaps Turner is a magnet for trouble as his boss Sheriff Don Lee arrests Judd Kurtz on a DUI charge only to find, $200,000 in a gym bag hidden in the trunk. Not waiting around, Kurtz with outsider muscle escapes from the Cripple Creek jail, leaving behind two critically wounded cops including Lee. Turner takes over and makes inquiries into Kurtz’s recent activities, which lead him to a coming home as he tracks Kurtz to organized crime centered in Memphis but moving concentrically out into the burbs. This tense tale is surprisingly enlivened by the insight into Turner, his banjo-picking girlfriend Val, and the Cripple Creek community as readers will contrast the normalcy of everyday life and relationships vs. the investigation. The little things like misdemeanors seem like pebbles to boulders when compared to the Kurtz case. Even the wild twisted ending that fans will reread several times to insure they got it adds to the analogies that showcase James Sallis at his best with Turner’s second thriller.

The American
Andrew Britton
Kensington
ISBN: 0758213336, $24.00, 384 pp.

Physically former US Army Special Forces Officer Jason March is as atypical of an al-Qaeda operative there is as for instance he has blond hair. However, he loathes the United States and is willing to do anything to destroy the country. Thus, with his western looks, he is the perfect insider recruit by the terrorist organization. Jason blows up a motorcade killing Senate Majority Leader Daniel Levy and several others in his retinue. Desperate to stop March from further assassinations, the CIA brings back former agent thirtyish Ryan Kealey to stop him. Ryan is the only known person to survive a March assault; on a Special Forces mission, the commanding officer March killed his entire team except Kealey, who he wounded but survived. Kealey teams up with CIA counterterrorism expert Naomi Kharmai who can provide insight into March’s “handlers”. However, March could not care less what bin Laden wants as he has his own personal agenda making him that much more dangerous than any outsider could be. Though many recent terrorism tales make Arab extremists the villains, THE AMERICAN provides a fresh perspective at least in terms of the killer, who would be like Oklahoma City bombers working for Al-Qaeda. Ryan is a retired champion brought back for one last gig though if it was anyone but March he would refuse; this one is personal to him; March is a brilliant sociopath with a grudge; finally Naomi is a throw away who brings unneeded sexual tension disguised as “expertise” to the cat and mouse tale. Though the story line quickly turns into the typical high noon between the good guy (our side of course) and the bad guy (Al-Qaeda’s side), Andrew Britton provides an exciting thriller.

Moving Is Murder
Sara Rosett
Kensington
ISBN: 0758213360, $22.00, 272 pp.

Ellie and her husband Mitch have moved four times in five years because of his assignments. His latest duty station as a member of the 52nd Air Refueling Squadron is at Greenley Air Force Base in Vernon, Washington where they accept off-post housing. They don’t know that many of those stationed at Greenley live in their neighborhood. Almost against her will, Ellie becomes involved in the activities of her neighbors that include the monthly coffee sessions, yard sales, and barbeques. At a barbeque Ellie witnesses an argument between Cass and her husband’s pal Jeff. When Ellie leaves she notices Cass outside her vehicle dead from repeated wasp stings. Ellie soon proves that Cass was murdered by someone who planted a cup of sugar and wasps inside her car. Not long afterward someone searches Cass’ house and subsequently Ellie’s abode. Two other suspicious deaths happen that Ellie believes are linked with that of Cass. She determinedly sets out to uncover the culprit before she becomes victim number four. Readers initially obtain a look at the difficulty facing our military and their spouses even within the States as they move to new assignments. That quickly twists into an intriguing amateur sleuth tale yet keeps that glimpse at the military family lifestyle. Ellie suspects everyone in her neighborhood as the potential killer, which makes it impossible for the audience to guess who the culprit is. Still the courageous heroine tries to connect the dots and find the killer before she or others become the next victim. Readers will salute Sara Rosett’s fine mystery that sheds light on military life with the hopes that more such tales starring Ellie and her neighbors come soon.

Undressing Mercy
Deanna Lee
Kensington Aphrodisia
ISBN: 075821488X, $12.95

In Boston, assistant director at the Holman Gallery, Mercy Rothell wants to showcase and sell the erotic work of renowned sculptor Shamus Montgomery. The famous artist agrees with one stipulation or the deal is off. Mercy must pose naked for a work he wants to do. Mercy wants to say no though she finds Shamus hot and would not mind lying naked with him also sans clothing. However, she reluctantly accepts his terms. As he works his magic, Mercy dreams of his hands working her into an ardent frenzy instead of his sculpture. He desires her as much as he finds a need to knead the real thing. Both begin to think in terms of one statue on display for them to see only in their boudoir. Readers who appreciate heated contemporary romances will enjoy Deanna Lee’s fine tale UNDRESSING MERCY. Shamus is a hunk who knows what he wants, which is simply to have Mercy. She is the more complex character as she does not trust men since the Jeff King rape and her observations of her male boss using his position of power to manipulate women. She sees a shrink to help her cope with the nightmares. Now Shamus is using the show to his advantage, which makes her want to classify him with the other male rats. UNDRESSING MERCY will prove difficult, but Shamus believes the prize is worth the quest.

Body Heat
Katherine Garbera
Kensington Brava
ISBN: 0758212410, $14.00

Fire Chief Andi O’Rourke is considered by her town and her crew a great firefighter and even better supervisor. Used to being around firefighters as that has always been the family business, she is not afraid to direct her staff and does so with a passion for the job. However, her personal life is a zero. She is clueless when it comes to the opposite sex as she has always been accepted as one of the guys. That is to everyone except fire investigator Tucker Fields who dreams of making it with Andi as he sees her as a great firefighter but also a desirable woman, not one of the guys. He has Andi pondering if it is okay to be a competent firefighting sexy woman that is when she does not fear her feelings for him. As they work closely together, Tucker wants to set the night on fire with Andi, who he believes can be his peer on the job and his lover forever. The lead duet make this firefighting romance hot and fun as Tucker tries to persuade Andi that she can be a desirable woman and a competent firefighter. The story line is driven by this pair as they work undercover and he wants to go under the covers with his beloved. Though both are professionals, the arson investigation takes a back seat to the BODY HEAT generated between Tucker and Andi.

Mardi Gras Mambo
Greg Herren
Kensington
ISBN: 0758208308, $14.00, 304 pp.

In New Orleans, former b-dancer turned private investigator Scotty Bradley returns home at daybreak after a wild night of advance celebrating of Mardi Gras. However, instead of hitting the sack to prepare for Carnival fun with his two boyfriends Frank Sobieski and Colin Cioni, two detectives interrogate Scotty re his being seen in the French Quarter with Russian emigre Misha Saltikov, the source of the sleuth’s illegal drug usage. Not long after they were seen talking, someone killed Misha. Though he prefers to stay out of the police investigation, Scotty begins making his own inquiries using underground links that would never talk to a cop. To his shock, Scotty finds his own zany relatives are somehow involved as well some odd Russians who might be Mafioso. At the same time he conducts his investigation, his affairs with Frank and Colin abruptly collapses when the former is abducted and the latter vanishes without a trace leaving Scotty with a second and perhaps third personal case to deal with that is if nothing ties together and so far nothing has. In his third appearance (see BOURBON STREET BLUES and JACKSON SQUARE JAZZ), Scotty is at his beleaguered best coping poorly with cops suspecting him in a drug deal turned bad and even worse with his lovers gone. The investigation is terrific as the hero pays homage to the city he cherishes while trying to prove his innocence, save his lovers, and celebrate Fat Tuesday. MARDI GRAS MUMBO is a fabulous gay Noir.

Thrilled to Death
Jennifer Apodaca
Kensington
ISBN: 0758209886, $22.00

Samantha Shaw, owner of Heart Mates dating service, and her boyfriend former cop turned private investigator Gabe Pulizzi tear down the walls that separate their businesses as he mentors her so that she can legally work his cases. However, her next investigation does not come from her teacher, but from her grandfather, Barney Webb, accused by acclaimed magician Shane Masters of hiring someone to kill him. Shane was once a magician’s apprentice learning the trade under Barney before becoming a traitor to his profession, exposing the master tricks of other magicians. He comes to Lake Elsinore to perform his latest “debunking,” that of his former lover Nikki Eden. Attending his performance is many who loath him and that includes Nikki and other students of Barney. All share in the belief that the world would be a better place if Shane was dead. One takes the wishes to heart killing Shane. While family troubles explode for Sam and Gabe, Detective Logan Vance follows up on Shane’s accusation that Barney arranged the homicide; Sam figures she better prove her grandfather did not commit the homicide; someone else she probably knows rather well possibly did the deed. Sam has come a long way from NINJA SOCCER MOMS and it shows in this tale as she still errs, but moves on with confidence in her self; she knows what she wants and she goes out to get it. Solving the case of the dead magician proves difficult because the prime suspects besides being friends are expert sleight of the hand illusionists so red herrings abound. This is a fantastic entry as Sam hopes to soon practice under her license not that of her lover.

Sexy Beast
Kate Douglas, Noelle Mack & Vivi Anna
Kensington Aphrodisia
ISBN: 0758214855, $12.95

“Chanku Rising” by Kate Douglas. Xandi and Stefan, and Keisha and Anton are shapeshifter couples whose euphoric lovemaking humans can only dream of achieving occasionally. However an outsider Carl Burns has learned the ecstatic truth about them and seeks proof by stalking Xandi, threatening to expose her and her clan unless the quartet can find a means to stop him. “Tiger, Tiger” by Noelle Mack. In the Tibetan Himalayas, were-snow tiger Jack wants the courageous female climber Dani that he rescues as his. However, though the beast “lures” the beauty into his lair, he wonders how to persuade her that he is the only man for her. “Night of the Jaguar” by Vivi Anna. Ecstatic about her journey, Myra travels to the Amazon, but her dream turns nightmarish when she is hurt with no one around for miles to help her. In her fever dreams she sees a were-jaguar rescue her. When Myra regains consciousness she finds herself safe and craving to claw every inch of the body and soul of her rescuer Xalvador. These three exhilaratingly heated supernatural romances star were-hunks coming to the rescue of females in trouble.

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Lorraine Heath, Georgina Gentry & Teresa Bodwell
Kensington
ISBN: 0758213018, $12.95, 288 pp.

“The Great Cowboy Race” by Georgina Gentry. In 1893 desperate Bostonian Henrietta Jennings travels to Chadron, Nebraska to obtain the help of a father she never met; however, she learns that tough old Henry is not at his ranch, but instead in Omaha. In dire straits hiding from her mother who demands she marry a prominent Brahmin, she darns the disguise of a boy and enters a horse race to Chicago thinking that Pinkerton would seek a female easterner. Though the trail proves dangerous she adapts except for her desire for her toughest opponent, Comanche Jones. “Whispering by Moonlight” by Teresa Bodwell. In 1862 Isabelle Milton finds herself broke working part-time in a saloon that does not need her help in Hell Gate, Washington Territory. Lucas Warring enters the saloon looking for his wastrel brother Matt, but learns his sibling has run off with miners. The saloonkeeper and his wife, the Havermans, persuade Lucas to take Isabelle to his ranch as a cook. As the northwest suffers from a frozen winter, they fall in love while learning how to stay warm. “The Reluctant Hero” by Lorraine Heath. In 1884 Gallant, Texas, dime novelist Andrea Jackson chooses Sheriff Matthew Knight as her next hero. However, he refuses to talk about his escapades to The Lone Star Lily author. Desperate, Andrea decides to seduce the scowl off his face, and the words from his brain, but he persists in saying he is no hero as he has a debt to pay off. These are three great western romances starring brave somewhat desperate females and strong men who melt when their ladies turn up the heat.

Ladies Courting Trouble
Dolores Stewart Riccio
Kensington
ISBN: 0758209878, $14.00, 320 pp.

In Plymouth, Massachusetts, Wicca practitioner Cass Shipton gives talk on the origins of Halloween to the Garden of Gethsemane Ladies League members; afterward everyone nibbled on the food, but soon complain of stomach problems. Cass though feeling ill realizes the bitter aftertaste in the brownies was hemlock. One attendee, chocoholic Lydia Craig died from the poisoning; no one knows who provided the brownies. After a stomach pump and finally recovering, Cass attends the Kitchen Magic cooking show on South Shore TV Access when once again the participants are poisoned this time from pumpkin cranberry bread; Cass still not having her stomach fully back did not partake of the poisoned food. While Detectives Stern and Mann struggle with the case and Cass’ lover is with Greenpeace in Florida and Greece, Cass and her circle of friends begin using their otherworldly powers as well as inductive reasoning to ferret out a killer even as they wonder if the motive had something to do with Lydia’s strange will. The fourth Circle of Five paranormal mystery is a lighthearted charming cozy that sub-genre readers will appreciate due to the solid cast that make believers out of even skeptical readers. The investigation is cleverly developed on two fronts with Cass at the point of both, though predominantly through the psychic abilities of the Circle members. The likable cast makes for a fine who-done-it, Wiccan-style; newcomers will feel the spell to seek out the previous three Cass and company capers while fans of the series will once again taste the magic.

When You Love Someone
Susan Johnson
Kensington Brava
ISBN: 1575668114, $15.00

In 1788, as a vicar’s daughter, Elspeth understands the sanctity of her wedding vows though she detests her marriage to elderly cold-hearted Lord Grafton who had two previous wives. Gossip amidst the Ton insists she is still a virgin six months after they exchanged I Do’s as she allegedly sent him into a fit of apoplexy that has left him confined to a Bath chair. She wonders if she did the right thing when she agreed to marry lecherous “Old Hellfire”, but did so with her parents dead so that her brother could gain a military commission. While she suffers with Grafton as a watchdog companion, her sibling serves in India. Marquis Julius D’Abernon hears the rumors of Elspeth’s virginity that between her and her husband they guard as precious cargo. He decides that she is just the challenge he needs to get over his current boredom that has even the Tatler wondering what happened to their top juicy scandal maker. Julius begins his seduction campaign one kiss at a time. However, as he opens her senses to the sensations of lovemaking, he finds he is seduced by the virgin but he only obtains temporary respites from his needs for her. He becomes bolder and she increasingly brazen because it is strange what love can make people do. This is a terrific erotic Regency romance starring a likable heroine who turns from being depressed to euphoric due to the antics of hedonist turned adoring lover Julius. Old Hellfire lives up to his name so few will be upset when the lead couple cuckolds him (mindful of one of the Canterbury Tales). Fans will appreciate this fine historical romance and root for the lead pair to come together permanently.

Criss Cross
Evie Rhodes
Kensington Dafina
ISBN: 0758208723, $14.00

Thirtyish Newark Homicide Detective Micah Jordan-Wells is considered the best at catching killers due to his ability to understand how they think. His latest triumph is the stopping of David Edward Stokes, better known as the serial killer Silky who terrorized the females of the city. However, not long afterward, as Micah gains celebrity status thanks to local TV news and the Newark Star-Ledger, someone begins killing little boys using the same MO that Silky used to kill women. Micah, his partner Nugent “Nuggie” Lewis and their superior John “Wolfgang” Morrison work on the case. However the evidence strongly points to Micah leaving his teammates to wonder if he got into one sociopath’s head too many. The beleaguered bewildered cop will soon learn why he is so good at tracking down killers and why he hesitates to propose to Raven, who he loves even while those who once trusted him wonder if he has lost it. CRISS CROSS is a superb police procedural that uses paranormal elements to enhance a terrific whodunit. The action-packed story line focuses on a hero under siege from forces he does not comprehend as not only is someone inside his head setting him up but his friends and his beloved Raven begin to worry that he has gone over the edge. Evie Rhodes provides a strong thriller with just the right amount of the mystical to turn her novel into a strong unique thriller.

Double Life
Tyrone Wallace
Life Changing Books
P.O Box 423, Brandywine, MD, 20613
ISBN: 0974139416, $15.00

Only twenty-two and already his reputation as the stick up kid Supreme is known throughout Brooklyn, but that is not good because the streets have become wary of him. Supreme realizes he must relocate and start over; so after one last job to provide transportation and a stake, he flies to Washington D.C. leaving behind his car and gun as he has to leave town fast after his last job goes slightly awry. At a Days Inn his cabby took him to, Supreme meets exotic dancer Glory and her pal Pam for an introduction to a DC menage a trois. Soon Glory introduces Supreme to her brother Unique, who after a time in prison is rebuilding his drug trafficking business and could use a smart street hustler. Others do not want him back in the game; some because they have taken over while he hibernated in prison and some because they want him to go straight. However, what brings everything to a head is Supreme’s DOUBLE LIFE; he works for Unique but remains addicted to robbery as he steals from the wrong man. Soon everyone will collide in a final confrontation. DOUBLE LIFE is an action-packed urban thriller that brings the mean streets to life through a strong cast. The one sitting fast paced tale grips readers as characters like Supreme, his ”Ma” Glory, Unique, and others seem genuine so that the audience feels as if they not only know them they are walking on the edge of DC with them. Tyrone Wallace definitely did it providing a powerful superb story that takers who appreciate a unique tense look at street life will demand more from this giver.

Blood's Burden
Alex Matthews
Intrigue Press / Earth Publishing
923 Williamson St, Madison, Wi. 53703
ISBN: 1890768642, $24.00, 272 pp.

Psychotherapist Cassidy McCabe and her husband investigative reporter Zach Moran meet Kit, the live in lover of his son, college sophomore Bryce, and are not very impressed with her cavalier attitude. In fact Cass thinks to herself that Bryce needs a hormone suppressant so that he can dump the flitting Kit by using his right head. A few days later, Bryce calls hysterically from his Chicago townhouse that Kit is dead shot in the head. The police feel this is a crime of passion and the evidence points towards Bryce, who is arrested quickly after the homicide is discovered by the police. Though even Zach believes his son killed Kit, Cass thinks otherwise. She quickly learns that the "drama queen" was pregnant and had at least two other lovers. However, as she searches for information involving the other life of Kit, someone blows up Bryce’s car leading the amateur sleuth to believe that the assailant targets the elimination of those who know what he or she wants hidden. The latest Cassidy McCabe thriller is a terrific amateur sleuth tale in which this time the investigation is personal. As always, Cass’ asides to the audience enable readers to know what she is thinking especially as she takes risks that place her and Zach in danger. The who-done-it is cleverly devised so that readers begin to agree with Zach that his son killed his lover; only Cass believes otherwise because she feels Bryce is unable to commit homicide especially if he knew Kit was pregnant. Her efforts to prove her theory correct make for an exhilarating mystery that will send newcomers seeking the seven previous Cass capers (see THE WEDDING WIDOW).

Beautiful Lies
Lisa Unger
Shaye Areheart (Crown)
ISBN: 0307336689, $24.00

Thirtyish Ridley Jones tries to grab a taxi when she notices the toddler heading into the street with a vehicle coming towards the boy. Without a thought for her own safety, Ridley rushes to the rescue of the infant. Her courageous act saves the lad’s life and makes her a heroine with her picture on the front page of the New York papers. Not long afterward, Ridley receives an envelop in the mail with no return address. Inside is an old fading photograph of a man who she does not recognize, a woman who looks vaguely familiar, and a little girl. The only note hauntingly asks "Are you my daughter?" Her parents vehemently insist she has been their child since birth, but her new neighbor Jake has some doubts about their veracity. She needs to know the truth, but everyone she thought she knew from her parents, to her addicted brother; to her pediatrician and finally those defending her uncle’s heritage of safe houses for abused women and children want her to stop her quest. Her only apparent ally Jake has an agenda too, but that changes when they begin to find a nightmarish undercurrent to Uncle Max’s legacy. BEAUTIFUL LIES is a powerful look at what on the surface seems like kindhearted gestures to help the downtrodden, but instead hides a dark undercurrent. The story line is action-packed yet character driven as Ridley quests to learn the truth, but each step of the way finds her increasingly distrusting those she cherished and entrusted her life with. Lisa Unger writes a dark tale of a woman finding her “heritage” is not quite what everyone she loved has painted.

Lost
Michael Robotham
Doubleday
ISBN: 0385508662, $24.95

From the moment Detective Inspector Vincent Ruiz was fished out of the Thames he knew he was in trouble as he has no memory how he got there or how he was shot in the leg. Adding to his woes is that a drifting nearby boat contains his blood and that of three other people. The Met’s Anti-Corruption Group, fondly disdained by other cops as the Ghost Squad, John Keebal assumes that Ruiz is using amnesia to cover up wrong doing including murder and plans to break the DI. Meanwhile friend clinical psychologist Professor Joseph O'Loughlin shows Ruiz a picture of seven years old Mickey Carlyle that the beleaguered cop had on him; Mickey, daughter of Russian crime lord Aleksei Kuznet, was kidnapped three years ago and general wisdom is she is dead, but the amnesiac thinks otherwise. Though still injured, Ruiz and his partner, Detective Constable Alisha “Ali” Kauer Barba, begin to retrace what he LOST. This powerful gritty police procedural grips the audience from the moment that Ruiz introduces Maggie the nurse to Johnnie One-Eye in the hospital and never slows down as he tracks his path with his Sikh partner to two diverse nasty scenarios. The investigative story line is dark and gloomy though superbly written with a shrewd counterpace in the hero’s personal relationships with for instance his friendship with Joe, a Parkinson’s victim. The return of some of the cast including Joe and Vincent from SUSPECT add to the fun time readers will have with this taut thriller.

The Stolen Child
Keith Donohue
Doubleday
ISBN: 0385516169, $23.95

Mischievous hobgoblins (an oxymoron) abduct seven years old Henry Day and replace him with an identically looking doppelganger. Over time the human Henry adapts to living with the hobgoblins though he notices major differences between him and his “family” for instance unlike him, they never seem to get older or wiser. The replacement Hobgoblin Henry uses his skills of a copy cat to create a successful musical career stealing the sound from talented humans; he too has adjusted to being a human life. Still over the years the two Henrys consistently feel out of place in their respective world, and that sense of not belonging grows even as they adjust to their environs. Neither can hold a relationship for even a small time period as their alienation widens. Soon each looks back to their early childhood to try to learn why they feel like such an outsider, but their memories are murky at best and seem impossible to have been real. Impossible that is until decades later when Henry meets Henry. Though a fantasy, THE STOLEN CHILD is more a deep character study that digs inside the souls (can a hobgoblin have a soul?) of two individuals who have always felt estranged and unhappy with their respective lives as neither believe they belong. The story line cleverly rotates between the Henrys over the years with each passing chapter in their lives just compounding the sentiment of alienation with those around them. Fans will appreciate this powerful yet low keyed (at least the paranormal elements) tale star strangers in a strange land though each has grown up as part of the landscape.

The Death of Achilles
Boris Akunin
Random House
ISBN: 0812968808, $12.95

Renowned Russian war hero General Sobolev is found dead in his room at Moscow’s Dusseaux Hotel, a victim of a heart attack. Prince Fandorin, just back from six years of diplomatic duty in Japan to take the job of Deputy for Special Assignments, is stunned to learn of the death of his friend. Even more shocking is that he learns that the “Russian Achilles” as the General was affectionately known had not died in the room where the body was found and he was in the throes of passion so had not been alone. Fandorin obtains reluctant permission from his superior the Governor of Moscow Prince Vladimir Andreevich Dolgoruski to investigate. With his Japanese manservant Maso assisting him, Fandorin makes inquires into the final days of his mentor only to find himself pitted against a diabolical opponent with no scruples and the strong backing of the leaderships of government, the military and the underworld to stonewall him. THE DEATH OF ACHILLES is a fabulous Russian historical police procedural that besides entertaining the reader will stun fans as the key viewpoint shifts from Fandorin to the killer about half way into the exciting story line. The mystery is first rate, the deep look at late nineteenth century Moscow is superb, Fandorin is his usual amusing aside self and the killer first rate. The translation of Boris Akunin’s excellent thriller is a winner.

The Last Full Measure
Hal Glatzer
Perseverance Press
P.O. Box 2790, McKinleyville, CA 95519
ISBN: 1880284847, $13.95, 296 pp.

Swing musician Katy Green is going from job to job in November of 1941 in New York City and surrounding areas to make ends meet since musicians are paid poorly when a phone call has her traveling to California. Her friends, who she played with in a band last year, want her to join them on a well paying gig on the Lurline sailing to Hawaii with a possibility of further employment with the cruise line. When she arrives in San Francisco she meets the lead singer, Hawaiian Roselani Akau. When the band boards the ship Katy learns that the band wants her to join them to look for treasure on the Big Island. Also on board the ship is Roselani’s brother Bill who wants to get to the treasure first. While Katy ponders what to do about the treasure hunt, she stumbles over the murdered body of Bill. With anti-Japanese sentiment running high, one of the Japanese crew is arrested for the homicide. Katy doesn’t think he’s guilty and after she deals with the treasure hunt, she intends to look for clues that will exonerate the jailed man not realizing that she is putting her life in danger. Readers gain a different viewpoint on the events leading to the war in the Pacific as American imperialism and manifest destiny are seen through the eyes of a pure blooded Hawaiian who worries that her people will become assimilated. The feelings towards the Japanese, even those who are second generation Hawaiian citizens shows the fear and hatred that existed towards them prior to Pearl Harbor. Besides being an excellent atmospheric historical novel the mystery is brilliantly crafted with the killer hidden in plain sight.

Face Down Besides St. Anne’s Well
Kathy Lynn Emerson
Perseverance Press
ISBN: 1880284820, $13.95, 240 pp.

Three young ladies sneak out of Bawkenstanes Manor at night to go skinny dipping in a building that contains thermal baths. Madame Louise Poitier, a working gentlewoman to Lady Bridget of Bawkenstanes, discovers them. Instead of escorting them home, she tells them to leave before she meets with an intelligence gatherer concerning a plot to free Mary Queen of Scots from imprisonment. The next day Louise is found dead FACE DOWN BESIDES ST. ANNE’S WELL. The coroner rules the death was an accident, but one of the girls Rosamond Appleton, heir of Lady Susanna Appleton, thinks otherwise. Susanna learns of Rosamond’s suspicion that murder occurred so she travels Bawkenstanes to see if there is any truth to her foster daughter’s belief. She finds ample evidence that Louise was in deed murdered and is surprised to see Annabel Mac Reynolds there as she knew her when he was an intelligence gatherer for Catherine De Medici. These women accompanied by Rosamond’s biological mother Eleanor team up to try to find a killer and find out how it relates to the imprisoned queen. A Lady Appleton mystery is a very special treat and the latest book in the series is no exception. Elizabethan England comes alive due to the vivid descriptions and historical tidbits interwoven into the plot. Readers can picture the manor houses and upper class lifestyle. Kathy Lynn Emerson encourages the audience to try to solve the who-done-it because the puzzle is fascinating with plenty of suspects containing viable motives. Historical mystery is at its best with Lady Appleton’s superb caper.

Snake Eye
William C. Dietz
I Books
24 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10010
ISBN: 1596873574, $21.95, 232 pp.

In a takedown of eco terrorists who had already killed many FBI agents, Christine Rossi was the one who killed many of them as they were preparing to do more damage. It was a righteous bust and the media made her a heroine which caused the powers that be to transfer her to a new assignment. Their superiors want her to work on a task force aimed at bringing snake heads (human smugglers) Sam Chow and his son Joe down. They have new way of smuggling human cargo into the United States and everyone wants to know how it is done because if they can successfully bring them in, they can bring in terrorists on the same route. Although Rossi is fascinated with the eco-terrorists, they aren’t fascinated with her. The leader wants her dead for billing her cell and hires an assassin to do it. Joe Chow also wants Rossi dead for her role in making him go on the run after he committed a killing. Rossi finds herself and her daughter in trouble and her only hope comes with a man she thought she could love, a man she told to get lost because he worked with people team she wanted nothing to do with even though she knows he cared for her. Readers get an insightful look into the life of an FBI agent, a woman who lost her husband in a divorce and her daughter because she wasn’t home for days at a time. In spite of that setback, the heroine believes she is doing something worthwhile with her life and is proud to be an agent. This is a mind blowing action thriller that readers will become absorbed from the first chapter to the last page wanting and needing to know how the storyline ends.

Winterhaven Solution
Beth Asher
I Books
24 W.25th St, New Yok, Ny. 10010
ISBN: 1596871547, $22.95

In Los Angeles Miriam Benjamin is getting married. She wants her sister twenty-two year old concert pianist Rebecca Benjamin and her grandmother Lilli to attend her big day so she sends to them and the long term family retainer Herta tickets to fly in from Vienna. As they prepare to go they observe Neo-Nazis deface the entrance to the Freud Museum. In Los Angeles, a Neo-Nazis group leader octogenarian Magnus Von Winter has plans for a fourth Reich. Perhaps the last living survivor of Hitler’s inner circle, he envisions his son Bruno as the Fuehrer of the United States. His plans include using Miriam as the next step in his the WINTERHAVEN SOLUTION where his followers will soon kill all the Jews in the United States. They have started with a rabbi at a gravesite in Staten Island and now with Miriam. Rebecca’s still has hopes to rescue her sister but time is running out for Miriam. She needs a professional to help her and Horne, who knows first hand the atrocities of war even in a good cause, reluctantly agrees to help the distraught yet haughty Austrian. This is a terrific thriller that paints a gloomy cold background that fits so well in this tense drama. The action-packed story line grips the audience with dread as slowly the WINTERHAVEN SOLUTION starts to focus on the rabbi buried alive at the cemetery and the abduction of Miriam. Rebecca is a fabulous protagonist, who turns into an annoying fly gumming up the diabolical seemingly smooth Neo-Nazi plan with her need to know who and why. Coupled with the battle fatigue syndrome Horne, they make a formidable team as they skirmish with Magnus and his minions in Beth Asher’s excellent thriller.

I Am So Jinxed
Naomi Nash
Smooch (Dorchester)
ISBN: 0843954051, $5.99

Fillmore High School student slick chick Vick is dating hot Gio Carson, but has a new problem to deal with. Last years she was the queen of freaks, but for some weird reason only teens could understand, the in-crowd and other groups want her to join them. Miss congeniality is not her strong suit so popularity be damned Vick is quick to want to return to freak status except that would mean no Gio. Still she figures she could cope if Vice Principal Oostergard would chill and leave her alone instead of nagging her so that she could go back to coasting. New trouble arises when Vick thinks Gio is pulling crap and seeing other girls. She, in turn, meets a new hunk Tyler while her dad is acting weird. Vick knows that she must pull some rabbits out of the hat if she is to get things back to normal, whatever that is when you live in a jinxed world. This superb teenage character study grips the audience because Vick (not Vickie) seems real with her troubles at school, on the street, and at home threatening to overwhelm her. The support cast brings out the best and the worst in Vick as she struggles to gain some equilibrium while her popularity soars amidst her peers, but also causes her woes with adults and her boyfriend. Yong adult readers will fully enjoy this deep look at a high school student who just wants to coast not get involved, but when you’re jinxed you are the center of involvement. Ferris move over.

Getting Old Is the Best Revenge
Rita Lakin
Dell
ISBN: 0440242592, $6.99, 352 pp.

When seventy-five year old Gladdy Gold reported that she thought a murder took place the police basically patted her on the head and then ignored her. She and her five friends not only proved a homicide occurred, they proceeded to find the killer (see GETTING OLD IS MURDER). Realizing that senior citizens are invisible to much of the population, Gladdy and her friends formed the Gladdy Gold Detective Agency. In the Fort Lauderdale condo community where they all live, business is brisk as they are hired to find a peeping tom flasher who showed his thingamajig to many of the condo’s women. They are also hired by eighty something Angelina Siciliano to prove her eighty-five year old husband is cheating on her. They take the case and find out something that makes her client and her husband very happy. Listening to the news, Gladdy notices an heiress each week for the last three weeks have had heart attacks and died. She finds that very suspicious. On a Bingo and Bridge cruise Gladdy takes with her group, a wealthy woman is almost killed. Gladdy thinks this attempted murder is linked to the other deaths and with her friends sets out to prove it. Readers who believe life slows down after seventy don’t know Gladdy and her friends. They have more energy then many people in their forties as they live life to the fullest, going places and working as detectives. This is a cleverly thought out mystery and readers will not be able to figure out how the deaths and old murders are linked until the author chooses to reveal it. This senior citizen chick lit cozy is a funny yet exciting geriatric mystery.

Channeling Biker Bob
Nik C. Colyer
Henrioulle Publishing Group
hpg @ ncws.com
ISBN: 0970816308, $13.95

In California, it started as a dream that seemed very real to Stewart Chance, but he soon wonders if it really happened. Biker Bob chooses to make over the slighted Stewart Chance from quiet wimp into biking hunk. Though a spirit with cycling prowess, Biker Bob knows his work is cut out for him as the chosen one was never on a bike before he gave him a ride. Stewart is a computer nerd whose wife Renee scorns and derides him while his teenage children think he is a loser. The goal is to teach Stewart to ride a bike, not fear his dictatorial boss, put his kids in their proper place, and ultimately tame the shrew. Since the “dream” ride on a Harley-Davidson, Stewart has begun to change. He takes chances that he never would have before as he begins to show the inner “Heart of a Warrior” with Biker Bob, real or not, to guide him. Even Renee the shrew begins to respect her man. This is an odd tale that makes a case that the modern American male is an emaciated wimp who has lost his way due to the feminist movement (though the Global War Against terrorism would say otherwise). The story line is at its best when Stewart and or Biker Bob are riding; when Bob pontificates about how much maleness has been lost in recent years, the plot slows down. Though this tale is somewhat too relatively simplistic because it ignores different strokes for different folks, fans will appreciate this solid character study with its differing perspectives, leading to the audience pondering their relationships.

Blue Moon
Linda Windsor
WestBow
Thomas Nelson, Inc.
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
ISBN: 0785260641, $13.99

Twenty-six years old archeologist Dr. Jeanne Madison believes she knows where the eighteenth century Spanish galleon Luna Azul sunk off the Mexican coast during a storm. With her mentor Dr. Remy Primston they hire marine biologist Captain Gabe Avery to take the two marine archeologists to the locale. Though Gabe has strong references including those of her overly protective brothers, Jeanne has doubts that he knows what he is doing though she admits to herself he is quite a hunk. Gabe has more doubts than Jeanne about the success of this sea venture. He has been betrayed before from so called friends plus the Pollyanna believer in God team leader looks too young to be a PH.D though he admits to himself he finds her fascinating and pretty. As they sail, Gabe realizes he wants her and not just for a sea cruise fling. He cannot abide her so called mentor who he feels holds her back. However, even worse in his eyes is her naive attitude towards a charming snake he once called pal; Gabe knows the rat is her rival who will steal the claim and the fame unless he and his crew give 200 % to the woman who inspires them to be more than they ever have been before. The third Moonstruck tale (see FIESTA MOON and PAPER MOON) is an enjoyable inspirational tale starring an idealist and a cynic falling in love while on a high seas adventure. The story line is action-packed yet the key cast makes for a fun time as readers will appreciate the antics and competition between the three men now in Jeanne’s life. As always Linda Windsor provides a strong thriller with interesting characters enhanced by an impervious belief in God.

When Crickets Cry
Charles Martin
WestBow
Thomas Nelson, Inc.
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
ISBN: 1595540547, $14.99

In Clayton, Georgia, Reese Mitchell prefers no emotional entanglements ever since his beloved Emma died. Reese is almost a hermit with only his brother-in-law partially allowed in his life. As he drinks coffee, fate will force his hand to decide whether to rejoin humanity. He had noticed seven-year-old Annie with scars on her chest selling lemonade at fifty cents a cup to raise the fifty thousand dollars she needs for a heart transplant. Her Aunt Cindy does not have the money needed for the surgery nor the will to continue as she is bone weary and her heart emotionally damaged. When Annie’s money is blown into the street, she steps out to retrieve it at the same time a bread truck comes from around the bend heading right at her. Reese risks his life to rescue the little girl. Annie will not let him leave and though he cannot say why she somehow has touched his heart. She takes him to meet Aunt Cindy. Will three people with broken hearts, two emotionally and one physically, find the hope for the future with each other or will Reese feel the drain is too much on him. Vividly described rural Georgia serves as a strong backdrop to a superb character study. WHEN CRICKETS CRY is a deep drama that enables the audience to especially understand the impact on loved ones when someone suffers from a potentially curable illness but lack the funds to do so. Charles Martin is at his best with this insightful family drama starring three terrific protagonists each suffering from traumas with the two females fully grasping that money matters when it comes to health.

Her Daddy’s Eyes
Gary E. Parker
Revell
ISBN: 0800731239, $11.99

Her wedding to nice Trey Thompson is less than a month away when Allie Wilson finds a “buried” picture of her father, who abandoned his daughter and his wife once he returned from Nam. Ignoring her mother’s plea to forget her dad and just marry the perfectly acceptable Trey, Allie considers searching for father to ask him why. Trey also wants her to forget this foolishness, but turning obstinate, Allie feels obsessed to meet her father. Her trek to find her father leads Allie to Chase Mason, who loves her dad as if he was his blood uncle. She soon believes his parents know the truth though they seem reluctant to tell her. Still she needs to know even as she is curious over Chase’s strong faith as she has had none since the dad she does not remember deserted her. Though Allie’s sudden obsession prompted by the old photo seems off kilter for her at this juncture in her life, readers will enjoy her desire to search for her paternal roots and an even greater need to find a reason for being. The latter is what leads her initially to feel a fascination for Chase, who is a firm believer in God. Gary E. Parker avoids preaching as he portrays a coming of age tale starring a bewildered woman seeking allegedly her biological father, but really questing for something deeper and spiritual.

The Husband Trap
Tracy Anne Warren
Ivy
ISBN: 0345483081, $6.99, 384 pp.

It should be the happiest day of her life when Janette Violet Brantford marries the man she loves, Adrian Fitzhugh, the Duke of Raeburn. The problem is he thinks he is marrying her identical twin sister Jeanette Rose Brantford who was going to jilt him two hours before the wedding. Violet wasn’t about to let that happen because the money given to the Brantford family by the duke has already been spent to settle the gambling debts of the father and son. When they leave for their honeymoon in Dorset, Adrian notices his wife is quieter and more thoughtful than she usually is. He thought he would have to rein in her spirit because during their betrothal all she wanted to do was party. They settle into married life and Adrian falls in love with the woman he married which gladdens Violet who has to work at being flighty flirty. She also has to hide from him that she hates crowds, loves learning and wears glasses. She lives in fear that he will find out about her deception because she doesn’t know what his reaction will be once he gets over the initial shock. The plot device of twins switching identities has been used many times in romances but Tracy Anne Warren puts a fresh spin on an old cliche. She has the wrong twin already getting married when the action starts so readers know Violet as a married lady and have no understanding of what led up to the deception. Violet should have been honest with her husband though in fairness she feared the results, but continuing a pointless charade demeans her in the readers eyes. Still THE HUSBAND TRAP is an amusing Regency frolic.

The Sultan’s Seal
J. B. White
Norton
ISBN: 0393060993, $24.95

In 1886 as the Ottoman Empire shows signs of old age lethargy, the upper elite of society is a hodgepodge of British expatriates mingling with Turks. However, most natives of Istanbul are concerned with what is perceived the outrageous avante garde behavior of Englishwomen. Thus the Turks are not stunned to learn of the drowning death of and Englishwoman, imperial harem governess Mary Dixon, whose drugged body was found in the Bosphorus. Though she was considered reticent and no social butterfly; however, her home country expatriates are shocked as they felt they were superior to the masses and thus quite safe. . Magistrate Kamil Pasha leads the official investigation assisted by Jewish surgeon, Michel Sevy. Upon seeing the corpse, Michel says the victim was too healthy to have been an opium user; this she was murdered by drug poisoning. However, neither have access to the pillars of society especially females where the case leads. Thus the Magistrate enlists Sybil Hanoun, daughter of the British ambassador, to join his team. They soon find an apparent sexual link between the deceased and Jaanan, raped by the man chosen by her father as her husband and propositioned by the dead Mary. THE SULTAN’S SEAL is a terrific late nineteenth century police procedural that shines a deep light on Turkey at an interesting moment when the Ottoman Empire is starting to collapse. Though too many suspenseful sidebars causing some difficulty following the inquiries, the who-done-it is deftly developed so that the audience understands the societal pecking order, however takes a back seat to the rich historical tidbits. Fans who enjoy a lot of history in their mystery will want to read J.B. White’s fine tale.

The Selected Stories of Patricia Highsmith
Patricia Highsmith
Norton
ISBN: 0393327728, $17.95, 724 pp.

Known for her novels (see STRANGERS ON A TRAIN and THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY), the late Patricia Highsmith was also a fabulous short story writer with her myriad of tales containing suspense and believable protagonists even when the star or support cast is an animal. Until this anthology this reviewer had no idea how many and how good her shorts are. The collection is divided into five major segments filled with tension and in many cases dark humor. “The Animal Lover's Book of Beastly Murder” includes thirteen tales of angry animals demanding respect sometimes violently (ask that brave rat) from humans destroying their world. Section Two, “The Little Tales of Misogyny” contains seventeen tales of morality with choices not always being the high ground. Number three “Slowly, Slowly in the Wind” holds twelve more classical type horror/sci fi thrillers. “The Black House” compilation is eleven psychological haunted house tales with quite a human twist. Finally the last grouping, “Mermaids on the Golf Course” blends horror with loosely put romantic fantasy in eleven fine tales. THE SELECTED STORIES OF PATRICIA HIGHSMITH is a fantastic collection that showcases the depth of a great novelist to bring her trademark suspense to the short format.

Dragon’s Moon
Bent Lorentzen
Paladin Timeless Books, imprint of
Twilight Times Books
P O Box 3340, Kingsport TN 37664
ISBN: 1933353538, $14.95

In Nistala, the Waddler Dragon laid three eggs, but hatches four as a golden egg that she does not remember producing lies with the others. Three boys and a girl are born, but the one from the golden egg Farluna is different as this draggling has few scales on his body. The other young dragons torment and scorn the “ugly” one, who feels isolated and alone except for his mother. When his mother dies, the lonely one feels so forlorn he decides to kill himself by soaring to the end of the sky and then plunging straight down to his death. Instead of dying, he is rescued and escorted to Queen Nijameeno, who has numerous species of dragons residing in her humongous castle. The Queen tells the newcomer that he must seek his beauty in the treacherous northern mountains in the north accompanied by a Sprint Dragon to guide him. At Prince Rapazo's castle, they learn that the evil Ewot has recently killed a historian in his efforts to control more of the land. The dragon decides his destiny is to challenge and hopefully stop Ewot. This is a terrific young adult fantasy that starts off as a dragon version of the Ugly Duckling, but turns into a coming of age saga. The little ugly one is a fabulous protagonist whose feelings of rejection put him over the edge once grief adds to his misery. Interestingly his quest for beauty, which changes to his challenging the magically competent malevolent Ewot, gives him a reason to live. The support cast enhances a fine tale that children of all ages will want to trek alongside of Farluna in the land of Nistala.

Sister Chicas
Lisa Alvarado, Ann Hagman Cardinal and Jane Albereston Coralin
NAL
ISBN: 0451217705, $12.95, 288 pp.

Taina Moscoso, Graciela Villalobos, and Elena O’Malley-Diaz are young teens who meet once a week at El Rinconcito del Sabor restaurant to share their confidences with one another. They consider themselves the SISTER CHICAS. Taina hides much of her life from her family especially her overprotective mother who would have a heart attack if she knew about the weekly bus trip to meet with her “sisters” or her Jamaican artist boyfriend Yusef. Now she must choose to either let him escort her to her Sweet Fifteen gala and cause a family civil war or anger him by letting someone more acceptable do so. Grachi also has men problems as her best friend outside of the Sister Chicas Jack suddenly looks so fine. However, she fears if she acts like she wants him she could lose a close pal, but if she does not she could lose more. Leni has male issues too starting with her roots. However, it is Carlos the musician, whom she knows since she was six years old, who she suddenly sees in a different light that causes her the most consternation. The three SISTER CHICAS need each other to make sense of a world suddenly filled with testosterone that seems wonderful yet off kilter. Rotating perspective enables the reader to see the same incident from three different viewpoints. This technique works and adds to the teenage buddy tale so much so the audience wants to join the SISTER CHICAS exclusive club. The threesome is unique in their own ways though they share a strong friendship bond and have male woes. The addition of an ethnicity glossary augments the fun of a delightful teen sisterhood chick lit tale.

High School Bites
Liza Conrad
NAL
ISBN: 0451217527, $9.99

It started in high school student in English class when the teacher discussed Transylvania, Drac, etc. and now not long afterward Pacific Heights High School sophomore Lucy Hallenberg wears a cross, uses garlic perfume and avoids Seattle malls. On her sixteenth birthday, Lucy learns that all her female ancestors dating back to Bram Stoker are named after Lucy Barrows who rejected Dracula's spell; that is actor Henry Irving allegedly playing the role. Now real vamps want to destroy the "Lucys" by wrecking the life of the current one though she needs little help having devastated the dance. Lucy must deal with the local vampire population like her mom, grandmom, great-grandma and all the other Lucys before her, but first she needs to pass the Ruthless math class and learn to drive in case she needs a fast getaway. Her dad is no help as he is a hermit (just ask the principal) while her two best friends Mark and Mina agree she is Marilyn living with the Munsters so why worry about vampires. Still she knows what she must do, but it is difficult to remember to pack holy water and an algebra book when your boyfriend’s surname is Irving. This is a charming paranormal chick lit satire of Buffy starring a wonderful protagonist struggling to be sixteen, make it through high school, and save the local world at the same time. Lucy is delightful as the latest superheroine in her line while the support cast also descendents from the Stoker age augment the fun. Though some escapades occur from seemingly out of nowhere causing disruption, younger teens will appreciate the amusing action-packed THE LUCY CHRONICLES: HIGH SCHOOL BITES.

The Tooth of Time
Sue Henry
NAL
ISBN: 0451217659, $23.95, 256 pp.

Twice widowed, sixty-three years old Maxie McNabb, an Alaskan resident most of her life, tours the lower forty-eight with her “Minnie-Winnie” Winnebago and her dog Stretch. After leaving Colorado (see THE SERPENTS TRAIL) she tours New Mexico before stopping in Taos where she visits the Weaving Southwest, a tapestry gallery. Maxie and owner Pat Dozier hit it off and weave a friendship. When new resident Shirley Morgan apparently tried to commit suicide, the two women visit her as she has become a friend of Pat. Feisty Shirley insists she was not trying to kill herself with carbon monoxide poisoning though despondent that her spouse dumped her for a younger woman. Maxie begins making some inquires and soon agrees that the woman was the victim of a murder attempt with the killer adhering to the proverb if at first you don’t succeed try again. THE TOOTH OF TIME is an enjoyable cozy starring sexagenarian Alaskan (it is a Sue Henry tale, duh), who makes friends while traveling the southwest. Maxie is terrific in her latest caper as she cannot help but getting involved with what happened to Shirley. Though the mystery starts towards the middle of the strong plot as friendships are first forged, fans will want to hitch a ride with Maxie and Stretch as they find the Land of Enchantment enchanting but dangerous.

The Truth about Ruby Valentine
Alison Bond
NAL
ISBN: 0451217616, $13.95, 352 pp.

The BBC reported that screen legend Ruby Valentine was found dead in Los Angeles from an apparent overdose. The office was gossiping about the death when Kelly Coltrane's dad Sean tells her to come home immediately which she does because it has always been her and him with no mom. Sean shows her photos he took of Ruby, explaining they were friends who had an affair and a baby girl, Kelly. Kelly tells her boyfriend Jez before deciding she needed to know her mom especially why the renowned actress rejected her and now apparently committed suicide. She flies to California to learn who Ruby Valentine was. As Kelly becomes engulfed in the Hollywood lifestyle, she begins to find some startling clues about the life and death of her mother starting with the agent Max and Sunset Boulevard. THE TRUTH ABOUT RUBY VALENTINE is an intriguing contemporary tale that focuses on the price of fame. Ruby gave up plenty to become a Hollywood icon including her daughter, who seeks some connection beyond the DNA to her famous mom. Kelly is a fine lead protagonist as she does not hesitate to do what she believes is right, which helps her retain some of her equilibrium once she gets caught up in the glitz. A final twist feels right for this exciting book that looks at the downside of becoming famous.

Lincoln
Richard Carwardine
Knopf
ISBN: 1400044561, $27.50

Though there is a powerful glance at Lincoln’s Illinois legislative days, this is an incredible insightful look at Lincoln during the election of 1860 and his subsequent years in the White House. The deep discerning background into the various splinter groups competing in 1860 is fully laid out so that the reader understands how divided the nation truly was; not just a simple north-south split over slavery. The relatively new Republican Party for instance became the host of an open tent philosophy with many varying opinions. Interestingly, Lincoln was a strong advocate of moralistic (much of that religious in nature) constitutional conservatism, which cut across the vast spectrum of key groups that made up his political party. Also intriguing is the evolution of Lincoln on the slavery issue. Richard Carwardine provides an excellent biography of the White House years of a man considered by most historians as the best or second best president of the United States while leaving a lingering feeling today that we are all Americans who get ahead through merit and are not specific state citizens. This is biography at its best.

Warriors
Max Hastings
Knopf
ISBN: 1400044413, $27.50

Selecting fifteen soldiers ranging from the Napoleonic Wars to the near present, Max Hastings tells the full story of heroes, but not just at the battlefield. Instead he also digs deep into the aftermath of life for supermen (and in one case superwoman) who no longer serve in the military. Readers obtain a fascinating look that is actually at its best when Mr. Hastings concentrates on lesser known people instead of, for example the stories of Americans Eddie Rickenbacker and Audie Murphy, which have been told in much more depth than here. Still this is an interesting primer that showcases how military heroes need war (no five star generals in peacetime) to win acclaim and how many fail to live up to that highlight film moment once they leave their war fighting glory days behind them. This book is well written with interesting premises that can be applied intriguingly to sports as much as the battlefield. Most military history buffs will feel Mr. Hastings should have gone deeper into the lives of the less famous heroes and include some non-western or at least less Anglo-American warriors as the few others like the Israeli and Aussie segments feel fresher. Still this is worth the read for those who appreciate a short military biography.

The Bird is a Raven
Benjamin Lebert
Knopf
ISBN: 1400042844, $16.95

Eighteen years old Henry and twentyish Paul meet on a train bound from Munich to Berlin as they share a sleeping compartment. Passing time on the boring overnight ride, Henry tells Paul about his recent troubles. He desires the anorexic twenty-eight years old Christine while twenty-three years old obese Jens wants him. When he decides to pursue Christine, a devastated Jens threatens suicide and worse. Thus he is running away before his bowels turn worse. Paul half listens to the ramblings of Henry, but has his own dark affair that has him running away on the night train. He dreams of making Mandy the high priced prostitute his forever, but he admits that he knows only one way to accomplish this. Though not for everyone as Henry’s tale is somewhat boring (reflecting real life to the outsider watcher observing a romantic triangle), THE BIRD IS A RAVEN is a gripping psychological drama that showcases two troubled somewhat CRAZY young men. Paul’s blather is darker and more interesting even if he denies his storytelling ability; but both share violent reports. Readers who appreciate a deep look into the psyche of young males at the crossroads of adulthood will want to read this solid drama with a final twist at the Berlin train station.

Fatal as a Fallen Woman
Kathy Lynn Emerson
Pemberley Press
ISBN: 0970272790, $24.95

In 1888 New York Independent Intelligencer reporter Diana Spalding quits her job to marry Dr. Ben Northcote only to have her editor Horatio Foxe inform her that Western Union reported that her mom Elmira Torrence killed her dad William, the Silver Baron. Though estranged from her parents as her father disowned her six years ago even deleting her name fro the family bible, Diana leaves for Denver to try to help her mom although the older woman sided with her spouse when William excommunicated their daughter. Though the wire news dispatch mentioned the ex-wife as the killer, Diana, after a grueling train ride, is surprised to confirm that her parents had divorced. Even more shocking to Diana is the plight of her mother before the homicide. Apparently the intolerant William kicked Elmira out of their home four years ago, but she thrived in a profession considered scandalous by the female elite. The final stunner is that William married Miranda who was Diana’s age. Unable not to help her mom, a fugitive chased by U.S. Marshals, Diana begins investigating by questioning the upper crust and the dens of iniquity that make up much of Denver. In her second historical mystery (see DEADLIER THAN THE PEN), Diana Spaulding works a personal case in which the obstinate journalist refuses to back down from either the scorn of the elite or the disdain of the underclass. The action-packed story line provides the audience with a deep look at Denver late in the nineteenth century. Fans of Americana whodunits will want to read this strong tale as well as obtain Kathy Lynn Emerson’s Elizabethan Face Down series starring Diana’s ancestor Susanna Appleton; these contain great historical mystery novels.

Chains of Folly
Roberta Gellis
Five Star
ISBN: 1594144729, $25.95

In medieval England, the Bishop of Winchester turns in for the night only to find the corpse of a woman dressed like a whore. He calls for his trusted aid, Sir Bellamy of Itchen, who finds the woman holds a letter from Robert of Gloucester, the enemy of the King, addressed to the Bishop. Bellamy and the Bishop conclude that someone is setting up the religious leader to discredit him on the eve of a religious concave that will probably scold the monarch for his actions against the Bishop of Salisbury. Reluctantly Bellamy agrees to investigate who would commit homicide to deface the Bishop. He starts his inquiries visiting his estrange former lover Magdalene la Batarde, the whoremistress of the Old Priory Guesthouse as she knows all the girls and their customers. .Her information not given with any cooperation leaves an open field from the king to any one of several nobles coveting the bestowal of royal favorite status, but she and Bell investigate together. Roberta Gellis, the grand dame of medieval thrillers, is at the top of her game with this terrific historical mystery that uses the homicide and the social pecking order to tell a vivid tale. The story line actually takes off rather quickly with Magdalene on the case from near the start and never takes a break until the climatic confrontation with the knife wielding killer. Fans will appreciate how the sleuthing team knows when to tiptoe with extreme caution and when to smash and crash as who is the recipient of the inquiries is more important than what one learns if the detectives want to keep their heads about them. CHAINS OF FOLLY is a fabulous medieval who-done-it.

The Blackgloom Bounty
Jon F. Baxley
Five Star
ISBN: 1594144516, $25.95

In 988 Britain, Merlin visits his former apprentice Kruzurk “Boozer” Makshare for the first time in seven decades with a boon to stop another former student the powerful Seed of Cerberus. Kruzurk thinks back to when he and the Seed were pupils of the great mage and he caught his peer stealing Merlin’s tools. For his efforts Boozer was cursed and Merlin was gone. Kruzurk knows the quest begins at the demon-guarded Blackgloom Keep. On the journey he meets Daynin McKinnon, who shows him a rune-covered headstone, which is probably the legendary Blackgloom Bounty that will gain him entrance into the keep though the lad wants to sell it to replenish his family’s dwindling fortune. While Daynin meets clever Sabritha Kilcullen, Kruzurk uses the young man to further his efforts to destroy the Seed. Others join his adventure not realizing how Kruzurk manipulates them as pawns in his efforts to overcome the insurmountable odds and achieve his boon. This terrific medieval fantasy with its Camelot connection will elate readers for its fast-paced, action-thrilled story line starring a strong cast. From the opening dream visit of Merlin to the final confrontation and more, the tale never takes a breath yet the motives of the key players are fully developed especially Kruzurk’s desire and Daynin’s struggle between fortune, love and good deeds. Jon F. Baxley adds to the legend of Arthur with this strong medieval Britain fantasy.

A Murderous Innocence
Susan Oleksiw
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143757, $25.95

Most of the townsfolk of Mellingham attended the funeral of Ron Faroli, a former drug user. Not long afterward, Ron’s friend, also a member of the Mellingham Community Center, Miles Stine’s falls out of a third floor window. Chief of Police Joe Silva feels the coincidence is too much to ignore though the evidence points towards an accident. Other former addict pals of Ron and Miles are nervous that they will be next. Meanwhile Joe tries to keep everyone calm as he makes inquiries. He especially is concerned with the parents of the recently deceased as George Faroli and Edna Stine are popular life residents. However, as he digs deeper into the Stine death, Joe begins thinking it is a homicide by someone who knew the second victim, but wonders who would want him dead and why, the answer of which remains elusive as the ties between the deaths lead nowhere. Police procedural fans will enjoy A MURDEROUS INNOCENCE as Joe struggles with a homicide investigation in which the evidence seems more like a coincidental accident caused by drugs; still he persists because the twin deaths nag at his mind. The townsfolk know one another so they prefer that Joe stop digging and accept the deaths as an accident as they cannot accept one of them as a killer. Thus Joe has his work cut out for him while readers obtain a strong mystery.

Death on the Ladies Mile
Diana Haviland
Five Star
ISBN: 159414351X, $25.95

In 1882 New York City, reporter Amanda Whitney covers high society for the Ladies Gazette. Her current assignment is a chance to prove her worth as she covers the wedding of the year between Miss Jessamyn Spencer and Mr. Howard Thornton. However, while at the Spencer house, Amanda overhears a fight between the bride and her father. Not long afterward, Jessamyn is missing, and the Spencers hire private investigator Ross Buchanan to find her. Jessamyn is found strangled to death in her wedding gown on the Ladies Miles near a whorehouse. Amanda and Ross know she should never have been there yet for some reason she was. As he investigates the homicide and warns Amanda to stay out, two more women wearing their bridal garments are strangled. Amanda begins her own inquiries into who is the “Ladies Mile Maniac” not realizing how close danger truly is to her. DEATH ON THE LADIES MILE is a fabulous late nineteenth century whodunit starring delightful protagonists and a powerful support cast that vividly showcases New York City in that bygone era. The action-packed story line is driven by the relationship between the reporter and the sleuth as both feel that in some way they owe the first victim. Historical mystery fans will want to read the first “Gaslight and Shadows” thriller.

Here’s the Church, Here’s the Steeple
Tempa Pagel
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143749, $25.95

Former Motor City social studies teacher Andy Gammon wants to be part of life in her husband’s small Massachusetts hometown of Newburyport so the mother of two children joins every committee looking for volunteers. Her latest joining is on a historical committee to update the information on the First Parish Church in time for a tricentennial gala. Andy is to research and write up between the years 1801 and 1850. Her mother-in-law Mayta provides her with some books to help her. A storm damages the church’s steeple, but also reveals a corpse buried inside for about two centuries. As she links the body to the Great Fire of 1811 that destroyed much of the business section, Andy continues to dig into the records of that time over the objections of almost everyone. That is until a second recently murdered corpse is found inside the church and a fire is set to Andy’s home. While the police investigate the current homicide, Andy continues her quest for the truth in the early nineteenth century that she believes is tied to today’s murder. This interesting amateur sleuth introduces the reader to the residents of Newburyport so that the audience understands the motives of Andy to learn the truth and many leading citizens to shut her down especially with the 1811 investigation. About one third into the fine plot, the mystery begins and never slows down as the audience through intrepid Andy obtains a look at a Massachusetts port city just before the War of 1812. Tempa Pagel provides a fine whodunit, past and present, that readers will enjoy.

Walk like a Man
Sue Swift
Five Star
ISBN: 1594144346, $25.95

Thirty years old NFL superstar quarterback Jim Wellman was severely injured in the Pro Bowl shattering his legs. Eight months later, he remains wheelchair bound and beginning therapy at the Shady Glen Rehabilitation Center in Napa Valley under the tutelage of physical therapist Marti Solis. He turns on the charm, but she hides her attraction by bullying him out of the chair, which she believes he remained in way too long. Dr. Francis Murdoch agrees with Marti’s assessment. As they work on his rehabilitation, they become friends that soon blossoms into love. However, he is shattered that he will never play football again due to the negligence of his medical caretakers at the Sunset Community Hospital, who he sues. While his attorney tells him to stay away from Marti as she is a key witness in his case, he cannot as the suit means nothing if he loses the woman who has sacked his heart, but given him a reason to live. WALK LIKE A MAN is an intriguing character study with a romantic subplot that enhances the relationship between therapist and client. Jim is the interesting character as he feels he has nothing now that he no longer has football until the feisty Marti makes him want to walk as much for her as for him. Sue Swift provides a fine drama starring a fallen sports hero whose mental anguish may prove greater than his physical problems.

Suspicious Minds
Martin Edwards
Five Star
ISBN: 159414382X, $25.95

In the Liverpool area, more because of Detective Bolis’ interest in him as a prime suspect, Jack Stirrup of Stirrup Wines asks his solicitor Harry Devlin to learn what happened to his wife Alison, who vanished. Harry begins making inquiries as he tries to trace Alison’s last known steps though he wonders if his client simply disposed of an unwanted spouse. As he begins making progress, the investigation takes a bizarre spin when Claire, Jack’s daughter from his first wife, also turns up missing. At the same time, Harry looks into the Stirrup family; The Beast stalks Liverpool raping women. While Harry finds himself attracted to advocate Valerie Kaiwar whom he meets at the Law Courts, he ponders if there is a link between the missing Stirrup females and the Beast as he starting to believe the rapist is somehow involved. This is an interesting English investigative tale that stars a likable hero struggling with a case in which his client seems to be hiding things, the cops wants him to stay out, the prime culprit appears to be a rapist, and worst of all he is in love. All of this and more blends nicely together into a delightful whodunit that will please those readers who enjoy the star to be of a skeptical suspicious mind trusting no one including his heart.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Joanne Sundell
Five Star
ISBN: 1594144117, $26.95, 302 pp.

Nine years old Zoe-Esther Zundelevich and her papa Yitzhak leave Russia for the United States. Several years later in 1867 Zoe-Esther graduates from medical school in Philadelphia, but her beloved dad suffers from tuberculosis so she takes him to the Colorado Territory where she hopes the mountain air will help his lungs leaving behind fellow student Daniel Stein who wants to marry her. In Golden City, she finds prejudice against female doctors and Jews and an attraction to casino owner Jake Whiskey. Still she helps the neglected poor with their medical needs while Jake finds himself attracted to his “Queenie” as he calls her. As she falls in love with a non-Jew, she knows that her happiness will devastate her beloved papa and besides he is not Yaakov as predicted by Schadchen as her mate’s name just before she left Russia. Besides he feels unworthy of her and Daniel is in town. This is an interesting western romance that stars a delightful heroine, perhaps a bit too perfect, and a rogue who considers reforming for her. The story line provides a deep look at the late nineteenth century Russian Jewish heritage as a key element to the relationships between Zoe-Esther and the three men in her life. Fans will appreciate this fine historical tale that brings vividly alive Reconstruction Era Colorado through the efforts of a caring doctor.

Destroying Angels
Gail Lukasik
Five Star
ISBN: 1594143609, $25.95, 296 pp.

After fifteen years of marriage and teaching in Chicago, Leah Gerard leaves behind her spouse, job, and home in Libertyville to relocate to Egg Harbor, Wisconsin following a mastectomy in which her hubby was more concerned with plastic surgery than her health. In Egg Harbor, Leah obtains a job with the Door County Gazette. Editor in Chief Jake Stevens assigns Leah to write a column on recently deceased artisan carpenter Carl Peck, a standard practice of the paper to do an article on the recently deceased. Leah interviews Carl’s wife Eva only to learn she is suing Dr. Porter and Bay Hospital for wrongful death and negligence before the widow’s daughter Sarah tosses her out. Leah talks with Dr. Porter, who is shocked by the suit as he insists his patient died from a heart attack brought on by a failed liver. Still she keeps digging and soon finds a link to a two decade old murder, making Leah wonder bad liver, bad heart or possible homicide. Though a paid reporter, Leah’s lack of investigative experience makes this fine mystery more an amateur sleuth tale as the intrepid journalist learns her trade on the job. The cast is fascinating because of their different reactions to Leah’s inquiries into the death of Carl. Gail Lukasik provides an exciting, exhilarating and enjoyable who-done-it that at first only Leah considers a possible murder disguised as a heart attack though the medical examiner and police quickly join her bandwagon.

Vintage Blood and the Sacred Scepters
A.B. Wallace
LBF Books
P.O. Box 7989, Pittsburg, Pa. 15215
ISBN: 0975453319, $14.95

Human Brit Chambers earns a living as a Were-creature Consultant. Human Power Committee member Pandor Evans hires Brit to destroy the indestructible Sacred Scepters, which legend says can, if applied, eliminate all magic. At the same time, Diablo wants to possess them so he can use them to rule the world. Diablo’s minions are killing those individuals with knowledge of the scepters. His assassins are successful except with Brit, who has Carpathian knives willingly protecting her. As she continues on her quest to simply save the world, a new problem occurs that sidetracks the courageous heroine. Courtesy of her best friend were-tiger Shayla has accidentally turned Brit into a blood donor of the Lord of the Vampires Daison. The setting is incredible as readers will accept the ABCs of “Wallace World” due to relationships such as Brit has with Shayla a were-tiger though some might say with best friends like her who traps the heroine in a contract with a vampire one needs no enemies. Brit makes the supernatural seem normal as she deals with were-creatures, vampires, witches, warlocks and assorted ilk as an everyday occurrence even when she is not off saving the world. Fantasy fans will want to read this delightful tale starring a wonderful brave woman trying to do the right thing yet keep her vintage blood flowing inside her arteries and veins.

Digging Up Trouble
Heather Webber
Avon
ISBN: 0060723491, $6.99

New Client Lindsey Lockhart hires Nina Quinn’s firm Taken by Surprise, Garden Designs, to spruce up her yard. Nina and her employees, ex-cons sent her way by her cousin probation officer Ana Bertolli, are in the yard when an angry man arrives. He yells at them to leave his property before suddenly keeling over and dying. Nina is stunned that Lindsey, the aunt of her stepson, sent her to do a make over of the yard of her neighbor Russ Grabinsky without his or his wife’s permission. Russ’ not grieving spouse Greta sues Nina and her firm for wrongful death. At the same time, the police rule it is murder and look at Nina and her probationers as the prime suspects. Though beleaguered and in trouble, Nina realizes no one grieves for the deceased, which has her looking elsewhere for the motive. Once again beleaguered but kind Nina learns that “Murder is a Growth Industry” when all she wants is for her landscaping business to thrive. The latest cozy has a different twist than her two previous amateur sleuth investigations (see TROUBLE IN SPADES and A HOE LOT OF TROUBLE) as this time the prime suspect is the heroine. The who-done-it is fun as she struggles to avoid a murder rap and save her business from a wrongful death lawsuit with the help of her ex-con employees.

What Price Love?
Stephanie Laurens
Avon
ISBN: 0060840846, $22.95

At one time he came close to being part of a major scandal, but his cousin Felicity and her spouse Demon Cynster saved more than just Dillon Caxton’s reputation. Since then he has been the epitome of integrity, a man that Diogenes would believe is that honest fellow he sought. Because of his stellar reputation and credibility, Dillon is the Keeper of the Register that lists all racing horses in the country. In 1831 Lady Priscilla Dalloway wants to look at the Register, but Dillon refuses to allow her a peak. Priscilla hopes the Register can give her a clue as to the whereabouts of her missing twin brother, Russell, who after a heated argument with their father, left to work with racehorses at Cromarty, but like his predecessor there has vanished without a trace. Priscilla tries to seduce Dillon, who wants her, but he rejects her efforts as dishonest as honesty means everything to him. He demands the truth so he tries to reverse the seduction as she contemplates whether she can trust him with her twin’s life. Neither is aware of a potential racetrack scandal that could destroy both of them and her sibling. The thirteenth extended Cynster tale stars a protege whose strong ethics make him an interesting character as his demon is a sexy temptation who wants him to do a minor transgression that no one but they would know about. The relationship between Pris and Dillon make for a fresh entry, perhaps the best in several years, as she will do anything to insure her brother’s safety while he would do anything for her except sell his integrity. Some readers might say he is too honest, but as historical fans ponder a response to the relevant question WHAT PRICE LOVE?

Portrait of a Lover
Julianne MacLean
Avon
ISBN: 0060819359, $6.99, 384 pp.

In 1879 Annabelle Lawson met the handsome stranger on a train and found she wanted Jonathan Edwards in her bed and as a model for a painting she was creating. However, once she learned who he really is, Annabelle feels betrayed and her love turns to hate as she knows that Magnus Wallis loathes those who nurtured and loved her after her parents died when she was an infant. Annabelle vows to never see him again though she knows how hard that will prove to be since he is the cousin of her adopted brother and patron, the Earl of Whitby. Thirteen years later, Magnus has never forgotten the woman on the train who stirred his soul though she quickly turned against him. He wants to display Annabelle’s work in his London gallery so he arranges to see her. Her intentions of ignoring him vanish when he sweetly caresses her face. Annabelle realizes she still loves the scoundrel, but doubts she can trust him with her art or her heart. Magnus knows he must prove himself to the woman he cherishes above all else because this will be his last chance. PORTRAIT OF A LOVER is an intriguing Victorian romance that stars a somewhat rebellious heroine and the man who loves and regrets what he did to her when they met as strangers on a train. The story line is driven by Magnus’ efforts to gain first her forgiveness of his beloved and then regain her love. A bit of mystery involving Magnus’ roots add to the uniqueness of this fun late nineteenth century romance.

Devil in Winter
Lisa Kleypas
Avon
ISBN: 006056251X, $7.50, 384 pp.

In 1843 London, extremely reticent, probably the shiest of the four Wallflower pact members, Evangeline “Evie” Jenner knows she must find her courage if she is to keep her avaricious relatives from fostering her off in marriage to a man of their choice in order to control the fortune she will soon inherit. Evie figures she needs a brave person immune to the taunts of society who will agree to a marriage of convenience. Her choice is the notorious rake Viscount Sebastian St. Vincent, but first she must talk to him before she can offer him a proposal he cannot refuse. Evie enters the lion’s lair sans a chaperone. Sebastian is impressed with her courage and her offer is most generous except for her stipulation of no sex after their wedding night. He plans to wed the chit, seduce her with his lovemaking skills, and when has his full, he will go elsewhere for his needs. So why does he find going elsewhere suddenly an abomination especially since the beauty rejects his advances by hiding her love for her spouse out of fear he will break her heart. The latest seasonal Wallflower tale (see SECRETS OF A SUMMER NIGHT and IT HAPPENED ONE AUTUMN) is a terrific early Victorian romance. Evie unlike her more vivacious Wallflowers is the last person one would expect to dare to approach Sebastian, but that she does encouraged by her teammates. Sebastian is enthralled by her courage as much as by her beauty as he realizes how difficult the task to approach him must have been. Similar to the previous two historicals, no one will care as Lisa Kleypas’ fans will wonder if spring can be far behind.

Her Master and Commander
Karen Hawkins
Avon
ISBN: 0060584084, $6.99, 384 pp.

In 1806 the Earl of Rochester knew he was dying, but regrets having sired no legitimate heir. Uninterested in his illegitimate children until he faced death’s door, he assigns his perfect butler Richard Reeves to find his offspring, five for sure, but maybe nine in all, and train them to act as if they were raised amidst the Ton rather than the gutter where he left them. Reeves knows he will need the key elements of being a good butler, tolerance and amnesia, if he is to succeed in his final endeavor for his employer. Reeves’ first "civilize" project is the Earl’s son Captain Tristan Llevanth, a former pirate wounded while fighting under Nelson’s banner. Unable to go to sea anymore due to his injuries, Tristan is uninterested in Reeves’ gentlemen lessons remembering the earl failed to recognize him when he desperately wanted that twenty-five years ago. However the sly butler pays the ex-pirate’s enemy Prudence Thistlewaite to help smooth the Captain’s barbaric tendencies knowing women can go where no man dare. Their neighborly war soon includes a new weapon of mass destruction in each of their respective arsenals that neither can resist nor fight against, love. HER MASTER AND COMMANDER is a strong Regency romance starring two dearest enemies, but made fresh by that “Most Proper Butler” Reeves. He realizes that to quietly nudge the sea captain he needs the ideal tool; a woman for only a female can civilize a barbarian. The lead couple is a delightful pairing somewhat typical of the sub-genre, but the master Machiavellian of the servant class turns this fine tale into a wonderful historical reading experience with everyone agreeing “God bless Reeves”.

A Study in Scandal
Robyn DeHurt
Avon
ISBN: 0060782161, $5.99, 384 pp.

In 1892 London, Amelia Watersfield formed the Ladies’ Amateur Sleuth Society with three close friends because she loves mystery novels especially the one starring Holmes. She informs her friends Margaret Piddington, Wilhelmina Mabson and Charlotte Reed that they will work on their first case, the Jack of Hearts robbery at the opera. Her friends agree, but lack Amelia’s enthusiasm. Someone steals Nefertiti’s bust from the extensive ancient Egyptian collection owned by Amelia’s father, terribly upsetting him. Amelia and her dad hire private sleuth Colin Brindley to investigate. Amelia finds the detective dashing while Colin struggles to concentrate on the case as his mind keeps focusing on his client’s daughter. As he begins to make inquiries into her dad’s case, Amelia forces him to accept her as his Watson not just to keep her safe, which is the top priority of the sleuth. She proves quite helpful even at times acting more like Holmes as they fall in love, but he worries that she will go after Jack of Hearts. A STUDY IN SCANDAL is a fabulous Victorian private investigative romance that pays homage to Holmes. The story line is fast-paced as Amelia bullies her way into the inquiries Colin makes while inspiring him to do his best. Fans will enjoy this superb thriller and want more romantic detective stories starring the Holmes-Watson lead couple and the other three members of the Ladies’ Amateur Sleuth Society.

Charmed To Death
Shirley Damsgaard
Avon
ISBN: 0060793538, $6.99, 304 pp.

Librarian Ophelia Jensen and her Grandma Abby reside in Summerset, Iowa. They look like ordinary women but they are witches with Abby training her granddaughter to learn what her gifts are and to use them wisely. They are also psychic with Ophelia having precognitive skills and the ability to find things. Six months ago using her powers she found a murderer and his cohorts. This action enabled her to come out of her shell, the one she retreated into when her friend Brian was murdered, and left in a dumpster. Ophelia still feels guilty over Brian’s murder because she saw his murder in a vision and was too late to prevent his death from happening. At one time Detective Henry Comache considered her a suspect because he believed, rightfully so, she was hiding things from him. Now Abby has a feeling that it is time for Ophelia to find closure over Brian’s death which means finding his killer. When Henry comes to Summerset, Ophelia is once again under suspicion when she finds, through her psychic senses, the body of a dead man whom she had a very public fight with. Evil has come to Summerset; Ophelia must find it and bring it out of the darkness before it kills her. This is a very special mystery in an enchanting series as Ophelia and Abby perform magic in the traditional Bell, Book and Candle methodology. The heroine has gained strength from her brush with death and is finally willing to learn how to use her powers. She also overcomes her hermit like existence to make friends with some of the townsfolk and there is even a hint of romance in the air. Although readers might guess early on who the killer is it won’t detract from the enjoyment of this charming who-done-it and why.

In Between Men
Mary Castillo
Avon
ISBN: 0060766824, $12.95

In Los Angeles though she and her husband Carlos recently divorced high school ESL (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE) teacher Isa Avellan enjoys her work and is proud of her son Andrew. Life is good that is until she is voted the least sexy teacher in the school, which includes some educators old enough to be the twenty-nine years old Isa’s grandmother. Adding to her humiliation, Carlos reveals in detail on national radio what a failure in bed she is. When she is knocked unconscious by a soccer ball, she finds coach Alex looking into her eyes asking if she is all right. She decides then and there pushed by a beautiful sexy guardian angel to do a complete makeover from frump to siren to score with Alex. However becoming a glamour queen is hard work when teaching and raising an eight year old son while Alex seems immune to her advances when in fact he debates with himself whether he should drop his pride to date the sexiest woman in the L.A. school system. IN BETWEEN MEN is an amusing lighthearted romp starring a wonderful Latina-Americana protagonist who became complacent failing to care for herself and in turn lost respect. Her guardian angel is a cute aside that allows comparisons between the two beauty enhancing-detracting extremes while the hunk, who corner kicked his way into her life, provides the incentive more so than the school sexometer scoring system. Fans will enjoy Mary Castillo’s satirical glimpse at sex appeal of a working mom.

The Bewitching Twin
Donna Fletcher
Avon
ISBN: 0060757833, $5.99, 384 pp.

In the middle of the sixteenth century Scotland, Rogan the Wolf has renowned healer Aliss abducted from her family because a terrible stomach ailment is causing havoc amidst his clan. Aliss at first assumes the worst about the barbarian, but once she realizes his people really need her skill, she rolls up her sleeves to try to heal them. He vows to her that once she heals his villagers, she will go home. Rogan is shocked by her courage as he always heard her sister Fiona was THE DARING TWIN while Aliss is stunned by his kindness and caring towards his people as she heard he was no better than a beast. As they work together with her trying to figure out the cause of the illness, Rogan and Aliss fall in love. She knows her family especially Fiona would never accept Wolf as her mate though a marriage to him would end the curse that her clan fears will harm them. Though lacking some of the mystery that turned THE DARING TWIN into a terrific historical romance, THE BEWITCHING TWINS is an engaging sixteenth century romance starring two intriguing protagonists. Readers will enjoy the changing relationship between Rogan and Aliss as he wonders who has captured whom. The story line can stand alone though most fans will prefer to read the other twin’s tale first. Donna Fletcher provides a fine tale that hopefully will follow up with the non-twin sibling’s story soon.

Bark M for Murder
J.A. Jance, Virginia Lanier, Chassie West, and Lee Charles Kelley
Avon
ISBN: 006081537X, $6.99, 320 pp.

“Red Shirt and Black Jacket” by Virginia Lanier- Two robbers kill a convenience store clerk and the police send Jo Beth Sidden, Jasmine Jones and their bloodhounds to scent out the killers. The dogs steal the show in this exciting mystery that has a very big chase scene. “Nightmare in Nowhere” by Chasse West. Duke the German Shepard wakes A.J. up by licking her; she carefully gets out of the backseat of a car that looks like it is going to drop into a deep river. She has no idea where she is or why she was in the car or who was the driver. The dog takes her to Jake, a police officer vacationing in Maryland but he has no phone to call for outside help. Jake tries to help the amnesiac but someone keeps shooting at them forcing them to run from the cabin. Chassie West has written an exciting tale with realistic characters. “The French Poodle Connection” by Lee Charles Kelley. Former cop turned dog trainer detective Jack Field is at Cady Clark’s home teaching her dog not to bite people when her ex-husband turns up with a gun because he just robbed a bank. Cady gets the gun after Jack knocks her ex unconscious and holds it on Jack forcing him to go to a deserted area while she frees her ex. This is the beginning of a crime spree that ends with four dead, five if you count Cady, who Jack doesn’t because he believes she is alive. Lee Charles Kelley has written an entertaining mystery filled with twists and red herrings. The Case of the London Cabbie by J.A. Jance- Septuagenarian Maddie Watkins plans to prove that the twenty nine year old man her sister loves is a con artist after her fortune. She hires him under a false name to drive her around to look at properties that supposedly belonged to her later husband. Catching him in many lies, she follows him in her car only to be threatened by him when he catches her and her sister becomes his hostage. JA. Jance has written a fantastic mystery with a heroine who deserves her own series.

Memory of a Murder
Earl Staggs
Quiet Storm
PO BOX 1666, Martinsburg, WV 25402
ISBN: 0977007030, $15.95

His long time friend Ellie “the worrier” Russell wakes up former FBI Agent Adam Kingston because she has not heard from her college age son Phil in two days. Using his psychic skills, Adam tells her that his godson is fine partying in Daytona; he will tell Phil Sr. the rest of the story about his son scoring. However, he also found hanging out with Junior and his pals a disheveled longhaired bearded man much older than the college students. Not long afterward, the odd looking man arrives at Adam's home asking for help. Chip Weathers suffers from amnesia but fears he may have killed someone in Baltimore sixteen years ago; the same time and place he suffered the memory laps that his doctor claims was caused by a shocking incident he needed to forget. Baltimore Detective Brenda McCort investigates the female found in a basement dead for sixteen years. She also has a present day homicide involving a murdered man “buried” in trash bags inside the trunk of a car. Her investigations lead her to Adam in nearby Ocean City where they team up to solve homicides that surprisingly tie together though years apart and hope to prevent more murders from occurring. This fast-paced who-done-it deftly switches viewpoints from Adam, Brenda, and the killer so that the reader gains a full picture; interestingly all three have suffered from ordeals in their past that still weighs heavily on their souls; they just cope differently as their motives are clear whether they try to solve homicide cases or kill. Fans of strong paranormal police procedural investigations will take immense pleasure from this strong character driven thriller.

Never Seduce a Scoundrel
Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket
ISBN: 1416516085, $6.99, 384 pp.

Wealthy heiress Lady Charlotte eloped with handsome charming soldier Jimmy Harris, but quickly regretted her choice as he wasted her fortune and showed no interest in her once he controlled her money. She felt relief when he was killed in a duel and vowed to protect other rich ladies from marrying golddiggers. Thus with the help of Cousin Michael, she establishes Mrs. Harris' School for Young Ladies that accepts only heiresses as students so that she can provide them with private instructions. In 1818 in London Mrs. Harris chaperones wealthy heiress Lady Amelia Plume, who has plenty of admirers, but to her protector they all seem more interested with the lass’ money as a horde of fortune hunting fops plague the balls. Amelia finds her season boring as Mrs. Harris rejects most males. That is tedious until American Major Lucas Winter arrogantly courts her over Mrs. Harris’ objection as she assumes the Yank is a fortune hunter. Amelia thinks he has a different motive, but not love at first sight. She vows to uncover his agenda, while he seeks an embezzler who left Lucas’ reputation in ruins and he believes she is the link. The opening of a new regency series by talented Sabrina Jeffries will elate the sub-genre faithful especially since NEVER SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL is a terrific tale. Amelia is a naive, innocent, and bold individual while Lucas is a fascinating character planning to seduce the truth from her, but soon finds he has been seduced by love. Mrs. Harris is an ideal support character who hopefully will have her story told.

The Devil's Knight
Lucy Blue
Pocket
ISBN: 1416511954, $6.99, 384 pp.

After fighting for his liege on the battlefield, widower Tristan DuMaine only wants to live the rest of his life in peace with his beloved five years old daughter Clare. He worries about their half finished Castle DuMaine located on the dangerous borders with Scotland made more perilous because his cousin King Henry II took away many of his knights and soldiers for some dispute in Brittany. He fears for his child because of the “bad men” in the nearby woods. The worst “bad men” in the woods is Siobhan Lebuin, who watched the Normans murder her father; she has vowed revenge and has succeeded in small ways until now. She, her brother Sean, and their brigands capture Tristan. Sean forces Tristan to wed his sister before they take him out to die. However, instead of his death, a demon knight takes bites out of the brigands escorting Tristan killing them. He next bites Tristan, but instead of just accepting his fate, he bites back. Tristan becomes a vampire returning to his home planning to drink Sean’s blood and to finish what was begun with his new wife. THE DEVIL’S KNIGHT, the sequel to MY DEMON’S KISS, is fabulous medieval vampire romance starring a hero struggling to adapt to the limitations and power of his new “life”. The changing relationship between Siobhan and Tristan is cleverly devised to enhance the powerful paranormal tale while the audience anticipates the confrontation between the two men in her life. Still it is Tristan’s adaptation to the vampiric lifestyle that makes this a fine fresh historical.

Deep, Dark and Dangerous
Jaid Black
Pocket
ISBN: 1416516123, $14.00, 272 pp.

Though at the top of her game as a famous in demand actress, Madalyn Mae Simon decides she no longer needs to take the shallow smiles from so-called friends and terrible movies. She needs to escape far away from the phoniness of Hollywood, but wants to stay in the United States so she leaves Southern California for Alaska, but she does not even stay in Anchorage. Instead she moves to a village in the artic where she hopes to regain her mental health. Her harmony is disrupted when her sister Drake persuades Madalyn that camera in hand, they should explore the wildlife of the tundra. However, they run into Otar and three of his Viking compatriots who abduct the siblings for fear they will reveal to the outside world that beneath the frozen tundra is their home New Sweden; besides they need breeders for the colony. Otar recognizes Madalyn as the actress he secretly has loved for years from the audience and plans to make her his wife; if she refuses she takes her chance on the marriage mart auction. Madalyn begins to fall in love with her new husband, but assumes he loves the screen version and not the flesh and blood real person. Fans will initially be skeptical of the setting, classifying it with Santa’s North Pole, but rather quickly through the characters and the deep social relationships readers will believe that New Sweden exists underground within the Arctic Circle. This conversion occurs because the strong cast especially the lead couple makes the background feel plausible. The exhilarating story line that never slows down once Otar realizes Madalyn (and Drake) has seen them, which leads the audience seeking the previous romantic fantasy set in New Sweden, the novella Hunter's Right, part of TIE ME UP, TIE ME DOWN.

The Pandora Key
Lynne Heitman
Pocket
ISBN: 0743456165, $6.99 371 pp.

Private investigator Alex Shanahan is in partnership with Harvey who is slowly wasting away from multiple sclerosis. One day Alex goes over to Harvey’s house and sees his beloved ex wife Rachel there; the woman who cut and run when her husband was diagnosed with MS. Rachel wants Alex to go to her old apartment and pick up some things for her as she fears her abusive husband is there. When Alex goes to the apartment she finds that Rachel cleared out the place many days ago. When she returns to Harvey’s apartment she finds him and Rachel gone. Rachel got her out of the way so she could get Harvey to someone who wants to speak to him, a very dangerous head of the Russian Mafiya. They free him but the Mafia king wants Harvey to tell him where, Roger Fratello, the man he believes killed his brother, hides. Harvey is visited by the FBI who wants to know why his fingerprints along with Frank’s are on packets of money that were found in a terrorist hideout in Afghanistan along with the belongings of the dead hostages of an airline hijacked by Muslim fundamentalists. There are so many players in this game with different objectives that it will be a miracle if Alex can keep everyone alive by playing one against each other. Lynne Heitman has written a tense thriller taken out of the pages of today’s headlines. The timelines of the story enable readers to relate to the characters as well as defining the plot. The heroine doesn’t care what politicians or other government agendas; she just wants to keep Harvey alive at long as possible. Ms. Heitman weaves a political message that if gone unchecked, will lead to dangerous repercussions.

Suburbanistas
Pamela Satran
Downtown (Pocket)
ISBN: 1416505598, $13.00

Recently married to rock star Eddie Skinner, movie superstar Stella Powers returns home to Homewood, New Jersey with her six years old daughter Idaho to spend time with her mom before starting her next film. Eddie failed to accompany her as he was to busy with a gig. However, Stella is stunned when her mom suddenly dies. The funeral is a farce with reporters and fans trampling on everything and her husband stays in Hollywood grooving with Idaho’s nanny while Stella grieves. Her best friend in high school Mary Jean Wright helps her escape the mob, whose despicable actions at the funeral were a disgrace. As Stella feels guilt and loneliness, she begins seeing developer Henry Sladowski who wants to convert the small sleepy down into an expensive burb for the rich and famous. This will price Mary Jean, her spouse a cop, and their four children out of the town. However, as Stella begins to understand local politics she becomes involved as any place in which her beloved mom could not call home is not for her. Stella will learn that you can go home though it takes the death of her beloved mom and a lesson in civics to do so. She is a fine protagonist who nicely keeps the story line in focus. The cast makes for a fine tale as the war between “progress” and. “heritage” though perhaps too simplified, is nicely fought in New Jersey.

Shivers III
Edited by Richard Chizmar
Cemetery Dance Publications
132-B Industry Lane, Unit #7, Forest Hill, MD 21050
ISBN: 1587671174, $20.00

This eighteen story horror collection features tales that first appear in this book though some will have probably reappeared elsewhere since. As were the cases of the previous two collections, SHIVERS III runs the gamut of horror from the supernatural to the psychological to the suspense. Douglas Clegg makes his third appearance with several newcomers to the series like Wrath James White provide entries. None of the contributions are sub par. Especially extraordinary are Meggan C and F Paul Wilson’s “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, Thomas Monteleone’s “Horn of Plenty” (Satchmo - enough said) and the haunting “This, That’s the End of It” by Tom Piccirilli. This is a fascinating anthology especially for readers who appreciate diverse shorts.

The Colour Out of Darkness
John Pelan
Cemetery Dance Publications
132-B Industry Lane, Unit #7, Forest Hill, MD 21050
ISBN: 1587671131, $30.00 166 pp.

During the war it’s enemies turn it into hundred of pieces, the mass sentient part lay town in the bottom of the sea, resting, regenerating so it could once again be what it once was. The other pieces develop its own sentience, always linked to the First One using humanity to strengthen them and allow the First One time to become whole again. The pieces fell in different parts of the earth, influencing the action of Vlad Tepes, Countess Bathory and many other evilhumans that existed through out history. In Seattle, Cafe Sepulcher, a Goth hangout, is home to one of these amphibian insectoids, using the green liquor known as essence to create more soldiers in its army. It feeds on strong emotions and gives to its soldiers what they want most. Lara can walk again; Sheree is no longer a whore; and Josh has Lara to love. It demands sacrifices and the police become involved but it remains to be seen whether they can do anything to stop it. Fans of Lovecraft horror will have to read THE COLOUR OUT OF DARKNESS which goes many steps beyond where Lovecraft took his audience. John Pelan has written a tale that is a chilling and frightening thriller about an unstoppable enemy that wants to remake the earth in its own image without any humans to interfere with its plans. The characters are, especially for a long novella, surprisingly well developed and not one of them is a stereotype.

Hornets and Others
Al Sarrantonio
Cemetery Dance Publications
132-B Industry Lane, Unit #7, Forest Hill, MD 21050
ISBN: 1587670984, $40.00

Al Sarrantonio displays his talent with this strong seventeen collection anthology that runs the full scope of the horror genre. Each tale is well written and for the most part contains fascinating protagonists, not an easy feat to accomplish in the short format. There are two new tales while seven were printed in other works during the 1980s; four in the 1990s; and four in this decade. The title tale is especially exciting as hornets attack residents of Orangefield (locale of two of his novels) on Halloween and so is Mr. Sarrantonio’s version of Carlyle’s clothing theory of man, The Coat that will send shivers down readers’ spines. Whether the contribution is psychological suspense, blood and gore, suspense, ghosts, or something other, HORNETS AND OTHERS is consistently an entertaining winner for horror fans who appreciate a compilation that reflects a wide rang

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