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Kaveny's Bookshelf
As I write this months Kaveny's Book shelf I feel the old war horse that was ridden hard all day
and "put away wet" I was going to take off a month from Kaveny's Bookshelf and get this all
down pat, but as my editor and chief James Andrew Cox knows I have journalist's blood running
in my veins, and old news is about as interesting as three day old pizza. Besides I want him to
know how well the Midwest Book Review is thought of in all of the venues which I appeared. In
the last five weeks my wife Dr. Janice Marie Bogstad and I have logged over 4000's miles
attending and participated in five separate events two international conferences on the arts two
science fiction conventions and a library conference , and in the process traveled to Florida Illinois
Wisconsin and Minnesota.
It started out slowly as we attended and presented papers at the International Conference on The
Fantastic and The Arts in Ft Lauderdale Florida March 19th- 21st. This year there was no magic
in the conference for me, partly I think because I was a little tired of presenting papers on Tolkien,
but also because I missed seeing several of my dear friends who did not make it this year.
Nevertheless I did garner a paid writing assignment to review an important book for the New
York Review of Science Fiction (and to its editor Kevin by the time you are reading this I will
have started on the article.)
But as my wife was checking her email in Florida she found that we had received and all expense
paid invitation to participate in the AFTER MODERNISM AND POSTMODERNISM: NEW
DIRECTIONS IN THE ARTS" conference in La Salle, Illinois Sponsored Hegeler-Carus
Foundation and the generosity of its chairman Blouke Carus March 28th -March 30th. This meant
we would be back on the road again with an unplanned trip almost directly after we returned from
Florida
At Midway Airport in Chicago we met three other attendees one flying in from D.C and two from
New York. As we started chatting and mentioning our affiliations. I told Michelle Kamhi and
Louis Torres authors of
What Art Is: The Esthetic Theory of Ayn Rand
539 pages
Open Court Publishing Company
ISBN: 0812693728 $44.95
I mentioned that among our other affiliations Jan Bogs that and I represented The Midwest Book
Review as Literary and International editors. Michelle and Paul were quite familiar with the
Midwest Book Review, and extended the thanks for the positive notice it had given their work.
For more information about Paul and Michelle I recommend you go to their website
http://www.aristos.org/ and check out An Online Review edited by Louis Torres & Michelle
Marder Kamhi.
The conference was very intense and my memories of it are highly visual. It took place in a
140-year-old mansion that is absolutely steeped in intellectual historicity and sense of place. For
example I noticed a letter displayed on the wall of one of the drawing rooms from perhaps the
greatest American mind of the 19th century Charles Saunders Pierce 1847-1914. So, I asked
Sherwood Sugden Hegeler Institute, Managing Editor of the Monist Magazine what Charles
Saunders Pierce's relation was to the Carus family and the very building we were holding the
conference. Sherwood laughed sort of like a leprechaun and said, ? In the early 1900?s pierce
spent a year and a half in the attic of this very building hiding out from his creditors. That's when I
new I was in the right place.
Sherwood was also kind enough to let me chose a complementary issue of The Monist An
international Journal of General Philosophical Inquiry. I chose April; 1988, Volume 71, Number.
The issue focused on the general topic of Aesthetics and the Histories of the arts. which I have
now read passionately from cover to cover. All the articles were thought provoking but J.
Wilmore's Paradigms and Master pieces Rationality in Art and Science pp 171- 182 was the best
article of its type I have ever read (even if it took me fifteen years to find it. You should check out
the Monist Website http://www.nlx.com/Journals/mst.htm. In fact the aforementioned experience
brings up an issue with me that arose when I returned to graduate school. Not to long ago (in the
late 1990?s) I ran afoul with the authorities in my graduate program at The University of
Wisconsin Madison in Library and information studies when I suggested that my advisor and one
of her favorites who had written an article which had totally misunderstood the information
seeking behaviors of humanities scholars. Now just a handful of years later I am sure that they
misunderstood that role, based on my experience and interaction with other scholars. To put it
simply we can find our own primary documents to do our research, we already know where the
archives and repositories are. What we need help with is finding out what each other are doing in
an interdisciplinary sense, so that we do not waste lifetimes duplicating each other's work. I wish I
had time to cover all the things that took place at the conference but I fear some of this will have
to wait until next month, but at least mention some more high points. My Friend of a Lifetime
since my undergraduate days at University of Wisconsin Madison Dr. Jared Lobdell presented a
chapter from his forth-coming book on Fantasy in the 21st Century which I had the opportunity to
respond to. Dr. Janice Bogstad presented her ongoing work on genre theory literary at a moments
notice. Her paper was well received and certainly generated a very stimulating dialogue among
her questioners. However this was not simply a literary conference as it also covered a wide range
of other arts including poetry music, painting architecture, philosophy. It also included
performances by two working poets who read from their work Dr. Paul Lake and Dr Frederic
Turner. Both of these presenters argue that structure was inherent in language and were reflected
organically in poetry, and that the classical poetical forms did in fact have an inherent logic to
them. I don't know that I accept this but at least I will be learning the forms; perhaps as chess
player might study an international grandmasters games to see if any of the concepts generalize.
.
I see now that time is running short and my deadline looms near so I going to leave the rest of the
conference material and the two science fiction conventions until next month and do one single
review of an art book which has just riveted my attention over that last several days.
John Rawlings: 30 Years in Vogue
Kohle Yohannan, Charles Dare, Jr. Scheips (Introduction)
225 pages
Arena Editions
ISBN: 1892041383 Price $60.00.
This collection of the work of Vogue Magazine photographer John Rawlings (1912-70) is one of
the most compelling art books I have ever acquires. It is more of a time capsule than an art book,
and yet time capsule is not the right word for it. Better to say it is a it is a time travel machine that
takes you across the second third of the 20th century in a blaze of high fashion intensity of colors
textures and the images of almost Olympian beautiful women who are presented with a intensity
and taste which demolishes down the barriers between high and commercial art, and transcends
the dichotomy between art and illustration.
Yes I know these are strong words of praise for any art book but if you have held it in your hands
as I have and paged through it slowly as you read the accompanying text you I am sure would
share my feelings, because among other things it celebrates rather than degrades the human form
in the section dawn his 100 studies of the (nude female) figure. The 11,000 negative personal
archive contains John Rawlings work from 1936-1966 was only recently discovered and was then
presented in this wonderful book.
As I think about this book represented a direction that photography might have taken in the last
third of the 20th century but did not. One of the very interesting aspects of the photographs is that
the seem to move with the times and perhaps ever come alive with the time.
Actually as I think about this it brings to mind on of the other presentations at the AFTER
MODERNISM conference by Dr. Paul Kantor (Who has also written a book on Buffy The
Vampire Slayer), who suggests that the separation between high art and conference is really
which has characterized much of this century is real a false dichotomy which was created by such
writers James Joyce, Ezra Pound and even James Joyce, who really sought to direct there work to
kind of new form of aristocratic patronage, but in the process set the bar for excellence for several
generations of English Departments.
One sees a certain perversion and assaultive nature to the non-journalistic photograph of a Robert
Mapplethorpe for example that is characterized by many as high art. Perhaps given the horrific
nature of much of the 20th century this understandable---yet I think the gesture of assault quickly
numbs the senses.
One or two last interesting I want to say about this book. 50 years from now a book like this
would not be possible for a contemporary photographer, since photographs are now almost
entirely stored as a digital medium on memory disks which we all now will last as long as fiver
years or forever which ever comes first. The second is that this is a book to own because it will
not survive a week in a public or academic library, because the morons with razors will cut out al
the pictures. In the next few years this will become a very rare and expensive book so get your
own copy now.
Philip E. Kaveny Literary Editor Midwest Book Review.
Bogstad's Bookshelf
Janice M. Bogstad reviews a few SF (Science Fiction and Science Fantasy) Titles by: Michael
Flynn, Leo Frankowski, Nancy Kress, Robert Sawyer, Charles Sheffield, and Liz Williams
Resurgence
Charles Sheffield
Baen Books
$24.00 ISBN 0-7434-3567-2
This most recent book in the Heritage Universe series continues an exposition on Builder
Artifacts and philosophy circa 6200 ad. with travel to an entirely different galaxy, in the
Sagittarius Arm. The recurrent heroes of the series, idealist Hans Rebka, Builder expert Darya
Lang, the adventurer Louis Nenda and his alien entourage, the Cercopian Atvar H'sial, and two
alien slaves, and the embodied computer (with a new body), E. Crimson Tally, are joined by
survival experts and a secretive administrator, Julian Graves, for a seeming voyage of mercy. They
begin their travels together, with lots of opportunity for Hans and Louis to express their rivalry
for Darya Lang's sexual favors and for other crewmembers to express their mutual dislike in a
series of lamely comical exchanges. Then, as they approach their objective, diverted first to a
confusingly non-solid planetary object, they split up to maximize the adventures and provide
alternately, high adventure for and low comedy. Darya and Hans take two survival experts and go
off to explore the object. After losing their ship and one of the 'survivors', they travel through a
small alien transition gate to the already dying planet of Marglot. Louis, Atvar, their slaves and
two other survivalists stop at Pleasureworld to pick up an expert pilot, another alien, Claudius,
who is even more scapegrace than Louis Nenda. Their attempts to trick each other out of
imagined profits from this venture provide barely successful comedic facets to a very disjunctive
story. Finally, E. Tally goes off on his own. Mysterious, they end up in the same place and thus
conclude that the Builder's need their help.
This novel finally undercuts the omnipotence of the Builders whose magnificent artifacts
dominated the adventurers in earlier novels. However, the multiple perspectives and plot-leaps
fragment the hard-science gestures, believable adventure and character development. This novel
will appeal especially to Sheffield devotees especially who feel compelled to finish a series that
they've started. It also carries on Sheffield's tradition of multifaceted plots and exploration of
characters' personalities under duress.
Conrad's Time Machine: A Prequel to the Adventures of Conrad Stargard
Leo Frankowski
Baen Books
$24.00 (352p) ISBN: 0-7434-3557-5
Over the past five years, stories of a small number of socially immature male engineers have
amused many readers in the ongoing series which began with Cross Time Engineer. This book
was written as a prequel to the series. The narrative roughly explains the origin of the time
machine central to the other novels. Tom Kolczyskrensi, the first-person narrator, describes how
the three learned how to create a time machine and amassed the financial wherewithal to develop
it. His story begins as he leaves the military in 1968 and hooks up with two old college friends (he
dropped out). Jim Hasenpfeffer, who is about to get his doctorate in Behavioral Psychology and
Ian McTavish, (BS, Mechanical Engineering) is working for General Motors. During a
motorcycle vacation, the three encounter a massive 'implosion', which just happens to send out
one intact piece of paper with electrical schematics and lots of bits of humans. This sets them on
the way to many discoveries that provide wealth, health and unlimited sex with hosts of
compliant, beautiful, young women, the narration of which occupies more than a third of the
novel. The beginning of the novel chronologically postdates the end, serving up the conventional
time-travel paradoxes as well as most of the authors literary flaws.
This is not a well-written or well-plotted book. The prose is wooden, repetitive, predictable, and
often boring. The work is loosely plotted and seems to be designed as one long adolescent (and
not particularly well-developed at that), sexual fantasy where all but a few characters are literally
not full human beings (and this especially applies to Female characters). There is little I can
recommend about the book. It is much the worst Frankowski I've read, and he is not known for
high quality work. I assume this was published because his other books have a following, but he
admits he started this one when he was 16 and it can only have gotten worse.
The only thing to recommend it is that the main characters are not sadistic. There's no overt
torture, despite the treatment of many characters as if people were little more than useful
conveniences. The only readers for this book, in my opinion, are Frankowski enthusiasts who
want to see where he started. He has not improved on the story that he tells us he began as a high
school student in the 1950s (Forward). Thus it will be of interest to readers of his other books,
but will probably not attract new readers.
The Wreck of the River of Stars
Michael Flynn
Tor Books
$27.95 (480 p.) ISBN: 0-765-30099-0.
While trading in Middle System out past Jupiter, the aging craft, The River of Stars, is plagued by
a tragedy of errors. For years, she's courted crisis, surviving on a shoestring budget, minimal
supplies and equipment, carrying whatever cargo and passengers are to be had. Captain Hand has
assembled a crew of misfits introduced first by their work designations. This is largely a novel of
character. Ship's ghosts, human and otherwise, also play a central role. Hand is soon one of the
ghosts, joining the list of dead mates and enemies and the long lost years of elegant travel under
the outdated 'magnetic sails' of the ship's 'glory days'. A series of technical failures might be
overcome or prevented by a functional crew. Instead nostalgia and personal triumphs or failures
from the past control their actions. Previously managed by Hand, the crew's flaws are destructive
under his successor, the self-absorbed First Officer Gorgas. Two of the four 'new' Farnsworth
engines malfunction and there is barely enough time, material or people to repair them. Precious
resources are cannibalized in an ill-conceived attempt to also 'resurrect' the magnetic sails. The
ships navigational systems can't account for the sails, resulting in costly course corrections. Flynn
layers the personalities and disasters in this complicated story with his usual attention to detail.
One can find the precise, if understated, point at which this or that tragedy could have been
avoided and who was at fault. Finally, it is inevitable that no one is making reasonable decisions.
The sum is a sad but fascinating series of character studies and explosive (literally) group
dynamics in an arena where technology is critical to human life.
Flynn is a very accomplished writer, capable of creating both a detailed and a fast-paced story.
This book includes many technological references, both to 'future' technologies provided in very
realistic detail and to the science behind them. There are many mysteries about characters, their
relationships past and present, the physical sources of disasters and the crews' many oversights
and errors. But each of these is eventually 'tied up' with an explanation that emerges usually in a
conversation about something else. For example, we find out why the cable on the magnetic sail
was cut by engineer Bhatterji several chapters after it has killed another unsuspecting
crewmember. And like many other tragedies in this story it is the result of inattention and lack of
communication rather than outright maliciousness. Each of the characters is fascinating as a study
of fortitude but also of self-destructive tendencies. In fact, this is one of the best pictures of 'office
politics' gone awry that I've read in a long time. The infighting and blind spots are so typical of
many human organizations that most readers will experience a little deja-vu, despite the
alternative time-space of the actual events. The mysteries keep the reader's attention as much as
the technical details of the ship's history and problems. On the other hand, while the work as a
whole is very enjoyable, parts of it are dragged down by details of character development and the
novel shows some evidence of sloppy editing, for example, the extremely colloquial phrase, 'isn't
in it' or 'wasn't in it' appears far too often. The work will appeal to the more cerebral end of the SF
reading community, as it's little action-adventure and lots of character analysis.
Crossfire
Nancy Kress
Tor Books
364 p. $24.95 ISBN: 0765304678
This novel of adventure, alien first-contact and planetary colonization is also one of philosophical
speculation. Mira Corporation, founded by Jake Holman, expedition leader for 6000 private
citizens in flight from earth's troubles, has as its purpose their transport to the uninhabited planet
Greentrees. In the course of this story, the author quotes modern physics, biological, social,
medical, and psychological theory, and major philosophical systems, although Libertarianism and
Quakerism are given privileged treatment through the voices of Jake and the leader of 2000
Quakers, Shipley. Characteristic Kress features abound in this novel, including reflections on
fraught relationships between parents and children, although here the child is an adult, people who
do bad things for good reasons, a story with great breadth, and the introduction of social issues of
contemporary import. While the 7.6-year trip takes up two chapters and introduces most of the
featured players, the other 30 chapters chronicle a range of personal and social responses to
crises, each based on ideals. Clashing ideals are central to the dilemma created by contact with the
first two alien races known to humans. The first of these, eventually called Furs, who are
DNA-based humanoids already on the planet and the second, Vines, are sentient plants who arrive
later, and for whom the Furs are deadly enemies of longstanding. Humanity is caught in the
crossfire as members of the colonies' leadership initially take different sides between Furs and
Vines, including Shipley whose Quaker ideals put him in sympathy with the Vines, and his
estranged daughter, Naomi, who sides with the Furs as victims of Vine bioengineering. While
each philosophy seems to work in some situations, the only one that saves the humans is
enlightened self-interest. This also puts them on the Vines' team, as both work to survive the
rapaciousness of the Furs star-faring civilization. This novel is a satisfying thought experiment in
science and philosophy as well as a narrative of bravery, travel, adventure and personal and social
crisis.
The story is a little slow moving at the beginning. It didn't really catch my attention until halfway
through Chapter 7, which begins on p. 75. This may have occurred as the focus of the novel's
beginning is character and setting establishment but it's not really up to Kress' usual writerly
standards. Her prose is usually much more lyrical and engaging and her characters a little less
'stock' than in this particular work. Her novel also ends without an ending, which many readers
are going to find annoying, whether or not there is a planned sequel. I would not rate this as one
of Kress' best books even if I would rate it well above the writing of the majority of SF and
fantasy authors (regardless of gender).
Calculating God
Robert J. Sawyer
Tor Books
334 pages $23.95 ISBN: 0-312-86713-1
Sawyer's tortured hero in Calculating God provides the hungering reader with self-searching
moral and philosophical speculation, as well-as solidly grounded scientific theory that
characterizes good hard-science science fiction. The plot centers around alien first-contact, but
this time, the aliens, two varieties, have come to earth to add evidence to their proof of the
existence of god and it is to the paleontologists that they appear first. This forms a bit of luck for
an otherwise downtrodden Thomas Jericho, head paleontologist at the Royal Ontario Natural
History museum in Toronto. At the time he meets the first alien, Hollus, a big sphere with
multiple, multi-function legs, he is working for a museum director who does not accept his
'educational' view of a museum's function and he is dying of cancer. His status is immensely
increased and he is given a chance to see the galaxy before he dies because Hollus is on 'his' side
of the fight for the preservation of real scientific information in museums instead of media-hype
types of productions.
Now I am not a great fan of science fiction as a religious argument, but I have to agree
whole-heartedly with Thomas' position of a number if issues, most especially on the lamentable
direction, which natural history museums seem to be taking. The majesty, scope, philosophical
depth, and yes, even the tantalizing mystery of science is being leached out of museums, replaced
by the representation of knowledge as if it were sound bites and simple tricks. At the last world
science-fiction convention, I was pleased to accompany some friends and their two boys (7 and
10), to the Chicago Natural History Museum. I have loved this museum passionately since my
first visits as a child (hard to arrange, because we lived 7 hours away in Northern Wisconsin and
my family had lots of kids and never had much money). I LOVE the dinosaurs and the dinosaur
murals and the dioramas of the geologic ages, but guess what? They're mostly gone, replaced by
simple 'manipulables' advertised by geologic history videos which make geology seem like a
television news program. They're hideous. The kids battle with each other to play with the toys
and mostly end up getting in fights and certainly don't learn anything from it. This tragic
management position is reflected in Calculating God, and its long-term effects on
knowledge-horizons of children are explored.
So Sawyer's book, which united geology and cosmology, was a refreshing glimpse of what we
have lost in our public pursuit of glitz over knowledge. It doesn't hurt that the aliens are 'really'
alien, that there is a cosmological crisis which is averted by 'god-like' actions, and that the
downtrodden hero is valorized and then 'saved'. So, while I don't agree with some of the science,
some of the theology and some of the conclusions, I found this book to be a delightful reading
experience because, to read it, you have to think about some pervasive human questions that cut
across a range of intellectual disciplines. Though simply written, it is almost a paradigm for a kind
of classic SF novel of thought. It also arouses passion for right and against wrong, makes aliens
more sympathetic that many humans, and appeals to our basic sense of wonder.
The Poison Master
Liz Williams
Bantam Spectra Books
$5.99 (416 p.) ISBN: 0-553- 58498-7
In the fashion of typical heroic fantasy, Alivet Dee, the focal character of this work of fantastic
fiction, begins a simple quest to rescue her sister from slavery to aliens but ends by rescuing much,
much more. The hero's trajectory is the only thing typical about this complex novel of aliens,
alchemy, magic and science. Alivet Dee, for example, is the far-future scion of the historical John
Dee of Queen Elizabeth's reign. She has inherited, along with many people of her world, Latent
Emanation, Dee's interest and talent in alchemy. This novel entertains the possibility that Dee's
alchemical writings were influenced by contact with aliens, and juxtaposes short passages about
his adventurous research into the surreal with Alivet's narrative. The rich cultures of at least three
worlds are portrayed, with reference to the economic, social and scientific spheres, methods of
travel between the planets consistent with a validation of alchemy, and alien enemies and friends
of humanity. Alivet lives on a planet known to the humans as Latent Emanation, a name we can
assume came from Dee himself. She travels to another called Hathes and there has to sort out her
enemies from her friends. Latent Emanation is a foggy, fen-covered and soggy venue where
humans live essentially medieval lives under the rule of their night-bound alien masters. Hathes
has gotten rid of these menaces, but is scarcely inhabitable by humans, who live in 'environment'
dwellings that keep out the air and cold of the outside world, but we are also treated to glimpses
of an intensely hot planet, and to earth of the 16th century. This work is very well written, with
some historical, character and literary depth. It uses literary conventions of fantasy and science
fiction, as do such well-know authors as John Crowley, Mary Gentle, Umberto Eco, etc. to come
up with alternative explanations for the period of time in the 16th century when Western culture
hovered between deductive science and analogical alchemy. I especially enjoyed the cross-genre
conventions, the focal character Alivet Dee, and the range of alien cultures, beings, planets and
forms of travel between them that Williams evoked. Additionally, she tells a fast-paced
adventure/mystery story with sub-plots, historical referents, red herrings and many evocative
descriptive elements.
Despite this descriptive breadth, Williams creates several interesting characters and a fast-paced,
compelling plot with tantalizing glimpses into the history of our own culture. Better than this, her
novel incorporates major conventions of science fiction within the scope of a lyrical, fantastic tale
of cultures which have organized themselves around the highly-technical use of drugs over
technology. Replete with characters, concepts, and style, this is a fascinating novel from an author
to be watched in the future.
Frankly, I am surprised that a book of this quality is being issued first as a mass-market
paperback, especially as it is her third novel AND at least one of the others seems to have
attracted critical attention.
With the publication of The Poison Master, Ms. Williams is the author of three novels, including
Empire of Bones (March 2002) and The Ghost Sister. 'Empire' was reviewed favorably by Library
Journal and New Your Times Book Review.
Dr. Janice M. Bogstad
Senior Reviewer
Midwest Book Review
http://www.uwec.edu/Library/cd/janice_bogstad.html
Shelley's Bookshelf
Calendar of Death
Veronica Dolan
1st Books Library
2595 Vernal Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404
ISBN: 140337239X, $13.50 www.amazon.com
Veronica Dolan grew up in Forest Hills, New York. She attended St. John's University, and then
worked for Time, Life and Look magazines and the Associated Press in Manhattan. Eventually
she relocated to Colorado, where she has been a public relations consultant for Denver
organizations. Her first mystery was entitled HEIR APPARENTLY.
Writer/genealogist and heiress Quinn Farley and Police Lieutenant Tig Grogan want to get
married, but a series of murders of high profile Republicans occurring on the 1st of each month
demand the attentions of Tig. When Quinn becomes the next target, Tig and Quinn have to
postpone their society wedding, much to the displeasure of Quinn's mother, Agnes, who threatens
to disown Quinn if they don't go ahead with the wedding:
"Agnes' eyes filled with tears that lapped at the mascara on her lower lashes like a rising tide. She
didn't speak. 'If we were to get married,' Tig said, 'and the maniac who sent the bomb tried again
to kill us, he might succeed this time. You do understand that, don't you? He could kill us or some
of the guests in the church. Or at the reception. Maybe even you or your relatives or Father
Hubera. I can't believe you would want to risk that.'"
Quinn is angling for stories about the murders, which leads her on a genealogical hunt which turns
up a wealth of information, eventually leading to the solution to all their problems.
Quinn and Tig are the quintessential young lovers, both trying to get a foothold into their
professions and at the same time trying to please Quinn's "old money" mother. They are both
adorable characters who are fun to read about and clean cut. The conflicts Dolan dreams up for
them are more believable than in many stories: conflicts with the establishment, trying to reconcile
old-fashioned values with today's demands, and having to delve into the past to explain present
circumstances. Dolan makes very nice use of the past to create "sins of the fathers" conflicts.
All in all, Calendar of Death is a fine second effort for Dolan. Her characters are likeable and
fun.
Facedown in Fishtown
J.P. Miller
9MM Press 112 Education Lane, Havelock, NC
ISBN: 0971735808 $12.95 (US); $19.50 (CAN), (252)447-5167, jmiller3@ec.it.com
J.P. Miller has an interesting background. He spent twenty-one years in Naval Intelligence as an
expert cryptologist, which makes him eminently suited to create mysteries and puzzles. He is also
a linguist, skydiver, and traveler. His areas of expertise also include criminal justice and medicine.
He presently teaches aviation survival to pilots and aircrews.
Detective D.J. O'Hara operates out of the 12th District in the Northeast corner of Philadelphia.
He's been on the force almost long enough to retire, and is presently dating and considering
marriage to Kristen, who is trying to extricate herself from an abusive husband. Life is going fairly
well, until a serial killer begins his spree in D.J.'s territory. D.J. narrates the story, and he includes
lots of refreshing tidbits about police procedural that are entertaining and informative for the
reader:
"It wasn't surprising that Ray didn't discover a cartridge case. The killer's weapon was probably a
revolver, and revolvers don't eject the bullet case. Another explanation was simply that the perp
picked it up. However, when someone commits murder, they usually don't take time to retrieve
the hardware. After firing they get the hell out of Dodge."
D.J. is, thankfully, not an alcoholic. Please, writers, stop that overused convention! He is a cuddly
but tough cop who has already "made his reputation." He has believable, normal problems: a
daughter he adores who is probably going to have to move; whether to propose to his girl; how to
take care of her abusive ex-husband. These are the things of everyday life that people want to read
about. This makes Facedown in Fishtown a readable, fun book. D.J. is just enough of a
smart-aleck (his conversations with his partner Manny are hilarious) to be the kind of guy who is
engaging and heroic in an ordinary day-by-day way.
J.P. Miller does not shirk on details. Every step of the hunt for a serial killer with enough rage to
take on an army is logical. The narrative which takes the reader into the mind of the killer (not an
easy thing to do) is also straight-ahead and compelling. Facedown in Fishtown is brilliant!
Undertow Thomas
Rendell Curran
Breakwater Books Ltd.
PO Box 2188, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1C 6E6
ISBN: 1-55081-193-2, $19.95, www.breakwater.nf.net
Thomas R. Curran is a native Newfoundlander. His education was gained at Holloway School,
Prince of Wales College, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the University of Toronto.
He spent more than twenty years writing and researching for the Parliamentary Branch of Ottawa.
Undertow is his first novel.
It is 1947 in St. Johns, Newfoundland. A woman is found murdered in her bathtub. She is the
fourth wife of a prominent citizen in St. Johns. Two years prior, another murder was committed,
this time a young American soldier, who had been murdered by means not released in the press.
This murder was not solved by 1947.
Enter Inspector Eric Stride, a detective for the Criminal Investigation Division of the
Newfoundland Constabulary. Inspector Stride is a handsome detective who earned a fortune
smuggling contraband during Prohibition. Stride is a bachelor, but has had a prior relationship
with a daughter-in-law of the murdered woman, Joanne Taylor. Stride has to confront his own
feelings in order to solve the case, and it is not easy:
"'I have to ask this, Mrs. Taylor.' Joanne looked at Phelan with some interest, half-smiling. 'Where
were you Saturday night?' 'I was here until about six-forty-five. Ned and I had dinner. We were
finished around six-thirty. Then Ned went to his meeting with George Shaw.' The smile grew. 'I
went out to see a movie at the Paramount. THE BIG SLEEP. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren
Bacall. Raymond Chandler's book, a murder mystery. It was very good.'"
Undertow is a murder mystery most psychological. Inspector Stride is emotionally involved from
the beginning, since a member of the murdered woman's family is his ex-lover. But aside from
that, there is layer upon layer of psychological drama for Stride to untangle, even as he is
examining his own past. There are important people in St. Johns who want to past to remain just
that. Stride must get past all of these obstacles to solve the murder and get on with his own life.
Curran does an excellent job of recreating the past in this deep and silent mystery, written in a
style Canadians seem to favor. It is a book made for icy nights and warm, toasty fires.
Dying Embers
Robert Bailey
M. Evans and Company, Inc.
216 E. 49th St., New York, NY 10017
ISBN: 0-87131-997-7 $21.95 www.amazon.com
Robert Bailey is a guy who probably knows a lot about what it's really like for a private
investigator (having been one). He also knows a lot about what physical combat is like, having
been a participant in the Vietnam war. He is an expert pistol shot.
This is Robert Bailey's second Private Detective Art Hardin mystery, the first being PRIVATE
HEAT. Art Hardin agrees to locate a wealthy inventor's old college friend. She is a reclusive artist
who is living with a banshee of a "friend:"
"'You-have-in-vay-ded-my-home,' said Shelly Frampton, holding a voice synthesizer to her throat.
She had almond-shaped nails lacquered a pearlescent white and gave the appearance of being
larger than her one hundred and sixty pounds. Could have been the spike heels, or maybe it was
her double-D bosom strapped firm and high against the effects of gravity. She wore enough
make-up to be the wife of a televangelist."
Unfortunately, Anna Jones, the friend, turns up dead, and the man who hired Art is the prime
suspect. Art and his wife find themselves up for charges when someone invades Art's office and
plants enough child pornography to make it look like he is authentically guilty. He spends his time
dodging would-be assassins, with occasional stays at the hospital when they don't miss. The FBI
wants in on the action, and the locals are only too pleased to assume his guilt. It takes every
ounce of strength and wits to pit himself against the gang of people who want him dead.
Robert Bailey writes a realistic novel full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader busy, just
as he is busting Art's chops repeatedly for a kaleidoscope of action. Just as the reader thinks they
have all the characters straight, Bailey presents another path to add to the mix. Dying Embers is a
fun read, written by an author who has enough experience to keep the police, F.B.I. and the
private investigators straight. It is an entertaining and educational experience for readers who
thirst for realism to the Nth degree.
Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer
Cindy Penn's Bookshelf
Love with the Proper Husband
Victoria Alexander
Avon
HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street New York, NY USA 10022
ISBN 0060001453 Mass Market Paperback 384 pages $6.99
A lawyer's foolish mistake leaves Gwendolyn Townsend penniless. Resourceful and determined,
she accepts work as governess, but her positions are short lived when employers attempt to force
her into their beds. While working in America, Gwen receives a ticket back to London from her
lawyer, which she gratefully accepts. It seems that her father's will did leave her modest living,
and quite a bit more if she accepts her father's choice of a husband. Her father's wishes were for
her to marry the Earl of Pennington. But it is Gwen's new obligation to her three orphaned nieces
that seals her decision to marry.
Marcus Hocroft, the Earl of Pennington, has sought a bride for years. But his desire for
intelligence in addition to an attractive appearance seems to have made his quest impossible.
Then, three months before his thirtieth birthday, Marcus learns of his father's will, dictating that he
marry Gwendolyn Townsend if he has not previously chosen a bride by his birthday. He assumes
he will have a marriage of convince until he meets Gwen and passion flairs. But passion is not
enough when there is trust to be built.
With quixotic flair, author Victoria Alexander pens a must read regency in LOVE WITH THE
PROPER HUSBAND. Irreverent humor, unexpected levity and sparkling wit all find voice from
fresh characterizations and subtly unexpected plotting. Gwen and Marcus, as well as marvelous
cast of secondary characters, are filled with the joys and foibles that brings each characterization
vividly alive. Matchmaking, fiery independence and necessity combine in this amusing read.
Guaranteed to win the reader's heart, LOVE WITH THE PROPER HUSBAND comes very
highly recommended.
Eyes of Betrayal
Patricia A. Rasey
Amber Quill Press
P.O. Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
e-Book/Multiple Formats
ISBN 1-59279-038-0 (Electronic) $5.50
ISBN 1-59279-958-2 (Paperback) $14.50 418 pages
Two years ago "Snake" Marcus Gallego left town on his onyx Harley Davidson, taking Detective
LeAnne McVeigh's heart with him. Now he returns with a raven-haired stranger that immediately
captures both LeAnne and Doctor Whitney Montgomery's attention. Worse, he also brings a
beautiful woman. "Villain" Egan Tate accompanies Snake on a mission to protect Virginia from
her former boyfriend who happens to be a big league gang leader.
Unfortunately, within twenty-four hours, Virginia is found murdered in a style reminiscent of the
murder of Snake's wife. Suspicion immediately falls to Tate who does not have an alibi.
Extraordinary sexual chemistry leads to an unexpected relationship between Whitney and Tate,
and she eventually provides him with an alibi. That lie, even when it becomes truth, will lead to
passion and gristly danger beyond her imagining.
Readers of KISS OF DECEIT were aghast when author Patricia Rasey daringly broke all
romantic conventions, allowing her hero to ride into the sunset without his heroine. Such a break
of convention marks Rasey's work, as she imbues her text with the harsh realities and subtle
nuances that make her novels dazzle fans time and again. The fast paced EYES OF BETRAYAL
continues to keep fans guessing as to the identity of a vicious murderer, echoing the unsolved
killing of Snake's wife from KISS OF DECEIT. With surgeon like precision, Rasey cuts to the
heart of human motivation, revealing the striking similarities of seemingly totally disparate
characters. Each scene springs vividly to life, living in the imagination long beyond when the last
page is turned. Indeed, like the man she attributes to inspiring "Villain", author Rasey writes with
style and class. Fans just cannot get enough of her bad boy heroes and will be eagerly awaiting her
next novel.
McNamara's Ghost
Angelique Armae
Amber Quill Press
P.O. Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
e-Book/Multiple Formats ISBN 1592790682 (Electronic) $3.50 Novella
In 1778, McNamara's Tavern burns, supposedly killing Hugh, who had been called the
Unconquerable McNamara. His older half-brother Alex Caldwell had orchestrated events,
intending to arrange inheritance of the ancient Ogham Stones, a divination and magical tool
imbued with a sacred Irish script. Rather than birth order determining inheritance of the stones, a
daughter of Danu must give her blessings to the inheritor.
Unfortunately, the daughter of Danu Julia, Hugh's beloved fairy witch, inadvertently betrayed
Hugh and now wears Alex's symbol of ownership around her neck when a mistake left Julia
powerless and easy prey for the warlock. Fortunately, Hugh's grandfather's intercession prevented
complete death, leaving Hugh trapped in time and unable to reenter the mortal realm. In present
day, parapsychologist Juliann Moss returns to the site of McNamara's Tavern and awakens Hugh
from centuries of sleep. Hugh vows to have his revenge for Julia's supposed betrayal, but finds
himself to vulnerable to the woman he has always loved. Although she long ago vowed to
renounce her magic as penance for Hugh's death, she now hopes to bring him back to the mortal
realm by taking his place.
In this powerful battle of good verses evil, author Angelique Armae renders a memorable tale
with MCNAMARA'S GHOST. Spanning the centuries, challenges of loyalty and love provide a
magical tale in which victory comes only with sacrifice. While the hero and the anti-hero are
drawn with broad brush strokes that personify good and evil, the heroine portrays the powerful
nuances and foibles that renders the tale both believable and powerful. Moreover, the carefully
created mythology of inheritance and wizardry will quickly hook readers on Armae's work, and
clamoring for the sequel. A stunningly memorable tale paranormal fans will treasure.
After the Rain
Karen White
Zebra Books
Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821773380 April 2003 Mass Market Paperback 384 pages $5.99
A woman on the run, photographer Suzanne disembarks the bus on a whim, choosing to stay in
Walton, Georgia. Unused to children, her comment regarding leash laws and children captures
Joe's attention. Introducing herself as Suzanne Paris, she quickly learns that Joe is the town mayor
who also happens to be the widowed father of six children. While she knows she cannot remain in
Walton long without endangering her safety, Suzanne quickly finds herself falling in love with the
citizens of Walton and their mayor.
Unlike the citizens of Walton who proudly cling to their deep southern roots, Suzanne is a drifter
without ties to her past. Her alcoholic mother had disappeared when she was a teen, leaving
behind only a necklace with the inscription, "A life without rain is like the sun without shade."
Foster homes and emotional damage have exacted their toll, but Suzanne soon discovers the rain
and the sun of Walton. Suzanne blossoms under the warmth of new friends and longs to linger in
the healing atmosphere and near Joe and his remarkable children.
Author Karen White pens an elegantly enchanting southern novel in AFTER THE RAIN. Fans of
FALLING HOME will welcome the return of favorite characters the beauty of White's evocative
prose. Indeed, readers will find themselves chuckling and tearful as the powerful characterizations
sweep them into the marvelous small Georgia town and its memorable citizens. As the town
conspires to protect Suzanne from threats of the past, she finds redemption and healing in the
most unexpected of ways. Readers will be extremely reluctant to depart and will be clamoring for
yet another sequel. AFTER THE RAIN comes very highly recommended.
Like a Knife
Annie Solomon
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0446612308 366 pages $5.99
Memories of witnessing her mother's death have always remained at the edge of Rachel
Goodman's consciousness. She devotes her life to helping children who have survived similar
circumstances, running a school for children who have been victims of violence. With only six
weeks left on the rental space for the school, Rachel desperately seeks new funding. She certainly
needs to avoid adverse publicity, but it unfortunately finds her.
Nick Raine left designer suits behind six years ago, embracing an austere life that led to his
maintenance work at the school. Then his old boss demands that Nick return to his former life and
find a missing child. Suddenly Nick is thrust back into a nightmarish world where he discovers the
missing child his own, and where men will do anything to maintain power and money, including
destroying innocents like Rachel.
Author Annie Solomon pens a stunning debut with LIKE A KNIFE. Crisp prose, sharp
characterizations and a fast-paced plotting provide a combination impossible to put down. Nick
Raine proves to be an intriguing hero with a deadly, dark past that haunts his every step. Rachel's
background is equally painful, but gives her character power as she resourcefully deals with
virtually impossible circumstances. Solomon does not pull any punches, with harsh realities and
cruelties, thereby lending the novel a hard, believable edge. Readers will eagerly await more from
this promising author. LIKE A KNIFE comes highly recommended.
The Kissing Game
Kasey Michaels
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0446610852 Mass Market Paperback 352 pages $5.99
When he first came into earldom by way of a complicated chain of inheritances and deaths, Oxie
Nesbit took his family to London. Years of gentile poverty little prepared the Nesbit family for
living in the lap of luxury. Worse, the plain spoken Oxie played pranks on too many members of
the ton, making the trip a fiasco. With his daughter Allegra rapidly approaching nineteen, Oxie
decides to return to London to find his daughter a husband. While Allegra had believed the trip to
be a joke, the joke is on her when Oxie excorts his family to London.
Armand Gauthier keeps dark secrets that engender speculation as to the source of his wealth and
parentage. With a Viscount's introduction, Armand comfortably escoungaged himself into
Society, and after meeting Allegra, decides to perform the same favor for her. With no invitations
on her family's mantel, Allegra must accept the invitation to Armand's ball. Moreover, Allegra
cannot resist prying to Armand's secrets even as her father continues to make memebers of the ton
rue the day he arrived in town.
Author Kasey Michaels lends irrepressible humor to THE KISSING GAME. Prankster Oxie lends
the novel an original freshness with his outrageous antics. Allegra and Armand suit one another
wonderfully with their shared need to escape the demands of Society. Allegra's forthright speech
and practical view of her father will delight readers even as Armand will leave them intrigued by
his dark secrets. A lovely, light read that captures the spirit of the era with flair, THE KISSING
GAME comes highly recommended.
Chance Place
Frankie Schelly
Firesign Exclusives
1854A Hendersonville Rd. PMB 125, Asheville, NC 28803
ISBN 1591132207 Multiple Formats PDF 320 pages $9.95 Paperback $18.95
It was the early seventies when Nathan Waite finds himself in a Princeton dorm, the sound of
Roberta Flack's music taunting his memories of making love with Cheryl and her pleas that he find
help. He sees his handwriting on notes he has been studying for a test, but does not remember
writing the words. As the cacophony of his growing illness crowds him mind, it results in chaos,
and leads to Nathan's confinement to the mental health system.
At fourteen, Frenchy Bibideaux flees his alcoholic and violent home life for the streets. Chance
brings an offer of a ride from a stranger. Despite his mother's warnings about riding with
strangers, Frenchy climbs in the warm car to ride home with Peso. Clothes, money, fantasies are
all lavished the boy. He enrolls in a Catholic school and lives a luxurious life. But when he turns
sixteen, Peso seeks payment. Life continues to spiral out of control until French wrongly lands in
a halfway home for the mentally ill in Minneapolis.
Desperate for companionship, Frenchy befriends Nathan. Nathan's family has suffered financial
and emotional devastation from his illness, remanding him to the halfway house out of necessity.
Both men struggle with an incomprehensible mental health system. Eventually, Frenchy's sexual
confusion results in a terrible affront to Nathan. Their alienation finds unexpected healing,
however, when Frenchy compromises everything for the one chance to save Nathan from a mental
health system gone awry.
Author Frankie Schelly pens a stunning novel with CHANCE PLACE. With compassionate
humor, poignant opportunities and unexpected joy, CHANCE PLACE finds powerful
redemption. As the child of a schizophrenic mother, I am very critical of the presentation of the
mentally ill in fiction and fantastically pleased with Schelly's presentation of this difficult topic.
Schelly's understanding of mental illness and the sensitivity she displays reveals her own battle
with schizophrenia in her son, and her awareness of the human face the illness attempts to mask.
A poignant tale that weaves the disparate elements of friendship, betrayal and forgiveness into a
fascinating narrative.
Lady of the Two Lands
Elizabeth Delisi
Novel Books Inc.
P.O. Box 661, Douglas, MA 01516
ISBN 1-59105-168-1 eBook $5.50 download
ISBN 1-59105-193-2 paperback $12.00 paperback
Artist Hattie Williams struggles to recreate the scene of Hatshepsut being crowned ruler of Egypt
for a nonfiction book. She borrows the images from stone sarcophagi and masks on display at a
museum. All the details come together with ease, but Hattie cannot seem to capture Hatshepsut's
face. While she works, she feels as though someone watches over her shoulder. Finally the curator
suggests that a brilliant necklace rumored to belong to the famous female Pharaoh might bring
inspiration. When Hattie touches it, however, she is thrust into another dimension.
A woman bearing a close resemblance to Hattie appears. A direct descendent of Hatshepsut,
Harriet must take Hatshepsut's place and protect Hatshepsut's stepson, Prince Tuthmosis, who
will be the next Pharaoh. When she awakens, Hattie finds that she has traveled through time. She
soon finds herself fighting her attraction for Senemut, the Royal Architect and the man she
appoints to advise her in this difficult transition. She struggles to befriend Hatshepsut's sullen
stepson, and to care for Hatshepsut's daughter Neferusre. But palace intrigue and lurking betrayal
threaten to destroy Hattie's rule as the High Priest of Amun tries to eliminate her and gain control
of the crown through the young prince.
Author Elizabeth Delisi pens an intriguing look at Egyptian culture and time travel in LADY OF
THE TWO LANDS. Hattie adapts well to antiquity as she struggles to fulfill her destiny, proving
herself to be a resourceful and thoughtful ruler. Having studied a bit of Egyptian history, I'm
impressed with Delisi's ability to capture the flavor of the time, penning strong characterizations
and a fast paced read that fans will find impossible to put down. Indeed, Delisi handles the
inevitable time travel challenges with finesse. A fascinating and enjoyable read, LADY OF THE
TWO LANDS comes very highly recommended.
The Quiet Storm
Intimate Moments No 1218
RaeAnne Thayne
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 037327288X Mass Market Paperback 256 pages $4.75
One moment Elizabeth Quinn can radiate fire and the next moment she radiates cool composure.
When she appears at the precinct hoping to convince someone to reopen a case, however,
Detective Beau Riley wants nothing to do with it. Elizabeth inadvertently snubbed him a year
earlier at a party, and Beau has never forgotten. He does not know that her deliberate speech and
cool exterior masks a slight speech impediment caused by brain damage at birth. As a result, for
years Elizabeth has endured cruel taunts and vicious criticism causing her to mask her feelings in
rigid indifference.
But Elizabeth feels anything but indifferent when she asks Beau to investigate Tina's death. She is
certain that her friend Tina would never have committed suicide, especially when she was looking
forward to having her five-year-old son Alex back. Alex had been living with Elizabeth and her
housekeeper, the boy's grandmother. Elizabeth loves and identifies with Alex, who is deaf. As a
favor to his former partner who referred Elizabeth, Beau agrees to poke around in his off time,
little expecting Elizabeth's assertions to be correct.
Author Raeanne Thayne upholds her reputation for penning exciting intrigue in THE QUIET
STORM. Elizabeth proves herself a vulnerable and insecure heroine, hiding her weaknesses
behind a cool exterior. Her subsequent mixed signals are not enough to entirely discourage this
sexy hero, however! Secondary characters are likewise delightful, especially the irrepressible Alex.
Making children believable without upstaging the main characters is difficult, but Thayne pulls off
the challenge with style. Indeed, Thayne's talent for unconventional characters and a fascinating
plot makes THE QUIET STORM a keeper. Very highly recommended.
All A Man Can Be Intimate Moments No 1215
Virginia Kantra
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373272855 Mass Market Paperback 256 pages $4.75
From first glance, Mark DeLucca knows that his new boss, Nicole Reed, is high maintenance. A
bartender, Mark thinks of her as a Chardonnay kind of lady and does not expect her to fit at the
Blue Moon. Mark would have bought the bar himself if he could have secured the financing, so
creating high brow ambiance and serving exotic sandwiches certainly does not please him. But
word of a child he did not know he fathered six years ago forces Mark to reexamine his priorities.
This certainly does not look like the time for a career change.
With seed money secured from a romance and career gone wrong, Nicole buys the Blue Moon
bar hoping to start over. With a history of unhealthy relationships, Nicole brings a wealth of
textbook knowledge but a lack of trust in her own instincts where Mark is concerned. Mark fits
the classic and dangerous bad boy image, yet Nicole cannot resist his unexpected appeal.
Especially when a miscommunication brings her to his door and a charming six-year-old opens it.
Mark needs Nicole's help if he wants to keep his job and gain custody of his son. But that leaves
Nicole questioning his motives as well as her own.
Author Virginia Kanta's gift for powerful characterization sparkles in ALL A MAN CAN BE. As
this troubled hero and heroine come together, their differences seem impossible to bridge until a
delightful six-year-old shakes their world. Both Nicole and Mark display vulnerabilities and
strengths that make them sympathetic and believable. Indeed, ALL A MAN CAN BE skillfully
combines emotional depth and heart-stopping sexual tension in marvelous read. ALL A MAN
CAN BE comes highly recommended.
Casey's Gamble Cowgirl, Say Yes: Superromance No 1127
Brenda Mott
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711271 Mass Market Paperback 304 pages $5.25
At twenty-seven, Tess Vega has filled her life with her immediate family and her beloved animals.
She runs a non-profit organization, Western Colorado Horse Rescue, a sanctuary for abandoned
and abused animals funded by donations and her own funds. She also volunteers for the local 4-H
chapter, which brings her close to Darcy Darland.
Widower Wade Darland intends to cut back on ranching time to have more time to raise his son
and daughter. He hopes that his budding Internet business selling tact and leather will support his
family. In the five years since his wife's death, Wade has dated only rarely, especially since one
women's concern for his children was entirely superficial. Despite his awareness that he and Darcy
have absolutely nothing in common, however, he cannot seem to keep her at a distance, resulting
in the sparks flying.
Author Brenda Mott pens a marvelously multi-layered tale of family, love and compromise in
COWGIRL, SAY YES. Fans of SARAH'S LEGACY will welcome the return of Macy Darland's
dad in his own romantic tale. Wade and Tess find themselves at extreme opposites: he is a rancher
and she's a vegetarian animal rescuer; thereby allowing Mott to once again demonstrate her
stunning ability to blend the amusing with the poignant, resulting in an incredibly touching tale.
On one hand, one of the most humorous incidents in the novel is Wade's misassumption regarding
his daughter's needs, and his unwillingness to speak straight up about female things. On the other
hand, Tess' family's grief over her mother's deteriorating condition and the inevitable heartbreak of
Alzheimer disease lends the novel a biting realism even as Tess handles the situation with amazing
grace. Indeed, Mott's ability to draw tears on joy and tears of grief make her one of series
romance's most poignant authors.
As Bad As Can Be Blaze No 86
Kristin Hardy
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790481 Mass Market Paperback 218 pages $4.50
Serving Screaming Orgasms and encouraging barmaids to dance on the bar, Mallory Carson
intends to make her new business Bad Reputation a success, despite brother Dave's interference.
But when he sends his friend Shay O'Connor to spy, things go too far. Especially since Mallory
and Shay find themselves alone in a very compromising position before either learns the other's
identity. Worse, Shay walks away like it was nothing.
Men do not walk away from Mallory Carson. She does the walking on her terms and when she is
ready. Unfortunately, her body does not seem to remember her own rules. Shay does not want to
seduce his buddy's sister; Mallory does not want Shay's interference about the way she runs Bad
Reputation. So when she learns Shay's identity, Mallory decides someone is playing games, and
she is evening the score. She proceeds to show Shay just how bad she can be.
Author Kristin Hardy's rising star continues to dazzle with AS BAD AS CAN BE. Mallory
conceals her vulnerability behind a bad attitude that intrigues Shay even as her walls keep him
away. Indeed, sensual moments threaten to make the pages spontaneously combust with scenes
filled with spontaneity and naughtiness as Mallory's bad girl attitude and Shay's good guy persona
clash. I admit to falling in love with Mallory's bad girls and their love for dancing on the bar,
resulting in a tone that is both exhilarating and seductive. Consequently, AS BAD AS CAN BE
comes very highly recommended.
Against the Odds: Superromance No 1123
Kathryn Shay
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711239 Mass Market Paperback 304 pages $5.25
Fifteen years ago, the Crane brothers assault and plan to rape their stepsister Annabelle.
Fortunately, the timely intervention of officer Dan Whitman sends Annabelle to the safety of
Serenity House. A few years later, she accepts a nanny position with Nathan Hyde's family. She
and Nathan have an affair that ends tragically. Now, after five years as an undercover cop in
Seattle, Annabelle returns home to recover from a bullet wound.
Nathan's political career has made him the target of stalker. Subtle clues indicate the perpetrator is
someone close to him. He refuses the usual bodyguard, and only Dan's interference persuades him
to accept Annabelle as an undercover bodyguard. Annabelle plays the role of Nathan's personal
assistant, but the success of her assignment may depend upon how well they can control their
feelings from the past.
Author Katheryn Shay pens an intriguing romance in AGAINST THE ODDS. Readers may
object to the number of ethical boundaries that are crossed, however. Annabelle and Nathan's
romance first began when he was married to someone else, and she agrees to become his
bodyguard despite their personal history. Nevertheless, the greatest potential weaknesses of the
story take on surprising strength as the surprising plot plays out. Readers will also cheer
Annabelle's handling of her horrible stepbrothers. Fans will likewise enjoy the return of previous
Serenity House residents, and can only hope for a second-generation series one day! AGAINST
THE ODDS comes highly recommended.
Casey's Gamble Superromance No 1122
Eve Gaddy
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711220 Mass Market Paperback 304 pages $5.25
When Duke and Angelique Fontaine leave for a second honeymoon, they turn sugar plantation
Bellafontaine over to their son Jackson and daughter Cassandra. Almost immediately following
their departure, however, disaster strikes when a kitchen fire threatens the lives of family
members. Evidence suggest arson. Coincidentally, when Casey phones her brother to tell him of
the fire, he is only minutes away with friend Nick Devlin.
Nick arrives in Louisiana to get his former riverboat casino ready for the grand opening. A rake, a
rambler, and a gambling man, Nick certainly does not fit the type of man Casey needs in her life,
as her family so quickly points out. But lurking physical danger as well as danger to the heart
continues to provide opportunity for the chemistry Casey and Nick share to rage out of
control.
Eve Gaddy's CASEY'S GAMBLE begins the exciting new trilogy Raising Cane, to be followed by
THE SECRET DAUGHTER by Roz Denny Fox in May and JACKSON'S GIRL'S by K.N.
Casper in June. Once again Gaddy demonstrates an amazing ability to weave complex
characterizations and passion into an enthralling tale readers will find impossible to put down.
Once burned, now twice-shy Casey will only win her heart's desire if she can apply the same
determination she has to successfully run Bellafontaine to her love life. Nick likewise faces
tremendous challenges and risks if he is to find the way to his well deserved happily-ever-after.
With a rich secondary cast that provide humor and surprising twists, CASEY'S GAMBLE is a
must read, coming highly recommended.
High - Tide Bride Duets
Nancy Warren
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373441630 Mass Market Paperback 384 pages $5.99
Being raised by two maiden aunts and with a name like hers, Harriet Adelaide MacPherson feels
limited. She might have been a fabulous athlete, dancer and gymnast, but girls named Harriet do
not become cheerleaders, no matter how good they are. Worse, a five minute beauty routine and
sweaters sets with plaid skirts do not pave the way to romance, unless she wants to date a
mortician. Certainly her high school crush Steve Ackerman never noticed her, not even later when
they worked together at the same newspaper. At least not until the day Harriet tries to give herself
a hickey with a turkey baster in the ladies restroom. Before long, Steve persuades Harriet to
pursue her high school dream of becoming a cheerleader for the Braves football team, Harriet's
makeover has unexpected results for all!
When she catches her husband in a compromising position, Caroline Kushner walks out on her
husband Jonathon. Painful fertility issues had damaged their relationship, making communication
difficult and reconciliation impossible. Despite the damage to their relationship, however,
Jonathon and Caroline clearly love each other. As Jonathon attempts to win his wife back, and she
questions if she judged him too harshly, life seems to conspire to add further twists to their
already complex relationship.
Author Nancy Warren's gift for combining the unexpected with amusing will have readers
delighted with this duet combination. Readers who loved movie reviewers Tess and Mike's
romance will enjoy their nuptials as a background for even more shenanigans. Harriet and
Caroline are studies in opposites, and yet balance the two stories out beautifully. Secondary
characters are wonderful fun as well meaning matchmakers appear in variety of guises, from
great-aunts or a mother to best friends. Indeed, the geriatric set adds the best secondary
characterizations in both duets, lending them the fabulous flair that characterizes Warren's
marvelous work. A HICKEY FOR HARRIET/A CRADLE FOR CAROLINE comes highly
recommended.
Vital Signs Superromance No 1124
Bobby Hutchinson
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711247 Mass Market Paperback 304 pages $5.25
Two year-old David Riggs was alone three days before a neighbor called about a loud tv that
went on all night and all morning. Too young to reach the water tap, David was dehydrated and
conscious in the ninety degree heat when rescue personnel find him. Such a tragedy touches the
heart of all ER personnel, but none as much as pediatric nurse Hailey Bergstrom who wants a
child of her own. But Hailey knows she is plain, and men do not find her attractive.
Rather than wait for the right guy to marry to come along before having children, Hailey signs up
to adopt a child. When David's plight brings him to her floor, Hailey wants him. In charge of
David's case, social worker Roy Zedyck sees the magic Hailey works on the pediatric floor. A
woman who can wear a tale and bunny ears to make children smile, Hailey quickly captures his
heart. But life has a way of dealing harsh surprises, and neither Hailey nor Roy are prepared to
loose David to a mother who who would abandon him.
Author Bobby Hutchinson gracefully acknowledges the harsh realities and the delicate works of
the heart in VITAL SIGNS. While it would be easy to damn a mother out of hand for abandoning
her child, Hutchinson instills gentle understanding of an impossible situation. The powerful
relationship between mother and child, and the important relationship between caregiver and child
result in a novel with powerful depth. Further, Hutchinson does not provide simple, easy answers
to this gripping drama, allowing a touch of realism to temper the happily-ever-after romance. The
result is terrific read that comes highly recommended.
Drive Me Wild: Harlequin Temptation No 921
Vicki Lewis Thompson
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373691211 Mass Market Paperback 224 pages $4.25
After ten years of college, Alec Masterson is working on his fifth choice of a major and paying the
bills by working as chauffer. Little does he suspect that his favorite client, Molly Drake, has him
starring both in her fantasies and in her latest novel. Then Alec's actions as a Good Samaritan
result in his being late to pick Molly up for an extremely important train ride into the city.
Consequently, he offers to drive her from her home in Connecticut to her appointment in New
York City. Anticipating good news regarding her latest literary venture, Molly says she hopes
they will have something to celebrate on the way home.
A successful career ghostwriting cozy mysteries has Molly longing to have her own name on a
book spine. Shifting genres, Molly pens a sensual romance. Unfortunately, her editor rejects her
effort, suggesting she needs to get beyond her contrived and stilted sex scenes. Stunned and more
than a little disappointed, Molly decides she needs practical experience. Soon Alec offers to help
her "research" and they begin what believe to be a fling. It does not take long for them to drive
each other wild!
Once again Vicki Lewis Thompson pens an absolutely sizzling romance in DRIVE ME WILD.
Thompson's gift for bringing together opposites who refuse to compromise their intrinsic
identities allows her characters to embrace their differences and revel in their individuality in a
story where everyone wins. Moreover, Thompson breaks new ground as Molly and Alec daringly
indulge their wildest fantasies, which could easily result in her fans rushing to the local video
camera department. Indeed, Molly and Alec's naughty escapades will certainly inspire the most
jaded of readers! This amusing romantic romp is filled with sensuality and sexuality while still
providing a marvelous plot that really keeps the pages turning.
Pleasure for Pleasure: Blaze No 84
Jamie Sobrato
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790880 Mass Market Paperback 256 pages $4.50
Following in the steps of Josie Marcus' mother would intimidate the most daring of souls.
Certainly demure Josie finds it difficult to continue her mother's outrageous classes at the Lovers
for Life Center when her sexual history would fit the back of a postcard. Certainly a background
in marital counseling has not prepared her for lecturing on sex. When a long time attendee
observes Josie's professional reputation hinges on her having a frisky love life, Josie realizes that
she must take action. Then a voice from her past offers the perfect solution while exchanging
pleasure for pleasure.
Trent O'Reilly owns the building housing the Lovers for Life Center as well as the extreme sports
shop next door. With two months rent in arrears, Trent heads next door to collect personally. His
shared history with Josie had deterred him much to long, and now its time to collect. But seeing
Josie again for the first time in three years makes Trent want to collect more than just rent. He
would like a bit of retribution for her dumping him on the beach three years ago without his
boxers. So in exchange for private sex lessons, he offers to waive six grand in back rent payments.
Little does Trent realize the ramifications of such an agreement.
Author Jamie Sobrato pens a scorching romance in PLEASURE FOR PLEASURE. As Josie and
Trent learn to gain and relinquish control, they discover an erotic path of pleasure that leads to
love. Josie is a fascinating mix of sassy and demure in her determination to never be like her
mother, and yet enters an unorthodox agreement of exchanging personal sex lessons for rent. This
troubling agreement will bother readers who perceive this exchange as prostitution, but taken with
the spirit of the novel, savvy readers will understand Josie's choice as a powerful choice to take
control of her past and her future. PLEASURE FOR PLEASURE comes recommended.
May the Best Man Wed: Harlequin American Romance No 967
Darlene Scalera
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373169671 Mass Market Paperback 256 pages $4.75
Two weeks before her wedding, Savannah Sweetfield enters her office early one morning to find a
brilliantly handsome stranger sitting at her desk. Cash Walker, the elder brother of Savannah's
fiance McCormick, hands her a letter from her intended. McCormick has disappeared without
telling anyone where he is going or for how long. Suddenly Savannah's carefully scheduled world
threatens to collapse like a house of cards. But rather than panic, she handles the crisis with poise
and grace.
As Savannah's wedding day approaches and the groom continues his absence, Cash provides the
assistance and support. But the chemistry between himself and his brother's future wife continues
to build. And even if Cash does not believe that his brother will return, it is not his place to
explain that to Savannah. Further, even as Savannah finds herself falling for the black sheep of the
family, she knows that neither she nor Cash can betray her missing fiance.
Author Darlene Scalera pens a delightful romance in MAY THE BEST MAN WED. Her fiance's
sudden disappearance just before their nuptials forces over scheduled Savannah Sweetfield to
reevaluate not only her marriage plans, but also her entire life. Cash is a dreamy hero with his
blatant honesty, arrogance, and his outrageous charisma. Cash can effortlessly learns the first
name and family history of every person he encounters, even as he keeps rigid Savannah
desperately seeking to retain her poise and balance. A warm and delightful read that includes a
dash of humor and wonderful characterizations, MAY THE BEST MAN WED comes highly
recommended.
Red - Hot & Reckless: Harlequin Temptation 924
Tori Carrington
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373691246 Mass Market Paperback 224 pages $4.25
Bad girls never apologize for their wild antics either in bed or out. Nicole Bennett carries her bad
girl reputation to the extreme, however, with her career as a professional jewel thief. Her
weakness for tall, sexy men and for Tiffany jewelry has gotten her into several scrapes over the
years; nevertheless, she has never regretted her perchance for either. But someone has been
following her, and Nicole has best watch or trouble will catch up to her.
Insurance investigator Alex Cassevetis has suspected that Nicole lifts other thieves' goods since
Christine Bowman was caught stealing millions of dollars in uncut diamonds. While Christine was
convicted, the diamonds disappeared. Now Alex intends to persuade Nicole to help him
apprehend "Dark Man," a thief turned serial killer. But working with Nicole proves disconcerting
when he knows there can be no future for their electric attraction.
RED HOT & RECKLESS is the best Tori Carrington offering yet! Carrington takes "bad girl" to
an all-new level, with a heroine who never apologizes for her unorthodox career. Wild, tempting
and daring, Nicole takes what she wants and lives as a truly free spirit. Overly responsible Alex
finds that wildness incredibly alluring, but he is also an irresistibly sexy hero. Indeed, readers will
wonder how much of his Greek mystique is inspirited from the male side of the fabulous writing
duo of Lori and Tony Karayianni. And perhaps it is the dynamic of a male/female writing team
that allows both hero and heroine to consistently sparkle in all of their novels, and most especially
in the sizzling RED HOT & RECKLESS. Moreover, the strong heroines in "The Bad Girls Club"
series will certainly have readers clamoring for more bad girl stories.
Kelton's Rules: Superromance No 1119
Peggy Nicholson
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711190 Mass Market Paperback 304 pages $5.25
Getting lost on the way to Sedona only makes young Skyer Lake's pleas to return to their
previous life in New Jersey that much louder. With the vast wisdom of a ten-year-old, Skyler still
hopes for a reconciliation between his pilot father and free spirited mother Abby, despite his
father's new wife and expected twins. In the midst of Divorce Crazies, Abby plans to build an
adobe and a new life in Sedona until life takes an unexpected detour. Thanks to Skyler's meddling,
the ensuing damage to their van guarantees time in Trueheart, Colorado living next door to their
rescuer, Jack Kelton and his young daughter Kat.
In the small town of Trueheart, Jack cannot seem to find a babysitter capable of keeping his
mischievous daughter in hand. Kat's pranks are legendary, with her singed eyebrows only
demonstrating proof of her imaginative troublemaking. Her new friendship with Skyler threatens
disaster, however, when Skyler objects to their parents' possible romance. Besides, with Kelton
believing it is unwise to get involved with a woman suffering from Divorce Crazies, and Abby
believing a woman must stand alone, romance does not seem probable. But then, the community
of Trueheart has already demonstrated its perchance for bringing together the unlikely.
In the fifth story of the Trueheart series, author Peggy Nicholson pens an irresistible look at love
and family in KELTON'S RULES. This lively romance combines the best of the Divorce Crazies,
determined children, and far-reaching passions. Cat and Skyler playfully demonstrate the best and
worst of imaginative children with realistic displays of emotion and disappointment that will
delight readers even as they touch reader's hearts. Women who have experienced a divorce will
certainly recognize the symptoms of Divorce crazies from the irrepressible urge to create a new
life to the need to prove oneself whole without a man. Jack proves to be just the man to rock
Abby's world even as it does not take long for him to acknowledge that life does not necessarily
follow his plans where his heart rules. A wonderfully realistic, delightfully playful read,
KELTON'S RULES comes highly recommended.
The Wrong Woman: Superromance No 1125
Linda Warren
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711255 Mass Market Paperback 304 pages $5.25
Secrets have dominated Serena Farrell's life. Her grandfather kept their financial condition quiet,
indulging Serena and her grandmother's every need while potentially bankrupting their future.
Both grandparents refused to discuss Serena's mother and father or events surrounding her birth.
But when a stranger mistakes her for an identical woman, Serena seeks answers.
Business takes private investigator Ethan Ramsey to a seamy Dallas nightclub where he sees a
striking red head that seems none too happy about her job. When he sees her again at a coffee
shop, Ethan introduces himself and offers his assistance. Taken aback, Serena pockets the card as
she denies a connection to the mysterious woman. But soon Serena pulls the card from the trash
when she finds herself intrigued by possibilities her grandmother refuses to discuss.
Fans will recognize Ethan Ramsey from STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART and EMILY'S
DAUGHTER and agree it is time he gets his own story! And Ethan finds exactly the kind of
woman he deserves if only they can sweep aside the intrigue and risk their hearts. The contrast
and commonalities in twins Serena and Sarah proves fascinating, and will leave readers chiming
for Sarah's story. With complex family dynamics and fascinating characterizations, THE WRONG
WOMAN lives up to Linda Warren's reputation for excellence. THE WRONG WOMAN comes
highly recommended.
Cindy Penn, Senior Reviewer
Midwest Book Review
http://www.wordweaving.com
Klausner's Bookshelf
Ultimate Fitness: The Quest for Truth about Exercise and Health
Gina Kolata
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
2003, $24.00, 292 pp., ISBN: 0374204772
New York Times science reporter Gina Kolata provides an insightful look at the mythos of
exercise. Ms. Kolata is a participant who enjoys working out, but a claim led her to wonder what
is the supporting scientific evidence vs. the health industry distortions. Ms. Kolata includes a
comparative historical perspective re exercise beliefs over the ages so that readers can see how
the ancients compare with other generations to include the information age. The author shreds
several of the leading accepted theories from the gospels that low-intensity exercise burns the
most fat and that stretching must come before the workout to prevent pulls, etc. Adding to the
account is a terse look at the promotion of food and food supplements to lose weight and increase
muscle definition. ULTIMATE FITNESS: THE QUEST FOR TRUTH ABOUT EXERCISE
AND HEALTH is more than a simple expose because Gina Kolata cares deeply about her subject
that comes across as genuine especially when she tells her personal anecdotals and those of her
daughter. The book is easy to read, can be put down and leisurely returned to, and does not
j'accuse us couch potatoes for failing to save ourselves. Instead even us out of shape, overweight,
non-exercisers will find this nonfiction work pleasurable to follow as Ms. Kolata makes it clear
that the benefit of exercise at least to her is not losing weight, feeling healthier and fitter, but is in
the active participation of playing the game.
Positively Fifth Street: Murderers, Cheetahs, and Binion's World Series of Poker
James McManus
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
2003, $26.00, 422 pp., ISBN: 0374236488
Harper's magazine hired novelist James McManus to write an article on the World Series of
Poker. The magazine is interested in the relatively new phenomena especially the impacts of
female players, information technology on the game, the murder of Ted Binion of the host family,
and the subsequent arrest and trial of a stripper and her boyfriend. Once McManus arrives at Las
Vegas' Horseshoe Casino he rationalizes that to truly write this article, he must participate. Being
an apartment house player, McManus risks his advance to join at the table. POSITIVELY FIFTH
STREET: MURDERERS, CHEETAHS, AND BINION'S WORLD SERIES OF POKER
provides great depth into the mindset of the cast (not just the card players, but also the groupies)
than the original article that Harper's magazine published. Mr. McManus is at his best when he
reports his guilt over the hedonistic pleasure of the game and side benefits while leaving at home
his wife and daughters. The rest of the story, mostly fulfilling what his editors want as described in
the paragraph above, is well written and engages the audience through the use of poker
vernacular and metaphors. Still the first-hand account at the table draws the final card in a royal
flush nonfiction that casual card players will enjoy.
Revenge
Laura Blumenfeld
Washington Square
April 2003, $14.00, 366 pp., ISBN: 0743463390
Washington Post reporter Laura Blumenfeld seemed to own the world in 1998 as her personal life
and her professional life appeared so ideal. However, one event from twelve years earlier still
haunts Laura. In 1986 Israel a Palestinian terrorist shot her father. Though he survived and his
wannabe murderer was incarcerated, the incident scarred Laura's psyche. REVENGE is all she
could think of until 1998 when the Shooter (as she calls him) Omar Khatib was released from
prison. Laura saw this as a chance to act on her thirst for retaliation. She begins to visit places
where terrorism is a way of life like Bosnia and conducts interviews of both the culprit and the
victims of violent acts to better understand revenge. Laura also spends time with Khatib's family
and becomes a pen pal with her worse nightmare. She begins to understand him and his way of
life, but doesn't know what will happen when they meet. REVENGE is an interesting account of
one person's need to understand why and more critical a catharsis of the soul. Though the
international review she conducted on terrorism in other places lacks the passion of Laura
Blumenfeld's accounts of her family and that of the Shooter, the chronicle provides an intriguing
look at the similarities and differences cultures assign to vengeance. Still in the end, the insight
into the two antagonists makes for quite a story of hope where a reader can imagine people giving
peace a chance.
There Must Be More Than This: Finding More Life, Love, and Meaning by Overcoming Your
Soft Addictions
Judith Wright
Broadway Books
2003, $23.00, 247 pp., ISBN: 0767913396
Motivational speaker and writer Judith Wright insists that the minor harmless habits are the
dangerous ones that hold people prisoners within "soft addictions" that keep an individual from
enjoying love and meaningfulness in life. These time filling disillusioned ruts like watching TV or
surfing the Internet typically leave a person unfulfilled. Ms. Wright offers a program to eliminate
or at least reduce the "soft addictions" in order to gain a more harmonic lifestyle shared with
loved ones. The author espouses live everyday with the expressed purpose of achieving your
goals and stepping closer to attaining one's vision rather than hide within the socially acceptable
rut. This self-help book is well written and easy to follow once the reader understands the
underlying hypothesis fostered by Ms. Wright, who makes a strong anecdotal case defending her
belief. The difficult part remains disciplining one's self because these "soft addictions" are so
hypnotic even when one is left feeling empty afterward, but Ms. Wright offers small steps as a
plan to achieve a more satiated life shared with loved ones. THERE MUST BE MORE THAN
THIS: FINDING MORE LIFE, LOVE, AND MEANING BY OVERCOMING YOUR SOFT
ADDICTIONS is solid advice for those who seem greater harmony within themselves.
Miscarriage: Why it Happens and How Best to Reduce Your Risks--A Doctor's Guide to the
Miscarriage
Henry G. Lerner, M.D.
Perseus
Feb 2003, $16.95, 291 pp., ISBN: 0738206342
Even if there is no need for emergency surgery afterward, a miscarriage leaves behind quite a
bundle of mostly negative feelings on the part of the mother and even that of the father. Most
people when hearing of a miscarriage react with sympathy towards the parents. However, the
parents, especially the mother, guiltily wonders if something she did caused this traumatic event.
The mother and to a lesser degree the father is the target that author Dr. henry G. Lerner wants to
help. He responds to the self-incriminating questions often asked such as what did I do wrong?
Dr. Lerner with contributions by Dr. Domar provide practical advice on how to reduce the odds
of preventing a miscarriage from happening again and how to cope with the depression that is
sure to come if a miscarriage occurred. This book is lucid and well written for a wannabe parent
to understand yet treats mothers and fathers as intelligent people just lacking information on a
"taboo" subject that no one wants to talk about. Dr. Lerner provides insightful information on
avoidance and as important how to deal with the deep guilt that will follow if a miscarriage
happens. The key to this enlightening nonfiction work is the advice provided to both parents for
the forgotten father will feel doubt, depression, and lack of confidence as to what to do for his
ailing spouse and his own psyche. MISCARRIAGE: WHY IT HAPPENS AND HOW BEST TO
REDUCE YOUR RISKS--A DOCTOR'S GUIDE TO THE FACTS is a strong insightful
guidebook.
Immortalis
R.A. Salvatore
Del Ray
May 2003, $26.95, 496 pp., ISBN: 0345441222
Elven trained Aydrian kills his stepfather, exiles his mother Jilseponie, and declares himself king of
Honce-the-Bear. With his large army King Aydrian leads an attack on the elves, who manage,
through a huge sacrifice, to defeat him. In the south, Behren is dissolving into a series of petty
city-states. Brynn, elven trained, liberates her country of To-gai from invaders with the help of the
dragon Agradeleous. However, she also shows the Behrenese people that their religion is based
upon a lie, opening the way for Aydrian's ally Abbot Olin to fill the void. The broken Jilseponie is
stunned with what the elves have done and caused, but though she wants to nurture her long lost
son, she also needs to insure the true heir, Prince Medalis, sits on the throne of Honce-the-Bear.
While the elves struggle to survive from the taint they caused, Brynn and Jilseponie join forces to
take down a teen they both love. With the final act of the incredible Demon Wars Saga, R.A.
Salvatore makes a case that he ranks with the best fantasy writers of the past few decades. The
key to this novel and the previous tales is the world building skills of the author that makes
Corona a complex believable orb with varying cultures, magics, and religions. The characters,
mythological or mundane, all seem authentic with the key ones sharing a tragic stage that sends
the audience empathizing with their dilemmas. This novel and series is simply great epic
fantasy.
Long Hot Summoning
Tanya Huff
Daw Books
May 2003, $6.99, 416 pp., ISBN 0756401364
Keepers are those of the Lineage who maintain the metaphysical balance of the world. Now that
Diana Hansen has graduated high school she is no longer kept in reserve but is a full-fledged
Keeper. She notices a bracelet a student is wearing is tainted by evil and learns that it was bought
at a store in the Kingston, Ontario Mall. Realizing that the forces of darkness have almost taken
over the mall, Diane gets her sister Claire, powerful in her own right, to help her in her first
Summoning. They cross over from the mall to the Otherside where an identical mall is segueing
into the one on the mortal plane. There they find allies in Arthur and his elves (street children who
have found their way into the Otherside and have changed into another life form). There they
prepare to do battle with the evil being known as the Shadowlord, a fight they must win if Earth is
to survive. LONG HOT SUMMONING is a delightful and charming urban fantasy that is both
funny and exciting. The plot is so fast-paced that readers find a need to see what happens next.
The secondary cast is whimsical creatures that include a magic mirror and a cat that used to be an
angel. They play a small but pivotal role in the story line, leaving readers feeling as if they were
participants in an adult fairy tale.
Beyond Sunrise
Candace Proctor
Ivy
May 2003, 432 pp., ISBN: 0345447182
Renowned for her global travel books, India McKnight needs a guide to visit the South Seas
island of Takaku, but no one will take her because of the native cannibal populace. British Naval
Captain Simon Granger suggests India ask Jack Ryder, who lived with cannibals, to take her. Jack
and his adolescent partner Patu agree to take India to the island so that she can determine whether
the rock formation is natural or man-made. Jack drops India on the island, giving her a few hours
to return. However, Simon and his ship arrive. They want to catch Jack, accused of killing half a
crew by sinking the Lady Juliana. Jack takes India hostage and they trek across the island as he
tries to reach the French side. On the journey, Jack and India fall in love, but he knows she has no
future with him. Fans of the African Queen will want to read this nineteenth century south Pacific
version of the classic. The story line hooks the reader from the moment India dumps a bucket of
water on a drunken sleeping it off Jack. Readers will compare the lead couple to Bogart and
Hepburn and realize the duo is a charming pair. Though some readers may detest the use of
profanity, it fits in an action-packed plot that goes full throttle until the finish.
Heart of Gold
Jessica Bird
Ivy
May 2003, $6.99. ISBN: 0804119899
Colonial Era archeologist and historian, Carter Wessex agrees to accept a grant to dig on Farrell
Mountain if she obtains the approval of corporate raider Nick Farrell. She is very excited about
trying to solve the Revolutionary War mystery of what happened in 1775 to the Winship party
and the gold they carried until she meets Nick. He is nasty and tosses her off his property. When
Nick connects the name to a business partner, he sees an opportunity to insure the man owes him
favors as Carter and her father have been estranged since her mother died. Nick invites Carter to
dig on his mountain, but never expected to fall in love with her. He worries what will happen
when she learns the truth that he manipulated the situation as a business venture, but not as much
as the concern he feels for her safety when a rival abducts her. Solving an eighteenth century
mystery using modern day archeological techniques is fun to follow and the varying relationships
are all delightful to observes. However, an extra intrigue caused by a lunatic peer and Carter's
misunderstanding of her parents' relationship seems unnecessary and contrived. Still Carter and
Nick are a pleasant duo and his nephew, Carter's partner and his daughter make for a wonderful
contemporary romance that will leave readers appreciating Jessica Bird's talent.
Night Swimming
Laura Moore
Ivy
May 2003, $6.99, ISBN: 0804120048
The first chance Lily Banyon could leave her hometown of Coral Beach, Florida she fled. It is
several years later and she has become a highly regarded marine biologist renowned for her
international work on coral reefs while working for the prestigious Marine Center in
Massachusetts. Coral Beach is in the midst of a controversy between the environmental leaning
Mayor Sean McDermott and the business development leaning council over the reef. When the
advisor Dr. Lesensky becomes deathly ill, the town obtains the assistance of the Marine Center to
determine the health of the reef. Over her objection, a reluctant Lily is sent home to complete the
study. Immediately, Sean and Lily send attraction sparks to each other that could ignite the
southeast. Both have secretly loved each other since their teen days, but circumstances and a lack
of confidence has kept them from connecting. As they fall in love as adults someone tries to
sabotage her efforts in favor of development regardless of the findings. NIGHT SWIMMING is a
pleasant contemporary romance that entertains on several levels besides the lead couple's
skirmishes that hide their love for one another. Two engaging additional subplots (the health of
reefs and the high school age "relationship" between Lily and Sean told in flashbacks) add leagues
of depth. The villain is too greedy and sleazy to take seriously hurting the meaningful debate
between environment and development. Still sub-genre fans will appreciate Laura Moore's fine
tale.
Dead Ringer
Jasmine Cresswell
Mira
May 2003, $6.50, 400 pp., ISBN: 1551667126
On Christmas Day 2001 in Des Moines, Riordan "Dan" Michael Gray and his wife of seven
months Charlotte come home from visiting family. Dan takes out the garbage, but fails to return.
Charlotte calls the police who begin a search that fails. Dan owns the successful Panini coffee
shops. When payroll is due to the employers, Charlotte's father calls Dan's lawyers to learn he
gave the business to her as a divorce settlement. Later the FBI informs her that her missing
husband is terrorist Daniel O'Toole of the IRA. A couple of years later in Tampa Bay, FBI agent
John Hanseck visits Charlotte to inform her that Dan is in the country and probably in the Tampa
area. The Feds want to use her as bait to catch him, but she wants her past buried so declines
participating. However, refusal fails to keep her from being kidnapped. One of her abductors,
whom she finds attractive and somewhat familiar looking, keeps her safe. This is an exciting
romantic suspense that hooks the reader once Dan vanishes. The story line is fast-paced as the
audience waits to see what will happen when Dan and Charlotte meet up and learn why he left.
There is the question of who will end up with the girl as a potential romance between the heroine
and the Fed as well as the abductor protecting her adds to the intrigue. Though the climax seems
too pat, fans will appreciate this terse thriller.
Changing Habits
Debbie Macomber
Mira
May 2003, $24.95, 352 pp., ISBN: 1551666901
In the 1960s, three young women from diverse lifestyles enter St. Peter's Parrish in Minneapolis
with the belief they are destined to become nuns. Angelina Marcello, Kathleen O'Shaunessy, and
Joanna Baird had different reasons for becoming "Brides of Christ", but shared an idealism to
serve God and help the community. In 1972 the three nuns struggle with crisis of faith. For Sister
Angelina, it was the simple failure of the Church to deal with the problems of a pregnant teen
Corrine that sent her back to her father's restaurant. Temporarily taking over the accounting
journal led Sister Kathleen to Father Brian Doyle with both wrestling between their vows and a
very human love for one another. For Sister Joanna, the return of Viet Nam vet Dr. Tim Murray
reminds her that she joined for the wrong reasons as she begins to fall in love with the still
recovering medical practitioner. Will the church lose three more dedicated people or will the vows
prove strong enough to keep these Sisters within the fold? CHANGING HABITS is not the
typical fare from Debbie Macomber, but is an insightful look at some of the problems the modern
day Catholic Church is confronting in America. The story line is well written as the trio of nuns
seems so genuine and human. The support cast enables the audience to understand their motives
from entry into the Church until the individual crisis of faith occurs. Readers will feel strongly
what each one of the Sisters contends with as Ms. Macomber powerfully focuses on the critical
loss of nuns facing the Church today.
The Love Knot
Rebecca Brandewyne
Mira
May 2003, $6.50, 400 pp., ISBN: 1551666855
In 1802 Verity Collier accepts a position as governess to seven-year-old twins Meliora and
Bastian though she has no previous experience with this work. Because the position is in remote
Cornwall, the father Lord Jago Ransleigh, has no other takers. For Verity, the position enables her
to escape working at a suffocating school. On the trek to St. Aubyn, highwayman Black Jack
Raven holds up the carriage containing Verity. She courageously persuades him not to take a
family locket from her, but he imitates Sheridan by stealing a locket of her hair. At the manor,
Verity finds she likes the reticent children still struggling with the death of their mother in an
accident two years ago. When she meets the Earl, who is always away from the estate on War
Office business, she thinks he is also Black Jack. Trying to learn the truth places her in danger of
the body and the heart as she quickly falls in love with her employer. This delightful Regency
romantic suspense borrows heavily from the gothic crowd. Verity lives up to her name, but is also
brave (no Rape of the Lock will stop her) and serves as the right role model for two lost little
children. Readers will feel for the twins, but especially Bastian (try getting more than a nod out of
him). Jago is the classic gothic hero who cannot believe the woman he is falling in love with
would foolishly waltz into danger. Rebecca Brandewyne shows why she is so highly regarded
with this strong historical intrigue.
No Sanctuary
Helen R. Myers
Mira
May 2003, $6.50, 384 pp., ISBN: 1551666596
In 1995 Tyler, Texas, metal sculptor Bay Butler works late on completing the "iron maiden" gate
for client Madeleine Ridgeway. However, someone viciously kills her business partner Glenn
English in their studio. The police arrest Bay, who is convicted on weak circumstantial evidence
and sent to Gatesville Women Penitentiary. Just under six years later, Madeleine sends her lawyer
Lyle Gessler with new evidence that vacates the conviction and frees Bay. However, instead of
freedom, Bay finds her benefactor Madeleine demands she attend the ministry she runs. At the
same time, Bay meets Detective Jack Burke, who has not slept well since the conviction. Needing
to know the truth and not accepting Gessler's version, Bay plans to investigate, but Bay wants to
help her. As they fall in love, they begin to uncover a town without pity run by blood money. NO
SANCTUARY is an exciting investigative romance that works on several levels, but especially
when Bay and Jack share a scene, whether that it is fighting, inquiries, or falling in love. The
conspiracy climax seems a bit thin, but the lead couple more than just makes up for that. Fans of
taut small town Texas romantic suspense will find sanctuary in Helen R. Myers' latest thriller.
The Perfect Lie
Dinah McCall
Mira
May 2003, $6.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 1551666758
Sixteen years ago in Bel Air, California, Jonah Slade is elated that his girlfriend Felicity Blaine
carries his child and plans to propose. However, his bliss ends immediately when Felicity informs
him that she aborted the baby and will stop seeing him. Jonah angrily leaves while Felicity knows
her inability to stand up to her billionaire father Declyn ended the relationship though she lied
about having the abortion. Over the past six months, Jonah, a CIA agent works undercover as a
mercenary for Columbia drugpin Miguel Calderone. Jonah sets up the bust, watches Miguel's son
Alejandro kill a friend, so he kills Alejandro. Miguel sees the incident and vows vengeance. Thugs
invade the Blaine home killing Felicity, severely injuring Declyn, and kidnapping her son Evan.
Felicity's sister Mercedes, estranged from her father, visits Jonah to enlist his help. He is stunned
to learn he has a kid and plans to free him, as he understands Miguel's message, "a son for a son".
As the rescue mission unfolds, Jonah and Macie, as he calls Mercedes, fall in love, but first they
must save the teen and survive the mission before seeking anything long-term. THE PERFECT
LIE is an exciting romantic suspense novel that readers will enjoy once Macie visits Jonah. The
story line is loaded with action and a strong cast though one traitorous individual seems out of
character. Jonah is a courageous protagonist and Evan is clearly his son though the two never
met. Macie is a brave person not afraid of the truth even when it proves costly. Dinah McCall
provides a taut thriller that the audience will welcome.
Alison's Automotive Repair Manual
Brad Barkley
St. Martin's Press
Mar 2003, $23.95, 288 pp., ISBN: 0312291388
In West Virginia, thirty something widow Alison Durst remains in mourning though her husband
died in an accident two years ago. Her sister Sarah and brother-in-law Bill have been supportive,
but even they are tiring of Alison as a permanent, grieving guest plus they care and just want her
to rebuild her life. Both believe she needs to start over first by moving into her own home.
However Alison is not ready to leave. Although she knows nothing about cars, she decides to
rebuild Bill's broken-down Corvette. She will move out once she completes her task. Munitions
manufacturer Max Kesler agrees to assist Alison on her quest. They begin seeing each other
although his father's behavior jeopardizes this relationship before the attraction can become
anything permanent. ALISON'S AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR MANUAL is an amusing romantic
romp with serious undertones that is at its best when the lead couple goes out on dates at weird
locales. Her side, including her late husband, provides strong support so that the reader further
understands Alison's struggles with getting on with her life. On the other hand, his father impedes
the flow of a delightful tale worth reading by fans of second chance romances.
The Character of Rain
Amelie Nothomb
St. Martin's Press
April 2003, $11.95, 132 pp., ISBN: 0312302487
In the beginning before there is an Amelie, God exists as a tube eating, breathing, and excreting.
However, the creators are a bit unhappy that this baby behaves more like a vegetable so these
parents nickname the tube "la Plante". However, two years later la Plante abruptly moves and
cries. Then the Tube's Belgium grandma arrives with the most devastating poison known in the
universe, white chocolate. The Tube tastes the sweetness and a new conscience has
metamorphosed. Life in the tube has turned quite sweetly though the awakening of Amelie makes
her realize that paradise will be lost. This unusual autobiographical tale first is told in the third
person until the pivotal moment in history, the infamous chocolate incident, when the plot is
written as a first person narrative. Not everyone will want to read this metaphysical story, but
those who do will find a clever, witty, and intelligent tale that even makes the earliest of days
come across realistically. Except for the title, fans will appreciate Amelie Nothomb's work that
does not miss a beat in the translation from the original French METAPHYSIQUE DES
TUBES.
The Night of the Dance
James Hime
St. Martin's Press
May 2003, $24.95, 320 pp., ISBN 0312313225
Ten years ago Sissy Fletcher, a twenty-five year old beautiful and wild woman, disappears after
last being seen at the Rodeo Dance. Everyone thought she went to the big city to start a new life
for herself but that theory is disproved in the present when a construction crew digs up the
remains of Sissy. The sheriff of Washington County, Texas Clyde Thomas knows he's not
equipped to deal with a murder investigation so he asks retired Texas Ranger Captain Jeremiah
Spur to help him. Even though his daughter is dying in a Houston hospital, Jeremiah agrees to
help but Sissy's brother Martin is disturbed that her bones were recovered and along with his
friend Did (an appropriate name) start a two man crime wave. Believing he is God's messenger, he
robs a grocery store killing a black man and his mother. He also intends to blow up the
courthouse so that all the law enforcement people die. Sissy's investigation has to be put on hold
while innocent men and women are at the mercy of an insane killer. This is James Hime's debut
novel and it is a solid police procedural, but even better crime as a thriller. Readers are left to
wonder why the discovery of Sissy's remains set off her brother and the answer rings true even
though it is shocking. The hero of this novel is the Texas Ranger (retired) who bends a few rules
to see Justice prevail. He keeps his head while everything he cares about seems to be falling apart.
THE NIGHT OF THE DANCE is a strong debut novel.
Drybone Hollow
John Billheimer
St. Martin's Press
Apr 2003, $24.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 0312291213
Failure analyst Owen Allison plans to return to Palo Alto to reconcile with his ex-wife Judith
though he was delayed by his need to be with his mother in West Virginia when she underwent
chemotherapy (see DISMAL MOUNTAIN). However, further problems in West Virginia
postpone Owen's trip to the West Coast. The dam by the Canaan II mine erupts, killing four and
filling DRYBONE HOLLOW with coal sludge. Owner Anson Stoke hires Owen to persuade
environmentalist Judge Carter Vereen that despite the toll, his operations remain safe and should
stay open. Judge Vereen orders an investigation of all impoundment dams sitting on mines, which
leads to state attorney general Hayes Boyer asking Owen to head the inquiry, but demanding a
kickback of 15% of Owen's fee. Owen rejects the offer, but turns to his friend Sheriff Thad
Reader to set a trap to expose those using fixed contracts, but the law enforcement official deals
with a full plate already as a local has probably been abducted. So Owen plunges ahead knowing
he will receive limited support from his buddy, but mine engineer Emily Kruk makes it worth
while to stay in West Virginia a bit longer. Though the "will he reconcile or not" becomes a bit
annoying, readers will appreciate the latest Owen Allison investigative tale. Most of the audience
will kick themselves when they see how obvious John Billheimer's plot solves the mystery as the
clues are all provided, but so devilishly done that most fans (including this sore reviewer) will fail
to see it. The cast is a delight with the hero at his best when he investigates.
The Owls of Gloucester
Edward Marston
St. Martin's Press
Apr 2003, $23.95, 288 pp., ISBN: 0312285426
Late in the eleventh century under the reign of William, Brother Nicholas fails to return to
Gloucester Abbey from collecting the rents. He remains missing for two days leading to concern
and high tension among the residents of Gloucester Abbey because that is out of character for the
monk. Anxiety dramatically increases when two novices, known for their misdeeds, stumble over
the corpse of Brother Nicholas, whose throat has been slashed. The Brothers and the novices
panic while Sheriff Durand stuns the Abbot when he insists that the opportunity to kill the victim
was only available to one of monks. In the area to resolve another minor land dispute, Domesday
Commissioners Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret travel to Gloucester Abbey to conduct their
own investigation. They quickly conclude that the murder of Nicholas is just the start of an evil
that will kill again and ultimately destroy the abbey unless stoped. Instead of turning repetitive and
as boring as resolving an insignificant land dispute (just ask Ralph), the tenth Domesday novel is a
delightful fresh treat. The "locked door" who-done-it is cleverly designed and fun to follow as the
lead sleuths struggle with a closed mouth abbot and an irate sheriff wanting them to stay out of
his business to solve the case. Historical tidbits interwoven into the plot enhance the murder
mystery. However, the key to Edward Marston's latest William era tale is the depth of the support
cast which enables the audience to visualize medieval times inside a strong investigative
novel.
Ransom at Sea
Fred Hunter
St. Martin's Press
Apr 2003, $23.95, 272 pp., ISBN: 0312300662
Chicago senior citizen Emily Charters takes her grieving friend Lynn Francis on a Great Lakes
cruise to help the younger woman cope with the recent death of her lesbian lover. On board the
same ship is nasty and dictatorial Marcella Hemsley who has no qualms at being the queen of
mean and abusing her reticent companion, her young niece Rebecca. Surprisingly since she seems
to still be grieving her loss, Lynn finds herself attracted to Rebecca. Perhaps as shocking, Rebecca
responds, at least to the friendliness offered especially by Lynn but Emily too. However, someone
murders Marcella whose corpse is found in her cabin. The police arrest Rebecca who had motive
and opportunity. Unable to resist especially since Lynn is interested, Emily begins investigating.
Helping her is police detective Jeremy Ransom, her partner on several other cases. RANSOM AT
SEA is a classic investigative tale that runs the inquiry gamut but is at its best while the lead
couple interviews potential witnesses and suspects. The who-done-it story line dominates the tale
as the elderly Emily and her junior "colleague" question an amusing ensemble to uncover who
actually killed the offensive victim. Lynn's sexual preference is not hidden and handled with
dexterity by Fred Hunter, as he provides a delightful mystery that readers will appreciate.
Embracing Uncertainty: Breakthrough Methods for Achieving Peace of Mind When Facing the
Unknown
Susan Jeffers, Ph.D.
St. Martin's Press
Mar 2003, $24.95, 285 pp., ISBN: 0312309554
Dr. Susan Jeffers suggests a methodology for people to attain mental equilibrium and serenity in
an uncertain world that seems increasingly unpredictable since 9/11. The author feels that too
many people waste time, energy, and money trying to control what the future will bring to them.
Instead, Dr. Jeffers advocates acceptance of three prime "realities" before one can learn to live life
to the fullest. In other words, Dr. J encourages readers to "live for today and don't worry about
tomorrow". Though nothing innovative (Grass Roots offered the same advice thirty-five years
ago) to embrace in this self-help book, Dr. Jeffers provides a timely tranquil message in a world
that seems as if stress is the solo measure.
The Last Witness
K. J. Erickson
St. Martin's Press
May 2003, $24.95, 352 pp., ISBN 031231468X
Marshall "Mars" Bahr and his partner Nettie Frisch are leaving the Homicide Division of the
Minneapolis Police Department to work the BCA's cold case unit. However, before they leave
they try to solve one last case. Teri DuCain Jackson was found dead in her Lake of the Isles
home. Her parents discovered the body. Afterward the father suffered a heart attack and died. His
wife is sure that her son-in-law, a wife beater, killed her daughter, but Tayron "T-Jack" Jackmon
of the Minnesota Timberwolves has a perfect alibi. He was with his in-laws, their lawyer and his
attorney negotiating a settlement that would give him a hundred million dollars if he allowed Teri
to divorce him. T-Jack couldn't have killed her because Teri spoke to them moments before her
death. Mars thinks that T-Jack hired a hitman to kill his wife but they lack the one crucial piece of
evidence that would allow them to arrest the suspect. Mars comes up with a possible way to nail
T-Jack and save a life but to do so will force him to put his badge on the line. K.J. Erickson writes
an exciting police procedural that maintains reader interest from the first page to last. Although
there is some surface resemblance to the Simpson scenario, in THE LAST WITNESS the police
are not prejudiced and maintain a professional manner. Through his son readers see that Mars is a
caring person who plays by the rules even when it cost him custody. One can't help but admire
him and wish that more people had such a strong moral code. This is a "two-thumbs up" reading
experience.
Badlands
Peter Bowen
St. Martin's Press
May 2003, $23.95, 272 pp., ISBN 0312262523
In Toussaint, Montana, the townsfolk host a going away party for a family who owned a ranch for
over a century, but forced to sell to the well funded The Host of Yahwah. A white priest leads the
cult and decrees his followers will be picked up by alien spaceships just before the world is
destroyed. Gabriel DuPre learns through his FBI contacts that seven men who left the cult were
all killed on the same day at the same time in various places around the country by female
members. Gabriel tries to help a woman trying to escape but when she sees that members of the
cult are about to captue her, she kills herself in front of her children. When Gabriel sneaks into the
compound and sets fire to an ammunitions dump, the resulting explosions are enough to get the
FBI involved. The FBI surrounds the compound but nobody wants another Waco so the Federal
agents are prepared to wait them out until Gabriel comes up with an idea to break the back of the
resistance. The tenth installment in this series is refreshingly original due in large part to the
protagonist who though a grandfather fourteen times over, lives life to the fullest. He is not afraid
to take chances and puts his life on the line to try and get some information on the cult that can be
used by the FBI. In BADLANDS the federal agents are the good guys who act with restraint
while the cult members pursue their sinister agenda. Peter Bowen does for Montana what Tory
Hillerman does for New Mexico.
Facade
Patricia A. Rasey
Amber Quill
2003, $15.50, ISBN: 1592799779
McCreary County Sheriff Mike "Mac" McArthur and his Deputy Detective KC Tanner find the
missing George Tanner, a homicide victim who was tortured before he was killed. Both law
enforcement officials are stunned by the amount of violence inflicted on George. More people
soon die with the culprit customizing the killings and holding a county in abject fear over who will
be next. Mac's daughter Sharalee MacArthur works as the County Victim's Advocate. She tries to
help families of murder victims deal with the tragedy they must confront. This is a tough
emotional job, but KC, the county's only homicide detective, makes it that much more difficult to
perform. His heart is stone cold protected from the outside by demons from his past, but she
fantasizes that one-day he will love her like she does him. As the clues surface, the killer adds to
the top of the revised list Sharalee, which leaves Kevin Charles panicked that the love of his life
could be next. FACADE is an exciting serial killer tale that provides grisly details of the murders
through the eyes of the investigators. The suspense filled story line never misses a beat even with
a romantic subplot. The hearts of the audience race at a rapid rate due to feeling the same fears of
the residents (sort of like New York during Son of Sam terror) and ultimately that of the lead
protagonists. Patricia A. Rasey writes a gritty police procedural that is as intense as the sub-genre
can become, which in turn means a winner for fans.
The Wizard Hunters
Martha Wells
Eos
May 2003, $24.95, 400 pp., ISBN 0380977885
The off world Gardier use powerful magic to invade the land of Ile-Rien. The off-world military
are winning on all fronts defeating the natives at sea, on the land, and in the air. Unless something
is done quickly, the people of Ile-Rien will become enslaved. A magical artifact attached to
Tremaine Valiarde transports her and two sorceress to the Isle of Storms. They meet the
Syrneiese warrior Ilias and Giliead who have come to the island to see if an evil wizard has taken
up residence there. The two groups team up when the Gardier, who have an outpost in a huge
cave on the island, captures them. Working together, they escape and go to the homeland of Ilias
and Giliead and then back to Ile-Rien to get an army together that will destroy the Gardier
outpost and subsequently the means of traveling between the two worlds. Book one of the Fall of
Ile-Rien is a fantastic opening installment in what looks to be a great fantasy epic. The heroine, a
potential suicide victim, finds she has something to live for as she becomes a freedom fighter
intent on saving two worlds from Gardier domination. Martha Wells is an excellent world builder,
a writer who makes the audience believes that the Gardier and the two worlds they want to
conquer actually exist.
Racing Moon
Cassie Edwards
Signet
May 2003, $6.99, 352 pp., ISBN: 0451208412
In 1857 Irish immigrants Maureen O'Rourke and her parents move to Louisiana where she sells
her watercolors and they open a bakery. Her current commission is with wealthy Taylor
Clairmont, who covets expanding his holdings by stealing nearby Indian land. The nasty Taylor
does not care how he succeeds as long as he owns more. His men set on fire the Chitamacha
Rosedown Worship House where an Indian boy Sun Arrow on a ritual was worshipping. When
Taylor kisses Maureen, she flees in disgust. However, her flight for freedom ends abruptly when
Sun Arrow's father Sharp Wing abducts her because he thinks Maureen is Taylor's wife and that
he is the villain who killed his son. The tribe chief Racing Moon is attracted to the hostage, but
refuses to act because he also believes she is a married woman. When Sun Arrow turns up alive,
Maureen tells Racing Moon the truth, as she is attracted to the chief. They make love and agree to
marry, but first he must deal with Taylor who burns down the replacement holy building. Cassie
Edwards has the patent on Indian romances. Her latest action packed tale contains plenty of depth
into the lifestyle of the tribe and stars a strong couple. However, all conflict is resolved too easily
in favor of the good guys while the villain has no redeeming qualities. Still Ms. Edwards provides
a delightful diversion for her fans.
Shop Till You Drop
Elaine Viets
Signet
May 2003, $5.99, 288 pp., ISBN 0451208552
After hearing the judge's ruling in a St. Louis Courtroom, Helen Hawthorne goes on the run,
leaving a job that pays six figures annum and her family and friends behind. She ends up in Fort
Lauderdale working in sales in the exclusive female clothes store Juliana's, earning minimum wage
off the books. The clientele consists of trophy wives and men's mistresses who have nothing better
to do than shop until they drop. After two weeks on the job, Helen comes to believe that her boss
is skimming money, selling illegal drugs, arranging for illegal plastic surgery and hiring a hit man
for a customer. Before Helen can decide what to do about what she thinks is going on, Christina
takes off on a vacation and never comes back. Her body is found in a barrel floating in the ocean
and Helen soon has proof that her former boss was blackmailing five customers and her
ex-boyfriend. When Helen tries to solve the crime and collect the reward money, the killer decides
to make Helen the second victim. The first Dead-End Jobs mystery is such a smashing success it
will provide long-term job security for Elaine Viets. The tale contains wit, local color and a cast
of secondary characters that is eccentric and funny. The heroine is a delightful mix of grit;
determination and stubbornness, which is why she goes from one deadly encounter to another.
She doesn't know the meaning of the word quit and she hounds all the suspects until one of them
finally makes a move on her. Elaine Viets' SHOP TILL YOU DROP is electrifying.
Only by Your Touch
Catherine Anderson
Signet
Apr 2003, $6.99, 464 pp., ISBN: 0451207947
At thirty Chloe Evans feels old as she recovers from a nasty divorce although she tries to hide the
ugliness from her preadolescent son Jeremy. To give the asthmatic Jeremy a fresh start, Chloe
moves them to the resort town Jack Pine in Oregon where she takes a position as a police
dispatcher. Jeremy's Golden Retriever puppy becomes very ill, but money is tight so a vet seems
out of the question. Though dangerous rumors abound about local outcast former veterinarian Dr.
Ben Longtree, a desperate Jeremy also learns of his magical healing touch. The child carries his
beloved dog so that the pariah can treat him. Ben does not want any visitors especially since he
illegally provides medical treatment to wild animals, but he cannot resist the lad or his dog. Chloe
and Ben become acquainted and soon fall in love through the efforts of her matchmaking child.
However, Deputy Bobby Lee Shuck has a new reason to harass and destroy the man he always
hated as he wants to bed the newcomer anyway he can even though Chloe says no. ONLY BY
YOUR TOUCH is an exciting rural contemporary romance that stars two charming lead
protagonists whose emotional past and present demons are healed by each other. The secondary
cast, especially her son, the law enforcement officials, and the animals provide different layers of
depth. Shuck fails to have a redeeming quality as he even sinks low enough to threaten Jeremy to
gain what he wants. Still, Catherine Anderson shows her deft touch with a delightful second
chance at love tale.
Lily
Lauren Royal
Signet
Apr 2003, $6.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0451208315
In 1673, after sixteen-year-old Lily Ashcroft meets aristocratic scholar Randal Nesbit she
challenges the family motto of "Question Convention". Lily realizes she has found her life mate
and wants a very conventional marriage to the decade older Randal. He is extremely attracted to
Lily but he keeps reminding himself she is only sixteen. In fact he uses that rationalization for the
next four years to keep his distance. However, Rand sees Lily during a Baptism of her twin
nephew and niece and he knows he no longer can hide behind her under age status, nor does he
want too. He simply desires marriage to his beloved Lily. However, she concludes that her sister
Rose has set her sights on Rand and Lily decides to sacrifice her own happiness for her family.
However, neither sibling understands that to Rand a Rose is not a Rose as his preference run
towards a different flower. LILY, the second bloom in Lauren Royal's seventeenth century
romantic bouquet (see VIOLET) is an enjoyable tale starring two nice people who (with Rose)
make an interesting triangle. The story line is entertaining, but no character is deeply developed
and the conflict is not that powerful. Still, readers will enjoy a warm historical romance starring
charming protagonists who want no one hurt.
The Impostress
Lisa Jackson
Signet
Apr 2003, $6.99, 336 pp., ISBN: 0451208293
Late in the thirteenth century Kiera dress up like a stable boy before sneaking out her father's best
stallion Obsidian. However, she runs into a problem and only the quick action of her sister Elyn
keeps her from being raped and probably killed. Kiera vows she owes her life to her sibling and
will do anything Elyn asks to pay the debt. A few years later Elyn demands Kiera keep her vow by
replacing her at her wedding ceremony although she insists Kiera can avoid bedding the groom
Baron Kelan of Penbrooke. Kiera refuses, but Elyn sneaks away to spend time with her beloved.
Elyn uses a veil to hide behind and goes through the ceremony. She pretends illness to stay away
from the celebration, but Kelan enters her bedroom and soon caresses her into making love with
him. The next day Elyn fails to show up so Kiera leaves with Kelan for his estate. As they become
acquainted they fall in love, but he knows she is hiding something from him. When he learns the
truth, Kiera believes Kelan will angrily boot her out and cause trouble for her father. THE
IMPOSTRESS is an entertaining historical romance that at first may seem inane, but works
because readers feel Kiera's growing anxiety over the ploy. The story line is a comedy of errors as
Kiera compounds the deception though she expects the worse to happen when she also falls in
love with the victim of the ruse. Fans will relish this engaging medieval romance because the cast
makes it work.
House of Shadows
Susan Bowden
Signet
Apr 2003, $6.99, 352 pp., ISBN: 0451208331
During a successful showing of her photographs depicting her home country of Canada, Wesley
Marshall of Barbados Consulate offers artist Vivien Shaw a job. He wants her to come to his
island home to collaborate with a renowned local writer, whose name he refuses to provide at this
time, on a book about the island. Vivien says she does not do coffee table books and needs to
know who is writing the captions before agreeing. Wesley persuades her to come to Barbados,
expenses paid for, to make her final decision. In Barbados at a party thrown by Wesley and his
wife, Vivien meets the writer David Moreton who dismisses her for being too white to write
about Barbados. While being driven around by a local hired by Wesley, Vivian sees Peverill
House. She forces her reluctant driver to stop and decides to stay there for now. Soon, David
escorts Vivien around the island and the two surprisingly hit it off. However, Vivien will learn the
hard way why no one wanted her to stay at Peverill House where tragedy impacted her family
years ago though she never knew she had some Barbados roots. HOUSE OF SHADOWS
provides the audience a delightful tour of Barbados rarely seen in a novel, a guidebook, or by a
tourist. The conflict between the two lead artists is filled with tension from their attraction as
much as from their disagreement over the book. The suspense subplot adds well written conflict
with a twist, but takes away from the prime theme of the beauty of the island seen through two
apparently differing sets of eyes.
The Forever Year
Ronald Anthony
Forge
May 2003, $24.95, 352 pp., ISBN: 0765304058
At eighty-three, Mickey Sienna lives alone in his New Jersey home ever since his beloved wife
Dorothy died a few years ago. Mickey's four children worry about his living alone at his age, but
do nothing until he doses off while making fried eggs, setting his kitchen on fire. The siblings
discuss what to do. The three oldest want to move dad into assisted living while the youngest by
twelve years Jesse wants his father to move in with him. When threatened with the home, Mickey
leaps at moving in with Jesse. The two men walk gingerly on eggshells as they struggle to find a
middle ground and avoid a generation war. Mickey forces Jesse to bring his girlfriend Marina to
him so he can meet her. He quickly realizes these two have a rare chance for a once in a lifetime
love, but his son is a moron who thinks love eventually dies. Mickey relates the story of his one
true love, not his spouse of fifty years though he loved her too. Will Jesse understand what he has
before he loses it or is fatherly advice too late for a grown up son? THE FOREVER YEARS is a
delightful family relationship drama with a wonderful romantic subplot. The story line is amusing
yet poignant as Mickey struggles with his decreasing capacity and his adult children tussle with
what is best for their beloved dad. Jesse is an enjoyable individual who is a mocking cynical Metro
New Yorker (oxymoron?) as well as a nurturing person. Though Marina seems too perfect to be
real, fans will appreciate Ronald Anthony's enchanting and beautiful modern day novel.
Cat In A Neon Nightmare
Carole Nelson Douglas
Forge
May 2003, $24.95, 384 pp., ISBN 0765306808
Las Vegas public relations expert Temple Barr has been involved in several recent homicide
investigations. Helping her besides her feline bodyguard Louie is her lover Max Kinsella (a
magician and part-time counter terrorist operative) and ex-priest Matthew Devine. Matt has also
been stalked and threatened by Kathleen O'Connor an IRA agent, who wants his virginity in
exchange for leaving him and the females in his life alone. Max, who was once Kathleen's lover,
and Lt. Carman Molina of the Las Vegas Police Department tell him to have sex with a high
priced call girl so that he wouldn't be of any value to his stalker anymore. He takes their advice
and when he leaves the room, the hooker was very much alive. When Molina sees her she is dead
and she knows Matt is the last person to see her alive. Molina suffers a crisis of conscience
because she has to think of him as a suspect even though she doesn't want her personal life to spill
over into her professional one. Meanwhile Max is busy infiltrating the Synth, a cabal of magicians
who might be responsible for the murder attempts on him, Matt and Temple. Midnight Louie
saves Max's life from an old enemy with a long grudge. Temple Barr, who is usually center stage
in the Midnight Louis novels, plays a secondary role in CAT IN A NEON NIGHTMARE. The
spotlight shines on Max who must come to terms with his own feelings of guilt. Midnight Louis is
the true hero of this tale as he saves a life and guards the two men who are an integral part of his
human's life. This book is the cat's meow.
Into the Valley: The Settlers
Roseanne Bittner
Forge
Mar 2003, $24.95, 288 pp., ISBN: 0765300656
In 1780, the American Colonies close to the ocean are embroiled in hostilities with the English
military. Further inland in places along the Ohio River, the locals barely feel the war. Most
residents are neutrally ambivalent or lean towards loyalty to the crown with few freedom fighters.
In Willow Creek, like most of the Ohio Valley settlements, the Revolution takes a back stage to
farming and family. Luke Wilde works the land whether he is an English subject or an American
citizen. However, his brother Jeremiah has wandered the wilderness and thus has a wider
perspective so he desires freedom at any cost. After being away for three years, Jeremiah returns
to Willow Creek on the eve of his sibling's marriage to Annie Barnes. Jeremiah loves Annie, but
knows she is better off with his brother, which is why he left in the first place. His arrival brings
the British army to previously peaceful Willow Creek forcing the two brothers to join in arms
against the oppressor while Annie remains wild about both men. THE SETTLERS is an exciting
historical tale that looks closely at a segment of American Revolutionary War society often
ignored by textbooks. The vivid story line brings to the forefront the varying feelings including
internal conflict towards the war and the crown. This leads to deep characterizations, at least on
the colonial side. The English come across as caricatures because they appear as abusive brutes
rather than concerned individual with some doubts about fighting their Anglo brothers. Fans of
strong Americana novels will appreciate Roseanne Bittner's powerful trek to 1780 in the Ohio
Valley.
Second Spring
Andrew Greeley
Forge
Apr 2003, $24.95, 352 pp., ISBN: 0765302365
Happily married to his beloved Rosemarie and father to five adult children and three grandchildren
that he adores and loves Charles "Chucky" Cronin still worries about the future. He remains a
faithful Catholic, but wonders if perhaps the church abandoned its flock. He contemplates whether
he is just suffering from a biological occurrence for someone turning fifty or a reaction to
continual racial inequality, assassinations, priestly wrongdoing, Viet Nam and Watergate?
Rosemary worries about much of the same agenda, but also is concerned with Chucky, who
seems to have lost his step. Chucky, a professional photographer and former ambassador, soon
regains much of his sixties and early seventies fervor that put him at odds with presidents. He and
Rosemary try to dislodge a church protected pediophile priest. That fails because Cardinal
Archbishop Thomas John O'Neill is psychotic and paranoid especially when it comes to protecting
one of his own. Chuck and Rosemary have a cause to remove both abominations even as a
personal miracle that has not happened to this couple in two decades occurs. The sixth O'Malley
chronicle is an insightful look at the Carter Administration through the eyes of Chucky and
Rosemary, alternating chapters. The story line provides a vivid scrutiny while insuring the lead
couple feels complete. Chucky suffers from a mid life crisis as he begins to question all he once
believed in while Rosemary encourages him to gracefully continue the fight for what both know is
right. Andrew Greeley furnishes a delightful charmer that displays how the late 1970s, only
twenty-five years ago, feel today like ancient history even to one who lived through it.
Daylight
Elizabeth Knox
Ballantine
Apr 2003, $23.95, 356 pp., ISBN: 0345457951
New Zealand police officer Brian "Bad" Phelan goes on vacation near the French-Italian border to
recover from injuries he received while defusing a bomb. While there, he helps the locals recover
the drowned body of a woman, but notices how the victim looks like the twin of someone he met
years ago in an eerily similar scenario. Unable to ignore the doppelganger, Bad begins making
inquiries into the deceased, Martine Dardo, but he finds is his unofficial investigation is competing
with other inquiries. His efforts lead to a Sister Raimondi. Father Daniel Octave, assisted by
scholar Eve Moskelutz, has been looking into the qualifications for sainthood for the WW II
heroine Sister Raimondi, killed by Nazis. Meanwhile Eve's twin sister Dawn studies tongues and
looking warily yet actively at the goings on is the vampire Lou Ila. Whether you read this novel in
DAYLIGHT or in the evening, this is one weird tale. The story line seems disconnected yet the
talent of Elizabeth Knox pulls it together so that the audience begins to wonder whether God will
provide signs that the deceased nun is a saint or whether a vampire is one of God's creatures?.
None of the cast is likable except the poetic vampire, but that is part of the unnatural fun as fans
of Ms. Knox will enjoy This non-linear novel that makes a reader struggle to define saint.
Between Sisters
Kristin Hannah
Ballantine
May 2003, $23.95, ISBN: 0345450736
Though she is wealthy, divorce lawyer Meghan Dontess is lonely. She has been forlorn ever since
she made a decision twenty-five years ago that benefited her beloved younger stepsister but left
her alone. Their mother left the two siblings behind in Sacramento while she went off to
Hollywood. Sixteen at the time, Meghan worried about her younger sibling Claire so she called
the father of her stepsister. He came immediately as Claire was family, but Meghan felt he left her
out as her father was someone else. The relationship between the sisters was never the same.
When an estranged husband of a client almost kills Meghan, her colleagues and her psychiatrist
tell her to go on vacation. Meghan has no place to go until Claire calls to tell her that she is
marrying singer Bobby Austin. Meghan leaves Seattle for the campgrounds owned by Claire and
her father in Hayden, Washington to protect her stepsister. As she realizes that Bobby loves
Claire, Meghan falls in love with former doctor Joe Wyatt, who has more ghosts to contend with
than Meghan. Though the angst at times feels overwhelming, fans of relationship dramas will take
immense pleasure with Kristin Hannah's strong cast. Meghan, as the center of the tale, enables the
audience to see deep inside her soul. The rest of the ensemble augments that perspective so that
the audience observes a powerful tale of childhood demons that motivates adult behavior.
BETWEEN SISTERS is more than just the relationship between the siblings, as the audience will
appreciate this deep character study.
Sheet Music
M.J. Rose
Ballantine
May 2003, $22.95, 336 pp., ISBN: 0345451066
Six years ago Justine's beloved mother, popular chef Pauline Pagett, died, but Justine has not let
go. Instead she feels betrayed by her sister and father, as she never had the opportunity for
closure. Instead of moping in Manhattan, Justine fled to Paris where she has lived and worked on
a magazine. When her lover, Chef Henri St. Pierre, reveals he stole recipes from his mentor,
Justine exposes him. Henri sues as he insists she invaded his privacy as this was bedroom talk not
article discussion. Her angry editor sends Justine back to New York where she is to write the
biography of renowned musical conductor Sophie DeLyon. To Justine this is a chance to regain
her reputation, but burying the hatchet with her family she feels will prove too difficult for her. As
she meets Sophie's family and renews her relationship with Austen Bell, the superstar's former
son-in-law, a brief lover, she finds her subject much more complex than she expected. This is an
engaging relationship drama that emphasizes the need for closure when a beloved individual dies.
The story line grips the reader once Justine returns to New York as the incident in Paris seems
unreal as one must ask why the magazine's legal department was not doing their job. However,
the story takes off back in the States as the audience observes an insightful look at dysfunctional
families with a lot of romance on the side.
The Photograph
Virginia Ellis
Ballantine
May 2003, $22.95, ISBN: 0345444841
The Japanese turned Maddy Marshall's seventeenth birthday into a day that will live in infamy.
The boys she has known all her life in Radley, Pennsylvania quickly start volunteering to serve in
the military. Her brother Davey joins the marines and her almost engaged to boyfriend Lyle enlists
in the navy. A few weeks later, Davey sends for his wife Ruth recovering from a miscarriage and
Maddy to join him in Miami before he ships out. In Miami, Maddy meets injured English pilot
turned instructor Lieutenant Stephen Tull-Martin. The first night they meet, a photograph is taken
of the extended group. As Stephen and Maddy fall in love, she understands the danger her
beloved and her brother face, but it is the photograph that eerily portrays reality. This is an
exciting World War II tale that vividly brings to life the home front especially places like Miami
bustling with soldiers and no available abodes for family members to reside. The characters are a
deep group, providing much more than a romance as each one opens a window to the past,
especially 1942. The mysticism of the photograph seems strange and yet fits the mood of fear for
loved ones. Virginia Ellis provides fans of historical tales with a powerfully timely descriptive look
at mostly 1942 America.
Lover's Lane
Jill Marie Landis
Ballantine
Jun 2003, $19.95, 384 pp., ISBN: 0345453328
In 1997 Borrego Springs, California, lawyer Arthur Litton offers a million dollars to buy baby
Christopher for his clients, the child's grandparents. The father of the child, their son Rick recently
died. Caroline Graham knows she cannot win a court battle against the wealthy Saunders so she
disappears with her child. Six years later, private investigator Jake Montgomery thinks he has
found the vanished son of his deceased buddy Rick. Jake travels to Starlight Cove to meet painter
Carly Nolan, single mother of six year old Christopher. Upon seeing her resemblance to a photo
that Rick gave him of his fiancee, Jake concludes he has found Caroline. Jake knows reporting
this would make his firm, but waits because he wants to do the right thing by Rick. Jake
introduces himself to Carly at the gallery. She finds him attractive, but fears any relationship might
expose her and Chris. Jake is surprised by her vulnerability, but believes the guilty run and hide.
He wonders if Chris might be better off with his widowed wealthy grandmother. As he begins to
fall in love, his actions expose Carly and Chris. This is a strong engaging relationship drama that
hooks the reader from the start through a fully developed secondary cast supplementing the prime
plot. Carly is a delightful protagonist living in fear, yet braving everything thrown at her. Jake
seems too perfect as he seeks a middle ground between the woman he loves and the mother of his
deceased best friend. Readers will appreciate this robust family drama.
Burning Moon
Richard Barre
Capra Press
May 2003, $25.95, 330 pp., ISBN 1592660118
Eight months ago, near San Miguel Island off the coast of California, Jimmy Tien and his seven
month pregnant girlfriend Wen are on their boat when something causes it to disappear. Eight
months later, a fishing trawler using nets finds the Harmony and scuba divers searching the boat
underwater conclude it met with an accident. Jimmy's father, native born Vietnamese Vinh Tran
Tien, is not satisfied with the verdict and hires La Conchita private detective Wil Hardesty to
investigate the matter. Wil's client thinks his rich brother, who made his money on the wrong side
of the law, is responsible for his son's death. Two ATF agents who claim that Jimmy was working
undercover for them to bring his uncle down contact Hardesty. Mia, Vinh's daughter, goes to
work for her uncle and the next thing Wil knows is that his client is in jail for the murder of his
brother. Hardesty, who believes in his client's innocence, intends to clear his name by finding out
the identity of the real killer. It is so good to see the return of Wil Hardesty, a private detective
who has what it takes to get the job done. Shamus Award winner Richard Barre is in fine form as
he spins a tale of treachery, double-crosses and the familial ties that bind no matter how much we
wish they didn't. The lyrical prose, the fast paced intricate story line, and the believable characters
all contribute into making BURNING MOON into one of the best crime thriller of the year.
Journey Within: A Tale of Astral Travels
Robert Ross
Mach/4
$22.95, 242 pp., ISBN: 0966958845
In his middle age, Mike wonders if life is just too long for permanent relationships. He divorced
when his children were four and two respectively. Now teens, they seem adjusted, but he
questions what is happening in his love life. He sees Carole, much younger than he is, but she
wants more than he can give. Mike's thoughts wander back to Dierry, his "dream girl" from his
salad days when he believed that there was more to life than his experiences have since found. A
weary Mike recalls the memory of an elderly woman who insisted he had an old soul filled with
past lives. That elderly woman "escorts" Mike on a journey along an astral plane into the past
lives he lived and the women he loved crossing the ocean to Ancient Gaul and later existence.
However, these flawed relationships seem to reverberate the problems of present day Mike. This
is a great look at human relationships including harmony within oneself via superb vignettes that
are part of a powerful story line that takes the reader on a journey of the mind. Robert Ross
allows the audience to believe what we want as he never sets in concrete whether the astral trip is
a genuine time travel trek or whether Mike even lived those previous lives. Regardless of which
theory the reader accepts, fans will agree that JOURNEY WITHIN: A TALE OF ASTRAL
TRAVELS is a triumphant one sitting reading experience along the cerebral yet entertaining
plane.
Look, But Don't Touch
Sandra Chastain
Harlequin Temptation
Apr 2003, $4.25, 217 pp., ISBN: 0373691238
Photographer Cat McCade's fifteen minutes of fame came from her shots of men posing in
underwear for an ad campaign. Though she enjoys the male physique, at least those of her models,
she is more skittish than a fraidy cat when it comes to personal relationships. She never allows
anyone to get close to her heart. That changes when she meets the Texas Ranger. Jesse Dane is
the classic Ranger, a lawman preferring to live alone. However, since he shared that one evening
with Cat, his bed seems empty. Desperate to forget that incredible evening of sex in heaven, he
dives deep into his work. He is assigned to guard a photographer working for influential
businessman Sterling Szachon. However, this is one body he wants to do more than just guard, as
his assignment is to protect Cat. Only the great Sandra Chastain can use the coincidence of a
second encounter due to the convergence of their respective jobs and turn it into a first rate
contemporary romance. Ms. Chastain succeeds because the audience quickly likes and cares about
the lead couple, hoping they can make it as much out of bed as they do in. Perhaps not quite
classic Chastain, LOOK, BUT DON'T TOUCH remains a fabulously written terrific tale that
thoroughly entertains the reader.
Pleasure for Pleasure
Jamie Sobato
Harlequin Blaze
Apr 2003, $4,50, 249 pp., ISBN: 0373790880
Her mother asks marriage counselor Josie Marcus to return to her hometown of San Francisco to
watch the business while she goes to Prague. Her mother runs the Lovers For Life Center that
offers a variety of sex education classes on as wide a range of subjects as one could imagine. Josie
grew up embarrassed by the open display of affection that her mother emitted. She is very
reserved, but her counseling work enables her to run the Center and even lead the discussions.
Trent O'Reilly owns the building that contains the sex clinic and his sports equipment store. He is
owed two months rent by his tenant, but Josie does not have the money. Trent has known Josie
since high school where he desired her, but she always fled when they got hot and bothered. He
offers her a chance to pay off her mother's debt, sex education for the rent. Josie accepts to help
the only boy she was ever attracted to improve his skills though she herself is not much more than
an amateur, but will both stick around this time? The lead couple is an engaging duet struggling to
overcome a failed history though both secretly share a crush. The story line contains an erotic
story line (duh this is a Blaze) that is fun to follow. However, the reader needs to accept Josie's
out of character agreement to Trent's business venture that turns her into a whore and him into
her John. Still PLEASURE FOR PLEASURE is a heated romance worth attending as the
protagonists are quite a duet.
Just 4 Play
Cindi Myers
Harlequin Blaze
Apr 2003, $4,50, 249 pp., ISBN: 0373790864
Mitch Landry sees his inheritance of a shop willed to him from his recently deceased uncle as an
opportunity to open up a Chinese Restaurant and close Just 4 Play. Besides wanting to manage a
five-star restaurant, the prim and proper Mitch feels a lingerie and sex toy shop is unsuited for a
real businessman. Jill Sheldon enjoys life to the fullest, as she believes girls just want to have fun.
Jill believes her place of employment Just 4 Play needs to stay open not just because she needs a
job, but because she believes this store provides a real service helping people fulfill their fantasies.
She refuses to sit idly by as Mr. No Fun serves up lo mein noodles as Jill plans to become Mitch's
mentor in the art of enjoying life starting with a seduction that will leave Landry dreaming of
something besides chop suey. This tale is hotter than Szechwan style food as the lead couple heats
the sheets. The story line is often amusing and the secondary cast adds depth especially in the
shop. Though Mitch takes responsibility to a degree that is irritating (get a life bud) and Jill takes
irresponsibility to a degree that is also exasperating (you're an adult sweetheart), together these
two minuses multiply into a positively engaging sexy novel.
Phantom Lover
Rebecca Yorke
Harlequin Intrigue
Apr 2003, $4.75, 249 pp., ISBN: 037322706X
Helen London asks her friend Bonnie "Bree" Brennan of the Light Street Detective Agency for
help. Helen's brother Troy, a widower for about a year, has vanished except for his emails, but
those seem so out of character for him. The sleuth agrees to learn what is going on. On the drive
north of San Francisco to Troy's home Ravencrest, Helen thinks back to her attraction to the
owner when they met seven years ago, but alas nothing came of it as she had to leave. At the
estate she informs the housekeeper that she was just hired to teach Troy's daughter six years old
Dinah. The Sterlings, who live in the mansion and act like the owners, question the newcomer and
treat Bree as hired help. Once settled, it is the ghostly sounds of Troy that frighten the undercover
sleuth, but courage comes from the waif Dinah who needs her and the haunting comments of the
weird residents who claim the owner is a prisoner inside his walls. Though scared, Bree searches
for the missing Troy not yet realizing the danger she faces. The latest 43 Light St. tale is an
exciting modern day gothic romance with all the usual sub-genre elements that light up the book
from the moment lightning strikes as Bree arrives at Ravencrest. The story line will hook fans
fully appreciative of Bree's concerns for father and daughter as the eerie and the dangerous seem
in control of the foreboding edifice. The stereotyped secondary cast fits quite nicely inside the
gothic atmosphere that haunts the heroine and the reader. Rebecca Yorke is in top form as
usual.
Men of Courage
Lori Foster, Donna Kauffman, Jill Shalvis
Harlequin
May 2003, $6.50, 384 pp., ISBN: 0373835760
"Trapped" by Lori Foster. In Chester, Ohio, firefighter Ethan Winters wakes up sharing his bed
with a hangover and Rosie. Rosie is the sister to his former best friend, who eloped with his
fiancee. Rosie informs Ethan that he never loved his fiancee and that if he only gives her the
chance she wants to love him forever. "Buried" by Donna Kauffman. Jewelry maker Haley
Brubecker learns that an earthquake hit with her hometown Blue Moon, California as the
epicenter. Haley goes after her dog Digger, but a roadblock stops her. She recognizes search and
rescue team member Brett Gannon who helps her rescue Digger. Afterward, she stays in his San
Francisco apartment where they make love. Brett knows he loves Haley, but cannot persuade her
that she is not too old for him. "Stranded" by Jill Shalvis. Emergency room Dr. Matt Walker visits
the home he grew up in with his brother under the nurturing of his grandparents. A storm hits and
Matt rescues Professor Molly Stanton. The two enter the storm cellar to wait out the weather.
Molly and Matt talk and soon make love. When the storm ends Molly plans to leave knowing it is
over unless he can persuade her otherwise. All three tales contain plenty of sex and engaging plots
in which one of the lead protagonists in each story must go all out to seduce and catch the
reluctant partner. Fans of I LOVE BAD BOYS will enjoy this anthology.
Against the Odds
Kathryn Shay
Harlequin SuperRomance
Apr 2003, $5.25, 297 pp., ISBN: 0373711239
In 1987 Hyde Point, New York, the Crane brothers assault their teenage stepsister Annabelle.
Before they can sexually molest her, law enforcement official Dan Whitman rescues her and helps
her move into Serenity House for troubled teen girls. A few years later, she works at the home of
Nathan Hyde and soon they have an affair that ends when he returns to his wife. Licking her
wounds Annabelle becomes an undercover cop in Seattle, but a bullet sends her home to recover.
Nathan is now a Congressman, but someone is stalking him. He refuses to make this public, but
accepts Dan's suggestion he hire a professional to watch over him. Annabelle agrees to do so,
saying she is perfect as she used to work for Nathan and has the experience to do the job. The
only problem remains her heart. As she tries to keep him safe while uncovering the stalker's
identity, they fall in love. However, all signs indicate that this is dej… vu. Once the reader hurdles
past that Nathan tries to hide the threat that is probably common towards leaders, fans receive a
strong Serenity House romantic suspense. The tale spins on two subplots with the stalking and the
romancing heating up so that the audience becomes engrossed in what happens to Nathan and
Annabelle. One added pleasure occurs at the end when Annabelle meets one of her odious
stepsiblings. Fans will enjoy the latest visit to this engaging series.
The Wrong Woman
Linda Warren
Harlequin SuperRomance
Apr 2003, $5.25, 296 pp., ISBN: 0373711255
Former FBI Agent Ethan Ramsey works a Texas ranch and does some professional sleuthing on
the side. He is visiting his brother Travis in Dallas to persuade his sibling to come home to help
cheer up their recently separated sister. At a strip joint, Ethan notices the eyes of the star
attraction shows she hates being there. The next day in a Fort Worth restaurant they see the
stripper again. Travis hits on her, but she objects saying she is a schoolteacher. Ethan tells Serena
Farrell that if she is not the person taking off her clothing at a club, she has a double. He gives her
his card and offers to investigate. Serena, who has money problems, calls Ethan. He returns to the
Dallas-Fort Worth area to begin investigating her double. Quickly, he learns the stripper is Sarah
Welch, but she is in a cocoon of thugs working at the club. As Ethan discovers shocking
information, he and Serena fall in love, but he wonders how a relationship will survive what he
must reveal to his beloved. THE WRONG WOMAN is the right book for readers who delight in a
warm romance hat has family secrets coming to light. Ethan is the type of person everyone wants
as a mate while Serena struggles with the collapse of her world as she has always known it.
Though the plot device has been used many times, fans will appreciate Linda Warren's charming
and refreshing account and look forward to sequels starring siblings.
No Ordinary Child
Darlene Graham
Harlequin SuperRomance
Apr 2003, $5.25, 296 pp., ISBN: 0373711263
Tulsa based historical restoration architect Sam Solomon works on his dream project, restoring
Moonlight Grove, Oklahoma, a town flooded when Greer Dam was built in 1939. However, Sam
has an immediate personal problem to contend with when his ex-wife Andrea calls to tell him she
is going into a cancer treatment clinic with a life threatening disease. He will have to raise their
ten-year-old daughter Meggie, who's mentally equivalent to a three-year-old. Sam's mother hires
wannabe children's songwriter Christy Lane to serve as Meggie's nanny. Christy had a crush on
Sam back in high school, but he does not recognize her. As Christy begins improving the behavior
of Meggie by showering her with love, praise when warranted, and involvement in activities like
softball, she and Sam fall in love, but both knows the child comes first. The romance takes a back
seat to the efforts to nurture Meggie, which is well done, but fails to show the toll on the adults
lovingly doing this. The story line works because no miracles occur that magically turns Meggie
into a fully functioning ten-year-old, but the hard work of Christy enables the child to have
friends. Christy is Mary Poppins while workaholic Sam struggles to balance work with the needs
of the four women (his mother and ex-wife as the others) in his life. Darlene Graham provides a
deep look at raising a mentally handicapped child with an endearing romance to lighten the intense
tale.
Red Hot and Reckless
Tori Carrington
Harlequin Temptation
Apr 2003, $4.25, ISBN: 0373691246
Nicole Bennett relishes life as a thief even though she has faced some nasty capers over the years.
However, no one has tailed her quite like obstinate insurance investigator Alex Cassevetis though
she would not mind a piece of his tail. Her plan is simply to toy with her pursuer until she catches
him in her boudoir and satiates herself by making love with him. Alex struggles to control his
libido because everyone time he thinks of Nicole, he becomes aroused. However he needs her
outside the bedroom because she is his only lead to another thief, the murderous Dark Man. His
plan is to get his fill of her in the boudoir, but to use her thieving skills to help him catch a deadly
thief. Neither one expected love to enter their bait and bed game. The final book of the Bad Girls
trilogy (see WICKED AND WILLING BY Leslie Kelly and BRAZEN AND BURNING by Julie
Elizabeth Leto) is RED HOT AND RECKLESS as team Carrington provides an erotic romantic
suspense thriller. The story line is loaded with action, much of it outside the boudoir, but there is
enough under the covers to satiate those readers who appreciate the heat up high. Nicole is an
intriguing character, who prefers stealing as her prime asset accumulation technique while Alex is
not quite as straight laced as he first appears. Yet with all the sex-driven tension, what makes this
a steamy triumph is the taut subplot focused on capturing the Dark Man combined with the
blazing relationship tale. Fans receive a powerful action packed sexy drama.
The Angel of Devil's Camp
Lynna Banning
Harlequin Historical
Apr 2003, $5.25, ISBN: 037329249X
In 1872 Mary Margaret left Seton Falls, South Carolina to travel across the country to Devil's
Camp # 2, Oregon to marry a man she never met, Walter Peabody. When she reaches her
destination, she learns that she made it in time to attend her fiance's funeral. Walt bled to death
after accidentally cutting himself with an ax. Rather than turning back, Mary Margaret decides to
live in the cabin she just inherited from Walt. As an aftermath of his time in the civil War Colonel
Tom Randall hates the south especially the belles symbolized in living flesh and blood by Mary
Margaret. He demands Meggy, as she calls herself, go back to the Carolinas where she belongs.
However, Meggy is more than just a steel magnolia as she begins selling the pies she bakes. Soon
Tom finds he admires Meggy and not long afterward he now loves the courageous female who
has taken over the camp. Meggy reciprocates his feelings, but knows this is one Yankee who will
never let go of the hatred he feels. This enjoyable Reconstruction Era romance refreshes the
typical story line starring a northern soldier and a southern belle by shifting the locale to the
Northwest. By doing this, Lynna Banning introduces the audience to an eccentric invigorating
band of secondary players who rejuvenate the plot and enliven the charming lead couple. Still this
tale belongs to the Yankee military officer and the angel as their relationship serves as the center
of a delightful nineteenth century romance.
Artifacts
Mary Anna Evans
Poisoned Pen Press
May 2003, $24.95, 290 pp., ISBN 1590580567
Off the coast of the Florida Panhandle lay the Last Isles and on Joyeuse lies the antebellum
mansion belonging to Faye Longchamp. It is badly in need of repairs but Faye barely can pay
taxes and the last thing she wants is lose the home that has been in her family for generations. She
earns the money to pay the taxes by illegally digging up artifacts on her land and the National
Wild Refuge and selling them to collectors whom don't care about the source. Faye also works on
an archeological dig on nearby Seagreen Island when two students in the group disappear. On a
hunch, Faye starts digging and finds the two bodies, both shot to death. The dig is closed and
Faye looks for artifacts on Water Island when she comes under attack by a man she thought was a
friend and his partner who are digging up priceless Clovis artifacts. When she digs up the body of
a young debutante who disappeared many years ago she comes to the attention a killer who
intends to make Faye his fourth victim. Faye is biracial and doesn't feel as if there is a place for her
in mainstream society, which is why she is determined to hold on too her land, the only place she
believes she belongs. She doesn't realize she has two killers who want her dead before she
discovers and reveals their secrets. ARTIFACTS is an exciting and colorful amateur sleuth novel
that is rich in atmosphere giving the reader a picture of what it takes to live in an island
culture.
Blood For Blood
S. K. Rizzolo
Poisoned Pen Press
May 2003, $24.95, 288 pp., ISBN 1590580540
Estranged from her father, who lives in Sicily and her husband, residing in Ireland, Penelope
Wolfe takes a job as companion to Lady Julia Ashe in order to feed herself and her daughter.
Living with the Ashes is Julia's father and other eccentric individuals. There are dark
undercurrents surrounding Julia and her husband whose marriage was a business arrangement that
turned into a battlefield. One night Penelope is awakened by a strange cry. She goes out to the
garden only to find the murdered body of Dick, an Ashe's footman. She has the family procure the
services of Bow Street Runner John Chase who actively pursues the case until a government
informant warns him off. They believe Dick was a Jacobin, who wanted to topple the monarchy,
the aristocracy and the government. The government wants to round up all his co-conspirators
but John, with the help of barrister Edward Buckler, makes certain they can help the fair Penelope
if she needs it. In 1812, the gulf between the rich and the poor was wider than ever and some
radical elements of the population, including the Luddites, advocated violence to level the playing
field. Penelope senses something is wrong in the Ashe household but she doesn't know the family
history or how it relates to a pregnant prophetess who is supposed to give birth to the Messiah.
By the time she discovers the truth another murder is committed and Penelope can only seek
justice for the dead. Her need turns BLOOD FOR BLOOD into a fascinating historic mystery that
shows the dark side of Regency England.
Dangerous Undertaking
Mark de Castrique
Poisoned Pen Press
May 2003, $24.95, 232 pp., ISBN 1590580559
Gainesboro, North Carolina is a small Appalachian Mountain town and home to Barry Clayton for
much of his life. He escaped briefly to become a police officer in Charlotte while taking college
courses in criminal justice so he could get a job in the FBI. Unfortunately, Barry couldn't see his
dreams come to fruition because he returned home to take over the family funeral home. His
father couldn't run it anymore because the Alzheimer's had progressed too far. At the Martha
Willard funeral only two grandchildren Norma Jean and Lee attend the church service. Her other
grandchild Dallas fails to arrive. At the graveside, Dallas kills Lee and Norma Jean and wounds
Barry before he disappears. The sheriff figures that Dallas killed his siblings because they were
going to sell the land that was promised to him. When another person, who wanted to talk to
Barry, is murdered using Dallas's gun, the funeral director joins forces with the sheriff to find what
is going on in the once quiet town. Mark de Castrique's debut novel is an excellent regional
mystery. The tale is filled with local color, numerous villains with different agendas and a hero
that is a genuinely sharp person who plays an integral role in solving the murders and other
assorted crimes. The protagonist also comes to understand as "Buryin Barry" he plays a vital role
in the small rural mountain town and makes peace with his lost dreams. DANGEROUS
UNDERTAKING is a must read for those fans who want to learn about a mountain culture inside
a strong mystery.
The Loving Daylights
Lynsay Sands
Love Spell
Apr 2003, $6.99, 367 pp., ISBN: 0505525275
Jane Spyrus is the top inventor for B.L.I.S.S. Her work enables those working in the cold to
succeed in very dangerous endeavors. For that the ultra shy Jane is highly regarded by her
employers though some males might be a bit fearful of some of her gadgets that could cause a
cramp or more to the family jewels. Edie Andretti believes there is something illegal at her place
of employment Ensecksi Satellites. Someone believes she knows too much and kidnaps Edie, who
just before her abduction had taken a tampon from Jane's supply. However, that is no ordinary
tampon as Jane has hidden a tracking device inside. With Edie's brother Abel and Jane's
wheelchair bound grandma Maggie, Jane follows the signal, but not before contacting B.L.I.S.S.
Abel and Jane fall in love, but first must rescue his sibling before they can act on their feelings.
Inane? Absolutely, but who will care as those beautiful ladies with their sex gadgetry save the
world from evil doers. The third B.L.I.S.S. espionage romantic satire is fun due to the antics of
timorous Jane and able Abel. Lynsay Sands spins a delightful story that is silly escapism
entertainment for the Jane and James Bonds of the Casino Royale movie world.
Calder's Rose
Kate Angell
Love Spell
Apr 2003, $5.99, 320 pp., ISBN: 0505525321
Devin James and Shane McNamara share two things in common. They both write western novels.
However, the genre has room for plenty of styles with Devin and Shane on opposite spectrums
when it comes to the lead protagonist. Devin's novels star a prim virginal female finding love
while Shane's tales center on a macho gun-blazing male who sleeps around. Editor Angela Reims
decides that collaboration between Devin and Shane will mean big bucks for everyone involved.
However, neither author can stand the other as they argue over whether Rose Coltraine will fall
into bed with Dare Calder especially in the first few chapters. As the lead characters of the novel
written in hell play matchmaker, Devin and Shane begin to see the full depth of their writing
partner. Soon this blossoms into love, but will either admit that they want a lifetime partnership
after their constant brawls as a writing team? CALDER'S ROSE is an entertaining tale that
"breaks" the wall with a book within a book. The lead couple(s) are fun as "real" life imitates art
when the protagonists fuss, fight, and fall in love. Though the "four" prime players behave too
stereotyped that ironically emphasizes the extreme differences between them as they star in a
satirical look at western and western romance novels. This novel is fun enjoyable and entertaining.
This is a five star read.
Shadow Crossing
Catherine Spangler
Love Spell
Apr 2003, $5.99, 368 pp., ISBN: 0505525240
When she relocated to a different quadrant, Celie Cameron gave up her successful smuggling
career to go straight. Her plan is to ship only legal cargo. Her latest shipment is to Joba, but upon
landing at the settlement, Celie discovers that nineteen years old Raven McKnight, the daughter of
her friends, has stowed away on her vessel. Celie accompanied by Raven is completing the
transaction with Max Rior and the android Rurick when a firefight occurs. The two women flee
with Max and Rurick. To her surprise, the independent Celie is attracted to Rurick, but avoids
males, even technological ones, as if the gender was the plague. However, she cannot resist
Rurick just like he cannot ignore her. As they fall in love and keep Raven safe, they team up to
battle the evil that endangers the quadrant. The fourth Shielder novel is an enjoyable outer space
romance that has fan favorites returning while providing a fresh tale to new fans who will want to
read this author's backlist. The lead couple is a delight as both suspects avoid anything remotely
entangling the heart yet they fall in love anyway. The myriad of subplots tie back to the prime
theme so that fans of both genres receive a strong novel that stands alone, but is even more
satisfying for those who have read Catherine Spangler's previous "S" (for stupendous)
works.
Nerd in Shining Armor
Vicki Lewis Thompson
Dell Books
May 2003, $5.99, 352 pp., ISBN: 0440241162
In Hawaii, secretary Genevieve Terrence takes a business trip with her womanizing boss Nick
Brogan as the pilot. Genevieve believes that she will succeed where others failed and become
Nick's spouse. Also on the trip is programming nerd Jackson Farley who has a secret passion for
Genevieve. Instead of flying towards the meeting on Maui, Nick flies towards the remote isolated
Leeway Islands. Nick parachutes from the plane leaving the nerd and the secretary to die in the
crash. Jackson, whose flying experience is with simulation games, pilots the plane to a landing
near an island. As "call me" Jack and Genevieve struggle to survive until help arrives, they make
love several times. When they confront and overcome Nick, Genevieve tells Jack it is over
between them because he will neglect her as nerds do once they come home. He persuades her to
test him by going out with him for ice cream after they return home. Will he pass the torture test
of remembering to take his beloved out or will the pressure prove to great? NERD IN SHINING
ARMOR, an exciting romantic suspense tale with a touch of the paranormal that hooks the reader
from the moment Nick deserts the lead couple. Readers will admire the charming prime duet as
they struggle to survive and fall in love. A delightfully eccentric support cast adds humor, mystical
ingredients, and plenty of fun to the mix. Though the final suspense adds nothing but unnecessary
pages, Vicki Lewis Thompson provides a winning tale.
Song From the Sea
Katherine Kingsley
Dell Books
Apr 2003, $6.50, 336 pp., ISBN: 0440237440
In 1818 Lord Adam Carlyle rows his boat in the Channel planning to die as far from England as
possible. The distraught aristocrat's only pleasure is to thwart his odious cousin by delaying the
declaration of inheriting Stanton Abbey. However, his rowboat fails to sink even in a nasty storm
and though tired he sees a siren sent overboard from a nearby ship. The siren is knocked
unconscious but Adam rescues her. Her father sent Callie Melbourne back to England to meet her
fiance Harold Carlyle selected for her by her dad. Now she awakens in a stranger's home suffering
from amnesia. While Adam helps Callie physically heal, she aids him with his mental healing. As
they fall in love, his odious cousin Harold recognizes Callie as his fiance. Adam, who vowed never
to love again, risks his soul because his beloved Callie must never be under the thumb of Harold.
SONG FROM THE SEA is an exciting Regency romance though readers will not accept the
hero's attempt to commit suicide (sort of like Lethal Weapon I). Adam is too courageous and too
contemptible of his cousin to kill himself even though he felt he had nothing to live for when two
cherished people recently died. Callie is a delight from the moment Adam sees her as a sea siren
while Harold is too nasty to accept as a rival. Still sub-genre fans will appreciate Kaherine
Kingsley's invigorating historical romantic suspense.
Slightly Married
Mary Balogh
Dell Books
Apr 2003, $5.99, 368 pp., ISBN: 0440241049
In 1814 on a battlefield in France, a dying Captain Percival Morris calls in a life debt earned two
years earlier when he saved Colonel Aiden Bedwyn's life. In his final breath he obtains a promise
from Aiden to protect his sister no matter the personal cost. About a month later, Aiden visits
Percy's sister Eve informing her of the heroic death of her brother and that he asked him to
protect her. Eve is in shock because she always expected to see the smiling Percy come home
soon. She also knows that Ringwood Manor, her beloved home to her "family", will belong to
someone else unless she marries rather quickly. Honor is Aiden's middle name so he proposes they
marry as a business deal, but neither expected that the matchmaking death wish of a cherished
individual would lead to love. A spin off to A SUMMER TO REMEMBER, SLIGHTLY
MARRIED is an entertaining Regency romance that sounds on the surface like a googol of other
sub-genre novels. Although the plot device has been used often, the tale is a light-hearted
romantic story that starts with Eve and Aiden mourning, converts into a business relationship,
before finally evolving into love. Readers observe the delightful metamorphous of the lead couple
even as the secondary cast (her "family") provides amusement and depth to a warm story that
sticks to its theme.
The Mad Marquis
Fiona Carr
Leisure Books
Apr 2003, $5.99, 311 pp., ISBN: 0843951869
More comfortable with horses than with men, Lady Julia Westfall wants to inherit the stable when
her ailing beloved father dies. She detests the types of things her female peers love while being
very competitive with men when it comes to steeds. Widow Lord Henry Pelham wants the horses
also and needs a mother for his cherished daughter Isbeau. He offers Julia a business arrangement.
They marry, share the horses, but not the bedroom as Henry fears insanity flows through his
bloodlines with his uncle and aunt as proof. Julia figures he cannot bed a "horseface" like her, but
agrees to his terms. They marry and she moves into the loony bin that is the Pelham extended
household. She quickly becomes a favorite, beloved by all, but the one she needs the most remains
beyond her reach as she believes her love for him is unrequited. In reality Henry loves her and
wants to consummate his marriage, but fumbles each time he tries to talk with Julia. This reviewer
realizes that a zillion historical romance novels center on the marriage of convenience theme. THE
MAD MARQUIS is the zillion and one tale to employ that overkilled motif. Yet in the capable
hands of Fiona Carr, readers receive a terrific tale starring a strong cast that leads to a delightful
novel. The story line hooks the audience from the moment Julia enters the asylum as the audience
meets the inmates who are only eccentric and lovable. The relationship between the lead couple
evolves so that fans find themselves immersed in a fabulous nineteenth century romance.
Obsession
Penelope Neri
Leisure Books
Apr 2003, $5.99, 354 pp., ISBN: 0843950811
In 1888 London, Caitlynn O'Connor feels obsessed with her need to learn what happened to her
cousin Deirdre, who vanished from her place of employment as part of the household of Dr.
Donovan Fitzgerald. To solve that mystery, Caitlynn travels from Ireland to become companion
to the doctor's daughter Miss Estelle. This was the same position her missing cousin held. Though
she no longer trusts men since her former fiance fled just before their wedding for America,
Caitlynn finds herself quite attracted to her new employer. Feeling a bit of guilt as she suspects he
was Deirdre's lover and perhaps even her killer, Caitlynn insures her feelings stay hidden. As she
falls in love, her thoughts make her wonder if she is crazy for on one hand, she wants to love
Donovan, but on the other, she wonders if he is the Ripper terrorizing the city? Readers who
appreciate gothic atmosphere will obsess over this taut historical romantic suspense as the story
line contains all the required elements. Caitlynn is a delightful protagonist trying to sleuth (truly
amateurishly for a change) while falling in love, but questioning her choice for fear he is the killer.
Though the climax is obvious, fans of taut thrillers with romantic subplots will applaud Penelope
Neri's gripping tale.
Broken Blossoms
Pam Crooks
Leisure Books
Apr 2003, $5.99, ISBN: 0843951761
In 1895 San Francisco Judge Chandler forces Trig Mathison to find and return to him his
daughter Carleigh, who ran to Mexico to meet the mother she thought dead. Trig wants to say no,
but Chandler holds the aces. Chandler will pay Trig and more important see that the phony
murder rap is dropped. If Trig fails to return with Carleigh, Chandler plans to retaliate by harming
his father. Trig believes the vicious man because the Judge killed his brother. Trig catches up to
Carleigh before she reaches Mexico. However, she manages to escape and continue on her trek
for she needs to meet her mother whom she was led to believe by her father was dead. He
captures her again and again, but finally agrees to escort her to see her mother before taking her
back to her father. On the trip south together, Carleigh and Trig fall in love, but her father remains
a formidable person that they will need to deal with if they are to find happiness. This is an
exciting western romance that brings to life the gay nineties from a not so elegant perspective.
The story line is loaded with action as the lead couple deals with a lot more than just what her
father does. Though at times the impediments to the protagonists besides her father seem too
much, fans will appreciate Pam Crooks' BROKEN BLOSSOMS as love battles vengeance in the
heart of the hero.
Heart Seizure
Bill Fitzhugh
Morrow
Apr 2003, $21.95, 480 pp., ISBN: 0380977583
Rose Tailor needs a heart transplant, but her AB blood type makes her need the rarest of organs.
Over time Rose works her way to the top of the AB list and is the person to receive the next
heart. However, while on the campaign trail for reelection doing the "required" Clinton fitness
jog, President Webster collapses. Rushed to the hospital, he needs an AB heart transplant. When
stunt car driver Mardell Coleman dies in a crash leaving his AB ticker in place, all the president's
men jump the conga line to take the heart while Rose's two adult sons, attorney Spence and
banker Boyd, think otherwise. The competition seems unfair as Webster only has the FBI while
Tailor has only her two sons who have slew nothing. The mad, mad, mad world chase begins with
one heart for whoever proves to be the worthier warrior. HEART SEIZURE is a wild satire that
skews many of the sacred icons of American society especially the notion of fair play when the
upper elite or the bottom line competes against the multitude of middle masses. The novel turns
the "Stupid White Man's" calendar into a full Keystone Cop's parody of the hallowed symbols of
equality. Though relationships outside the Tailor family and the governmental vertical
organization are never developed, the cast in its zany way makes the story work. Fans who want
to see the other side of the rest of the story will relish Bill Fitzhugh's latest skin ripper, but clearly
more cheers will come from the supporters of Bernie Sanders than those who are always
right.
Bannerman's Ghosts
John R. Maxim
Morrow
Mar 2003, $24.95, 390 pp., ISBN: 006000584X
Artemus Bourne owns much of the world including most of the elite politicians around the globe.
What he fails to possess, he plans to control soon. However, used to having his way always, he
becomes livid when he receives a special package sent from his Angola based VaalChem company
that is supposed to contain vials to profitably spread the plague. Instead he opens the container to
find three severed heads from key men working for him on this venture. Bourne knows only one
maniac who would defy him by sending such a deadly message, but important to the egotist is that
no one gets away with interfering with Bourne's business. He retaliates by going after Martin
Kessler through the abduction, torture, and murder of Elizabeth Stride, a legendary female
assassin, known as the Black Angel that Bourne knows his enemy cherishes. Bourne's revenge
comes to the attention of Westport, Connecticut's Paul Bannerman, a friend and associate of
Elizabeth. Backed by his aging New England based commandos, Bannerman goes macho against
the invincible Bourne and his paid assassins. John Maxim spreads plenty of fun with
BANNERMAN'S GHOSTS, an amusing tale that is at its best when the testosterone flows.
Flashbacks to when Bannerman's squad was younger provide insight into the hero and his
sidekicks, but also take away from this tongue in cheek thriller co-starring a modernized
Goldfinger. The plot is clearly absurd and insane, but still a great time for those readers who do
not take their story lines as graveyard serious.
Tropic of Night
Michael Gruber
Morrow
Mar 2003, $25.95, 432 pp., ISBN: 0060509546
A far cry from her wealthy, Long Island roots, anthropologist Jane Doe hides in Miami after
faking a suicide. Instead of studying magic practices in remote global sites, Jane pretends to be an
unassuming drab medical records clerk. The last person Jane expected to ever have to avoid is her
spouse Witt Moore, but that is whom she hides from if she wants to remain alive. On their recent
trip to Africa, Witt became involved in nasty powerful magic that has taken control of him. Jane
recognizes descriptions of serial killing rituals as that from the lore of the Olo tribe that she and
Witt visited. Her husband is probably the deranged killer and she knows she is the only with the
skills to stop him but fears trying. The police including Detective Jimmy Paz search for the maniac
too. However, clues are difficult to find when the witnesses contain whiteout memories except
that the culprit seems to them to look like Paz. TROPIC OF NIGHT is an intriguing mystical
police procedural in which black magic interferes with the investigation. The story line engages
the audience as if Michael Gruber cast a spell on his readers. The support cast is a delight as they
enhance the strong plot. The villain is clearly out of control by the dark force has engulfed him.
However, what keeps the tale focused and centered is Jane starting to comprehend that she can
run but she can't hide.
Engaged to Die
Carolyn Hart
Morrow
Mar 2003, $23.95, 311 pp., ISBN: 006000469X
Wealthy Nathaniel Neville shocked his two children and their spouses when he married his nurse
and later left her with the estate when he died. His wife Virginia promised the irate foursome that
they would be her heirs, but that vow seems shaky now. Virginia apparently has fallen in love with
artist Jake O'Neill. At the opening of her new gallery in Broward's'Rock, South Carolina, Virginia
announces that she and Jake will marry. Already disturbed by their father's will, her stepfamily
goes berserk thinking the handsome artist will waste what they believe is rightfully theirs. Chloe
Martin is also stunned by the announcement because she thought she was exclusively seeing Jake.
However, someone decides to take action, killing the charming artist. All evidence indicates that
Chloe committed the crime as she flees the scene and her shawl is found near the victim. Chloe's
boss mystery bookstore Annie Darling tries to prove her assistant is innocent while her spouse
Max helps the police with the official investigation. Though the who-done-it is relatively easy to
figure out by real amateurs like this reviewer, readers will enjoy the latest Death on Demand
mystery. Although obvious, the story line is fun to follow, as the darling lead couple wants the
same thing even while working on opposite sides of the inquiry.
The Angel of Montague Street
Norman Green
Harper Collins
May 2003, $24.95, 304 pp., ISBN 0060188197
At the age of seventeen, Brooklyn born Silvano Iurata was forced to go on the run after
completing a mission for his grandfather Dominic, a high ranking Mafia official. After he left his
cousin Little Don believed he killed his father and had an affair with his sister who was sent to the
convent in disgrace. Little Don vows to torture then kill Silvano when he next steps foot in New
York City but that proves difficult to do because his cousin works for the government and has no
permanent address. Years later Silvano returns to Brooklyn to learn what happened to his
kind-hearted, mentally impaired brother who disappeared without a trace. He finds out whom his
brother worked for and hung around with. In the course of his inquiries he meets a woman that he
falls for. However, Little Don knows that his cousin is in town and salivates to get his hands on
the relative he hates with a passion. This is a dark and grimy urban noir thriller that focuses on
those who, like the protagonist, live on the outskirts of society. The year is 1972 and the power of
the Mafia remains intact so that Silvano steps carefully around relatives in the "family" and works
overtime not to touch off a mob war that could hurt the people he cares about. He is still
recovering from his year in Vietnam and readers will credit him for trying to do the right thing and
stepping away from the violent culture he was raised in. THE ANGEL OF MONTAGUE
STREET is no angel but he is quite a man.
Cold Springs
Rick Riordan
Bantam Books
May 2003, $23.95, 340 pp., ISBN 0553802364
Chadwick intends to send his teenage daughter Katherine to Cold Spring, a boot camp style
school in Texas because she's addicted to heroin and running with the wrong crowd. Before he
can do that she overdoses while she is baby-sitting five-year-old Mallory Zedman. The incident
traumatizes the little girl who saw her beloved baby-sitter die. Nine years later Mallory dates the
boy whose brother supplied Katherine with heroin and is an addict too. Accompanied by
Chadwick she is sent to Cold Springs, but once she arrives everything begins to fall apart.
Mallory's mother has been accused of embezzling $27 million dollars. Mallory's father is tired of
paying blackmail money and sends his bodyguard to kidnap his daughter so they can flee the
country. Mallory becomes the target of a killer who has murdered anyone who has gotten in the
way and the only person who can save her is Chadwick, who is a suspect in at least two homicide
investigations. Rick Riordan has written a crime thriller that ranks with the works of Patricia
Cornwell, Dennis Lehane and Thomas Harris. Chadwick feels guilty for not acting sooner in
saving his daughter and in Mallory he sees the hope for his redemption, The protagonist soon
learns, almost too late, that only Mallory can save herself from her own destructive impulses.
Although much of this novel takes place on an isolated school in Texas, it has the feel of an urban
noir thriller. This is a must read for anyone who wants to read an unforgettable thriller starring a
villain that matches the bite of Hannibal Lechter.
Late For the Wedding
Amanda Quick
Bantam Books
May 2003, $24.95 336 pp., ISBN 0553802712
In Regency England, private inquiry agents Tobias March and Lavinia Lake look forward to the
weekend party because the lovers rarely spend any time alone. However, a ghost from Tobias'
past, Aspasia Gray also attends the party. She wants to hire him because someone left an old
memento-mori ring on her doorstep. She takes this as a threat because three years ago, her lover
killed himself after she and Tobias discovered he was the Memento-Mori hit man. While Tobias
talks to Aspasia, Lavinia notices a maid wearing blonde wig leading an elderly gentleman to the
roof for a tryst. When she goes to Tobias's room and sees him in a woman's arms, she returns to
her room. He follows to explain, but the elderly gentleman falls from the roof, flying past Lavinia's
window. A memento-mori ring is found in the victim's room. Tobias and Lavinia are determined
to find the new Memento-Mori man. They come up with some promising leads but Lavinia
doesn't realize someone wishes her harm. Amanda Quick has written another exciting historical
mystery with enough romance in LATE FOR THE WEDDING to keep fans of the two genres
very happy. The relationship between the two protagonists is now a full-blown love affair but
neither is talking about taking their relationship to the next level even though Lavinia's niece and
Tobias's brother in law think that they should. Both worry about the case rather than
commitments as they deal with powerful members of the Ton and that requires extreme caution
when they stomp on a foot or two.
Beach Roses
Jean Stone
Bantam Books
April 2003, $6.50, 336 pp., ISBN 055358412X
An anonymous benefactor is willing to contribute to a wellness center if the residents of Martha's
Vineyard show they want it. Doctor Hastings comes up with the idea of a breast cancer support
group to show how much the center is needed and asks Rita Blair-Rollins to be the head of it. She
reluctantly agrees because she wants what is best to help see her three charges through their
ordeals. Katie is a teen-age rock star who won't start treatment until she gives birth to her baby;
her father, who molded her career, doesn't want to recognize his daughter's different priorities.
Hannah, has to emotionally support her weak husband and wild fifteen-year old daughter while
she is undergoing chemotherapy. Faye, a Boston businesswoman, thinks she has nothing to live
for now that her cancer has reoccurred. These four women share their trials and triumphs and in
the process form a bond that can never be broken. If the audience seeks a happily ever ending,
BEACH ROSES is not the book to read. However, the plot provides courage and hope when
survival seems dimmer than a black hole. These intrepid women cannot ignore their troubles, but
find faith with one another and some other caring friends. Jean Stone writes a poignant drama that
focuses on human triumph during the most traumatic faults and frailties.
Deception
John Altman
Putnam
May 2003, $24.95, 272 pp., ISBN: 0399150404
Though Hannah Gray found the medical insurance fraud committed by Frank Anderson, she failed
to report him because of the affair they were having. When he repeats his illegal activity, she
realizes she is implicated by her lack of action. Her cousin tells Hannah that she is giving up her
non-refundable Adriatic cruise for a better all expense paid trip to England. Hannah sees an
opportunity to escape her Chicago troubles and figure out what to do next. On the Aurora II,
elderly Renee Epstein befriends Hannah, who is using the name of Vicky Ludlow. Renee lends
Hannah a book that provides insight to the path the vessel is following, that of the Fourth
Crusade. Renee's husband wants the book back because the mathematician has written inside the
tome the formula he developed that uses black holes with a force that makes nuclear bombs look
like firecrackers. However, before he retrieves the book, assassins hired by his employer kill him
and his wife. Next they go after Vicky as the only logical person who could have the formula.
John Altman is quickly gaining a following for his suspense-laden novels and his latest tale,
DECEPTION, will enhance that reputation. The non-stop action plot never slows down, but also
insures the reader understands the motives of the heroine. Though how she escaped the country
so easily seems shaky and the fraud situation back home over the edge, fans will be pleased with
this loaded thriller.
Star Witness
D.W. Buffa
Putnam
May 2003, $24.95, 400 pp., ISBN 039915034X
She is a world famous movie star married to the director who gave her a break that turned her
into an American icon. When she is found murdered in her swimming pool, a stocking around her
neck and her throat slit to the bone, the husband calls famous defense attorney Joseph Antonelli
because he thinks the police will arrest him for the crime of premeditated murder. Joseph meets
his client Stanley Roth, a few minutes before the police arrest the director. Antonelli bails him out
and agrees to defend him but there is no evidence that he can find that will exonerate his client.
The only three people on the estate at the time of death were Stanley, the victim and the maid.
Stanley's clothing in his hamper had his wife's blood on it and there is no evidence that Mary
Margaret Flanders had any enemies. The trial is long, hard and nerve-wracking because for once
Antonelli believes he is defending an innocent man. STAR WITNESS is a great legal thriller, one
that takes readers into the heart of Hollywood where appearances are everything and motives
seem murky. The reader see the toll a high visible murder trial takes out of a lawyer, who in this
case at least, defends a client more interested in creating another movie, certain he will be found
innocent. It is fascinating to watch how a prosecutor could make a defendant look guilty with
purely circumstantial evidence. D.W. Buffa keeps readers engrossed in this fulfilling drama that
ends in a way nobody could have predicted.
Havana Run
Les Standiford
Putnam
May 2003, $24.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 0399150595
Thirteen years ago, police officer John Deal learned that his father committed suicide. His face
was so badly damaged that his son couldn't recognize him. The police find papers proving John
was supplying his father with information that he used in his business dealings. Unable to
demonstrate he was set up, the brass allowed him to retire. John took over Deal Co, the
construction company his father ran into the ground. In the present, Deal Co. is breaking even
when Antonio Fuentes asks him to accompany him to Cuba. Fuentes represents a consortium who
want to rebuild Cuba after Castro is gone and they want Deal to be their point man. Deal is about
to turn him down when a government agent asks him to go along with Fuentes and in return they
will give him proof that he was framed thirteen years ago. Deal goes to Cuba intending to play the
spy but finds someone that has to be smuggled out of the country at any cost, making his deal
with the government null & void. Readers get an inside look at the Cuba of today in
HAVANA RUN and although the country is in a holding pattern different forces are ready to take
control once the present leader is gone. Les Standiford raises the bar of the suspense thriller in the
latest installment of his John Deal series. Though one must wonder about a government that hides
the truth that would exonerate someone, this fits right into the storyline and Justice, American
style. Readers will take to the protagonist right away because of the vulnerability that shines
above this tough guy persona.
Winterkill
C. J. Box
Putnam
May 2003, $23.95, 400 pp., ISBN 0399150455
There are only fifty-five Game Wardens to cover the state of Wyoming. Joe Picket's district
consists of 1,500 square miles, but he spots a hunter illegally kill a bunch of elks. When he
apprehends the suspect he is shocked to discover it is Lamar Gardiner, the District Supervisor for
the Twelve-Sleep National Forest. Lamar escapes, but when the game warden finds him again, he
is dead, stuck to a tree by the arrows that killed him. His death brings to town Melinda Strickland,
a high-ranking Forest Service official heading a task force to keep anti-government groups off
federal land. The Sovereigns, dissenters from Waco, Ruby Ridge and the Montana Freemen, stake
out a piece of land on Battle Mountain, which they rename the Sovereign Citizen Compound.
Among them is the mother of Joe's foster daughter who has a court order to take custody of
April. She legally takes April to the compound. The situation is volatile because Srickland and the
FBI plan to oust the Sovereigns from the compound, using force if necessary, and Joe fears that
his beloved foster child will become caught in the crossfire. In WINTERKILL there is a paradigm
switch because the supposed good guys act like criminals while the radicals act like peace loving
citizens in need of refuge. The protagonist is constantly torn between law and justice making him
willing to try anything to prevent the crisis from reaching a boiling point. Though one sided, C.J.
Box takes aim at rogue agents in the Federal government by showing the damage they can do if
they are not fired at the first hint of wrong doing. This is an exciting take of modern western
justice.
The Book of Light
Michelle Blake
Putnam
May 2003, $24.95, 215 pp., ISBN 0399150463
After graduating from Cambridge Theological Seminary, Lily Connor becomes an ordained
Episcopalian priest. At present she is the interim pastor of Tate University located a few miles
from Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. One day while counseling a student in her office,
Samantha Lamb-Henderson walks in and says she want to get reacquainted with Lily. Lily feels
the professor has a hidden agenda because when they attended seminary school together they
were just acquaintances, not friends. Lily's suspicions soon prove right when Samantha confides in
her. Samantha's assistant, Francine, has been getting photographs in the mail that look like they
could be the mythical Q document, the second source document for the Gospels of Luke and
Mark. If it is proven to exist and is authenticated it will be the most important religious revelation
in over a millennium. However, Lily, Samantha, and Francine are all being followed and it is clear
that these individuals want the photographs and will go to any lengths to retrieve them. Readers
will absolutely adore the protagonist who knows that she doesn't have all the answers and at
times, her faith, the foundation of her life, can be shook. She is believable as she is willing to go
the extra mile to see if the photographs could be the Q source and is even willing to accept the
danger that goes along with that mission. Michelle Blake writes a creative theological mystery
that will enthrall readers with its insights into the realities of organized religion.
Fireplay
Suzanne Chazin
Putnam
May 2003, $25.95, 330 pp., ISBN 0399150536
A fire breaks out in the basement of a fancy restaurant in Manhattan and when the firemen go in,
they lose sight of the entrance. When it is time for them to get out only one of the three makes it,
a rookie who feels like he should have been the one that died. Fire Marshall Georgia Skeehan and
her partner Randy Carter determine immediately that it was arson. The duo learns that extortionist
torch Freezer called talking about the fire and asking for money. Randy knows that Freezer is
Mike McLaughlin, who doesn't care if somebody gets killed in his fires. When they go to bring
him in for questioning, the FBI force them to free Freezer. He is their informant for a domestic
terrorist organization called the Green Warriors and they have every hope that Michael will find
out the identity of their leader so the Feds can make an arrest. Georgia isn't about to let the killer
of two fireman get away with murder so she goes undercover, risking her life many times over to
bring him to justice. Suzanne Chazin captures the mood of the New York Fire Department over a
year after the tragic events of 9/11. Readers will empathize even more with these brave men and
women who continue to risk their lives. Knowing who the villain is only makes this thriller more
interesting because it looks like he will get away with murder and the audience hopes as they read
feverishly that he will just make one slip. FIREPLAY is a very hot and juicy thriller.
Naked Prey
John Sandford
Putnam
May 2003, $26.95, 352 pp., ISBN 0399150439
A lot has changed for Lucas Davenport in the last year. He married the love of his life Weather
and they have an infant son and have moved into a new home with a separate apartment for the
nanny/housekeeper. Rose Marie Roux is still Lucas's boss but she is now the Minnesota Public
Safety Commissioner and Lucas reports directly to her and the governor as the Director in the
Office of Regional Studies which is a part of The Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions. Lucas gets
the police cases that the local departments are not equipped to deal with or are political hot
potatoes. His latest case involves a white woman and a black man hung by a rope to a tree and
strangled to death. Lucas doesn't take long to identify the killer but when he goes to arrest him, he
finds someone already murdered the perpetrator and his wife. Lucas returns to the small Northern
Minnesota town of Broderick to find another killer but he doesn't realize that the small bucolic
town is a cesspool of crime and corruption, a place where his homicide is interrelated to a series
of other felonious acts. There is nobody who writes a police procedural better than John
Sandford. His plots are so complex that readers find themselves unable to put the book down until
the last page is turned and all the loose ends are sewn up. NAKED PREY is one of the best
novels in the series because the hero has undergone some radical changes both in his personal and
professional life and that keeps the series fresh. This is a must read for fans of cop thrillers.
Coffin Knows the Answer
Gwendolyn Butler
Thomas Dunne
Apr 2003, $22.95, ISBN: 0312290330
For his tremendous work as Chief Commander of Police in London's Second City, John Coffin
can now use Sir in front of his name as he has been knighted. However, instead of an opportunity
to rest on his laurels John's recent flirtation with fame haunts him. Apparently two dangerous
thugs have challenged John in a game of cat and mouse that includes his wife actress Stella Pinero
as bait. A pediophile stalker has written letters of exploits that showcase porno photos of children
sent to the Second City police force. The other evil is a serial killer raping and murdering his
victims, but leaving behind no useful evidence. Stella becomes a target for both criminals as the
pediophile sends her letters with photos and the killer threatens to kidnap her and actually does.
Stella escapes with proof that the alleged two culprits is actually one person committing both
types of crimes. To keep Stella safe and halt the increasing homicide count, John and his staff
must stop the perpetrator immediately, regardless of cost. The Second City tales are always some
of the better police procedural novels and the newest one, COFFIN KNOWS THE ANSWER,
will join that meritorious list. The story line consists of intriguing interwoven subplots that focus
on two strings of crimes and the impact on the personal lives, especially Coffin, of the police
officers involved in solving and stopping the violence. Though well written, the climax seems
disappointing in comparison to the preceding tale. Still, much stronger than most sub-genre
entries, fans know that Coffin will find the answers to their reading needs.
Clutching at Straws
J. L. Abramo
Thomas Dunne
Apr 2003, $22.95, 240 pp., ISBN: 0312308493
Vic Vigoda hires Lefty Wright to steal a package from the safe of Judge Chancellor. Lefty grabs
the job as the pay is great, $15K for under fifteen minutes to perform an easy heist. However
when Lefty enters the bedroom with the safe, the murdered body of the judge greets him. Almost
immediately two cops charge into the house and arrest Lefty for killing Chancellor. Lefty knows
he is already in deep trouble, but adding to his woes is that the DA is running for office and sees
this case as an easy media victory to further his ambitions. Lefty asks San Francisco private
investigator Jake Diamond to learn why Vic would set him up to take the fall. Jake makes
inquiries, but mostly concentrates on who owned a valuable Rolex found near the body. As he
tries to learn the identity of the owner, he wonders about the motive. As he digs deeper into the
case, bodies pile up as someone is bumping off anyone remotely related and potentially able to
provide information that could free Lefty. Though readers will need a calculator to keep score of
the corpses, fans of action-packed murder mysteries will enjoy this tale. The story line is loaded
with non-stop hyper energy, as the audience will compute the correlation between alcohol
drinking and homicides. Fans of mass homicide investigative tales will want to follow Diamond as
he steps over bodies while making the rounds of the streets of San Francisco.
Underkill
Leonard Chang
Thomas Dunne
May 2003, $24.95, 336 pp., ISBN: 0312308434
Korean-American executive protection expert Allen Choice has doubts about his failing romance
with Hispanic reporter Linda Maldonaldo while concerned with his weak business. The adrenaline
that fueled the beginning of his relationship with Linda (see OVER THE SHOULDER) is gone
along with the thrill. The lack of executive protection clients in the Bay area has forced Allen to
accept sleazy sleuthing that he knows is way below his skill level, but allows him to eat. Adding to
his depression is his feelings of guilt for not being there when Linda's brother died in a
drug-related car crash. To ease his remorse Allen travels to Malibu to be there for his girlfriend.
Already feeling like a fish out of water, instead of finding a family mourning a tragedy, Allen
walks into a nasty Internet child pornography venture that could leave him as the next accident
victim. Readers who took delight in Allen's first tale will enjoy this story, but will quickly realize
that it is not quite on a level with its predecessor. Perhaps it is the change of location, but Allen
seems out of place in Malibu because he fits so well in San Francisco. Still readers will appreciate
his self-deprecating doubts about himself and Linda, and enjoy his latest investigation just not the
first choice.
Death in Precinct Puerto Rico
Steven Torres
Thomas Dunne
May 2003, $23.95, 256 pp., ISBN 0312289898
Sheriff Luis Gonzalo of the small town of Angustias, Puerto Rico (pop. 9000) spends most of his
time dealing with drunken brawls and domestic disputes. Elena Maldonado calls Luis asking for a
lift home from the hospital for her and her newborn son, which he agrees to do though he worries
about the twosome. Everyone in town knows that her husband is a drunk and a wife beater but
Elena insists she can handle the situation. He sends one of his officers to check on her, but the
deputy finds Elena stabbed to death on her kitchen floor, her husband sitting on the couch and
covered in blood holding the murder weapon. The sheriff thinks he has an open and shut case but
then he discovers that Elena was cheating on her husband and planned to divorce him. Somebody
tries to enter the Maldonado house that is being guarded by a police officer forcing the sheriff to
place the perpetrator on the suspect list. By the time he is finished with the case, he has so many
suspects that he has to hold some of them in the local church and the deputy mayor's office. This
is a first class police procedural but readers should be warned there is a lot of police brutality
contained in this novel. The protagonist is an intelligent man who loves to solve puzzles and as
the pieces of the conundrum come together he starts making the right connections. DEATH IN
PRECINCT PUERTO RICO is a must read for fans who like a dark and gritty police thriller.
The Feline Friendship
Michael Allen Dymmoch
Thomas Dunne
May 2003, $23.95, 304 pp., ISBN 0312310161
Chicago police department veteran Detective John Thinnes is unhappy when he is forced into a
partnership with the beautiful rookie detective Dom Franchi. She isn't elated that her new partner
is part of the good old boy network. Both realize they have to make the best of a bad situation
and their immediate superior thinks that in time it will prove to be a good pairing. Their first case
turns out to be a brutal rape in which the victim is so battered her own roommate doesn't
recognize her. The rapist's next target dies but the police recognize the signature of the
perpetrator and connect him to two other rape cases. A break sends Thinnes and Franchi to the
northern suburb of Waukegan where a series of rapes years ago bear a startling resemblance to
the crimes being committed in the present. Just when they think they have a lead in the case
another woman is abducted and the bickering duo has to race against time before she is abused.
Anyone who likes to read a solid police procedural is going to love THE FELINE FRIENDSHIP,
in spite of the crime topic. The plot is an action thriller that doesn't neglect in depth
characterizations. It is fascinating to watch the partnership of Franchi and Thinnes evolve from
prickly co-existence to one of steady understanding and trust. Michael Allen Dymmoch is an
expert at creating a believable investigation so that readers understand what police officers have
to deal with on a daily basis. It will be interesting to see how the Thinnes-Franchi partnership
holds up in future novels.
No Second Chance
Harlan Coben
Dutton
May 2003, $24.95, 352 pp., ISBN 0525947299
Renowned plastic surgeon Marc Seidman wakes up in the intensive care unit after being in a coma
for twelve days to learn that his wife was murdered and his six year old daughter Tara is missing.
The FBI and the local police are on the case but so far there are no ransom demands. On the day
that he is to be released from the hospital, his father-in-law asks Marc to visit him. His
father-in-law gives Marc a ransom note with instructions from the kidnapper that he must follow
if he wants to see his daughter again. Marc gives two million-dollars in money supplied by his
father-in-law to the kidnappers but they spot the police tail and escape. Eighteen months later, the
kidnappers call his father-in-law again to repeat the process. Marc intends to handle the situation
by himself, but ex-FBI agent Rachel Mills plans to help the man she loves get back his daughter.
The two of them uncover a conspiracy much greater than a missing child scenario. NO SECOND
CHANCE is a fascinating roller-coaster ride of chills, thrills and non-stop action, so much so that
readers will want to read the book in one sitting so they can find out just exactly what is going on.
Harlan Coben uses the art of misdirection perfectly so that after awhile hope and dread run
together leaving the protagonist totally confused about what his next step should be. This superb
multi-layered story uses the first person narrative so that readers know just how Marc helpless
feels and their hearts go out to him as he faces every parent's worst nightmare.
Unpaid Dues
Barbara Seranella
Scribner
May 2003, $24.00, 304 pp., ISBN 0743245008
After some heavy rains, a woman's body is found in the drainage sewer at the exclusive Riveria
Country Club. The woman was badly beaten and her body tied to two cinder blocks so that she
would sink without a trace. LAPD detective Mace St. John, back on the job after suffering a heart
attack four months ago, leads the investigation. He learns the victim is Jane Ferran. When he
looks at her file he sees Munch Mancini's face with Jane's name underneath it. When he goes to
question Munch, she tells him that she used her friend's name when she was arrested for a DUI.
Munch has a feeling one of her druggie friends from years ago might have killed Jane but she can't
tell Mace about it because she would implicate herself in a decade old triple homicide. It is only
when it looks like Thor is going to kill anyone connected to that incident does she come forward
and offers herself up as bait to trap a killer. Munch is an ex-druggie, a recovering alcoholic and a
former prostitute but she has turned her life around. She goes to AA meetings, has an adopted
daughter and has a good job working as a mechanic in Brentwood. She is a role model for people
who want to start over and make something of his or herself. The perpetrator of the murder will
come as a shock to the reader because everyone involved in the case is missing a vital piece of
information. Barbara Seranella, known for her urban noir thrillers, once again has created a
realistic who-done-it that is both exciting and poignant.
Antonia's Choice
Nancy Rue
Multnomah Press
May 2003, $11.99, 300 pp., ISBN: 1590520769
Finance expert Toni Wells left Richmond and her husband Chris due to his neglect and cheating to
relocate with their five-year-old son Ben in the Nashville area. Whether it is the move or the split,
Ben is filled with fear and anger, leaving Toni distraught and unsure what to do next. Toni's
mother calls to inform her that her older sister Bobbi and her husband Sid have been jailed for
child pornography. Mom refuses to accept the fact that Bobbi committed any crime though the
house is filled with equipment, pictures and videos, and their oldest daughter teenage Wyndham
turned up in them. Soon Wyndham admits that Ben, her preadolescent siblings, and she has
starred in some of the shots and worse actions too. Now Toni is fighting to save Ben and
Wyndham, praying for her other niece and nephew, and trying to lock away her sister.
ANTONIA'S CHOICE is a deep look at sexual abuse that will shake readers with the events that
occurred to Ben, Wyndham and others though Nancy Rue limits the graphics. The story line is
heart wrenching as Toni begins to understand what happened to Ben. Wyndham is an especially
great character as guilt keeps her on a suicide edge, but bravely albeit slowly relates the sickening
events. Toni's mom is too delusional to accept the facts and the full thrust of Christianity as being
the only avenue to save Ben will turn off some readers. Still ANTONIA'S CHOICE provides a
powerful tale of the aftermath to the victims of sexual abuse.
Steal Away
Linda Hall
Multnomah Press
May 2003, $11.99, 290 pp., ISBN 1590520726
The defining moment in Teri Blake Addison's life came when she was fourteen years old and her
mother went out to do grocery shopping. She never came home and the police thought she was
abducted because her car was found in the grocery parking lot. Several years later Tori becomes a
police officer and then a private detective specializing in missing person cases. At age of
thirty-eight she married the love of her life, widower Jack Addison, an English professor and
fellow Christian. Her latest client is world famous televangelist and foremost Christian apologist
Dr. Carl Houseman who founded the rich congregation Houseman Ministries. He is getting
married again five years after his wife was killed in a boating accident but before he puts an end to
that period in his life he wants Teri to find out his wife's state of mind in her last days. Teri's
investigation takes an unexpected turn when she comes upon a reclusive living on Grand Maran
Island living with her twenty something mentally challenged daughter. This novel will STEAL
AWAY the reader from the ordinary world and transport them into the pages of this fascinating
tale of portrayal, redemption and second chances. Without getting preachy, this mystery within a
mystery focuses on the premise no sin is too big to be unforgivable if the person genuinely regrets
what they have done (difficult to accept for many people). The protagonist is a likable person who
does her job without alienating others and has such an honest personality that people open up to
her. This is the first installment in what looks like a good mystery series.
The Ablative Case
Ralph McInerny
Five Star Books
May 2003, $25.95, ISBN: 0786252340
In New York City, Dwayne Navrone wants to marry his mistress Jennifer Bailey without paying
alimony to his current wife Mavis. After meeting Jennifer's psychiatrist Calvin Harris, he pays the
doctor and a cohort Ambrose Ruffle to kill his spouse. The two men enter the Lyndon Johnson
Community College Finance Aid Office where Mavis works and patiently wait for her to go to the
bathroom, using her pocketbook as a guide. They snatch her when the opportunity arises.
However, Calvin quickly learns that he has abducted the wrong woman as he and his partner
kidnapped Gloria Steahan of the same department. To rectify their error, they kill Gloria, but as
the police investigate with Dwayne as the prime suspect, a falling out between thieves occur
adding to the death count and complexity of the case. Though a coincidence involving
pocketbooks sets the plot in motion, this crime thriller is an entertaining tale filled with twists and
turns as the two Doctors try to place blame on the other. The story line moves forward at quite a
pace with corpses appearing everywhere. The characters make for a fine ensemble whether they
are killers, conspirators, or victims. Ralph McInerny has written a delightful tale that mystery
readers will fully enjoy.
Leap Day and Other Stories
Francis M. Nevins
Five Star Books
Apr 2003, $25.95, 208 pp., ISBN: 078624321X
This fourteen-crime story collection consists of twelve tales over twenty years old published in
major magazines though for the most part out of print. Each tale is unique yet loaded with
suspense that hooks the audience from the onset as few short stories can, let alone an entire
anthology. In the Introduction, Jon L. Breen explains the influence of Gardner, Woolrich, and
especially Queen on the writings of Francis M. Nevins. However, this reviewer feels this master of
crime thrillers loaded with deep characters and plenty of action has his own style that will thrill
genre readers.
Getting Personal
Diane Amos
Five Star Books
May 2003, $26.95, 326 pp., ISBN: 0786251697
Monique St. Cyr dreams of becoming an investigative reporter, but currently works the obituary
column for the Portland Enquirer. Next door lives her mother Anne Marie, who is better known
as erotic fiction writer Busty Galore. As Busty, Anne Marie uses her daughter's identity to seem
sexier and to obtain information on online dating for her new novel. One day after Monique leaves
for work, Anne Marie enters her daughter's house to check the email as she put out a feeler for
men to contact Monique. However, Monique comes home, hears a noise, panics and calls 911.
Police officer Jake Dube answers the call that turns out to be a false alarm. Jake starts dating
Monique, as he is very attracted to her. To stay out of trouble at work, Monique concocts a plot
where she pretends to have a street informer looking for money for information. Her editor funds
her to buy the information. Monique hides her loot in a birdcage, but her foul-mouthed fowl
chews the money into pieces. As she struggles to find a survival path, Monique dives from one
problem into a deeper dilemma while losing Jake because the man she loves no longer trusts her.
Though the lies told by Monique will bother some readers, this chick lit tale is enhanced by the
lead character's online dating fiasco. Jake is a wonderful hunk and Monique's mother is a work of
art, but the tale belongs to the lead heroine who goes at one speed: full warp into an abyss of
spiraling trouble regardless of personal consequences.
Year Zero
Brian Stableford
Five Star Books
May 2003, $25.95, 314 pp., ISBN: 0786253339
In 2000, thirty two year old retired hooker and former drug user Molly wants to regain custody of
her two children are both staying with foster parents. However, she will soon believe that the
cosmos acts against her goal as she wonders if she may be the center of weirdness or on some sort
of delayed LSD trip. Molly runs into a youthful looking Elvis in the nearby shopping center. He
explains that he has been part of an immortality experiment. Over the next few weeks, they date,
but as immortal parasites eat away at Elvis, making him look like a poster boy for the living dead
so she ends their relationship for the sake of her kids. Next she meets an angel who fell. As he
falls further she tries to help him return. That is followed by an alien abduction by the Greys who
plant their transmitter in her breast. Almost at the exact moment they return her to her home, the
English Men in Black abduct her, but conclude she is either an idiot or an enemy agent working
for the ET Greys. With this entire happening, can the devil be far behind? If this weird tale sounds
like Eerie, Indiana moved to England that is because that is how this engaging satire feels. In
many ways, the terrific tale is a series of vignettes as readers receive a wild year 2000 ride with
Molly trying to start fresh, but running into one strange obstacle after another. Nothing of the new
age is sacred to Brian Stableford as YEAR ZERO is for those readers who appreciate the
bizarre.
Real Men Sell Bras
Cathy McDavid
Five Star Books
May 2003, $26.95, 224 pp., ISBN: 0786248726
Adapting to her new job as Administrative Assistant to the Finance Director of a large
Connecticut insurance firm should be relatively difficult. However, the key adjective is relatively
as that word has a double meaning to Casie Malcavey. The job is nothing when compared to
dealing with her mother, acting bongos because Casie's sister Joyce is pregnant. Mom asks Casie
to do a small favor, which usually means big, and issues an order. She wants Casie to drive Joyce,
whose husband is away, to The Happy Stork to buy maternity bras. At the store junior high
school football coach Scott Karsetter fills in for his mother and finds he likes what he sees and
hears from Casie. He plans to follow up though she left no phone number because he wants to
date Casie. The lead couple is a delightful pair whose romance seems sort of like a throwback to
less complicated novels. Though fun to read, the story line feels a bit soft not because of excess
fat, but due a lack of any real major conflict. Still bras instead of quiche make for an amusing tale
as Scott can size up any female.
Windowpane
Steve Perry
Five Star Books
Feb 2003, $25.95, 413 pp., ISBN: 078625050X
Aging hippie street performer, Flint McLelland misses 1963 and desperately wants to see a return
to the sixties. As he plays baby boomer golden oldies on his flute to earn loose change, Flint
wanders the United States in search of sacred icons that represent the "Age of Aquarius". Soon
Flint gathers followers, mostly renegades, lost since the counterculture collapsed when the
summer of love turned into the summer of riots end his cherished decade. He informs his aging
flower horde that once he accumulates all the artifacts, the sixties will re-blossom stronger than
ever. The evil scientist the Logician known in psychiatric wards as Dr. Lojia captures the hero.
Logician insists that the flutist is patient Gerrard Hammond struggling to come back from a
delusional trip into the past of his mind. WINDOWPANE is an intriguing drama that leaves the
audience to wonder if Flint is a mental case never recovered from drugs or a Pied Piper locked
away to abort his tune. The tale provides a nostalgic look at the sixties, but not through rose
colored glasses as some bad karma such as overdoses, riots, Nam, and bombings haunt the
followers. Though well written and engaging especially for boomers, the tale never quite lights the
reader's fire to let their hair down along with Mary down Penny Lane, but his is still a haunting
fantasy trip
Old Murders
Frankie Y. Bailey
Silver Dagger
May 2003, $23.95, 202 pp., ISBN 157072217X
The small southern college town of Gallagher, Virginia might seem quiet and tranquil to an
outsider but crime historian Professor Lizzie Stuart certainly knows better. A Yankee real estate
executive and a local businessman are locked in a bitter battle over the fate of downtown
Gallagher. Lizzie doesn't know whose ideas are the better choice but since she just accepted a
permanent position at Piedmont State University, she knows she has to get involved. Local
politics become the furthermost thing from her mind when she discovers that local artist and
Piedmont student RoeAnn is missing. She hasn't come home to her baby in days and the aunt that
is watching him doesn't want to get the police involved. Since Lizzie's lover John Quin is the
college chief of police, she notifies him, which sets in motion a series of events that end with a
local lawyer being shot. A guilty Lizzie starts asking questions which brings her to the attention of
somebody who will do anything to make certain some secrets stay buried. Once again Frankie Y.
Bailey has created a realistically refreshing cozy that captures the ambiance of the area and the
temperament of the people who live there. One of the charms of this series is that the heroine
continues to grow and change so that readers never get bored with the character. The
who-done-it is well constructed and in these cases the reader is left to ponder whether the two
crimes are linked or are committed by two different individuals with separate agendas.
Cerulean Sins
Laurell K. Hamilton
Berkley Books
April 2003, $22.95, 405 pp., ISBN: 0425188361
Vampires, werewolves and other preternatural creatures share the same civil rights as human
beings, but when one commits a crime, licensed executioner and federal marshal Anita Blake kills
them. Her lovers are Jean-Claude, the Master Vampire of St. Louis, and Micah her co-leader of
the loyal shape-shifting leopard pard that looks to he or protection. The Regional Preternatural
Investigation Team asks Anita to help on the case of a murdered man nailed to the wall in a
mockery of the crucifixion with Nordic Runes painted nearby. Anita is positive that this is not a
magical murder. When a woman is ripped apart, Anita knows that this is the calling card of a
shape-shifter. Meanwhile, the woman, who turned Jean-Claude and his second-in-command Asher
into vampires, Belle Morte has the sadistic Musette come to town to learn why her boys are so
infatuated with Anita. Anita knows she must do something to stop Belle and Musette from taking
vengeance upon her loved ones, but whatever she decides will leave her in peril.. Anita Blake is a
great character who has dramatically changed from a deadly vampire killer to a person who
realizes that some non-humans are more humane than mortals are. In CERULEAN SINS, Anita
realizes she is more comfortable amidst the vampires but especially with her pack of shapeshifters
than she is among humans. However, the key that makes this novel a standout in a tremendous
series is Belle Morte as frightening a villain as one will find since even her own species fears her.
Fans of Anita Blake will want to read this tale and see the direction Laurell K. Hamilton is taking
her heroine and readers.
Shore Lights
Barbara Bretton
Berkley Books
May 2003, 400 pp., $6.99, ISBN: 0425189872
Maddy Bainbridge and her four-year-old child Hannah leave Seattle to help her mom run the
Candlelight Inn in Paradise, New Jersey. Although she has been away from home for fifteen years,
Maddy needs work as an accountant and Hannah needs a change of scenery after her father left
them and remarried. Over the Internet, Maddy gets into a bidding war over a dented teapot. She
gets the last bid winning the teapot by defeating widow Aidan O'Malley. His teenage daughter
wanted the teapot because it is identical to one in a picture her grandma possesses. Aidan sends
an email to Maddy to try to purchase the teapot, but she informs him She plans to give it to her
daughter as a magic lamp. As they exchange emails, neither knows the identity of the other, but
begins to like what they read and perhaps even fall in love just a bit. However, both are afraid to
take this out of hyperspace into reality, although neither knows that they have already met at her
daughter's pre-school and were attracted to one another. SHORE LIGHTS is an entertaining
Internet romance that provides readers with an interesting thought as to whether the in-person
reality can match the email perception. The lead couple is a delight and the support cast adds
depth to either of the protagonists though the poor communications between Maddy and her mom
seem overly contrived. Still Barbara Bretton bestows a beautiful modern day romance on her
audience.
A Buried Lie
Roberta Isleib
Berkley Books
May 2003, $5.99, 256 pp., ISBN 0425189961
After graduating golf school with a birdie putt, Cassie Burdette now has partially exempt status
on the LPGA tour, which means a certain amount of tourney play. She can also play in events
where a last minute opening occurs such as just happened at the Shop Rite LPGA Classic, a
pro-amateur event. Cassie is playing with four scientists working on a new Alzheimer's drug and
she immediately takes to the only other woman on the team. After the first day of play, the
Meditron group invites Cassie to go with them to the Showboat Casino where Erica and Cassie
run into a female teen in trouble. Erica takes the kid to her room but the next day fails to show up
to play golf with her co-workers. Cassie finds this particularly ominous and decides to go to see if
Erica is okay. When Cassie persuades management to open the door they find Erica dead in her
bed, the victim of an overdose. Cassie doesn't believe Erica committed suicide and starts her own
investigation, an action that almost leads to a double bogie for her and a close friend. Golf
enthusiasts and fans of amateur sleuth novels will definitely enjoy A BURIED LIE, a tale that
gives the reader insight into the competitive world of professional golf. The audience will like
Cassie because she is willing to act on her hunches when even the police think no crime has been
committed. Roberta Isleib knows how to write an interesting who-done-it that is a hole in one for
the audience.
Keepsake Crimes
Laura Childs
Berkley Books
May 2003, $5.99, 256 pp., ISBN 0425190746
Tucked away on the edge of the French Quarter in New Orleans is a cute little scrapbooking store
called Memory Mine owned by Carmela Bertrand, an astute business person but unlucky in love.
Her husband Shamus dumped her six months ago, claiming he had to find himself. Carmela moved
from their fancy home to a funky apartment located on top of a voodoo store. Carmela and
friends are taking in one of the Mardi Gras parades when a float stops in front of them. Powerful
Jimmy Early Clayton is dead and an autopsy reveals he died from an overdose of ketamine.
Shamus was seen having an argument with him and had access to the float and Jimmy Lee's stash
of liquor. A vicious rumor campaign starts stating that Shamus is the killer. Although Carmela is
estranged from him, she doesn't think her husband is a murderer. She sets out to prove it, but
places her life in danger from the killer who doesn't want Carmela putting the pieces of the puzzle
together. Laura Childs, the author of the Teashop mysteries, has written the first book in what
looks to be a great new series. The descriptions of the food and sights of New Orleans make the
readers feel as if they were visiting and enjoying Mardi Gras. The heroine is plucky and likable,
enjoying her crafts store and her many friends instead of pining away for the husband she still
loves. KEEPSAKE CRIMES is a well-written cozy with enough possible suspects to prevent the
audience from guessing who the killer really is.
Click Here For Murder
Donna Andrews
Berkley Books
May 2003, $22.95, 304 pp., ISBN 0425188565
After finding the murderer of her creator, she took over The Universal Library business after it
was decided to do away with AIP's (Artificial Intelligence Personality). Now nobody can argue
the point that Turing Hopper is a sentient silicon based life form. She and her friend Maude own
and run UL. They also manage the Alan Grace company where systems engineer Raymond
Santiago is building a new network that will be totally under Turing's control. A former UL
employee, Tim works as a private detective. He and Turing remain friends. At Ray's request they
play an on-line game Beyond Paranoia. One night Tim is supposed to meet Ray but gets
sidetracked playing the game. Tim later learns that Raymond has been murdered. His PDA and
portable PC are missing and Turing fears her identity has been compromised. When it turns out
Raymond has been using an alias, she sends Tim to learn why he went underground and if his
reasons will affect her. Meanwhile Maude and Turing investigate Beyond Paranoia and find it is
much more than an on-line game and it will impact the AIP in ways impossible to imagine. The
sequel to YOU'VE GOT MURDER is charming, endearing and adorable. The reader will forget
that the heroine is an AIP because she is a just as uncertain, frightened and confused as most
humans. Donna Andrews is a terrific storyteller who creates a world (the web) within a world and
makes it seem a part of actual reality. There is a cliffhanger ending that will be addressed in the
next book in this series that readers will be very eager to read.
Murder in the Pleasure Gardens
Rosemary Stevens
Berkley Books
May 2003, $22.95, 256 pp., ISBN 042519051X
Most of society in Regency London thinks that Beau Brummell is a glorified dandy who cares for
nothing but the cut and style of his clothes. He is a personal friend of the Prince Regent and is
invited to all the parties the Ton gives. One day while dining at his club White's, he realizes it
doesn't please his palate. He opens his own club Waitiers, which becomes an overnight hit, serving
delectable food and allowing the clientele to indulge in gambling. One night at the club, some men
are playing cards when Lieutenant Nevill accuses Mr. Jacombe of cheating. Mr. Jacombe, a man
with a high position in the government and known for his kindness and honor, is so angry he
challenges the soldier to a duel. Before that can happen, Mr. Jacombe is murdered and witnesses
place Lieutenant Nevill at the scene holding a gun. Beau, who knows the lieutenant, doesn't
believe he is guilty and goes out of his way to prove it. The hero of this regency mystery actually
existed with his closest friends knowing he was intelligent so it should not surprise history buffs
that Beau could have been a brilliant detective. As he examines the victim's life, he learns that the
man was not a paragon of virtue but a vile predator who had many people wishing him dead. The
who-done-it is fascinating and it is obvious that Rosemary Stevens does her research because
MURDER IN THE PLEASURE GARDEN is an accurate vivid depiction of life in Regency
England.
My Hero
Mary McBride
Warner Books
Jun 2003, $5.99, 336 pp., ISBN: 0446611263
Holly Hicks works at the New York based VIP Channel where she hopes to become a producer.
Her mentor gives her an opportunity to produce a segment of Hero Week. Though she does not
believe in heroes, Holly is excited until she learns she must go to Texas. She fled her home state
years ago, but if she wants to do the piece assigned to her, she must go home. Last year Secret
Service Agent Calvin Griffin took a bullet protecting President Jennings from an assassination
attempt. Still recuperating in his hometown of Honeycomb, Calvin does not want anymore media
coverage as he feels he only did his job. Additionally, he has other problems to deal with as the
bullet scraped his head, wrecking his short-term memory. Calvin picks up Holly at the Houston
Airport. They are attracted to one another, but he feels she needs a whole man. She, in turn,
wants nothing to do with a good ole boy. However, love has a way of making for strange
bedfellows. This is an engaging contemporary romance starring two lead protagonists who
actually need a hero though both deny such a creature exists today. The story line is fun to follow
due to the antics of the lead couple. Fans will feel for Calvin, feeling diminished in many ways
until Holly opens his heart. Though she ultimately learns one can go home if the right person is
waiting there, Holly receives less empathy as she spends too much time in denial. Still Mary
McBride shows that love makes everyone a hero.
Back Roads
Susan Crandall
Warner Books
Jun 2003, $5.99, 416 pp., ISBN: 0446612251
If anyone canvassed the townsfolk of Glens Crossing, Indiana as to whom was the most
predictable person in town, Sheriff Leigh Mitchell would win unanimously. She never does
anything outside her daily routines. However, approaching thirty, Leigh feels she is choking and
needs to break out of her shell. Will Scott is just passing through when he notices the Ferris wheel
lights in the distance. Teenager Brittany Wilson gives him a ride to the carnival where he meets
Leigh. They enjoy the events and soon go dancing together. Not long afterward Will obtains a
temporary job as a mechanic. Though she wants to believe otherwise as she is falling in love with
the mysterious stranger, she wonders if he could be dangerous as the main suspect in a potential
tragedy. He finds himself falling for the local law enforcement official, but knows his past makes
him the worst candidate for anything but passing through. BACK ROADS is an interesting look
at a rural Midwest town where everyone intimately knows each other so the slightest change in
routine leads to concerns about the person. Leigh is an intriguing individual struggling with the
feeling that there is more to life than the rut she feels she lives in. Will is enigmatic, telling little
about himself until the reader gets deep into the plot. The story line initially moves like a Ferris
wheel as Susan Crandall sets the background for an exciting police procedural romantic suspense
in which the heroine speculates whether her beloved is a dangerous felon capable of
atrocities.
Fallen Angels
Patricia Hickman
Warner Books
May 2003, $12.95, ISBN: 0446691011
During the Depression in Arkansas, their mother deserted the three kids several years ago and
now their father dumps the children on his girlfriend "Aunt" Lana to unload them on their older
married sister. However, Lana abandons thirteen year old Angel and her two younger siblings
Willie and Ida May in a movie theater. Angel tries to hitch a ride with a trucker who deposits
them on a traveling retired schoolteacher. Instead of taking the children to their older sister, the
teacher ditches them in a remote area while stealing their possessions. The trucker Jeb Nubey
stops nearby and the kids sneak into his truck. When the law stops him, the children pretend to be
his family. Already on the lam for an alleged attempted murder in Texarkana, Jeb takes the
children to their adult sibling only to find her home deserted. Jeb soon pretends to be a widowed
preacher raising the trio by himself. However, it is Angel who tries to turn this pretend quartet
into a real family. This is an entertaining historical fiction that paints a disturbing picture of the
Depression via the treatment of the three Welby children by family and others. Still through the
actions of Angel, forced into maturity beyond her years, hope exists even for this downtrodden
group. The characters make the tale as the FALLEN ANGELS will hook readers with their
plight.
Some Girls Do
Leanne Banks
Warner Books
May 2003, $5.99, 320 pp., ISBN: 0446611727
Katie Collins hides her beautiful body beneath the guise of a prim and proper lady because she
wants no trouble with the spouse of her boss Ivan Rasmussin. When the computer game CEO
offers Katie a chance to make one hundred thousand dollars, she jumps at the opportunity because
she needs money to reunite with her three siblings, each from a different father. Ivan wants Katie
to find a husband who passes his criteria for his shy obese daughter Wilhelmina. Ivan bribes
security expert Michael Wingate to serve as bodyguard to Wilhelmina while he vacations overseas
and to conduct background checks into the men that Katie selects. Michael reluctantly agrees
because he expects to take over security for Ivan's firm if he holds up his end of the bargain.
When Katie tells Wilhelmina of a fairy tale in which the princess finds true love in Texas, the
heiress eludes her two watchdogs and journeys to the Lone Star State. As Katie and Michael
follow, they fall in love even as Wilhelmina meets her prince, but will these two deserving couples
find permanent happiness with one another? SOME GIRLS DO is an enjoyable contemporary
romance starring several delightful characters. The story line focuses on two lonely women who
find love when neither expected anything. The support cast augments how deep the audience sees
inside Wilhelmina and Katie. Though the males in her father's circle are too nasty for
consideration, fans can bank on this author providing a wonderful tale of love.
Last Breath
Rachel Lee
Warner Books
May 2003, $5.99, 302 pp., ISBN: 0446609919
In the St. Simeon Parish in Tampa, Florida, the congregation prepares for a big event when a little
girl points out that the statue of Jesus is bleeding. Father Brendan Quinlan prays that this is a
miracle, but when he looks carefully he knows more mundane matters of murder have occurred.
He relocates the participants to another part of the church and calls the police. Detective Matthew
Diel leads the investigation into the murder of twenty-two year old member Steve King. When
Diel learns that the victim was gay, he wonders if the priest had an illicit affair with Steve. Former
colleague and ex lover, but now an attorney Chloe Ryder warns Matthew to keep his mind open
before they agree to share what they learn. As the duo digs deeper into the homicide, the evidence
seems to point towards the parish priest as the culprit unless Chloe, a believer in the goodness of
Brendan, can prove otherwise. This is an exciting police procedural that builds tension by what
happens to Brendan who seems like a good Christian, but may prove to be a wolf in sheep
clothing. Chloe and Matthew, who were once an entry, provide romantic tension, as they remain
combustible. The story line moves forward rather quickly though an extra conspiratorial twist
seems unnecessary. Still fans will hold their breath to see who is the killer and why.
The Discrete Charm of Charlie Monk
David Ambrose
Warner Books
Mar 2003, $23.95, 288 pp., ISBN: 0446527963
Super agent Charlie Monk believes he works for an agency so stratospherically secret, the work
force will not mention its name even in the most secure room. However, Charlie sometimes
wonders who he really is. Though he performs perfectly when he works in the cold as a killing
machine with no conscience completing his mission, Charlie has problems recalling mundane
obvious details from his past. When on home leave in Los Angeles, Charlie sleeps with a myriad
of women and paints landscapes that some dealer buys before the canvas dries. In Washington
D.C., Dr. Susan Flemyng conducts cutting edge experiments on replacing visual memory in the
minds of amnesia victims. However, the government has forced her to work for a top-secret
agency whose name is classified by kidnapping her son. Her guinea pigs include Charlie. This
Walter Mitty type tale starring a protagonist like James Bond or Derek Flint will leave the
audience wondering who Charlie is. The story line grips the reader with that question from the
onset, but when the answer seems obvious David Ambrose cleverly twists the plot around so that
the audience has to repeat the query. Fans of strange thrillers will want to read the DISCRETE
CHARM OF CHARLIE MONK in one sitting because the tale provides a wonderful espionage
story within a medical subplot inside a weird but deep character study, contained in etc. etc. etc.
Yet all of this yada yada yada turns into a tremendous novel.
Wages of Sin
Penelope Williamson
Warner Books
Mar 2003, $19.95, 402 pp., ISBN: 0446528412
In 1927, there is few events, even murder, that would shock the residents of New Orleans. Even
the recent deaths of teenage fans of silent screen queen Remy LeLourie hardly dent the demeanor
of the citizens. However, the crucifix torture killing of Father Patrick Walsh, perhaps the most
popular priest in the city, stuns even the most decadent individual. Homicide Detective Damon
Rourke leads the inquiries into the murder of Father Walsh. He believes a link exists between that
homicide and the rash of female teen deaths who cult worship his lover Remy. He also feels that a
connection exists to another crime that has divided the city. Though he never sleeps as he
searches for the thread that will tie these seemingly three different situations together and lead to
the culprit(s), Damon finds clue after clue, but the clock ticks with little progress. WAGES OF
SIN is a superb historical police procedural that brings alive the 1920s in New Orleans. The story
line is no stop action as the workaholic Damon ignores his lover, his daughter, and his health to
find the blood line that runs through each case like beads on a necklace. Read very carefully this
tale as Penelope Williamson reveals all the clues. However, if not closely followed, the final twist
will surprise the audience who will realize that the author hid nothing yet succeeded with a
delightful sleight of the hand early twentieth century who-done-it.
If I Get to Five: What Children Have Taught Me About Courage and Character
Fred Epstein, M.D, and Joshua Horwitz
Henry Holt & Company
Mar 2003, $23.00, 190 pp., ISBN: 080507144X
IF I GET TO FIVE: WHAT CHILDREN HAVE TAUGHT ME ABOUT COURAGE AND
CHARACTER is more than just a biography focusing on the great accomplishments of Dr. Fred.
This nonfiction is more of a vigorous lesson that when it seems all but over in the bottom of the
ninth, still swing the bat of life. Dr. Fred provides anecdotals from his mentoring tutors, the many
children whose lives touched his. The book also bolsters those with disabilities to achieve more
than the expectations of those around them by conquering the Pygmalion Effect. Dr. Fred
overcame his own childhood handicaps and a recent one as an adult due to an accident. In many
ways his is an Art Linkletter bio, but the stakes are everything worthwhile. Well written and
inspirational, Fred Epstein, M.D, and Joshua Horwitz provide realistic hope in the darkest
moment by encouraging adults to heed the advice of their little ones who, even when death nears,
show what life is all about.
Call Me Crazy
Anne Heche
Washington Square Press
Mar 2003, $13.00, 251 pp., ISBN: 0743424417
This reviewer limits the number of bright light bios because typically they reveal nothing except
blaming others for the negative and taking credit for the positive. For the decadent reasons of
hearing her side of the alien stories (take your pick), this reviewer decided to see how clever Anne
Heche reheats three day old fast food leftovers. Surprisingly Ms. Heche determinedly opens her
inner soul to readers revealing an alleged childhood of mostly psychological, but some physical
abuse. The actress insists her past led to the tabloid-published accounts of her visiting a stranger
ranting that a spaceship was taking her to heaven. Ms. Heche claims her father sexually molested
her giving her herpes that went untreated because her mother believed in God's cure not modern
medicine. Following years of intense therapy, she now writes insightfully about her downward
emotional dive bordering on the other side of lunacy. This includes the romance with Ellen
DeGeneres, though that is somewhat rationalized. Still Ms. Heche turns herself inside out
providing a deep poignant look filled with anger yet hope for the end product adult to overcome
derogatory raising as a child. This is biography at its rawest yet strongest.
The Second Time Around
Mary Higgins Clark
Simon & Schuster
April 2003, $26.00, 302 pp., ISBN 0743206061
Everyone who met the charismatic Nicholas Spencer felt drawn to him so it isn't too hard for him
to get people to invest in his medical research company Gen-stone. He was very excited that his
company had developed a vaccine that would prevent cancer or cure people who had it. A few
weeks before it was supposed to be given to the FDA for testing, Nick's plane crashed and though
his body wasn't found, he was presumed dead. A couple of weeks later, it is discovered that funds
are missing from the company and Gen- stone's test results prove that the miracle elixir doesn't
work. Most people believe that Nick was a con artist who defrauded innocent folks and that his
wife, Lynn was part of the scam. Lynn asks her stepsister Carley, a financial reporter for the Wall
Street Weekly, to help her clear her name. Coincidentally, Carley is assigned to do a profile of
Nicholas Spencer. The deeper she gets into her investigation the more she's convinced that Nick
was just as much a victim as the company's stockholders, a theory that could get her killed if she
isn't careful. Mary Higgins Clark can always be counted on to write an entertaining thriller and she
doesn't disappoint her fans in her latest work THE SECOND TIME AROUND. The protagonist
is likable and her actions make sense within the context of the plot. The novel moves along briskly
so that readers never lose interest in the tale. The only quibble with the novel is that the
stalker-subplot feels like filler so ignore it and enjoy a relatively taut and exciting thriller.
A Whole Lot of Trouble
Helen Chappell
Simon & Schuster
May 2003, $23.00, 288 pp., ISBN: 074321529X
Junk picker Carrie returns to her hometown, Oysterback, Maryland on the Eastern Shore to
attend her mother's funeral. Carrie and her sister Earlene have been at odds for years over
lifestyles and even while trying to honor the dead they argue. Both await their brother Delmar to
return with the ashes from Florida, but he is being detained by police for an incident at the airport
where metal detectors were set off by their mom's urn. Carrie is shocked to find Professor Jack
Shepherd sleeping in her mother's bed. He explains that he normally lives on a boat, but her
mother said he could use her house while she was away if he needed to for some reason. Her
former boyfriend, the married Hudson Swann, also accosts Carrie. She clearly explains to Hudson
that they are the past though she admits to herself that she wouldn't mind a future with Jack.
Though here is a dark comical backdrop, WHOLE LOT OF TROUBLE is a deep relationship
drama that showcases family rivalries and lingering disagreements and disappointments. The
sisters are a delight to observe fuss and fight while their respective descriptions of their brother
paint quite a picture of him. Though some tension caused by "outsiders" seems unnecessary, fans
will appreciate this no person is an island tale that emphasizes everybody needs somebody
sometimes.
Mojo
Nalo Hopkinson, editor
Aspect
Apr 2003, $13.95, 352 pp., ISBN: 0446679291
The delightful nineteen contributions will widen the horizons of fans of magic, fantasy and horror
with a prime focus on West African or African-American stories. The anthology covers a wide
gamut within the genres and contains different methods to entertain the audience such as humor,
satire, or suspense, etc. All the stories are well written, though adjustment to dialect can slow
down some of the contributions albeit adding extra realism to the tale. A few stories are terrific.
The author has an attention grabbing introduction starting with "Reader, Be Aware!" and if that
Mojo don't hook you, Ms. Hopkinson needs stronger spells if any exist. Luisah Teish introduces
the collection with an insightful look at MOJO so that along with entertaining short stories, the
audience receives powerful magic.
Zulu Heart
Steven Barnes
Aspect
Apr 2003, $24.95, 480 pp., ISBN: 0446531227
In A.H 1294 (equivalent to A.D. 1877), Ethiopian nobleman Kai is married and raising a family on
his Bilalistan (equivalent to Southern USA) plantation. He liberated his loyal slave, white Irishman
Aidan with the freedman residing in a community of former slaves. However, though an ocean
away, the events in the African motherland impact those settled in the colonies as Ethiopia and
Egypt seem on the brink of civil war. Kai shouts for peace, but only places himself and his
extended family in danger from those who want him silent so that war can occur. He enlists Aidan
to learn what really is happening in Africa. Aidan returns to slavery in order to serve as a mole at
the Egyptian court. The plan is to provide information to Kai so he can act on what he learns.
However, both walk precariously as the world they know seems destined to explode into a deadly
civil war. This sequel to the terrific alternate history tale, LION'S BLOOD continues the stories of
Kai and Aidan. Once again Steven Barnes provides a deep rich tale that will leave the audience in
awe of his talent that makes the African colonization of the New World seem so real. Kai and
Aidan are delightful characters willing to risk all they cherish to do the right thing though what
that is remains difficult to fathom. ZULU HEART proves that Mr. Barnes is the equivalent to an
alternate dimension history professor as he makes his realm seem so excitingly delightfully
real.
Carrie Pilby
Caren Lissner
Red Dress Ink
June 2003, $12.95, 336 pp., ISBN 0373250290
At the age of eighteen Carrie Pilby graduated Harvard with a B.A. in philosophy. Now she lives in
an apartment in Greenwich Village, but hardly ever goes out except to see her psychologist and
has no friends or a job. Her favorite activity is laying in bed and watching a video until she falls
asleep. She feels like she doesn't fit into society and though she is alone she isn't lonely. It's hard
for a genius to interact with other people so her shrink issues her a series of challenges. She gets a
temp job proof reading and meets a woman who doesn't judge her and genuinely wants to be her
friend. She joins a church and interacts with the pastor who not only accepts her, but approves of
her strong morality. By the time New Year's Eve arrives, Carrie has dated an engaged man, a
boring person and a man she genuinely likes. She finally realizes that a person has to give people a
chance because the rewards are satisfying. In the first half of CARRIE PILBY, the protagonist is
a judgmental person who thinks that her intellectual superiority makes her superior to everyone
else. In the latter part of this novel Callie realizes that she is using her mental maturity to hide her
vulnerabilities and she takes the first step that will lead her into adulthood. The people she meets
change her in subtle ways and if one can stick it out, Carrie will grow on you.
Guilty Feet
Kelly Harte
Red Dress Ink
Apr 2003, $12.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 0373250266
Upset with her boyfriend for caring for his music writing more than she, Jo leaves Dan figuring he
would come after her after he pined away for her for awhile. However, Jo quickly learns that her
body has not had time turn cold before he shacks with up with his neighbor Aisling. With no
prospects and, horror of horrors, her father is now living with her, Jo decides to reengineer her
personality, but only over the Internet. She creates a different Jo dubbed Sarah and soon
exchanges email with Dan because she is a fan of his work. Jo realizes that her web of deception
can only cause trouble, but like a drug addict she can't stop what she is doing. In fact she lives for
her next fix, Dan's responses to her messages. Once the reader accepts that Jo is an "intelligent
moron", they will enjoy this lighthearted caper. The story line is amusing due to a great secondary
cast that brings vivid eccentric color to a neighborhood while either abetting, encouraging, or
impeding Jo's endeavor. No one will feel remorse if they spend a few hours enjoying Jo's secret
identity, as many in the audience would take immense delight in doing the same thing.
Engaging Men
Lynda Curnyn
Red Dress Ink
May 2003, $12.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 0373250282
In New York, actress Angie DiFranco wonders if she will always serve as the woman who
"loosen the lid" so some other woman marries her ex boyfriends. Three times that has happened
to her. However, she thinks this time she might have the spouse as her current boyfriend Kirk was
seeing his previous girlfriend for three years before breaking up. She believes that if there is
justice in the world, the ex will have been the lid opener for her to marry Kirk. Angie begins her
campaign to make Kirk jealous and ultimately into proposing. Her scheme works perfectly but as
the wedding day nears she has doubts that he is the one. Instead, she finds herself suddenly
attracted to her roommate Justin, but he has lovers all over the country and surely cannot
reciprocate or does he? Though Angela's lid theory on marriage seems a bit jarred, fans will relish
this delightful Manhattan romantic romp. The story line will amuse fans of chick lit due to the
neurotic charming lead character. Angie's hesitation after finally being on the verge of obtaining
what she thinks she wants is marvelous as she wonders if she is opening the wrong lid.
Mulligan's Magic
Deb Stover
Jove
Apr 2003, $5.99, 306 pp., ISBN: 0515135119
New York City police officer John Desmond was proud of his son Nick when he became a
detective. Nick was assigned to a special task force to bring down the Fazzini Drug Empire, but
everything went wrong. They killed his father in what the department claimed was a drive by
shooting. Then the crime family planted evidence that Nick was on the take. Now Nick works as
a private sleuth taking odd jobs including "rent a pig" assignments. Maureen Fazzini offers Nick
an interesting deal. In exchange for proof he was not on the take and destroying her crime family,
he protects her and her granddaughter while she fakes her death and they flee to Ballybronagh,
Ireland. She wants the lass raised as far away as possible from the criminal activity of the family.
Schoolteacher Maggie Malone returns to her hometown of Ballybronagh hoping to teach there,
but instead learns the school might close. When Nick and Maggie meet, there is an immediate
attraction but he cannot afford love to interfere with his quest that he believes he owes his father.
However, both also hear whispers in the wind that frighten them yet makes them yearn for one
another. MULLIGAN MAGIC, the sequel to MULLIGAN STEW, is an exciting romantic
suspense with some paranormal elements. The story line grips the audience as if Deb Stover cast a
magical spell over them. Nick is a complex protagonist struggling with a myriad of emotions
including guilt, anger, resentment, and now love. Maggie is a much simpler character, but
provides a strong counterpoint. Together they captivate readers.
Expecting the CEO's Baby
Karen Rose Smith
Silhouette Special Edition
Apr 2003, $4.75, 249 pp., ISBN: 0373245351
Tom Franklin, Director of the Emerson Fertility Clinic, stuns widow Jenna Winton when he
informs her of the mix-up. Instead of being inseminated with her late husband's sperm, she is
carrying the baby of a man with a similar name. A technician confused B. Winton with B. Winston
especially since both men came from Fawn Grove, California. Blake Winston is irate to learn that
someone named Winton is six months pregnant with his child. Blake offers Jenna to pay her
expenses and more, but he keeps the child; Jenna rejects his insulting deal insisting that the baby is
hers. Though his heart has not been touched in two decades, Blake finds he feels guilty and sorry
when he upsets Jenna though he seems to do that a lot. As they agree to a marriage for the sake
of the unborn, a miracle occurs as they fall in love. Though fertility mix-ups and marriages of
convenience are frequently used devices (more so the latter), readers will appreciate this
refreshing tale. Karen Rose Smith displays her talent by interweaving clues about the lead
protagonists through quick introspective moments with the present scenario triggering a similar
memory. The lead characters are an intriguing duo as Blake has a major demon from his past and
Jenna has the ghost of her beloved deceased husband. Title aside, EXPECTING THE CEO's
BABY is a warm character-driven romance.
Wedding's Widow
Alex Matthews
Intrigue Press
May 2003, $24.95, 338 pp., ISBN 1890768499
Nobody can be happier than psychotherapist Cassidy McCabe that her client Claire Linden is
getting married again. In the three years that Claire has been going to Cassidy, she divorced her
abusive husband, learned how to stand on her own two feet and how to trust another man.
Ignoring the warning bells that go off in her head indicating Max is too good to be true, Cassidy
and her reporter husband Zach Moran agree to attend the wedding. When the couple is about to
say their vows, a shot rings out and Max keels over. He is the dead victim of a professional hit.
An upset Claire pleads with Cassidy and Zach to find out who killed her groom. The pair agree
having experience in solving high profile homicides in the past. During the course of their
investigations they learn that Max had many enemies who would want him dead. Almost as soon
as they start asking questions, Cassidy acquires a stalker who warns her off the investigations if
she wants to see tomorrow. This is the seventh Cassidy McCabe mystery and it is absolutely
terrific. The characters have grown and changed in ways that make their marriage a joyous
celebration of life and them more of a team on this investigation than before. Zach realizes he can't
control Cassidy and she knows that there are times it is better to give in then argue. The victim in
this novel wasn't a bad man, just a flawed one who managed to get the wrong person angry. Alex
Matthews is a talented author who knows how to keep her series fresh and challenging.
Cloning Christ
Peter Senese with Robert Geis
Orion
$25.95, 335 pp., ISBN: 0971082642
Syracuse, New York research geneticist Dr. Max Train deeply believed in God until, a dozen
years ago, someone brutally murdered his beloved wife and four-year-old daughter. For Max,
their deaths and his legal tribulations afterward left him void of any belief in an All Mighty. While
Max is visiting the Jerusalem area, an earthquake hits uncovering a buried cross. Max wonders if
he holds the True Cross that Jesus was crucified on. If the answer is yes, could he clone the Christ
from the bloodstains and hair remnants on it causing the Second Coming? In the Vatican Cardinal
Anselm Mugant learns of the discovery in Israel. He plans to prevent Max from cloning the Christ
by hiring an assassin The Scorpion to kill Max. Though there are several subplots such as the
"Fifth Crusade" that spins the reader away from this delightful inspirational tale, fans will relish
this thriller. The tale is loaded with action yet uses the characters as symbols of mankind similar to
a medieval passion play like Everyman. The cast represents the faithful, the disbelievers, the
dividers (torn between science and religion) or the selfish. CLONING CHRIST brings the debate
of religion vs. science to the forefront in an exciting manner that focuses on the sacredness of
life.
Secret Ways
Kat Martin
Pocket Books
Apr 2003, $6.99, ISBN: 0743419170
In 1809 in the outer rim of a sprawling London, Vermillion Lee Durant sadly realizes that her
training period is over. She must select her first protector as a courtesan chip off the old block as
her aunt who raised her did before her. She would rather be Lee, riding horses in the countryside,
but she knows that her destiny as the third generation Durant courtesan is to be Vermillion. Secret
Agent Captain Caleb Tanner seeks a traitor. He goes undercover as a groom at Parklands, the
estate owned by Vermillion's aunt. Caleb believes that Vermillion is a hardened, avaricious but
well paid whore. That is until he meets Lee. As he and Lee fall in love, Caleb knows the mission
remains first, but plans to become Vermillion's first protector. However, she needs more from him
now that love is part of the relationship. SECRET WAYS is an exciting Regency romantic
suspense tale that sub-genre fans will fully appreciate. The story line is loaded with action, but
also slowed down at the bit by the girth of detail on horses. The lead couple is a delightful duo
especially the almost schizoid lead female protagonist as Lee battles with Vermillion for
supremacy before Caleb's love enables her to enjoy both sides of her complex personality. The
traitor investigation adds the depth that will leave readers applauding Kat Martin for a fine
novel.
Until Judgment Day
Christine McGuire
Pocket Books
April 2003, $6.99, 348 pp., ISBN: 0743422309
After all their troubles, both professional and personal, District Attorney Kathryn Mackay and
Santa Rita County Sheriff David Ganz are happily married. On the day before Thanksgiving Dave
sustains a nasty head injury when pursuing a van that might have been used in a robbery homicide
case. He refuses to stay in the hospital when he regains consciousness even though two doctors
and his wife plead with him to take a MRI. Kathryn drops the matter because she is trying to cope
with her own medical problem of a high-risk pregnancy. While Dave still recovers, he investigates
the murder of a priest. When a second priest is murdered, police begin to think they have a serial
killer on their hands. Their theory is confirmed when another priest is killed even though the MO's
are different. The police want the victims' personnel records to see if there is a link between the
three but the bishop refuses and ends up in jail for contempt. When a fourth priest is gunned
down, he gives the information they need which eventually leads to the police laying a trap for a
killer who knows just how the police operate. UNTIL JUDGMENT DAY is an exciting police
procedural that also contains a beautiful and haunting relationship starring two protagonists who
have a strong marriage due to the traumas and tragedies they survived. David loves Kathryn's
daughter so much he plans to adopt her and Emma loves Dave as much as she did her biological
father. The mystery is well executed but readers should be prepared for a shocking ending.
Christine McGuire has written another enthralling installment in her best selling series.
A Lady Never Trifles with Thieves
Suzann Ledbetter
Pocket Books
Apr 2003, $5.99, 224 pp., ISBN: 0743457471
In Denver City, Joby Sawyer runs a detective agency, an unheard of occupation for a female in
the late nineteenth century. To hide her gender in plain sight, Joby tells her clients that she is just
an agent for her father, a former Deputy US Marshall, who is away on an investigation or he is
ailing. She insists her father performs all the sleuthing. In reality her indisposed dad is dead. Joby
is working on several cases involving a jewel thief, a murder, and finding proof to enable an
abused wife to divorce her nasty spouse. Her only help is Chinese immigrant Won Li who thinks
Joby is a lunatic especially when she tests new sleuthing ideas. As she works the cases, collecting
the fee from a shyster lawyer may prove almost as difficult as solving the cases. A LADY NEVER
TRIFLES WITH THIEVES is an interesting dichotomy. The western historical mystery hooks the
audience with tension yet often renders readers amused with the antics of the heroine. The story
line is loaded with action while providing insight into the role of women especially through the
gender nuking antics of Joby. In the final analysis, it is the cast that makes Suzann Ledbetter's tale
one of the better sub-genre entries as they take the reader through a fun experience.
Wild Orchids
Jude Deveraux
Atria
Apr 2003, $25.95, ISBN: 0743437128
Although he is considered by the mystery genre as an "important" author, Ford Newcombe
learned the meaning of life six years ago. Life is death to Ford whose beloved wife Pat died after a
six month battle with cancer. Ford knows he is only surviving as he died along side of his spouse.
At a party, Ford hears university research assistant Jackie Maxwell tell the story of a woman who
fell in love with the devil. For the first time since his wife shattered his well being with her cancer
sentence, Ford feels alive. He travels to the town that Jackie mentioned and buys a house there to
live in while he works on his new tale. He persuades the vivacious Jackie to assist him on
researching the story. However, he soon wonders if she witnessed a real homicide as a child. His
renewed passion for life includes learning the truth even if it means putting himself in harm's way.
WILD ORCHIDS is perhaps Jude Deveraux best work to date although the William James-like
plot will surprise many of her fans. The story line moves forward at a fast clip with alternating
first person paragraphs between Ford and Jackie. The key to this taut eerie thriller is the lead
protagonists who are complete people still feeling respective tragedies from their pasts. Is the
novel psychological suspense, a murder mystery, or a horror tale? Read the book as Ms.
Deveraux will keep her audience hooked to learn the truth alongside the hero.
The Miracle
Michael Gurian
Atria
May 2003, $13.00, 306 pp., ISBN 0743448502
In northern Spokane, Washington lies a wildlife refuge and the subdivision, Lucia Court, a
community in the truest sense of the world. Everyone loves six years old Jeffrey Roman who is
dying of cancer. He is a remarkable little boy who communicates with spirits and knows things
through a sixth sense. His life is tragically cut short when a car crashes into him as he sits in his
wheelchair on the sidewalk. A strong light emerges from the wreckage enveloping the whole
community crossing the river to the home of Donnell Wight who is also dying from cancer. The
Light affects everyone in different ways but Beth's psychic powers reemerge even stronger than
anything she ever experienced, manifesting itself in ways that could only be Divine. Another
person the Light touches is the serial killer known as "The Light killer". He and Beth connect in
ways that shouldn't exist but there is a bond between them that makes her the ray of hope in
stopping him from killing more children. This book, labeled "A Visionary Novel", attempts to
define the Divine in a way that is simultaneously mystical and scientific. The author contends that
mankind is evolving into homo infiniens and will one day understand the spiritual mysteries of the
universe. The people touched by the Light becomes believers in something bigger than what they
once comprehended. The serial killer sub-plot is used to explain why good and evil must exist in
the world. This is a very creative and spiritual tale, one that explains many of the leading religious
systems. Reading THE MIRACLE is an experience not to be missed.
Cherokee Warrior: The Loner
Genell Dellin
Avon
May 2003, $5.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 006000147X
In 1877 in the Cherokee Nation West, Lighthorseman Black Fox Vann trails Cat, a Robin Hood
like robber turned killer when he murdered Deputy US Marshal Turner. At a general store, Black
Fox sees Cat dodging bullets running towards his horse. Black Fox follows only to find an
unconscious Cat shot in the shoulder. He strips him only to shockingly see breasts. Cat hears him
mumbling about taking a female to Judge Parker to hang for murder, but cannot understand why
he says that until he accuses her of killing Turner. She denies killing anyone yet, but plans to kill
the general store owner Tassel for killing her stepfather and mother, and trying to rape her. He
knows she is too hurt to travel to Ft. Smith for her trial, so he takes her to his ranch to heal. Black
Fox wants to believe Cat's cries of innocence as he is falling in love with her, but his credo is the
law is the law. Genell Dellin demonstrates why she is the recipient of the RT Career Achievement
Award with this strong western romance. Though there is plenty of action, the key to the tale is
the relationship between the two characters who are attracted to one another from the start, but
he adamantly believe in upholding the law while she feels the law failed her. The immovable law
and the untouchable outlaw make for great fun for readers.
Past Malice
Dana Cameron
Avon
June 2003, $6.99, 368 pp., ISBN 0380819562
The Stone Harbor Historical Society wants to build a gift house with bathrooms on the grounds
of Chandler Home and they hired archeologist Emma Fielding to set up a site where they want to
dig. Emma plans to identify any archeological remains and to learn more about the Chandler
family who was a power in the community in the early eighteenth century. Emma lives in nearby
Lawton, Massachusetts so this summer dig is an easy commute for her. The site yields some good
artifacts when Emma and her students find the dead body of the security guard. The police
temporary halt work at the site so Emma spends time with her sister. The police permit the dig to
continue but immediately close it down again when the body of Aden Fiske, the head of the
Historical Society is found. When Emma starts asking questions, she discovers that Aden had
many enemies. However, the killer goes to far when her sister is poisoned. The heroine of PAST
MALICE is a very likable character who loves her husband and sister more than she does the job.
She makes compromises to keep her husband satisfied that she isn't putting herself in danger and
is ready to listen to her sister when she is ready to talk about her man troubles. She learns the
secrets of the town, which places her in danger from a killer who will go to any lengths to keep
them buried. While the story line is fast-paced and exciting it is the heroine who makes this a book
to remember.
The Accidental Virgin
Valerie Frankel
Avon
Apr 2003, $13.95, ISBN: 0060938412
Thirty-two years old Stacy Temple defies the laws of physics that says Manhattan is a swinging
singles paradise. She has worked so hard over the past year that she lives in abstinence. The Gigi
XXX Internet column insists that no sex for a year equate to theoretical virginity. A shocked
Stacy realizes she is close to committing a capital offense especially for someone toiling at
Thongs.com, a sexy lingerie on line shop. She decides to find a male to share some quick action,
but has seven days to go before she wears the kick me sign in neon that emphasizes virgin
territory. Who should do the honor: her former boyfriend, her buddy, a stranger, or an on-line
date? Often witty, THE ACCIDENTAL VIRGIN focuses on a woman's quest for casual sex due
to the belief that the worst felony in life for a thirty-something is being a virgin. Stacy is too
intelligent and driven to worry about a virginity doomsday clock written over the Internet, a
source of with information, but also misinformation and disinformation. Once the reader leaps
past the inconceivable crusade, fans of chick lit will find a humorous tale especially when the story
line focuses on the lead character's harried lifestyle.
To Tame a Texan
Georgia Gentry
Zebra Books
May 2003, $5.99, ISBN: 0821774026
In 1885 Texas, ranch heir Ace Durango owes his mom for bailing him out of jail. However, he is
mortified when his mother makes him pay his debt by insisting he escort prim schoolteacher Lynne
McBride to the Governor's Ball. At the gala, he becomes even more embarrassed when Lynne
wears a suffrage banner saying "Votes for Texas Women". A fight breaks out and Lynne and Ace
end up in jail. His father blames Ace for leading Lynne to jail and decides his son needs to learn
responsibility as only a cattle drive can give him. He demands Ace take cattle on a trail drive to
Dodge City, something rarely done anymore. Lynne needs to go to Dodge City to attend a
suffrage conference. So she dresses up as a teenage boy and joins the drive. Eventually, Ace and
the crew realize that Lynne is not a boy. However, since she has done all they asked of her and
more, the crew wants her to finish the drive with them, all that is except Ace. Not long afterward
even Ace's secret admiration for Lynne turns into love. TO TAME A TEXAN is an interesting
western romance that uses the women's suffragette movement to propel the plot forward as
actions and reactions to the late nineteenth century women's movement seem so vibrant. Fans will
also enjoy Lynne's efforts to further the cause, but feel frustrated that an intrepid individual like
the heroine fails to accept responsibility for her actions. Though Ace's obstinacy can become
irritating, readers will want to come along on one of the better trail runs since Westward Ho the
Women.
After the Rain
Karen White
Zebra Books
Apr 2003, $5.99, ISBN: 0821773399
Photographer Suzanne Paris flees her unhappy past taking a bus to Atlanta. When the bus
discharges passengers in Walton, Georgia, Suzanne makes an instant decision and disembarks.
Almost immediately, Suzanne finds a teen handing her an infant to hold for a second. Not used to
chidlren, Suzanne struggles for a moment while the child wails that a stranger has her. Mayor Joe
Walton, single father of six children, including the squirming kid arrives to take away the child
from an uncomfortable Suzanne. Though Joe is busy with his work and raising his family he
cannot stop his desire to know the visitor better. Suzanne has secrets and realizes she cannot stay
much longer in the quietest town she has ever visited, but Joe is piercing the armor surrounding
her heart. AFTER THE RAIN reads like an old-fashioned love story starring two charming
protagonists who deserve more in life and may achieve that if they can find a way to be together.
The story line is a character study as Karen White enables the audience to see deep inside the
souls of Joe and Suzanne. The secondary cast enables deeper looks at the lead duo.
Contemporary romance readers will appreciate this regional captivating tale.
About Face
Fern Michaels
Zebra Books
Apr 2003, $7.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0821770209
Casey Edwards spent the last decade as a resident of a mental institution, but recently was
released to wander Sweetwater, Georgia. Casey's memory before her confinement is limited, but
she knows her former home is Swan House. She begins to walk home, but Dr. Blake Hunter sees
her hiking and gives her a lift to the house where her mother Evie lives with John Worthington.
However, Casey's return is not celebrated. In Sweetwater, the townsfolk treat her with disdain,
that is those whom even react towards her, because everyone believes she is a fratricide killer. At
home, she is treated like an intruder. Someone wants her dead before she recalls all she lost. Only
Blake supports her, but is he and his love enough to keep her safe as she unravels the elusive
past? Though loaded with suspense and starring a heroine that readers will empathize with, the
actions of the secondary characters (especially mommy dearest) seem too malevolent to believe.
Their cartoon-like evil essence takes away from the tale. Still, the audience will like the lead
couple and root for them to succeed as an entry against overwhelming odds. Fern Michaels
provides a terse romantic suspense that her fans will enjoy.
Bourbon Street Blues
Greg Herren
Kensington
April 2003, $23.00, 264 pp., ISBN 0758202121
He has known for a long time that he is gay and feels very lucky that his parents are proud of his
orientation. Scotty Bradley has the body of a go-go boy and for many years he earned money
stripping on the gay club circuit. Nowadays, he lives in his native New Orleans working as a
personal trainer, stripping only when he needs an influx of cash. He looks forward to Southern
Decadence, a gigantic Mardi Gras party aimed at the gay audience. The night before the party,
Scotty dances at a club when he sees an old friend who needs his help. Scotty tells Jeremy to meet
him at his apartment, but in the meantime he and fellow dancer Collin hit it off and spend the night
together. Scotty wakes up to find a computer disc in his boot and when he hooks up with Jeremy,
he learns that on that CD is the plans to blow up New Orleans by a right wing candidate running
for governor. Collin, who turns out to be a cat burglar, disappears, leaving Scotty to deal with the
redneck killers who want the disc back and a sexy FBI agent who wants to use the stripper as
bait. BOURBON STREET BLUES is campy, funny and never takes itself seriously. The lead
character enjoys being sexy and buff yet despite his flirtatious ways and his pursuit of pleasure he
does have a conscience and is determined to do his best to expose the villains and save his beloved
New Orleans. Greg Herren gives the audience a tantalizing glimpse of New Orleans from a
different perspective, but the city remains as appealing as ever.
Dying to Meet You
Jennifer Apodoca
Kensington
May 2003, $22.00, 304 pp., ISBN 0758200749
After her husband's death, Samantha Shaw learns her deceased spouse was a two timing
drug-dealing louse, who was planning to leave her and their two sons. Now Samantha is
determined to make Heart Mates, her dating service, a success and never depend on a man for
anything. She is involved in a relationship with private detective Gabe Pulizzi, but she is trying to
do things her own way and though he doesn't like it he understands her insecurities. Murder is the
last thing on Samantha's mind when she goes to consult with her friend Faye Miller about some
advertising brochures she is creating for Heart Mates. After being let into Faye's hotel room, she
finds her friend's body holding a brochure advertising Heart Mate in her hand. The police think
Faye's estranged husband is the killer but after talking to him Samantha's positive he's innocent.
He hires her to find the real killer and Samantha starts investigating, attracting the attention of the
real killer who is determined to stop her any way he can. DYING TO MEET YOU is a terrific
cozy starring a heroine who is smart, sassy, and sexy. The romance scenes between the
protagonist and her boyfriend are hot and steamy, making this romantic mystery a novel that will
appeal to both genres. Jennifer Apodoca has her heroine jumping from one dangerous action scne
into another while she is taking care of her business, her children, coping with her cantankerous
mother and worrying about the antics of her grandfather. Readers who like a light mystery
without any gore will want to read this exciting who-done-it.
Easy
Emma Gold
Kensington
Apr 2003, $12.95, 288 pp., ISBN: 0758203888
Though she desperately wants a permanent man in her life to avoid the stigmatism of spinster,
Moi has high standards. Her previous relationships can be categorized as failures, losers, or some
combo much worse. None of these so-called chick magnets measured up to Moi's simple six rules
though she admits some did attain a few of her criteria. Still, in spite a failure rate that would send
most heterosexual females into shock therapy or abstinence the optimistic Moi keeps searching
like some energized bunny. Is her latest date the one with the right dual head construction or
another dud? Come ye faithful and enter Moi's bedroom so she can expose the feminine mystique
to her sisters and bare the shortcomings of that pathetic other gender. This novel is easily an
outrageous satirical chick lit tale that exposes the female strategic and battle plans in the
devastating war of the sexes. The leave no male prisoner untested story line never turns serious so
that readers will laugh a lot while saying Moi I am. Not for everyone as there is plenty of
profanity; but what can one expect from a bedroom philosopher and legal giantess who insists size
matters and a valid manslaughter defense by a woman should include death due to premature
ejaculation. EASY takes the gold when it comes to ironic humor that masticates the genders.
Persuader
Lee Child
Delacorte
May 2003, 352 pp., $24.95, ISBN: 0385336667
Jack Reacher is minding his business when he sees the cop and others go after Richard Beck in
what appears to be an abduction attempt. Deciding in a nanosecond to become involved, Jack kills
the cop and the others kill Richard's bodyguards. Jack takes Richard with him as they escape the
bloodbath. Richard persuades Jack to take him to his home in Abbot, Maine where he swears his
wealthy father, an oriental rug vendor, will reward him. Reluctantly, Reacher agrees only when
Richard shows a missing ear sliced off from a previous kidnapping. However, what is obvious is
not always clear when it comes to Reacher. The kidnapping was a ploy staged so that Reacher
could infiltrate the impregnable home of Beck, who deals in a lot more than just rugs. Jack knows
that Beck is his mark to finding the dead Quinn. Though not one to normally become involved,
Reacher has unfinished business with a man reported dead for some time. The seventh Reacher
novel is the usual terrific wild ride along side a macho maniac who fears nothing including a game
of Russian Roulette in which he is the only player. The story line is exciting because nothing is
what it first seems although Lee Child always clarifies the obvious with a new obvious quite
quickly. The audience never fully knows who is doing in whom with Reacher dissecting the
middle. This testosterone thriller will persuade the sub-genre throng to reach out for this novel
and once readers know Jack the previous works too.
Getting Over Jack Wagner
Elise Juska
Downtown
Apr 2003, $12.00, 304 pp., ISBN: 0743464672
Eliza Simon thinks the world spotlights only rock stars, especially those from the exciting eighties.
However, trying to forge relationships with almost famous (at least in New Jersey) musicians
always end up failing, as many of her boyfriends see her as a one hit wonder. How poor her
record is hits home when she feels the noise of her sister's pregnancy and her best friend's
engagement. Eliza knows her latest relational flop hurts deeper than usual because those her age
whom mean something to her seem so adult now. This time it is more than just a bad music
interlude. She hides from everyone in a quest to reassess why only musical losers place her heart
on fire while wondering if she needs to do a self-imposed Pygmalion. GETTING OVER JACK
WAGNER is a fun introspective look at a twenty something female wondering how she was left
behind as her friends and family seem grown up to her. References to the eighties, including the
General Hospital actor in the title, add nostalgia (hard to believe nostalgia over the eighties) to a
charming tale. Though at times the audience will want to shout at the lead protagonist to get on
with her life, fans will appreciate Elise Juska's amusing, but insightul trip down memory lane.
Lost Souls of the Witches' Castle
Terri DuLong
Gardenia
2002, $12.95, 218 pp., ISBN: 0971252580
Journalist Nick DeSantis meets RN Dana Etheridge at the Danvers State Mental Institution in
Danvers, Massachusetts. Both feel an instant attraction and begin seeing one another. Eventually
Nick wants more from their relationship, but Dana fears commitment. After Nick meets Dana's
grandmother Hannah, a retired nurse who worked at the closed the closed mental facility, she
gives them a journal that one of her patients Emily gave to her. Dana and Nick read the journal
together. In 1918 when Emily was sixteen she met Jonathan who was a decade older than her.
Because of the age gap, they hid their relationship from their family, knowing both sides would try
to destroy it. When they are found out, their fears proved true. Jonathan's very powerful father
forbade him to see Emily and her mother had her committed at Danvers. Will Dana learn the
message that heartbroken Emily left in her muses: that for love one must risk everything and she
would willingly go for it again even knowing the consequences or will the nurse stay safe hiding
behind a commitment phobia? This is a haunting romance that uses a sad tragic historical
relationship tale to provide the message to readers and the lead couple that love is worth the
danger of a broken heart. The story line is well written enabling the audience to see deep inside to
the core of Dana's hesitation, but is at its best during the ill fated 1918 romance. Terri DuLong
shows tremendous talent as she leaves her audience somewhat disturbed yet spiritually uplifted
with LOST SOULS OF THE WITCHES' CASTLE.
Fallen Angels/Rafe's Heart
Cindy Gengler
Gardenia
2002, $16.95, 354 pp., ISBN: 0972234977
In 1802 London, friends and society pariahs Raphael Fahlan, Michael Wyhndym and Gabriel
Arden save the life of David Mallory. The grateful duke helps them regain their lost positions
while the Ton calls them the Fallen Angels. Katherine Darien, a vampire, selects the threesome to
serve as her protectors against the cretin who converted her. She becomes David's lover before
killing him once she meets the Angels. Katherine converts Michael into a vampire and tries to kill
Rafe and Gabriel. A sister vampire Sasha saves Gabriel by changing him over while Katherine in
her haste to murder Rafe, converts him into a vampire. Two centuries later, the Fallen Angels live
in New Orleans. Gabriel is a homicide detective who loves and hates Sasha while Rafe and
Michael run a nightclub. They hire security specialist Montgomery "Gomery" Sinclair to insure
the safety of their patrons, but the attraction between the female security specialist and Rafe is
torrid. However, Katherine hates the Fallen Angles almost as much as she detests her "sire". She
sees "Gomery" as a tool to destroy at a minimum at least Rafe, her most passionate enemy of the
threesome. FALLEN ANGELS/RAFE'S HEART is a delightful vampire romance that hooks the
audience from the moment Gomery throws a counterpoint jab at Rafe. The story line is loaded
with action, but also provides the audience insight into the key cast members, especially Rafe.
Fans of plenty of blood flowing tales need to look elsewhere. However, readers who appreciate a
complex tale with horror elements interwoven into a cross-species love story will relish this book.
The audience will want the romantic adventures of the other Angels told especially between Sasha
and Gabriel.
The Jester
James Patterson and Andrew Gross
Little, Brown
Mar 2003, $27.95, 457 pp., ISBN: 0316602051
In 1096, French innkeeper Hugh de Luc joins the Crusades in an effort to obtain his freedom from
his nasty overlord Lord Baldwin. However, he finds the war not to be anything like he expected
as he witnesses atrocities on both sides as they crazily trek for seemingly endless miles towards
Jerusalem with no end in sight. Unable to cope, Hugh deserts. He returns home with some
treasures he took from the Holy Land only to learn that Baldwin abducted his beloved wife and
murdered his son. Wanting to liberate his spouse and avenge his child's murder, Hugh
masquerades as a JESTER to gain entrance into his enemy's castle. However, he meets a
noblewoman, who he begins to love, which sidetracks Hugh from his quest. Meanwhile his foe
seeks him out based on a rumor that Hugh brought back the holiest of relics. As his village is
ravaged by Baldwin's thugs who search for him, Hugh starts a counterrevolution to destroy the
noble or die trying. JESTER is entertaining very colorful historical fiction ale that vividly brings to
life the late eleventh century. The tale strips away the romanticizing of the Crusades, laying bare a
vicious war. The characters engage the audience whether they are an everyman like Hugh forced
into heroics or a vile villain like Baldwin. James Patterson's myriad of fans and anyone who
appreciates an enjoyable medieval tale will want to read this delightful novel co-authored with
Andrew Gross (see SECOND CHANCE).
Hunger
Elise Blackwell
Little, Brown
2003, $16.95, 133 pp., ISBN: 0316738956
In the 1930s and early 1940s biologist and geneticist Nikolai Vavilov traveled the world as a
highly regarded scientist seeking rare plants. He worked out of an experimental Leningrad
botanical "institute" when he wasn't searching the world for specimens. He cherished his wife, but
enjoyed making love to other women too. In other words he enjoyed life. In 1942, the Hitlerite
Nazis surround the city leading to dramatic food shortages. Though starving and ailing, the
scientists vow to protect their rare specimens of seed, grains, and tubers. While seemingly all
adhere to the pact including Nikolai's wife Alena, he breaks the pledge. Nikolai nibbles at the
specimens, which saves his life. Those who kept the pledge, including Alena, die. He wonders if
cowardice saved his life or if he even should be classified a coward. Readers will feel 1942
Stalingrad as the story line provides a powerful look at the impact of the siege as much as it
furbishes depth to genetic botany. Nikolai is an interesting character when he admits he failed his
peers. When he rationalizes his behavior, the novel loses some momentum towards fulfilling its
basic theme of surviving at any cost. Still this is an intriguing historical biographical fiction.
More Than Magick
Mary Taffs
Awe-Struck E-Books
May 2003, $TBA, ISBN: 1587493764
On the Balance, though lifemates living together for the past couple of months, Diana and Win are
still going down opposite paths. Diana the Adept, skilled in numerous Magick, detests the
Goddess; Win the Mage is a dedicated servant to the Goddess. United in sharing their magical
power makes them quite a force, but their dichotomous beliefs keep them from being all they can
be. Diana dreams of a female apprentice kidnapped from the Ocean Magick Balance Stronghold.
She and Win journey there only to learn that the stronghold's guardian has lost his magical
powers. Win serves as the temporary guardian, but because Diana has not dedicated herself to the
Goddess, she cannot serve as his Priestess. As Diana further envisions an abused victim and meets
family members for the first time, she begins to better understand her unhappy childhood.
Meanwhile her skills expand way beyond the norm, but will she dedicate herself to the Goddess
like her lifemate has or remain bitter and angry, or is there some other destiny awaiting her?
MORE THAN MAGICK returns readers to the Balance (see MAGICK) with is an engaging
romantic fantasy filled with action and suspense, but owned by Diana. As she matures (in a
coming of age sort of way), the lead character struggles with her beliefs vs. that of her lifemate.
This enables the audience to better comprehend what motivates the Adept and indirectly Win, as
the world of the Balance becomes a genuine feeling locale, filled with Magick and more. This
didactic romantic fantasy leaves readers with a deep desire to see more winning adventures from
that adept mage Mary Taffs.
Ecstasy
Beth Saulnier
Mysterious Press
Mar 2003, $23.95, 341 pp., ISBN: 0892967501
Over her reporter's objections, the Gabriel Monitor editor assigns Alex Bernier to cover the
annual upstate New York's Melting Rock Music Festival. Alex finds all the comfort that would
make a teenager feel happy being amidst the racket that the youth calls music. However, she is
not a teen so living on undercooked overpriced hot dogs and sleeping outdoors for the four day
extravaganza seems rough on the stomach and back respectively. Alex interviews stoned
attendees who've been to this event for the past few years. However, the mellow atmosphere of
the drugged crowd turns ugly when three male teens suddenly die. Alex feels elated as she is now
in her element. She investigates the homicides over the objections of her Gabriel police
department officer boyfriend Brian Cody. The Boomers will enjoy the vivid description of the
mini-city of mud, drugs, free love, rip-offs, and good feelings of Woodstock; selective memory
enables ignoring the real ugly rapes and other bad doings that went on back then. Fans of
investigative tales will find the murders and subsequent inquiries take a back seat to the festival.
The hazed teens are a delight to observe until the murders begin. However, Alex should not have
inhaled, as that can be the only reason for her to disregard Cody and place herself in danger trying
to solve the case.
Money for Nothing
Donald E Westlake
Mysterious Press
Apr 2003, $24.95, 294 pp., ISBN: 0892967870
Advertising executive Josh Redmont waits for the ferry to take him to Fire Island where he will
join his wife and child on vacation. However, a stranger informs John that "You are now active."
For seven years, John has been the recipient of a monthly one grand check from the United States
Agency that he thought was an error, but eventually from his country. Now this USA wants to
collect. He is expected to help foreign nationals assassinate the premier of a foreign nation visiting
Yankee Stadium. Josh's New York apartment will serve as a safe house. Unbeknownst to the
former sleeper agent who didn't realize he was sleeping is that once the deed is done he becomes
expendable too. Josh meets another recently activated former ingenuous sleeper, off-Broadway
actor Mitch Robbie. They partner in an attempt to survive this fiasco. Take the seemingly
impossible, blend inside the inconceivable, and mix that with the immovable and what do you get:
another delightful wild ride by Donald E. Westlake. He takes an illogical scenario that when read
in a short review or a cover inset appears crazy, but turns it into a stark thriller that hooks the
audience into believing the unbelievable. MONEY FOR NOTHING takes he premise and runs
with it so that the audience receives a taut thriller starring a delightful lead character supported by
a strong cast. Readers who buy this book will know they spent money for something worth
reading.
Just Determination
John G. Hemry
Ace Books
May 2003, $6.50, 272 pp., ISBN: 0441010520
Ensign Paul Sinclair reports to duty on the USS Michaelson, a warship assigned to "protect" a
vast space sector from enemies. The ship's XO Herdez appoints him an assortment of duties to
include the only legal officer on board as he once attended an entry-level class. Not long
afterward, as Paul still struggles to get his legs, Herdez assigns him to provide her a legal opinion
of the higher headquarters' operation instructions and rules of engagement assigned to the ship.
Paul realizes they are vague, but still does his best to interpret the acceptable levels of
commitment. Soon he finds himself in a career-threatening situation when he must defend his
ship's Captain Wakeman in the wake of the destruction of a civilian research vessel. Worse he
violates the first rule of deep space service by starting to fall in love with crew member Ensign Jen
Shen. JUST DETERMINATION is a strong space ship legal thriller that provides incredible
insight into life on an outer space vessel as if John G. Hemry served on one (probably similar to
submarine duty). The story line insures the audience understands the pressure on the crew not
only due to the vastness of space, the length of time, but also the interpretation of what is
acceptable encounter behavior. Though there is some action sequences, fans of tales focused on
the relationships within a military science fiction will want to trek to the stars with Paul.
The Light Age
Ian R. MacLeod
Ace Books
May 203, $23.95, 416 pp., ISBN 0441010555
In the England where Robert Borrows lives, there is no parliament or monarchy only the guilds
who are the aristocracy. English civilization is based on the element aether, which is mined deep
below ground in such places as Bracebridge in West Yorkshire. Without the use of aether,
structures, buildings and bridges would crumble and life would be infinitely harder. Too much
exposure to aether alters humans into changelings who are taken away to certain institutions
where they can be cared for even if they are able to live a normal life. Instead of joining his
father's Toolmaker's Guild as he is supposed to, Robert travels to London where he learns the
difference between the haves and the have-nots. He joins an organization whose goal is to
overthrow the existing order, a Herculean feat since the guildmakers are so entrenched. While in
London, he meets Anna, a changeling passing herself off as human, who is linked to Robert and
Bracebridge in a very special way. When they discover the secrets that Bracebridge is hiding, they
will usher in a new age, one that will change the world as they know it. THE LIGHT AGE is a
gothic fantasy that takes place in an England reminiscent of this world's early age. The
underpinning of magic to hold society and civilization together means maintaining the status quo,
something the protagonist is totally against because no progress is made towards discovering new
knowledge. Nothing in his England has changed for three centuries since the discovery of aether.
Ian R. MacLeod has written a fascinating work that brings something unique and refreshing to the
genre.
Club Dead
Charlaine Harris
Ace Books
May 2003, $6.50, 242 pp., ISBN 0441010512
On an alternate Earth, vampires came out of the closet when synthetic was made readily available
and at least in the United States they receive the same rights as humans. Sookie Stackhouse, a
very powerful telepath, has been dating Bill for over a year and is very happy with him, but also
has noticed her vampire lover has distanced himself from her. He disappears one day, telling her
he is going to Seattle for business. Later she learns from Bill's boss Eric that he was planning to
dump her and go back to his vampire lover. She finds out that the vampire king of Mississippi
kidnapped Bill to gain top secret knowledge from him. Sookie goes to Jackson to infiltrate the
vampire community there. A werewolf who owes the vampires a favor takes her to the CLUB
DEAD where she is badly injured trying to save a vampire about to be staked. She is taken to the
King's compound where Bill is held. She attempts a daring rescue knowing if she fails she will be
tortured and killed. Charlaine Harris blends elements from the horror, mystery and romance
genres to create a novel that is refreshingly unique. Readers will admire the heroine who goes
through a lot of pain, both physical and emotional, to try and save her two timing boyfriend. She
meets a werewolf who she is attracted to but they are both on the rebound so they agree to wait
awhile before they begin a new relationship. Readers will not have a minuscule of sympathy
towards Bill who brought all his troubles upon himself. CLUB DEAD is a real live treat.
Cube 6
Thomas W. Griffin
Watson & Guptill
Apr 2003, $24.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 0972658556
Though the first two victims are hookers found dead in motels with no evidence of homicide,
Seattle citizens worry about a Northwest Ripper living amongst them. Frightening the locals with
his eerily serene descriptions, Seattle Times reporter Jon Kirk calls the culprit the Sandman based
on the way the victims seem to go gently "asleep" into the night. The local authorities react to the
media attention given to the Sandman by setting up a task force headed by Detective Karen Able.
A clue leads to University of Washington Medical School Professor Holyoke, but no one can
locate him. As Jon and Karen reluctantly combine their talents to uncover a killer and locate the
missing professor, the Sandman officially becomes labeled a serial killer as the count rises.
Thomas W. Griffin rolls a seven with his first novel CUBE 6 with this loaded gritty police
procedural. The suspense rises as the audience follows the mental competency of the killer
deteriorate over time and the anxiety of Jon and Karen towards each other and stopping the
Sandman. However, the subplot involving the tempestuous relationship between the lead
characters seems contrived to add stress on and between the cop and the journalist. When they
stick to the case, the audience observes a strong exciting investigative thriller while true tension
forms between the protagonists. Suspense fans and police procedural readers will appreciate this
action packed novel.
Lost in a Good Book
Jasper Fforde
Viking Press
March 2003, $24.95, 399 pp., ISBN: 0670031909
Thursday Next has become a fifteen minute legend for stopping the multinational Goliath
Corporation from extending the Crimean War in order to sell weapons (see The Eyre Affair).
However, fame proves nasty for Thursday especially following her Monday appearance on the
Lush show. However, Thursday has more pressing matters than making TV appearances
(considered heresy for a literary type) because her archenemy Goliath has deleted her beloved
Landon. To reconstitute Landon, Thursday must first enter the taboo Poe pages of the Raven.
Feeling initially hopeless, Thursday receives Great Expectations when Miss Havisham takes her
under her wings. Thursday next starts a book-hopping journey as an obtruding character with
more than just Landon at stake. She struggles LOST IN A GOOD BOOK with the world in grave
danger. Fans of classic literature will either love or hate Jasper Fforde's latest literary jabbing. The
story line is satirical at its most humorous best as Mr. Fforde leads the laughs at what is a
masterpiece and how society shreds and re-shreds every line looking for generation nuances to
reinterpret. From the Bard to Kafka to Poe, no work is safe from the amusing interloping of
Jasper Fforde, who makes his cast especially Thursday fit quite comfortably inside some of the
masterpieces. Readers wanting something different or a chance to strike back at that English
teacher who nuked literature will say evermore lost in this great book.
When You Go Away
Jessica Barksdale Inclan
New American Library
Apr 2003, $12.95, 256 pp., ISBN: 0451207874
Stunned because she thought they had a solid family relationship, Peri Mackenzie walks in a sad
fog following the total desertion by her spouse. The housewife and mother of three finds more
than just the emotional rug ripped from underneath her, as her husband left the foursome with no
financial floor either. Months later with the depression even deeper, Peri drives away from her
three children. Teenager Carly takes over running the household though she pretty much had done
so unofficially for the past few months. However, when her handicapped sister Brooke becomes
feverish, Carly turns to their neighbor for help. That neighbor locates their estranged grandfather
Carl, who takes in his three grandchildren who he sees as a chance for redemption. When Peri
regains her equilibrium and realizes what she did, she races home, but now must re-earn the
respect of her children. Although well written and providing insight into what bonds a family unit,
WHEN YOU GO AWAY avoids being a tearjerker but the reader feels no empathy towards Peri.
The story line intrigues fans of character studies as it clinically dissects what can happen to
individuals and a family when a major shattering event occurs but the key quintet, though fully
developed, never grips the audience. Jessica Barksdale Inclan provides a perceptive tale, but the
audience will wonder why the tissue box remained closed?
Spirit Of the Silent Butler
Babs Lakey
AMF Limited
2002, $20.15, ISBN 1928857043
Elsie Saunders is a woman who has experienced much evil in the world. Her family doctor
molested her, her priest was having an affair with her mother, and her father killed her mother and
then himself. It's a violent world and she wants to take care of the evildoers who are let out early
or are untouchable under the law in an inept system. So far Elsie has taken care of the man who
killed her best friend and the pediophile who raped and abused another bud. After killing three
more men for similar heinous acts, Elsie goes into hiding for five years. Her vacation is about to
end when somebody using her real name calls her to inform her that young teens are being raped
and beaten. Elise reconnects with her friend who is working at a car dealership run by his lover.
Two women who worked there are killed, their bodies mutilated in ways too ugly to describe. It is
Elise who connects the rapes with the killing and she is determined to stop the people responsible
for those acts using her own brand of justice. SPIRIT OF THE SILENT BUTLER is a very
raunchy, gory and graphic in terms of violence, language and sex but they fit seamlessly into the
dark theme of the story line. Elsie doesn't act like a killer but she has a strong sense of justice and
is determined that any predators that come into her orbit will be eliminated using methods that are
not exactly legal. Babs Lakey is a cutting edge storyteller who tells it like it is.
Belaset's Daughter
Feona J. Hamilton
Boson Books
2002, $14.95, ISBN: 0917990439
In 1264 the barons led by Simon de Montfort and those loyal to King Henry III seem inevitably
heading towards civil war over the issue of divine right of the monarch. In Lewes, BELASET'S
DAUGHTER Judith should be preparing for her upcoming nuptials to Aaron. Instead she sees the
dispute between Henry and Simon as a chance to revenge the bloody massacre of her father and
other family as well as other Jews incited by the noble baron a decade ago. As a messenger
disguised as a male working for the King, Judith travels back and forth across the Channel to
France returning with a message. However, her final defiance leads to de Montfort's followers
seeking to prevent Judith from delivering the message to Henry's supporters. BELASET'S
DAUGHTER is a tremendous historical fiction tale that employs mostly real persona and events
including the Battle at Lewes to provide a powerful fictionalized account of events during that
time period. The story line is filled with espionage and other action yet adheres to what is known
in the thirteenth century to include the Jews (Belaset and Judith apparently really lived and an
actual genocide pogrom occurred). The novel provides sub-genre fans with deep insight into a
pivotal period inside an exciting tale that deserves sequels at least leading to the 1290-expulsion
edict.
Sime/Gen; Ride the Stars; Autumn Dawn
New Concepts
$TBA, ISBN 1586080687
In 2785 Jaide Calanarre, spaceship augmenter, wants to get out of the debt that her brother buried
her under. To regain the credit standing she once had, Jaide and her partner Sesame Calais
contract their services to amplify the performance of a Draconian ship. Anyone with a half a brain
would prefer mountains of debt rather than deal with the disreputable Draconians, in spite of their
good neighbor policy since crashing onto Antarctica twenty-five years ago. When Draconian
Commander Skye D'Rath meets Jaide on the moon she is rude, thorny, and hostile towards him.
Instead of the usual male running and hiding his tail from an aggressive woman, Skye finds Jaide's
acerbic behavior amusing though he wonders if it is gender or racially based. He decides to learn
more about this strange earthling, but never expected to fall in love. As a sudden danger to Jaide
surfaces, she shares those feelings but unlike her soul mate she detests the weakness that she
believes accompanies these unwanted desires. This is a strong science fiction romance that insures
the audience believes in the future described by author Autumn Dawn. A secondary cross species
romance serves as a means of providing further insight into the Draconians and the twenty-eighth
century earthlings. What makes RIDE THE STARS soar remains Skye and Jaide as individuals
and in a relationship providing the solar center to a descriptive futuristic novel that has cross
species appeal.
Song of the Beast
Carol Berg
Roc
May 2003, $6.99, 480 pp., ISBN: 0451459237
The world has never known a musician as powerful as Aidan MacAllister, a man whose voice can
make grown men weep. He is the cousin of the king of Elyria a powerful ruler who has conquered
many nations and made it part of his empire. He couldn't have done it without the help of the
Ridemark clan who control the bloodstones that make the dragons obey them and turn them into
a fierce fighting machine. Aidan is not interested in wars only music and travels the world giving
his songs to who ever wants to listen. At twenty-one the king ordered Aidan thrown into the
hellacious prison of Mazadine where he was tortured until he broke. He stayed there for
seventeen years and when he was released, he found out the reason for his imprisonment was that
he disturbed the dragons. The long-lived, gender neutral race of the Elhim look upon him as their
savior because only he can free the dragons in thrall to humans and right a wrong the Elhim
committed against these glorious creatures. Aidan will do his best to succeed on his quest but
there are many obstacles in his path, many of them deadly. Fans of "THE DRAGONRIDERS OF
PERN" series by Anne McCaffrey will love this novel and will care more for the dragons than
they do for any other character except Aidan, a man wounded in body and spirit. Carol Berg has
written a brilliant and colorful epic fantasy placed in a world that is highly creative and
imaginative. Although this is a stand-alone book, this reviewer hopes that there will be more tales
written about this wondrous world.
Nebula Awards Showcase
Nancy Kress, editor
Roc
Apr 2003, $14.95, 304 pp., ISBN: 0451459091
Though interesting and fun to see what is contained inside this volume, there is no question that
this anthology is for science fiction diehards. The collection includes the 2001 winners of the
Nebulas in four basic categories: Best Novel (an extract from "The Quantum Rose" by Catherine
Asaro); Best Novella ("The Ultimate Earth" by Jack Williamson); Best Novelette ("Louise's
Ghost" by Kelly Link); and Best Short Story ("The Cure for Everything" by Severna Park).
Additionally two runner-ups (Best Short Story: "The Elephants on Neptune" by Mike Resnick;
and Best Novelette: "Undone" by James Patrick Kelly). A fifth category, Best Script lists the
winners. The five categories are clearly defined with the four print ones based on number of
words. Other information about the awards including a complete list of nominees makes for an
entertaining time for those who appreciate the vastness of the genre.
Bitter Waters
Wen Spencer
Roc
May 2003, $6.99, 320 pp., ISBN 0451459229
Although the human race is unaware of it, there is a war going on between two rival groups of an
alien race. The Ontongard infects humans and makes the species one of them, an individual cell in
an organism. The pack aliens retain their individual identities while having access to the group
memory. The pack wants to kill the Ontongard so they won't destroy the human race. Ukiah
Oregon, half alien and half human is the only breeder on the planet and the Ontongard want him
to create more of their kind. Oregon has a son who has been kidnapped. Ukiah, his friend Max,
and the pack are doing all in their power to get him back but since the people who kidnapped him
are human, they have to be very careful not to let any government official know about Kitt's alien
origins. To make matters even worse, the kidnappers are using Ontongard biological weapons,
which means that people who don't have any understanding of what they are doing are playing
with something that could destroy the world. Wen Spencer has written an exciting science fiction
thriller that stars a vulnerable and powerful hero who is impossible not to cherish. The war
between the two alien factions feels real and believable in a Twilight Zone kind of way. The
investigation of the kidnapping by aliens, Homeland Security, the FBI, the local Pittsburgh police
and a human once possessed by the Ontongard is exciting to see unfold as each group has its own
agenda. BITTER WATERS is a must read.
Dragon Moon
Alan F. Troop
Roc
April 2003, $6.50, 304 pp., ISBN 0451459202
They occupied the Earth long before man existed and still interact with humanity when it is
necessary. They can look like humans when they choose but in their true form, they see Homo
sapiens as prey and food. Peter DelaSangre is a wealthy dragon living on Caya Dela Sangre, an
island he owns off the Florida coast with his four-year-old son Henri. His wife is dead, murdered
by humans who betrayed him, which is why he has little to do with humanity as possible. His
wife's sister Chloe is coming into heat so Peter's journeys to her home to mate with her because he
cares for her. Once the mating is accomplished, they tell her parents who are displeased but allow
the mating ceremony to begin. Midway through the rite, Peter is poisoned. By the time he's
recovers, Chloe's brother is masquerading as him and holding his son as hostage. Both Chloe and
Peter risk their lives to save Henri with the latter forced to battle his wife's father and brother to
the death. Although the hero of this book is non-human and thinks of us as fodder one can't help
but admire the man who loves his son so much. He can't be judged by people standards though
personification makes him seem somewhat human but he remains at all times (though it is
sometimes hard to remember) another species. Peter has a good heart and his mate is his match in
every sense of the word. There is a lot of action in DRAGON MOON but it is the characters that
will win the hearts of the reader. Alan F. Troop does for dragons what Alice Borchardt has done
for werewolves.
Three Moons Rising
Sheila N. Eskew
iUniverse
$20.95, ISBN: 0595224873
Planet Creason ruler Emperor At'r defeats his enemies the Zerions, rescuing earthling Izadra, who
possesses the long lost Creasion Royal Necklace. At'r recognizes the necklace as the symbol of
fulfilling a key prophecy of the ancestors who claim the vanished Empress will one day return. He
tells her she is to be his wife, but Izadra rejects his words as nonsense though she is quite
attracted to him. They marry and physically mate, but she refuses to share a telepathic bond with
him. They journey to his home with Izadra frightened as much by her feelings as she is by his
power. Duty comes first to At'r so he hides his love for his new wife from himself for fear that will
weaken his rule. On Creasion, a cult led by the evil Priestess Ba-lyn endangers Izadra and the
child she carries unless she and At'r can learn to trust one another starting with telepathy. THREE
MOONS RISING is a tremendous romantic fantasy that will elate fans from both genres and
cause a flurry of action to find more works by Sheila N. Eskew. The story line is loaded with
action, but insures the key cast members seem three-dimensional so that alien races appear
authentic. The romantic subplot is a delight leading to a fulfilling time for those who appreciate a
well-written love story that transcends the stars.
Wyrms
Orson Scott Card
Tor Books
Apr 2003, $14,95, 304 pp., ISBN: 0765305607
Over a millennium ago, humans established a religious colony on Imakulata. The newcomers keep
as far away from the native Geblics, abuse the empathic Gauntish, and enslave the slow thinking
Dwelfs. Since the beginning of the star ship landing, the Heptarchs have ruled humanity on this
orb. However, concern surfaces over The Starship Captain's prophecy. The prediction is that the
seventh seventh seventh daughter or the 343rd since the first Heptarch will be the mother of
Kristos, either the savior or destroyer of the human race. Patience is the daughter of the rightful
Heptarch, Lord Peace, slave to the pretender, King Oruc. Peace and his slave Angel teach
Patience to live up to her name in order to avoid war. When Lord Peace dies, Patience knows her
protection died with her father's death. Before the Oruc can end the prophecy by killing her, she
flees. Her adventure begins, but will she fulfill the prophecy while on the run? WYRMS is Orson
Scott Card at his world building best as he creates a complex social system with several races that
feel sociologically authentic. As he always does Mr. Card poses moral dilemmas that seem almost
paradoxical as he nudges his readers to consider right vs. wrong, but offers no simple turpitude.
There is plenty of action and the cast, especially the heroine, is very complex and brave so it is
easy to see why this is an award-winning tale.
Cowboy Feng's Space Bar and Grille
Steven Brust
Tor Books
Mar 2003, $13.95, 288 pp., ISBN: 0765306646
Billy and the rest of the band were within a mile of Jerrysport, Mars when someone turned the
town into ashes with a nuclear strike. Billy was knocked unconscious, but besides a headache was
fortunate to be alive as he was just beyond the ground zero meltdown range. Galaxy society is in
trouble as nuclear strikes like that which recently shook Mars is becoming the norm even with the
Trekkies a thing of the past and the Enterprise a thing of the future. Perhaps the last bastion of
sanctuary (not the butt of all those Venus to Jupiter jokes) remains Cowboy Feng's establishment
where someone can get a gourmet meal consisting of matzoth ball soup and tamales and hear Irish
musicians play mostly not so Irish music. Can the galaxy survive if Cowboy Feng's Space Bar and
Grille is destroyed? Probably not, but in the time-space continuum, Feng's place seems to be one
large step for mankind ahead of those nuking this sector, but can the regulars take the small steps
to keep man safe? COWBOY FENG'S SPACE BAR AND GRILLE is a wild satirical futuristic
space adventure that is for readers who appreciate the zany wrapped inside a witty tale or perhaps
a witty tale wrapped outside the zany. Billy and the band and the mysterious Cowboy Feng seem
like the last choices for the magnificent heroes trying to stop a murderous conspiracy. This
amusing story contains enough action to keep the Trekkies contended, but mostly rips the skin off
those who use weapons of mass destruction to cleanse those who possess weapons of mass
destruction.
Wasteland of Flint
Thomas Harlan
Tor Books
Apr 2003, $27.95, 432 pp., ISBN: 076530192X
Over the last several centuries, Mexica becomes the earth's superpower and begins traveling into
outer space. In orbit around the lifeless planet Ephesus III, a ship has become silent leaving a
scientific team marooned on the planet's surface. The Mexica Imperial Navy orders archaeologist
Gretchen Anderssen to help rescue the scientists and return with the ancient artifact that the
explorer Russovsky found on the planet. The cruiser Cornuelle reaches its destination Ephesus III
only to learn that an artifact found on the planetary surface was sent to the ship, but carelessly
handled leading to the release of a toxic agent that consumed all organic material on board.
Gretchen finds another million years old object, apparently left by the First Sun species. Crew
member Imperial Judge Green Hummingbird refuses to allow any of the First Sun technology to
accompany them back. When the science team boards the ship, Russovsky is a mineral clone of
herself. When Hummingbird goes planet side to erase human traces, Gretchen follows him to learn
why the phobia exists about the First Sun civilization. WASTELAND OF FLINT is an exciting
futuristic, mostly outer space, tale that displays Thomas Harlan's skills in world building. The
story line goes at warp speed from the moment the Navy drafts Gretchen even with twists and
turns but especially when the Cornuelle reaches Ephesus III. The prime players seem authentic
and full dimensional, even the crystallized Russovsky so that fans of earthlings visiting other
worlds will appreciate this powerful science fiction with a mystery to augment the reading
pleasure.
Snare
Katherine Kerr
Tor Books
Apr 2003, $27.95, 591 pp., ISBN: 0312890451
Former Kazrak cavalry Captain Idres Warkannan and "high tech sorcerer" Yarl Soutan seek Jezro
Khan, the exiled brother of the corrupt ruler of Kazrajistan, to lead a revolt to overthrow the
worthless dangerous regime of his sibling. At about the same time, the fanatical Muslim sect The
Chosen sends assassin Zayn Hassan to stop Jezro's rumored return. To reach the isolated region
where Jezro resides, the two enemy groups cross a grassy wilderness inhabited by the alien
Cha'Meech and by human nomads. On his trek Zayn meets Ammadin, the Spirit Rider healer of a
nomadic tribe. Not long afterward, he begins to wonder if his chosen profession and his current
assignment are justified. Meanwhile the "magician" Soutan learns of the Hassan mission and his
allies send out their assassins to kill their competitor. Soon the Cha'Meech encounter Ammadin,
the first step towards the quartet of rivals confronting one another, but where this global conflict
will lead to when the events unfold is anyone guess. The key to this science fiction novel is that
the four major societies are complex, feel genuine, and their rivalry definitely feels real. To
achieve such a deep objective, segments of the plot slow down in order to introduce and develop
the cast. Still the contrast between the groups and the varying ethic stands of the key players on
each side of the square make for a meandering yet delightful world building tale that SNAREs the
reader and never lets go until the final page.
Evening's Empire
David Herter
Tor Books
Apr 2003, $15.95, 352 pp., ISBN: 0765302977
Needing closure by burying the specter of his wife who accidentally fell off the cliffs near Empire,
Oregon, Russell Kent returns to the village with plans to compose an opera focusing on Jules
Verne's Captain Nemo. However, ghosts haunt his sleep as he dreams of his deceased spouse as
well as the town and its residents. Feeling a bit guilty, Russell has an affair with Megan Sumner,
the owner of the bed and breakfast he is staying at. He also begins to meet many of the residents,
but feels uneasy as he senses everyone shares a dark secret except him. Russell finds a thirst to
learn the undisclosed as he starts questioning anything and everything for everyday occurrences
here in Empire seem slightly off center or eccentric. This is a strong fantasy suspense thriller that
builds the tension to extremely high levels as readers accompany the hero with a need to know the
truth. The story line is loaded with action and filled with an assortment of characters that manage
to make the everyday appear eerie. However, the climax feels abrupt as a series of inexplicable
disclosures with few or no real clues occur in a very short stretch as if a page limit barrier was hit.
Still, David Herter displays his talent to keep the thrill at its acme and the need to know even
higher in this powerful fantasy suspense tale.
The Earthborn
Paul Collins
Tor Books
Apr 2003, $23.95, 240 pp., ISBN: 0765303078
Three hundred years ago, the Colony starship was launched to colonize the world of Tau Celi but
when they arrived, there was no habitable world to colonize. Some of the passengers felt they
should continue but those who wanted to return home took command of the ship. They land on
what used to be Melbourne and plan to commit genocide on the genetically inferior humans that
survived. Welkin Quinn is one of the first groups of Skyborn sent out to reconnoiter the area and
he falls in with a clan of Earthborn who want to unite the people into a cohesive group so they
can do more than survive. Welkin learns that the Skyborn have fed him misinformation and
throws in his lot with Sarah and her group. Enemies surround them from the Skyborn to the
barely human ferals to the roaming gangs of jabbers who work with the Skyborn to destroy the
Earthborn. This is Paul Collin's first book published in the United States and it is easy to see why
this Australian author is a hit back home. The story line is fast paced but does not skimp on
character development. The hero learns that his ship's elders had an agenda to stay in power when
they got to earth. He inserts himself into a group of Earthborn survivors that have a chance of
uniting the various disease free factions on Earth if they can figure out a way of appropiating
technology only available on the Colony. This is the first installment in what looks to be a great
new series.
Celtika
Robert Holdstock
Tor Books
Mar 2003, $24.95, 368 pp., ISBN: 0765306921
Merlin stays young as long as he does not use his magic, but every time he applies the "charm", he
ages. Always in a quest for more arcane knowledge, Merlin joins Jason on his crusade to obtain
the Golden Fleece. Later the Enchantress Medea kills Jason's two sons and steals their corpses.
The grieving former hero sails into the night on the Argo with no reason to live, unable to obtain
closure. Centuries later, Merlin learns that a "screaming" ship is locked inside a frozen lake.
Concluding that the vessel must be the Argo, he journeys to help his mourning friend Jason, who
screams are for his lost sons. Using his cherished "charm", he raises the Argo at the cost of much
of his youth. He next informs Jason that his two sons live. A renewed Jason puts together a new
crew of Argonauts set to rescue his children. Combining Arthurian legend with Greek mythology,
Robert Holdstock displays he may be the leading mythologist of modern times. The story line is
more than just an epic adventure as the key players, Merlin and Jason learn that no man, no matter
how powerful or heroic, is an island. Magic seems unfeigned and the blending of the two epic
lines brilliantly conceived and achieved. The first book of the Merlin Codex is a triumph that
fantasy readers will relish, keep, and desire immediate release of book two in this terrific
opus.
Latro in the Mist
Gene Wolf
Tor Books
Mar 2003, $17.95, 704 pp., ISBN: 0765302942
"Soldier of the Mist". In 479 BC, Latro a Roman mercenary receives a devastating head injury
during battle. The consequences of his wound are loss of short-term memory as his brain erases
recent events just over twelve hours old. Latro also appears to have gained the ability to talk with
invisible beings, Gods, other strange creatures, and the dead. To keep track of all he has done and
confronts, Latro keeps a journal that tells of his journey while the Athenians and Persians remain
at war. "Soldier of Arete". Latro still has amnesia, which erases his memory of the previous day.
He still keeps his journal. He has become a Greek slave and fights on the side of the tall strong
Amazons as he continues to travel all of Greece. He even has his own "slave" in his quest to
regain his memory and perhaps as important his free status. He still talks with the Gods and those
other strange creatures including the dead. This is a reprint of two powerful ancient historical
fantasies released separately in the 1980s. LATRO IN THE MIST is actually better as a two in
one book because "Soldier of Arete" makes more sense if "Soldier of the Mist" is read first. The
story lines are Latro's account of his odyssey, which brings to life much of Ancient Greece during
the fifth century BC. Gene Wolfe is at his best with this ironic fantasy that provides a deep
historical fiction with mythological elements.
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume I, 1929-1964
Robert Silverberg, editor
Tor Books
Feb 2003, $27.95, 560 pp., ISBN: 0765305364
This is a reprint of a classic 1970 work in which The Science Fiction Writers of America members
voted on what selections should be included in The Greatest Science Fiction Stories of All Time
anthologies. The first volume includes twenty-six tales from 1929 through 1964 from some of the
genre's greatest authors, a who's who. The criteria used were not the author's fame but instead,
the most important and influential stories and that, in spite of the votes, an author would appear
only once. Though three decades have passed, most of the contributors remain highly renowned
even outside the genre, but a few are less famous except among long time purists. Thus the lack
of a one-page biography hurts when a virtually unrecognizable name has authored a famous work
especially when other media mainstreamed the tale. Still each story is well written and affirms why
the ASFWA selected them thirty years ago. This is a winner mostly for science fiction buffs and
the nostalgic amongst the boomers.
The Standing Dead
Ricardo Pinto
Tor Books
Mar 2003, $27.95, 560 pp., ISBN: 0312972097
Masters Carnelian and the God-Emperor elect Osidian are lovers. However, the latter's enemies
have slavers kidnap them. The duo is fortunate that the nomadic Ochre tribe rescue them on the
dangerous Earthsky. Carnelian, who grew up outside the hedonistic capital of the Three Lands,
Osrakum, adapts to the tribe's way of life and quickly becomes assimilated. On the other hand,
Osidian is in a depression but also believes these wild wanderers are beneath him and fails to
communicate with anyone except his lover. As Osidian heals in mind and body, he becomes angry
with those who betrayed him. He seeks vengeance and realizes this tribe is the first cannon fodder
tool to succeed. Carnelian tries to talk him out of it as he enjoys his new lifestyle and just wants to
live in peace. However, the charismatic Osidian begins rallying the impressionable young around
his cause while Carnelian attempts to stop the rising tide. As he did in his first book THE
CHOSEN of the Stone Dance of the Chameleon trilogy, Ricardo Pinto paints an extremely
complex world filled with deep social systems. The varying races and tribes seem so authentic and
the Masters come across as the ruling God-like upper caste. Though it helps to read the first novel
because the audience will have a greater understanding of the predicament that the lead couple
face at the start, fans of violent barbaric fantasy that hides nothing will appreciate the middle
endeavor.
The Risen Empire
Scott Westerfeld
Tor Books
Mar 2003, $24.95, 304 pp., ISBN: 0765305550
The Emperor has ruled over the eighty planets of the Risen Empire for over fifteen centuries.
When it is time the emperor kills himself in a sacrificial way so he can return being one of the few
chosen for immortality. Only the ultra wealthy or the highest nobles can access this immortality
technique. Though much of the populace resents the hierarchy they react as sheep. However, for
the first time in centuries a threat has surfaced. The Rix believes society needs to evolve into an
artificial intelligence of one mind. They have captured the Emperor's sister, The Empress Child,
and are in the process of terraforming a planet to suit their philosophy. A rescue mission led by
Imperial Navy Captain Laurent Zai tries a desperate rescue attempt before the orb is bombed into
oblivion, the only way to stop the Rix incursion. When the space opera remains in the present, the
story line is loaded with exciting action that grips the audience who wants to come along for the
full ride. When flashbacks occur, the plot slows down as a sidebar that typically provides societal
background surfaces but also takes away from the rescue effort. Fans who want mind boggling
action will resent the flashbacks as intrusions while those who want to understand alien worlds
and ways of life will appreciate these as delightful erudition.
Heart of the Tiger
Lynn Kerstan
Onyx
May 2003, $6.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0451410858
In 1823, after spending years overseas, Lord Michael Keynes returns home from India. However,
he does not return to the family fold, but instead plans to kill his older stepbrother, the notorious
Jermyn, Duke of Tallant, not because he wants to inherit, but because he detests his abominable
sibling. Jermyn looks forward to the confrontation with an eye on a different outcome. Michael,
accompanied by his Indian friend Hari Singh, rents a room at the estate of Beata Neri. Also
residing there is Mira Holocombe and her wheelchair-bound father, who has almost no muscular
movement. Jermyn drove them off their estate. Even though he knows better, Michael falls in love
with Mira, but fears that if Jermyn finds out she will become an endangered pawn in their life and
death contest. Mira reciprocates Michael's feelings, but seems to react with horror whenever
Michael touches her. There is someone else who wants both brothers dead. HEART OF THE
TIGER is a delightful Regency romantic suspense novel with some eastern paranormal elements
to freshen up the plot. The characters for the most part are a wonderful group as their uniqueness
makes each of the key players and the plot come alive. Jermyn is too evil to take seriously except
as a viable threat and even that proves minuscule. Still sub-genre fans will appreciate Lynn
Kerstan's tale and look forward to the next story starring another Michael enemy, the
Archangel.
Twilight Crossings
Jeanne Allen, Shannah Biondine, Sheri L. McGathy, and Jeanine Berry
Double Dragon
Jan 2003, $18.99, 306 pp., ISBN: 1894841905
"Isadora" by Jeanne Allen. In Alderwood, Isadora conducts secret scientific experiments that the
town council including her father would condemn as witchcraft. Her clandestine occupation
becomes known when a mysterious stranger enters the village. "Twin Star" by Jeanine Berry.
Sonneret escapes her dying planet through a gate to another orb populated by the Huymans. The
Huyman ruler Lothar declares that all unmarried women are to present themselves to his harem
keeper, who will reduce the lot so his employer can select a new bride. Sonneret is the chosen one
as Lothar feels she is his soulmate, but she fears a cross species mating. "Eidolon" by Shannah
Biondine. Two otherworldly siblings dispute the worthiness of humanity. They agree on a wager
in which Azubah travels to Colorado to prove that the human Haggerty has ethics. If she wins,
her brother Lucifer must repent his sins so the family can return to its former eminence. "Thief of
Dreams" by Sheri L. McGathy. Lord Devi's daughter Nerys must choose between Gerard and
Cody. Nerys selects Cody, but just before the wedding he is abducted ending up inside a faery
ring while his odious enemy steps to the altar with his beloved. These four otherworldly tales
focus on crossing worlds leading to strong females struggling with deep feelings that each one
finds difficult to accept. The anthology is a delight as each tale is well written with deep
characterizations, varying in degrees in darkness, but definitely entertaining. With more works like
these contributions, Jeanne Allen, Shannah Biondine, Sheri L. McGathy, and Jeanine Berry will
each cross into the realm of writing stardom.
Harriet Klausner
Senior Reviewer
Midwest Book Review
Laurel's Bookshelf
A comment from Laurel Johnson: May marks my one year anniversary as a reviewer and
interviewer for Midwest Book Review. I wanted to do something to mark this anniversary in a
special way. To that end, I asked to interview Jim Cox, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of MBR.
He graciously granted my request.
A year ago, I chose to approach MBR as a potential reviewer because of its reputation and
standing as an organization. That reputation has been carefully cultivated by Jim Cox from day
one. The respect of his peers and others has been earned. Jim has been a kindly mentor to me, an
experienced advisor, and enthusiastic encourager. Thanks, Jim!
LJ: Midwest Book Review was founded in 1976. Give us a brief history of those early years
before the internet.
Jim Cox: It all begain in Madison, Wisconsin as a little half-hour Saturday afternoon radio show
on the local, community sponsored, non-commercial radio station WORT-FM in 1976. After
about three months the show (then called "The Madison Review of Books") expanded to a
one-hour format. I was the host.
Then in 1978 we expanded into weekly, 30 minute, local cable television show (WYOU-TV)
serving Madison and the surrounding communities of Dane County, Wisconsin.
In 1980 the name was changed to the Midwest Book Review and "The Bookwatch" (the first of
what was to become four monthly library newsletters) was launched.
Sometime around 1984 we went onto the Internet and established the Midwest Book Review
website. We also became a content provider for Amazon.com almost from its inception. The first
of our online book review magazines (Internet Bookwatch & Children's Bookwatch) were
launched. They've now grown into five monthly electronic magazines: Children's Bookwatch;
Internet Bookwatch; MBR Bookwatch; Reviewer's Bookwatch; and Small Press Bookwatch.
In 1998 I contracted with the Gale Research Company to provide them with reviews to
incorporate into their interactive CD-ROM "Book Review Index" which is provided to corporate,
academic, and public library systems.
In 2000 I began the KNLS Bookwatch which is an on-air book review commentary that is
broadcast to 124 countries.
So with print, online, radio, television, and CD-ROM outlets, the Midwest Book Review is a truly
multimedia operation.
LJ: The internet has most certainly expanded MBR's reach world-wide. Tell us what regions of
the world MBR reaches, and what means you use now to disperse each edition.
Jim Cox: The monthly library newsletters go to public library systems in Wisconsin and California.
They also provide the content for our online magazines "Internet Bookwatch" and "Children's
Bookwatch".
The reviews comprising these two online publications plus those comprising the "Small Press
Bookwatch" are posted by our webmaster on Amazon and sent to a variety of thematically
appropriate internet discussion groups, websites, and data bases -- plus an ever lengthening list of
subscribers. (Subscription to any of our online publications is free for the asking.)
The book reviews comprising "Reviewer's Bookwatch" and "MBR Bookwatch" are posted to our
Midwest Book Review website where (along with all the other reviews from our other
publications) they are posted for one year. The volutneer reviewers own all rights to their reviews
and are responsible for posting them to Amazon or anywhere else they please. In fact, several of
our reviewers have their own book review publications or freelance their reviews to other
established review outlets and utilize the Reviewer's Bookwatch and the MBR Bookwatch as a
secondary outlet for their work.
The television show "Bookwatch" is for local Madison cable only -- but the cable company has
something on the order of 120,000+ subscribers. The radio show "KNLS Bookwatch" is
broadcast to all of Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific Rim.
The "Book Review Index" CD-ROM goes out four times a year to the Gale Research Company's
library subscriber lists.
LJ: MBR's current stated philosophy includes promoting literacy and library usage, and giving
priority consideration to small presses, self-published authors, and academic presses. Has that
philosophy modified over the years due to changes in the publishing scene?
Jim Cox: That three part mission is still very much the foundation of our activities here at the
Midwest Book Review. We do not accept financial support from authors or publishers in order to
avoid any possible conflict of interest issues. The one recent exception is to allow the donation of
postage stamps -- this came about because so many authors and small press publishers really
wanted to show their support for our activities in behalf of the small press community. And we
can always use stamps because it is our policy to provide a tear sheet (copy of the review) and a
publisher notification letter whenever we review a book in any of our publications or
broadcasts.
LJ: You have been quoted as saying that you like to "help the little guy buck the big boys." Give
us a rundown of the various ways MBR assures that the little guy gets a fair break.
Jim Cox: Whenever possible we give preferential consideration to self-published, POD-published,
small press published titles. We also try to do our best to give preference to academic publishers,
regional houses and specialty publishers. So if I only have time for one book and laying before me
is the latest best seller from Random House and a book from small press no one outside of the
author's immediate friends and family has every heard of -- I'll take the small press book.
Our mission is also one of education. That's why I spend a lot of time providing advice,
suggestions, observations, commentaries, answers, and solutions to individuals and organizations
within the publishing community.
LJ: Many authors have asked me how many "hits" - internet visitors to your pages - that MBR
receives in a given month. Can you give us a number figure on that?
Jim Cox: We get a weekly reports and a monthly total on our website hits. They average around
10,000 a month. I don't know how much of that figure are repeat visitors -- I suspect quite a lot
because the Midwest Book Review website was specifically designed to be of continually useful
and "user friendly" value to writers, publishers, librarians, and book retailors, as well as the
general reading public.
LJ: Most of the authors, publishers, and agents I know are well-acquainted with the reviews,
interviews, and commentaries posted on your bookshelves. Fewer are aware of your other
activities - such as video and CD reviews, information boards, and your personal report. I'd like to
increase reader awareness regarding all the many facets of MBR. Tell us about these other
features.
Jim Cox: In addition to the books I review, I also do several monthly review columns for other
kinds of things that might be found in a full service family bookstore or community library. These
other columns are self-explanatory and include: "The Library Video Shelf" (this includes both
video cassette and DVD formats); "The CD-ROM Shelf"; "The Audiobook Shelf" (this includes
both audio cassette and CD formats); and "The Library CD-Music Shelf".
I also do a kind of "extended monolog" every month called "The Jim Cox Report". This is
consists of Midwest Book Review gossip about what is happening around here including any
changes, new services, publishing news involving me or the Midwest Book Review, etc. What
follows next are "tips, tricks & techniques" of interest to writers and publishers -- usually drawn
from the Q&A stuff I do as part of three publisher discussion groups, as well as emails that come
in asking my advice. Then it wraps up with "Unsolicited Testimonials" which are the thank you
notes folks send -- and which often provide me with a bit of a platform for more "how to" advice
regarding publishing related issues, concerns, and questions.
Incidently, all of our online publications, including The Jim Cox Report, are free and available for
subscription. Just send an email requesting which one(s) you'd like to be signed up for. All of our
online publications are also archived on the Midwest Book Review website.
LJ: Do you have specific goals for enhancing MBR or adding features in the future?
Jim Cox: Sooner or later (probably sooner) we are going to have to upgrade our computers.
They've begun breaking down with increasing frequency this past year -- due mostly to simple old
age (they are 15+ years old with dinosaur software to match!).
LJ: Print on demand publishing has expanded in reent years. Do you feel that POD publishing is a
viable alternative to standard publishing in today's market?
Jim Cox: POD publishing can be hazardous to your financial health. It can also be the only way
you will ever see your book in print. It has been my experience that, much like writers and
traditional publishers (and reviewers too, for that matter) , POD publishers fall into three
catagories: The Good, The Bad, and The Inept. There is one good and recommended general
introduction book to POD publishing from Infinity (Everything You Always Wanted To Know
About POD Publishing But Were Afraid To Ask) authored by John Hamish. There are also some
useful information and POD publisher resource lists on the Midwest Book Review website
(Advice For Publishers & Publisher Resources).
POD publishing is also becoming more sophisticated. The best of them can now produce books
that in terms of physical quality (the book as product) can successfully match what the major
trade paperback houses do.
As long as the authors do their homework in selecting the POD publisher, then fully realize that
the burden of promoting and selling that book falls upon them and not the POD publisher -- then a
POD published book can be a financially viable proposition. Even though there is a rather huge
wall of prejudice in the reviewing community against them at present.
Regarding the POD-published titles that are reviewed in our publications: We automatically send
a copy of the review and the notification letter to the POD company. It is then that POD
company's responsibility to inform their author clients, editors, illustrators, publicists, and anyone
else they deem appropriate.
LJ: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any other information you would like to share
with your readers?
Jim Cox: The Midwest Book Review currently consists of 76 volunteer reviewers from (quite
literally) around the world. If anyone would like to utilize the Midwest Book Review as a forum
for their own literary critism and commentary, they should email a request for our "Reviewer
Guidelines" to my attention at mbr@execp.com
If any publisher would like to submit their book for review consideration they should send the
published book (no galleys or uncorrected proofs) accompanied by a cover letter and some form
of publicity release to the attention of:
James A. Cox Editor-in-Chief Midwest Book Review 278 Orchard Drive Oregon, WI 53575
We receive, on average, around 1500 titles a month. We are able to generate an average of 500+
reviews a month. So the typical monthly ratio is that 1 out of 3 submissions will succeed in
achieving a review.
LJ: I appreciate your taking time to answer my questions. Thanks, Jim, for everything!
Jim Cox: That's what I'm here for!! Incidently, the Midwest Book Review website is:
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
=================================
Murder on the Wrong Note
Shelley Glodowski
Infinity Publishing.com
519 West Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, PA 194041-1413
ISBN 0-7414-1336-1, 272 pages at 16.95 paperback, www.infinitypublishing.com,
www.amazon.com
Shelley Glodowski's first book is a corker! Murder mystery, suspense filled thriller, and a romance
all rolled into one. All in all it was a well written and enjoyable read that works on many
levels.
Terry and Nicole Redding have been married ten years. They are a stable, loving couple totally
committed to each other, a well-blended team musically and otherwise. Their rock band -
Heartthrob - is a major hit in Cleveland and is anticipating a warm welcome from fans in
Minneapolis. It's a heady time for the Reddings as they and their band members relish a
well-deserved success. Hearththrob is one step away from fame. What could possibly go wrong?
Try murder.
LeMar Ridley is the band's sleazy and ruthless booking agent. When the sleeping Ridley is
murdered in his hotel room, everyone is suspect. The man had no scruples, no morals, and there
are enemies aplenty to be sorted out by local investigators. Samantha Peters is the business-like
but attractive Cleveland detective assigned to the case. Before book's end, the sensible Ms. Peters
is on the trail of more than one murderer, and meets her soulmate in the person of a Hearthrob
band member. But the handsome flame-haired percussionist Ian Temple has more in store for
Samantha than love and music.
The author created a fine ensemble cast of characters and developed them nicely. I especially
appreciated the decent, likeable good guys in this book. She writes well and spins a fine tale.
Recommended for adults and mature adolescents.
=================================
Life Askew
Barry Patrick Fitzsommons
1st Books Library 2595 West Vernal Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404-2782
ISBN 0-7596-8990-3, 380 pages at $14.50 from 1stBooks and $22.95 retail
www.1stBooks.com
www.lifeaskew.net
Life Askew is a reading adventure that I found deliciously addicting. I lingered over every word
of this enigmatic and compelling first novel by Barry Patrick Fitzsimmons. His fictional characters
were dead-on perfect, as was the milieu he invented for them.
Roland Spring is the hapless hero of Life Askew, a veritable walking, talking epitome of the title.
Roland has had a sinus condition all his life, along with an inner ear abberance that causes him to
list sideways with the tides. He's learned to live with it, and the sometimes unkind comments that
come of his odd appearance. Roland is educated, but a man of simple hopes and dreams. Life in
the decaying and unsavory metropolis of Cosmette has not yet jaded our innocent hero. He works
the graveyard shift with pride at a one-of-a-kind supermarket. He gives himself for the good of
the company, imagining that he will one day be a MANAGER at Food Expo.
At 21-years old, Roland is a loner, an outcast among his peers, a virgin who dreams of sexual
intimacy with another human being. His sexual fantasies come true in the form of an inventive
young lady named Mynewt who slips in and out of his bed at first, then later comes to stay. His
life is bliss with Mynewt in his bed. With tender hopes and growing confidence, Roland begins to
climb the ladder of success at Food Expo. But with a female in his life and increased
responsibilities at work, harsh truths reveal themselves.
The world is greedy. It runs on money. And Roland is surrounded by double dealing miscreants.
His minimalist existence is over. He's forced to deal with faxes and voicemail, bosses who demand
every last bit of his energy and mess with his long held beliefs of honesty and personal best. We all
sell out eventually in one way or another, even Roland Spring. There is no soft landing for Roland
when he finally falls from grace. Men he considered friends ensure his downfall
In the end, the mysterious Mr. Hellandback talks with the ruined innocent and assures him another
day will come. Readers who pore over every word, as I did, will remember the hand Mr.
Hellandback took in Roland's early life and be chilled by this conversation. Ultimately, Cosmette
citizens experience a collective Armageddon while Roland resumes his simple existence.
This review barely scratches the surface of Life Askew.. From the names this author gives his
characters, to the situations he creates for them, every page was cram-full of insights and
surprises. There were moments of irreverent hilarity, and revelatory visions of humans forced to
live in a less than perfect world. Another reviewer called Mr. Fitzsimmons' writing "deft and rich."
I agree.
=================================
Reviewer note: A year ago I did my first review for Midwest Book Review. To begin my second
year I wanted to try something new to me. Another first. My first review of a stage play. True to
the MBR philosophy, I chose a play available from a "small press", although if this play is an
example of the calibre of work available, Aran Press is anything but small in spirit. LJ
Letters from Rebecca: A Theatre Piece in Two Parts Michael Corrigan Aran Press 1320 S. Third
Str., Louisville KY 40208
Rebecca Bruns was Michael Corrigan's friend, a sister in heart and spirit if not by blood.
Rebecca's beauty was both external and internal, emanating from the very heart and marrow of
her, taking in friend and stranger with equal spontaneity. From her beginning poem, to the
poignant closing curtain, her thoughts and expectations became mine. Such is Michael Corrigan's
gift.
This play presents a simple premise. One man - representing the author - and one woman -
representing Rebecca Bruns - read their letters to each other in a plain setting. The only props are
a candle, a can of peas, and letters between two friends. Guitar music plays softly in the
background while lighting envelopes the two actors. A similar play, Love Letters, has been done
onstage but not to the same stirring effect.
From the beginning, I knew Rebecca died in 1994. I feared the play would be discouraging,
disheartening, morose. It was anything but that. I was not prepared for the joyful, hopeful,
talented person Rebecca's letters represented. She embraced life with open arms, explored the
perimeters instead of hiding in a secure space. She loved the sometimes breath taking beauty of
nature, males of all ages and types, her family and friends, with gusto. She had courage, joie de
vivre, talent, and wondrous gifts that would go untapped.
The author sees himself as merely contrapuntal to Rebecca's words. I disagree. His somewhat
taciturn replies reveal quite clearly his love and acceptance of a friend, his tender concern for her
well-being, his encouragement and support of her abilities, and his disbelief at the thought of
losing her to death. The void she left in his life was a blow. Hopes remained unfulfilled, questions
unanswered.
Michael Corrigan's Letters From Rebecca is a paean. He presented this gift to the world without
allowing it to seem pitiful. Instead, he resurrected a beautiful being with his words. In my opinion,
it is his skill that makes it work.
Humans: Volume II of the Neanderthal Parallax
Robert J. Sawyer
Tor Books
1403 Flatiron Building, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
ISBN 0-312-87691-2 , 320 pages at 24.95 hard cover edition , www.tor.com,
1-888-330-8477
I'm delighted to report that Humans did pick up where Hominids left off. Volume II relies less on
technical and scientific data - although that ground is covered in effective and interesting ways -
and more on Neanderthal interaction with Homo Sapiens and their two very different worlds.
Ponter Boddit, the Neanderthal physicist, is reunited with the paleoanthropologist Mary Vaughan
and made an official envoy to the parallel world she lives in. Despite polluted air, filthy cities, and
human over-population, Ponter sees a goodness in his Homo Sapien counterparts. He believes
there is hope for their world, and that both Mary's people and his can benefit each other with their
knowledge. To that end, he and his friend Adikor create another portal and figure out a way to
keep it open, more or less permanently.
To Mary's way of thinking, Ponter is a gentle hearted man, quite appealing in his guileless
fascination with her world. This time around, Ponter learns a great deal more about Homo
Sapiens and their history. He's shocked to witness the results of terrorism and war, horrified to
learn that millions died in battle, and infuriated to know that Mary's rapist has thus far gone
unpunished. And Two finally become One - Ponter's euphemism for making love - on a night that
both he and Mary find educational and immensely satisfying. New relationships are formed and
old ones shattered as Ponter accepts that he's in love with a female not of his species.
Jealousies and very human failings are acted out on both sides of the portal. Mary visits Ponter's
world, enthralled by the peace and untainted atmosphere she finds there. And Ponter demonstrates
Neanderthal justice in a way no rapist could ever forget. All in all, it was a fascinating read as
explorations and information gathering between the worlds begins. As is Mr. Sawyer's hallmark,
Humans is well-researched and written with panache. The Neanderthal Parallax is fantasy that
reads as very real. I strongly recommend it to mature adolescents and adults. (There is some
strong sexual content in this book.) Volume III is due out in September. That's too long to wait.
The name alone promises an exciting finale - Hybrids.
The Devil May Care
Mary Hartman
1st Books Library
2595 West Vernal Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404-2782
ISBN 1-4033-9970-0 paperback 11.50
ISBN 1-4033-9968-7 e-book 3.95; www.1stBooks.com
Mary Hartman's first novel is a lively parable, a fantasy complete with angels and demons, good
vs. evil, and a love story that lives beyond the grave.
Once in every millennium, Lucifer must defend his throne against all challengers. God's fallen
angel doesn't have much going for him, really, except his reign in hell, and the wily old demon is
not about to give it up without a fight. The lesser demon Babbas swears he can defeat the reigning
Prince of Darkness by delivering the soul of an angel. The challenge is accepted and the fight is
on.
Barney Schmidt is a kindly railroad conductor planning on early retirement. The love of his life -
his wife Hannah - has a bad heart and won't live beyond a few more months. Barney is retiring and
cashing in every investment and pension fund to take a trip with Hannah while she can still enjoy
it. Except for the loss of an infant son long ago, their life together has been blessed. Barney is a
simple man with a heart of gold. When he discovers Matt, an 8-year old runaway orphan hiding
on the train, he pretends Matt is his nephew and plans to take him home to Hannah.
Matt, of course, is Babbas in disguise and Barney is soon to become the angel soul he seeks to
destroy. Barney is killed trying to protect Matt during a train wreck, and the struggle between
Lucifer and Babbas begins. Lucifer is forced to play the good guy in this tale. Unless he can save
Barney's soul from Babbas, Lucifer will lose the challenge. Ms. Hartman has a flair for imaginative
story telling. She has a long history of creative writing and that experience shows in her first
novel.
Sonoma Quadrant
C.H. Foertmeyer
iUniverse.com, Inc.
2021 Pine Lake Road, #100, Lincoln, NE 68512
ISBN 0-595-24731-8, 175 pages at $13.95, paperback, www.iuniverse.com
C.H. Foertmeyer is an award winning novelest for good reason. (The Dorothy Parker Award and
The Bloody DaggerAward.) The man can write, and the spinnings of his fertile mind are always
intriguing.
Damon and Malik - the Guardians - return in this sequel to The Cat's Lair.
Their thought transference and shape shifting powers have advanced, which is good, because
these angel-like guardian beings have their work cut out for them in the Sonoma Quadrant.
Two teenage brothers meet up with a reclusive prospector named Griswald in the desert. For
hundreds of years, people have been disappearing without a trace into the Sonoma Quadrant, and
Griswald knows why and how. The tale he shares with them is unbelievable, until he proves it to
them. He takes them to the mysterious town of Melas where the brothers find miracles aplenty.
The townfolk live a perpetual life free of illness and injury, isolated from harmful outside
influences. They seem to have free will and live charmed lives. This largesse is through the
Nomeds, travelers from Alpha Centauri, who use Melas as a safe haven when they are on
Earth.
The truth is far afield of that fictional fairy tale told to skeptical brothers. The citizens of Melas in
reality are souls snatched by demons and placed in Limbo forever to serve Lucifer. It's good
versus evil in a most unusual scenario and will take the power of the Guardians and brave humans
combined to prevail. IF they can prevail. You won't know until the very end who comes out
winners.
If you have not read its predecessor, Sonoma Quadrant can easily stand alone. My suggestion is
you read The Cat's Lair first and then dig into this exciting sequel. Good job, as usual, Mr.
Foertmeyer.
Freedom Letting Go of Anxiety and Fear of the Unknown
Jim Britt
Dandelion Books
ISBN 1-893302-74-1, 256 pages at $18.95, paperback, www.dandelionbooks.net
Jim Britt is a human behavior specialist and internationally recognized leader in the field of
personal development training. That background and compassionate empathy shines through in
Freedom, where fiction and fact are combined with heartwarming results.
Jeremy Carter, a fireman from Missouri, is sight seeing in New York City on 9/11/2001. He's
front row center for our national tragedy, and stays around to help wherever needed in the days
following. Through his eyes, we see calm strength and tender compassion in action at ground
zero. We see the strong helping the weak, the young protecting the elderly, and courage under
circumstances beyond comprehension. Jeremy realizes very quickly that the hearts and minds of
the American people were greatly underestimated by whoever planned such attacks on our soil.
As he circulates among the injured, the dead, the rescuers both human and animal, Jeremy learns
first hand what love and courage mean. In the aftermath of 9/11, we all learned some truths about
ourselves and our country. For awhile, we forgot our petty differences and imperfections. We
discovered that we all have within us the power of a generous and healing love. Mr. Britt reminds
us of that gently in this well written account of that time and place. The reader comes away with a
renewed understanding: There is only one nation on Earth that clearly states it is under God,
indivisble, with Liberty and Justice for all; Despite our individual and collective foibles and
failings, other countries see this strength in America and her people and either envy or admire
us.
Mr. Britt wraps up his points quite clearly by stressing sensible everyday means of self-evaluation
and enlightenment. He shows us how to gain true freedom and courage, acceptance of ourselves
and others, how to take responsibility and make a difference, honor commitments, be grateful for
our blessings, and trust a Higher Power. All in all, it was a lovely, touching read. It reminded me
that I am like the majority of Americans - decent and kind, capable of great generosity and
compassion, living in a country that eventually forgives and puts its money and strength where its
mouth is, whether it can ever forget or not.
Highly recommended.
Laurel Johnson
Reviewer/Interviewer
Midwest Book Review
Shirley's Bookshelf
The Hermit of Humbug Mountain
Mike Nettleton & Carolyn Rose
Synergebooks
1235 Flat Shoals Rd, King NC 27021
ISBN#0-7443-0518-7, 346 pages $ 3.99 Download, 1-888-812-2533,
http://www.synergebooks.com
Let me say this right off,The Hermit of Humbug Mountain is one of the most delightful reads I
have read in a long time. Entertainment at it's max.
Two young people, Noah and his younger sister Abby are the main characters of this adventure.
The entire family is in the midst of overcoming the death of their Mom and the adventure begins
as Dad brings a new woman into their lives, one that Noah is not ready to accept.
Noah decides to run away from home and is joined by his sister, the logical one of the two. Here
is where the story begins as they travel to Humburg mountain to await the dawn of a new day and
execute their plan of escape.
Here, Abby is kidnapped and Noah goes on a guest to find his sister. Little did the two of them
know they had been chosen to fight Spid, a terrible demon that has been waiting for a certain time
to take over the world and throw it into darkness. It is their destiny to fight against this evil and
save the world.
You are just delighted with the different charcters that the authors introduce. There is an entire
community of strange beings living inside Humburg Mountain, just waiting for you to enjoy them.
A book that is sure to entertain the reader, with a lot of mystery, adventure and supernatural. A
very good read. Recommended!
A Lie To Comfort the Dying
Anthony Bruce
Glendambo Publishing
htp://www.glendambo.com
151 Saltair Lane, Saltspring Island, BC, Canada, V8K 1Y5
ISBN#: 0-96817872-3, 312 pages Hardcover $24.95
Nick Cartwright had been scorched by life and his heart hardened by losses that he could never
overcome. Now, he is an emotionless assassin, a killing machine that has no feelings besides
getting the job done that is set before him. He was to kill Ismail Talawi, who stirred the anger of a
Nation with the writing of his book "Lunch with the Prophet."
Our list of charcters include Meg Davidson, Sandy Flett and Jimmy Douglas, all super secret anti
IRA agents that must stop the plot of evil that is spreading on several continents and could cause
great disaster for the world. The web begins to weave as the author plunges you into the lives and
motives of his characters.
Ah, but this author does not leave out the human element as he weaves in Anne Flett, the
Vancouver trauma room surgeon, who happens to be the brother of Sandy Flett. Anne, who is
plagued with a successful husband who likes the ways of women, is the tender element that adds
warmth to this story. She was my favorite character.
It is a novel of mystery and intrique, adventure and deep sorrow. Yet, in the midst of it all you
find friendship and courage, love and loyality. Sometimes in places you would never think to
look.
If you want to read a great spy adventure with sophistication, this is the book for you. Not your
run of the mill read, even the details that often can be boring in a work keep your interest. A
winding adventure, traveling up hill and down, twisting this way and that awaits you. Good job
Mr. Bruce! Recommended!
Island Boyz
Graham Salisbury
Wendy Lamb Books
c/o Random House Children's Books
1540 Broadway, New York, NY. 10036
ISBN: 0385729707, $16.95, 260 pages
Island Boyz is a collection of short stories that is sure to delight readers young and old alike.
More then just stories told with a Hawaii flare, these stories could take place in any young
person's life, and I believe some of them have.
Some make you chuckle, such as the story 'Mrs. Noonan', some make you wonder(Forty Bucks)
and yes there is at least one that left this reader a tad sad (The Doi Store Monkey). Isn't that what
a good read is all about?
A good mix for the mind and soul. A recommended read, one I feel you will truly enjoy!
Life With George and Other Miseries
George F. Smith
Adventure Book Publishers
ISBN#: 155313222X, Download $3.99
ISBN#: 1553132238, Paperback, $19.49, 148 pages
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
Giggle, chuckle, laugh out loud! Poor old George! Have you ever met someone who can't win for
losing? Oh wait! Have you ever been someone who can't win for losing?
If you have then you will really enjoy the antics of George, his friends and his loving? wife
Luv!
Mr. Smith takes you into the daily activities of George. He lets you listen to his thoughts and feel
his miseries as George tries desperately to maintain some form of comfort and joy in his
retirement. That isn't happening however, as Luv has many other plans for him. And who would
dare stand-up to Luv? I know I won't, and live that is!
From painting the house, to taking his 'sweet' little grandchildren on a camping trip, George's
hours are filled with giving joy to others and miseries to himself. How does George handle all of
this? Why do his plans never seem to work out? Poor George!
You will shake your head in pity for old George, want to give him a stern talking to for being
such a push over; yet you won't be able to hold back a giggle at Luv and her ways.
"Life With George and Other Miseries" is a delightful read. A good little book to lighten your day
and perhaps make you thankful for who you are married to! I believe that George would be happy
to let you have Luv! Of course, I won't recommend it!
"Life With George and Other Miseries", a read with a chuckle and perhaps a thankful prayer that
you are not him!
Recommended!
Prairie Hearts: A Romance Anthology
To Touch A Rainbow, Denise Blocklinger
When the Heart Calls, Karen K. Litscher
Destiny, Cindy Kohlmann
Sacred Vows, Donna Welch
Small Town News, Rose Onufrak
Awe-struck Ebooks
ISBN: 158749373X, Download $3.99, http://www.awe-struck.net
I have to say, at the start of this review, that this read was great. I like the idea of several small
stories in one book, and this is why. I chose to read many times for relaxation. I like to forget the
trauma's in the world, in my life, for just a little while, and reading a good book does that for me.
There are times, however, that my time for reading is short, and this is the perfect answer.
I can read one story in one sitting and go away fulfilled. Excellent!
Each of these stories are different, yet the same. Each with a budding storyline all their own, full
of the passion and tenderness of love, that leaves you with that warm happy feeling inside. Good
job!
All in all this anthology is a charming read. Stories from the heart about situations that woman
face, emotions they feel and solutions they achieve.Tales of love at it's best! You will enjoy this
one, I know I did!
To Touch a Rainbow begins with a young widowed woman and her three children coming to
Iowa from Chicago in the 1920's, to live in her now deceased aunt's home.
Addie had been in a terrible abusive relationship with her husband and was overjoyed to have a
chance to start a new life with her children. It didn't matter to her if the farm needed work, she
was just happy to be free again.
Gabriel Niauman owns the farm next to hers.Never married, this man is drawn to Addie and her
wonderful children. There are some problems however that they must overcome.
Addie wants desperately to feel she does not need a man to make a life for herself, Gabriel is not
sure he is ready to take on a ready made family, yet neither can deny the emotions stirring within
them. I liked the way the author had fate intervene as Addie's home catches on fire and she is
forced into the waiting arms of Gabriel. A very tender story. One you will truly enjoy!
When The Heart Calls is set in 1863. Connor McGavin has always loved Teresa O'Riley and
planned to make her his wife when he returned home from the war. He didn't however count on
losing his leg at the battle of Gettysburg. What will happen now, as Connor would never be able
to take care of his farm, a dream both he and Teresa had together. This is a story of a man, who
learns what being a real man is about, and a woman who learns holding onto a dream could make
you lose the most important things in your life. What decision would you make? A very good
read!
Destiny: I would have to say this was my favorite story, one I will read again, I'm sure.
Beth McAndrews has lost her son in the Vietnam war, she has also just undergone a terrible
divorce from the Admiral, who was a self-centered abusive man.
Beth clings to some letters that her son Andrew had written to her about a town called Destiny
and the people there. She decides to travel to that town and see why it meant so much to her son,
and why he had traveled there in the first place. This is a great story, in it you will find mystery,
sorrow, joy and love. You need to read this story to find out how Beth receives back in a special
way, a part of her deceased son and finds the love she thought she never would. Excellent!
Sacred Vows was another one of my favorites. Amanda Harding is on the verge of deciding what
she will do with her life. Will she give her service to the Lord or decide it is love of a man she
desires?
Since her Mother's death she has become close to her aunt, Sister Mary Maude Schmitt. Sister
Mary is helping Dr. Brent Saunders in a home in Dubuque, taking in orphaned children and
families that have no where to go. Amanda goes there to help her aunt for a season, not knowing
she would find love.
This is a great story as the author weaves in the problems of that time in 1875, with the poor
sanitation and the sickness it causes. There is some sorrow in this read, but also great joy.
She does an excellent job in showing the strength in a woman and what can be done when she
puts her mind to it. Very good read!
Small Town is the story of Hildegaard Parrish and Ben "Mac" McDonald, lifelong friends who
now partner ownership of the local newspaper.
Hildy realizes that she is desperately in love with Mac and decides she is going to win him over,
knowing in her heart he feels the same way.
I liked this story, I got a tickle out of the way Hildy made herself over, used make-up, fixed her
hair and even put on a dress. Anything to get Mac's attention. Would it work?
Sound familiar? What was poor Mac to do?
This was a delightful tale that had a wonderful ending. I know it made me smile, it will you
too!
================================= Interview with Jennifer Flannery - Agent
SPJ: Thank you Jennifer for allowing me to interview you, let's begin. As an agent, I know you
wear many hats. Would you please give us your job description; tell us how long you have been
an agent, and why you chose this profession?
JENNIFER; Literary agents assist their clients in all business-related issues of the publishing
industry--from submission of material to the proper house and editor, to negotiating the contracts,
to overseeing the exploitation of subsidiary rights, to monitoring the royalty statements for the life
of the book--as well as serving as, I hope, a source of stability in the always shifting publishing
world. I think, too, that when an agent/author relationship works really well, we also act as their
biggest fan and the first person to contact regarding all questions, comments, and concerns.
Ideally, I believe that a literary representative works with the author to build a career that will last
for many years and a body of work that will stand the test of time.
I have owned Flannery Literary for 10 1/2 years now, after a brief stint working in the trade
department at HarperCollins and two intense and information-packed years at a literary
agency.
To be frank, I stumbled into this profession after college when I was collecting internships, trying
to figure out what I wanted to do for a living. When I applied at the agency that eventually hired
me, I had only the foggiest notion that literary agents even existed. I loved books, therefore I
thought I might enjoy working with them. I was right on that score, but I had no idea how
fascinated I would eventually become by the business-end of making books.
SPJ: Jennifer,thank you for your answer. How important do you think it is for a writer to obtain a
good agent?
JENNIFER: Although I admit to a clear bias on the matter, I think it is essential for an author to
work with a literary agent. What's the phrase--the doctor who treats himself has a fool for a
patient? I believe it is important for authors to keep in mind that literary agents bring to the table a
wealth of experience and knowledge and successes, and yes, failures in the publishing industry.
Their history with books and editors and publishing houses and writers can be a tremendous
benefit to the author. I think, too, that we can help make sense of every aspect of the publishing
process for you. It is our job to explain things to our clients and to help them put things in
perspective.
Writing is an extremely emotional and solitary endeavor--we ask you to be as honest as you can in
your writing, bare your soul and almost bleed on the paper to make an authentic and riveting
book. Then, in almost the very same breath, we demand that writers behave in a professional and
distant and removed manner toward their work (you can't take the bad review so personally, you
don't have final say in what the jacket looks like, we're only printing 5,000 copies, the book is
going out of print...). I believe that an agent can help the author navigate this awkward
transition.
SPJ: Excellent answer Jennifer. Thank you for that! Tell me, what should an author look for
when they are deciding on an agent, are there certain red flags that should be avoided?
JENNIFER: Any author looking for an agent should make sure that they query an agency that
handles the specific kind of writing they're doing. For instance, I focus on books written for
children and young adults and would be, I confess, worthless to anyone with a business book,
cookbook, or romance. Zero in on the kind of material a particular agency works with before you
send your query letters.
I would always avoid a company that charges any kind of upfront reading, handling, or processing
fee. You should not have to pay a literary agent anything, ever. They receive commissions from
the work sold and that should be motivation enough for them to want to work with you.
SPJ: I understand that. If they have faith in your work, they really don't need to charge you extra
fees! I'd like to ask you Jennifer, what will make you sit up and take notice when you receive a
submission?
JENNIFER: A well-written cover letter that doesn't sell, but instead, clearly explains the book I
don't want to feel that I've been caught in an infomercial, I merely want to know what the book is
about.
SPJ: How many inquiries do you receive per month and can you tell us what percentage of those
you accept and why?
JENNIFER: I'm one small literary agency. concentrating on books for children, and yet I receive
several hundred query letters each month. Not all of them are describing books for young people,
but still, I think it's worth mentioning how many letters routinely come across my desk. I probably
ask to read about 10-25 books a month.
If an agency as small and focused as mine receives hundreds of letters each month, it's not hard to
imagine the glut of mail received by the larger publishing houses. Actually, when I worked at
Harper, one of the jobs of the editorial assistants was to read and respond to the "slush pile" each
week. I can well remember the canvas carts of mail that were wheeled into the conference room
each Friday afternoon. Absolutely mind-boggling.
SPJ: Why do you think most of the 'big' houses only allow agented- work presented to them,
when they know how difficult it is to obtain a good agent?
JENNIFER: I think receiving agented-submissions helps the editors make some sense of the vast
number of submissions because they build relationships with agents and become familiar with their
style and taste. Over time and through experience, agents get a feel for the kind of work different
editors are looking for and successfully publishing and they can better judge which material to
send to which editor. Editors come to value this selection process and, while we're not infallible
and can't guarantee a sale just because we've made the submission, I do think that having an agent
on your side adds to the likelihood of securing a publishing contract.
SPJ: Jennifer, what do you do for your authors and what do you require of them?
JENNIFER: Every experience with a client is different, more like a marriage than a cut-and-dried,
predictable relationship. In short, I try to help them build a career and create a body of work.
Although I have a small stable of writers compared to many other agencies, I only ask to work
with writers to whom I can envision a lifelong commitment. I want to work with my writers for
their entire writing career. I hope that we grow old together and share our triumphs and setbacks
with each other as we work to continue making the world a better and brighter place through the
gift of outstanding children's literature. I ask that they are hardworking, eager to learn, and
devoted to providing books of great value to young people.
SPJ: That sounds great, like a family relationship! I like that! Please tell us, what is the hardest
part of your job and what is the most enjoyable and why?
JENNIFER: The hardest part of my job are the disappointments that are inevitable in this
business. Rejections from publishers, bad reviews, books being put out of print...things like that
can break your heart even though I know that they are part and parcel of the job.
The best parts of my job are the unequaled thrill of holding a finished copy of a book that I have
worked on and reading a manuscript, knowing that it's going to be something wonderful.
SPJ: As you know an author can get very down about their work. Do you keep them updated on
a regular basis as to any interest that may be coming their way? How important do you think that
is?
JENNIFER: I ask my clients to try not to dwell on the submission process, to put that task in my
hands while they turn their attention to their next work and focus on their writing. While I know
how difficult it may be to disengage like that, I also know that it serves very little creative purpose
to let their attention be dragged away from the task at hand and fret about something over which
they have no control. I tell my authors where and when I've submitted their work and, of course,
share with them any and all responses.
SPJ: Good advice! With your experience in the business, could you share with us about how long
it takes to sell your client's work? Also, if the author does not like the proposal, are they free to
decline the offer?
JENNIFER: The time it takes to place an author's work varies wildly and is unpredictable. The
best case scenario I've ever had was putting a manuscript in the mail on a Monday only to receive
a call on Thursday from the editor who told me that he was putting the book into copyediting the
next week. Worst case scenario--I've been submitting one author's novel for years now and am
still stunned and dismayed that I've not yet found an editor who shares my belief in the promise of
this book.
Of course, authors are free to decline any offer, for any reason.
SPJ: Well, whoever that author is, I feel they are blessed to have you behind them and not giving
up! May I ask you something about contracts with agents. Is there anything an author should
beware of before signing?
JENNIFER: Contracts with agents--I'd be wary of any upfront fees or charges or the lack of an
escape clause for both parties (i.e. both agent and/or client may terminate the working
arrangement with a 30-day notice of intent). However, if the author and agent have together
placed a book with a publisher, their relationship continues as far as that book(s) is (are)
concerned-somewhat like a divorce when children are involved.
SPJ: Jennifer, do authors ever have more than one agent for their works? Do agents work
together to place writers that they feel have talent with the correct agent?
JENNIFER: I have several authors who have agents other than Flannery Literary, when they write
not only for children and young adults (my focus) but also for adults or when they have
screenplays and need a theatrical agent in Hollywood.
SPJ: Being an author and having an agent, I know that I want to hear from her everyday; I also
know that is foolish and I do not hound her! (Jeanette if you are reading this, I do hope you are
proud of me!) I realize authors can be anything but patient in our desire to be published. How do
you handle an author that wants results.....NOW!?
JENNIFER: I'm not terribly good with clients who want to hear from me when I've nothing to
report. While I can understand their impatience and appreciate their commitment to their work,
they have to come to the realization and acceptance that we can't always MAKE things happen in
the timeframe they might prefer. I get frustrated waiting for answers, too, but, from the reading
pile in my own office, I can well understand the time it takes for a manuscript to make the rounds
at a publishing house. I also know that reading and providing thoughtful, helpful, solid editorial
feedback on work is not the kind of work that lends itself to an instant turnaround.
SPJ: Would you give us some tips that may help our readers find a good agent?
JENNIFER: If you want to find an agent, write an engrossing and succinct query letter, send it to
as many agents as you can find who specialize in the kind of work you're doing, and be sure to
enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for their response. Be patient. Be persistent. Be
productive. Keep writing, keep reading, keep learning. Don't get discouraged or take the
rejections as anything but what they are--badges of courage and experience shared by everyone in
the publishing industry.
SPJ: May I ask you, is there a set number of clients that you will accept?
JENNIFER: I don't have a specific number of clients in mind as ideal for this agency. It's a very
fluid business, though, and, although I think I'm most effective working with a fairly small group
of authors, I can't imagine that I wouldn't try to find time for any manuscript and/or author I truly
believed in. It's all about the chemistry and the connection for me--I work best and most
effectively for people with whom I have formed a strong and mutually trusting relationship.
SPJ: Here is a little sneak question for some of the children's writers out there (me included). Is
there a certain trend that children's book publisher are leaning towards this year? If so, will you
share with us what it is?
JENNIFER: I don't pay that much attention to trends in the children's publishing industry. First of
all, I hope that my taste runs toward quality writing rather than what's "in" at the moment. Not
only is there always a market and a niche to fill for books that are well written, unique, and
engaging regardless of subject, tone, and style, I always worry that, by the time I've spotted a
trend in the marketplace, it's outre and we've moved on to something else new and different in the
prepublication process.
SPJ: Here is a question Jennifer. What do you think about ebooks in the general genre and in the
children's? Do you ever suggest an author to go that route?
JENNIFER: Ebooks--hmmm, good question. We've yet to see the gold standard of this new and
emerging market in our industry so I'm regarding it as a concern for the future rather than
something I'm actively focusing on at the moment. I hope that's not shortsighted, but I confess
that I've yet to be persuaded that an ebook contains that extra added value that is lacking in the
traditional book format. Not that we won't find a wonderful and exciting way to exploit this
technology in the future, I'm just not sure it's something that has yet proved itself as more valuable
than the traditional book nor have I come across a book idea that best lends itself to the ebook
format.
SPJ: Thank you, interesting! Tell me, what do you think of self-publishing? Do you ever suggest
an author to go that route?
JENNIFER: From my biased point of view, I have come to regard self-publishing as an extremely
labor-intensive way for the author to get a book in the marketplace. As a part of the industry that
exists to free up writers to concentrate on the writing part of their careers and eliminate some of
the hassles of the business end of things, I see a self-publishing route as counterproductive to that
end.
I also worry that the inherent beauties of the publishing industry--the experienced and dedicated
editorial guidance that strengthens and enhances a writer's natural talents; the ability of all of the
different departments of a well-run publishing house to introduce the book and the author to the
key teachers, librarians, booksellers, and reviewers; the building of a backlist of books that are
essential to the longevity of a writer's career; the objectivity and experience and ongoing expertise
that a publisher-- in the form of its editors and copyeditors, artists and designers, school and
library marketing divisions, promotion and publicity departments, sales reps across the country,
subsidiary rights departments and co-agents and many more professionals than I have time and
space to list here--bring to bear on its collective understanding of how to best publish a book,
well, I think you'd have to be a very unique, very focused, very lucky individual to compete with
that kind of power.
SPJ: We are now at the end of our interview. Please Jennifer, if you will, share with us any final
thoughts about yourself, your work or publishing in general
JENNIFER: I want to thank you for giving me the chance to share some of my thoughts--and
please keep in mind that my opinions are only those of one person in this very large, very diverse,
ever-changing industry--with your writers. I'd also like to encourage anyone and everyone reading
this to write for children and young adults. There will ALWAYS be a market for well-written
books for young people and I think, now more than ever, our young people deserve and need the
best that we have to offer them in the form of literature.
I remember the books I read as a child with more clarity and immediacy than the book currently
residing on my bedside table and I am honored and humbled to be an invisible and infinitesimal
part of such an experience for today's young reader.
Jennifer's Expertise:
I'm currently focusing on books for young people
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please contact Jennifer Flannery, Flannery Literary, 1140 Wickfield Court, Naperville, IL 60563.
Please no email or faxed queries or submissions, please.
I want to thank Jennifer for allowing me to interview her. I think we have learned a lot, don't you?
Jennifer sounds like a caring, hard working agent that any author would be glad to have in their
corner. I wish her the best of luck in the future and the same for all of her authors.
================================= Interview with Graham Salisbury
I chose to interview Mr. Salisbury because I feel he is a great example of success. I read and
enjoyed his work "Island Boyz." I believe he has some good advice for you, the reader, and some
interesting words about his own writing career. Enjoy!
Q/ Mr. Salisbury, please tell us how long you have been writing.
GS: I've been writing for around 15 years, now. Started late, and never knew I could write earlier
in my life. It never crossed my mind. Me write? Hah! I was an idiot. What did I know about
anything? Not much. I thought...
Q/ Please tell us how many hours a day you spend writing.
GS: It depends. My problem is that I have a lot of things going on in my life. I have three kids
under 12 in my house, the youngest being 5. Busy little people. But I try to spend four hours a
day with my writing, and I do that early in the morning. I get up at 4:45 and am at my studio by
6:30. I'm a morning guy. I love driving to my studio in the dark with no one else on the
streets.
Q/ How long did it take you to complete "Island Boyz" and what inspired you to write this
book?
GS: ISLAND BOYZ was written over several years, at least as far as the stories which were
previously published in various anthologies are concerned. Half the stories are brand new, and
have not been published elsewhere. As always, my inspiration comes from my younger days
growing up in the Hawaiian Islands. My youth was spectacular, and I love to go back and
remember it and mine it, again and again and again. Which I do.
SPJ: I believe you have captured this in your works.
Q/ Are your characters based on people that you know, or have known, and are the stories also
based on actual events?
GS: Only one character in all of my books is based on a real person -- Booley, in SHARK BAIT.
The rest are composites of people I knew, and myself, and those in my imagination. Many of the
stories, themselves, were sparked by things I knew of or experienced, but only in a small measure.
I usually take a gem of memory and explore it and make sense out of it. Then I polish it to short
story form. But some stories, like FORTY BUCKS, were purely fictional fun. I wanted to have a
good time with a couple of idiots, like I was. Indeed, it was fun.
Q/ You certainly are no idiot Mr. Salisbury. (THANK YOU) You have some wonderful
accomplishments under your belt. Please tell us do you think you will expand your writing to
other genres and if so what might they be?
GS: I have no thoughts of expanding to other genres, though I truly love to read good mysteries
for adults, not the hard boiled blood and guts stuff, but the well-written cozy novel. I like series
built on characters I like. I read them to relax. They grab me and take me away, and I love that. I
would love it if I could write as well as Steven Havill or James Lee Burke. Man oh man. But let's
not kid ourselves, here. But I would like that very much.
Q/ Did you find it difficult to get your first work published? How long did it take you and would
you give our readers a few tips that might help them to find success?
GS: My story is a fairy tale. I wrote BLUE SKIN OF THE SEA on my own, learning the art
alone and later, through the strong MFA writing program at Vermont College. All that took me
five years. Then, I went to a weekend writers conference sponsored by SCBWI Northwest, at
Silver Falls in the backwoods of Oregon. There, I sat down to lunch one day with a woman I
thought was another aspiring writer like I was. I told her about BLUE SKIN OF THE SEA. She
said, "Wow, that sounds interesting. Can I take a look at it? By the way, I'm an editor at Bantam
Doubleday Dell." I said, "Hot dang!" and sent it to her a week later. She called me back within ten
days or so and said, "We'd like to make you an offer." That woman was Wendy Lamb. She's been
my editor ever since, and I could not possibly have found a better editor, ever. My advice to new
writers is to network; go to conferences; join SCBWI; meet people and talk it up -- but most
important of all, hone your art so you will have something irresistible to show. Without that, you
have nothing.
SPJ: That is indeed as a fairy tale, how blessed you have been! Thank you also for the words of
advice.
Q/ Do you think publishers give first time authors a fair shake?
GS: Mine sure did, and, generally, yes I believe that. I have the greatest publisher in the world.
And I truly feel that way about them (Random House). I am loyal to them and they are loyal to
me. If you have something good, something a publisher likes and wants, they will dog you till they
get it. So the key is to write fresh, write interesting and dramatic material, something that will
make their hands tremble in anticipation of picking you up. It can be done. But you have to work
for it.
SPJ: It's great to hear an author speak so highly of their publishing house. They're are many
horror stories out there in that area. Hats off to you Random House!
Q/ What is the main mistake you think these authors make in presenting their work to
publishers?
GS: I suppose it would be sending work to publishers that isn't ready. It has to be your very best
stuff. Editors see way too many weak manuscripts. They're jaded, and with good cause. So revise
one last time before sending something out. Then maybe one more time again.
Q/ Do you have an agent and how important do you feel this is for a writer?
GS: I have a fabulous agent, and she is worth every penny I pay her. And I don't begrudge any of
it. My agent plays the tough guy in my negotiations. I can't do that. It's not in my nature. A good
agent is also an advocate, and writers need advocates like they need air. Hopefully, your editor is
also an advocate. Mine is.
Q/ Where do you see yourself as a writer in 5 years and what are you doing to obtain that
goal?
GS: Well, I see a few more books, many of which are percolating as we speak. To achieve that
goal I try to follow my good friend, Virginia Euwer Wolff's mantra; Butt in Chair.
SPJ: VERY BIG SMILE! :0)
Q/ What do you get out of being a writer and what do you hope your readers will walk away with
after reading your works?
GS: I get strokes -- good boy, good dog. Everyone needs a little of that. I also have fun. What I
hope is that boys will read (and like) my books. I try very hard to build stories around themes that
are important to me, and to a boy's life in general: loyalty, integrity, honesty, friendship, love,
consequences, persistence, fathers, mothers, siblings -- the good, rich stuff of life. I want to make
a contribution to the betterment of society, in whatever small way I can. I also try to do that
through speaking. I love doing that. It's fun. So is writing. But it's sure not easy. No.
I do believe, like you, that there are many writers out there with huge talent whose work will
hardly see the light of day. But I do think, also, that it's probably not the work that holds them
back, but rather the effort, or lack thereof, of those involved in helping those writers get to the
right people. I will be forever grateful for the luck that I've had, and for the people who have
helped me along the way.
Q/ Please tell us how your family feels about you being a writer, are they supportive of you, and
do you ever bounce your ideas and stories off of them?
GS: Hah! This is a truism: you are never a hero in your own town (or, own home). I'm just dad to
my kids, and though my wife, Robyn, likes what I do, and supports it, my writing is just another
activity butting up against soccer, basketball, school meetings, and all that wonderful stuff parents
must do for their kids. But sometimes I bounce things off my boys. For instance, I recently had a
story in BOY'S LIFE, the scouting magazine. I read my first draft to my 9 and 12 year old sons to
get their take on it. They liked it a lot. So I kept it and honed it. Then BOY'S LIFE did their own
editing, adding things in on their own without telling me which embarrassed and annoyed me. But
what can you do? BOY'S LIFE is a great publication, and the BSA is a great organization, despite
its few controversies. So yes, my family does get involved, but not on a large level.
Q/ You seem like a very easy going, happy person. I can sense your zest for life in your words.
Do you feel this is a must in writing for young people.?
GS: No. Being easy going (which I certainly am) is a blessing for me personally (I don't have to
get upset at dumb things), and the bright vision I have of life may blossom in my work, but we
need the full spectrum of emotion in children's literature. Dark and light. Deep and shallow. Love
and war. All of it. Good books help us make sense of our lives, which are often quite confusing.
Though we certainly don't want to demoralize our young readers with depressing books, we also
don't want to keep them from the truths of being human. Being easy going is a gift you give
yourself. But you can do amazingly good work without it. My two cents.
Q/ Let me ask you this since you are with what we call "The Big Boys" in publishers. Do you feel
it is fair that the larger traditional houses, as a rule, will not accept manuscripts unless they are
sent in by agents, knowing how difficult it is for authors to obtain an agent. It can at times be just
as discouraging searching for an agent as it is for a publisher. What are your thoughts on
this?
GS: This goes back to what I said earlier. If you (1) know you have given a manuscript everything
you have, and (2) you LOVE it, and (3) you believe in it and are ready to show it, then (4) get out
there and network. I do not believe you need an agent to show your work to any publisher
interested books for young readers, big or small, despite what they say about not reading
unagented manuscripts. The way you get around this is to meet the editors BEFORE you send
something in. Go to writers conferences, the SCBWI being the best organization to aid you in that
regard. Go to www.SCBWI.com and join up in your area. Go to their conferences. Editors are
often invited to these events, and while they are there you can meet them and talk to them.
Editors want to find good work. Why would they not? The problem is, again, they are jaded and
skeptical, because they see so much stuff that is not ready to be seen. Still, this is the way to get
to the big boys without an agent. Agents also come to these conferences. And you need to be
there, too. Or, you can send stuff in and see it come back, over and over. Up to you. My motto
has always been: Make it Happen!
Q/ Is there any question you would have liked me to ask you that I did not? Anything you would
like to share with our readers about yourself, your works, or publishing in general that you feel
may be of interest or a help to them? Or any final thoughts you would like to leave with us.
GS: This has been fun. I love talking about books and writing, and editors and publishers. I guess
because I have had such a great experience. Here's something my editor told me early on that I
take as a key element in my own work: she said, "Fall in love with your book." Sounds weird, but
if you think about it, and take it in, it's just exactly what you have to do. Be passionate about your
work. Don't write for money or fame, write to explore, write to feel, write to express. Money and
fame may or may not come to you. The money is important, I know that, but don't focus on it.
Focus on the work. Another bit of wisdom I learned along the way is this: magic happens between
the tips of your fingers and the keys on your keyboard. What that means is, when you write
(physically sitting there typing) things happen. Writing is awesome when it has a heartbeat. It's
pretty discouraging when it doesn't. Find the heartbeat. Do the magic. Make it happen. If I can do
it, for heaven's sake so can any other regular Joe. Aloha!
SPJ: I want to thank Mr. Salisbury for a wonderful interview. It has been a pleasure getting to
knowhim better and to read the great advice he has given to us. He already has many works under
his belt and I am sure we will see many more in the future. God's speed Mr. Salisbury, and thank
you!
Works By Graham Salisbury
BLUE SKIN OF THE SEA (Random House: Delacorte Press) UNDER THE BLOOD-RED
SUN (Random House: Delacorte Press) SHARK BAIT (Random House: Delacorte Press)
JUNGLE DOGS (Random House: Delacorte Press) LORD OF THE DEEP (Random House:
Delacorte Press) ISLAND BOYZ (Random House: Wendy Lamb Books)
Contact Information:
Graham Salisbury Email: Grahamsal@aol.com Website: www.grahamsalisbury.com Studio: 112
Third Street, Lake Oswego OR 97034
================================= Interview with Thom Geier (Senior Editor of
Books Reviews for "Entertainment Weekly")
I asked Mr. Geier for an interview so you, the reader, can gain perspecitive on how the larger
publications handle reviews. After all, isn't that what we are all striving for, to be reviewed by
ones such as this publication? I think you will find this interview very interesting!
S. Johnson: Let's begin.Mr. Geier you are the senior editor of book reviews. Would you please
tell us what that job entails?
T. Geier: Well, my title is just senior editor. (We have a lot of senior editors here.) My particular
duties include editing the four-page book section in the magazine. I choose the books that we're
going to review, assign them to writers, and edit the copy when it comes in. I also oversee the
various boxes and charts and sidebars that we run in the section.
S. Johnson: Would you please tell us how long you have been with Entertainment Weekly.
T. Geier: I've been with EW for three years.
S. Johnson: I am sure you have to be a book lover, is that why you pursued this career, and how
did you get started in it?
T. Geier: I've been working in journalism for over a decade, covering everything from politics to
business to pop culture. Through it all, books have always been a passion. If there's one thing I've
learned in life, it's this: My apartment will never have enough shelf space.
Thank you Mr. Geier!
S. Johnson: Mr. Geier, in reviewing books, I have been told that a reviewers first obligation is to
the future reader of that work. Do you feel this is true and do you feel you have any obligation to
the author? We all know a bad review can damage an author for a long time, especially if it is
from a larger publication. How do you feel about this?
T. Geier: Our first obligation is always to the readers -- after all, there are many more potential
book buyers than book writers out there. That said, the most negative reviews I've seen in major
publications like ours tend to be of books by major authors -- or books that have received a lot of
advance hype (as expressed in the size of the initial print run, advertising, author tours, media
appearances, etc.). Given that there are many more books published than EW could possibly
review -- unlike in the world of movies -- we try to be pretty selective about what reviews we run.
We have a grading system for reviews. The vast majority of the book reviews you'll see in EW
have a grade in the A's or B's. It's not there are no C and D and F books out there; we stumble
upon them all the time. But our general philosophy is: Why waste the space on them when we
don't have enough room for all the truly worthwhile books? Sometimes, of course, there's a
consumer value to running such a review; e.g., letting people know that Mr. Joe Bestseller's latest
is a real let-down compared to his previous work. Or that a heavily hyped celebrity memoir was
apparently written in crayon.
S. Johnson: There seems to be an explosion of e-book publishers as the internet appears to be
opening up a new world for the reading public. Do you do any reviewing of this sort of book?
What do you feel the future of e-book publishing is?
T. Geier: We have reviewed very few e-books, in part because very few major titles are published
exclusively in that format.
S. Johnson: Do you feel it is wise for a new author to self-publish or do you feel it could harm
their future as a writer? How do you feel about print on demand publishers?
T. Geier: If a writer's goal is to reach the widest possible audience, self-publishing is not terribly
effective. But I don't think that self-publishing necessarily harms a writer's future.
It seems that the primary revenue stream for print-on-demand publishers is the writers themselves.
I can't think of any books that we've reviewed from such a publisher -- unless you count Dave
Eggers' McSweeney's imprint.
S. Johnson: How is a book chosen to be reviewed by Entertainment Weekly? I understand you
need to be selective but do you only review books from the large traditional publishing
houses?
T. Geier: There's no secret formula for what we choose to review. We read Publisher's Weekly
and Kirkus. We look at blurbs from more famous authors included on galleys. We look at what
books are reviewed in the daily papers and the weekly magazines. We talk to the publicists from
publishing houses about what books they are pushing (first novels with big print runs, etc.). And
we look at the galleys as they come in. And gosh do they come in. We keep an eye out for new
works by authors that we know are favorites of the magazine's staff. Typically, we assign many
more books than we actually review. (If the reader isn't impressed, we tell them not to bother
writing up a review.) I personally look at a lot of galleys. Sometimes, I won't have time to read
more than three chapters or so. But you can usually get a sense after 50 pages if a book is worth
assigning.
Yes, there's a bias toward the large, traditional publishing houses. But we do review books from
smaller houses -- though it's much harder to pick out the gems from smaller houses.
S. Johnson: I see where you allow comments about the books you review on your site. Do you or
your colleagues ever receive 'angry' emails from a review you have done?
T. Geier: Yes, all the time.
S. Johnson: May I ask you something that is right to the core? In the publishing world, do you
think success is achieved a lot on who you are, who you know, and if you are fortunate enough to
be picked up and published by the 'big boys'? (I'm referring to the larger publishing houses)
T. Geier: It depends on what you mean by success.
If your goal is to be a bestselling author, then you will want to be published by a major publisher.
And you will want a major agent (or other well-connected friends) to help make that happen for
you.
But I don't think that's the only way that writers can, or should, define success.
S. Johnson: Yes, I agree with you. There are many ways to define success! Here is another
question that is to the core. Do you think that the bottom line with publishers is not always if a
book has a good storyline, but what other variables are there to bring in the money? For example,
a well written story is passed over for a celebrity piece that may be written ,as you have said ,'in
crayon', but will sell more copies for that publisher. Isn't that a sad truth of the publishing world in
general?
T. Geier: Publishing is a business. Books are products. Most of them, by the way, are
money-losing flops.
Just as a movie studio can't fill its slate only with arty fare like The Hours, it's in the interest of
publishing houses to balance their lists with purely commercial works. That said, I don't think
well-written stories are passed over for celebrity books. It's not an either-or proposition. It's not
as if publishers must choose between the next Alice Sebold book and the Missy Elliott diet book
(though I gotta admit I'd buy the latter).
S. Johnson: Interesting! I too would have to say that I would buy the diet book, mainly because it
is needed! Sad isn't it?
S. Johnson: May I ask you this please. Wouldn't it be good to have a section for the 'little guy'
review. A place where books that everyday people may be reading. Books perhaps that the
smaller presses are publishing. Won't it be wonderful to give those authors a chance and the
publishers too. Your thoughts on this please!
T. Geier: You lose me on this question. First, you talk about "books that everyday people may be
reading." To me, that could mean most any book, but I actually take it to mean the successful
genre writer (like Jeffrey Deaver or Danielle Steel) who often don't get reviewed in the
mainstream press in part because they're seen as less literary or too commercial.
But then you throw me by talking about books from smaller presses. The fact is, everyday people
don't read those books because most small presses don't have the marketing skills to effectively
sell them to everyday people.
S. Johnson: I'm sorry readers and Mr.Geier for not explaining myself better here. To me, the
everyday people are those that do or would enjoy the e-book, or some of the books that the small
presses are running. I agree with the statement that they don't sell effectively because nobody
knows about them. My point, exactly! If they had a review section people would know about
them, true? Why not give them a little corner in publications and see what happens. Computers
are everywhere, let people know about a good mystery (or some other genre) that they can read
for $3.99 download. Why not? Entertainment comes in many forms and can be brought to us in
many ways. Don't you think publishing is changing, perhaps for the good, perhaps not! Time will
tell! We will always have those wonderful classics, paper books that we can hold in our hands and
display proudly on our bookshelfs. However, we need to be open to the new, embrace the future.
There are so many wonderful stories out there that can bring entertainment to people, why not
help them along by letting the world know where they are? I have said it before and I will say it
again. I have read and reviewed some outstanding works that are only available via e-book or
small press. The authors deserve a chance to have their work more widely known. Why not give
them that opportunity via a review section that would feature works such as theirs? That's just my
thoughts on the matter, but I hope one day some large publication will take them serious and give
it a shot! I think they would be surprised at the response from their readers!
Now, on to the next question!
S. Johnson: Now a question for the reviewers that would love to land a job with a large
publication. Do you have any advice for them that would help make that dream come true?
T. Geier: Ah, the old breaking into journalism question. There are very few full-time jobs for book
reviewers in this country. But if you want to do freelance reviews, contact editors at papers that
run reviews. Send them a short letter, a resume, and some clips. Be polite, but not pushy.
S. Johnson: Everyone has a favorite genre or two. Do you see any trend that book subjects seem
to be going towards this year?
T. Geier: Though the Jon Krakauer-inspired hardcore adventure nonfiction genre seems to have
waned, chick lit continues to endure (and to sell very, very well).
S. Johnson: OK! Now readers do I make a comment here or just be quiet! Let's see, what to do? I
think I'll just be quiet, it's safer that way! *smile*....But, I have a feeling that Mr. Geier's
assesment is probably more fact then fiction! Now that's scary!
How important do you feel it is for an author to obtain an agent?
T. Geier: If you want to be published by a major house, you will need an agent. Yes, there are the
rare exceptions. (Just as I'm sure there are entire neighborhoods in this country without a
Starbucks in a 10-block radius.)
Thank you Mr. Geier for allowing me this interview. Readers, I hope you have enjoyed the
information that was shared here. Mr. Geier was very gracious to consent to this interview,
knowing how busy he is. He certainly seems like a down to earth person, and one with a great
sense of humor. Thank you Mr. Geier, I love that in a person! I appreciate you and your
time.
CONTACT INFORMATION: http://www.ew.com
Shirley Johnson Commentary:
As you can see readers, I am still trying very hard to get your books reviewed by the larger
publications. Until then, I suppose you are going to have to keep knocking at the big boy's doors.
Maybe if you use the old Wolf statement, " I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down",
you just might get their attention! Oh no wait! That wolf never did get in did he? Never mind!
*smile*....
Or perhaps you could sell some chick lit and make enough money, to do lots of publicity to
generate more sales on the book you were trying to sell in the first place! ( hee hee....sorry Mr.
Geier, I just could not resist!) Of course authors, if I were you, I'd use a pen name on that chick
lit, no sense getting labled, unless that is your thing! We won't go there! Until next time keep
knocking!
=================================
Interview With Tony DeLorger, author of The Theban Trilogy!
SPJ: Tony, I truly enjoyed your novel, would you please share with our readers how you came up
with this storyline and what made you decide to divide it into three separate stories?
TONY: My foray into this genre was born out of an interest by my youngest children, who,
although being interested in fantasy books, could not find books that held their interest. After
looking carefully at available works in the genre I found generally a lack of positive
reinforcement, basic morals, a mass of gratuitous violence, 'eye for an eye' mentality and often less
than lovable characters. I then decided to write something that took the imagination back to
basics- with nature itself as the linch pin. In the world of Thebos natural balance is not just a
concept but the natural law- with consequences. I then took classical mythologies and developed
them into complex cultures and societies that interact and present diverse beliefs much the same
as we do in our world, with all the same problems and prejudice.
The hope is that children (and adults) will see that what happens in this mystical place is really no
different to our world, the balance and natural order in the end, always victorious. The storyline
itself came simply from developing those characters within the various cultures, creating basic
conflicts and contrasts to exemplify reality. The story has conflict, love stories, redemption, lots of
action and resolution, all aspects that I felt important in creating a positive, worthwhile
fantasy/adventure that would seduce the reader. All this is woven around a few basic truths about
life and natural balance, something that I personally believe in.
'The Mountain Diva of Thebos' was the first book. After that I realized that the story concept
could go on in relation to the villain, Mangarna. Redemption was then the subject of the second
book 'Mangarna in Exile', and the possibility that light can shine in even the darkest place. Then
having two stories, I thought how wonderful it would be to combine the two and for the old
enemies and lead characters of the first two books to have to face one another, find forgiveness
and become allies in order to conquer an outside force. So the original book became a
trilogy.
SPJ: Thank you Tony. How long did it take you to complete this work?
TONY: Each book took about three months to write to first draft. There was a great deal of
organisation, keeping track of cultures, language, terminologies etc in order to maintain
continuity. At the end of the writing, there was a total of nine editing and rewriting processes in
order to get the work to its present state.
SPJ: I certainly can understand the work behind that. Keeping track of all your wonderful
characters and what they do had to be an immense job. How did you ever come up with all the
different characters that you tickled our fancy with in your book. I loved them and loved the
world that they created.
TONY: I guess I'm just a big kid. Being an only child I got used to playing by myself and learned
how to use my imagination. That quality in me has further developed in adulthood. Thankfully I've
been blessed with that sort of mind and also an ability to express my ideas. To answer your
question- I'm completely mad, and all those creatures do exist in my head. Where did they come
from- God only knows. As for the world that they created- I think that's how it should be, don't
you?
SPJ: To tell you the truth Tony, yes I do think that is how it should be! I truly loved your
characters and the world that they lived in. Tell me this; while writing your work, did it flow
freely from you, or were there times of writer's block, and if so, what did you do to overcome
it?
TONY: While writing one of my projects I write between 1,000 to 2,500 words per day,
religiously. I find that one has to be disciplined- that is how I believe, we learn and develop the
craft. I am lucky to have sound powers of focus and concentration and over the last five years
have written well over 500,000 words. To this date I have not ever experienced writers block. If I
am not in the mood, I find that after re-reading the last dozen pages of my work, my mind settles
back into it and I'm off and running once again.
SPJ: That is great Tony! Just curious, after completing your work, what did it leave you with and
what are you hoping it will leave with your readers?
TONY: Completing any book is like resolving an unresolved part of your life, the feeling is
immense relief. It's not that I didn't enjoy the process, but more that my creative journey has
concluded and my soul,for the moment, is content. This particular book was indeed close to my
heart. The characters I nurtured with care and they became my world, my friends for a time. I
loved writing this trilogy- it was fanciful, amusing and meaningful. My hope is that my readers
will live the adventure as I have done and believe, and care for the characters I have created. I
hope when the reader turns the last page, they'll be saddened-to leave such a pleasurable
experience. But then again- you can read it again!
SPJ: Tony, your writing takes the reader into the adventure and when the read is complete, you
do hope that there will be another novel waiting soon to be enjoyed. Tony, is this your first
published work? If not please tell us what else you have published.
TONY: Yes, this is my first published work. However, I am working on my seventh novel at the
moment, and I expect my second book will be published this year.
SPJ: You seem very disciplined in your writing; how many hours a day do you write?
TONY: Usually about three to five hours per day is what I achieve. I don't write at particular
times, so my writing has to fit into my other responsibilities of daily life. But I do insist that I
write each day as a matter of course, even if it's just editing of rewriting. I thoroughly believe in
the need for discipline.
SPJ: Do you have a special place where you write?
TONY: My computer has nearly always been in my bedroom. I need the privacy and it just feels
right somehow. SPJ: Your book is outstanding, and I believe that we will see your story made
into a movie one day. Tell me, who is your favorite character in your book and why?
TONY: Norbit, without doubt. In a way, he is only a minor character, but the look of him, his
predicament and in the end his courage is heartwarming.
SPJ: Interesting! What was the hardest part of the book to write? What was the most
enjoyable?
TONY: The weddings were the most fun, trying to create the mood and feeling of such an
occasion, with all the ceremony and special organisation. The Artecs are joyful creatures and the
wedding is an extension of all their beliefs. Some of the actions scenes were particularly difficult.
Warring and violent action can be a daunting task for the writer- having to express and describe
what is happening whilst maintaining flow, contrast and building up and settling down. Some
sections were written and rewritten many, many times to make the passages simply feel right. But
in the end, it was all worth it
SPJ: Tony, here comes the age old question! Did you find it difficult to find a published for your
work?
TONY: No writer finds it easy to find a publisher, that goes without saying. But in Australia, the
situation is even worse because of our small population and market. Publishers are unwilling to
look at new writers and it is always difficult to simply get read, let alone published. I have so far
received about forty odd rejections. No one has been terribly negative about my writing, in fact
I've got a lot of encouragement, but the rejections are normally based on- 'Not suitable for our list'
or 'No room on the list' or Don't handle the genre'. My decision to look at POD in America was, I
think an intelligent move. The competition is far greater, but the market is there and the
opportunity. I have always had great faith in my work.
SPJ: What advice would you give to new authors who are seeking publication and are totally
discouraged?
TONY: In order to survive being a writer today one has to have- tenacity, the patience of a saint,
the hide of a rhinoceros, the technical prowess of an English professor and an overriding and
undeniable belief in yourself. It's not really a big ask, is it? All jokes aside, we writers have chosen
one of the most demanding, competitive and utterly frustrating careers imaginable. But what I
have said is simply one side of the coin. Here's my advice...
If you are truly a writer and you want this career to be successful, this is what you have to
understand -- You are an individual whose ideas and means to express them are as individual as
the stars above. No one can write like you. So do it for the love of it and nothing else; practice
and develop the craft in every way; stretch your ability daily and be disciplined; understand the
business you want to be a part of- the logistics and process by which publishers read and accept
manuscripts; never release a manuscript before it is ready, fine tuned and above all grammatically
correct. Remember half a billion dollars later, J.K. Rowling's success was due to a young
secretary who thought that her first book was worth reading, and in the end virtually shoved the
book down her bosses throat in order for him to read it. The moral- apart from all your work and
presentation, success can often be the result of 'Dumb Luck'. This is reality and publishers have to
know they're going to make money out of you. But yes, you can be an overnight success- it just
takes years of exhaustive work and commitment. But if you are a writer and you can't be anything
else, then make the miracle happen!
SPJ: Thank you Tony, excellent advice! If you could sit down with publishers, what would you
say to them? TONY: I feel generally that Publishers are somewhat tainted by the avalanche of
manuscripts that fall onto their desks, and they can become insensitive and numb to the
possibilities of commercial success. I would suggest to a publisher that they hold a far greater
power than they realize, as to what is accepted and sought after by the buying public. Genres can
be milked and developed by intelligent marketing, the disregarded manuscript of today, perhaps
the 'Harry Potter' of tomorrow- it simply takes a little insight and faith. I would say that I
understand the pressures from booksellers, clambering for extra margins to maintain their
businesses, but don't lower costs by cutting back on quality editing and or marketing, and time on
developing new talent. I'd say be kind to us writers, and encourage our commitment, we could be
your next meal ticket. Above all, READ our work and don't cast it aside without review. We are
endeavoring to be professionals, and we expect the same consideration and response from
you.
Sticky note from Shirley: You know, I ask that question from everyone of the authors I interview.
I would love to know if even one publisher ever reads their answers. If you do,or have, would you
let me know! I think the authors always have some good advice for you! Thanks!
SPJ: Overall, how would you rate the way publishers have treated you, as a new author
presenting your work to them for review?
TONY: Overall, I have been lucky and generally treated well and professionally. However I know
for a fact that up to 75% of my submissions have been dismissed out of hand- lucky to have had
the first page scanned. That tells me two things-either the publisher had no intention of taking on
new work or the reviewer is simply too lazy to be bothered. Either way it is time wasted. I do
understand the problems with having so many writers submitting work, but I'd much rather be
read and told that the work had bad grammar, weak plot, poorly developed characters or
whatever, rather that be dismissed with nothing but a 'Thanks but No thanks' letter. Mind you I
have thought of wall papering my bedroom with them all. It may one day become appropriate.
But I must say my relationship with 'We-Publish' has been more than rewarding. They are
committed to my work and have been, and remain completely professional and supportive to my
needs as a writer and personally. Again a little luck on my part.
SPJ: Do you have to promote your work, if so would you tell us a little about this?
TONY: My situation is a little different, living in Australia and having the book published in the
states. I can only do so much here, but We Publish are doing a great job on my behalf.
SPJ: Where would you like to see your writing career in five years?
TONY: Like all writers I would like some success, both financially and personally. To gain the
respect of the writing fraternity would be greatly rewarding. In five years I would like to see one
of my books get on a best seller list and also to have sold the movie rites for at least one. These
are rather high goals indeed, but this is what I am working towards.
SPJ: Tony, you are an excellent writer. I expect to read many more works from you and to see
your books made into movies. Do you have family/friend support in your writing career and how
important do you think this is for a writer?
TONY: I have the most supportive friends and family anyone could have. My wife took on full
time employment after many years out of the workforce, so that I could write full time. The path
has not been easy financially, and my family have gone without in order for me to realize my
dreams, and I could have never gotten this far without them. Writers need all the support they can
get.
SPJ: Do you read a lot and do you feel this helps your own writing?
TONY: I have never been an avid reader and now that I write so often, my reading is even less
frequent. Most of my reading these days is based on research or resource books. From novel
reading I have acquired the knowledge of how I wish to be perceived as a writer. I have
deliberately tried not to be influenced too much by other styles and methodologies, instead trying
to develop and hone my own. This, I think has been valuable for me. I don't suggest it to
everyone.
SPJ: Do you have an agent, and how important do you feel this is for a writer?
TONY: At the right time in your career, an agent can prove to be invaluable. They generally have
good relationships with publishers, who value their opinion. They also handle most business
aspects of your career, which can be a relief if you're not into that side of things. But Agents cost
money and if you are lucky enough to have a good publisher, you certainly don't have to have
one. I have not required one as yet- hopefully one day I'll need one.
In closing, I just want to say that if you enjoy imaginative, descriptive writing that is well paced
and offers more than just a simple tale, then you'll enjoy my work. My hope is that the reader will
live the work as I have done and after the last page has been turned, saddened to say goodbye.
Enjoy!
SPJ: I want to thank Tony for allowing me to interview him. Please see the review of his
outstanding book in this column. Believe me, it will be worth your time to purchase this book and
read it. You won't be able to put it down until the last page, and yes, you will be saddened to say
goodbye. I wish Tony great success in his writing, but with such talent, he is sure to be a
winner!
God's speed!
CONTACT INFORMATION: Tony DeLorger- Adelaide, South Australia. E-mail
tonysued@chariot.net.au
The THEBAN Trilogy
Tony DeLorger
We-publish
4301 McPherson Av. Suite 105-4692, Laredo, TX 78041
1-800-886-5059
ISBN: 1-931335-71-0, 443 pgs., $22.95, http://www.we-publish.com,
editor@mail.wepublish.com
When I was asked to read and review "The Theban Trilogy", I have to admit I groaned.
Already being overloaded with books; I wasn't sure I wanted to take on a three part book, but I
am so glad that I did. Three tales spun under one cover, the Mountain Diva of Thebos, Mangarna
in Exile and The Theban War, all could stand proudly alone, yet intertwine leaving the reader
breathless, turning the pages to see where destiny has led each character. Outstanding!
Do you like works such as "Lord of The Ring"? If you do, this book stands side by side with that
work, or perhaps even a little higher.
Mystical creatures, strange cultures, wizards and flying beings all grace the pages of this
wonderful adventure. All of the creatures of this book have a job to do to keep the harmony of
their world in tact, it is when this is threatened by Mangarna, a creature whose job is custodian of
the ground ,that the adventures begin. Mangarna is not content with his purpose in life and
decides that he must rule the Kingdom. He begins to enslave the different creatures using them to
mine, so he will have enough crystals to complete his powerful weapon that will enslave them all.
He has no regard for life, to him all creatures are to be used to bring him victory. You will find
your mind wondering, just what is the magical power of the Diva and how will it be used to stop
this evil?
It is here that we become acquainted with Arlin,his family, and his wonderful village called 'Iba'. A
village of gentle creatures that tend to the forest floor; healing and caring for the trees and foliage
that grows there. Arlin is but a young boy, but soon he will walk in his destiny and become a man,
as he is thrust into the battle of saving their world. After his true love Desta is captured by
Mangarna, Arlin begins a quest with other delightful creatures to stop the evil Mangarna. The
fight is on, and you are drawn into a wonderful adventure as you share the fear, defeats and finally
the victory of these mystical creatures.
Mangarna is defeated and is exiled forever!
Book two begins with the exile of Mangarna in a forsaken desert. Even though you cheered for
his defeat in book one, your heart will begin to cry for him and his despair as he wonders alone in
this hellish place.
However, his destiny will not be death, as he finds a civilization within this parched land and falls
in love with the leaders daughter. Is there redemption for someone who emitted such hate? Can
love turn an evil soul around? Mangarna indeed finds the true meaning of his existence in this tale,
and again you are introduced to more creatures that will delight your imagination. I shook my
head and inwardly applauded the author's brillant imagination as I enjoyed meeting all these
colorful characters.
The final book brings Arlin and Mangarna together again, but this time it is not to fight each
other. No, they must join forces to fight the one threat that could destroy both of their worlds and
the ones they love.
Will Arlin be able to find the forgiveness in his heart towards Mangarna that is needed to win this
final battle? Your heart will race as you watch the once bitter enemies learn the true meaning of
life, and the power of forgiveness!
There are so many creatures of such amazing forms and lifestyles that it would be impossible for
this reviewer to do them justice in such a short space. You will have to read this tale to truly
embrace the imagination of this authors words. He brings them to life in such a way that you will
have a silent wish in your heart that they truly do exist.
The Theban Trilogy, a book that must not be ignored, but one that should grace every bookshelf
and have the chance to delight every readers heart. Excellent Mr. DeLorger! I cannot give this a
high enough recommendation. A must read!
Shirley Johnson
Reviewer/Interviewer
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
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