	Book Reviews, Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers
Home / MBR Bookwatch

MBR Bookwatch

Volume 4, Number 5 May 2005 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Cynthia's Bookshelf Donovan's Bookshelf Harold's Bookshelf

Klausner's Bookshelf Laurel's Bookshelf Shelley's Bookshelf

Shirley's Bookshelf Vicki's Bookshelf

Cynthia's Bookshelf
Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal
Eric Schlosser
Perennial
ISBN 0060938455 $14.95 400 pages

Very Highly Recommended

When a friend called to recommend that I read FAST FOOD NATION, she warned that I would find it virtually impossible to work in the industry again. She was right. Author Eric Schlosser presents an in-depth account of the companies and people who make double cheeseburgers possible. However, readers beware. After reading FAST FOOD NATION, you will never again be able to pull through a drive through with casual oblivion to what you eat or who servers you.

While Schlosser presents an excellent account of the stresses of working in fast food from the slaughter houses to the back line assembly, the one thing he fails to emphasize is the stresses on the managers of fast food. In Hardee's, for example, restaurant managers only get their salary if they work fifty hour weeks. Since managers are required to wear headsets while on duty, that means fifty hours of the drive through dinging in one's ears, even while serving customers at the front counter. Since fast food also makes up its labor out of management, that also means that the restaurant manager is either bagging food or working the drive through in addition to the rest of her responsibilities. Indeed, one manager and one cook (a total of only two employees) can run the entire restaurant for ten hours a day. Nevertheless, Schlosser does mention a pizza manager who makes $22,000 a year for a fifty-hour week. That's about the average pay scale, including bonuses, for restaurant managers (not general managers).

Perhaps the most traumatic accounts of the fast food industry do not lie, however, in the endless drudgery of drive through, but in the slaughterhouses across the Midwest. As independent ranching practices give way to major corporations, the displaced lives seldom find voice. Schlosser does an excellent job of combining the facts with the faces that makes this tragedy real. From men who have given their lives or their health out of company loyalty or the need to feed their families, to the women who have sharpen their carving knives while preparing the family dinner, each account springs vividly from the pages.

FAST FOOD NATION is a must read for everyone. With the mobile lifestyle most of us have adapted, eliminating fast food from one's diet would be virtually impossible. However, if consumers are going to continue to eat those delicious cheeseburgers and calorie defying meals, then they should be aware of what they consume and at what cost. Knowledge is power, and the necessary changes that must come to this industry will only occur if we educate ourselves and make the appropriate demands for ourselves as consumers. Extremely well written, well presented, and impossible to put down, FAST FOOD NATION comes very highly recommended.

My Favorite Mistake
Stephanie Bond
Harlequin
3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373791739 $4.75 250 pages

Very Highly Recommended

A tax audit brings Denise Cooke and her ex-husband Redford back together. Three years were not enough to make her forget his logic defying effect, and she fears that seeing him again will once again awaken her best-forgotten wild side. Certainly their brief time together in Los Vegas was proof enough that she was incapable of maintaining her ordinary logic where Redford Demoss is concerned. While their marriage lasted long enough to file taxes together, their subsequent annulment prevented any further contact until now.

Denise has never told current boyfriend about her first husband. While their relationship lacks the vivid spark that characterized her relationship with Redmond, it is stable, comfortable and predictable. After two years of mild courtship, she accepts his proposal just before she must see Redford again. And while the conclusion of this story might seem rather inevitable given the genre, the humor, levity and delight of the journey makes MY FAVORITE MISTAKE a delightful read.

Author Stephanie Bond pens a vividly refreshing romance in MY FAVORITE MISTAKE. Perhaps her own past corporate world lends the fabulously entertaining heroine her convincing charm. While Ms Bond's background is computing and Denise Cooke's is financials, the commonality of the carefully controlled office experience lends the novel a crisp reality while sensual temptation gives Denise an even more convincing edge. From the running of the brides and Denise's ongoing eBay bid to get her dress back, to the sensual temptation of the hunky former marine, Ms Bond's deft, first person narrative departs from Harlequin's usual narrative style. Indeed, MY FAVORITE MISTAKE certainly illustrates the author's gift for weaving original, brilliant romance that readers find impossible to put down. MY FAVORITE MISTAKE comes highly recommended.

Cynthia Penn, Senior Reviewer
http://webpages.charter.net/cindy_penn/

Donovan's Bookshelf
San Francisco's Market Street Railway
Walt Vielbaum, Philip Hoffman, Grant Ute, Robert Townley
Arcadia Publications
www.arcadiapublishing.com
0738529672 $19.99

While intended for the San Francisco history buff, SAN FRANCISCO'S MARKET STREET RAILWAY, is sure to be relished by any urban traction fan: packed with clear vintage black and white shots of various incarnations of the Market Street Railway, chapters provide a wonderful overview of San Francisco's transit challenges over the decades. From central Market Street outward, changes from additions to subtractions of San Francisco and surrounding city trolley lines are detailed, with each photo receiving not only a descriptive sentence, but explanation of why it was important, expanded or discontinued. It's these extensive notes, tied to the vintage shots, which make for such an important coverage: this, and the attention to including historically significant yet clear, sharp photos.

Admiral Sir Henry Morgan
Terry Breverton
Pelican Publishing
1000 Burmaster St., Gretna, LA 70053-2246
1589802772 $14.95 1-800-843-1724 www.pelicanpub.com

Welshman Henry Morgan began as a naval officer, but made his reputation as a fierce pirate - a reputation challenged in the first libel lawsuit brought into protect a book about him published in 1684 claiming he was a terror of the high seas. In fact, he'd been commissioned to help the British navy fighting enemies of the crown and proved his worth as a military strategist on the high seas, and Welsh history expert Terry Breverton provides this full account of Morgan's myths and realities in his lively biography ADMIRAL SIR HENRY MORGAN: KING OF THE BUCCANEERS. Chapters review his leadership, his heroic struggles, and his ability to plan attacks which would ensure British supremacy abroad. An unusual, lively read.

Discovering Lewis & Clark From the Air
Joeph A. Mussulman & Jim Wark
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
087842489X $24.00 1-800-234-5308 www.mountain-press.com

So many Lewis and Clark books have appeared in celebration of the anniversary that it's initially difficult to see the need for yet another - that is, until you open the pages to discover aerial photographer Jim Wark and history buff Joseph Mussulman have provided a very different view. The Lewis and Clark expedition route is followed from the air, accompanied by step-by-step discussion of their route choices and explorations in a fascinating, visually pleasing survey.

HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd St., New York NY 10022-5299
www.harpercollins.com

Students of plague history, whether it be from a social or a medical perspective, receive a hard-hitting history which stands out from other studies on the subject in John Kelly's THE GREAT MORTALITY: AN INTIMATE HISTORY OF THE BLACK DEATH, THE MOST DEVASTATING PLAGUE OF ALL TIME (0060006927 $25.95) . In 1347 the plague literally sailed into Sicily, and would change the face of Europe and Asia, introducing an unprecedented killer disease affecting not just people, but animals. From its beginnings in central Asia to its movement across Europe, the Black Death seemed to destroy virtually any living thing it touched - and the drama and are captured in a vivid narrative which brings the facts to life in THE GREAT MORTALITY. Rosemary Gong's GOOD LUCK LIFE: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CHINESE AMERICAN CELEBRATIONS AND CULTURE (0060735368, $14.95) is the first to delve into Chinese rituals and beliefs, and the insights to be had from Chinese holidays and celebrations. Facts, legends, foods and planning guides cover all holidays and rituals year-round and pack in recipes for many specialty items. A fun title, GOOD LUCK LIFE is especially recommended for any planning a special Chinese celebration.

O'Reilly & Associates
1005 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol, CA 95472
www.oreilly.com

These outstanding desktop references should not only be standard public library acquisitions, but should be in the home libraries of every avid computer user. David A. Karp, Tim O'Reilly and Troy Mott's WINDOWS XP IN A NUTSHELL: A DESKTOP QUICK REFERENCE (0596009003, $29.95) appears in its second updated edition to provide both an in-depth and quick desk reference to the Windows operating system. So what's there to know about it? Everything, from configuring Service Pack 2 to understanding special commands and utilities and custom configuration options for the XP system. But, the information doesn't stop with a system review alone: tips on how to build a wireless home network, connecting to the Internet using various options, and more make WINDOWS XP IN A NUTSHELL an outstanding reference choice. Ditto Mark H. walker 7 Franklin Tessler's OFFICE 2004 FOR MACINTOSH: THE MISSING MANUAL (0596008201, $29.95): here's an Office 2004 for Mac user's guide which isn't the authorized book - and which therefore offers candid assessments of the pros and cons, ins and outs of using a Mac system with Office 2004. Advice ranges from fine-tuning the system for optimum performance to getting around common frustrations, and understanding which features are fluff and which are truly valuable. Jesse Liberty's PROGRAMMING C# (0596006993, $44.95) is a recommended technical pick for any developing applications on the .NET platform: such users will find this fourth edition of C# provides professionals with all the details needed to absorb the language, concepts, and applications. From objects and interfaces to handling strings, expressions and bugs, C# users receive a foundation of hard facts which lend to building a solid C# platform - and all text has been updated for Visual Studio 2005, .NET Framework 2.0 and C# 2.0. Two Linux operating system guides are also essential programmer references. Administrators will welcome Tony Bautts, Terry Dawson and Gregor N. Purdy's LINUX NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR'S GUIDE, 3RD EDITION (0596005482, $34.5), a guide packed with the basics important to network and system administration. Networking hardware and software, utilities, and new coverage of Apache, Samba and other services provides the latest details on wired and wireless applications, from initial configuration to troubleshooting. Jonathan Crobet, Alessandro Rubini and Greg Kroah-Hartman's LINUX DEVICE DRIVERS (0596006903, $39.95) also appears in its third updated edition to provide the latest update for any who wish to run new hardware under Linux. Linux kernal programming is at the heart of a title which reveals the basics of Unix system calls and C - but users needn't be hardcore programmers to find useful topics such as driver debugging, memory management, and driver models. Bonnie Biafore's QUICKBOOKS 2005: THE MISSING MANUAL (0596009011, $29.95) presents all the ins, out, and oddities of the latest Quickbooks version. Chapters show how to make unattended, automated backups, how to customize inventory and purchasing forms, how to reconcile accounts and track time - basically, how to fine-tune the entire QuickBooks experience. Preston Gralla's WINDOWS XP HACKS: TIPS & TOOLS FOR OPTIMIZING YOUR OS (0596009186, $29.95) appears in its second updated edition to cover SP 2, revealing both wireless hacks and Firefox, MSN desktop search and more. Everything from encryption to using email is covered. Customguide's WORD 2003 PERSONAL TRAINER (0596009364, $29.95) uses interactive simulation software (included with the book) to replicate the experience of using Word 2003. From working with graphics and tables to creating outlines and performing a mail merge, all the bells and whistles of Word are revealed in a course designed for Word users who wish to refine their skills set. Organized in a 'workout' fashion, the software training guide will find many a classroom application as well as individual study value. Fine references, all.

Orchard Books
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com

For an old-fashioned story of yesteryear, tune in to James Mayhew's KATIE'S SUNDAY AFTERNOON (0439606780, $16.95), following young Katie's visit to an art museum on a hot summer day, where a painting of a group of swimmers in a cool river prompts her to dive - right into the painting. The ensuing flood could ruin the art museum unless Katie can take quick action. Boys will appreciate Alexander Zane's WHEELS ON THE RACE CAR (0439590809, $14.95), following the chaotic action on an animal-driven racetrack which matches a classic rhyme with uncommon action. Real race car drama is captured with zany animal racers in a whimsical, fun story. Elizabeth Swados' THE ANIMAL RESCUE STORE (0439554764, $16.95) receives fun drawings by Anne Wilson as it tells of tough tabby cats, snooty llamas, and frightening tarantulas: all hard creatures to rescue, and all given their own rhymes by Swados along with colorful drawings. Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken's THE QUILT MAKERS JOURNEY (0439512190, $17.95) tells of a young girl who leaves home in search of the meaning of happiness outside her village. Instead, her search shows her there are less fortunate people in the world - and that she can help them. A lovely fable which will benefit from parental read-aloud - as will Philip Pullman's ALADDIN AND THE ENCHANTED LAMP (0439692555, $16.95), illustrated with many full-page drawings by Sophy Williams and requiring good reading skills or parental assistance as it tells of a poor mischief-maker and lazy boy whose encounter with enchantment changes his life. Caroline Jayne Church's ONE SMART GOOSE (0439687659, $16.95) is an easy reader requiring little adult assistance as it tells of a sneaky fox who chases all the geese except one. What's the lonely little goose's anti-fox secret? Paeony Lewis' NO MORE COOKIES! (0439683327, $16.95) receives Brita Granstrom's fun drawings and tells of the bottom of the cookie tin - and a girl and her stuffed monkey's plans to get more cookies. Florence invents zany ways to get more; but her mother has eually zany lesson plans. Jon J. Muth's ZEN SHORTS (0439339111, $16.95) will require some reading skills or parental assistance but provides an engaging, unusual story of a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing stories. Lovely watercolors accompany a host of engaging tales. Jane Wattenberg's NEVER CRY WOOF! (0439216753, $16.95) retells a tale of bragging, boasting, and lying, reviving an Aesop fable with new puns, rhymes, and dog photos mixed with fun reflections. An excellent and fresh new treatment of an old fable. Richard Jesse Watson's THE MAGIC RABBIT (0590479644, $15.95) tells the winning story of an unusual rabbit who discovers a hat can be powered by his own imagination. The rabbit becomes a magician and the hat becomes a flurry of activity in this fun tale of magic exploration. Nancy Tafuri's GOODNIGHT, MY DUCKLING (0439398819, $16.95) tells of a mama duck who leads her tired kids home for the night. One feisty duckling lags beyond to play with the pond animals, only to find he's been left behind: how can he catch up? THE RED BIRD by Astrid Lindgren and Marit Tornqvist (0439627966, $16.95) comes from the creator of PIPPI LONGSTOCKING and provides a fine picturebook story of two children who live with the sternest farmer in the village. The kids are overworked and friendless until a lovely red bird leads them to a beautiful haven: they can stay forever, if they make a terrible choice. Good reading skills required from grades 3-5 for appreciation of this complex yet winning tale.

'Visual Dictionary' titles
Jean-Claude Corbell & Ariane Archambault
Firefly Books
4 Daybreak Lane, Westport, CT 06880
1-800-387-5085 www.fireflybooks.com

Yes, you've seen visual dictionary titles before: but not like these. Bilingual users will find these exceptional references for both home and library alike, packing in thousands of terms in English and other languages accompanied by clear color photos. THE FIREFLY SPANISH/ENGLISH VISUAL DICTIONARY (1552979512, $29.95) provides over three thousand color pictures illustrating the meaning of 28,000 Spanish and English terms, its FRENCH/ENGLISH VISUAL DICTIONARY (1552979504, $29.95) does the same for French, showing what other dictionaries can only describe with more limited language; and the amazing FIVE LANGUAGE VISUAL DICTIONARY (1552977781, $49.95) packs in over 35,000 terms in English, Spanish, German, French and Italian for maximum coverage. All are outstanding, highly recommended references linking visuals to words.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Greenwood's references are highly recommended picks for both high school and college-level libraries: they cover major religious figures, offer comprehensive histories of movements and religions, and are solid and in-depth references suitable for reports and study. Holdings strong in Catholic studies have three references to choose from among Greenwood's latest publications: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CATHOLIC LITERATURE (0313322899, $199.95) analyzes over 70 major works from around the world, using two volumes to survey male and female writers, minority writers, and any major contributors to exploring Catholic experiences. Each entry includes a brief biography, plot summaries of major works, in-depth critical surveys and an overview of the work's importance in Catholic writings. Author Mary R. Reichardt is a professor of English and Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas, and hers is an essential encyclopedia for any Catholic reference library holding. CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES edited by Thomas C. Hunt, Ellis A. Joseph and Ronald J. Nuzzi (1573565326, $175.00) will appeal to college-level holdings strong in education or Catholic education: the 2-volume set provides over three hundred entries by over 35 contributors on all aspects of Catholic education, from academic organization, indoctrination, discipline and learning styles to issues of sex education and church/state connections. Traditions of Catholic principles of education are covered in depth. Meg Greene's biography MOTHER TERESA (0313327718) provides an excellent biography suitable for high schools and public collections alike. Mother Teresa's beliefs, her noted humanistic works, and her vision to live and work among the poorest in the world are reviewed in an excellent work filling a reference gap for comprehensive yet readable biographies. Timelines and photos round out the coverage. Two other excellent guides are recommended reference picks: Richard G. Olson's SCIENCE AND RELIGION, 1450-1900 FROM COPERNICUS TO DARWIN (0313326940, $65.00) tels of the influence early Christianity had on scientific concepts and discoveries. From Jesuits who helped develop experimental science during the Scientific Revolution to 18th century interactions between theology and scientific principles, SCIENCE AND RELIGION, 1450-1900 FROM COPERNICUS TO DARWIN is an excellent, comprehensive survey. Eugene V. Gallagher's NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA (0313328072, $55.00) joins others in Greenwood's 'American Religious Experience' series, focussing on new religions and their interactions with accepted major religious groups. The Nation of Islam, Wiccans, Church of Scientology and more are surveyed in the course of probing how the new religious movements operate and interact in American culture.

Trains to Yosemite
Jack A. Burgess
Signature Press
11508 Green Rd., Wilton, CA 95693
1930013140 $65.00 1-800-356-5687 www.signaturepress.com

Yosemite's natural history and wonders had become well known by the mid 1850s, but few tourists wanted to travel to the remote historic valley via horse: enter the train in 1907, which allowed visitors to reach the park in less than a day, fostering an increase in park appreciation which continues to this day. Yosemite Valley Railroad expert Jack Burgess began his study of the railroad in the mid-1960s as he searched for an appropriate prototype for his model railroad layout: his interest in modeling led to much more than a casual probe of the Yosemite Valley Railroad system, as the 400 black and white vintage photos, maps and illustrations packing detail into TRAINS TO YOSEMITE proves. Rail buffs will find well over 300 pages of detail pack in not just history, but very specific train details, from switching routines and classification lamps to relocated lines and bridges. It is this depth of information which is the mark of the model hobbyist - and which lends so perfectly to a complete, comprehensive coverage of the real thing. Yes, TRAINS TO YOSEMITE is a specialty item for rail transportation or California-specific collections: but such holdings will find it essential.

Morning Sun Books Inc.
9 Pheasant Lane, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
www.morningsunbooks.com

Train buffs and libraries strong in transportation holdings won't want to miss these two excellent train guides. James Sandrin's TRACKSIDE AROUND ST. LOUIS 1952-1959 WITH JIM OZMENT (1582480397, $54.95): St. Louis was one of the train gateways to the West but was an under-photographed hub until native Jim Ozment captured the last of the steam era and the introduction of diesels in the 1950s. His outstanding photos pack the pages of James Sandrin's TRACKSIDE AROUND ST. LOUIS, packing in action shots of trains in motion, train yards, close-ups of PCC cars, and much more. Just about every type of train running in Saint Louis during this period was captured by Ozment's camera, creating an outstanding collection of in-depth images. Lou Schmitz and Robert J. Yanosey's UNION PACIFIC OFFICIAL COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK II (1582480052, $54.95) is a recommended pick not just for specialty train collections, but for the general library holding. The Union Pacific was prolific in its advertising and color calendars, and extensive in its services: here's a history and photo-packed showcase of the Union Pacific's routes, trains and heritage. Train views from annual reports, calendars, and action shots display the best of the Union Pacific's units, providing comparison photos, posed and live shots, and many more. Add report covers and other illustrations from Union Pacific archives and you have a valuable keepsake history.

Diane Donovan
West Coast Editor

Harold's Bookshelf
Programming Ruby: The Pragmatic Programmers' Guide, Second Edition
Dave Thomas, Chad Fowler, Andy Hunt
The Pragmatic Programmers, LLC.
P.O. Box 293325, Lewisville, TX 75029-3325
ISBN: 0974514055 $44.95 862 pp.

Ruby is an increasingly popular cross-platform, object-oriented language. With 98 standard libraries and the ability to access Windows native APIs it is a very powerful way to write programs where you might have used CGI, XML, or SOAP before. The book contains an excellent tutorial, a language reference, and documentation on all built-in classes, modules, and methods.

As you would expect, the authors cover installing the software as well as practical examples to help learn the programming techniques. With over 350 pages of documentation and references just on classes and libraries, the coverage is extensive and detailed. This is a very practical guide on how to use Ruby effectively and efficiently. Programming Ruby is highly recommended to anyone who needs a more flexible and powerful programming system than Perl, XML, CGI, or SOAP.

Moo Who?
Margie Palatini
HarperCollinsPublishers
1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019-4703
ISBN: 0060001054 $15.99 40 pp.

This is just what most children want in a favorite book; a humorous story and hysterical illustrations. Hilda Mae Heifer lost her moo, how can she discover the sound she is supposed to make? This is the story of how she lost her moo, her attempts to find out what sound a cow is supposed to make, and how Hilda Mae Heifer got her moo back. "Moo Who?" is highly recommended for a laugh out loud time with your child.

The Layman's Desk Reference Set
George Knight and W. Ray Rayburn
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books imprint
PO Box 719, Uhrichsville, OH 44683
ISBN: 1593102143 $24.97 352 pp.

This book set consists of three small hardcover books - a Bible Dictionary, Quick Reference Concordance, and a Bible Handbook. The Quick Reference Concordance does an excellent job of finding the middle ground between the small concordance typically found in the back of a Bible and an exhaustive concordance such as Strong's. It not only lists individual words but also key phrases and where to find them. This is a very nice and intuitive concordance that is both useful and user-friendly.

The Bible Dictionary contains thousands of entries with both a definition of the entry and a reference to specific verses where it occurs. Also included are several small black-and-white photographs.

The Bible Handbook contains a short introduction to each book of the Bible, a summary of the book, and various notes in the form of sidebars. This is a very well done small handbook. I especially like the summary of each book of the Bible. The author takes a section of the book that is related to a particular theme or event, lists the particular verses, and then provides the summary of that theme or event. This way you know not only what is happening but also the specific verses if you want to go back to the Bible and read the whole text.

Although the books are small they are packed with accurate, useful information. This desk reference set makes an excellent gift for your favorite pastor, Bible teacher, or Bible student. Easily one of the most useful and user-friendly sets for the average Bible student, The Layman's Desk Reference Set is highly recommended and an excellent resource for Christians.

The King James Study Bible
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books imprint
PO Box 719, Uhrichsville, OH 44683
ISBN: 1557487456 $34.95 1614 pp.

The King James Version of the Bible is one of the most popular translations available. Some like it best just because of tradition, some because of the poetic flow of so much of the text, and others for a wide variety of other reasons. If the King James is your favorite version then this is one of the few Study Bibles available for that translation.

I read through many of the notes on the bottom of the pages and found them to be both useful and relevant. Although many of the notes cross-reference other verses, historical information, or similar items, some represent specific doctrinal beliefs. Those readers with a conservative belief system will find the notes much more to their liking than those with a more liberal approach. For example, the notes to the creation account in the beginning of Genesis support only one position - there was an original earth that was destroyed and then recreated again with the Garden of Eden. This will cause a lot of fundamentalists great distress and even many conservatives view this as only one of the possible interpretations of the first few verses. The reason for this is because this Study Bible presents the viewpoint of C. I. Scofield with no presentation of any alternatives.

One of the really great features of the book is the material included in the back. For example, instead of just a concordance it contains a real subject index, glossary, index of proper names, topical study, concordance, and an alphabetical listing of the teachings of Christ. This makes it a great book for looking up items by subject instead of having to know specific words contained in the verse or what verses are related to the subject. If you are a fan of Scofield (and there are many) then The King James Study Bible will be one of your favorites. If you are not particularly a fan of Scofield you will still find it a useful resource due to the excellent study and research resources included. The King James Study Bible is highly recommended as a solid study Bible.

Key Word Commentary
Mark Water
AMG Publishers
6815 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
ISBN: 0899574408 $34.97 1207 pp.

In this outline style commentary each chapter of each book of the Bible is given its own single page, which is organized into ten divisions. The ten comments about each chapter are (1) Before and After, (2) Analysis of the Chapter, (3) Key Verse, (4) Key Word or Phrase, (5) Key Event, Person or Theme, (6) Key Thought, (7) Key Thing to Look For, (8) Key Bible Cross-reference, (9) Key explanation, and (10) Key Quote. Most people think of a commentary work examining and explaining verses, particular word use, customs of the time, or similar. This book contains no commentary of that nature. Instead it is a chapter level examination of the bible. If you are interested in a key thought summary of each chapter of the Bible this is just what you are looking for. If you are looking for a word and verse level commentary you will be disappointed. On the other hand, if you are looking for a high-level summary and outline of the Bible the Key Word Commentary is recommended.

I Love My Daddy
Sebastien Braun
HarperCollinsPublishers
1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019-4703
ISBN: 0060543116 $12.99 32 pp.

I Love My Daddy focuses on the many things a father and child do together and celebrates the loving relationship between them. With a single short sentence on each page it is simple enough for the beginning reader and yet profound enough to emphasize and strengthen that relationship. I Love My Daddy is a very highly recommended children's early reader book and great for father and child to sit down and enjoy together.

GNU/Linux Application Programming
M. Tim Jones
Charles River Media, Inc.
10 Downer Avenue, Hingham, MA 02043
ISBN: 1584503718 $49.95 465 pp.

Written for application developers, this book is a great source of information on working with the GNU/Linux architecture and process model. If you know something about programming but want to know how to use those skills in the GNU/Linux environment this is one of the best books available. The coverage is thorough and filled with coding examples to illustrate the concepts. To make your life easier it even has all the coding examples included on a CD in the back of the book. Areas examined include the GNU compiler, automake, shells, scripting, creating and using libraries, named pipes, semaphores, sockets, and shared memory. The book wraps up with a section on debugging and testing your application. GNU/Linux Application Programming is an excellent source of information for the new to intermediate GNU/Linux programmer and highly recommended.

Easter, Easter, Almost Here!
Kathleen Long Bostrom
Zondervan Publishing
Zonderkidz imprint
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310708001 $6.99 24 pp.

"Easter, Easter, Almost Here!" is a small board book that looks at Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Nice illustrations, rhyming words, and pages that are easy to wipe clean make "Easter, Easter, Almost Here!" a recommended board book for the very young.

Delta, My Beloved
Nick Castanis
American Literary Press, Inc.
8019 Belair Road, Suite 10, Baltimore, MD 21236
ISBN: 1561678694 $14.95 208 pp.

As a general rule I don't particularly like biographical books unless they are about a historically significant person or do an exceptional job of bringing the reader into a historical period. This book falls under that second criteria. The book draws the reader into the social, military, and personal life of the author during World War II. Delta, My Beloved is a finely crafted autobiographical story that reads like a well-written fiction novel and is a recommended read.

The Classical Music Experience
Julius H. Jacobson II, M.D.
Sourcebooks, Inc.
PO Box 4410, Naperville, IL 60567-4410
ISBN: 1570719500 $39.95 306 pp.

Taking full advantage of the ability to bind a CD into a book, The Classical Music Experience offers and opportunity to read about classical composers and listen to appropriate example of their works. The book portion covers all the composers that you would expect in a work on classical music. These include Palestrina, Bach, Handel, Hayden, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Berlioz, Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Chopin, Schumann, Strauss, Liszt, Wagner, Smetana, Bruckner, Brahms, Bizet, Bruch, Musorgsky, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Grieg, Rimsky-Korsakov, Elgar, Mahler, Debussy, Strauss, Sibelius, Vaughan, Schoenberg, Ives, Ravel, Orff, Bartok, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Gershwin, Poulenc, Copland, Shostakovich, and Bernstein.

For each composer the author gives information on their history, most important pieces, and an analysis of their work as well as several examples on the CD. Each time they are discussing a track on the CD it is clearly identified as such in the text and the specific CD and track listed so you can easily find it and listen while reading that section.

This is as fine of an introduction to the world as classical music as you are likely to find anywhere. A thoroughly enjoyable education in classical music, The Classical Music Experience is highly recommended.

Boomer to the Rescue
Peter Parente
Tree of Life Publishing
PO Box 421004, Summerland Key, FL 33042
ISBN: 0974505234 $15.95 28 pp.

Following on the success of his earlier book Peeper the Kinkajou, Peter Parente has somehow come up with an even better book with Boomer to the Rescue. It is the story of Boomer, a lavender skunk, who has a problem with friends at school because he is so different. But when problems arise it is Boomer to the rescue as he saves everyone. Filled with bright colorful illustrations, Boomer to the Rescue is highly recommended, fun, and a delight to read.

All Around Cats!
Dolly Viscardi
T&N Children's Publishing, Inc.
NorthWord Books imprint
11571 K-Tel Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55343
ISBN: 1559710721 $15.95 32 pp.

All Around Cats! is a short book filled with illustrations of cats engaged in common cat activities. Whether stalking, jumping, prowling, sneaking, or napping they are just all around cats. The illustrations point out the wide variety of features among cats including various colors, tail shapes, and fur types. All Around Cats! is a good choice for children learning to read, and especially so if they love cats.

Alien Invaders
Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Raven Tree Press, LLC
200 S. Washington St., Suite 306, Green Bay, WI 54301
ISBN: 0972497390 $16.95 32 pp.

Written in both English and Spanish, Alien Invaders is a look at the world of insects. If there are aliens on the earth then perhaps they are insects with their bizarre appearance and habits. This is a look through a young child's eyes at how insects could be viewed as aliens. I really like the books of this series that have complete English and Spanish texts so a child can build their vocabulary in another language easily. Alien Invaders is a highly recommended children's book with wonderful illustrations and a real pleasure to read.

101 Complaint Letters that Get Results
Janet Rubel
Sphinx Publishing
PO Box 4410, Naperville, IL 60567-4410
ISBN: 1572483636 $18.95 179 pp.

If you have ever tried to write a complaint letter and did not receive satisfaction or even a recognition of your complaint you know the importance of getting it worded correctly the first time. Now attorney Janet Rubel has put together a collection of the standard complaint letters she uses. To make it even more convenient all the letters are also on the included CD. No matter what your need, if you want to write a complaint letter then you will find one in here that will give you the format that gets results. 101 Complaint Letters that Get Results is a recommended resource for everyone.

Harold McFarland
Senior Reviewer

Klausner's Bookshelf
The Ruby Ring
Diane Haeger
Three Rivers (Crown)
ISBN: 1400051738 $12.95, 384 pp.

In 1520 Rome, before he died beloved artist Raphael Sanzio arranged for his beloved Margherita Luti, the model for his Madonna paintings, to safely stay at Sant'Apollonia. However, as the adored painter rests at the Pantheon for all to see, the Mother Superior informs Margherita's escort Signor Romano that the powerful vindictive Cardinal Bibbiena wants her living on the street. Romano succeeds in getting her into the convent by offering three hundred florins and THE RUBY RING that Margherita still wears. Margherita reflects back to when she, the daughter of a local baker, met the love of her life six years ago when Raphael was the Pope's favorite. He asked her and her father for her to model. Her father urged her to accept and she did. The rest is history as he found his Madonna in her and as Romano says she made him a better person. How she wonders can she give up the most valuable keepsake from the man she loves; but can she survive constant harassment from the Church. THE RUBY RING is a terrific historical fictionalized account of Margherita Luti and the great artist Raphael Sanzio. The story line hints at a bittersweet ending although the tale mostly occurs during the six years of shared love between the artist and Margherita. Diane Hager, who is one of the best at providing fictionalized accounts of great historical love stories (see THE SECRET WIFE OF KING GEORGE IV), provides a fantastic glimpse at the Italian Renaissance to include the artistic rivalries and jealousies (though a different era and place reminded me of the movie Amadeus), especially the underbelly of decadence from the sponsoring Vatican and secular rulers.

Prime
Poppy Z. Brite
Three Rivers (Crown)
ISBN: 1400050081 $13.95

Backed silently by celebrity chef Lenny Duveteaux, two years ago John "call me" Rickey and Gary "G-man" Stubbs opened up Liquor in New Orleans with a menu containing expensive alcohol as a major ingredient in all their repasts. The reviews are favorable and the two young gay chefs gain a loyal following including tourists stopping for a meal. Popularity takes a hit when Humphrey Wildblood writing in the free biweekly Cornet implies sinister criminal activity by Lenny. As Liquor loses patronage, the chef-owners want to buy out their silent partner to save their restaurant, but need cash accentuated by an equipment failure. With G-Man's urgings, Ricky accepts a menu consulting offer in Dallas. At the same time, G-Man learns that Wildblood is a pseudonym used by the son of District Attorney Placide Treat, who arrests Lenny; the DA wants to defuse any real opponent in his reelection bid with Lenny's attorney being the likely opposition and Liquor being a victim of political callous collateral damage. PRIME is an interesting culinary thriller that takes the usual heterosexual family style dining approach and cleverly turns the sub-genre upside down by expanding the definition of family to be a lot more inclusive. The story line is wacky due to the interactions of the key cast members to include the lead couple, their silent partner, the DA and his son (talk of political incest), and the two Texans. Fans of the author will brighten up with this fun tale that shares much in common with her previous works in terms of zaniness and intriguing characters (gay and otherwise), but also recognize that the recipe is quite different.

Blood Ties
Lori G. Armstrong
Medallion
ISBN: 1932815325 $6.99 302 pp.

Julie Collins left her well paying job in Minneapolis to take a position in the Bear Butte County Sheriff's Office in the hopes of finding the person who killed her half-brother Ben Stalking Elk. Over the last five years five Native Americans like Ben have been murdered, but his is different as he was the only one whose throat was slashed to death; the others were drowned though his corpse was also found like the other victims in Bear Butte Creek. The body of a sixteen years old girl with her throat slashed is found in Rapid Creek. Julie's friend private detective Kevin Wells was hired to find out where Samantha went after her father kicked her out of their home following her mother confiding to both that she was sired by a rapist. A few days later, Samantha's mother is found dead in her car, supposedly a suicide. Kevin and Julie investigate together believing that the killer is one of the men who raped her mother, but he intends to keep that secret concealed and he will do whatever it takes to make sure it stays buried. BLOOD TIES is a fantastic small town thriller with a protagonist who acts tough because she feels she must do so to solve her quest and has no one to call a friend except Kevin. Her need almost obsessive to bring justice to Samantha and her mother serves as a temporary replacement and solace for failing to do so for Ben. Lori G. Armstrong provides a fabulous mystery starring an intriguing protagonist with a climax that will stun the audience.

A Thousand Tomorrows
Karen Kingsbury
Center Street
ISBN: 0446529672 $18.95, 238 pp.

Champion bull rider Cody Gunner uses brashness to hide his heart from everyone except his younger brother Carl, a Down syndrome person. Cody detests his former NFL great father who he worshiped until dad walked out on his family once he concluded that his youngest son was defective. He loathes his mother for allowing her hurt caused by her spouse's abandonment to interfere with raising her two children especially the handicapped Carl who needed more from her. When he was eight and dad left, Cody vowed no one will ever get close to him again. Though horse riding champion Ali Daniels must hold her breath for the eighteen or so seconds she competes, she refuses to quit although she knows the dust and related ilk is cutting into her life span, which already is shortened by cystic fibrosis. Still she refuses to quit, riding with passion dedicated to her deceased younger sister. Because of her illness, she has no plans for a lasting relationship. When Ali and Cody meet and reluctantly share their inner demons they fall in love. Although both want to flee from the previously unwanted emotions, they embrace their feelings, providing one another with healing solace while understanding that they probably will not share A THOUSAND TOMORROWS together. This is a fine inspirational romance starring two interesting individuals who choose love although they know how limited their mortal time together will be. The story line grips the audience from the start and never lets up until the final soliloquy. The plot especially the ending is obvious because of the realistic portrayal of CF; fans who appreciate an uplifting somewhat melancholy tale will appreciate Karen Kingsbury character driven inspirational.

Memories of World War II and Its Aftermath: By a Little Girl Growing Up in Berlin
Inge E. Stanneck Gross
Island In The Sky Publishing Co.
PO Box 139, Eastsound, WA 98245
ISBN: 0976032864 $23.95 301 pp.

On August 25, 1940 five years old Inge hears the most frightening thunderstorm of her young life. The next day the Berlin resident learns from her friend six years old Reinhard Engel that the thunder was caused by a British air raid on the city, the first of many to come. From those roots of war on the home front, Inge Stanneck Gross provides a first hand account of growing up during World War II in Berlin and the surrounding areas (her mother relocated them to avoid the constant bombings). Ms. Gross provides a deep account of starvation and fears of death during the war and the decade following the end of the combat. The biography stops in 1954 when the nineteen years old Inge moves to America (a second volume picks up from there). MEMORIES OF WORLD WAR II AND ITS AFTERMATH: BY A LITTLE GIRL GROWING UP IN BERLIN is a terrific autobiography that brings insight from a person looking back to her childhood in war wracked Berlin. The numerous black and white pictures add depth to the period. Inge E. Stanneck Gross provides a different perspective, that of a frightened innocent residing amidst the tragedies and atrocities of the war. Her viewpoint has been ignored for the most part, but the author brings home the inability of civilians including children to escape war's deadly tentacles. World War II aficionados will appreciate this unique look back while the strong tome should be required reading for courageous DC chicken hawks to see the real cost of war.

In Dahlia's Wake
Yona Zeldis McDonough
Doubleday
ISBN: 0385503628 $23.95, 292 pp.

In the months since their seven-year-old daughter Dahlia died podiatrist Rick and schoolteacher Naomi Wechsler have grown apart rather than finding comfort with one another. Neither can explain to the other how they feel; as each day passes, the estrangement widens. Overwhelmed with obsessive grief and ignoring Rick's censure, Naomi quits teaching to volunteer at the Holy Name of Jesus Hospital where Dahlia died. Unable to obtain solace from Rick because she holds him culpable since he was driving when the accident that killed Dahlia occurred, Naomi turns to Dr. Michael McBride for consolation; he informed the couple that their child died. Rick feels guilty over Dahlia's death, but also believes that Naomi blames him for the death. Needing comfort, he turns to office assistant single mother Lillian whose ex has let down their eleven year old son again; Lillian finds warmth and understanding in his arms. Remorse over cheating on top of his feeling guilty for the death forces Rick to confess his affair; this drives Naomi further over the edge as she considers philandering with Michael. Will she cheat or forgive? IN DAHLIA'S WAKE is a deep look at grieving an unexpected loss of a beloved preadolescent child by her parents. The lead couple has been close since college handling rough situations like Naomi's miscarriages as a team, but Dahlia's death is different. They mourn their loss in dissimilar manners, which cause a schism that feeds on the other's personal grief. Although an unnecessary improbable final spin occurs and several pivotal moments seem contrived to make infidelity to easy an option, family drama fans will appreciate this strong look at loss.

The Mourning Sexton
Michael Baron
Doubleday
ISBN: 0385513267 $23.95

David Hirsch was a managing partner in a prestigious St. Louis' legal firm, but cocaine and extramarital affairs resulted in David waking up in a dump in East St. Louis with a prostitute dead from an overdose sharing his bed. He was convicted for her death; his family cut all ties with him; his law license was revoked; and later he lost a major sexual harassment suit brought on by his female staffers. David spent seven years in prison reading Don Quixote, playing the harmonica, and rediscovering his Judaism. Last year the Missouri Supreme Court issued David a provisional license to practice law under the supervision of Seymour "Pancho" Rosenbloom. David services bankruptcy clients while volunteering as the sexton at a declining synagogue where meeting the minimum minyan requirement of ten males is yeoman's work. An Alzheimer's congregation member Mr. Shifrin wants David to obtain justice for his daughter law clerk Judith who died driving Judge Brendan McCormick in an SUV during a snowstorm; Mr. Shifrin blames the design of the SUV for her death. With the help of legal technician Dulcie Lorenz, Hirsch uncovers something more sinister than a "nuisance" death. He soon battles those who he once considered equals when he was at the top of the city's legal hierarchy. THE MOURNING SEXTON is an exhilarating legal thriller starring a fully developed individual trying to obtain redemption for his previous transgressions when he abused his wealth and position. The support cast augments the deep look at the born again crusading David who reclaims the ethics he once scorned. Although the Shifrin case spins into a somewhat shaky reality of a Goliath turned David against his former Goliath peers, sub-genre fans will welcome this entertaining character driven entry.

Mad About Max
Penny McCusker
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750676 $4.99, 251 pp.

Third grade teacher Sara Lewis moved to Erskine, Montana six years ago. She fell in love with her neighbor rancher Max Devlin and his young son Joey now eight years old. However, Max only sees her as his klutzy younger sister. Sara still feels like an outsider even though she is a major subject of local pool betting at Ersk Inn where people wager on when her next accident will occur. Only Sara and her best friend Janey Walters knows that her clumsiness only happens when Max is near. Realizing she needs to move on even after he proposes a marriage of convenience for Joey's sake, Sara knows she will miss the townsfolk and her beloved. But Max closed his heart when his former wife Julia walked out on him and Joey. MAD ABOUT MAX is an amusing Big Sky contemporary romance. Sara's antics will keep the audience laughing as little things seem to happen to her like breaking the glass pane window of the founding father that turns it into a big money maker since it now seems pornographic. Readers will have no patience for Max although he is a nice single father and good neighbor but this is a romance and he needs to get with the program. Still fans of slap stick contemporary tales will enjoy this humorous Montana romance.

Keeping up Appearances
Jennifer McKinlay
Harlequin Flipside
ISBN: 0373442130 $4.50, 217 pp.

Though a successful Manhattan ad executive, Hailey Fitzwilly hated the envy jokes of her peers and the commute from Fairfield, Connecticut. When she lost her cools during a bid for a big campaign due to the antics of a colleague, she knew it was time to switch jobs especially since her career went down the toilet. Hailey becomes partners with Madeline in a yoga studio. She fears telling her mother, dynamo Selma. Her mother also thinks Hailey will marry pediatrician Dr. Burke Masterson, but they already broke up; Hailey fears her Mother's reaction to her not having this wealthy children's doctor from a prominent family as her son-in-law. Her brother Jack and Madeline insist she tell her mom the truth about her life changes, but Hailey feels like a wimp unable to do that or say no to Mother. For instance Mother assigns Hailey to get a chopper donated to sell at the Children's Hospital charity auction. She visits The Chop Shop where she meets tough Kid Cassidy, who takes her for a ride to the center of her heart if she can just tell her Mother. KEEPING UP APPEARANCES is an amusing contemporary suburban romance starring two likable protagonists and a fine support cast. Although the audience will find it difficult to reconcile the Type A advertising queen with the Connecticut wimp and become tired of Hailey's failure to stand up to her Mother, readers will also enjoy her avoidance antics that borders on obsessive phobia. Kid is just the impetus she needs to change from wimpy Hailey to tasty tart Peaches.

Born to Be Bad
Crystal Green
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791836 $4.75, 249 pp.

Weekly Gossip reporter Gemma Duncan dreams of winning a Pulitzer while writing for the New Orleans Times-Picayune although she figures her chances of either occurring is about as great as she performing an ice skating triple axel. Still when interviewing psychics for a living, Gemma knows not to use her real name so she reports stories like love with Tarot cards as Duncan James just in case she has a chance at a real newspaper. Gemma overhears an interesting though angry discussion between city golden boy Damien Theroux and business mogul Lamont over illegal gambling debts. Lamont accuses Theroux of cheating as some avenging angel who apparently milks the rich to give to poor causes. Thinking she might have a chance for that Pulitzer and her real name as a reporter, Gemma decides to go undercover to learn the true nature of Theroux's illegal dealings. She takes a waitress job at one of his restaurants, but when she and Damien meet, an attraction rises between them. As they play wild sex games, she finds the information to expose her beloved's wrong doings even if he does them with good intentions; Gemma must choose between her ambition and her love. Undercover romance readers will enjoy this interesting but unique tale of love between an idealistic reporter and a skeptical punisher. The sex scenes are graphic so be prepared for some torrid encounters. Though the audience might have problems with Damien, who is more demon than angel, he seems realistic. Fans will enjoy the relationship between the cynical Damien and the virginal Gemma reminiscent of Guys and Dolls.

The Cowboy Way
Candace Schuler
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 037379181X $4.75, 248 pp.

In Texas rancher Jo Beth Jensonhas two rules when it comes to sex. Never participate near home and even more important never with a cowboy. She still feels the hurt when the man every one including her thought would marry her came home with a bride that was not Jo Beth. Still at the wedding of her friend Roxanne (see GOOD TIME GIRL) Jo Beth met champion bull rider Clay Madison and deep inside her brain knows she would love to have the rodeo star ride her, but never ever a cowboy remains her mantra. Recovering from an injury and having not forgotten the maid of honor at the nuptials of his pal Tom six months ago and seeing that vision skinny dipping, Clay tries to persuade Jo Beth into sharing his bed. Though attracted to Clay, Jo Beth says no to the cowboy. He refuses to accept her stereotype and begins a campaign to win her over, but soon wants more than a healing fling as Clay has fallen in love with Jo Beth; she feels the same way but distrusts cowboys with her heart. THE COWBOY WAY takes secondary characters from a good time hot Blaze and brings them together in an amusing torrid tale of their own. The story line is humorous as the cowboy tries to convince the anti-cowboy to join him in heated fun. The lead couple makes the ranch romance work as they prove support cast can star in their own adventure. Candace Shuler provides a jocular contemporary gender war that fans will appreciate.

The Trick to Getting a Mom
Amy Frazier
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712693 $5.50, 296 pp.

In Pritchard's Neck, single dad Sean McCabe worries about his eight year old daughter Alex, suspended from school for fighting and for carrying a weapon. The principal Ms. Simmons tells Sean that his daughter struggles between reality and fantasy; Sean knows that he is doing his best but failing at his death bed promise to his now deceased wife Jillian to take care of their child. Kit Darling returns to Pritchard's Neck, the town that forced her to flee almost a decade ago due to the amoral femme fatale antics of her mother. To pay off her late mom's debts, Kit sells items that her mom collected mostly to horrify her neighbors before she turned to young men. Alex arrives seeking Seafaring Cecil books, which stuns Kit because she is the author. Sean comes to collect his daughter, but fails to recognize Kit though they attended school together and she knows his eyes. Alex likes Kit who treats her with respect and intelligence and decides she is perfect for her and her dad. Though Alex is too precocious, fans will enjoy this amusing contemporary romance starring a delightful lead couple and his matchmaking daughter. The antics pulled by Alex to bring her favorite author and her beloved dad together are humorous as more often than not the tricks fail. As the adults fall in love over the objections of his family except his child, Kit has lived the life of a wanderer and doubts she can settle down in place especially this place. Amy Frazier provides a jocular tale filled with laughs to counter well examined serious issues making for a super romance.

Meet Me in Texas
Sandy Steen
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712715 $5.50, 299 pp.

Thirteen years ago in Crystal Creek, Texas, FBI Special Agent in Charge Del Rickman led the rescue effort to save the life of then twelve years old Allie Russell when the culprit used the kid as a means of vengeance against her stepmother. Allie was rescued and Del loved the Hill Country. Dissatisfied with the direction of police work, Del leaves the Feds and decides to relocate to the Crystal Creek area though he is unsure he will be welcomed by the locals even if they considered him a hero. In Crystal Creek, to his shock Del finds himself attracted to Allie though she is almost two decades younger than him. She reciprocates, but he assumes it is some form of hero worship rather than a deep abiding attraction plus the townsfolk frown on their relationship so he discourages her. However, even as he tries to think of her as little Allie, subconsciously his heart insists this adult is Allison. The return to Crystal Creek brings back two solid support characters from a 1994 Sandy Steen entry (see SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN THE NIGHT) as the lead pairing that will elate series fans to see how much Del and Allie have changed since her ordeal. Allison believes that her feelings for Del goes way beyond the knight in shining armor rescuing her while Del struggles with believing he is too old and that she confuses her immense gratitude for love. Though he works through his issues to easily, readers will appreciate this fine romance.

Little Night Magic
Liz Jarrett
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 037369220X $4.50

Chicago attorney Dani Karlinski hires her friend private investigator Travis Walker to prove that her grandmother's love spell could not have worked and placed a curse on anyone as her beloved relative is being sued. Travis makes inquiries and follows the threads, but every clue he finds affirms that the spells of his client's grandmother work. Unbeknownst to the skeptical lawyer and the astonished sleuth, grandma has cast a love spell on them. Though they met and liked each other since high school, now the couple finds an attraction growing into a deep abiding love although Dani is moving to New York with a great career opportunity. However, neither can accept that grandma's spells work though under oath Dani and Travis will have to admit their love has blossomed ever since her relative cursed them or face perjury for lying about their respective hearts. LITTLE NIGHT MAGIC is a whimsical contemporary romantic romp in which readers will enjoy learning whether grandma can curse someone with a love spell. The story line is lighthearted as the audience will find amusing the antics of the lead couple especially the granddaughter though in denial re are grandma's "skills" and love, as every step she takes is towards believing in curses and Travis. Liz Jarrett furbishes an amusing tale.

Your House or Mine
Cynthia Thomason
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712685 $5.50, 299 pp.

Orlando resident Meg Hamilton learns that her beloved nonagenarian Aunt Amelia Ashford has been placed in a home as she recovers from a fall and shows signs of dementia. Since her aunt already quit claim deed her Mount Esther house to Meg, the younger woman decides that relocating with her ten year old son Spencer might be good for them as the Colonial Auction House business that she owns with her irresponsible brother Jerry is floundering. In Mount Esther, Meg meets Deputy Sheriff Wade Murdock, a former New York cop. Wade informs Meg that he paid 20K as a down payment on the home. Apparently Amelia has spent much of it buying all sorts of stuff, mostly still unopened, from catalogues. As Meg and Wade struggle with ownership problems and trying to do the right thing, they begin to fall in love. However she distrusts males ever since her former husband deserted her and Spence; he still feels guilt over his wife's death and how much that has shaken his daughter Jenny. YOUR HOUSE OR MINE is an amusing contemporary romance with a serious undertone and a touch of intrigue. The lead characters are terrific as they learn how difficult it is to court someone with kids hanging around. The children are solidly drawn as they have abandonment troubles caused by a desertion and a death respectively. Amelia is a fabulous soul who brings to life the aging crisis that affects the sandwich generation. Throw on top of that legal problems at the auction house for selling stolen goods and Amelia's deceased uncle's buried treasures from his scams. Fans will enjoy this fine tale.

Discovering Duncan
Mary Anne Wilson
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750668 $4.99, 249 pp.

In Los Angeles at the offices of Bishop International, Duncan Bishop and his father CEO D.R. argue over destroying a family friend Gary Tellgare. The son tells his father if he fails to back off he will leave without a look back. However, the senior refuses to budge. Duncan walks out leaving behind his only family member, a multimillion dollar business, and his girlfriend who dumped him for his actions. Six months later, D.R. hires Sutton Agency to find his son. He informs their private investigator Lauren Carter that if she gets Duncan to come home willingly, he will pay for her to attend law school and more as she has dreamed of doing. Lauren decides to start in Duncan's birthplace as many people go home when upset as he apparently was. In Silver Creek, Nevada, Lauren finds Duncan and soon they fall in love. However, she needs that bonus for more than just law school or even for herself, but also knows once he knows the truth he will never trust her again. This fine private investigative romance is a solid contemporary tale due to the dilemma confronting Lauren between her beloved and her client, but made fuzzier by a late altruistic twist that seems too conveniently available to make Lauren seem less avaricious. Duncan is a delightful counterpart as he shows that sometimes the acorn falls far from the tree yet is as stubborn in his way as D.R. is. Mary Anne Wilson provides a fine story that readers will wonder which way the heroine will go.

Seeking Miss Scarlet
Natalie Stenzel
Harlequin Flipside
ISBN: 0373442122 $4.50, 218 pp.

Eight years as a Chicago cop and now a private investigator have not prepared Jack Harrison to deal with Valerie Longstreet, owner of a mystery theater. While she vamps him in an effort to form a partnership where she would pay him among other incentives to serve as a consultant to her guests, he hides his attraction to her behind a scowl and refuses her tantalizing offer. When he receives a note announcing her murder, he rushes across the street, sees her on the floor, and panics as he thinks she is dead. When he realizes she is performing, Jack angrily accuses her of crossing the line. Valerie reminds him that she has been in his face with different offerings so why would she use the not so subtle writing histrionics. Jack admits to himself he likes the outrageous Miss Scarlet as she calls herself and the even kookier Aunt Lillian who insists they have three ghosts residing in the theater including a kleptomaniac spirit. When Val becomes involved in a real case, Jack gets involved in more than just the case as he tries to keep her safe, but his fee is that Miss Scarlet is his alone as he loves Val. SEEKING MISS SCARLET is an amusing private investigative romance with a touch of the paranormal that will keep the audience laughing yet has a serious mystery to liven the plot. The story line is character driven especially when Val vamps her neighbor, which she does all the time as she knows Jack desires her. Her aunt and the ghosts along with the who-done-it add depth to a fine funny tale.

Wednesday's Child
Gayle Wilson
HQN
ISBN: 0373770391 $5.99

In Johnson County, Mississippi, Sheriff Adams informs Mrs. Richard Kaiser that her spouse died in a car accident apparently several years ago when his vehicle went off the road into the Escatawpa River. The SUV with the body inside was only just discovered. Mrs. Kaiser is stunned, but does not correct the sheriff in that she divorced Richard almost seven years ago when he vanished with their child Emily. Using her maiden name of Susan Chandler, she has hopes that Emily still lives as no other corpse was found in the vehicle. Susan travels to Linton, Mississippi where she finds a room at Lorina Bedford's B&B. Lorina's great nephew Jeb is hostile towards the guest until her inquiries lead to her being run off the road. Jeb, a Delta Force soldier on medical leave from injuries sustained in Iraq, helps Susan investigate based on why her ex spouse would have left the interstate here; their logic being car trouble or medical help as they try to figure out who has suddenly had a toddler. As they follow the cold trail, they fall in love, but neither trusts the other with their respective heart. WEDNESDAY'S CHILD is a strong amateur sleuth romance with the emphasis on the suspense more so than the love subplot. Susan is a terrific protagonist who by being honest is treated with scorn by law enforcement officials starting with her believing Richard would never harm Emily. The romance between Jeb and Susan is handled in conjunction with the investigation they conduct. Fans will appreciate this powerful glimpse of a mother's worst nightmare nearing closure, but seemingly not attaining it.

Enemy Mine
Lindsay McKenna
HQN
ISBN: 0373770790 $6.50, 384 pp.

US Marine Corps helicopter pilot Kathy Trayhern wants vengeance on South American gang lords Carlos Garcia and his son Guillermo for all the hurt they have caused her family. However, she realizes that her assignment in South America of inserting SEALs and marine recon teams into hot spots do not allow her to make the needed drop. She also believes the Garcias see their assaults on the Trayhern family as striking out at their nemesis Morgan family patriarch and head of the CIA's Perseus Group. Kathy believes she has her opportunity when she is assigned to rescue a KNR (kidnap and ransom) victim, a seven year old girl snatched in Peru by the Garcias. As she infiltrates the criminal ring, she meets helicopter pilot Mac Coulter, who works the drug trade for the Garcias as a cover for his AFT efforts to infiltrate the gang. Though attracted to one another, neither trusts the other as they each believe the other works for the vile kingpin. The Latest Trayhern thriller is at its most exhilarating best in the Peruvian jungle as Kathy and Mac want one another, but both distrusts the other because of whom they perceive their soulmate works for. When the story line provides flashbacks especially through the eyes of Kathy to support what she feels she must do, the tale slows down to give readers a chance to relax from the high level of tension. Lindsay McKenna provides a taut thriller that stars two delightful protagonists who need one another to survive yet doubts linger as the senses rejects the instincts of their respective hearts.

A Breath Away
Rita Herron
HQN
ISBN: 0373770308 $5.99, 384 pp.

In Crow's Landing, Tennessee eight years old Violet Baker considers Darlene Monroe her best friend. When Violet envisions someone assaulting Darlene, she turns to her father to help her pal, but instead he sends her away to live with relatives. Darlene is murdered and Violet feels she failed her friend. Two decades later Violet returns to Crow's Landing because she has been seeing things that she feels will solve the cold case murder of Darlene. Local Sheriff Grady Monroe, Darlene's half-brother, wants Violet to leave because he somewhat blames her for his sibling's homicide and does not trust her "second sense"; deep in his heart he also fears his attraction to Violet. As she begins to follow her visions, he needs to protect her from someone who targets her as his victim not so much to keep his secrets hidden, but because of an obsession. A BREATH AWAY is a terrific supernatural police procedural romance. Violet is an interesting protagonist as she sees visions, suffers guilt over failing her best friend though she was only a child at the time and falls in love with someone who seemingly wants her to leave town because he blames her for his sister's death. Grady knows he is unfair to hold Violet culpable, but cannot help himself. Falling in love with her feels right but comes with guilt. Though the motive of the killer appears weak, readers will appreciate this tense romantic suspense propelled by the lead duo.

To Tame a Wolf
Susan Krinard
HQN
ISBN: 0373770472 $6.50, 384 pp.

In 1881 Cochise County, Arizona Territory widow Tally "Tal" Bernard enters Tombstone dressed like a boy in search of her missing brother, Andre; He left their ranch to purchase livestock, but should have returned a few days ago. She learns that her sibling gambled away their money and fled into the wilderness. Simeon "Sim" Kavanaugh offers to help the lad find her brother for a small fee; reluctantly Tal accepts. Sim knows from the start that his employer is a female in disguise, but says nothing to her. Instead he struggles with restraining his attraction to Tal as he believes a mortal could never accept his half-breed heritage. Still when danger confronts Tal who he knows is his soulmate, Sim must free the beast to save her, but expects to pay the price once she learns his secret and rejects his werewolf side. TO TAME A WOLF is a superb action-packed paranormal historical romance that never slows down once the "male" Tal enters Tombstone until the finale when Sim risks his life and his love by getting with his werewolf side to attempt to keep her safe. The lead couple comes across as genuine, which enables the audience to believe in the supernatural in a western setting. Susan Krinard's fans will howl (full moon or not) with her latest wolf romance.

Sleeping Over
Stacey Ballis
Red Dress (Harlequin)
ISBN: 037389516X $12.95, 352 pp.

In Chicago it has been two years since the five young single women held a "circling up" to discuss men and other problems. However, now that Jess has returned home from two years overseas with the Peace Corps, the quintet agrees it is time. Jess wants to talk about her platonic relationship pediatrician Harrison who she lives with platonically but wants to make it more. Robin cherishes her friendship with her boss, restaurant owner Michael, but fears exploring what she really wants from him. Lilith enjoys the performing arts more than she does her businessman boyfriend Martin. Sisters Beth and Ann have opened up a clothing store, but the former has Jeff while the latter has Chris; two men coming in the way of their loving sibling camaraderie. Five friends struggling to spice up their relationships with the men in their respective lives, but will it mean the end of Circling Up. Fans of relationship dramas will appreciate this fine character driven tale that provides unique protagonists approaching similar male issues in radically different manners. The story line is more a series of vignettes as the focus switches from one woman to another. Though Stacey Ballis does a remarkable job of keeping the personalities of her Circling Up stars different yet consistent, readers will find the switching perspective difficult to keep track of anyway. Still sub-genre fans will appreciate this female Friends tale because the women seem real and their loneliness woes and fears feel genuine.

Flyover States
Grace Grant and PJ MacAllister
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895216 $12.95, 304 pp.

Doris Weatherall comes from Brooklyn and Veronica Williams from California to attend Langsdale University in Indiana. Though one woman is African-American while the other Caucasian, and they compete for the same summer teaching position the coastal females become best friends. Ronnie becomes upset when, without her permission, she is a diversity initiative brochure's centerfold aimed at minority recruitment. Doris gets the teaching position but finds high school seniors uninterested in what she tries to do; Ronnie works in a factory. Both want a man in her life. However, Ronnie doubts she will find a brother in the conservative section of the Hoosier state while Doris sees her poetry professor although he is allegedly gay. These two independent intelligent women turn to one another to survive their self imposed exile in the Midwest. This is more a character study than a chick lit tale though readers get the chick lit viewpoint from the coastal females. The story line centers on two individuals coming from opposite poles converging in the hinterland like fish out of water. Ronnie and Doris become friends as they share ideals while feeling isolated on the campus. Fans will enjoy this deep look at ethical blue state individuals struggling with red state moral values.

Sex, Murder and a Double Latte
Kyra Davis
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895194 $17.95, 304 pp.

San Francisco mystery thriller writer Sophie Katz is euphoric as Hollywood producer Michael Tolsky has optioned her last novel, Sex, Drugs, and Murder. However, to her shock someone kills Michael, but the modus operendi parallels a movie the victim made. Sophie seems to be the only one who sees connection to Silent Killer. Sophie soon realizes that someone is emulating scenes from Sex, Drugs, and Murder. She learns that besides Michael a rapper was killed right out of his lyrics. She believes a celebrity serial killer has targeted her, but the police reject her theory as an overly active imagination though she shows evidence of being stalked and her property vandalized. She refuses to sit back and wait; instead she follows her heroine seeking to uncover the identity of a murderer. The storyline blends a who-done-it within a chick lit, but though fun to follow and filled with laughs with the antics of the likable amusing protagonist, the plotting seems off kilter since Sophie is dealing with murder and a belief she is on the list. Sophie is a delightful protagonist who figures that since she writes mysteries, she should easily solve mysteries (a positive spin on the genre's mantra that those who can't sleuth write sleuth stories and those who can't write sleuth stories, review sleuth stories). SEX, MURDER AND A DOUBLE LATTE is a fine droll detective chick lit tale, but the emphasis is on the latter although the heroine is in peril.

Seven Sunny Days
Chris Manby
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895208 $12.95, 352 pp.

Her two best friends Carrie Ann Murphy and Yaslyn Stimpson take engaged Rachel Buckley on a final fling before she says I do. The trio goes exotic Club Aegee in Bodrin, Turkey seeking males to pamper them for a week. Her buddies make sure that Carrie, a senior manager at Office Angels, is in a festive mood from the start when they slip a vibrator into her luggage only to have customs see it. At the resort, Rachel realizes her pals have issues. Yaslyn fears commitment though her boyfriend back home wants for them to move to the next level in their relationship. Carrie Ann has just had her divorce legalized and so is down on marriage and men except as disposable boy toys. As the trio shares a room for partying and all night binges the vast chasm on male relationships surface in an ugly manner; Rachel wonders whether adding a husband means subtracting her two best friends. Much more a relationship drama especially between the three friends than a chick lit tale though the narration is from the latter 101, fans will enjoy the escapades and deep look at the complexities of human interaction. The three females are a delightful fully developed characters and the support cast brings out the best and as often the worst in each of them. Though the subplots can become overwhelming (flow charting will not help) that just emphasizes the baggage people bring to multifaceted interactivities.

Love Like That
Amanda Hill
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895186 $12.95, 304 pp.

In Southern California, twenty-five years old assistant events planner Dalton Moss is stunned when her boyfriend Roman Duquesne gives her an engagement ring before he goes on a six month trip to Cameroon as a member of the International Center for Relief and Advancement. Dalton agrees to wed Roman when he returns to Los Angeles. Although engaged, Dalton continues to see her other boyfriend the irresponsible roguish Jeremy Flowers, the total opposite of the dependable caring Roman. She knows she needs to move on, but enjoys Jeremy's hedonistic attitude even if he has another girlfriend. She knows she will have to choose when Roman comes home, but for now girls just want to have fun and Jeremy is where that is at. LOVE LIKE THAT is a solid contemporary chick lit tale that takes a little time to get moving as Amanda Hill provides the background to the Southern Cal singles lifestyle. The wait for the plot to take off is worth it because the audience can better understand Dalton's dilemma as she is confused between two lovers pulling her towards totally opposite lifestyles. Fans will wonder whether she will choose commitment, wilding or perhaps she will find a third road somewhat in between the extremes of her boyfriends.

Lisa Marie Takes Off
Susan Hubbard
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895178 $12.95, 272 pp.

With the dreaded thirtieth birthday coming soon symbolized by two unwelcome gray strands, distraught American Advice Columnist Lisa Marie Marino goes to London to spend time with her boyfriend Robert McCallister. He is in England researching for a novel on Lady Jane Grey. Lisa Marie believes Robert is lovable, dependable, and trustworthy until she catches him with his beautiful editor Felicity Ashford-Foxcroft sneaking into a hotel; Lisa Marie assumes that Robert is the other type of guy, a promiscuous cad. Lisa Marie leaves Robert to Felicity and moves in with her new friend Grace. She begins to Americanize the British culture though Grace's Aunt Pru tries to Anglicize the Yank. However, in spite of Lisa Marie swinging in the upper reaches of London's in crowd, she misses McCallister. Her dreams of spending a lifetime with him remain in the center of her heart. This is a fun chick lit tale though the tension between Lisa Marie and McCallister seems unnecessary if she took the time to talk to the man she loves (and previously trusted). Still in spite of the lack of any seemingly real conflict, Lisa Marie swinging through London makes for an amusing novel. Lisa Marie and McCallister are likable lead characters and though Felicity is colder than a corpse, much of the support cast enables readers to see a glimpse of London albeit filtered through the eyes of the invading colonist. Sub-genre fans will fully appreciate Lisa Marie's real female rival for the affections of McCallister in this fine romp.

Gossamyr
Michelle Hauf
Luna (Harlequin)
ISBN 037380220X $13.95, 411 pp.

The world of faery has known peace for a very long time but now the realm's very existence is threatened by the Red Lady, a faerie banished to the Otherside (the mortal realm). She is stealing the essence of faeries who stay too long in Paris controlled by English King Henry and his soldiers. Shinn, leader of Glamourseige knows that Gossamyr, the half mortal-half faery, is the only warrior who can defeat The Red Lady because as a female she is not susceptible to the lure of the succubus. Although she lacks wings and contains only the glamour from her years of living in faery, she crosses to the Otherside with the help of Shinn. She meets Ulrich who participated in a fairy Dance and lost two decades. His wife remarried and a dragon killed his daughter. He hopes to bring her back to the mortal world because he has an alacorn (a unicorn's horn) and when he gives it back to its owner he gets one wish. The pair teams up, helping each other when one gets into trouble. When she learns the truth about her origins that Shinn kept from her, Gossamyr's priorities change although she remains determined to save faery by defeating THE RED LADY. GOSSAMYR is a beguiling fantasy that blends elements from many genres to produce a work that will enchant readers who will place it on their keeper self to reread when they want an uplifting experience. The protagonist is an amazon warrior in a besieged Paris who battles a succubus, her ex-lover, and wins the heart of a mortal who is on a quest of his own. Michele Hauf has the magic touch that she imbues in her storyline.

Urban Shaman
C.E. Murphy
Luna
ISBN 0373802234 $13.95, 324 pp.

As the plane lands, passenger Joanne Walkingstick sees a man with a knife, a pack of dogs and a woman running. Joanne grabs a taxi to head to the spot where she saw the crime take place. She finds Maria D'Ambra who tells her she was being chased by Cernunnos a Celtic god and leader of the Wild Hunt. She is a banshee who can tell when someone is about to die making her invaluable to the Wild Hunt who collects the souls of the dead. The metaphysical is not in Joanna's world view until Cernunnos runs her through with a sword and while near death her spirit guide Coyote tells her how to heal herself. She also learns she is a shaman with the power to heal. When she goes to talk with Maria, she finds her murdered in the same way five other shamans were killed in recent weeks. Not much later, the killer attacks schoolchildren in their classroom murdering some and injuring the teacher. He is Herne a demigod who was once mortal and has his own plans for the world and the Hunt. Unless Joanne can grow into her powers to send Cernunnos and Herne back to where they belong Earth is doomed. The relationship between Cernunnos and Herne is familial but there is an enmity that exists between them because of their different goals with mortals caught in their cross fire. Joanne accepts the metaphysical work and her shamanic powers a bit too easily but she has the strength and determination to use them in order to fight the two gods. C.E. Murphy has written a spellbinding and enthralling urban fantasy in the tradition of Tanya Huff and Mercedes Lackey.

Silver's Bane
Anne Kelleher
Luna
ISBN 0373802226 $13.95, 406 pp.

The goblin hordes who feast on flesh threatened humans and Sidhe with extinction. To contain them in the wastelands, a silver Caul was made with faery magic by a mortal silversmith. Now, due to the treachery of a mortal who betrayed the Sidhe prince he made a deal that enables Cadwyr, heir to the Duke of Gar, to possess the Caul. The Goblins roam the mortal realm, eating on human flesh and Cadwyr has no plans to stop them. He kills the Duke and claims the title but the dowager duchess Cecily flees and plots to overthrow the traitor and become queen if the people will accept her. In the land of the Sidhe, the goblins are coming and the land is dying. The people, mortal and Sidhe, must find a way to UNnmake the Caul otherwise both the human and faery realms will cease to exist. SILVER'S BANE, the sequel to SILVER'S EDGE, is a fantastic fantasy that leaves no questions left unanswered or threads left for any other sequel though a prequel in which the making of the caul is told in SILVER'S LURE which is coming in 2006. There are many heroes and heroines in this book who band together to fight the goblin horde praying to end the threat that Cadwyr poses. Anne Kelleher has written a memorable spellbinding work.

Countdown
Ruth Wind
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513526 $4.50

Athena Academy graduate Kim Valenti of NSA is terrific in breaking codes and has helped other agencies' staff like FBI bomb expert Alexander Tanner with her skills. Though they never met, Kim and Alex have a thriving email repertoire with hopes that one day Windtalker2 and Lex Luther as they respectively sign their electronic correspondence will meet. That day occurs when both are assigned to a joint task force looking into Q'rajn terrorist group activities tied to Berzhaan. They are to work together to determine whether known terrorist Fathi bin Amen Mansour or apparently clean Professor Hafiz abu Malik Abd-Humam is planning an attack on western soil. Though Fathi has used his Oxford educated chemical engineering skills to enact revenge for the deaths of his mother and brothers, he holds the west culpable and Hafiz has only written articles demanding the west leave his country, the two Federal agents know either or both could be the suspect and are assigned to take out the right one. The Athena Academy graduates continue to provide action-packed romantic suspense thrillers that grip the audience from start to finish. Kim is a fabulous alumni as she works with and falls in love with Alex, who reciprocates having been three quarters in love just on their email exchanges. The terrorist aspects are handled with dexterity so that the audience receives a fast-paced tale in which a mistake could cost more than your life; it could cost the lives of numerous innocents. Fans will want to know which way the wind is blowing during the COUNTDOWN to a terrorist attack with Kim and Alex trying to abort it.

Secret Admirer (The Fortunes of Texas: Reunion)
Ann Major, Christine Rimmer, and Karen Rose Smith
Signature Collection
ISBN: 0373285191 $5.99

Prologue. An anonymous person sends a love letter to the Red Rock Gazette. "Secret Kisses" by Ann Major. Shy Jane Snow wonders if Matt Harper did it, but she fears pursuing this as he humiliated her back in high school. Besides they are competing for the same job as Director of Market research at Fortune, TX LTD. "Hidden Hearts" by Christine Rimmer. Police Officer Greg Flynn sees Annie Grant more as a younger sister rather that the life time lover role that she wants. When she sees the letter, she prays that Greg wroite it, but it will take a hostage situation to open up his eyes that his love for Annie is radically different than that of a sibling. "Dream Marriage" by Karen Rose Smith. When her spouse Garth Manning runs off on business in Tokyo, Laura decides enough is enough as he always chooses work over her. She wants children and is deciding to be a single mom though she runs a business. She knows Gareth back in Texas wants to reconcile and wonders if he placed the love letter in the local newspaper as part of baring his soul. These are three fine interrelated novellas start off with a misconception involving the letter and takes off from there as somewhat comedic contemporary romances starring likable protagonists in which the woman knows what she wants.

Her Sister's Keeper
Victoria Pade
Silhouette Signature Select
ISBN: 0373285183 $5.99, 324 pp.

Twin sisters Nia and Trina Molner agree to come home to Elk Creek, Wyoming to attend the annual Founder's Day Centennial. Nia hopes this will get her sibling out of the depression following a difficult divorce. However, Trina sneaks into town six weeks earlier to see if she can score with her first love, media giant Clay Heller, but instead he is not in town, but she meets his brother rancher Cole. They make love before she leaves town to catch up to her sister. However, Trina becomes pregnant from her tryst. Nia and Trina arrive for the gala. Nia and Clay meet and are attracted to one another, but she is used to being HER SISTER'S KEEPER and believes that Trina wants him and is carrying his baby. Trina loves Cole, but has doubts about marriage following her recent debacle although she also worries about being a single mom. These fine contemporary romances between two pairs of siblings with a touch of misunderstanding is a fun read especially because the Molner sisters lack confidence when it comes to the men they respectively love. The story line centers on a comedy of errors as Nia for the first time in her life wants to put herself first instead of her twin, but has trouble ignoring a couple of decades of habit. Though the studs could have used more muscle, fans will enjoy Victoria's Pade's ranch tale and seek out TALES FROM ELK CREEK: COWBOY'S LADY COWBOY'S LOVE.

Show Her the Money
Stephanie Feagan
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513542 $4.50

Senior manager Jane "Pink" Pearl testifies at a senatorial hearing that the memos she had were stolen along with all the backup disks except one. She vows to regain possession of the last set that proves Marvel Energy intended to commit fraud. The last set was inside a box sold to a family neighbor Mrs. Bohannon at a yard sale; Mrs. Bohannon is away on vacation. Senator Santorelli tells Pink to bring the evidence or else face prosecution as a chief auditor who hid the accounting scam. Pink returns to her hometown of Midland, Texas even as physical threats rise from the Doo Dog Stalker and others, and rumors abound of her sleeping with Santorelli. Her mother, who wants her to drop the case, provides her work as the only person who would hire her. She also gets her a new lawyer, Ed, who successfully sued Marvel Energy, and strongly encourages Pink to tell the truth. Ed and Pink start with respect that turns into love but her life is on hold until she can exonerate herself at the senate hearing. This intriguing whistle-blowing romance taken from the headlines is a fine tale that grips the audience from the moment that Pink, trying to do the right thing, is treated as a pariah by Congress, the media, her former peers and associates, and the public. Many conclude she is a loose woman who performed the illegal acts or just a traitor to her employers. Thus the story line centers on Pink's struggles. The romance with her second lawyer Ed takes a back seat to the whistleblower treated like a criminal by almost everyone.

Sexy Lexy
Kate Moore
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526239 $6.99, 324 pp.

When fitness expert Lexy Clark authored the bestseller Workout Sex: A Girl's Guide to Home Fitness, she never anticipated males would assume she is loose. All she wanted to do was help her recently married friends enjoy needed exercise within their committed relationships. National TV host Stanley Skoff tries to embarrass "SEXY LEXY" with his handpicked testosterone audience and fitness stud. Instead Lexy walks off the show cutting short her fifteen minutes of being a national joke, albeit a wealthy one thanks to the hot sales. She travels to Drake's Point, north of San Francisco only to arrive in time for rutting season with literally a stag sniffing for females. A stranger rescues her from the big deer by pressing his body onto her until "Rudolph" left. Since Lexy informs Sam Worth she is not a tourist, he assumes she is running away and hiding in "Brigadoon" as he calls Drake's Point. Sam and Lexy are attracted to one another, but she distrusts anyone with the Y chromosome and he wants nothing to do with the famous once tasting that bitter brew. SEXY LEXY is an amusing contemporary romantic romp starring two affable lead protagonists ably supported by a horde of eccentric characters exposing the newcomer to Northern California chic. Sam is worth the cost of the novel as he is a caring hunk who wants Lexy, but fears she is one of the vile famous. Lexy is a fine protagonist who has traveled the road of good intentions, but some of her actions at the inn she purchased seems off kilter for her. Still the audience will appreciate this lighthearted frolic and want Moore Drake's Point tales.

Stargazer
Colby Hodge
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526271 $6.99

Being the daughter of a murdering Circe witch who killed her father has hurt Lilly as much of upper society starting with her uncle blames her from the moment of her birth almost as much as her mother though Lilly was born after the homicide. Two decades later her uncle, Sovereign Alexander of Oasis still holds her culpable for his brother's death due to her mother's actions; still he assigns Lilly as his representative to the senate with war beckoning that could destroy the world. Ravigans attack her ship and her bodyguard Krebb is killed. Desperate she frees a cyro-prisoner Phoenix, whom she already held a telepathic chat with, from his frozen cell that stated "Do not revive without authorization". The prisoner was to be dumped in the deepest known hole for murdering five Senate soldiers. He sees his actions differently as he was avenging the murder of his parents. He is an anomaly as an unprecedented male surviving descendent of the Circe witches, but agrees to protect Lilly. As they fall in love, they have doubts about the underlying reasons for the upcoming war and investigate how he survived the Circe witches when they kill male infants immediately. STARGAZER is an exciting action-packed science fiction romance in which the worlds envisioned by Colby Hodge seem so real the audience will believe she is an ET from one of them. The story line hits hyperspeed immediately and never decelerates until the climax. The mystery of Phoenix adds depth on a personal level to this fabulous outer space tale that in some ways feels like a medieval historical tale as love and war are enhanced by trust and betrayal respectively.

A Connecticut Fashionista in King Arthur's Court
Marianne Macusi
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526336 $6.99

Twenty-nine years old La Style associate fashion editor Katherine "Kat" Jones detests ruining her shoes traipsing in a field in Upstate New York rather than attending a Village event or relaxing in her Connecticut home. However, her boss has sent her to attend King Arthur's Faire in order to write a five hundred word article on the medieval clothing fad in today's fashion world. Her photographer Chrissie Haywood forces Kat to have her palm read by a fortune teller. Kat is obnoxious to the woman, who curses her. Suddenly Cat finds Chrissie is gone and so is the faire. Instead she is in Camelot dressed in high twenty-first century fashion with no hospital or latte in sight. Lancelot du Lac defends her, but though she wants to seduce him, she assumes he belongs to Queen Guenevere. Then there is the evil prince who wants to use her to destroy the kingdom; and finally Merlin informs her not to change history or is that the future even if she only wants to introduce the cashmere sweater to the ladies. This is an amusing chick lit goes Camelot tale in which the Knights of the Round Table except Lancelot agree that Kat needs to be shipped back to her birth time and place, 2005 Brooklyn. The story line is fun although initially readers will find Kat's whining at the faire and in Camelot irritating. However, when she tries to save the kingdom without gourmet coffee, not change history, and ruins her shoes in the process, fans will root for Kat to have at least one life with Lancelot. Mark Twain would enjoy this distaff version of his classic.

Lips That Touch Mine
Wendy Lindstrom
Leisure
ISBN: 0843955066 $6.99

In 1873 in Fredonia, New York Widow Claire Ashier has had it with the Pemberton Saloon across the street from her boarding house. The noise spilling into the street has driven out her last patron and Claire needs her lodging to thrive in order to survive. She informs saloon owner Boyd Grayson that he needs to shut down or else. Though attracted to the courageous woman, Boyd tells her no he cannot afford the loss of business on a Saturday night. The Sheriff is on Boyd's side of the dispute though he insists that his being the saloon owner's brother has nothing to do with his decisions, but asks the two of them to peacefully work out their differences. She persuades him to escort her to church where she hopes he understands the nastiness of liquor when he hears the sermon. As Boyd and Claire begin seeing each other encouraged by his traitorous canine's visits to her, they fall in love; however she has vowed that "lips that touch mine will never have touched liquor" having suffered from the alcoholic abuses of her first husband. The third Grayson Post Civil War historical romance (see THE LONGING and SHADE OF HONOR) is an absorbing late nineteenth century tale due to the contrast between the personalities of the lead couple. Much of that difference was caused by Claire being a spousal abuse victim with no avenues to turn to except the church whereas Boyd, besides being a big man, knows his loving family especially brothers are there for him.. Wendy Lindstrom provides a strong tale driven by the protagonists who seem so opposite yet so in love.

Lady's Choice
Winnie Griggs
Leisure
ISBN: 084395521X $5.99, 342 pp.

It is 1894 and only for Judge Madison would irate Adam Barr baby sit three easterners on a trek to Texas from Philadelphia. Adam is bitter at the irony that he was imprisoned for six years for a crime he did not commit while his three charges were guilty of felonies that should have locked them away; instead the Judge has handed them a chance to marry his granddaughter. The Judge has issued an ultimatum to his granddaughter Wild West photographer Regina Nash to marry Everett, Mitchell or Chance, or lose custody of her nephew Jack. Reggie does not want any of these losers, but also refuses to lose Jack who she has raised as her own. She behaves like a frontier hoyden to run off the naive easterners, but Adam recognizes the masquerade, but is shocked because he desires her. Reggie thought that Texas would cleanse her of her teenage crush for him when he was out of reach, but instead she still knows deep down she loves Adam. Unable to resist Adam enters the competition, not realizing he was sent as the Ace that Judge Madison thought is perfect for his granddaughter. LADY'S CHOICE is an entertaining and amusing western romance that fans of the sub-genre will appreciate especially when the suitors fail to adjust to the Wild West of the heroine after visiting the "luxurious" Philadelphia home of the manipulating Judge. Adam is an interesting protagonist framed by a close friend and needing to prove his innocence while Reggie feels her Jack should never feel the shame of a convict father. Though the tension between seems forced, readers will enjoy this fine nineteenth century Americana tale.

Rabid Growth
James A. Moore
Leisure
ISBN 0843951729 $6.99, 323 pp.

Eighteen year old Chris Corin is having a very bad year. After his mother's death, he became the legal guardian for his fifteen year old sister Brittany who is going through puberty and challenging his authority every chance she can. His maternal grandmother, who he has never met and who his mother never talked about, challenges him for custody of Brittany. He is the winner of millions of dollars in the lottery but with al the paperwork that has to be taken care of, he barely has enough money to buy food. There has been an enormous increase in the homeless population and the men are violent. One of the men who became extremely violent is taken to jail where he dies. The police lose the body and later Chris sees him walking the streets. Chris' friend Jerry, as well as other people in town, who were affected by the events that took place last year (see POSSESSIONS) are changing, becoming something other than human. Chris tries to help his friend while trying to prevent being killed or worse by the others that have changed into something alien. James A. Moore is one of the best new horror writers of the twenty first century as he can hold his own wilt the greats including Clive Barker, Bentley Little, Stephen King and Robert Mccammon. Be advised that this book should be read with all the lights on and they should not be turned off even when the reader goes to sleep. The story starts off in a mundane fashion but changes so subtly readers will feel they are in the Twilight Zone without an idea of how they got there.

Gypsy Lover
Connie Mason
Leisure
ISBN: 0843954620 $6.99, 384 pp.

In 1785 England, a gypsy woman dies in childbirth, but the boy Dante, sired by an aristocrat, survives. His grandfather the Marquis of Alston hides the birth of Dante from his son, Alex, the lad's biological father and pays the kid's maternal grandparents to raise him. Lord Alston regrets his decision of three decades ago; his son died ten years ago with no other heir and his nephew Calvin is a gambling wastrel. Alston knows that if Calvin becomes Marquis, the proud name will quickly dissolve into bankruptcy. A desperate Alston modifies his will recognizing Dante as heir with the stipulation that he marry Lady Esme Harcourt within six months of gaining the title. Dante wants nothing to do with his paternal grandfather and his title. However, when someone kills Lord Alston, Dante accepts this as a blood debt; he needs the title to walk in the exclusive circles he must step into to complete his quest of bringing the killer to Romany justice. Dante accepts the rider that Lady Esme be his wife especially since he has previously tasted her lips though he loathes that she is a purebred aristocrat; in turns Esme scorns gypsies. This solid Georgian amateur sleuth romance is loaded with action but it is the lead couple who makes the tale so much fun to read. Dante and Esme may love each other, but each is loaded down with the heavy chains of prejudice. He detests the upper crust while she disdains the Romany. As they fall in love, Dante's investigation leans towards Calvin as the prime suspect but he has new concerns when he places his beloved Esme in danger. Fans will enjoy Connie Mason's delightful landlubber historical tale.

Fire Me Up
Katie MacAlister
Signet
ISBN: 0451214943 $6.99, 368 pp.

Not to long ago, Aisling Grey was just a courier making her first delivery in Paris when she meets Drake Vireo, part man part green dragon and totally insisting she is his wyvern's mate. She somehow conjures up her own demon, who turns out to be a loud mouthed Newfoundland canine who speaks English in public. She reluctantly accepts that she is the Guardian/Keeper of the Gates to Hell but has no idea what to do. She travels to Budapest to attend the 238th convention of supernatural beings the GODTAM (Guardians, Oracles, Diviners, Theurgists, and Mages) seeking a teacher. To her chagrin except for the elation of her traitorous feminine parts, Drake is also staying at the Thermal Hotel Danu on Margaret Island. As Drake calls her "Mate" and a Diviner makes her drop fruits on her breasts, someone steals the amulet her uncle assigned to her to deliver. Since she cannot afford to give up her day job and unable to find a mentor to live long enough to teach her Guardian 101, like any tyro Guardian amongst these professionals, Aisling searches for the purloined amulet. The sequel to the fun fantasy thriller YOU SLAY ME is a delightfully amusing tale. The feisty American star is in Hungary seeking to find her Yoda so that she can learn how to use the force, but sidetracked by her need to recover the amulet and by her Mate who can fire her up with one glance. Fans will enjoy this fine tale as Aisling realizes she is now one of the weird, but struggles with being identified as a Guardian and as the Mate.

Seeing Red
Jill Shalvis
Signet
ISBN: 0451215028 $6.99, 336 pp.

In Ocean Beach, teenager Summer Abrams barely survives a warehouse fire that kills her father. Feeling she failed her dad, Summer flees town. Joe Walker loves Summer, but feels betrayed when she left without a look back. She misses Joe, but considered him as her best friend. Twelve years later a second warehouse fire occurs, which Summer plans to ignore. However, her mother needs Summer so she leaves her job as an adventure tours guide to come back to her hometown. As the Fire Marshal, Joe investigates the fire. He is concerned that Summer is back in town as he still loves her though he vows not to allow her to hurt him again. However, this time around Summer does not want to just renew their friendship as she finds her teen buddy quite attractive. As she falls in love, someone wants the couple to fail at uncovering the arson source and is willing to kill to remain hidden. If they survive that culprit, their chances of a permanent relationship remain nil as Summer also has commitment phobia issues fostered ever since she felt she failed her dad. SEEING RED is an interesting romantic suspense starring two likable heroic protagonists struggling with a murderous arsonist and their own feelings. The who-done is cleverly designed so that the audience will appreciate the amateur sleuth investigation that forces the fire marshal to allow Summer to join his official inquiries because he fears for her safety. The gender bending switch of having the female struggle to commit while the male is reluctantly willing having been burned once before provides an added touch to a strong romantic mystery.

Dangerous Depths
Kathy Brandt
Signet
ISBN 0451214935 $6.50, 272 pp.

Police underwater diver and homicide investigator Hannah Sampson went down to the British Virgin Island as a favor to her boss who wanted someone on his team nearby during the inquiries into the death of his son there. Hannah loved it so much that she quit her job in Denver and went to work as a detective in BVI in Tortuga. After a year of living there she has a lover, good friends and a houseboat where she can look out at the sea every day. One day she is awakened by an explosion and sees the Caribbe on fire and sinking into the water. She dives and brings up her friend Elyse Henry who lapses into a coma. Evidence points to the incident being an accident because she left her propane stove on, which apparently sparked and caught fire. Hannah's instinct tells her somebody was trying to murder her friend. In defiance of her boss' orders to leave the case alone, the determined Hannah tries to prove her instincts are correct, but almost gets killed in the process. DANGEROUS DEPTHS is an exciting police procedural set in an exotic setting. What makes the attempt on Elyse's life interesting is that she didn't have an enemy with a motive to murder her; so readers keep wondering why as they seek along aside the heroine to find out who the killer is. Armchair travelers beware! Once you read this book, you'll want to hop at plane and visit the unspoiled British Virgin Islands.

Better Read than Dead
Victoria Laurie
Signet
ISBN: 0451215583 $6.99, 304 pp.

Though he won the lottery and retired from the Royal Oak, Michigan police department, Milo Johnson works part-time helping the understaffed police with solving crimes. Currently, he is working on the case of a serial rapist. At the same time psychic Abby Cooper warns a client not to procrastinate when she shops; Cathy Shultz is disappointed in the reading until she delays her shopping that night and becomes the latest rape victim. Abby's friend Kendal calls in a favor so she is working with him at the Kapordelis wedding when she sees a hitman's aura; the family of the bride is a mob family. Abby works with Milo to stop the rapist, but neither piece together her latest clue leading to a rape-homicide. Andros Kapordelis demands she help him choose which of his sons is best to carry on the business after he dies from cancer. Meanwhile her main squeeze Dutch Rivers is an FBI agent in training is embarrassed that his Abby is a psychic. All three of Abby's situations come together in one final reading that could leave her joining her crew on the other side. This reviewer foresees a long run for ABIGAIL COPPER, PSYCHIC EYE as her second tale BETTER READ THAN DEAD is a fabulous paranormal detective thriller with Abby yanked by both sides of the law as well as her disillusionment with Dutch. Abby keeps the plot focused whether she is jealous or fighting with Dutch, talking with the crew, helping Milo solve the case, or accepting an offer she can't refuse. Victoria Laurie provides a lighthearted entertaining psychic amateur sleuth novel that will entertain the clairvoyant cozy crowd.

The Intelligencer
Leslie Silbert
Washington Square (Atria)
ISBN: 0743432924 $24.00

In New York, London-based forensic accounting wizard Cidro Medina meets with former English Renaissance scholar turned sleuth Kate Morgan to discuss the corpse he found in his home. A thief broke into Cidro's home to steal a leather-bound volume of 16th-century intelligence reports written in cipher, but was trapped by cops so he chose poison instead of prison. Kate who is a deep operative for a United States Intelligence Agency investigates the sudden interest in the tome. In England Kate begins breaking the book's code and finds herself on the verge of not solving today's mystery, but a cold case involving the sudden death of Elizabethan most popular playwright Christopher Marlowe in 1593. She learns that Christopher lived a double life using his writings as a cover for his undercover espionage work to expose smuggling. Kate is also asked to look into an eleven million dollar art deal that triggered alerts of a possible black market sale. Billionaire art dealer Luca de Tolomei sold an antiquity to Iranian senior intelligence officer Hamad Azadi. Unbeknownst to Kate, she is the pawn of revenge by a person targeting her father, U.S. Senator Donovan Morgan. Though the story line is all over the place, THE INTELLIGENCER is a fine thriller that rotates chapters globally mostly in the present, but also includes stops in the late sixteenth century. Because of the constant shifts of focus, the story line takes time to develop; thus the action-packed thrill seekers might find the secondary plotting tedious while those in the audience who appreciate insightful filler will enjoy the sidebars. Leslie Silbert writes an interesting tale with a wonderful premise that is overloaded but fun to follow.

Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit: A Son Remembers
Sean Hepburn Ferrer
Atria
ISBN: 0743268865 $23.00, 230 pp.

The approach to this biography from Audrey Hepburn's' obviously adulating son Sean Hepburn Ferrer is to tell about his famous mother through the perspective of those who knew her rather than the usual crash and burn titillating Hollywood bedtime tales. Instead, Mr. Ferrer displays respect for his mom and indirectly her husbands. Other contributors like Henry Mancini provide insight, but once again offer respect. The interesting aspects of the bio is when Mr. Ferrer takes his audience outside of Hollywood to his mother's childhood in war ravaged Belgium that shaped her adulthood morality and the importance of family values in a meaningful way not some politician's sound bite. This belief led Ms. Hepburn to volunteer at UNICEF. There will not be a dry eyed reader when they "hear" Sabrina give a speech at the UN in 1989 pleading for the millions of children dying from malnutrition, lack or bad water, and diseases that the western world eradicated. When people scoff at Hollywood morality, they need to remember real heroines like Ms. Hepburn. Three hundred plus photographs augment a wonderfully upbeat look at "an elegant spirit" whose author pays the ultimate homage to his mother as the Audrey Hepburn Children's receives the proceeds from the sales.

This Time
Margaret Johnson-Hodge
Sutton Place Publishers
2774 N. Cobb Parkway, Suite 109, PMB 180, Kennesaw, GA 30152
ISBN: 0975402609 $16.95

Not too long ago Rick Timmons chose his now five years old daughter Kanisha rather than the woman he loves Dajah Moore after his beloved forced him to choose because she insisted "no more madness" following the nasty behavior of the mother Gina Alexander. Dajah left, but Rick is back and wants a second chance. Now twenty-three Gina apparently has turned her life around with a job at a Jamaica, Queens library and is making efforts to regain the friendship of a close pal, but she is also getting back with the pot. So once again her actions jeopardize their daughter and a second chance with Dajah even if she agreed to one. While Rick struggles with what is best for his daughter, Dajah meets Jeff Gingham, who wishes he was younger as he sees his eight years as being too much a gap. A couple of weeks later, Jeff's dog Kelly runs from him when he notices Dajah. The dog runs to greet her. Jeff follows. Jeff and Dajah start to see one another, but she has doubts following the disaster of her last relationship and he firmly believes she needs someone her age, but a matchmaking canine thinks otherwise. As expected from Margaret Johnson-Hodge, THIS TIME is a terrific urban relationship drama that brings to life Queens New York through the actions and reactions of an ensemble cast. The key to this fine tale is that the prime players and their particular angst seem real. Readers who appreciate a deep character study that looks closely at the desires, needs, and consternations of four individuals and to a lesser degree two others, go no further than Ms. Johnson-Hodge; she is one of the best.

Falls The Shadow
William Lashner
Morrow
ISBN 0060721561 $24.95, 432 pp.

Leesa Dube was shot in the chest in her own home, the picture of her estranged husband Francois clutched in her hand. The couple was in the middle of a bitter divorce fighting for custody of their daughter. In his home they found a bloody towel and a blood spot on his boot, a perfect match to Leesa's blood. A jury convicted him of murder and sentenced him to life in prison. Three years after his conviction Francois hires attorney Victor Carl and his partner Beth to get his verdict overturned and to obtain a new trial. To Victor's surprise he finds suppressed evidence that earns the con a new trial. While preparing for the legal battle of his life, the courts appoint Victor to work pro bono representing four year old Daniel who is taken out of his home because of his mother's neglect. Weaving throughout Victor's life is his dentist Bob, who has a Messiah complex and works in the shadows to right the world's wrongs. Victor is not sure whether Bob is a Good Samaritan or a master manipulator with adulating followers who carry out his desires whether they are good or evil. Anyone who has a dental phobia will never want to visit a dentist after reading about Dr. Bob and the lengths he will go to in order to make the world a better place even if the methods he uses turn out to be illegal. Victor tries hard to remain uncaring and cynical but his nurturing nature propels him to lend a helping hand when he is needed. Readers will admire him and more so William Lashner who is one of the best writers of legal thrillers on the market today.

Wildcat Wine
Claire Matturro
Morrow
ISBN: 0060567074 $23.95, 304 pp.

When farmer Dave comes to Sarasota lawyer Lillian Belle Rosemary Cleary with a truckload of Muscadine wine, he meets her legal secretary Bonita and her son Benny. Since Lilly is working, he takes Benny to look for jaguarundi in the Myakka River State park. The trip ends with Dave and his friend Waylon arrested for stealing the wine from his employer. Lilly hires Phillip Cohen to represent him and he makes it clear that he is interested in her. Benny tells Lilly that they found a corpse and a bag of money when they were in the park. Lilly goes to Dave's employer to ask him to drop the charges and does not say anything about the dead man or the money to the police. A few days later, Dave's employer is found dead in a homicide intended to look like an accident. Kenneth, a partner in the firm where Lilly works, harasses Bonita who is related to Dave's employer's wife; Lilly has no idea what his motivation could be. Shortly thereafter Kenneth is killed. Lilly knows the three murders are linked, but trying to learn how could make her the next victim. WILDCAT WINE is a fast moving, action-packed crime thriller in which the attorneys break the law as often as the criminals do. Readers are going to love the obsessive compulsive protagonist who believes cleanliness is next to nervousness as she does a lot of cleaning when anxious. Still Lilly goes to amazing lengths to prove her friends are innocent although these eccentrics also drive her crazy. Claire Matturro provides a light hearted chick lit mystery that grips the reader from the first page and keeps them laughing until the final cleaning spree.

Improbable
Adam Fawer
Morrow
ISBN: 0060736771 $24.95, 403 pp.

Columbia statistics Ph.D. candidate and teacher David Caine is a compulsive gambler, always believing in the odds. However probability fails him when he loses while holding a near perfect hand. He owes a Russian Mafioso big time. At the same time he struggles with his dangerous debt, David also receives experimental treatment for his temporal lobe epilepsy. However, the treatment provides David the ability to enter the everywhen, where he "witnesses" countless futures in which he selects which one he wants for himself. Soon, the Feds and the Russians seek David for their own purposes. With his just out of the asylum schizophrenic twin Jasper and CIA killer Nava Vaner as his allies, David calculates the odds of survival in spite of probably turning into Laplace's Demon mathematically calculating the future. IMPROBABLE is an enjoyable action-packed thriller starring an intriguing antihero whose gambling is as out of control as an itchy edge in his blood. Having someone like that able to see the future is a delightful twist because the fever is in the paying not the winning (though David does not want to lose). Adam Fawer provides fabulous insight into the mathematics and physics that serve as the background to everywhen, but that also slows down the plot and feels awkward when killer Nava joins the fray. Though mindful of the Professor Q books of Trevor Hoyle, but with more of an espionage mob ring than the historical take of the latter, fans will appreciate this interesting thriller, which probably means an educated dedicated fan base.

The Body in the Snowdrift
Katherine Hall Page
Morrow
ISBN: 0060525304 $23.95, 256 pp.

Caterer Faith Fairchild is not looking forward to all the Fairchilds getting together at Pine Slopes, a Vermont ski resort. Her husband's family threatens to emotionally overwhelm her and on her first day at the resort she finds the body of local lawyer Boyd Harrison who invested quite a sum of money in Pine Slopes. Everyone thinks he had a heart attack since Boyd felt chest pains and reached into his pocket for his medicine. However, someone substituted the nitroglycerin with mints. Shortly after his death, the head chef John Forester disappears without giving anyone advance notice. Faith thinks it is strange because he has been at the resort for years and loved his job. Malicious pranks like a lifelike blow up doll painted in red to look like blood floating in the pool and the sabotage of the ski lift convince Faith someone wants to bankrupt the resort. When John's body is splattered all over the mountain because someone pushed him into the snow making machine, Faith investigates only to walk into a trap set by the killer. Though the fifteenth Faith Fairchild mystery, the series retains the freshness and originality of the very first book which won the Agatha Award. The heroine is drawn into the Fairchilds' problems, getting into arguments with her sister-in-laws and trying to keep her nieces and nephews safe and happy in spite of their mother's obsessive compulsion need to regiment their lives. There are many people who could have killed the victims but Faith has to find a motive compelling enough for someone to eliminate the chef and the investor. Katherine Hall Page has written an exciting down to earth amateur sleuth mystery.

Not A Girl Detective
Susan Kandel
Morrow
ISBN 0060581077 $23.95, 294 pp.

Cece Caruso has made a career writing biographies of dead mystery writers and while researching her last book (I DREAMED I MARRIED PERRY MASON) she solved a homicide. An obsessive Nancy Drew fan, she is now writing about the pseudonymous Carolyn Keane who was really a succession of ghost writers contracted to write under that name. Her focuses is the picture of Nancy Drew, the model Grace Horton. She meets fellow Nancy Drew collector Eagar Edwards who shows her a picture of a natural Grace Horton painted by Russell H. Tandy. The two hit it off so well that Edgar offers to let her and her friends stay at his Palm Springs home while she give a talk to the Nancy Drew Chums at their annual convention. Shortly after she arrives there, she finds his body with a bullet in his head. Somebody searches her home and her car looking for something making Cece determined to find out who that person is and why he killed Edgar even if it means placing her own life in danger. Readers will be reminded of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum when they read Susan Kandel's Cece Caruso capers as both are funny, plagued by romantic problems and once on the scent of a killer, keep tracking like obsessed bloodhounds. There are many suspects who could have killed Edgar but what really keeps the reader interested is the urge to know what the killer is looking for. This is a very special amateur sleuth tale that will be a hit with readers who love a good puzzle to solve.

The Serpent on the Crown
Elizabeth Peters
Morrow
ISBN: 0060591781 $25.95

The war to end wars has been over for a few years so that by 1922 it is relatively safe for Egyptologists to return to excavations especially in the Valley of the Kings. Foreign archeologists back in Egypt include Amelia Peabody and her spouse Emerson working with their son Ramses and daughter-in-law Nefret at Deir el Medina. Author Magda Petherick arrives with an ancient gold artifact figure of an Egyptian king that she insists is cursed; the owner dies rather quickly once possessing the statuette as occurred to her spouse, a known collector. Magda pleads with Emerson to return the blighted relic to its tomb before someone else dies. However others disagree with Magda and want the statuette as the gold alone is worth a fortune. This crowded field includes Emerson, his friend Cyrus, the victim's two adult children, and a host of others that would make DeMille proud. The ethical Amelia wants to do the right thing so she begins retracing the ill-fated steps that Magda's spouse Pringle took when the widow vanishes and is later found dead. Amelia plans to expose the culprit. Though the family interrelationships seem somewhat tedious in the seventeenth Peabody historical tale, the mystery and the Egyptology in the Post WWI era make for a fine time for fans of the series. The story line is action-packed yet provides a deep look at how 1920s archeologists looked back to ancient civilizations. The death of Pringle is cleverly crafted to make it appear as if a brother curse to Tut's exists and the who-done-it is fabulously designed so that the reader will want Amelia to find the culprit. This is a solid entry in a fine series.

Wildcat Wine
Claire Matturro
Morrow
ISBN: 0060567074 $23.95, 304 pp.

When farmer Dave comes to Sarasota lawyer Lillian Belle Rosemary Cleary with a truckload of Muscatine wine, he meets her legal secretary Bonita and her son Benny. Since Lilly is working, he takes Benny to look for jaguarundi in the Myakka River State park. The trip ends with Dave and his friend Waylon arrested for stealing the wine from his employer. Lilly hires Phillip Cohen to represent him and he makes it clear that he is interested in her. Benny tells Lilly that they found a corpse and a bag of money when they were in the park. Lilly goes to Dave's employer to ask him to drop the charges and does not say anything about the dead man or the money to the police. A few days later, Dave's employer is found dead in a homicide intended to look like an accident. Kenneth, a partner in the firm where Lilly works, harasses Bonita who is related to Dave's employer's wife; Lilly has no idea what his motivation could be. Shortly thereafter Kenneth is killed. Lilly knows the three murders are linked, but trying to learn how could make her the next victim. WILDCAT WINE is a fast moving, action-packed crime thriller in which the attorneys break the law as often as the criminals do. Readers are going to love the obsessive compulsive protagonist who believes cleanliness is next to nervousness as she does a lot of cleaning when anxious. Still Lilly goes to amazing lengths to prove her friends are innocent although these eccentrics also drive her crazy. Claire Matturro provides a light hearted chick lit mystery that grips the reader from the first page and keeps them laughing until the final cleaning spree.

Improbable
Adam Fawer
Morrow
ISBN: 0060736771 $24.95, 403 pp.

Columbia statistics Ph.D. candidate and teacher David Caine is a compulsive gambler, always believing in the odds. However probability fails him when he loses while holding a near perfect hand. He owes a Russian Mafioso big time. At the same time he struggles with his dangerous debt, David also receives experimental treatment for his temporal lobe epilepsy. However, the treatment provides David the ability to enter the everywhen, where he "witnesses" countless futures in which he selects which one he wants for himself. Soon, the Feds and the Russians seek David for their own purposes. With his just out of the asylum schizophrenic twin Jasper and CIA killer Nava Vaner as his allies, David calculates the odds of survival in spite of probably turning into Laplace's Demon mathematically calculating the future. IMPROBABLE is an enjoyable action-packed thriller starring an intriguing antihero whose gambling is as out of control as an itchy edge in his blood. Having someone like that able to see the future is a delightful twist because the fever is in the paying not the winning (though David does not want to lose). Adam Fawer provides fabulous insight into the mathematics and physics that serve as the background to everywhen, but that also slows down the plot and feels awkward when killer Nava joins the fray. Though mindful of the Professor Q

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