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

MBR Bookwatch

Volume 2, Number 10 October 2003 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Kaveny's Bookshelf Klausner's Bookshelf Cynthia's Bookshelf

Laurel's Bookshelf Shirley's Bookshelf Donovan's Bookshelf

Kaveny's Bookshelf
Sleepless in Eau Claire

I spent a number of sleepless nights laying in bed with my eyes wide shut in the dark trying to write this months Kaveny's Bookshelf lamenting that the fact that as usual my reach had greatly exceeded my grasp in terms of my expectations for this months feature. Mostly I worried about all the wonderful authors of fine works who I have whom I have promised attention, but still have not got around to it.

But then I snapped to attention because of something I read in the best book I
have ever read about being a writer by Mario Puzo:

The Godfather Papers & Other Confessions
Mario Puzo
G. P. Putnam's Sons

I don't have a copy in my hand nor do I have the 120 dollars in my hand that it would take to buy a copy on Amazon so I will have to go on a thirty three old memory of the book.

For those of you who want to find more about the American author Mario Puzo 1920-1999, I suggest this Website http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/mpuzo.htm. Some of you may find it strange that a draw inspiration from a single work of criticism by a very prolific author whom I have only superficially read. So do I.

Never the less the phrase from The Godfather Papers always seems to bring me back to my senses and the paraphrase for it goes something like this.

"Writers' block is about as interesting to a non writer as ditch digger's block is to a non ditch digger"

Puzio said a lot of other fascinating things in the book which have stayed with me all my creative life which actually started not much after I read The Godfather Papers in 1974.

For example, I remember a section in The Godfather Papers in which Puzio tells about how after making a ton of money on "The Godfather" in the early seventies he rented Puzio purchased a luxury condo in Vegas where he could be complete his great work of literature away from the demands of a demeaning family, and removed from the necessity of fighting for a single bathroom with teenage family members, and wife who clearly did not understand the needs of a creative genius, etc, etc, etc.

The plan of course was that Puzio would eat a heathy diet give up all of his vice and between times the spa and tennis court he would write his great American Novel. Well to make a long story short without the blaring noise and domestic dissonance, and jockeying for a few minutes of bathroom time to concentrate on the crapper, while others were beating on the door, Mario Puzio could not write a single word. So he had to give up Vegas and return to domestic bliss.

So this months I am going to post a few short reviews of books that are available through the remainder market and on Amazon which has come to be my favorite bookseller. For those of you don't know this segment of the book the book trade which exists because of a tax reform in 1980's which made it impossible for publishers to live off their blacklists and forced them to sell recently published books in new condition in wholes sale lots at greatly reduced prices. These saving are then passed on to the patient customer who is to wait a while for some wonderful bargains I will be including the dimensions in the buying information since I will be focusing on a few art books in this feature

John Rawlings: 30 Years in Vogue
John Rawlings, Photographer
Kohle Yohannan, text
Arena Editions;
ISBN:1892041383 $60.00

With over 200 Vogue and Glamour covers to his creed and 30,000 photos in his three-decade archive, John Rawlings' work virtually defines American fashion and style in the mid-20th century. Rawlings was in the elite circle of Irving Penn, Horst P. Horst, George Hoyningen-Huene, and George Platt Lynes, all top Vogue photographers, yet until recently never received the kind of attention lauded on his colleagues. Kohle Yohannan presents glamour portraits from Rawlings' recently rediscovered archive, as well as never-before- published nudes that testify to the self-assured quality of the artist's work a virtual definition of mid-century style. Photographs of stage, screen, and society stars of the 1940s and 1950s including Marlene Dietrich, Salvador Dali, Veronica Lake, Lena Horne, and Montgomery Clift are also featured. The thirty or so pages of nude figures studies make this book as much an object of high art as commercial. I have added a copy of this book to my private collection and looking into its beautiful oversized pages is like taking a time traveling vacation into the middle of the 20th Century. It is worth every cent of its $60.00 retail price but can be found on Amazon for less than 1/4 of that price. The book is worth the full purchase price for the beautiful dustjacket alone.

Cistercian Abbeys: History and Architecture
Jean-Franco Leroux, et al
Konemann
ISBN 3895088943 $39.95

This beautiful book takes the reader back Nine centuries ago, at a time when Benedictines from the Order of Cluny glorified God in splendid divine offices and magnificent churches, an unknown monk called Robert de Molesme suggested that they revert to the strict rule of Beno t de Nurcie: in prayer, seclusion and living by manual labor. The "New Monastery" in C teaux thus became a model for a cohort of "Cistercians," choir monks and lay brothers from some 700 abbeys across Europe, not to mention the nunneries linked to them. Once stripped of all ornament, the architecture of the Cistercian abbeys imposed a new aesthetic standard both on Romanesque art, which was perfected by the master craftsmen of the Order, and on early Gothic art, which they helped to develop throughout Europe. The authors focus on this episode in the history of the Cistercians in relation to their architectural legacy. This book, with its pages and pages of full color photographs, offers insight into the contemporary heritage of the Cistercian Order. On the Medieval Studies circuit in England my wife and I have had the privilege of meeting a number of members of this order who know seem willing to tell there story to the world. This book is a bargain at its cover price and outstanding value it can be had on Amazon for less than $12.00.

Uniforms of the Civil War: An Illustrated Guide for Historians, Collectors, and Reenactors
L. Robin Smith, Ron Field
288 pages
DIANE Publishing Co
ISBN: 0756765986 $40.00

This book was one of the best bargains I found on the Internet again at Amazon for a mere 12.00. Some folks have trouble with the idea of reenactors. They think it glorifies war and worse than that it tramples the grass, but, perhaps worst of people seem to really enjoy doing it a friend of mine's brother is an American Civil War Reenactor and their speciality is the Baltinore draft riots. Before I got hooked on the Habit of visiting England my wife tells me that there is practically a cottage industry in reenacting the English Civil War which took place about 220 years before ours and on some per capita basis was just as bloody as ours and last twice as long. The Nicknames for the soldiers on each side were and still are Cavilers (who supported the King) and Round heads (who supported Parliament. Well the Round Heads under the hated Oliver Cromwell sort of won, but they had ugly uniforms and very poor personnel hygiene As I result you have to fight as a Round Head for many years before you can dress up like a Cavilers and fight for king and country.

I highly recommend the "the Blue and Gray" succinctly evokes the North and South, the uniforms because the authors and creators of this book are aware that the uniforms of actual Civil War soldiers were anything but "uniform," in color or any other regard, and depended largely on the supplies the quartermasters had at hand. this volume fully explores the clothing and gear used in the Civil War in hundreds of photos, drawings, and color illustrations. It is a rich source for battle re-enactors and costumers, with details of clothing construction, coloration, and supplier. The book also adds depth to the understanding of Civil War soldiers' experiences, and many of the photos are portraits of men who never came home.

That's it for this month; maybe I can get some sleep tonight.

Phil Kaveny
Reviewer

Klausner's Bookshelf
Soon
Jerry Jenkins
Tyndale
ISBN 0842384065 $24.95 347 pp.

World War III, brought about by opposing-religious factions, left the global population vastly depleted. Mankind pulled back from the brink of the abyss when a tsunami caused by the detonation of two nuclear warheads destroyed much of Asia, Hawaii, and Southern California. Religion was internationally banned and people were forbidden to practice or preach their faith upon the penalty of death. The United Seven States of America creates the National Peace Organization to weed out religious terrorists leading to three decades of Pax. NPO Agent Paul Stepola wants all people who practice religion killed and volunteers for the Zealot Underground task force when it becomes apparent that there is a large outbreak of Christian activity surfacing. Paul sees things that he believes are the work of terrorists but which the Christians believe are God's miracles. An incident occurs that makes a believer out of him. Now he is the highest placed mole in NPO diligently working to help his fellow believers while appearing to obey the orders of NPO, but one mistake will get him killed. Jerry Jenkins delivers a stirring and exciting novel about a world afraid of war yet surprisingly the consequences are not what one would expect. Instead the secular survivors in power ban religion of any kind while the true believers, expecting the Rapture to be coming soon, fight to be heard despite the threat of death. The hero goes from one extreme to another but it is believable and readers will take him into their hearts because he honestly believes and is willing to act on that belief. SOON is a must read for anyone who follows the Left Behind series or for those readers who love futuristic thrillers.

First Light
Bodie & Brock Thoene
Tyndale
ISBN: 0842375066 $24.99 391 pp.

In the first century, Jews flock to Yerushalyim to celebrate the Passover at a time when Roman legions dominate the landscape. The Jews question their faith and their God as the invaders slaughter innocents with the help of the local religious priests. Even though they feel abandoned by God and are beginning to believe that evil will inherit the earth, still they come until the latest genocide leaves many dead. In this unholy period of doubt, disaster, and foreign rule, blind teen beggar Peniel still believes in his God and that the Messiah is coming. No one welcomes Peniel; even his parents shun him because they blame him for the death of his brother. Most people feel Peniel or his parents sinned leading to his sightlessness. Still being a pariah does not stop Peniel from his search for the light of the Messiah with Yeshua the healer his prime candidate. This is an entertaining but serious look at the first century during a time when the Jewish people are religiously in disarray. More people feel God abandoned his Chosen ones than those like the hero who expect the Messiah to arrive any moment. Though cramming too much in one novel, as there are other stars of subplots that do not tie together except through their dealings with the messianic healer Yeshua, readers will enjoy this engaging insightful first century tale.

Hidden In Time
Michael Phillips
Tyndale
ISBN: 0842355014 $12.99 492 pp.

Many people would rest on their laurels after making two incredible discoveries that substantiate much of the Old Testament, but not archeologist Adam Livingstone. Though acclaimed as the top in his field after locating Noah's Ark and pinpointing the Garden of Eden (see RIFT IN TIME), Adam has changed from an apathetic agnostic into a true believer. He feels he needs to prove that God's words are real. So he and his team are in Aksum, Ethiopia seeking proof that the Ark of the Covenant exists in the St. Mary's of Zion Cathedral's Sanctuary, but the endeavor fails. The powerful Council of Twelve believes e opposite. They are concerned about Adam's recent discoveries and watch his every move in Ethiopia for obviously the Ark was allegedly kept there. Though within the twelve there is a major rift, the prime commandment remains stopping Adam from further proving that God exists. They plan to do more than just take pictures of the Ark. This exciting sequel is loaded with action and strong characters. It also contains a powerfully interwoven message that God wants his children to come home. The story line is fast-paced never missing a beat as the countdown to the end times start. Adam and his crew are a delightful group who begins to realize that he is a modern day prophet though the villains (except one) seem a bit inane in their petty posturing when an eternal "kingdom" seems at stake. Still the Left Behind crowd and fans of apocalyptic tales will want to read this novel, its predecessor, and other works by Michael Phillips.

Witching Moon
Rebecca York
Berkley
ISBN: 0425192784 $5.99 352 pp.

Near Wayland in South Georgia is the Olakimpa swamp home to the privately owned Nature's Refuge. When Chief Ranger Ken White is murdered owner Austen Barnette hires US Parks Ranger Adam Marshall, who has a powerful reputation for catching criminals, as the replacement. Adam changes into his wolf persona to run the park at night, but notices a fire. When he investigates, he finds himself almost hypnotized. He manages to return to human form, but not before someone tries to kill him. The next morning he sees a woman wandering the park, but learns that Sara Watson is researching the local flora as part of an agreement between Barnette and Granville Pharmaceuticals. As Adam and Sara fall in love, they must combine their efforts to stop a deadly coven even as her witch powers enhance his werewolf abilities. This werewolf sequel stars another Marshall that will excite readers as much as the previous Moon books did. The story line is fast-paced from the moment Adam goes wolf until the end (refuse to give it away even at the threat of a canine bite). Sara is a great character struggling to contain and hide her inner essence and powers behind a scientific fa�ade. Rebecca York bewitches her moonlight fans once again with a strong supernatural romance that makes werewolves, witches, and covens (oh my) alive.

No Clue At the Inn
Kate Kingsbury
Berkley
ISBN 0425191885 $13.00 320 pp.

It has been two years since Cecily Sinclair married her general manager Hugh Baxter, sold the Pennyfoot Hotel to her cousin, and moved to London. Baxter has his own business working as a financial advisor and Cecily is a woman of leisure still madly in love with her husband. The Pennyfoot Hotel has become the Pennyfoot Country Club but Cecily still misses the place. She is ecstatic when she and her husband are asked to temporarily manage the club, which they agree to do. The previous manager died under mysterious circumstances on a deserted farmhouse and no one knows why he was there. While Baxter oversees the hotel, Cecily begins investigating his death while getting reacquainted with her former employers who are now staying there as her guest. Just when she thinks she figures out how the former manager died, a serving maid and one of the guests are killed. Cecily thinks all three deaths are linked and sets out to prove it heedless to the danger she put herself in by doing so. It has been much too long since a Pennyfoot Hotel mystery has been published but NO CLUE AT THE INN is well worth the wait. The reunion between Cecily and her former employers and friends is quite touching and her relationship with her husband is beautiful to behold especially when they are bickering in a loving manner. Kate Kingsbury has written a very special cozy that fans will treasure.

Sunshine
Robin McKinley
Berkley
ISBN 0425191788 $23.95, 400 pp.

Less than a decade ago, the human and vampire population went to war with the result that millions of humans died and the geo-political structure of the world changed. Rae "Sunshine" Seddon loves living a mundane life baking delicious confections for her family's cafe in New Arcadia. She pretends that vampires only in exist in the pages of a book until she goes out one night to her grandmother's deserted cabin. When she wakes up, she is surrounded by a group of vampires. They take her to a deserted mansion where a vampire is manacled to the wall. The vampires chain her to a wall close to Con and offer her up to him as a meal. He refuses to take her blood and Sunshine draws upon the powers she inherited from her father to escape before the vampires come back. Sunshine has suppressed memories of working spells and transmuting for years. Suddenly she is thrust into an unheard of alliance with a vampire to defeat his species that had taken them prisoner. The protagonist experiences one trauma after another as she comes to terms with her attraction to and trust of a vampire while learning to use the powers she has forgotten she possessed. Robin McKinley is an excellent world builder and innovative storyteller who insures her readers believe that vampires actually exist and control large parts of the world's geography and financial wealth. Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton and Tanya Huff will not want to miss the very special SUNSHINE.

Goddess of the Sea
P. C. Cast
Berkley
ISBN: 0425192792 $5.99, 368pp.

Ironic as it seems Air Force Staff Sergeant Christine "CC" Canady hates to fly. So her current assignment taking her from Tinker AFB, Oklahoma on a ninety-day tour in Riyadh is not one she looks forward too. However, her fears prove accurate this time as the plane crashes into the water. Instead of drowning, Undine a mermaid saves her life. When they kiss, they switch places. Undine's brother Sarpedon tries to rape her, but CC escapes. She meets another merman Dylan who is kind to her. Soon Undine's mother Gaia helps CC by allowing her to become human, but every three days she must return to the sea until she finds true love. Sir Andras saves Undine from the sea and takes her to Calder Monastery on Calder Island where Abbot William looks suspiciously upon her amnesia claim and her insistence she is a princess. Andras tries to court her, but turns nasty and dangerous as Sarpedon takes control of his body. CC soon realizes that she loves Dylan and he reciprocates the feeling, but fears what Sarpedon will do to her beloved. GODDESS OF THE SEA is a solid retelling of Undine's tale that readers of adult fairy tale romances will appreciate. The story line is loaded with action on land and at sea. CC as a human soldier or as a mermaid is a strong character; the audience will cherish her, as she serves as the center of this enjoyable adult version of Ariel the mermaid.

Grave Instinct
Robert W. Walker
Berkley
ISBN 0425191702 $23.95, 390 pp.

Rather than harm his wife and child, Dr. Grant Kenyon and his alter ego "Phillip" moved out of his home in New Jersey and trolled I-95 for females. Once Grant snatched the innocent young woman, Phillip would take over and surgically cut the brain out and eat it. He believes that eating fresh human brains will increase his awareness and achieve cosmic consciousness. Grant is modeling his behavior after Daryl Thomas Chockil "The New Jersey Ghoul" who dug up the bodies of dead children in 1990 and ate a part of their brain. He was incarcerated in a hospital for the mentally insane but has gotten out a month before the skull-digger started killing his victims. The FBI immediately focus their attention on Daryl but medical examiner Dr. Jessica Coran thinks the real killer is setting up The New Jersey Ghoul to take the fall. She persuades her superiors to look for someone who keeps logging on to Daniel's website and after a ton of digging, they find a likely suspect but Jessica almost gets herself killed when she tries to take him in. Robert W. Walker can always be counted on to create an exciting crime thriller with a villain that readers love to hate. Told from the point of view of the killer, the audience learns that the character suffers from multiple personality disorder but he is so evil, he illicits no sympathy. The novel is also told from the protagonist's point of view and readers sympathize with her feelings of impotence and frustration as she tries to convince her superiors to go after the right person, not the easiest one to blame.

A Little Mischief
Amelia Grey
Berkley
ISBN: 0425192776 $5.99 304 pp.

In her first year among the ton, Isabella Winslowe was a wallflower who watched her vivacious spinster Aunt Pithany stand tall and decided to emulate her beloved relative. In her second season, she becomes a popular figure declining several offers of marriage. However, Isabella noticed other wallflowers and decided to provide encouragement thorough a reading team to help them improve their dynamics. The male members of the Ton dub the group the Wallflower Society. Lord Daniel Colebrook has just returned to London after spending a couple years mourning the deaths of his father and older brother and to learn estate management. When Isabella accompanied by his sister Gretchen informs him that his sibling murdered wastrel Boswell Throckmorten, he feels she is pulling a hoax on him especially when the body is missing. Later when he and Isabella find the Throckmorten corpse he knows someone killed the odious man. Working closely to learn who killed the nasty Throckmorten in order to keep his sister out of trouble, they fall in love. Still Isabella wonders whether he will take away her independence if she marries him like he desires. Readers will appreciate this charming Regency romance with a touch of suspense. The lead characters are typical in many ways of the sub-genre, but their preliminary battles and later partnering are fun to follow. Fans will enjoy this charmer though many would have preferred for a separate tale for a second romance that comes out of nowhere.

The Dare
Elda Minger
Berkley
ISBN: 0425192768 $6.99, 320 pp.

San Francisco dancer Alyssa Preston arrives in Wilmette, Illinois for her best friend's wedding. However, the bride Mindy Bickham asks Alyssa to do her a favor. Following her former fiance cheating on her just before the wedding, Mindy needs to know if her betrothed Tom stays faithful when strippers will be at the bachelor party hosted by his pal the best man Cooper Sinclair. Reluctantly Alyssa agrees and manages to join the striptease artists when one of the foursome went home ill. Alyssa puts on quite a show until Cooper stops her. Later Cooper and Alyssa make love, but she is gone by morning. At the reception, he figures out that the bride's maid Alyssa is the "Bambi" from last night who has made him forget about work for the first in eons. Alyssa flees to San Francisco and Cooper follows as he realizes that he loves his "Bambi". Any novel that has its two lead characters playing truth or dare is bound to be a lot of fun and that is the case with this book. The story line engages the audience though readers will agree with Alyssa that if Mindy has doubts about his faithfulness she should not marry him. Contemporary romance readers will find THE DARE is a pleasant story that entertains (no conscious implied reference to Joplin's The Entertainer) the audience from the moment Alyssa strips.

Letter From Home
Carolyn Hart
Berkley
ISBN 0425191796 $22.95, 272 pp.

In a small Oklahoma town during the summer of 1949 Gretchen Gilman left her innocence behind and saw the world as it actually was. She keeps busy working in her grandmother's cafe in the early mornings before rushing to work as a reporter for the local paper the Gazette. After the police left Faye Tatum's place following somebody called in a complaint, Gretchen and her friend Barb, Faye's daughter, find Faye dead, the victim of strangulation. Faye's husband Clyde is nowhere to be found and popular opinion says that he killed her in a jealous rage after he found out she went to the local bar to dance while he was being prepared to be shipped out. Many people believe Faye deserved what she got because she was an artist who stepped out on her husband. Gretchen's grandmother is hiding Clyde who intends to find out who killed his wife. Tragedy begets death and for years after, Gretchen tries to put the events of that summer behind her until a letter from someone in her past stirs up all the ugly memories. This story is told from Gretchen's perspective years after the fact and readers feel her pain as she remembers being ostracized by those she thought were friends because she wrote about Faye in the newspaper in a favorable light. This is more than just a murder mystery. It is a slice of small town America during the World War II years. Carolyn Hart has written a very rich and colorful atmospheric novel, one that captures the essence of a bygone era.

A Crossworder's Gift
Nero Blanc
Berkley
ISBN 0425193152 $22.95 208 pp.

When Digger Bonnet died on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, the secret of his treasure stash died with him. Bell and Rosco spend a week down there. The puzzle constructor and the private detective, with a little help from a parrot, try to decipher the clues to Digger's treasure puzzle. "Holly, Jolly Roger" is a humorous brainteaser. In "The Mystery of Wordworth House", a ghost tries to right an old wrong using Rosco and Belle to translate his message to his two granddaughters. This is a cute ghost story. When a gambler dies, he leaves a goodly amount of his estate to an animal sheter. To find the valuables, Belle Graham is asked to create and solve a crossword puzzle that should lead to the money. "A CROSSWORDER'S GIFT" is a delightful holiday mystery. A puzzle constructor's convention is taking place at the hotel near the Grand Canyon with Belle as the guest of honor. When one of the conventioneers is found dead, Rosco and his wife start sleuthing. "The Eraser's Edge" is one mystery that is almost impossible to solve. In "Cross Stitch" a sewing circle gets stranded during a blizzard and the five women bond with each other. After completing a crossword, the truth about a late heiress surfaces, but to find out what it is, the reader must decipher the crossword puzzle. Nero Blanc's holiday anthology makes the perfect gift for mystery and puzzle lovers.

Murder On Monday
Ann Purser
Berkley
ISBN: 0425192970 $5.99, 288 pp.

Lois Meade loves her family though her teenage daughter is driving her crazy. She also supplements the income brought in by her electrician husband by cleaning homes in the nearby village of Long Farnden. She especially takes pride in keeping her mouth shut, as she knows plenty about her clients. One of Lois' customers Gloria Hathaway sits on the parish council. During a session, Gloria went to make tea, but soon is found strangled to death. PC Keith Simpson needs help to solve the homicides as Gloria made many enemies so that the motives are abundant. He asks Gloria to do some sleuthing when she cleans the homes of the residents of Long Farnden. Though it goes against her nature not to gossip, Gloria agrees to snoop. Soon she finds a blackmailer's dream, though she would never use the information for personal gain, as she uncovers the dark secrets of some of the village's leading citizens. This shock her as she had no idea what was going in this quiet village. MURDER ON MONDAY is the ideal village mystery due a strong blending of a police procedural with an amateur sleuth cozy that fans of both sub-genres will appreciate. The story line feels authentic mostly because Gloria feels more like a real person than a character and the secondary cast provides the village, family, and mystery depth. Ann Purser will gain plenty of fans for this tale and readers will look forward to her future "day of the week" novels.

Distant Echoes
Judie Aitken
Berkley
ISBN: 0425192113 $5.99

The Brookstone Foundation provides a $2.5 million grant to movie director Jesse Spotted Horse to film a documentary on the "Stolen Children, Stolen Culture: The Story of the off-Reservation Schools". To fulfill a promise he made to Grandma Boo to find what happened to her relative Tokalu Sapa at the DuBois Indian School, Jesse obtains permission to film at the now closed school, whose museum is part of the Dubois Academy. Jesse meets the museum curator Kathleen Prescott whose family goes back several generations to when the founder ran the school. She believes her ancestors were caring individuals trying to help while he feels that they destroyed families and individuals. When they begin filming, suddenly smoke breaks out. When it clears the two combatants find they somehow are back in 1886 where both will learn the truth about the salad days of the DuBois Indian School even as they fall in love with one another. This engaging time travel romance is at its best during the squabbles over what happened as handed down by generation to generation by the lead protagonists' respective families. As Jesse and Kathleen observe the truth, their misconceptions seem foolish, adding to a historiographic feel to the plot. Though the time travel device remains shaky, the use provides the audience with a deep look at a questionable practice from a bygone era.

Widow In Scarlet
Nicole Byrd
Berkley
ISBN: 0425192091 $5.99 362 pp.

In 1816 London, Lucy Contrain has just finished mourning the death of her husband when she turns to the debt he left behind. She owes a great deal of money with no funds to make remittance in the month it comes due. Viscount Nicholas Ramsey visits Lucy with quite a tale. The renowned womanizer insists that her late spouse was involved in the stealing of the Royal Ruby of Mandalay and the murder of his agent carrying the precious gem. Nicholas asks Lucy to assist him in his efforts to recover the jewel he brought back from India and in exchange he will help her with her massive IOUs. Needing the monetary influx, Lucy agrees to Nicholas' terms. However, he would never have tendered them if he knew the danger that he places the woman he loves in from dangerous foes willing to kill. WIDOW IN SCARLET is an enjoyable Regency romantic suspense that adheres to sub-genre boundaries yet entertains the audience. The story line is fun to follow though not deep in plot as the emphasis is placed on the lead couple, neither of whom wanting the consideration of love to enter their agreement. Nicole Byrd provides her audience with a fine tale of intrigue in which love rules.

I Burn For You
Susan Sizemore
Pocket
ISBN 0743467426 $6.99 345 pp.

He comes to her in her dreams though she didn't understand what it meant. She comes to him in his dreams and he knew that he was seeing his bondmate, the one who is fated to become his eternal bride. Alexander Reynard and Domini Lancer are in the same open air market in Los Angeles, but he can't claim her yet for he fears what he might do to her. The drugs he uses that allow him to walk in the sunlight and be immune to vampiric allergies are not working anymore; he refuses to initiate the bond until he is sure he won't become feral. Alexander takes a job as an operative for the Lancer security firm where Domini works. They are both assigned to work on the same team protecting Holly Ashe, pop singer, and Domini's closest friend. As they spend time around each other, the feelings brought about by the bond continue to grow. While both wrestles to control their desire, a hidden enemy is waiting to kill Domini and the man who raised her. Susan Sizemore's world in which werewolves and vampires exist side by side with humanity is a fascinating one, a place many readers will want to visit. The two protagonists generate enough heart to scorch the pages of I BURN FOR YOU (a very appropriate title). The suspense sub-plot is used to generate conflict and adds another fascinating dimension to this steamy erotic novel. The structure of vampire society and those who hunt them is also believable and it is hoped that the author will return there with future tales.

Out of the Mist
JoAnn Ross
Pocket
ISBN: 0743464737 $6.99, 384 pp.

Lily "no talent" Stewart no longer looks forward to the upcoming Highland Games at her family's Great Smoky Mountain resort as she has in the past. She is concerned because Oscar winning documentary filmmaker Ian MacDougall MacKenzie is thinking of filming the event. His work is critically acclaimed, but extremely cynical, negative, and dark. A rain soaked Ian arrives at "Stewart's Folly" after walking a mile in a storm when his car rental failed. He and hotel hostess Lily are attracted from the first moment they see each other; shaking hands they emit enough electricity to light a city. Lily worries about the film that she believes will accentuate the negative. The truth is Ian is here to take back a seven-century-old broach his grandfather insists was stolen by the Stewarts decades ago. Although Ian and Lily act wary towards one another, they fall in love, but neither wants that at this time. OUT OF THE MIST is a fine contemporary romance that highlights the Scottish-American culture. The entire clan is fun to observe, but especially delightful is the lead couple and a geriatric duo. Fans of JoAnn Ross will enjoy this tale and take pleasure with the thought that two sisters remain for their tales to be told.

Wedding the Highlander
Janet Chapman
Pocket
ISBN: 0743453085 $6.99

In Pine Creek, Maine, Michael MacBain owns and manages a Christmas tree farm. Living with him is his eight-year-old son Robbie and the former farm owner geriatric widow John Bigelow whose wife of almost six decades recently died. In Los Angeles, Cedars Sinai Medical Center trauma Dr. Elizabeth Hart suddenly performs two miracle healing acts and begins hearing the voices of patients in her head, pleading for help. Unable to cope, she responds to an Internet ad about renting a house. Robbie, who feels his dad needs a wife, placed the ad in the paper. On the drive to the remote area, Robbie's "pet" owl causes her car to crash. After hearing a series of jokes about being pint sized among these giants, Elizabeth and Michael fall in love. However, even though she loves the dude, she has to wonder about the sanity of a man who claims he was born eight centuries ago but was transferred to her time by a wizard. The latest twenty-first century medieval Highlander romance is an exciting tale starring two delightful protagonists and a strong support cast including previous lead characters. The story line is fun to follow as Michael and Elizabeth must cope with the matchmaking of his son and pregnant sister-in-law. Though in some ways the prime relationship is similar to those in previous novels in the series, Janet Chapman writes a refreshingly entertaining novel.

Killing Cousins
Alex Minter
Pocket
ISBN 0743463323 $9.95 240 pp.

When the two Texas women C.J. Wallingford and Maude Stowe get on the hotel elevator, a pleasant looking man joins them. The two ladies, who are wearing a lot of heavy gold jewelry and earning a lot of money, think nothing of the extra passenger even after he whips out a stiletto and cuts their threats. After he robs them he dumps their bodies on the floor where the hotel laundry is done. The husbands of the dead women hire private investigator Franklin Novak to find out who killed their wives since they don't believe the NYPD will find the killer. The owners of the hotel where the two women were staying, Stuart and Simon Apple, are very cooperative with the private detective, giving his son Felix and is friend Soraya, who are apprenticing to become sleuths, a free suite and tickets to the Knicks' game. As two other Apple properties are also hit, it looks like one of the Apples is trying to squeeze the other two out. The case becomes very personal to the group when someone they know is killed. Once again Felix and Soraya demonstrate a rare wisdom and inner strength as they try to track down a killer despite the fact that she is grieving the death of a loved one. Felix, who cares about her, knows intuitively when to give her space or when to offer a shoulder to lean on when the pain becomes too great. KILLING COUSINS is a very urban-noir chick-lit mystery that will appeal to mystery fans who like the unique and unusual.

Midnight Flight
V.C. Andrews
Pocket
ISBN: 0743428617 $7.99

Though from three dramatically different environments, the three girls share in common walking on the wildside (see BROKEN WINGS). In Nashville, Robin Lyn Taylor lives in trouble. In Albany, New York Teal Sommers breaks the law just to get her away from wealthy parents so they can remember she still breaths. In Atlanta Phoebe meets a boy Ashley who will shred her reputation if she acts as cool as she always does. The three female losers are sent to the Foreman's School for Girls in an isolated part of the Southwest. Dr. Foreman makes sure her three new students understand the rules starting with no radio or television and wearing diapers to enforce the beginning of a new life. These three difficult tough teens attend a school in which demerits lead to punishment under the abusive rehabilitative therapy employed by Dr. Freeman and associates. Will one or more learn humility leading to the healing of their BROKEN WINGS or will they fail to adapt and learn their life lessons? Though in many ways MIDNIGHT FLIGHT is the typical fast-paced V.C. Andrews drama involving abuse, fans of the author will appreciate this emotionally laden sequel. The story line is action-paced, but those not familiar with the author need to realize that Dr. Foreman is a no nonsense martinet who reacts harshly to broken rules. The cast is powerful as the three girls, the head mistress and a Native American teacher provide a deep, passionate character study.

The Sassy One
Susan Mallory
Pocket
ISBN: 0743443950 $6.49

In Santa Barbara, research student widow Francesca Marcelli fakes being pregnant as part of an experiment to see if people would help her deliver packages. Males ignore her and females nod in empathy, but no one stops to assist her. When she reaches the empty offices of Malcolm and White Data Tech, she meets the CEO of Security International, Sam Reese. He takes her into his office, feeds her, and offers to hold the packages for now. She admits that she is a social psychology grad student wearing a fake device to emulate pregnancy. Sam takes Francesca to dinner as they are attracted to one another. However, neither wants a long-term relationship though both their families encourage the widowed Francesca and the divorced Sam to marry. Even love may prove too weak to keep this couple together. Though his ex returning seems only to raise unnecessary tension, fans will enjoy the second Marcelli sister tale. The story line is fun as the estrogen as in the first tale (see THE SPARKLING ONE) is at a fever pitch as it was with the first novel. The lead couple is a fine pair, who claims there not in love, but we, the families and Susan Mallory know better.

Star Strict Dead
Sheila York
Pocket
ISBN 074347046X $6.99 368 pp.

World War II is over, the men are home and life returns to normal or what passes for normalcy in Hollywood. Screenwriter Lauren Atwell is driving home when she stops to see if she can help a person in a car that seem to have some trouble. She looks in the vehicle, but the next thing she knows she awakens in the hospital. The doctor and the police tell her that she was found in an alley. Lauren knows she was drugged not drunk as the police believe but she has no proof so she lets the matter drop. A few days after the incident a man comes to her with pictures of her and an unknown man in lewd positions. The blackmailer wants money, which Lauren is not prepared to fork over until she finds out her married friend is also being blackmailed as is her estranged husband's girlfriend. Determined to put an end to the blackmailing, Lauren hires PI Peter Winslow to find out who is running the ring. Every time they think they get close, a dead body turns up. They realize that someone is not hesitant about murdering anyone who gets in the way. The heroine of STAR STRUCK DEAD is a spunky independent woman who doesn't need a man to define her identity, an oddity in the late 1940's. Actual stars that lived in that era make cameo appearances adding authenticity to the setting. The plot is fast-paced with plenty of action and a lot of sizzle between the heroine and the private invesigator. Sheila York has started a good amateur sleuth series and this reviewer will be interested to see the protagonist in future novels.

Smallville: Shadows
Diana G. Gallagher
Aspect
ISBN: 0446613606 $5.99 261 pp.

In Smallville, LexCorps owns the former Minuteman II Silo and the accompanying land, converting it into a fertilizer plant. As Clark Kent races home past the plant, he notices farmer Howard Stoner, who suddenly chokes to death. Clark's father Jonathan believes strongly that the Luthors, Lex and his father Lionel, are polluting the environment and killed Howard. He plans to sue though it may cost the family farm. Clark disagrees as he thinks highly of Lex. Clark investigates while his innocence and na�ve manner hooks another female into liking him. This time shy Sharon Farley, recently moved to the area with her scientist turned novelist father, finds Clark cute. The evidence proves more and more that his father is right in his assertion, but Clark continues to dig even as other local residents die or are harmed. Soon he and Lana end up in a precarious situation in which only Superboy can save them from the experiment going on inside the silo. Fans of the TV series or the comic book will enjoy this delightful slice of life in Kansas as seen through the teen years of the Man of Steel. Clark struggles with girls even as he as Superboy must save the day. The support cast, especially the Kents and Lana, add to the feel that Smallville is a real town on the Great Plains. Through brief flashbacks of Clark thinking back to an event or person, newcomers to see some of Clark's history though this technique slows down a story line faster than a speeding bullet. This novel adds to the mythos of a great hero.

Burndive
Karin Lowachee
Aspect
ISBN 0446613185 $6.99 432 pp.

The son of two very rich and powerful parents, Ryan Azarcon is idolized and envied by the people on Austro station. They don't realize that he is still recovering from the trauma of seeing the wholesale slaughter of the Hong Kong embassy by terrorists. Ryan is not politically savvy and buys into the propaganda of the twenty-year war between the Earth hub and the alien Strits. His father is the captain of the starship Macedon, patrolling deep space against alien incursions and space pirates. Although he has only met his father three times, Cairo comes to bring his son on board his ship to keep him safe after a failed assassination attempt and over the objections of Ryan and his mother. While on board, he sees his father try to broker a peace between the Strits and the Earth hub and the young man learns that truth is in the eye of the beholder. It is awesome, believable and moving to see the protagonist turn from a sullen teen into a mature man over the course of this tale. Told in the first person narrative from Ryan's perspective, readers find themselves hoping that the protagonist can overcome all the traumas he has suffered and emerge a mentally healthy person. Readers who like innovative fast-paced and action packed space opera that foster character development will love Burndive.

Out of the Dark
Sharon Sala
Mira
ISBN: 1551667401 $6.99 384 pp.

In 1977 St. Louis Sam and Maggie Cochrane live the American dream, loving each other and their little girl. However, Maggie seeks something extra beyond being a loving wife and mother so she attends classes at the community college. There she meets Soloman and his cult of followers The People of Joy. She runs away with six year old Jade to join Soloman's followers. Two years later she is dead from an overdose and Jade is sold to pediophiles. Over the next two decades a lonely Sam becomes a successful businessman, but finds no sign of his family until friends on vacation see a portrait of Maggie. They inform Sam who asks his friend former cop Luke Kelly to investigate. Luke learns Maggie is dead, but tracks down Jade in New Orleans. He brings Jade and her companion Raphael to meet Sam. As Raphael is dying from AIDS due to his days as a child prostitute, Jade and Luke fall in love while Sam tries to become a father to his beloved adult daughter. However, someone learns of Jade's return and is worried that his career may end if the scandal of his using her as a child hooker surfaces. OUT OF THE DARK is an exhilarating romantic suspense tale that emphasizes the family drama over the intrigue. The story line is at a superb level of quality when Sam and Jade meets and when Luke tries to reach out to his beloved. When a hired killer enters the plot, the character study takes an unnecessary back seat. Still fans of the human drama will appreciate Jade's Mount Everest climb OUT OF THE DARK.

Pulse Points
Mary Lynn Baxter
Mira
ISBN: 1551667312 $6.50 384 pp.

In Tyler, Texas Widow Kasey Ellis is stunned when someone kills her mentor and business partner Shirley Parker in the garage with Kasey witnessing the murder. However, she is unable to identify the killer as he lurked in the shadows. Kasey is shocked when she learns how close to bankruptcy the public relations firm is. Her only chance of saving the company resides in bad boy turned senate candidate Tanner Hart, who decides to hire her company. The problem is that eighteen years ago Kasey and Tanner shared a heated night of passion leading to her raising their son with another man as the father and her husband. If that news surfaces the scandal will cost Tanner his bid for the senate and Kasey will lose her business and lifestyle. This is an exciting romantic suspense starring a strong cast though the reasons for the murder seem a bit weak. The story line is loaded with action and intense drama. The frustrated police cannot get Kasey to describe someone she failed to see beyond the shadows. Tanner is an interesting protagonist who behaves more like Jimmy Stewart's Mr. Smith though why he would hire a firm in trouble seems strange. Still fans will enjoy this fast-paced thriller.

Undressed Stef
Ann Holm
Mira
ISBN: 1551667304 $6.50

After four years on the Majestic, Colorado police force with no opportunities to prove her worth, Lanie Prescott accepts a job with the Ludlow Police Department. However, the night before she is to leave, a civil rights case filed by her predecessor holds up her reassignment. A stunned Lanie meets her replacement Paul Cabrera; the former Miami cop burned out from working domestic dispute cases. After putting her foot in her mouth she goes to her car only to see someone stealing her stereo. She gives chase in heels and breaks her foot. Majestic Police Chief Herb Deutsch may be a chauvinist when it comes to police work, but provides filing tasks that enable Lanie to bring in some income. As Paul begins to see her, Lanie falls in love with him and though she appreciates his show of support and belief that she can perform the duties of a real cop, she plans to go elsewhere to prove he is right. Fans of police procedurals that provide insight into how a small town department operates will enjoy this tale that includes a romantic subplot. Though the action is somewhat limited, broken ankle chase and all, the story line provides a deep look at Lanie and Paul, but also enables the audience to see how Chief Deutsch feels especially about a female cop on his team. The love story between the two officers adds warmth to this life of a cop tale.

The Snow Bride
Debbie Macomber
Mira
ISBN: 1551667363 $14.95 240 pp.

Los Angeles executive assistant Jenna Campbell steals a page from her mother when she decides to quit her job and meet Dalton Gray, a man she "met" over the Internet. Her mom, married five times, tries to persuade her usually practical daughter not to fly to Beesky, Alaska, but alas Jenna feels the time for romance has almost past her by. Jenna flies to Fairbanks, but Dalton fails to meet her. The local cafe owner persuades Reid Jamison to drop her off in Beesky on his way home to Snowbird. When he learns that she is there to see the odious Dalton, he kidnaps her, taking her to his one-woman town. As the weather turns ugly, she remains stranded with her disrespectful host, but soon they fall in love as she dreams of becoming THE SNOW BRIDE. This is a lighthearted fun contemporary Alaskan romance that fans will appreciate due to the warmth of the cast compared to the cold outdoors. The story line is fun to follow as the heroine goes from no men in her life to two suitors and a third male wanting in too. Debbie Macomber brings the vastness of the great state to life with this wonderful tale.

Mesmerized
Candace Camp
Mira
ISBN: 1551667290 $6.99 416 pp.

In 1876 Olivia Moreland works at exposing hoaxes that prey on the grieving who desperately want to communicate with loved ones from the great beyond. During a seance, she gets up to debunk the latest fraud, but Lord Stephen St. Leger stops her, thinking she is the fake. Once the air is cleared, both are tossed out as skeptics. Before Olivia leaves for home, she gives him her business card stating she is an Investigator of Psychic Phenomena. Stephen indiscreetly labels her as a member of the "mad" Morelands. Not long afterward, Stephen hires Olivia to unmask a so called psychic taking advantage of his mother still mourning the loss of her oldest son. His sister-in-law is too selfish to help and mostly hinders Stephen and Olivia's efforts. As Olivia tries to prove fraud, Stephen and she fall in love with one another though she believes he still loves his deceased sibling's wife. This engaging Victorian romance will please readers who appreciate a spunky young woman, a hunk of a hero, a touch of the supernatural (perhaps) and a pinch of suspense. The duo shares in common a healthy skepticism and a growing attraction. The entertaining story line leads to fans MESMERIZED by Candace Camp's fun historical.

Shattered
Olga Bicos
Mira
ISBN: 1551667320 $6.50, 384 pp.

Divorced and a former rising architectural superstar, Holly Fairfield knows how fast one can fall from grace. To save her collapsed career she has relocated from Seattle to San Francisco where her brother, fresh from being fired from corporate America, joins her. Holly feels she has gotten her break when surprisingly Daniel East hires her to renovate the family's landmark restaurant The Cutty House. Daniel's uncle, aunt and cousin are stunned when they are introduced to Holly. She later learns that she is the doppelganger of Ryan's deceased fiancee Nina who died a decade ago in an automobile accident with everyone blaming him for her death. As Holly and Ryan fall in love, she believes he still loves Nina, not yet understanding the dysfunctional interrelationships between his family members. Though the coincidence of a near perfect look alike seems stretched even if everyone has been told they look like so and so, fans will appreciate this thrilling romantic suspense. The story line is interesting as the truth of what happened to Nina begins to surface. A secondary romance augments the prime plot and hopefully will turn fruitful in a sequel, as the seeds of a delightful tale have been planted. Readers will enjoy Olga Bicos' fine tale of destructive family secrets.

A Savage Beauty
Merline Lovelace
Mira
ISBN: 155166707X $6.50 400pp.

In 1807, Colonel Pike led a military expedition starting in St. Louis and exploring the Louisiana Territory. The team split in half with one group led Lieutenant James Wilkinson, son of a General, leading four soldiers and two Indian guides southward along the Arkansas River. The Wilkinson party faces hardships with no chance of turning back as the winter and raiding Indians have caused havoc on them. Rifle Sergeant Daniel Morgan hunts for food while the others rest, but finds an old trapper and his son. Henri Chartier welcomes him into camp and shows him some Viking runes only to have a mountain cat kill him. Daniel buries Henri and goes to take the lad with him only to be shocked that he is a she and now a widow. As Daniel protects the half-breed "Little Louise" from his men and pays the bride price to her uncle, he falls in love with her. However, he is married and soon they will learn her connection through Henri to French royalty removes her even further. This is an excellent historical romance that shows how great Merline Lovelace is. Her latest tale is a delightful story that brings vividly to life the early nineteenth century American frontier. The lead couple is a fine duo while the support cast provides the depth that makes this a strong story worth reading by sub-genre fans.

Spirit of Covington
Joan Medlicott
Atria
ISBN: 0743470362 $25.00

The fire destroys the converted farmhouse that the three sixty something ladies Grace, Amelia, and Hannah, and one adult daughter Laura call home. The elderly trio lost personal items that cannot be replaced, but the threesome are troopers and makes plans for a new house with more bathrooms. Meanwhile Amelia and Grace move in with Bob in his condominium, while Hannah and her daughter Laura moves to another family-owned home. The fire brings back bad memories for Amelia who relives the death of her young daughter and the accident that killed her husband and left her scarred. The building begins, but though hopes for the future are raised, other events shake the tight friendships. Laura plans to marry but also leans towards an abortion that upsets her mother. Amelia returns to photography. Bob asks Grace to marry him. Who will move into the new home when its finished becomes questionable. The fourth Covington tale is gentle Southern breeze of a story that requires a mint julep, a porch, and a warm fall day. The story line brings out the personalities of the prime four females and several support players, but clearly lacks any extensive action. Fans of a cozy character study will want to visit Covington for this novel and its previous three books.

The Good House
Tananarive Due
Atria
ISBN: 0743449002 $25.00 480 pp.

Two years ago Angela Toussaint and husband Tariq Hill went to her family home in Sacajawea, Washington to save their marriage. Angela hoped that some of that mystical healing that her grandmother provided to the locals, who dubbed the place the GOOD HOUSE, would turn the trick, but tragedy occurred with her beloved Corey lies laying on the kitchen floor bleeding from a gunshot wound. Her sandwich relatives died in this house and her mother committed suicide here years ago. Two years later, divorced and somewhat recovered but still shaky, Angela returns to the house that she inherited because someone wants to buy it. Angela soon realizes that her beloved Corey found her deceased granny's magic tools to include the misuse of her gift by enacting revenge on a racist incident. Others have also died. Tariq, who suffered from the guilt of knowing his son died using his gun, has turned into a malevolent being under the house's influence. Angela prepares for a final confrontation that has only her former boyfriend Myles Fisher standing by her side against Tariq and the GOOD HOUSE. Fans of the classic haunted house story will fully enjoy this rich tale that uses the typical elements strengthened by moral responsibility of a member of a family. The story line is powerfully written as it grips the reader inside a potent supernatural plot enhanced by occurrences like racism and ethics to the community. Angela, the core of the horror, is a believable character. She keeps the terrific tale together as she changes from disbeliever to skeptic to born again challenger of the evil that resides within the GOOD HOUSE that turned bad.

Confidence Game
Michelle M. Welch
Bantam
ISBN 0553586270 $5.99 424 pp.

In the country of Dabion, the Justices who make the laws and the Public Force militia rule the people. Certain colored jewelry and ornamentation are banned and anyone who has or uses magic is sentenced to death. Dabion has conquered its neighbors except for Sor'raia where magic is the norm and it's borders are closed. Elizith Kor is the most successful spy in the Secret Force due in part to her Sor'raian blood which allows her to enter and read people's mind. After a very difficult assignment Elizith wants to leave the espionage game but she knows too many secrets to be free of her masters. She rents a flat in Tod Redtanner's home and he becomes someone she trusts and cares about. Their relationship puts both of them in danger from an unknown enemy who wants nothing more than to see Elizith die a slow and painful death. Over the course of CONFIDENCE GAME, the protagonist slowly reveals her history to Tod. This technique leads to readers feeling sorry for someone who felt nothing until she reaches a breaking point and suddenly feels everything. Michelle M. Welch's debut novel is a fine fantasy starring heroic characters endearing to the audience because they are scarred and don't even realize it. It is hoped that there will be a sequel to this book that explores the magical world of Sor'raia of which the author has given the audience only tantalizing glimpses.

Spin State
Chris Moriarty
Bantam
ISBN: 0553382136 $11.95 496 pp.

Every time Major Catherine Li does a faster than light space leap she loses memory. So far she has been able to hide her loss, but knows that soon she will have to trust someone to provide her with a special memory chip. Catherine is not human, but is an illegal clone working as a Home Sapiens UN Peacekeeper. Her latest assignment takes her to the planet Metz where Catherine and a team of experts are to penetrate to an illegal cloning lab. When they reach their destination with poor information from their mission leader, Li finds a dead clone of herself. She realizes that she must find the killer in case she is the intended target though she might leave herself open to exposure as an illegal being. SPIN STATE is an exciting science fiction tale that hooks the reader from the moment Li realizes that she and the team are being handicapped on the Metz assignment. The story line moves forward at a rapid pace, not slowing down until the final moment. The focus of the story is on Li, a great lead character sort of a cross between a cloned Logan (Logan's Run) and Blade Runner. Fans of action-packed futuristic thrillers with a human rights message will appreciate light jumping with Chris Moriarty.

Pushing 30
Whitney Gaskell
Bantam
ISBN: 0553382241 $11.95 400pp.

A legal associate in the DC area, Ellie Winters does all the right things especially if it enables her to avoid a confrontation. Now turning thirty, Ellie adheres by the rules, a classic example of integrity, even if no one but she is aware of her actions. However, she detests her job finding it boring even when the rare experience is positive. Her boyfriend Eric Leahy is dependable, but even more tedious than her job. Since she cannot afford to quit her job, she decides to quit her boyfriend. When she starts to inform Eric it is over, he asks her to move in with him. That is typical of life for Ellie, but she still tells him that it is over between them. After turning her hair pink by accident, Ellie goes out to repair the damage and meets TV anchor Ted Langston and his trusty dog Oscar. She finds him exciting and nice, but he is twice her age. When they meet again at a party, Ted tries to persuade Ellie to defy the rules of seeing an older man and take a chance on him. Though it is out of character for her Ellie feels the attraction is worth the risk. PUSHING 30 is an enjoyable chick-lit tale starring a delightful lead female character. The story line focuses on squeaky clean Ellie's struggle with her own sense of morality when her heart tells her steppin' out with the man she loves is the right thing regardless of his age. Fans will appreciate this amusing look at the "suffering" of an about to be thirty person.

Sense of Evil
Kay Hooper
Bantam
ISBN: 055380300X $23.95, 352 pp.

In Hastings, South Carolina, Police chief Rafe Sullivan knows the third blond victim means a serial killer is on he loose. What he cannot fathom is how the culprit persuades these intelligent young women to enter the woods with him. There is no hint of a struggle in any of the three homicides which makes sense to the local cop. To help Rafe, the FBI's Special Crimes Unit sends Agent Isabel Adams to work the case. Upon meeting Isabel, Rafe has cardiac arrest when he sees her, the profile of the victims. Though her police skills are top rate, Rafe knows the Feds have numerous elite cops to do this job. As they work together to end this evil killer, Rafe learns why Isabel with her special talent was sent to assist him. Though similar, especially the killer, to a recent tidal wave of serial killer novels, SENSE OF EVIL is a well-written entertaining police procedural with touches of romance and the paranormal. The story line is loaded with suspense that is somewhat relieved by the glib and flippant Isabel. Rafe is a concerned cop worried about the killer striking again and frantic over the safety of Isabel who he loves. SENSE OF EVIL is a fine entry amidst the sub-genre flood of novels.

The Defender
Bill Mesce Jr.
Bantam
ISBN 0553802399 $23.95 277 pp.

In November of 1944, the third Battalion's 103rd Infantry Regiment was ordered to take out and hold a German-held hill (#399) in the Huertgen Forest. Twice they tried and failed but on the third attempt were able to take the hill. When Captain Joyce ordered the men under his command to hold the hill, lieutenant Dominic Sisko said Major Porter ordered a retreat. When Dom and the men came down off the hill, Major Porter was nowhere to be found. Captain Joyce had Dom placed under arrest. In December of 1944 in Belgium, Captain Courie is eager to prosecute the lieutenant on various charges. When word reaches Lieutenant Sisko's friend in Scotland about his troubles, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Voss rushes to Belgium to defend the young man he helped raise. As the hearing moves forward, Harry struggles to find evidence that would give Lieutenant Sisko a chance of being acquitted. Fans of military legal thrillers will find THE DEFENDER a fascinating, shocking, and disturbing tale of what can happen to soldiers operating in the battlefield. The brilliant hero, who defends him, portrays the defendant of this enthralling courtroom as a victim. Voss gives hope to Sisko (and the readers) that somehow the accused will be found not guilty of disobeying a direct order. Bill Mesce Jr. has an excellent sense of place and time, as if he worked Judge Advocate General issues during WWII and is reporting on what he saw.

Slow Burn
Jamie Denton
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691424 $4.25 217 pp.

Maggie LaRue suffers amnesia, not able to recall her name or why or how she ended up trapped by a fire in an abandoned paint warehouse. In fact her first memory is the arms of the hunk that rescued her. Her second thought was how she feels so safe in his arms and for that matter whenever she is near her hero paramedic Cale Perry. Cale provides Maggie a place to live while she recovers her memory. He finds having her around is not easy on his libido as he wants her and believes she feels the same way too. However, both worry what will happen when she remembers her life before Cale to include possibly a husband and a family. Though readers will question Cale's altruism in providing a refuge for Maggie, fans will enjoy this hot entry as the couple burns up the pages even when they just talk. The story line delivers a heated tale, but it is the growing relationship between the lead duo as the pair struggles with desire and love and fear when they learn the truth about Maggie. Book one of Jamie Denton's "Some Like It Hot" trilogy is a strong opening gamut.

Fringe Benefit
Nancy Warren
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691432 $4.25, 219 pp.

Jane Stanford is tired of being a victim of sexual harassment. On her last job, she reacted to co-worker Phil Johnson's clumsy, disconcerting sexual advances by blackening his eye, but she was found at fault and fired. So this time when she starts her new job, she fakes a marriage so no male will unprofessionally bother her. However, Jane wants to reconsider her sham husband upon meeting her new boss, sexy Spencer Tate. She wants him in her bed and he feels the same way about her. However, Spence knows what happened to Jane on her last job and besides refuses to hit on a married woman even if cold showers fail to cool his ardor. Though why Phil apparently was not disciplined for sexual harassing Jane seems strange in light of both having to explain his black eye, fans will enjoy this romance. The story line is intelligently developed in such a manner that the reader feels the sexual tension of the lead couple as much as the wariness to go forth and do wonderful things together. Nancy Warren is at the top of her game with this delightful tale of the boardroom vs. the bedroom.

The Most Eligible Doctor
Karen Rose Smith
Harlequin Silhouette
ISBN: 037319692X $3.99

In Sawyer Springs, Wisconsin, Brianne Barrington has had many major changes in her life. Her adopted parents died in a car accident recently and she graduated from nursing school. She shares a home with a friend from work Lily Garrison and daughter Megan. Six months ago, Brianne obtained her first professional nursing position at the Beachwood Family Practice. Brianne starts off on the wrong foot with the new doctor Jed Sawyer when she arrives late on her first day assisting him with patients. However, her professionalism and her ability with kids make him realize she is good and he says so. As they work together, she thaws his frozen heart iced over in Los Angeles where he left behind a former wife and a buried daughter, but will love complete the de-icing in time for a permanent relationship? THE MOST ELIGIBLE DOCTOR is a fun contemporary romance that stars a delightful female protagonist whose recent life changes place her mental health off the stress charts yet she still finds joy in life. Brianne serves as an example to Jed who had lived a "good life" in LA within the celebrity fishbowl, but has not recovered from lows blows until now, but is it in time for him to realize that his heart is no longer numb? Karen Rose Smith provides a solid tale with a charming support cast enhancing a deep look at a lead couple who deserve happiness after receiving left hooks from life.

Playing for Keeps
Karen Templeton
Harlequin Silhouette
ISBN: 0373218346 $6.50

In Albuquerque, thirty-two years old single mom of three preadolescent children Joanna Swan has had it with her childish ex-husband. He fails to pay his share of child support, doesn't always show up for the kids and when he does he is late, and now has impregnated his latest girlfriend. At the mall, Joanna's efforts to sell homemade dolls for collectors fail until her mother drags her into the toy store. Owner Dale McConnaughy, former Atlanta Braves superstar, offers her $300 a doll. Meanwhile her mom buys an outdoor play set for her grandchildren. As Dale and Joanna start seeing each other, they begin to fall in love. However, she feels his carefree attitude is too much like her ex while he mistrusts women after a terrible childhood and the betrayal of his ex. Still with neither wanting anything permanent love forces both to reconsider if he can only trust her with his heart. Fans of contemporary romance between two wounded protagonists will want to read Karen Templeton's fine PLAYING FOR KEEPS. The story line will delight sub-genre fans, as the lead duo is a nice pair who deserve happiness and can achieve this in the arms of the other. The problems suffered by one of the children add depth and serious parenting issues to the mix, but also takes away from the prime theme though it's intended to provide a dilemma to the romance. Still this is a solid tale that will provide pleasure of pleasure to the audience.

Suspicion
Janice McDonald
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711573 $5.25 297 pp.

Celebrating their fortieth wedding anniversary, Dr. Sam and Diana Lynsky went sailing on their yacht, but Diana vanished while allegedly taking a nap. Three months have passed with no trace of Diana and everyone suspects Sam committed a homicide. Journalist Scott Campbell seeks the truth as to what happened to Diana. He makes inquiries into family relationships though one of the twin daughters of the couple despises what he is doing to her loved ones and her childhood memories off the California coast. Still Ava wonders about the tragedy while fearing the dirt Scott will dig up about her family. On the other hand she finds herself more and more dreaming of the investigative journalist becoming part of her family. Scott feels the same way, but has his own fears. This is an exciting romantic suspense starring two delightful lead protagonists who hide truths behind facades until love unmasks both of them. The story line is fast-paced, but becomes at times difficult to follow due to a myriad of subplots impacting various key players such as an accident to Ava's father yet that is critical and ties back to the theme. If readers remain focused, they will complete an entertaining tale.

Enchanting Baby
Darlene Graham
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711522 $5.25 299 pp.

After her husband died, TV star Ashleigh Logan turns to artificial insemination using her deceased spouse's sperm to become pregnant with his child. Because Ashleigh is a name, the media goes wild over her final salute to her husband. However, besides the infringement on her life, a stalker also surfaces frightening Ashleigh. The Creep frightens Ashleigh, but not for her own safety. Concerned over her unborn, Ashleigh flees the limelight to hide in the New Mexico mountains north of Taos at the remote The Birth Place to keep her and her unborn safe. Not long afterward Greg Glazier finds Ashleigh, but wonders why she came to this remote locale perhaps because she knows her deceased husband is not the father. Still now that he is here he struggles to tell her that he is father of her baby. However, though attracted to him, she knows he is hiding something from her, leading Ashleigh to wonder if he might be her stalker. Though at first glance the sperm bank mix-up and celebrity stalker themes might seem trite, Darlene Graham develops a solid romance with touches of suspense and spiritualism. The story line works because the audience wants Ashleigh and Greg to fall in love and raise their child together.

Wild Cat and the Marine
Jade Taylor
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711565 $5.25 298 pp.

In Engerville, North Dakota, Jackson and Catherine Darnell were sweethearts that everyone just knew would stay together. However, Jackson hated farm life more than he loved his "Wild Cat" and he leaves town the first chance he gets. Several years later, Jackson returns home to temporarily help his ailing father work the family farm. When he sees Cat, he wants to rekindle what he killed, but also fears getting to close to her and her precocious daughter Joey because he is sure he will blow town a second time. Though she still loves him, Cat avoids Jackson for she fears how he will react if he learns that he left behind two females when he broke her heart years ago. Though the motif of a man not knowing he sired a child has been used quite frequently by the genre, WILD CAT AND THE MARINE avoids being trite and jaded due to Cat. Readers will rarely find as deep a character from her nurturing to her loving to her fears that make her seem so real. In comparison, Jackson comes across weak, unable to commit even with love in the offering. Though Joey is too cute, Jade Taylor provides a delightful second chance relationship drama.

Brief Encounters
Suzanne Foster
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791054 $4.50 248 pp.

Swan McKenna has worked hard at making a success of her company Brief Encounters, whose prime product is sexy men's underwear. Now that she is about to see the fruit of her labor looming on the horizon with her Los Angeles show, she is accused of stealing five million dollars. Special Agent Rob Gaines is assigned to watch over Swan. She, in turn, sees the hunk as an opportunity by having him model her new line. To convince a prim and proper Fed is hard enough, especially one who is supposed to catch you in the act of committing a crime. However, to fall in love with a white-underwear hero is too much to ask of Swan or is it. Suzanne Foster mixes heat with humor in a tale filled with plenty of heart (and of course underwear). The story line is fun to follow due to two delightful amusing lead characters regardless of the underwear they wear. The moral of this tale is that mom was right in telling us to wear clean underwear. However, on the other hand (avoid the obvious pun), her reasoning of in case of an accident is inane as it should have been in case of getting lucky.

After Hours
Vicki Lewis Thompson
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791062 $4.50 249 pp.

Attorney Eileen Connolly wants one night of wild sex before she marries her boyfriend, a nice but conventional person. She knows that she will never taste blood-curdling heart pumping sex with her fiance though she respects and cares for him. Eileen decides she needs one night of passion that a reader can find in Harlequin Romance novels imprinted with Blaze ironically like this novel is. That one last night will have to last a lifetime, but which stranger can she trust and find ardent desire? The telephone repair guy Shane Nichols arrives at Eileen's office to fix the phones. Eileen sees this hunk as the answer to her sexual sweet tooth. However, after a night in the sack with a seven-layer victory layer cake, can a plain donut be enough to satisfy Eileen's passion for more of Shane's cream filled bell? Though Eileen asking for Shane to fulfill her fantasy is unsafe sex, once recognized by fans they step past that questionable pick-up and will enjoy the heat of the tale. The story line is as hot as a novel gets as the two protagonists spend a blazing evening together that burns the respective brands on one another. Readers (and their fortunate significant others) who appreciate torrid love scenes that make the equator seem frozen will take great delight at any hour with AFTER HOURS.

Staying Single
Millie Criswell
Harlequin Flipside
ISBN: 0373441754 $4.50 219 pp.

At St. Mary's Catholic Church, Matt waits for his fiancee Francie Morelli to walk down the aisle. However, Francie stops short, realizes she cannot do it and for the third time jilted a groom. She flees to Niagara Falls where her gay roommate Leo set up her if she needed an escape. Matt's stepbrother arrives having flown in from the Philippines as Francie flees. When photojournalist Mark Fielding learns what happened, he feels for Matt and vows vengeance. While Matt and their parents are in Hawaii, Mark begins the plan of seducing Francie, proposing marriage, and jilting her. He arrives at Ted Baxter Promotions where Francie works as a public relations specialist to hire the firm to promote his first book. As he and Francie begin dating, her honesty and her remorse for hurting her three fiances shock him. Soon Mark loves Francie and she reciprocates, but he knows he must first tell her the truth, that is after he breaks the news to Matt. The opening of a new imprint has to be a duel edged sword, as the writer must feel honored yet fearful of flipping the audience out before the line gains credibility. However, Flipside obviously knew what it was doing when it chose Millie Criswell to launch a lighthearted look at romance, relationships, and love. STAYING SINGLE stars a delightful protagonist, who keeps saying yes due to pressures from a boy friend and her mother the Terminator to marry. Though Mark seems too intelligent to implement the plan he concocted (most sensible people would dream of doing it), fans will enjoy this cheerful contemporary tale.

One True Love
Stephanie Doyle
Harlequin Flipside
ISBN: 0373441762 $4.50 218 pp.

In Haddonfield, New Jersey financial controller Corinne Weatherby puts on a show as she angrily tells her boyfriend Brendan that she will no longer see the womanizer. Her award winning theatrical family would give Corinne an Oscar for her performance. However, they do not see her act; instead inadvertently in the file room overhearing the recital is CPA Matthew "Ole" Relic. He silently applauds Corinne because he loves her. Corinne goes to the Bahamas by herself, but Matthew soon follows. After almost dying from a bullet wound during a hold-up of a convenience store he patronized, Matthew vows to live life to the fullest and Corinne is it to him. They soon agree to have a holiday affair, but when they return to New Jersey she will go back to her true love Brendan. However, Corinne soon realizes that the kind Matthew is who see wants not the shallow Brendan. However, Matthew believes Brendan won so he plans to move elsewhere because he cannot stay where he will see the philanderer with his beloved. Though Corinne's theatrics makes her seem immature and unsympathetic at first, readers like Matthew, see beyond the performer and find she is a caring person. Still the constant on stage shrill takes it toll from an overall delightful romance made so by the lead male character who struggles with living life to the fullest as he is by nature an unassuming individual. Wardrobe aside, between insubstantial Brendan and the deep nurturing Matthew here is no contest for any woman who wants the real thing to warm her not a statuette of some "uncle".

Cowboy Lessons
Pamela Britton
Harlequin American
ISBN: 037316985X $4.75 248 pp.

Amanda Johnson detests computer millionaire Scott Beringer who legally bought her father's spread the Lazy Y Ranch by paying delinquent back taxes. She wants him to leave while he needs to prove he can be an athletic geek if he can learn to become a cowboy. Scott knows that he is being inane letting his past hurt him, but four days a week in the gym tones muscles, but does not provide any prowess. Scott cuts a deal with Amanda. She provides him with cowboy lessons and he will sell her father's ranch back to her. Amanda reluctantly agrees, not knowing that the dude will tie her heart in knots as he brands her with his love Fans of contemporary ranch romances will enjoy the amusing lighthearted romp COWBOY LESSONS. The story line is similar to many sub-genre tales, but what makes it fun to read is the cast. The lead couple is a delightful pair struggling between an attraction and a dispute. Her father's feelings are inductively loud and clear when he sells a horse to the greenhorn that he calls "Buttercup" whose real name is Rocket. It is this subtle way of displaying the emotions of the characters that makes Pamela Britton's tale a fine reading experience.

My Big Fake Green-Card Wedding
Mollie Molay
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373169876 $4.95, 249 pp.

Though she knows she is no Mercouri, Greek Melina Kostos does not want to be married especially to those losers chosen by her overly protective family males. Worse her father decides the time has past and he will provide his twenty-nine years old daughter with a husband. Though she wishes she were not the oldest known virgin in Greece, she would prefer to remain an old maid than bow to some loser. When visiting American businessman Adam Blake offers a marriage of convenience mostly based on her conditions with one stipulation, Melina accepts. The only thing Adam wants from her is her help in raising his beloved little girl. However, living with the two Blakes soon changes Melina's mind as she has finally fallen in love. She dreams of her spouse making love to her and raising siblings along with their daughter. She plans to pull a Mercouri and seduce her husband. MY BIG FAKE GREEN-CARD WEDDING is a delightful humorous romantic romp that borders on the inane, but never crosses the line as Mollie Molay keeps order in her plot. The characters are a solid group whether they are Old World Greek or several generation American. Still in the end the tale belongs to a charming duo whose agreement of no touch is driving both batty to the amusement of the reader.

The Street Where She Lives
Jill Shalvis
Harlequin
ISBN: 0373835787 $5.99, 296 pp.

In the Amazon, globetrotting photojournalist Ben Asher helps bring down murdering con artist Asada although the prisoner vows vengeance. However, he returns to reality when his twelve years old daughter Emmie calls pleading with him to come to South Village, California as her mother Rachel Wallers was severely injured in a car accident. He would have said no, but he learns that Asada escaped. He flies to California to keep the two females he loves safe. Rachel wants out of the hospital after a month there because she needs the security that her first real home provides her. As a child she wandered the country as her father saved corporations from certain death. When Ben enters her hospital room, Rachel asks him to leave, but he refuses. This is the first time they have seen each other in thirteen years since she threw him out of her life. Ben takes Rachel home. As Asada's thugs close in on the trio, Ben and Rachel know they love one another and Emmie, but she needs roots and he needs the world. Fans of complex relationship dramas with some minor related action will enjoy the return to South Village. The story line is at its most interesting when the lead protagonists skirmish over the safety of shelter that supports Dr. Maslow's hierarchy of needs as Rachel needs permanent shelter among her most significant first level requirements while self-actualization with minor shelter pulls Ben. Though the Asada subplot is more of a device to get the prime pair together, fans will of deep character studies will appreciate this tale.

Liner Notes
Emily Franklin
Downtown
ISBN: 0743469836 $12.00, 320 pp.

To start her new job working in art restoration for a Boston museum, thirty-year-old Laney plans to drive across the country with the music tapes she created by herself. Laney looks back at how she envisioned this trek with a boyfriend or her close girlfriends, but she has no one to accompany her. However, that solo drive ends when her mother, who was very ill but recovered, flies out to join her so that they can reconnect on the cross-country drive. At the beginning of the trip, Laney resents her mother's intrusion. However, as they begin to use her tapes and reflect back as to when Laney made them, they share memories that only a mother and a daughter can have. Up front, this author hooked me when her bio stated she works for the NPR Car Talk show, whose hosts provide one of the funniest helpful shows that is a hit on the radio (a new carburetor every 40 years?). Back to LINER NOTES: The story line is intriguing as Laney reflects back on her life based on the event that triggered a specific tape that she created. She is the center that holds together this road show novel as she searches into her past seeking the answer to why relationships seem to end while her mom just wants to reconnect. The tale of the tapes is fascinating, but at times the numerous tracks can interfere with an intriguing plot, gimmick and all.

Unraveled
C.J. Barry
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525623 $5.99 368 pp.

Going through her father's possessions following his death, Tru Van Dye finds an odd artifact. She researches the out of place item and concludes that she may have found the key to a treasure of ancient relics. More important to her, though she has always lived in a contained community, she feels strongly that she must complete her dad's work. This is her opportunity plus Tru has to secure her own Charter soon or she'll be asked to leave the scientific colony of Majj. A realistic, she knows she needs to hire someone who does this sort of thing for a living. Rayce Coburne is no longer interested in treasure hunting. He is now devoting his time towards spaceport renovation but worries over a lack of capital to open on time. When Tru offers him a treasure-hunting expedition, Rayce reluctantly accepts though he prefers to reject this cold Majj scientist. Even worse, he is attracted to one of those icebergs so he decides on a ploy to get Tru to detest him. He will kiss her once everyday, but instead of sending her packing in warp speed he starts a supernova that lights up both their hearts. Book two in C. J. Barry's outer space thriller is a delightful placing of Romancing the Stone but on a strange world (not that the Amazon Rain Forest is different than Atlanta). The story line is loaded with action and plenty of sizzling romance as the protagonists deny their feelings for one another. The key to this fine tale is that this non-earth orb seems like a genuine place obviously visited by chronicler C.J. Barry, a writer who is destined to be a superstar.

No More Lies
Susan Squires
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525666 $6.99 384 pp.

Dr. Holland "Holly" Banks has a successful psychiatric practice as the chief of Century Psychiatric Hospital and the President of the Schizophrenia Research Foundation. However, as the world seems to be falling apart, her own environs appears in worse shape as she hears voices in her head that drives her crazy because she is either losing her mind or is possessed. Jeff McQueen seeks Holly help because he hears voices inside his head and worries that he is losing his mind. He becomes her patient and shockingly they give each other relief from the voices as together they somehow can silence the noise especially when they touch. Almost as surprising the duo also can hear each other's every thought. Holly soon learns that she shares this gift with hundreds of people who are the voices in her head. However, Holly is unaware that her father is working with a senator to genetically manipulate this group to insure a future world of no lies controlled by this Congressman and his associates. As they fall in love and find comfort in each other's arms, Holland and Jeff try to stop the senator from destroying the world, as they know it. Though psychic control seems old with collectives like the Borg and the Damned and Corn children, Susan Squires provides a powerful refreshing tale. The lead couple is a delight, as few protagonists need each as much as this duo does. The metamorphosis from enemies to co-dependents to love is beautifully told. Though the senator seems too weak as a villain to pull off his dastardly plot, fans will believe Ms. Squires pulled off her clever plot.

Single White Vampire
Lynsay Sands
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525526 $6.99, 384 pp.

Luc started by writing historical books that have been well received by universities, in which academia applauded his eye for detail as if he were there; which he was. Recently, he has written three "fictional" accounts of romances that are actually biographies of family members. Last year Luc's long time editor passed away replaced by his assistant Kate Leever. She wants Luc to go on tour, but he ignores her, feeling she will not use him to make her career. However, Kate arrives at his home to push her position in person, believing a tour would push sales to stratospheric levels. However, his traveling phobia has more to do with a certain vampiric condition that makes him need to hide somewhat from the public, though Kate pushes him to attend the RT convention. Soon Luc wants to come out of the vampire closet because he has the craving to write one more happy ending love story starring himself and his editor. SINGLE WHITE VAMPIRE is an amusing satirical tale that pokes fun at the romance book industry. The story line leaves no book uncovered as it barrels though icons in a humorous manner. The lead couple is a charming duet who finds love in the obvious locale, the annual RT convention. Romance readers and industry insiders will apreciate this tale that ironically spoofs the genre that has brought acclaim to author Lynsay Sands.

The Pirate and the Puritan
Cheryl Howe
Love Spell
ISBN: 0843952741 $5.99 352 pp.

In 1721 Felicity Kendell lives a pious prim life overcoming a youthful indiscretion. She dresses in black and always turns to the Lord for guidance as any good Puritan should. However, her sense of adventure remains strong so she sails to Barbados to visit her father Benjamin, whom she had not seen in a few years. Instead of a warm reunion, her father defiles the Lord asking why Felicity is not in Boston. Soon she meets his partners who have no Yankee ethics with the worst being the exasperating but gorgeous Lord Christian Andrews representing all the passion she has given up. She sneaks on Drew's ship to prove he is cruel, but instead finds a kind hearted individual bringing out the passion she buried. Fans of early eighteenth high seas adventure romances will want to join the vast crew for the ride. The story line is fast-paced going at knots that usually means lack of characterizations, but Cheryl Howe also insures readers understand the motives of her lead protagonists. The myriad of secondary cast members is a solid supporting group though the extremes make some of the villains into abusive cartoon figures. Still fans will enjoy THE PIRATE AND THE PURITAN, just wear your life preserver and seat belt as this novel is moving.

The Year's Best Science Fiction
Gardner Dozois, editor
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312308604 $19.95 672 pp.

The twentieth edition of what annually is one of the best anthologies is a strong collection of short stories that showcases the top tales of the year. The contributions come mostly from United States, Great Britain, and Australia and run the gamut of the genre. As usual Gardner Dozois provides a superb introduction that gives the perspective and condition of the genre. This time though much of the critical world claim the genre is dead, no earth-shattering innovation occurred, and magazines have suffered losses, Mr. Dozois shows that SF remains a viable powerful entity. Each tale is well written as expected from an anthology packaged by the award winning Mr. Dozois who leaves no stone (magazine or book?) unturned in his quest to provide THE YEAR'S BEST SCIENCE FICTION at least the shorts.

Nowhere to Run
Mary Jane Clark
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312288778 $24.95, 338pp.

KEY News Executive Producer Linus Nazareth orders his staff to "make bioterrorism sexy" to Americans so that they will care and follow the newscasts. Annabelle Murphy who is trying to earn a reputation outside the mentoring shadow of her friend, star reporter Constance, produces the track. However, Annabelle almost collapses in shock when the station's medical correspondent Dr. John Lee displays a vial he insists contains deadly weapons-grade anthrax on morning TV. The Feds investigate while everyone panics, but Dr. Lee's alleged anthrax turns out to be sugar, as he wanted to make a firecracker point that got out of hand. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief especially Annabelle who expected to join the growing unemployed. Lee crossed the line of good taste. Soon the exhaling changes when another member of the news team, a wannabe author of an expose, soon dies from Anthrax poisoning. Two more die. Annabelle investigates what is going on unaware that she is a carrier as a murderer hides behind bioterrorism to commit homicides. Though the newsroom is populated by stereotypes, this clever tale turns these office villains into potential suspects due to their archetypal behavior. The crew is often mean and one is clearly flawed in a noticeable way and has few, if any, decent traits. That on top of a fast-paced story line and a delightful heroine makes Mary Jane Clark's novel a winner for the amateur sleuth and the low grade (no cities destroyed) bioterror crowd. Readers will appreciate this strong who-done-it and wonder if the FBI should hire Annabelle to solve the '01 mailings that killed people with no arrests.

The Fiend in Human
John MacLachlan Gray
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312282842 $24.95, 342 pp.

In 1852 London, Falcon reporter Edmund Whitty dubs William Ryan, the prostitute killer, Chokee Bill. Most of the fallen females are pleased to learn the police caught Chokee Bill because it makes it safe to offer their bodies to the West End wealthy aristocrats. Needing money as usual, Whitty accepts a deal to partner with crime storywriter and seller Henry Owler who, on his own, failed to gain an interview with Chokee Bill. Edmund meets Ryan and soon wonders if the police arrested the wrong man. If he is right, Edmund realizes that the real murderer might be observing him, Owler, and his new partner's daughter especially as the journalist tours London in search of clues. If true, this diabolical serial killer will never allow anyone to point the finger. Though quite similar to other serial killer tales especially those involving the Ripper, readers will enjoy this terse Victorian investigative novel. The story line provides insight into the era and includes a taste of London and a deep look at the social classes and a myopic justice system. With their flaws, obvious intelligence and moral consciences, Whitty and Owler are fine lead sleuths. They are reminiscent of Holmes and Watson so that readers of nineteenth century mysteries will appreciate this solid, novel.

Bone Dry
Ben Rehder
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312291329 $23.95 339 pp.

Blanco County, Texas Game Warden John Martin knows that the opening day of deer hunting season is always a disaster, but this time the hunters come up with a new one. Apparently a six-foot blonde Amazon has wrecked the deer blinds of the locals using an assortment of tricks and devices and which even includes peeing on them. This female ghost even shot up Rodney Bauer's pick-up using the man's 12-gauge that she easily took from the paralyzed man in shock by her beauty. As John works on his relationship with Nurse Becky, environmentalist Inga Mueller has become an avenging angel. She is dedicated to protecting endangered species from the ravages of the hunters. However, though her victims drive John crazy, he considers her a minor amusing nuisance especially when compared to the rash of corpses that suddenly surface. Readers who appreciate a strong yet humorous regional police procedural, game warden style, will want to peruse BONE DRY. This is a great tale that leaves the audience laughing at the antics of the secondary cast along side a bemused John that is until the murders start. However, the key to this terrific who-done-it is the mystery is first rate and the characters are fully developed so that the audience receives a fabulous plot that will send newcomers seeking more works from Ben Rehder.

The Sisterhood of Shopaholics
Leslie Esdale, Monica Jackson, Reon Laudat, and Niqui Stanhope
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312321880 $13.95 352 pp.

"Shameless" by Leslie Esdale. Della struggles with a shopping addiction so she needs intervention help. She goes to a mall where she meets Byron. They are attracted to one another, but he just purchased panties for another woman. "Please Baby Please" by Monica Jackson. During her shopping abstinence schoolteacher Neecy went from a ten to a sixteen. Upset, she watches Joseph repossess her car for non-payment. Her credit is over extended so when Joseph offers her a summer job she reluctantly accepts not knowing that he desires her. ""It Takes Two" by Reon Laudat. Though not a runner Ramona agrees to race in a 10k-breast cancer awareness event while she struggles not to shop. Her former lover Kadeem wants to coach her in the race and in life if she would give him a second chance. "Promises" by Niqui Stanhope. Nana believes her CEO granddaughter Gillian is engaged, but the latter has no male. At a sale, Gillian and a councilman's wife fight. Mall owner widower Mark accuses Gillian of causing $1555 in damage until he sees the video. He knows he did her wrong and atones for his actions by taking her to Nana's party and plans to introduce her to his twins. The four novellas stand-alone yet interact, as characters appear in the other tales and share Hotatlanta and shopping addictions. THE SISTERHOOD OF THE SHOPAHOLICS is a well-written anthology that uses humor and romance to bring forth a real addiction issue that most people laugh at because it seems light compared to other habits.

Changing the Rules
Niqui Stanhope
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312986238 $6.50 352 pp.

In San Diego La Beau Monde magazine editor, Marcel Templeton rushes to meet her best friend Tracy for lunch. She uses the shoulder to get around someone waiting for a light to change. He turns right legally and crashes into her car. No one is hurt and the damage minor. Ian Michaels asks Macel out, but she refuses. Unable to resist, Ian follows Marcel to the Versailles Restaurant. She joins Tracy while he sits hidden by a plant at the next table with his seven-year-old niece Dani who he is raising. Ian overhears Tracy and Marcel drawing up a list of rules a man must possess to date the latter. Rule 1 and 11/2 involve his "equipment". Rule 2 is he must not be a player. Rule 3 is he must have a job, a car, and money. Finally he must not be mean or live with his mom. Using the rules, Ian eventually persuades Marcel to take a chance on him. Eventually, they make love, but she learns that he is the CEO of a multimedia company trying to buy her independent publication. Marcel thinks Ian used sex to seal the deal, but he knows that was coincidence and he loves her. This chick lit tale is a bit inane but fun especially when the two ladies draw up a requirement list. Ian's niece adds some somber notes as she struggles with her feeling of being unwanted in spite of his efforts to prove otherwise, but that subplot seems off-kilter for this tale. The romance is appealing, as fans will like the antics of the lead duo particularly Marcel.

The Impostor
Celeste Bradley
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312984863 $6.50 384 pp.

In 1813 Liar's Club agent Dalton Montgomery pretends to be a dandy as he poses as popular satirical cartoonist Sir Thorogood. Dalton wants to expose the real artist whose works scorn the country's aristocracy especially the leaders, drawing caricatures that make them look inane. Clara Simpson takes exception with Dalton masquerading as the popular Sir Thorogood since she knows that she is the genuine article. Clara decides to "expose" the impostor by trapping him into displaying his talent. She follows him everywhere and he believes she's a lovesick fruitcake. As Dalton doubts the assignment as being overkill, he begins to fall in love with his shadow. However, he remains unaware that if he unmasks Sir Thorogood he will jeopardize his talented beloved. THE IMPOSTOR is a fun action packed romantic suspense with agent vs. amateur counter agent as the prime plot. The battle to expose one another takes the audience on a wild ride as each one trumps the other though Dalton is ignorant that it is Clara he is chasing (in love too). Celeste Bradley pens a charming Regency tale that will prove to fans that this author is the real thing.

The Last Nazi
Stanley Pottinger
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312276761 $24.95

Though he is a foster son, sixteen years old Adalwolf behaves like a chip off the old block, emulating the worst traits of his mentor research scientist Dr. Josef Mengele. He calms down the young victims undergoing inhuman experiments. When the Nazis lose, everyone assumes that Adalwolf died in the final days. Almost six decades later, agents of the Justice Department's Office of Special Investigations accompany a SWAT team trying to capture the evil but brilliant Adalwolf. Among the squad of "Nazi Hunters is attorney Melissa Gale, who has hunted the butcher for several years while having trying to have a baby with her journalist husband. However, she is soon going to learn how diabolical her foe is as he has developed a virus that will wipe out the entire global Jewish population with Melissa as his carrier. This is a taut thriller that may turn out to be the year's best with its brilliantly developed story line that cleverly spins into an incredible moral dilemma. From the beginning to the end Adalwolf proves to be one of the more infamous villains in a long time. His final solution is frightening yet seems plausible because the creation of designer viruses is a potential by-product of the genome mapping. Fans who read THE LAST NAZI will not make this the last Stanley Pottinger novel they ever read as he raises the thriller bar to unbelievable heights.

Femme Fatale
Carole Nelson
Douglas Forge
ISBN: 0765306824 $25.95, 544 pp.

In 1889 New York based journalist Elizabeth Jane Cochrane better known as Nellie Bly sends a wire to England to American expatriate and pal Irene Adler Norton. Nellie insists that someone wants to kill Irene's mother. Though having some doubts, Irene worked the Ripper case with Nellie who has some credibility with her. So she and her companion, Nell Huxleigh, head back to her hometown in the states. In New York City, Irene quickly realizes that someone is killing people who know anything about her childhood. She herself contains only vague memories, but wonders what she has forgotten that has led to a series of murders. Soon her rival Sherlock Holmes, who she has out-sleuthed, enters the game in an effort to end a string of homicides tied back to Irene. The latest Irene Adler tale, the woman who outwitted Holmes in Doyle's A Scandal in Bohemia, is a tremendous late Victorian mystery. The story line has an old world feel to it yet flows fast with plenty of insights into the late nineteenth century New York era and as a bonus, has loads of action. For fans of the series, Carole Nelson Douglas provides some tidbits about the former diva so that the audience has increased knowledge of her past. Historical mystery readers will appreciate FEMME FATALE and want to obtain the previous six Adler novels as this is a strong series.

Night Falls Like Silk
Kathleen Eagle
Morrow
ISBN: 006621470X $24.95

In the Chicago area, Thomas Brown Wolf has become a famous somewhat reclusive comic strip writer-artist with popular characters like Dark Dog and Victory. Thomas overcame a stressful life with the help of cop Jesse Brownwolf and his wife and teacher Angela. However, Thomas is angry with his surrogate father who arrested his brother Stoney on drug charges. Angela asks Thomas to mentor young Aaron, nephew of a friend wealthy widow art dealer Cassandra Findley. Reluctantly Thomas agrees, but hates being attracted to Cassandra, who he previously met during a bidding war between them at an auction. As Angela and Thomas fall in love, someone begins stealing her art while mimicking his comic, placing her in danger from an unknown assailant who seems to want to keep the two of them apart. Though the twist that causes the tension is difficult to accept (0nce revealed), readers will enjoy this taut romantic suspense due to the obvious flaws of the lead duo. Angela is an interesting protagonist, having married an older man who has since died leaving her rich. Thomas displays impatience and anger until Angela begins to calm him down. Aaron is especially a solid secondary player whose artwork is as dark as they come though he is quite young. The plot implies that his mother's flirty inanity might cause the youth's somber outlook. The audience will gain pleasure with the intriguing relationships between the key players that make for a fine read.

Hocus Croakus
Mary Daheim
Morrow
ISBN: 0380978687 $23.95 320 pp.

Judith McMonigle Flynn and her beloved spouse Joe temporarily move out of their Hillside Manor bed and breakfast while the inn is renovated due to fire damage. Taking their feuding moms with them, the couple joins Judith's cousin and amateur sleuth partner Renie and her husband at the Stillasnowamish Resort Casino where Renie attends a conference. However where Judith goes homicide seems to also accompany her. This time she discovers the multiple stabbed corpse of magician assistant Salome. Casino manager Pancho Green asks his friend former cop Joe to investigate the homicide, but as usual Judith sticks her nose into the case. Meanwhile Renie desperately tries to stay out of it this time, but Judith knows whom to turn to when she needs help in uncovering the identity of a murderer. The latest Judith tale is a strong amateur sleuth novel that has a shocker (for this series at least) ending. The story line is often amusing as the support cast from the recurring characters as well as the contractors working the B&B and a second inn exasperate the heroine. The who-done-it is cleverly designed so that readers along with Joe and Judith struggle to uncover the identity of the killer. HOCUS CROAKUS is an entertaining fun bed and breakfast mystery that will please most of Mary Daheim's fans and bring new readers to stay at the Hillside Manor.

A Faint Cold Fear
Karin Slaughter
Morrow
ISBN: 0688174582 $25.95 352 pp.

Heartsdale, Georgia medical examiner Sara Linton travels to the Grant Institute of Technology where a student Andy Rosen apparently jumped off a bridge. Sara's eight month pregnant sister Tessa, known for her eating habits of late, happened to have been in the car with Sara when she received the call. The two women go to the death scene where Sarah joins her boyfriend Police Chief Jeffrey Tolliver who has begun investigating. Tessa enters the nearby woods to do the other bodily function that she seems to need to do every few seconds only to be viciously attacked. Two more suicides occur and Tessa remains hospitalized. Meanwhile Jeffrey wonders if former police detective turned college security guard Lena Adams knows more than she is telling. Although Lena has her own problems stemming from an abduction and rape she still investigates sex and drug trafficking at the Grant Institute of Technology. Following the third death, Sara reconsiders whether homicide not suicide has occurred. Jeffrey tries to keep both women safe while seeking a killer. Though the story line contains too many moments of self-deprecating doubts due to previous ghosts, fans will enjoy this terse medical examiner thriller. The key cast members constantly display their soul so that the audience receives a two edged blade. The motives of the characters are understandable but so intense that it sometimes slows down the prime plot and spins off several cluttering subplots. Still A FAINT COLD FEAR is a solid crime tale that showcases Karen Slaughter's ability to live up to a surname that seems apropos for a mystery author.

Inheritance
Simon Brown
Daw
ISBN: 0756401623 $6.99 432 pp.

Queen Usharna Rosetheme is dying, but is not worried about the succession, as her oldest son Beryama will inherit the throne. Instead she is concerned with how the Twenty Houses will support her son and his three half-siblings. Especially concerning her is her youngest, Lynan, son of a deceased war hero commoner. When the queen dies the keys that were the prime source of her power and her victory in the deadly Slaver War is distributed one each to her four children. However, unity fails when Areava and the twenty houses decide to eliminate Lynan, holder of one of the magical keys. Only the loyalty of his father's faithful Captains from the Slaver War Kumul Alarn and Agar Parmer save his life following the betrayal. What worried Usharna in life has come true after her death as her children are divided and her country is split with Lynan vowing vengeance and using his key to claim what was stolen from him. The opening gamut of the "Keys of Power" is an incredible epic fantasy that is must reading for sub-genre fans. The story line is action-packed yet insures readers follow the exploits of fully developed characters. The adventures never slow down even as Simon Brown introduces the cast in such a way that the key (no pun intended) players seem real and the magic genuine. The only problem with INHERITANCE is waiting for book two to be published.

The Repentant
Brian M. Thomsen and Martin H. Greenberg
Daw
ISBN: 0756401631 $6.99 320 pp.

This entertaining thirteen-story collection focuses on classic monster types like werewolves trying to do the right thing in terms of humanity. The anthology is divided into four subjects ("Werewolves and Witches", "The Dead", "The Undead", and "The Demonic") with three sections containing three stories and "The Undead" with four. The tales overall are well written and are clearly targeted towards modern monsterolists. The authors are a virtual who's who, whom for the most part seem to have a good time providing a contribution. No story is weak, but a bite from "The Undead" section is truly worth the time. THE REPENTANT is a fine short story anthology that the monster generalist fan will appreciate.

As Seen on TV
Sarah Mlynowski
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373250363 $12.95 336 pp.

Her boyfriend Steve Stein owns and runs Manna Restaurant in Manhattan while Sunny Langstein works in Fort Lauderdale as an Assistant Manager at Panda. When Steve invites Sunny to move in with him, she accepts. Knowing she needs to find work, Sunny lies her way into interviews until she shockingly lands a contestant role on the TV reality show Party Girls. Her fifteen minutes of TV fame changes Sunny into an American idol and her relationship with Steve looks like it will be voted off the island. Meanwhile TV idol Matt Rowler makes a bid for Sunny's affection. Soon Steve who loved and liked his Florida Sunshine forces the issue of where they are going, as he detests the glitter TV Sunny. Will Sunny give up her chance as a survivor to host the show next year and reject the manna from heaven Steve offers because he treats her like a cherished person not a dimwitted boob tube icon? AS SEEN ON TV converges chick lit with reality television into an amusing contemporary romantic romp with a surprising message of adhering to one's value. The story line is handled in a light manner as Sunny gets so embroiled in glamour and bull that she loses sight as to what is important to her. Fans of chick lit will enjoy this parody of the reality TV fare.

Losing It
Lindsay Faith Rech
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373250371 $12.95 288 pp.

Thirty-two years old Diana Christopher hates how she looks as a size sixteen and detests her job as the fat waitress butt of jokes. She would loathe her sex life, but that has been non-existent for fifteen years since she lost her cherry in the back of Barry's pick-up truck. Now she has good news as she has a tumor that will allow her to join daddy who died over two decades ago in a car crash. However, depressing her further is that the doctor informs her that her life escape route proved benign. Diana decides to reinvent her life by losing weight through diet and exercise, find a new job, and have sex. She begins to go to bars and even has sex and loses weight by ignoring her favorite foods. When she meets her neighbor's nephew she realizes it is her Barry from her teen days and they rather quickly they fall in love. However, heartbreak occurs due to excessive heat with a broken air conditioner, but though they are sad by their loss they are glad to find one another. Though chick lit in some ways, LOSING IT is a serious look at a lonely person willing to give up on what she perceives is an abysmal life not worth living. Readers will empathize with Diana who feels several pixels below the food chain of those enjoying life not just surviving. Though morbid at times, Lindsay Faith Rech provides a strong character study.

Monstrous Regiment
Terry Pratchett
HarperCollins
ISBN 006001315X $24.95 368 pp.

Over the last three decades, the Duchy of Borogravia has declared war on all of its neighbors. Now more countries have formed the alliance whose goal is to destroy the duchy. The prince of Zlobenia is the heir to the Borogravian throne and hopes to prove the ruling family has died out so he can incorporate it into his country. Polly is not interested in issues of state but intends to find her brother and bring him home. She disguises herself as a male and signs up to join the army. Her unit consists of other females masquerading as men, a vampire, a troll, an Igor as well as a heroic sergeant. When they capture some enemy soldiers, instead of taking them as POW's, they end up releasing them, not realizing one of the soldiers is the prince of Zlobenia. Their actions bring them to the attention of the Alliance who is inspired by the courage of the MONSTROUS REGIMENT and hesitates to invade their country. That hesitation gives Polly and the other members of the unit a chance to snatch victory from the jaws of the Alliance and a chance for Borogravia to retain its independence. It's always a pleasure visiting Discworld where the magical and mundane exist side by side. MONSTROUS REGIMENT is one of the better novels in this long running series because the characters are zany and quirky yet somehow believable. Terry Pratchett seems to write a light-hearted comical fantasy but in reality he is using humor to provide a very deep condemnation of terrorists and nations that make war inevitable.

Paladin of Souls
Lois McMaster Bujold
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0380979020 $24.95 464 pp.

No longer suffering from the God-induced madness, but sill reeling from guilt and mourning the loss of much of her family, Dowager Royina of Chalion Lady Ista dy Baocia seeks to find atonement. She feels a pilgrimage might provide some solace to her tortured soul so Lady Ista sets forth on a journey. However, her search for inner peace ends when she becomes embroiled in a devious plot that makes her ponder whether the five ruling Gods still manipulate her? Still Lady Ista cannot ignore the threat from Chalion's neighbor Porifors. The Roknari and the evil ones from the Fifth God place Chalion and Ista's ruling daughter in jeopardy with only Arhys dy Lutez and his half brother Illvin struggling to contain the assault. Ista joins the dy Lutez siblings though she may pay the ultimate price with her entrance into the fray. The sequel to THE CURSE OF CHALION (one of the all time great fantasy tales), PALADIN OF SOULS, is a fabulous stand-alone story. The story line focuses on a major but not the prime character from the first book as Lady Ista tries to find solace for the trouble she caused though logically she understands she was a puppet of the Gods. As in the first novel, Lois McMaster Bujold imbues the story line with deep depth that makes her realm see genuine though the non-stop action crowd will feel that slows the pace. Still sword and sorcery readers who relish a world that appears real will appreciate the heroine's quest and demand returns to this magical land from a writer who lives up to her middle name.

Barracuda 945
Patrick Robinson
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0060086629 $25.95 437 pp.

British SAS commando Major Ray Kerman stationed in Israel joins Hamas and quickly becomes a leader due to his bold successes in country. Abetted by the Iranians, Ray buys a Russian nuclear submarine, the Barracuda 945. He plans to attack the West Coast of the United States with missile strikes against the Alaskan oil supplies and the California electrical grid. National Security Advisor Vice Admiral Arnold Morgan leads the US Navy's efforts to stop the Barracuda 945 at sea. However, even with the help of the National Security Agency the US Navy struggles to locate the deadly nuclear sub for several weeks until they locate the Barracuda 945 in the Panama Canal. Confrontation between two brilliant leaders and their crew occur with much at stake. Though the historical soliloquies can be overwhelming, they bring a sense of reality to a powerful action-packed sea adventure that will remind readers of Sink the Bismarck. The story line is going at the fastest knots, but also insures the key two antagonists plus Morgan's friend, Assistant to the Director of the National Security Agency Lieutenant Commander James Ramshawe, are more than just 200 proof testosterone. Instead readers feel their frustrations and excitement. Patrick Robinson's latest Morgan thriller is a solid tale that fans will enjoy the high-speed sea chase.

Shadows Over Baker Street
Michael Reeves and John Pelan, editors
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345455282 $23.95, 464 pp.

Every time this reviewer concludes that there is no way to place Holmes who's been around in so many different clever settings in the past few decades a new approach occurs. SHADOWS OVER BAKER STREET takes Holmes out of Doyle's Victorian England and relocates him in H.P. Lovecraft's Victorian England. Seventeen tales are set in the last two decades of the nineteenth century while three occur in the twentieth. The premise of changing the setting of the world's greatest detective works, providing the Baker Street crowd with a strong invigorating anthology. However, besides the obvious uniqueness of the background, the collection also takes a wider look at Holmes by including renowned authors from non-mystery genres along with the who-done-it writers. Thus, twenty tales from horror, science fiction, fantasy, and of course mystery (what! No romance or western) furbishes a strong unique anthology in which the worlds of Lovecraft and Doyle converge into a tremendous short story book with no weak entry.

The Teeth of the Tiger
Tom Clancy
Putnam
ISBN: 039915079X $27.95

In Maryland, Hendley Associates successfully works the stock, bond, and international currency markets. However, in reality the trader business serves as a front because the prime mission of the firm is to root out and eliminate terrorists. United States President John Patrick Ryan is not interested in the means, but only the results of the group. Only a small elect circle of people who need to know understand that Hendley Associates otherwise known as "The Campus, is really a black ops organization. The firm also understands hat there is a need for new blood if they want to avoid stagnation and complacency. However, it takes a special person to join this elite group. Right now they are looking closely at a trio of related men who happen to have close ties the President since two are his nephews, FBI Agent Dominic Caruso and his brother Marine Captain Brian Caruso and the third is his son Jack Ryan, Jr. It remains to be seen if this threesome lives up to the gene pool of the previous generation. Jack, Sr. seem like kindergarten? The torch moves on with an ease that will not surprise readers who expect innovative ideas from this great author. The story line is typical Tom Clancy: exciting top rate action as the war against terrorism goes into hyperspeed. Doubts will linger about close relatives to a sitting president being involved in anti-terrorist activities. It is hard to picture the two sons of George Bush, Sr. running around as Feds or combat soldiers before joining an elite black ops cell or any child of a Congressman serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Still fans of action packed thrillers will know Mr. Clancy has created a fantastic tale.

Smoke Screen
Kyle Mills
Putnam
ISBN: 0399150986 $24.95

CEO Paul Trainer of the tobacco giant Terra Holding Corporation, knows his gigantic business is in trouble due to a law suit they will probably lose in Montana. He decides he needs an idiotic spokesperson so he turns to employee Trevor Barnett, whose job comes from an ancestor who was an industry giant and left him a trust fund that requires he work for the firm. Relying on the Peter Principle, Paul promotes Trevor to positions way above his apparent level of competency. With bankruptcy pending, Paul and his associates establish a diabolical strategy that they insist Trevor must sell to the public. All tobacco-processing plants are closed, workers are placed on furloughs, and there are recalls of products from the stores and vending machines. The plan is that there will be no more cigarettes until the industry is legally exempt from lawsuits and courts sanctions. As the economy tanks, Anne Kimball of Smokeless Youth meets Trevor. She provides him with the backbone he needs to push for a campaign where the people will decide whether smoking is a first amendment right. As the couple falls in love the issue becomes even more explosive. SMOKE SCREEN is a delightful Mr. Smith takes tobacco (rather than Washington) type of tale that hooks the audience from the moment Paul plots to use Trevor. The Runyonesque story line is fun as the no smoking policy causes havoc for politicians and the economy in such a way that it seems as if everyone inhaled. Fans of a charming amusing David with a female for a spinal column vs. Goliath novel will want to read Kyle Mills whimsical story.

Grand Theft
Timothy Watts
Putnam
ISBN: 0399150994 $23.95 320pp

In Philadelphia, Teddy Clyde uses the job of a stockbroker as a front to hide his real career as a car thief. He even has a storefront and clients, but his prime nontaxable income is from vehicle repossession that leaves him in the high six-digit income bracket. His moronic brother Davey tries to steal a Porche and it is only thanks to Teddy's quick response that his sibling is saved from doing time. The brothers go to the Palisades Club owned by the mob's number two guy Anthony Bonica, but unbeknownst to Teddy he carries the body of the mob chief (who was killed by a pro) in his trunk. Everyone wants Teddy from the mob to the US Assistant Attorney Donald Shaffer to other alphabet groups. He hides with an undercover reporter that he begins to fall in love with making his life even more complicated than it is. GRAND THEFT is a fabulous crime thriller that fans will read in one sitting. The reason readers will want to see what happens next is due is to a strong prime cast. The audience will appreciate the charming rogue, and enjoy seeing the downfall of two villains, including one in the Office of the DA, and a couple of deadly scoundrels whose morality can be traced in one case directly to the concentration camps and the other through his mentor. Anyone who reads this winning thriller will seek more works by Timmy Watts because this is a great novel.

Tribeca Blues
Jim Fusilli
Putnam
ISBN 0399150889 $24.95 288 pp.

It's been five years since Raymond Weisz allegedly threw his infant son on the railroad tracks in the path of an oncoming train. His wife Marina was also killed when she jumped down to rescue her son. Terry Orr is still determined to track down the man and kill him but in the meantime he and his fifteen-year-old daughter Bella go to New Orleans to attend the funeral of his friend Leo Mallard. Leo wanted Terry to find his wife so she could face justice. Lenore caused their flourishing restaurant to go into bankruptcy because she embezzled company funds. Terry has every intention of fulfilling Leo's last request but while he is in New Orleans he gets a fax stating Weisz's mother died. Believing that his family's killer will finally show at the funeral, Terry rushes back to New York City. As he talks to a person who had seen the subway killings of Terry's family members, the witness is murdered. As Terry searches for Raymond, he begins to learn the truth to that deadly incident five years ago and why Leo's reputation and happiness was destroyed. The protagonist of TRIBECA BLUES, a man readers have come to care about, conducts two different investigations in his own quixotic manner. Having a private investigator's license doesn't harden the man nor does the tragedy that haunts him or seeing the dark side of humanity. Instead it allows Terry to take action and feel he is part of making the world a better place. Jim Fusilli gives his audience an insider's look at the Big Apple he loves so much and come to understand why he loves the city that never sleeps.

Blacklist
Sara Paretsky
Putnam
ISBN: 0399150854 $24.95 432 pp.

The impact of 9/11 even in the heartland continues to have impact on residents. While her lover writer is in the Afghanistan or is that the Ubekistan area, private investigator V.I. Warshawski agrees to accept a strange case, at least from this particular client, longtime corporate customer Darraugh Graham. His ninety-year-old mother insists that she has seen lights looking out from her room in a nursing home from inside the nearby abandoned Larchmont Hall. V.I. goes to the deserted building anticipating running into either homeless or teens, but instead finds the corpse of T-Square magazine reporter, Marc Whitby. Apparently, he was investigating 1950s dancer Kylie Ballantine, a victim of Olin Taverner's witch-hunt. The county declares Marc killed himself, but his wife Harriet hires her because she wonders if government officials murdered him. V.I. accepts the case though the FBI and local law enforcement want her to step back because they are investigating a case involving a possible terrorist that might have a bearing on the reporter's death. BLACKLIST is Sara Paretsky's best tale in several years as the author effortlessly brings out the caring side of her sleuth without diminishing the strength of V. I. All that is placed inside a political thriller wrapped around a fast-paced who-done-it. This well written exquisitely exciting hooks the reader while also providing a warning message that the witch hunts of Salem and McCarthy are not isolated aberrations. They are a consistent part of history (same sh*t just after WW I) especially when people allow the flag and "security" to warp freedoms. After a dozen or so books, Warshawsky hopefully has more adventures like this one that is if she can avoid vanishing in front of a military tribunal.

Stone Cold
Robert B. Parker
Putnam
ISBN 0399150870 $24.95, 336 pp.

When his marriage to Jenn broke up, Jesse Stone left California and accepte

Kaveny's Bookshelf	Klausner's Bookshelf	Cynthia's Bookshelf
Laurel's Bookshelf	Shirley's Bookshelf	Donovan's Bookshelf