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Bogstad's Bookshelf
Travel Notes on Books, People and Places in Ireland, Scotland, and UK
Another high point of my trip this summer has been attendance at the Leeds International
Medieval
Congress held through the auspices of the Leeds International Medieval Institute. This is the 10th
year of the congress and I have missed only two of them, once because I was on my way to China
in
1995.
I am fortunate to have a few friends in the area, one a technical services/digital library expert in
the
Leeds City Public Library system, Judith, is the adoptive niece of a dear friend, Bill, who retired
from the Bodleian Library, Oxford, about six years ago. You will hear more about him later when
I
do my piece on Oxford, Philip Pullman and other Oxford fantasists, Colin Dexter and the Oxford
mystery writers and recent films set in Oxford. Judith and I, and sometimes Philip, try to meet for
dinner at least once a year and compare notes on the state of libraries, our activist projects, as
Judith
is heavily involved with Nuclear Disarmament, and talk about books. More on her in later
accounts.
Other friends in Leeds include John and Mary who have been kind enough to take us into their
homes (this is plural as they are just fixing up their second one, which they bought for the garden.
Nevertheless they are also turning the house into a work of art, as was their house on the Moors
in
Yorkshire, but that story will come when I discuss the Brontes, in another essay). John has
Fridays
off just now (that will probably change soon), so he met me at the Leeds train station, which has
been much improved over the last few years, with elevators, food courts, and many other useful
amenities. It's also become something of a bewildering experience for the first time visitor, so it
was
nice to see John, who'd even bought a platform ticket so he could help with my luggage.
We went back to his house and got ready to join Mary at the Leeds playhouse to see a
performance
of "Dirty Blond," a three-person show about Mae West which was magnificent. Then we retired
to
their home where they brought me up to speed on their 1) developments in musical taste (I see yet
another essay coming up on Jazz, international music, Gaelic and Celtic Revival, York Waites and
other English revival groups, etc), 2) tips and plans on gardening, as they design gardens in the
spare
time from their active careers (he in social services advising, she in medieval studies), their many
volunteer activities, and their lives together 3) social, intellectual, administrative, feminist and
medieval topics.
They don't do science fiction in great quantities, but I had just, as you know by now, spent a
couple
of weeks on that before seeing them. I was privileged, along with good food, good friends, and
good conversation, to contribute in my own little ways to the magnificent development of their
extensive, if embryonic, garden. Then off to the congress on Sunday, July 7 and my first of two
all-day tours. A wonderful feature of the Leeds congress, the committee organizes a series of
tours
and musical events, which are optional but not expensive. We usually tour on Sunday and
Thursday
so we can go all day, as I did this time. Churches of North Yorkshire on Sunday, July 7 and
Medieval Chester on Thursday, July 11.
Now I decided to write about Leeds separately because the congress is Medieval STUDIES
which
means that you can pursue your own specific interest, as there are about 15 sessions during each
90
minute period for 3.5 days OR, you can do some of your own and then nip into, say, a session on
textiles and clothing development that chronicles the history of knitting as it came to Europe from
the Middle East, or the beginnings of tailored clothing in Greenland, or you can do Art, Legal
History, Carmelite History, medieval women, military history, etc.
I work with women medievalists who look at medieval women in many contexts, including
history,
literature, and religion. The Society For Medieval Feminist Scholarship is a wonderful resource
for
women in medieval and related fields of study. They have a discussion list, journal, and a website
at:
http://smfs.uoregon.edu/.
I also tend to meet up with a group who work on studies in medievalism, the theory of how we
USE
the medieval in the 20th century (inspired by Norman Cantor's book Inventing the Middle Ages,
and
the organizational enthusiasm of the retired professor, Leslie Workman and the sponsorship of
Univ.
of Montana. For more information, contact G. Morgan at: morgan@english.montana.edu or
check
out the website at: http://www.studiesinmedievalism.com/.
I usually work on comparisons between Chinese and French medieval female figures, like Wu
Zetian
and Eleanor of Acquitaine, but this year I decided to give a paper on the reasons for devising
methodologies that incorporate East and West - that is, as a true comparativist, trained in
Comparative Literature, French, Chinese and German - I am sensitive to HOW studies of Chinese
women helps us ask different questions about European women, and vise versa.
This brings us to the books I want to feature in my essay, books on Chinese literary and historical
female figures which I think we can use to better understand the women of Europe, and which
reflect the groundwork done in European Women's Medieval History.
My presentation for Leeds basically suggested books which have been influential in my developing
methodology and in providing sources of topics for comparative study, some of which I was
suggesting that others might do, as I will not have the time, I am sure. So let me give you a few
hints
about this perspective by including a full review and two shorter notes (at the beginning). I may
have
time to tell you more about the Chang and Mou books later, but I reviewed the Chang title more
fully for the Midwest Book Review about two years ago.
Women Writers of Traditional China: An Anthology of Poetry and Criticism edited by Kang-I San
Chang and Haun Saussy (Stanford Univ. Press, 1999). This vast compendium of women's writing
offers very brief introductions but a very large body of texts. It is obviously to be used as a
companion textbook where the teacher fills in the requisite background knowledge. The
Mann/Cheng collection prints this information along with translations of complete texts.
Presence and Presentation: Women Writing in the Chinese Literati Tradition edited by Sherry J.
Mou (St. Martin's Press, 1999). While quite wide-ranging in its topics, Mou's edited volume is a
collection of scholarly, topical essays with only limited translations included. It is of most interest
from the methodological perspective, that is, how these writers have gone about recovering and
verifying details of the lives of historical Chinese women. Each essay is complete and no effort has
been made, as in the case of Under Confucian Eyes, to present a chronological picture of Chinese
women's lives.
Under Confucian Eyes: Writings on Gender in Chinese History. Mann, Susan and Yu-Yin Cheng,
Eds. U of California Press, July 2001. ISBN: 0-520-22276-8. 374 pages, with illustrations. $19.96
(also issued in hardback, ISBN: 0-520-22274-1, $50.00).
Publications on women in Chinese culture have increased exponentially in number since the
1970s,
but most of them have dealt with modern Chinese women or with texts about rather than by them.
Very few have dealt with periods in Chinese history analogous to the European medieval period,
even fewer with theoretical approaches drawn from ongoing feminist debates, and yet fewer with
original texts by and about Chinese women. Only a handful has offered actual translations of these
texts, with commentary. Under Confucian Eyes fills some of these gaps in our knowledge of
women
as writers and subjects in China from the 8th century through the 19th century. Translated texts
include biographies, drama, fiction, funerary writing, poetry, and a form also common to Western
women, letters. While not all of the texts presented are attributed to women, they all contain
contextualizing information that expands our knowledge of social gender in China under
Confucianism. The texts are representative of the relatively few shorter works that have
survived.
This anthology is unique for the combination of analysis, criticism, and translation it offers. A very
few anthologies covering pre-20th century Chinese women's writings have been published in the
last
few years. The most notable of them is Women Writers of Traditional China: An Anthology of
Poetry and Criticism edited by Kang-I San Chang and Haun Saussy (Stanford Univ. Press, 1999).
This vast compendium of women's writing offers very brief introductions but a very large body of
texts. It is obviously to be used as a companion textbook where the teacher fills in the requisite
background knowledge. The Mann/Cheng collection prints this information along with
translations
of complete texts.
Another approach to introducing historical Chinese women is found in the recent Presence and
Presentation: Women Writing in the Chinese Literati Tradition edited by Sherry J. Mou (St.
Martin's
Press, 1999). While quite wide-ranging in its topics, Mou's edited volume is a collection of
narrowly
topical essays with only limited translations included. Each essay is complete and no effort has
been
made, as in the case of Under Confucian Eyes, to present a chronological picture of Chinese
women's lives.
The Mann/Cheng anthology is distinctive for selecting texts depicting women's everyday lives
through their own writings and through official biographies and court documents written by men.
The anthology is unusual in that each translator acknowledges the situational and critical details
important to understanding each piece in it's original context as well as in our contemporary
interpretation. The selections are accompanied by discussions of each text's author or authors
(when
known), situation of original production, and the influence these texts had on later generations of
Chinese women and men. Additionally, each translator represents their individual perspective on
the
act of translating and the difficulties of each piece. The anthology includes 18 complete texts or
collections of texts, rather than the fragments of longer texts often found elsewhere. While ten of
the
eighteen sections are attributed to male authors, two of the remaining eight are collections
presenting many women's voices and four more, several pieces by one woman. The editors'
"Guide
for Students and Teachers," states that: "The texts are arranged chronologically to supplement the
readings in any history course that deals with China, East Asia, or the world between the
dynasties
of the Tang (618-906) and the Qing (1644-1911)." (p. 9). The editors provide Confucian
definitions
of the division between public and private spheres and address the differences between Western
and
Chinese interpretations of this division.
The first 11 translations and essays span the 8th (Tang Dynasty) through the 16th (Ming dynasty)
centuries, and may thus be of interest to Western medievalists. The first two selections,
"Biography
of the Daoist Saint Wang Fenxian," and "Biography of the Great Compassionate One of
Xiangshan,"
should interest hagiographers. The first woman described, Wang Fenxian, was Daoist and the
second, Miaoshan, the Great Compassionate One, was Buddhist. Their stories, written by men in
official court records, will sound familiar as the two saintly women avoid traditional family roles
and
pressures, including arranged marriages, and, in one case, suffer death for their beliefs. Included is
an excellent chapter on a well-known Book of Filial Piety for Women, a guide to appropriate
behavior for women, written for women by "a Woman Nee Zheng," (c. 730 A.D.).
Like medieval Western books and letters designed to instruct women on their proper behavior in
the
private sphere, as daughters, wives, and mothers, this text uses both religious doctrine, in this case
a
Confucian/Daoist amalgam, and exemplary figures from everyday life. The translator, Patricia
Buckley Ebrey, is an expert on texts of this period and has written extensively about them. Her
essay
on her own practices as well as on the situation and interpretation of this particular text are
invaluable as a guide to the history of Chinese women under early Confucianism in the Tang
Dynasty, the value of contemporary feminist theoretical approaches for understanding the texts,
their
context and original audience (although this text was popular well into the 19th century), and the
comparative potential for medievalists working in Western contexts.
The same can be said for discussions of the epistolary tradition in Chinese texts written by
women.
Two of the selections are letters of instruction and guidance by husbands to their wives and
children.
However, "Letter to my Sons," by their mother Gu Ruopu (1592-1681), is also interesting. While
dated a bit late for comparative use with Western medieval writing, this and other letters offer an
indication of a vast and ongoing epistolary tradition for both Chinese women and men from the
12th
century on. In her essay on Gu Ruopu, the translator, Dorothy Ko emphasizes the importance or
the
epistolary form in women's writing while also deploring the loss of so much Classical Chinese
women's writing. Letters from the 16th and 17th century take up three sections of the book,
providing much information about the literary forms, education, and daily lives of these
women.
Under Confucian Eyes is a valuable anthology and would make a good introduction to
pre-modern
Chinese women and their writing for any reader, especially if they are then likely to go on to more
specific collections. Hopefully it is only the first of many to come as it would be useful to have the
same self-reflexive, critical, feminist perspectives on earlier extant works by and about women as
well as on longer works and collections of less standard ones such as letters, biographies, and
funerary writings. The official dynastic biographies, especially, could profit from this kind of
analysis
that reads between the lines of formal conventions and presents the translator's task as one of
creativity and interpretation, casting a critical light on many previous efforts. This collection and a
very few others clarify that feminism, has arrived in Chinese Studies and that Western and Chinese
theoretical frameworks need to be applied to Chinese writing by and about Chinese women in
order
for us to truly understand their lives. Under Confucian Eyes has taken us on a great leap forward
in
the understanding of historical Chinese women and in being able to compare them to women in
the
West.
If you've enjoyed some of these notes, look for next month's selection which will focus on Oxford
and the fiction of Philip Pullman, an author of young adult fiction whose last trilogy, His Dark
Materials (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass) has just but
optioned
for production by the group that is working on the Tolkien, Lord of the Ring series.
Janice M. Bogstad
International Editor, Midwest Book Review
Professor, Women's Studies & Head of Collection Development
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, McIntyre Library
http://www.uwec.edu/Library/cd/janice_bogstad.html
Kaveny's Bookshelf
The words from a wonderful late sixties popular song keep running through my mind, perhaps
there
are some among you who are even old enough to remember it.
"Do you know the way to San Jose", goes the Dionne Warwick Song from 1968 for which she
won
five Grammy awards according to the official Dionne Warrwick Homepage
http://www.enter.net/~lynco/index.html. Which I recommend you check out just to see that in
over
34 Years Dionne Warwick has not lost a single microgram of her vibrant beauty and energy.
The reason that San Jose the Mecca of California's Silicon Valley is so much on my mind is
because
at this very instant my dear friend of over a quarter of a century Richard Russell is driving his
1990
Ford Areo Star laden with forty cases of my books along the way to San Jose via Denver
Colorado.
San Jose is the site of the 60 the World Science Fiction which takes place August 28th through
Sept
2nd, 2002 I have included the URL for your further information. Attendance at this event should
run
between 6,000 and 8,000 souls all the way from the rawest thirty five year old neo fan who
decided
to venture out of his parents basement for the first in years to the dean of the worlds living science
fiction writers 84 year old Frederick Pohl ,along with hundreds of writers editors artists and, great
writers, publishers, media people, and of course a few has beens and wanna- be's. This is the URL
Check It out. http://www.conjose.org/index.html.
Since 1977 I have made the Pilgrimage 18 out of the twenty-five World Science Fictions that have
taken place and I would add eighteen out of the twenty that have taken place in the United States
and Canada. As an aside I wish to mention that Richard Russell along with the editor and chief of
this here publication and perhaps four or five other men comprise A band I would be proud to call
brother if I were speaking Shakespearean.
I use the word Pilgrimage because my wife and I will be leaving at 4:45 A.M. Shuttle Van from
Eau
Claire Wisconsin to the Twin Cities to catch and our 9.00 A.M Direct Flight to San Jose where I
will meet Richard and my forty cases of books and put on my booksellers hat and set up at my
two
dealers tables in the cavernous 100,000 square foot exhibit space , along with 248 other tables
that
they call the hucksters room. And guess what? I do have a booksellers hat, well actually it is a
Turkish Sultan's Battered Turban which is down after fifteen years on the road to a single
feathered
plume and a single costumed outrageous costumed ruby.
But I will also be wearing My Midwest Book Review Literary Editor's Hat and Handing
Hundreds
of Business cards promoting The Midwest Book Review and perhaps even contacting some new
publishers, who will be able to read about The Midwest Book Review at World Science Fiction
Convention's Twenty Four Hour Internet Computer Room. I will also be wearing one last hat as a
participant involved in three programs all of which I will report on next month.
The local scene in Eau Claire WI population 60,000 souls and one University U.W Eau Claire
with
an enrollment of 11,500.
I have decided to add this feature to my next few columns since it seems to have worked its way
in,
any case with my reports of the last two months poetry slams at the Acoustic Caf‚. Lately I have
been getting up early in the morning. This is around 8:30 A.M which is pretty early for a former
night shift workers and catching a bus to the down town transit center where I make the transfer
to
the bus which takes me to my office which serves me both as Literary Editor, Academic Critic,
and
book seller.
Guess what ? That same transfer center is located right next to the Acoustic Caf‚, where I stop
for
my morning tea. That's where I met Norma, Bill, Lang, Lynn, Fred, Al, and Carol, all who in there
own way have given much of there lives to making Eau Claire Wisconsin the wonderful
community
that it is. Not all of them are retired Carol who introduced me to the bunch is A U.W Eau Claire
math professor, Bill is a gentleman tree hugging libertarian tree farmer, Fred is a former dean and
speech professor, and I am not sure what Al used to. But it is pretty clear that there are no forty
hour a week time clock punching wage slaves in the bunch of us.
The whole morning coffee crew at the Acoustic Caf‚ are interesting folk But Norma Desprez 82 a
Widow since the mid 90's is the only one who has written several books of poems. The one I am
reviewing, Soliloquy: Poetry of Though Grief to Healing, by Norma Desprez softbound 59 pages
privately Published by Elderwords Press 2230 Trimble St, Eau Claire WI 54701 (No ISBN) price
$15.00 + $3.00 shipping.
Strangely I find myself speaking Shakespearean twice in the same article because as I remember a
soliloquy is a sort of bitter sweet summing up that often takes place at or towards the end of
Shakespearean play which has kind of celebratory and at the same time melancholy component to
it.
Norma is addressing perhaps the most horrifying thing that Those of us living past middle age
have
yet to face in her poetry. The inconsolable loss of the partner of a lifetime. As an artist Norma has
a
very big task to perform much like the World War I war poets who I have studied all my life.
That is she must put feeling so deep and profound, and even terrifying into word which do not
dull
our sense, through her craft as a poet she must trick us into thinking about the unthinkable which
she has done and faced.
I won't deal with the individual poems in the book because they all work together reaching across
a
large chunk of the 20th Century, including the great events of the 20th Century including WWII
Louis Norma's late Husband was a WWII pilot, Norma dropped out of Eau Claire State Teacher's
College (With one building and an enrollment of 150) her sophomore year in 1940 to take a job
at$1000 a year, more money than she had ever seen in her life working for the federal
government,
incidentally 41 years later at age 63 Norma in 1981 finished her B.A in political science from
University U.W Eau Claire enrollment with an enrollment of 11,500. In the process of having
lived
through much of the 20th Century Norma was able to ask her professors questions which really
kept
them on there toes, some of which the they were to professorial to answer.
But her poems are not just about that, they are about grandchildren frozen soup, gardens, and of
course a recurring haunting emptiness that she is not afraid to touch on. I really think that there is
a
large national audience out there For, Soliloquy: Poetry of Though Grief to Healing, by Norma
Desprez, but there is a problem which I told her about the first time she stopped by my office to
sell
me a copy for $15.00. Not the price for it is a handsome package, with beautiful art work and
professional production values, donated by a number of folks that wanted see this book happen,
but
Soliloquy: Poetry of Though Grief to Healing, by Norma Desprez, does not have an ISBN
number,
which makes it in effect bibliographically invisible.
This means with out this particular feature it is almost impossible to market this book regionally
let
alone nationally or internationally. Let me assure you Norma wants her book marketed; the sales
mean a lot to her since she is not well off. Norma and her husband sort of gave their lives to the
causes they believed in, and sadly but as always the case the next generation does not always give
back. But Norma is a tough a adaptive lady, who when some years ago when it became medically
impossible for her to sing in the her beloved Lutheran choir, she became proficient as a master
choral bell ringer, a position she just retired from, so I think we can say that the next edition
Soliloquy: Poetry of Though Grief to Healing, by Norma Desprez, will have an ISBN number.
Norma often nags me about it as we have our morning tea. Interestingly enough I have been
getting
up earlier in the morning because the folk show up at 8; 30 and are of for the rest of their busy
day
by 9:30 A.M.
The Cats Birds seat. About twenty years ago my editor and chief and the aforementioned Richard
Russell who I hope is now pulling into Salt lake city with his century Richard Russell in 1990
Ford
Areo Star laden with forty cases of my books, participated in the Joe Halderman Memorial
Probability Seminar, which met about twice a month over a couple of year period usually on a
Saturday night, running early into Sunday morning in which a number very intensely and seriously
studied the probability of certain combination of painted symbols coming up on pieces of
cardboard
information objects called playing cards. The best Combination of symbols (Called a Hand) won
the
pot both high and low. To hold that hand was called being in "The Cat Birds Seat".
The reason I am in the "Cat Bird's seat" is I have one Hundred copies in hand of the most
significant
pieces of Tolkien Scholarship of the last two centuries. The brand new Hardcover 2002 edition of
The Annotated Hobbit Price: $28.00 ISBN: 0618134700 Publisher Houghton Mifflin pages 399
pages. Beautifully Illustrated this work represents the culmination of a decade of effort by the
world's foremost and painstakingly and accurate, and honest of the pantheon of Tolkien scholars,
editor Douglas Anderson, with the full co-operation and support of J.R.R. Tolkien's Son
Christopher Tolkien and the entire family enterprise. "This beautiful definitive edition of The
Annotated will assure J.R.R. Tolkien his rightful position as author of the 21st Century.
Fifty of these are on their way to San Jose directly from the printer in perfect condition weeks
before
the editor, or anybody else on planet. Here is what the publisher had to say:
Tolkien's beloved novel The Hobbit has deep roots in European folklore, mythology, and
language.
As a reader's introduction to Tolkien's Middle-earth, it contains references to the ancient history
of
this imaginary world which, though rarely explained, contribute greatly to the effect of Tolkien's
art.
This revised and expanded edition of The Annotated Hobbit unobtrusively and authoritatively
illuminates the novel's antecedents and curiosities. Douglas Anderson has also collected here
wonderful illustrations from all over the world. The many new annotations in this edition reflect
more than a decade's additional scholarship on the history and evolution of The Hobbit, and the
annotations and illustrations are newly integrated with the core text in a handsome reader-friendly
format. This edition also reproduces the fully corrected text of The Hobbit as J.R.R. Tolkien
approved it before his death, in 1973. Anderson has compared every page from every major
edition
of The Hobbit with Tolkien's own last checking copy in the restoration work for this definitive
edition.
After careful inspection of The brand new Hardcover 2002 edition of The Annotated Hobbit, and
wishing that my day had 48 hours I can only say I agree with the publishers thoughtful insights
into
the book.
The Sammis Collection: The 3000 Books I inherited from my beloved aunt Cleo Sammis
1914-2002
I have continued to process the Sammis collections and I have successfully placed (sold these
items I
am listing. For those of you who think that you might have a rare item the are a number of
services
which will allow you to look up and compare you editions, and for that matter add books to your
collection by ordering them. My two favorites are. Alibris.
http://www.alibris.com/?AID=1925531&PID=786245 (&) Abebooks http://www.abebooks.com/.
These services are not a substitute for the services of a rare bookman but they can give at least
some
idea of what people are asking for comparable items
The Magic Makers and the Bramble Bush Man Margaret Sutton, , Illustrated by Pelagie Doane
Hard
cover No Dustjacket New York: Grossett and Dunlap, 1936 No Jacket. Beautiful cover
illustration
and endpapers, both in color. Lots of black and white drawings in text. A nice, tight book in very
good condition. Only interior marks owner's name and address . Author best known for juvenile
series Tear on edge of front cover. Color map on inside front boards. This book is part of what
my
beloved aunt Cleo Sammis left me, She died at 88 leaving me lots of photos and a lovely book
collection, which I have decided to share. Many of these items in turn are from the estate of her
father in law a very famous professor and her husband who pre deceased her the these folks were
book people as you will see as you follow my auctions for the next several months. Many of these
books have been in the same house for 62 years. My wife is out of the country presenting at
conferences right after she left I disabled our television by accident since then I have had been
reading three to four hours a day. I know that there are sadly very people who even know who
this
book refers to, or have even the faintest idea of their roots this is just so sad (sold for
$23.00)
Robert Ruark, Uhuru 1962 Brown cloth w/ silver gilt. Fine Jacket. Jacket good some small chips
6_" - 7_" tall. Publisher McGraw Hill Stated First Edition. Library of Congress Card Catalog #
62-7323. No marks. No flaws this book is part of what my beloved aunt Cleo Sammis left me,
She
died at 88 leaving me lots of photos and a lovely book collection, which I have decided to share.
Many of these items in turn are from the estate of her father in law a very famous professor and
her
husband who pre deceased her the these folks were book people as you will see as you follow my
auctions for the next several months. Many of these books have been in the same house for 62
years.
My wife is out of the country presenting at conferences right after she left I disabled our television
by accident since then I have had been reading three to four hours a day. I know that there are
sadly
very people who even know who this book refers to, or have even the faintest idea of their roots
this
is just so sad (Sold for $49.95)
"Harrison Fisher's American Beauties", Harrison Fisher The Bobbs Merrill Company,
Indianapolis,
1909. Quarto. First edition. Twenty color plates of Harrison Fisher's stunning female beauties
with
text in several different decorated borders of roses and leaves in pastel pinks and greens by E.
Stetson Crawford. Publishers rust cloth with blind stamped borders with hearts in roundels, roses
linked with hearts framing the gilt lettered title. Some wear to extremities color difference some
foxing good + condition lacks dustjacket In my research I have seen this item in the 400-850
dollar
range. This books is for somebody who loves lost beauty or for that matter really wants to get a
good idea of very early 20th century woman's costume I am going to ask for 125.00 buy it now
for
this book. I think somebody might pay 250.00 for it on sight. This book is part of what my
beloved
aunt Cleo Sammis left me, She died at 88 leaving me lots of photos and a lovely book collection
which I have decided to share. Many of these items in turn are from the estate of her father in law
a
very famous professor and her husband who pre deceased her the these folks were book people as
you will see as you follow my auctions for the next several months. Many of these books have
been
in the same house for 62 years. My wife is out of the country presenting at conferences right after
she left I disabled our television by accident since then I have had been reading three to four hours
a
day . I know that there are sadly very people who even know who this book refers to, or have
even
the faintest idea of their roots this is just so sad (Sold for $125.00)
John Steinbeck, East of Eden Very Good in Good+ dust jacket; Binding strong. Text clean and
complete. Owners name on front board stain on backboard Jacket complete. With some edge
wear
Price Listed as $4.50 1st state with "bite" for "bright" 281/38. First state Back DJ showing photo
of
Steinbeck instead of the later state reviews. I have done some research On this item and in this
condition and this state it seems to sell in the $285 to 300.00 range (Actually if one can trust the
Internet mine hold its own against several 1000 plus copies Re Dustjacket Condition. What I want
is
for somebody who loves Steinbeck to bid one hundred an forty on this item. Sorry I don't do
scans
but please check my feed back My late aunt loved Steinbeck and but played my brother John and I
like the brothers in the novel, please don't do that with your children. I have yet another reason
for
believing this a first edition besides the correlation work. She died at 88 leaving me lots of photos
and a lovely book collection, which I have decided to share. Many of these items in turn are from
the
estate of her father in law a very famous professor and her husband who pre deceased her the
these
folks were book people as you will see as you follow my auctions for the next several months.
Many
of these books have been in the same house for 62 years. My wife is out of the country presenting
at
conferences right after she left I disabled our television by accident since then I have had been
reading three to four hours a day. I know that there are sadly very people who even know who
this
book refers to, or have even the faintest idea of their roots this is just so sad. (Sold for
$140.00)
In my families best journalist tradition I have written all I can and cannot write nay more for this
month. Richard. I know the Railroad Bridge you may be sleeping under in Winamuca Nevada
tonight slept there myself in 1969 Godspeed I say and I will see you in San Jose tomorrow at 3.00
PM Pacific daylight time
Philip Edward Kaveny
Literary Editor
Midwest Book Review
Shirley's Bookshelf
Interview with Brian Seifrit author of "The O'Brien Series -Book 1":
Thank you Brian for allowing me this interview, let's get started shall we?
Q: Tell us something about yourself. Have you always written, is this a full time job for you?
Would
you tell us how many hours a day you spend writing and do the words for your works flow easily
from within you?
A: I have been writing for over twenty years. In 1994 I was published for the first time, but, it was
poetry. Then in 1996 I began taking University Transfer Courses from Selkirk College, here in
BC. I
took every course that involved writing. My first intentions were for print journalism, so, I used
the
techniques I had been taught back in 1987 when I attended, Columbia Academy of Radio,
Television
and Recording Arts, where I learned to write commercials for the radio etc. I also did the top 40
country countdown with the one and only Kassey Kassum, it was a sixteen week work experience
course, I was on air more than eight times during that course. The radio station at that time was
called 1220 CJOC and it was in Lethbridge Alberta. When the course came to an end, I began
Djing
in local night- clubs, where I must say I had way more fun. I do write fulltime either for myself or
for
a local paper. Canadian Freelance Writers barely make four-thousand dollars a year, unless you've
been doing it forever, breaking into it up here takes years. I have had numerous stories of public
interest published, and have even done some investigative reporting; where I was involved in
helping
search for a missing girl who had disappeared in 1997. When I write for myself, I start in the early
morning, a cup of coffee at my side and I write sometimes for sixteen hours, I enjoy writing that
much. On a good day I can write 5000 words, but that takes me well over twelve hours, and I
usually end up scrapping 2500 of those words. There are times when I can't even write a
paragraph
and I sit looking at my computer screen hoping it will write for me. I had writers block once that
lasted over a month. During that time I thought it was the end, and that I'd never write again. But,
something inspired me and off I went developing and outlining for the next six weeks, and whala!
I
came up with "The O'Brien Series."
Q: What was the first piece you ever wrote and did it get published?
A: The first piece I have had published was a poem titled, "For the Thing's I have" it was
published,
but not by a traditional publisher in a book titled "A Far Off Place," by The National Library of
Poetry. I know, they aren't something to brag about, and I'm not. I'm just telling you who and
when.
The first book I wrote was "Flesh Craves," I started that in 94-95, but after I sent it out to a few
different publishers and it kept getting returned, I decided to put it on a shelf and there it sat until
just this year when I finally revamped it. Now its been accepted by the same publisher that
published
"The O'Brien Series-Book One" and it will be out in early 2003. Also this year I entered a
publishing
contract contest at Rosedog.com, a place I had been using for years to show my work. Then I
received an email stating I had won a six month publishing contract, under The Rosedog imprint.
At
first I wasn't going to bother with it, but, after contemplating it for months I decided to go for it.
They are now the ones who will be publishing "Manhunt." I figured six months exposure; since it
didn't cost me a thing, why the heck not? They are designing the cover, doing minor editing much
like all other Print On Demands, except they also offer their books as e-books, and printed books.
Also one other thing I'd like to mention is that AmErica House, has agreed with me to donate
10%
of my royalties from "Flesh Craves" to Internal Lupus research, I had a good friend die from that
this past July, so, when AmErica House offered me the second contract, it was one of the things I
requested, and I was surprised to say that they agreed. To me writing is my life, I've done
everything
from busting tires, digging ditches to dry land farming and running my own business, but none of
those jobs in my own opinion compare to writing.
Thank you Brian, that was very interesting.
Q: How many works do you have finished and how many are published or will soon be out to the
public?Do you write in only one genre, mystery, and if not please tell us of your others.
A: It was in 94 when I was published for the first time. I knew I could write fiction and in time I
would be a published author, but, not before my wife insisted that I start taking writing serious. It
was her words that made me consider it. Since then I have written in total nine books they are:
"Flesh Craves" being published 2003, "Manhunt," which is the second title in my O'Brien Series, it
is
being published later this fall, "The O'Brien Series-Book One," published in Dec 2001, "Escape"
which is currently in the hands of two traditional publishers here in Canada, they are Ronsdale
Publishing, and House of Anansi in Toronto, both have shown interest, but, only time will tell
what
fruit will bear. The five others I have written or am developing are "Ridgeville-The O'Brien
Series-Book Three," "The Return of Leif Vanfell," the sequel to Flesh Craves, "The Kregan,"
juvenile fiction, it's a story about the illusive sasquatch here in BC. "Vigilanty Justice," "Busy Day
in
Bunnyville," my first attempt in children's literature, not to include the numerous others I'm
developing.
Q: That is great Brian! Now, let me ask you this, did you find it difficult to find a publisher and
what
advice would you give other authors in this area?
A: Was it tough getting published? It was more devastating then work. I have been turned away
by
countless publishers, but, I still submit to them, perseverance is the key. If I could give any advice
to
upcoming authors it would be never get discouraged, there are all types of Publishers and Agents
that will probably laugh at your work, take their advice but don't quit because someone told you
your writing sucks. We all have our own style and out of the ten publishers that send back your
ms,
there will be ten more who will show interest. A lot of people think POD is an unfavorable way to
getting published, but I feel if it works for you, as the author, use it as a stepping stone. Besides, I
believe that POD is going to be a big industry in the future. Some PODs I'm sure aren't worth the
lead from your pencil, but others are. Shop around, read their contracts, email some of their
authors
and ask questions. Ask lots of questions.The stigma that has been stuck to POD is that they will
publish anything, we've all read that, but that isn't truth, after all they want to make money. They
can't sell books that are badly written or without a strong storyline and characterization. Some
people go, as far as to say, it's the easy way. My opinion is that isn't even remotely true.
Q: Has your life changed any since you have become a published author and so how?
A: Ya, now I know that I can do it. And I am determined to be published by a traditional
publisher,
even if it takes me a few years, I will never give it up.
Q: You say your wife was instrumental in your taking writing serious. Do you feel it is important
for
writers to have the support of those close to them?
A: Yes. I believe it's quite relevant that not only ones spouse, but also very close friends and other
family members play key roles in writing. My wife reads over my work, and then usually a good
friend who is a mix reader, (someone who reads a lot of different genres). It's good to have
someone
in your corner who is critical-their opinions if you ever care to use them, can dramatically change
a
stories readability. If you write something that really sucks, you don't want your spouse or friend
to
tell you it's the best read they have ever read. As an author I believe you have to be able to take a
lot
of criticism, and change that criticism into something good. We're like a good vintage, except we
get
better as we write, not necessarily with age.Support is grand, without it writing is a one way
street
with a dead end.
Q: In the building of your characters, for any given work, do you base them on people you know
or
have known?
A: Not all my characters are modeled from people I know or knew, however, some definitely are.
In
Flesh Craves I modeled an old Indian friend from Alberta as my character Big Weasel, his name is
Leo Pard, the biggest Blackfoot I have ever met. I also based the wolf Friend, in the same title
from
my two dogs. So, I guess there are certainly characters in my writing that I model from real live
people, in fact I'd have to say yes and no to that question. Some of my characters have just been
bouncing around in my head forever. In The O'Brien Series, O'Brien's wife is actually based upon
my
own; her friend Gin is actually one of her real life friends. His two kids as well have been modeled
from my own. The police artist Christine and the crime scene analyst Stacy Lee are also based on
people I know, but O'Brien himself is a character that I made up. His three companions are also
inventions of my own mind. Henderson on the other hand is again modeled from an old fellow I
know, who bares quite a resemblance to Henderson's own persona.
Q: Tell us something about "The O'Brien Series-Book 1". What gave you the idea for the series
and
have you decided how you will develope the character of Detective O'Brien as you continue with
your work? How many more books do you foresee in this series?
A: How many books do I foresee in The O'Brien Series? Three for sure, possibly a fourth. I came
up
with the O'Brien Series from a short story I had to write well attending Creative Writing, and I
got
98% on it. The first chapter in The O'Brien Series-Book One, was the entire story back then, from
that I developed other cases etc that I wanted him to get involved with. I think what inspired me
the
most to write that title was when I was involved in helping search for a missing girl along with
'Henderson's' real life character model. During that search I was introduced to different techniques
in
searching for missing persons, including using dousing rods. It was interesting to say the least. I
think after that adventure, The O'Brien Series, became easier to write. Have I decided yet on how
to
develop the character Detective O'Brien as the story goes along? Yes. As he pursues his career
eventually he will not only be a Lt., but also I see him running the show. In book two Manhunt, it
explains how Henderson & Co, work for not only private clients but also local police authorities,
obviously when they are in need of the extra help. A lot of people have asked me, "Why was the
FBI
involved? They're not in Canada." To answer that question. It is true we don't have FBI here in
Canada, we have what is called the CSIS, (Canadian Secret Intelligence Service). In book one,
O'Brien gets involved with the FBI simply because not all the murders took place in Canada, and
he
was sent to the US to look at a crime scene, where he is introduced to the FBI. During the course
of
the investigation he is contacted more then once, by the FBI, so, that they could be updated on
the
progress, and again that's because of the corpse found in Copeland, which is in the US, perhaps I
wasn't to clear on that. Anyway, in book two this all becomes unclouded, and O'Brien definitely
becomes more developed in character, as do his associates.
Q: The cases that you have O'Brien investigate, are they purely fictional, or do you take them
from
actual cases?
A: Are the cases O'Brien gets involved in purely fiction, or do I take them from actual cases?
Again,
yes and no. Some of the events in O'Brien Series-Book One are based on actual events that took
place in and around my hometown. The very first victim Anvil kills with a sledgehammer actually
happened to a mother and daughter, in the area I grew up in, years before I lived there. The other
killings are fictional, based on legends and such from my hometown. The first article I ever had
published in a newspaper was based on a legend that I grew up with. About a recluse who had
been
decapitated by some drunken trappers, it was said that he walked the back roads of Hudu Valley
with his head underneath one arm and a pickaxe in the other. It's also the premises for another ms
I
am developing, titled The Hudu Ghost. That won't be completed for about another year or so, but
it's being developed.
Q: If you could speak directly to Publishers on behalf of writers, what would you like to tell
them?
A: If I could speak directly to publishrs on behalf of writers what would I like to tell them? I think
I'd tell them to give new authors a break. There are countless awesome writers out there, and
because we aren't Stephen King or Robert Ludlum, that doesn't mean our writing should be
dismissed, or looked upon as though we are incapable of telling a great story. I'd tell them to take
a
chance on some new authors that they'd be surprised at how talented some are. I think publishers
should seriously consider that...
Thank you Brian. I would have to strongly agree with you on your statement.
Q: If 'Life Is But A Dream' tell me what would your dream be as a writer? And how do you plan
to
make this dream a reality?
A: My dream as a writer isn't to make millions, rather to entertain readers. I wouldn't mind the
cash,
but I write because I enjoy it. My dream is to one day make it big in both the Publishing industry
and
Movie industry. It would definitely be a nice surprise if Warner Brothers or some other television
mogul was to scoop up one of my works. How do I plan on making this dream a reality? I believe
the more I write and hone my craft, the greater my chances are. Hey, it might take years, but I'm
determined. To make dreams reality, we have to always try our best and reach for the
stars--anything less in my opinion, is like riding a unicycle on the freeway. One has to push
through
barriers, climb ladders one rung at a time, and be persistent to make dreams come true. You can't
just write one book and because someone said it sucked, stop writing. You have to use that
criticism
to benefit your next work. You have to strive to be the best writer that you can possibly be. I had
one publisher tell me that if my title, "Flesh Craves," was written by Stephen King, it would be a
best
seller, even before I revamped it. That tells me one thing, I have to do better, and I don't mean
better
than Stephen King, cause that's years away and possibly never, but better for myself. I don't think
I'm living on a dream. I have already woken up and know what it is that I must continue
doing....Had I never had a dream to become a writer though, I'd probably still be running my
business. Absolute Appliance Repair and fixing old lady Hens appliances. Dreams are good, but
that's all they are unless you are willing and determined....
Thank you Brian.....I believe you are willing and determined!
You may find out more about Brian Seifrit and his works at the following websites.
We wish Brian the best of luck in his writing career, may all his dreams come true!
http://www.authorsden.com/briantseifrit
http://www.rosedog.com
Works By Brian Seifrit:
"The O'Brien Series - Book One"
"Manhunt" (Sequel to The O'Brien Series). Available Fall 2002
"Flesh Craves" - Available Spring 2003
Suburban Vampires: A Byte Me Teen Line Read
Connie Keenan
Awe-Struck Ebooks
ISBN # 1-588-749-322-5, http://www.awe-struck.com
The book retails in print for $12.95; download for $4.65; diskettes in the mail are $8.95.
At first thought, reading a book about vampires was not going to be my cup of tea. Surely, this
must
be either gory or run of the mill reading. I was wrong! I found Suburban Vampires to be a
delightful
read.
The story begins in the usual way, or so I thought. Vampires, asleep in their coffins in an old
drafty
castle, leads way to a twist of events. Meeting the main characters, Dylan and Jessie proved to be
entertaining. Dylan, the vampire with seniority, is a British lad, with charm and sophistication.
Jessie,
an American, who was transformed several hundreds years after Dylan, is a snappy, funny sort,
who
is under the supervision of Dylan. Not to either of their likings! Immediately I knew this book
would
be a fun read.
The Excellency, or head Vampire sends these two off to American to 'transform' an entire High
School and to kill a modern day Vampire Hunter, named Professor Ellery. Jessie is excited about
this, as he is hoping to find a way out of his vampire life. Dylan, although he would hope that that
could happen, looks upon Jessie as a dreamer. Little does either of them know the true story
behind
their assignment.
Upon arriving in America, Dylan and Jessie meet and fall for two young ladies, Rina and Tegan.
Unbeknown to Dylan at the time, Tegan is the daughter of Professor Ellery. As the story tells it,
centuries ago a young vampire fell in love with a girl named Miraya. Knowing he could not spend
eternity with her, he transforms her into a vampire like himself. Her father tries to destroy him and
in
his anger, he places a curse upon the entire family. In each generation the 4th daughter would
meet
and fall in love with a vampire, Tegan is the 4th daughter and Dylan is the vampire.
I don't want to tell too much and give away this wonderful story of love and victory. Do the
young
Vampires find a way to become mortal again? Does the curse continue? Is Professor Ellery killed?
This is a fun read for teens and adults too. Thumbs up on this one, you will enjoy it! 16
Chapters
The O'Brien Series-Book 1
Brian T. Seifrit
American House Publishers
PO Box 151, Fredericks, Maryland
ISBN: 1-59129-171-2, 128 pages, $14.95, http://www.publishamerica.com
Detective O'Brien works for Henderson and Co. Detective Agency. You are first introduced to
him
and his colleagues; Henderson, Hal, Rory and Thom as they are investigating a murder case.
Detective O'Brien immediately reminded me of the Detectives of long lost famous television
shows,
like Jack Web from "Dragnet." This certainly was not a bad thing for this reviewer, but rather
made
for a 'trip down memory lane' read. One I enjoyed.
It is a laid back novel, not fast paced, despite the entire core of it being centered around murder
investigations. This is not to say that there was not mystery in this novel, for indeed there was, as
Detective O'Brien and his team are faced with a killer who has a cruel sadistic side.
Detective O'Brien tells the stories, from his eyes. After the first murder is solved, the rest of the
book brings you into O'Brien's investigation of a crime of mutilated bodies, seemingly of homeless
people. Just what were those strange markings on the bodies of the victims? And why was their
blood drained out? The author does a good job of bringing you into the swing of the story, but I
feel
he could be a little more descriptive of characters, surroundings and emotions.
I liked the way Mr. Seifrit brought the murderer into the story and the reason why this person
killed.
I found it intriguing, and I also liked the way he threw in a few other suspects, allowing you to
play
detective for a while. This book grows on you! I think those who like a good detective novel will
enjoy this one. Looking forward to book 2!
RB Enchantress
C.C. Colee
AmErica House
PO Box 151 Fredericks, Maryland
ISBN# 1-59129-065-1, Paperback $27.95, http://www.publishamerica.com
RB-The Enchantress is the second book in a trilogy by C.C. Colee. Unfortunately I did not read
the
first one, but plan to in the near future; this did not however hinder my complete enjoyment of the
authors second part of this Trilogy.
I cringed at first seeing the length of this novel; but soon found myself forgetting that aspect, and
became totally involved in this wonderful story of love and adventure. Taking place mainly on a
pirate ship "The Enchantress" you are introduced to a collage of colorful characters. Ever hear of
a
woman Captain of a Pirate ship? You will in this story, and Captain Mala is someone you will
grow
to love and respect, along with the love of her life Captain Rene Black.
The story begins with your introduction to Aubrey Malone, a young Irish women who was
rescued
from sure death, when the Widow Maker, ship of Captain Black, was sunk to the bottom of the
sea.
Protecting her and rooming with her, is the irresistable first mate, Morgan Alcott. Captain Mala's
right hand and friend, or is he? I feel in love with this man, who had the integraity of a Saint as far
as
Aubrey was concerned and immediately despised quartermaster Deats.
Deats had rescued Captain Mala from an Island where Rene Black had left her while he attended
other 'pirate' business. Unbeknown to him, Mala was pregnant with their child. During her stay on
the island a British ship docked, Captain of which was John Samuel Alexander. Captain Alexander
went from island to island, raping, killing and taking anything he wanted from the Island people,
leaving no one left alive to tell the tale.
Mala gave birth to her son Buccus on that island while her beloved Rene was away. Mala had
waited
a long time for his return and felt that he had deserted her, but this was not the truth. During her
stay
on the island Captain Alexander landed and while Mala was on another part of the island he killed
everyone there, including her baby. Mala's life was destroyed at that moment and she vowed she
would have revenge on every British sailor and also on Rene Black for the death of her child. This
is
the condition that Deats found her in. He lusted after this beautiful women and wanted her for his
own, but deep within her heart she still loved Rene Black. When the Widow Maker was sunk
Mala
though Rene had died with it, but he had not.
As the story goes Mala finds Rene alive and in prison ready to be hung. During his time there he
also
encounters Captain Alexander who taunts at Captain Black. During a moment of anger Captain
Black speaks of his beloved Mala, her beauty and her spice. This intrigues the evil Captain
Alexander, who from that moment swears to have her as his own. After rescuing Captain Black,
Mala turns away from him, but he longs for her. Boarding her ship, he overtakes her and her men
and a new adventure begins for all aboard. Unfortunately, not all of Captain Black's men respect
Mala and her crew as he does. Especially the unsavory Beautfort, who longed for Aubrey while
she
was on the Widow Maker and is determined to have his way with her now, but Aubrey's heart
belongs to another.
You will cheer when you read what becomes of this nasty man.
At first Mala dislikes Aubrey because she bears the mark RB on her chest, which Captain Black
branded all the women that were his. Aubrey however, was branded by him for a very different
purpose; and through the many adventures that the two women face together, there becomes a
bond
between them.
Murder, deceit, lust, revenge are all part of this great adventure. My heart yearned for Mala to tell
Rene of the life and death of their tiny son, but as of this book she does not. It ends with the
disappearance of Mala, being kidnapped by the horrid Captain Alexander and the plot of Captain
Black and the men to get her back.
I have left out so many wonderful twists and turns of this book, but it would take me writing a
book
just to give it the review it deserves. For now I will say this, do not miss reading this trilogy.
Excellent is the word I would like to leave with you.
I can't wait for the next book, it is sure to be a winner.
Interview with Theo E. (Ted) Lish:
Theo E. (Ted) Lish
President/Publisher/Owner
Munchweiler Press
14217 Gale Drive, PO Box 2529, Victorville, CA 92393-2529
http://www.munchweilerpress.com
Ted Lish - The Joyful Publisher
Thank you Mr. Lish for consenting to this interview. Let's get started on the basics for our
readers.
Would you please tell us what line of product your company publishes?
A: We publish children's books in hardback trade binding, library binding and paperback. We
specialize in books for the 4-8 range, but have plans to enter the pre-school as well as the middle
reader markets. We do not ever plan to publish anything for over the age of 12. We also have
some
plans to do some plush toy and puppet tie-ins.
That really sounds exciting, I especially like the idea of toys and puppets. Would you tell us how
your Company got its start, what is the vision behind it and how long you have been part of that
vision.
A: I have written several children's books, but have never had success getting published, so I set
up
Munchweiler Press originally to publish my own books. I soon realized that a strictly
self-publisher
probably wouldn't get very far in the publishing industry, and in fact has a difficult time getting
reviews or being taken seriously by the major players. Also, there wouldn't be much variety if
everything produced by a company came from a single author, so I opened it up to other authors
(and illustrators).
I set up the company in 1999, but it took until 2001 to get anything in print. If you want quality
illustrations, it takes illustrators a fair amount of time to produce 32 pictures plus covers, then
there's the wait for printing. I print overseas. And of course, there is a lead time for trying to get
some reviews.
Do you have a good working relationship with your authors and illustrators?
A: You can talk with any of my authors and illustrators and I'm sure they'll be unanimous that I'm
easy to work with.
Thank you! Let's talk now about your books. Do you have a set theme that you want all of your
children's books to follow? For example, some only want folktale stories. Also, does the current
market trend influence your decision in any way concerning submissions?
A: I want our picture books to be fun with a moral or lesson taught but I'm not limiting myself.
I've
accepted one that is just plain sweet and nostalgic. I think you can miss a lot of good stuff if you
just
try to follow the trends. The big houses do that. We small presses need to help set trends.
Are you open to submissions?
A: I would love to say yes, but the economic reality is that I just can't afford to publish anything
else
(that I haven't already committed to), so it's unfair to give people false hope.
I know alot of authors will be sorry to hear that. However, I'm sure in the future your doors will
be
open again to submissions ,so at that time, let me ask you some questions.
What do you look for, what grabs your attention when you receive a submission?
A: Again, I specifically look for something fun with that moral or lesson taught. If there is no
moral
or lesson and it is just fun, that's fine, but then it needs to have a surprise or twist ending. I got
one
that was fun and I was eagerly awaiting the ending and then it just fizzled out. I thought of several
twist endings and suggested them to the author.
That is great that you give some suggestions to authors. Let me ask you this, what will totally
turn
you off concerning a submission?
A: I've actually received some with toilet and/or body function humor and even some with crude
language. I know the Captain Underpants series has done quite well, but I never would have
published it. I guess I'm too much of a prude. I feel children's books need to be crystal clean.
As an author of children's books, I would have to agree with you on that. Tell me, do you give
each
query your full attention and how long before an author would know of your decision?
A: I do indeed give each query full attention, but many times I do not read a manuscript clear
through. If it loses me early on, I figure it will do the same for children. Since I'm not currently
accepting submissions, the slush pile is manageable, so I read the submissions and answer within a
month.
Is it a set rule with your company that your picture books must be 32 pages long and why?
A: We have four titles in print and three of them are 24 pages long. Only one is 32 pages. Any
less
than 24 though and it would have to be strictly a paperback. Books are printed in multiples of 8
pages because that's how the printing presses are set up. 32 pages picture books really are the
industry standard.
That's interesting, could you tell me how you determine the pricing of your books?
A: I go strictly by what other comparable books are selling for. For example, a 32 page picture
book
sells for $15.95, $15.99, or $16.00. It never seems to vary from that. If a small publisher varies
very
much, the bookstores just won't pick it up.
What promoting do you do for your books and what part does the author/illustrator play in that?
Where are your books available for purchase?
A: The first thing I do is send out lots of review copies and try to get as many reviews as possible.
That is free publicity. Then I produce advertising materials citing those reviews. I also enter them
in
every award contest they may qualify for. Winning an award really helps to sell books. I display
them at all the library shows and many book exhibits. I send press releases about the books,
especially if they win any awards. I advertise in trade magazines and send direct mail pieces to
bookstores, libraries, and even gift shops. Authors and illustrators who are willing, can do book
signings and make appearances but I don't push them to do so. Since all major wholesalers are
carrying our books they are available to any bookstore. If they don't have it, it's very easy for
them
to get it. Just ask. Of course all the on-line bookstores carry them.
May I ask you about your contract and Royalty payments. Are they separate for author/illustrator,
and do they differ per contract?
A: So far I've been paying 10% royalty based on the cover price of the book. With a picture book,
the royalty is split evenly between the author and illustrator. If the author is also the illustrator,
s/he
would get the full 10%. There are clauses in the contract that reduce that amount such as selling
books at a very high discount (as to Wal-Mart, Costco, etc.) At times I buy manuscripts and
artwork
outright through a work-for-hire arrangement. My contracts are pretty much standardized.
What would you say is the hardest part of your job being a publisher?
A: That's easy: Cash flow. It takes months or even years before you can recoup your investment
for
a book. The big houses have millions in reserves so they can produce books by the ton and wait
patiently for their return. It's much harder for a small press operating on a shoestring.
Here is a question, I would really like to know the answer to. When you receive a submission do
you
truly understand that you have the hopes and dreams of a writer/illustrator in your hands? If so,
how
does that make you feel?
A: Saying no to someone is the hardest thing I do, but to publish stories that I don't feel are
marketable would be risky for Munchweiler. I want to feel in my bones that this is an exciting
story,
not just a good one. I read a manuscript the other day that flowed nicely so I kept reading and
when
it hit the ending I laughed so hard I nearly fell out of my chair. Now that's one I want to
publish.
Would you tell the readers what you see in the future for your company and what is being done to
bring that to fulfillment.
A: I have no illusions about ever becoming even a mid-sized publisher. I just want to have a small
well run press with perhaps a hundred good titles. I try to get all titles reviewed by quality
reviewers
and I enter all awards contests where the books qualify. The four titles we have in print have all
received good reviews. None have won any awards yet, but "It's Not My Job!" is now a finalist
for a
Teachers' Choice ward. Good reviews and especially awards can be used in the promotional
materials and hopefully sell books.
Is there any advice you would like to give to authors/illustrators that might help them get
published?
A: I can't speak for other houses. They all have their own preferences. I personally like humor and
twist or surprise endings, but stories need more than that. I'm talking now about picture books.
You
notice in my book, "The Three Little Puppies and the Big Bad Flea" the bad guy (gal) wins in the
end. Seldom in picture books does that happen, and I'm not saying it should, just sometimes to
teach
a lesson about real life. However, my second book "It's Not My Job!" is getting a lot of attention
and is now a finalist for a Teachers' Choice Award, and has a very predictable ending. It's just
how I
get to that ending that makes it unique. Let me explain the elements that's making it popular. It
starts
out serene and pleasant, but tension starts to build. The house begins to fill with trash because
nobody feels it's his/her job to take it out. The obliviousness of everyone to it is what kids like. It
gradually builds to an epiphany (a sudden awareness) that there is a problem, not when the house
is
filled with trash and it's difficult to get around or watch TV, or even when it's waist high. The
awareness arises when the trash is coming out the windows and disgusting the neighbors,
prompting
dad to say,"This is embarrassing!" and mom to say, "What will the neighbors think?" The boy of
course, is only concerned that he cannot find the TV, but when the girl asks, "Where's the baby?"
that triggers the panic and the climax. The whole family decides in an instant that this trash
problem
is really everybody's problem and now they have a true crisis on their hands. Of course they all go
to
work feverishly to clean up the trash and are "so glad to find
the baby." Now everyone has learned that this chore is"everybody's job" and the family is restored
to
a happy clean environment. So you see, we start off mild, build tension, reaching a climax, even a
crisis, and then wind it down with the lesson learned. You never want to preach to the kids. Kids
learn that cooperation is necessary because they just saw what happened to a family that did not
cooperate. Which leads me to illustrators.
Of course an illustrator needs to know his/her craft and have the technical skills to put his/her
ideas
on the "canvas" with sizing, proportion, action, humor, coloration, detail, etc. appropriate to the
story, but a truly good illustrator has a lot of imagination and brings things to the text that the
author
may not have even thought of. I chose Charles Jordan for this story because he does just that. My
story, although cute and with a moral taught would have gone nowhere without the right
illustrator.
Illustrators need several examples of their work to show art directors that they have a good range
of
abilities, know how to draw things correctly AND have a good imagination.
Please use this space for any final thoughts you may have about your company, that you would
like
our readers to know.
I have some very fine manuscripts that I have accepted and some very fine ones that I've rejected.
When a publisher only publishes a few books a year, s/he of necessity must turn away a lot of very
good work. That's probably the hardest thing to do, but authors need to understand that a
rejection
is nothing personal and doesn't necessarily mean you have a bad story. It's always good though to
get some feedback from others in case you do have a bad story. Submitting it a zillion times can
be
discouraging and expensive, but it happens
even when you have a good story. I wish that every publisher could give feedback and advice to
each writer, but of course, that's just not possible. Writing is a craft and must be learned just like
any
other craft.
You're probably sorry you asked those open ended questions. It reminds me of the boy who asked
his mother a question about the stars in the night sky. "Why don't you ask your father?" she
replied.
"I didn't want to know THAT much about it!" was his response.
I want to thank Mr. Lish for allowing me to do this interview. I found him to be a very likeable
person, one I am sure any author/illustrator would love to have for a publisher. One, who has the
heart of a child in mind in his acceptance of manuscripts. I believe we are going to hear alot more
about Munchweiler Press in the near future. My hope is that every dream for his company
becomes a
reality!
Interview with Talton Ray:
"The Francis Press" - Telling The Story - One Book At A Time!
Talton Ray is Publisher and Editor of The Francis Press, located at 3029 Ordway St. NW,
Washington, DC 20008. Internet URL: http://www.francispress.com
Thank you Mr. Ray for allowing this interview for MidWest Book Review.
Q: Would you please give us some background information about The Francis Press. When it was
birthed as a Publishing House and why?
A: The Francis Press was established in 1996 with the conviction that a market exists for good
books about these exceptional people, especially among readers who have professional or
personal
links with the arena in which the subject was active. We maintain the highest editorial and artistic
standards in order to attract these discerning readers and to produce titles of which we ourselves
can
be proud.
We run a hands-on operation with the publisher/editor closely involved in all phases of new book
development. We will continue to concentrate our efforts on creating and marketing a few books
of
superior quality each year.
Q: Would you please tell our readers what type of books you publish?
A: We are dedicated to producing biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs of remarkable but
often unfamiliar persons whose stories deserve to be widely known.
Men and women who have participated in significant but quiet ways in historic events, have made
major contributions to their fields, or have had uncommon experiences that open a window to
parts
of the world usually hidden from our view. All our books are originally hardcover.
Q: In publishing biographies, autobiographies and memoirs of remarkable people, how is the
decision made, from the submissions that you receive, who has a story that needs to be
heard?
A: We evaluate each manuscript on its own merits. We have no preconception of what type of
person will match the standards noted in my previous answer. Our decision of which project to
pursue is a function of the criteria cited in my response to the next question.
All right, lets get to the next question!
Q: When a query comes in, what are you looking for? Is it a good storyline, writing style, a
particular subject that you know your readers would be interested in? Or do you go with that gut
feeling, in the pit of your stomach, that this story needs to be told?
A: We are looking for stories that are interesting, well written, and provide new information about
important topics. We are looking for authors whose objectives mesh with our own and who have
the
will and ability to promote their books vigorously. We are looking for books that we feel in our
bones have a market we will be able to locate.
Our target readers would have a personal or professional interest in the field(s) in which the
subjects
were active or who want to learn from the unusual experiences of our subjects.
Q: When a query is sent in, how long before the writer will know of your decision, and do you
often
have to turn down good manuscripts for different reasons, and what would those reasons be?
A: We usually respond to the first query within one or two weeks. I don't recall turning down a
"good" manuscript, as described by the criteria of our guidelines.
Q: Do you have a set number of manuscripts that you publish each year?
A: At present time we have settled into a pace of two books per year.
Q: Do you believe in the near future that you will be publishing more books per year?
A: In the near future, no. In the medium-term future, maybe.
Q: In publishing only 2 books a year, there must be many worthy manuscripts that you decline. Is
it
difficult for you to tell an author that they are rejected?
Do you, as a Publisher, realize the impact this has on them? Do you ever give advice to them, or
is
your rejection in formal way?
A: Yes, there are many worthy stories that I have to reject. Most would have a tough time finding
a
paying readership and thus are more suitable to self-publishing of one sort or another. I read
enough
of each submission to write customized notes to the authors, most of whom are aware, intuitively
if
not from personal experience, that book publishing is a financially difficult business. They are
prepared to accept a rejection, although each new one hurts. I give advice, but only when
specifically asked for it. I also will suggest to authors whose manuscripts are wanting in certain
important but nonfatal respects ways they might improve them and resubmit them.
Q: In saying that. What advice would you give to an author seeking publication with you? And
generally what advice would you give to an author seeking publication elsewhere?
A: I would urge authors to read our website carefully before writing and reveal in their queries
why
they think their project fits well with The Francis Press's objectives (which are quite narrowly
defined). They should describe their project in enough detail to reveal why it is special enough to
justify someone else spending money to turn it into a book.
The query should also summarize the author's background and his or her qualifications for
undertaking the project. When composing the message, the author should be mindful of the fact
that
it will offer the first and possibly the only chance for the publisher to evaluate the quality of the
author's writing skills. The authors should offer to submit a chapter outline, sample chapters, and
their thoughts about the market for their book.
Unless specific submission guidelines are presented on their websites, I would think that the
approach I am recommending would apply to other publishers as well.
Thank you so much, I am sure many writers will find that information helpful.
Q: Would you tell us what is the hardest part of your job as a Publisher?
A: The hardest part of being a publisher - at least this publisher - is overcoming the natural
inclination of reviewers, interviewers, and prospective readers to be drawn to books about well
know personalities and to undervalue biographies and memoirs of unfamiliar persons, no matter
how
well written and designed.
I have to agree with that. I find as a reviewer that there are many great authors out there.
Thousands
of wonderful stories just waiting for someone to read them. Also, many wonderful small Press
Publishers to be interviewed.(smile)
Q: Do you actively promote your books and are they available in most bookstores?
A: Yes, we energetically promote our books, which are available at most bookstores, acquired
through wholesalers, such as Ingram and Baker & Taylor or directly from The Francis Press.
Q: How many submissions do you receive per month?
A: Ten to fifteen per month.
Q: To sum this all up, would you tell us what you see in the future for The Francis Press, and
what
your hopes and dreams are for you company?
A: I look forward to the day that inclusion in The Francis Press's list of titles is recognized as a
sign
of distinction for authors and their subjects alike.
I want to thank Mr. Talton Ray for allowing me to interview him. I encourage all our readers to
seek
out his books. Read the stories behind the hearts of those yet unknown.
You will be glad you did. Good luck to The Francis Press and Mr. Talton Ray!
Shirley Johnson
Reviewer/Interviewer
Midwest Book Review
Laurel's Bookshelf
Soldier Of The Legion
Marshall S. Thomas
Timberwolf Press, Inc.
202 N. Allen Str. Suite A, Allen TX 75013
ISBN 1587520397, 280 pp, $14.95, paperback, www.timberwolfpress.com
"A rough truce divides the known galaxy between the System, the despotic slave empire that rules
the inner systems, and the Confederation of Free Worlds." That brief beginning blurb on the back
cover of this book did not prepare me for the exciting read I found in Soldier Of The Legion.
Heart
pounding action, ind blowing battles and adrenalin pumping encounters with alien life. Mr.
Thomas
packs that and more into this futuristic sci fi masterpiece.
From first page to last, the action stopped just long enough to let me catch my breath. The story
unfolds through the eyes of Thinker, a Legion warrior who joined up after a broken romance.
Thinker and his fellow warriors are kept young and strong, immortal, through biotechnology
beyond
our present imagination. The barren worlds they face and alien life they battle become real
through
the author's creative mind and skillful writing style.
Horrific other-worldly combat assignments come alive through Mr. Thomas's prose. Eerie images
of
fire and destruction dance on the face plates of their armor as our heroic warriors slog their way
through blood, fire, slime, and body parts to hard-won victories. From fossilized cities that once
housed vanished civilizations, to violent volcanic worlds, Thinker and his Beta unit take on forces
that are bent on destroying life. All human life. These immortal warriors face horror and human
degradation beyond imagination. But ruthless slavers and hives of terrifying alien maneaters barely
prepare them for the scourge of all creation, the soulless Omnis.
Times of respite are few and far between for soldiers of the Legion. Thinker has the violently
possessive Valkyrie and tender-hearted Priestess to take his mind off warring. Except for those
rare
occasions, Thinkers mind is seldom far from thoughts of battles, past and future. It's the way of
the
Legion.
At the end of Soldier Of The Legion, the author sets us up for what will no doubt be an equally
exciting sequel. If what follows is as good as his first, Marshall Thomas should soon be a major
name in futuristic sci fi. I enthusiastically recommend this book to fans of the genre as well as
those
who simply enjoy excellent story telling.
Martyr's Cry
Larry Bohall
PublishAmerica
P.O. Box 151, Frederick MD 21705-0151
ISBN 1591295327, 195 pp. paperback, $TBA
Advance reviews of Martyr's Cry describe it as "a mystery for hopeless romantics". It was indeed
that, and much more. Larry Bohall's carefully controlled style is vibrant, tender, with a touch of
humor. This book is mysterious, haunting, humorous, and ultimately touching.
John Wesley Hunter is a Bishop in the United Methodist Church. Despite that status, he's a very
human hero. Women find his height and looks appealing, but he sees himself in quite a different
light. He's insecure about his bony legs, and thinks perhaps he's not as manly as he should be, in
any
way. Despite his many accomplishments, Bishop Hunter has good reason to feel less than
successful
where women are concerned. He's nursed a broken heart for almost 20 years because the beautiful
and enchanting Heather, the light of his life, chose another man in place of him.
When Hunter's dog Samson awakens him in the middle of the night. he's greeted by a faint,
familiar
scent at first, and then the sight of Heather dancing in his office. Heather, dancing in the middle of
the night, beautiful as ever, has come to pay an unexpected visit. That's where the haunting comes
in. Heather comes to call from beyond the grave, seeking help from the only one she can trust.
She's
been murdered, leaving behind a troubled ex-husband and institutionalized daughter.
Hunter and the ethereal Heather set out to right wrongs and reveal an intricate scheme involving
church hierarchy and elected officials. The Bishop and his spirit-sweetheart pick up where they
left
off, meshing as a team Mr. Bohall makes this premise work effectively, with skill. I found myself
straining to assist in solving the mystery before the bad guys killed another victim. And I hoped
the
ghostly Heather could ease the Bishop's pain and heal his broken heart.
Hunter's investigation produces threats, intimidation, beatings, and an attempt on his life in close
succession. The quiet, gentle Bishop with a wry sense of humor turns volatile, gains strength as he
seeks out Heather's killer.
Before the last page, rest assured that all loose ends will be tied up and Hunter's heart will be
nicely
mended.
Yes, this was a romantic mystery. Mystery addicts and romance fans alike should love it. But as I
said in the beginning, Martyr's Cry is far more than that. I strongly suggest you read the book to
find
out what I mean.
I wanted to interview Larry Bohall, not only because he's written a MOST enjoyable book, but
also
because of his marketing skills. I feel he has experience to share that will be beneficial or
enlightening.
Interview with Larry Bohall:
LJ for MBR: Martyr's Cry was a mystery and a romance with an intriguing twist. What gave you
the
idea to write a novel in those particular genre, Larry?
Larry: I didn't really set out to write a novel in any particular genre. I just had this image in my
mind
of a guy weeping, hanging onto a tombstone (which ultimately ended up in the book). It was a
VERY romantic scene--the guy crying, bunch of crushed flowers at his feet, rain falling...And I
asked myself, "Who is this guy? Why is he crying? And whose tombstone is that, anyway?"
Finding
the answers to those questions drove the development of the plot.
As for the mystery-romance thing.I'm a romantic guy at heart. Always have been. I love the great
romantic movies in particular-Casablanca, Laura, A Wonderful Life, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,
Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping. And I've always loved mysteries, ever since I
discovered The Three Investigators in elementary school. So it's probably natural that this novel
would contain both elements.
In some ways, being a mystery-romance has worked against the book. Mystery publishers weren't
interested in it, because it had this romance thing going on.and romance publishers liked
everything
BUT the mystery aspect. I toyed with trying to re-write the book to fit one genre or the other, but
it
didn't work. I had to tell the story within me.
LJ for MBR: Getting published can be quite a challenge these days, regardless of genre or how
excellent the book or writer. Your book also has a main character who is a man of faith, despite
his
problems with church hierarchy. And yet, he had his human frailties. I liked that touch. What
prompted you to create a Bishop in a mainstream denomination for your heroic, sleuthing,
romantic?
Larry: There are a number of reasons.I've always enjoyed the Father Brown stories of G.K.
Chesterton, and the Father Dowling stories of Ralph McInerny, and especially the stories of
Brother
Cadfael by Ellis Peters.there's something appealing about the idea of confession being sacrosanct
and
ministers having entr‚e where no one else can go (hospitals, funeral homes, etc.). And then there's
the whole "good vs. evil" theme that just "goes" with having a minister as a protagonist.
However, a Roman Catholic priest (which most of the famous preacher-sleuths are) can only have
a
romantic interest if it is in their past--Brother Cadfael has some of that in the series. A Protestant
minister, on the other hand, can have a love interest that's contemporary. And since this is a
romantic
mystery, and romance plays such a strong part in the storyline, I just felt my hero had to be
Protestant. I thought about Anglican- Episcopalian.there are some new stories out about sleuthing
Anglican priests.but I don't know enough about Anglicans for the story to be "real." However, I
grew up in the United Methodist Church (it was sort of a requirement if you lived in a small town
in
Kansas) and I spent nearly 25 years serving United Methodist Churches as a pastor--first as a lay
preacher, then as an ordained minister. I think that background allows me an authenticity that
other
authors might not have.
LJ for MBR: Your authorsden site gives your background as motivational speaker trained in
conflict
resolution among other skills. Tell us about your educational background, Larry, and do your
strengths and training contribute to your ability as writer?
Larry: My undergraduate degree was in communications, with a minor in education. At that time I
had hoped to one day teach in a college setting. However, life took a different course for me. I
worked a variety of jobs--in a publishing house (as a stock clerk), which led to freelance writing
(where I had nearly 500 articles and short stories published), later as an advertising copy writer
and
then an advertising director, then a contributing editor for a daily newspaper, then in advertising
sales...finally as a full-time pastor (I had been a part-time lay preacher and a Christian Education
Director for a large church). I headed off to Duke to get my Masters of Divinity degree, a 3-year
program that I squeezed into 7 years! (I had to go part-time and worked 2 jobs to pay bills).
Along
the way I picked up a certification as a trainer for conflict resolution from the LEAD group
(founded
by John Savage)--training which definitely came in handy!
When I stopped being a full-time pastor in 1999, I went to work for CareerTrack and the Fred
Pryor
company. While working for them I was certified as a trainer in Microsoft Office, Excel, Desktop
Publishing, and Customer Service. Recently I was certified as a trainer for The 7 Habits of Highly
Effective People.
I wouldn't recommend this career path to anyone else...it's left me basically at the bottom of the
salary ladder. However, it's also allowed me a wide variety of experiences to draw upon for
writing
and communications. I can relate to most people because I've probably worked a job just like
theirs!
I DO believe that every experience in our lives is "grist for the mill"--if we'll let our experiences
influence us. I'm a better writer...I'm a better communicator...because of all that I've experienced.
If I
were teaching a writing course now (which I did about 25 years back), I'd tell my students to get
out
there and live--writing skills can be learned, but life has to be lived.
LJ for MBR: Wow! That's quite a resume, Larry! Now I see what makes your writing so
dynamic,
and why your marketing of Martyr's Cry will no doubt be effective. I know you have a step by
step
plan, and that much of it is in effect already. Share with our readers what you are doing and will
do
in way of publicity and marketing your work.
Larry: Let me recommend a couple of books: Tom and Marilynn Ross have written a wonderful
book about self-publishing entitled The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, and John Kremer has
a
great book, 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. I read both of these books, along with about a
dozen others, to get an idea about how and where to market my novel. Anyone who reads these 2
books will have more than enough ideas...any one of which might make the critical difference in
making their book a success.
Here's my plan: As soon as the book sold to the publisher, I began making up promotional
things--a
business card with my picture and the publisher info on it...4-color bookmark...a media kit with
press releases, etc. (Kremer and Ross and help with that) I began immediately going to
bookstores
and giving them the card, telling them when the book was going to be out and asking if they'd like
to
have me do a signing (that was the hardest part, because you have to face the idea of instant
rejection).
I also went to authorsden.com and set up a website and a newsletter (it's free). Then I started
shamelessly signing up everyone I could for my electronic newsletter (nearly 200 names on it
now).
Next I started going to all the free readings I could find...writers' groups, at bookstores, etc. That
was neat, because one of the bookstores that said "No" to me had a public reading and the
Community Relations Manager was quite intrigued by the book. They are still saying "No," but
it's
sounding more and more like "Maybe." I'm pretty sure they will say, "Yes" when the book comes
out.
My next step is already underway. I've sent galleys to every reviewer I can find, along with the
press
kit I made up. Then I'm going to write a letter to every library in the region, with a flyer about the
book and an offer to do a reading for them or participate in any author forums. That's about 600
libraries...if they each buy 2 books, I'll have sold over 1,000 copies to them alone! I'm also
contacting radio and TV stations, and newspapers. And I literally take bookmarks everywhere I
go.
I talk to anyone I can about the book, and have lined up signings now in Missouri, Kansas and
Colorado. Just waiting for the official release date to kick things into motion...
LJ for MBR: That sounds like a huge undertaking, but one that covers major outlets for your
book.
Your newsletter tells of participating in "open mic night" at various bookstores. Please explain
what
that is and how it benefits book sales.
Larry: It IS a big undertaking, there's no doubt about that. However, it's not as big as writing the
book. I wrote on Martyr's Cry for 7 years before I began sending it to publishers and agents, and I
spent 3 years mailing it out before Publish America bought it. So contacting folks and talking up
the
book is really easy compared to creating it.
One of the real surprises has been the open mic nights.Borders and Barnes & Noble bookstores
sponsor those (as do many other chains), and I participate in all of them that I can. They hold
them
in their coffee shops, and they are open to the public-you just show up, sign the list and then read
whatever you'd like. Lots of poets share their work, as do lots of prose writers (we need a name
for
prose writers.like "prosettes" or "pros" or something!). I was quite nervous about it at first.not
sure
what sort of reception I would receive. But I have found the audiences to be very gracious and
supportive, and at least 1 Community Relations Manager signed me up on the spot for a book
signing after I read.
What's been really surprising has been the age of the readers.lots of teen poets participate, and
every
open mic night I've attended has little kids doing readings (we're talking 4 or 5 years old!). People
get up to read from their favorite authors, sometimes they sing, several people bring background
music with them, and lots of people take pictures. They are just lots of fun.
There are a couple of ways to find out about them. You can stop at the Customer Service Desk at
your favorite chain store and ask if they sponsor open mic nights. If they do, they'll tell you. If
they
don't, your inquiry might encourage them to start. Or, you can go to the chain's website and do a
search under "Events" for "Open Mic Nights." That's how I found out about Borders' events.
Other places to check: independent stores often hold them (especially the big indies, like The
Tattered Cover in Denver), public libraries and local colleges. I will be participating in an open
mic
night next month at our local college. They host 1 every month. I found out about it by reading
the
weekly arts insert in my local newspaper.
When you go, take LOTS of bookmarks, and hand them out to EVERYONE. I've given out more
than 100 bookmarks at these readings, and I autograph all of them. You should also pick the most
exciting part of the book you can, and I always stop reading right in the middle of the action (the
crowd always gasps when I quit, and people stop me on the way to sit down, asking "What
happens
next?"). My hope is people will be so intrigued that they will go right to the customer service desk
and ask for a copy of the book. This nice thing about these events is they give you a chance to
practice and say, "Hmmmm. THAT part of the book really doesn't work well for a public
reading."
LJ for MBR: As a book reviewer I read many good books by talented authors. For the most part,
small presses are doing an excellent job of presenting new and promising writers. For an
unknown,
not famous author to be recognized by major houses these days is a rare occasion. Do you mind
sharing your thoughts on publishing in general, and on the agent seeking process, which is equally
daunting?
I had an agent at one point in my career. She was great. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to open
many
doors for me. When she left the profession, I cast about for another, but couldn't find one. I'm
hoping that Martyr's Cry will help me land with one.
I shopped Martyr's Cry everywhere I could think of...it has a strong faith component (how could
it
not, when the main character is a minister?), but it wasn't "religious" enough for the religious
press
(which is an incredibly fast growing segment of the publishing world these days)...it was too
romantic for straight mystery publishers, and too mysterious for straight romance publishers.
Being
neither "fish nor fowl" as it were, I had a terrible time finding a publisher. It was the small press
that
salvaged the book. Unfortunately, small press often means small sales.
20 years ago there were more major publishers around...more opportunities for writers...just as
there
were more markets for short fiction, articles, etc. Publishing has seen some tremendous
contractions
as major house after major house has merged or folded. Now there are just a hand full of major
players, and all they are interested in are the big names with proven track records--which seems
extremely short-sighted to me. I mean, who will develop the new talent to replace the old, if all
they
care about are authors who have already sold millions of copies?
In the same way, the big thing with agents are the mega-deals...multi-book projects with proven
authors. They want to put together the next Kent Family Chronicles or Left Behind series. What
they forget is that until Kent Family Chronicles, John Jakes had been a mid-list author at best. And
Jerry Jenkins had never had a bestseller until Left Behind. Both had lots of experience, but no big
sales. Had these agents applied the same criteria to these authors that's being applied to us, there
would never have been a Kent Family Chronicles or Left Behind series to emulate.
Authors are in that catch-22: don't bother me until you get sales...hundreds of articles published
(as I
had), along with editorial and/or advertising experience? Who cares. We need books sold.
Hundreds
of thousands of books. Until you prove you can sell, we aren't interested. Problem is, if no one's
willing to risk, no sales will happen.
Still...I'm living proof that it CAN happen...and thousands of new books come out every month.
I'm
an optimistic guy (as well as a romantic one), and I believe if you keep knocking on the doors,
someone will hear. Certainly worked for Frank Peretti. He spent 10 years trying to sell his first
novel. Every publisher he could find said no...some more than once. Then, finally, someone said
yes,
and the multi-million seller, This Present Darkness, was the result. So don't give up. I recommend
new authors try new agents and new publishers. Try the small presses. Network. Find a friend
who
has an agent and or publisher and get them to introduce you and your work. I'm attending a
writer's
conference this October SPECIFICALLY to see if I can interest an agent in me. And I'm working
hard at promoting this first novel SPECIFICALLY to show that I CAN build sales. I adopted this
philosophy early in my writing career: I don't have the sale right now, so I lose nothing if they say
no...but they MIGHT say yes. It helps me stir up the courage to ask and keep on asking.
LJ for MBR: Yes, keep writing and hoping. This world needs a dose of hopeless romantic mixed
with mystery every so often. And that last statement was a thinly veiled hint, Larry. With
everything
else you do, have you thought about or started a follow up to Martyr's Cry?
Larry: I have the next 2 books in the series plotted out, and I have a few pivotal scenes for the
second book in my head, but I haven't written anything on it yet.
What I HAVE been working on is a science fiction novel...a romantic ADVENTURE this time.
Strong heroine who saves a primitive world from an onslaught by a technically superior invading
force...with a healthy dose of romance thrown in (she saves the world, beats the bad guys and
wins
her man--what more could one want?). I think it's a little like A Princess of Mars, by Edgar Rice
Burroughs, except the lead character is a woman. I hope to wrap it up in rough draft form by
Christmas. Then I'll launch into the second novel in the Martyr's Cry series. However, Bishop
Hunter, the lead character in Martyr's Cry, keeps popping up. It's possible I might put the s-f book
aside and work on book 2 instead.
One of the things I'm struggling with right now is the temptation to work on promoting Martyr's
Cry
instead of other writing. Frankly, it's more fun to do the promotional stuff, and the release date is
almost here. But I know that if I don't stay disciplined and keep writing, Martyr's Cry will be my
first
and last novel (and I don't want that to happen!).
LJ for MBR: No, I don't want you to stop writing either! Keep those books coming.
That's all I have Larry. Is there any question you wish I'd have asked or anything more you'd like
to
share with our readers?
The publishing world is changing so quickly. E-books have not become the success originally
envisioned (there's something satisfying about actually holding a book in your hands...about
turning
pages...about the smell of paper...that e-books do not have), and I don't believe they ever will, but
digital printing is the wave of the future. Traditional publishing houses and distributors are
embracing it now, and it will only grow as we move into this new century.
That, alone, is going to open new opportunities for poets and writers. The costs of producing
books
will drop as the technology spreads, and the speed with which books can come to markets will
increase. All of which means writers should never, EVER, give up. There ARE paying markets
out
there for your work. And there are fans clamoring for your material. So write, submit, and
embrace
the future.
LJ for MBR: Thanks for leaving us on that optimistic note, Larry. And thanks also for taking time
to
talk with me. I appreciate it.
Learn more about Larry D. Bohall at his website, www.authorsden.com/larrydbohall.
Landlocked Sailors: A Pike's Marina Novel
Dave Bednar
iUniverse Inc.
5220 S. 16th, Ste. 200, Lincoln NE 68512
ISBN 0595157521, 220 pp, $12.95, paperback
In this first book of the Pike's Marina series, Dave Bednar establishes himself with a distinct voice
as
wordsmith and story teller. Landlocked Sailors not only has murder, action and suspense, but
appealing prose describing the Erie PA locales. And it's all tied up into a neat package with quirky
characters, realistic dialog, and humor.
Thomas Teague is one of the main characters, ex-special agent in the U.S. Naval Investigative
Service looking for a quiet place to light. Teague is a wounded warrior, stoically bearing the
aftermath of injuries that forced his retirement. All he wants is to charter out his boat to tourist
types, admire Beth Osgood from a safe distance, and be left the hell alone. Teague enjoys quiet
thoughts about his hero-father's days in WW II and listening to Glenn Miller music. He leads a
purposely solitary life in hopes his past won't find him.
Jack Crevalle is the exact opposite of Teague. Crevalle has a heroic background of his own in the
Coast Guard, but hides such courage well beneath a devil-may-care facade. Jack lives on his boat,
playing loud music that grates on Teague's nerves, raucously enjoying one night stands that keep
his
boat rocking in its slip at Pike's Marina. Jack drinks too much, happily flaunts his appetite for
females, and talks too loud. Still, there's something likable about the guy.
Beth Osgood's father owns Pike's Marina. Recently divorced, she's come back home to Erie to
reclaim the safe and stable kind of life she's always known. Crevalle's crass ways turn her off
completely, but she's more than just a bit intrigued by the quiet, world-worn Thomas Teague.
Beth
is a knockout - smart, feminine, athletic, self-assured - but fits into the odd group of folks at Pike's
Marina like she's just one of the boys.
When the sweet natured, self-appointed security guard for Pike's Marina is bludgeoned to death
for
no apparent reason, this group and their friends set out to find answers. Everyone loved the
murdered Liam, especially Beth and Teague. Who could possibly have reason to snuff out an
innocent like Liam?
Finding the murderer won't be an easy task. The Great Lakes Sails Festival begins the same day as
the murder and Erie is packed with tourists and sailors from around the world. Teague has a
hunch
that his past has returned to haunt him. He's soon proven right when an old nemesis shows
himself.
No one is safe from Russell Zurkis, whose history of insanity and murderous inclinations have
joined
forces to eliminate Thomas Teague and anyone he cares about. The gang will have to go some to
escape the crazy Russell's wrath.
I give this book a hearty recommendation, for all the aforementioned reasons and more. Mr.
Bednar
has a fine beginning here, and I eagerly anticipate the second in his Pike's Marina Series. Look for
a
review of that second book to follow this one. Count your lucky stars, readers, because both
Landlocked Sailors and Fish or Cut Bait have been released as of this writing.
Fish Or Cut Bait: A Pike's Marina Novel
Dave Bednar
iUniverse, Inc.
5220 S. 16th, Suite 200, Lincoln NE 68512
ISBN 0595223265, 248 pages, $14.95
This second in Dave Bednar's Pike's Marina series is a winner! He reprised the characters from
Landlocked Sailors, much to my delight, and added a few new wrinkles to keep his readers
hooked.
And like his first book, the author's writing style is crisp and stylish.
Fish Or Cut Bait begins a year from where Landlocked Sailors left off. Thomas Teague is back,
still
admiring Beth Osgood from a safe distance. Detachment from desire is more difficult this time
around since Beth is now the first mate on his fishing boat, The Ancient Mariner. Beth has made
Teague her main goal in life and makes it clear, in thought if not in actions, that one way or
another
she will hook her silent friend. Their rakehell pal, Jack Crevalle, is still wearing oddly decorated
boxers everywhere he goes and bedding brunettes on his boat, the Seadawg. Teague's father - the
aging, crafty WW 2 hero - has now joined ranks and is part owner of Pike's Marina. It's a draw as
to
which Pike's owner is the most curmudgeonly and canny - Teague's father or Beth's. All in all,
they
make a fine mix of characters that play off each other realistically. The Erie PA locales are
described
so realistically that I could see, feel, and smell the fog and air blown in across the lake.
This book begins with mysterious happenings on Lake Erie. On a fog enshrouded day, a boat is
lost
and finally towed in by the Coast Guard, minus passengers. Jack Crevalle is troubled by the
situation
As the Pike's Marina friends look on, hoping for word of survivors, Gina Cachinni appears to
them
from the fog and sends Jack's carefree life into a tailspin. Gina is the original brunette, Jack's first
and only serious love, the one who broke their engagement to marry another, much richer man.
To
Jack, Gina represents a crack in time, a crack in his soul, a loss from which he never quite
recovered.
All passengers aboard the foundered boat, the C-Dog, are lost and turn up dead not long after.
Thomas and Ray Teague's suspicious military minds kick in at the obvious similarity between
C-Dog
and SeaDawg and the thought occurs that Jack may have been the target. Thomas, in particular,
fears Gina may not be the sweet devoted long lost lover she pretends.
Gina quickly resumes her old relationship with an unusually reluctant Jack, while flirting with
every
male around, much to Beth's dismay. The petite and pretty Gina has big plans for Thomas Teague.
She'll need accomplished heroes like Thomas and her ever-reliable Jack when the murderous
Marvin
Gardens aka Biggie Big comes in search of her! Her checquered past is rapidly zeroing in on
Pike's
Marina, and she knows it.
It's a heart pounder, with Thomas calling in old favors from his military contacts, and coming up
against a killer twice his size. Jack also takes part in the battle, in his own inimitable style, as the
friends from Pike's Marina work together to survive this latest plot to do them in.
Fish Or Cut Bait is a great read, as was its predecessor. Dave Bednar's novels have realistic, wry
and
witty dialog, sometimes prickly humor, and characters who bring the story home in spades. I hope
to
see a third in this Pike's Marina series soon. One question begs an answer, Mr. Bednar. Will the
more-than-patient Beth Osgood EVER get her man?
Interview with Dave Bednar:
I wanted to interview Dave Bednar because I enjoyed his first two books so much, and because he
uses familiar locations to his best advantage when writing fiction.
LJ for MBR: Someone wise once said, "Write what you know." You have done that much and
more
with Landlocked Sailors and Fish Or Cut Bait. To begin with, tell our readers about your
background, your affinity for stories about uncommon heroes who sail Lake Erie as fisherman,
and
your obvious love of the locale you chose for your books.
Dave: I'm not positive, but I believe the "Write what you know" came from Hemingway, who I
read
quite a bit in my younger days and continue to read these days. He also made comments about
"Remember the weather" and "When a man feels at home other than where he was born, it is
where
he is meant to be." I was born in suburban Pittsburgh, in the shadows of steel mills and an
amusement park. The steel mills taught me two things: (1) what it means to work hard, and (2)
that
I wanted to get an education so I could work in a safer environment. The amusement park (Where
I
worked summers in high school and college -- University of Pittsburgh, BS in Computer Science,
1984 -- to pay for my education) taught me that having fun, laughing, relaxing, and escaping are
as
important to life as hard work.
Being a steel working family, we did not have the cash at hand for long, exotic vacations.
Typically
we'd pack the family car and drive the 130 miles from our place to Lake Erie, where we would
fish,
camp, hike, and escape. For as long as I can remember, Erie has been part of my life: I've been
asked
numerous times why I'm drawn to water (whether it be fresh or salt) and I honestly can not
explain
it.
Now, as to the "Remember the weather" comment, I can remember winters in Pittsburgh where
we'd
hear the horror stories about the latest blizzard to hit Erie. I remember trying to imagine what the
beaches and streams looked like covered with snow, and when I grew old enough to do so, I
began
taking trips to Erie in the winter to see what it looked like. In addition to the snow, there were
hearty souls who acted as if several feet of snow were nothing. So strong willed people, like steel
workers and those who can put up with unlikely weather, became heroes to me. This led to a
fascination with others strong in spirit, like the police, fire fighters, professional fishermen who
risk
their lives so we have something on our table, the military, and the Coast Guard. Somewhere
along
the line I began developing stories in my mind for them, and then later, on paper. My wife,
Catherine, and I eventually decided it was time to take Hemingway up on his quote, and so we
moved to Erie and settled in just fine.
LJ for MBR: That was a candid explanation of who you are, and what brought you to your
current
place in life as published writer. Has it been a long road - getting published - or did it happen
quickly? Tell us about the process of publication from your standpoint.
Dave: I've written on and off for quite a few years, but began doing so seriously about 12 years
ago,
after the death of my father. The first book I completed featured Jack Crevalle, now hero of the
Pike's Marina Series. I landed a literary agent rather quickly, and figured I was on the road to
stardom. About a year later, the agent went out of business and I was still an unpublished writer.
As
I look back at it now, I'm glad the book wasn't published, because, well, it wasn't good. I spent a
few more years and came up with a mystery series that featured a group of hunters. Success with
a
literary agent again, but again, no publisher. Similar things went on for years. I probably received
over a hundred rejection letters for various things I wrote. When Landlocked Sailors was
complete,
I was shopping it around and one day received two rejection letters on the same day. The first
said
that the setting and characters were great, but the story was weak. The second said the story was
great but the setting and characters were weak. I literally stopped writing for close to a year after
that. Then I gave it one more try and came upon my current publisher, and well, things have been
going good since.
LJ for MBR: I'm sure that every writer, published or otherwise, can relate to that scenario! When
the rejection letters say anything at all that isn't an over-copied copy of a form letter, the
responses
always seem conflicting.
Your characters, setting, and premise in both books are anything but weak.
Which is my sneaky way of leading into the next question. WILL there be more novels in the
Pike's
Marina Series? If so, how far advanced is number three? I'm fairly positive than anyone who read
them will want to hear your answer
Dave: I'm two chapters into book 3. So far, no title, but I can tell you I'm trying something rather
different: setting the book in winter. This presents a few challenges for me. For one, the bay will
be
frozen as will most of the lake, so the charter fishing business (and the marina) are definitely out
of
the picture. Plus, Jack Crevalle spends his winters fishing in Key West, Florida. So I have to
somehow or another get Jack to leave the warm Keys for frozen Erie. I also need to figure out his
wardrobe. I just can't see Jack wearing nothing but boxers when the icy winds come out of
Canada
and make the day-time temperature sit in the single digits. These challenges, hopefully, will make
the
third book nice and fresh. I plan on keeping the series alive as long as readers are interested, and I
can keep from repeating myself.
LJ for MBR: As a die hard Pike's Marina fan now, I know there are very few people or reasons
that
would draw Jack from the Keys to Erie in the winter. I'm confident you'll figure out a way!
I said in the review that your writing is stylish. You don't mimic any other writer's style, and yet a
sense of adventure shines through as it did with Hemingway. Did you study writing or English
composition other than in High School, or did this ability of yours to craft a story come
naturally?
Dave: I had one writing class in college and hated it. Everyone in the class was trying to be
"literary"
while I was writing stories for fun. Later, I took some writing classes at a community college, one
of
those 'adult continuing education' sort of things. That was fun because the other writers were
people
just telling stories, too. I have to say though, that my writing "style" (if you will) is really just the
way I speak when I'm telling someone a story. There are quite a few story tellers in my family, and
I've always admired them. So, I guess in answer to your question, my education in writing is sort
of
a hodgepodge. Which, now that I think of it, sort of makes sense because I read a wide variety of
authors and like a wide variety of people and activities.
LJ for MBR: I've gleaned from reading your press releases and checking your website that you
have
had, at the very least, regional success with your books. What advice, if any, would you give to
authors in the first stages of seeking publicity and marketing their work? It seems to me you've
been
quite successful at it.
Dave: Two things have really helped me out so far, (1) persistance, and (2) a strong belief in my
books. I've learned to be my biggest critic before the books are published, and then their strongest
supporter. This advice was given to me by the owner of an independent book store (Erie Book
Store, Erie PA). The Erie Book Store was my first stop; I figured I had a better chance of getting
attention there than at one of the chains. Since my books are also set in Erie, things worked out
well.
I then checked with the owner for advice on what to do next, and basically followed her lead. She
had contacts at the local paper and got me in touch with them. I knew of a guy on one of our
local
talk shows, and called him up and pitched my books to him. He had me on the air and hooked me
up
with a buddy of his on TV. So far so good.
Now it was time to go to the "chain stores." I was received quite warmly at one, but the other
was
less than thrilled. The same thing happened when I expanded into other local media, and then
regionally. I email a lot of newspapers and radio stations in the area, then follow up with another
email if I don't hear anything from them. If that doesn't work, I basically ask myself how badly do
I
want to be in their paper or on their station. If the answer is strong, I'll follow up with a letter
with
reviews, and then a phone call or two. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. I just keep
plugging until I feel I've exhausted a place, then try elsewhere.
That's really it for me. I'm a persistent, yet polite pain. Sometimes it works, sometimes it
doesn't.
LJ for MBR: That was a very helpful answer, Dave. You are blessed to have a book store owner
who believes in you and your work strongly enough to assist with media contacts. And I liked the
reference to a "persistent but polite pain"!
I know very little about your publisher. Do you mind sharing some of your experience with
iUniverse? Was it a relatively simple process? And how long was your wait between manuscript
acceptance and publication. Tell us anything you think might benefit other authors searching for a
home for their creations.
Dave: iUniverse is a POD (print on demand when books are ordered) publisher. They have several
publishing programs, each of which is tailored toward the writer's goals and needs. I selected the
"Writer's Showcase" option, which basically means my book was professionally reviewed and then
accepted (in my case) or rejected for publication. The publisher gets the book out to major
distributors (like Ingram) and online stores (like Amazon, B&N, and Borders, among others).
After
that, it's pretty much up to the author. Benefits of the publisher for me have been good customer
service, a high quality product, and discounting plans that are acceptable to most retailers.
Another
huge (and obvious) benefit to me is that they believed in my work and gave me the chance.
LJ for MBR: I think that's all the questions I have, Dave. But I like to ask the people I interview if
there is any question you wish I would have asked, or any other information you want our readers
to
know?
Dave: I really don't have anything to add. I thought your questions were very good, and hope you
thought the same of my answers.
LJ for MBR: Thanks for taking time for the interview, Dave. One last note before I go. More
information about Dave Bednar and his books can be found at www.davebednar.com.
I wanted to interview the owners of Avid Press because they have a large number of authors
signed
for a small press, and they have rather specific genre guidelines. The owners of Avid Press are Colleen Schulte and her sister Kate Gleason.
LJ for MBR: Let me begin by asking how long Avid Press has been in operation. When did you
begin your publishing venture, and why?
Colleen: We began accepting submissions in May 1999, and released our first titles in September
and
October 1999. We began this business with a simple, single goal: to promote and publish works of
talented authors that might be overlooked by large publishing houses. There are lots of talented
writers out there--we wanted to give them a chance.
LJ for MBR: Your goal of "publishing and promoting the works of talented authors overlooked
by
large houses" is more than just lip service. I say that because your website lists 28 authors under
contract and a respectable size backlist for a small press in business for 3 years. Tell our readers
the
genre Avid prefers and what procedure you follow in choosing manuscripts.
Colleen: We focus on the most popular of genre fiction--the largest markets of romance and
mystery. But, we actually drill deeper into those genres and have published books that push the
limits of those genres and are unique for that reason. Our titles that fall into the category of
romance
or mystery are not necessarily what the average reader of those types of books would get from
larger houses--not that they wouldn't *want* them, but they can't *find* them!
For example, some of our best-selling books are a series of vampire romances with a touch of
erotica and humor. These books fly off the proverbial shelves and the readers love them--because
they can't find stories like this anywhere else. We have found a niche that some of the larger
housese
can't meet because they are bound by their own guidelines and market research. We are filling a
void.
Another example is that of the traditional gothic romance novel-- think Victoria Holt or Mary
Stewart or Barbara Michaels. Readers can't get enough of those types of books...but I can't find
them on shelves published by mainstream houses. We have two novels that fall into what I would
call a "modern gothic" in the tradition of those masters...and they have been so successful for us
that
we are unveiling a line dedicated to gothic romances--both contemporary and historical. We're
calling the line Eyrie (after Jane Eyre, the ultimate gothic romance).
One more example--one of our most lauded mystery series features Inspector Rick Terry, a
homosexual homicide detective in London. These novels are written with the flavor and flair of
Elizabeth George, but are certainly off the beaten path. Our readers love them as well; and in fact
we
were prompted to release our first hardcover book last year for the second in the series.
In short, we look for genre novels that are unique and fill a need that the larger houses may not
supply. We also publish other titles that are not quite as unique, but are well-written with fully
plotted stories and often unusual settings. We publish books we love and books we would want to
read. In fact, we tell prospective authors that that's what we look for: books they've written
because
they're ones they would want to read.
We don't publish short, category romance novels--that's not our niche. We leave that to
Harlequin,
the master. We also are very selective on the mysteries (mostly series) that we publish--we get
lots
of submissions, and only publish a few of them. Our focus is on fiction for women (most of our
books fit that market; though not all).
LJ for MBR: Another positive aspect of Avid Press is that you evidently publish books in
paperback
as well as e-book format to start. As a writer, I appreciate that because I want to hold my books
in
my hands. In general, how long is the timespan between your acceptance of a manuscript and the
release date?
Colleen: We actually started out with the concept of epublishing only; but quickly came to the
conclusion that, since epublishing wasn't--and still isn't--a mainstream medium, we wanted to go a
step further. We wanted to make our books available to as many readers as possible.
As far as timing from acceptance to publication: it varies greatly from four months to twelve
months
or more. It depends on many factors- -time of year (eg, we try and put the vampire books out
around Halloween), backlog of production titles, and current releases (eg, we wouldn't put out
three
mysteries in a row; we'd mix them in with a few romances).
LJ for MBR: I like that - making books available to as many readers as possible. I realize that
marketing requires a great expenditure in time, energy, and money. It's a task that more and more
publishers require the author share these days, including major houses. Along those lines, does
Avid
do anything in the way of promoting or placing the books you represent?
Colleen: You are exactly right in that marketing and promotion has become a shared task and
expense for both the publisher and the author. As a small press, we expect probably more from
our
authors in that way than the larger houses.
In the realm of marketing and promotion, we recently began a campaign with a national magazine
dedicated to female readers--our basic market- -and our first national ad will break in late August.
We plan ads every 3-4 months with this publication, which goes directly to our audience--you
couldn't ask for a more targeted campaign! We do some email marketing (permission-based),
some
other internet promotion, we offer a small catalog, and other ad hoc items as they become
available.
This step in formulating a broad, national campaign was a big one for us, and one that we are
expecting a good return on. We will make decisions about other broad awareness campaigns
based
on the efficacy of this one.
LJ for MBR: Marketing is one slice of the pie when it comes to a successful product. Cover art
and
pricing are also integral parts of that package. The covers of the books you sell are quite
appealing,
and the pricing is comparable to most publishers your size. Tell us how your covers are created,
and
what variables affect your pricing.
Colleen: Thank you for the compliments on our covers! We are very proud of them, and boast
awards and citations for some of the artwork.
The cover concept is usually something that comes from a dialogue between the editor and the
author--we try to take the author's ideas into account as much as possible. We have several
different
sources for our covers--we have created some internally (eg, Della, Hunter's Song, Dead Wrong)
and use different artists for others.
Regarding the pricing: we certainly try to make our books appealing to readers used to purchasing
mass market sized books at the price point of between 5.99 and 6.99. It's hard to compete with
the
big houses when they have the capability of producing books for cents on the dollar, and on our
small scale, the per-unit cost is much higher--although with the advent of digital printing, it's
actually
much better than it was when we started in this business three years ago.
There are some books that lend themselves to mass markets and we price them accordingly; and
others that are more appropriate for trade-sized paperbacks--and, again, we price them based on
the
market price-points.
LJ for MBR: Since you are still a young company, I'm sure you keep a close eye on the bottom
line.
You have to if Avid is to survive and thrive long term. On the subject of expenses, how do you
handle royalties? And are there ever up front payments to an author?
Colleen: Our boilerplate contract is placed on our website for any prospective author to review.
We
don't discuss specific financial arrangements until an offer has been made by us to publish a book,
but the standard contract identifies that we pay royalties based on net price received,and it
identifies
our standard royalty rate--which differs between e-books and print books. As far as advances:
there
have been situations where they have been part of a discussion with an author, but they are not a
part of our standard contract.
LJ for MBR: We've heard a bit about your basic philosophy and your past and present vision and
you touched on possible future marketing plans. If all goes as projected, what are some other
future,
long term goals for Avid Press? Or is that the sort of thing businesses prefer to keep secret?
Colleen: Our main goals right now are to build a brand awareness for Avid Press through this
national marketing campaign, and to develop more direct-customer relationships. We continue to
make selections on titles that fit the niches that we have found successful for our company, and to
allow titles that don't to go out of print. In short, in the last three years, we've learned what works
and what doesn't and we're focusing on what works.
We recently announced the elimination of two lines (our non-fiction and young adult lines) and
the
addition of two more (gothic romance and a woman's erotica line, RISQUE) based on the
responses
of our readers. We are excited about the titles that will fill these lines (although we're still looking
for more!) and hope to launch in early to mid 2003.
LJ for MBR: It sounds like Avid has focused on a niche that will attract a loyal following of
readers
and buyers. When you say "we" make decisions, I know you probably refer to your sister, Kate
Gleason. Her skills and strengths complement yours to make Avid succeed. You have a strong
background in sales and marketing, art and graphic design. Tell us about Kate's contributions to
this
venture.
Colleen: Kate's the right-brain to my left-brain part of this organization. She's the one who is the
cool, objective decision maker who pulls me back from my wild, impusive, creative ideas. :-) We
complement each other well.
Not to say she doesn't have any left-brain instincts--she's come up with some of the names to our
imprints, and the logo; as well, she's contributed to some of the cover art concepts and
designs.
Kate's main function is of webmistress: she handles the design and operation of the Web site as
well
as the ebook fulfillment. She's also the financial manager of the company. She is also our last
word
on line- and copy-editing, and makes title acquisition decisions just as I do.
I tend to focus on the marketing and positioning, the overall strategy for the company, and the
market itself, as well as book and cover design and acquisition.
So there you have it--we complement each other well. As sisters, we know each other (that is
both
an advantage and a disadvantage!) and can rely on the strengths--and pull back on the
weaknesses--of each other.
LJ for MBR: This has been a beneficial learning experience for me, Colleen. As a writer myself, I
have learned the long hard way many of the points you brought out so well in this interview. Your
answers were great.
Before I bring this to an end, is there any question you wish I had asked you, or any information
you
would like our readers to know about you, Avid, or any other subject?
Colleen: I really haven't got anything to add--you asked wonderful questions that I loved
answering!
I appreciate your time spent with Avid Press, and your decision to highlight our company as one
of
the three small presses. Thank you and please keep me in mind for any future opportunities or
feedback!
Interview with Jerry Mohrlang:
I wanted to interview Jerry Mohrlang because he wrote his novel Sarawak in a distinctive style,
one
I found quite appealing. Jerry is a man of many facets and interests. He bills himself as "author,
reviewer, and outdoorsman". I encourage readers to visit his website, which I will post at the end
of
the interview.
LJ for MBR: Your book Sarawak was one of those epic tales of larger-than-life heroes traveling
the
world exploring exotic lands. It was a thrilling read. Where did you get the idea to write a book
like
Sarawak? Was there a lot of research involved?
Jerry: The idea first came to me while I was serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer--stationed in of
all
places--Sarawak, Malaysia! In my training, work and travels, I learned of the "White Rajahs" of
Sarawak, James Brooke and his successors, and explored the history of the story. It was a
fascinating story of courage, daring and fortitude and I vowed one day to write an account of it.
Sarawak is the consequence of that promise to myself. As far as the research goes, the story was
fleshed out for me in the oral tradition of the various tribes I worked with and, of course, there
was
some literature available in Kuching, which I ravished. The most difficult part of the research was
understanding the English sailing vessels, the time it took to travel from one place on the globe to
another in the early 1800's and just generally understanding the English historical climate at the
time.
Also, I had to do research into clothing, uniforms and so forth. I solved some of the time/place
problems by condensing certain elements. That's why I didn't include a map of Sarawak in the
book--it would have been inaccurate to say the least.
LJ for MBR: You've had a fascinating history yourself then. And I can see now why the
descriptions
of people, places, and cultures seemed so authentic. You saw them first hand.
In addition to creating an intriguing story, you write with a style reminiscent of the 19th century
sagas. Was that deliberate on your part - the result of study and crafting this particular story - or
is
this simply your writing style?
Jerry: Yes, I lived and worked for two years among many of the tribes mentioned in the novel. I
experienced the custom of "niap", slept in headhouses and traveled a great deal of the time in a
prau.
Those elements in the story were relatively easy to write about. The difficulty was knowing which
customs were relevant to the story and which were not.
As far as the writing style evident in Sarawak, I believe that was the most difficult thing to
accomplish and, yes, it was a deliberate attempt on my part. And thank you for saying it was
reminiscent of the 19th century sagas. That's exactly what I was attempting to accomplish. I
wanted
to be true to the period, so it was necessary to constantly remind myself every time I sat down to
write, that I was an early nineteenth century documentarian and not a twentieth century writer. I
had
to force myself to think in those terms and that isn't an easy thing to do when you are sitting at a
20th century computer, mentally tossing off the vestiges of the modern world, absorbing a new
persona and pretending to write with pen & quill. As a matter of fact, it's almost schizophrenic!
But
here's where my earlier research aided me. I tried to learn not only about the physical aspects of
the
period I was writing about (clothing, ships, weapons, regimental units, historical facts, etc.) but I
also needed to become familiar to some extent with expressions and colloquialisms of the era. For
instance, if you ask a question about the type of firearms James used in his battles with the
natives,
it's obvious that he would not be using howitzers or repeating rifles and it's a simple matter to find
out what he did use (muskets). But an answer is less obvious if you ask the question, "would an
English gentleman of that time period say, 'Posh', 'Bloody Hell' or something entirely different as
an
exclamation?" I also made a conscious effort to emulate the common literature of the time to
some
extent, so I felt that I needed to be more verbose, more descriptive throughout the story than,
perhaps, a modern writer might be or even than I am when I'm writing other things.
LJ for MBR: That was exactly my impression when I read Sarawak, that an adventurer from
another
era wrote it from the point of view of one who witnessed everything. I think in the review I
commented that it was written with a decidedly masculine style, as most epic tales were two
centuries ago. You say it was difficult, schizophrenic, to write this story as you did. Your use of
the
Queen's English was impressive! Have you studied writing formally, Jerry?
Jerry: No, Laurel, I haven't. The best grade I ever got in an English class in High School was a B.
In
college, I managed to get B's until the professor discovered I was no longer playing basketball, at
which time I was demoted to C's. Obviously, she was a huge basketball fan. Whatever skill I've
developed over the years comes mostly from reading (I managed better grades in Literature
classes)
and then trying to write things that made sense or expressed whatever thoughts I was trying to
convey.
LJ for MBR: We've talked about the style you used when writing Sarawak. I thought the "white
Rajah" premise was one that leant itself favorably to a sequel. Do you have another book in the
works, and will it be a sequel or will you branch out into another genre?
Jerry: When I first contemplated writing Sarawak, I planned to include the reigns of all three of
the
Brookes'. But as I began the writing, I soon realized that I wouldn't be able to do justice to James
Brooke's story, let alone the stories of his successors, without turning it into an encyclopedic
tome
that few publishers would take a chance on publishing. So I concentrated solely on James' story.
I've
thought about a sequel, but as of now, that thought is buried in the recesses of my mind .
At the present time, I'm working on a more contemporary historical adventure novel and hope to
have it finished sometime in the next month or so. Like Sarawak, the new novel is global in scope,
but centers primarily upon Israel and Afghanistan. It will weave elements of terrorism, conflict
and
cultural differences into what I hope will give the reader an historical insight into specific elements
of
the conflict that has raged in that part of the world since the Yom Kippur War in 1973. I don't
want
it to sound like I'm writing a textbook, so I hope to make it entertaining as well.
I'm rather eclectic in my tastes--I guess that's why I'm not an expert in anything!--and I would
love
to try my hand at a horror, mystery or a contemporary novel someday. Actually, I did write a
horror
novel a long time ago and even received a contract on it. Alas, several weeks later I received the
manuscript in the mail along with a very nice letter explaining that the publishing company had
declared bankruptcy and would not be able to honor their contract. I recently dug out that old
manuscript and was relieved that it wasn't published. It was awful! I realized then why that
particular
publishing house went out of business. Until Sarawak, I never submitted another thing for
publication. However, when I have the time, I'm practicing writing short stories in different
genres.
As I finish them, I'm posting them on my web site which is www.coloradowriter.homestead.com
and
hoping for feedback. One of those stories may eventually evolve into a novel, but who
knows?
LJ for MBR: Do you mind telling our readers the title, or working title, of this latest book so near
completion? And then, I'd like your thoughts on publishing today vs. 20 years ago. What do you
think is the future of publishing in general? For example, e-books are gaining momentum in
today's
literary market, as is print on demand.
Jerry: Not at all. The working title is A Pond of Swans, taken from one of the main Afghani
characters who extols his young foreign prot‚g‚ that, "It is better to be a lion, Aaron, than a pond
of
swans". However, I'm vacillating between that title and Mujahidin, which is the Moslem term for
"warrior" since the book is largely about the "warrior" ethic. I'll probably make a decision just
prior
to submitting the manuscript. Do you have a preference, Laurel?
Mmmm...my thoughts on publishing today vs. 20 years ago? With the advent of the electronic
age, I
know it is much easier for authors to submit manuscripts today than it was 20 years ago. Few of
the
younger writers remember the days when you packed up an entire 500 page manuscript and
shipped
it off to a prospective publisher. Most publishers had a policy of "no simultaneous submissions" so
the process could take months before the rejection letter arrived and you were ethically allowed to
submit your work to another publisher. All that has changed in that most publishers request
submissions to be made on electronic disks which certainly aids the process. However, I don't
think
the selection process in the traditional houses has changed all that much. I recently went through a
file folder I keep on rejection letters I've received over the years. I was stunned to realize that
many
publishers in different houses rejected the same manuscript for exactly opposing reasons such as
"It's
too short for a novel of this type" or "it's too long for a first time author." The selection process in
publishing houses will probably always be subjective (isn't it always?) and I can understand that.
Traditional houses are looking for writing that will find an instant market--writing that emulates
the
best selling authors in their stable. It makes good economical sense, I'm sure, but it largely stifles
new voices and creativity. I'm certainly not a seer, but there is the rumbling of a revolution going
on
in the publishing business. Many smaller independents have gone out of business or merged over
the
past several years and the larger houses seem to be making the majority of their profits on
textbooks
or the success of a few very major writers (take a look at the remainder piles the next time you
visit
a chain book store). In my mind, e-books, and POD make sense economically. More importantly,
they make sense because those mediums allow every writer with even a modicum of talent to
express their "voice". How well ther voice will be heard is another matter, but at least they were
given an opportunity. And without the opportunity, how many future Michener's, King's,
Hawthorn's
or Wolf's will be lost to literature?
LJ for MBR: Those are my thoughts, exactly, Jerry. As a reviewer I have been blessed with the
opportunity to read so many well written books by talented "new voices". Small presses and
e-book
publishers are discovering the Twains, Albees, Alcotts, Fitzgeralds and Hemingways of our time. I
suppose major houses will laugh their heads off at my saying that, but it's true.
To answer your question about titles for your second novel, A Pond of Swans would be my pick,
but Mujahidin might garner a wider appeal.
I have enjoyed hearing your thoughts, Jerry. Is there any question you wish I would have asked
you,
or any other subject you would like to voice opinion on? .
Jerry: Nothing, Laurel, except to thank you for the opportunity to discuss Sarawak, my current
project, and these other issues with you. If any of the readers of Midwest Book Review have
questions, they are welcome to contact me by e-mail through my web site. It's always a pleasure
communicating with you, Laurel, and I trust you will stay in touch.
LJ for MBR: I encourage readers to visit Jerry Mohrlang's website to learn more about him and
read
his reviews of other author's work. http://www.coloradowriter.homestead.com/
Navar
Navar
Navar Music
P.O. Box 131, Fillmore, NY 14735
12 tracks at $10.00, www.navar.net
I was front row center when rock and roll was born. Bill Haley and the Comets. Elvis. Buddy
Holly.
Jerry Lee Lewis. I saw them all perform in person before their names were household words. And
then there were the Beatles, the Stones, Jimi Hendrix, the Dead, the Doors. Through every
metamorphosis and each new path rock took, I was there, so if there's one thing I know, it's rock
and roll. Everything that made rock what it was and is, Navar has. Their sound gave me chills,
took
me back decades to those early days when rock and roll's message cut through life's pretenses to
play on raw emotion. It's rock as it was meant to be - soul snatching, starkly sexual, hypnotic - a
sound that 50 years ago drove another generation's parents to the preacher for solutions.
From the mellow, hopeful "Surprisingly Understood" to the frenetic "Heroin"; the haunting
"Change
Me" to the driving, penetrating "Deadly Mistake"; the explosive "Twisted" to the bluesy, smoky
sound of "Meant to Be", Navar packs one hell of a whallop emotionally. All 12 tracks are equally
impressive.
I had the sense that all group members contribute equally in creating their distinctive sound. Pat
Barry's throbbing baritone beckons and beguiles. He uses that voice and guitar like a weapon to
drive Navar's message home. Brother Ben Barry backs everything on vocals and works wonders
with his bass guitar. Quite skillfully, Dave Lote's drumming and Isaac Wood's guitar pull Navar's
sound together to amazing effect. The legendary Bruce Nowak mans the sax on "Meant to Be".
Pat
wrote all the lyrics and composed the instrumentals to four tracks. Isaac created several of the
instrumentals alone, did one with Pat and one with Ben.. Regardless of who did what, this CD is
choice.
Navar is not a clone of any group, past or present. Their potential range was apparent by the hint
of
Irish pathos in their music, and the touch of raunchy old-time blues. This group makes music with
a
passion rarely heard these days. To say I'm a new fan is understatement.
Interview with Navar:
I recently previewed a CD by a new group called Navar. Their sound was unlike most rock
groups,
both old and new, which made me curious to learn more about them. Two founding members of
the
group are Pat Barry and his brother Ben. Their debut CD is also titled Navar.
LJ for MBR: Navar is hot off a debut concert in New York where your CD was showcased for
the
first time. How did that go?
Pat: It was a truly memorable show. With so much heart and soul put into this album, it was really
great to get back out on stage and introduce our new songs to our fans. Nothing can touch the
electricity and emotion that is embraced and dispersed during our life show. Nothing!:
LJ for MBR: I know you call your music "alternative rock", but it sounds like good old down and
raunchy rock and roll to me. Explain the designation "alternative rock" to our readers.
Pat: It is actually pretty hard to place music in a specific category. I think that they give you the
big
bins like "ROCK" and "Hip Hop" to ease the pain a bit. The worst part of the whole classifying
dilemma is that your music HAS to fit into a genre and what is even more scary is that you have
to
know what it is. For me, alternative rock is good old rock and roll...and more. Alternative rock
tends to hit more of the mainstream, with more emotion in the vocals and lyrics. Without getting
crazy and expounding a painful explanation like "Navar is an emo/indie rock hybrid band with
hints
of funk, folk and metal dispersed sporadically," we just throw the mess into the "rock bin" and
move
on to the next question. Anyone confused? Don't worry, I am too.
LJ for MBR: While previewing your CD Navar, I was impressed with how well your sound
seemed
to mesh. How long have you been making music together? And give us some details as to who
creates the music and lyrics.
Pat: To put all of this into perspective, I'd like to start out by saying that this whole project has
happened in under 6 months. The fact that we came up with 12 songs that we all felt passionate
about was impressive to me. The whole process began with some creative jamming I did with
Isaac.
We developed some of my previously written acoustic demos and Isaac's riffs/progressions into
full
band arrangements to start out . After working through all that we had in our musical closets, the
next task was to push forward with new material together. Isaac and I had some truly surreal
moments in our practice space where he would just play and I would write lyrics and melodies
right
on the fly. Songs just began to flow so smoothly that I began to think that we must be ripping
people
off. We headed into the studio in the beginning of June with 7-8 songs that the band felt
completely
confident with. Meant to be and a few others were in the works and songs like Virgin Life and
Omen hadn't even been born. We recorded all the finished tracks and then just jammed out the
rest.
While I would have liked to develop the songs for a few months, I still love the spontaneity of the
whole thing. I am terrible at forcing ideas, so the whole thing was incredibly stressful for me at the
end. I wrote many of the lyrics to the new songs in the control room of the studio and on the very
last day of recording I wrote all the lyrics to Twisted while driving myself to the studio. Ben
actually
wrote the meat of Twisted, which ended up being great song. We had a few days of stillness and
then he came to me with the bass line that sparked the song. I wrote a few little riffs for the
chorus
and verse, but other than that it was his baby. He came through with that song when we needed
one
more and surprised us all. Now that I know what he is capable of as a writer, I truly look forward
to
the songwriting that is to come.
LJ for MBR: I know you've made some changes in Navar members since the CD was made. Now
would be a good time to give us a little background on current members.
Pat: Yes, there have been some changes here at Navar. I am happy to announce that drummer
Jaime
Briggs and guitarist Brian Copenhagen have landed spots in the band and are working out
incredibly
well. Co-songwriter, guitarist and close friend Isaac Wood is taking an opportunity to further his
education at the University of Maine and will be greatly missed. I wish him all the luck in the
world
and hope that our paths will cross once again. Nothing stops for Navar though, we already have
quite a few songs being developed with the new lineup!!
LJ at MBR: You seem quite accomplished in many ways to have been at this such a short time.
You
compose music and write lyrics, sing and play guitar, and I know your brother Ben is closely
involved with everything you do. Did you, Ben, or any of the group study music in school, or is
your
gift a natural one?
Ben: We grew up surrounded by music. Our father is a natural entertainer, always in musicals and
singing around the house. And our mother is a creative writer, so we have had creativity and
self-expression influences our whole life. We were involved with musicals, church hymns, band
and
chorus in school. So it was this base combined with our passion for the music we heard on the
radio
and watched on MTV that cultivated the desire to be a part of that.
LJ for MBR: I appreciate you and Ben taking time for this interview, Pat. I know you have a lot
of
irons in the fire. Is there any question you wish I would have asked, or any bit of information you
want our readers to know about Navar?
Pat: Being successful in the music business isn't easy, especially when you are not backed by the
corporate mega-buck. It is help from open minded individuals like you, Laurel, that give us the
exposure and the audience that can make a difference. I want to thank you for your help and ask
all
your readers to stop in to www.Navar.net and check us out. If you like what you hear, pass it on.
No matter how good the music is, we still need your help! Take care y'all and keep rockin!
LJ for MBR: It's been my pleasure, and I wish you great success. Thanks!
Laurel Johson
Reviewer/Interviewer
Midwest Book Review
Cindy Penn's Bookshelf
Maggie's Guardian: Superromance No 1082
Anna Adams
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710828, Mass Market Paperback, 297 pages , $5.25
Homicide detective Noah Gabriel stays out too late, drinks too much, and alienates his coworkers
when he is not recounting his broken marriage. SIDS stole his daughter and destroyed his
marriage
to Tessa. But when Tessa calls for help, Noah springs into action, his heart still bound to the
woman
that turned her back on him. Tessa moved to Boston to begin a new life, partnering with best
friend
David in a law firm. When she discovers David's brutally slain body, suspicion falls on her, and
she
calls Noah for help. Tessa becomes guardian to David's infant daughter Maggie, resurrecting old
grief and old joy in equal measure. As tragedy becomes a springboard to new beginnings, Tessa
and
Noah must find a way to communicate about the past if they are going to find a way to find a
murder, not to mention healing and love. Author Anna Adams pens a tale of deep emotion and
complex relationships in Maggie's Guardian. Savvy readers may discern the truth regarding
David's
death rather early in the book, but the wonderful dynamics between Tessa and Noah will still keep
them hooked. As the infant Maggie provides an opportunity to reevaluate their lives by letting go
of
guilt and allowing them to express grief, the tender love that Noah and Tessa rediscover results in
a
lovely tale of second chances and new beginnings. Maggie's Guardian comes recommended.
The Man In The Photograph: Superromance No 1084
Linda Style
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710844, Mass Market Paperback,299 pages, $5.25
Jillian refuses to believe Rob could be alive when the LAPD detective arrives on her doorstep
bearing a photograph that bears a striking resemblance to her deceased husband. Rob was a truck
driver, killed in an unfortunate accident when a sniper sent him over a mountainside. In the four
years since his death, Jillian has studiously rebuilt her life, opening a successful business and
raising
her daughter alone. Suddenly this detective, Adam Ramsey, asks to have Rob's body exhumed for
testing. With a simple photograph as proof that Rob might be alive, Adam destroys Jillian's hard
earned peace. Missing test results and missing evidence lead Adam to believe more was involved
in
Rob Sullivan's death than a random gunshot. Adam believes Rob's death was somehow also linked
to the death of his former partner Bryce. Bryce's death four years ago sent Adam's life spiraling
downward, ending in divorce and disillusionment. Now Adam needs to exhume the body of Jillian
Sullivan's husband to prove his theory. If he can prove it, then his partner's death would not have
been in vain. Perhaps then he could finally put his life and his career back together. From
California
to Chicago, and through the jungles of Costa Rica, author Linda Style leads the reader through a
tale of striking intensity in The Man In The Photograph. Style has a gift for creating intriguing
settings and characterizations that allow the reader to escape to a world of danger, intrigue and
passion. Some readers may be troubled that Jillian at times appears to be too ideal, as when she
accepts her husband's child. However, Jillian's resourcefulness and ability to triumph over painful
circumstances in the past gives her the courage and strength to face devastating truths with
compassion and generosity. Adam's need for closure and to give his partner's death meaning
provide
him with powerful motivation. As a result, Jillian and Adam's combined quest for truth brings
these
unlikely characters together in a compelling romance. The Man In The Photograph comes highly
ecommended.
Once Upon A Tiara/Henry Ever After: Duets No 83
Carrie Alexander
Harlequin
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 1589391470, Paperback, 376 pages, $5.99
Once Upon A Tiara: Her Serene Highness, Princess Liliane Brunner of the sovereign principality
of
Grunberg comes to Blue Cloud, Pennsylvania hoping for delectable samples of peanut butter,
M&Ms and hotdogs. She also wishes for a dashing American playboy with whom to loose her
virginity; it is, after all, difficult to find the right man and the right moment with a nanny always
luring nearby. A museum curator like Simon Tremayne, with his cowlick and a metallic King Tut
tie,
hardly seems likely to become prince charming. Henry Ever After: Jana Vargas might be princess
of
the Gypsies, but she is a suspect for Sheriff Henry Russell. With the museum opening featuring
the
opening of crown jewels, Henry does not need the distraction of a fiery Gypsy with so many
tourists
and dignitaries in town. In the two years since Jana has led her ragtag band of gypsies for two
years,
always ensuring careful compliance to permits and laws. Nevertheless, Henry does not know if he
feels danger or attraction. Unexpected parallels add a delightful freshness and sense of continuity
in
Carrie Alexander's latest duet that includes Once Upon A Tiara and Henry Ever After. Her humor
sparkles with a sense of magic and impossibility, bringing together the most unlikely heroes and
heroines. While Liliane and Jana might have opposite demeanors, their quick tongues and zest for
living reveals kindred spirits and a mutual perchance for trouble. Both Simon and Henry will be
quite
challenged to prove themselves the prince charming that the ladies deserve. With indomitable
verve
and provocative chemistry, Alexander creates a delightful read that comes very highly
recommended.
Montana Dreaming: Superromance No 1085
Nadia Nichols
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710852, Mass Market Paperback, 299 pages, $5.25
The death of her father, his remaining medical expenses and low cattle prices lead to a heart
rendering decision for Jessie Weaver. Despite her intense connection to the land of her forbearers,
Jessie must sell out and move. Rather than accepting the easy millions offered by developers,
however, Jessie sells to a wealthy man interested in conservation. He promises to realize her
dream,
however, if she will stay and manage the land. But Jessie cannot remain on land that is no longer
her
own. When Guthrie learns of Jessie's plans, he leaves behind the mountains of Montana seeking
answers and healing in Alaska. Alas, he might have left Jessie, but he cannot quit her, and after
five
months, he gives into the compulsion to return to Montana. He hopes things have changed
between
them, but the bitter anger and pain still simmers, blocking softer feelings. Indeed, the cataclysmic
events of the past year have robbed Jessie of any vulnerability or gentle feeling, leaving behind a
woman as strong and rugged as the Montana mountains. But Guthrie loves the mountains as he
loves Jessie, and he is equally resilient. Nadia Nichols' voice combines the beauty of a poet with
the
strength of a visionary to create a unique balance between the mundane and the surreal. Jessie
Weaver is a difficult heroine to warm to with her prickly attitude and stalwart determination. But
occasional shifting points of view reveal an extraordinary woman as others reveal her strength, her
courage and her moral fortitude. Jessie believes in the Montana land she loves so dearly,
sacrificing
millions to preserve a dream of wide-open spaces. Contrasting Jessie's dreams, Guthrie is a realist,
practical to the core and pained by their constant friction. A typical male who cannot express his
true
feelings, Guthrie tends to make messes of things rather than fixing them. Yet it takes the strength
of
such characters to inhabit Nichol's world of unforgiving natural and manmade danger. An
extraordinary novel that explores the most difficult of emotional landscapes nd the most beautiful
of
natural spaces.
Wild And Willing: Harlequin Blaze No 54
Joanne Rock
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790589, Mass Market Paperback, 250 pages, $4.50
Mia Quentin will put herself in the path of the first pirate she spies. With a red hibiscus behind her
ear, her skirt torn daringly high, and a red lace bikini beneath, Mia plans a hot afternoon in the
arms
of a stranger. With a bit of persistence, she puts herself in the arms of corporate shark Seth
Chandler, pirate for a day, making it clear that she is wild and willing. Seth does not think much
of
participating the publicity stunt. He intends to capture a grandmotherly type who would revel in
the
adventure and provide terrific p.r. for Chandler Enterprises. With an actor quitting at the last
minute,
however, Seth cannot afford for anything to go wrong, and becomes a sexy pirate complete with
an
eye patch and bare chest. Mia got more than she bargained for with the pirate who refuses to take
advantage of her offer of a brief fling. She must return to a life of overwhelming responsibility that
leaves no time for romance. He must convince her otherwise. Indeed, it may take weeks of
sensual
promises and erotic possibilities to convince Mia of the value of commitment. Author Joanne
Rock
has a gift for penning wickedly delicious romance with fabulously erotic escapades, which Wild
And
Willing delivers with flair! Mia's desire for a quick fling before she returns to responsibility will
echo
the fantasies of most readers, but Seth's attitudes are certainly unexpected. Of course, a guy who
believes that commitment means living together still has a lot to learn. The subplot is equally
delightful with Mia's unorthodox mother finding love as well. Further, quirky humor, including
grandparents who really want to sell bad t-shirts and squeaky toys from their gift shop, will keep
readers wildly entertained. Wild And Willing comes very highly recommended.
A Baby Of Her Own: Superromance No 1083
Brenda Novak
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710836, Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages, $5.25
With the arrival of her thirtieth birthday and with her best friend's plans to move, Delaney Lawson
longs to fill the empty places of her life and her heart with a child of her own. Acting completely
out
of character and swept away by her impetuous best friend's encouragement, Delaney and Rebecca
drive to Boise to find a man. Never mind Delaney's virginity; one night of naughtiness will fill
more
important needs. Connor Armstrong noticed the women the moment they entered the bar. The
woman he comes to know as Delaney wears a sinful dress that completely contrasts her attitude.
Connor has vowed to give up his dissolute life, but Delaney proves to be temptation he cannot
refuse. Their night together is magic, but when Connor says that he wants to see her again
Delaney
escapes without leaving behind a trace of her identity. Three weeks later, the test strip turns pink
and
reality sets in. Delaney's foolish plan was successful, but the consequences are much greater than
she
expected. Worse, Connor has moved to town to take over his grandfather's ranch. And when he
tracks Delaney down and learns of the pregnancy, Connor makes it clear that he will not simply
walk
away. It seems impossible that Connor can overcomes his feelings of betrayal, or Delaney her
feelings of guilt, especially as events spiral completely out of control for both of them. Friendship,
family, and offbeat personalities sparkle in A Baby Of Her Own. Brenda Novak once again
displays
her dazzling gift for creating characters we believe in, who make us react whether it be with a
laugh
or a tear, resulting in both vivid drama and entrancing tenderness. On one hand, Delaney struggles
with the tick of her biological clock, a desire to be loved, and her wish for a child. On the other
hand, Conner's own need for family and an opportunity to prove himself compliments Delaney's
personality perfectly, but the struggle to prove his sincerity to both her and his grandfather pushes
him to the limit. In addition, Rebecca carves her own place in readers' hearts wit her purple hair
and
brash attitude that conceals a heart of gold, causing readers to eagerly look forward to her tale
next
year. Delaney's loving but meddlesome family and small town likewise spring to live with a charm
that all big city dweller occasionally long for. A Baby Of Her Own comes very highly
recommended.
Listen To The Child: Superromance No 1081
Carolyn McSparren
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 037371081X, Mass Market Paperback, $5.25
After removing one of the corgi's kidneys, Dr John McIntyre Thorn upbraids the owner,
expressing
his outrage that small dog's symptoms had been ignored. Only after a characteristic display of his
irascible temper does Mac realize that Kit Lockhart is deaf. the corgi Kevlar is her hearing ear
dog.
Soon Mac finds Kit irresistible, yet her ability to control a conversation by simply turning away
proves quite disconcerting to a man who demands complete control of his environment. Kit's
disability provides extraordinary challenges, as does her preteen daughter who struggles with her
parent's divorce and the profound changes in her mother. Kit had never wanted to be anything but
a
police officer since she was five years old. Her hearing loss had deprived her of a sense of identity,
as well as robbing her of the precious voice of her child. But like the four legged and the slithering
patients that come to Creature Comfort for healing, Kit will find her own brand of healing within
those four walls with the most disconcerting doctor of all. Carolyn McSparren tackles challenging
issues with deft skill and gentle understanding in Listen To The Child. Moments of humor, as
when
a shocking kiss receives catcalls and investigation, provide lighthearted relief in a story that
explores
challenging family dynamics and disability. McSparren gracefully captures the devastating effects
of
hearing loss in the poignant absence of a child's voice, the guilty fear of an ill pet, and the loss of
valued career. As Kit struggles to redefine her existence, it might have been a bit more plausible
to
see her descend into rage and frustration at a world she cannot hear. Nevertheless, her valiant
struggle to balance her needs against a disagreeable ex-husband, a town of cops privy to her
personal life, and a vet with a hard edge that covers the heart of a marshmallow makes Listen To
The Child a delightful read. Indeed, Mac's irritability and character growth make him an
absolutely
delightful hero. With each book of this continuity, I confess toloving the series as whole even
more.
Keep those animal tales coming! Highly recommended.
The Third Mrs. Mitchell: Superromance No 1080
Lynnette Kent
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710802, Mass Market Paperback, $5.25
State trooper Pete Mitchell pulls over a woman driving a red Porsche for driving 84.7 on the
interstate. The last person he expects to be driving is Mary Rose Bowdrey, the women to whom
his
first marriage lasted only thirty-six days. Despite her ten-year absence from New Skye, North
Carolina, Pete never forgot her. And despite his vow to remain single after a second failed
marriage,
Mary Rose's sudden reappearance in his life may change everything. After her divorce, Mary Rose
left her hometown to attend college, finding success in Charleston working in the world of finance
and earning a healthy salary that buys luxuries like a Porsche and a lakeside condo. Now her sister
faces divorce and her teen niece Kelsey and nephew Trace react with self-destructive behavior,
getting in trouble with the law. When the judge sentences Kelsey and Trace to Pete's rehabilitation
program for troubled teens, Mary Rose and Pete find themselves irresistibly drawn together. The
At
the Carolina Diner continuity kicks off with The Third Mrs. Mitchell, which combines the warm
ambiance of a small town, the pain of a family in crisis, and unexpected second chances. Indeed,
author Lynnette Kent creates a dazzling cast of characters readers and surprising depth of plot.
Pete's devotion to troubled teens inspires Mary Rose to reexamine her own priorities. Pete and
Mary
Rose's shared history adds a touch of poignancy as they struggle with issues of the past and their
irrepressible attraction to one another. Further, the teens become an intricate part of the plot as
their
rebellion at their stepmother and resentment toward their father motivates extreme behavior.
Kelsey's attraction to an older boy from the wrong side of the tracks skillfully addresses the
prejudices of small town living. Kent's willingness to tackle the difficult issues of modern reading,
from divorce and remarriage to troubled teens lends The Third Mrs. Mitchell both the resounding
realism and the happily ever after ending readers demand. Consequently, The Third Mrs. Mitchel
comes very highly recommended.
Searching For Her Prince: Silhouette Romance No 1612
Karen Rose Smith
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373196121, Mass Market Paperback , 184 pages, $3.99
Twenty-three years ago, someone may have switched the royal heirs of Penwyck. Now Lady
Amira
Sierra Corbin tracks a possible heir of the throne to a multimillionaire in America. Marcus
Cordello
guards his identity and his personal life carefully, making it easy for an accidental encounter to
lead
to a false identity and the possibility of lost possibilities. When the lovely woman in the restaurant
faints, Marcus insists that she join him for dinner. Curious about her reasons for visiting the states,
he introduces himself as Brent Carpenter. He neither wants to be a prince nor a royal heir, liking
his
life as it is. But he is entranced by the lovely Amira and would barter the truth for a few hours
spent
in her company. Too bad he underestimates the risks to his heart. Author Karen Rose Smith has
gift
for story telling, complete with a fluid narrative voice that sweeps the reader away into an
extraordinary world where dreams do come true. One of the greatest challenges facing an author
in
series romance is to create a story that picks up where another ends, and to conclude where
another
might begin. With this Crown and Glory installment, Smith faces this challenge masterfully, deftly
weaving vital information of the continuity into the narrative, yet Searching For Her Prince works
equally well as a stand-alone. Despite their status as companion to princesses or multimillionaire,
Marcus and Amira prove that life on the other side of the fence might present dazzling rewards or
be
filled with fear, but the need for love still triumphs. While not all readers have the patience for a
hero
who purposefully conceals his identity, the way Marcus backs himself into the dilemma does
provide
a graceful excuse, and his desperate need to continue to conceal his identity just so he can have
time
with Amira has its own charming flair. A lovely and entertaining read, Searching For Her Prince
comes highly recommended.
Truly, Madly, Deeply: Blaze 52
Vicki Lewis Thompson
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790562, Mass Market Paperback, 248 pages, $4.50
Dustin Ramsey has never forgotten that night, ten years ago, in the back of his Mustang one warm
April. Embarrassed by his abysmal performance, Dustin had slunk away and not called again.
Now
he has hired a private investigator to find Erica Mann, the girl he could not forget. She now
publishes a highly successful newsletter that provides an opportunity for them to meet again. But
what he really wants, more than her writing skills, is an opportunity to make up for a teen's
impatient
backseat mistakes. Erica still remembers that night in high school when she had been virginal and
fumbling. With a bit more knowledge, she might have turned quick on the trigger into a treasured
memory. So when Dustin calls with a business proposition, Erica is floored. She had started
Dateline: Dallas on a dare and only intended to publish until her dream job as an investigative
reporter appears. But Dustin's reappear in her life threatens her priorities, her desires, and her
heart.
The first of the Truelood, Texas continuity, Truly, Madly, Deeply sizzles with sexual tension and
erotic love scenes that truly satisfy. Erica and Dustin struggle to reconcile the memories of the
past
with their desires of the present. Their evocative struggles demonstrate the author's understanding
of
powerful motivation and fear of vulnerability. With Truly, Madly, Deeply, Vicki Lewis Thompson
once again demonstrates her dazzling gift for creating sensual romance and extraordinary passion
that readers have come to expect from this talented author. Very highly recommended.
Double The Pleasure: Blaze 49
Julie Elizabeth Leto
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790538, Mass Market Paperback, 249 pages, $4.50
Julie Elizabeth Leto and Susan Kearney combine their talents in simultaneous releases this month
guaranteed to heat the libido. Each cover reveals half of their identical twin's face and, when
placed
side by side, form a whole. This innovative marketing tactic will solve the issue of readers who
wait
until the entire series becomes available before beginning their reading. I do hope Harlequin
deems
this experiment a success and repeats such simultaneous releases. Identical twin brothers Grey and
Zane Masterson swap lives. Zane accepts the challenges that have driven Grey to seek refuge,
while
Grey frees himself to enjoy Zane's hedonistic lifestyle, with the provision that he will step up to
Zane's responsibility to friend Reina Price. Jewelry designer Reina rents her business and home
space
from Zane, and a recent rash of burglaries threatens her livelihood. An opportunity arises to
recreate
a stunningly sensual jewelry collection that will compliment her evocative style. When her pal
Zane
arrives and insists on handling security measures, Reina accepts his aid. But suddenly her old
friend
becomes the greatest danger of all. Author Julie Elizabeth Leto weaves an enticing web of
subterfuge and sensuality in Double The Pleasure. Leto's gift for erotic story telling makes her one
of the boldest and most erotic authors writing series romance. In Double The Pleasure, Leto
handles
the switched identity gracefully, not allowing the deception to spin out of control, yet uses its
consequences to great effect. Further, Reina is a stunningly atypical heroine, fiercely independent,
sexually adventurous and surprisingly experienced. Her sexuality becomes a weapon that
intimidates
and control, yet Grey sees the vulnerability lurking beneath her strong fa‡ade. Indeed, it is
refreshingly realistic to read of a woman who lost her virginity young, revels in her sexual
exploits,
and does not shy from exploration. Such rich characterization and intriguing plotting makes
Double
The Pleasure a delightful read. Very highly recommende.
Double The Thrill: Blaze 50
Susan Kearney
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790546, Mass Market Paperback, 248 pages, $4.50
Julie Elizabeth Leto and Susan Kearney combine their talents in simultaneous releases this month
guaranteed to heat the libido. Each cover reveals half of their identical twin's face and, when
placed
side by side, form a whole. This innovative marketing tactic will solve the issue of readers who
wait
until the entire series becomes available before beginning their reading. I do hope Harlequin
deems
this experiment a success and repeats such simultaneous releases. Senator Birdstrom refuses to
accept fashion designer Toni Maxwell's rejection. So Toni decides that a truly outrageous sex
scandal will discourage the senator even as it provides her with an excuse to rediscover her more
sensual side. For too long she has spent all of her passion on business. Now a book she read by a
famous actress sparks her interest with her description of an affair with newspaper mogul Grey
Masterson. So Toni daringly sets upon a plan to stalk Grey, and lure him to her bed and the
tabloids,
thus solving the problem of the senator and her own irrepressible hormones at once. Identical twin
brothers Grey and Zane Masterson swap lives. While Grey relaxes in Zane's lifestyle of parties and
beautiful women, Zane handles the challenges that have driven Grey to seek refuge. Zane finds his
brother's life surprisingly satisfying and stimulating as he investigates sabotage at the newspaper
and
pursues his interest in Toni. He cannot help but wonder at Toni's motives, however, and feels torn
between the certainty she has something to do with the sabotage, and the need to fulfill every
heart
stopping fantasy either has ever entertained. While Kearney once again deftly displays her
consummate skill at writing passionate, erotic interludes that keep sexual tension at its peak,
readers
may be somewhat dissatisfied with this hero and heroine. On one hand, Toni's pursuit is the
perfect
cross between the humorous and the risqu‚, consummating at Carnal Club in a slick world of
bubbles and erotic stimulation. Indeed, Toni and Zane's passionate relationshi defies gravity,
explores the unexpected, and fulfills wildest fantasy in a pleasing array of sensual encounters. On
the
other hand, I feel a bit uncomfortable with the repeated use of the word "stalking" and the
negative
connotations that are associated with this term being used in place of a determined, eventually
encouraged pursuit. Further, Toni and Zane come across as hedonistic, entirely unconcerned for
the
devastating effect their wild adventures, recorded in Zane's newspaper, will have on others. For
example, Grey's conservatism was once challenged by his very private life made public by a
B-actress' memoirs and now twice challenged by his brother's outrageous antics. Additionally,
Toni's
determination to stalk Grey does not take into consideration the negative effects her actions might
have on his life or his business. Worse, even as Grey suspects Tori to be hiding something from
him,
he feels no compulsion to confess his own false identity. Nevertheless, the switched identity and
necessary secrecy does create a marvelous plot with some of the most erotic writing I have had
the
pleasure to encounter. Consequently, Double The Thrill comes recommended.
Grayson's Surrender: Intimate Moments No 1175
Catherine Mann
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373272456, Mass Market Paperback, 248 pages, $4.75
The military is Major Grayson Clark's life. His father had served in Viet Nam as his mother
struggled
with the challenges as the wife of career officer. Those experiences left an indelible mark on Gray,
defining his goals, his fears and his needs. Consequently, Gray vows that he will never marry or
have
children. Even when he fell in love with Lori Rutledge, he let her walk away rather than risk the
pain
his family had known. A year later they are thrown together in a mission to rescue orphans from a
war torn country, risking life and limb to save seventy children. The moment Lori scoops little
Magda into her arms, her heart goes out to the child. Later, when Magda's adoptive parents
withdraw their petition, Lori opts to adopt the child herself. That decision sweeps Gray back into
her life as well, as they oscillate between the pain of the past and the demands of the present. The
daughter of gypsy parents, Lori craves the stability and security of home and family, things Gray
refuses to provide. Despite impossibly conflicting goals and values, however, neither Gray nor
Lori
seem to be able to simply walk away and stay away. Author Catherine Mann brings the reality of
her
own experiences as a military wife to Grayson's Surrender. Lori's struggle with her fear for Gray's
safety, her need for stability, and her longing for family encapsulate the very essence of the
challenges faced by military wives. Her determination to adopt Magda cannot help but touch
reader's
hearts. Gray's determination to remain aloof from his emotions even as he struggles with his desire
for Lori and his growing concern for Magda culminate in a poignant scene when this huge service
man plays Barbie dolls with this tiny, vulnerable child. Such profound moments lend Grayson's
Surrender an endearing, evocative undertone even as Lori and Gray's wills seem to violently clash.
A
powerfully told tale that all readers will treasure, Grayson's Surrender comes very highly
recommended. Readers will look forward to the second Wingmen Warriors novel, Takig Cover,
to
be released in November.
The Tooth Fairy Legend: The Touch Of Kindness
John Arthur Long, Chet Meyer, Nadine Zenobi (Illustrator)
L & M Creations
P.O. Box 415, Round Top, NY 12473
ISBN 0971074909, Hardcover, 56 pages, $24.95, Children's Book: Ages 4-8
Piper Noble has a plan. He ties a string to his tooth before concealing it beneath his pillow. When
the tooth fairy arrives to retrieve the tooth, the jiggle will wake him. He cannot wait to meet the
tooth fairy, but Piper never expected the marvelous adventure that would result. Timeless myth
takes a new reality in this beautifully illustrated version of The Tooth Fairy: The Touch Of
Kindness.
Concealed within an entertaining story about young Piper Noble are a number of lessons that
parents
will appreciate. For example, children learn about the power of love, of accepting other
differences,
and respect for all people. Having tried this book on an audience ages five and eight, The Tooth
Fairy Legend is a hit! My young audience loved the music and narration on the accompanying
CDs,
and enjoyed following along with the text in the book. They were entranced by the story, and
talked
about it for days. As a professional caregiver, I appreciated the opportunity for them to enjoy a
long
story without the TV that we usually have going. For a terrific story accompanied by the beautiful
music and marvelous illustrations, The Tooth Fairy Legend: The Touch Of Kindness comes very
highly recommended.
Slow Hands
Lauren Bach
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0446611158, Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages, $6.99
Ten years ago Alec Dempsey promised Keira Morgan the world, but left her with only empty
promises. Now pending danger to Keira forces Alec to confront the past when the ATF sends him
back to Freedom, Arkansas. Five years ago Ian Griggs and his two brothers hijacked an armored
truck, stealing two million dollars. No one recovered the money. Now Griggs sentence has been
commuted, and he'll be returning to Freedom to live in a halfway house. Alec also knows about
the
assault and battery, and attempted rape Ian was never charged with, against Keira. Ian blames
Keira
for his brothers' death, and the ATF intends to use her and the missing money to apprehend not
only
Ian, but also his mobster link. When the FBI calls to inform Keira of Ian's return to Freedom, they
use her affection for her grandfather to secure her cooperation in their case. But Alec arrives in
town
early, catching her unprepared. Despite meddlesome rivals, sexual tension sends sparks of
electricity
neither can ignore. But when the danger ends, Alec has a life elsewhere, and Keira's life is firmly
bound to the small town of Freedom. With her first release, Lone Rider, author Lauren Bach
established her hard hitting, powerful style in the romance genre. Slow Hands continues that
extraordinary voice in a novel rich with fast paced writing and sexual tension. While readers may
grow a bit impatient with the man hunting, secondary character who successfully intimidates Keira
in
her personal life, they will cheer Keira's spunk as she handles testosterone laden professional rivals
and lurking danger. A quick read, readers will thoroughly enjoy Bach's Slow Hands. Highly
recommended.
Still Mr. And Mrs.
Mary McBride
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 044661128X, Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages, $5.99
Margaret Riordan, "Crazy Daisy and mother to the president", soundly earns her reputation of
irascible behavior, even taking pot shots at the Secret Service assigned to protect her. When her
housekeepers leave for an extended vacation, Margaret appeals to her son to locate some help.
She
quickly catches on that her new domestic help are really more Secret Service people assigned to
her
protection, but she does not know of the new threat against her life. A married couple is assigned
to
guard the president's mother, attempting to maintain their cover even after Margaret may have
caught on. Unfortunately, they have also been separated for almost a year, while neither can
remove
the ring from their finger. But Special Agent Angela Holland's life has moved on, with a hunky
movie star pursuing her favors and begging her to see a lawyer so that he might place his own ring
upon her finger. A year and a half ago, Special Agent Bobby Holland's brother died in the line of
duty. With horrible parents, Bobby had always looked after his kid brother, even talking him into
signing up with the Secret Service. All of his life Bobby has fiercely guarded his emotions,
carefully
repressing his feelings. Sadly, it was his inability to express his grief over his kid brother's death
that
finally drove Angela out the door. Now Angela must act as cook, and Bobby as butler, in an effort
protect the president's mother. The question remains as to who will protect them from each other,
or
their own hearts. Author Mary McBride demonstrates a dazzling gift for creating unforgettable
characters and ridiculously comedic moments in Still Mr. And Mrs. McBride achieves an
unusually
balanced authorial tone, maintaining a sizzling chemistry between Angela and Bobby without the
graphic details common to much contemporary romance. Angela desperately needs Bobby to
reveal
his heart to her, and his initial effort to "wear his heart on his sleeve" is both amusing and
poignant.
Their marital struggles are convincing, humorous, and endearing as they struggl with a tiny bed
and
broken hearts. While readers may be a bit skeptical of a first mother's resentment of protection,
Margaret's powerful character will quickly earn the heart of the most discerning reader. This fast
paced romantic suspense will keep the pages turning and comes highly recommended.
Hiding Tree
Ramon Harris
Writers Club Press/iUniverse
915 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite 411, Claremont, CA 91711-3356
ISBN 0595149944, Paperback, 324 pages, $15.95
Laura Kahl fights a glass ceiling in a highly competitive field of cyber detection that expects her
full
devotion. After eleven years of exemplary service, her company passes over for a chance at a
promotion. Worse, they question her devotion to volunteering time during her off hours to an
animal
shelter. An epiphany forces Laura to confront the insane demands of job she does not truly like,
the
emptiness of her personal life, and the falsity of her life choices. A sudden call from Arizona opens
a
unexpected opportunity for a different type of sleuthing. Laura's great aunt passed away, leaving
her
a key to a safe deposit box and a note challenging her to unravel a mystery. Suddenly pursuing
personal goals over professional ones becomes an incentive for adventure and self-discovery.
Unfortunately, Laura underestimates the deadly implications of an uncovering old crime and those
who prefer to keep secrets forever hidden in the trees. Ramon Harris' Hiding Tree presents a fast
paced mystery readers will find impossible to put down. This techno-thriller spans three centuries
as
it turns into a deadly treasure hunt. Laura is a fascinating heroine as she struggles to reconcile
professional demands with personal needs, gaining a unique opportunity to redefine her life, at
great
risk, on her own terms. With a rich cast of characters and a fast paced plot, Harris's masterful
storytelling gift will hold readers riveted. Hiding Tree comes very highly recommended.
Transylvania Red
Bert Quint
Writers Club Press/iUniverse
915 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite 411, Claremont, CA 91711-3356
ISBN 1892343258, Mass Market Paperback, 280 pages, $15.95
Whether he was riding in a tank or ducking bullets, Sam Sloan was a tough foreign correspondent
that could handle any challenge to consistently bring home the story. Unfortunately, he has
become a
dinosaur in a competitive age when newsmakers produce the news in minute-forty bites packaged
for the masses. Now New York producers have relegated Sloan to a Polish exile. Even that
position
proves inconvenient, however, to New York producers intent on presenting an entertaining story
when a Dracula theme park plans to open in Transylvania. So Sloan and cameraman Camden must
accept Peter Stark, a young, vibrant, attractive news clone that makes a pretty presentation for
the
camera. Peter, however, is ill equipped for the secrets that come his way. Zoe Paranduru a
translator
provided by the National Organization of Tourism, and her mysterious boss Nicolae Balaur join
the
news team. Soon the news team learns of the ancient stories of Vlad Tepes, or Dracula, who
bears a
startling resemblance to a modern counterpart. Dracula mercilessly reduced the population
dependent upon welfare in his day. In the modern era, during the communist reign, such
dependents,
as well as dissidents, and children, were relegated to government control. Over the years, without
paperwork or records, they have been largely forgotten. But with the fall of communism and the
advent of capitalism, they have fallen victim to a diabolical money making scheme. Author Bert
Quint creates a stunning cross genre novel that will keep readers glued to the edge of their chairs
in
Transylvania Red. This masterfully woven tale includes a dash of romance, a hint of paranormal,
and
heavy doses of intrigue and suspense to keep tension high. Each strand of the plot reveals hidden
motivation and a backdrop steeped in history and the supernatural to create a chilling tapestry of
cruelty and evil. Yet the deft touches of black humor and highly believable characters give the
novel
unexpectedly amusing moments, odd juxtapositions, and stunning realism. Transylvania Red cmes
very highly recommended.
Mystical Forest Of Wise
Tonita B. Woods
Writers Club Press/iUniverse
915 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite 411, Claremont, CA 91711-3356
ISBN 0595191479, Mass Market Paperback, 105 pages, $10.95, Children's book
With the end of the crusades, Sir Thomas finds himself on a new quest. The King has suggested
that
he must find a wife and produce an heir for the lands he has been granted. Unfortunately, most
women of noble birth prefer a younger husband. Sir Thomas happens upon a castle. The hay for
his
horse is fresh, but there are no other horses. There is livestock, but no occupants in the castle, yet
everything is neat, clean, and fresh. When the Lord of the Castle arrives, he announces that all
three
of his daughters are already wed, but invites Sir Thomas to enjoy his hospitality. When he departs,
his host warns Sir Thomas to stay away from the forest. Soon Sir Thomas understands the
warning
when he enters the forest and encounters danger. All who enter the forest meet fairies, some
enchanted, some not. Some meet a dragon, and not all survive the encounter. The timeless waters,
protected by elves, also kill unsuspecting visitors. But once a visitor enters, none may turn back.
Reviewing The Forest Of Wise creates a sad conundrum for this reviewer. On one hand, the text
is
riddled with errors in punctuation, sentence fragments, and the wrong word selected during a
spell
check. On the other hand, the whimsical content reveals an author with great potential. While I
cannot recommend The Forest Of Wise because of the extensive textual errors, I do hope that the
author's style improves sufficiently to compliment her fertile imagination.
East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon
Carole Bellacera
Tor Books
175 Fift Avenue New York, NY 10010
ISBN 0765340291, Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages , $5.99
A lifetime ago her father introduced Leigh to a handsome young attorney. Three children later,
Congressman Bob Fallon's devotion to his constituents supersedes his family responsibilities. Too
many lonely nights, changed family plans and missed children's events leave Leigh's life sadly
lacking. Her attempts to repair the damage to her marriage go ignored by Bob, opening the path
to
other, more radical change. The arrival of twenty-seven-year-old graduate student Erik Haukeland
from Norway for a year changes her life forever. Finding condoms in her husband's bag, when she
cannot have more children, forces Leigh to acknowledge how lacking her marriage has become.
Months of celibacy and rejection leave her questioning her womanhood, and Erik's forbidden
presence becomes irresistible. No longer will she be a doormat her husband expects. Difficult
choices and painful consequences provide powerfully moving themes in East Of The Sun, West
Of
The Moon. Author Carole Belacera handles these delicate moral and ethical issues with finesse.
Without descending into mind games that justify Leigh's actions, Belacera gently charts a course
that
leads to infidelity, tragedy and eventual healing. Interestingly, Leigh never uses her husband's
infidelity to justify her own actions; instead, she takes full responsibility for her choices and the
consequences. Further, Leigh's children's response to their mother's infidelity is both believable
and
excruciating. Moreover, Erik's sense of responsibility adds a powerful dimension as he struggles
with his own difficult choices. A novel without easy answers, readers will find themselves
pondering
the complexities of characters and choices long after the last page is turned. A compelling,
powerfully crafted story, East Of The Sun, West Of The Moon belongs on the keeper shelf. Very
highly recommended.
The Hunter And The Ebony Tree
Nelda Lateef
Moon Mountain Publishing
80 Peachtree Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852
ISBN 0967792991, Hardcover, 32 pages, $11.17, Ages 4-8
A huge ebony tree stands in the center of the village of Tombakonda. Its hard trunk seems
impenetrable. A beautiful young girl lives in the village and many men come to ask her father for
her
hand in marriage. Her father wishes his daughter to marry a man of strength. The girl wishes for a
man with more gifts than just strength. With her father's permission, she sets a challenge. She will
marry the man whose arrow penetrates the ebony tree. Many men try, but none succeed until one
day a young hunter comes to the village who enlists the helps of friends to win his heart's desire.
Author/illustrator Nelda LaTeef uniquely captures the essence of an African folk tale, bringing it
vividly to life for children of all audiences. The classic tale of wisdom and cunning to achieve
one's
goal serves a delightful lesson of encouragement to young readers. The combination of acrylic and
collage for the illustrations lends the page a marvelous texture and depth. My young American
audience, ages five and eight, found this to be a wonderfully entertaining tale that they ask for
again
and again. The Hunter And The Ebony Tree comes very highly recommended.
Magnolia Creek
Jill Marie Landis
Ballantine Books
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 1006
ISBN 0345440412, Hardcover, $13.97
As Kentucky struggles to recover from the consequences of the Civil War, her people do not
easily
forget the transgressions of the past. Small town Magnolia Creeks bears the memory of Sara
Collier,
a widowed woman who dared to flaunt her relationship with a Yankee soldier before disappearing
with him. Now the war has ended, and with nowhere else to go, Sara returns to the town that
would
prefer to reject her and her small child. Only Lou, her former husband's sister, opens her doors to
Sara. Dru Talbet rises from the dead to return home, dreaming of the bride he left behind. Little
does
he suspect that he has been reported dead. The months and years of surgeon's life during the war
have taken their toll, and only the memory of Sara has kept him going. But the war exacts a
higher
price than just battle service when he's faced with proof of his wife's infidelity. As he sets up
practice
in Magnolia Creek, he will find the town does not forgive him easily for not forcing Sara to leave
immediately. Worse, Dru can neither easily forgive nor forget Sara's infidelity, or his own
responsibility in the past. A bold and daring tale of the aftermath of the Civil War, author Jill
Marie
Landis creates a searing tale of love and betrayal in Magnolia Creek. Sara's justifiable infidelity
challenges readers' perceptions of right and wrong, even as she wins their hearts with her courage
and determination. Dru's own responsibility in events gone awry is not to be dismissed, either, as
he
struggles with the town's opinion of his wife, his feelings, and his attraction to the woman he
struggles to scorn. Secondary characters likewise spring vividly to life from Dru's hysterical sister
to
the devoted freedman who once lived their slave. With surprising plot turns and entrancing
characterizations, readers will be mesmerized by this masterful storyteller's voice. Add this one to
the keeper shelf.
Pebbles In A Pond
Donna Vail Jones and Randy Jones
Trafford Publishing
Suite 6E, 2333 Government, St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4P4, Canada
ISBN 1553690095, Paperback, 377 pages, $23.50
Recurrent dreams trouble Emma's sleep. A haunting familiarity draws her into a romance with
Steve,
resulting in their marriage. They relish their time spent together in Alaska, until their mentor dies,
beginning a series of changes with devastating consequences. First their best friends move from
Alaska to California and Steve is transferred to Vermont. Then tragic events erode trust and soon
Emma finds herself choosing between either repeating the mistakes of the distant past or boldly
forging a new path. Meanwhile, Emily of Victorian New York offers glimpses of her life in
Emma's
dreams. An independent businesswoman, Emily lives quietly until a new customer and her
husband
James enter her shop. A startling electrical connection between proves irresistible, but leads to
tragedy when Emma discovers her pregnancy. Her story foretells the challenges her modern
counterpart will face as their stories interweave. Authors Donna Vail Jones and Randy Jones
combine their poetic voices in Pebbles In A Pond. More than a romance, Pebbles In A Pond
examines the intricacy of relationships when viewed over more than one lifetime. Reincarnation
allows two stories to overlap in a tale of haunting beauty. While the tale is occasionally bogged
down with an overabundance of exposition, the overall effect is at once mesmerizing and
entrancing.
Further, the authors' combined background in psychology and environmental studies deepens the
reading experience with a sophisticated and knowledgeable undertone, even as their extensive
travels and dream experience likewise combine in a fascinating background that lends the novel a
touch of reality touched by the supernatural. Highly recommended.
Have No Mercy
Bobby Ruble
American Book Publishing
289 South, 300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
ISBN 1930586086, Mass Market Paperback, 372 pages, $22.00
David Joseph Epstein and Todd Reams grew up together. When David's parents plan to spend
their
retirement years in Israel, David feels betrayed that they would abandon him. David does not
know
that Todd manipulated his parents into their departure so that he could move in as a roommate
and
begin his plan to steal items to fund his own goals. When David catches Todd stealing, a nasty
fight
ends irretrievably ends their friendship. Both men go onto very successful lives, but neither forgets
the events of the past. Indeed, the fires of hatred drive David to a complex plan for vengeance. By
all appearances, David is a successful psychiatrist, blessed with wealth, a showcase home and a
beautiful wife. Quietly, David orchestrates his revenge, revealing that he "has no mercy". Author
Bobby Ruble pens a tense psychological thriller in Have No Mercy. Ruble understands the
intricacies
of the human psyche, drawing upon his background as a US Marine Criminal Investigator, a FBI
Academy Graduate, and experience as Chief of Police in Kennesaw, Georgia. Ruble's first hand
experience with the most dangerous elements of society and the intricacies of the law brings Have
No Mercy a chilling reality. Ruble's characters spring vividly to life, carefully concealing their
hidden
agendas, yet revealing devastating motivation. The juxtaposition of innocence and evil, as women
trust and men betray, provides a haunting tale with surprising complexities readers will not want
to
put down. Add this one to your keeper shelf! Have No Mercy comes very highly
recommended.
Number, Please
Sheree Petree
Oak Tree Publishing
915 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite 411, Claremont, CA 91711-3356
ISBN 1892343258, Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages, $9.95
In 1963, a storm forces Trish Malcolm to fill in on the switchboard at Bell Telephone Company.
A
manager, Trish borrows an operator's number for her tickets, meaning Emma Bailey will get
credit
for her calls. The frantic pace of the night and her inexperience lead to a mistake. Trish overhears
part of a call to Hawaii, and the man placing the call believes that she has heard too much. The
following day an orchid arrives with a commendation for the operator handling the Hawaii call.
When her shift ends, a car runs down Emma, killing her. Police believe it was kids joyriding. Trish
suspects murder. No one believes Trish's story regarding the Hawaii call and its link to Emma's
death. Driven by guilt, Trish begins her own investigation. Research links the call to a phone
booth
near an old mansion that has been subdivided into apartments. A convenient vacancy allows Trish
to
move in so she can watch the tenants and track a killer. Events soon escalate, however, leaving
Trish
isolated and unable to trust anyone. Readers who remember the movie Sorry, Wrong Number will
recognize a chillingly similar theme in Number, Please, by Sheree Petree. When no one takes her
suspicions seriously but the killer, Trish struggles with whom she can trust. As danger closes in,
tension runs high. Only when she enlists the help of others will she be able to solve the crime.
Petree
writes in a compelling style, making Number, Please impossible to put down. A richly developed
mystery, Number, Please comes very highly recommended.
The Wedding Duel
Karen L. King
Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821774131, Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Keene Davies challenges his best friend to a duel when Victor's behavior nearly destroys the lives
of
others. As a consequence, his father calls him in two weeks later, demanding that Keene marry.
Before his brother's death, Keene had decided that he would never marry, thereby allowing his
younger brother to be his heir. With Richard gone, his father demands his marriage to his distant
cousin Sophie Farthing or he will have Keene charged with attempted murder. Indeed, except for
a
small partial protected by entail, Sophie will inherit his father's property and wealth. Not that it
matters, as Keene has never cared to spend his father's money, preferring to support himself from
profits earned at gambling tables. Keene first unorthodox glimpse of his cousin, after many years
absence, is of her drawers as she attempts to crawl out a window to escape yet another match
making ploy. Such exploits seem to characterize her high spirits. Not that Sophie has anything
against marriage; certainly any escape from her very restrictive parental home would be preferable
to
her staid country existence. She longs to travel to London and dance, attend the opera, and live
the
life she was born to. Accepting Keene's proposal comes easily; establishing a happy marriage
amidst
well meaning machinations and misunderstandings proves to be an extraordinary challenge. A
playful
romp with potentially emotionally devastating undertones, The Wedding Duel by Karen L. King is
a
must read for regency romance fans. Sophie's high spirits and innocence result in a fresh,
charming
heroine. Her lack of knowledge of city manners provides in a number of fun escapades that fly in
the
face of convention. Her character strengths also prove to be her weaknesses when she does not
understand how her own words, not to mention her well-meaning parents, lay a trap that she
neither
suspects or understands. Keene's concern with issues of loyalty and fidelity likewise become his
greatest strengths as well as his greatest weaknesses. While their misunderstandings bcome
somewhat protracted, wonderful secondary characters keep the pace moving along nicely,
resulting
in a highly entertaining read.
Paradox
Rosemary Laurey and JC Wilder
LTDBooks
200 North Service Rd W., Unit 1, Suite 301, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 2Y1
eBook ISBN 155316105X, REB ISBN 1553168941, eBook/Multiple Formats, Download $5.00,
Disk $6.00
Authors Rosemary Laurey and J.C. Wilder combine their talents in two sensual tales that bring
about
the ultimate paradox. Both authors create ordinary heroines caught in extraordinary circumstances
that thrust them into paranormal relationships beyond their imaginings. These vividly realized
paranormal worlds come stunningly alive, earning new fans for these talented authors, while
whetting the appetite of all readers for more. PARADOX comes highly recommended. "Fly with a
Dragon" by Rosemary Laurey: Betrayed by her brothers and father, Myfanwy awaits death.
Bound
to the sacrificial oak, she watches the powerful dragon approach. Prepared to die, Myfanwy does
not expect the dragon to beckon her to come with him. With her brother's arrows aimed at them,
the
dragon holds her closely and they fly to the land of dragons. Laurey creates a marvelous hero in
this
dragon capable of shape shifting and erotic love. Indeed, the dragon's approach to sensuality and
the
unconscious acceptance of the beauty of one's body results in a powerfully sensual read. Indeed,
'Fly
with a Dragon" contains some of the most delicious love scences I have yet to encounter. This
peak
into Laurey's world of dragons will incite a fierce desire to read more from this talented author's
pen.
"Heart of a Raven" by J.C. Wilder: When her father sells her to settle a gambling debt, Dani
discovers a world beyond her imagination. Haaken seeks the woman who can end his curse, but
he
never expected to find among a group of travelers, dirty, underfed, and chained to wagon wheel.
Dani believes that she is ugly and no many would want to bed her, let alone choose her as a
lifemate.
Wilder creates a sensual world where men service women's sexual needs and a curse binds a man
to
a half-life. Dani demonstrates a powerful strength and depth of characterization with her
determination to aid those in need, and to settle for no less than Haaken's love. Readers will
recognize her characteristic flair for blending the sensual with strong characterizations to result i a
powerful read.
Two of Hearts
Joyce and Jim Lavene
Awe-Struck
2458 Cherry Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
eBook/Multiple Formats, $4.50
Jean and Wes share grief and nephews since her sister Amanda and his brother Wes died
tragically,
leaving behind twin baby boys. Wes cannot help but question Jean's motives when she arrives in
thread bear clothes and a lone suitcase to apply for the nanny position. He would prefer to send
her
away, but finds himself issuing her challenge to prove him wrong instead. Years of caring for her
invalid father have deprived Jean of a social life, friends, or love. With medical bills consuming her
father's resources, she arrives at Two Hearts ranch with little besides hope. Wes' animosity
regarding
her sister, and her own motives, put them at odds, but she is determined to remain near her sister's
children. But to win Wes' love and overcome his reservations will require tremendous strength of
character. With their characteristic flair, authors Joyce and Jim Lavene present a marvelous
character driven romance in TWO OF HEARTS. Jean's innocence and devotion to family and
duty
are sharply contrasted by her fierce determination to remain near her nephews. Wes' harsh
criticism
and suspicion of Jean's motives might seem unkind except for the justification provided by his
experience. Secondary characters also richly come alive, from the deceased to the kindly,
meddlesome mother. Indeed, this writing team has developed a seamless style that allows both the
male and female perspectives to sparkle, making TWO OF HEARTS a delightful read. Highly
recommended.
The Lady Of The House
Roy King
Virtualbookworm.com
PO Box 9949, College Station, TX 77842
ISBN 1589391470, Hardcover, 212 pages, $18.95
Jessica, divorced and mother of two, revels in the opportunity to periodically play the role of lady
of
the house when her friend Linda is away. Sipping iced tea at the poolside or borrowing a luxury
car
comes as quite an escape from breast-feeding and money worries. She happens to be at Linda's
and
offers iced tea to a sexy lawn care man one afternoon. Jessica has no idea that her pretense will
lead
to a life-threatening situation. Three men arrive dressed in sky masks, grabbing Linda and
demanding to know the location of the lady of the house. Linda's protestations go unheeded, and
only Jessica's timely intervention prevents worse damage by a knife. The men throw Jessica in the
back of a van and transport her to a farm, planning to demand a ransom from her wealthy family.
Little do they suspect they have the wrong woman. Author Roy King reveals a powerful talent for
creating gripping psychological drama with The Lady Of The House. While readers may find the
first fifty pages a bit slow, as the pace increases they will be swept away by convincing
characterizations and powerful drama. The vicious and dangerous perpetrators keep readers glued
to
the pages as Jessica struggles against horrifying circumstances with fierce determination. Her
willingness to sacrifice herself and offer herself as victim when her friend's life is endangered, her
ability to survive isolation, torture and rape each reveal surprising strength and resilience.
Secondary
characters likewise sparkle, including her new boyfriend and wealthy friends who offer to pay her
ransom. Some readers, especially women, may find the level of perversion and brutality
objectionable. The Lady Of The House comes recommended.
Daily Bread: Seven Days To A Healthier Soul
Robert Meade
eBookstand
PO Box 7670, Auburn, California 95604
ISBN 1589091019, 75 pages, $13.95
Author Robert Meade brings the experience of over thirty private retreats, his teaching
experience,
and his own desire for personal growth to a powerful guide for the soul in Daily Bread: Seven
Days
To A Healther Soul. A combination of inspirational scripture readings, personal stories, poetry
and
questions for reflection provide food for the reader to relish, reflect, and ingest. As each chapter's
motif moves the reader through this spiritual journey, the seeds for enlightenment are planted.
Daily
Bread: Seven Days To A Healthier Soul is a powerful personal tool. This guide provides a way of
reaching a healing point within the body and the soul through introspection and meditation. It
takes
you inward, starting the healing process from inside out, because to heal the body without the
soul
accomplishes nothing. While the total process takes much longer than seven days, readers who
follow this introspective guide for seven days will begin a new path of healing and insight that, if
sustained, will result in tremendous personal growth.
Jordie's School Day Adventure
Jennifer LB Leese, Kym Jones (Illustrator)
Writers Exchange E-Publishing
PO Box 372, Atherton QLD 4883
Electronic $4.95, CD $9.95, 18 pages, Children's Picture Book
On her first day of school, Jordie excitedly dresses herself, gathers her book bag, and says
goodbye
to her fish on the way out the door. She sees a big bus filled with children when she and her
mother
arrive at school. When the time arrives for Jordie to go into the classroom, however, going to
school
does not seem like such a good idea. Jordie asks her mother if she can home. After her mother
reassures her, Jordie begins her first day and finds out how much fun school can be. Any child's
first
day at school can be a frightening and intimidating experience. Author Jennifer Leese uses her
years
of parenting to bring understanding of that first day's fears in Jordie's School Day Adventure.
Jordie's day includes the usual activities of a first day, giving parents an opportunity to not only
discuss their child's fears of a first day at school, but also what to expect. With charming
illustrations
by Kym Jones, this delightful tale will open communication to prepare young ones for school.
Highly
recommended.
Willy's Valentine
Rita Hestand, Deborah Pottle (Illustrator)
Writers Exchange E-Publishing
PO Box 372, Atherton QLD 4883
Electronic $4.95, CD $9.95, 18 pages, Children's Picture Book
The fall brings a new friend named Waddles to Willy's pond. But no matter how often she tells
him
her name, Willy keeps calling her Waffles. Every day they meet at the pond and Willy tries to get
to
know her, but Waddles seems to always be angry. One day he asks why, and she tells Willy that
he
never hears a word she says. She has trouble liking someone who never seems to listen. Having
tried
this book on an audience ages five and eight, Willy's Valentine is a hit! Both the reader and
audience
find the illustrations charming and the story endearing. Indeed, children of all ages understand
how
hard it is to admit to something that makes us different. Willy makes it clear how important it is to
be one's self, even when we fear that being different might make us less likable. An incredibly
valuable lesson made easy, Willy's Valentine is both entertaining and enlightening. A terrific story
accompanied by the beautiful illustrations of Deborah Pottle.
Love Through A Stranger's Eyes
Jan Springer
Wings ePress, Inc.
PO Box 726, Lusk WY 82225
ISBN 1590881109, eBook/Multiple Formats $6.00, Paperback, $11.45, 271 pages
Eight years ago, a stunning turn of events left Emily McCullen widowed. As her wedding day
now
approaches, she finds it impossible to shake the memory of her husband. He had been an
investigative reporter who had promised to resign his dangerous career and build a home and
family
with her. They were going to raise their family on the high cliffs of Shipwreck Island in a romantic
lighthouse. Now eight years of living with the lonely wind has forced her decision to marry Steve's
best friend Skip Cole. While they might lack passion, he does share her desire for a family. Then a
stranger arrives who threatens to transform her life when she finds him raiding her refrigerator late
at
night. While she has never seen him before, he seems oddly familiar. But faced with the
opportunity
to explain, Chance Donovan cannot bring himself to blow Emily's world apart. The truth could kill
them both. Jan Springer has created a marvelous reputation for nail biting suspense, rich
characterizations, and a fast paced plot. She certainly delivers on her reputation with Love
Through
A Stranger's Eyes. Emily proves herself to be a tough, resourceful woman even as Chance brings
about incredible temptation and danger. Further, Chance's struggle with the truth, betrayal and
hope
results in an absolutely stunning characterization. The magical connection that binds Emily and
Chance lends the novel a powerful foundation for a memorable tale. Readers will find Love
Through
A Stranger's Eyes impossible to put down from the moment of Emily's spell for romance to the
stunning conclusion.
Dark Legacy
Christine Janssen
Wings ePress, Inc.
PO Box 726, Lusk WY 82225
eBook/Multiple Formats $6.00 ISBN 1590880501
Paperback ISBN 1590889185 $11.95, 340 pages
Victoria Wells never stopped blaming herself for her son's accidental drowning three years ago.
Now
her husband Rudy ironically drowns on the same day she finally decided to consult a divorce
lawyer.
As she begins to rebuild her life, Victoria learns of her husband's ill handling of money, deciding
to
erect a door and create an apartment to rent to ex-con Matthew, whom she met while teaching at
a
prison. Then her daughter returns home from college sans tuition money and badly bruised.
Furthter,
Rudy's attorney Burdine Spalding insists upon helping Victoria, despite her protestations. He
delights in using his money to control others, masquerading his aid as friendship. Victoria soon
suspects that someone has searched her home, but nothing proves to be missing. Then a body is
found in the woods, casting suspicion on her sexy boarder. Others also lurk, bringing danger and
intrigue to the mix. Author Christine Janssen weaves a chilling tale of suspense and revenge in
Dark
Legacy. Matthew proves himself to be an unexpected yet extraordinary hero with an unsavory
past
and a prison record. His single-minded devotion to Victoria is endearing. Victoria's
resourcefulness
and determination keeps her alive even as danger closes in. Carla's irritating immaturity strikes just
the right note of discord, allowing the tension to escalate. Janssen displays a unique voice,
displaying
her deft skill in weaving a complex plot with fascinating characters. Indeed, her powerful voice
does
a fabulous job of revealing the character's thoughts, words and deeds. Readers will find Dark
Legacy
an addictive read and impossible to put down. Very highly recommended.
Klausner's Bookshelf
Hot Dog
Laurien Berenson
Kensington
Sept 2002, $22.00, 288 pp., ISBN 1575667819
Melanie Travis lives a fulfilling life working, as a special needs tutor in Greenwich, Connecticut.
She
also gets immense pleasure out of showing her standard French Poodle puppy Eve at the dog
shows.
Her ex-fianc‚ wants to get back together with her but she's holding back, not sure if she can
forgive
him for walking out on her when she needed him most. Her life turns complicated when she
agrees
to watch Dax, a little Dachshund puppy, who is the rope in a custodial tug of war. Meanwhile
Mel's
ex- husband Bob is forging a relationship with their son and has a brand new girlfriend in his life.
Things really begin to go crazy for Mel when doors she closed are reopened. When she returns
home, her wallet and Dax turn up missing and the phone rings all night long. Sam wants to be
there
for her, but she rejects his overtures, determined to go it alone even if it kills her. Hot Dog is the
latest and best in the Melanie Travis mystery series to date. This book is as much a family and
relationship drama as it is a mystery and for the first time the audience sees the protagonist as
something less than a super win. Laurien Berenson has written a real treat for the human as well
as
the canine persuasion.
Someone Killed His Boyfriend
David Stukas
Kensington
Jul 2002, $14.00, 259 pp. ISBN: 0758200412
Michael Starks informs his friend feminine hygiene products' copywriter Robert Willsop that he is
in
love and going to marry Max. Since Michael goes through men at a rate faster than a paid
professional, Robert remains skeptical that this is just the flavor of the day for his promiscuous
pal.
When Robert meets the gorgeous Max he thinks of ways to kill Michael because he wants the
hunk
in his bed and not in that of a saddle tramp like his bud. Though jealous, Robert agrees to help
Michael with the gayest wedding in the history of Manhattan. However, in front of well over a
thousand guests, Max jilts Michael. Not long afterward, Max is killed with the obvious murder
suspect being his fiancee. Robert and Michael accompanied by the six foot four inch lesbian
Monette
must find the real culprit rather soon. Fans of gay mystery tales will probably want to pass on
Someone Killed His Boyfriend as the amateur sleuth investigation takes a major rear seat to the
cast's lifestyle. Robert is the key player who keeps the plot moving forward. Readers, regardless
of
sexual preference, will understand his depression and his concerns many common to anyone not
just
gays. Michael's ego makes him somewhat obnoxious (except in bed) and don't challenge Monette
in
any sport as she'll kick your butt further than a soccer ball (stereotypes?). The three caballeros
turn
David Stukas' novel into an amusing romp that focuses on the lifestyle of the rich and poor
gay.
Reader To Reader: Going Down For The Count
David Stukas
Kensington
Aug 2002, $23.00, 2569 pp., ISBN: 0758200390
Could there actually be justice in the universal scheme as Robert Willsop has finally met the man
of
his dreams? No one since the Brownings is a bigger romantic then Robert, a believer in
forever-true
love, though he rarely scores a fleeting relationship. Perhaps German Count Siegfried von
Schmidt
shares that same hopeless feeling. Even when wealthy charismatic Michael Starks tries to steal the
boyfriend from his best friend, the count remains true to his beloved Robert. Siegfried takes
Robert
back to Berlin where they plan to marry. However, strange happenings in Seigfried's mansion
scare
Robert, who calls across the ocean to gain advice from his amazonian lesbian buddy Monette.
Michael flies to Europe and Monette follows him as someone has killed Robert's fianc‚. The
German
police believe the visiting gay American murdered his lover in a domestic rage incident. Thus,
once
again the trio tries to ferret out the identity of Someone Killed His Boyfriend as they once did for
Michael. The second tale in David Stukas' humorous gay trio of amateur sleuths is a fun story that
much like the first novel concentrates on the cross-Atlantic lifestyle of the heroes. The
who-done-it
is fun to observe, but also as with the debut novel takes a back seat (but not quite as much) to
Robert and cohorts as they romp through Germany. Fans of gay amateur sleuths will enjoy Going
Down For The Count, want to read the first tale Someone Killed His Boyfriend and expect David
Stukas to tell the story of the murder of Monette's lover next.
Baby, Baby
Kylie Adams
Kensington
Aug 2002, $6.50. 320 pp., ISBN: 0821769391
Straight to video movie queen Tatiana Fox knew her marriage was not going well, but is stunned
when her spouse Kerr informs her he is divorcing her because he is gay. While he seeks the real
Kerr
and moves in with his male lover, her husband tells Tatiana that she has full custody of their twin
babies, Ethan and Everson. Timing is everyone in the movie industry as Tatiana learns as she
auditions for a part that could make her career, but she has he two toddlers accompanying her.
She
gets a break when former Australian soccer star Jack Thorpe agrees to watch her children while
she
performs. Later Tatiana hires a financially strapped Jack to be her personal trainer and to help
with
the kids. As Jack and the infants bond, he and Tatiana fall in love. However, she was burned once
by
a hunk and also has a rising career to develop making a relationship between them unlikely unless
matchmaking babies have their way. Baby, Baby is a lighthearted romp that satirizes Hollywood
superegos. Jack is a wonderful lead protagonist while Tatiana the wannabe superstar seems like a
caricature of a starlet yet Tatiana the mother and lover seems so human. The story line never
takes
itself too seriously entertaining fans from the moment Tatiana receives the message from Kerr
ending their marriage until the final curtain call.
Love Me Again
Wendy Burge
Kensington
Sep 2002, $5.99, 352 pp., ISBN: 0821774492
In 1808 in the Grand Duchy of Austenberg, Christina reluctantly tells her husband Varek that she
is
pregnant. He fears the news as he loves his wife, but she has suffered several miscarriages before.
He knows if it happens again, he will have to adhere to the responsibility as the Duchy's ruler that
requires he divorce her, remarry, and get the heir from his second wife. Tragedy strikes as
Christina
suffers another miscarriage. Six years later in England, Christina is married to Lord Robert St.
Pole.
They have a child Eddie. When Robert is assigned to go to Vienna for the Congress, his wife is
required to accompany him. In Vienna, Varek sees Christina for the first time since she fled their
home following the divorce six years ago. He has looked for her since without any hint of where
she
went. Christina informs him that she could not remain in Austenberg as his mistress. Varek insists
he
and Christina are soul mates, even as Robert jealously objects that she is his wife, but mostly she
has
Eddie to consider. The first half of Love Me Again is a great historical romance due to a cleverly
designed triangle highlighted by a powerful dilemma and great insight into 1815 Vienna.
However,
the tale chooses an easy solution by changing Robert's behavior from a loving father and husband
to
a jealous half-crazed lunatic. Though entertaining, Wendy Burge's climax turns too simplistic
leading
to a tale that falls short of what had the makings of one of the Regency's top novel of the
year.
Birthday Party Murder
Leslie Meier
Kensington
Aug 2002, $22.00, 288 pp., ISBN: 1575668327
The townsfolk of Tinker's Cove, Maine are excited over the upcoming Miss Tilley Day
celebrating
the retired librarian's ninetieth birthday. Especially feeling pretty good about the bash as well as
her
resolve to war with the aging process is Pennysaver reporter, amateur sleuth, wife and mother
Lucy
Stone. However, the elation is tampered with the news that attorney Sherman Cobb died. State
police detective Horowitz concludes suicide, but Sherman's partner Bob Goodman thinks
otherwise.
He asks Lucy to investigate the death even as she must deal with domestic non-tranquillity, as
each
member of her family demands her time and effort pulling her in different directions. Birthday
Party
Murders is a solid ninth Lucy Stone entry as the intrepid juggler precariously balances her work,
the
big gala, the investigation, and her family woes in a way that only a mother (or a single dad)
would
fully appreciate. The story line is cleverly designed so that the cops believe suicide while the
partner
refuses to accept that verdict even though the victim had pancreatic cancer. Though the
who-done-it
is fun, it's the cast from feisty Miss Tilley to a guilt feeling Bob for not thanking his partner for
bringing him into the firm to others that make trips to Tinker's Cove more than just a cozy
visit.
Simple Riches
Mary Campisi
Zebra Books
Aug 2002, $5.99, 315 pp., ISBN: 0821772813
Helen and Walter Chamberlain raised their niece Alexandra after the deaths of the girl's parents.
Unlike her parents, her guardians taught Alex that one must always be professional and work
harder
than anyone else does if they are to succeed. Alex adheres to that guidance as she kills herself in
order to make her uncle proud of her accomplishments while working for his company,
developers
of luxury resorts. Alex is investigating Restalline, Pennsylvania as the possible next sight of a
WEC
Management development property. She must buy land, but a key player Dr. Nick Androvich,
who
recently returned home a widow with an eight-year- old son, rejects her development project. As
Alex and Nick argue over progress they fall in love leading to the dilemma of deciding between a
chance for a lifetime of happiness and her life's goal to please her uncle. Simple Riches is a
simplistic
contemporary romance that stays on the critical path of the interesting story line, which makes for
a
deep look at a character struggling with opposite pulls. Alex is the novel as she internally battles
between her duty to her family, business, and a lifetime of lessons vs. her love for Nick, his child,
and the townsfolk. The secondary cast is a strong group that includes Nick who though obviously
important and in most scenes is an impetus to the emotional turmoil of the heroine. This is a
strong
tale by a powerful author who keeps the plot uncomplicated yet lucid and engaging.
Labyrinth
Mark T. Sullivan
Atria
Aug 2002, $25.00, 359 pp., ISBN: 0743439805
In 2004 at the University of Tennessee, internationally renowned physicist Dr. MacPherson
notices
the findings that an assistant Gregor obtains with a moon rock specimen. An elated MacPherson
claims the results that show rock 66095 contains strong superconductivity traits as his own. He
boasts how he will receive the Novel prize for the work. A stunned Gregor kills the professor.
Gregor is convicted of the crime, but not before he hides the rock inside Labyrinth Cave,
Kentucky.
Three years later NASA hires Tom Burke and his daughter Cricket to escort them into Labyrinth
Cave to find the missing rock. His wife Whitney suffers nightmares and though internationally
famous refuses to enter the cave where last year her assistant died while she barely escaped.
However, Gregor escapes with some fellow prisoners and heads to Labyrinth Cave to collect the
rock that will make him rich and famous. He and his associates capture the Burkes and the NASA
team inside the cave. Only Whitney can lead a rescue party, but she has not entered any cavern
since
the nightmare occurred, but the stakes are the two people she loves most. At times Labyrinth
seems
more like a Hollywood thriller than a novel, but Mark T. Sullivan cleverly augments the plot with
a
personal crisis and an incredible underworld panorama. The story line is loaded with action on a
global scale and on an individual level as the world is in trouble if Gregor regains the rock while
Whitney battles herself. Mr. Sullivan provides a powerful tale that winks at the movie industry,
which works fine for this novel.
The Iron Road: A Stand For Truth And Democracy In Burma
James Mawdsley
North Point Press/Farrar Straux Giroux
Jun 2002, $16.00, 397 pp., ISBN: 0865476373
In 1988 though her democratic political party won the national elections in a romp, the military
refused to let go of power and instead placed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest, killed
many of her supporters, and drove others into exile. When British citizen James Mawdsley learned
about the incarceration of the Burmese Nobel Laureate, he became outraged. Mawdsley became a
one-man band staging protests and distributing antigovernment paraphernalia and is finally
arrested
and sentenced for seventeen years for various crimes that will shock western sensitivities to learn
the
felonis he committed. Mr. Mawdsley tells his story on why he chose an activist path to shake up
more then just the Burmese government, but to wake up the western democracies. Most readers
will
have dual feelings about the author, as his fanatic behavior seems suicidal yet courageous making
him a fascinating character. The autobiography is taut and well written, gripping the audience
from
start to finish and deserves a large readership as the lesson learned is don't sit passively by
whining,
take action even small steps matter.
The Camel Of Destruction
Michael Pearce
Poisoned Pen Press
Aug 2002, $24.95, 250 pp., ISBN: 1590580249
In 1910, Gareth Owen serves as the Mamur Zapt in the British colony Egypt. Gareth's job is to
resolve crimes with political implications. When the economy was booming, Gareth often looked
the
other way. The recent economic collapse makes those cases he pursues that much harder as no
one
wants to cooperate. When A Ministry of Agriculture civil servant dies at his work desk, Gareth
claims potential political problems with this death. He leads the official inquiry even as pressure
mounts for him to end the investigation immediately. Normally, Owen would heed the advise of
the
local establishment including his peers and superiors, but this time he stubbornly follows the
money
trail of the deceased though his actions places his position in jeopardy. This historical who-done-it
will excite readers on several levels. The story line contains an engaging police procedural, a
fabulous look at a rarely seen time and locale (at least in western novels), and a glimpse into the
hierarchy of the Empire where the sun never set. Historical, mystery, and political fans will enjoy
The Camel Of Destruction as Michael Pearce provides a triumphant look back into a bygone era
through the microscope of a strong investigative tale.
Eternal Warriors
Theodore Beale
Pocket Books
March 2000, $6.50 396 pp., ISBN 0671018930
The Lord threw Lucifer and his ilk out of heaven, but the evil one is not contented to rule in Hell.
He wants to reign in Heaven and cast his creator out of his domain. The key to Lucifer's battle
plan
is a young Earthling, Christopher, a nerdy lad who gets picked on at school and finds solace in
video
games. The fallen angel Kaym visits Christopher offering great power if the lad opens Heaven's
Gate; Christopher eagerly accepts. He succeeds in his mission and the dark angels win the battle
for
heaven and they now want to take dominion over another of God's worlds. Christopher helps with
the war plans but just as victory is within their grasp, the boy realizes what he has become and
tries
to change Lucifer's certain victory into a heavenly defeat. Eternal Warriors is a fantasy thriller that
describes the ultimate battle between good and evil. The characters are realistic and are symbolic
of
good or evil. The protagonist is a complex person who is not very likable until he sees the truth
and
tries to atone what he has caused. Christopher makes Theodore Beale's novel a very different kind
of
reading experience, one that the audience will remember in their prayers.
The World In Shadow
Theodore Beale
Pocket Books
Sept 2002, $12.95, 368 pp., ISBN 067102954X
Christopher, Jami and Holli Lewis are teens who fought one battle in the cosmic war between
Good
and Evil. They are now God's Eternal Warriors, fighting on the front lines when they are called
upon
to defeat, at least temporarily, the fallen angels. Christopher, who fought on the wrong side before
he saw the light, is much more serious about the war around him then the twins who want to have
a
little fun. The fallen angel Kaym vows retribution on his former prot‚g‚e Christopher for turning
on
him. He sees the tools of his vengeance in high school seniors Brien and Derek, victims of the
school
jocks who hold them in contempt and consistently beat them up. Kaym intends to use Brien and
Derek to do it. Even a powerful fallen angel can forget that in the war between evil and good,
good
will can eventually triumph in unexpected ways. In The World In Shadow, the cosmic battle of
good
and evil is played out against a high school in the heartland of America. The novel can be read as
visionary fiction or a fantasy novel but either way Theodore Beale makes it lucid that the light of
goodness always clearly shines in the darkest of night. The three protagonists are believable
characters, which makes their actions and decisions a victory for fans.
The Art Of Seduction
Melanie George
Pocket Books
Aug 2000, $6.99, ISBN: 0743442725
In 1842 Kent, Dominick Carlisle makes love to the seductress wearing the domino, but is shocked
to
realize she had been a virgin. After she leaves, he finds the handkerchief she left behind containing
the monogram A.S. Dominick thinks he made love to Annabelle Sutherland, but in actuality it was
her sister Parris. Dominick becomes engaged to Annabelle only to catch her in bed with his
brother.
Dominick makes her call off the engagement. After being away as a soldier for the next eight
years
later, Dominick comes home. When he sees Parris, he realizes the mistake of almost marrying the
wrong woman, as he wants her by his side. He is also determined to unmask Lady Scruples, a
female
avenger wrecking havoc on the libidinous male populace. He concludes Scruples is Parris, which
adds fervor to his need to seduce Parris into marrying him. He now knows which sister he always
has loved, but to persuade her that he desires her, not her sibling, will take all his skills. The Art
Of
Seduction is an exciting Victorian romance that stars two wonderfully intelligent lead charcaters.
Dominick and Parris are the strength of the novel yet their acumen is also the flaw as the problems
between them sees too trivial for such astute individuals. The absorbing story line contains clever
exchanges between the protagonists that amuse sub-genre readers who will appreciate Melanie
George.
Fanning The Flame
Kat Martin
Pocket Books
Aug 2002, $6.99, ISBN: 0743419162
In 1806 Earl Adam Hawthorne finds himself attracted to Jillian Whitney though she is reportedly
the
mistress of a codger old enough to be her grandfather, the Earl of Fenwick. Gossip aside, Jillian is
a
penniless innocent all alone except for Fenwick taking her in and caring for her as if she really is
his
ward; her sire was a close friend of his until he died. Adam hears a shot and almost immediately
finds
he holds a shocked Jillian in his arms. Jillian tells him that someone killed Fenwick with a servant
accusing her of the deed. To avoid prison she begs Adam to hide her, which he does. As they fall
in
love, a war wages within his mind as he wonders if once again a deceitful female has used her
wiles
to trick him. Still he desperately seeks proof of her innocence in the homicide as easily as he
learned
how innocent she was in the boudoir. Though the return of lead characters from previous tales
add a
feel of homecoming for Kat Martin fans, the well written Fanning The Flame is an exciting but by
the numbers Regency romantic suspense. The story line entertains the audience, but has no twists
even with the amateur sleuth investigation. Jillian is a desperate damsel in distress while Adam is a
brooding cynic skeptical about her yet unable not to be her knight in muted armor. Regency
purists
will applaud Ms. Martin's likable tale.
American Empire: The Center Cannot Hold
Harry Turtledove
Del Rey
Jul 2002, $27.95, 512 pp., ISBN: 0345444213
The Great War is over with the United States of America and its ally Germany victorious. For the
Confederate States of America it means their first defeat with all the acrimonious accusations
following the loss. The noble victories in the War of Secession and the Second Mexican War
seem
like distant history lessons though not much more than a half of a century has passed. By 1924, a
new generation replaces the glorious war leaders with the incumbents fighting to hold on to their
power while insurgents want to grasp authority. In the United States of America, post war
prosperity is the greatest the nation has ever known so the in party has the edge. In the
Confederate
States of America, the defeat is psychologically damaging and the economy is as depressed as
ever.
Civil war explodes in Mexico and the USA control of Canada is tenuous due to terrorist activities
of
separatist freedom fighters. Violence fueled by poverty even among the winners threaten control.
However, the American Empire learns that the Center Cannot Hold when the aerial attack from
Asia
occurs. Insightful, the latest entry in the American Empire: The Center Cannot Hold demonstrates
why Harry Turtledove is so highly regarded. The detailed plot adheres to the time line and
anecdotal
information from the previous novels, but moves the clock forward at a very slow pace. Fans of
the
series will want to see what happens to their heroes during the 1920s, but casual readers need to
realize that era is a relatively quiet decade even in the Turtledove alternate world when compared
to
the previous generation's Great War.
The Voyage Of The Jerle Shannara: Morgawr
Terry Brooks
Del Rey
Sept 2002, $27.95, 416 pp., ISBN 0345435729
Walker, the last druid in the world, organizes an expedition on the airship Jerle Shannara to cross
the sea to Castledown to find the magic book of the ancients. Along the way they find the lost
gemstones of Shannara that once belonged to the elves, but they also realize that Walker's
greatest
enemy, the Isle Witch along with her minions, is following them. They meet in a final
confrontation
in the ruins of Castledown. Although Walker is mortally wounded, he and the Sword of Shannara
force his deadly foe to realize who she is and what she has done. The truth sends the Isle Witch
into
a catatonic state. With his dying breath Walker changes her brother Bek back to watch over her.
Later a spirit walker tells Bek that his sister must be kept safe for she has a destiny that must be
fulfilled. this no easy task for the demon Morgawr, the Isle Witch's mentor, has come to find his
traitorous prot‚g‚e and kill her. Sometimes Terry Brooks' works matches the best of J.R. Tolkien
and The Voyage Of The Jerle Shannara: Morgawr is one of those great instances in which the
author succeeds. Elves, gnomes, dwarves, elves and druids are so vividly portrayed that readers
come to believe they are real. There are many heroes and heroines in this tale, some of who give
their lives so that others may escape the dangers they find themselves in. The author cleverly sets
up
the reader for the next Shannara trilogy where the Isle Witch plays a prominent and surprising
role.
Fans of epic fantasy will definitely want to read this exciting work.
Dragonstar
Barbara Hambly
Del Rey
Jun 2002, $24.95, 292 pp., ISBN: 0345441214
Dragonslayer Lord John Aversin waits death for the hideous crime of trafficking with demons
though his cause was noble and honorable. Still, his fate may seem helpless, but John tries to
figure
out a way to escape his incarceration before the executioner completes the task of killing him.
Perhaps at one time his beloved Jenny Waynest could have saved him through her magic, but she
lost that when he chose humanity, specifically her husband, in a previous battle. The Demon
Queen
Aohila visits John in his cell informing the condemned man that his spouse Jenny is dying from the
poisoned arrows of the gnomes. The dragon comes next and takes John away from certain death
even as war between the armies of hell and humanity explodes. Will John find and save his Jenny
and
if so will they finally comprehend friend from foe in a realm in which magic makes it impossible to
delineate who will amiably dine with you while plotting to kill you? Though a fine recap opens the
exciting epic fantasy Dragonstar, to fully savor the tale the audience needs to read previous novels
in
the series (see Dragonsbane, Dragonshadow and Knight Of The Demon Queen). The story line
continues the adventures of John and Jenny yet retain consistency through these two heroes. The
action packed story line provides closure to previous threads while containing the belief that good
and evil depends on the relationship between the transmitter and the receiver. Barbara Hambly has
another winner that will more than satisfy her fans.
Blood Junction
Caroline Carver
Mysterious Press
Sept 2002, $24.95, 323 pp., ISBN 0892967706
India Kane is looking forward to her reunion with her best friend Lauren in the small Australian
outback town of Cooinda. Before she reaches her destination, a good Samaritan who turns out to
be
an off-duty policeman picks her up. He drops her off at the place where she's supposed to meet
Lauren, but her pal is not there. India goes to the place where Lauren resides hoping to find her
there. After waiting overnight, Lauren goes back into town where she is arrested for the death of
Lauren and the off-duty police officer who picked her up. She has an alibi but nobody can find
him
leaving Lauren in jail until a mysterious benefactor posts $250,000 bail. More death's occur
connected to the story that Lauren was working on and India, who is also a journalist, intends to
discover what is going on or die trying. Blood Junction is the winner of the Crime Writer's
Association New Writer's Award and it is very easy to see why. The story line is fast-paced and
global in scope yet uses a local homicide to turn the plot into an international conspiracy. The
heroine is a strong woman, capable of surviving on her own in the Outback as well as in the city
and
hopefully India will star in an ongoing series.
A Body In The Bathhouse
Lindsey Davis
Mysterious Press
Sept 2002, $24.95, 304 pp., ISBN 0892967714
Cotta and Gloccus were incompetent workers who installed informer (the ancient Roman
equivalent
to the modern day private eye) Marcus Didus Falco's new bathhouse. A terrible odor emanating
from his new edifice forces Falco to dig up the floor where he finds the remains of a man who was
murdered. Cotta and Gloccus are nowhere to be found, but Falco thinks they might be headed for
Britain where King Togidubnus, a favorite of the Roman Emperor Vespasian, is having a palace
built with imperial funds. Falco accompanied by his wife, children, and sister travel to the outpost
of
the Roman Empire to find out why there so many overruns and unexplained deaths in building the
palace. Falco's sister Maia wants to escape Rome to elude a deadly spy who has taken to stalking
her after she broke off their relationship. After investigating the building site, Falco finds
corruption,
graft and wholesale stealing but that doesn't explain why somebody murders the manager or why
the
partner of Maria's stalker's is in the area. Readers who see the world through the eyes of a Roman
living in 79 AD notice just how primitive and barbaric they feel Britain is compared to Rome. The
protagonist's difficulties with various family members lighten up a very dark and serious story line.
The mystery is a clever who done it with so many viable suspects that readers won't be able to
guess
who the perpetrator really is.
Too Hot To Handle
Barbara Daly
Harlequin Temptation
Aug 2002, $4.25, 218 pp., ISBN: 0373259875
While in Manhattan on business, Alex Emerson sees Sarah Nevins coming out of a specialty
grocer.
He is very excited to see her because she is the woman he loved when they attended Hollywood
High School together. However, Sarah is icy towards Alex providing him with polite platitudes,
but
refusing to see him. Sarah has never forgiven Alex for deserting her when they had made plans.
Alex
thinks how he searched for her once he was an adult, but never found his beloved Sarah until this
chance occurrence in lower Manhattan. Back in San Francisco, Alex's staff avoids him as he has
been a bear since coming home. Likewise in New York Sarah's employees steer clear of her too as
she is as ferocious as Alex has been since the encounter. Alex realizes he needs Sarah back in his
life
so he decides to hire her firm Great Graphics! to design a new logo for his company. As they
work
close together, the love they shared years ago resurfaces. Now if Sarah trusts Alex that he had no
choice except to leave Hollywood, but looked for his beloved as soon as he could, they can make
it.
Too Hot To Handle is an amusing contemporary romance that feels as if a split screen is in use as
the audience observes the reactions of two staffs towards their CEOs. The story line never takes
itself seriously though the heat between the lead couple is palpable. Readers will enjoy Barbara
Daly's whimsical cross continental romance that focuses in the office as much as the
bedroom.
Strapless
Leigh Riker
Red Dress Ink/Harlequin
Aug 2002, $12.95, 288 pp., ISBN: 0373250185
Manhattan's Darcie Baxter feels quite good about the opportunity to travel to Sydney to open up
a
branch of the company she works for, Wunderkings Lingerie International. She leaves behind her
roommate grandmother, her parents on the other side of the Hudson, and a nasty peer Greta
Hinckley trying to undercut her on the job. On her first night in Australia, Darcie meets sheep
rancher Dylan Rafferty. To her shock, they make love that evening. This is the best sex of Darcie's
life though her few experiences lack depth of comparisons since her occurrences are so sparse she
never even uses her company discounts. Soon Darcie and Dylan fall in love, but he wants her to
marry him and raise children on his station, but she cannot cope with the barefoot pregnant image
that his desire portrays in her mind. Strapless is an engaging contemporary romance that adds the
flavoring of Sydney to the mix. The story line is fun especially when Dylan talks in "Ozspeak" and
Darcie communicates in "Manhattanese" mindful of Crocodile Dundee without the adventure.
Though the nastiness of Greta is too obvious for her to get away with her shenanigans, readers
will
relish Leigh Riker's wild Down Under ride.
Loose Screws
Karen Templeton
Red Dress Ink/Harlequin
Sep 2002, $12.95, 336 pp., ISBN: 0373250197
The son of a Congressman, attorney Greg Munson fails to show up at the altar, jilting Ginger
Petrocelli. Greg's family files a missing person report so NYPD investigates. Detective Nick
Wojowoski visits Ginger to question her about her vanished fianc‚, but she offers nothing except
a
memory. Nick and Ginger shared sex years ago, but though he would like to have another go she
would not. Greg calls his parents and Ginger to say he is okay and is not dead or kidnapped, but
that
he suffered cold feet at the last moment. Ginger moves on, emotionally stable, until she loses her
Manhattan apartment that she sublets from Anne Murphy when the woman abruptly returns from
Hollywood to do the soaps. The loss of her apartment is more devastating than the demise of her
engagement. Because of costs to rent in Manhattan, Ginger moves in with her hippie mom and
ethnic grandmother making for three generations of women struggling not to kill each other.
Meanwhile Nick begins making inroads towards having a relationship with Ginger. Loose Screws
is
a humorous relationship romp starring an engaging lead character struggling to sever herself from
her blood relations. The story line is fun to read as Ginger feels like hiding in a bag when her
mother
blows off other people or her grandmother acts so old world Italian. Nick is a hunk who provides
the romantic element to a warm relationship drama.
Truly, Madly, Deeply
Vicki Lewis Thompson
Harlequin Blaze
Aug 2002, $4.50, 243 pp., ISBN: 0373790562
Dustin Ramsey, CEO of struggling Ramsey Enterprises, hires private Investigator Jennifer
Madison
to locate Erica Deutchmann. Dustin thinks back to when they were in high school together and he
had sex with her in his car. He happened to be a virgin though he pretended to be otherwise as
befitting a football star. All he can remember is how badly he performed that day. Jennifer finds
Erica running a romantic advice newsletter in Dallas under a different surname. Dustin arranges to
meet with Erica offering a deal involving two weeklies he owns. As Erica and Dustin meet, the
sparks fly and they share sex like neither has ever felt. They begin to fall in love, but she is a tree
hugger and he drives racing cars making a permanent relationship very unlikely. Fans of heated
romantic tension that emanates from every page will want to wear asbestos gloves, as Truly,
Madly,
Deeply is a torrid tale that contains scorching scenes. The lead couple is a delightful pair, but
especially Dustin who is still embarrassed after a decade from his horrendous sexual performance
with Jennifer. Fans of contemporary romance with a 212-degree temperature will want to read
Vicki
Lewis Thompson's latest impassioned novel.
Take Me
Cherry Adair
Harlequin Blaze
Aug 2002, $4.50, 250 pp., ISBN: 0373790554
Simon Falcon informs his son Paul and his nephew Joshua that he will split family company
Falcon
International Development Company between them when they both marry. The first to wed will
have controlling interest. Paul is marrying tomorrow so Joshua needs a bride tonight. At a diner
on
the California Nevada border, Joshua persuades a financially desperate waitress with the nametag
Vera to elope with him though he is unaware and uninterested that this is not her name. She
agrees,
they marry, and he leaves her without even a kiss or a goodbye. Seven years later, Joshua sees a
beautiful woman at a party his uncle hosts. Simon introduces Jessica Adams to his nephew.
Though
Simon knows who she is, Joshua fails to recognize that Jessica is "Vera", his wife who has never
asked him for what he promised her, anything in the world. All Jessica wants from Joshua is to
give
her a baby. Neither expected to fall in love when he pursues her especially since he is rightfully
called Glacier. Take Me is an enjoyable contemporary romance though the audience will find it
very
difficult to feel the slightest positive vibe towards Joshua. The story line concentrates on the lead
couple as the delightful Jessica tries to melt the Glacier by enflaming the ice that has petrified his
heart. Fans of tales starring a warm female arousing the right feelings in an iceberg male will want
to
read Cherry Adair's novel.
The Real Allie Newman
Janice Carter
Harlequin SuperRomance
Aug 2002, $5.25, 297 pp., ISBN: 0373710798
In Kingston, Ontario, college math teacher Allie Newman bikes on a path in training for a
triathlete
event when she observes an elderly man and a dog fall into the Caturaqui River when the edge
gives
way. Allie rescues the blind man and his Seeing Eye dog leading to her appearance in People's
magazine. Private investigator Joel Kennedy arrives from Michigan claiming that her father, who
died ten months ago, ran away with her when she was three. Her grandfather Spiro Kostakis saw
the
People picture that he claims is the spitting image of his deceased daughter. He wants to see Allie
for several reasons, but especially because he suffers from leukemia and she is his last hope for a
match for a needed bone marrow transplant. Joel shows a photo that matches one she owns so
Allie
agrees to meet her family. However, as Joel and Allie become better acquainted they fall in love,
but
with threats to her life she wonders whether she can trust him. Fans of romantic suspense are in
for a
treat with The Real Allie Newman, an exhilarating tale that runs at a pace that the heroine would
want to achieve in a triathlon. The story line moves forward rather quickly, but takes enough time
to
insure that the reader fully appreciates the inane goodness of Allie and the internal conflict ripping
Joel asunder. Though the Michigan cast never fully develops except for being creepy bad people
that
even a mother would question kinship let alone a long lost relative, readers will have a good time
perusing Janice Carter' fine tale.
The Man On The Cliff
Janice Macdonald
Harlequin SuperRomance
Aug 2002, $5.25, 296 pp., ISBN: 0373710771
California writer Kate Neeson visits Cragg's Head, Ireland to do an article on deceased folksinger
Moruadh. Though they never met, Kate considered Moruadh a friend as they talked several times
by
phone before the singer fell off a cliff. Kate needs this article as she has paid her own way to come
here and hopes a Moruadh piece will result in a permanent staff position on Modern World
magazine. After just a few interviews, Kate realizes that most of the locals believe that Moruadh's
husband, photographer Niall Maguire, killed her rather than a suicide or an accident having
occurred. Kate questions Niall about his relationship with his departed spouse, but he obviously
hides a dark secret from her. When another villager is found dead, circumstantial evidence points
towards Niall as the culprit. Only Kate believes he is innocent, but she wonders if she sees him
through Irish rose glasses. Fans of contemporary romantic gothic novels will be enthralled by
Janice
Macdonald's charming The Man Of The Cliff. The story line is pleasant as all the gothic elements
from the castle to the foggy atmosphere to the brooding male that the heroine loves are there to
spice up the suspense. Kate is a fine character though some of her decisions seem inane as she
places
herself in danger. Still the story line and Niall prove that a writer of Ms. Macdonald's caliber can
take the gothic out of the historical setting and successfully place it in an entertaining modern day
plot.
Disappear
Kay David
Harlequin SuperRomance
Aug 2002, $5.25, 296 pp., ISBN: 0373710747
After spending the past year in a remote Peru village, Alexis Mission returns home to New
Mexico.
Neither her parents nor her four-year-old brother knows she is coming because she fears rejection
from father, who told her never to come back. However, no one is home yet it looks like her
family
left abruptly. Government agent Gabriel O'Roarke tells her that her family was murdered and she
is
unsafe so he forces her to vanish. Gabriel feels bad that he lied because her family still lives under
a
new name for their protection. Ten years later, Alex realizes that someone has entered her Austin
home stealing a sketch she made of her family. Using the drop number Gabriel left her she gets in
touch with him. He arrives and soon they fall in love, but he vows to adhere to his pledge to her
father to keep her safe while knowing what will happen to their relationship if she learns the truth.
Disappear is an exhilarating romantic suspense that engages the audience from the moment no one
is
at the Mission home (yet the stove is on) until the female protagonist struggles to figure out what
happened to her family. Gabriel is a martyr doing what ever his country needs while keeping the
Missions safe though he somewhat fails at the latter. The exhilarating novel clearly showcases Kay
David's talent, but one must wonder how incredible the tale could have been if the plot followed
up
with a stunned Alex seeking closure from the moment Gabriel enters her life instead of the decade
gap.
Skin Deep
Tori Carrington
Harlequin Temptation
Aug 2002, $4.25, 218 pp., ISBN: 0373259905
In Tampa, Florida, though he hides his feelings, Michael Romano, a partner in an architect firm,
knows that he wants the company's bookkeeper his best bud Kyra White as his own though he
fears
risking their friendship in any attempt to romance her. Following her latest rejection from some
office loser, Michael takes Kyra to her favorite spot, a bookstore. Tired of male rebuffs, Kyra
buys
Sex Kitten 101 planning to remake her image from competent numbers manager to sexy siren.
From
her hair to lip gloss to clothing, Kyra radically changes her appearance. Men, including a recent
rejecter, desire her, but one kiss makes Kyra realize that she wants Michael. As they fall in love,
Kyra quits her job because of an embezzlement charge hanging over her head. Additionally,
Michael
detests introducing his beloved to his parents because he feels ashamed of their old country ways.
Thus, what easily should be a love of a lifetime built on passion and friendship appears doomed.
Skin
Deep is a well-written torrid romance that reminds this reviewer of a General Hospital sub-tale
(included Carl Anderson's song Friends and Lovers). The story line is what readers expect from
the
talented writing team Tori Carrington as the plot emanates heat from the two delightful lead
characters. Though the embezzlement is interesting, the tension between Kyra and Michael is so
hot
that the money stealing becomes a minor nuisance rather than a strong subplot. Fans of equatorial
relationships will want to read this tale because no one turns up the solar heat quite like this
author
team does.
The Protector
Jule McBride
Harlequin Temptation
Aug 2002, $4.25, 217 pp., ISBN: 0373259913
Manhattan precinct captain Sullivan "Sully" Steele is considered a great cop renowned as the
"great
protector" by everyone who knows him except for one particular female. His two brothers and his
father are also highly regarded police officers. However, a shadow has fallen on the Sullivans
when
their dad vanishes with several million dollars he apparently embezzled from a fund containing
public
donations to help cops. Internal Affairs officer Judith Hunt believes Sully's dad is guilty and plans
to
prove it even if she has to rip Sully's image in the process. She admits to herself that she finds
Sully
quite attractive while he reciprocates her deep feelingsbut both hide it from the other. As Sully
wants
someone to love, he desperately tosses a bottle with a note inside into the Hudson. Judith finds
the
note and a mail box relationship starts with neither knowing the identity of the other. Even if they
did and love blossoms into full bloom, nothing can come of this because his dad remains between
them. Though Sully's mom hiding her Lotto winnings just to get her sons married when her
husband
is in deep legal trouble seems strange to this reviewer, fans will enjoy this police procedural
romance. The story line hooks the audience early on two levels. First readers feel the tension
between the lead characters and second fans observe the investigation as it unfolds and causes
havoc
and misunderstanding between Judith and Sully. Jule McBride provides a strong tale entry that
ties
up the Sullivan threads yet entertainingly can stand-alone.
The Mercenary
Marlys A. Rold
Five Star Books
Sep 2002, $26.95, 307 pp., ISBN: 0786240784
American Jennifer Holt hires Matt Blackburn to retrieve her beloved five year old daughter
Amber,
abducted by her ex-spouse Ahmed Monem and taken to Algeria. Matt sets in motion the attempt,
but is unable to persuade Jennifer that she needs to remain in a safe house. Jennifer feels strongly
she
must come insisting that her daughter needs her because she suffers from diabetes. Matt leads his
team of four counting Jennifer, but apparently Ahmed, who has connections with terrorist
organizations, know they are coming. As they enter hostile environment and get closer to the
retrieval, Matt and Jennifer fall in love. However, if they survive, the chances of a California
homebody and a mercenary forming a permanent relationship are less likely than the success of
this
mission impossible. The Mercenary is an exciting no-stop action thriller that never slows down on
the throttle even when it seems that Amber is safe. The story line is filled with intriguing,
unsavory
characters that, though paid, perform heroics to save a stranger. Though the repetitiveness of
Jennifer and Matt arguing over her accompanying the commando team becomes irritating after
awhile, fans of suspense thrillers will take pleasure in Marlys A. Rold's strong action tale.
Night Wind
Stephen Mertz
Five Star Books
Sep 2002, $26.95, 261 pp., ISBN: 0786243538
After divorcing her husband Jeff Lovechio, a Chicago Realtor, for cheating on her, Robin Curtis
and
her twelve-year-old son Paul relocate to Devil Creek, New Mexico. Robin will teach at the local
school. Her neighbor is also new to the town as Mike Landiware gave up his teaching at the
university in Albuquerque to escape from the memories of his beloved but now deceased wife.
The
quiet town seems perfect to Robin until punk Bobby Caldwell goes on a shooting rampage before
killing himself. That same night a serial killer starts murdering a woman every evening. The
townsfolk are on edge and Robin wonders if her ex is the culprit as he has recently threatened her
by
phone. However, when Paul and a friend vanish in the mountains chased by a paramilitary grpoup,
a
frantic Robin turns to Mike to rescue her son. What they face and what is going on will leave both
shaken, if they survive to tell it. Fans of government conspiracies (including defrocked scientists)
will enjoy Night Wind, a fast-paced thriller in which the suspense never slows down until the end.
The story line is loaded with non-stop action, but takes the time to describe the town, some of its
residents, and a budding romance between the two emotionally raw neighbors. Though a subplot
involving a Native American shaman is underutilized except as a mountain guide and the hero's
Green Beret skills is too convenient, readers will still want more novels like this one's faster than
the
speed of light pace from Stephen Mertz.
The Way Upcountry
Barrington King
Five Star Books
Sep 2002, $26.95, 315 pp., ISBN: 0786244070
In 1864, Joel Devereux returns from Barcelona to Georgia having spent the Civil War overseas.
Joel
knows his family, especially the patriarch Auguste loathes him for writing an article on
emancipating
the slaves. Carrying plenty of guilt for exchanging jobs with his sibling who died in combat in his
place, Joel looks forward to seeing his beloved "wife" Susannah Goode and formally marrying her
this time. Joel has adventures including rescuing society women while also eluding both sides of
the
conflict until he reaches Catesville, Georgia where he reunites with Susannah. However, to
permanently be together, Joel must find away to keep Auguste out of his life as his father objects
to
Susannah's background. The prodigal son believes freedom for this couple lies in the solving the
recent robbery of the Dahlonga gold stolen from the local branch of the Devereux bank. The Way
Upcountry is an engaging historical fiction novel with enough romance to please fans of both
genres.
The robbery provides some investigative elements, but not enough to entice the mystery audience.
The story line vividly describes the "refuge" of the Georgia Mountains as Sherman is on his way
from Chattanooga to Atlanta. The cast is strong and through their actions, especially Joel's,
readers
obtain a taste of life near the end of the American Civil War a relatively short distance from the
front.
A Whisper Of Suspicion
Jane Edwards
Five Star Books
Sep 2002, $26.95, 237 pp., ISBN: 0786243747
Security expert Penny "Lasko" Farnsworth plans to use the unexpected money she inherited from
the recently departed sister of her deceased adopted father to find Matt Devlin. When she was
seven
residing in a San Francisco orphanage, Matt was her knight in shining armor always rescuing her.
When Ethan Farnsworth adopted her, Penny vowed to never forget Matt and now seventeen
years
later she wants to do something for him. Penny travels to San Francisco to begin her search, but
the
trail seems cold as the orphanage is gone, a victim of the World Series earthquake. She goes door
to
door in the neighborhood until she meets an elderly woman who provides the clue that leads to
Matt. As they become reacquainted and both their business boom, they begin to fall in love.
However, he must overcome his tendency to act like her big brother for she wants him as her
mate
for life. Jane Edwards paints a beautiful contemporary romance that hooks the audience because
the
lead couple is a delightful pair who deserves happiness. The story line allows the romance to
slowly
develop in the background while Penny and Matt work on building up their businesses. Penny's
work
as a flying companion to little children is an intriguing approach to a modern day problem of
extended families separated by geography. Though a smuggling subplot adds unnecessary
suspense,
fans of a realistic romance in a global economy will appreciate A Whisper Of Suspicion.
The Soul Catcher
Alex Kava
Mira
Aug 2002, $24.95, 400 pp., ISBN: 1551669285
In Suffolk County, Massachusetts, the FBI and ATF agents have the secluded cabin surrounded
trapping the six cult members inside with a large cache of weapons. "Father" informs the sextet
that
they must not allow Satan to catch them so they each swallow cyanide capsules just before the
bullets fly. However, Eric Pratt spits out his capsule deciding life with Satan is better than no life.
Six dead in all counting the hostage negotiation team agent. FBI Special Agents Maggie O'Dell
and
R.J. Tully investigate the Massachusetts massacre and the related homicide of Ginny Brier near
the
FDR Memorial. Both are linked by a connection to the charismatic Reverend Joseph Everett.
However, this case has personal implications for the two Feds heading up the inquiries. Maggie's
mother is a member of Everett's church and Tully's daughter was with the victim of the FDR
Memorial killing on the night of the murder. The Soul Catcher is a great FBI tale due to the
strong
secondary cast though one must wonder why the agents were not excused from the case due to
conflicts of interest. Turning a Ruby Ridge-Waco scenario into a real drama works for this novel
because the zillion of support characters seem so genuine leading to a plausible, exhilarating plot.
Alex Kava transforms the imagery of a monolithic FBI and sheep-like cultists into a series of
intelligent human beings who sustain a strong police procedural tale.
Hot Shot
Charlotte Hughes
Mira
Sep 2002, $6.50, 384 pp., ISBN: 1551669412
Atlanta police detective Francis "Frankie" Daniels throws her hard earned career away when she
is
caught in bed with her married partner Jim Connors. The incident would have gone away except
the
father of three happens to be the son-in-law of the police commissioner. Knowing she made a
mistake though she was vulnerable when she performed the act, Frankie agrees to go into exile
accepting a job on the Purdyville, South Carolina police force. Her arrival in the small town starts
off bad when her rental is burned to the ground by arson. It goes worse when she mouths off not
knowing that the listener is her new boss, Police Chief Matt Webber. It finally culminates in her
beating up Willie Jack Pitts, a womanizer who tries to paw her. As Matt and Frankie fall in love,
they investigate the murder of Willie Jack even as she rejects the courtship of the Chief since she
believes he is a womanizer just like Jim is. Hot Shot is an exciting police procedural romance that
never slows down especially when Frankie takes the small town by storm. The story line is
fast-paced with an engaging investigation. Matt is a strong lead protagonist and the support cast
provides a feel for small town Southern living. Though readers will admire Frankie's courage and
dedication, they will insist that Charlotte Hughes place her on decaf if she ever returns to
Purdyville
in future novels.
The Ways Of Grace
Linda Francis Lee
Ballantine Books
Sep 2002, $6.99, 368 pp., ISBN: 0804119953
One day Grace Colebrook felt she owned the world, but that feeling ends rather quickly when she
finds her fianc‚ sleeping with another woman just prior to the ceremony. On the professional
front, a
peer steals her work claiming it as his. When she publicly makes an accusation that she cannot
prove
her boss at Kendrick Toys fires her. Distraught over losing a job she loves, that night Grace ends
up
in the arms of her sexy neighbor whom she has never met. Jack Berenger and Grace share the best
sex of their lives. Jack kills himself working as a New York Emergency Room doctor with no
interest outside of medicine. That changes after his encounter with Grace, who rejects his
follow-up
advances. Meanwhile, Grace agrees to become a foster mother to an orphaned relative Ruth. This
proves as great a challenge as Jack's assault on her heart. This is a very warm relationship drama
that
focuses on the need for loving relationships that most humans require to feel good about one's
self.
The deep characters make Linda Francis Lee's tale happen as the audience will feel for Grace
(though why she was fired so readily seems like a bad business decision), root for Jack, but
especially want Ruth to make it. This is a triumph for those fans that appreciate a wonderful
family
drama.
Reader To Reader: Street Boys
Lorenzo Carcaterra
Ballantine Books
Sep 2002, $25.95, 336 pp., ISBN: 0345410963
In 1943 Italy, three GIs are sent to Naples to investigate the disappearance of two fellow
Americans
working with the resistance who failed to show up when the allies pulled out of the area. Corporal
Steve Connors is separated from his two companions, but meets up with an underground army of
two hundred orphans, whom are the only local occupants of the eerily deserted bombed out
Naples.
Steve and his new allies begin fighting the much more powerful German Panzer Division led by
Colonel Von Klaus. The battle is intense as lives are lost on both sides. The outcome should be
obvious, but is not possible for an army of children and an American law student turned
Commando
to hold back the mighty Nazi war machine, but at what cost and for how long? The action never
slows down as Street Boys matches pace with the blitzkrieg of France. However, the characters
including the hero, some of the resistance who kind of stand out in the crowd, and Von Klaus
seem
like one dimensional depictions of Captain America vs. the Red Skull. Still, fans of World War II
action dramas will enjoy Lorenzo Carcaterra's tale, but wish the heroic Connors was developed as
much as Lee-Kirby did Rogers.
The Death Artist
Jonathan Santlofer
Morrow
Sep 2002, $24.95, 352 pp., ISBN: 006000441X
The first victim was found dead in his bathtub with an arm hanging over the side as if the
individual
posed for David when he painted his famous portrait Marat. The second corpse could have
modeled
for a Picasso masterpiece. The art world is horrified and obviously frightened while law
enforcement
wonders if a new serial killer, The Death Artist, has surfaced. Kate McKinnon Rothstein feels at
home with the merging of homicide and art as a former NYPD detective turned art historian
though
investigating a serial killer is not what she expected to do after a decade away from the force.
However, the culprit seems ironically appreciative of her PBS show that leads Kate to try to stop
the
deranged genius from further imitating art with deadly accuracy. Just looking at the above two
paragraphs, readers will think that The Death Artist is a by the numbers serial killer, but that
would
be an inaccurate portrayal of the novel. Though a serial killer tale, the story line contains much
deeper insight than usual especially into the mind of the murderer and into the political side of the
fine arts. It is no stretch to believe that Kate can combine her two professional experiences in an
attempt to track down the homicidal artist, but what turns Jonathan Santlofer's debut novel into a
near masterpiece is the secondary flavoring of an insider look at the modern world of art.
Partner In Crime
J.A. Jance
Morrow
Aug 2002, $24.95, 370 pp., ISBN: 0380977303
In Bisbee, Arizona someone murders artist Rochelle Baxter just after her works go on display.
The
Cochise County Sheriff's Department led by Joanna Brady investigates the homicide only to learn
that the victim's on record next of kin is the Washington State Attorney General's Office. Seattle
Homicide Detective J.P. Beaumont travels to Bisbee to learn if someone leaked Baxter's identity.
Baxter was actually Latisha Wall, placed in the state's witness protection program for whistle
blowing. Now the star witness is dead just before she was to testify at a trial. However, Brady
does
not welcome the intrusion from the northwest into her jurisdiction. Beaumont is also
uncomfortable
as Bisbee provides nightmarish memories for him. When a second murder occurs, the two
investigators begin to cooperate as respect and romance surface leading to a pooling of their
talents
to ferret out a killer. Readers of either J.A. Jance's two long running series will enjoy the
partnering
of the duet in a solid police procedural. The novel alternates chapters between the stars.
Beaumont
provides a first-person account that shows his disdain for the area yet brilliantly describes this part
of
Arizona. Brady's chapters are written in the third case narrating much of how the sheriff and her
office work the case. The romance between the stars seems unnecessary and unreal, and the use
of a
seemingly available chemical as the murder weapon makes this reviewer uncomfortable. Still,
series
fans will enjoy the merging of the two fine law enforcement officials in an engaging police
procedural.
Buck Fever
Ben Rehder
St. Martin's Press
Sept 2002, $23.95, 272 pp., ISBN 0312291140
Usually the opening week of dear hunting season in Blanco County, Texas is a bit wild but this
year
things get really crazy the week before the season opens. Red O'Brien and Billy Don Craddock
are
poaching on the tail end of the Circle S Ranch when they spot some big dear. They shoot but one
of
the deer they are aiming at is a human in disguise and the other is jumping around like a kangaroo.
Game Warden John Marlin is called onto the scene and recognizes the bouncing deer as Buck
who
his best friend Phil Colby raised as an infant. John gives Buck back to Phil even though the deer
technically belongs to the owner of the Circle S, retired but still powerful lobbyist Roy Swank.
For
some reason, Swank wants the deer back and will go to any length to achieve that goal no matter
who gets hurt in the process. This first installment in this new mystery series is both serious and
funny, sometimes at the same time. The protagonist plays straight man to all the eccentric
characters
that make up the support cast, giving BUCK FEVER an almost slapstick feel at times. The story
line
is well developed with all the sub-plots tying seamlessly into the main tale. Ben Rehder has a
distinctively refreshing and original voice, a bright new star in the mystery genre.
The Saint John's Fern
Kate Sedley
St. Martin's Press
Aug 2002, $23.95, 256 pp., ISBN: 0312276834
In 1477 Roger the Chapman has enjoyed his second marriage for four months, especially the birth
of
his second child. However, Roger still feels restless as he senses that he is needed in Plymouth. He
hitches a ride with Peter Threadgold who is traveling to see his daughter Joanna. Roger learns
from
Joanna that someone viciously beat her neighbor Master Capstick to death with witnesses having
seen the victim's great-nephew leaving the scene of the crime. However, when the King's men
came
to arrest Beric, he had vanished with many locals superstitiously believing that witchcraft through
the application of The Saint John's Fern was used to make Beric invisible. Roger begins to
investigate and that leads to attempts on his life and the insinuation that he was involved in a
second
homicide. Perhaps this time Roger will appreciate home sweet home as his latest adventure turns
quite personal and readers must accept his latest wanderlust. Though the mystery elements are
cleverly written and nicely tied together in the climax, the story line belongs to graphic perusal of
fifteenth century life in England. Roger remains a strong detective, but it is the historical elements
that make Kate Sedley's latest who-done-it a winner for series fans and those readers who relish a
resplendent look at medieval times.
The Fugitive King
Sarah R. Shaber
St. Martin's Press
Sep 2002, $22.95, 240 pp., ISBN 0312-290462
Over forty years ago in the North Carolina Mountain town of Boone, Roy Freedman was courting
his landlord's daughter Eva Porter. When he proposed to her, she refused saying her parents
would
disown her if she married a Mulingeon. Roy was arrested after the family found a lot of blood in
the
area where Eva was last seen. Roy confessed to the murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
He
was in a minimum-security prison, had a lot of privileges and even worked in the governor's
mansion. Roy risked everything he had by walking out of the mansion and holding Professor
Simon
Shaw at gunpoint. He tells the professor he was forced to confess and wants Simon to find out
what
really happened to his beloved Eva. Despite his doubts, Simon is drawn into the man's story and
after Roy surrenders to the law, the professor decides to find out what really happened forty years
ago. The Fugitive King is a delightful amateur sleuth novel though why Roy chose the professor
rather than a pro remains questionable. Still the engaging tale stars a lovable protagonist who is
very
much in touch with his feelings. His sensitivity is the reason he decides to help out a man who
held
him at gunpoint. The support cast consists of a bunch of amiable eccentrics, the kind of people
who
live in a rough and ready mountain town.
Faking It
Jennifer Crusie
St. Martin's Press
Aug 2002, $24.95, 352 pp., ISBN: 0312284683
Matilda Goodnight is so good at copying the grandmasters that if she did not sign with her own
name, professionals would have trouble separating the original from the copy. Her niece sixteen
year
old Nadine sells a fake "Scarlet" painting that Tilda was not planning to release to the public
because
the family art gallery has gone straight since grandpa died. Not only has the selling of a "Scarlet"
painting placed the gallery in jeopardy, the artist Tilda could spend time in prison for forgery.
Tilda
knows she must steal back the incriminating painting from a Ms. Lewis. Former con artist Davy
Dempsey learns how a mark feels when his financial advisor Rabbit Abbott embezzles millions
from
him, giving the money to Clea Lewis. Davy decides to steal back his money from his former
girlfriend. As Davy and Tilda trip over each other with fumbled burglaries, they get stuck in a
closet
to avoid being caught. Soon they team up to abet one another in reacquiring their assets from
Clea,
but neither one expected that collaboration to lead to love. New York Times best selling author
Jennifer Crusie shows why she is so popular with a contemporary screwball romantic comedy.
The
amusing story line engages the audience through the bantering between the lead couple as each
tries
to outwit the other while attempting to accomplish their primary goal. The support cast is a
delight
as they augment the antics of the lead duet. No reader will claim Ms. Crusie is Faking It as she
once
again provides a humorous original tale.
The Slayers Of Seth
P.C. Doherty
St. Martin's Press
Jul 2002, $23.95, 306 pp., ISBN: 0312282648
Pharaoh Hatusu's Chief Judge Lord Amerotke works a homicide case in which the accused Lady
Neshratta allegedly poisoned her Hyksos lover Ipumer in a crime of passion. The evidence is very
strong against the charged; if convicted she will be buried alive in the desert sands. Before
Amerotke
completes this case, another even more visible murder has occurred. Someone killed Egyptian
hero
General Balet. Hatusu orders her Chief Judge to find the culprit because she believes others will
die
too. Amerotke learns that three decades ago, Egypt led by the Panthers of the South defeated the
Hyksos. The surviving victors of that conflict have done quite well for themselves thriving as loyal
followers of Hatusu until someone has targeted this wealthy group for death. Amerotke
accompanies the Panthers on a pilgrimage to the battlefield where they once gained glory hoping
to
learn whom and why. Egyptologists will find The Slayers Of Seth quite enchanting with the depth
of
detail provided to clothing, transportation, shelter, and to a lesser degree the justice system. The
story line is loaded with vivid descriptions that enables the reader to believe they accompany
Amerotke on his adventures, but it also slows down the tale for those readers who desire a
fast-paced ancient historical legal thriller. P.C. Doherty writes a powerful historical novel
overfilled
with seemingly every minute piece of Red Land sand.
Death Is Semi Sweet
Lou Lane Temple
St. Martin's Press
Sept 2002, $23.95, 288 pp., ISBN 0312301227
The plaza, a shopping center in Kansas City, is festive dining the holiday season and Foster's
Chocolates blimp just adds to the glittery atmosphere. Chef Heaven Lee and her friend Stephanie
are
eating at a restaurant in the plaza when they hear gun shots. Somebody shot at the blimp and
killed
the man operating it. Foster's Chocolates is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary in business when a
man trying to destroy them is murdered on the property. Heaven, always interested in solving a
murder case, does a little snooping. She discovers that the Foster family is divided against itself
and
everyone had a motive to kill the man. Things turn really weird when Foster's Chocolates and
Stephanie's Chocolates shop are vandalized, but Heaven is incensed when somebody trashes her
restaurant too. She's very determined to find out who the perp is and bring that individual down.
This culinary mystery should come with a calorie warning: Do not read when hungry. The recipes,
mostly chocolate, are easy to follow and taste delicious (don't say a word). The who-done-it is
excellent because there's seems as many legit suspects as the number of carbo grams in any of the
recipes. Lou Jane Temple has written another tasty amateur sleuth novel.
In Too Deep
Cherry Adair
Ivy
Sep 2002, $6.99, ISBN: 0804120013
With the typhoon coming, former US Navy SEAL Michael Wright knows his margin of safety is
shrinking fast, but decides to see what the Serendipity is doing at sea so he watches from his ship
Nemesis. While Michael is alone, the Serendipity contains three people, a crewmember, Arnaud
the
number one assistant to malfeasant Trevor Church, and Trevor's daughter Tally Cruise. The
explosion that destroys the Serendipity surprises Michael who rescues Tally and believes the other
two are dead. Michael and Tally are attracted to one another from the start though he tries to
ignore
his feelings as he lives solely for vengeance on her father. Michael plans to use Tally as his pawn
even though he finds making love with her brings back to life what her father killed in him. As
several attempts on Tally's life occur, she and Michael fall in love. He must decide between a life
with his beloved or to continue the plot that has kept him breathing for the past year. Though the
actions of others facilitate Michael's decisions, he remains a fresh character dealing with Tally's
sparking positive feelings inside him. The story line is action-packed as the lead couple discovers
they are In Too Deep in a situation that Michael thought he controlled, but will learn otherwise.
Cherry Adair provides readers with a strong romantic suspense thriller starring an anti-hero
converted to hero by his intrepid beloved.
Wild At Heart
Jane Graves
Ivy
Oct 2002, $6.99, ISBN: 0804119694
In Tolosa, Texas game hunter Jack Reichert hires private investigator Valerie Parker to tail his
younger spouse Shannon in order to learn what she does when he is away. Val follows Shannon
to
the Blue Onion where she makes a play for off duty police officer Alex DeMarco. Val wants
nothing
to do with Alex who five years ago was her instructor at the police academy. They made love and
he
flunked her the next morning. Alex reluctantly takes Shannon to her home when her key breaks in
her car lock. Shannon insists there is an intruder in her house so he hesitantly checks. All this is a
ploy so he starts to leave until he feels a sting and falls unconscious. When he awakens Shannon is
dead and the evidence points to him killing her during rough sex with Val as a witness that he was
at
the crime scene. Alex visits Val to find out what she knows. Someone takes a shot at Val slightly
wounding her. As Alex and Val work together, they begin to fall in love but first must find the
killer
before she can understand what happened that night when all her dreams died. Wild at Heart is an
engaging romantic suspense novel that fans will enjoy as the male protagonist is set up to take the
fall with his female counterpart as the prime witness against him. The story line is fast-paced,
though
the grudge adds unnecessary tension that takes away from the taut thriller. The lead couple is a
delightful pair trying to solve a homicide while avoiding the passion of love.
Ecstasy
Nicole Jordan
Ivy
Oct 2002, $6.99, ISBN: 0804119791
In 1813, Raven Kendrick plans to marry the much older "safe" Duke of Halford to honor a pledge
she made to her mother at the latter's deathbed. Raven vowed to marry nobility so after her
mother
died she left Montserrat Island in the Caribbean to live with her great aunt and grandfather. On
the
way to the altar, Sean Lassiter abducts Raven, vowing vengeance for rejecting his courtship. Sean
takes Raven to his brother's successful gaming parlor. The sibling Kell keeps Sean from raping
Raven, but believes she is an evil temptress until he learns she is a virgin when he almost beds the
doped woman. Kell takes Raven home and he proposes to protect her reputation. She surprises
him
with the story she tells her relatives but accepts Kell's offer. As they become better acquainted
their
passion turns into love, but external interference and their own mistrusts and doubts leave their
relationship heading to the rocks. Ecstasy is an exciting historical romance starring two powerful
lead characters though Kell's disbelief of his beloved seems out of place for someone of his
intelligence. The story line is loaded with action and the secondary cast augments the tale with a
flavoring of the era and by meddling in the lead couple's relationship. Nicole Jordan provides a
wonderful Regency tale that sub-genre fans will enjoy.
Protokol: A Novel Of International Intrigue
Eugene Golub and Quinton Skinner
Alliance Press
Aug 2002, $24.95, 400 pp., ISBN: 0971925909
In 1998 St. Petersburg, Russia, GlobusBank official Alexei Sokolov heads to his meeting with
officials from the European Development Bank. GlobusBank is partnering with the American firm
Olen Europe to renovate a historical building. However, two Mercedes block the vehicle
containing
Alexei. Men leave the other cars, approach Alexei's auto, and assassinate him. The cold-blooded
killing of Alexei impacts the Russian presidential election. That in turn begins the potential
toppling
of the current delicate balance of global power like a series of dominoes if secrets are revealed.
David Olen travels to Europe to prevent an international collapse. He knows first hand of the deal
set in the 1970s between a clandestine American government agency, the Soviet Union, and the
Vatican that chose the Pope. If the agreement surfaces global relationships and confidence could
be
destroyed. On first look, readers will brush aside Protokol: A Novel Of International Intrigue as
the
imagination of the authors. However, as the audience digs deeper into the action filled plot with
ever
increasing suspense, the readers will realize the premise is plausible and the details make one
wonder
did it really happen that way? The only reason not to believe it happened that way is inductive as
this
book is published with the writers still alive. Conspiracy thriller fans will love this exciting tale
that
substantiates many beliefs and demand Eugene Golub and Quinton Skinner look at Yalta
next.
The Rogue
Claire Delacroix
Warner Books
Oct 2002, $6.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0446611107
In 1371, Merlyn Lammergeir goes to see his estranged wife Ysabella, but she rejects him as she
has
done for the past five years since she learned he peddled religious relics. Ysabella works
extremely
hard as an ale maker to provide food and shelter for her sister and brother. The next day she finds
out that her spouse died and she inherited his estate Ravensmuir. She moves into the hold. That
night she dreams of making love with Merlyn only to awaken in the morning and know he still
lives
as her dream was real. When she confronts him, he admits he faked his death because he was
framed
for murder. Merlyn believes that Ysabella will uncover the culprit and so set in motion his plan by
giving her the property. Unbeknownst to Ysabella is that Merlyn has a second objective to
reconcile
with his spouse. The Rogue is an exciting historical romance that lives up to its title through the
dynamic charming Merlyn. Ysabella is a fine lead character, but at times one must wonder about
the
cost of her obstinacy on her relatives so that she can comply with her so-called values. The
intrigue
is cleverly handled so that the audience receives a wonderful fourteenth century tale as expected
from the gifted Claire Delacroix.
Stone Kiss
Faye Kellerman
Warner Books
Aug 2002, $25.95, 390 pp., ISBN: 0446530387
New York Conservative Rabbi Jonathan Levine calls his half-brother Los Angeles Police
Lieutenant
Peter Decker for help. Jon explains that someone executed his Orthodox brother-in-law Ephraim
Leiber in a run down New York hotel room. However, the reason Jon wants Peter to come to the
Big Apple is to find his teenage niece Shaynda a probable witness to the murder whom has
vanished.
Though not eager to cross into someone else's jurisdiction, Peter comes to New York. Neither
NYPD, nor Shaynda's parents, nor the townsfolk where the Leibers live welcome Peter on the
scene. Still Peter makes in roads and finds Shaynda in the Manhattan apartment of a
Mob-connected
criminal. However, Peter's inquiries are not finished as Shaynda's story is just beginning and that
tale
will not end happily. Peter's normal co-star in this wonderful series, his wife Rina Lazarus, hardly
appears in Stone Kiss. However, though Rina makes only a cameo appearance, the novel remains
an
exciting entry as one of the better ones in several years. The investigation is handled quite
smoothly
especially when Peter is struggling to overcome the objections of NYPD, a small town police
chief,
and an Orthodox congregation that borders on the Hasidic. Though similar in plot to previous
books
as family troubles start the latest tzuros for Rina and Peter, series fans will enjoy this look at the
East
Coast side of the extended brood.
The Mocking Program
Alan Dean Foster
Warner Aspect
Aug 2002, $24.95, 279 pp., ISBN: 0446527742
For Police Inspector Angel Cardenas another murdered body along the Montezuma Strip is the
norm as an area as industrialized as what was once the Mexican-American border always has
crime.
However, this time the corpse contains a few problems that are abnormal as the remains contains
few organs beyond the worthless heart and the victim's DNA matches the identifications of a local
executive and a Texas businessman. Angel visits the reported home of the victim only to barely
escape a bomb blast. The two female occupants, an alleged wife and daughter, are missing. Other
more unsavory types also seek the adult female and the preadolescent child as they turn out to be
the
ex-wife and twelve-year-old daughter of a crime lord. Using classic police techniques aided by
telepathic intuit abilities, Angel investigates the homicide while searching for the two vanished
individuals that he believes may be the next victims. Alan Dean Foster is the modern day
Renaissance writer, as his abilities seem to have no genre boundaries. His latest tale is a
tremendous
futuristic police procedural science fiction novel that grips the audience from the beginning when
Angel looks at the corpse until the very final twist. The story line is loaded with action, contains
interwoven elements that insure the audience knows the plot occurs in a future decade, but never
loses sight of the who-done-it investigation. Angel is a great protagonist, who hopefully will star
in a
sequel, as The Mocking Program is a triumph that speculative fiction and mystery fans will fully
appreciate.
Pharaoh: Volume II Of Kleopatra
Karen Essex
Warner Books
Aug 2002, $24.95, 406 pp., ISBN: 0446530255
Queen Kleopatra becomes pregnant with her lover Julius Caesar's child. When their son Caesarion
is
born, the lovers return to Rome so that Caesar's son can officially become heir to the Roman
Empire. However, their idyllic days end when Caesar is assassinated and Kleopatra flees to her
homeland where she continues to rule and insure Caesarion's ascendancy to rule the Roman
Empire.
However, Caesar's nephew Octavius believes he is the rightful successor though he currently
shares
leadership in a triad with Mark Antony and Lepidus. Needing an ally to support her son's claim
and
to buffer her own throne, Kleopatra chooses Mark as the best choice to fortify her "triad": her
son,
her country, and herself. As they become lovers, Mark and Kleopatra prepare to battle the
ferocious
Octavius for the throne. Friends, readers, and fellow fans, I come to praise Karen Essex for a
fabulous sequel that furthers the adventures of one of history's great personas, yet paints a
different
portrait of the siren of the Nile as a caring and courageous leader and not just an ancient
centerfold.
The story line is at its best when Kleopatra stands in the center of the tale, but seems distracted a
bit
when the real events of the times become logically the focus as is the case in many of the better
historical fictions. Pharaoh: Volume II Of Kleopatra is a powerful biographical fiction that makes
a
strong argument for revising the popular image of Kleopatra, but does so inside an engaging
novel.
The Saga Of Seven Suns: Hidden Empire, Book 1
Kevin J. Anderson
Warner Books
Jul 2002, $23.95, 464 pp., ISBN: 0446528625
By the middle of the twenty-fifth century, humanity has proven its adaptability by accepting that
we
are not alone and in fact are the third sentient space travelers in our galaxy. The Ildirans have
explored space for centuries finding the abandoned ruins of the Klikiss back in the mid twentieth
century earth time. The Ildirans have shared science and technology speeding up humanity's
journey
in the galaxy. In 2427, xeno-archaeologists Margaret and Louis Colicos know how to use a
Klikiss
device to convert a gas giant planet into a sun. They choose a hydrogen giant five times the size
of
Jupiter with numerous moons to create a new solar system for commercial venture. However, the
implosion arouses a fourth intelligent race previously unknown to humanity and the Ildirans, the
even more advanced Hydrogues, dwellers of the gas giants and now the victims of unintentional
genocide making war imminent. Science fiction fans need to set aside plenty of time as the first
book
of The Saga of Seven Suns: Hidden Empire is a one sitting reading though well over four hundred
pages. The tale grabs the audience from the start as Kevin J. Anderson does not just introduce the
several races and the orbs, but blends the players and worlds into the thrilling plot. Thus, the
audience does not receive an extended prologue as often seen in first novels. Instead readers
obtain a
powerful futuristic epic that contains a robust stand-alone story line yet provides a puissant
cliffhanger that will keep the audience wanting to continue non-stop with Book Two, Veiled
Alliance.
Raising Abel
W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear
Warner Books
Jul 2002, $25.95, 572 pp., ISBN: 0446526150
Paleoanthropologist Dr. Veronica Tremain is stunned when the FBI informs her that her brother
Dr.
Scott Ferris was tortured before being burned to death. Scott's girlfriend Dr. Amanda Alexander
is
also brutally killed with the same M.O. Around the globe, other scientists have been viciously
slain
too. The only non-scientist among the dead is Elizabeth Carter, employed by the Atlanta based
Apostolic Evangelical Church of the Salvation. She was killed to prevent her from talking to FBI
agent Joe Hanson about her boss, televangelist Billy Barnes Brown holding a list of twenty-five
scientists including three murder victims. FBI Agent John Ramsey investigates the Carter
homicide
while Joe continues to look into the dead scientists. Joe finds Veronica constantly in his face as
she
continues her quest to learn why her brother died. Veronica meets two associates of her sibling
who
also wonder and worry about the death of Scott. The trio accompanied by Abel, the son of
Amanda
and Scott, flee for their lives not knowing that it is the child's uniqueness that makes him the
target
of the murderous zealots. Raising Abel is an exciting scientific thriller that uses genetic
engineering
as the underlying theme for a global conspiracy. The story line remains in high gear throughout
the
tale as even simplified scientific explanation is cleverly blending into the plot without stopping the
action for a lecture. Though the final disclosure seems too insignificant for the murder count,
readers
will delight in the latest offering of W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear.
Sisters Of The Raven
Barbara Hambly
Warner Aspect
Aug 2002, $13.95, 368 pp., ISBN: 0446677043
In the Yellow City, women are second class citizens since only men can perform magic. However,
rumors abound that the Mages no longer can do what has traditionally been their gift as evident
by
calamities such as the drought that wrecks Yellow City as magic fails to alleviate the problem.
The
empire is in trouble with collapse seemingly imminent. Shockingly, as the males lose the ability,
women begin to surface with the talent though lacking the education and experience of
performing
magic. These female mages struggle to bond in order to bring the needed rain, but someone is
killing
them one by one using a new form of magic. As Raeshaldis, Summer Concubine, and
Pomegranate
Woman struggle to unite and utilize their abilities to save their country, the male mages are
outraged, jealous, and impotent leading to assaults on women with power. However, the real
challenge resides in stopping the deadly, but unknown individual killing these women if
Raeshaldis,
Summer Concubine, and Pomegranate Woman are to survive. Sisters Of The Raven is an exciting
fantasy tale that contains a strong morality subplot involving the role of women in society. The
story
line engages the audience from the beginning when the scorned Raeshaldis escapes death by
fleeing
into the night. The tale never eases up until the climax. The three heroines have distinct
characteristics that enable the audience to appreciate their burden even more as each reacts
differently. The killer is shrouded in fog with clues slowly passed onto the reader so fans of a
fantasy
with a bit of a who-done-it will feel they received a treat from a master magician.
Still Mr. And Mrs.
Mary McBride
Warner Books
Sep 2002, $5.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 044661128X
Because he withdrew within himself rather than talk to grief counselors or even his beloved
spouse,
Angela Holland left Bobby. He remains in DC while his wife now works in the LA office of the
Secret Service. When a threat considered viable by the Secret Service occurs to President
Riordan's
mother, Director Mateiro arranges for Bobby and Angela to pretend to be husband-wife servants
in
order to protect the First Mom. Bobby and Angela arrive in Hassenfeld, Indiana to temporarily
work
for and keep safe Margaret "Crazy Daisy" Riordan. As the couple squabble and bicker, their love
remains strong. However, both knows duty is first and that means keeping the First Mom and her
son safe from a viable threat before exploring their future potentially together. Though many
readers
will be skeptical that a First Mom can reject secret service protection, fans will enjoy the action
packed romantic suspense thriller. The story line never slows down as it plays out on two levels:
that
of a serious threat to Crazy Daisy and that of the relationship between the two undercover agents.
Readers who delight in a fast-paced thriller filled with plenty of romantic tension and political
intrigue will enjoy Mary McBride's Still Mr. And Mrs.
The Legend
Kathleen Givens
Warner Books
Jul 2002, $6.50, 383 pp., ISBN: 0446610526
The prophesy is specific and so far proven accurate. However, James MaCurrie wonders if the
augur
will remain so now that he has ascended to the clan chief as the Earl of Torridon with the death of
his sire in 1689. James knows that he and his younger twin brother Neil are the current focus of
the
prediction of five decades of peace. Overhearing a plot to kill her cousin John, leader of the clans
supporting James Stuart, Ellen Graham journeys to Dunfallandy to alert her relative, but the
enemy
attacks her entourage. The MacCurrie siblings also traveling to Dunfallandy rescue Ellen. James
and
Ellen begin to fall in love, but her stepfather rejects James' suit. When she learns her beloved died
in
battle, she mournfully agrees to marry another. However, James not only survived, he is coming
for
the woman he believes is his soul mate in love. On the surface, The Legend is typical of the
seventeenth-eighteenth century Scottish romances to include Kathleen Givens' novels (Kilgannon
and The Wild Rose Of Kilgannon) with strong compassionate men and heroic females falling in
love
with war as the backdrop. However, Ms. Givens has the ability to raise the story line a notch
through her vigorous lead protagonists and descriptive secondary characters that enhance the
stars
while forwarding the plot. Readers will care to know the outcome of the story of Ellen and James,
and look forward to the DESTINY of the younger twin.
Crime School
Carol O'Connell
Putnam
September 2002, $24.95, 352 pp., ISBN 0399148287
She was a wild child living on the New York streets with only a few uncaring prostitutes to watch
over her at times. She was saved from that sordid existence when a kindly police officer and his
sweet wife brought her into their home. Their love ultimately saved Kathy Mallory, turning her
into
one of the finest detectives in the special crimes unit of the Big Apple. Twenty years ago, a
woman
was killed in her apartment but thanks to sloppy police work the killer was never found. Two
decades later, a prostitute is killed in a similar manner. The police theorize that it's a copycat
killing
even if they don't understand how the perpetrator has the details that were kept from the public.
Mallory is one of the investigators on the case as a series of murders connect Kathy the child to
Mallory the policewoman. It has been four long years since a Kathy Mallory novel was published
but
the long wait was worth it. Fans of Mallory actually get to see her as a child surviving by her wits
on
the street. Carol O'Connell still has the magic touch when it comes to creating fascinating police
procedurals that enthrall the audience. Let's hope we won't have to wait another four years for a
novel starring this complex yet likable heroine.
Criminal Intent
Sheldon Siegel
Putnam
Aug 2002, $24.95, 416 pp., ISBN: 0399149171
Producer Richard "Big Dick" MacArthur dies by apparently falling off the deck of his Baker
Beach,
California home. The police detain the movie mogul's third wife, Angelina Chavez, who was
found
by a bridge unconscious in a family car. After questioning and checking out her story, the police
accuse Angelina of murdering her spouse as the murder weapon, his Oscar, is in the trunk of her
vehicle. San Francisco attorneys Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez become the defense team
because
Angelina is the niece of the former. The Big Dick case would be difficult enough to provide a
defense for without the family connection. However, the lawyers have other clients in various
states
of legal trouble with most related in some way to the firm. Trying to balance each one's need
while
working a homicide case keeps Mike and Rosie working overtime. The latest Daley-Fernandez
novel
is an engaging legal thriller that is superior when the story line focuses on either the Big Dick
homicide case or the tour of the Streets of San Francisco. The secondary legal cases feel like filler
and leave the impression that except for the police, the entire Bay Area is related to Mike, Rosie,
or
someone else in the firm. Still the prime plot is cleverly developed so that sub-genre readers will
enjoy the homicide defense while series fans will like insight into the extended family.
Red Rabbit
Tom Clancy
Putnam
Aug 2002, $28.95, 618 pp., ISBN: 0399148701
In 1981 Pope John Paul II threatens Moscow and Warsaw that if the repressive government does
not ease off the people he will resign his current position and return to his native Poland, causing
an
international incident. Hard line Soviet KGB leader Yuri Andropov refuses to sit idly by and
accept
the Pope's intimidation. Historian Jack Ryan conducts research in England when the CIA and the
British SIS recruit him as an analyst. Jack learns from a defector that Andropov plans to
assassinate
the Pope. Even for the Russian Bear that seems farfetched, but then again sending a
confrontational
message involving world affairs appears out of the ordinary for the Papacy. Still Jack needs to
find
confirmation that Andropov has decreed that Pope John Paul II must die. If he finds his evidence,
the tyro spy knows he enters a realm that his entire life has not prepared him for in the slightest, as
he must find a way to keep the Pope safe from the Soviets. Red Rabbit is a clever prequel that
places
Jack at the beginning of his espionage career. By doing this, Tom Clancy enlivens his hero, yet
keeps
his core values consistent with the other novels. The story line is exciting as the rookie Jack seeks
proof while engaging in a battle of wits though readers will wonder why the novice has such
responsibilities with something of this magnitude. Still Jack is back doing what he does best,
leading
to the audience enjoyment of an old fashioned Cold War thriller.
The Return
Joe de Mers
Dutton
Mar 1996, $23.95, 406 pp., ISBN: 0525940979
In Beaufort, Georgia, Jesus Christ apparently has returned to the earth performing local miracles
such as the return from the dead of the daughter of famous evangelist Don Bagley. Through
global
communications of the modern world and Bagley's sponsorship, his fame grows rather quickly.
However, as Jesus becomes a fixture on TV, he lambastes the modern Catholic Church for its
corruption. The Vatican decides not to check into whether this man is the real article or an
incredible
con artist. Instead, they hire a hit man to silence Jesus. At the same time as the Vatican puts in
motion its assassination plot, Monsignor Harry Chifley engages disbelieving Wisconsin priest
turned
New York book store employee Brian Sheridan, an expert on the early days of the Church, to
investigate this so-called Jesus. Writer Marie Olivier, who he met over a reflexology book in the
store, accompanies him. As the two make inquiries into the contemporary Jesus, they are unaware
of
the threats from the Vatican and locally. The underlying concept of The Return is brilliantly
designed
so that the audience must keep reading to determine whether Jesus is walking the twenty- first
century earth. However, on the other hand, the myriad of subplots from the hysterical reaction of
the
Vatican to the romance between Father Brian and Marie take away from the basic theme. Still Joe
de Mers has written a powerful action-packed thriller that will receive either praise from religious
conspiracy buffs or the Rusdie reaction.
When Eagles Fall
Mary Casanova
Hyperion
Jun 2002, $15.99, 152 pp., ISBN: 0786806656
In San Diego, thirteen-year-old Alexis Castille-Reed attends a pool party where the alcohol flows.
An accident occurs, but fortunately no one dies. However, her upset mother "banishes" Alexis for
the summer to live with her father in International Falls, Minnesota. Alexis' dad is the authority on
the bald eagles. Currently, he leads a study that is banding eaglets to gain research on their natural
habitat. Alexis is put to work, but though she loves the birds, she remains angry with her father
for
deserting her. On a nearby island, Alexis climbs up a tree to remove a fish lure from an eagle's
nest.
However, when she lifts an eaglet out of the nest, she drops the bird. That error is compounded
when she finds herself stranded on the island protecting the injured eaglet from nasty weather and
a
bear. This is a wonderful preadolescent to young teen novel that focuses on Alexis, a person in
trouble. She needs closure on her younger brother's death from cancer, but at first is not able to
find
a way to grieve without guilt for living and without alienating her parents also mourning in their
own
ways. Through the eaglet rescue, Alexis attains an understanding especially of her father whom
she
previously loathed as well as personal comfort. Though her parents talking with one another
following their estrangement feels strained, When Eagles Fall is a strong survivalist tale that the
young at heart will enjoy soaring with.
The Second Mile
Ron & Janet Benrey
Broadman & Holman
Sept 2002, $12.99, 320 pp., ISBN 0805425586
After her husband and child died in an automobile accident, Pippa left England and moved to
Ryde
Maryland where she opened up Hunnechurch & Associates, Executive Recruiters. Her business is
doing well until one of her placements, Barry Goodwin supposedly kills himself, and in his e-mail
suicide note blames Pippa. At first, nobody realizes that someone who did not want him making
the
flaws of the CM-7 heart replacement valve public murdered Barry. When Pippa realizes Barry
might
have been murdered she tries to ferret out the killer in hopes of salvaging her floundering
business.
After a while her motives change and Barry's quest becomes her mission even if it puts her in
danger
from a killer who has no mercy. The Second Mile is a clever amateur sleuth novel that stars a very
feisty and strong-willed heroine whose faith sustains her in times of crisis. The mystery is complex
with enough suspects to keep reading guessing until the climax is reached. Ron and Janet Benrey
have written a mystery series that will have wide appeal to more than just fans of the
sub-genre.
Never Tease A Siamese
Edie Claire
Signet
Sept 2002, $5.99, 272 pp., ISBN 0451206835
Lilah Murchison is not a very nice woman so when she dies in a plane crash nobody mourns her
passing, not even her son Dean. He does expect to inherit her sizable estate so he's shocked when
the will is read and he learns that Lilah was not his mother. She left the bulk of her estate to her
true
heir provided he or she comes forward in five years. Leah Koslow is also at the reading of the
will,
standing in for her father who was a beneficiary as long as he provides medical care for her cats
until
their deaths. From the time the will is read, Leigh's father's clinic is threatened, Lilah's
housekeeper
dies, and somebody gets murdered who is connected to the case. Concerned about her father and
his
employees, Leigh investigates and almost gets killed in the process. Edie Claire always writes an
entertaining amateur sleuth novel in which Never Tease A Siamese is her best work to date. The
heroine is so earnest and logical it is impossible not to like her while the support cast lends
humorous moments to a very serious story line. Fans of Lydia Adamson and Susan Wittig Albert
will definitely want to read this book.
How To Murder A Millionaire
Nancy Martin
Signet
Oct 2002, $6.50, 272 pp., ISBN 0451207246
Nora Blackbird is Philadelphia Mainline. However, she and her sisters are hardly rich since her
parents squandered the family fortune and left town to avoid getting arrested for failing to pay
taxes.
Her older sister inherited the Blackbird art collection, while the younger sister got the Blackbird
antique furniture. Poor Nora got the Bucks County farm and a tax bill of two million dollars. She
sells five acres of the property to Michael Abruzzo who uses the land to expand Mick's Muscle
Cars.
If he wasn't such a sexy studmuffin, Nora would cry. She also uses her connection to newspaper
owner Rory Pendergart to land a job as a society columnist at the Intelligencer. When she's invited
to Rory's house for a party she comes across his murdered body and decides to do some snooping
to
see if she can ferret out the killer. Because of her society connections the police encourage her but
Nora doesn't realize the danger she's placing herself in from a killer whom would murder again to
keep his crimes secret. Nancy Martin gives her audience a scenic tour of the different Philadelphia
neighborhoods that makes them appealing enough so that reader will want to visit them. The
heroine
is an adorable eccentric who is always on the verge of fainting when life gets too stressful though
why she would turn to sleuthing with that problem seems questionable. The plethora of suspects
will
keep readers turning the pages until they find out who done it and why. How To Marry A
Millionaire is a book that amateur sleuth readers will want to have as a series, especially if the star
is
the delightful heroine.
Always In My Heart
Catherine Anderson
Signet
Aug 2002, $6.99, 432 pp., ISBN: 0451206665
Tucker and Ellie Grant were high school sweethearts who married and had three children.
However,
the death of one of their kids led to the destruction of the relationship between Tucker and Ellie
though their split is amiable. However, their two surviving sons Zach and Kody believe that their
parents still love each in spite of the evidence that both have moved on with their lives in different
ways with both dating others. Zach and Kody decide that Tucker and Ellie need a catalyst to bring
them together just as the tragedy tore them apart. The younger generation Grants run off to the
Baxter Wilderness Area where the family used to camp out in happier times, but not before
informing their father that they will remain in the Oregon woods until Tucker and Ellie come back
to
one another. Accompanying Tucker and Ellie on their trek is their current significant others
though
neither are welcomed. Will a family formed out of love find its way back to each other or will this
incident place the final exclamation point to what once was? Always In My Heart is an emotional
family saga that focuses on the aftermath of a tragic event on the survivors. The story line
succeeds
because the Grant quartet seem very real as each one internally accepts the blame for Sammy's
accidental death. Fans of passionate relationship dramas will want to read Catherine Anderson's
novel that emphasiszes the need to remain open with your loved ones if one is to begin to
heal.
The Metal Shredders
Nancy Zafris
Blue Hen Books
Aug 2002, $23.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 0399149228
John Bonner now runs the family business John Bonner & Son Metal Shredders. Though John
knows the ins and outs of the metal shredding industry and is quite capable of managing the
operation, his divorce has left him shaken and on edge. His only source for guidance is his sister
Octavia, but she is recovering from a broken relationship too and thinks they should the firm.
When
two workers find five thousand dollars stashed in one of the cars, John claims a finders keepers
fee,
but soon the money vanishes. Searching for the cash, John embroils himself and Octavia in a series
of missteps and ultimately calamity as an employee dies. This returns John to square one
wondering
whether to sell the business, but has this additional albatross of the missing loot to deal with too.
The Metal Shredders is a different kind of tale that is at its strongest when dealing with the
business
and the industry that has made the headlines in light of the World Trade Center. John is the focus
of
the tale and he is fully developed so that the reader grasps his concerns and worries. The
secondary
cast, especially his sister and the blue-collar workers, propels the plot for forward while enhancing
the understanding of John. When the story line twists into a sexually aggressive secondary
character
it loses some of the sting of a deep insightful look at a unique profession. Nancy Zafris has easily
taken the leap from short story writer to novelist.
Family Album
Patricia Kay
Berkley
Sep 2002, $6.99, 304 pp., ISBN: 0425186326
In 1979 Tampa, Hannah gives birth to a boy on her birthday. However, the unwed teen has no
way
of keeping the child as her parents and boyfriend have rejected her and her newborn infant. With
no
choice, she reluctantly gives up "Nicholas" for adoption though she already loves her baby. In
1999,
in exclusive Bel Air, David Conway has spied on Hannah Ferris, the woman's husband, and their
teenage daughter. David hates Hannah who gave him up for adoption twenty years ago in Florida
because while she has lived the good life while he has been a foster child reject. When David
finally
confronts her, Hannah's world topples as her spouse and daughter are stunned by the secret she
failed to tell them as both felt their relationships were built on honesty. Family Affair is an
insightful
drama in which Patricia Kay emphasizes the importance of keeping no major secrets in any
relationship that has meaning to the parties involved. Hannah learns that trust is built on openness
and honesty. Though the Ferris family is too perfect before the crisis hits, fans will enjoy the plot
as
a pain-filled David destroys Hannah's false sense of loving security, which leads to her giving up
or
mending broken hearts and fences.
Children Of Cain
Miriam Grace Monfredo
Berkley
Sept 2002, $22.95, 352 pp., ISBN 0425186415
After Bronwen Llyr rescues her brother from a confederate prison, she makes her way back to the
Union lines when she discovers that the southern armies are on the march instead of protecting
Richmond. She takes her knowledge back to Washington but it is hard to get anyone to believe
her
until the southern army strikes at General McClellon's troops. Against the advice of her superior
but
with the blessing of President Lincoln, she returns to the Confederate hospital of Chimborazo to
rescue her sister, a young child, the president's friend and a dog. She succeeds in her mission but
all
of them are caught in the midst of a great battle, seeing much courage and death. Bronwen is
injured
and would like to go home but her love of country, her honor and courage makes her stay in a
war
that seems to have no end. After reading Children Of Cain readers will have no doubt that,
without
the benefit of CNN, "War is Hell" on civilians and soldiers alike. Bronwen is a heroine in the best
sense of the word because she keeps on going even when her mind tells her to give up. Though a
historiographer's bane, Miriam Grace Monfredo brings a lucid vision of the American Civil War
that
is not widely known and does so in humanistic terms.
Crossing The Line
Laura Castoro
Berkley
Aug 2002, $6.99, ISBN: 0425185753
Though successful at work, Theadora Morgan struggles with her personal relationships. Her
almost
sixteen year old daughter is giving her a hard time over trusting her with boys. Her Aunt Della is
giving her a hard time over attending her sister's third wedding though Thea and Selma are far
from
being close to one another. Her white in-laws want their granddaughter raised
Caucasian-American
though their son is dead and Thea is half African- American. Thea attends Selma's wedding where
the worst yank occurs as she meets her first love African-American minister Xavier Thornton.
Ignoring her deep feelings that still exist for Xavier, Thea tries to live up to the image that her
extended family expects of her even though they pull her in different directions. However, Xavier
refuses to drop out this time as he knows he loves Thea, but she harbors a secret that will
probably
end several of her relationships if it surfaces. Laura Castoro provides more than just an enjoyable
relationship drama as she digs deep into the issue of racial classification in a world that is
increasingly rainbow-ethnic. The story line centers on Thea as the pivotal point with several
spokes
going from her to various other characters. Because the under siege Thea seems so real, fans will
feel for her daily plight as everyone tries to paint her to fit their by the numbers portrait of her. In
turn she makes the novel as she learns you can't please everyone so it is time to start with
yourself.
Crossing The Line is a powerful contemporary relationship drama that showcases the abilities of a
wonderful author.
Southern Latitudes
Stephen L. Clark
Berkley
Sept 2002, $6.50, 272 pp., ISBN 0425186377
Litchfield, Alabama is a quiet town with little business to support the townsfolk. There have been
Ingrams residing in Litchfield since the town was founded but Nelson graduated college with the
sole intention of seeing the world and never returning to his hometown again. Lost jobs, failed
opportunities and broken relationships bring Nelson back home where he becomes a reporter for
the
Litchfield Ledger. He thinks he has a big story when a black man is found hanging from a tree.
His
first thought is KKK or a clone but when an autopsy reveals the victim was shot in the head at
close
range, Nelson believes something big is about to break. An investigation reveals that other locals
were recently killed. The manager of a mob-connected nightclub is murdered soon after the
"hanging". After years of coasting through life, Nelson intends to take a stand by finding out the
identity of the killers and bringing them to justice, or die trying. Southern Latitudes is a perfect
depiction of a town in the Deep South. Customs, attitudes and beliefs enforce the uniqueness of
the
region. The story line is fast-paced and exciting but it is the protagonist who steals the spotlight.
He
is a hedonistic wastrel who finally finds the cause that worth fighting for, making him a lot like
most
people.
Purity In Death
J.D. Robb
Berkley
September 2002, $7.99, 384 pp., ISBN 042518630X
The summer of 2059 in New York is brutal and tempers are flaring over trifling things. The New
York Police and Security Department are kept busy leading to Lieutenant Eve Dallas reaching the
end of her rope. When Louis Cogburn, a low level drug dealer who sells to children, suddenly
goes
berserk killing someone and injuring another person before he dies Eve catches the case. At the
scene of the blood bath she notices that on Louis's computer is the message "ABSOLUTE
PURITY
ACHIEVED". She orders the computer brought to headquarters where an officer specializing in
computers examines it. Eight hours later the officer goes berserk, killing a peer and injuring
another
before he's killed. Eve immediately realizes that a virus on the computer is being passed on to
humans, causing them to die. The Purity Seekers, an organization dedicated to destroying those
who
hurt the innocents takes credit for Louis's death. When a pediophile is found dead with the same
message on it as Louis received, Eve realizes she has to smoke out the terrorists fast before they
mete out their own brand of vigilante justice. This is the fifteenth in the Death series and it is as
fresh
and innovative as the first book in this ongoing saga. The characters are growing and evolving
with
readers liking even the secondary cast almost as much as they adore the hero and heroine. In
Purity
In Death, the heroine's husband provides technical advice to Eve, but this time she figures out
who
the terrorists are and brings them to justice. J.D. Robb has written another fantastic futuristic
romantic thriller.
Murder In the Family
Edited by: Adams Round Table
Berkley
Aug 2002, $24.95, 352 pp., ISBN: 0425183351
This twelve-story anthology loosely focuses on the title, Murder In The Family. Though the tales
are
well written, they lack the suspense and cutting edge expected of this famous group of popular
authors that contributed to the collection and that of previous short story books produced by the
Adams Round Table. For most mystery readers, previous Adams Round Table editions are
stronger
(see Murder Among Friends, etc.). However, die hard fans of Lawrence Block, Mary Higgins
Clark,
Stanley Cohen, Dorothy Salisbury Davis, Mickey Friedman, Joyce Harrington, Susan Isaacs,
Judith
Kelman, Warren Murphy, Justin Scott, Peter Straub, and Whitley Strieber will want to read the
tales. Yet even the strongest of loyalists need to keep the expectations a bit lower than usual as
the
gaggle of writers fall short of what each one usually provides.
The Shadow Dancer
Margaret Coel
Berkley
Sept 2002, $22.95, 304 pp., ISBN 0425186407
It has been four months since lawyer Vicky Holden left her high-powered job in a high profile
legal
firm to return home to the Wind River Reservation. She finally agrees to face her abusive
ex-husband Ben at a local restaurant but they aren't together a few minutes before he loses his
temper, makes a scene, and walks out. A mortified Vicky departs from her public humiliation not
long after the incident occurred only to later learn that Ben was murdered. The local FBI agent
knows that Vicki had motive and opportunity, but no alibi. The gun is wiped clear of finger points
except for a clear one that belongs to Vicki. Unless Vickie can find the real killer, she will be
indicted for premeditated murder. Margaret Coel has written an absorbing and interesting mystery
that gives readers a glimpse into the modern day west. The protagonist is a feisty determined
woman
and her friend catholic priest Father O' Malley is her mirror image. Together this unlikely pair gets
in
and out of trouble so many times it feels as if they are stars in a Wild West epic.
Shot
Jenny Siller
Henry Holt
Sept 2002, $24.00, 256 pp., ISBN 0805072039
Before he was murdered and the death made to look like a cover up, scientist Carl Greene worked
for a Seattle based pharmaceutical company, Bioflux. He asked an old friend, journalist Kevin
Burns
to meet him, but Carl never shows up. Later Kevin learns about the accident. That night Carl's
widow Lucy hears somebody rummaging in Carl's home office. She chases the perp off but the
next
day the people from Bioflux come to take away Carl's computer files and papers, claiming it is
proprietary information. Darcy, a former jewel thief hooks up with Lucy because her boss, the
warden of a prison, wants the documents Carl had on the prisoners dealing with TB. Lucy's
brother
who is suffering from Gulf War Syndrome is shot to death for knowledge he held. Lucy, Darcy
and
Kevin are determined to find out what Bioflux wants so desperately to hide or die trying. Without
realizing it, Lucy and Darcy stumble across an illegal government cover up that they want hushed
up
despite the collateral damage. After losing her husband the protagonist finds the strength to duel
the
various factions who want to silence her. Lucy is a smart and likable character who draws on her
own inner strength when she needs it. Darcy is a scene-stealer with her sarcastic quips and pithy
comments. Jenny Siller has written a fantastic crime thriller that fans of Nancy Taylor Rosenberg
will
enjoy.
Solitaire
Kelley Eskridge
Eos
Sept 2002, $24.95, 368 pp., ISBN 006008675
In the not too distant future, there is one world government although regional areas retain some
autonomy. Ko, one of the biggest corporations is about to receive regional status as they
contribute
almost seven percent to the world's economy. Ren Segura, known as Jackal, is the epitome of the
corporate citizen and Ko is doing everything in their power to see that she reaches her full
potential
as a citizen the world can look up to and admire. Life is going smoothly for Jackal as she is
partnered with Snow, the love of her life. A recreational expedition turns into a tragedy and Jackal
is
blamed for terrorist activities and the deaths of hundreds of people. Stripped of her status, she is
sentenced to virtual confinement but when she gets out, it seems that years have passed instead of
months. In the real world, Jackal meets other survivors like her at a restaurant called Solitaire
where
she must learn to play with the hand fate dealt her. This is Kelley Eskridge's first novel but with
her
immense talent it definitely won't be her last. Solitaire is a cutting edge science fiction thriller
starring a heroine who has an inner core of strength that allows her to live life on her own terms
despite the factions that want to use her for their own purpose. This is a winner for genre
fans.
The Longest Way Home
Robert Silverberg
Eos
Jul 2002, $25.95, 294 pp., ISBN: 038097858X
Fifteen years old Joseph Keilloran has lived a life of privilege with his destiny of one-day
becoming
the Master of House Keilloran. Currently Joseph is ten thousand miles from home visiting
relatives
at Getfen House when a massive civil uprising occurs against the local Masters. Bewildered by the
uprising of the Folk, Joseph feels foolishly safe since he belongs to another House far distant from
the revolution led by estate Foreman Jakirrod. Chambermaid Thustin persuades Joseph to flee if
he
wants to live because Jakirrod's followers are killing all the Masters and anyone loyal to them.
Joseph treks through a wilderness that is as alien to him as anything he has encountered, but he
knows that if Jakirrod's troops find him he is dead. The youth struggles to find food and shelter in
the wilds after spending his life always being pampered and served. He meets strange beings,
traveling The Longest Way Home in order to survive. Though he offers nothing radically new,
Robert Silverberg provides science fiction fans with an exciting coming of age adventure with a
teen
hero who must adapt 180 degrees if he is to survive his quest home. The story line is
action-packed
and provides just enough description and references to support the alien life forms that Joseph will
encounter on his journey. This epic trek will please the myriad of Mr. Silverberg's fans while
sending
new readers on a trek to find other novels by one of the genre's Masters.
For Whom The Minivan Rolls
Jeffrey Cohen
Bancroft Press
Sept 2002, $19.95, 261 pp., ISBN 1890862185
Aaron Tucker stays at home as a father for his two children. He works as a free lance reporter but
wants to be a scriptwriter. His wife is an attorney in a prestigious firm, which is all the more
puzzling when wealthy and powerful Gary Beckworth wants Aaron to find his missing wife
Madlyn.
He doesn't want the police, a good private eye, or even a lawyer, just Aaron and the freelance
reporter is at a loss to explain why. Gary's action's are strange too since he doesn't want his son
questioned or Aaron nosing around the neighborhood. Aaron investigates every link he can find
until
the day Madlyn calls him up from an Atlantic City hotel to tell him she's fine and coming home in
a
few days. Unable to let matters rest there, Aaron traces Madlyn to her motel room where he finds
her on the bed with two bullets in her body. Jeffrey Cohen's debut novel is a smashing success due
to
a riveting story line, a fast-paced plot, and a hero who is a combination of James Bond and Bart
Simpson. He's a lovable family man who puts his wife and children first but when he has some free
time look out because anything can and usually does happen.
The Haunted Air
F. Paul Wilson
Gauntlet Books
June 2002, $25.00, 462 pp., ISBN 1857368574
The Kenton brothers are posing as mediums in Astoria, Queens siphoning off customers from
other
charlatan psychics. One of the scam artists is trying to drive Charlie and Lyle out of business using
some dangerous methods. It is only luck that Repairman Jack crosses their path. Jack, Gia and
Gia's
friend are visiting Menalus Manor, home of the Kentons when a small earthquake hits leaving a
wide
crack going the length of the cellar. While Repairman Jack is trying to get the Kentons'
competitors
to leave the siblings alone, Charlie and Lyle are starting to experience signs that their house is
haunted. Jack finds that the haunting is linked to another case he's working, involving a cult
snatching a young child every year as a sacrifice. Jack and those he loves are in danger unless a
miracle occurs. F. Paul Wilson does for haunted houses what Anne Rice has done for vampires.
The
Haunted Air is linked to other Repairman Jack novels as the recurring characters add a sense of
continuity to the story line. Repairman Jack is mellower and less prone to high risk ventures than
he
has been in the past, which is a good thing because in nine months his life will change
dramatically.
Eternity Row
S.L. Viehl
Roc
Sept 2002, $6.99, 416 pp., ISBN 0451458915
She called him father until the day she learned she was his clone. Dr. Cherijo Torin escaped from
him and his experiments on her but the League, of which earth is a member, denied her request for
sentient status and instead declared her the property of her creator. Rather than submit to that
megalomaniac man, Cherijo escapes and ends up joining the Jorenian alliance. Cherijo is happy
aboard the Jorenian spaceship Sunlance accompanied by her beautiful daughter and her telepathic
Terran husband. She treats the sick and cares for the injured while evading the bounty hunters out
to
bring her back to her creator. Cherijo never expects a calm life. On this voyage, she and her
shipmates are almost sacrificed to a planet's deity, she plays matchmaker to a lovesick alien, and
learns why the natives of an entire planet are sterile but whose inhabitants cannot die. All in a
solar
moment for Cherijo. The protagonist's life is fulfilled, but ever changing and action packed;
readers
adore and admire Cherijo. Eternity Row is space opera at its very best as the plot contains exotic
alien life forms and colorfully fascinatingly strange planets. S.L. Viehl has created a character and
a
futuristic setting that is second to none in its readability, quality, and social mores.
Irish Gypsy
Ana Seymour
Jove
Aug 2002, $5.99, 272 pp., ISBN: 051513385X
In 1567 Ireland, Maura knows she needs to flee her home amidst the gypsies to escape the vile
Gypsy who plans to force her into marrying him following the death of her father and subsequent
loss of protection. She steals the horses of brothers Eamon and Cormac Riordan. Not needing
two
steeds, she returns Cormac's horse only to have Eamon catch her. However, she escapes after
hitting
Eamon with a rock. Seven years later, Eamon visits his brother only to find Maura is governess to
his nephews and nieces. Attracted to her fiery nature, Eamon uses his wiles to coax Maura into
spending time with him. Soon Maura realizes she loves the Irish noble, but knows Eamon cannot
have a gypsy spawn as a wife. Fans of sixteenth century Irish romances with a twist will relish
Ana
Seymour's tale Irish Gypsy because the lead female protagonist provides a rare freshness with her
background. The story line is at its best when it remains a love story between the arrogant
aristocrat
and the gallant Gypsy. When suspense is added through a murder and an accusation, readers will
enjoy the subplot once Eamon becomes involved, but it does take away from the pleasure of a
powerful historical romance that emphasizes love is the most powerful feeling of all.
Out Of Hormone's Way
Jane Isenberg
Avon
Sept 2002, $6.50, 272 pp., ISBN 0380818876
Life gets really interesting following menopause, as Bel Barrett will tell anyone foolishly enough
willing to listen to her. She's a fully tenured English professor at River Edge Community College
while gaining a reputation in her area of New Jersey of solving any homicide that comes her way.
This semester is surprising to Bel as she takes on the leadership of the newly formed Kayak club
when the founder had a family emergency. One of the members of the group is Belinda Judd who
is
also in Bel's English class. Bel has a fondness for her because she has dyslexia but is trying hard to
learn even though the college has nobody on staff that is trained to help students with learning
disabilities. When Belinda's body is found battered and beaten, Bel is determined to find out who
the
perpetrator is. She comes up with six viable suspects, all of whom have excellent motives. A Bel
Barrett mystery is a real treat because the protagonist is always involved in something most
people
wouldn't try. Jane Isenberg is a talented writer who always uses humor to defuse the tension of
the
taut story line. The problems Bel and her friends have to deal with on a daily bases are realistically
portrayed and are ones the audience can identify with while appreciating Out Of Hormone's
Way.
An Affair To Remember
Karen Hawkins
Avon
Aug 2002, $5.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 038082079X
In 1816 England, James Putney's will assigns sole care of the deceased's five children to his cousin
Anthony Elliot, the Earl of Greyley. Though Anthony despised his cousin, he takes the decision
quite gracefully. However, James' mother makes a scene until her other son tells her to be quiet.
Anthony figures the quintet may have been spawned by the devil and raised as hellions, but how
hard
can it be with the oldest being only eleven. A few weeks later, Anthony is at the end of his rope
and
without a governess as none last very long. He considers buying property in America so he can
ship
his wards there though he worries about an international incident leading to a third war. Anthony
hires Anna Thraxton as his latest governess. However, though she brings some order to the wards
and even helps Anthony's reticent fiancee, Anna poses new problems for the beleaguered
aristocrat.
He wants her by his side permanently even if she meddles in everyone's life because she wants a
happy ending for all. An Affair To Remember is an engaging Regency romance that readers will
delight in due to the strong cast. The story line is amusing as Anthony finds love and rescue in the
courageous Anna. The characters make the tale with the pranks of the children and the nastiness
of
their grandmother augmenting the romance. Sub-genre fans will want to read Karen Hawkins'
next
tale starring whichever St. John sibling gets stuck with "the ring".
Her Highness, My Wife
Victoria Alexander
Avon
Aug 2002, $6.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0060001445
In 1819, Princess Tatiana Pruzinsky must find the Heavens of Avalonia, jewels that will legitimize
her claim to the throne of the Kingdom of Greater Avalonia. In 1767, her great-aunt Sophia
smuggled the jewels to England during dangerous times. Tatiana plans to visit the homes of the
descendants of the three ladies (Hutchins, Helmsley, and Cranston) who graciously helped Sophia
upon her arrival in England. Tatiana pretends she is writing a biography of her great-aunt. To
further
disguise her mission, Sophia asks the lord she deserted after only one week of marriage, Matthew
Weston to pretend to be her spouse. Matt remains angry with his wife. After she left, he learned
about her royal blood. Still, needing money, Matt accepts Tatiana's offer to pay him to be her
husband though his hidden motive for agreeing is to know why she left. As they pretend to be
what
they really are, both want to forget the other, but love flourishes making regret the end state. The
story line is exciting and the lead male character is a likable individual trying to recover from love
lost. However, Tatiana is an unpleasant person as she is a phobic liar who fabricates even when
there
is no reason to do so. This makes it very difficult for readers to empathize with her plight leading
to
the question of whether she has the moral fortitude to ascend to the throne. Still the tale furnishes
readers with an engaging historical tale, as fans will wonder if Matt will stick around long enough
to
learn the truth.
Plum Girl
Jill Winters
Onyx
Sep 2002, $6.50, 384 pp., ISBN: 0451410483
Temporary office helper Lonnie Kelley works for the Twit of the downtown Boston law firm of
Twit and Bell. Her boyfriend Terry Pine is a New York actor. However, when she dreams of
passionate lovemaking with a man, Lonnie thinks of Dominick Carter, a computer guru working
three stories below her office. Dominick and Lonnie knew each other in college and though he
was
somewhat attracted to her she was dating his friend. Now he still wants Lonnie in his life and not
only as email pen pals. He tries to make in roads with little success as she swings back and forth
more than just a pendulum. However, his persistence begins to melt her heart, but Lonnie
wonders if
the IT hunk still desires her because she wants his hard drive for the rest of her life. Fans of
contemporary romance novels will enjoy Jill Winters amusing lighthearted romp. The humorous
story line focuses on the misadventures of Lonnie in and out of the office. Any one who uses plum
daiquiri lipstick is more than just eccentric as readers will find out when they read this book. After
reading Plum Girl, fans will want Ms. Winters to provide a sequel starring Lonnie's sister and
roommate Peach.
Black Jack Point
Jeff Abbott
Onyx
Sept 2002, $6.99, 400 pp., ISBN 0451410506
Crooks don't make good partners because they almost always try to cheat each other. Jimmy Bird
and Alex are digging for treasure on Patch Gilbert's land in Black Jack Point, Texas. Patch and his
significant other return early surprising the thieves. When Patch's niece Lucy reports him missing,
the police drive over to his home and unearth their remains. Also dug out of the grave is older
bones
and parts of a treasure chest. Lucy's boyfriend Judge Whit Mosley tries to console his lover
especially when the police zero in on her as a suspect since she is the sole beneficiary to Patch's
estate. While Whit deals with one aspect of the crime, his friend police detective Claudia Salozar
and
her boyfriend are hijacked and held for ransom. The thugs want Ben's brother Alex to turn over
the
treasure, especially the famous emerald once belonging to Jean Lafitte, otherwise the hostages are
going to be killed. Black Jack Point is an exciting crime thriller that is an exciting read because
one
really doesn't know who are the good guys or the villains. Their actions are designed to confuse
the
evidence and enables Jeff Abbot to show he is an expert at his craft. This fast paced story line has
a
shocking climax that the readers will never figure out until it's over. The crime thriller genre has a
winner with this strong novel from Mr. Abbott, a rising star.
Southern Comfort
J.M. Jeffries
Genesis Press
Jul 2002, $8.95, 312 pp., ISBN: 1585710784
Former Army Lieutenant Hardesty Arnaud gained plenty of experience in law enforcement during
her ten years as a military police officer. However, that work would not have dented the
patriarchal
gang of three that run her hometown of St. Martine, Louisiana to enable Hardesty to become the
town's police chief. It took an act of the President shown on national TV when she received a
medal
for her bravery under sniper fire in the Kuwaiti Desert to obtain the job of St. Martine Police
Chief.
The comparatively easy assignment turns deadly when a murder victim with ties to the mob is
found.
FBI Agent Nick Brannigan arrives to learn why Brooklyn born Mafia attorney John Capizi hidden
in
St. Martine is dead, how much damage to the Feds' case against the Patrini Family has that caused
and where is the missing US Marshal assigned to protect Capizi? As the two law officials
squabble
over jurisdiction and cooperation, they fall in love, but both know that the case must come first
besides he is big city while she is backwater. Southern Comfort is not the typical romantic
suspense
cozy-like tale, but more a gritty police procedural romance with the humorous bantering between
the lead protagonists used to offset the graphic crime scenes. The lead couple is a delightful duo
fighting with one another over the investigation and the attraction. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this
fast-paced regional tale and want J.M. Jeffries to provide a sequel starring the law enforcement
duet.
No One To Trust
Iris Johansen
Bantam
Oct 2002, $24.95, 340 pp., ISBN 0553800973
He is Rico Chavez, the head of the Chavez drug cartel, a stone cold killer and a millionaire many
times over. She is Elena Kyler, a revolutionary fighter, who has the only thing Chavez wants: their
son. In order to protect Barry, Elena makes a deal with the DEA and is transported to the United
States with her son by mercenary Sean Galen. It isn't long before Chavez tracks them to their new
location and sends a hit team after her. Galen is able to extract them from the situation before they
can be captured and the three of them move into his hideaway. Sean and Elena become intimately
involved but before their relationship can deepen, she is forced into a face to face confrontation
with
Chavez, one she probably will not survive. No One To Trust is an exciting romantic thriller
starring
two protagonists, who share in common, fighting on both sides of the law and no fear of meting
out
justice. There are plenty of action scenes for those readers who like high drama thrills and
heart-pumping action. The offbeat courtship of Galen and Elena is unusual but fits their
personalities
as Iris Johansen's latest work is going to please her myriad of fans.
Lake In The Clouds
Sara Donati
Bantam
Aug 2002, $24.95, 608 pp., ISBN: 0553801406
In 1802 escaped slave Selah Voyager arrives in Paradise near Half Moon Lake, New York. The
ailing Selah seeks Curiosity Freeman, but runs into Elizabeth Bonner and her stepdaughter
Hannah
instead. Because Selah is sick, Hannah a healer insists on helping the runaway slave regain her
health. On Selah's tail is bounty hunter and former Paradise resident Liam Kirby, who Hannah
loved
when they were children. Though Liam's appearance tosses her heart for a loop and avaricious
neighbors see reward money for turning in Selah, Hannah believes she must follow her values and
do
the right thing for the runaway slave. Though her actions are noble, Hannah's endeavor places
herself, her school teaching father, and her stepmother in danger. Fans of historical novels need to
read Lake In The Cloud, a tremendous early Americana tale that brings alive the first decade of
the
nineteenth century as few books have accomplished. Though rich with interwoven detail, the
intelligently and exciting plot contains era issues that the strong cast enables the audience to
comprehend including how courageous the Bonner family is. Mindful of the great works of Van
Reid, Sara Donati continues her epic adventure (see Into The Wilderness and Dawn On A Distant
Shore) with another winner.
The Charm Stone
Donna Kauffman
Bantam
Aug 2002, $5.99, 317 pp., ISBN: 055358457X
Though she has ridden waves in Hawaii and Australia among other global locales and the Atlantic
is
a bit cold in May, Josie Parker enjoys surfing so much that she arises early to ride the waves off of
Parker's Inlet, South Carolina. However, instead of the anticipated smooth ride, she wipes out
because her board hit something. The next breaker includes the treasure chest that wiped out
Josie.
Removing barnacles from it, Josie pries open the chest to find a necklace with a yellow stone
dangling from it. Suddenly out of nowhere Bagan, Guardian of the MacNeil Stone, appears
though
no one else see the little man. He informs her that she is engaged to Connal MacNeil, who
happens
to have died about three centuries ago. Before she knows what happened, Josie heads to
Glenmuir,
Scotland where the spirit of Connal has awaited her return for three hundred years. As Josie and
Connal begin to fall in love, she wonders what kind of future is there with someone from the
eighteenth century. It is the use of mundane items such as surfing and Josie and the Pussycats (TV
show not movie) that make The Charm Stone a charming paranormal romance. The plot is fun
especially when Josie teaches the ghost and the senior citizens of Glenmuir how to surf as Donna
Kauffman never takes her story too seriously even with a warm romantic undertow. Sub-genre
readers will want to ride this wave from start to finish.
Stealing Heaven
Madeline Hunter
Bantam
Aug 2002, $5.99, 304 pp., ISBN: 0553583565
In 1340 King Edward orders Marcus of Anglesmore to marry a Welsh woman. In the garden one
night, Marcus meets his fiancee by accident and they share kisses so that he now believes she is
his
reward. However, the next day Marcus learns that the woman who bewitched him in the garden is
Nesta, sister to his betrothed Genith verch Llygad and Edward's whore. Nesta knows that Marcus
is
trouble as she finds herself quite attracted to him. She keeps reminding herself that her loyalties
must
be to the Welsh rebels though she is also fettered to the English King. However, as much as
neither
one wants to feel an attraction, Nesta nor Marcus can stop the passion turning into love that
threatens their lives if they fall prey to it. Though Genith weakens the possibility of a historical
triangle romance, fans of fourteenth century tales will fully relish this vividly colorful tale of love.
The story line is filled with a taste for the era especially the impact of the monarchy on everyone
else. Nesta is a lively individual straddling several worlds while Marcus knows what he wants, is
willing to go out and get it, but has no idea how to succeed without alienating his beloved's family
and His Highness. Fans of deep textured historical romances will believe that Madeline Hunter's
latest novel Stealing Heaven lives up to its title.
True Blue
Luanne Rice
Bantam
Aug 2002, $7.50, 476 pp., ISBN: 0553583980
In Hubbard's Point, Zebulon Mayhew and Rumer Larkin became best friends when they were five,
as
they divided the universe between them with he gaining the heavens and she attaining the earth.
They remained best friends until they were fifteen when her older sister Elizabeth caught Zeb's
attention and not just with his peaking through the blinds. Eventually Zeb and Elizabeth marry,
move
away, have a child, but ultimately divorce as he goes NASA and she goes Hollywood. A hardened
(at least towards humans) Rumer becomes a veterinarian vowing to never give her heart away
again.
Two decades later Zeb comes home to New England accompanied by his seventeen-year-old son.
When Zeb sees Rumer at a wedding, he knows what he lost though he also believes Michael was
worth the price. He wants Rumer permanently in his life, but must compete with her boyfriend
and
the specter of his former wife as he realizes he married the wrong sister. Luanne Rice is always a
True Blue dependable author who consistently provides powerful gut wrenching contemporary
romances that grips the audience because the characters seem like you and me. The story line of
True Blue uses flashbacks to depict the childhood relationships between mostly Zeb and Rumer,
but
also separately between the lead protagonists and Elizabeth. Though Elizabeth appears too
childishly
contemptible to be considered even as a rival, fans of relationship dramas will relish Ms. Rice's
strong novel.
Dark Horse
Tami Hoag
Bantam
Sept 2002,$26.95, 435 pp., ISBN 0553801929
For over a decade Elena Estes was a good police officer who justified her solid reputation and
respect from her peers with hard work. During a stakeout of two drug dealers, everything she
earned goes down the tubes when she disobeys her commander. Elena makes a move on the
perps,
which ends up with one officer dead and Elena needing reconstructive surgery. After all the
surgery
and physical therapy, Elena is physically if not mentally whole since she was kicked off the force.
Twelve years old Molly Seabright, thinking Elena is a private detective, wants to hire her to find
her
older sister Erin. Unable to turn down the little girl, who has stolen a piece of her heart, Elena
agrees
to investigate. For the first time in a long time she comes alive again and sees a future for herself
that
might prove albeit a short if she doesn't take extra precautions. Though it has been too long a time
since a Tami Hoag novel was published, fans are going to be surprised with the style of Dark
Horse.
There is very little emphasis on romance with the focus of the tale on a protagonist who must
learn
to go on after she makes a tragic mistake. The mystery itself is a complex cerebral puzzle that will
keep readers on edge until all the answers are revealed.
Better To Rest
Dana Stabenow
New Ameican Library
Sept 2002, $23.95, 272 pp., ISBN 0451207025
Once Alaska state trooper sergeant Liam Campbell was on the fast track to success but tragedy
struck, and he fell down on the job resulting in his exile to the small fishing town of Newenham,
population 2000. He quickly distinguished himself by catching a serial killer leading to his
superiors
wanting him back in Anchorage. Though he would have a more powerful position with more
opportunities for promotion, Liam needs to think about the offer because the woman he loves has
a
home and business in Newenham. He also likes the townsfolk who honor and respect him and his
badge. Before he can sort out his personal life, Liam is determined to find the killer of a
seventy-four
year old woman who he admired and was loved by most of the locals. It's a baffling case because
there isn't any suspect or even a motive yet somebody is determined to keep the truth buried as
that
someone tries to kill Liam before he can unmask he perpetrator. The beauty, the grandeur, and the
danger of the Alaskan frontier come vividly alive through the writing of Dana Stabenow. The
protagonist is a good person and an exceptional police officer because he believes in justice yet
cares
about the people depending on his protection. The absorbing and believable mystery is one of the
better installments in the meritorious Liam Campbell series.
True Honor
Dee Henderson
Multinomah Books
Sept 2002, $11.99, 350 pp., ISBN 1590520432
Darcy St. James spent many years in the field as an espionage agent keeping her country free from
those who sought to destroy it. When the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain fell, nobody was
happier
than Darcy, who thought she would be able to come in from the cold, as her side won the war.
She
learns quickly that when one war ends, another begins. On Sept 9, 2001, she meets with a former
Soviet Union espionage agent who she trusts. Her feelings are misplaced and it is only thanks to
Chief Petty Officer Sam Houston, a navy SEAL, that she is rescued. Two other agents in the field
are assassinated that night making the CIA think something is going down. Sept 11 happens and
the
U.S. goes to war again with Darcy on the front lines, trying to trace a man who knew and profited
from the terrorist attacks. Sam is part of Darcy's team at key times and though it is difficult, the
pair
conducts a romance during the war on terrorism. True Honor will appeal to the patriotism of
every
American. The story line is fast paced and action packed, a thriller based on one of the most
infamous events in history. The romance that blossoms between the two soldiers on the front lines
is
beautiful, sweet and believable. Dee Henderson is a fantastic storyteller who knows how to keep
and
maintain reader interest from the very first page.
The Alpine Obituary
Mary Daheim
Fawcett
Sept 2002, $6.99, 320 pp., ISBN 0345447913
It has been over fifteen months since the love of Emma Lord's life was murdered and the owner of
the weekly newspaper The Alpine Advocate still grieves as if it happened yesterday. There has
been
very little excitement in the small Washington town of Alpine and as a result Emma doesn't have
any
hard news-breaking stories to get her mind off her woes. That all changes when the town judge
receives a threatening note and photograph warning her to withdraw her appointment or face the
consequences. The judge doesn't have a clue what the letter or picture is about and asks Emma to
investigate. Before she gets very far, a forest fire breaks out and when it is finally put out, a dead
body is discovered in the woods. These two cases are related but to obtain the truth Emma will
have
to ferret out connections that existed over three decades ago. The latest Emma Lord mystery is a
cleverly designed who done it that is targeted for an audience who likes a cerebral brain teaser.
There are several sub-plots that seamlessly tie into the main story line with each one interesting
and
intriguing. Mary Daheim gives readers an up close and personal look at life in a small northwest
town in her first class cozy, The Alpine Obituary.
Reunion At Mossy Creek
Deborah Smith, Sandra Chastain, Donna Ball, Debra Dixon, Nancy Knight, & Virginia Ellis
Belle Books
Jul 2002, $14.95, 400pp, ISBN: 0967303532
With the twenty-year reunion at Mossy Creek, Georgia coming soon, Creekites wonder who
burned
down the town's high school back then that has forced locals to attend nearby rival Bigelow High
School? Apparently the arsonist is taunting the Creekites by having sent to the town the ten cent
fortune telling machine used during that homecoming day when the fire changed so many lives.
Though not even born yet, wallflower Josie McClure knows the impact of the fire because her
mother was the homecoming queen who never celebrated her victory and forced her to compete
for
the Bigelow High School Homecoming Day Queen, which she humiliatingly lost. Rainey Ann
Cecil
thinks back to that fatal day in 1981 when she was twelve and with Robert Walker and Hank
Blackshear believed they caused the fire. Amos Royden is now the sheriff and would like to solve
the case that his now deceased father always felt blemished his law enforcement record. Other are
impacted by either the fire or the upcoming reunion. Will the reunion complete the destruction of
the
Creekites or refurbish the civil pride of being a Creekite? Written as a series of vignettes tied
together through the reunion, the story line is humorous and sad focusing on how a pivotal event
can change lives forever. Though an ensemble, the characters come across as genuine leaving
readers to understand their pain, loneliness, and their need to belong. Fans will enjoy
tremendously
Reunion At Mossy Creek and want to read the previous slice of small town southern living,
Mossy
Creek. Both novels colorfully and cleverly illustrate small town southern living.
The First Billion
Christopher Reich
Delacorte
Aug 2002, $26.95, 438 pp., ISBN: 0385333676
John "Jett" Gavallan knows his Black Jet Securities Company has been in trouble since the bottom
fell out of the dot.com world. Borrowing from his days as a fighter pilot, Jett takes a major
chance
on a Russian firm Mercury Broadband that he plans to go public via the New York Stock
Exchange.
However, an online highly regarded financial analyst, Private Eye-PO, warns people that Mercury
Broadband is a bad investment stunning Jett with the revelations. Jett's assistant Grafton Byrnes
travels incognito to Moscow to uncover the truth while Jett tries to locate Private Eye-PO. Soon
Jett heads to Russia to confront Kirov, the CEO of Mercury Broadband, who may be part of the
Russian Mafia. Though not quite on a par with Numbered Account, The First Billion is an
interesting financial thriller that is at its best when Jett struggles between ethics and the deal of a
lifetime. The latter half of the story line turns into an international chase tale with body counts
outgrowing monetary accounts and Jett acting more like John Wayne. Still readers will find this
adventure exhilarating but would have preferred that Christopher Reich keep the hero continuing
his
work on the bottom line of a ledger sheet rather than body bags.
Her Father's House
Belva Plain
Delacorte
Aug 2002, $25.95, 342 pp., ISBN: 0385334729
In 1968 Rising New York attorney Donald Wolfe meets, dates, and marries Lillian Morris.
However, happily ever after fails to materialize and they quickly part but not before she becomes
pregnant. Lillian remarries and Donald sees their child Bettina once a week. During his visits
Tina's
nanny accompanies the little girl. The nanny informs Donald that Lillian ignores their daughter
while
planning to carry her with her as excess baggage when she visits her latest lover. Unable to sit on
the
sidelines, Donald abducts his beloved Tina and vanishes with her. Years later Tina is getting
married.
She travels to New York where she soon learns more about her matriarchal background. Tina is
pulled in two directions, as she knows her father lied about her past, but risked all to provide her a
safe nurturing environment. Her Father's House is a complex cerebral father-daughter relationship
tale. The story line forces the reader to ponder how far does one go to protect a loved one
including
hiding the truth from them? That question leads to other philosophical issues such as does the
means
(hiding the truth and the abduction though risking everything) justify the end (an adjusted adult),
when do you make that decision, and how do you knows its right in a world of multi-hued grays?
Belva Plain leaves her fans to cogitate on this deep novel and what brilliant rabbit will she pull out
of
her magic word processor next.
Peter Loon
Van Reid
Viking Press
Jul 2002, $24.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 067003052X
In 1801 in the District of Maine of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, recently widowed
Rosemund Loon sends her teenage son Peter to find an uncle he has never met. Peter has never
left
his home in Sheepscott Great Pond so with trepidation and anticipation, the teenage begins a trek
to
locate Obed Winslow, not realizing that the target of his quest is not blood, but the suitor his
mother
did not marry. The journey proves dangerous and distracting as seventeen year old Peter meets
various people. He encounters females that divert his attention from his goal and learns that
though
the American Revolution ended two decades ago, many of the farmers wonder why they revolted
as
the wealth remains with the privileged few in Boston and New York. Peter is discovering a vast
world made up of different people in his quest through New England. No one does the late
eighteenth country early nineteenth century like Van Reid does. His latest tale, Peter Loon, brings
to
life a side of America rarely found in the textbooks as the author vividly describes people not
harmoniously monolithic in support of the Founding Fathers. The story line is loaded with vivid
descriptions and plenty of action with Peter obviously the focus, but also contains too many
subplots
as if Mr. Reid wanted to get as many of his thoughts into the novel as he could. Still, Mr. Reid's
coming of age Americana historical tale remains top notch and worth reading just as the author's
Moosepath Adventures prove he is the fictional chronicler of the early years of the United
States.
The Forge Of Mars
Bruce Balfour
Ace
Sept 2002, $6.99, 416 pp., ISBN 0441009549
Tau Wolfsinger is a brilliant, cutting edge scientist who works on Artificial Intelligence for
NASA.
He is unhappy because he can't get funding because he's too independent a thinker and the powers
that be believe that Tau's ideas that an A.I. can build a city is to dangerous to explore. His
personal
life is going down the tubes as well with his fiancee Kate heading to Mars for a long time.
Evidence
of an ancient civilization has been discovered on the red planet and Kate is one of the
archeologists
going to excavate the site. Neither Tau nor Kate know they are being manipulated by a shadow
government known as the Davos group who want to find out how these ancient artifacts can be
used
to further their goals. They believe Tau is the best person to figure out what these artifacts and
portals are all about so they give the scientist the funding he needs providing he does the testing
on
Mars. Bruce Balfour does an excellent job of explaining the concepts of artificial intelligence,
virtual
reality and nanotechnology in layman's turns. His protagonist is a mild-mannered person who can
play hardball when the situation warrants it. The Forge Of Mars is an action packed science
fiction
thriller that is a one sitting read.
Earthrise
William C. Dietz
Ace
Sept 03, 2002, $23.95, 432 pp., ISBN 044100971
The planet Earth is in ruins following the Sauron invasion on Feb 28 2020. Whole cities are
destroyed and most of the humans that survived are slaves to do the conqueror's bidding. The
Saurons have installed Alex Franklin as their puppet president of the USA not knowing that he
has
joined with the resistance movement to find a way to destroy the invaders and rebuild the planet.
The Saurons, a race divided into three castes, are pushing the human and Ra'Na slaves to rapidly
build the citadels. The entire race will die giving birth to their hatchlings. Ra'Na and human
resistance groups form to find a way of destroying the "master" race during the few days when the
hatchlings are very vulnerable. Aliens and humans alike are willing to give their lives so that
others
may throw off the yoke of oppression. Earthrise, the sequel to Deathday, is a fascinating invasion
thriller. The tale enables readers to gain an intriguing look at the psychological and sociological
essences of two alien races as well as the human reaction to a first encounter. William Dietz also
profiles humanity and shows us as a race worth surviving for many of us are willing to die in the
name of freedom. Though an insightful character and race study, the plot remains an action
packed
novel even as the charcaters feel as though they are part of our lives.
Laws Of The Blood: Deceptions
Susan Sizemore
Ace
Sept 26 2002, $5.99, 272 pp., ISBN 0441009846
She was the mother of Alexander the Great and Philip of Macedon's queen. She saw the rise and
fall
of Greece and Rome and other civilizations lost to the dust of time. Her name is Olympias and her
age can be measured in millenniums but she prefers to live in the present where she is the Chief
Enforcer of Washington DC. She insures that all vampires in her domain obey the laws of the
council and keep their identities hidden from the mortals living along side them. Olympias is going
through the motions of her job, but she is not really paying any attention to the beings that are
dissatisfied with her actions. Her "slave" Sarah wants her mistress to pay more attention to her,
while a vampire's companion sets in motion a plan that will topple Olympias from power, and a
black
ops government backed psychic group is on the verge of discovering that vampires actually exist.
To
complicate matters even more the Enforcer is attracted to the head of the psychic group, a man
whose vampire father lives in Olympias' territory. Every book in this series seems better than the
previous highly regarded predecessors as Susan Sizemore continues to develop the culture of the
vampire society. The heroine of this novel has earned a sequel and the audience deserves learning
the fate of some of the likable characters in Laws Of The Blood: Deceptions. There are so many
exciting subplots that tie into the main story line that readers will want to read this book more
than
once, but each time in one sitting.
The Devil's Hawk
Ray Sipherd
Thomas Dunne
Aug 2002, $23.95, 272 pp., ISBN: 0312244282
Ornithologist Jon Wilder studies the native bird population in the Tucson area at about the same
time that human smuggler The Hawk leaves six dead people in the nearby desert. Jon learns that
the
deceased include the sister of close friend Emilio Flores and five other family members abandoned
without food or water during a border smuggling incident. Jon vows to bring the Hawk to justice
over the objection of Emilio who insists that it is too dangerous to mess with the smuggler. Jon
obtains the help of US Border Patrol Officer Max Montoya. However, she is shot during their
investigation. Refusing to concede to the peril, Jon wears the garb of a priest as he enters Mexico
to
confront the deadly Hawk in the villain's aerie. Though the use of flukes of nature seems more like
a
bird's fancy, fans of Southwest amateur sleuth tales will enjoy The Devil's Hawk for its timely
scenic
look at the region with the impossible patrolling of the border and especially the fowl population.
Jon appears to be brilliant in his professional field, but readers will need to overcome his
volunteering as an amateur sleuth to achieve the impossible stretch that the Border Patrol has not
been able to attain. Still, the settings are beautifully painted and incorporated so that the
background
enhances the action-packed story line leading to Ray Sipherd's novel being for those regional
readers
who delight in picturesque depictions filled with natural wonders and birdbrains.
Buttons & Foes
Dolores Johnson
Thomas Dunne
Aug 2002, $22.95, 224 pp., ISBN: 0312283962
Mandy Dyer, owner of a Denver dry cleaning company, is surprised to inherit two trash bags
filled
with clothing no one would want. In her will octogenarian customer Thelma Chadwick left the
bags
of clothing to Mandy. More of a shock than the bags to Mandy is how Thelma died. The elderly
woman fell down the stairs leading to her basement. Considering that Thelma never used the stairs
because of her arthritis coupled with the fact that the deceased complained about a prowler leads
the
successful amateur sleuth to conclude that someone killed her friend. Mandy notices the odd
variety
of non-matching designer buttons sewed onto the dresses. Wondering if there is value to the
buttons, Mandy makes inquires into button collecting, which turns out to be a very popular hobby
with several local clubs. Over the objections of her plant manager Nat Wilcox she also begins
investigating Thelma's neighbors and her dearly departed customer's sleazy California relatives.
The
latest Mandy Dyer investigative tale is an entertaining amusing amateur sleuth novel. The story
line
is fun though the audience will need to overcome the hurdle (shared by most sub-genre books) of
why Mandy would conduct any inquiries into Thelma's death especially when the dry cleaner's life
seems threatened. Still, readers will want to take that leap because Buttons & Foes showcases
Mandy at her inquisitive best and provides a new romantic entry for the heroine. With this novel
and
series, Dolores Johnson takes her audience to the cleaners, which fans will welcome the spin.
The Irish Sports Pages
Les Roberts
Thomas Dunne
Jul 2002, $23.95, ISBN: 0312286619
In Cleveland, Cathleen Hartigan arranges a meeting between her mother Common Pleas Judge
Maureen Hartigan and an almost boy friend private investigator Milan Jacovich. The Judge wants
Milan to find Irish con artist Brian McFall, who told Maureen, her brother Hugh Cochran, and his
friends that he just came from the "auld" country, but has been unable to find his cousin in Akron.
Brian conned Hugh and Maureen out of several thousand dollars and stole some photographs that
the Judge wants back. Finding the vanished Brian through his several identities turns out to be
quite
easy as someone murdered McFall. Cleveland Police Lieutenant Florence McHargue lectures
Milan
to stay out of her case, but he cannot remain on the sidelines as Cathleen's family is suspects and
he
might be too. Then there is also the real killer targeting Milan for a spot in The Irish Sports Page,
better known as the obituaries. The latest Jacovich mystery like most if not all the other series
novels
contains an entertaining tour of Cleveland through the ethnic neighborhoods. Though nothing new
from the previous dozen Jacovich tales surface, the investigation remains fun to observe as
readers
know what to expect with Milan retaining his charm as a strong lead sleuth and his greatest enemy
Florence somewhat tolerating him at best when it is convenient to her case. Fans of the series will
feel fortunate that the thirteenth entry consists of a solid investigative plot starring a steady
hero.
Prince Of Fire And Ashes
Katya Reimann
Tor Books
Jul 2002, $27.95, 480 pp., ISBN: 0312860099
The Arleon Forest witch Gaultry Bas captures Tullier of the Bissanty Empire before he can
assassinate Prince Benet of Tielmark. Gaultry returns to Tielmark accompanied by Tullier while
praying to the Twin Goddesses that her country will finally thrive in peace and domestic
tranquillity.
However, she also believes that for this to happen, Prince Benet must become crowned king. The
Common Brood witch coven disagrees as they conclude that the time is right to begin the final
phase
of a deadly and ancient plot. Though she prefers otherwise, Gaultry knows she must fight for
freedom for her people as the Bissanty Empire once again threatens the sovereignty of Tielmark.
To
succeed she must ally with an apparent enemy, The Common Brood. Prince Of Fire And Ashes,
the
final chapter in Katya Reimann's epic fantasy Tielmaran Chronicles, is a tremendous tale. The
novel
closes the subplots left behind from the previous two tales (Wind From A Foreign Sky and A
Tremor In The Bitter Earth) yet manages to keep the prime story line of this book interesting and
moving, enabling this novel to be a stand alone tale too. That well executed exciting combo is
what
fans will marvel about as much as the maturing of Ms. Reimann into a monster force within the
genre.
Requiem For The Sun
Elizabeth Haydon
Tor Books
Sept 2002, $27.95, 480 pp., ISBN: 0312878842
After all the battles, adventures and trials Rhapsody the singer, Achmed the Firbolg king, and
Grunthor his Sergeant-Major have gone through, they are now at peace with themselves and the
world around them. Achmed and Grunthor are rebuilding the once mighty civilization in the ruins
of
Ylorc. Rhapsody and her husband Ashe, who is part human and part dragon, are the titular rulers
of
the loosely federated Cymrian Alliance. None of them see trouble coming but it is out there
waiting
to ambush them. In a time long ago in a place that no longer exists, Rhapsody pledged her love to
the seneschal Michael to prevent him from harming innocents. Now he has come back for her and
has taken her against her will, leaving it up to her husband and her two friends to rescue her, if
they
can. This sequel to the Rhapsody trilogy is epic fantasy in the tradition of Tolkien and Terry
Brooks.
It also sets the stage for future works set in this fantasy world dealing with the Cymrian Alliance
and
the disintegration of the Sorbold Empire. Requiem For The Sun is filled with romance, sword and
sorcery battles, and political upheaval in a world that briefly knew peace. Elizabeth Haydon is a
master storyteller who has cross-genre appeal.
The Alchemist's Door
Lisa Goldstein
Tor Books
Aug 2002, $23.95, 286 pp., ISBN: 0765301504
In 1582, Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley communicate with angels that the latter exclusively
sees
in the ball of crystal. Though John thought he speaks with God or those close to God, a demon
intercepts his thirst for knowledge of God's great plan by threatening John's family especially by
possessing little Katherine. John accompanied by his family seeks help in Prague where King
Rudolf
of the Holy Roman Empire has summoned all the mystics for the mad ruler wants to kill one of
the
thirty six Righteous Men so that the world is remade in His Highness' image. In Prague, John
meets
mystic Rabbi Judah Loew. They join forces to create the Golem to keep the "Thirty-Six" safe for
if
one of these Righteous Men is slain, legend says the world ends. Controlling the Golom is no easy
matter either and then there is the question of what to do with the tempting but forbidden fruit of
an
Alchemist's Door opened between humanity and the other side. The prime theme of The
Alchemist's
Door is a powerful morality tale focusing on the pride of power leading to excesses and abuses.
The
story line is at its strongest when the reader follows a historical ethics trail. The occasional
well-written sidebars provide insight into Elizabethan era Prague, but also abate the puissant
primary
plot. Still this fantasy novel is a strong book that uses real sixtieth century persona to entertain
while
warning the audience on the corruption of power that seems so timely.
Gods Of Fire And Thunder
Fred Saberhagen
Tor Books
Aug 2002, $24.95, 319 pp., ISBN: 0765302012
Following his journey as an Argonaut, Hal comes home to settle down in a mundane environment
though he still wants wealth. His hope of boredom ends before he reaches his destination as he
finds
his path blocked by a strange looking fire. He plans to go around the magical induced flames, but
first talks with a melancholy man called Baldur. The stranger tells Hal that he expected to attain
Valhalla by dying in combat, but instead sits on the wrong side of the flame that contains his
beloved
Valkyrie Brunhild and a treasure. Unable to ignore the possibility of wealth, Hal joins Baldur on
his
quest to get to the other side. When the gnomes begin their annual trek to Valhalla, Hal and
Baldur
follow. However when they reach the fabled city, the partners are shocked to find Valhalla in
ruins.
Woden seems mentally incompetent, and Thor and Loki are missing. Someone has to lead the
Valhalla warriors in combat against the invading giants. Alas Hal and Baldur become embroiled
though the former wants gold while the latter desires his Valkyrie. The Fifth Book of the Gods,
Gods Of Fire And Thunder, is an action packed fantasy thriller. The story line follows the exploits
of
the key two characters driven in different ways. Though overall quite an exciting extension to
mythology, the plot at times feels disjointed yet this engaging tale will please fans of the author
and
Norse mythology lovers with its creative force.
The Sky So Big And Black
John Barnes
Tor Books
Aug 2002, $24.95, 315 pp., ISBN: 0765303035
In 2095, the One True controls humanity at least those living on the earth in a hive like collective
intelligence. Mars is one of the few locales in which mankind retains free will though the
environment still requires terraforming to make it more habitable. On Mars, Teri Murray informs
her
father Telemachus that she wants to drop out and marry her boyfriend Perry, but needs her dad's
permission, as she is legally a minor. Her father opposes both ideas so Teri remains in school
when
she learns that her beloved Perry is already married. Teri accompanies her dad escorting a group
of
youngsters on a special training trip. However due to a sunburst, communications die. Not longer
afterward, many of her companions including her dad die. Teri takes charge of the survivors and
begins the journey to safety only to find weary despondent gene-engineered humans and conclude
that someone sentient attacked Mars with the sunburst. The Sky So Big And Black is science
fiction
at its most exciting and thought provoking best. The story line first appears as a futuristic coming
of
age tale, but quickly expands into several varying layers to include the survivalist trek, the
sunburst
attack, and the starving Marsformed genetically engineered mutants. John Barnes writes a
triumphant story that keeps readers wondering what next and how did the author successfully tie
everything back into a cohesive interesting story worth re-reading to grasp all the nuances.
Hot Paint
Robert S. Levinson
Forge
August 2002, $26.95, 352 pp., ISBN 0765302314
Newspaper columnist Neil Gulliver and soap opera queen and theatre actress Stevie Marriner
were
once married. Now that they are divorced they have a much better relationship in every sense of
the
word. A retired mobster gives Neil and Stevie a suite of eleven Andy Warhol prints, each one
containing a painting and the artist who owns it. Shortly after, the couple is asked to meet an old
friend and two of his guests who turn out to be Mossad agents. They tell Stevie and Neil that the
Nazis confiscated the paintings from Jews who rightfully owned them. They're also informed that
there was supposed to be a twelfth print but it has gone missing. Some of the people in the
paintings
are dead and the paintings have disappeared. Neil smells a big story and Stevie wants to be a part
of
the investigation since she owns half the prints. As usual Neil and Stevie are going against some
very
dangerous characters who have killed before and have no compunction against killing again. Hot
Paint, the latest episode in the Neil Gulliver and Stevie Marriner mystery series, is an exciting
crime
thriller that plays out on many levels. The protagonists steal the show with their offbeat yet
genuine
relationship and the way they work as a team when the chips are down making this reviewer think
there is hope for a reconciliation. Robert R. Levinson has written a strong story that links present
day crimes to those committed during World War II.
Carousel Of Dreams
Amanda Harte
Leisure/Dorchester
Aug 2002, $5.99, ISBN: 0843950390
They were dubbed the ABCs for as much for their first names as their competitive need to win.
However, the most daredevil of the trio Charles Moreland has watched his lifestyle go up in the
same flames that killed his parents, badly burned one of his sisters, and left him with a mountain of
debt. Still the worse aspect is returning to Hidden Falls, New York after he seen and lived in New
York City. While Charles frets his fate, his buddy Anthony has become engaged to Susannah
Deere
and their other friend Brad is infatuated with Charles' sister Jane. Charles shakes his head at the
folly
of his two pals thinking of marriage and no one even thirty until he meets Susannah. Charles
begins
to fall in love with Susannah, but will do nothing because he honors his friendship with Anthony.
Meanwhile Susannah is confused between her desires for Charles as opposed to her fianc‚ even as
she struggles with caring for her ailing mother. Carousel Of Dreams is a strong historical romance
that provides a wonderful depiction of life in Upstate New York in 1908. The characters make the
tale work quite well as they seem genuine and thus insure a taste for the era as well as forming a
complex romantic triangle. Though Amanda Harte leaves a few too many threads dangling for the
next tale, readers will relish the opening gamut of a strong story that focuses on a bygone
Americana
period.
Ooh, La, La!
Robin Wells
Love Spell/Dorchester
Aug 2002, $5.99, ISBN: 0505525038
Director Zack Jackson wants to do a movie set in a brothel in historical New Orleans, but his last
few films came in late, over budget, and flopped at the box office. He explains his idea to the
caustic
CEO of Parapet Pictures Goldman that he found an article in the Historical Research Quarterly
written by New Orleans University Professor Kate Matthews on a true story that Zack believes
will
make quite a film. Goldman agrees to finance the movie, but insists that Professor Matthews be
hired as a consultant. Kate is thrilled to be on the team until she realizes that Zack is ignoring
authenticity. She informs the director that she can supply him with exciting real historical
happenings
that will bring action to his movie. As they work together, the professor and the filmmaker fall in
love, but will this be a Hollywood type ending? Ooh, La, La! lives up to its title as an exciting
contemporary romance that enhances the plot with incite into the historical red light district of
New
Orleans. The story line engages the audience from the moment Kate and Zack meet and never lets
up until the film is finished. Kate is a wonderful protagonist who believes in what she is doing;
Zack
is a talented individual trying to make a film his way while satisfying Goldman, a throwback to the
big studio days with a lot of time on his hands. Robin Wells provides fans with an entertaining
novel
that is fun to read.
Body Electric
Susan Squires
Leisure/Dorchester
Aug 2002, $6.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0843950366
Visimorph dominates the software industry by control of the most widely used operating system,
which is on just about everyone's computer. Owner Bob McIntire makes a fortune as every
upgrade
result in people required buying the latest software or not function in society. Working for
Visimorph, former hacker Vic Barnhardt provides security programs to stop her former
colleagues
from breaking and entering computers. Secretly, Vic creates an Artificial Intelligence that she
names
Jodie. Vic wants Jodie to feel feminine without the trappings of society that the developer believes
forces people like her to hide her curves to be accepted amidst her peers. Jodie begins to take
over
programs, servers, and libraries owned by others, but to Vic's chagrin feels male and is falling in
love
with his creator. However, Bob learns about Jodie and has plans to use the AI to further his own
goals. Body Electric plays out on several levels as Susan Squires takes a giant leap towards
superstardom. The story line is a powerful science fiction that digs deep into the meaning of life.
The
plot also takes a close look at gender in a highly technological society. The characters make this
tale
work as readers believe that Vic is a confused woman struggling for her sexual identity as much
as
Vic battles with her/his "human" identity similar to the Malkovich movie Making Mr. Right. Ms.
Squires has written a powerful novel that will earn the author many accolades and awards.
Lone Warrior
Bobbi Smith
Leisure/Dorchester
Jul 2002, $6.99, 358 pp., ISBN: 0843950285
In the late 1870s at a Texas way station, Chief Ten Crow leads a band of Comanches on a raid
that
results in the death of Marissa Williams' traveling companion Louise Bennett. When Ten Crow
notices Marissa he recognizes her as the woman in his visions. With everyone else left dead, the
Comanche ride off with Marissa as a captive. Ten Crow believes Marissa is an augur of peace and
gives her to his adoptive son Wind Ryder, an action that angers his biological son Bear Claw who
has always jealously detested his "brother". Marissa is shocked further to realize her "intended" is
a
white man but even more emotionally devastating she falls in love with him. He reluctantly
reciprocates. When the chief dies, Wind Ryder no longer feels at home with the Comanche as his
only tether is gone. He leaves with Marissa, but their adventures are just beginning, as he has one
foot in either world. Lone Warrior is an exciting western romance starring two strong
protagonists
and a deep supporting cast that includes an enticing secondary love subplot. The story line is
fast-paced coming out of the chute and never slows down until the plot crosses the finish line. Yet
the relationship between Marissa and Wind Ryder seems contrived as she falls in real love (as
opposed to the capture-prisoner Stockholm Syndrome) too fast with all that activity that
happened
to her in such a short time. Still sub-genre fans will delight in Bobbi Smith's non-stop
action-jammed
historical romance.
Spirit Of The Mist
Janeen O'Kerry
Love Spell/Dorchester
Jul 2002, $5.99, 307 pp., ISBN: 0505524961
The storm raged outside Dun Farraige Keep making visibility impossible, but Muriel looking at
her
water mirror sees the image of a man inside a boat struggling to live. Knowing she must rescue
the
person in peril though he is probably a criminal exile, Muriel cloaks herself in an aura of
invisibility
and sneaks past the guards to save Brendan's life. Exiles are normally turned into slaves yet
somehow he persuades Muriel, the Druids, and King Murrough that he is a prince sent to die at
sea
for having the audacity of killing the son of Odhran who now controls Dun Bochna formerly ruled
by Brendan's father. As treachery swirls everywhere amidst the mists, Brendan and Muriel fall in
love, but she vows not to marry out of fear that wedlock to the wrong person will cost her the
magic
that she so diligently uses for the good of all. Spirit Of The Mist is an exciting magical historical
romance that makes Druid Ireland seem vividly alive. Though the acceptance of Brendan as a
prince
seems too naive for the leaders of the Dun, he remains an exhilarating lead character who hooks
the
reader with his deeds and beliefs. Muriel's doubts enable the audience to see deep inside her soul
so
that the conflict and love between her and Brendan adds depth to the engaging plot. Fans of
medieval Irish romances with a touch of enchantment will want to read Janeen O'Kerry's fine
offering.
A Love To Cherish
Connie Mason
Love Spell/Dorchester
Jul 2002, $5.99, 364 pp., ISBN: 0505524945
In 1876 Yuma Territorial Prison, Arizona Pinkerton Agent Casey Walker visits his brother Mark
who was convicted of murder. Casey vows to get his sibling free, but needs money to hire the best
lawyer available to properly defend Mark's self defense plea. Casey agrees to a deal with winery
owner T.J. McAllister to bring his client's five-year-old grandson Tommy to him in exchange for
three thousand dollars in advance. T.J. informs Casey that his estranged son died on a cattle drive
after marrying a whore Belle Parker. Though he ignored the existence of his grandson until now,
he
demands his heir be brought to him without the prostitute mother. Casey learns that Naomi of
Naomi's Pleasure Palace has corresponded with Isabelle Henderson of Placerville, Oregon.
Believing
Henderson is Belle Casey heads north. Instead of a fallen woman, Casey finds Belle to be a good
mother and a hardworking restaurant owner. He quickly respects and falls in love with her leading
to
a moral dilemma because what is best for his brother is not best for Belle or Tommy. A Love To
Cherish is a deep historical romance that contains a strong ethical quandary that leads readers to
keep going until a resolution occurs though that denouement is too simplified for the honorable
lead
male protagonist. The action-packed story line enables the audience to see inside the gentle yet
protective Belle and caring decent Casey. Though the outcome is too easily facilitated for such a
complex morality tale, fans of Americana romance will want to read Connie Mason's well-written
cerebral tale.
Those Baby Blues
Sheridon Smythe
Love Spell/Dorchester
Jul 2002, $5.99, 351 pp., ISBN: 050552483X
Her former husband Jim Leigh demanded DNA testing of their child though Hadleigh Charmaine
has
never had any other lover. The test result shocks them when Dr. Manubay informs them that
neither
one are the biological parents of Samantha. Jim wants to sue the hospital for giving them the
wrong
baby while Hadleigh wants the nightmare to go away as she loves the child that she has raised by
herself. Dr. Manubay tells them that he must report the mistake to County central Hospital.
Hollywood star Treet Miller loves his daughter whom he has raised by himself. Her "mother"
Cheyenne Windsor wanted nothing to do with the baby, vowing that Treet would not get her
either.
When he learns the news Treet, like Hadleigh, refuses to give up the child he raised alone, but has
a
need to meet his biological offspring. As the adults struggle with the switch, they fall in love, but
Hadleigh remembers the portrait Cheyenne painted of Treet. Adding to the confusion is that
Cheyenne has returned stirring up further misconceptions. The writing team of Sheridon Smythe
avoids clich‚s while relating a tale of love on several levels within a story line that grips the reader
as
soon as Dr. Manubay announces the DNA results though why Jim insisted on the test is beyond
the
comprehension of this reviewer. The lead couple and their children are delightful cast members,
but
neither one of their former partners contains a redeeming characteristic. Still Those Baby Blues
provides the audience with a deeply ardent tale of love.
Moon On Little Winter
Margaret Mar
Novel Books
ISBN: 1591050758 $TBA
In Cades Cove, North Carolina, Chely Austin hears a noise that wakes her from her sleep. Taking
her gun with her, she investigates finding Ty Walker in the home she recently inherited from her
deceased grandfather. Ty persuades Chely to call Deputy Joe Downy who vouches that he is no
thug. Ty explains that he thought the house was empty and that he owns part of the edifice as half
the building resides on his grandmother's property. The next day Ty's dog frightens Chely's cat
into
scampering under the house. Ty follows trying to rescue the feline only to find human bones that
are
later reported as two decades old. As Joe investigates the murder, Ty and Chely fall in love, but
he
fears it will end once she learns why he has telekinetic powers. This novel is an exciting
paranormal
romantic suspense that blends the elements of many genres into a fun reading experience for the
audience. The story line is filled with action as the murder mystery hooks the reader as much as
the
romantic tension between the lead characters. Moon On Little Winter is a winner for the mystery,
romance, and paranormal crowds.
The Moon Runners
Mary Lennox
Moonstar
ISBN: 1586973215 $TBA
In 1350 BC, Melanion struggles with the cards fate has dealt him, as he has no earthly idea how
to
achieve the dual vows he made to his now deceased mother. Somehow Melanion must keep his
matriarch's home city Thessaly safe from the invasion of his father King Kryton of Macedonia.
Yet
on the other hand, Melanion is not to kill his sire. Though Melanion tries to negotiate a diplomatic
peace, Kryton's High Command Polymus has a different plan for Thessaly, utter rape and
destruction
of the city-state. Thessaly Princess Atalante knows she is the chosen one of the Goddess Artemis
though she also believes the mark on her visage leaves her quite ugly with no chance of gaining
the
love of a man. When Melanion meets Atalante, he finds her beautiful, but though she is not
allowed
to look in a mirror she cannot believe he tells the truth. Still, they fall in love, but Melanion tugs at
Atalante's loyalties to her family and the quest Artemis placed on her. The Moon Runners is an
excellent mythological romance starring two superb lead characters struggling with love and their
respective vows while a wonderful horde of secondary players augment the heroic twosome by
adding depth to the strong tale. The story line is loaded with action and quite descriptive so that
the
reader believes they are on an Ancient Greek quest amidst the Olympus legends. More novels like
this one will lead to Mary Lennox becoming a legendary chronicler of the Ancient Greek
myths.
Juno Lucina
Mandy Hager
Wings ePress
June 2002, 248 pp., $TBA, ISBN 1590889126
Alan Chromain was stabbed to death while trying to help a woman who was being assaulted by
two
men. The woman escaped but his widow Tess is angry that Alan played the Good Samaritan
because
that left her alone and lonely. It's been fifteen months since Alan's death and Tess is still in
mourning.
She doesn't listen to her banker; she's in danger of losing her job; and she pushes away everyone
who cares about her. When her friend Jeff returns from overseas, he moves into Tess' home as a
lodger. They become romantically involved but Tess cannot let Alan go, so she pushes Jeff away
and
asks him to move out. It takes a near tragedy for Tess to accept herself and move on with her life
and make peace with a part of her life she never wanted to acknowledge. Juno Lucina is a
haunting
and poignant tale about a woman who feels she has lost everything and doesn't have the strength
to
move on in life after the tragedy. The heroine is very endearing, so much so that the audience
hurts
with her. Mandy Hager has written an insightful drama about the human condition.
Whispers In The Night
Robert L. Hecker
Double Dragon eBooks
Jun 2002, $TBA, ISBN: 1894841107
At UCLA, Dr. Daniel Braden demonstrates gentle hypnosis to his Psychology II class. However,
one of the students Sandi Boecknel reacts strangely when she regresses back to World War II
Germany. An elated Daniel believes he can earn a lot of money by writing a book about his
experimenting with Sandi. After Daniel tricks her into a second regression, Sandi decides to visit
Germany to learn what she can about Helga von Waltz, who is her connection to the Nazi
hierarchy
that she meets in her hypnotic state. Her parents and her fianc‚ object, but Sandi goes ahead with
the
trip anyway accompanied by Daniel. In Europe, they search for information on Helga even as they
fall in love. However, someone wants Sandi dead while Daniel knows that he must tell his beloved
why he joined her quest though he dreads her reaction. Whispers In The Night is a great
paranormal
tale with a strong romance that is difficult to describe without giving away the surprising twists to
the plot. Readers will want to set aside the time for one sitting, as the audience will need to know
what is really going on with Sandi. Daniel is an interesting protagonist and the secondary
characters
specially those in California augment the tale with their reactions to Sandi's investigation. Fans of
psychic phenomena will relish this well written thriller that will provide much delight to the
paranormal romance reader too.
Secrets: Volume 8
Jeanie Cesarini, Mary Janice Davidson, Alice Gaines, and Liz Maverick
Red Sage Publishing
P.O. Box 4844; Seminole, FL 33775
Dec 2002, $TBA, http://www.redsagepub.com
"Taming Kate" by Jeanie Cesarini. New Yorker Kathryn Roman inherits a legal brothel in Love,
Nevada. She rejects the lifestyle change, but the townsfolk send hunk Trey Holiday to persuade
her
to relocate as the Madame to the local cash crop. "Jared's Wolf" by Mary Janice Davidson. Jared
Rocke lives for one thing only to revenge the death of his sister from werewolves. To his personal
disgrace, Jared desires Moira, protector of the werewolf pack. Soon these sworn enemies will
need
to unite to stop a killer even as love flares between them. "My Champion, My Love" by Alice
Gaines. In 1888 Upstate New York Celeste wants the same sexual and other freedoms granted to
males, but denied her gender. She seeks a hero and thinks she has found him in Robert, a mayor,
but
love makes both redefine her quest. "Kiss or Kill" by Liz Maverick. In 2043 DC, the world has
dramatically changed and not for the better. Military officer Camille must decide between
destroying
or allowing Meat the Robo to live based on whether her target can prove he is human. Though he
makes her feel good about being a woman, she has doubts whether he is a man or a machine. All
four tales are well written and fun to read because even the sexiest scenes are not written for
shock
value, but interwoven into the plots. This quartet contains strong plots and solid lead characters,
but
then again what else would one expect from the no longer Secrets anthologies.
Harriet Klausner
Reviewer
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
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