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Shelley's Bookshelf
An Affinity for Murder
Anne White
Oak Tree Press, 915 W. Foothill Blvd.#411, Claremont, CA 91711-3356
www.oaktreebooks.com
ISBN: 1892343169 $8.50 (U.S.) $13.25 (CAN)
Anne White has spent her life as a writer, editor and librarian. She has had short stories published
in
several magazines, including McCall's, Career World, Lake George Arts Project Literary Review,
and Glen Falls Post Star. She holds degrees in English and Library and Information Studies.
Affinity
for Murder is her first novel. She lives in Glen Falls, NY.
Ellen Davies is occupying her uncle's old house in Lake George. Georgia O'Keeffe is one of Lake
George's most notable figures, during the summers she spent in Lake George with her husband.
Ellen is set to interview an art expert acquaintance of her new friend Diane's who is staying at her
and her estranged husband's bungalow when they discover smoke, a fire in the bungalow...and a
dead body:
"The partially burned body of a man lay on his side facing away from me. The handle of a long,
thin
knife or letter opener protruded from his back. Blood had puddled up around the wound and
formed
a grotesque strawberry mark on the man's tweed sport coat. The smell coming from the body and
from the singed hair was sickening enough but it was the face, when I leaned sideways to look at
it,
that really started my stomach churning."
Anne White has written a thorough entertaining tale with punch lines galore, masterful
description,
and a plot intricate enough to pull the reader along until the final exciting denouement. Using
Georgia O'Keeffe as a backdrop, her story has a "what if" and "it could happen" air about it that is
compelling. Ms. White knows her O'Keeffe, and the stories and descriptions of her painting and
life
alone are enough to make this a great mystery. But, not content to rest on her laurels, Ms. White
proceeds to write just about the perfect mystery.
An Affinity for Murder has it all...great characterization, action, eloquent writing, a heroine who
is
fun to follow, and a crackerjack plot line. She hides the culprit until the very end, and adds a witty
twist just for fun. Excellently done, Ms. White! We would all love to keep following Ellen Davies!
She is devilishly independent, intelligent, and savvy.
Murder Canyon
Joan Blacher
Zumaya Publications
www.zumayapublications
ISBN: 1894869648 $14.00
Joan Blacher is a former professor and licensed psychotherapist. She has had articles published in
counseling and educational journals, magazines, newspapers, and has published a book entitled
Teens: A Parents Guide for Coping. She has lectured throughout the United States. She is a
member
of Sisters in Crime and the American Psychological Association, as well as serving on boards that
provide help to troubled children and their families.
In Murder Canyon we are introduced to Ardis Jensen, a former forensic psychologist who
currently
holds the position of campus counselor at a small liberal arts school called Clarion University.
When
a body is discovered brutally murdered close to her home, Ardis is horrified to find that it is her
former student assistant Meggie Robard, a psychology major who just graduated. The list of
suspects is long, because Meggie was a beautiful and vibrant young lady who attracted many
members of the opposite sex, including one male faculty member who was a known
philanderer:
"She told me he'd move in on her when she was working in his office. She tried to ignore him, but
he
wouldn't stop. The creep actually threatened her about her grades. She wanted to graduate, so she
strung him along and tried not to be trapped alone with him. 'Did that work?' Ardis leaned
forward.
She didn't want to miss a word of Julie's story. Last April he lost it. He locked his office door so
Meggie couldn't get out. He was furious because she'd avoided him for so long. He said nasty
things,
pushed up against her, kissed her and unbuttoned her blouse. The only thing she could think of to
do
was to knee him in the groin. When he was doubled over, she grabbed the key, unlocked the door,
and ran out.'"
Besides being a great cliff hanger, Murder Canyon works on many levels. It is a great mystery; it
deals very effectively with problems encountered by anyone who works in the health care
industry; it
points to some of the abuses in the higher educational system; and it is just plain a good plot with
well crafted characters. It is obvious Joan Blacher has a lot to contribute to the publishing world.
Ardis Jensen is a likeable, intelligent and resourceful heroine. A great read!
Dead Whales Tell No Tales
Ron Lovell
Sunstone Press
PO Box 2321, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2321
www.sunstonepress.com
ISBN: 0865343837 $18.95
Ron Lovell is presently on the Journalism staff at Oregon State University. His career has spanned
several writing positions in New York, Houston, Denver, and Los Angeles. He has written
thirteen
textbooks, and Dead Whales Tell No Tales is the successor to his first Thomas Martindale
mystery,
Murder at Yaquina Head.
Thomas Martindale is co-teaching a seminar on whales with Susan Foster, a marine biologist and
former lover; Randy Webb, a journalism colleague; and Howard Phelps, professor and world
renowned expert on marine biology. Several special interest groups are among the student body,
including a Japanese fisheries minister, and Eskimo whaling commissioner, and a fringe radical
environmental group. Naturally, the atmosphere is tense with whaling interests verses
environmentalists, and it is not surprising that the Susan Foster's indubitably accurate report on
the
whale population is discredited and a new report more in tune with whaling interests is
substituted.
But when Howard Phelps is found murdered in the mouth of a beached whale, the plot thickens,
as
they say:
"Susan Foster. I have a warrant for your arrest for the murder of Howard Phelps. You have the
right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to
talk
to a lawyer and have him present while you are being questioned. If you cannot afford a
lawyer..."
Marine biology is just another area that is begging for a great mystery to be written. The plight of
the whales is an International concern, and Lovell does a thorough job of outlining the forces
locked
in battle and the reasons for the fight. He spins a straightforward tale full of interesting side trails,
such as the lure of big money to professors who are supposed to be our leading minds, but who
all
too often succumb to the temptation of money and sex to undermine their position in our society.
His characters are bigger than life, and his description of the Oregon coastline is simply stunning.
Dead Whales contains a first-rate plot that snags the reader from the first page and doesn't let go
until the final denouement. Thomas Martindale is an entertaining hero who exacts his revenge on
his
former love who has done him wrong just as he rescues her from certain doom. An excellent read
from an accomplished writer.
Murders at Brent Institute
Jerry Labriola
Strong Books
PO Box 715, Avon, CT 06001-0715
ISBN: 1928782388 $21.95 U.S./$26.95 CAN
The area of medical, technological, and biological research is indeed a heady one, with the
possibilities for regenerative options never before known to mankind being awesome and
humbling.
There are those who would hold back every scientific discovery in the name of caution and
prudence, and these forces create the perfect backdrop for a mystery.
Dr. Jerry Labriola, adds a new mystery to his David Brooks series, entitled Murders at Brent
Institute. Dr. Labriola practiced medicine for nearly thirty-five years, has held a seat in the
Connecticut state senate, and has always loved writing. His character, Dr. David Brooks, is a
medical doctor who is fed up with the paperwork associated with medicine, has recently solved a
string of murders at Hollings General, wears bow ties, has a black belt in karate and a girlfriend
who
is herself a cop, and carries a briefcase on his investigations he calls Friday. His unlikely sidekick
is a
taxi driver he calls Musco who is pretty good in a fight:
"David yelled spot, Musc, spot!' Stonzo and Frankie pulled out their guns and stiffened their arms
toward David. Musco tackled Stonzo and somersaulted to his feet. The gun popped up. At the
same
time, David gave Frankie's wrist a karate chop. The gun squirted down. Flommer grunted as he
scrambled to the floor, picked up the guns and handed them to David."
Jerry Lambriola spins a darn good yarn about the use and misuse of funding for scientific projects.
He effectively combines the academic world with Third World bullies and a chocolate maker to
build
his tale about political thugs, cloning, secret accounts, and scientists who have allowed themselves
to be compromised by money. Dr. David Brooks is sort of a medical James Bond who uses his
disciplined training to track down all the nebulous strands and pull them into a coherent plot that
twists and turns and constantly changes direction as Brooks zeroes in on the killers.
Murders at Brent Institute is a remarkable second effort in the Dr. David Brooks series. Dr. David
is
coming into his own as a great investigator, and his love interest with Kathy keeps developing.
Dr.
Labriola's areas of expertise stick out on every page. A good read!
Murder in Maine
Lori A. Gordon
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
publishamerica.com
ISBN: 1591295165 $19.95
Lori A. Gordon lives in Vestal, New York with her family. She is not new to the publishing
world,
having had several articles published, but Murder in Maine is her first mystery.
Anne Wyndham has had a rough life thus far. Her parents were killed in a car accident which she
herself survived, and the nightmares are vivid. In the opening to Murder in Maine, Anne is in bed
and realizes her apartment and her landscaping business below are on fire and that the only way
she
will survive is if she jumps out of her window. But at the last moment she is rescued by tall, dark,
and handsome Brock Cameron, who has come to tell her that her beloved uncle has committed
suicide. Anne and Brock hurry back to Maine, where strange happenings have been afoot:
"'The accidents started about the time that Mr. Brock came...Mr. Brock promised that he'd get to
the bottom of things, but he never did...A few days before your uncle died, he sent for Mr.
Brock...they had a terrible fight.' Mrs. Monroe's words echoed in Anne's mind as she sat in the
gathering darkness. Could Brock have had anything to do with the accidents? Why? What did he
stand to gain?"
Murder in Maine is a delicately written story about the quest for meaning in a world filled with
unhappy and bitter events. Anne Wyndham and Brock Cameron are both orphans who are looking
for meaning and connection in their lives. The death of Anne's Uncle James brings them together
and
then threatens to tear them apart. Their characters are both sweet and uncomplicated people who
are
driven by the need to do the right thing when everything around them is falling apart.
Ms. Gordon writes an inspirational tale, but also does a good job of following the mystery genre
in
this unusual whodunit. She has a nice grasp of how reality can turn people around to the point
where
they don't know where to turn, and she offers more than a few biblical quotations as a means of
not
only redemption, but as a guidebook on how to transcend the problems of the world. Anne and
Brock and good people caught in bad circumstances, and Ms. Gordon's loving handling of their
situation gives hope and insight into everyday events. A good read.
St. Abient Run
Jeana Kendrick
Panther Creek Press
116 Tree Crest, PO Box 130233 Panther Creek Station, Spring, TX 77393-0233
ISBN: 0967834384 $14.95
Jeana Kendrick is well acquainted with the countries she writes about in St. Abient Run. Her
credentials are most impressive, as she is managing editor for the Door of Hope Magazine, as well
as overseeing the Door of Hope International publishing concerns in the US and Canada. She has
published articles in several newspapers and books, and is at work on her second novel of
international intrigue.
Susan Pardue, a journalist who is struggling in her job, finds herself assigned to St. Abient Run
school in France with her boss, Mark Ashley. Both she and Mark have a personal stake in the
investigation, as both of them have lost siblings to the increasing drug traffic. Mark's cousin
Benjamin has been acting erratically, has spent a considerable sum of his inheritance, and refuses
to
discuss it. Susan's life is suddenly in danger, after she innocently retrieves a package dropped by a
man who bumped into her. She and Mark have to call in the heavy guns after they have a
suspicious
bag of white powder planted on them and they are picked up by the cops after a tipoff:
"Zach continued. Our agency only has the bare bones on the story. But last year a grand jury
indicted Nebut Electronics, a U.S. Corporation, and Dower Consolidated of South Africa for
conspiracy. At the time the two companies held eighty percent of the $600 billion global market
for
industrial diamonds. We're after two of their top men, Peter Frazier and Ewald Lauter.'"
Jeana Kendrick states her inspiration for St. Abient Run came about after twelve years of working
behind the Iron Curtain with Door of Hope International. Susan's experiences mirror her own,
which
makes the plot that much more meaningful. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and Kendrick
does a nice job of translating her experiences into a first rate international spy story. Her
characters
are well drawn and fascinating, with just the right amount of allure and mystery. Susan has the
added
pleasure of having several suitors vying for her attention, which always adds spice to a plot.
Kendrick teases the reader on that score, as we won't know until the next installment what Susan
actually has on her mind. An entertaining read, with underlying drama.
Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer
Shirley's Bookshelf
The Big Balloon Race
Eleanor Coerr
Carolyn Croll, pictures
Harpercollins Juvenile Books
Harper & Row
New York, NY
ISBN# 0064440532 $3.99
I was very impressed by the great illustrations in this book. Colorful and eye drawing they gave a
clear picture of the words you were reading. Very nice job!
The story is about a little girl named Ariel and her mother Carlotta who flys balloons. Ariel
wanted
to be with her mother on the day of the big race and she stowed away, not telling her
Mother.
This is where the fun begins as Ariel and her Mom battle to win the race and Ariel ends up in the
lake. A cute read, one you will enjoy reading to your child.
Toshomee
Richard P. Tanos
American Book Publishing
325 East 2400 South Salt Lake City UT 84115
www.american-book.com
email: info@american-book.com
Author Website: http://www.rtanos.com
ISBN # 1589821344 $18.95
I have read and reviewed several of Richard's works, but I have to say Toshomee is probably my
favorite one so far. Set in Canada, this novel is packed with suspense and thrills that I never
would
have dreamed could be found in a novel about moose.
I immediately felt a liking for Bob Cole, one of the main characters in this novel. Bob is a sergeant
with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and is assigned to a very strange case. It seems people
are
turning up with their heads missing. Yes, you read that right. What or who could be doing this,
Bob
had to find out.
The plot thickens as Bob Cole finds out the first victims were a US congressman, and his family.
Cole is surprised when Special Agent Hooks, from the FBI,shows up to join in the
investigation. Cole wonders what else is hidden that has yet to be revealed concerning the
congressman. He knew he would find out soon enough.This adds more mystery to the read.
Cole and Hooks team up nicely for this job and I was glad. Sometimes you don't want to go
through
pages of authority figures battling out who is in charge, and in this read you don't have to lose
your
thought of the true storyline because of it.
I loved the character Naam, the local native, and his telling of the Legend of the Toshomee, the
great white killer moose. I read with excitement as Naam told the legend to Hooks and Cole.
What a
story! I knew I was in for an exciting read, as these two investigators traveled into the wild, to
find
and kill the legend moose, taking Naam and several others with them. I was not
disappointed.
I know the plot may sound silly to you,after all, how thrilling could a read be about a killing
moose;
but believe me, the author leads you into suspense that will make your hair stand on end.
Excellent!
If you want a story about a legend that comes to life before your eyes, you will love this one.
Suspense, excitement, fear, all rolled up in a roller coaster read of a lifetime.
You out did yourself Mr. Tanos! Bravo! Superb!
Life's a Smelling Success
Alan Hirsch, M.D.
Authors of Unity Publishing
211 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd #200, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
http://www.authorsofunity.com
ISBN# 0972525017 $16.95
What a great book, not only was it a wonderful read, but I got to enjoy a pleasant odor each time
I
picked it up. OK, what am I talking about right? Dr. Hirsch's book "Life's a Smelling Success" is
about smells, yes you read that right, and will you be surprised how your nose can help you in
your
everyday life.
Dr. Hirsch explains how certain smells help you remember things like birthdays, what you need to
buy at the store, and will even unlock your mind to memories that you felt were forever
gone.
Want to relieve stress, or sleep better? How about this, want to use your sense of smell to curb
your
appetite? The answer lies in the pages of this delicious smelling book. I'm serious, you will just
have
to run out and buy yourself a copy and begin to sniff your way to success.
Thank you Dr. Hirsch, I assure you that I will be using much of what I have learned from your
informative book. Great read! Highly recommended!
Moments of Clarity
K.A. Francis
SynergEbooks
1235 Float Shoals Road, King, North Carolina
http://www.SynergEbooks.com
SynergEbooks@aol.com
ISBN # 0744304288 $3.99
Moments of Clarity, this title fits this book to a T! The author writes about what she knows best,
her
family, her life and the world around her, and she does a fantastic job in sharing it with the
reader.
She covers many topics,such as her parents, who share her life with everyone they meet, sound
familiar? Her sister, who seems to think she is the authority on every subject since she is the
oldest;
yes I have one of those as well! Her daughter, who is in the mindset that mom can do everything
and
has the money for everything,do you have one of those at home? And her loving, home repair
man,
husband, well we all know what that's about, don't we?
I really enjoyed this book, I laughed and related to many of the stories, also picked up some good
advice, although I am not sure I will use it, and had a great feeling of satisfaction come upon me
knowing someone else was going through what I was
in this life. Good read! Recommended!
The Magic Carpet Ride
Teddy Stater Margulies
Kenny Thompkins, illustrator
Gary Eggleston, painter
Western Publishing Company, Inc.
Racine, Wisconsin 53494
ISBN# 0307301443 $5.99 12 pages
Do you love magic carpets, genies and magical lamps? Do you love stories about beautiful
Princesses and handsome Princes? If you do this little tale is for you.
A poor boy named Aladdin asks for a wish from his genie, that wish is to be a Prince so he can
win
the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine. The wise genie does not want to grant this wish, for he
knows that it is better for someone to love you for who you truly are, than to love you for
something you are not. But Aladdin does not listen. What do you think happens?
The story has a good moral lesson, some magic for the children and bright, colorful illustrations.
All
in all a very nice read.
My Brother Needs An Operation
Anna Jaworski
Linda Ball, illustrator
Baby Hearts Press
6618 Sunrise Drive, Panama City Beach, Fl. 32407
http://www.babyheartspresss.com
ISBN # 0965250822 $20.00
I want to exalt Anna Jaworski for writing one of the most thoughtful books that I have read in a
very long time. Inspired when her son Alex had to be hospitalized for open-heart surgery, the
author
saw the trauma on her other son, Joey, and realized there was a need not being addressed in this
area.Her work has met this need with flying colors.
Of course when a child must undergo an operation, we all zero in our attention and affection on
them, and we should. However, without meaning to, we often forget the other children in the
family
and do not realize the emotional conflicts that they are encountering. This book will open your
eyes
to their feelings.
Ms. Jaworski does a wonderful job in "My Brother Needs An Operation" in showing, with honest
words and colorful illustrations, what will happen during this time.
She establishes the family relationship, the different activities they share and the bonding between
siblings.She speaks of the fear that the sibling feels when he hears his brother will be in the
hospital
and she begins to deal with that fear in many constructive ways. She takes you into the mind of
the
child, what he is thinking and feeling. Excellent!
Ms. Jaworski includes in the back of the book a Hospital Diary and Activity Pages.
This is great. She has pages for the child to fill in his name, feelings, draw pictures and play
games.
I can not even imagine the heartache a parent feels when their child must undergo an operation,
but I
will tell you this. If you are experiencing this trauma,and you have other children in your home,
this
book is a must for you. It is one of the most outstanding books, touching the emotions of a
hurting
child, that I have read in a very long time. If I could stand and applaud this author, I would. But
all I
can do is write a review that I hope will touch you enough to make you seek out this book, if you
have this need or know someone who does, it is a must read.
My Brother Needs An Operation, words from the heart of one who knows.
Highly Recommended!
The Red Umbrella
Margaret R. MacDonald
E.t.S. Designs, illustrator
SynergEbooks
1235 Float Shoals Rd. King, N.C.
http://www.SynergEbooks.com
Synergebooks@aol.com
ISBN# 1931540659 ebook $5.99
Colorful, eye catching illustrations await you as you begin to read this upbeat story about a little
boy
and his red umbrella.
It is Mike's sixth birthday and he is having a party. He gets lots of presents, like a ball and a bat,
paints and books, but his favorite present is from his Grandfather, a bright red umbrella.
Mike can't wait to use his new umbrella and wishes for rain, tries to make it happen, but it never
does, until finally! Read this delightful story of a little boy and his cherished birthday present from
someone he dearly loves. Tenderness at its best!
Possibilities
Janet Sue Terry
JUMB Publishing
PO Box 644, Springboro, Ohio
http://www.justmybest.com
jmbpub@justmybest.com
ISBN# 0972034412 $16.99
Nora is an orphan with extreme hurts and fears deeply embedded within her spirit. Abused,
rejected
and angry, Nora grows up determined to make it on her own and to never allow herself to
love.
Blake Baxter is not a man to be ignored and his heart is yearning for Nora. His determination
finally
wins out and Nora becomes his wife, taking into the relationship baggage of deep emotional hurts.
Blake also brings his past into their marriage as he hangs onto a friendship with Sam, a young
woman whom he was to marry. His Mother spices up the read as she is anything but overjoyed
that
Nora is her new daughter-in-law. What a way to start a marriage.
The author takes you deep inside the heart of Nora, her search for her parents, her battle with her
deep seated emotions of rejection. At times your heart goes out to her, at other times you want to
tell her to stop using her past as a crutch in her present. It is a sea-saw of emotions.
I loved the way the author takes you to the end of the story and surprises you with quite a turn of
events as Nora disappears after losing her unborn child in an accident. You are not sure if she is
dead or alive, as you anquish with Blake on the possibilities.
A very good read that definately, I feel, reveals what an orphan may truly experience in their life
as
they learn to unlock deep emotions, free themselves to live and to love.
Now, I must wait to see what happened to Nora and Blake and their future together. If indeed
there
is one!
The Day I Woke Up an Ostrich: An Odd Collection for Christians
Kristi Sayles
SynergEbooks
http://www.SynergEbooks.com
ISBN# 0744303788 Download $5.99
I sat down to read this little book not knowing for sure what I might find, I was pleasantly
surprised.
Starting off was a Mom and wife who woke up an Ostrich but no one seemed to notice.
Hey! I could relate, can't you? That gave me a good chuckle as I relaxed in my read. Much to my
delight this book was packed full of good insight for any Christian as the read turned to advice
based
on solid Scriptural backing. For example, one topic is " 10 Reasons Christians Make The Best
Lovers!" Has that wet your appetite? Want to know what those reasons are? I'm not telling! Do
you
like to read poetry that has a message but is gentle and tender, you'll find it here much to your
enjoyment, along with a listing of gentle correction to those of us who might misquote, misuse or
even think a saying is Gospel Truth when it is no where to be found in the Word of God!
Interesting! All in all a quick relaxing and informative read that I think you will enjoy.
The X-Mas War
Scott Malensek
Virtualbookworm.com Publishing Inc.
P.O. Box 9949, College Station, TX 77842
ISBN# 1-58939-281-7 Soft cover $24.95
ISBN# 1-58939-282-5 Hardcover $29.95
At first this read seemed quite overwhelming to me, but slowly I began to read the many stories
that
were presented, and I was impressed.
An anthology of four books, the author overlaps storylines, using letters from soldiers, news
reports,
and stories to bring the reader into the world of the soldier and the world of war. This is an
excellent
work, portraying the heart of the soldier in each word read, as the author writes to bring you, the
reader, an understanding of human conflict from past, present and future! I was engrossed with
the
story of Manny, I believe that was my favorite part. Mr. Malensek words allowed me feel Manny's
tribulations. His fears and concerns, very good! My husband and father-in-law asked me to please
let
them read this work after I was finished. They are both prior military, and I am sure will devour
the
words of this book in no time. I still have not decided if I will let them. (smile)
I believe for a man, or a woman, who is in military service, this read would be like a delicious
piece
of their favorite cake; however, a harder read for those not interested in this arena. I do however
feel, if others would take the time to read this work, they would understand fuller the heart of
man,
the horror of war. I take my hat off to Mr. Malensek for the intense labor that surely had to go
into
completing this work, and highly recommend this for any that are interested in the deep recesses
of
military conflict, and are wanting to share in the heart of a soldier. Mr. Malensek's skill as a writer
is
evident in "The X-Mas War" as he weaves his words on the paper,as an artist would paint their
picture on a canvas!
Adam Raccoon and the Race to Victory Mountain
Glen Keane
Chariot Books
David C. Cook Publishing Co
Elgin, Illinois 60120
ISBN# 1555133630 $4.99
This is an outstanding story teaching children biblical truths. The author uses delightful characters
such as Adam Raccoon and King Aren the Lion.
In this story Adam Raccoon is running to race to Victory Mountain, but he does not realize all the
ways it is easy to stray from the path but kind King Aren gently leads him back. This story
symbolizes our walk with God and how easy it is to stray, but also shows how Jesus is always
there
to gently leads us back.
The illustrations are colorful and pleasing to the eye. This is a great little book and I recommend
it.
The Language of Letting Go
Melody Beattie
Hazelden Information & Educational Services
Pleasant Valley Road, Center City,MN 55012
ISBN# 0894866370 $16.00 1-615-213-4000
Melody Beattie's book "The Language Of Letting Go" is a tender caring work of art. Gently she
speaks to the spirit inside of us and lets us know that it is ok to be ourselves. Something most of
us
are not use to doing, something we need to be allowed to do.
Her words are those of one who has tasted of the emotions that she shares and her advise is like
sweet honey to the reader. Sometimes what we need is just someone to say, it's ok to be you! The
author does this and more. A very well written meditation book that will soothe many that read
the
words between the covers of this work. Recommended!
Evil, Be Gone
Robert John Estko
Writers Club Press
iUniverse, Inc.
2021 Pine Lake Road, Suite 100, Lincoln NE 68512
http://www.iuniverse.com
ISBN# 0595220037 US $16.95 Canada $27.95 UK $14.49
I have to say from the onset of this review that Mr. Estko's novel "Evil, Be Gone" is truly a
readers
delight. Drawing you into the story from page one, the author quickly assimilates you with John
Lelankevitch the main character.
John or Lilly, as you will soon find yourself calling him, is a good man, a man of strength and
character, but one that in his past committed certain acts on behalf of his country; acts that
haunted
him deep in the recesses of his mind. But that was behind Lilly now, as he made a new life with
his
wife and son, or was it?
William Randolph Pritchett wanted his son in the White House and would stop at nothing to see
that
achieved. That was his dream and he would make it happen. When his son's wife decides she has
had
enough of her husbands affairs and bowing to his controlling father, she announces her intentions
to
divorce her husband. This could not happen at a worse time, as public opinion would turn against
William Randolph Pritchett IV and he would never win the election.
Father Pritchett was not about to let this happen and devises a plan using the kidnapping of Lilly's
young son as a controlling devise, to make Lilly bring his plan to fruitation. The plan was dark
and
evil and would involve Kidnapping and killing the Senators wife in hopes of swaying public
opinion
and win the election.
Lilly only killed to rid the world of evil, never had he killed the innocent; would he begin now, to
save his son? The pressure was on!
There are many twists and turns to this chilling novel. I breathed a sigh of relief when Lilly's son
was
rescued, only to moan when his wife took his place as the captured. Who was betraying Lilly and
why? Emotions covering father-son relationships, friends, husband and wife are all dealt with as
you
ride along the journey of this story. It held my interest from beginning to end. A very good
suspense
novel, with some interesting turn of events that will surprise you.
Good read!
Complete Earthly Woman
Genie O'Malley
Sonra Enterprises
211 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd #200, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
http://www.rrselfawarenesspublications.com
ISBN# 0972298002 $14.95
It takes the heart of a woman to know the heart of a woman and author Genie O'Malley
shows this attribute in her work "Complete Earthly Woman."
In this tender read she takes you through exercises that help you learn about yourself and your
needs. She takes you step by step through exercises that allows you to release stress, speak peace
and learn to become the woman you so long to be. There are many avenues that we seek to bring
us
fulfillment. For some it is deep commitment to their faith, not all things are right for each person.
We
all must find what works the best for us. The author gives you another avenue to explore that
perhaps will help you find that inward peace. A very interesting read!
Shirley Johnson
Reviewer
Interview With Robert John Estko (RJE), author of EVIL, BE GONE
Mr. Estko's book "Evil, Be Gone" is quite a page turner that I greatly enjoyed. I wanted to know
more about the man behind the story! Let's begin!
SPJ: Robert, please tell us what gave you the idea for your novel, "Evil, Be Gone!"
RJE: The notions of Good and Evil, Right and Wrong have always fascinated me. Many of us
have
heard or read about the fine-line that supposedly separates the good and the bad. We have been
led
to believe that perhaps our most talented law enforcement professionals ride that fine-line. I just
wanted to explore that further and represent the scenario in fiction, especially from the
perspective
that military service and specifically combat experience has a way of blurring that line.
SPJ: I thought you did an outstanding job with your main character Lilly. Your words brought me
right into his thought life and let me see things through his eyes. Did you fashion your characters
from people you know?
RJE: Lilly is an alter ego of sorts for me. His friends, Benny Post, Ron "Rocketman" Kallstrom
and
Tim DeMornay have their bases in three incredibly talented people with whom I am very
close.
SPJ: What about the location, was it chosen because it goes with the story, or is it a place you are
familiar with as well?
RJE: Living in Silicon Valley, I find it a setting that has all the ingredients for an interesting and
intriguing story. Chicago is the city where I was raised. It is a metropolis of great character that I
know and will always love. As for Washington, D.C., well...you can't really write a political
thriller
without some scenes in our nation's capital.
SPJ: Yes, I believe you are right on that one! How long did it take you to complete this
work?
RJE: Truth be told, I started the book in 1993 and finished it in 1999. However, I only wrote the
first three chapters in 1993, then I became very busy in my professional life for six years, and
wrote
the last 63 chapters from March 1999 to September 1999. In 1999, I became a disciplined writer,
setting a daily word count metric for myself. My goal was 1100 words per day, but I often
exceeded
that number. Typically, I would write and/or research for about five hours per day.
SPJ: What did writing this novel leave you with as the author?
RJE: I had a sense of great accomplishment when I finished EVIL, BE GONE. It represented
another step toward self-actualization for me. I still feel good about completing my first novel, but
now I need to move on and work towards being a prolific writer.
SPJ: For your readers, what would you hope they will take away with them after the read? Pure
pleasure, or a hidden meaning?
RJE: I hope readers find EVIL, BE GONE to be a fast, entertaining read. Although there are no
hidden meanings, I definitely attempted to spotlight the psychological struggles that many combat
veterans are left to deal with when they come home, especially Vietnam vets. Combat changes
men.
The extremes to which the emotions associated with fear, horror, sadness, and desperation are
stretched are beyond the conception of most people. A combat veteran must create a
psychological
reality that puts his experiences into a context congruent with his upbringing. He has to still love
himself and believe that he is a moral being acceptable to the society to which he has
returned.
SPJ: Will we be hearing from Lilly again in another novel?
RJE: John "Lilly" Lelankevitch is poised to appear in two more novels, EVIL DENIED, and a yet
untitled third book in the series. In EVIL DENIED, Lilly confronts his psychological challenges
with
the assistance of his wife, Susan. Susan will play a far more significant role in the second novel.
There will still be plenty of action and suspense.
SPJ: How long did it take you to find a publisher?
RJE: Finding a publisher is a very interesting conundrum, especially for a first time writer. Do you
submit unagented? Not a good idea. Going unagented is like trying to fly a plane without a good
navigator. Do you try to find an agent that is accepting more projects? Yes. However, finding an
agent can be as difficult as finding a publisher if you have no credentials or evidence of ability. I
often told people that I never had writer's block, but I did have marketer's block after writing
quite a
few query letters. Eventually, I decided that I would go with a POD publisher so that I would
have
evidence of my writing ability and the marketability of my product. This approach worked and
with
the assistance of another author, I was able to find an agent that has been very good to me. My
agent's name is Jeanette Lundgren of Book-to-Screen Management in Santa Monica,
California.
SPJ: Do you have any words of wisdom to pass along to our readers in this area? Any stumbling
blocks that other authors should be weary of?
RJE: My only words of wisdom are be disciplined and persistent in the pursuit of your writing
goals,
find a great editor and get some of your work out there anyway that you can.
SPJ: Let me ask you something's about yourself. Do you have other works published and if so
what
are they?
RJE: EVIL, BE GONE was my first attempt at a novel. I began by writing poetry and short
prose. I
do have a published poem, "The Old Man." Although not published, I have a short story, "the
Dealer," that has caught the eye of a Columbia University film student who wants to shoot a short
film based on it. I may develop it into a novel some day.
SPJ: Do you have other writings in the works? If so in what genre are they and when can we
expect
to see them released?
RJE: Right now I am focused on completing EVIL DENIED, the sequel to EVIL, BE
GONE.
SPJ: Do you have a special place where you are the most creative?
RJE: Another passion I have is gardening with a focus on outdoor living spaces. So I have created
areas on my property that can be tranquil, inviting and inspiring.
SPJ: How many hours a day do you spend writing?
RJE: On a good day, I will get in about five hours of research and writing.
SPJ: Do you have the support of friends and family in your writing endeavors?
RJE: My family and friends have been very supportive of my writing, especially my wife. The
dedication inside EVIL, BE GONE, reads "To my wife, Julie, who believes in me. She even thinks
that I can fly (Nantucket, 1997)." That is another interesting story!
SPJ: Hum, perhaps you will share it one day! Do you ever have writer's block and if so how do
you
remedy it?
RJE: Fortunately, I have never experienced writer's block.
SPJ: If we may be so personal, when you do not have on your 'writer's hat', what do you do for a
living?
RJE: I am an active member of the California Bar. I have been an attorney and corporate
executive
for many years. Presently, I work part-time as a vice president for a small high tech company that
develops and markets DVD software. There have been so many lawyer-turned-novelist stories out
there that there is almost an implicit pressure to go in that direction. As attorneys, we read so
many
interesting cases that I guess we become pretty good storytellers.
SPJ:My brother-in-law is also an attorney. I'll have to get him on the move to write a book, I
think
he would like that! Tell us, do you have an agent, and how important do you think that is for an
author?
RJE: As I mentioned earlier, I do have an agent, Jeanette Lundgren. I believe that a writer's agent
can be a trusted confidant, advisor, editor, promoter and friend. I believe that I have that
relationship
with Jeanette. Without an agent, the murky waters of the publishing world are nearly impossible
to
navigate.
SPJ: Do you belong to a 'writer's group', and again, how important do you think that is for an
author?
RJE: I don't belong to a writer's group; however I can definitely see how that might be beneficial
to
a writer. Many years ago, I lived for a summer with a talented writer, Robert L. Helstrom, Jr. He
worked a day job and I worked a night shift. While he was at work, I wrote and then left
whatever I
had written on a certain table in our apartment. When he came home and I left for my job, he
would
read what I had written, provide critical comments and then he would write and leave his creation
for me to review the next day. It was a fun and productive cycle for us.
SPJ: If you would, please share with us where you see your writing career in 3 years and what
you
are doing to achieve that goal.
RJE: In three years, I would like to see a broad commercial distribution of the three books
planned
for the "Evil" series. I would also love to see EVIL, BE GONE made into a movie. Additionally, I
would like to have written a book with sufficient literary value to potentially find its way into high
school and college literature classes someday. Currently, I am pounding away at the "Evil" series
trilogy.
SPJ: If there anything you would like our readers to know about yourself/your works/ or writing
in
general that I have not asked you in this interview?
RJE: I always say, "Don't wait for inspiration just write." Shirley, thank you so much for this
interview. Your questions have been thoughtful and thorough. Much appreciated.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mr. Estko's book can be found on www.amazon.com, www.bn.com, and
www.iuniverse.com
Email: restko@aol.com
Thank you Robert for allowing me to interview you. I highly recommend Robert's book "Evil Be
Gone!"(Please see review in this column) I know that we will be hearing a lot more from this
talented author, and I wish him the best of luck in his endeavors!
INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT MALENSEK - Author of Numerous Works
Scott Malensek is a very talented author, one that I am sure we will be hearing about in the
future. I
am thankful that he consented to this interview and I believe you will find it very interesting and
will
enjoy getting to know Scott and learn of his talent. Let's begin!
SPJ: Scott, please tell us what gave you the idea for "The X-Mas War!"
SCOTT: Like all authors, there are a few works that were really inspiring. I've been interested in
the
military fiction motif since I first watched Tora Tora Tora when I was 2 years old. It sounds
strange,
but I distinctly remember watching the Japanese pilots diving down through incredible smoke and
fire to make their attacks. That kind of resolve was too mysterious to comprehend-then and now.
Later, I read All Quiet on The Western Front, and the picture became a little more clear. It seems
like when put on the frontlines or at the receiving end of enemy fire, the human condition
becomes
one of survival, and since the dawn of organized warfare the best way to survive seems to be
teamwork. As conditions increase in lethality and danger the teamwork seems to transcend into a
brotherly love and respect. All Quiet made a huge impact on my perspectives of war. Finally, I
read
Tom Clancy's Red Storm Rising.
This book was the best novel that I had ever read about a WWIII scenario. I loved the format, the
overlapping storylines, and the technical details. In 1994 I had to write my Senior Portfolio for
Kent
State University. Most people created a small collection of poetry, but I'd already been writing
short
war stories for 10 yrs, so I tried to put some of the best ones together into a single storyline. At
the
time, it looked like the US and North Korea were going to war, so I based it around that scenario.
KSU was nice enough to give me an A+ on it, but the story still needed a lot of work in my mind.
So, I spent a year researching the Korea scenario and creating a fictional WWIII. The next thing I
knew, I was loaded with storylines, characters, and more than enough details for several books ie,
the X-MAS War series.
SPJ: I have to say even as a woman, who at times does not understand things about war, your
characters came alive to me. Did you fashion your characters from people you know? True
events?
Tell us about that.
SCOTT: I think all writers initially build characters based upon people they know, have met, or
just
seen at a mall while people watching. After a few pages, the character MUST be let loose to
create
their own lives otherwise the author is just molding fiction from non-fiction, and no matter how
clear
one is with their title, Author Notes page, or disclaimers,that's about as honest as twisting
historical
events. Inevitably some of the characters are much closer to people that I have known than
others. I
once did a few years of intense, dangerous, and rewarding environmental work with a serious
born-again Christian, and it gave me a lot of insight into one of the characters in the series. Other
characters started out similar to friends or co-workers, but actually took on lives of their own as
the
scenes unfolded. It was a LOT of fun!
As for the true events, I can honestly and categorically say that NONE of the events in the book
are
related to actual events. There was some speculation that the downed spyplane/China
confrontation
was too similar to the actual historical event that happened in 2000, but I wrote that part of the
story
back in 1994. I think that in a book that's the size of XMAS, there are bound to be similarities
between historical events and those in the book. There is also an amazing similarity between the
hangar deck rock concert dance scene and the Operation Iraqi Freedom music video from the
group
Three Doors Down for their song "Love me When I'm Gone" (I absolutely LOVE that video).
The
smaller character experiences, some were based very loosely on experiences that I've had playing
paintball games over the past 15yrs., but none of the drug, relationship, or sexual scenes are
related
to personal experiences. I'm just not that exciting a person I guess.
SPJ: There had to be an incredible amount of time researching for this work, would you tell us a
little about that?
SCOTT: WHEW! Well, it all started out when I was driving past a new shopping center with a
place
called The Map Store inside. I thought that might be a good place to get maps of North Korea
(very
hard to find in 1994 because of the nuclear crisis). They had some, but they also had some really
nice
and big wall maps of the world-cheap. I stocked up on all the maps I might need, then I setup a
little
war room in the basement of the apartment that I was living in at the time. I bought some
pushpins
too.
Over the years I've collected a serious library of military reference books (There's a very good list
on
my website at finchfactory.com). I started putting pushpins on some maps to detail where military
divisions, corps, and armys were located. Then I found a website (not available anymore) that
actually gave the longitude and latitude of all the American carrier battlegroups. Another website
listed out all of the US Navy ships in mothballs or otherwise. Soon, I had a very nice battle map
of
the world.
I started off with my spyplane incident from my Senior Portfolio. Then I made a list of things and
events that I wanted to illustrate in my book. From there, I tried to figure out a chain of logical
events that would lead to from the spy plane incident to the scenes that I wanted to depict. When
I
came to a battle, I went to the wargames.
The military has long used wargames to simulate battles. Back in 1990, I lived in San Diego, and I
wanted to try and figure out how to identify the different navy ships. Frigates, destroyers,
cruisers...they all looked the same to me. So I bought a game called HARPOON. It turned out
that
HARPOON was created by Larry Bond. He and Tom Clancy used it to write The Hunt for Red
October and Red Storm Rising. It was also used by the Naval Academy and the US Navy War
College for serious wargaming (this was a seriously detailed game!). So, I studied it with a
passion.
Just as I was getting the hang of it, I bought a computer for work (a high speed 286 16hmz!), and
found that there was a video game version of HARPOON that eliminated all of the die rolling and
chart hunting. This enabled me to model out some of the battles in Operation Desert Storm before
it
happened, and when it came time to model some of the battles in my books it was perfect. I also
used Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six series of video games to model some of the small unit infantry
combat actions. I used Jane's Publications Fighters Anthology flight simulation and Jane's
Publication's Fleet Command to get some more perspectives and to try out battle scenarios until
they
seemed to make more logical sense. There were a lot of other sources and computer modeling
programs, but in the end I wanted even the most remarkable battle scenes to be as close to reality
as
possible, and so I wound up using a little literary license to add the human elements to those
scenes.
SPJ: Thank you Scott for sharing that with us. How long did it take you to complete this
work?
SCOTT: It took me about a year to create the fictional chronology for the WWIII scenarios. Then
it
took me about 18 months to write the first book. After that, the rest of the books fell into place in
rapid succession over the following 18 months.
SPJ: What did writing this work leave you with as the author?
SCOTT: Excellent question! I learned an incredible amount about writing a book in general. For
instance, it's very hard to write a 5 or 10 page report for many people. Writing a double-spaced,
20
page report is a huge effort for most college students. When you cross that 100 page barrier, it's
very hard to control the course of the storylines. After 200 pages, I think everyone should have at
least some sort of outline or chain of events list. After 300 pages, you better buy stock in a coffee
company. After 400 pages, I found that switching to single space made it easier to breathe when
looking at the manuscript. After 500 pages (double space), I think an author might as well cut
loose.
Hey, at that point you're already well into the work, and it's taking a life fully of its own!
Most books are about 50,000-80,000 words. The X-MAS War is a collection of 4 books with
overlapping and independent storylines. That makes it come in at a whopping 450,000 words. To
the best of my knowledge it's the largest technothriller ever written.
I also learned that I'm most comfortable with the expository 1st person structure. I'm working on
the
traditional narrative format, and I'm getting better at it, but diaries, letters home, and the like are
my
favorite. I also like using fictional news reports to let the reader keep up on the chronological
events
of the setting-the war itself. That kind of makes the event-the war- more of a character by
itself.
Most importantly, I've found that writing is a drug. Honestly, anyone who reads this interview will
see that I love to write-a LOT. Those first couple of pages are hard. Editing, publishing,
marketing,
these all have their ups and downs, but when a writer is on a roll writing a story that they really
like
or they really want to tell....step aside and let 'em go. Getting those stories out of one's head and
into
typed words is something that is very very hard to stop. Thank God for lactic acid muscle build up
because without out, I think I would type or write until my hands fell off in those situations. I've
never met a writer who had not been on a roll at one time or another, and let me tell you that after
a
few hundred pages-when a writer just cuts loose on their story-it is soooo much fun!
SPJ: Yes Scott, I agree with you a hundred percent! For your readers, what would you hope they
will take away with them after the read?
SCOTT: I wanted The X-MAS War to be a kind of All Quiet on the Western Front and Red
Storm
Rising combination. There were plenty of other influences (especially The Illiad), but I wanted
people to see that the technology of modern warfare and the constant human condition of warfare
are colliding to make a new kind of experience out of the traditional battle scenario. Trenches will
always be muddy, but today we have guided missiles that can actually choose their own targets
and
the best way to attack them. These technologies are readily available too. I've even mounted a
wireless video camera on the barrel of my paintball gun, and it only cost me $25 on eBay.
I did NOT want this to be a shoot 'em up action adventure, and although there is a necessary
amount
of that, I think that it really expresses the famous MacArthur quote that no one hates war more
than
the soldiers who are called upon to fight (survive) it. I dedicate all of my books in the series to the
men and women of the US armed forces for good reason. I think it's important for people to
realize
that there are millions of 18 and 19yr olds going through all kinds of hardships in our name.
People
can debate political causes until snowballs go in sale in hell, but the people who are sleeping in
mud
think that they are enduring the hardships for our sake in one way or the other.
I also want people to remember that those 18 yr old kids are not at some summer job between
high
school and college. We don't trust these kids-kids who were in study hall talking about prom less
than a year before going to war-we don't trust them with a single light beer, but we'll also train
them
to use machine guns and 120mm cannons. We don't trust them to drive daddies expensive car to
school, but we trust them to target and fire $1,500,000 Tomahawk missiles. We call these kids
slackers when they play their video games instead of taking out the trash, but then we call them
heroes when they conduct special operations with night vision goggles.
SPJ: Very interesting! Now for a question all writers would like to know. How long did it take
you
to find a publisher?
SCOTT: I tried for about 6 months to get an agent and go through a traditional publisher. The
experience was more than disheartening. I spent hundreds of dollars on How-to books, printing
and
shipping materials, copies of manuscripts, countless hours writing queries, outlines, synopsis', etc.
In
the end, I only had three responses. One was a form letter. One was downright nasty. The last
came
almost 9 months after I sent out the query. The agent was dead, and his family sent it back with a
form letter.
I couldn't just let the work sit idle for the rest of my life, so I stumbled upon a Print-on-Demand
publisher online, and tried it. It was a good experience that taught me a great deal about
publishing,
but more importantly, I HAD MY BOOK IN PRINT! I even drove all the way to Washington DC
to
see my book in the Library of Congress database (Everyone should go there. It's the most
beautiful
building in DC!). I tried a few more POD's, and finally found one that I really like. That's the one
that I used to publish The X-MAS War.
All total, the publishing process normally takes about 6-12 months, and I took about 12-14 for all
of
my books combined-much faster than a traditional publisher.
SPJ: It sounds like you didn't let anything stop you, good for you! Do you have any words of
wisdom to pass along to our readers in this area? Any stumbling blocks that other authors should
be
weary of?
SCOTT: Don't be afraid to write. Just do it, and do it a lot. In college we did an exercise where
we
took 5 minutes at the start of every class and wrote freely. By the end of the semester everyone
was
cranking out 2-3 pages of good notes.
Don't be afraid to delete. C'mon, there's plenty of room in your hard drive to save and start over if
you need to.
Don't be afraid to try and publish. If agents and publishers ingore, insult, or even delay you, just
go
the POD route. Once you do your research, it's easy, extremely rewarding, and the sense of
closure
lets you move on to the next work. In this era of new technology, traditional rejection shouldn't
slow
you down, it should make you dig your heels in, lean into the rain of commentary (and it will
come),
and plow through until you get your work in print. Do NOT let yourself be put down by the
opinions of others. If they won't publish it, then you can publish on your own for under $200, and
believe me you can spend that in a heartbeat trying to find an agent alone.
Don't get concerned about a page count being too high, too low etc. There are far different
criteria
for queries, editors, publishers, and yourself. As a work becomes bigger, these little differences
become huge. For example The X-MAS War is about 2100 pages in dbl space 12 pt Times
Roman
font, but in single space it's down to about 900. In single space 10pt fonts with margins setup for
publishing, it's down to 720. These same differences occur on a % basis with smaller works.
You'll
probably find that you need to write more to fit the most guidelines put upon you.
SPJ: Good advice, thank you for sharing! Let me ask you something's about yourself. Do you
have
other works published and if so what are they?
My first book was Black Rain For Christmas, and that's been re-published with a new publisher, a
bit
better editor's editing, some DoD pics to help visualize things for those less familiar with military
hardware, and the various fonts for the different types of storylines.
My second book was The Weekend Warriors: Paintball War Stories from 1988-Today. It's had
GREAT reviews all across the paintball games media. It was a fast and simple book that just
follows
the growth of the paintball sport, the mega-high-tech developments in technologies, and the
growth
of myself and other players. It's just a simple auto-biography, but the pictures and the "war
stories"
are a lot of fun. I think it does a great job of illustrating just how dangerous real bullets would be
in
a real fight, and why paintball can be fun-the bullets/balls aren't real.
My third book was a companion to Black Rain For Christmas called, The Secret War in South
Asia.
It was about a possible nuclear war in India/Pakistan, a kidnapping of an American, a daring
special
forces rescue, and a Dept of Homeland Security tracking system. This book never really sold.
When
I submitted it for publishing, it was great, but the publisher dragged their feet a bit, and it came
out
at the same time that India and Pakistan were about to go to war over Kashmir (again), Daniel
Pearl
was kidnapped, and the Department of Homeland Security was being created. I felt bad about the
similarities between the book and the Pearl kidnapping so I never marketed it at all.
Fourth was a short book for fun. I wrote 50+ Ways to Play With Your Paintballs. It's a quick list
of
different kinds of paintball games; everything from generic tag to a game I call Lemonade. It was
designed to for submission to paintball marker (paintgun) manufacturers for sale with their
markers,
but by the time the book came out (same publisher as The Secret War in South Asia and The
Weekend Warriors), the big manufacturers had included videos in their packages, and the
opportunity was lost.
Fifth was Sixth Fleet Under. In this book, I wanted to detail a principle that I call Missile Math.
The
idea is that most air and sea battles can be determined well in advance with a simple database of
ship
and air platforms. In this database one only needs to determine the number of potentially attacking
missiles vs. the number of defending missiles. Percentages can be determined for hit/miss ratio,
and
speculation can be done to determine the size and number of warheads needed to typically do a
certain amount of damage to a plane or ship. I also wanted to point out the futility of the
Arab/Israeli conflict, the danger of genetic drugs being turned into genocidal chemical weapons,
and
the possibility of vigilante terrorism (ie crime) as a spin off from politically motivated terrorism.
This
book has some very scary scenes that even made my editor call me in the middle of the night just
to
sullenly say "wow."
The sixth book was The Sugar-Sweet Smell of Fear. This is my favorite. It has some fun photos,
and
the bulk of the story is told through letters home. It has some great twists and really shows how
early industrialized warfare techniques can/will be adopted to counter some of today's most
dangerous battlefield threats. I think this has the best personifications of all my books.
The seventh book is The X-MAS War. This massive finale combines:
Black Rain For Christmas
The Secret War In South Asia
Sixth Fleet Under
The Sugar-Sweet Smell of Fear
All four books are great stand-alones, but together, in The X-MAS War, they really give the
reader
an incredible, detailed, and ultra-realistic window into today's and tomorrow's warfare. I'm very
proud of it!
SPJ: Do you have other writings in the works? If so in what genre are they and when can we
expect
to see them released?
SCOTT: I had planned to have all of The X-MAS War series done before my daughter was born.
I
finished the last bit of it 3wks after she arrived. Since then, I've been busy as a stay-at-home dad
and
chronic newshound. I've worked very hard to keep updated on the complexities of the War in
Afghanistan, Iraq, and the War on Terror. I've also been roughly-very roughly-outlining my next
book. It will be very similar to XMAS, but it will focus more on news reports, guerrilla warfare in
the mass media age, and the incredible potential of tomorrow's non-violent opposition. There will
be
some combat and high tech weaponry too though.
SPJ: Do you have a special place where you are the most creative?
SCOTT: I have a room at home-some call it The War Room because of the library-where I do
most
of my research, reading, and writing.
SPJ: How many hours a day do you spend writing?
SCOTT: I generally don't get to write too much anymore with a 1yr old in the background. It
sounds great being at home and all, but until you list out the things you need to do....
wake at 5 change diaper, feed munchkin, turn on Sesame Street, feed dog, feed birds, change
diaper,
naptime, change diaper, feed munchkin, change diaper, naptime, feed munchkin, change diaper,
naptime, shower etc., eat brunch at about 3pm. And so on.... Essentially, there are no 2+ hour
spans
when I can get rolling. Sometimes I do get to at night when everyone has gone to sleep, and that
is
becoming more and more frequent, but it's never enough.
SPJ: I can relate to those days, although they were many years ago! Do you have the support of
friends and family in your writing endeavors?
SCOTT: OH YEAH! My wife has been great. She pulls me back in whenever my storylines get
too
far into the fiction realm. The rest of my family and friends never stop asking about the stories,
and
it's very strange to meet friends of friends who have heard of me, bought my books, and then
quote
ME when I meet them. That's cool-weird, but very cool!
SPJ: Do you ever have writer's block and if so how do you remedy it?
SCOTT: I can't say I have ever really had writer's block. I've had writer's motivation block before
where I just didn't feel like writing, and in those cases, I just do more research or some
gaming/modeling. There is a good book for those with writer's block. It's called The Writer's
Block,
and it's a small little 3" cube that gives ideas to spark ideas in your stories. I highly suggest that
everyone get one!
SPJ: If we may be so personal, when you do not have on your 'writer's hat', what do you do for a
living?
SCOTT: I used to be an environmental consultant, but that was getting too dangerous (going into
zero O2 atmospheres, wearing a plastic suit every day, playing with toxic waste, and getting shot
at
in high crime areas), and there was way too much travel. When it got to be too much, I quit and
went to work for a temp agency. My first assignment was at a high-tech tool and die
manufacturer,
and I wound up staying there for over 5 years. When I left, I was running all of the administration,
and it was as much fun as it was informative. Now, I'm a full time stay-at-home dad and part time
author.
SPJ: Do you have an agent, and how important do you think that is for an author?
SCOTT: I don't have an agent right now. I would like one though because I think their services
are
valuable, but they are NOT invaluable.
SPJ: Yes, sometimes it is just as hard to find a good agent as it is to find a good publisher. Do you
belong to a 'writer's group', and again, how important do you think that is for an author?
SCOTT: I get together with some writers every Friday, but it's not a dedicated writer's group. I've
been to those, and they're great writing exercise, they're great support groups, but they are limited
by the people in the group. That is to say if you take good people and put them in any situation,
they'll make it better or the best it can be. If you take people who are not open, fun, intelligent,
and/or caring, then you might not get as much from the experience as you want. You have to
search
around for a group that you like. A good one is well worth it, but a bad one can be
detrimental.
SPJ: If you would, please share with us where you see your writing career in 3 years and what
you
are doing to achieve that goal.
SCOTT: I had planned to take 2-5 yrs off from writing to be a dad, but as you can see I've got the
bug to write-BIGTIME. I'd like to get another 1-3 books out over the next 3 yrs. Right now, I'm
doing my best just to get the next one thought out.
On a wider note, I think that 3 years from now I'd just like to be making more of a difference with
my books. A writer shouldn't write for money. They should do it for fun and for a reason-to
express
an idea. My idea is that the military doesn't get enough respect anymore. Since Vietnam people
have
put so much focus on the politics of a military deployment or the actions of the military that they
forget about the people, their families, and their hardships. I honestly get sick when I see rich
warhawks saying that troops should be sent here or there for whatever reason. At the same time, I
can't stand it when uninformed people hypocritically and arbitrarily declare that one madman or
another is not a serious threat. I would really like people to read my books and say, "I want to
know
all about the capabilities of a weapon system, the country that has them, and the morality of the
leaders who will own them by the thousands." For the most part, people just do not realize how
dangerous today's weapons have become. It's like we want to apathetically ignore it-like most did
for the nuclear Armageddon scenario of the Cold War.
In Sixth Fleet Under, I did a very good job of describing how a simple change in the blueprint for
a
genetic therapy drug can be used by a terrorist to effortlessly wipe out a race! Can you imagine if
some of the world's leaders of the past or present ever had their hands on something like that?
Such
a thing will make Dachaau and Hiroshima look like playgrounds.
3 years from now I would love for people to read my books, get scared to death about some of
today's weapon systems, and commit themselves-commit their morality, conviction, and
politics-to
removing those systems from the ready grasp of people who are right now committing genocide
with machetes, assault rifles, or otherwise. It's not about the politics. It's about the fact that all
men
are created equal-regardless of race, religion, or nationality. Everyone has the right to live, and
hopefully my books will help move people to defend the rights that our founding fathers seemed
so
set upon.
SPJ: If there anything you would like our readers to know about yourself/your works/ or writing
in
general that I have not asked you in this interview?
SCOTT: I would like people to know that I'm not a warmonger or a hippie. I'm a writer who has
always had an interest in the Human Condition under the crucible of war. I want people to know
that since the Soviet Union has collapsed, the world is a far far more dangerous place-0911
proved
that, but many outside NYC or DC seem to have already pacified that as a local issue more than
anything else. I want people to seriously take a look at what will happen to them specifically when
a
modern military, guerrilla, or terrorist force is let loose with today's weapons. People used to fear
the dreaded red button or red phone on the President's desk. I think that the development of
increasingly lethal weapons is unstoppable especially if we ignore all of the world's psychotic
leaders
who are controlling them.
I want people to know that I write not for money, fame, or even for so much for fun. I write the
books that I have written because I love my little girl. If she wants a new dress, I'll get her one. If
she wants an education, I'll teach her and send her to the best school I can. I want her to have a
safer
world-where people realize that everyone is created equal, entitled to live and to pursue happiness
(not just those few people who have been lucky enough to have been born between the big
oceans).
I'll do anything to get those little hugs, and I'll do my best to inform people about today's threats
by
illustrating them as realistically as possible. Maybe that will help my little girl to grow up in a safer
world?
Scott......please list here all titles of books you have written and contact information.(email
address,
url's etc.)
Black Rain For Christmas (out-of-print),
Black Rain For Christmas-Illustrated 2nd Edition (Llumina Press),
Sixth Fleet Under (Virtualbookworm.com Publishing),
The Secret War In South Asia (Infinity Publishing),
The Sugar-Sweet Smell of Fear (Virtualbookworm.com Publishing),
The XMAS War (Virtualbookworm.com Publishing),
50+ Ways to Play With Your Paintballs (Infinity Publishing),
The Weekend Warriors: Paintball War Stories From 1988-Today!!! (Infinity Publishing)
All of my books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, from their respective publishers,
and
from my website www.finchfactory.com
I hope you enjoy them all!
-Scott Malensek
Thank you Scott for allowing me this wonderful interview. Please see my review for The XMas
War
in this column and go out and buy yourself one of Scott's books, he is a very talented writer and
you
will enjoy the experience! The best to you in the future Scott in all you put your hand to!
Laurel's Bookshelf
Azucar! The Story of Sugar
Alan Cambeira
Belecam & Associates, Inc.
www.belecam.com or www.cambeira.com
ISBN 0972082115 $14.50 paperback
Azucar! is a beautifully written, starkly realistic story of life on a Caribbean sugar cane plantation.
Alan Cambeira constructs this tale with vivid prose and memorable characters. Readers will be
enchanted and horrified in turn, as they are transported into the lives of those who toil in horrible
conditions from sunup to sundown harvesting the cane fields. Those living in comfort around the
world, enjoying the fruits of such labors, may be unnerved to learn the harsh realities revealed in
Azucar!
Azucar is an innocent young girl when she is brutally raped by the son of a cane plantation
overseer.
Dona Fela is the grandmother who raised her, the matriarch of those who come and go from this
plantation. She vows to find a better life for Azucar somehow, and calls up island mysticism to
fulfill
that vow. Life for laborers on the present day plantation is no better than it was centuries ago.
Men,
women, and able children are forced to labor long hours under the brutal tropical sun. They live in
squalor, without electricity, indoor plumbing, or running water. Food provided them is minimal.
Still, the workers band together to survive and maintain their humanity as best they can.
Through a series of chance happenings, Azucar is taken from her life in the cane fields to one of
privilege and comfort. It's a long way from the sugar cane fields to Toronto's Victoria College,
but
she makes that transition with ease. She is tranformed from a slave into a young woman of
natural
beauty and intelligence. When Azucar meets the wealthy and successful Lucien St. Jacques,
the attraction is immediate and lasting. His face and voice remind her of the islands and passion
swiftly follows.
Mr. Cambeira has captured the mysterious and sensual rhythm of the tropics in his prose. He
clearly
portrays the beauty and courage of its native people, and helps the reader understand Caribbean
history. Azucar! is a troubling tale set in a breathtaking locale. The author does an outstanding
job in the telling.
Waking Walt
Larry Pontius
iUniverse.com, Inc.
2021 Pine Lake Road, #100, Lincoln, NE 68512
ISBN 059525425X $22.95 www.iuniverse.com
Walt Disney was an American icon, a purveyor of dreams, a man who proved that it truly "makes
no
difference who you are." He was a midwestern boy with a gift that found life with his first famous
cartoon character, Mickey Mouse. Through the dark years of the American depression, Walt's
cartoon characters brought laughter, hope, and promise to a country that had very little to dream
about. Mickey was quickly followed by Pluto, Donald Duck, Goofy, Snow White and her Seven
Dwarves, Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket. The world lost Walt Disney to lung cancer in 1966.
Supposedly he was cremated, but rumors circulated and continue to persist that he was
cryogenically preserved until a cure for cancer could be found. Larry Pontius takes that rumor
and
runs with it, and thereby hangs a tale.
Failed projects, modern problems, and mismanagement by men who lost sight of Walt's original
dream have brought the Disney Corp. to a serious predicament. Several elderly men - Walt's
secret
Circle - know the time has come to activate his resurrection. Disney HAS been cryogenically
preserved and an as yet FDA approved cure for cancer has been developed. When the old friends
try
to steal ampules of the experimental cancer drug, one of them dies from the excitement and the
plan
fails. On to Plan B of a very well-planned out return of Walt Disney to life and power. Younger
members join the inner circle. Walt is thawed, rejuvenated, and the cancer treatment begins.
Waking Walt is a fun, exhilarating read. Mr. Pontius writes very well and creates his story so
plausibly that I had no problem whatsoever believing the fiction. The characters were top notch,
especially the cranky opinionated Walt Disney who hides his Peter Pan-Jiminy Cricket heart under
a
gruff exterior. His Circle of protectors and friends is an unlikely mix of quirky personalities. Their
devotion to Walt, his dream and its bright promise, was quite touching. And in the end, everyone
learns a fitting lesson, including Mr. Disney.
Nicely rendered resurrection, Mr. Pontius.
Simplicity
Mark Dirschel
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
ISBN 1588512967 $29.95 www.publishamerica.com
If anyone had told me I would read a book about vampires, let alone become engrossed in the
story,
I would have laughed in their face. But that was before I read Simplicity. Mr. Dirschel creates a
provocative tale here. The narrative was finely crafted and the characters memorable. Be
warned. The subject matter is often troubling and sometimes grotesque, but that does not negate
the fact that Mr. Dirschel writes very well.
Patrick has been homeless since his middle teens. A hopeless alcoholic, he considers himself to be
"an invalid eyesore of a man." His crib is wherever he can find shelter for the night. His days are
spent begging to buy whiskey and a little food to keep himself alive and moving. One night he
sees a
lovely young girl contemplating jumping off the bridge above his concrete shelter. Her blonde
hair,
sweet face, and soft skin stir feelings in him that he thought were long since pickled into
nothingness. To his shock, this lovely vision talks with him as if he were human, treats him kindly.
One night later, Patrick watches Lori jump to her death from the bridge. And that is where the
real
story begins.
Before the moment of impact, Lori is swept away by a dark spirit - Van Pierre - and turned into a
vampire. The next night she returns to Patrick with Van Pierre. Because of his soft feelings for
Lori,
he is rather easily turned into a creature of the night. Patrick has always believed that hatred,
disgust
and apathy poison man's soul. But he soon experiences hellish scenes so horrible that even a
soulless
vampire creature is sickened. Despite his status as human stalker, Patrick retains a bit of his
softness.
He lives by certain rules, refusing to kill families or children. And he still loves Lori. By night
Patrick
prowls for sustenance. By day he is tormented by his vile demon keeper, Pink. Tortures too
graphically horrible to comprehend are inflicted in Pink's attempts to turn Patrick to Satan's way
and
break his spirit. Patrick writes a journal in an attempt to purge the final ghastly cries of love from
his
black heart. Simplicity is that journal.
Scenes of graphic violence and vampire sexuality make this book too disturbing for sensitive
readers
or children. I cannot recommend it for all, but will repeat that - despite the sometimes horrible
depictions of Patrick's life - Mark Dirschel's writing is powerful.
Daniela
Stephen Weeks
www.dandelionbooks.net
ISBN 1893302377 $29.95
Mind haunting, soul chilling, heart shattering prose brings clarity and truth to Stephen Weeks'
Daniela. Moments of simple beauty are skillfully interspersed with human degradation most of us
alive today cannot imagine. The story, and the author's writing style, are simply stunning.
Nikolei Nowikovski tells his story in first person. This young Jewish Ukrainian survives the battle
of
Stalingrad but moves from one hell to another when taken prisoner by the Germans. By blessing
or
strange coincidence of Fate, Nikolei transforms himself into Sergei Bambura and successfully
masquerades as an Aryan Wehrmacht officer in Prague. As Russian cannon fodder and then Nazi,
he
witnesses atrocities and cruelty beyond human comprehension. And all the while, he hides his
Jewishness behind a well-contrived facade.
The loss of his past and the murder of a once-proud Europe are starkly told through Nikolei /
Sergei's eyes and thoughts. Amidst the carnage and hopelessness, he meets Daniela Zaviskova.
Daniela is young, beautiful, and a Czech prostitute. Despite the pain that causes him -- imagining
this
wondrous girl having sex with other men -- she swiftly becomes "the flesh on which to hang new
hopes." He is obsessed with Daniela, loves her, wants to spend his life with her, prays she will one
day love him and forsake prostitution.
The apartment they share in Prague holds amazing secrets. As Nikolei experiences Nazi
Occupation,
Stalinist Russia, and the carving up of Europe by the allies, one secret after another is revealed to
him. The end of war is overwhelming, "a mixture of grief and joy with only numbness in
between."
He learns why Daniela prostitutes herself, and for whom. It's then that Nikolei begins to
understand
the depth and breadth of unconditional love.
This review barely scratches the surface of Daniela. Stephen Weeks has clearly researched Europe
of
the Nazi era, the battles, the heroes and malefactors. I felt transported to the time and place,
suffered, loved, and marveled at the courage, cried at the losses and atrocities. It's not for the
faint-hearted or those disturbed by graphic sex and violence. Be prepared to be surprised,
outraged,
touched, and sometimes shocked at every twist and turn of plot. I give my highest
recommendation
to Daniela.
Escape
Brian Seifrit
www.electricebookpublishing.com
ISBN 1553520890 $13.95 US, $18.95 Can.
Author of The O'Brien Series, Manhunt, and Flesh Craves - The VanFell Legacy, Brian Seifrit
stays
true to his course in this contemporary action adventure thriller. Strong characters and macho
action
are his trademark.
The Cold war may be over, but Hayden Rochsoff still has an axe or two to grind. Life under
communism has been grim for Hayden. He's become one of the best shooters in the Russian Rebel
Army but he's weary of the game. No longer able to tell the good guys from the bad guys, beaten
and tortured to within an inch of his life, Hayden vows revenge. He longs for freedom and safety,
but first he must rescue his long time friends, Monique and Alex Farrell. This brother and sister
team
have not fared well and Hayden has his hands full pulling off their rescue from a commie prison.
Their run for freedom is interrupted by Ellis Leroy, an unsavory operative from Hayden's past
who
plays both ends against the middle for monetary gain. He suggests a plan to the trio that will
provide
millions of dollars and guarantee their freedom. The only drawback is that the money must be
stolen
in Alaska from the DEA and US Navy. It's not an easy go, even for the accomplished Hayden and
his friends.
Escape takes our hero and his friends from Russa to a cruise ship on the Bering Strait and finally
to
Alaska. Action and intrigue abound. Will Hayden and his friends survive to reach freedom and
pull
off the caper that will make them millionaires? You'll have to read the book to learn the
answer.
Depths of Savagery
Steven L. Shrewsbury
www.double-dragon-ebooks.com
ISBN 1554940515 $4.99 e-book
This author's stories have attracted quite a loyal following for good reason. These tales of
barbarism
and the human animal past, present, and future are a prime example of the genre. The stories are
exciting - rousing, and beutifully written - featuring warriors of every era. Blood thirsty Vikings,
Celts, Picts, Angles, Saxons, Africans and Missouri Raiders come alive thanks to this author's
prolific imagination and vivid prose.
Since I was unfamiliar with the author's work, it was a delight to meet a popular Shrewsbury icon.
Several stories in Depths of Savagery feature Prof. Elijah Blackthorn, the Native American
psychometric archeologist. If you don't know what psychometric means, you are in for an
intriguing
time! This character is choice!
Steven Shrewsbury is a fantastic story teller and Depths of Savagery is an
entertaining read. Barbaric warriors and sly paybacks, ancient relics and sexual obsession,
shattering
bones and undying love are mixed together skillfully by a man who knows history and human
nature. I hope to read more of this author's work in the near future.
Ruth Fever
Beverly J. Scott
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN 1591296455 $19.95 paperback
As was her first book Righteous Revenge, this author's second book, Ruth Fever, is a well written
and entertaining read. In fact, I'll go on record here and state that anything this author
writes deserves a devoted following. Each book is different, well plotted, with strong
characters.
Ruth Dennison is 29 years old, a school teacher still grieving over the loss of her parents to a car
accident. She prays every day to forgive the drunken driver who killed her parents and filled her
days
with sorrow. She treasures fond memories of her parents and the home they cherished. There has
never been a special man in Ruth's life. She's lonely and depressed, but fills that empty void by
devoting herself to the children in her classroom. One of her students troubles Ruth. Eight year
old
Jason Winters has swiftly gone from excellent happy student to pensive and withdrawn child. She
suspects trouble on the home front and hopes to learn more from Jason's father.
Wyndom Winters is a 34 year old widower whose marriage was a heart breaking sham long
before
his ex wife died in a car accident. He and his son live with his alcoholic mother-in-law so Jason
will
have supervision while Wyndom works. When he meets Jason's teacher, Ruth Dennison, he's
impressed by her sweetness. What follows is a gracefully written story of a troubled frightened
child
and the adults who try to bring joy back to his life.
Yes, before too many weeks pass, Wyndom has "Ruth Fever." He struggles with desire and hopes
to
establish a strong relationship that will lead to marriage. Theirs is a tender and passionate love
story,
but there are some tough obstacles standing in the way of happiness. Jason's cruel, alcoholic
grandmother has plans for Wyndom and Jason that do not include Ruth. And the truth of how her
parents died in the same accident as Wyndom's wife is a bitter pill for Ruth to swallow.
Ruth Fever is a satisfying read, a heart warming tale of two decent, lonely people drawn together
by
their love for Jason and each other. It gets my highest recommendation.
Laurel Johnson
Midwest Book Review
Linda Lee Hillegass and James Lee McKee are a husband and wife team who own Lee
Booksellers,
a popular and successful independent book store in Lincoln Nebraska. Together they also own
and
operate a publishing company and are both published authors. I thought this triple threat team
would
make an interesting interview for our readers around the world.
LJ for MBR: Thank you for agreeing to an interview. Let's begin with an overview of Lee
Booksellers. When was it founded and what is your vision or philosophy as an independent book
store?
Linda / Jim: We opened the business in 1979, one year after we were married, calling it Lee
Booksellers because both of us have the middle name Lee. Jim was feeling a little romantic and
wanted the store name to represent both of us. Our full name is J&L Lee Booksellers, but we
figured out a long time ago that it's quite a mouthful to say by phone and make it understood. We
know the old-time customers when they make the check out to J&L Lee Booksellers.
Although we didn't get around to writing it down for several years, our mission for the store was
always the same: We love books and the people who love them. The personality and individuality
of
a small company set us apart from the big boys from back east (or out west). We miss no
opportunity to communicate happiness, humor, good will, personality, soul, book knowledge, and
book love to our customers. We are a Lincoln store and express that connection to our customers
always. We want Lee Booksellers to be a fun place to shop and we aim to retain loyal customers
and
give them more reasons to be word-of-mouth marketers.
LJ for MBR: Lincoln has several book stores against which you must compete for business. What
sets Lee Booksellers apart and keeps your customers coming back?
Linda / Jim: Four things come to mind. First, we like our customers and it shows in the way we
deal with them. We treat them like friends and go the extra mile for them. Second, we really know
books. When we started our business, I had an undergraduate degree in English Literature, a
Masters Degree in library science, and had been a librarian for 13 years, besides having grown up
in
a publishing family. Jim had worked in publishing for 17 years. He had already written a couple
of
books himself, and had collected quite a library. And both of us were (and still are) avid readers.
We've always made it a priority to hire staff who love to read. We can train anyone to operate a
cash
register and stock shelves. It's loving books that needs to come first. Third, we are aggressive
about
communicating with our customers. We offer lots of store events (book signings, book clubs, and
other events) and publicize them every way we can. We keep track of book clubs we deal with
and
keep them posted on events of interest. We do an irregular newsletter (about 6/year) and send it
to a
sizeable loyal customer list. We're proud to say that people actually ask to be put on our mailing
list.
We do a monthly emailed newsletter, too. And last, but not least, we offer a free customer
discount
card that hasn't changed since we opened 24 years ago. A customer told us when her stolen purse
was recovered, the only things missing were the cash and her Lee Booksellers Book Club
card!
Jim adds: We mail books free...anywhere.
LJ for MBR: You feature the books of many local and regional authors. Are there specific
guidelines
you follow in approving selections?
Linda / Jim: Customers love books with a local flavor and we try to carry a wide selection. Local
author/local history books sell well to travelers visiting our area, to newcomers to the city, and to
people of 50 who can relate to tales of the way things used to be in the city and state.
Self-published
books are stocked as consignment items. We don't turn down much, however we don't carry
print-on-demand books, because the nature of that business makes turning a profit impossible for
us.
LJ for MBR: Print on demand (POD) technology has complicated the book buying process.
Please
explain to our readers - from your unique point of view as bookseller, author, and publisher - why
the stocking of POD books in brick and mortar bookstores is difficult.
Linda / Jim: Print-on-demand publishers want to sell books to the bookstore at a discount that is
much less than standard publishers offer. They also do not accept returns, so that if a book does
not
sell, we lose money on it. If we order small quantities (to reduce the risk) they sometimes arrive
damaged. To make things worse, the print-on-demand book is likely to receive no (or only a
smidgen) of press attention. All of this creates a pretty big risk for us when what we are dealing
with
is a book that mainstream publishers were uninterested in publishing, i.e. one they considered
unlikely to sell. All this was learned from bitter experience.
Jim adds: POD, like vanity publishing. is tricky to explain in a short statement. Both are the bane
of
booksellers. POD offers to literally create a single copy of a book, printed as ordered and paid for
in
advance. Typically there is no discount, postage often adds several dollars to the cost and the
books
are nonreturnable. POD books therefore represent a lose/lose proposition for any retailer.
LJ for MBR: Jim teaches History and is also a historian who has written several books about the
history of Lincoln. What sparked this affinity for times past, Jim?
Jim: A Cub Scout project on genealogy led me to my great-grandparents on both sides of my
parent's families, and a box full of artifacts like handcuffs from the first jail in Havelock, NE (now
part of Lincoln.) Then the hobby grew like Topsy leading me into not only Lincoln but Nebraska
history of all sorts.
LJ for MBR: Tell us about your published books, and are there any new books in the offing?
Linda / Jim: Our publishing side, J&L Lee Co. typically carries about 30 nonfiction titles in print,
mostly history and all with an emphasis on Nebraska and the Great Plains. In the next cycle we
will
be publishing a biography by Jack Hart, retired editor of the Lincoln Journal Star. His subject
is Virginia Smith--Nebraska's only woman elected to the U. S. House of Representatives. We're
also
doing a collection of historic Lincoln photographs culled from the private collections of over 200
Nebraskans.
LJ for MBR: Tell us about Lee Publishing? What do you publish? How often? How can interested
readers order Lee published books?
Linda / Jim: We have been publishing since 1967 and do two or three books a year. Our titles are
available at our own stores, at many drugstores, gift shops, and museums in Nebraska, and as a
special order at any bookstore. They can also be ordered through our website:
www.leebooksellers.com or by phone toll-free at 1-888-665-0999. We mail books
free...anywhere.
LJ for MBR: Is there any question you wish I had asked, or any further comments you would like
to
make?
Linda / Jim: We mail books free...anywhere.
LJ for MBR: Thank you so much for your time. Those interested in information about Lee
Booksellers and their featured books may go to www.leebooksellers.com.
Linda: Or phone us toll-free at 1-888-665-0999. The website does not feature our publications, so
"and their featured books" may be misleading.
Kaveny's Bookshelf
This month's Kaveny's Bookshelf starts off with my reflection back across 21 years of
participation
in academic conferences, starting with the 1982 Chicago World Science Fiction Convention and
continuing through the Oct 25th & 26th 2003 University of Wisconsin System Women's Studies
Conference where I will be presenting a paper on Standpoint Theory. In the twenty years
between, I
have presented at least a hundred papers and sat on at least that many panels. Of course all my
papers were not really papers, they were rather me learning from my audiences as I read from
huge
piles of illegible notes. But some have eventually made their way into print and one yet may
become
a framework for a collection of essays my wife and I are proposing to edit. To anyone who would
wonder why I would do this, the answer is really pretty simple. I like to be a party to intelligent
conversations, and academic discourse and conferences are some of the best places to do
this.
But of all the papers I presented, the one I remember most was the one I did not present. The
event
took place at the 1997 -- 32nd (Kalamazoo, Michigan) International Medieval Congress Session
166, Military Technology, where I had proposed a paper entitled "The Printing Press as a
Component of Military Technology and Knowledge Transfer in the Late Middle Ages.." About
two
minutes into the paper I withdrew it because it became clear I had not sufficiently organized my
evidence to support the conclusion, which I wished to suggest.
At the time, I was an advanced graduate student at the University of Wisconsin Madison In library
and Information studies trying to keep my head above water while working full time 40 hours a
week and trying to complete a dissertation (which I completed successfully in the summer of
1998.)
Before I withdrew the paper, nothing would have appeared to be a worse thing to happen to a
graduate student than to admit in person before an audience (some of whom where world experts)
that he was really not sure what he was talking about. Well sometimes the worst thing that you
think
could happen turns out to be the best, and several members of the audience complimented me for
doing something that they really wished some others would have done.
Six years later, my paper still exist as a viable thesis, but to do it justice I would have to devote
most of the rest of my life to learning enough Greek and Latin to read primary sources. However,
in
a real world, real-time sense, one of my favorite publishers (The Chivalry Bookshelf: Arms &
Armour, Medieval History, Swordsmanship http://www.chivalrybookshelf.com/) is doing in
practice
with several of their new titles what I was interested in theory. But the fascinating thing is that
they
are translating and transmitting ancient and medieval and Renaissance Martial and Military
Knowledge, some of which has not been available except in manuscript form, locked away in
virtually in accessible archives for over half a millennium. But they are doing a lot more than that
because they believe that the study of western historical martial arts is a vital and interpretive
process.
For example,
Spada: An Anthology of Swordsmanship in Memory of Ewart Oakeshott
Ewart Oakeshott, Gregory Mele, Stephen Hand, Steven Hick, Paul Wagner, Brian R. Price,
Russell Mitchell, John Clements, William E. Wilson, Ramon Martinez
Swordplay Symposium International
ISBN: 1891448374 $24.95.
Overall, this text Functions as the flagship publication of the Swordplay Symposium International
(SSI), which was conceived as a place where scholarship relating to the sword arts could be
published to the very highest standards. This artfully presented and handsomely packaged premier
issue consists a wide range of articles including Ewart Oakeshott's final article, "Studying Arms
Within the Circumference of History;" Also found within are "The Art of Parrying," (Greg Mele);
"Counterattacks with Opposition," (Stephen Hand); "Dom Duarte's Advice on Swordsmanship,"
(Steve Hick); "Early Medieval Sword & Shield Techniques," (Stephen Hand & Paul Wagner);
"Hungarian Sabre Techniques," (Russell Mitchell); "Grappling in Renaissance Fencing," (John
Clements); "Handedness in Staff Arts," (Paul Wagner); "Foundations of Italian Rapier," (William
E.
Wilson); "Spanish Rapier in Saviolo," (Stephen Hand & Ramon Martinez); "Highland
Swordsmanship," (Paul Wagner).
I found all of the articles to be well illustrated with both historical and contemporary material, and
all
the articles both informative and well written. But I do wish the late Ewart Oakeshott's article
was
about 30 pages longer since at 87 he seemed to have almost an intuitive grasp of the leading edge
of
interdisciplinary research, something that, sadly, many modern scholars shun, because it forces
them
to take too many risks. Yet another value-added feature of Spada is the reports on some of the
most
important recent activities undertaken in the WMA community. This issue of Spada should reach
a
very wide audience and I feel it is a must for school, college, and research libraries since its scope
would include all these audiences. At 59 I cannot help but wonder if I could still swing a
broadsword.
The next book I will feature is
Ars Gladitoria: 15th Century Swordsmanship of Master Fillipo Vadi
Fillipo Vadi
Luca Porzio, translator
Chivalry Bookshelf
http://www.chivalrybookshelf.com/
ISBN: 1891448161 $59.95
This book is fascinating because the quality of its production and reproduction allows it to
functions
equally as well as an art book or a manual at arms, and it could as easily grace the bookshelf of an
art historian, as an historian of western martial arts because Luca Porzio and Gregory Mele have
brought this text vividly to life with a clear translation and explanatory notes. All 56 beautiful
plates
are reproduced at full size in full color.
Vadi's book focuses on the use of the long sword, dagger, spear and poleax, both in and out of
armour. His instructions are clear and precise, enabling reconstruction of medieval swordsmanship
from 15th century Italy. But at the same it is clear that Filippo Vadi's prologue which is beautifully
presented as a face-en-face translation embodies the sprit of a renaissance man at arms. Filippo
Vadi' seems as much a poet as a warrior. His approach gives the book a very broad and
humanistic
scope. I wish I had the technical resources to include some of the authentically reproduced color
illustrations from this beautiful book, but if you go to The Chivalry Bookshelf
(http://www.chivalrybookshelf.com/) you will see that sometimes at least a few pictures are worth
a
thousand words.
Jousts and Tournaments
Geoffroi De Charny, Steven Muhlberger
Chivalry Bookshelf
http://www.chivalrybookshelf.com/
ISBN: 1891448285 $27.95
Steven Muhlberger's new work is at the cutting edge of the study of medieval tournaments in the
14th century. Jousts and Tournaments: Charny and the Rules for Chivalric Sport in
Fourteenth-Century France is given added depth by his face en face translation and analysis of the
writings of a knight who was no stranger to the field of honor, or the battlefield. A knight who's
other writings has come to embody the 14th Century Chivalric code. Sir Geoffroi de Charny is a
historical figure in own right, who was much renowned, and highly regarded in the mid 14th
century.
Sir Geoffroi de Charny was knight who rose through his prowess at arms and his strong moral a
religious convictions which lead him to become one of the most highly regarded chivalric men of
his
age.
The Steven Muhlberger has done more than a translation he has created posthumously
collaboration
across five hundred an fifty years Which brings Geoffroi De Charny to life for the contemporary
reader. Who is presented was a multi faceted gentleman who brought the Shroud of Turin to
Europe and died a warrior's death in the saddle with his boots on while carrying the celebrated
Oriflamme at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. The Oriflamme a sacred banner used by the kings of
France in the Middle Ages in times of great danger and distress. According to my research the
Oriflamme was distinct from the heraldic banner of the French kings (semis of fleur-de-lys on
azure,
as expected). Its history is fairly continuous from 1124 onward, when it is first mentioned. It is
first
described in 1225. It consists of two parts: a gilded lance, to which is attached a silk banner, red
with green fringes.
Steven Muhlberger face en face translation of Geoffroi De Charny's "Questions" on the Joust,
Tournaments and War--translated here for the first time into English is a work of art. The
questions
are accompanied with an insightful analysis, and promises to become a critical resource for
students
of medieval chivalry and tournaments of the later Middle Ages. I found the questions a delight to
read and the more I moved through them the more the questioner and the period seemed to come
alive. These questions are the stuff that high narrative is made of.
At the same time I am certain as a book seller that the book will have a much broader interest
because of its authentic sense of time and place will be of great interest to both re-enactor and the
casual reader who has an almost unshakeable thirst for this sort of work. The book is a must for
libraries on all levels particular school and public.
I would also add from my nearly quarter of a Century as a bookseller that all of three works are
the
sort that will find their way to the reference shelf of any writer (or any aspiring) of high fantasy
who
wants to produce a work, which will be taken seriously. You see there is an open secret among
those in the know that the fantastic in history dwarfs and at the same time feeds the fantastic in
fiction.
As I mentioned previously, I attend and participated in a number of conferences each year and one
of my favorites is Mythcon, the annual Conference of Mythopoeic Society. So let me tell you
about
the Mythopoeic Society. It's a non-profit international literary and educational organization for the
study, discussion, and enjoyment of fantasy and mythic literature, especially the works of J.R.R.
Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Charles Williams. Members of the Mythopoeic Society include scholars,
writers, and readers of mythic and fantasy literature. The Society sponsors an annual Mythopoeic
Conference (Mythcon), Discussion and Special Interest Groups, the Mythopoeic Awards, and
three
periodical publications. If you want to find out or join the organization I suggest you check out
their
website. http://www.mythsoc.org/mythsoc.html.
This year's Mythcon (number 34) took place at the Scarritt Bennett Conference Center in
Nashville,
Tennessee not far from the campus of Vanderbilt University and it focused around the theme from
Athena to Galadriel, wise women in mythopoeic fiction. It was a huge success but my eyes go
weary
as I write late into the night so I will get to some of my own personal high points for the
conference
of 150 or so souls, among them some of the foremost scholars on, and writers of, Mythopoeic
Fiction on the Planet.
I was not invited to do a presentation at this conference which was just as well because it allowed
my to concentrate on my other love: book selling, just meeting people, which is one of the biggest
reasons I do it. That is how I met the Reverend Perry C. Bramlett, who turned out to be one of
the
best customers at the conference. In the course of bookselling I mentioned that I was working on
some research on C.S Lewis WWI experience and its effect on some of the Motifs, and word
choices he used in his religious writings. Bramlett was very encouraging and mentioned he had
done
some work on Lewis and written a book on Tolkien. Well it turns out I was talking to one of the
world experts on C.S Lewis as is apparent from his website. http://www.win.net/~pbramlett/,
which
I highly recommend you, visit.
But what I am going to write about here is his book on J.R.R.Tolkien.
I Am in Fact a Hobbit: An Introduction to the Life and Works of J.R.R. Tolkien
Perry C. Bramlett
Joe R. Christopher, contributor
Mercer University Press
ISBN: 086554851X $29.95
This book reminds me of its author in a very special sense. That is to say, it at first appears to be a
bit modest and almost understated. It is in fact a long-awaited and highly competent and updated
introduction to the Life and Works of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Further, its title is drawn from a 1958 Letter that J.R.R. Tolkien wrote to one of the dearest and
most giving person I have met in my life, Deborah Rogers, who I believe wrote one of the first
doctoral dissertations on Tolkien in Comparative literature at UW-Madison in The late
1960's
Here is a section drawn from the text of the letter J.R.R Tolkien wrote her as it appears on the
back
dust jacket of Bartlett's book.
"I am in fact a Hobbit in all ways but size. I like gardens, trees and un-mechanized farmlands. I
smoke a pipe and like good plain food (un-refrigerated), but detest French cooking. I like and
even
dare to wear these dull days, ornamental waistcoats..."
Bramlett starts with a concise 25-page overview of Tolkien's life and works and systematically
continues by going through the body of Tolkien's lifetime of writings, carefully and accurately
presenting and summarizing other critical opinion in an authoritative and clear manner. And
perhaps
the best of part of the book is that Bramlett seems to have no ax to grind of his own. This makes a
lot of sense since he is in fact a C.S Lewis expert.
What I particularly like about Perry Bartlett's approach is that he does not set up his new readers
to
be disappointed, if they are looking for more of the Hobbit, as some have, by miss-representing
and
encouraging them to purchase and read Tolkien's posthumously published works. Perhaps the best
example of what I mean is the heavily edited Silmarillion, J.R.R. Tolkien's (1892-1973) project of
a
lifetime. The Silmarillion was first published ( by George Allen Uwinn in 1977, four years after
Tolkien's death), in a hardcover edition of 600,000 which made it one of the most bought yet least
read books ever written in the English Language. The work did not go into a later English or
American edition until late into the 1990's.
I am not making a value judgment of the literary quality of The Silmarillion, which is as beautiful
as
the King James Bible version of the Old Testament with the high dramatic overtones of a Norse
Saga. I am only arguing that someone who bought it and expected more of The Hobbit or The
Lord
of The Rings would be disappointed. I also like the way he uses and attributes his sources, and
uses
a number of classic works on Tolkien, in a way that his reader can easily follow them up if more
information is necessary.
Another value added feature of the book is its six appendices consisting of 55 pages. These
include
a chronology of Tolkien's life, the published works of J.R.R Tolkien, (listed in chronological order
of appearance), and a resource bibliography, a listing of Tolkien Journals, newsletters, societies,
and
archives. They also include a section on Tolkien on the Internet, and Tolkien sound recordings. I
also thought that preceding section by Joe R. Christopher "The impact of Tolkien's writings, a
personal reflection", added a nice touch to the book from a scholar who first read The Lord of
The
Rings nearly 50 years ago. Had he bought all three of the volumes as first editions when they
appeared in hardcover in 1954 and 1955 from a UK bookseller he would now be sitting on an
investment worth over $40,000 according to The Advanced Book Exchange A.B.E.
http://www.abebooks.com/, just in case you want to check it out.
This is the sort of book that I strongly believe should be part of the collection of every public
library
in the English speaking world no matter how small. Because, through the wonder of inter-library
loan, nearly all of J.R.R. Tolkien's works have been made available through access to the
resources
of larger library systems. It would also be used in the reference collection of an undergraduate or
even a research library. I know it has found a place in mine, because it is useful to someone like
me
who has been writing about Tolkien for the last 20 years.
In early August we found we were on the road again, or should I say in the air. In late June we
found that two of our dearest friends from the United Kingdom would be attending the
International
Society of Anglo-Saxonists (ISAS):"Conversion and Colonization conference " 4 - 9 August
2003.
Hosted by ACMRS (Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Arizona State
University. So we decided this would be a good opportunity to meet our friends and for my do
some
research. I was able to get space in the bookseller's room. So, we were barely back from Nashville
before we headed for Scottsdale Arizona.
We did not spend the whole week locked up in the conference center even though the
temperature
regularly hit 110. The most dramatic thing we did was take a 500 mile round trip to The Grand
Canyon which looked like God dug it with a soldier's entrenching tool and finished it off with
colors
from the palate of a Dutch master oil painting. The trip took sixteen hours only three of which we
spent off the bus, and I think I annoyed my Uk friends when I suggested we could drop the whole
country of Wales into The Grand Canyon and not miss it.
Speaking of Wales (the county rather than the Sea Creature). I guess it is time to return to the
conference where I met fellow bookseller and author Garner Scott Odell, who was a very
interesting
character indeed. Garner Scott Odell, retired after forty years as a clergyman therapist and
professor,
He resides in California with his wife, also a writer. Garner currently divides his time between
writing and enjoying his children and grandchildren, in addition to serving as Chaplain aboard a
major cruise ship line that travels the world's oceans. If you want to find more about him check
out
his Website http://www.twoauthors.com/Garner.htm .
I have for review a copy
Sir David
Garner Scott Odell
Xlibris Corporation
ISBN 1401078362 $34.99
His first novel, which he refers to as a labor of love based upon one of his own ancestors a
historical
character found while climbing down the Odell family tree. The book is a product of his fifteen
years of painstaking research.
The book is a handsomely and professionally produced and printed on demand product which is
indistinguishable from a major publisher trade edition complete with an attractive dustjacket and
interior illustrations maps.
The character Odell creates, or perhaps better said breaths life to would not would not be
unfamiliar
to fans of Scotland's William Wallace in that they were both Giants for there time well over six
feet
seven inches tall, both embroiled in wars with England. But of course they differed in many ways
also since Wallace Died on an English rack at the end of the 13th Century, and Sir David died in
bed
as an old man towards the end of the 15th.
The picture we have of Sir David is a Broad one with many fine detailed stokes which included
sections on the politics of England and Wales during the Wars of the Roses 1455-1487. The book
is
a careful blend of the personal and political and family life of one of the players who walk across
this
very tumultuous in which England was going though the first the agony of transformation from a
Medieval Monarchy to a modern state a transformation would be another 200 years in the
making. I
would add the book is written in an informed an at the same time accessible manner making it
interesting to the adult but at the same time accessible to the bright young adult reader and it
would
be a fine item to add to a public library collection.
One last note someone who helps me edit this project strongly urged me to take out some of the
personal items I mention about myself particularly the part about my finishing my advanced
degree
in 1998. I had no answer to why I would not but I am grateful that my Editor & Chief allows me
editorial freedom to include. Of course the first reason I left it in was I sweated blood to finish it
but
a very strong second is I feel it is one of my credentials allowing to make informed library
purchasing recommendations.
Something occurred to just at this instant as I am finishing this project. It must be as a result of
having immersed my self in items Medieval for this months bookshelf particularly The Chivalry
Bookshelf: items I started to sense that many parallels between Medieval Warfare and 21 st
Century
Sports. I think I feel another paper coming on. Please will somebody through a bucket of water
on
me before I get out of hand.
Philip Kaveny
Literary Editor
Midwest Book Review
Klausner's Bookshelf
But Inside I'm Screaming
Elizabeth Flock
Mira
ISBN: 1551667274 $12.95
In NYC, Isabel Murphy is a rising anchorwoman at the American News Network (ANN).
However,
voices in her head keep telling her that her family feels she is worthless and her catastrophic
marriage adds to her lack of confidence and emotional belief that her parents are right when they
call
her a disappointing failure. Isabel has a chance to prove otherwise when she is the only
newsperson
at the station when the death of Diana Princess surfaces. She goes on the air to report the
breaking
news, but freezes and is unable to say a word as her brain just drums to the beat of failure.
Knowing
her broadcast career is over and how she has disappointed everyone, Isabel opts for suicide, but
fails
at that. She enters Three Breezes Psychiatric Facility where she finds the lunatic asylum worse
than
anything she ever imagined. She will only fly above the cuckoos nest when she accepts that she
can't
please everyone so she should try to please herself. This is an insightful character study that looks
extremely close into the psyche of someone whose mental breakdown and depression places her
over the edge. The bleak yet at times amusing well written story line focuses on Isabel whose
collapse will stun the audience even while we follow her thoughts and actions. Isabel's
disintegration
with a frightening glimpse of the goings-on at the psychiatric facility is not for everyone, but
readers
will agree that Elizabeth Flock provides a powerhouse.
Clear and Convincing Proof
Kate Wilhelm
Mira
ISBN: 1551666979 $23.95, 352 pp.
In Oregon, the Kelso-McIvey Rehabilitation Center is known locally as the Rehab Center. The
facility provides non-profit medical care for people. However, neurosurgeon David McIvey, son
of
one of the founders, has other plans for the place as he sees an opportunity to make money
although
the clinic was his mother's dream and his wife enjoys her volunteer work there. The current clinic
leaders Dr. Greg Boardman and his wife Naomi oppose changing the clinic, but soon may have no
say as David inches closer to taking total control. However, someone takes exception to David's
plan and kills him just outside the clinic. The police suspect that the victim's wife, in cahoots with
a
physical therapist working at the Rehab (who they believe is her lover) committed the homicide.
Attorney Barbara Holloway thinks otherwise and plans to prove her clients are innocent. CLEAR
AND CONVINCING PROOF is an exciting legal thriller that will keep the audience guessing as
the
evidence affirms the police position as to who is the killer though clues are provided throughout
the
tale. The story line is fast-paced especially while Barbara explores alternate motive theories.
Though
the reason for the murder seems soft, it is reasonably established so fans receive a powerful
investigative tale wrapped inside a strong legal thriller.
Black Sheep
R.J. Kaiser
Mira
ISBN: 1551667266 $23.95
Veering towards sixty, Jonas Lamb has been married six times with five ending in not so
harmonious
divorces. Currently wife number six is wealthy and dying; Jonas does what he does best, muddle
relationships by having an affair with another woman angering his stepdaughter. Jonas' son Patrick
has discovered a cheap oil substitute that will rock the pillars of modern geo-politics. The amoral
Jonas sees this as a chance to gain affluence and power while reconciling with his son who he has
ignored forever. Jonas needs seed money so he goes to an almost as sleazy friend, Hong Kong
billionaire Jimmy Yee for the investment capital. However, a secret of this magnitude and impact
cannot stay hidden for long. Soon the Feds want to control "BLACK SHEEP", not necessarily for
altruistic reasons. To do so they and others will gladly slaughter the two Lambs. This is a
fast-paced,
dark and gritty thriller that never slows down for a moment. Perhaps except for Patrick and his
mother there seems to be no good guys including the lead rogue, whose behavior lacks anything
remotely ethical or at least facetiously charming. Though there is a minor romance subplot, fans
of
grim action-packed story lines will want to read this testosterone thriller.
Silent Wishes
Fiona Hood-Stewart
Mira
ISBN: 1551667282 $6.50, 448 pp.
Harcourts International CEO Sylvia Hansen is stunned when her company's upcoming new
product
line is stolen and issued at a great discount by rival Marchands. She knows immediately that the
dastardly deed is the work of Aimon Thackeray. To save her firm and her reputation, Sylvia races
to
London where she meets with her bitterest opponent inside the company, Lord Jeremy
Warmouth.
After a week of struggling without finding the leak, Sylvia leads a worldwide campaign selling
products at a major loss, but recouping the lead global position, saving their market share. As
Sylvia
and Jeremy work closely together, they begin to develop respect for another and fall in love.
However, Sylvia has many secrets that she prefers to stay buried and when someone tries to
blackmail her she finds herself in a dilemma. Will she stand firm in her ethics and love and take the
chance her "sordid" past will come to light or will she pay the price to hide her Louisiana
background from the man she loves and the board of directors? Readers who enjoy a strong lead
female overcoming a horrendous heritage will want to read SILENT WISHES. The tale provides
a
deep look at the cutthroat international business world where government regulations are ignored.
Though Jeremy acts at first too much as an aristocratic snob and Aimon behaves more like the
nasty
is more important than the bottom line, Sylvia makes the tale into a winner with her caring
personality.
Haunted
Heather Graham
Mira
ISBN: 1551667509 $6.99, 384 pp.
Though he scoffs at the thought of ghosts at his Colonial era manor Melody House, Stoneyville,
Virginia Sheriff Matt Stone agrees to allow a ghost hunter to look into the sightings. Sweetening
the
pot is that his friend Adam Harrison of Harrison Investigations will pay him for the honor.
However,
to his chagrin, Adam fails to show up, but instead his associate Darcy Tremayne arrives. Matt
displays animosity towards Darcy because she reminds him of his selfish former wife and he
ridicules
her so-called abilities. However, she quickly shakes everyone up when she finds the century plus
old
skull of a battered individual in the nearby forest. Soon through her connection to her deceased
beloved teen pal Josh, she makes contact with an agitated spirit. She begins to worry over falling
in
love with the Sheriff, who may be a serial killer. This exciting paranormal romance will provide
sub-genre readers with plenty of entertainment. This fun tale stars two charming lead characters
and
a strong support cast. Though the twist into a serial killer seems off kilter, fans will enjoy Heather
Graham's HAUNTED because everyone including the Amazing Randi will believe in Darcy's
abilities
via her pal Josh.
Flamingo Diner
Sherryl Woods
Mira
ISBN: 1551667223 $6.50, 400 pp.
Her sixteen year old brother Andy calls pleading with Emma Killian to come home because their
dad
is acting strange; Don has even yelled at his beloved wife and two sons in front of patrons of the
family run FLAMINGO DINER. Emma, busy working at the DC based Fashionable Memories
Antiques store, blows away her sibling as being an alarmist. Two days later, Don apparently
committed suicide driving his car into the nearby lake. Emma returns home to bury her father and
to
help her mother and siblings cope with the tragedy. Police Chief Matt Atkins who witnessed the
death tries to help the family too, but especially Emma, a woman he loved since his teen years. As
the four surviving Killians try to regain their equilibrium, Emma falls in love with Matt, but she
feels
that Winter Cove is not cosmopolitan enough for a big city antiques dealer like her. This is a
strong
character study as each one of the four Killians struggles in their personal way to cope with the
apparent suicide. They go through the various stages of grief starting with none of them accepting
that Don killed himself. Returning to normalcy is impossible as each copes with their feelings of
guilt. Sherryl Woods provides her audience with a taut touching tale and readers will appreciate
the
depths the author reaches.
In Hot Pursuit
Suzann Ledbetter
Mira
ISBN: 1551666871 $6.50, 384 pp.
Over two decades ago, Police Officer Liz Rivas watches her husband Rick, a detective on the
force,
shot while both were off duty. Liz testifies against her spouse's murderer at the trial, but the Mafia
hitman's lawyer manages to keep his client free. The Feds place Liz and her young son in the
witness
protection program. For the next two plus decades, Liz has lived in Pfister, Missouri, as Jenna
MacArthur, managing and operating the MacArthur's Park combo flee market and coffee shop.
Her
son now works as a cop. A stranger who looks vaguely familiar buys a Grisham novel from Liz.
Paul
Haggerty, a former cop, made a vow to Rick that he intends to keep. He found Liz via the
Internet
due to a site managed by her mother. As he and Jenna fall in love, he realizes he may have
inadvertently brought danger to the woman he now cherishes. This a strong romantic suspense
thriller though why Rick's killer acts after two decades of walking the streets even if he risks
eventual conviction is hard to grasp. Still the lead couple is a delight and the support cast adds the
depth of small town Missouri into the mix. Fans of terse tales will be IN HOT PURSUIT of
Suzann
Ledbetter's fine novel.
311 Pelican Court
Debbie Macomber
Mira
ISBN: 1551667193 $7.50, 384 pp.
In Cedar Cove, Judge Olivia Lockhart informs the divorced couple, schoolteacher Rosie and
accountant Zach Cox, that instead of their fifteen year old daughter and their nine year old son
shuffling back and forth between them in joint custody, the parents will. In other words the kids
keep the house and a parent will reside in Zach's apartment when he or she is not with the
children.
The Judge's former husband Stanley keeps visiting from Seattle hoping to reconcile with her as his
second marriage ends. The Judge would like her former beau Cedar Cove Chronicle Editor Jack
Griffin to show gumption and make a commitment to her. Olivia's best friend librarian Grace
Sherman suffers from depression while still grieving the suicide of her husband Dan. Their
Maryellen
is pregnant, but refuses to allow the father Jon Bowman access before during and after she gives
birth. Finally, at the Thyme and Tide bed and breakfast, a guest is dead. The owners Bob and
Peggy
Beldon are shocked, but more so he because the deceased looks hauntingly familiar from his Nam
days that he shared with Dan. 311 PELICAN COURT, the sequel to 16 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD,
is
an interesting slice of life tale that reads more like a series of rotating vignettes than a novel. Each
story line representing a slice is well written and brings insight into the key character(s) as well as
the small town. The prime protagonists are fully developed and remain consistent with the prequel
so those fans of the previous novel, Debbie Macomber, or just a deep contemporary drama will
value the return to Cedar Cove.
Into the Fire
Anne Stuart
Mira
ISBN: 1551666944 $6.50
At the urgings of her mother, boarding schoolteacher Jamie Kincaid drives from her Rhode Island
home to Cooperstown, Wisconsin to learn what happened to her cousin, Nate. Officially, Nate
was
found murdered in the garage of his best friend Dillon Gaynor. Jamie's car breaks down near
Dillon's
establishment, forcing him to provide hospitality to her. She stays under his hostile roof with her
money and credit cards soon missing and while she waits for her vehicle to be repaired. Only his
"pal" Mousy treats her nice. Still though a dozen years have passed since they last saw one
another
the attraction between the daughter of wealth and the bad boy blossoms into an adult love.
However, the specter of Nate and the more to life philosophy that her mother the "duchess"
espouses stands in the way of anything permanent. This is an entertaining romantic suspense with
a
hint of supernatural happenings (read the novel to determine if it is a ghost or not). The story line
is
exciting, but the audience will become a bit irritated with Dillon's consistent nasty behavior
towards
Jamie. Still Anne Stuart provides a solid tale that will please her fans that will only want the best
for
the warm heroine.
Cold Ridge
Carla Neggers
Mira
ISBN: 1551666847 $6.99
Award winning nature photographer Carine Winter strolls along the White Mountains of New
Hampshire on the thirtieth anniversary of the death of her parents on COLD RIDGE. Suddenly,
shots are fired at her, but seem more of a warning than an effort to kill her. Childhood friend Tyler
North, a para-rescue officer sees the attack and helps Carine escape down the mountain. Ty and
Carine start seeing one another, fall in love, and become engaged, but he breaks it off one week
before the ceremony. Several months later, Carine works in Boston photographing the renovation
of
a Victorian mansion when she comes across the murdered corpse of security officer Louis
Sanborn.
The evidence points towards security consultant and Ty's friend Manny Carerra. Calling in a
favor,
Manny asks Ty to keep Carine out of the unsafe scenario. While Manny goes it alone ignoring his
wife and son, Ty and Carine realize they still are in love with one another, but will he tie the knot
this time and will she give him a second chance? Readers will question why the original attack
team
scaring Carine did not kill her, but will remain engrossed in the action of the tale. The initial
romance
between Ty and Carine is glossed over except in flashback references as ancient history but the
love
between the lead couple seems real. The story line is exciting and never lets up until the killer is
identified. Fans will also wonder if they survive, will the hero walk down the aisle this time, but to
know the answer requires reading the novel.
The Widows of Wichita County
Jodi Thomas
Mira
ISBN: 1551667150 $6.50
In Clifton Creek, Texas, the oil rig explosion on the Davis ranch leaves four men dead and one
individual in critical condition fighting for his life. Because of the charring of the corpses and the
severe burns of the survivor no one knows who lived. Five women huddle together in the County
memorial Hospital waiting to know whether their spouses are alive or not. Widower Helena
Whitworth married J.D. and in spite of their adult children from previous marriages they have
been
happy together. Italian Anna Montano is the wife of rancher Davis, but he is aloof towards her
treating her like an outsider while being nice to her brother. Bar girl Crystal loves her spouse
Shelby
Howard though he treats her as his trophy wife. Randi had planned to leave her husband Shelby's
nephew Jimmy to try to make in the country music world. Schoolteacher Meredith Allen had
wondered when her spouse, Kevin, a former high school football hero, will realize that his life did
not end at eighteen. Though this is a strong tale, THE WIDOWS OF WICHITA COUNTY will
feel
a bit disappointed because readers learn rather quickly who survived. Guilt, shock, and "wishes"
are
not fully explored though the story line looks deeply at grief and survival following one person
making a life for herself and her ailing husband with the help of the widows. Jodi Thomas
furbishes a
powerful character study that will hook fans of women's fiction, but though the novel will be well
received, readers will feel it could have more.
Havana
Stephen Hunter
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743238087 $25.00, 480pp
In 1953, the don't say his name boss arrives in Havana with a dossier on a charismatic threat to
the
currently American supported dictator. He orders Roger St. Johns Evans and Walter Short to
eliminate Fidel Castro before he causes problems like regime changing and Communist
government
building. Walter suggests they use Earl Swagger of Arkansas on the assignment. The Boss sends a
loyalist to Siberia to reassign 4715 from the North Pole road building to mentoring Castro in
Cuba.
Speshan takes a shower for the first in seemingly centuries before, he, the former and perhaps
future
4715, travels to Havana to indoctrinate Castro. Though he only wants to go hunting with his son,
when the Feds come recruiting, Earl accepts the mission and journeys to Cuba. However, nothing
is
quite like it seems and instead of a simple job, Earl is caught in global politics with little hope of
expediting himself from this mess. This is a powerful historical thriller that brings to life the era
just
before Castro takes over Cuba. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action, but contains
much
humor (Bill and Ted?). Earl is a great protagonist who also serves as a role model for a caring
nurturing yet all male man. Stephen Hunter escorts readers back five decades in Havana in a
numero
uno tale.
Hello, Darkness
Sandra Brown
Simon & Schuster
ISBN 0743245520 $25.95, 400 pp.
Valentino isn't at all pleased when his girlfriend called radio host Paris Gibson for advice,
especially
when the talk jock advises her to dump him after hearing that he is getting too possessive. In fact,
Valentino is so angry that he calls Paris and berates her saying that he is holding his ex-girlfriend
and
will kill her in seventy-two hours. Paris believes him and takes the audiotape to the police who
take
the threat very seriously especially after a judge's daughter goes missing. With little time to find
the
teen, the police ask their resident psychologist to help them. When Dean and Paris see each other
for
the first time in seven years, all the old buried feelings rise to the surface. The situation is made
even
more volatile when Valentino threatens Paris and Dean is determined to protect her so they can
have
the chance that was once denied them. When one thinks of Sandra Brown one thinks of
extraordinary suspense thrillers and her latest work only enhances that reputation. There is plenty
of
action in this tense and gritty tale but the author also keeps the sexual tension high between the
two
protagonists. Their personal drama is played out over several key chapters without distracting the
reader from the main story line that blends into a great read.
A Time Gone By
William Heffernan
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743217101 $24.00
In 1945 Manhattan, homicide detectives Jimmy Finn and Jake Downing investigate the death of
Judge Wallace Reed. The most likely murder weapon, a heavy gavel with blood on it, was found
near the corpse. Meanwhile City Democratic boss Manny Troy orders Downing to guard the
victim's
wife Cynthia, who the cop badly desires. In 1975, Downing watches his wife Mary interred in a
Brooklyn cemetery. He guiltily thinks back thirty years to the affair with Cynthia while Mary gave
birth alone to their daughter. Knowing he cannot make up for what he did to Mary, Downing
feels
he can somewhat rectify his other blunder of helping the state execute an innocent man for murder
of the judge. He persuades Finn to join him in reinvestigating the case since improved technology
will help, but the brass tells them as they were warned three decades ago to leave it alone or else.
This is a pure police procedural as William Heffernan provides two investigations into the same
murder separated by only time. The story line with its two interrelated subplots is cleverly
designed
so that the audience sees the changes in people and even more the differences in how
investigations
are conducted. The depressing key cast members all emit negative vibes so that the audience
never
roots for anyone. Sub-genre fans will appreciate A TIME GONE BY as a powerful comparative
duality that entertains the reader.
High Rhyme and Misdemeanors
Diana Killian
Pocket
ISBN 0743466780 $5.99, 258 pp.
She's a very straight-laced English literature teacher at St Anne's Academy for Girls on vacation in
England's Lake District studying the Romantic Poets. When she stumbles across a man lying faced
down in a stream, she resuscitates him and as a thank you he buys her a drink before disappearing.
The next morning she obtains his address and starts driveing to his home when two men wearing
masks stop her and take to a deserted house. Grace Hollister escapes and makes her way to Peter
Fox's home but he isn't there. She finds a dead body in a hidden passageway and confronts Peter
with that when he comes home. He denies having killed anyone, but admits knowing he was a
petty
thief. She tells him about the two men who kidnapped her and explains that they were holding her
hostage in exchange for Peter handing over the "geegaws". They figure out at least two sets of
criminals want what the thief was trying to sell to Peter but neither knows what it is.
Unfortunately,
nobody believes them. HIGH RHYMES AND MISDEMEANORS is a cross between James
Bond
and Romancing the Stone only the hero is an ex jewel thief who cannot convince people he has
gone
straight. There is action, action, and more action in this light-hearted tongue-in-cheek thriller.
Diana
Killian is an excellent storyteller with a fine sense of timing who has created an adorable heroine
who detours from her nineteenth century heroes to take a walk on the wild side against Mutt and
Jeff and finding she likes it.
Forever and Always
Jude Deveraux
Pocket
ISBN: 0743477081 $7.99, 384 pp.
Her famous actress mother sends popular actor Lincoln Aimes to see her daughter Darci
Montgomery. Linc explains to Darci that his son, whom he never met, is missing. He knows that
Darci is the Hillbilly Honey, the most hated person in America, as people think she killed her
wealthy
husband Adam and his sister, both having vanished. Linc is skeptical that Darci can help and she
refuses though she also knows evil is involved as the Mirror of Nostradamus is missing too. Darci
says she is not sure where they are, but becomes angry when Linc makes a nasty comment. She
stops herself before she kills him for trashing her powers. Linc realizes she killed in self-defense
the
witches who feared her potential power but she didn't murder her husband or mother as the media
insisted. Darci and Linc travel to 13 Elms, an Alabama spa that formerly housed slaves, as this is
where the mother of his son last worked. Darci tells Linc there are ghosts of nineteenth century
slaves who want to find their kin, but one particular essence is different. Devlin can fully manifest
himself. He tells Darci and Linc that she will get closer to finding her husband Adam if she helps
Linc and he must give the slave ghosts what they want if he is to succeed. Now the quest begins.
Though reading ALWAYS would help in understanding Darci, this remains an intriguing
paranormal
tale containing ghosts, healing, and other psychic powers. The story line alternates first person
narration between Linc and Darci, and is loaded with action yet still feels like a middle book.
FOREVER AND ALWAYS is a fine tale that will enhance Jude Deveraux's already lofty
reputation.
Wicked Charms
Jayel Wylie
Pocket
ISBN: 0743464478 $6.99
In 1180 twelve years old William Aiden Brinlaw knows he disappoints his father because males
don't
do magic though he has power. Thus William decides to become a knight. He visits the Spirit of
the
Cave to tell her of his decision, but she scoffs at his denial insisting the first wizard in a thousand
generations should be proud of his magical prowess before imbedding a dragon onto William's
skin.
Sixteen years later, William, who calls himself Aiden, is to marry Prince John's sister Katherine if
he
wins back Glencairn for the English. The castle is in independent Scotland, but its English lord
just
died in the Crusades. At Glencairn, Aiden finds a major surprise when he meets Mistress Evelyn
and
her infant son sired by the previous lord. An even greater surprise comes when Aiden falls in love
with this enchantress who reciprocates his deepest feelings. However, love may not prove strong
enough as John will have something violent to say and the Scots including her three nephews
want
the usurper either out of the country or dead. Fans of deep medieval romances with a touch of
fantasy elements will appreciate this delightful twelfth century tale. The story line grips the
audience
due to the embattled lead couple. Evelyn is intrepid and intelligent while Aiden is a unique
protagonist with a neurotic belief he can never live up to his sire (or his older brother) due to his
wizardry abilities though he occasionally makes use of magic. He makes the tale special and fun as
he adds interesting elements on top of what would be a typical period romance.
The Tiger's Mistress
Andrea DeRiff
Pocket
ISBN: 074346348X $6.99
Lord Alexander Sheffield attends a boring orgy hosted by Lord Dunster when he comes across a
thief. Surprising himself and the felon, he helps her with her task. When he hears Dunster and
others
arriving, he kisses the lovely criminal helping her avoid prison time. The lady thief repays him by
punching him, kicking his shin, and bruising his hip before she escapes into the night. However, he
grabs a gold chain with a crest ring on it just before she flees. Reflecting on his defeat to the
woman,
Alex smiles while thinking how far he has tumbled since his days as "The Black Cat", Wellington's
top Intel Officer. Alex quickly learns the crest is that of Hadley of Waddington and his crime
partner
Lady Portia. At a dance he confronts her and offers his services. She is not sure whom to trust in
her
quest to find her papa who disappeared. Meanwhile, the government asks Alex to locate a key
lost
document that contains the "Riddle of Rasfistan" that could impact the war with Napoleon.
Suddenly, Alex's plate is full with the government job, Portia's quest, and the love he has for her.
THE TIGER'S MISTRESS is an exhilarating, action-packed Regency romance starring two
delightful lead protagonists, two "Shakespearean" siblings, and a host of other players adding
depth
to the tale. Though in many ways typical of the sub-genre with the macho retired espionage agent
coming out of retirement for country and love, the mysteries of the puzzle of the riddle and her
father as well as Portia living up to her namesake freshen up the tale.
The Sparkling One
Susan Mallery
Pocket
ISBN: 0743443942 $6.99
In Los Angeles, Kate Marcelli knows that if Organization Central successfully pulls off the event
for
the client it will make her firm. Her company will handle a large law firm's annual fundraiser for
local
family charities. When Kate meets one of the partners, Zach Stryker her hormones go into
overdrive,
but she contains them as sex and business do not mix. Kate attends an estrogen feast at the family
estate. Also expected there are her mother, two grandmothers, her married sister, her widowed
sister, and her teenage youngest sibling Mia besides two embattled males. Mia announces that she
is
engaged and that her fiance David and his father will soon arrive. Mia's family is ecstatic, but also
concerned with the single status of Kate, who says she found her client to be hot and bothersome.
David and his father Zach arrive. Zach gave the fund-raiser project to Kate in hopes of an ally to
stop these kids from marrying, but his future in-laws embrace the idea. As Kate and Zach work
together they fall in love, but will he force his beloved to decide between him and her family?
Though the Marcelli clan can be hormonally overwhelming, readers will enjoy this contemporary
romance. The story line is fun as her family matchmake Kate and Zach not fully grasping he feels
strongly against David and Mia marrying as both are too young though Marcelli women marry as
teens except for Kate. The ensemble cast display individual traits so that the audience receives a
warm Italian-American tale that is often humorous especially when the estrogen levels go off the
Richter scale.
Colter's Wife
Joan Johnston
Pocket
ISBN: 074346978X $6.99
In 1875 Wyoming Territory, recently widowed Kinyan Holloway completes her visit with her two
preadolscent twin sons who live with her Ogala Sioux parents. Though she loves them and will
miss
them, Kinyan has lived among the whites ever since her father gave her to rancher John Halloway
as
his bride eleven years ago; she knows it is time to go home besides which her yougest child waits
there for her. With John dead in the riding acident, Kinyan feels she must keep the largest spread
in
the territory safe for her children. However, her Indian beau Rides-the-Wind wants her though she
no longer loves him as she did before she was given to John. Her nieghbor Ritter Gordon wants
her
so that he can combine the two biggest spreads into one giant. Only Benjamin Colter, who tried to
"rescue" her seems to want Kinyan and the three children because he loves them, but not only
does
she trust no one, one of her sons refuses to accept any replacement for his beloved father.
COLTER'S WIFE is an exciting western romance reprint of a novel issued in the mid 1980s. The
story line remains fresh as the action and the male adult triangulation with Kinyan in the center
keeping the plot together as four men (one deceased), two twin boys, and a very young girl
interrelate mostly through the heroine. This novel is quite entertaining with a strong cast that in
many ways feels stereotypical of the sub-genre, but that may be because Joan Johnston is one of
the
authors who set the rules.
My Big Old Texas Heartache
Geralyn Dawson
Pocket
ISBN: 0743442660 $6.99
North Dallas CPA Kate Harmon is excited about going out with legal hunk Nicholas Sutherland
until she receives a cell phone call from her brother-in-law Alan. He informs her that her dad Jack
is
in the hospital due to a car accident and her pregnant sister Sarah is there too because of a fear of
a
miscarriage. Though estranged from her family, Kate rushes to her hometown where she is known
as
the "Cedar Dell Slut". Already at the hospital is her brother Tom who treats her like a pariah.
When
her siblings discuss who can stay with their elderly father while he heals, Alan says Kate and her
teenage son Ryan. To the shock of Tom and Sarah, Kate agrees. Two weeks later, Kate, Ryan
and
her older friend Adele move into Jack's home to a rather icy reception. Next door is photographer
Max Cooper and his five year old daughter. Max is the father of Ryan, who loathes him. Still Max
wants Ryan in his life, but realizes he also needs Kate too. As they fall in love, both wonder if the
second time around will work since her father remains nasty to her and her son remains nasty to
his
father. At times the level of angst can become overwhelming, but readers will agree that this is a
puissant three generation contemporary family drama. The story line is loaded (perhaps
overloaded)
with relational conflict between characters who feel like family and friends. Kate, with her big
Texas
heartaches, serves as a great nucleus that makes Geralyn Dawson's tale a sure fan favorite.
The Queene's Christmas
Karen Harper
St. Martin's
ISBN 0312301758 $24.95, 320 pp.
Six years have passed since Elizabeth was crowned but she and her Secretary of State William
Cecil
still worry that her enemies will try to take the throne away from her. She makes her childhood
friend Robert Dudley the Earl of Leicester and offers him as a husband to her cousin Mary, Queen
of
Scots. By doing this, she hopes to make Lord Henry Stewart so appealing that Mary will want
this
weakling and defuse the threat she poses to Elizabeth. Elizabeth declares that the twelve days of
Christmas in 1564 will be a joyous celebration but the Queen's mood turns ugly when one of her
cook's is murdered and dressed up in death as a peacock. Elizabeth thinks this killing was aimed at
The Earl of Leicester, who many call a peacock because he wears bright colors and therefore
indirectly at her. She consults with her trusted Privy Plot Council on this matter. Malicious pranks
played on the Queen during the holiday make her suspect everyone except Cecil. When a second
murder occurs Elizabeth goes on the offensive and almost gets killed. THE QUEENE'S
CHRISTMAS is a very enlightening historical mystery as the readers sees how Elizabeth feels
about
her deceased parents and dead sister. The author, using the third person narrative, shows how
Elizabeth makes it plain that though she may love, she will not marry because she doesn't trust any
man to let her rule in her own right. There are many viable viable who would like Elizabeth dead,
which means that readers are treated to a rare cerebral puzzle. Karen Harper is one of the few
authors who educates while she entertains.
Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House
M.C. Beaton
St. Martin's
ISBN 0312207697 $23.95, 256 pp.
After working a free lance public relations job in London for over a month, Agatha Raisin is glad
to
return to her quaint college in Carsley in England. Still hurting from her divorce, she doesn't even
try
to get acquainted with her new handsome neighbor Paul Chatterton. One day while she is relaxing
in
her garden with her two cats, Paul approaches her about investigating a house the owner claims is
haunted. Feeling ennui, Agatha agrees to examine the woman's claims but when mist starts
appearing in the living room in the middle of the night, Agatha gets scared and runs off. A few
days
later, the woman is found dead and when Paul and Agatha attend the inquest, they learn she was
murdered. Paul eggs Agatha into snooping around with him and they quickly find out that the
woman had a lot of enemies including her own children. Yet when a suspect is arrested, Agatha
thinks the police have the wrong person and starts digging deeper and in the process almost gets
killed by a very determined murderer. Fans of the Agatha Raisin mysteries will understand why
they
are so addictive but first time readers of this series should note that once they are finished with
this
novel, the reader will want to immediately obtain the complete backlist. The heroine may be
contrary, ornery and raunchy but she takes no guff from anyone. She tries to project an image of a
hard woman but inside she is vulnerable and lonely which is why readers care so much about
her.
Quantico Rules
Gene Riehl
St. Martin's
ISBN: 031231051X $24.95, 330 pp.
The FBI Special Inquiries Squad (SPIN) conducts the usual thorough background check on a
presidential nominee, Judge Brenda Thompson, the first African-American woman nominated to
the
Supreme Court. Hooverite Kevin Finnerty tells his subordinate SPIN chief Puller Monk to
provide
the report yesterday. Though unfair, Puller figures this is such a straightforward case, he plans to
go
a Connecticut Indian reservation for some serious gambling. However, Special Agent Lisa Sands
has
found a falsification on Judge Thompson's personal security questionnaire. Lisa persuades her
boos
to forget the gambling and help her follow up on the judge's prevarication. Though not easy for a
compulsive gambler like Monk to ignore the pull of the casino, he agrees. However, the deeper
inquiries soon lead to attempts on their lives and successful murders. To Monk his professional
life
seems under control compared to his personal life starting with his Alzheimer's dad and his
drunken
girlfriend. He mentally wagers with himself, which one will cause his next crisis? QUANTICO
RULES will rule the FBI thriller set with its powerful investigative tale. Monk is a great
protagonist
with flaws and troubles that overwhelm him at times. Lisa is a dedicated agent who still believes
although the conspiracy has shaken her foundation. The romance subplot slows down the exciting
investigative novel, but is limited so fans receive a strong tale that demonstrates Gene Riehl's real
skills to spin an exciting story.
Dead Soul
James D. Doss
St. Martin's
ISBN 0312317441 $24.95, 352 pp.
Senator Patch Davidson, senior member of the Judiciary Committee, waits for his chauffeur Billy
Smoke, a member of the Southern Ute tribe of Southern Colorado, to pick him up. However,
someone assaults him hitting the Senator in the head and repeatedly in the knees. When Patch
wakes
up in the hospital, he realizes that he is a paraplegic and Billy is dead. Tribal Chairman Oscar
Sweetwater asks Columbine ranch owner Charlie Moon, a part time investigator for the tribe, to
make inquiries into the deadly incident. Charlie concludes that no one had a valid reason to kill
Billy
and lets the matter drop. Four months later, Oscar asks Charlie to meet him at the Senator's
Boxcar
Ranch because someone is leaking sensitive material to a foreign country. Patch wants to find out
who it is and how it's being done. Charlie figures out that there were two men who attacked the
Senator and killed Billy and the leak started with them. As Charlie comes closer to identifying the
assault duo, he also realizes that the person committing treason will attack him if he knew how
close
the sleuth has come to uncovering the truth. James D. Doss' protagonist is not a typical private
eye
as he is a former policeman content to run his ranch; Charlie Moon does not rely on brute strength
to get the job done. In his own way the hero is a genius who outthinks his opponent while keeping
a
sense of humor. DEAD SOUL is a very entertaining thought-provoking novel that grabs and
keeps
reader attention.
One Wild Night
Barbara Dawson Smith
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312982291 $6.99, 384 pp.
After five years of self-imposed exile following the failed attempt to steal a fiance of a friend,
Charlotte Quinton visits her injured grandma hurt in a coach accident. Two other members of the
senior citizen Rosebuds were also injured. The visit is not easy for Charlotte because her grandma
convalesces in the home of Brad Villiers, whose relative is one of those hurt. Sixteen years ago
she
threw herself at him and he rejected her and her friend is his stepsister. Brad investigates the
accident
as he feels that it was deliberate tying back to someone killing the members of the disbanded
Lucifer
Club. The Rosebuds were witnesses to the end of the club so are possible murder victims.
Charlotte
reaches the same conclusion and begins her own inquiries until Brad brings her into his. As they
work close together, they fall in love, but an unknown assailant wants Brad dead or at least
accused
of murder by Bow St. and only Charlotte can save him at risk to her own life. Barbara Dawson
Smith is becoming very well known for her exciting Regency romance novels such as ONCE
UPON
A SCANDAL and HER SECRET AFFAIR. Her latest tale, ONE WILD NIGHT, is an
exhilarating
amateur sleuth historical romance starring two delightful lead protagonists and the charming
Rosebuds. Though the hero's holier than thou ethics towards the heroine come across hypocritical
when his indiscretions come to light, readers will appreciate this solid historical suspense.
Complete Abandon
Cheryl Holt
St. Martin's
ISBN: 031298460X $6.50, 384 pp.
The deceased vicar's daughter Emma Fitzgerald detests Lord John Clayton who neglected his
responsibilities for a year and has hosted a week of debauchery. Besides changing the manor
house
into a den of iniquity Emma feels John went to far when he evicts several villagers in arrears on
their
payments to him. She rips him up and down in front of his older half-brother Ian. Emma shocks
John
when she offers her body in payment to pay the debts. He accepts her offer, but she knows by his
body language that he does not intend to make her lose her virginity. However, the next day to his
horror she shows up. John swears to himself and his amused sibling that no country vicar's
daughter
will trump him. Instead John soon falls in love with Emma and she reciprocates, but he is London
hedonist and she is country nurturing. This is an engaging Regency romance due to the antics of
the
lead female character; she understands the hierarchy of needs of the locals, herself, and her
beloved
John. Emma knows that it is vital for people to eat, have shelter feel good about their self worth
and
to love and be loved. Unlike many people she is willing to do something about achieving all of this
for others, for John and for herself. Ian knows John has met his match in the fiery Emma and
amusingly observes the antics sort of like George Burns with his close circuit TV set watching the
goings-on. Cheryl Holt provides a delectable story that will please sub-genre readers.
Shamrock Green
Jessica Stirling
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312317700 $26.95, 480 pp.
During World War I in Ireland, Sylvie and Gowry McCulloch know their marriage is not the best,
but both cherish their beloved daughter, Maeve though not each other. Gunrunner Francis
Hagarty
comes to town and excites Sylvie with his passion. Gowry discovers a cache of guns hidden in the
shamrock, but though angry is not sure what to do about it. Even worse his wife is having an
affair
with the smuggler of the weapons. Unable to cope with his life's collapse, Gowry joins the fight
on
the continent. However, trench warfare in France is not an improvement. On the other hand back
in
Ireland, Sylvie is trapped in the Easter Uprising. In their separate hellholes, both know it will
prove
impossible to return to the lackluster life they once shared. SHAMROCK GREEN is an engaging
historical novel that brings to life the turmoil of a world gone mad. Though the book starts
extremely slow setting up the key characters and the background, once in gear it shifts into a
lively
period piece. Fans of World war I dramas will appreciate this deep look at the times. One should
watch the PBS video The Twentieth Century as the one on this era is frightening, fascinating and
unforgettable.
Hotel Riviera
Elizabeth Adler
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312308094 $24.95, 320 pp.
American expatriate Lola LaForet manages the eight-room HOTEL RIVIERA located near St.
Tropez, France. She also cooks for her guests, many of whom are repeat customers. Six years ago
she married Patrick before learning he was a womanizer who enjoyed the nightlife. Six months
ago,
Patrick left to buy Lola a birthday present, but never returned home. Lola looks out to the sea
only
to see a naked male with a beautiful woman on his sloop, the Bad Dog. The nude hunk, Jack
Farrar
realizes that a beautiful voyeur has been ogling him. Unable to resist he comes to the Hotel
Riviera
to meet his peeping Tomato. From that first encounter, he and Lola quickly find they are very
attracted to one an another and begin to fall in love. However, the police find Patrick's abandoned
vehicle and believe that Lola killed him. Though the intrigue involving Patrick is fun to follow,
readers visiting the HOTEL RIVIERA will enjoy the romantic relationship between the lead duo
told in the first person. The cast is a sound substantial group that provides further insight into the
prime pair especially guests at the hotel. Fans of a contemporary romance with a relatively late
touch
of suspense will take much delight with a trip to the Riviera.
Take a Chance on Me
Susan Donovan
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312983751 $6.50, 352 pp.
In Baltimore, Thomas Tobin inherited the six pound canine Hairy when the dog's owner was
murdered. Feeling a bit of guilt, as the victim was his informant, Thomas takes in the furball, but
has
no idea how to care for the creature. However, he notices how Hairy becomes frightened
whenever
he sees a blender so he wonder is perhaps the dog has associated that kitchen gadget with the
homicide. Thomas takes his pooch to animal behaviorist Dr. Emma Jenkins who lectures him
about
how to take care of a tiny dog as Thomas treats Hairy as if he was a Doberman. As Emma and
Thomas become better acquainted, they fall in love though neither wants those feelings and both
struggled mightily to control their libido. She is still recovering from her ex plus is taking care of
LeeLee, the daughter of a recently deceased friend. He has enough on his plate between an
unwanted canine and a killer on the loose who just might be targeting those that matter to
Thomas:
Hairy, Emma, and LeeLee. Fans who take a chance on this novel will feel rewarded as Susan
Donovan deftly combines humor, suspense, and romance into a delightful tale. The story line is
fast-paced and action-packed, but also insures the characters are fully developed including the
frightened little Chinese Crested canine. Thus the audience receives a strong novel in which the
stalking killer is often forgotten while the quartet of interrelationships form. TAKE A CHANCE
ON
ME is a fun, funny frolic.
A Month on the Shore
Antoinette Stockenberg
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312981554 $6.99, 352 pp.
Following the funeral of their oppressive father, siblings Laura and Snack Shore return home to
Cape Cod for the first time in years unlike their sister Corinne who still lives at home. Corinne
persuades her two reluctant siblings to stay for one month to try to turn around Shore Gardens,
the
family nursery that has been a failure for years because she feels the business can be saved if
family
was around to do so. Laura's school classmate Kendall Barclay runs the bank. When he and Laura
were children, he took a pounding to rescue her from an assault. He always liked Laura and she
him,
but nothing major came of it except some heartache. However, when a corpse is found on the
property, police investigate. But so does the three Shores. Only Ken keeps Laura safe, as he
wants
her more than ever and vows no one will harm her, but she still avoids committing beyond a
tenuous
friendship. Fans will enjoy spending A MONTH ON THE SHORE as this summer romance
contains
several enjoyable characters. The Shore siblings are distinct individuals that make it easy to follow
them while Ken is a wannabe knight in shining armor when it comes to Laura. The murder
mystery
takes a back seat to the romance except when Laura (and in some ways more so Corinne) is a
damsel in distress. Antoinette Stockenberg provides a strong tale of a family in trouble.
What a Girl Wants
Reon Laudat
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312983034 $6.50, 320 pp.
When they were teens Ava Daniels and Harper Reynolds were best buds. She even befriended his
beloved Aunt Flossie. However, Ava wanted more than just friendship as she had a crush that she
believed was true love, but her target Harper did not desire going in that direction. Ava timed her
play poorly as Harper, reeling from college and girlfriend rejections, rejects his pal's advances. A
stunned and hurt Ava, salvaging what is left of her pride, vows to avoid Harper though Aunt
Flossie
refuses to allow the young lady to ignore her, keeping their relationship alive and well. Years
later,
Aunt Flossie passes away, but decided to do a bit of matchmaking between the two young people
she loved as she believed they were meant for one another but Ava's timing of her efforts was
wrong. After a few failed attempts, she bequests her Victorian mansion to both of them with
stipulations. As they share a house and squabble, Ava knows she was right as a teen, but this time
Harper reciprocates. However, will they be able to overcome their past to find a future together?
This engaging contemporary romance stars two deeply drawn lead protagonists who share their
inner feelings with the audience so that WHAT A GIRL WANTS retains a freshness that enables
the
novel to seem brisk in spite of a trite theme. The story line most rapidly whether the scene invoke
humor or angst due tot he deep cast starting with Ava and Harper, but whoa re heavenly
supported
by strong secondary characters. Reon Laudat provides a delightful tale that answers what a reader
wants.
Die Laughing
Carola Dunn
St. Martin's
ISBN 0312309139 $23.95, 286 pp.
It has been four months since the Honorable Daisy Dalrymple Fletcher has stumbled over a dead
body and everyone from the superintendent of Scotland Yard to her husband Detective Chief
Inspector Alec Fletcher is thrilled. Dead bodies are the furthest thing from Daisy's mind when she
visits her next door neighbor Raymond Talmadge to get her sore tooth fixed. When she arrives at
his
office nobody is there but within minutes his nurse and his wife arrive on the scene. They let Daisy
into his office where they find Mr. Talmadge dead in the chair with nitrous oxide attached to his
face. The wife thinks he committed suicide while the nurse believes it was an accident because he
used it for recreational purposes, but Daisy sees evidence that leads her to wonder whether the
dentist was murdered. The police agree with her assessment and find they have multiple suspects
who had reason to want the dentist dead. Of course with Daisy helping the police in her own
indubitable fashion, it is only a matter of time before the killer is caught. DIE LAUGHING takes
place in London in 1924 and readers get a real feel for the era because of the small historical
tidbits
cleverly woven into the story line. The heroine is so likable and earnest that she is totally
believable
even in an odd role for 1920s females; the police actually listen to her theories. Fans of Kate
Kingsbury and Robin Paige will want to read this charming amateur sleuth tale.
A Grave Denied
Dana Stabenow
St. Martin's
ISBN 0312306814 $24.95, 304 pp.
As he lay dying in his lover's arms, Jack Morgan made Kate Shugak promise to look after his son
Johnny and to protect him from his mother. Since he wants to homestead with her in Alaska's
National Park, Kate takes Johnny into her home and the residents of the park conspire with her to
keep him hidden from his mother and outside authorities. Unfortunately nobody can protect
Johnny
or his classmates from seeing the body of a murdered man. The homicide victim is Len Dreyer,
who
supported himself by doing construction and handyman jobs for the local residents. State Trooper
Jim Chopin is in the middle of a crime wave so he asks Kate to learn if the victim had any
enemies.
She finds nobody really knew the man who left no paper trail for her to follow but her questions
lead
someone to burning down her log cabin, thinking she is in it. This case becomes very personal for
Kate and she is determined to track down the killer or die trying. This is one of the most
successful,
dynamic and refreshing mystery series of the last decade. The characters evolve, change and grow
so
that they remain unpredictable. A GRAVE DENIED is an exciting who-done-it because nobody
will
guess who the killer is until the author chooses to reveal his identity in a shocking climax. It is
heartwarming to see the homesteaders rally around Kate in her time of troubles and says much
about
the goodness in most people's heart. This novel is must reading for anyone who likes an
emotional,
heart wrenching and dramatic relationship drama wrapped around a mystery.
Burning Up
Nina Bangs, Cheryl Holt, Kimberly Raye, and Patricia Ryan
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312311087 $14.95, 384 pp.
"The Flame" by Nina Bangs. In 2700, Serenity, curator of the Galactic Museum of Erotic Art,
believes one item would complete the collection, but needs to go to 2005 to buy The Flame from
the
sculptor Justin. He has not found the model to bring to life his mind's picture until the so-fine
appearance of Serenity. "The Wedding Night" by Cheryl Holt. In 1815 London, impoverish Lord
Stephen weds wealthy American Ellen, who must persuade her spouse that she married him for
the
way he enflames her blood and not his title. "Burn, Inc." by Kimberly Raye. When her partner
eloped
just before the tenth video is filmed, women's fantasy filmmaker Gerry finds her movie failing to
heat
the crew. Gerry asks Dr. Love to help her. Logan arrives to see the place where the porn
moviemaker, who eloped with his brother, works. Gerry thinks this is Love and finds the
inspiration
to complete the series. "Possessing Julia" by Patricia Ryan. In 1867 NYC, though she is a widow
with a son, Julia remains a virgin worrying how her fiance will react to that bit of news. She heeds
the advice of Aunt Eunice to find a man to teach her how to make love. When her deceased
spouse's
cousin Clay arrives for the first time in six years, Julie sees it as a sign, especially when he agrees
to
tutor her. Though the four tales cross different sub-genres, each one will arouse the reader (timed
for when my spouse was off) with fun story lines and great lead couples. Fans of erotic romantic
anthologies will appreciate these sexcapade novellas.
In the Kingdom of the Fairies: A Memoir of a Magical Summer and a Remarkable Friendship
Susan Coyne
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312317069 $17.95, 176 pp.
This one-year in the life of biography describes how in 1963 then five-year old Susan Coyne
spends
a summer at the family cottage in Western Ontario. Susan discovered an abandoned fireplace in
the
hedge between her family house and that of the next door neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Moir. Her dad
explained to Susan that the elves built the fireplace. Feeling some form of kinship, Susan leaves
small presents for the elves that are gone by the next day. One day Princess Nootsie Tah on behalf
of
Queen Mab writes a thank you note. With the help of her nanny, little Susan responds. Soon an elf
and a human child become pen pals even while Susan spent plenty of time with the retired Mr.
Noir
listening to his stories. This true story is a great book that shows how one caring person can make
a
difference. Princess Nootsie Tah obviously cherished the classics and sprinkled much of that love
into the letters (the allusions are brilliant) that fired the imagination of a child. The letters are
incredibly written as Mr. Moir treats his young friend with respect and intelligence. Perhaps
starting
with that one summer provided the foundation to the dream of becoming an actress that Susan
Coyne later fulfilled. IN THE KINGDOM OF FAIRIES is a strong bio of a child and an adult
sharing meaningful social values.
Shadow Game
Christine Feehan
Jove
ISBN: 0515135968 $6.99, 352 pp.
Research scientist Peter Whitney leads a special military project in which volunteer soldiers
receive
enhanced psychic abilities so that can serve as secret weapons. However, something is not quite
right and after one year, the "ghostwalkers" as they are called are held as prisoner of war
detainees
unable to see one another. Some have died, but their leader Captain Ryland Miller communicates
telepathically with his troops. Peter wants to save the men so he brings his psychic scientist
daughter
Lily on as part of the staff. However, the military liaison Colonel Higgins wants the process
finished
or else. Ryland and Lily communicate via thought waves and though she is able to calm the angry
officer down, they also share mounting fear and worry. Not long afterward, someone murders
Peter,
whose last mental message to his daughter is to save the men. Lily and Ryland join forces
unaware
that she, not he is the prime target and their mental attraction blooms into a love for another. This
is
an exciting military science fiction romantic suspense tale that never slows down until the final
confrontation. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action though the colonel's animosity
seems unnecessary as he would still support continuation of the program if a special weapon can
be
created. Still readers will need time to finish SHADOW GAME in one sitting.
Twist of Fate
Mary Jo Putney
Jove
ISBN: 0515135453 $7.50, 352 pp.
In Baltimore, a close friend offers attorney Val Covington an opportunity to open her own
practice
that would include office space in a former church owned by Rob Smith. Val leaps at the chance
and
offers a job to her sometime paralegal assistant at her old firm. Kendra Brooks accepts on the
condition that Val represents pro bono her former lover and father of her child, a death row
inmate
that the assistant insists is innocent. Seventeen years ago Daniel Monroe was convicted of killing
a
cop. His appeals are running out and soon the state will execute him unless a miracle occurs.
Though believing that Kendra is seeing her beloved through the rose colored glasses of love, Val
agrees to work the case. Surprisingly, Rob has investigative experience and skills and assists Val
as
they seek a smoking gun to prove her client's innocence while falling in love with one another.
TWIST OF FATE is a powerful legal thriller that assaults the current capital punishment system
that
focuses on convictions not guilt or innocence in a due process in which the prosecutor is always
right. The story line contains a romantic subplot, but is clearly a call for action, not against the
death
penalty, but to insure that the wrong person is never executed. Though Rob's skills are too
convenient as the cost of an investigator is extremely high (a key prosecutor advantage), the cast
is
multi-dimensional especially the courageous lead couple and Kendra. Mary Jo Putney condemns a
blind system that often fails to catch the guilty by expeditiously going after a convenient
victim.
Rose
Lauren Royal
Signet
ISBN: 0451209885 $6.99, 384 pp.
In 1677 England, twenty-one years old Rose Ashcroft is considered by friends, family, and herself
as
a spinster especially with her younger sister getting married. Advice to her usually runs to hiding
her
intelligence and settle for someone less than Prince Charming as Rose is an aristocratic snob in
terms
of a potential spouse. Architect Kit Martyn and Rose are very attracted to each other. However,
neither welcomes the feelings as he is beneath her husband criteria as a commoner and he rejects
love having seen his parents die young and poor. Her mother thinks they are perfect for one
another
and plans to push them into one another arms even if her daughter says no and the selected groom
wants an aristocrat for his sister not him. The latest seventeenth century flowery romance is a
solid
tale due to the attitudes of the lead protagonists. Neither one wants to fall in love with the other
as
each has an "acceptable standard that their beloved fails to attain. The story line is fun to follow as
ROSE learns love is the class equalizer and Kit finds out that though his parents were
impoverished
they were happy because they cherished one another.
Under the Wishing Star
Diane Farr
Signet
ISBN: 0451210239 $6.50, 352 pp.
In 1803, after years of running the country estate by herself, Natalie Whittaker knows her life has
recently turned dismal with the arrival of the estate owner. Life as a poor relative living under the
thumb of her odious nineteen-year-old half brother Hector and his repulsive pregnant wife Mabel
is
unpalatable. To prove her point they destroy her rose bushes that have been cared for by her for
years. When Malcolm Chase offers her the job to replace her daughter's current cruel governess,
Natalie accepts no longer worrying about the scandal and over her sibling's objection. Soon she
falls
in love with her employer and his precocious child while she sees what is "wrong" with little
Sarah,
but wonders if Malcolm's heart feels like hers. Regency romance readers will appreciate Diane's
Farr's fine tale starring two great lead characters and a charming little girl. The story line is at its
best
when Natalie takes center stage with either of the Chases. Hector and his wife seem too spiteful,
nasty, and acrimonious to be taken seriously (classic case of children having children), although
those traits propel Natalie into leaving. No question with this charming historical and her previous
works, this author is going to go very far as a popular writer.
The Trouble with Magic
Patricia Rice
Signet
ISBN: 0451209478 $6.99, 384 pp.
All her life Lady Felicity Malcolm Childe has had the ability to see inside a person whom she just
touched. Now in her teens, Felicity hates her talent that to her feels more like a curse, as she
cannot
get close to anyone. Her family, especially her mother, has done their best to keep her safe and to
help her in using and controlling what they consider a gift. Unable to deal with her tensile powers
especially after seeing the handsome Ewen Ives, Felicity decides to go to Scotland to obtain the
tome A Malcolm Journal of Infusions that will enable her to rid herself of her prowess. However,
when Ewen and Felicity are caught in a compromising position, they are forced to marry. He
helps
her adapt to her magic, but will the debt ridden philandering inventor realize the treasure he has in
Felicity or will he throw it all away chasing other skirts? The third magic tale (see MERELY
MAGIC and MUST BE MAGIC) is a charming Ives-Malcolm romance that fans of the series will
appreciate. The lead duo is a fun couple who will make the audience laugh and cry depending on
the
moment. Though the mischievous magic of the Malcolms vs. the pragmatism of the Ives was used
twice before and the forced marriage numerous times, Patricia Rice spins her usual enchanting tale
that shows the magic is in her novels as fans will value her latest book.
Diagnosis Murder: The Silent Partner
Lee Goldberg
Signet
ISBN: 0451209591 $5.99, 304 pp.
It isn't every person who has one, let alone two, very specialized skills but Dr. Mark Sloan, the
chief
of Internal medicine at Community General Hospital, is one of the rare ones. He is an excellent
physician and he is brilliant when it comes to solving homicides. Over the years he has caught
many
murderers, much to the chagrin of the LAPD, who finds him a personal embarrassment. To get
him
out of his hair, LAPD Police Chief John Masters asks him to serve on a cold case task force never
believing for a minute that he, an ex-FBI profiler and a true crime writer would find something
detrimental to the department. It seems that a serial killer has been operating in the area for years,
mimicking other serial killer signatures, which makes Mark think that the murderer is close to the
investigations. While he is trying to figure out who that person is, Mark also has to figure out who
deliberately killed one of his patients in surgery while making it look like medical incompetence.
The
author of this book wrote many of the "Diagnosis Murder" episodes as well as being the executive
producer of the show so it shouldn't come as any surprise that Lee Goldberg is brilliant when it
comes to characterizations. Readers will believe the people that inhabit the pages of this book
actually exist and will like the ones who stay on the right side of the law. This reviewer hopes Mr.
Goldberg writes more Diagnosis Murder novels, as they are so much fun to read.
The Kissing Blades
Jessica Hall
Signet
ISBN: 045120946X $6.99, 304 pp.
In Los Angeles, jewelry designer Kameko Sayura goes to deposit her receipts in the bank, leaving
her able sixteen-year-old assistant Tara Jones to watch the store and to make some emerald
selections. When she returns Tara is gone, a sword is imbedded into her desk with Tara's bracelet
on
it, and a subsequent phone call substantiates that she has been abducted. The caller demands the
return of the Swords stolen by her now deceased criminal father. The police suspect Kameko hurt
or
killed Tara especially when she seems to hide information. Kameko needs special help and she
knows one person who can do that. Retired intelligent agent Sean Delaney once abducted her in
his
search for her father and the swords with the encryption that supposedly could harm thousands.
She
finds him hidden on a farm, drinking. Unable to not help the woman who haunts him, they begin a
quest to find the swords and rescue Tara not yet aware that her chip off the old block brother is in
America willing to kill to possess the swords. The finale of the Tiger Swords trilogy is a non-stop
action romantic thriller that answers the questions from the previous two novels. The story line
moves rapidly forward from the moment that Tara is snatched until the final confrontation. The
lead
duo is a delightful pair struggling to evade police, the US Army, criminals, and an assortment of
other individuals who want their heads. Jessica Hall wraps up a strong trio of suspense novels
with a
fine finish.
Small Wonders
Marilyn Pappano
Dell
ISBN: 0440241197 $6.50
Con artist Jack Coleman works his trade in Savannah until the local police arrive to arrest him
claiming he is Cole Jackson. However the local cops hand him over to Bethlehem, New York
police
sergeant Nathan Bishop to escort Cole back north to face charges of embezzlement and child
abandonment. Cole hates returning there because he left behind his son Ryan and the woman he
loves Leanne Wilson, owner of SMALL WONDERS. Unable to do anything but plead guilty
though
he knows his parents and siblings would call him a barbarian for the con is in the gene pool, Cole
is
shocked by the sentence. The Judge sentences him to 500 hours of community sentencing under
some weird young man Eli. Though he plans to book at the first moment he can flee, the magic of
the town begins to cleanse his soul as much as his love for his son, Leanne, and her son. The latest
miracle romance is a delightful charmer though in many ways it is similar to previous stories in the
series. The key is the cast. The reprobate Cole knows he has the con gene while Leanne oozes
goodness yet is no turn the other cheek miss. The two children act like youngsters while Eli
provides
mysticism to the usual wonderful Marilyn Pappano novel.
May The Best Man Die
Deborah Donnelly
Dell
ISBN 0440241294 $5.99, 421 pp.
Wedding planner Carnegie Kincaid may create other events from time to time but she draws the
line
at bachelor parties. She is understandably perturbed to get a call from her bride ordering her to go
to
the Hot Spot to straighten something up for the groom. When she arrives at the famous club, the
best man asks her to make a liquor run. She walks out in a huff and when she returns to her office,
she looks out her window and sees the best man and her best friend's brother fighting. The next
day
a policeman comes to her office asking her to identify a body at the morgue because Carnegie's
business card was found in his pants pocket. A reluctant Carnegie identifies the body as Jason
Kraye,
the best man. She then goes on to tell the police officer about the fight she witnessed and the
police
arrest Darren. Lily is furious at Carnegie for ratting out her brother and a remorseful Carnegie
swears to her friend she will find out who the killer is. Her promise almost costs Carnegie her life.
Each book in this funny and fascinating amateur sleuth series is better than the one before. The
author, a talented writer with a wicked knack for creating crisp dialogue and sharp characters,
allows her heroine to grow and change so that readers feel she is believable. Despite the fact that
two murders take place in MAY THE BEST MAN DIE, there is no violence in the novel so fans
of
cosies will want to obtain this weeding bell blues novel.
The Druid King
Norman Spinrad
Knopf
ISBN: 0375411100 $24.95, 413 pp.
In Ancient Gaul, after watching treachery lead to the defeat and subsequent death of his tribal
leader
father, Vercingetorix flees, taking shelter with the Druids. The Arch Druid Guttuatr and the
swordswoman Rhia become the lad's teachers training him in the art of magic and war. Gaius
Julius
Caesar recruits the young man to become Rome's client ruler over Gaul. Vercingetorix accepts
the
position thinking that Caesar is now his mentor. However, their relationship abruptly changes
when
Vercingetorix learns that Caesar was the devious force behind the death of his father. Now
Vercingetorix turns feral against his former benefactor leading his people in war against the
Roman
legion. This exciting insightful historical fiction provides the audience with an interesting look at
Ancient Gaul without the victorious Roman filter altering the view. The story line is very vivid as
Norman Spinrad points quite a panorama. The hero is an engaging individual who comes to life in
THE DRUID KING. Though Mr. Spinrad's loyal science fiction fans should be aware that this
book
is not anything like his Sci Fi tales, readers will appreciate the rest of the story from the loser's
perspective as opposed to the victors goes the history books.
A Question of Honor The Kosciuszko Squadron: Forgotten Heroes of World War II
Lynne Olson and Stanley Cloud
Knopf
ISBN: 0375411976 $27.50, 448 pp.
The Kosciuszko squadron of the British Royal Air Force consisted of veteran Polish Air Force
pilots
who fled Nazi controlled Poland for England. The authors contend that the squadron was a major
factor in the English finest hour victory in the Battle of Britain. The authors are aces as they relate
what occurred to the pilots and other military fleeing from Poland to eventually fight under British
command and control. Photos add to a vivid picture of World War II as seen through The
Kosciuszko Squadron. Even more exciting is the 1941 air war. Finally, the latter war years and
the
subsequent peace will fascinate the audience. Especially insightful is the destruction of Poland
buried
behind the Iron Curtain as the authors condemn the Anglo-Atlantic alliance for betraying the
Polish
people.
Black Maps
Peter Spiegelman
Knopf
ISBN: 1400040752 $22.95
If anyone knows the price of fame it is John March, a former upstate New York law enforcement
official. John gained his fifteen minutes of distinction when he solved a serial killer case, but at the
cost of the murderer killing his spouse. Leaving his job to drown his sorrow and guilt with the
bottle, John eventually relocates to Manhattan to work as a private investigator. College friend
attorney Mike Metz arranges for John to help investment banker Rick Pierro. Someone is
blackmailing Rick using documentation from as late as eighteen years ago that alleges the
financier
was part of a money-laundering scheme. The culprit threatens Rick's career by aborting a major
promotion to the executive committee if the allegations became known. Rick wants John to find
the
extortionist in order to strike a deal until the selections are made in five weeks. Though
accounting
forensics is outside his lane, John accepts the case. However, the FBI tells him to stay out or else
face charges of impeding a federal investigation while John's inquiries go nowhere except to a
missing financier. BLACK MAPS takes the white collar out of the financial mystery by placing it
inside an urban noir private investigative tale with a blue-collar attitude due to the hero. The story
line is somewhat complex because of the fiscal dealings, but more so because of John who swims
in
a salty sea filled with tuxedo sharks with he being a fresh water guppy. Though his angst and guilt
at
times feels overwhelming, the lead character is a strong individual. Peter Spiegelman needs to
write
more adventures of John in the land of Wall Street.
The Hunt
Christie Rose
Oak Tree
ISBN: 1892343215 $11.95
In Booker Bend, Oregon, schoolteacher Susan Ryker waits at the airport to give a ride to fellow
teacher Casper Rickert when she witnesses a murder. The killer looks right at Susan, knowing she
might be able to identify him. He plans to clean up this nuisance later. The FBI and local police
interrogate Susan in hopes she will provide a description of the murderer, but she insists she
cannot.
Susan learned a recent lesson of what happens to a good Samaritan when she gave a statement to
the police identifying a thief only have the cop shout out her address. However police officer
Gene
Udell knows she is hiding something, but will risk his life to keep Susan safe beyond the call of
duty
as he has fallen in love with her. THE HUNT is a solid police procedural romance that will keep
the
audience on the edge of the seat as Susan finds avoiding her responsibility fails to protect her. The
"Assassin" is an intriguing protagonist as he is a cold-blooded killing machine treating murder like
a
day at the office. Though the FBI acts like the stereotype of the old image and not the "improved"
model as related to Congress, Christie Rose's tale is a fine novel that will spur readers to desire
more
romantic suspense novels from this budding star.
Off Limits
Michele Albert
Avon
ISBN: 0380820560 $5.99, 384 pp.
Police Detective Emma Frey is forced to transfer from Los Angeles to New Orleans because her
life
in California had turned miserable when she turned in crooked cops. Her new boss Captain Strong
assigns her as the lead on a burglary that included malicious property damage, but also has Bobby
Halloran tag along. However, before the two detectives hit the squad car, the Captain lectures
Bobby to behave. As they investigate the case, she watches Bobby break the rules even using
what
she deems excessive force on a low life. However, she fails to report him though she has trouble
with his attitude. If she accompanied him to the hospital to visit a victim she would understand his
anger and frustration. Yet in spite of his outrageous street behavior, Emma the earnest one is
falling
in love with her partner and he, to his chagrin, reciprocates. This exhilarating police procedural
romance enables the audience to see more than just a love tale as the two lead protagonists are
frustrated with infra and inter justice. Though Bobby commits acts that should have him tossed off
the force, readers will cheer his sense of fair play as much as his partner begins to appreciate it.
Fan
will want more tales like this insightful action thriller.
Taming the Scotsman
Kinley MacGregor
Avon
ISBN: 0380817918 $5.99, 384 pp.
Ewan MacAllister lives in a cave by himself because he feels guilty in connection with the suicide
of
his brother Kieran. Ewan stole Kieran's woman Isobail taking her as his lover to England. Not
only
did she betray him for her English lover, but also when he returned home he learned that Kieran
had
killed himself. Eleanor" Nora" Alexander comes to Ewan's cave because she wants him to escort
her
to her aunt in England. Besides wanting to remain a hermit, Ewan mumbles that it is always an
aunt.
Still she knows her father and his hand picked lackey would not mess with a berserker like Ewan.
So
she left behind a note claiming to have eloped with him. She pushes him to take her to her Aunt
Eleanor, Queen of England, finally forcing him to at least leave his home and escort her to another
of his brothers. They fall in love as she learns he is a caring soul hurting from guilt. Though the
hero's abode is somewhat unique, TAMING THE SCOTSMAN is a typical Scottish historical
romance (duh it is the third MacAllister tale), but feels more a medieval Romancing the Stone.
The
tale contains a fresh brisk story line due to the antics of the courageous heroine and guilt numbing
the hero. The return of the siblings from the first two books adds to the deja vu feel, yet Kinley
MacGregor continues to provide delightful tales of yore that entertaining the sub-genre clan.
Talk of the Town
Suzanne MacPherson
Avon
ISBN: 0380821044 $5.99, 384 pp.
Kelly Atwood was looking forward to her honeymoon with her new husband Raymond when she
found the cocaine in his suitcase all because she needed shoe space. Raymond slapped her, but
Kelly
threw a left hook that connected, knocking her husband unconscious. She insures he still breaths
than flees the scene of her one punch KO, knowing she will annul her marriage to this con artist
drug
dealer. On a bus to Seattle, she meets talkative beautician Myrtle Crabtree, who persuades her to
hide out for now in her hometown of Paradise, Washington. Sam Grayson recently returned to
Paradise after a failed romance and because he was just weary of big city legal experience.
However,
rest and recuperation is not on the cards from the moment he sets eyes on Kelly. Not only his
libido
has gone off the Richter Scale, but also her recent past arrives full throttle. As Sam tries to keep
his
beloved safe, Kelly also wants to keep her loved ones (Sam, Myrtle, and other townsfolk)
unharmed
from the thugs that threaten everyone even at the cost of her own life. TALK OF THE TOWN
has
some suspense and even a few legal elements, but for the most part is an amusing delightful small
town contemporary romance. The lead couple is a charming duet and the eccentrics that make up
Paradise are a humorous lot. Though the intriuge seems out of place inside the town, Suzanne
MacPherson provides audiences with a fun tale that will make the auhtor the talk of the
sub-genre.
One Night of Scandal
Teresa Medeiros
Avon
ISBN: 0060513640 $7.50, 384 pp.
Carlotta "Hertforshire Hellion" Fairleigh has earned her reputation with only her family prestige
keeping her from being banned from polite society. However, in 1825 Lottie returns to London to
make her latest previously delayed debut, vowing to behave. However, being Lottie she cannot
resist
sneaking into the home of Hayden "Murderous Marquess" St. Clair, infamous for killing his best
friend in a duel over his wife's honor and not long afterward, his spouse vanished. Hayden vowed
to
never marry again, but Lottie has compromised herself. Honor refuses to allow him to ignore this
situation so he reluctantly marries her. The newlyweds journey to his remote Cornwell home in
Cornwell where the apparent ghost of his first wife haunts the halls. However, it is the ugly
recollections of his first marriage that prevent Hayden from falling in love with Lottie as she has
done with him. This engaging otherworldly gothic romance will provide plenty of joy to readers
as
the courageous Lottie battles a ghostly rival and her dark beloved's reticence. The story line is
action-packed and filled with a few neat twists as Teresa Medeiros provides a fun tale that will
give
pleasure to her Regency era fans.
Fool for Love
Eloisa James
Avon
ISBN: 0060508116 $6.99, 384 pp.
Lord Simon Darby cannot believe the news that his Aunt Esme Rawlins is increasing though his
uncle is dead and the twosome were estranged and separated for years. Simon worries that a male
offspring leaves his stepsisters without a dowry and he with only income from his lace importing
business. However, Simon knows the "infamous Esme" is a constant scandal so anyone could be
the
sire. He plans to visit his notorious pregnant aunt. Because of her limp, Lady Henrietta Maclellan
can only dream of a London season let alone a husband and children as no male would want a
deformed wife. When she meets her friend Esme's nephew, she knows he is the one for her, but
realizes her imperfection would never do for him. Though she hides her feelings, she writes a
letter
filled with passion that becomes public, scandalizing the Ton, who blame Simon. Forced to marry
or
else, Simon and Henrietta are falling in love, but neither trusts the other with their heart. FOOL
FOR
LOVE, the sequel to DUCHESS IN LOVE, is a terrific romance that will hook the audience (as
did
the first tale) because of the interactions and relationships (some dysfunctional) of the powerfully
drawn cast. The witty story line includes the return of characters from the previous novel, but this
book belongs to Simon, Henrietta, and an infamous letter, who manage to keep the plot out of
trite
sand traps. Eloisa James provides a strong historical that will send the audience back to re-read
the
prequel keeper so set time for both in one sitting
All Men Are Rogues
Sari Robins
Avon
ISBN: 0060503548 $5.99, 384 pp.
After traveling with her diplomatic father Sir Phillip Amherst around the world, in 1813 Evelyn
returns home to England following his death. She promised her beloved dad that she would carry
out a death bed pledge by finishing his final mission and accepting her legacy. Some members of
the
English government want Evelyn assassinated because she lived with Phillip and Sullivan, both
considered traitors to the crown. Only intelligence agent Lord Justin Barclay refuses to kill a
potential innocent under the guise of war. Instead he decides to "befriend" her to learn what she
might know about a somewhat substantiated rumor that Napoleon plans to destroy the English
economy as the means to devastate the country. As they fall in love, he knows nothing can come
of
it once she learns of his duplicity even if it is for their country. Regency romance readers will
enjoy
this historical romantic suspense novel. The story line has plenty of action, but also contains a
fully
delightful love subplot built on deceit and innocence as the admirable lead charcaters forge a
shaky
relationship. Though the macroeconomics is not quite clear, the sub-genre crowd will applaud this
fine tale.
To Love A Scottish Lord
Karen Ranney
Avon
ISBN: 0380821060 $5.99, 384 pp.
In 1782 Sea Captain Hamish MacRae returns to Scotland a beaten man after being away for
years.
He recently lost his ship, his crew, and the use of an arm. He plans to live what he feels is his
miserable life as a hermit so he does not have see or sense the pity of others including his brothers.
His locale is a desolate castle on an islet. However, his brother Brendan has other ideas after
depositing the resigned Hamish on his isolated rock. Brendan travels to Inverness to ask healer
widow Mary Gilly to leave her shop to help his sibling. Because of the family connection as one of
Hamish's other brothers has been a long time customer of her late husband, Mary agrees. Hamish
demands Mary leave him alone in misery, but she refuses. As they begin to fall in love, Mary is
accused of killing her spouse. Brendan has a reason to live starting with proving his beloved never
killed anyone. TO LOVE A SCOTTISH LORD is a delightful historical romance that the
sub-genre
audience will read in one appreciative sitting due to an effective cast that makes readers believe
they
are on an island in the late eighteenth century. The story line is loaded with action, angst, and
suspense. However, the lead couple and several support players turn Karen Ranney's latest tale
into
a fabulous experience.
Once A Scoundrel
Candice Hern
Avon
ISBN: 006050563X $5.99, 384 pp.
In 1801 Lord Anthony Morehouse wins a curricle race against Lord Reginald D'Aubney that
provides the victor with what he thought was a piece of furniture. Instead, as all their peers laugh,
Tony learns that "The Ladies Fashionable Cabinet" is not a bureau or a wardrobe, but instead is a
woman's magazine that he won from a side bet with Victor Croyden. Unlike Reginald who owns
numerous publications, Tony has never been involved with the printed word. He plans to sell the
magazine as soon as possible. He visits the office of "The Ladies Fashionable Cabinet" only to
find
his childhood rival, Victor's niece, Edwina Parrish as the editor. Tony still remembers losing every
sporting contest especially races to Edwina, but the one that still smarts is when she defeated him
in
a steeplechase race in which she won the Minerva bust. He offers her a bet that if she raises the
subscriptions to an agreed upon number, she wins the magazine, but if she fails to achieve the
target
he gets back Minerva. Because of the uniqueness of the heroine, readers receive a fabulous
Regency
romance that will make Candice Hern a major force within the sub-genre. The story line is
somewhat
light yet provides mini lights on serious issues of the times. Tony is a hunk who learns that his first
apparent victory is bitter as the stake proves more than he can afford. ONCE A SCOUNDREL is
a
terrific historical that will provide plenty of pleasure to fans.
The Nine Month Plan
Wendy Markham
Warner
ISBN: 0446611751 $5.99, 407 pp.
In Queens, New York, Nina Chickalini is weary and wants to simply escape from her home and
her
borough to the French Riviera instead of the Rockaways or Jones Beach. She is tired having
raised
her younger siblings after their mother left for heaven and achy from filling in at the family
pizzeria.
However, Nina suffers from a responsibility bone so when her pal Joey Materi asks a favor she
knows she owes him. He wants a child of his own so Nina agrees to be the surrogate mother, but
makes it clear she did her child raising already and will not help him as Europe beckons just after
the
nine months are over. During the pregnancy the neighborhood plays matchmakers. Meanwhile,
Nina
reassesses her dreams for she feels so right in the muscular arms of Joey, who wants her as his
beloved wife forever. New York neighborhood humor is what keeps this charming contemporary
romance from becoming a farcical soap opera. The story line amuses the audience with the antics
of
those wanting Nina to marry Joey. Readers who had early responsibilities will commiserate with
Nina and all fans will like Joey who is a huggable hunk. Still, paying her debt by achieving the
goal
of THE NINE MONTH PLAN seems a bit excessive, but then again Wendy Markham keeps it
just
light enough to also make it fun to follow the Chickalini clan.
The Scoundrel
Claire Delacroix
Warner
ISBN: 0446611115 $6.99, 374 pp.
In 1371 THE SCOUNDREL Gawain Lammergeier offers for sale what his father stole years ago
from its locale in Inverfyre, Scotland, the Titulus Croce. Lady Elspeth near death informs her
daughter Evangeline that her father died over the theft and that the legendary icon will affirm her
unborn grandson's rightful place and bring prosperity to the area. Evangeline vows to make it
right.
Evangeline catches up to Gawain and seduces him, but when he awakens the next morning the
Titulus Croce is gone. Angry that he was duped by sex, albeit the best he ever had, Gawain goes
after the female scoundrel who stole his prize possession. Gawain catches up to her and so begins
a
contest of wits and some physical interplay between two obstinate individuals who fail to see that
Aphrodite may have solved the issue of ownership as love has entered the battle. Fans of
fourteenth
century Scottish romances will enjoy the battle of sexes due to the lead characters, both heroic
and
rogues in their own ways. The prime plot is clever and the war of words fun, however the rotating
chapters first person narrative seems to slow down the action even as it enables the audience to
better understand the principal protagonists. Claire Delacroix provides an engaging whimsical tale
that an appreciative audience will cherish.
Master of the Highlands
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Warner
ISBN: 0446612332 $5.99, 317 pp.
One year ago his wife Lileas drowned to death from the high tide when his uncle tied her to the
Lady
Rock just off the Isle of Doon. Still angry and in some form of mourning, a black tempered Iain
MacLean burns down the chapel. His brother and others inform him that if he does not repent, he
will feel the wrath of God. Though not caring how God feels, to escape the scene of his
nightmare,
Iain agrees to go on a pilgrimage to deliver a sacred icon to a holy shrine that his sibling hopes
will
provide some restitution. Lady Madeline Drummond is on a more mundane quest. She travels the
Holy Shrines in rags in an attempt to locate the evil Sir Bernard "Silver Leg" Logie who killed
countless innocents to gain access to her family's castle. Iain sees Madeline steal relics left by her
hated foe, but she is caught. Curious about the lady in nun garb, Iain rescues her claiming she is
his
spouse. Soon he becomes embroiled in her adventure to save her people against an odious foe.
This
fourteenth century Scottish romance is an exciting sequel to the delightful KNIGHT IN MY BED.
The story line is loaded with action and strong characters especially the lead couple though Iain's
behavior seems to dramatically change from raging lunatic to concerned champion. Fans of the
sub-genre will appreciate Sue-Ellen Welfonder's fine tale that adds to her Scottish historical
legacy.
Private Sector
Brian Haig
Warner
ISBN 0446531782 $24.95, 448 pp.
Major Sean Drummond loves the army and his job as a defense attorney representing soldiers in
black-ops who broke the law. His boss General Clapper needs a rest from the major and his
enthusiasms that always seem to get out of hand so he takes advantage of a loan out program
where
army lawyers work for a year in a civilian corporation. He arranges a date with his predecessor in
the loan out program but before he can meet her, she is viciously murdered in the Pentagon
parking
lot. Her sister Janet, also an attorney, comes to town and teams up with the major to try and find
Lisa's killer. While working on a case for the law firm, he gathers some information from Lisa's
computer that might lead to her killer and in the process gets the army, the FBI, the CIA and
several
corporate and criminal attorney's very angry at him for interfering in their business. Anyone who
likes an action thriller won't want to miss reading PRIVATE SECTOR. The protagonist is unique
and refreshing with a memorable sense of humor that will have the audience chuckling out loud in
the middle of a very tense scene. He is not a rebel but he likes doing things his way and that
always
gets him in trouble with his superiors. Brian Haig has written a work that will return him to the
bestseller lists.
Midnight Harvest
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Warner
ISBN 0446532401 $24.95, 434 pp.
Imagine witnessing the rise and fall of the Egyptian and Roman Great Empires. Ferenc Ragoczy,
The Comte de Saint-Germain, walked the Earth when Nineva and Tyre fell, met Ghengis Kahn
and
Imbhtep of Egypt. He is a vampire over four million years old and travels the Earth with his friend
and manservant Rogerio who happens to be a youthful two million-year-old ghoul. At present,
Saint-Germain is in Spain on the cusp of it's 1930s civil war and the army plans to confiscate his
airplane manufacturing plant. Through careful planning he and Rogerio are able to escape Spain
on
the very eve of his arrest to travel to the United States to check up on his investments and see
Rowena Saxon who shares the blood bond with him. An assassin is sent from Spain to kill
Saint-Germain so that the confiscation of his property will not end up in the Spanish courts but
the
vampire ignores the signs of the assassin's search for him until he starts attacking the vampire's
loved
ones. In MIDNIGHT HARVEST, Saint-Germaine is becoming aware that advancing technology
is
making the world too small for him and his kind to easily blend into accepted normal society. This
is
how Chelsea Quinn Yarbro keeps her hero fresh through his long literary history by forcing
Saint-Germain to deal with the advances of the age in which the plot takes place. The story line is
taut and Saint-Germane and his ilk are fascinating as is his opponents. It should prove interesting
to
see how he copes in the twenty-first century if the author goes that route one day. This novel is an
excellent thriller wrapped inside a horror tale.
Maggie's Miracle
Karen Kingsbury
Warner
ISBN: 0446532304 $13.95, 164 pp.
Two years ago George Wright died from a massive coronary leaving behind his wife Megan and
their six year old son Jordan. The surviving Wrights lost more than a father and husband as both
still
mourn his death. With Megan fully occupied as a NYC prosecutor, Jordan feels lonely. He writes
a
letter to God asking for a daddy for Christmas. Megan sees the note and decides to sign up her
son
with the Healing hearts Program. Restaurateur Casey Cummins has never recovered from the
deaths
of his wife and baby. His caring friend persuades him to volunteer at the Healing Hearts Program.
His child is Jordan. As he and Jordan become pals, he and Megan fall in love, but both must
overcome the ghosts of losing their first spouse. This inspirational family drama is an enjoyable
contemporary tale that encourages those who have lost a loved one not to give up on life. The
three
key characters seem real and those coaxing them to start anew with fond memories add depth to
the
theme. A neat twist involving the teen past of the adults will turn some off, but most readers will
see
it as MAGGIE'S MIRACLE.
Cover Girls
T.D. Jakes
Warner
ISBN: 0446529060 $22.95, 241 pp.
Four women work in an office together. Michelle is summer, acting hip as a means to keep
people,
especially men away so that nobody can abuse her as has happened throughout much of her life.
Tonya is fall and her once solid belief in the Lord is filled with doubts since the death of a son and
her trials and tribulations of single parenthood. Delores is winter, presuming that her wealth and
her
management position of being in charge at the office places her above the other three, but her
teenage granddaughter's pregnancy and other troubles napalm her superiority belief. Though
beginning to tire and feel her mortality, Miz Ida is the oldest, yet she is spring (and not winter)
because she can provide the guided path that can renew the other trio and herself. Will the four
seasons find that their depressing woes can be overcome with friendship, loyalty, and faith in
God?
Or will one or more continue to believe their burden is greater than that of Job? Though the
probable audience (readers of contemporary women's Christian fiction) will think otherwise, this
reviewer found the footnotes distracting from an insightful look at four women and the uplift from
Pastor T.D. Jake's strong sermon. The story line focuses on the characters but also renders a deep
and encouraging message interwoven into the plot (except for the distract ions). Fans of moral
Christian novels will value COVER GIRLS for the book is well written and heartening as
Reverend
Jakes affirms that no one needs to be alone if they believe regardless of the season of your
life.
Birth of an Age
James Beauseigneur
Warner
ISBN: 044653126X $18.95, 253 pp.
In 2019, China, India, and Pakistan finally break into the war that everyone has been expecting for
decades. The death toll in the one-day debacle will probably reach billions once the aftermath of
radiation and feral animals occurs. In Jerusalem, John the Apostle born during the First coming
leads
over one hundred thousand Messianic Jews with extraordinary super powers. He joins forces with
powerful Hassidic Rabbi Saul Cohen and their followers soon cause asteroids to crash into the
already damaged planet as John plans the beginning of the apocalypse. Locust, plagues, and
famine
are becoming the order of the day, as the end of time seems imminent for those left behind.
Humanity's only hope is in God's son, Christopher Goodman, but is he really the second coming
since he was actually scientifically cloned from cells found on the Shroud of Turin (see IN HIS
IMAGE). However, after consulting with his father and studying the bible, Christopher must do
the
impossible and remain patient for the right moment to intercede though many die and most suffer.
The second novel in the "Christ Clone" trilogy is an exciting, extremely complex tale that
continues
the theme from the first tale of blending science with the End of Days predictions of Revelations.
The story is very complicated, but it will help the audience to understand this book better if the
first
novel is read before this enthralling tale. Though some Christian readers will object to elements in
the series, most of the Left Behind crowd and those readers who enjoy apocalypse tales like The
Prophet series will appreciate James Beauseigneur's novels and look forward to the
conclusion.
The Pandora Curse
Elizabeth Rose
New Leaf
ISBN 1930076193 $6.99
Unable to check her curiosity, Pandora does the unthinkable when she opens the box that the
Gods
gave to her to keep safe and secure. Vices escape as she has inadvertently liberated greed, lust,
anger, gluttony, and jealousy. Empimetheus, her husband, hearing the wails of his brother
Prometheus, closes the box before the last evil, foresight escapes. However, Zeus is ecstatic with
what Pandora has released upon humanity. The escapees especially curse Pandora and her
descendants. A direct descendent Vara the Conqueror hears the Furies encouraging her to kill
everyone as she leads brutal armies in victories. After defeating the King of Corinth, his little
daughter saves the monarch's life, but more important is the challenge of Nikolai the soothsayer.
He
informs her that a man will strip her of her power, but she willingly will cede it to that person.
Since
she sees he lusts for her body, Vara keeps Nikolai around, not realizing that he, the son of Hera,
has
been directed by his mother to recapture the vices as a shot at her rival Zeus. Neither Vara nor
Nikolai expected to fall in love, the one power that the gods cannot thwart. Fantasy readers and
Greek mythology buffs will consider THE PANDORA CURSE a blessing because this is a great
use
of the original tale to relate a follow-up story. The story line is fast-paced, loaded with action, and
makes the indifferent interference of the Gods seem genuine. Vara is a superb gender bender even
after Nikolai frees her. This author is not just ant rose as she is one of the best mythologists
around.
Thief of Olympus
Elizabeth Rose
New Leaf
ISBN: 1930076096 $12.95, 194 pp.
Princess Lysandra respects the ways of her people the Amazons except for the killing of male
babies
even if they are sacrificed to Artemis. She vows that one day when she is queen she will stop that
practice. For now Lysandra must pray that her firstborn is female for her mother Queen
Medorawould would kill a baby grandson, but cherish a granddaughter. Queen Medora selects
prisoner Zarak, King of Thrace and a former thief, to mate with Lysandra. He proves no chains
can
bind him and informs his Amazon that he willingly was caught because he plans to impregnate her
as
he needs a male heir. Nine months later, Zarak rejoices as Lysandra gives birth to a boy, but must
act fast because Queen Medora plans to sacrifice the male tot. As the two join forces to save the
child through the completion of a dangerous quest, only one of them can win with the people of
the
loser in jeopardy. The last thing either can afford is to fall in love, but that emotion is as
capricious
as the Gods they worship. No one does the Greek mythos justice like the fantastic Elizabeth Rose
does. THIEF OF OLYMPUS is the third delightful such novel that this reviewer has had the
pleasure reading by this mythologist and like the first two (see THE ORACLE OF DELPHI and
KYROS' SECRET) is a powerful tale that tells the story of the Amazons. The plot is filled with
action and moral dilemmas that impact the lead couple. Fans of Greek mythology will enjoy this
tale
and look forward to the next book, THE PANDORA CURSE.
Tales Before Tolkien
Douglas A. Anderson, editor
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345458540 $26.95, 432 pp.
JRR Tolkien is considered by many to be the father of modern fantasy though he often referred to
the classic Beowulf. This collection looks at twenty-two stories that may have influenced him in
his
creation of hose adorable Hobbits. The selections were based on the premises that the tales were
published before any Middle Earth story and that the author was born at least five years before
Mr.
Tolkien. Several were written in the nineteenth century, but were chosen because Mr. Tolkien
makes
reference to them in his letters or commentaries. Although not for everyone as the contributions in
many cases feel a bit dated, this anthology is a fun collection. Notables are included such as Frank
Stockton, Lewis Carroll, H. Rider Haggard, and L. Frank Baum, etc. Besides those curious of the
genre's heritage, generalists will appreciate the tales as for the most part they are well written and
worth the look back though where is the most influential, Beowulf?
High Druid of Shannara: Jarka Ruus
Terry Brooks
Del Rey
ISBN 0345435737 $27.95, 416 pp.
It's been twenty years since the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara and the Ilse Witch was transformed
back into Grianne Ohmsford. Now she is the Ard Rhys of the Third Druid Council, the High
Druid
of Paranor who seeks peace in the Four Lands. She is not very well liked or trusted in the halls of
Paranor because of her past evil deeds and there are those who plot against her, hungry for the
power she has. A small but powerful Cabal of Druids are able to take Grianne by surprise and
send
her into the Forbidding, an alternate universe where all the dark creatures of fairie were banished
eons ago. Her nephew Pen is made aware of her predicament and he sets out with a trusted group
of
allies to rescue her but the new Ard Rhys and her allies are determined to stop them. Fans of the
various Shannara series will find this first installment in a new trilogy well written, action-packed
and
exciting. The scenes of Grianne in the Forbidding are very imaginative and colorful and engage
the
reader's sympathy for the Ard Rhys's plight. Terry Brooks has created an interesting protagonist
in
Pen, an untested young man who grows stronger with each attempt made on his life.
Starfist Lazarus Rising
David Sherman & Don Cragg
Del Rey
ISBN 0345460006 $19.95, 320 pp.
It may be the twenty-fifth century but the Marines are still the first soldiers on planet fall. The
planet
kingdom of Yahweh and His Saints and Their Apostles call upon the confederates for help in
crushing a peasant uprising the marines of the 34th Fleet Initial Strike Team answer the call.
However, the military is shocked to discover they are fighting sentient aliens of rather than human
beings. After a difficult war, the marines manage to wipe out the Skinks but they suffered heavy
loses including Gunnery Sergeant Charlie Bass. Back on Heaven, the military theocracy is
overthrown and the newly formed government resembles Hitler's Nazi party as the new leader has
modeled the government after the SS branch. In the backwoods of Heaven, six POW taken by the
Skinks awaken with no memory of who or where they are. They wait until they come upon a
village
of religious settlers who take them in never dreaming this act will involve them and the POWs in a
coup d'etat whose aim is the complete overthrow of the present regime. Fans of military science
fiction will want to read STARFIST LAZARUS RISING and then will seek out the previous
books
in this exciting series. Readers get a vivid picture in their minds of Heaven, a mix of medieval life
and futuristic technology. David Sherman and Don Cragg are excellent collaborators who create
heroes that are brave, resourceful and refreshingly original.
The Raven Warrior
Alice Borchardt
Del Rey
ISBN: 0345444019 $25.95, 470 pp.
In the Highlands, the Queen of the Dragon People Guinevere believes she must attack the Saxons
before they overwhelm her country though she expects little help from her subordinate chiefs. She
knows that only her childhood friend Black Leg would truly support her. However, to prove that
he
deserves to sit along side his beloved, Black Leg continues his quest somewhere in the south
where
he meets the Lady of the Lake. The queen receives exactly what she anticipated when her
subordinate chiefs sham loyalty by giving her a force of losers that have no chance of success. Still
Guinevere realizes that doing nothing concedes control of the North Sea and the land to their
enemy. Guinevere's first excursion as a warrior queen is against experienced pirates who have the
home court advantage. Knowing that her motley crew has no chance, she dives into the realm of
dark magic to enlist the spirits to abet her force though Guinevere knows she may being a high
cost
by being tainted by the power of dark magic. Alice Borchardt is earning the reputation as the
twenty-first century Arthurian bard with tales like THE DRAGON QUEEN and now THE
RAVEN
WARRIOR. The action-packed story line is mostly told from the perspective of Guinevere though
readers also follow the adventures of the shapeshifter Black Leg. Other key charcaters from
Camelot
play pivotal roles. Though it is better to read the previous tale to gain greater understanding of
Guinevere and Black Leg, this book stands alone as a fresh novel filled with many fantasy
elements
yet much of the same magic that makes the Round Table still a legend to the Harry Potter
crowd.
Silver Lies
Ann Parker
Poisoned Pen Press
ISBN 1590580729 $24.95, 420 pp.
Leadville, Colorado is booming in 1879 as people arrive hoping to get rich by finding the silver
mother lode. Inez Stennert is becoming rich as the owner of the Silver Queen Saloon but her
personal life is very unsettled because her wandering man walked out one day and never came
back.
Inez doesn't know if her husband is alive or dead; she waits for him while her sister raises her
sickly
son back east. Fight and brawls are frequent occurrences but everyone is shocked when upright
family man Joe Rose is found murdered behind Inez's saloon. Inez starts investigating the assayer's
homicide because his widow and son are very dear to her and she would like to be one to bring
his
killer to justice. She learns that Joe was not as law abiding as she believed and her questions are
making some people very uneasy, individuals who will not hesitate to kill her if she gets too close
to
the truth. Ann Parker captures the ambiance of a mid-nineteenth century western boomtown so
colorfully that readers will imagine they are there. The heroine is an independent woman who lives
by her own rules at a time when females were expected to stay in their place. Inez is bossy and
stubborn but she is also the kind of person one wants to have in your corner when life turns
rough.
Let's hope there are more stories starring this one of a kind protagonist.
Frostline
Justin Scott
Poisoned Pen Press
ISBN 1590580621 $24.95, 336 pp.
When Henry King, former chief of the national security council, moves to Newbury, Connecticut,
he
buys the Zarega homestead and turns it into a country estate, Fox Trot. Mr. King's land is right
where he plan to build a lake. King's next door neighbor, dairy farmer Ron Butler, leases a piece
of
land that the ex-statesman wants to buy but the two men can't come to any agreement. King asks
the
town real estate agent Ben Abbot to try and mediate the dispute but Mr. Butler is a stubborn man
who just wants to be left in peace on land his family owned for three generations. When Henry
throws a house party, an explosion occurs and the man-made lake is destroyed. Killed in the blast
is
Mr. Butler's son and the state police believe that the former, an expert in setting explosives, set
the
bomb. They arrest him and Ben is hired to help his lawyer find some evidence to clear his client
because if Mr. Butler isn't released from jail soon, he is going to go insane. After writing
HARDSCAPE AND STONEDUST Justin Scott took a hiatus from the Ben Abbott mysteries
until
now. Ben Abbot returns in FROSTLINE and this novel is even better than the first two books in
the
series. This is not a pretty novel and for the most part the characters aren't likable but it is a very
interesting and colorful amateur sleuth tale starring a hero who did time and turned his life
around.
Using misdirection and red herrings Mr. Scott keeps the reader guessing about the identity of the
bomber until he chooses to reveal it.
Bullets
Steve Brewer
Intrigue
ISBN 1890768502 $24.95, 300 pp.
Former Chicago homicide detective Joe Riley has been trying to find hit woman Lily Marden for a
long time because she is the key to getting his job back. The trail takes him to Las Vegas where
he
gets into a card game with two gamblers who don't take kindly to losing all their money to a
tourist.
While he is winning a small fortune, Lily is completing her latest contract. Joe reads about the
murder the next day and knows it is Lily. Joe isn't the only one who is itching to find Lily. The
police
are looking for her as is the twin psychotic brothers of the victim who want to kill her. The owner
of
the hotel where the victim was murdered sends his security to kill her Vegas style. The two
gamblers
keep getting in Joe's way and while everybody is tripping over each other, Joe and Lily
unexpectedly
find themselves attracted to one another. BULLETS will remind readers of a Three Stooges' farce
and that must be the author's intention because one of the characters in the book is a Curly
look-alike. Fast pacing, witty dialogue and a lot of action make Steve Brewer's latest crime thriller
a
fun and entertaining reading experience. The greatest mystery of this novel is why Lily is a likable
and endearing character.
Apocalypse Dawn
Mel Odom
Tyndale
ISBN 0842384189 $14.99, 442 pp.
The latest hot spot in the world is the border between Turkey and Syria and the United Nations
has
asked United States President Fitzhugh to send troops there to keep hostilities from turning
deadly.
American soldiers are at the front lines in Turkey hoping their presence is enough to deter Syria
from attacking but those hopes ends with a Syrian attack. Sergeant Samuel Adams "Goose"
Gander
is at the battle's front lines when many of the soldiers in his command vanish. At Fort Benning,
Georgia, Goose's wife Megan tries to talk a suicidal teen out of jumping. She grabs hold of him
but
is not strong enough to stop his fall, but the only thing that is on the sidewalk is his personal
effects.
Other people disappeared on the base at the same time. While Goose and Megan fight different
wars
on different fronts, they remain strong for the people who depend on them. People all across the
world choose sides in the coming Tribulation. Fans of the Left Behind series will definitely want
to
read APOCALYPSE DAWN a look at the actions of the military during the Tribulation times.
Much
of the action centers around Goose as he wrestles with the questions of faith despite what he has
seen and others have witnessed on the battlefield. Mel Odom's military thriller is fast paced, full of
action yet doesn't shortchange readers on character development. Reader will take Megan and
Goose into their hearts and eagerly await the next book in this series to see what happens next to
these special characters.
Rift in Time
Michael Phillips
Tyndale
ISBN: 0842355006 $12.99 480 pp.
Perhaps it is God's irony, but in Turkey, agnostic archaeologist Adam Livingstone makes a
discovery
that insures his place alongside the greats like Schliemann. Adam wonders if his find in frozen Mt.
Ararat will rank with Armstrong's walk on the moon. An elated Adam, using modern technology,
has found proof that Noah's Ark existed. Adam begins to relook the Bible and his own attitude
about the existence of God. He wonders if he can locate other legendary spots like the Garden of
Eden. Also encouraging him to reconsider his previous nonchalant doubts about Heaven and Hell
is
his housekeeper's niece Juliet Halsay, recovering from a terrorist bomb that killed her father and
brother. She believes terrorists, protected by the elite rulers of governments including DC, want
Adam dead because of his biblical find, new religious fervor and enthusiasm, and fears he will
uncover more evidence that the Bible is a genuine history text rather than an ancient fable. From
the
moment Adam begins his descent in Turkey the plot of RIFT IN TIME is a basic God
(represented
by Juliet and Adam) vs. Satan (terrorists) tale loaded with action and suspense as the heroes battle
to
stay alive against devious serpents. Biblical interpretations and theories including the location of
The
Garden are cleverly intermingled with the action throughout the story line so that the audience
will
have much to ponder. Though the terrorists seem weak (hell their Satan's spawn so what do you
expect), fans of religious thrillers will want to read this powerful book that should provide
Michael
Phillips a fervent favorable following.
Blind Sight
James H. Pence
Tyndale
ISBN: 0842365753 $12.99, 404 pp.
At JFK Airport, Peter Bishop desperately tries to sneak his two young children on a plane heading
to Dallas where he hopes a college crony can safely take them to their mother. Peter expects The
Fellowship for World Renewal, a fast growing cult, to kill him as a traitor, which they do as he
places a call to "Uncle" Tom Kent, leaving a death bed message: "save my children". Tom does
not
understand the phone message or why Peter whom he had not spoken with in years, left it for him.
Still he follows instructions to make a package pickup at the airport, but when he sees the
package is
two kids, he bolts as they remind him of his wife and children, who he killed in a vehicular
accident.
When he notices the twins in trouble, he helps them escape. Now he and the Bishops are fleeing
for
their lives as a powerful cult headed by a man expected to run for vice president chases after
them.
Their only hope is to find Peter's wife, hiding in the bayous of Louisiana from The Fellowship for
World Renewal who declared her a traitor. This is an exciting suspense thriller that moves rather
quickly forward from the moment a panicked Peter places his kids on the plane until the final
confrontation. The story line insures the audience understands the demons that eat at Tom and
delight with the relationship between the twins. Though Michelle seems much older for her age
and
Micah handles his handicap with too much ease, fans will appreciate this taut thriller that
emphasizes
evil is disguised wearing the face of goodness.
Firefly Blue
Jake Thoene
Tyndale
ISBN: 0842353623 $12.99, 361 pp.
In Mexico, the police stop a truck driver transporting 100 barrels of sodium cyanide. They kill the
driver and steal 52 barrels. Four are placed in a pick-up truck while forty were put inside a semi.
They then replaced the manifold with its 100 barrels replacing it with 96 barrels. Not long
afterward,
the police announce that they found the stolen shipment of 48 barrels. Agent Steve Alstead heads
up
the Special Circumstances Operations of the Chapter 16 counterterrorist group that was formed
following the Patriot's Act. He tries desperately to regain the cherished relationship with his
beloved
wife and become a full time father to their two young children. However, Steve soon lacks time,
as
he must stop an evil terrorist attack involving 4 deadly barrels of sodium cyanide that could prove
devastating to the United States. Though references to the first novel abound (see SHAITON'S
FIRE), fans will enjoy this powerful stand-alone thriller, as the bad guys prove quite clever from
the
start. Readers will find most interesting the debate between individual liberties vs. security as staff
of
the Chapter 16 group argue about surveillance. However, the key to this tale is the
wholesomeness
of Steve, a professional who is a religious upstanding individual struggling to balance his work
and
his family. His dilemma provide a superb reminder that those who try to do the right thing often
do
so at a high cost, and in many cases the sacrifice leads to family problems.
Into the Nevernight
Anne De Graaf
Tyndale
ISBN: 0842352899 $12.99, 431 pp.
In 1992 Owen O'Neill is a highly regarded international peace negotiator whose recent failure in
Ireland, partly caused by family ties to the IRA hurts badly. He feels Mozambique is where he can
do some good and erase the stigma that he alone feels he failed in Ireland. However, his travels
has
alienated him with his wife of eight years, attorney Miriam, who wants a second child and feels he
needs to stay home more with her and their seven year old son Martin. Owen leaves for Africa
with
an upset Miriam left behind. Their phone calls are not amiable as Miriam feels her do-gooder
spouse
needs to spend more time with his family. However, when Martin has a bad dream in which he
insists Owen needs them, she arranges for the two to meet him in Kenya. The three O'Neills spend
quality time together until arms dealers concerned with a depressed business due to potential
peace
in Mozambique hire Yuri Falin to abduct the trio. Only Miriam escapes and she will move
bureaucracies and mountains to save her husband and son. INTO THE NEVERNIGHT starts a
bit
slow but enables the reader to fully understand the traits and motives of Owen and Miriam. Fans
who give the novel a chance will quickly find a deep tale as motivations become apparent and in
turn
anchor a strong thriller with moral lessons inside a plot in which nothing will stop Miriam from
trying to rescue her loved ones. Anne De Graaf displays great characters inside a powerful
insightful
look at the world from a radically different lens.
The Star Princess
Susan Grant
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505525410 $6.99, 371 pp.
Vash Nadah Prince Che Vedla seems adjusted to the fact that his former betrothed Princess
Tee'ah
broke her vows to him and pledged to wed earthling Ian Hamilton. Che's adaptation is quite
remarkable because he lost more than a bride; he lost his place as heir to the crown to the
newcomer. Che's advisors believe he must restore pride in the monarchy by marrying a suitable
princess though much of the recent scandal was caused by others including his house arrested
brother Klark for trying to assassinate Ian. Knowing he has six months left as a bachelor, Che
decides to use it wisely by chasing skirts on earth. He visits Ian's film making sister Ilana, but finds
he is very attracted to her and she fells the same although she is in denial. However, with scandals
rocking the royals and some people feeling their time has passed, can Che risk causing another
mess
by wooing the woman he loves, the totally unsuitable Ilana; who detests the concept of being in
front of the camera as a royal always is. THE STAR PRINCESS is a strong science fiction
romance
that focuses on the complex conflict between the obligation to one's country vs. duty to one's self
and loved ones. The star-crossed lead couple with a strong support cast makes Susan Grant's
galaxy
seem real and the dilemma that Che faces plausible. Though the previous two tales (THE STAR
KING and THE STAR PRINCE) were powerful entries, THE STAR PRINCESS is the best of
the
series due to the hero's attitude and quandary.
Traveler
Melanie Jackson
Love Spell
ISBN: 050552533X $5.99, 369 pp.
Most people ridicule H.U.G. members as lunatic conspiracy buffs seeing the improbable.
However,
the members of the Humans Under Ground group know that though paranoid, they are right
about
nasty happenings. This time the threat is the goblins going after possession of the magical
generator.
Xanthe of H.U.G. believes the Motor City police too weak and ineffective to stop the goblins so
she
sends her disciple Io to end that potential problem. Io meets the notorious Jack Frost in Goblin
Town just beneath the Motor City. They are attracted to one another from the start, but she keeps
her distance partially out of fear because he is a death fey. Still as they work on stopping the
Goblins, whose plan is even more devious than Xanthe told Io, she and Jack fall in love, but first
they must win the day against impossible probability and somehow stay alive doing this and that
makes for even more impossible odds. By page thirteen this reviewer began thinking of shutting
down the novel and not critiquing it as it was impossible to follow. However, because of enjoying
Melanie Jackson's previous romantic speculative fictions such as THE SELKIE and DOMINION,
I
decided to persevere for a few more chapters, but not past page fifty. Four hours later I had
finished
a fabulous romantic fantasy thriller. The story line needs a couple chapters to let the audience
know
this isn't Kansas, but once the alternate world is introduced the plot turns into an exciting other
world fantasy thriller starring two delightful protagonists on a quest to save an unbelieving and
unthankful world. Those fans that stay the course will relish this walk on Ms. Jackson's weird wild
side.
Enchanted Time
Amy Elizabeth Saunders
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505523132 $5.99, 442 pp.
In Seattle, Ivy Raymond owns and operates an antique store, ENCHANTED TIME. She normally
sees sellers by appointment or in bulk lots, but to rid herself of the pesky elderly woman, she
agrees
to look at the package. Inside is a book from the sixteenth century that obviously is worth a lot,
but
the woman insists on $100 or she will sell it to the nearby bookstore owner. A stunned Ivy feels
some sort of weird inexplicable connection to the names inside the tome and buys the book. Ivy
reads some of the incantations only to find the spells work though she remains skeptical.
However,
the last spell she cites sends her back to the drafty abode of a seventeenth century gentleman,
Julian
Ramsden. As they fall in love, he wonders if she is a spy working for his enemy trying to stop
Julian
from regaining all he lost. Then there is the Witch Hunter General who will hang female family
members of Julian including his beloved Ivy if he is not stopped in time. This is a reprint of an
enchanting mid 90s time travel romance that is one of the sub-genre's best. The story line is
exciting
due to a tremendous cast who will make moving back and forth in the time stream seem possible.
Ivy is a wonderful heroine and her beloved is a delightful hunk struggling between love and desire
vs. trust. The secondary characters provide depth to the mid-seventh century especially the Witch
Hunter General. Readers will have an ENCHANTED TIME perusing Amy Elizabeth Saunders'
appealing tale.
Mission Flats
William Landay
Delacorte
ISBN: 0385336144 $23.95, 384 pp.
In Versailles, Maine, retired Police Chief Claude and his son Ben, the current chief, struggle as
roommates since the death two months ago of the family anchor, his wife and Ben's mom. To
escape
the lack of communication between them, Ben inspects the deserted summer cabins near the lake.
However, his leisurely stroll down memory lane thinking of his mom ends when he finds the
corpse
of Sussex County Assistant District Attorney Robert Danzinger in the fourth cabin checked. Soon
a
horde from Massachusetts descends on the little hamlet. The Bostonian law enforcement
Brahmans
concentrate on ruthless drug king Harold Braxton in the MISSION FLATS section of the big city
while leaving out the country bumpkin who started the investigation. None of these big city
geniuses
seem interested in answering why the ADA was in Versailles during the off-season? Not
comfortable
with what he sees, Ben obstinately continues his inquiries receiving assistance from retired cop
John
Kelly, his attorney daughter Caroline and mentor cop Martin Gittens. However even their ties to
the
deceased is suspect as a history of revenge begins to surface. MISSION FLATS is a powerful and
well written police procedural that proves former DAs can actually write a complete exciting
novel
that leaves the audience wanting more. The story line is filled with twists and turns and a final spin
that will shock readers as few tales ever truly do. Fans will appreciate the deep look at the double
helix twists of big city justice and police compromise and concession that places William Landay
in
his debut at the top of former ADA turn author list.
Soul Traveler
Laurance Pearsongreer
Hard Shell Word Factory
ISBN: 0759902674 $TBA
Now in Cleveland, he is the Traveler with no name as yet. He lives forever, but has no idea who
he
was as if his past was erased with each new corpus he enters. His eternal mission is to keep the
hidden ancient ones from enslaving humanity when they finally reveal themselves at a time in
which
their millenniums of studying and observing humanity is almost over. The Traveler has
companions
in his quest to save mankind. Some willing but many like Shannon too filled with self-abuse to
know
he has taken control of her physical and mental form as he has done with others seemingly
forever.
He knows the time is near when even an immortal might die for the enemy has grown incredibly
strong and Armageddon appears likely. The Traveler ponders on the meaning of life to one like
him
vs. these creatures he is obligated to protect in what is a losing cause that could prove fatal to one
that can not die for how will he live if he fails at his eternal quest. Author Laurance Pearsongreer
must be the SOUL TRAVELER because it seems impossible for someone to have written such an
exhilarating but extremely complex science fiction tale as this one. The enjoyable elaborate story
line
needs two or three days to read, but is worth the time investment. The Traveler is as complicated
a
character an audience will find. Though some profanity occurs that fits the characters, following
the
puzzling thoughts and actions of the hero will lead readers to an intriguing look at the
complicated,
enigmatic, and perhaps even convoluted world of Mr. Pearsongreer where trips to Atlantis and
Cleveland are the norm.
Cast in Steel, Carved in Stone
Christine W. Murphy
Hard Shell Word Factory
ISBN: 0759937249 $TBA
Mikkel as the head of Yula has traveled to Lexina to claim his bride Sofia as defined by a contract
signed between his father and his fiancee's dad twenty years ago. Apparently to the outrageous
Mikkel, the fact that the two parties to that deal are either dead or crazy means nothing. Even less
important is that his slave sent ahead of him impregnates Sofia. Mikkel insists that the older sister
Kat, the CEO of Lex Central, marries him and beget the heir. Kat has no choice, as her
corporation
needs the influx of capital that Yula can provide, but she has no plans to have a child with this
pompous fop. As they travel to his planet, she begins to see a dichotomy in Mikkel. On the one
hand
he seems so strong and confident while on the other he bows to the Triden Empire. Still Kat
begins
to fall in love with Mikkel not realizing he has an agenda that if discovered could lead to his
death.
CAST IN STEEL, CARVED IN STONE is an enjoyable science fiction romance that brings two
worlds to life so that the audience believes in Lexina and Yula. The cast is powerful especially
Mikkel, a Scarlet Pimpernel in space and Kat, a woman who knows what she wants and goes out
to
achieve her desires. Though alliances are not clearly defined for these two planets in the galaxy
war
between superheavyweights, fans will want to soar with this exhilarating journey in worlds far
from
this one, Odin aside.
An Hour to Kill
Karin Yapalater
Morrow
ISBN: 0688165990 $23.95, 288 pp.
In Central Park Police Detectives James Gurson and Didi Kane investigate the burned body of
former cop Charlene Leone found in the Brambles and the apparent asphyxiation suicide of Dr.
Orrin Gretz in his Mercedes buried in the snow. Charlene used to be Didi's lover and partner
before
being fired for drug use. Orrin's chosen weapon of death mirrors that of James' father, a cop who
did
his job well until the unfair charges that could have led to jail time did lead to his suicide in the
family garage. Soon Gurson, a psychology major, and Kane find themselves making inquiries
amongst Manhattan's analyst world, a close mouthed group unable to answer as opposed to
asking
questions. As they dig deeper, ties to their personal lives surface beyond the already known
obvious.
However, Kane begins to wonder if her funky partner, as a means of enacting vengeance on the
former ADA who played his father false, might be orchestrating one link. AN HOUR TO KILL is
a
superb psychological police procedural that rips into the world of analysts especially those who
use
patients for sexual pleasure. The key is the believability of the cast from the dedicated but
emotional
hurting cops to the analysts pulling the wagons around in a siege mentality even though one who
may have committed malpractice is dead and connected to a homicide. Though the very end feels
more like a couch trip, readers, except psychoanalysts, will appreciate Karin Yapalater's strong
debut.
Four to Midnight
Scott Flander
Morrow
ISBN: 0060188987 $24.95, 312 pp.
In Philadelphia, two white police officers Mutt and Roy, call for supervisory help. Sergeant Eddie
North arrives only to have African-American Councilman Sonny Knight scream at him to get the
two cops away from him. Later, Sonny accuses Mutt and Roy of beating him up and adds Eddie
to
his list of accusation. Both officers deny ever touching Sonny and Eddie believes them because he
knows he is innocent and neither of the policemen on the scene showed any sins of using force, let
alone excessive. However, the brass, the politicians, and the media think otherwise forcing an
Internal Affairs investigation. As this scenario further splits a city divided over another
controversial
case, Eddie tries to learn why Sonny lied, but soon finds he is drowning in a polluted cesspool of
corruption, bad cops, and duality racism. The inquiries made by the IA staff and by Eddie are
intelligent and entertaining so that police procedural fans have a powerful enjoyable tale.
However,
FOUR TO MIDNIGHT is more than another urban police story. Instead the theme focuses on
how
racism engulfs everyone in a swamp and destroys the innocent and their friendships. Thus the
audience receives a superb police procedural with a cleverly interwoven powerful message.
Every Secret Thing
Laura Lippman
Morrow
ISBN: 0060506679 $24.95, 400 pp.
In Baltimore, fifth graders Alice Manning and Ronnie Fuller were sent home after the latter had
misbehaved at a classmate's birthday party. Walking together, they come across a baby carriage
with
no adult apparently nearby. Ronnie insists "we have to take care of this baby", but Alice has
doubts
feeling they are too young. Later the adults question Alice as to the word accented and
emphasized
by Ronnie when she said they needed to care for the infant as the child died under their tutelage.
Neither confessed to killing the nine month old infant that they snatched. Seven years later the
two
teens are freed from the State of Maryland's control, as the law has to let go these juvenile killers.
Though the state is forced to forget and perhaps even forgive, people, especially those close to
the
dead baby like the mom, are not willing to turn the other cheek. Just after the release of Alice and
Ronnie, the disappearance of little Brittany occurs that seems eerily similar to what the two girls
once did. This is as dark a thriller as readers will find yet Laura Lippman keeps her audience
fascinated from start to finish in this one sitting suspense in spite of the size of the novel. The
story
line is a combination of a police procedural inside a character study as fans slowly learn who killed
the infant among other revelations. With a deep cast and a powerful plot, EVERY SECRET
THING
will not remain secret to the reading public that will seek other fine (but not as dark) works by
Ms.
Lippman.
The Emerald Dagger
Barbara M. Hodges
Tigress
ISBN: 0974084816 $12.95, 341 pp.
For seven years Regan Cafferty thought her sister Kelsey died until the Daradawn Mage Peter
Canterville arrived at her San Francisco apartment to inform her that her sibling needed her help
as
she has the power of the BLUE FLAME. Disbelieving until she crosses the rift into his world she
joins forces with her sister and falls in love with her escort. (See the BLUE FLAME for the
delightful details). Her forces win a medieval style battle enhanced by magic on both sides, but the
deadliest of the enemy Dirrk the dark mage escapes through a magical portal. Regan and Peter
marry just before Kelsey returns to earth. Seven years later, Dirkk returns to Daradawn with plans
to
destroy his enemies Regan and Peter, and take the crown from Queen Tessa. This time Dirkk will
not underestimate his foes as he did in the last confrontation. His diabolical plan uses an
assortment
of pawns like fairies and dragons and innocent children to conquer his opponents. With the
seven-year rift opening, Kelsey has returned only to find war everywhere with no one not even
those
who share blood or love can be trusted as Dirkk's evil has permeated everyone. The first novel,
THE
BLUE FLAME, was a strong epic fantasy that had the reader believe in Daradawn and the once in
seven-year bridge between worlds. This tale is an even greater book as Barbara M. Hodges paints
a
vivid picture of her magical realm, but Dirkk seems more genuine as a clever but malevolent
strategist. Fans of deep sword and sorcery tales will appreciate this fast-paced story that connects
Earth with Daradawn.
The Sword and The Flame
Barbara M. Hodges and C. R. MacPhadrick
Highlands Keep
ISBN: 0971508380 $14.95, 391 pp.
Photojournalist Kelsey Cafferty sneaks into Siberia to locate an elf so that she can cross the rift
bridge to Daradawn. Though she finds Needa the elf, she is captured by other elves. They cross
into
Daradawn only to have the rift abnormally slam shut behind them instead of remaining open for
the
normal seven days. Daradawn has changed in many respects, but one thing remains the same. A
threat to the people and the land from Dirkk the malevolent exists. This time he has outside help.
The world of Vigrid, icy home to the Valkyrie, is divided by a civil war between The Valkyrie of
the
Night Guard Legion vs. the Followers of the Sun. Regan the earthborn Daradawn Keeper of the
Blue Flame is caught in the battle between warrior women. Two worlds, perhaps even a third, are
at
stake as Dirkk diabolically yet brilliantly uses the Valkyries to conquer Daradawn even if every
breathing soul (he has none so he is not worried) dies in his final victory. The key to this
collaboration is that the authors somehow make to diverse magical realms seem so real. The story
line is action packed whether it is in Siberia, Daradawn, or Vigrid. The cast comes across as
genuine
sentient beings caught in inter-global calamities that make for a delightful epic fantasy. Barbara M.
Hodges and C. R. MacPhadrick pull off a coup that can only mean she is from Daradawn and he
must be hiding on Vigrid.
Afternoon Delights
Patricia Crossley, contact
Liquid Silver
ISBN: 1931761671 $TBA 299 pp.
Ignore the song as this book is a sultry, sexy and scintillatingly sinful ten story erotic romance
anthology collection that crosses most of the sub-genres giving generalists quite a thrilling but
heated treat. The tales share in common that each is well written, fun to follow, and star delightful
couples in a wide variance of locales and themes. Some contain profanity, but all are hot and
move
the genre closer to the porn barrier, although not yet crossing it as the relationships off the sheets
remain as critical if not more important than those on the bedding to the strong plots. Whether it
is
the Internet, reincarnation, the jungle, etc. fans will enjoy AFTERNOON DELIGHTS, but keep
handy (no pun intended) that significant other because that individual will share evening delights
with the reader. Those readers who enjoyed this strong short story collection will want to visit the
publisher (see http://liquidsilverbooks.com) for more heated treasures like this one.
Dead Famous
Carol O'Connell
Putnam
ISBN 0399150846 $24.95, 304 pp.
It has been many months since New York homicide detective P. Riker was shot in the chest four
times by a psychopath who was found not guilty of homicide in a trial in which Riker was the key
witness. Although he has healed physically, the psychological trauma prevents him from going
back
to work. He currently runs his brother's business Ned's Crime Scene Cleaners where he meets the
Hunchback Joanna Apollo. Joanna is a psychiatrist who was on the jury that found shock jock
radio
host Ian Zachary not guilty in a Chicago homicide case. Now a serial killer known as the Reaper
is
murdering the Zachary jury members. Zachary, who relocated to New York, eggs on his listeners
to
find out where the remaining jurors live. Joanna comes to New York to stop the killings but she
doesn't count on Riker's growing feelings for her or the complicated plan, Kathy Mallory, Riker's
partner, puts in motion to bring him past the crisis point. Mallory, Riker and Apollo become
pawns
in a game they may not survive. Kathy Mallory is one of crime fiction's most unusual heroine's a
sociopath who work in the NYPD and is able to stay within the law (usually) to solve a case.
There
are several sub-plots that tie into the main story line in a complex but realistic fashion. The
heroine
meets her match in Joanna, a woman and a doctor who not only understands her but also is able
to
stay one step ahead of her. A Carol O'Connell police procedural is always great and DEAD
FAMOUS provides proof of that axiom.
Every Step You Take
Judith Kelman
Putnam
ISBN 0399151095 $24.95, 336 pp.
Forever lasted for five years for Claire and Noah before he allegedly killed himself after getting
suspended from the New York City Police Force pending an Inter Affairs investigation. Noah was
alleged to have tampered with a witness and obstructed justice in an effort to get B.B. LeBeau
convicted of killing five children aged eight to eighteen. When Le Beau is convicted in a multiple
homicide case in Arizona, Claire finally gets a sense of closure until his guilty verdict is
overturned.
Claire is too busy with her own problems to pay attention to the cause. Her fifteen-year-old
stepdaughter Raine acts like she hates Claire and somebody is slowly stealing her identity, running
up credit card bills and accessing her bank accounts and pension plan. When she almost gets
arrested
for a crime she didn't commit, Claire goes on the offensive by setting a trap using herself as bait to
catch who is behind the identity theft. EVERY STOP YOU TAKE is a fascinating, exciting and
enthralling thriller that cleverly links the plot to catch Le Beau with the protagonist's identity theft
story line. Judith Kelman keeps the surprises happening so the audience never becomes
complacent
or able to predict what happens next. The climax is a total shocker yet it pulls all the various loose
ends together ino one believable package. This reviewer hopes that the author writes a sequel
starring the heroine who engages the reader empathy because she is a genuinely likable and
endearing character.
Empire of Light
David Czuchlewski
Putnam
ISBN 0399151036 $23.95, 240 pp.
Matt Kelly fell in love with Anna Damiani from almost the first time he saw her but her stepfather,
real estate mogul Carl Barrett thought he wasn't good for her. He forced Anna to break up with
Matt in high school but when they met up in Princeton they started seeing each other again until
her
alcoholism drove them apart. He went on to become a teacher in Harlem and she drank her way
around the world until she joined the Imperium Luminis, dried out and turned her life around.
Anna
visits Matt to ask him to join this sect that is a part of the Catholic Church. The order actively
recruits wealthy members and helps the poor and the sick. Carl contacts David because he
believes
that the Imperium Luminis is a cult that he wants to free Anna from them and get her
deprogrammed. From his own research, David agrees with Anna's stepfather and pretends to join
the
organization in order to spirit Anna away from them. It is when Matt sees what good the order
does
for people he begins to have doubts about his role in Anna's life. EMPIRE OF LIGHT is a
powerful,
compelling and illuminating tale about real people searching for answers in an indifferent, at times,
dangerous world. The author questions, through the actions of his protagonist, whether the end
justifies the means. Readers start to wonder what is the difference between a cult and an
organized
religious sect. Neither question is answered in this novel but by raising them it makes this work of
psychological suspense an outstanding reading experience.
Remember When
Nora Roberts & J.D. Robb
Putnam
ISBN 0399151060 $25.95, 448 pp.
Although her father is a drifter, a con man and a thief, she loves him anyway even though she
wants
no part of his life. Laine Tavish has made a new life for herself in Angel's Gap Maryland, running
her
own business and fixing up her home. Unfortunately her stable life begins to unravel when she is
dragged into her father's latest scheme, a twenty-eight million-dollar jewelry heist. The insurance
company wants to recover the diamonds and hires private detective Max Gannon for the job. His
search finds him in Angel's Gap where he meets Laine and falls instantly in love with her. When
she
finds out what Max is after, she agrees to help him provided her father goes free. Laine realizes
she
loves Max who reciprocates her feelings but if they are going to have any chance at a life
together,
she must find a way to return her father's half of the diamonds and stop a killer who wants her
father's half in addition to his own. In New York in 2059, Max and Laine's granddaughter
Sammantha has written a book about their romance and the diamonds that were never recovered.
She comes home after her book tour to find her home trashed and her house sitter dead. Lt. Eve
Dallas of the NYPSD is the lead on the case and immediate see it doesn't look like an ordinary
breaking and entering gone wrong. She thinks it might have something to do with the diamonds
that
were never found and subsequent evidence gathered with her new partner proves Eve's theory
correct. REMEMBER WHEN is really two novels in one with the common thread, being the
stolen
diamonds. The first tale is a very exciting work of romantic suspense written in Nora Robert's
fabulous writing style. The second part of the story is an exciting police procedural written in J.D.
Robb's (Nora Roberts pseudonym) unique and realistically gritty style. Although the same person
wrote both works, it feels as if two very different authors worked on the book. Readers who are
not
familiar with J.D. Robb's "In Death" novels will find themselves fans of the series and try to obtain
the backlist.
Low Port
Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, editors
Meisha Merlin
ISBN: 1592220126 $16.00
Unlike most science fiction anthologies that concentrate on superheroes or villains that seem
worldly
if not galactic in scope, this twenty stories collection concentrates on those individuals who will
not
have to deal with tax rebates or for most part taxes. The stars of these tales typically do not attain
the bottom of the food chain though some are hard working blue-collar individuals needed but
hidden so that Scotty can apply his magic to the warp drive. Life is more of a daily survival for
these
players whose dreams reach the loftiness of regular and recurring solid meals. The tales grip the
audience as it serves as a reminder that around the world including the United States there are
those
who don't need to learn how to fish until sustenance is attained. The contributions are all well
written with a few harrowing in their excellence as the audience will ponder where in our society
lies
those who reside in the LOW PORT.
Myth Alliance
Robert Asprin & Jody Lynn Nye
Meisha Merlin
ISBN 1592220096 $25.00 272 pp.
He is known as The Great Skeeve, a powerful magician that other's fear, but he knows that it is
mostly smoke and mirrors and that he ranks out as an apprentice. He retires from his position as
Court Magician, a very profitable endeavor and returns to Klah to study magick so that he can be
what his reputation advertises. Staying with him at his inn is his dragon, the war unicorn
Buttercup,
and Bunny a beautiful and intelligent woman. Using a D hopper, Wensley from the dimension of
Wuh meets and begs Skeeve to use his powers to get rid of the Prevects that control his world.
Unable to think of an immediate way to control the Prevects, Skeeve picks up Tanada the Trollup
and Zol Itchy, the self-help guru of Kobold and heads for Wuh to liberate the wuhs. What Skeeve
doesn't know is that the Prevects have a business contract with the Wuhs and they have to meet it
or
see their reputations ruined. These two groups are working at cross-purposes laced with several
misunderstandings and the results are totally hilarious. This is a very funny lighthearted fantasy
that
will be appreciated by those readers who read the previous Skeeve and Aahz books or the Xanth
series by Piers Anthony. Skeeve is his usual charming, urbane yet naive self who takes up for the
underdog (in this case the Wuhs) who don't really appreciate his efforts. Robert Asprin and Jody
Lynn Nye are great collaborators and together create a work that is refreshing as the previous
Myth
novels. MYTH ALLIANCE demonstrates that humor done right can be an integral part of a
fantasy
novel.
Dream Job
Cassie Walder
Elloras Cave
ISBN: 1843605279 $TBA
In Champaign, Illinois Kit Anderson needs money to complete her doctorate, so she applies for a
job
at a highly secure nearby research center. Though reluctant, Kit agrees to a middle of the night
interview with the center's top scientist, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Carl Roddenberg. Lacking cash
for
a cab and with no public transpiration, Kit walks alone in the dark until two nasty powerful thugs
assault her using extraordinary physical means beyond the capability of humans. She kills one and
escapes from the other by gliding through a research center door that was opened less than an
inch,
an impossible feat that fails to register in Kit's mind. Carl studies the security film that shows her
incredible escape and her DNA results. He knows he must help her understand her true inner
essence
and assist herin becoming a member of the Community he protects. Though he keeps much secret
from his new employee, Carl and Kit fall in love, but lurking out there is a vampire wanting Kit
dead. DREAM JOB is a strong vampire romance with some erotic elements that makes the
supernatural seem authentic due to a powerful cast headed by two capable individuals. Kit and
Carl
are a delightful pair while the support cast especially a vampiric scoundrel provides the depth to
this
exciting story line though that also slows the down action. Fans of supernatural romances will
appreciate this thriller and dream of novels past and future by talented Cassie Walder.
Mortal Remains
Peter Clement
Ballantine
ISBN 0345457787 $23.95, 368 pp.
Sheriff Dan Evans of Hampton Junction in upstate New York had volunteers dragging the nearby
lake for the body of an elderly Alzheimer's patient who disappeared several days ago. They found
the bones of a left forearm of a body that has been in the lake a very long time. This leads to the
sheriff and Dr. Mark Ruper, the county coroner to dive into the lake to retrieve the body. When
they
locate the body, it is obvious that a crime occurred and the forensic team must examine the scene.
When they are finally able to bring the skeleton up, they discover it is the body of Dr. Kelly
McShane Branden who disappeared twenty-seven year ago. Mark, who has fond memories of
Kelly
won't rest until her killer is brought to justice. Earl Garnet, who believed at the time that Kelly did
a
disappearing act to escape her abusive husband, assists the doctor in seeing justice occur. Both
men
are almost killed because they refuse to let a murderer escape. Fans of Michael Palmer and Robin
Cook must add Peter Clement to their list of writers of exciting medical thrillers. Readers get a
real
sense of the victim through the eyes of those who cared about her and hope that the doctors will
be
successful in their quest. The protagonist of this novel is a family doctor who goes the extra mile
for
his patients, a hero in the truest sense of the word. Readers will love him and hope there will be
more medical thrillers starring this special humanitarian.
The Amber Room
Steve Berry
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345460030 $24.95, 400 pp.
During World War II, the Nazis stripped the incredibly complex relief designed panels crafted
from
the Amber Room of St. Petersburg, Russia's Catherine Palace. Now decades later few survivors
know what the Nazi art vampires did with the precious panels made from Baltic amber, but
concentration camp survivor Karol Borya knows a few secrets about the lost set, but others are
aware of that. Agents of those who want ownership of the precious panels kill him. Karol's
daughter,
Atlanta judge Rachel Cutler, enlists her ex-husband Paul to help her learn why her father was
murdered in Europe. They head to Germany where they soon stumble into a deadly race between
two wealthy rivals intent of owning the panels to reconstruct their own Amber Room. Both sides
are
willing to kill the amateur Americans to win the race. This is an exciting by the numbers thriller
that
incorporates much, if not all, of the known facts about the Amber Room. That makes for a two
edged sword as readers will be fascinated with what Steve Berry provides about the panels and
the
room they created, but also will find the action abruptly sidebarred as if the author could not
decide
between nonfiction and a thriller. Still the characters make for a delightful ensemble, the historical
tidbits enticing, and the thrills fun so that the audience receives a solid somewhat disrupted
tale.
No Graves as Yet
Anne Perry
Ballantine
ISBN: 0345456521 $25.95, 352 pp.
In 1914 in Cambridge, England, Professor and Chaplain Joseph Reavley attends a cricket match
when his Intelligence Officer brother Matthew arrives to inform him that their parents died in an
automobile accident. Stunned by their deaths, Joseph has no time to mourn as Matthew also tells
him that their father had a document that if placed in the wrong hands would defame their country
and probably destroy England at a time when the continent is one step away from open hostilities.
Matthew insists that Joseph assist him in recovering the document that he believes cost their
parents
their lives as their father was bringing this flaming gun to him when the car crashed. Feeling
unsure
of himself as he is an academic in a pacifist leaning university, Joseph joins his sibling when he
learns
of the death of a student that may be tied to this mess. Anne Perry, known for her Victorian
mysteries, provides readers with a tremendous World War I espionage who-done-it thriller. The
clever story line is filled with action and fully developed characters so that the audience follows a
strong spy murder mystery while receiving a savory taste of England at a point when NO
GRAVES
AS YET caused by the "war to end all wars" had occurred. Ms. Perry opens her new series in
glorious victory.
The Laird of Stonehaven
Connie Mason
Leisure
ISBN: 0843952326 $6.99, 384 pp.
The legend predicted that the MacArthur clan would be blessed and cursed by the birth of a Faery
Woman with healing powers. The lass would be tested by the elements and if she survived, would
truly be blessed. However, if she should fall in unrequited love, she would lose her abilities. Her
dying father believes Blair MacArthur is the legendary Faery Woman, but he worries for her
safety
from her hateful brother Niall who is jealous of her prowess. When their father dies, Niall plans to
wed her to cruel Donal. Instead, her sire asked Laird Graeme Campbell of Stonehaven to protect
his
beloved daughter by marrying her. Niall and Donal readjust their plans even while Graeme decides
to make Blair fall in love with him with no reciprocity so she will lose her powers and be safe
because he's not in love. This is a charming mix of a wee bit of magic inside an engaging Scottish
historical romance. The story line moves forward rather quickly while Blair serves as the center as
the subplots evolve through her. Though the villains seem uneven, the hero is a wonderful
character
whose refusal to love belies all he will do to keep Blair safe sort of like that 10CC song "I'm Not
in
Love".
Savage Splendor
Cassie Edwards
Leisure
ISBN: 0505523175 $5.99, 323 pp.
Her parents died when Jeanine was young. Her bossy Uncle Fred Hunter the local sheriff raised
her.
By 1901, Jeanine was curator of the Duluth Art Museum, did lectures on local in Minnesota art,
had
books published and owned her own house yet Fred still tried to order her about. Now Jeanine
wants to write a book about the Chippewas starting with a visit to the former owner of her house
Judith McMahon, who married a tribe member. Fred tells her to avoid the savages before leaving.
His Deputy Cameron Tyner stays behind allegedly to keep Jeanine from bolting, but instead
informs
her he plans to teach her life's secrets. Jeanine escapes, but soon becomes a prisoner again of
Chief
Lone Wolf a Chippewa with a vow of vengeance made to his mother involving chiefs and white
female brides. As Jeanine and Lone Wolf begin to fall in love, both must deal with prejudicial
relatives and an odious Cameron who has other plans for the artistic niece of his boss. She may
change the century and the locale, yet when it comes to the Savage world of Cassie Edwards, the
theme remains the same. This well written reprint of a 1990s novel is a solid tale of star-crossed
lovers dealing with bias and animosity that threatens to destroy their love. The lead couple is a
delightful pair as both have strong ethics to help them survive the maelstrom their relationship
causes. The secondary characters are balanced with counterweights between the Indian and white
sides such as Fred and Lone Wolf's mom having similar traits. Still Cassie Edwards' fans will
welcome the splendor of a fine tale.
She Who Laughs Last
Jennie Klassel
Leisure
ISBN: 0843952318 $5.99, 300 pp.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. In a public tavern, nineteen years old Lady Syrah
Dhion
of the Ninth House is acting the harlot with the Crown Prince of the Dominion Jibril of the First
House. His wine is drugged and Syrah and her fourteen-year-old brother Eben take Jibril prisoner.
The Dhions hope to restore the wealth and splendor of their house ruined by their feeble father
and
destroyed by their odious cousin. Syrah treats Jibril less like a royal and more like a pain until he
kisses her. Soon Syrah finds her heart imprisoned by her captive. She frees Jibril, but he refuses to
go because the future he wants now is to be her prisoner and she his forever once he dispatches
her
nasty relative. This medieval romantic romp is a fun tale that lightens up the usual intense
sub-genre
with plenty of humor caused by the gender war between the lead couple in which both sides
surrender. The amusing story line works because of the sexual battle between Syrah and Jibril.
The
secondary characters augment the ribaldry that goes the gamut from slapstick to double entendres
proving that Jennie Klassel has a large funny bone, but the audience has the first, middle and last
laughs at the antics of the cast.
Savage Hero
Cassie Edwards
Leisure
ISBN: 0843950528 $6.99, 366 pp.
Among the soldiers lying dead alongside Custer is Major Lloyd Wilson, who left behind a wife
Mary
Beth and a five-year-old son David. Mary Beth had come west to inform her spouse that she
wanted
a divorce, but now feels guilty as she waits at Fort Kitt for word that she can journey back to her
Kentucky home. On the trek east, renegade Indians attack Mary Beth's military escort. They take
her
and David prisoner, but separate the pair. Chief Brave Wolf, seeking his brother who fought with
the
Yellow Hair, rescues Mary Beth. Though fearful of him, she entreats him to help her find and save
her child. On their trek together, they fall in love, but in the post Little Big Horn battle are not
times
for a biracial relationship and then there remains Night Horse, a man with no world. Though well
written starring two charming lead protagonists and a strong support cast that brings out the
aftermath of Custer's Last Stand, SAVAGE HERO in many ways is the typical Cassie Edwards'
Indian romance. The story line is Ms. Edwards' trademark paint by numbers tale, but also contains
an insightful look at the fall of 1876 approximately three months before the battle. Fans of the
author
and of the sub-genre will appreciate SAVAGE HERO as few can relate a story as well as Ms.
Edward's does with her over thirty "Savage" novels, but this book belongs with the top rung.
Moon Racer
Constance O'Banyon
Leisure
ISBN: 0843951885 $6.99, 351 pp.
In 1870, eight-year-old Abigail Hunter feels her life is over as they bury her mother who
apparently
killed by her father and is incarcerated for murder. Her three older brothers try to help her cope,
but
the tragedy seem too much for them as it is for her. One by-product of no longer having a mom is
Abby was raised as a rancher on the Hill Country, Texas Half-Moon Ranch rather than as a lady.
Ten years later, Abby still struggles with the pivotal tragedies as her father is released from prison.
When she meets Major Jonah Tremain when he seeks a horse tamer, she falls in love. However,
he
wants a real lady as a wife and not a tomboy who happens to be the trainer of the horses he needs.
Jonah never reckoned with a Texas tornado like Abby who goes after him with a vengeance. The
key to MOON RACER, book three of the Half-Moon Ranch romances (see HUNTER'S MOON
by
Bobbi Smith and RENEGADE MOON by Elaine Barbieri) is Constance O'Banyon's skill to
further
the mystery of ten years ago without giving away the secret. The lead couple is a solid pair as
Abby
goes out of her way to prove to the obstinate cavalry officer that it is not petticoats it is the heart.
The strong story line adds depth to the Hunters while entertaining readers with a fine Texas
romance. Anyone who reads this novel and its predecessors (sequential order is the best approach,
but each tale can stand-alone) will die waiting for the finale DARK MOON by Evelyn Rogers to
learn what really happened a decade ago).
Dark Moon
Evelyn Rogers
Leisure
ISBN: 0843952148 $6.99, 368 pp.
Matt Hunter leaves his family's Half-Moon Ranch to journey to England to buy a thoroughbred
racehorse known as a killer, Dark Champion. By the time he returns to Diablo, Texas, his three
siblings are married (see HUNTER'S MOON by Bobbi Smith, RENEGADE MOON by Elaine
Barbieri and MOON RACER by Constance O'Banyon) and his father freed from prison, having
completed a ten year prison sentence for murdering his wife. Widow Juliana Rains returns to her
hometown of Diablo seeking to learn how her mother died. In her gut she believes that her
stepfather killed her mother, but lacks evidence. Besides finding the proof, she sees Matt. Juliana
has
never forgotten Matt nor he her. As they fall in love, her inquires may prove deadly. Besides
which
love may not be enough for these two individuals with plenty to demonstrate to others without
the
trouble of a relationship to impinge on their respective efforts. This reviewer could not wait for
the
final story in a strong quartet of novels to learn the truth of ten years ago (clever writing by three
authors hooked me to wait for the finale). Following up with the climax on three well-written
western romances released over the last couple of months by other authors is not easy. However,
Evelyn Rogers makes it look effortless. The author succeeds because of two superb lead
characters,
the personality consistency of the repeat support cast especially Matt's siblings and father, and the
clever close-out of what happened a decade ago. Though the villain lacks anything redeeming,
readers will appreciate the final the HALF-MOON RANCH tale that completes a wonderful
trilogy.
Red Angel
Andrew Harper
Leisure
ISBN 084395275X $6.99, 368 pp.
After being attacked by an escaped mental patient in his own home who threatened his wife and
children, Troy Campbell needed plenty of time to recuperate both physically and mentally. Now
the
psychiatric Technician and Supervisor of D ward at the maximum security hospital of Darden
State
is ready to tackle the six inmates of Program 28, Sexual Sadistic Predator Violent Sociopath
Level
seven. One of the worst of these offenders is Michael Scoleri, a man who has the looks of a
choirboy
but the heart of a monster. Somehow, some way, Scoleri is getting messages from the Red Devil,
a
disorganized psychopath who is kidnapping young children, drugging them, than drowning them.
Before he dumps their dead bodies he attaches bloody wings to their necks, fastened with a coat
hanger. His latest victim is the son of Darden State psychiatrist Elise Conroy and she intends to
use
Scoleri to track down the Red Devil in defiance of all the rules with only the help of Troy
Campbell.
Andrew Harper is the one of the best crime thriller writers of the decade just as Douglass Glegg,
Harper's alter ego, is a master of horror. RED ANGEL is not for the faint of heart because there
are
some very gory and visually graphic scenes. The protagonist is a good and noble person who
wants
to know how a sociopath comes into being, a trait that causes him to become involved in
dangerous
situations. If this book is an example, Leisure's new line of thrillers will be a smashing
success.
The Cowboy Who Came Calling
Linda Broday
Leisure
ISBN: 0843951877 $5.99, 352 pp.
In 1881 Texas, former Ranger Luke McClain (homage to Lucas McCain?) lives to take vengeance
on the man who destroyed him. Luke cannot turn to his family because he feels a lot of guilt for
several reasons towards his sister-in-law, who obviously cherishes his brother. Glory Day knows
her
family is in trouble as the bank pressures them for payment on the ranch. She plans to capture
escaped prisoner Mad Dog Perkins in order to collect the bounty. She traps Mad Dog, but Luke
gets in the way and she ends up shooting the wrong guy. Luke heals on the Day spread where he
charms and helps her family. Glory wants him to leave until they kiss. She realizes she shot the
right
man because that made him stay in time to fall in love. THE COWBOY WHO CAME CALLING
is
a warm western romantic sequel to the graphically vivid KNIGHT ON THE TEXAS PLAIN
though
charcaters from the first novel make limited appearances in this book. Thus, readers have a choice
to
either go back or to peruse this delightful stand-alone tale. The story line is fun as Luke
exacerbates
Glory by his not only taking over her role with her family, but their appreciation of his doing so.
Linda Broday is a skilled author who shows her ability to provide a solid novel in which the
romance
takes center stage with western and suspense elements providing profundity and focus to the love
story.
To Wake the Dead
Richard Laymon
Leisure
ISBN 0843951044 $24.00, 384 pp.
In 1926 Robert Callahan accompanied his father to Egypt and through an unusual set of
circumstances found the tomb of Amara, the favorite wife of Mentuhotep I. He unknowing
opened
the magic seal that prevented her from walking the night and actually saw the body of the man she
had killed. He finds an Egyptian mystic to fashion two seals that will keep her in her coffin and
when
that is done he smuggles her home to add the sarcophagus to the family's Egyptian antiquities
collection. In the present thieves enter Robert's home and break the seal that binds Amara. Freed,
she kills Robert before returning to her resting-place. The collection is willed to the Charles Ward
Museum but at night Amara walks, killing anyone whom gets in her way. She looks for her infant
son once buried with her and will not rest until she finds him. The police refuse to believe there is
a
killer mummy stomping around, but one man knows the truth and is bound by his promise to
Robert
to find a way to stop the mummy's reign of terror. Richard Laymon is an award-winning author
and
after reading this book it is easy to see why. Unlike the recent Mummy tongue in cheek (wrap?)
movies, TO WAKE THE DEAD is a very scary novel, so frightening that readers will go to bed
with the lights on. The author has given the mummy quite a personality without her ever saying
one
word and somehow he makes her believable to the audience and that is what makes Mr. Laymon
so
good because few horror novelists ever achieve the stark realism he attains.
Lucifer's Crown
Lillian Stewart Carl
Five Star
ISBN 0786253487 $25.95, 450 pp.
Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury did not die a martyr's death in 1170 as the history
books proclaim. At the last minute, he decided to escape and an innocent monk named David
willingly gave up his life for the cause. As his punishment for his overwhelming pride, Sir Becket
was granted eternal life so he could atone for his sins. In the present, he is living in Temple Manor
in
Glastonbury guarding one third of the Holy Grail. His path crosses that of Maggie Sinclair and
Rose
Kildaire who, along with Scotsman Mick Dewar, are the key to finding the stone, the second part
of
the grail. On the eve of the new millennium these four reluctant warriors are enjoined by the Lady
to
unite the book to the stone and the cup to ensure another millennium of life for humanity. Trying,
to
stop them is Robin Fitzroy, a being who long ago allied himself with the dark principalities. If
Robin
can stop them, the world will enter the End Times. LUCIFER'S CROWN uses the archetypes
from
many different cultures, legends, and myth to create an original good vs. evil story line. The
characters are what make this plot so unique because all the protagonists are fatally flawed yet
reject
evil again and again even when they are tempted beyond measure. Hearts will go out to Becket, a
man who has lived eight centuries and never loses faith even though he has yet to find his own
ease
of heart.
Deus X and Other Stories
Norman Spinrad
Five Star
ISBN: 0786253509 $25.95, 231 pp.
This collection consists of a novella and two short stories. All three tales entertain the reader with
intriguing looks at society and how "abnormal" individuals try to fit or hide in plain sight. Thus
Norman Spinrad does what he has done quite nicely since the 1960s, spin radical stories of odd
relationships that cross horror and science fiction but all contain a reader looking at Alice looking
in
the Looking Glass with a ten foot tall twist to them. The short stories focus on the bulimia
vampire
crowd fitting quite nicely with high society in a fancy restaurant or puking in a toilet ("The Fat
Vampire"). Count Dracula provides a series of tiny vignettes on taking a bite out of the Big Apple
after relocating to NYC because he knows the murders there are more sensational than any of his
killings ("Vampire Junkies"). The title piece novella is Deus X. As the End Times seem to be upon
humanity, the Pope must deal with a different "soul" than any he ever dealt with before in his
Christian programming. This is a thought-provoking solid science fiction tale that ponders robotic
dreams simialr to Bradbury on Penguin Island.
When Kindness Fails
Elizabeth Fackler
Five Star
ISBN: 0786254432 $25.95, 215 pp.
El Paso Detective Devon Gray is assigned to investigate the stabbing murder of a Jane Doe near
the
river. After completing his shift, he heads home where his live-in lover Samantha is hosting her
ex-husband Jay Leher. Jay claims he drove not stop from Los Angeles because his girlfriend fled
LA
before calling him to tell him to forget her. Jay knows she is in trouble. Devon uses his
connections
to learn where Lisa Scobar was staying, but when he sees her photo he knows he has found out
the
identity of Jane Doe. Devon travels to Chinati, Texas where Ranger Prairie Drake accompanies
him;
this is her first case. They visit Lisa's husband Sergio Tierrasantas, a wealthy man who lives like a
warlord. When bad things start happen to people he cares about, Devon goes over the edge using
excessive force, leading to a suspension and a job working for Sergio. As he spies on the power
lord
to try to bring him down, Devon finds his adversary quite a foe, making the cop wonder if he
needs
to cross the line to stop his enemy. This is an exciting police procedural that contains twists and
turns including one shocker of an ending. The story line is action packed yet in some ways low
keys
the investigation, which adds to the overall flavor. Though the relationship between the Texas
Rangers and the city police is never fully explained except one on one in the boudoir, fans will
enjoy
this terse thriller and want to read the prequel PATRICIDE.
Uncanny Tales
Robert Sheckley
Five Star
ISBN: 078625341X $25.95, 252 pp.
This sixteen-story collection shows the vast range of Robert Sheckley's works as the contributions
range across the speculative fiction spectrum. Mr. Sheckley seems as comfortable writing in
fantasy
as much as science fiction, which this reviewer is more familiar with his novels in the latter genre.
The well written tales focus on the minds of the key characters (not all human) who face adversity
that are often colossal, but also achieving success. However, readers need to also understand that
eleven of the tales were in other publications within the last five years with nine of these appearing
in
the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Subscribers of that magazine will already know how
good Mr. Sheckley's shorts are while much of the rest of us for familiar with his novels and their
movie adaptations will appreciate this anthology.
In This World or Another
James Blish
Five Star
ISBN: 0786253495 $25.95, 388 pp.
This anthology is a pleasant surprise for fans of speculative fiction as James Blish passed away in
the
1970s, but as this work will prove he was and still is one of the best. The ten stories, introduction,
and a poem were all written in 1950s and 1960s. Each of the ten tales is a superb example of why
Mr. Blish is still considered a genius by the genre's writers. The tales are complex in spite of each
being relatively short. Intricate but exciting writing is a trademark of this author and this
anthology
provides that and more. Fans of science fiction short stories will want to read this powerful
collection and this reviewer also recommends the novels BLACK EASTER and THE DAY OF
JUDGMENT for an interesting spin on the War for Heaven and earth.
Stranger in Paradise
Geraldine Burrows
Five Star
ISBN: 1594140251 $26.95, 200 pp.
In Maui, Kate Elliot runs am eight room bed and breakfast, the Bird of Paradise. However, after
growing up here and returning from the mainland four years ago, Kate suddenly suffers from
acrophobia, not a good trait for someone selling views from the heights to tourists. A local
Kahuna
informs her that she is tormented by a premonition of something she expects to happen soon.
Mark
Smith arrives as a guest, but acts as if he must hide secrets, paying in cash so he leaves no paper
trail. When he suffers from severe sunburn, he rejects a hospital, but accepts aid from Kate and
her
friend. As Kate and Mark become better acquainted they begin to fall in love. However, she soon
learns what the omen of the egrets on her roof warning her to beware of the shark means. In this
case it is not a watery creature, but Mark the Shark, who has plans for her B&B that excludes
Kate.
Though Mark's behavior is more than suspicious from the start, fans will enjoy this Hawaiian
romance. Kate is a delightful character though she should not allow the "bellboy" to lift. Her "split
personality" that adopts some island customs and some mainland practices will entice the audience
to keep reading. The secondary characters provide a local flavor so that the readers receive a four
lei
tale that is simply fun.
To Die or Not To Die
Sam McCarver
Five Star
ISBN: 0786254440 $25.95, 215 pp.
In 1919 English Professor John Darnell and his wife of seven years Penny are expecting their first
child in a couple of months so he plans to so no sleuthing. However, Mayor Blake Aylmer of
Stratford-on-the-Avon calls to ask John to look into two sightings of ghosts on the eve of the
American John Barrymore performing Macbeth and Hamlet. Penny persuades John that they can
enjoy the performances while he conducts an investigation. In Stratford, while John begins his
inquiries, Penny visits the sights. However, the case begins turning ugly as dead cats (out of
Othello)
are found and a near fatal accident occurs. Soon the actress Portia Regan is murdered with
suspicion
on the director Rex Flint, who had an affair with the actress and offers a shaky alibi. A second
murder follows, that of a night watchman, who must have seen something though he insisted he
slept through the Portia killing. With a Scotland Yard friend on the scene with John, they
investigate
two homicides while the great Barrymore does justice to Shakespeare. The latest Darnell
historical
mystery is an interesting tale that places a great deal of emphasis on John Barrymore so that the
audience receives a sense of knowing the actor. The investigation is fun, but takes a back seat to
the
era and the stage. The cast is a solid group that enables readers to better observe post WW I
England. The answer to whether to read or not to read Sam McCarver's latest work is an
affirmative
for those fans of early twentieth century who-done-its with an emphasis on the times.
Off-Season and Other Stories
Jeremiah Healy
Five Star
ISBN: 0786254386 $25.95, 265 pp.
This eleven-story mystery collection consists of nine shorts, one longer short tale and a novella.
The
longer short story ("Proportionate Response") and the novella ("Off-Season") are published for
the
first time while the remaining stories were all released in various publications in the last five years.
Each of the eleven entries is well written and contains the trademark Jeremiah Healy final twist,
but
the book belongs to the two never seen before longer tales. "Proportionate Response". Not long
after he retired from the military Colonel Raymond Hammett lost his beloved Hildy, who died in
an
air crash. Two years after he buried her, he still mourns her and privacy is all he wants. However,
his
neighbors, the preadolescent Peele brothers (Jeff and Curt) steal his canoe ending his hermit life.
After "consulting" with Hildy as he always does the Colonel calls the police to locate his vessel
and
to capture the thief, not knowing why Hildy encourages him to bring wine. This is a tale of
thievery
and counter theft. "Off-Season". After intense work involving a mob killing, Boston Sergeant
Detective Kevin Malley goes to Ste Marie, Macaroon in the Caribbean on vacation. While he
spends
the night with an islander, someone murders Faith Bressler, a guest of the Bayview Hotel.
Inspector
Paul Gant questions fellow guest Kevin, who has an airtight alibi. Insisting he lacks homicide
expertise, Paul asks Kevin to help on the murder case. Kevin quickly agrees not realizing that the
inquiries will make him friends with a gecko. This is a superb police procedural with a twist that is
realistic that no one will see coming.
Dreams of Jeannie and Other Stories
Catherine Dain
Five Star
ISBN: 0786254408 $25.95, 204 pp.
This engaging eleven story and one essay collection stars female sleuths for the most part who
were
prime players in Catherine Dain novels. The Mariana Morgan story is a delightful paranormal
mystery that is a wonderful follow-up to ANGEL IN THE DARK. There are three Freddie
O'Neal
contributions that display how delightful a protagonist she is. However, the coup of this anthology
is
Faith Cassidy, who stars in five of the tales. Two other stories are also included. This is a strong
collection that will send readers seeking novels by Ms. Dain especially starring the three females
listed above. The essay is an interesting analysis of the roles of women fictional detectives. The
fables were all published since 1990 with several in popular books so that these will be familiar to
fans of short sleuthing stories. Still in one collection, readers will find plenty of enjoyment
following
the exploits of Ms. Dain's delightful distaff detectives who star in DREAMS OF JEANNIE AND
OTHER STORIES.
Speaking with Angels
Michelle West
Five Star
ISBN: 0786253436 $25.95, 335 pp.
This thirteen-story fantasy collection contains entries all written in the past decade or so. Each
contribution will interest the reader as various emotions serve as the respective centers of each
tale.
Fantasy fans should comprehend up front that whether it is Christmas or some other festive
occasion, these offerings typically do not end in a happily ever after, but for the most part will
leave
readers with a lump in their throat. Hell what could one expect with some of the locations. Every
story is extremely well written and worth reading and this anthology showcases Michelle West's
talent and imagination to play with feelings. This reviewer must specifically mention the final
entry,
"To Speak with Angels", which with pride will leave nary a dry eye.
The Wedding Diaries
Linda Francis Lee
Ivy
ISBN: 080411997X $6.99, 368 pp.
In Texas, Max Landy shows a house he lists to his client Vivienne "Pampered Princess"
Stansfield.
Not long afterward, Vivienne learns that she is in deep debt and her father, who pays the bills, is
missing and her fiance dumped her. Max sees her in Bobby's Place, a popular bar, drowning her
sorrows and offers her encouragement. However, she interprets his words as a job offer as a
nanny
to his younger sisters that he raises. A couple of days later an even more desperate Vivienne
accepts.
Desperate for someone to care for his two siblings he gives her a chance. As they fight she begins
to
provide a positive influence on his two wards and his other adult siblings. She feels good that he
seems to care about Vivienne and not the media darling princess. Soon Max and Vivienne fall in
love, but her faith in Max is shattered when she learns he has kept a scrapbook centered on her
since
they met twenty years ago as children from different sides of the tracks. THE WEDDING
DIARIES
is a fine contemporary romance starring two likable lead characters, a host of congenial secondary
players (his siblings), and two disagreeable parents. The story line is fun as readers enjoy watching
the "Pampered Princess" struggling yet persevering against all odds. Though key issues and
problems resolve too easily, Linda Francis Lee provides a delightful tale that sub-genre readers
will
enjoy.
Dancing In the Dark
Dee Davis
Ivy
ISBN: 0804119783 $6.99
Two years have passed since the car accident that took the lives of her husband and four-year-old
son, but free lance photographer Sara Martin still grieves. When the phone calls began, her friend
Bess Haskins pushes Sara to talk with her husband Tony, an Austin police detective for advice.
Sara
reluctantly does, but Tony misses the appointment. His partner Eric D'Angelo takes time from the
Sinatra serial killer case he works to provide her with practical tips. Surprising both Eric and Sara,
they feel an immediate attraction to one another as neither has found any recent interest in the
opposite sex until now. However, the Sinatra case intersects with Sara as the killer, over the
phone,
begins describing the grisly scenes to her in some sort of macho boasting manner. If he did not
love
her, Eric would wonder if Sara was helping the murderer, but because he does he concludes that
she
is the ultimate target, but who is this Sinatra fan? Though serial killer romance tales have been in
over abundance of late, this novel is a refreshing entry due to the Sinatra angle. The story line is
loaded with action that turns quite frenzied when Eric realizes that his beloved is in danger. The
lead
couple is a charming pair and his partner and her friend add depth to the stars. Dee Davis
furbishes a
strong police procedural romance and readers will enjoy DANCING IN THE DARK (but keep
the
lights on it's hard to read in the dark).
The Gates of Heaven
Curt Benjamin
Daw
ISBN 0756401569 $23.95, 464 pp.
The kingdom of Thebin was a prosperous place under the rule of a benevolent king until the
hordes
of Horn invaded. They killed the king and queen and sold the seven princes into slavery. An army
of
occupation now rules Thebin. Several years later through the help of an earth god, Llesho is freed
and determined to find his brothers and liberate his homeland. He discovers two of his brothers
almost right away and finds allies to help him throw out the invaders. When he finds his next
sibling
he is joyous but he realizes the next prince found is mad and not to be counted on to fulfill the
quest.
By this time, Prince Llesho knows that his goal is bigger than his family regaining their kingdom.
Heaven is being besieged by an evil being let loose by Master Marrko, a powerful mage and
Llesho's
sworn enemy. Only when all the princes are united and the kingdom is free will Llesho find the
entrance that will take him to Heaven so he can defeat the evil creatures. If he fails, all of Earth
and
Heaven will be destroyed. Prince Llesho is a determined, head strong and vulnerable young man
who attracts allies to his quest because they believe in him. The prince learns early on that being
favored by the gods is no easy thing because he is at their whims and mercy. What sets out as a
boy's
dream to find his remaining family turns into a man's quest to free his homeland and destroy the
indestructible if he wants to see this world and heaven safe in a world filled with many kingdoms
and
empires gods walking alongside man.
The Sorcerer's Academy
Denise Little, editor
Daw
ISBN: 0756401577 $6.99, 320 pp.
The first reaction to a fifteen-story sorcerer's academy would be Potter lite. However, the
contributors to THE SORCERER'S ACADEMY spin a series of tales intercalated by the locale
and
by the magic that makes a reader finish in one sitting the entire collection. The stories are fun as
apprentice sorcerers and wannabe Gandolfs obtain an education in the use of the arcane powers.
Fans of the Potter books will realize that this is a well-done Americanized Hogwarts School for
Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reader will want to head past Phoenix to Sedona to audit Sorcery
101, remedial sorcery, and advanced sorcery courses. Attend the labs and the lectures of noted
Professors like Edwards, but study hard for that final exam as even college grads will not have
seen
the likes of it and beware of being the teacher's pet or class clown in these environs.
Sword and Sorceress XX
Marion Zimmer Bradley, editor
Daw
ISBN: 0756401429 $6.95, 320 pp.
Unbelievable that this fantasy anthology has reached number twenty. Even more incredible is that
the
collection remains very fresh as the stars continue to be female practitioners of sword, spell, or
both
yet the underlying theme changes. This time the proposition is "finding yourself or your true
path".
Besides eighteen overall well done tales (with a few really great ones especially a mermaid this
reviewer admits Ariel and ilk always hooks me) starring female champions from all walks of life,
some of the contributions dip into other genres like mystery and horror. The introduction also
provides an interesting question in which several of the authors answering that when they were
younger, they wanted to be (fill in the blank). Though mostly female authors, there are a few male
writers, but readers will not be able to delineate gender without checking the name. Fantasy fans
of
heroines will appreciate this tale that will probably introduce the audience to future greats (no
predictions forthcoming but watch out for the real McCoy) as previous collections have done.
Finally besides the short stories, a nineteenth finale contribution "Homily" is the final entry in
more
ways than one as this is the calming words said at the funeral of the legendary Marion Zimmer
Bradley who obviously is writing words of wisdom starring heavenly souls.
Stars
Janis Ian and Mike Resnick, editors
Daw
ISBN: 0756401771 $23.95, 400 pp.
The theme is a gimmick as this collection contains thirty tales built from Janis Ian's music. Ms. Ian
selected the authors based on her love of science fiction and how each one influenced her lyrics.
Thus the anthology goes full circle. Each tale is well written with some being fantastic such as
Nancy
Kress' "EJ-ES" (work it out) and Resnick's "Society's Gov". No contribution is weak as the
STARS
of SF pay homage to Ms. Ian and her wonderful songs. Fans of short story science fiction will
appreciate this delightful book, but especially those like this reviewer who remembers hearing
"Society's Child" on the radio when some young teen my age was the rage. Though not attending
Elsinore (try Hunter Bronx at seventeen) and having not been at conventions in recent years due
to
health, there is only one personal complaint to this fine collection. Resnick failed to announce that
Ms. Ian would be at the 01 World Science Fiction Convention, for this fan of hers would have
made
superwoman efforts to attend. Keep that in mind bias is showing.
Whispers
Lisa Jackson
Zebra
ISBN: 0821776037 $6.99, 432 pp.
In Oregon, sixteen years ago someone killed Harley Taggert. Influential business mogul Dutch
Holland bribed law enforcement officials to close the case because he feared one of his three
daughters is the murderer event though he no idea which one committed the act. Dutch plans to
run
for governor and wants all family secrets out in the open. He calls his three adult children to his
home and asks who killed Harley. DA lawyer Miranda denies any involvement. Mother of two
children Claire, recovering from a divorce from a pervert-rapist spouse, also says she had nothing
to
do with the homicide. The youngest Tessa the rebel tells her dad to stick it. Expecting no more,
Dutch hires private detective Frank Petrillo to investigate at the same time that local bad boy
turned
international journalist Kane Moran has come home to write a book about the murder. This is an
improved rewrite of a solid romantic suspense tale released in the nineties that shows sometimes if
it
isn't broke, it still may be worth bettering it. Lisa Jackson shows how confident and clever she has
become as an author as motives are stronger and easier to understand leading to a more powerful
and deeper cast as well as a different climax. Fans of the author and those who enjoy a taut
romantic
suspense thriller will shout aloud how good this one is, but as a bonus get a copy of the very well
written mid 1990s version (don't say a word about storage) to see the maturity of a rising
star.
The Artful Miss Irvine
Jennifer Malin
Zebra
ISBN: 0821774603 $4.99
With both her parents dead and having inherited a coveted fortune, twenty-three year old Maeve
Irvine decides to leave her home in Boston to escape the fortune hunters. She travels by sea to
London to stay with her Aunt Eleanor Blaine. She plans to hide her wealth, never marry, and earn
a
living as a portrait artist. At the embankment in England, Duke Adrian Ashton tells Maeve she
looks
familiar. Both flirt outrageously before she has to leave. At Eleanor's home, Adrian arrives to take
his visiting mother and his daughter home when he recognizes Maeve, who he learns, is cousin to
his
deceased wife Belinda. He wonders if Maeve is just like Belinda, a cheating spouse who even said
she could not be sure that he sired their child that he loves. As Maeve and Adrian fall in love, he
runs hot and cold as to whether man eating runs in her family especially when she starts
serendipitously visiting a man engaged to someone else. Though clearly by the book, Regency
romance readers will immensely enjoy THE ARTFUL MISS IRVINE, a charming tale made
warm
and entertaining by the lead duet. Maeve is a brave soul who never expected to find love, but now
that it arrives she wants to cherish and enjoy it. However, Adrian, burned once, has problems
reconciling his love for Maeve with his previous relationship. Jennifer Malin makes reading
fun.
Say No to Joe
Lori Foster
Zebra
ISBN: 082177512X $6.99, 384 pp.
When God created male sex appeal, Joe Winston broke the mold. Of course, Joe immensely
enjoys
how women covet him, all that is except one. Luna Clark rejected his advances instead of the
usual
in the sack after one look from him scenario. Swallowing her pride and hiding how much she
loves
Joe, Luna visits him after a three-month hiatus. She needs his strength to help her with two
orphans
(Austin and Willow) residing with her. However, it is not for the kids that she needs him though
an
adult male can only help. Someone in the town of Visitation want to hurt the two children or at
least
make them leave and only Joe can keep the trio safe. Joe sees this as the opportunity to finally get
Luna in his bed and out of the wrong head (in his mind that is). However, Joe quickly enjoys the
company of the kids and will do anything to keep them safe. As he falls in love with Luna, he
knows
he would risk getting his butt tattooed for her if she would only believe he is serious about her.
The
latest Winston tale is an exciting romantic suspense story that fans of Lori Foster, the series, or
the
sub-genre will fully enjoy. Though a subplot involving a nasty from Joe's past takes away from the
steam and speed of the exhilarating story line, readers will appreciate this "family of four" fighting
back while turning into a cohesive loving unit. Readers will say yes to this winning Winston
thriller.
More Than You Know
Meg Chittenden
Berkley
ISBN: 0425192105 $5.99, 304 pp.
In Chicago thirteen years old Nick Ciacia learns that his father, a cop, was killed while stopping a
holdup. At the funeral a stranger informs Nick that the Snowman committed the atrocity and is
rumored to have moved to Seattle. Nick vows one day to avenge his father. Eventually he
persuades
his mother and grandmother to move to Seattle to start over. Twenty-three years later, Nick is a
FBI
agent who takes leave because he has a tip that provides him finally with a name to the Snowman.
He trails Bart Williams, a German immigrant who changed his name upon gaining citizenship, but
loses the man at a mall. Nick simply changes prey and follows the wife Maddy instead whom he
previously met at an art gallery. When Bart vanishes, Nick persuades Maddy to let him help her
find
him. They follow Bart's work trail along the West Coast where he sells pharmaceutical products.
Eventually a Realtor finds him dead, allegedly a suicide victim. As Nick and Maddy continue to
follow clues to determine whether Bart was the Snowman, they fall in love but she learns the truth
about his quest making trust an issue. Romantic suspense readers will have a field day (and night)
with the delightful MORE THAN YOU KNOW. The story line focuses on tracing the missing
husband as much as the romance. However, Once Bart is found dead (about the midpoint), the
tale
continues to be a terse thriller, but loses some of the momentum especially the intensity between
the
lead couple. Fans of Meg Chittenden will welcome back his author who was missed during her
sabbatical.
A Garden in the Rain
Lynn Kurland
Berkley
ISBN: 0425192024 $7.99, 432 pp.
Law partner Bentley Taylor III ended his engagement to attorney Madelyn Phillips in order to
marry
someone else. He also left her with no job and no place to live. Still, Madelyn always dreamed of
leaving the United States to tour the Highlands of Scotland so she goes on her honeymoon sans
her
husband. Bentley follows her and makes life miserable by using his contacts to cut off her credit
and
steals her clothing. Still Madelyn refuses to have anything to do with her former suitor. Instead
she
is attracted to Patrick Macleod, who hates life ever since he lost his cuckolding wife and child six
years ago. Everyone except perhaps his brother and sister-in-law thinks he killed his spouse.
Especially blaming him is his in-laws, who want him dead. In this environs, he does not want to
fall
in love, but he cannot resist Madelyn. Fans of contemporary romances starring two delightful lead
characters and containing a touch of the supernatural and a degree of mystery will enjoy A
GARDEN IN THE RAIN. The story line is fast-paced, but the behavior of Bentley does not
become
clear until late in the book, a major turn-off as he is a key player who makes no sense until deep
into
what is otherwise a delightful story. Still the cast is strong and the different sub-genre elements
blend
nicely together so that the audience receives a fabulous novel.
To Catch a Wolf
Susan Krinard
Berkley
ISBN: 0425192083 $6.99, 368 pp.
In 1875 werewolf Morgan Holt is released from prison after spending several years behind bars in
a
mercy killing of his ailing father whom he hated for deserting the family. For the next five years he
roamed among wolf packs refusing human contact. However, hunters shoot him and he turns into
a
human found by members of French's Fantastic family Circus who help him heal. Feeling gratitude
though he prefers to leave, Morgan agrees to remain until the circus turns a profit. He performs as
the Wolfman. After a fire devastates the circus, Niall Munroe offers needed funding if the circus
performs in Denver for an orphanage his wheelchair bound sister Athena sponsors. Athena and
Morgan fall in love as he shows her the hidden wolf inside her, but her sibling has other plans that
exclude Morgan. TO CATCH A WOLF is an enjoyable werewolf historical romance that contains
a
strong main plot centering on the love and demons of the two protagonists. The key to the tale is
that the audience will accept as easily as the circus troupe that werewolves are real. To a degree a
romance between Niall and Caitlin a circus performer adds depth, but the brother comes across
too
nasty to accept in that role at least in this title. Still fans will howl for a sequel because Caitlin
deserves her story told and readers will want to know about another performer's homecoming and
whether this lead couple has a werepup.
The Dick Francis Companion
Jean Swanson and Dean James
Berkley
ISBN: 0425181871 $14.00, 224 pp.
Almost fifty years ago, highly successful jockey Dick Francis left horse racing to write mystery
novels that in many cases used his former occupation as a milieu. Over the next four plus decades,
genre fans continually loved his works that have led to multiple awards including a life
achievement
and grandmaster status. When his companion, his beloved wife Mary died a few years ago, Mr.
Francis finally slowed down his incredible high quality annual production of great who-done-its.
THE DICK FRANCIS COMPANION provides further recognition of one of mystery greats as
well
as giving readers a deep look at his works since the 1950s, his memorable characters, an exclusive
and interesting interview with Mr. Francis, and of course links to horse racing. Though clearly for
fans of the author, this biography with its emphasis on the novels and a recent anthology is a
Triple
Crown winner (so the finish line is stretched across the ocean as Mr. Francis raced in England) for
those readers who know a sure bet.
Killing Raven
Margaret Coel
Berkley
ISBN 042519261X $22.95, 384 pp.
The Wind River Reservation is home to Arapaho lawyer Vicky Holden but her law practice is not
getting her enough clients to stay in business. When Adam Lone Eagle asks her to come work
with
him at the newly opened Great Plans Casino, she asks the advice of two elders whom she trusts.
They tell her that it would be a good idea to have an extra pair of eyes inside the casino to make
sure
it is being managed properly. From almost the first day she starts working at the casino, she has a
feeling that the head of the commission overseeing job hiring is placing people he knows in
positions
they are not qualified to handle for a kickback but she has no proof. As she delves into the records
to get the evidence she needs, Vicky finds proof that Lodestar Enterprises which is running the
Casino is committing even worse crimes, but her snooping almost gets her killed. Her friend
Father
John O'Malley rushes to the rescue but may prove too late. KILLING RAVEN is a fascinating
who-done-it but it is also a manifesto about all the evils that seem to accompany legalized
gambling.
The author gets a little too preachy on the subject but it is a sure bet that readers will overlook
that
small flaw due to the exciting and fast-paced story line. Margaret Coel gives the audience a sense
of
what it is like living on a reservation and why some people can never leave the land they call
home.
Edge of the Moon
Rebecca York
Berkley
ISBN: 0425191257 $5.99, 336 pp.
Montgomery County, Maryland detective Jack Thornton works three missing people case in
which
he believes homicides have occurred. Graphic designer Kathryn Reynolds calls the police because
her tenant Heather DeYoung has not returned home in a few days. Jack arrives to see if this
disappearance is a boyfriend fling or part of his case. When Jack and Kathryn see each other for
the
first time, neither can breath. For Jack this is his first real awareness of a woman since a DUI
driver
killed his wife leaving him to raise their two preadolescent children on his own. For Kathryn this is
a
first. Simon Gwynn uses many aliases and houses to incarcerate his prisoners until he is ready to
sacrifice them in an ancient ritual that will soon enable him to control the energy essence Ayindral.
He believes Kathryn will prove to be the key offering. As Jack falls in love with Kathryn he feels
someone is playing them as puppets in a stage greater than this mortal orb, but what is he to do
with
the gut feeling that is almost as strong as his need to keep his cherished ones safe. Though it takes
an adjustment, readers will enjoy this paranormal romantic suspense. The story line combines
fantasy
with a police procedural wrapped inside a romance. The lead couple is a charming pair who must
wonder if their love is real or the machinations of Ayindral. Simon is a powerful villain who
cleverly
hides his true identity while working on his final enchantment. Fans of a different type of tale will
want to go to the EDGE OF THE MOON for an enchanting trip.
On What Grounds
Cleo Coyle
Berkley
ISBN 04251921X $5.99, 288 pp.
Clare Cosi loved her time managing the Village Blend Coffee house but was sick and tired of her
husband cheating on her; she divorced him and moved with her daughter to the New Jersey
suburbs.
Now that Bay is grown, the owner of the village Blend, who happens to be her ex-mother-in law,
wants her to manage the coffee house for a percentage of the profits. On the day she moves she
finds the body of the assistant manager unconscious at the bottom of the basement stairs. After
she
is rushed to the hospital, the police take a look around the premises and believe Anabelle had an
accident. Clare thinks she met with foul play based on the fact that the garbage can is out of place
and coffee grinds are on the floor. She starts making inquiries of people close to Anabelle and
ends
up finding herself almost ground to death on the wrong end of a gun. This is the first coffeehouse
mystery and it is a clever, witty and light-hearted cozy. Clare's mother-in-law is playing
matchmaker
giving her beloved ex-daughter-in law and her son shares of the building and joint tenancy of the
suite above the business. The two-ex-spouses are at the mercy of a woman they both love and it
makes for some truly hilarious moments. Cleo Coyle is a bright new light in the mystery
horizon.
Paint By Murder
Kate Kingsbury
Berkley
ISBN 0425192156 $5.99, 224 pp.
Even though her parents were killed in the London bombings and her ex-husband absconded with
most of her money Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton is determined to look after her tenants and
the villagers of Sitting Marsh. As the lady of the Manor, she feels it is her duty to set an example
to
the people who look her for guidance during the perilous times of WW II. When one of her new
tenants, artist Basel Thorncraft, is murdered she is told that the local constables are not handling
the
case. There are rumors in the village of a German spy staying in the area waiting for a pick-up by
his
masters. Elizabeth thinks that the spy killed the artist but there are so many new faces in the
village
that she doesn't have a clue as to who the perpetrator is. She starts her own investigation, an
action
that has always put her in danger in previous homicide investigations. PAINT BY MURDER is a
splendid British historical cozy that gives the reader a feel of what life was like in the small
English
towns during W.W.II. The heroine is always torn between acting like a proper English lady and
giving in to the impulses that always get her in dangerous situations. Kate Kingsbury's Manor
House
mysteries are simply delightful and her latest work is no exception.
Room For Murder
Tim Myers
Berkley
ISBN 0425193101 $5.99, 192 pp.
The Hatteras West Inn, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains has on the property a
near duplicate lighthouse as the one found on Cape Hatteras. Alex Winston, who has lived in
Elkton
Falls all his life is justifiably proud of his establishment and is positively thrilled that the Dual
Keeper's quarters of the inn is finally ready for occupancy. The opening festivities include a debate
between two locals who are running for mayor since longtime mayor Grady Hatch is calling it
quits
and plans to see the country in his new motor home. After the speech making, Alex learns his best
friend Mor Pendleton is finally going to marry Emma and he couldn't be happier for the couple.
When Mor goes to his car, he finds a dead body in it and learns the victim is Emma's abusive
ex-husband. Both Emma and Mor are prime suspects in the murder but nobody suspects her of
killing one of the candidates for mayor. Alex thinks the two murders are linked and decides to do
a
little snooping when he isn't busy running the inn and persuading his co-worker Elise that they
should be a couple. ROOM FOR MURDER is a quaint small town cozy mystery that gives the
audience a glimpse into the small town Southern lifestyle. The protagonist of the novel is a likable
and endearing character who likes to get involved in the local homicides. Tim Mysers is a talented
storyteller who knows how to write an interesting amateur sleuth tale. Readers will have a hard
time
figuring out who the perpetrator is but once he is revealed, it makes sense and is totally
believable.
Imitation In Death
J.D. Robb
Berkley
ISBN 0425191583 $7.99, 352 pp.
The summer of 2059 is a scorcher and crime is on the rise but Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the New
York Police and security department has a very high profile case that takes up all her time. The
body
of a prostitute is found in a back alley in Chinatown and the way she was killed is identical to Jack
the Ripper's signature. On the toe of the victim is a letter addressed to Eve challenging her to try
and
catch him. The only clue he left behind is the stationary addressed to Eve that is illegal in this
country since it is not recycled. Only a few outlets in Europe sells them and Eve is able to get the
names of the people who bought it who are now living in New York. All the suspects are rich and
powerful so Eve has to tread carefully even when the perpetrator strikes two more times
mimicking
The Boston Strangler and Ted Bundy. Eve is in a race against time before the suspect kills again
but
she needs one more piece of evidence before she can take him down. J.D. Robb has written
another
exciting futuristic romantic mystery that will have fans of many genres clamoring to read it.
IMITATION IN DEATH brings back secondary characters including Peabody, Eve's assistant,
who
is preparing to take her detective's exam and move in with her lover. The heroine solves this dark
and gritty case with her usual panache and a little help from her busy billionaire husband
Roarke.
Unexpected
Lori Foster
Kensington
ISBN: 0758205481 $14.00, 384 pp.
In a Chicago dive, Eli Conners awaits the arrival of the meanest SOB that a firm he contacted for
special help employed. Into the bar walks a beautiful woman, who joins him. The company sent
Ray
"don't call me Jean" Vereker, who confidently informs Eli that she is the best and baddest. She
will
go to Central America to retrieve his kidnapped brother, as she already knows where he is held.
After seeing her "perform" and reading her resume and accolades, Eli hires her, but insists he
accompany her when she goes to free nineteen year old Jeremy held in Mataya. As they trek
through
the jungle, they fall in love, steaming up the already heated environment. However, he is an upper
crust business mogul while she is a lower class mercenary making a permanent relationship seems
impossible. Though readers will find it difficult that behind the desk even diligently working out
Eli
can keep pace with a pro like "bad girl" Ray in a deadly jungle scenario. Still the story line is
hotter
than the locale as the lead duo find love is an UNEXPECTED place, time and person. Lori Foster
provides her usual strong suspense thriller with a gender bending twist on her bad boy tales.
Bad Boys Online
Erin McCarthy
Kensington
ISBN: 0758205937 $14.00, 256 pp.
"Hard Drive". In Cleveland's Ohio Microdesign Corporation, Mack Stone walks into the office of
Kindra Hill only to overhear her having cybersex with some stud. He has wanted Kindra for
awhile
so he sees an opportunity. She agrees to twelve hours of bona fide sex to prove there ain't nothing
like the real thing. Kindra, who has lusted after Mack, agrees. However, what will happen once
their
experiment ends. "Press any Key". Jared Kinkaid has desired Candy Appleton since he first met
her,
but to escape his lust, he avoids her like the plague because he knows sex and business is a bad
mix.
However, his evasion has caused problems in developing the ad campaign for Chunk o Chocolate,
so their boss signs them for an online couples' counseling seminar that is so sensual that Jared now
knows what a hard drive is. "User Friendly". The Three Commandos have hacked into Halley
Connors on line catering service leaving behind her face on a highly endowed naked woman. She
races to her best friend computer pro Evan Barrett to fix it. He can easily fix that job, but
desperately wants Halley as his lover forever, but how to persuade his "sweet stuff" to take a
chance
on rebooting their relationship. All three novellas are hot, obviously computer related and fun.
Though the mixing of sex in the work place seems like trouble (as my beloved deceased
father-in-law would say "don't s**t where you eat") as Jared has learned first hand. Cybersex and
reality sex in the office may seem inappropriate, but readers will still enjoy surfing these tales.
Life a la Mode
Linda Lenhoff
Kensington
ISBN: 0758204930 $12.95, 256 pp.
Thirty years old Holly Phillips lives in Greenwich Village and works as a book production editor.
Four years ago she divorced her husband Josh who remarried. Three years ago her father ran off
with a cousin that no one heard of so he lives in Texas. Her sister Janie has been engaged five
times,
but never made it to I do and now number six has been hooked. Finally her mother is running off
with her lover on an African safari. At work her cubicle mate shy Tom has been coming on to her
with his origami of animals gifts. However, Holly has doubts about a relationship especially in the
office. Besides she is in now forced into bonding with her mom, her sis, and her best friend Maria
but wonders why across the Hudson in Jersey and what topic should she choose in hosting
shower
six for Janie? Though a lighthearted romp, LIFE A LA MODE works because of the humorous
Holly who turns the plot into a very funny look at singles life in Manhattan. The story line will
amuse the audience as Holly provides asides on everyone else even while she is forced into
women
binding and a potential cubicle romance. Readers will laugh loudly at the lead female's outlook on
life's deprecating and embarrassing moments caused by friend and family.
The Boathouse
Caroline Upcher
Kensington
ISBN: 0758203209 $14.00, 304 pp.
Fourteen year old Molly tells her father that she will marry the boy next door upon learning that
the
new neighbors have three teenage sons. Her father asks her which one? Molly meets Warren when
he brings his ailing canary to her dad a veterinarian for treatment, but the bird is dead. Warren is
in
her class, a fact she never noticed before. She meets "Sweet Pea" Pete when she comes over to
Warren's house at the invitation of his mother, but finds he uses nasty barbs as weapons of mass
destruction. Eventually she meets the oldest beautiful brilliant Billy surrounded by a bevy of
beauties. Several years later, Molly flees to Long Island to spend time with her godmother Mitzi
and
to clear her confused mind as something is lacking in her relationship. Mitzi would prefer her
guest
drop the rosy romantic glasses and toss the three Murphys into the ocean so they can swim back
to
England. What will Molly do and will she realize who really lovers her as she is and not what she
can
do for them? Fans of deep character studies will do themselves a favor by reading this tale of a
delightful individual's struggle between the past (especially her mom dead when Molly was four),
the
present (circa 2000), and the future (which Murphy?). Though the story line slowly develops so
that
the audience has a taste of Molly at various ages, readers will appreciate her as the saving grace of
this novel. She is an intriguing mix of emotions that come alive differently with her interactions
with
the Murphy males.
Standing in the Shadows
Shannon McKenna
Kensington
ISBN: 0758204531 $14.00, 416 pp.
Former FBI undercover agent turned private sleuth Connor McCloud knows life in his profession
means double-crosses and betrayal. He bitterly reflects on the cruelty of life now that he is little
more than a hermit except for serendipitous surveillance and distant photos of individuals that end
up destroying relationships. His most trusted friend Ed Riggs deceived him and set him up to take
a
fall though blackmailing circumstances caused the actions. When Connor put Ed and his
blackmailer,
deviously clever maniac Kurt Novak, behind bars, he also lost the woman of his dreams, Erin, the
daughter of the traitor. When insiders abet Kurt enabling him to escape, Connor knows that he
and
Erin must be revenge targets of this lunatic. Though he expects that Erin detests him for putting
away her father, he vows to keep her safe, but wonders how he will hide from her how much he
loves her. Erin reciprocates, but does not trust the man she loves. Fans of erotic romantic
suspense
will enjoy the hot action-packed thriller STANDING IN THE SHADOWS. The story line moves
quickly except for the heated scenes that take a bit of acceptance at first as Erin mistrusts Connor
yet entices him as the goddess of sexual seduction to jump into bed with her when they are
BEHIND
CLOSED DOORS. Still, Shannon McKenna provides a powerful bodyguard tale filled with
tension,
sexual and intrigues.
The Other Twin
Hunter Morgan
Kensington
ISBN: 082171400X $5.99, 352 pp.
In 1974 Newark, the twin sisters wait in the car for their father to leave the bar to drive them
home,
but he is to busy getting intoxicated. Charles Eshley snatches one of the girls, eventually raping
and
killing Marla. Though he is the obvious suspect in other murders of one sibling of twins, no
evidence
exists to prove it. In the Marla murder, the surviving sister Sydney had seen him and testifies at
his
trial that he abducted her sibling. Her testimony convicts Charles to a life sentence. Almost three
decades later, Sydney, a divorced mother raising a teen, learns that a twin has been snatched. She
also finds out that Charles has been paroled as a model prisoner with a heart ailment. She believes
Charles took the child. When a second abduction occurs, she turns to the author of a book on the
snatching of Marla and other twins, Marshall King for help. As she and Marshall fall in love, the
danger for Sydney and her daughter mounts, but almost no one believes she or her daughter are in
danger from an ailing old man. Like many recent novels the plot focuses on twins as its prime
device
(to the point of twins baby boom). Though overused, Hunter Morgan keeps his tale fresh and
engaging, as Sydney seems alone in her effort to keep her daughter safe. Though the final twist is
reminiscent of a Dean Koontz novel (this geezerette cannot recall the title), the audience will
enjoy
this engaging romantic suspense thriller.
DarkRange
S. Roy L. Hawkins
Trafford
ISBN: 1552129055 $23.25
Eight centuries ago, give or take a decade or two as post catastrophic historical time is not
precise,
pandemic devastation occurred when the magnetic poles shifted. Most people drowned on
continents flooded by the oceans; others died not long afterward. Over the next eight hundred
years,
the few survivors live a sparse nomadic lifestyle with tribes constantly vying with others as
available
sustenance is slight. The Usenn know life is a bitch and then you die, but a local calamity strikes
the
tribe when invading strangers abduct a Doctor-Woman while she gathered herbs. The leaders
assign
their greatest warrior Odd to rescue the Doctor-Woman, but they have taken her to the forbidden
eerie Darkrange, the last place even a great warrior like himself would not want to enter.
However,
Odd enters the uncanny realm not just out of honor and duty, but also because he loves the
Doctor-Woman, though no one knows his deepest secret feelings. The DARKRANGE is an
exciting
post apocalyptic tale that takes the audience on a powerful journey because this future earth
seems
like a genuine depiction of an orb impacted by a change in global polarization (as has happened in
the eons of the planet). Odd is a great lead character whose physical prowess and consequently
confidence in his abilities are legendary amidst his people, but now knows fear as he enters a real
to
be avoided, but his biggest apprehension is for the woman he loves. S. Roy L. Hawkins blends
action-packed science fiction, a mystery of past present and future, and a touch of romance into a
fabulous futuristic phenom that needs time for its one sitting read.
Nine Layers of Sky
Liz Williams
Bantam
ISBN 0553584995 $5.99, 448 pp.
The collapse of the Soviet Union meant the end of hope for people like Elena. She had earned her
degree in astrophysics and worked on earth on the construction of the MIR space station, hoping
one day to go into space. Now she works at a cleaning woman in Uzbekistan selling black market
goods across the border in Akazahstsn hoping to earn enough money so that she, her sister and
mother can purchase visas that will allow them to settle in Canada. One day while crossing the
border, she picks up a sphere that an ambulance driver dropped and takes it home with her. This
action brings Ilya Muromyets into her life, an eight hundred year old man who is seeking death,
but
is always brought back to life by the Rusalka, beings from another dimension. Ilya was hired to
find
the sphere and bring it to the men who want it but once he meets Elena his plans change because
the
Rusalka are after her and he cares enough about her to want to keep her alive. In time, they learn
that the sphere is a gateway to alternate Russia, one where dreams become reality and creatures
of
myth roam the forests. Many people are searching for this device and if they find them, they will
kill
Ilya and Elena and permanently seal the breaks between the worlds. Liz Williams is one of the
bright
new stars in the science fiction galaxy and one of her strengths is she never writes the same book
twice. NINE LAYERS OF SKY is an action thriller with elements of fantasy and alternate history
added to create an urban noir science fiction work that is fascinating to read. This work has
cross-genre appeal and will add more readers to the author's growing fan base.
Fountains of Secrets
Josie Litton
Bantam
ISBN: 0553585843 $5.99, 358 pp.
In 1837, Akoran aristocrat Gavin Hawkforte travels to the deserted island of Deimatros where
Deilos the traitor tried to murder the prince's parents. However, he is shocked to be greeted by a
woman with a pistol. Persephone informs him that she lives on Deimatros. She asks why he is
here
and he responds that he has come to conduct measurements of geological points to compare to a
century old survey. Persephone in turn explains that the three millennia dormant volcano that once
destroyed much of the Akoran archipelago is awakening. As she takes him into a cave still open
to
him show the lava flow, Persephone says she lived here most of her life with her self-exiled
mother,
who died a few years ago. As Gavin and Persephone work together to try to stop a natural
disaster
from happening, they fall in love. However, she has a secret concerning her lack of family that
makes
it impossible for anything permanent to occur between them once he learns the truth. Though
another tour of reading duty at Akora may seem tedious with the fifth trip to the island paradise,
Josie Litton keeps it fresh with a twist that brings the series full circle (though the next tale seems
already set up). The story line focuses on to how to stop or impede the upcoming natural disaster
almost as much as it does on the historical romance between the lead protagonists. Fans of Akora
and those Xenos among the audience will appreciate another Akoran stamp on their passport even
if
it is mostly a return to the deserted isle of the caves.
Never Trust a Lady
Suzanne Robinson
Bantam
ISBN: 0553584235 $6.50, 320 pp.
In 1861 Lady Eva Sparrow flees the boredom of aristocratic Victorian England to explore the
United States. Her plan is to travel from New York to Texas and back before returning to her
homeland. Though she heard of slavery and felt appalled that someone could treat another human
as
property, Eva becomes outraged to see the plight of blacks when she reaches Natchez,
Mississippi,
but has no idea how she can help. Though a Texan, Ryder Drake is a Union spymaster with
agents
throughout the Confederacy. He does not trust women with his work or his heart, but soon finds
himself in the uncomfortable position of needing Eva, whom he just met. She, with her feet in
several worlds, is his best hope to prevent a plot to assassinate Queen Victoria. NEVER TRUST
A
LADY reads more like a fine historical novel than a Civil War romance though there is a love
subplot between the lead couple. The story line focuses more on the British involvement in the
war
including the seemingly paradoxical support of the south. Fans of solid Civil War novels that
focus
on the historical elements with a pinch of romance will appreciate this book more than those in the
audience who prefer the romance take top billing.
Fatal Tide
Iris Johansen
Bantam
ISBN 055380247X $24.95, 336 pp.
Lontana's Island in the Lesser Antilles is the refuge of Melis Nemid, a woman who loves the
dolphins Pete and Susie that she trains as if they were own children. She doesn't like or trust men
except foster father Phil Lontana or the crewmembers of his shop the Lost Home. Phil is obsessed
with discovering the location of Marinth, an island of an advanced civilization that sunk beneath
the
sea millennia ago. Arms dealer Hugh Archer wants the research notes concerning the weapon that
Phil developed that can cause earthquakes because a Mideast terrorist group is willing to pay
much
money for it. When Phil refuses to deal, Archer blows up the ship with Phil aboard and goes after
his
protegee Melis who he knows has the location of the research notes. When Melis also refuses to
deal, he kills her closest friend forcing her to team up with billionaire Jed Kelby who will help her
kill
Archer if she leads him to the location of Marinth. Though feeling somewhat comic book in
nature,
FATAL TIDE is an exciting romantic thriller that starts off at light speed and just picks up speed
until the climax is over. In between chase scenes, the two protagonists find room for romance but
the real scene-stealers are the two dolphins, more loving and civilized than most of the humans in
the
novel. Melis will engage reader empathy especially when the audience discovers the extreme
trauma
she suffered as a child. Nobody will pity her though because she has grown into a strong woman
who is not afraid to mete out justice to those who deserve it.
The Perfect Summer
Luanne Rice
Bantam
ISBN: 0553584049 $7.50, 431 pp.
For twenty-five years Bay and Sean McCabe have been married and lived in Hubbard's Point,
Connecticut. They have three preadolescent children. The couple has had their ups and downs
especially caused by Sean's womanizing. However, ever since last year when their oldest child
Annie
overheard her father speaking romantically to another woman shaking up Sean, the relationship
seems honest and solid. The youngest child calls from the little league field to inform her mom
that
her dad failed to pick her up as previously arranged. Falling into routine, Bay rationalizes that
Sean
must be running late at the bank where he is a vice president and drives over to bring Peg home.
When an employee of Sean calls asking for him and why he missed a key meeting, Bay begins to
worry. Annie rides her bike to the family boat with Bay and a close friend Tara following. They
find
blood and call the police. Bay learns the FBI is involved because of embezzlement shenanigans at
the
bank. With her only lead being Dan Connolly, someone she had a puppy crush on before she
married, Bay makes inquiries into what happened to her spouse. Luanne Rice's latest thriller is
THE
PERFECT SUMMER novel for fans of police procedural romances. The action is loaded and the
tension shrewdly elevated especially as Bay begins to realize that her spouse is not coming home
and
as she, Tara, and Annie begin to unravel the truth. Though the interrelationships are explained,
they
still seem stretched until the dichotomously plausible final note to Annie is found and explains all
to
readers who will find this an entertaining romantic suspense tale.
Grass for His Pillow
Jean Hearn
Riverhead
ISBN: 1573222518 $24.95, 292 pp.
Following his killing of the malevolent Lord Lida, Takeo feels ambivalent towards the Tribe who
saved his life, but killed his adopted father even while he struggles to learn how to master his
extraordinary powers. Takeo decides to learn more about the enigmatic Tribe of assassins in lieu
of
accepting his deceased adopted father's crown. However, Takeo quickly realizes the way of the
Tribe is not for him because being a hitman goes against his nature, but one does not just retire
from
the Tribe so he must find a way to leave. Princess Kaede waits for her beloved Takeo to return to
her, but does so in her homeland of Maruyama. She learns that her father has lost much of his
power
and land. Knowing that war is imminent anyway to fill the Lida void, Kaede plans to restore her
family to its previous level of strength. The second Tales of the Otori fantasy is an exciting novel
that has a middle feel to it so that the audience will be better suited starting with the prequel. Still,
Takeo is a fabulous individual struggling with powers and finding a place in a sword and sorcery
society that seems on the brink of destruction. Kaede takes more center stage this time while she
waits for her beloved to return to her, she does not sit idly on the sidelines, but instead assertively
takes charge of the family restoration. In spite of the "book two trilogy syndrome", GRASS FOR
HIS PILLOW is a solid tale that the audience will appreciate as the viaduct to what looks like will
be a tremendous climax.
Where the Truth Lies
Rupert Holmes
Random House
ISBN: 0679452206 $24.95
Journalist K. O'Connor looks back to her scribbles in the seventies when she was hired to write a
book about the renowned sixties music-comedy team of singer Vince Collins and comedian Lanny
Morris. When they were the kings, their career abruptly collapsed when a dead girl was found in
their hotel room; both men had airtight alibis, but the public saw it differently. The act broke up
and
they have not seen each other since their fall from grace. O'Connor investigates Collins and
obtains
pages from a book Morris is writing. She begins to make further inquiries into the death that
killed
their career. As she comes closer to the truth, O'Connor wonders if she will K.O. one of her
subjects, or will she be a victim too perhaps by a third party. WHERE THE TRUTH LIES is a
powerful historiographical look back through a 1970s past filter to the 1960s Hollywood
who-done-it that is at its best when O'Connor Remembers Wenn in the seventies via her notes of
information for the biography she was writing. When the tale turns into a straight who-done-it it
loses the entertainment industry glitter that lifts its out of the typical amateur sleuth tale though
the
investigation remains fun. O'Connor is a delightful individual filled with energy even when she just
looks back to her notes. Fans will enjoy the escape into the past that this fine novel provides.
The Companions
Sheri S. Tepper
Eos
ISBN 006053821X $25.95, 454 pp.
In the far distant future, mankind has colonized other worlds and made alliances with many
sentient
species. On Earth people live in small apartments in huge towers miles high. Whatever land isn't
used
for habitation is used for growing food, which means that the flora and fauna is pretty much
extinct.
Whatever animals are left are cherished by the arkists who need to take them off planet since a
law
was passed saying that all non-humans on earth must be destroyed. Jewel Delis is determined that
dogs will have a place to live free and she has a staunch supporter in someone highly placed in
Earth's government. She travels with her brother Paul to the planet Moss to see if they can find a
way of communicating with beings of different color light. Moss and it's moon Treasure also play
an
intricate part in the canine breeding program but this is a strange and unusual planet, one that will
take Jewel on the adventure of a lifetime. Sheri S. Tepper is one of the best world builders in the
science fiction genre; a writer who can make alien beings and unique planets seem very real and
alive. The heroine is very committed to saving the dogs and she makes huge sacrifices to ensure
their
survival and that will endear her to readers. A sub-plot involving two species determined to wipe
out
humanity is a pivotal and necessary device to advance the story line. THE COMPANIONS is a
special work, one that will appeal to fans who love great space opera.
Death At The Door
K.C. Greenlief
Dunne
ISBN 031231809X $23.95, 304 pp.
In Door County, eastern Wisconsin, Ann Ranson, her husband John and Sheriff Lark Swensen of
Big Oak play golf at the Gibraltar State Park course. Ann isn't a good player so when her shot
goes
off the mark, she thinks she injured the man lying on the ground. When they go to investigate,
they
discover that he is bleeding profusely from a knife wound. A call to 911 has State Detectives
Lacey
Smith and Joel Grenfurth work the scene because the local sheriff is short on help. Lacey and
Russ
drag Lark into helping them since the three of them have worked on a case before, with a little
help
from John, and brought it to a successful completion. Russ and Lacey are in the area because they
are working on a string of burglaries where antiques are taken from summer residents but there is
no
sign of forced entry and nothing in the houses are disturbed. When Paul Larsen dies, Lark, Lacey,
Russ and find themselves spread thin working both cases not realizing that there is a link between
the two crimes and if they find it, they will also find the killer. K.C. Greenlief has written an
exciting
police procedural set against a back deep of beautiful backwoods country. The case is solved by
tried and true investigative techniques but the who-done-it is interesting because anyone living in
the
area could be the killer or the thief. The relationship between Lacey and Lark is a hoot because he
spends so much time trying not to show his feelings though they are obvious to everyone
including
lacy. Ann and John add civilian support that leads the police to some significant clus. DEATH AT
THE DOOR is an incredible reading experience.
Elspeth Huxley
C.S. Nicholls
Dunne
ISBN: 0312300417 $35.00, 528 pp.
With Liberia making headlines as to send or not to send that is the president's question (it only
took
fourteen years and three administrations to get to that point), a biography on Elspeth Huxley,
known
for her writings on Africa, seems timely. The book provides a fascinating glimpse of what seems
like
an archaic philosophy today, but only a few decades ago was acceptable. C.S. Nicholls analyzes
Huxley's vast works that for the most part defend the English dominant position in much of Africa
throughout the first half of the twentieth century. The biography is extremely strong when the
author
paints an insightful and propitious picture that enables readers to better understand bygone eras.
Huxley lived for most of the century (1907-1997) and what she supported through her writings
has
been one of the key factors that later led to much of the devastation that the continent has faced
since the 1960s and 1970s independence movements succeeded. The only flaw is that author C.S.
Nicholls rationalizes Huxley's defense of white colonialism, turning the biographer into an
apologist
rather than being a historiographer and thereby placing Huxley in a wider social text. Still the
book
is well written and will keep readers interested in a proficient, but not popular defender of the
crown.
Our Lizzie
Anna Jacobs
Dunne
ISBN: 0312311435 $35.95, 320 pp.
In 1908 when she was twelve, Lizzie Kershaw sees her pleasant world end with the accidental
death
of her father at the brewery he worked at. The family finds different ways to bring in income
including two borders, the Harper sisters, who have shared a similar loss of income due to a
death.
Though young, Lizzie accepts a job as her part to make money. Sam Thoxby takes advantage of
the
grieving Kershaw and Harper families though he pretends to be a Good Samaritan providing help,
but he has hidden agendas. In the case of the Kershaws, he plans to one day marry Lizzie when
she
is of an age because he likes her spirit. Over the next few years, Lizzie's mother is mean and
viscous
towards Lizzie culminating with her forcing her to marry Sam. He is physically abusive so she
learns
when it is worth the beatings to challenge him. When he goes off to war, she takes employment at
a
munitions factory where she begins to fall in love with someone else. However, Sam still looms on
the horizon and divorce is unacceptable. This is a strong historical character study that includes a
finely developed ensemble. The story line enables the audience to observe life in the first quarter
of
the twentieth century as Anna Jacobs provides a powerful spotlight. Sam is too sly and devious so
that some of the tension between he and a rival upon his return from the war is abated. Still OUR
LIZZIE is a tremendous historical fiction that escorts the audience into an up front and close view
of
life in England almost a century ago.
The Dewey Decimal System of Love
Josephine Carr
NAL
ISBN: 0451209710 $12.95, 272 pp.
Forty-year-old Philadelphia librarian Ally Sheffield has always been comfortable living a single
lifestyle even after fifteen years of celibacy and four years without a date. However, her feelings
abruptly change when she sees Philadelphia Philharmonic conductor Aleksi Kullio. Suddenly, Ally
feels in love though she never met her idol. From contented abstinence Ally knows desire and
wanting to thank this music maestro. Someone conducts pranks at the library that includes
olfactory
overload. As the librarians wonder whom and why, Ally volunteers to serve as archivist at the
Philharmonic where she meets her beloved. The married Aleksi flirts with her even while his wife
looks up poison references. When Aleksi uses her to "steal" a Copland score, she tries to turn the
tables with the help of Beethoven, the Feds and her boss Gordon Albright, who loves Ally. THE
DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM OF LOVE is a solid contemporary romance with a touch of
intrigue. Ally is a fine protagonist whose sudden awakening to the male of the species after years
of
satisfying spinsterhood is well designed, believable, and fun to observe. Though Aleksi's motives
never make sense, Josephine Carr provides the audience with a warm tale of late bloomers finding
love.
Texas Cooking
Lisa Wingate
Onyx
ISBN: 0451411021 $6.99, 320 pp.
Just a few months ago, Colleen Collins worked as an investigative reporter for American Business
Dailey in DC. Now she is unemployed but needs money so Coleen accepts a freelance assignment
from a friend at Southern Women's magazine to write a series of articles on food and culture.
Colleen accepts the meaningless assignment though her self-respect is in the toilet. She travels to
San Saline, Texas in the heart of the Hill County, but feels lost in the middle of Nowhere without
gas until True the Tractor Man rescues her. As she and True become acquainted under the
auspices
of local matchmaking led by the aggressive Ladies' Sunday Supper, they fall in love. However, she
is
a big city reporter while he is a small town CEO with the elderly preacher Malachi Simmon
encouraging her to take a chance on love. This engaging relationship drama focuses on the
heroine
as she struggles to decide what she truly wants in life. Her dilemma is simple as she thought she
was
contented with her DC job and her boyfriend, but finds she is having fun and love in the Hill
Country. So will readers due to the eccentric support cast and a delightfully opposites lead couple
that will send fans of contemporary tales enjoy the taste of TEXAS COOKING.
Don't Look Now
Linda Lael Miller
Atria
ISBN: 0671042521 $24.00, 304 pp.
In Cave Creek, Arizona, defense attorney Clare Westbrooke is shocked when she learns someone
murdered her sleazy boss Harvey Kredd. Heading the investigation is Homicide Detective
Anthony
Sonterra, who detested Harvey and his law firm for their penchant to stretch rules to exonerate
obviously guilty punks. In fact, the infamous Lench debacle led to a break up between Clare and
Anthony. Anthony questions Clare about her public fight with Harvey not long before he died.
Clare
insists the battle was over who would take a hit for the Lench notoriety. If this is not bad enough
for
Clare, her brother-in-law Mike Fletcher has been let out of prison and begins making demands to
see
perhaps regain custody over his daughter. Clare hates Mike because she believes he killed her
sister
and will never allow him control over her niece. With her personal world near collapsing, coping
with the man she loves who disrespects her and feeling like an indentured servant at work, Clare
wonders if perhaps it is time to flee with her niece. This is an exciting romantic suspense thriller
that
will leave readers wondering whether justice for one person may mean injustice for someone else.
The story line is action-packed and is at its best when the lead couple is in conflict. When Clare
easily falls into Anthony's bed after a frightening intense day, readers will wonder how someone
so
intelligent can be so stupid especially on top of that keeping secret her indentured status from the
man she loves. Still DON'T LOOK NOW is Linda Lael Miller at her intriguing best.
Resolved
Robert K. Tanenbaum
Atria
ISBN 0743452860 $26.00 343 pp.
His mother and his brother were Satan worshipping pediophiles but Felix Tighe was just a
run-of-the-mill psychopath who tortured his wife and tormented before killing a young woman
and
her child. He was arrested charged with second-degree murder and sentenced to twenty-five years
to
life in prison. While at New York's Auburn prison a fight breaks out and he gets injured but not
before killing a guard. Now he's looking at the death penalty but the chief trustee at the infirmary
known as the Arab manages to fake his death and sends him to his Arab brethren. Rashid is using
Felix to go where Arabs would be looked on in suspicion (following the events of Sept 11 in
Manhattan) and to plant bombs on vehicles used by people who were responsible for sending The
Arab to prison. The terrorists' ultimate goal is to free the Arab using Felix as their mule. Both the
Arab and Felix want to kill the entire Karp family because the Chief Assistant District Attorney
was
the prosecutor responsible for sending them both to prison. This is the fifteenth episode in Robert
K.
Tanenbaum's long running series and it is just as fresh and compelling as the first entry. The story
is
told from the viewpoint of Karp, his wife, their daughter and Felix so reader know what is going
on
at all times in the minds of the primary characters. RESOLVED is an exciting legal thriller that the
audience will keep on reading until the final page is turned.
Fortunes of the Dead
Lynn Hightower
Atria
ISBN 0743463897 $24.00, 320 pp.
Someone is targeting FBI and ATF agents that were involved in the Waco firestorm. So far five
Feds are dead and within minutes after each killing an Internet broadcast announces the name of
the
victim and location. The Feds have targeted somebody associated with the US Pro Am Markus
Bourbon Rodeo as the killer but they don't have any idea who that person is. ATF intern Cheryl
Dunkirk has been missing for eight weeks, her car the scene of a violent struggle. Not satisfied
with
the work of the local police force, the family hires private investigator Lena Padget to run a
separate
investigation hoping she will bring a fresh perspective. There is a link between Cheryl's
disappearance and the killing of the federal agents that Lena figures out. She goes to the place
where
she believes the killer will strike next and finds quite a horrific scene with a killer still in the area
needing to be caught. FORTUNES OF THE DEAD takes place two years after the events in
SATAN'S LAMBS and Lena has finally made peace with the death of her sister and her unborn
child
and her nephew. She is now living with homicide detective Joel Mendez who helped bring her
sister's killer to justice. Lena's takes on the case that her lover is working on and that makes for
some very interesting scenes between the duo in a novel that is full of action. There are many
surprises in Lynn Hightower's latest book including two cases that intersect and two killers on a
collision course. This is one of Ms. Hightower's best works to date.
Beachcomber
Karen Robards
Atria
ISBN: 0743453484 $25.00, 352 pp.
Though the tie-in to the Jersey mob is in her blood and further connected through her mom's
relationship with Uncle Vince, corporate attorney Christy Petrino always adhered to the law,
having
nothing to do with criminal activities of friends, family, or sponsors. As the fiancee to her boss
Michael DePalma, her personal life looked as settled and contented as her profession. However,
that
illusion is ends when she suddenly knows too much to live. Hiding in the North Carolina Outer
Banks, Christy's collapsing life falls further apart when she stumbles on a dying woman on the
beach
and sees the shadow of the murderer. She flees only to catch Luke Rand on her beach property. A
FBI agent, Luke wonders how his surveillance of Christy could go so wrong as he tries to learn
what she knows about her boss Michael. That same night Luke rescues Christy from an attack
from
the shadowy figure she saw earlier. Marked by a serial killer, the mob and the FBI, Christy's first
day
in the Outer Banks makes Atlantic City seem safe. This romantic suspense novel opens at a very
fast-pace, continues throughout with plenty of action and never lets up until the final moment.
This
leaves readers breathless trying to keep up. Christy and Luke are a delightful lead couple
struggling
with attraction vs. commitment (to a job that is). Though the diverse subplots (serial killer and
mob)
take adjustment to keep track of since the female protagonist is caught in the crosshairs of both,
fans
of Karen Robards will value this terse thriller.
Summer Harbor
Susan Wilson
Atria
ISBN: 0743442326 $25.00, 352 pp.
As a child, Kiley Harris enjoyed Hawke's Cove because her two best friends, Mack Mackenzie
and
Grainger Eden, were there. The trio were the three musketeers until Mack and Kiley begin going
steady. When Mack and Kiley make love for the first time, she realizes she wants Grainger. They
make love that same night and explain to Mack their feelings. Distraught he goes sailing in a
storm
and dies. Kiley and Grainger feel guilt and her pregnancy adds to the end of what they once had.
Nineteen years later, Kiley has never returned since that fatal night, but her aging father pressures
her to go back to sell the house and boat not in use. She refuses until her son Will gets busted for
possession. As much as she dreads going to Hawke's Cove, she feels this will be good for her son
before he leaves for Cornell in the fall. Kiley and Grainger remain leery of one another because of
the guilt and specter of Will, but also still love each other. Will needs to know which one is his
biological father and pursues that while trying to bring together his mom and the man who may be
his dad. This engaging contemporary romance focuses on how the past is difficult to forget even
when loved ones are involved in the present encouraging you to do so as Kiley and Grainger still
blame themselves for Mack's death. Though the action is limited and the flashbacks to more
merrier
times takes an adjustment, readers who appreciate a strong character study will want to visit
SUMMER HARBOR, a fine New England second chance tale.
Love and other Recreational Sports
John Dearie
Viking
ISBN: 0670032190 $23.95, 224 pp.
Wall Street banker Jack Lafferty still recovers from being cuckold by his fiancee Kim and the
overall
viciousness of the Manhattan swinging singles scenes on a reticent individual like himself. He
vows
no more women believing that they just turn his lonely miserable existence into hell. At a
wedding,
Jack meets lawyer Sarah Mitchell. Everyone sees they are meant for each other besides being
single
professionals in the city. Though they share a love for the arts and each participates in their own
way, Jack, still hurting to the core, avoids Sara until an epiphany and several coincidental
encounters
makes him realize she is the one for him. However, Jack may be too late and then Kim has
returned
with plans for her former fiance. Though the use of random encounters is overdone,
contemporary
romance readers will appreciate this insightful Manhattan tale starring a gender bender male
willing
to abstain from the opposite sex yet seeking an eternal love. Jack is a great character, whose lack
of
self deprecating humor and overall depressing outlook over his love life makes him seem real. The
rest of the cast brings the Big Apple to life or enables the audience to better comprehend Jack's
forlorn feelings. LOVE & OTHER RECREATIONAL SPORTS is a solid tale of a guy giving up
after failing to find love when the one is finally there.
Deadly Kin
Tom Eslick
Viking
ISBN 0670032484 $22.95, 258 pp.
He is suave, sexy and sweet but that doesn't stop his significant other from dumping him with no
explanation after two years together. So when Laurie ask Will Buchanan to escort her niece to
Zealand Falls in the New Hampshire White Mountains so she can meet her brother Josh who is
hiking the Appalachian trail, he agrees to do it hoping this is the first stop towards a
reconciliation.
When the two siblings meet, Will is shocked to see them make love, but also hears another person
close by. When Josh's body is found at the bottom of the Cliff, Will knows instantly that he was
murdered and thinks of the stranger in the woods. Will becomes involved in Laurie's family
troubles,
which lands him in jail, accused of raping and beating Erin. When he makes bail, Erin disappears
and
Will tracks her down only to find himself the prisoner of Josh's killer. It will take some very clever
planning and execution on Will's part if he wants to get himself, Erin and Laurie (who was also
kidnapped) out of their predicament and in one piece. DEADLY KIN is a fast-paced,
action-packed
thriller that will have readers turning the pages to see what happens next. There are so many
twists
and turns and red herrings that readers will be hard pressed to figure out what is really happening
to
Erin. It is difficult to understand why Will wants Laurie back after the way she treated him and the
trouble he gets into because of her. Inside all this action, Tom Eslick brings to life the beauty of
the
White Mountains to life.
Demon Witch
Geoffrey Huntington
Harper Collins
ISBN 006001427X $17.95, 276 pp.
The people in the small New England village of Misery Point avoid the house called Ravencliff
because they think the place is haunted. They would be right as the house lies on top of a hellhole
and from time to time a demon escapes only to be put back by Devon March, a fourteen year old
young man who only recently discovered that he was a powerful sorcerer of the Night Wing
Order.
Life is quiet at Ravencliff until Edward returns home with his fiancee Morgana. The hellhole starts
pulsating, disembodied laughter is heard throughout the house and all males who come in contact
with Morgana fall under the spell of the succubus. As Devon and his friends battle with the
demons,
the young sorcerer is catapulted back in time to England in 1522 where he must fight Isabel the
Apostate if he wants to defeat Morgana in the present. DEMON WITCH lives up to the promise
of
its prequel SORCERERS OF THE NIGHTWING only this book is much scarier. Imagine Potter
in
a Bentley Little novel and readers will get some idea of what the tone of this novel is like. The
hero
is forced by circumstances to be stronger and braver than his years and readers will take him into
their hearts hoping he gets the chance to discover the truth about his heritage and the identity of
his
parents.
The Second Glass of Absinthe
Michelle Black
Forge
ISBN 0765308541 $24.95, 320 pp.
In 1880 Leadville, Colorado is booming thanks to the vein of silver being taken out of the Eye
Dazzler Mine. Lucinda Ridenour, the owner of the mine, is keeping her young lover in luxurious
style indulging in all kinds of debauched pleasures including drugs and the strong liquor absinthe.
The last night Kit Randall spends in his lover's home, he has some hallucinations that scare him
because he thinks they may be based in reality. A spiteful Lucinda claims that he stole some items
from her before leaving but he is able to talk the police out of arresting him. When his Uncle Brad
and his fiance come to town, they help him hide from the law when Lucinda is murdered. When
Brad returns to Washington DC, Eden stays behind to find a way of clearing his name, even if that
means figuring out who the real killer is. THE SECOND GLASS OF ABSINTHE is an exciting
amateur sleuth tale that will appeal to fans of romances and westerns as much and those who love
historical mysteries will value the tale. Michelle Black is a gifted storyteller whose stark prose and
compelling characters draw the reader into the heart of the story line. The mystery is well
constructed and there is a plethora of suspects who had every reason to see the widow dead
including her own son. Characters from other works of Michelle Black make an appearance
giving
the audience a feeling of continuity.
Lucrezia Borgia and the Mother of Poisons
Roberta Gellis
Forge
ISBN 0765300206 $24.95, 336 pp.
She is the daughter of Pope Alexander VI and the sister of Cesare Borgia, a ruthless and powerful
person, who lives to make war and add land to his empire. Respect of his power and fear of his
anger keeps his sister safe at the royal court of Ferrara where she is married to the Duke's heir
Alfonso. Their marital state is no love match, but a political alliance that furthers Cesare's goals.
After six weeks of marriage, Alfonso publicly accuses his wife of killing his mistress and her
lady-in-waiting Bianca Tedaldo. Lucrezia is angry that her husband would say such things in
public
after she was making a place for herself in Ferrara. She intends to stop the rumors that are now
swirling about her in court by finding the real killer. Just when it looks like she has figured out
who
the poisoner is, someone impersonating Alfonso's brother murders her suspect at a masked gala.
Positive that the two killings are linked, she, her two closest friends, and her maid embark upon a
search for a murderer who will not hesitate to kill again. Robert Gellis is one of the best writers of
historical mysteries (especially medieval and renaissance Europe) in the last decade. Her stories
are
exciting and enthralling because her research works its way in support of the plot so that the
reader
feels as if he or she is actually visiting Renaissance Italy. Cameo appearance by Leonardo De
Vinci is
a nice touch that gives the audience a sense of place and time. Hopefully this will be the start of a
new series of mysteries starring Lucrezia Borgia.
The Hummingbird Wizard
Meredith Blevins
Forge
ISBN 0765307693 $24.95, 400 pp.
Many years ago Annie married into the Szabo clan of gypsies and acquired a huge extended
family.
At her wedding her best friend Jerry met her new sister-in-law Capri and fell in love with her.
They
got married, had a child together and somewhere along the way, they lost their emotional
connection
and got a divorce. Jerry stayed connected to the Szabo clan and looked out for them while Annie
tried to forget they existed after her husband died. After a very long estrangement, Annie visits
Jerry
in San Francisco and lets herself into his home. When she wakes up, Capri tells her that Jerry is
dead. Annie gets bullied back into the life of the Szabo family, protesting all the way while trying
to
find Jerry's murderer and conducting a romance with her former mother-in-law's younger son,
Jozef,
a man of great power. Just when they think they have discovered a suspect in Jerry's murder, that
person is also killed and Annie must to do the unthinkable to protect her loved ones. Meredith
Blevins' debut novel is a whimsical, tantalizing and off beat amateur sleuth mystery that will
remind
readers of Alice Through the Looking Glass. Mina, the heroine's former mother-in-law, is a
delightful secondary character, colorful and free-spirited character who is used as comic relief
when
the tension in the story line gets too high. Readers will fall in love with the Szabo family, a group
of
independent free spirits who march to their own drummers. THE HUMMINGBIRD WIZARD is
one of the funniest and enjoyable first novels this reviewer has had the pleasure of reading.
Wild Nature
Christine Janssen
Wings ePress
ISBN: 1590888480 $TBA
Almost forty, Damien Sutherland knows he messed up his life badly, especially eleven years ago
when he committed a hit and run that left the other driver, now his sister-in-law wheelchair
bound.
Two decades ago he had an affair with a lonely older woman whom just before dying insisted that
nineteen years old Dane Landis is their son. His deceased dad never saw Damien turn his life
around,
perhaps dying with the memory that his son is a drunken loser. Though loaded with guilt, Damien
has made strives to do the right thing when he can. He truly wants to be a father to Dane for
instance. However, deja vu occurs when he crashes into another vehicle, though it was the latter
that
ran the light. Teenager Amy Burke is rushed to the hospital, but everyone assumes a drunken
Damien caused the crash. Though not at fault, Damien feels guilty. He begins helping Amy's
mother
Monica at her pet store and truly enjoys her other daughter, a Downs Syndrome child. As Monica
and Damien fall in love, their respective teenage children make anything permanent impossible.
Fans
who enjoy a deep family drama will want to read Christine Janssen's latest contemporary. The
story
line is more a character study than a romance though a romantic subplot is a critical segment of
the
tale. Why Dane who was in Damien's car during the second crash never is asked and a near rape
inicdent between the teens adds too much angst to a poignant story (perhaps crossing into soap
operaville) but the powerful characterizations make for a fine time.
Silent Desires
Julie Kenner
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 037379102X $4.50
Joan Benetti vows to herself that she can live without men so that she concentrates on making her
erotic bookstore a success. However, her big problem in adhering to her pledge is tasting the
merchandise as the blazing tales make her hot. Thus, in spite of her resolution, she agrees to go
out
with wealthy businessman Bryce Worthington when he tosses her an introductory pick up line.
They
eventually go to his hotel room where the heated looks between them would melt the tundra.
However, Joan, ever the business guru, offers her companion a deal. He teaches her all he knows
about running a business and she will teach him all she learned from her merchandise. Though she
thinks both can be done in a very short time, Bryce is thinking like Scherazade, and plans to be a
slow learner needing a lifetime of remedial lessons. The heroine's attitude is weird to say the least
especially accepting a date with a stranger in an erotic bookstore (even if she owns the place).
Still,
fans will enjoy this lighthearted erotic caper because of her antics towards the delightful Bryce,
who
enjoys being the teacher's pet. One warning is don't try some of those passages (unless your mate
is
willing Stan where are you) as Joan is a professional.
Sex and the Sleepwalker
Donna Sterling
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791011 $4.50
B&B owner Brynn Sutherland handles stress in a unique manner by sleepwalking. She worries
about
getting too much nocturnal exercise in when her former lover Cade Hunter arrives at her B&B.
Cade is working undercover to keep the woman he never stopped loving from harm as he and his
superiors think she is a target of a serial killer. When Brynn sleepwalks into his bed, Cade keeps
her
safe. He even suggests a cure that they visit their old hangouts so that she can resolve what is
bothering her from the past. She agrees, desperate for anything that will let her remain in her bed
for
the night. That is what she felt she wanted but soon realizes her subconscious is not stressed, as
her
mind wants her body in Cade's bed permanently. This heated tale is 95% contemporary romance
and
5% serial killer suspense. The story line focuses on Brynn's sleeping disorder and Cade's efforts to
use that to help keep her in his life with her safety taking a back seat to all else though hr
rationalizes
that his bed is her safest spot. The characters are a fine couple sharing a strange courtship, but
fans
need to know that the intrigue is a minor device to enable Cade to go to the B&B, something he
could have just done without the impetus.
Too Close to Call
Barbara Dunlop
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691408 $4.25
Small Alaskan airline owner Jordan Adamson never knew he had a twin brother until his sibling
Jeffrey Bradshaw arrived from the lower Forty-eight on a business trip. Both are shocked, as they
are mirror images of one another. Jordan believes in the motto that the customer is always right
(for
the most part that is except for safety). Yet he still cannot figure out how living by that creed has
sent him to Los Angels pretending to be Jeffrey even if a storm stranded his sibling in the
wilderness.
Even worse he is making a pitch that his sibling should be making. Making matters feel
Murphyesque to Jordan is his new found brother's promotion competitor Ashley Baines is he
wants
in his igloo forever, but fears the repercussions they would cause to his sibling. Twins seemingly
are
multiplying at an incredible rate in the fiction realm with Temptation joining in the duality with a
pair
serving as the lead in two of the August sweepstakes. Barbara Dunlop provides the audience with
an
amusing contemporary romance in which misconduct and duplicity serve as anchors to TOO
CLOSE TO CALL. The story line focuses on Jordan's efforts to fool Jeffrey's colleagues with one
disturbing exception in which he knows honesty is the key to permanency since he has fallen in
love
with the rival to his brother's potential promotion. Barbara Dunlop provides a lighthearted romp
that
shows you can take the stud out of Alaska, but you can't take baked Alaska out of the California
bedroom.
Too Close for Comfort
Colleen Collins
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691394 $4.25
Jeffrey Bradshaw never knew he had a twin brother until he arrived in Alaska on a business trip
where he met his sibling airline owner Jordan Adamson for first time. His pilot Cyd Thompson
flies
Jeffrey to Arctic Luck where he wants to host a TV series on the last frontier. He plans to make a
fast visit and scurry back to his LA home to protect his chances of advancement. A storm forces
Jeffrey and Cyd to stay put. Though unhappy, the city slicker adapts nicely to the wilderness. On
the
other hand Cyd does not want a TV series destroying the beauty of her state so she tries to delay
his
leaving for LA even when the weather abates, not realizing that Jordan has taken Jeffrey's place in
LA. As Cyd and Jeffrey enjoy the great outdoors they fall in love, but can a frontier woman and
an
urban player find common ground somewhere on the North American continent? Twins seemingly
are multiplying at an incredible rate in the fiction realm with Temptation joining in the
mathematics
with a pair serving as the lead in two of the August sweepstakes. Still Colleen Collins provides the
audience with an amusing contemporary romance in which the Alaskan backdrop serves as a
mighty
scene for two individuals who are a 180 degrees apart on everything but love. The story line
focuses
on Cyd's efforts to keep Jordan occupied with help from her feisty Aunt. Colleen Collins provides
a
lighthearted romp that shows you can take the stud out of California, but you can't take the
sunshine
out of the Alaskan bedroom.
Say You Want Me
Cindi Myers
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691351 $4.25
A nurse at San Antonio's Santa Rosa Hospital, Joni Montgomery knows a Code Blue emergency
has
just hit home when her mama warns her that Grandmother "GP" Pettigrew is visiting her in two
weeks with plans to stay until her granddaughter is married. Joni not only does not wish to have a
husband at this time, she worries that the type of male GP will foster on her is that of a hunk with
a
dangerous job and a reckless attitude. Joni needs a fake boyfriend to con GP into leaving town.
She
has no prospects so she turns to blind date Carter Sullivan who readily agrees to be her pretend
beau. However, Carter has his own agenda as this cop now fully believes in love at first sight. He
plans to go along with Joni's scheme to fool GP until he persuades her to make the sham real even
if
it means enlisting GP's help. The theme of using phony lovers to spin duplicity to fool a meddling
beloved older family member has been used numerous times but this remains a fun contemporary
romance. The story line works because GP seems so genuine, a wonderful, caring, kind, obstinate
busybody. Everyone except the female protagonist will agree that the lead duo belongs together
and
that M&Ms are great (aphrodisiacs?).
The Last Honest Man
Lynette Kent
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711476 $5.25, 298 pp.
In New Skye, North Carolina, angry developer Adam DeVries decides he has had enough of the
corruption and other questionable activities of the Mayor Tate and the Council who seem to
always
find a way to make money at the city's expense. The latest rezoning trick propels Adam to take
action. He plans to run for mayor, but has a minor problem. He has a severe case of stuttering and
only three months to overcome it if he is to be taken seriously by the voters. He turns to town
newcomer, speech therapist Phoebe Moss for help. Though she insists ninety days is not enough,
Phoebe finds his enthusiasm quite catching and agrees to help him. To hide his impediment from
the
media, Phoebe and Adam pretend they are seeing one another, but rather quickly both want the
sham to be real and permanent. Though how the media failed to know that Adam stuttered seems
off
kilter and his deception seems wrong for someone as ethical as Diogenes was seeking, readers will
enjoy this political romance that encourages everyone to seek his or her dreams. Ben and Abby
are a
fine couple, but the townsfolk make the tale with readers seeing individuals making up the
delightful
support cast and that leads to a delightful look at small town living and loving.
Married in Haste
Roz Denny Fox
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711484 $5.25, 298 pp.
In Seattle, pediatrician Dr. Ben Galloway and schoolteacher Abby Drummond plan to escape
together for a week of skiing during the spring break. However, before they can leave town, a
devastating earthquake hits the city. Abby's beloved brother and sister-in-law die leaving five
orphaned boys behind for her to raise. Ben has two nieces living with him. Ben and Abby are
already
in love, but family matters to both of them. During the crisis and afterward, they know that one
household with two adults to raise seven children is easier than two separate families. However,
as
each person struggles with grief, coping and blending into a cohesive unit with need and love as
the
catalysts, the adjustments stagnate the evolution of the adult relationship. Though most readers
will
think of the Brady Bunch and be surprised that Seattle and not California is the location,
MARRIED
IN HASTE is a deep look at the blending of extended families into one unit after a calamity has
occurred. Though Ben is a strong (albeit bossy) lead character and the seven precocious (almost
too
adult like) children grab the hearts of the audience, Abby is the epicenter of the tale. She struggles
with feeling that Ben sees her as a subordinate, with guilt (from telling her older brother the
Reverend that she planned to go away with Ben), the need to mourn, and being there to nurture
her
kin through their grief. She turns this tale into a powerful novel.
The Mommy Plan
Susan Grable
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711506 $5.25, 299 pp.
In Pennsylvania, "Unsinkable" Molly McClain believes that her dad psychiatrist Dr. James
McClain
excessively worries about her to the detriment of his own health. The eight-year-old realizes she
has
problems having a transplant inside her, but she also needs to do children things without a daddy
hen
looking over her every action. At Camp Firefly, a special place for children with organ transplants
and their parents, she decides that her father needs a wife who would also mommy her, but not
like
the one who deserted the two of them years ago. Divorced schoolteacher Rachel Thompson has
been on a leave of absence since her four-year-old died. She wants to return to the classroom, but
her dad and her boss agree she needs to do something else first to insure her grieving has hit a
stage
where she can work with children. They insist she first test herself at Camp Firefly. Molly chooses
Rachel as the star of THE MOMMY PLAN. Don't let the inane title fool readers into thinking this
is
some sort of comic relief. Instead THE MOMMY PLAN is a powerful tale focusing on
relationships
in which the health of a child supersedes everything else. In this case there are two children
involved,
obviously Molly, but also Rachel's deceased little Daniel. This novel is for readers who appreciate
a
poignant well written emotional powerhouse and yes there is a romance subplot that fits inside the
theme of the story too.
Right Place, Wrong Time
Judith Arnold
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711417 $5.25, 298 pp.
His friend Paul lends Arlington, Connecticut resident Ethan Parnell use of a time sharing condo in
St. Thomas. Ethan takes his fiancee and her parents with him. Carol allows her Bronx pal Gina
Morante to use the same condo at the same time that the Parnell party plans to stay there. Gina's
seven-year-old niece the Ally Cat accompanies her on her vacation. Switching dates and
misunderstanding of summer use causes Paul and Carol's mix up. Though Ethan and Gina argue
over who has the right of occupation, they are also attracted to one another. When they return to
their respective homes, neither can forget the other. Soon Ethan and Gina fall in love, but he is an
upper class Connecticut Yankee while she is a working class Bronx Yankee making the only link
besides devotion, the New England Expressway. This amusing class war romance takes the
fabulous
1970s movie The Heartbreak Kid and turns it on its head by reversing how the audience reacts to
the female characters. Though Alicia the fiancee (and her parents) comes across as too snobbish
to
compete with Gina and her warm family, Ethan's bewilderment over whether he is marrying the
wrong woman is a delight to behold. Fans will appreciate this three wrong (place, time and girl)
romance.
The Second Family
Janice Carter
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711441 $5.25, 299 pp.
Twenty-five years ago her father deserted her mother and her when she was a little girl. For years
she has prayed he would come see her, but nary a word came from him. That hope ended when
her
mother was put away in a psycho ward. Chicago business executive Tess Wheaton obtains what
she
wished for as a child, but not the way she wanted to hear from him. A Boulder lawyer has
informed
her that her dad and his second wife died in a car crash, leaving their two children, thirteen-year
old
Nick and six-year-old Molly temporary wards of Colorado. She wants nothing to do with her half
siblings or her father's estate. Nick and Molly arrive at Tess' office as she is on the phone with
Boulder social worker Alec Malone. Tess demands Alec come pick up his two charges
immediately.
He agrees to arrive tomorrow. As Tess comes to know her siblings and more about the father
who
left her behind, she soon wants to raise the two youngsters, but with Alec at her side because she
loves the three new people in her life. Though the ease in which Tess "forgives" her father's
desertion seems off kilter after two plus decades of hurt, anger, and accusations, fans will enjoy
this
substantial engaging relationship drama. The theme focuses on how the four prime characters
evolve
from individuals with their own needs (except Nick's efforts to nurture his younger sister) into a
cohesive loving family. Readers will appreciate watching Tess struggle between a growing love
for
the three newcomers in her life vs. her animosity towards her father.
House of Strangers
Carolyn McSparren
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373711433 $5.25, 298 pp.
Retired pilot Paul Bouvet leaves his New Jersey home to buy the dilapidated Delaney Mansion in
Rositer, Tennessee. He hires the restoration and renovation company of the town's police chief
Jack
Corrigan and his daughter Ann to renovate the place so that he can move in immediately. Jack
knows that his mother vanished somewhere near here thirty years ago after visiting his father, a
Delaney, who he believes, killed his mom. He plans to obtain the proof though he knows his
biological dad is dead. Paul's need for vengeance that has kept him breathing for decades suddenly
is
at war with new feelings when he begins to fall in love with Ann. She returns his precious feelings.
However, once his agenda surfaces to destroy the Delaneys like they did his mother, Paul knows
that his relationship with Ann will become a casualty too. Though the theme of love battling with
revenge has been often told, Carolyn McSparren provides a solid tale due to the avenger learning
that his targets are not spawns of demons. Ann and the townsfolk are a delightful cast, but
Carolyn
McSparren's novel belongs to the slow evolution of Paul from absolute avenging assurance to
budding bewildered bafflement to cherished certainty conviction.
A Dangerous Seduction
Patricia Frances Powell
Harlequin Historical
ISBN: 0373292686 $5.25
In 1816 Cornwall, England Morgan Pendaris accompanied by his nephew Jeremy feels proud that
his two-decade-old endeavor to enact vengeance has succeeded. Nineteen years ago, Hayne stole
everything including Merdinn estate from Morgan's father. Now Morgan has regained possession
of
the estate from the son of the thief Cordell Hayne. Morgan will know the job is complete once he
tosses Mrs. Hayne out of the house. However, upon seeing the Mrs. he is shocked because she is
young, pretty, and far from haughty, going so far as providing a warm friendly welcome to
Jeremy.
Cordell's wife Eulalia explains that in residence are she, her grandma, and two servants while her
husband bets on a boat race with a vessel he no longer owns and assets he no longer has. He
explains the situation and she says she and her grandma will leave in three days. When Cordell's
ship
crashes and he apparently dies, Morgan invites the widow and her relative to stay. As they fall in
love, someone sabotages his shipping company going so far as to commit murder. A
DANGEROUS
SEDUCTION is an enjoyable Regency romantic suspense that stars a delightful lead couple and a
fine support cast especially those in residence at Merdinn. The tale has been often told (Monte
Cristo) yet feels fresh due to the strong characterizations. Why Cordell "bought" a half-gypsy wife
seems off kilter especial since he ignores her, but readers will still fully appreciate this solid story
as
Eulalia resuscitates Morgan's heart, beating for the first time since he was displaced at fifteen.
Come Armageddon
Annie Perry
Ace
ISBN 044101089X $24.95, 512 pp.
On many worlds, the battle between good and evil is being fought. On one such orb, Asmodeus is
thought to be a myth and the word of God has only been alive for five centuries. Tathea, who
brought the Book into the word and spread its teaching, is over five hundred years old but worries
because she knows the time of Armageddon is getting closer. On the Island at the Edge of the
world
she waits for the warriors who will take up the spiritual battle of the evil one. Tathea and her
friend
realize, almost too late, that all Asmodeus has to do is wait for them to die out to win the battle.
To
prevent this from happening, Sadokhor, whom Tathea regards as a son, enters the portal that
leads
to Hell and encourages the spirits of those who turned away from the light, to walk the Earth.
This
starts the time of Armageddon and Asmodeus is forced to use his minions to spread sin across the
land, leading to man's fall. Stripped of everything, with only her faith to guide her, Tathea must
endure a final confrontation with Asmodeus for the souls of mankind. Anne Perry is a master
storyteller who has written an epic tale rich in characterizations and strong in plot. Readers will
find
such depth in the story line that they will want to peruse the novel many times to get the full
impact
to COME ARMAGEDDON'S multiple meanings. Though hard as it is to imagine, this sequel to
the
terrific TATHEA is even more compelling and powerful.
The Digital Dead
Bruce Balfour
Ace
ISBN 0441010849 $6.99, 384 pp.
The trip to Mars for scientist Tau Wolfsinger and his fiancee archeologist Kate McCloud was
anything but restful. They met an alien race in the ruins of Mars and the Russian General Zhukau
of
the Red Star Base tried to take over the American colony and use the Gwrinydd technology to
dominate Earth. The Gwrinydd Free Mental AI who calls himself Thoth almost killed Kate when
he
established a mental link with her. Now that they are back on Earth, the duo are on an extended
vacation, needing to relax after they saved the world and made some amazing scientific finds.
Unfortunately their vacation doesn't last very long because someone is trying to kill them. They
manage to escape and Kate is sent to the Urals where some Gwrinydd markings have been found
as
well as a transportation portal. Back in America, Tau is trying to elude his pursuers but the prey
becomes the hunter when they torture and kill his father in their effort to find him. During his
mission, he acquires some interesting allies sworn to help Tau or die trying. Tau is a naive genius
who is so unworldly that readers will adore him and hope that he outwits the people who want to
acquire the knowledge that he gained on Mars. Conspiracy fans will think the plot of this science
fiction thriller is very plausible. Other readers will enjoy the action scenes and the concept that all
facets of a personality can be stored in a biochip so that when a person dies he or she can be
restored
to digital life.
Green Fire
Monette Michaels
LTD
ISBN: 1553164822 $20.99
NYC jewelry designer Lisa MacDougall quits when her employer Andrei Romanoff attempts to
rape
her. Still knowing she needs to escape before her obsessed boss completes his perverted quest,
Lisa
travels to some remote property she inherited from an uncle she never heard of in North Carolina.
What she does not know is that she also inherited something from her father that will soon
surface.
DEA agent Marco Santiago seeks to destroy the Verde Fogata drug cartel, whose leader Manuel
Norda killed his mother and grandmother. Marco learns that North Carolina based lawyer Ben
Lomond has ties to Manuel. However, when he arrives in the Blue Ridge Mountains Lisa quickly
sidetracks him. He knows she shares similar powers as he possesses, but he was trained in their
use
while she is an adult rookie struggling as this generation's MacDougall, guardian of a special
treasure. As they become better acquainted and he helps her adapt, the cartel and Andrei stand in
their way of sharing the greatest power of them all, love. GREEN FIRE combines elements from
several genres (fantasy, romance and mystery) into a strong romantic suspense thriller. The story
line
is fast paced from the moment Uncle Lon knows he will die, but feels good that the guardianship
would pass on to his niece until the final confrontation. The key to the tale is the believability of
the
prime cast especially the lead couple even though Marco at times fails to act like a drug agent
(love
does strange things to the pros). Fans will value this delightful tale that will lead to seeking other
novels by Monette Michaels such as DEATH BENEFITS and FATAL VISION.
Lucy's Launderette
Betsy Burke
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373250347 $12.95, 336 pp.
In Vancouver, at not quite thirty, Lucy Madison wonders why her life feels it's in perpetual spin
cycle. Her roommate, a voluptuous towering Viking, has a man a night while Lucy has a man a
century. Her job at the Rogues Art Gallery is to hold up the sculptures so that they stand perfectly
erect though male phallic symbols (all the exhibited work) seems as hard as her boss nasty Nadine.
Her biker grandfather committed suicide with one last drive into the sunset instead of cancer
therapy. He willed her his launderette and to take care of his squeeze of six years, Connie the
Vegas
stripper who is pregnant with Lucy's future aunt or uncle. Lucy's lover is a bore, her brother has
escaped from the nut house in his Superman costume and stalks Lucy, and her father has lost it.
Surrounded by crazies, losers, and bloodsuckers, Lucy needs a dramatic change or she will
become
her sibling's tights wearing sidekick in the loony farm. She sees the launderette that her
grandfather
left her as the ticket to rinse her life anew, but will she take the chance of starting a fresh cycle?
Though Lucy's troubles seem minor in the scheme of life, she is a fresh individual poorly coping
with
those infringing in her sphere, which is why she is considering changing her lifestyle. The story
line is
amusing with serious undertones that sometimes get lost in Lucy's laments. Still Betsy Burke
provides a solid look at a person at the crossroads of major decision making as Lucy wonders is
that
all there is?
Way of the Wolf
E. E. Knight
Roc
ISBN: 0451459393 $6.50, 400 pp.
Almost five decades ago the vampiric Kurians successfully sent their minion the Reapers to
conquer
the earth. By 2065 earth calendar, the system is in place as the Reapers feed on human aura that is
sent as energy back to their masters. The human populace is down to a very controlled ten
percent
of what it had been back in 2022 due to a Kurian transmitted virus; most of these virus survivors
are
food. Though man's reign seems through, some human freedom fighters continue the cause to
liberate the survivors. In Louisiana David Valentine joins the guerrilla force the Wolves. He
knows
he must shed his humanity and become a berserker killer until the enemy kills him if he to help free
his race against the Kurian Order. However, he also must temper his need for vengeance because
he
leads a commando group into enemy territory that somehow must survive the fight as his side
lacks
numbers. The first novel in the "Vampire Earth" series is a powerful futuristic science fiction tale
that fans of post apocalyptic earth or outer space vampires will enjoy. The story line insures that
readers comprehend the scope of the conquering by making it so real due in part by David as a
fully
developed character struggling between killing and caring. Though the concept of soul sucking
has
been done before (classic Superman tale for instance) and much of the cast feels anemic, readers
will
enjoy this novel that goes into hyperspeed for the final two thirds of the plot. Readers will want o
finish the tale in one sitting because it is so enthralling.
Fatima's Good Fortune
Joanne and Gerry Dryansky
Miramax
ISBN: 1401351999 $22.95, 336 pp.
Fourteen yeas ago Rachida left her home on Djerba Island to accept work as a Parisian maid to
Countess Poulais du Roc. When she first came to France, Rachida had big dreams, but being
nothing
more than an indentured servant seemingly for life, her aspirations are gone as she meets her
employer's often unreasonable demands. Today she returns from chores in heavy rain to suddenly
have a weak skylight collapse on her and kill her. Though the lack of obvious repair with the
recent
storms caused the incident, no one was held negligible because the victim was a Tunisian
expatriate.
A little older than her recently deceased thirty something sister, Fatima accepts the same job and
quickly leaves her village of Batouine for Paris. Her adjustment is difficult, but she makes friends
much easier than her sibling ever did. As a Tunisian in Paris, Fatima soon finds companions in the
nearby cafe and love with a reticent clerk who believes he is unworthy of her. Fans of deep
character
studies who have the good fortune of reading this novel will come away with the thought that the
Dryansky writing team has provided a insightful tale of an immigrant's life in Paris. The cast is a
delight especially the magical Fatima as every key player seems so real that the audience will think
they are sipping cafe du lait in the Cafe Jean Valjean with descendants of Victor Hugo. Though
not
for action seekers, FATIMA'S GOOD FORTUNE is a deep story.
Cyanide Wells
Marcia Muller
Mysterious
ISBN: 0892967811 $24.95, 292 pp.
In 1988 Minnesota, Matthew Lindstrom receives the call from a Wyoming sheriff that the car of
his
estranged wife Gwen has been found in Sweetwater County. Apparently, bloodstains are on the
vehicle. No body is found and the case goes cold, but Matthew's neighbors, family, friends, and
peers at the college he teaches at believe he killed Gwen rather than accept a divorce. He is
treated
as a social pariah and eventually he loses his job. His once serene life in Minnesota is over.
Fourteen
years later, Matthew lives somewhat like a hermit but is relatively contented in Port Regis, British
Columbia, where he owns the charter boat Queen Charlotte. Last night he receives an anonymous
phone call that an Ardis Coleman, living in Cyanide Wells, California, is Gwen. Still needing
closure
by obtaining answers to why she left, especially since the caller insisted she knew what she did to
him. Motivated by revenge, Matthew decides to travel south to confront her. Instead of the
confrontation, Matt finds his ex vanishes again leaving blood in the home she resided in with her
lesbian lover newspaper editor Carly McGuire. She has taken her daughter with her. Matt and
Carly
join forces seeking the missing Gwen-Ardis. CYANIDE WELLS is an exciting character driven
mystery that the fans of Marcia Muller's Sharon McCone tales will enjoy. The story line is loaded
with action though things seem to come too easily to Matt, who along with Carly seem real as
they
struggle with the duplicity of the woman they loved. However, what hooks the audience is trying
to
understand Gwen-Ardis, which means reading the novel in one delightful sitting.
Dead File
Kelly Lange
Mysterious
ISBN: 089296751X $24.95, 314 pp.
In Los Angeles TV news reporter Maxi Poole and her cameraman Rodger Harbaugh cover the
death
of Gillian Rose, CEO of a successful dietary supplement company. Maxi has the code to enter
Gillian's office building and soon finds the corpse. Rodger films the deceased and the crime scene.
However, there is not much to cover on the news when the authorities determine that Gillian died
of
natural causes. Maxi has doubts as she knew the deceased and soon uncovers indisputable
evidence
that forces the now angry medical examiner into doing a new autopsy. The results affirm Maxi's
theory that someone killed Gillian. Unable to remain on the sidelines now that she has forced the
police to investigate, Maxi conducts her own inquiries to include questioning Gillian's husband,
his
mistress and the victim's business cronies. Too many conveniences take away from a frenzy
character that readers will like (though insist she drink decaf). The story line feels like a Jackie
Collins lite, as fans will get a taste of fashionable LA through the eyes of a REPORTER. At the
same time the audience will wonder how a major media journalist has the time to do leg work
investigation, prepare her reports, and appear on TV without one of the Rose supplements to pool
her energy. Still when Maxi lets her hair down especially in between her soft-boiled investigation,
readers will enjoy Kelly Lange's lowbrow mystery.
Larger Than Life
Adele Parks
Downtown
ISBN: 0743457609 $12.00, 384 pp.
At eighteen Georgina saw Hugh for the first time and knew he was her soulmate though he did
not
quite see it that way at that time. Now fourteen years later, Georgina lives in London with her
beloved Hugh, and on top of that likes her job and is financially solvent. Georgina wonders if life
can
get any better than hers is? When Georgina learns she is pregnant she has a mixed reaction. She
wants to be a mother, but worries how Hugh will react. While wondering who to tell as she fears
Hugh might recoil from her and her mother detests having a thirty something child, Georgina
immediately rules out abortion. She knows that if Hugh behaves badly, she is financially secure to
raise the child on her own. She is only in the beginning stages and as she grows rounder, her
world
as she knows it spins off its axis starting with seeing Hugh in a different filtering of me-me not
we-to
the three. This book should be labeled chic lit even though it contains elements of mainstream
drama
and because a pregnant woman seems within the lanes of this interesting sub-genre. The amusing
story line is told mostly in the first person, which provides an interesting series of events as
Georgina
progresses with her pregnancy. Her actions, frustrations, and reactions change too. Hugh comes
across as a pathetic loser making it difficult to see why the bright, gregarious G saw anything in
him.
Fans of chic lit and character studies will want to read LARGER THAN LIFE as this is a fine one
sitting novel.
When the Storm Breaks
Heather Lowell
Harper Torch
ISBN: 0060542128 $7.50, 464 pp.
Afton Gallagher, assisted by her mom Peggy, persuades her friend Claire Lambert to try the
computer dating service that they own. It is after midnight by the time they are through providing
"Marie Claire" with a bio. Claire heads home to Georgetown taking a short cut to catch her bus.
However, she sees a man with a knife killing a woman and the murderer notices her too. Claire
flees
in terror, but falls down a set of stairs before banging her head. Though the killer lost the gazelle
he
has found her purse that she dropped when she ran the hundred-yard dash in record time. DC
Police
Detectives Sean Richter and Aidan Burke believe one of their cold cases has just got hot with the
apparent return of a dormant serial killer. He learns of Claire witnessing the homicide, but her
memory remains faulty from the concussion she suffered. Sean works with Claire to help her
recall
that horrifying night, but also to keep her safe from a killer who knows who she is and where she
lives. Though amnesia has served as a device in many a thriller, fans will believe that Heather
Lowell
introduced the technique with this tale because it feels as fresh as the air following WHEN THE
STORM BREAKS. The key to the invigorating plot is the key cast members especially the
heroine.
Sean is a caring hunk who risks his life not for duty, but more to keep the woman he loves safe.
Profanity fits within the plot. Fans will appreciate this second-generation novelist's captivating and
suspenseful serial killer romance.
Kiss Lonely Goodbye
Lynn Emery
Harper Torch
ISBN: 0060089296 $6.50, 384 pp.
In Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, family and a few employees attend the funeral of Hosea Summers,
CEO of a security systems firm, a person, known for his caustic Don Rickles like personality.
Whether he did this to keep his business afloat long after his death or as a final insult to his two
adult
children and his number two person Marcus Reed, he shockingly names his niece Nicole as chair
of
Summmers Security. The deceased's angry adult children, though they inherit a fortune, will
protest
the will. Because of their attitude and the belief by her father and other uncle that she is incapable
of
doing the job, Nicole reluctantly agrees to take charge. Nicole moves to Houston where she meets
doubt from the work force, opposition from the board, and animosity from her male cousin. She
also
finds herself attracted to Marcus who reciprocates the feeling as he finds her intelligent. However,
someone is using the security systems to steal from clients, placing Nicole in trouble if she fails to
uncover the identity of her adversary. This engaging boardroom romance stars two delightful
African-Americans and an eccentric support cast, whom readers will cherish. Though Nicole's
successful move right into top management (with no supervisory experience) seems stretched;
fans
will enjoy her efforts as the CEO. Marcus is an intelligent hunk and though his street loyalty to a
friend hurts the business and his relationship with the boss, fans will value highly his devotion to
his
pal and to Nicole though the dualism pulls him in different directions. Fans of contemporary tales
will want to read Lynn Emery's fine tale.
To The Bone
Neil McMahon
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0060529164 $23.95, 250 pp.
She is a young beautiful woman who went from porn star to an actress having good parts in
daytime
drama. She has just had breast augmentation surgery and the boyfriend who was supposed to be
staying with her left her alone and in pain. As time goes on the pain becomes unbearable and Eden
Hale is barely able to make the 911 for an ambulance before becoming unconscious. By the time
the
she arrives at Mercy Hospital in San Francisco, she is barely breathing. Dr. Carroll Monks works
on
Eden but nothing he does is helping and he has no idea what is wrong with her until he sees
bruising
spreading across her skin. He administer a drug in hopes of stopping the blood from clotting but
she
dies before the drug can take affect. His peers criticize him for his treatment protocol but when
the
pathologist finds a toxin in Eden's blood, Carroll thinks she was murdered. He starts asking too
many questions and winds up almost getting killed by a person who wants attention deflected
from
the plastic surgeon and those who work for him. After reading TO THE BONE, readers will have
second thoughts about having cosmetic plastic surgery one to them. This story is fast moving,
action-packed and gives the audience a glimpse into the world of the affluent who will do
anything
to look young and beautiful. Neil McMahon is an excellent storyteller whose work can be
favorably
compared to Michael Palmer and Robin Cook. The protagonist of this tale is likable and
vulnerable
and will hopefully will star in more books.
Challenge the Wind
Debra Tash
Amber Quill
ISBN: 1592799221 $17.00
During the war in upstate New York between the American colonies and the British, Matthew
Smith
leads five British deserters on the lam. Needing help for his severely injured Sergeant Quinn, who
as
acted like a father to the frightened Matthew, he and three others break into a house where Sarah
Lloyd, her two sons and her father reside. Matthew forces the hostages to tend to Quinn's wound.
However, Sarah's nurturing changes Matthew into wanting to help her. In Pennsylvania, Sarah's
husband Jonathan and their son Adam fight for the colonies. When Jonathan dies in battle, Adam
becomes numb to the death and injuries around him. This state of mind enables him to provide
medical help to the injured. In British occupied Philadelphia, Adam's twin Molly lives with her
haughty Loyalist uncle and cunning cousin Stephen. A British officer, Major Allen moves in with
them and he quickly finds himself attracted to Molly. She reciprocates, but he is British and she is
American. Soon these five people will meet up with love being the only succor during an age of
death. CHALLENGE THE WIND is a powerful American revolutionary War tale that dispenses a
deep look at the impact of war on a family and those who come into their circle. The novel
captures
the souls of the audience through its powerful characterizations. However, the key to this strong
historical story is the underlying theme that no matter how noble the cause war is hell on not just
the
combatants, but the loved ones waiting behind for news that those they cherish still live.
Second Generation
Beth Anderson
Amber Quill
ISBN: 159279968X $17.00 267 pp.
In 1937 partners and friends Michael Shaunnessey and Emelio Castivenette search the Andes for
an
alleged emerald lode. Both have needs for the money that a find will bring in. Michael wants
enough
cash to keep his wife happy, not understanding that he will never have enough for Daisy. Emelio
hopes he brings in enough loot to buy the services of the best doctors to treat his ailing wife, not
understanding that all the money in the world cannot always buy good health. In 1948 their
chidlren
meet, make love in the jungle though the girl is junior high age, and Michael's daughter becomes
pregnant. Without saying a word to his partner, Michael takes all the money from their joint
business
account in Bogota leaving Emelio with nothing except being a broken man. His son Girardo vows
vengeance. Years later Michael has died while Leigh pursues a political career in Washington.
Girardo works his way up the ladder of a drug cartel, but revenge remains on his mind for what
Michael did to his father. His target is Leigh and everyone she cherishes. This action packed
thriller
takes place over several decades, but that time span adds to the depth and tension, as readers
comprehend how deep avenging his father fosters inside Girardo's darkened heart. That is the key
to
the tale as Girardo knows his father always dreamed that his son would be the American President
(so he is not a Constitutional lawyer), but instead died broken. The rest of the critical cast
members,
especially Leigh appear genuine, SECOND GENERATION is a strong novel worth reading
because
the villain makes it so.
Everyone Dies
Michael McGarrity
Dutton
ISBN: 0525947612 $23.95, 336 pp.
Santa Fe Chief of Police Kevin Kerney looks forward to the vacation with his beloved pregnant
wife
US Army MP LTC Sara Brannon. The couple is at odds over her next assignment at the Pentagon
only six weeks after their baby is due. However, their time alone is put on hold when the
murdered
body of attorney Jack Potter is found on the streets with the crime scene contaminated by a
moronic
media menace (oxymoron?). Soon others related either by blood or professionally to Kevin are
killed
with the brazen culprit leaving the message "Everyone Dies". Kerney and other law enforcement
officials in the region put together a massive manhunt seeking to stop a killer who is getting closer
and closer to Kevin's epicenter, Sara. Though at times this police procedural feels like Cecil
DeMille
cast the players, fans will appreciate the energy Michael McGarrity imbues in his hero, support
players, and New Mexico that turns a serial killer tale into a personal who-done-it for readers
rooting for Kevin. The story line is exciting though the death toll rises rather quickly. The
investigation is top rate and the family crisis is fully developed and understandable so that the
audience receives a solid episode in a strong series.
Shaman Pass
Stan Jones
Soho
ISBN: 1569473323 $22.00, 274 pp.
Adhering to the Indian Graves Act, the Smithsonian naluaqmiut (means more than one white man)
send home the mummy "Uncle Frosty" to Alaska. Once in the northern state, villagers respecting
centuries of tradition steal the body. However, not long afterward at a sheefish camp on the ice of
Chukchi Bay, Inupiat tribal elder Victor Soloman is found bludgeoned to death by Frosty's
harpoon.
Born in the village of Chukchi though raised in Anchorage, State Trooper Nathan Active
investigates the murder. He quickly finds a herd of suspects with motives and opportunities.
Nathan
receives help (some unwanted) from his girlfriend and his native mother while struggling to learn
and
understand the matriarchal side of his heritage. Meanwhile his inquiries place Nathan in the
dangerous middle of a deadly tug of war between the angatquq shamen and the followers of a
murdered social reformer considered by many to be a prophet. The police procedural aspects are
strong and exciting, but serve as a method to enable the audience to receive a deep understanding
of
a people in which modern technology encroaches faster than snowmobiles drive the vast frozen
tundra. Stan Jones provides a vivid picaresque scenario of surviving and residing in what would
seem like a frozen wasteland, but is stark, beautiful, and more (at least as described by this author.
Obviously fans of Alaskan mysteries will enjoy SHAMAN PASS, but so will anyone who
appreciates an impressive who-done-it.
The Anguished Dawn
James P. Hogan
Baen
ISBN: 0743435818 $26.00, 420 pp.
Though it was nearly Worlds in Collision, but actually the orb missed a direct hit on the Earth, but
still the aftereffect destroyed the land masses and oceans, polarity, and ecosystems leading to the
end
of civilization though survivors exist. The last remnant of Earth culture resides on the Saturn
moon
of Kronia. Kronians have two strategic goals that of reaching the stars and rebuilding the Earth.
When the Earth finally stabilizes, former resident Landen Keene joins the first Kronian
expeditionary
force establishing a planetary base to explore building a Utopian world where contribution to
society
rules. However, many of those who managed to escape the consequences of planetary destruction
did so because they wielded the power and wealth to flee to Kronia. These Pragmatists plan to
regain their status of domination. Two groups isolated by the vastness of space from the only
human
civilization battle while those who remained behind want to obliterate any returnee regardless of
their philosophy. Though loaded with action, readers will be split over James P. Hogan's latest
science fiction thriller that in some ways feels like an Irwin Allen movie. The story line leaps
nicely
from the events chronicled in CRADLE OF SATURN (though it helps to have read that book
first).
However, the plot concentrates on the mass destruction at the cost of failing to fully explore an
interesting philosophical debate between two divergently thinking groups and in turn never truly
develops key cast members except somewhat Landen. Only readers who enjoy a post apocalyptic
earth with non-stop action that defies gravity will want to peruse THE ANGUISHED
DAWN.
Forge of the Titans
Steve White
Baen
ISBN: 0743436113 $22.00, 282 pp.
All Derek Secrest wants is to fly, which is why he is flight training at Pensacola trying to make the
grade as a Naval Aviation Officer. However, when tests prove he has strong telepathic abilities, he
is
yanked out of school to work for Dr. Kronenberg and a top-secret agency. Derek uses his newly
discovered powers to thwart a terrorist plot. However, the terrorist leaders are not normal
humans,
but instead are remnants of Ancient Greece with superior technology and magic fueled by
genocidal
human sacrifices. Their partners are even more malevolent as the Titans want pandemic human
destruction. Derek and other telepathics join with the Gods of Olympus to stop the Titans and
their
friends. However, their new allies are also quite wary of human psi abilities that may prove more
powerful than the magic of the Gods. FORGE OF THE TITANS is an exciting binding of
mythology, horror, fantasy, and science fiction into an entertaining tale. The story line makes
believers of the audience that the Greek Gods and their enemies, and magic and psionic skills exist
as
Steve White provides powerful support to each element within the framework of the action.
Derek is
a delightful "Greek" hero with a powerful support cast (friend and foe) so that the wide gamut of
genre fans will fully appreciate a wonderful novel.
Trading Up
Candace Bushnell
Hyperion
ISBN: 078686818X $24.95, 404 pp.
In the summer of 2000 in New York, Janey Wilcox has become a Victoria's Secret model.
However,
she is tired of the "sex and the city" scene while always looking to climb up the social ladder.
Janey
has made a new friend in the Hamptons in socialite Mimi Kilroy. Matchmaking with Janey's
encouragement, Mimi introduces the lovely model to her wealthy neighbor Selden Rose, head of
MovieTime. Knowing her modeling career is on the age precipice, Janey goes all out to become
the
wife of Selden. They marry following a 100-yard dash romance. Their Italian honeymoon is not
quite the fun Janey anticipated as she misses her shopping sprees. To make matters worse,
married
life in Manhattan proves tedious especially when Janey feels she picked the runt of the litter.
Reassessing her values, will Janey find some middle class morality or will she seek a higher rung
on
the social ladder? Though amusing and satirical, yet insightful into the Manhattan style life of a
wannabe, only the die hard Sex and the City fans will gain pleasure from the tale. The irony is that
the story line is well written and often perceptive, but the problem is that the key protagonist is so
amoral, she offers no balance and thus most of the audience will detest her as she is no
modernized
Holly Golightly. Still fans of Candace Bushnell will appreciate the latest adventures of it happened
to
Janey.
The Trouble with Catherine
Andes Hruby
Plume
ISBN: 0452283469 $13.00, 213 pp.
Twenty-nine years old Catherine Lacey is Manhattan steel, perhaps a critically needed trait to
successfully survive working as a fish dealer in the Fulton Fish Market. Catherine is a "dock brat"
tough and strong as any of those males she drinks under the table, but is also in great shape. One
would have to be to work with tons of fish. However, Catherine feels that the time for matrimony
is
upon her as she watches her buds, the guys she has hung with for years, get married. So the
independent Catherine persuades her junior lawyer boyfriend, Steve into proposing. As the
wedding
date comes closer, Catherine begins to have doubts about spending a lifetime with someone who
mocks her blue-collar work ethic and has no fear of telling a man her needs in their relationship.
Adding to her doubts is Johnny, a "special" friend when she was a teen, but he is married and
deserted her once before. Will she wed the lawyer, have an affair with Johnny, or just relate with
fish? The key to this chic lit tale is that the heroine is not a fluffy frump, but instead is a strong
delightful lead protagonist even with her anchored personality emphasized by hyperbole to
accentuate a trait. Readers will appreciate her outlook and her ability to compete with the boys.
Her
fiance suffers from penis envy and is obviously wrong for her; in turn he hurts the strong story
line.
Still Catherine's in your face attitude makes for a fresh tale supplemented by her caring parents,
fellow fish peers, and an insightful look at their business.
Visions of Eden
Anthony Hernandez
Novel Books
ISBN: 1591050243 $TBA
In 2564 humanity is barely alive with its reign almost through as the heinous mistreatments of the
past has left earth a dying planet with everyone forced to reside there suffering from chronic
ailments. On the other hand, the wealthy remain isolated living in luxury on Mars. On his
eighteenth
birthday David C. Johnson dreams of Mars where his Aunt Gertrude is a mayor, but knows he
will
soon be a farmer like his dad on this post destruction orb. However, Gertrude has sent him a
special
present, a small spaceship for he and his sister Eva to journey to her planet. An accident occurs,
but
when the two siblings regain consciousness, they find themselves on an alien vessel that is part of
the
New Federation of Worlds, thousands of planets populated by several sentient races. With no
chance
or desire to return home, David and Eva adapt to residing in Xenon City with a robot to help
them
adjust. David begins a successful career in the Stellar Fleet even as he falls in love, but is hurt
when
he realizes how she has used him. Over time, he serves honorably but he dreams of returning to
earth with New Federation technology to undo centuries of harm. The first tale of the "Earther's
Biography" is an exciting outer space action adventure tale. The story is written in an episode like
manner, which takes a slight adjustment, but actually adds to increased understanding of the
marooned earthly pair. David is a strong star as his story amidst the New Federation unfolds
leading
to fans looking forward to more of his "journal".
The Pixel Eye
Paul Levinson
Tor
ISBN: 0765307359 $24.95, 336 pp.
The NYC Parks Commissioner reported that squirrels seem to have vanished from popular locales
like Central Park, Prospect Park, and Van Cortlandt Park. Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Jack
Dugan, not willing to ignore anything since 9/11, assigns NYPD forensic detective Phil D'Amato
to
investigate. Phil interviews park workers who insist there is a dramatic drop in population without
a
rise in corpses. The cop also visits a few parks, but sees nothing out of the ordinary. He wonders
if
perhaps it is like the 1980s restaurant case involving cats as chicken. However, Phil soon learns
that
serendipitous research into using squirrels and hamsters as recording devices is underway at labs
across the country. He becomes concerned that if rodents can be used as recorders, can they also
be
used as terrorist bombs? Perhaps it is part of the post WTC syndrome, but a panicky Phil begins a
search of the eastern seaboard in an attempt to insure squirrel-carrying bombardiers don't lead to
WTC II. THE PIXEL EYE is a frightening scenario as Paul Levinson makes a strong case that
nothing is safe in a world in which personal values push a cause as more important than people
are.
The story line may sound satirical and inane, but is far from it as the audience will quickly become
as
convinced as the hero that this squirrely technology can happen. Though the characters except for
Phil are never fully developed, readers will be extra careful before feeding the birds and other
creatures as that animal might prove to be the one that bites the hand that feeds it.
Harry Keogh: Necroscope and Other Weird Heroes
Brian Lumley
Tor
ISBN: 0765308479 $25.95, 320 pp.
HARRY KEOGH: NECROSCOPE AND OTHER WEIRD HEROES is clearly for fans of Brian
Lumley and anyone who enjoys Lovecraft. The collection contains eight long shorts/novellas
starring
four of Mr. Lumley's top guns. Three stories feature Titus Crow (psychic detective). David Hero
and Eldin the Wanderer (Agents of the king) travel in Dreamlands in two contributions. Finally
the
title character stars in three new stories not previously published. Each tale is well written
displaying
Mr. Lumley's skill at world building in a realm of horror rarely seen as descriptive; my heart still
remains in my throat as a power failure occurred in the middle of a Keogh thriller. This reviewer
read the book by lead character, meaning first Crow's trio, then the Hero-Eldin duo and finally the
three Keogh stories over several days. Thus savoring a strong collection.
Le Morte D'Avalon
J. Robert King
Tor
ISBN 0765305941 $25.95, 464 pp.
Her age of innocence lasted until she was eight years old. It was then her mother caught King
Uther's eye and her father, Duke Gorlois went to war with him. In a vision Morgan sees his death
but she finds her father in her mother's bed the next day. Only she can see that it isn't her father at
all
but Uther, wearing a magical illusion to fool the duchess. A child is born of that woman and
Morgan's mother marries Uther and gives birth to Arthur, the once and future king. After Uther
dies,
the queen makes an alliance with King Mark, making Tintagel a part of his kingdom. Sick of being
under the yoke of men, Morgan leaves her home. She learns to travel the ley lines and work the
earth magic of the goddess Gaea. She becomes a queen in her own right, always plotting to
destroy
Arthur and his kingdom of Camelot because like all men he seeks to oppress women while she
seeks
to liberate them. Only a talented storyteller like J. Robert can make a woman like Morgan Le Fey
sympathetic and understandable. The world of Camelot is touched by magic and Guinevere and
Lancelot are creatures of fey while the worshippers of Gaea grow in numbers until they are
actually
a viable threat to the Christian religion. LE MORTE D'AVALON is a fresh and colorful
interpretation of the Arthurian mythos reading like a ballad sung by troubadours of
yesteryear.
Threshold
Sara Douglass
Tor
ISBN 0312876874 $25.95, 448 pp.
In the cold regions of the North known as Vinland lives Tirzah and her father who create beautiful
glass objects. They are contented until Druse gambles away everything they earned, leaving them
deeply in dept. To wipe out their arrears, they are sold into slavery and travel by boat to Ashdod
in
the South. There, Tirzah shows the Master of the Magi Boaz her unusual skill as a glassmaker.
Boaz
sends her and her father to Grensholme, the slave city that lies in the shadow of Threshold, a
pyramid structure that has taken eight generations to create. All that is left to do is put the
finishing
touches of glass where needed which is why Tirzah and other master glassmakers are desperately
needed. When Tirzah meets other of her kind, she learns she is an Elemental magician and that is
why she can hear the glass chatter. Her magic is forbidden in Ashdod where the state religion is
the
power of the One. When Boaz takes over the working of Threshold he forces her into his bed.
Over
time, Tirzah realizes that the Mage is fighting his own nature and when he lets his mask slip can
be
very loving and tender. On the day Threshold is finished, a creature from the Vale enters the
world
and takes over the minds of everyone in the area. Tirzah and Boaz along with several other
elementals are able to escape to a place where they can learn to use their powers to send the evil
creature back into Infinity before he destroys the world. This stand-alone novel from the creator
of
The Wayfarer Redemption series is epic in scope and brilliant in world building. There is enough
action to satisfy sword and sorcery fans and enough romance to satisfy fans of that genre. The
metamorphosis of Boaz from a cold and rigid master to a warm and caring elemental necromancer
is
totally believable because the character slowly changes by events that affect him personally.
Tirzah is
no whimpering lass who submits to slavery but a warrior magician who fights to save herself and
her
loved ones from the affect of the creature of the Vale. She loves strongly and it is the strength of
her
caring that allows Boaz to lower his guard around her so that when the time comes he is at her
side,
fighting to undo the damage he and other magi have caused. Although their goal was not evil,
they
played around with forces without considering the consequences because in their arrogance, they
thought there would be none. They paid a huge price for their presumption and the reader will feel
satisfied and more by their ultimate fate. Ultimately it is Boaz who makes the biggest sacrifice but
his bond with Tirzah is so strong it overcomes time and space. The audience will want to see the
further adventures of Tirzah and Boaz because these two are not the type of characters that will
be
content to rest on their laurels.
Harriet Klausner
Reviewer
Cindy Penn's Bookshelf
The Shadow Side
Linda Castillo
Jove
Berkley Publishing Group
A Divsion of Penguin Putnam Inc.
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
ISBN 0425191028 $5.99
Chilling intensity -- Very highly recommended
With childhood tragedy as a motivator, Dr. Elizabeth "Eli" Barnes devotes her life to medical
research. Indeed, her one and only love is work. Consequently, Eli eagerly anticipates receiving
the
Distinguished Woman of Science Award for the development of Valazine, a drug that treats
depression. But before the ceremony, Detective Adam Boedecker approaches her, convinced that
Valazine has contributed to a sudden rash of murder/suicides. While she initially rejects the
possibility, Eli's conscience quickly leads her own research and shocking conclusions. Adam's
career
as a street cop nearly ended three years ago when a kid put a Saturday night special to his head
and
pulled the trigger. Brain damage left him struggling to relearn ordinary skills while his wife slept
with his best friend. Admittedly a better cop than a brother, Adam concludes his brother's usage
of
Valazine led to murder/suicide, leading him to unofficially pursue investigation regardless of the
cost. Moreover, intrigued by Eli's strengths and vulnerabilities, Adam does not anticipate the
damage
the investigation could do to his heart. All the more shocking for its potential to appear in
contemporary headlines, THE SHADOW SIDE presents an evocative, chilling tale of suspense.
Once again author Linda Castillo displays remarkable talent for creating a tale both plausible yet
extraordinary. Both Eli and Adam are damaged, finding recovery as they move through a maze of
antagonism and suspicion to learning to trust their hearts and each other. As Eli's priorities shift
and
as Adam overcomes his disability, their characters develop with strength and power, even as they
masterfully reflect the edgy, underlying tension of the novel. A novel fraught with chilling
intensity
and betrayal, THE SHADOW SIDE comes very highly recommended.
Chance & Other Gestures of the Hand of Fate
Nancy Springer
Baen Books
260 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
ISBN 0671653377 $TBA
Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence
The first two stories in this collection explore the world of the fae and humans who walk their
woods. For ten years the bastard born man called chance walked the forests of Whirral without
acknowledging the little people inhabiting the trees about him. Enduring indignities and slights
because of his class, Chance fears that which he cannot control be it his best friend or the forests
around him. When he acknowledges the fae, however, accepting their gifts and asking their help,
he
makes bargains beyond imagining. Other stories include the supernatural and the mundane, and in
each author Nancy Springer demonstrates a profound understanding the primal needs that drive
human destiny. With a memorably graceful style, Springer pens the story of Whirral as well as
seven
other stories never previously released in book form. This collection deceptively simple,
entertaining
tales of the fae and mortals conceals a harsh warning for those foolish enough to challenge the
essence of our dreams and nightmares. With a richly complex authorial voice that will send
readers
scurrying to the bookstore for more, CHANCE & GESTURES OF FATE earns the
WordWeaving
Award for Excellence.
Then He Kissed Her
Kate Donovan, Lori Handeland, Julie Moffett
Zebra
Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821775111 $5.99
Add this one to the keeper shelf--Very highly recommended
THEN HE KISSED HER brings together three of the strongest historical romance authors of our
times, showcasing their unique voices. Authors Kate Donovan, Lori Handeland and Julie Moffett
combine secret passage ways, hidden treasure and outrageous antics in a collection historical
romance about governesses that fans will adore. Add this one to the keeper shelf! Love Passages
by
Kate Donovan: After his adult sister's antics, Ryan has no patience for his three young charges or
the
new governess, Miranda Kent, who is much too young for the position. Rather than sending her
packing, however, he agrees to give her a trial period to prove her abilities. It does not take long
for
Miranda to learn of the secret passages and lovers trysts, or for her own heart to long for what
she
does not have. Marvelous characterizations bring this novella vividly to life. When Morning
Comes
by Lori Handeland: A friendship torn apart by the civil war has unexpected outcome when
Yankee
soldier Seth Torrance "inherits" his best friend's five children and property in Virginia. Out of
desperation, he appeals to neighbor Ella Fontaine for help. However, Ella resents his taking over
the
children she has been caring for and his Yankee heritage. The children of this story add
unexpected
delight to a powerfully told tale. Her Kilt-Clad Rogue by Julie Moffett: After ten years, Genevieve
Fitzsimmons recalls her coming out in London and her interlude with Connor Douglas. He broke
her
heart once and she does not intend to give him the opportunity to do so again, even if she has
come
to the Scottish Highlands to become the governess of Ewan, Connor's son. Shocked by rumors
that
Connor murdered his wife and by his son's outrageous behavior, Genevieve becomes all the more
determined to succeed. Little does she suspect the depth of Connor's feelings or how their lives
will
be transformed. Cultural clashes and old wounds provide impetus for new beginnings.
Fine Spirits
Alice Duncan
Zebra Books
Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821775170 $5.99
Dazzling characterizations - Very highly recommended
Desdemona Daisy Gumm Majesty earns her living, much to her husband's chagrin, as a spiritual
medium to Pasadena's wealthy. When her regular client Mrs. Bissel requests an exorcism, Daisy
attempts to sidestep the appeal. Husband Billy's deteriorating health and continued resentment at
his
debilitating war injuries leave Daisy torn between the need to support her family and her need for
her
husband's support. To please Billy, Daisy extracts the promise of a puppy in payment of her
services.
Meanwhile, eighteen year old Marianne Wagner has disappeared. Empty cans of food quickly lead
Daisy to the conclusion that Mrs. Bissel's ghost might be the missing girl instead. Rather than
simply
reporting her conclusions, however, Daisy finds herself drawn to help the missing girl. But to
protect
her, Daisy will have to sidestep the police, her family and some very inquisitive household
residents.
Author Alice Duncan's STRONG SPIRITS defied categorization, as does its sequel FINE
SPIRITS.
Duncan's narrative talents flourish within this marvelous tale, displaying humor and droll
observations in equal measure. While FINE SPIRITS loosely centers on a missing heiress, the
strength of the novel lies in its poignant rendering of the relationship between Daisy and her
husband
Billy. As his health continues to deteriorate and as the antipathy between Daisy and Sam
increases,
readers will eagerly await the next step of these difficult and challenging relationships. Daisy's
candid
comments sharply contrast her occassional obtuseness, revealing a woman of amazing depth and
devotion. Duncan has certainly found her stride within this marvelous series! Indeed, readers
seeking
a novel completely out of the ordinary will cherish this series and eagerly anticipate its next
installment. FINE SPIRITS comes very highly recommended.
The Killing Hour
Lisa Gardner
Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub
A Division of Random House, Inc.
1745 Broadway, New York, New York, 10019
ISBN 0553802526 $23.95
Gripping! Very highly recommended
Driven by the need for redemption for her mother and sister's
death, Agent Kimberly Quincy only pushes herself to be the best.
Her mother and sister victims of horrific and violent crimes, she
and her FBI profiler father have never recovered from their
losses. Punished training routines at the FBI academy do not stop
her quest. But when she discovers a body on FBI's training
grounds, Kimberly suddenly finds herself embroiled in an
investigation that transforms her life, especially when Georgia
Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Mac MacCormick steps in.
Involved since the first killing, Mac recognizes the serial
killer's patterns. Young women are kidnapped in couples, the first
body left in an easy to discover area and serving as a map to the
second. Specifically, the killer taunts investigators with obscure
clues that could possibly save the second woman's life if they
move quickly enough. Of the previous eight victims, only one was
discovered alive because Mac pieced the clues together quickly
enough. Now out of his jurisdiction, Mac dogged tracks the
perpetrator with Kimberly's help. Author Lisa Garner pens a taut
suspense thriller that leaves the heart pounding in THE KILLING
HOUR. Garner's gripping narrative grabs the reader by the throat
with the first page and never turns loose, providing a horrific
roller coaster ride that will keep readers up way past bedtime.
Kimberly's drive for success easily matches Mac's determination to
the stop the killer. Their shared chemistry and their shared
motivations combine to bring them together under extreme
circumstance to reveal gritty, richly realized characterizations.
Garner likewise presents a chilling portrait of eco-killer that
readers will not soon forget. THE KILLING HOUR is a must read for
readers who enjoy a riveting plot, strong forensic detail and a
touch of romance. Very highly recommended.
Price of Silence
Staci Stallings
www.stacistallings.com
This book is only available in serial e-mail form to
StaciStallings.com e-newsletter subscribers. Visit her website for
more
information or to subscribe.
Very highly recommended
Seventeen-year-old Robyn Lockhart did not welcome a move after her
parents divorced. Accustomed to a small Iowan town, the huge new
school system presents new challenges. Although she had previous
journalism experience, Robyn does not sign up for the school
paper. Only a teacher's insistence brings her to the school
newsroom. But once she recognizes a story, Robyn's tenacity will
not be stilled. Unfortunately, Robyn's determination to report the
danger perpetrated by gangs in the school results in her become a
target. Fearful that her new friends are vulnerable by
association, Robyn attempts to distance herself from the very
people she needs the most. Unfortunately, the more she attempts to
ignore or stem the threats, the more the danger escalates. Author
Staci Stallings brings her classroom experience to THE PRICE OF
SILENCE, a realistic examination of some of the hardest hitting
issues teenagers confront. Written her characteristically
scintillating style, Stallings addresses the dangers gangs present
and the cost of keeping quiet about their threats. Robyn becomes a
powerful example of how easy it is to be oblivious of another
person's life. Moreover, Stallings pens an engrossing tale that
should be required reading for all middle and high school students
and parents. A powerful, thoughtful approach to teen's needs, THE
PRICE OF SILENCE comes very highly recommended.
Last Fires Burning
A Sharyn Howard Mystery
Joyce and Jim Lavene
Avalon Books
160 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
ISBN: 0803496095 $19.95
The best Sharyn Howard mystery yet! Very highly recommended
Fires rage on the mountains touring over the small North Carolina town of Diamond Springs. At
midnight, no one sees an old car careen down Main Street, with flames shooting out the windows
and the roof. Investigators will soon discover a body that had been doused in alcohol in the back
seat. Days later, a man dies on the mountain, trapped in a net designed to save wild animals trying
to
escape the fires in the Uwharrie Mountains. Initially, both deaths look accidental. These are hardly
the kind of events that will guarantee the reelection of Sheriff Sharyn Howard. However, the
week
before election is about to get worse when Sharyn goes from hero to villain. As reelection begins
to
look anything but sure, Sharyn contemplates a return to her first calling as a lawyer. Meanwhile,
she
tries to keep a lid on her blossoming romance until after the election, and an eye on her nemesis
who
now seems to be growing entirely too close her mother. Authors Joyce and Jim Lavene have a hit
with the Sharyn Howard series, and LAST FIRES BURNING may be the best yet. A brown
sheriff's
uniform may not flatter Sharyn's figure and hair, but she wears her uniform with pride and dignity
even in the face of impossible circumstances. Sharyn is imperfect, yet she adheres to her strong
internal ethical code no matter what. Secondary characters are likewise well realized, springing
vividly alive in the reader's imagination. As the ongoing mystery surrounding the death of Sharyn's
father continues from book to book, the subtle complexity of the series is guaranteed to keep old
fans eagerly anticipating the next release, and new fans seeking out the previous releases. LAST
FIRES BURNING comes very highly recommended.
What A Girl Wants
Reon Laudat
St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
ISBN 0312983034 $6.50
Fiesty! Highly recommended
As teenagers, Ava Daniels and Harper Reynolds are close until an unfortunate night of
vulnerability
and miscommunication results in disaster. Ava never forgot the rejection and Harper never forgot
his
unfortunate behavior. Subsequent encounters are either avoided or decidedly cool. Then years
later
Harper's Aunt Flossie passes away, leaving them in joint possession of her Victorian house. Ava
desperately needs the house to extract her brother from a poor living/school situation. Moreover,
she wants both her father and brother to have the opportunities a better neighborhood would
afford.
But Harper is equally determined to help his favorite charity. He is part of a group that helps
runaway teens and need has far outstripped resources. His inheritance would nicely accommodate
their needs. In addition to struggling for ownership of the house, however, both Ava and Harper
have their own personal problems adding passion to their conflict. Author Reon Laudat delight
fans
with IT'S A LOVE THANG and returns to show just exactly WHAT A GIRL WANTS. While
the
theme might be familiar, Laudat adds a charming and captivating element with her delightful
characters who lend the novel remarkable freshness. Indeed, Ava's grudge and Harper's guilt
provide
powerful impetus for a feisty relationship when they share living space. Their mutual desire is
matched by their need to retain ownership of their inheritances, resulting in a rollicking read that
keeps that sizzles. This fast paced, amusing ethnic romance will appeals to all lovers of romantic
comedy. WHAT A GIRL WANTS comes highly recommended.
Burning Up
Tales of Erotic Romance
Nina Bangs, Kimberly Raye, Cheryl Holt, Patricia Ryan
St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
ISBN 0312311087 $14.95
Intense! Highly recommended
Authors Nina Bangs, Cheryl Holt, Kimberly Raye, AND Patricia Ryan combine their talented
pens
for a sizzling collection of novellas. These powerful tales of seduction and pleasure will keep the
blood simmering with their intimate detail and erotic possibility. As sexual intensity increases, so
also do the demands of the heart. In this volume spanning time and distance, these authors will
leave
the reader BURNING UP. "The Flame" by Nina Bangs: Serenity So-Fine time travels from the
year
2700 to 2003 seeking an erotic work of art called the Flame. As curator for the Galactic Museum
of
Erotic Art, Serenity has added many erotic works to the collection, but none has called to her so
much as this one. In a time when sexual attraction has been reduced to negotiation and necessity,
the
Flame speaks to her a way almost primal. When she arrives, Serenity learns that sculptor Justin
Hill
exudes the very primal heat her world has lost. Unfortunately, she arrives a bit early and the Flame
has not yet been created; indeed, Serenity will become the focus of inspiration for the sculpture.
"The Wedding Night" by Cheryl Holt: In 1815, Ellen Foster agrees to a platonic marriage with
Lord
Stephen Banbury, exchanging her wealth for his title. Little does he suspect that she very carefully
chooses him to be her husband, or that her virginal exterior conceals a passion driven woman
determined to lure her new husband into their wedding bed. Certainly Stephen's reputation for
lewd
behavior and a fabulous ass promise a bad-girl want-to-be a wild night if he will only abandon his
determination to keep his distance. "Burn, Inc" by Kimberly Raye: Determined to prove her
abilities
to her family, Gerry Baxter is producer for an erotic movie company called Women on Top.
Production is complete on the first nine films of a ten part series for HBO, but their contract
hinges
on completing the entire series. Unfortunately, the woman who usually serves as the driving
creative
force for the company has defected to marriage and a honeymoon, leaving Gerry to complete the
project. Ragweed and poor inspiration threaten disaster so Gerry calls Logan, believing he is Dr.
Love and can inspire a few ideas for the final shoot. Mistaken identity and sensual promise lead to
an
unexpected encounter filled with eroticism. "Possessing Julia" by Patricia Ryan: Widow Julia
Hughes needs to loose her virginity within the next two weeks, or her secret will be discovered.
Everyone assumes that her son was fathered by her first husband. Now she plans to marry a man
just
to provide him with an heir. Concerned for her son's well-being, Julia finds a unique solution. Her
aunt makes a deal with Clay to show Julia the ways of love making, including how to enjoy and
how
to please a man. But after such a marvelous intense interlude, both Julia and Clay will face great
difficulty to return to their previous lives and plans.
Drifting
Stephanie Gertler
E P Dutton
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
ISBN 0525947353 $23.95
Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence
Empty nest syndrome besieges Claire Cherney when her youngest child heads off to college. As
one
chapter of her life closes, another opens unexpected when Nicholas Pierce arrives with his
seven-year-old blind daughter Kayla. While it's the off season, Claire and her husband Eli still
welcome their new guests to their bed and breakfast. Claire immediately finds herself drawn to the
young girl, recalling growing up in the custody of her father. Claire has never come to terms with
the loss of her mother, who left when she was two. Her deep love for her husband and children
leaves her baffled as to how her own mother could simply have walked away. As Nicholas and
Kayla's story unfolds, Claire finds herself drawn deeply into their troubles and subsequently
confronting her own unresolved emotions. When the truth of Nicholas' story is revealed, Claire is
driven to rescue Kayla. Stephanie Gertler writes with the soul of a poet, each word expressive of
passion and place. As the complexity of family relationships unfolds, DRIFITING DRIFTING
reveals a heart stopping tale of loss, redemption, and healing. Claire's sincere need to believe in
Nicholas' love for his daughter and to associate him with her own father leads to disillusionment
and
yet brings her to greater truth. Indeed, as an adult who had mixed results over meeting a
biological
parent, this reviewer is pleased with the genuineness of Claire's misgivings, the truth of her anger,
and her uneasy resolution. A novel rich in nuance and beauty, DRIFTING earns the
WordWeaving
Award for Excellence.
Don't Tell
Karen Rose
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0446612804 $5.99
Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence
Caroline Stewart and her son Tom assumed new identities and left everything of their previous
lives
behind when they abandoned their car in a watery grave in Douglas Lake, East Tennessee. Divers
seeking the victim of a drowning discover the Ford seven years later. Inside are a statue and a
Teenage Mutant Turtle backpack. Mary Grace Winters and her son were assumed dead, victims
of
kidnapping. As he puts the clues together, however, her husband Rob realizes that his son lives as
does the woman who took him. A well respected cop, Rob will stop at nothing to reclaim his son
and punish the woman he once married. Only a few suspect the depths of violence he capable of,
or
the damage he previously inflicted on his family. A high school drop out, Caroline has worked
hard
to rebuild her life. She earns her GED and began taking classes toward a college degree. A history
professor had notices her efforts and offers her a job as his secretary, giving Caroline considerable
tuition discounts. Now a semester from graduation, her mentor has died and Caroline has a new
boss. For the first time in years, Caroline is tempted to take a chance on love with Max Hunter.
They are kindred spirits, his scars simply more obvious. As Caroline's support system fails and
Rob
gets closer, however, Caroline discovers the true dangers that lying in the admission "don't tell."
Author Karen Rose pens a heart stopping and chilling read in DON'T TELL. In a complex
tapestry
made of fear, desire, strength and brutality, she weaves a tale of psychological complexity.
Caroline's
transformation from abused spouse to independence becomes even more profound when
contrasted
with the cruel man she left behind. Evil and malicious, Rob will stop at nothing to get what he
wants
and to punish those who stand in his way. Max's wounds run just as deeply as Caroline's, as they
both struggle to come to terms with horrific events beyond their control. Rose's superb plotting,
careful attention to nuance and detail, and memorable characters mark her as an author who bears
watching in the future. Certainly readers will be eagerly anticipating sequels that include Max's
brother, Caroline's best friend, and Special Agent Steven Thatcher. A stunning tour de force that
readers won't want to miss, DON'T TELL belongs on the keeper shelf, earns the WordWeaving
Award for Exellence.
A Young Girl's Crimes
David Rehak
AmErica House Book Publishers
PO Box 1109, Frederick, MD 21702
ISBN 1591290562 $16.95
Minimalist style starkly reveals a gritty life -- Highly
recommended
Teenagers Flora and Bill Darby grow tired of their father's
restrictions, seeking rebellion in very different ways. While Bill
eventually gets himself disowned by choosing to marry a woman his
father does not approve of, Flora takes a very different path.
Tired of her tutor's cruel behavior, Flora smothers her. No one
ever suspects her crime, but that instance of evil begins Flora's
descent into destruction. Flora discovers her father's pornography
collection, her feelings toward love and sex then guided by her
father's depraved collection. When her new tutor arrives, Flora
explores the world of lesbian love, only to be ultimately
rejected. Even when Flora encounters true compassion, her past
makes a future impossible. Author David Rehak's minimalist style
starkly reveals a gritty life in A YOUNG GIRL'S CRIMES. With her
father's controlling nature driving her into rebellion, Flora's
descent into violent and sexual behavior comes alive with Rehak's
vivid pen. Flora's desperate search for love from her father, her
lover, or even her brother results in a tale of poignant tragedy.
Readers will encounter unexpected moral twists and ethical
dilemmas written in a poignant and compelling style that it is
impossible to put down. Indeed, Rehak's remarkable talent will
leave readers eagerly anticipating his future releases. A YOUNG
GIRL'S CRIMES comes highly recommended.
Say You Want Me
Harlequin Temptation No 935
Cindi Myers
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373691351 $4.25
A delightful read -- Highly recommended
Nurse Joni Montgomery needs a man to keep her matchmaking grandma at bay. With Grandma
visiting soon, Joni results to a desperate blind date in hopes of keeping Grandma satisfied with her
active love life. Otherwise, Grandma will select just the wrong kind of daredevil for her security
minded granddaughter. When Joni arrives at the restaurant for her blind date, rather than the
balding
ordinary man she expects, Joni encounters a hottie. While she might prefer a safe accountant,
Connor Sullivan's sensual promise lures Joni into dangerous territory. So when the "real" blind
date
appears, Joni finds herself gently sending him away, much to Connor's delight. He cannot believe
that the woman of his dreams has materialized at his table, and Connor intently insures that she
does
not just walk away. So when she later explains her need for a temporary boyfriend, Conner is
happy
to oblige. Perhaps his act will be so perfect Joni will want the real thing. Too bad that, as a cop,
Connor is precisely what Joni claims to not want! Author Cindi Myers pens a delightful romance
with SAY YOU WANT ME. Heroine Joni voices the fears of a woman who dreads the possibility
of
loss, even at the risk of revealing her in an unfavorable light at times. Carter's charming
persistence
and cheerful nature tolerates Joni's fears with good humor and grace. Add an outrageous grandma
and the result is a lively, light read fans will enjoy. SAY YOU WANT ME comes highly
recommended.
In Bed With the Enemy
Desire No 1521
Kathie Denosky
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373765215 $4.25
A must read treasure! Very highly recommended
Special FBI agent Elise Campbell wields her accounting abilities the way ATF agent Cole Yardley
plies his field experience. They did not get along two years ago when they first met, and they get
along no better now with them both in Mission Creek, Texas. She calls him caveman; he calls her
sweetheart. They are assigned to bring down the Mercado crime family and expose their
connection
to the smuggling ring funneling weapons into the tiny Central American country of Mezcaya. As
old
antipathy combines with sizzling attraction, Elise and Cole combine forces. Cole poses as Elise's
significant other to stop mobster boss Valente from getting too close to Elise. Soon they break
their
own rules about sleeping with a co-worker in a night of passion. The consequences, however,
reach
far beyond where either imagined. As always, author Kathie DeNosky pens a great read with IN
BED WITH THE ENEMY. Determined and independent, Elise makes the perfect foil for overly
protective Cole. DeNosky carefully weaves the ongoing mystery with dynamic characterizations
in a
novel which works as well as part of the continuity as it does as a stand alone. Indeed, DeNosky's
trademark gift for combining sensuality and humor results in a must read treasure. IN BED WITH
THE ENEMY comes very highly recommended.
Reluctant Princess
Special Edition No 1537
Christine Rimmer
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373245378 $4.75
A spectacular read -- Very highly recommended
Elli Thorson enters her Sacramento apartment to find something she
did not leave there that morning. A gorgeous, tattooed Viking by
the name of Hauk FitzWyborn has been ordered by her estranged
father, King Osrik of Gullandria, to bring Elli home to
Gullandria. Elli's mother never explained the reason for her
fleeing her crown and her husband, raising her three girls in
California since they were infants. But now, after long years of
silence and with their brothers lying in their graves, the king
insists upon meeting his daughter Elli, whom he believes to be the
most docile of the three. Elli might be more superficially
compliant than her sisters, but beneath her calm exterior beats
the heart of a woman filled with passion and determination. Elli
has no intentions of easily complying with her father's desires
despite the sexiness of the messenger. Even left with little
choice, Elli finds ways to assert her independence when Hauk
threatens to kidnap her. Moreover, Elli cheerfully acknowledges
the powerful chemistry between herself and Hauk, who believes
himself to be far beneath a princess, even one determined to
decline a crown. Author Christine Rimmer brings a unique voice to
THE RELUCTANT PRINCESS, brilliantly capturing the historical
flavor of her subject in a contemporary setting. Hauk is
absolutely divine with his tattoos and strength of character while
Elli sparkles with her all American frankness. After the marvelous
scene at that last acknowledges Elli and Hauk's love, readers will
eagerly anticipate sisters Liv and Brit's stories! A spectacular
read that fans will treasure, THE RELUCTANT PRINCESS comes very
highly recommended.
Lonetree Ranchers: Brant
Desire No 1528
Kathie DeNosky
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373765282 $4.25
Wonderful! -- Very highly recommended
Anastasia Devereaux's very proper grandmother would have been
horrified to see her balanced precariously on a fifth floor ledge
between hotel rooms. Consequently, Anastasia's subsequent appeal
to a stranger for protection from a man claiming to be her fianc‚
would have simply been impossible to explain. Soon renamed by her
rescuer, Annie discovers a liberating world of bull riding and
danger. Brant Wakefield's protective streak cannot resist the
woman who wears cloths a size too big and hides behind glasses.
Putting her in jeans and contacts reveals far more than a trim
figure, however. Brant discovers a woman who blows all of his
preconceptions of women born with a silver spoon. Unfortunately,
while his heart might be led to trust his intuition, his common
sense tells him to walk away. Kathie DeNosky's gift for lively
characterizations promises a dynamic new series led by LONETREE
RANCHERS: BRANT. Annie's quest for adventure flies in the face of
convention and yet becomes a believable quest even as she lands in
outrageous situations. Brant's protective streak leads them
through ominous threats and outraged family, resulting in a
terrific story that readers will find impossible to put down.
Indeed, DeNosky's storytelling gift sparkles in LONETREE RANCHERS:
BRANT, coming very highly recommended.
Dad Today, Groom Tomorrow
Silhouette Romance No 1683
Holly Jacobs
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373196830 $3.99
Sweet romance of second chances -- Highly recommended
A meddlesome mother, an engagement announcement, and a large dose
of insecurity result in Louisa Clancy not following her heart.
Instead, she accepts the check and departed without telling Joe
Delecamp that she was pregnant. Eight years later he happens into
The Chocolate Bar, only to find Louisa behind the counter and a
seven-year-old boy with his hair and eyes coming through the door.
Suddenly the world shifts. Joe might have professed no interest in
children years ago, but faced with his son, he will not walk away.
Now he and Louisa must find a way to forgive the past to build a
future for their son. But question remains whether or not that
future means that they will share more than parenting
responsibilities. A sweet romance of second chances, DAD TODAY,
GROOM TOMORROW will easily charm its way into readers' hearts.
Indeed, author Holly Jacob's gift for deftly capturing the
humorous and the poignant with her talented pen once again earns
fan loyalty with memorable characters and challenging situations.
Joe's determination to make up for lost time meets an equally
determined mothering instinct in Louisa. Rich characterizations,
intriguing glimpses into the past, and a child with the magic and
mystery of childhood combine in a marvelous tale not to be missed.
DAD TODAY, GROOM TOMORROW comes highly recommended.
The Mommy Plan
Superromance No 1150
Susan Gable
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711506 $5.25
Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence
James has devoted his life to his daughter. While his over
protectiveness and obsessive cleanliness drives Molly crazy, James
determinedly safeguards his daughter. Molly wants to do the
ordinary things other girls her age do, causing her father to rein
her in repeatedly. Like Molly, James is instantly attracted to
Rachel. What he does not realize is that Molly has decided she
wants Rachel to be her mother. Neither Rachel nor James stands a
chance against THE MOMMY PLAN. Author Susan Gable pens a poignant
tale of healing and second chances in THE MOMMY PLAN. Gable boldly
tackles the painful issues of organ donors, addressing both those
who gain and those who loose, a story that touches the heart and
the soul. Deft handling of the highly charged emotional content
allows the heroine to find healing and discover new possibilities.
The children of the novel bring a touch of humor as they protest
their parent's over protectiveness, and the child who was the
donor lives as vividly in the hearts of the readers as those who
tell their own stories. A memorable novel that belongs the keeper
shelf, THE MOMMY PLAN earns the WordWeaving Award for
Excellence.
Married In Haste
Superromance No 1149
Roz Denny Fox
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711484 $5.25
Tragedy and triumph - Very highly recommended
An earthquake devastates Seattle, forever changing the lives of
school teacher Abby Drummond and pediatrician Ben Galloway. Their
previous plans for a romantic skiing vacation over spring break
take a backseat to necessity. Before they can leave town, the
earthquake hits the city and Abby finds herself leading students
to safety even as Ben struggles to the hospital to cope with
emergencies. Life will never be the same. Before the dust even
settles, Abby learns that her brother and sister-in-law have died,
leaving five boys for her to raise. Ben likewise finds himself
caring for his two nieces. Practical concerns keep Ben and Abby
from spending much time together until they decide to pool their
resources. After barely seeing one another and trying to help each
other when they can, Ben and Abby agree that marriage seems like a
reasonable solution. But with so many children involved and not a
word spoken about love, both Ben and Abby are ill prepared for the
consequences they face. Author Roz Denny Fox has a powerful gift
for taking difficult situations and turning them into poignant
tales of love and healing. In MARRIED IN HASTE, tragedy creates a
blended family that faces the difficulties of grief and change.
Although the precociousness of the children might at times prove
distracting, Abby's story sparkles with rich emotion and powerful
attraction. Her irritation with Ben's dominance, her guilt over
her family, and her sense of responsible combine to make her one
of the most powerful heroines this reviewer has encountered in
serial romance. MARRIED IN HASTE comes very highly
recommended.
Once Smitten & Twice Shy
Duets No 101
Darlene Gardner
Harlequin Inc.
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373441673 $5.99
The irrepressible Gardner at her best! Very highly recommended
Author Darlene Gardner pens a two part treat about the one who got away, or OWGA, in ONCE
SMITTEN/TWICE SHY. Gardner's characteristic flair for amusing characters and outrageous
situations absolutely sparkles. Indeed, ONCE SMITTEN/TWICE SHY demonstrates Gardner's
witty writing skill at its playful best. In ONCE SMITTEN, Zoe O'Neall has carried the torch for
years for Jack Carter, a fellow student in college. His jock status took him far out of her league,
but
she has never forgotten the one who got away. So when a casual remark about that very topic
brings
friends Zoe, Amy and Matt together in the OWGA club, Zoe soon finds herself looking up her old
crush. The results are equally outrageous and exciting! In TWICE SHY, Amy Donnatelli and
Matt
Burke each make up one who got away, hoping to top the other's story. After all, neither wants to
admit to their secret admiration for each other. Unfortunately, their stories soon snowball into
ridiculous hilarity that only the reader can appreciate!
Slippery When Wet
Blaze No 94
Kristin Hardy
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790988 $4.50
A wonderful read! Very highly recommended
Five years without a vacation makes travel agency owner Taylor DeWitt ready for her time in the
sun while she scopes out Caribbean locations to send clients. Dev Carson arrives in the Caribbean
for different reasons. He was unable to receive a refund on his honeymoon plans and has arrived
alone. But when he finds Taylor topless, sunning herself on the beach, they both find themselves
swept away in a holiday fling. A week later, Taylor and Dev go their own ways without making
plans to reconnect. So when Taylor returns to her office expecting renovations to be complete
and
finds the place a disaster, she goes ballistic. And it does not help to learn that Dev is the project
manager. The wild and erotic moments of their vacation are lost in practicality and frustration. If
he
has any interest in rekindling their heated interlude, Dev will have to persuade Taylor to reclaim
the
possibilities they temporarily shared. Author Kristin Hardy's flair for creating memorable
characters
sparkles in SLIPPERY WHEN WET. The clash between the freedom of a vacation and the
responsibilities of work make for a roller coaster read with heated results. Indeed, Hardy
consistently delivers the kind of erotic play readers expect from the Blaze line tempered with her
own dramatic style. A wonderful read fans will not want to miss, SLIPPERY WHEN WET comes
very highly recommended.
The Searchers
Superromance No 1149
Kay David
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711492 $5.25
Powerful! Very highly recommended
With her past firmly left behind, prominent attorney Maya Velaquez hopes to become a judge. But
Houston's dark winter days bring memories of a man who lived and died in shadows, and of the
son
she birthed and grieved in another lifetime. Maya learned well that life promises no guarantees.
Still,
she never expected the brother of the man she once loved to show up in her office. Columbian
Shepard Reyes never knew about his brother's child, or the possibility that it yet lived. When one
of
his workers shares the truth, after eighteen years of silence, repaying a debt of honor, he greets
the
news with disbelief. Shepard certainly never expected to seek out his leftist guerilla brother's
lover.
But with the possibility of an heir to the family emerald mines, Shepard feels compelled to seek
the
truth. Soon both Maya and Shepard are drawn into a compelling world of danger, intrigue and
love.
With her tantalizingly soul searing style, author Kay David once again presents a tale impossible
to
put down in THE SEARCHERS. Maya and Shepard confront the present with explosive
consequences, in a page turning story impossible to put down. Maya's intriguing past and her
current
life reveal a woman who developed strong ethics and a profound sense of responsibility. Shepard's
willingness to seek the truth, regardless of the consequences, provides exactly the strong hero that
this heroine deserves. Maya's pain over her lost child and her hope that he yet lives will touch
reader's hearts profoundly. THE SEARCHERS comes very highly recommended.
Flirting With Temptation
Temptation No 936
Cara Summers
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 037369136X $4.25
Don't miss this one! Very highly recommended
In exchange for a makeover and an introduction to her biological father, Corie Benjamin agrees to
fly to San Francisco despite her death bed promise to her mother. Certainly her reputation for
recklessness does not match her staid appearance. Indeed, bridge club meetings, quilting circles
and
Friday evening book discussions fail to offer this small town librarian the kind of romance she
seeks.
So when reporter Jack Kincaid offers her an introduction to her father, Corie cannot resist the
opportunity. Jack Kincaid seeks his own answers to the past, and believes that Corie's family ties
might lead to answers. His aunt disappeared twelve years ago, and Jack believes that her father
Benny Lewis was behind her disappearance. The police had been of no assistance and recently
Jack's
own publications have rekindled old animosity. Jack intends to use Corie to gain an interview that
might give him the answers he seeks. But Jack does not realize just how complicated things might
get, or how deeply his heart might become involved. This reviewer must make a confession to
adoring this series, and especially FLIRTING WITH TEMPTATION. Author Cara Summers
does
divine job of capturing the flavor of San Francisco right down to the irrepressible and delightful
Franco Rossi, who brings the man-magnet skirt from Manhattan to the west coast. Readers will
be
clamoring for more appearances from this playwright turned matchmaker! With a light hearted
story
and a marvelous cast of characters, FLIRTING WITH TEMPTATION goes straight to the
keeper
shelf. Very highly recommended.
A Dangerous Seduction
Harlequin Historical No 668
Patricia Frances Rowell
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373292686 $5.25
Another hit from this rising star -- Very highly recommended
Motivated by revenge, Morgan Pendaris carefully orchestrates the downfall of his nemesis.
Nineteen
years ago, the elder Hayne stole his family estate and Morgan vowed to see him in chains, to
deprive
him of possessions, to ride his horses and to see crush his loved ones. In 1816, Morgan regains
the
family estate, purchases the son Cordell Hayne's debts and plans to leave Cordell's wife homeless.
But meeting the wife utterly changes Morgan's plans. Eulalia's gentle ways, love of growing
things,
and quiet distain of her abusive husband charms Morgan. Indeed, her warm welcome leaves him
disarmed. Eulalia's Romany grandmother also remains in residence, lending an intriguing element
to
the tale. When Cordell's ship apparently crashes and it seems that he has perished, Morgan offers
her
the position of temporary governess for his nephew. But sabotage, nightmares and murder
provide
almost insurmountable impediments to the road to happiness. Fans will recall author Patricia
Rowell's highly successful A PERILIOUS ATTRACTION and will cheer her return with A
DANGEROUS SEDUCTION. This exciting Regency romantic suspense provides marvelous
characterizations and a suggestion of the paranormal, keeping the plot moving at a brisk pace.
Secondary characters likewise sparkle with Rowell's incomparable style. Keep an eye on Rowell's
rising star as she continues to provide fabulous entertainment. A DANGEROUS SEDUCTION
comes very highly recommended.
Prince and Future...Dad?
Special Edition No 1556
Christine Rimmer
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373245564 $4.75
Terrific series -- Very highly recommended
Gullandrian tradition holds that on Midsummer's Eve no one can be called to account for amorous
indiscretions. Even the king's daughters indulge in revelry. Unfortunately, they are also still held
responsible for the consequences of their actions when pregnancy is involved, as Princes Liv
Thorson discovers. And while she might prefer to quietly return to her life in America, her Viking
prince and kingly father may have other ideas. Rumors spread quickly in the palace, and within
twenty-four hours not only had Liz endured the traditional family revelation of pregnancy,
including
nausea and rash, but so has the man responsible heard of her condition. Prince Finn Danelaw was
entranced by the woman he held in his arms, and would certainly fulfill his responsibilities to her.
Unfortunately, he may have to follow her America to do so. In a country where bastard children
are
badly stigmatized, and a king demands marriage, Finn has his task cut out for him if he is to
convince
the princess that she has his heart. This reviewer must confess to a personal love for this series.
Something about the combination of historic alpha males clashing with strong Americans is
incredibly appealing. Indeed, author Christine Rimmer has a flair for capturing the essence of
historical flavor, yet presenting it in a modern setting, which is absolutely captivating. The
amusing
celebration on Midsummer's Eve is a delightful beginning to an ancient consequence! And it is
such
a pleasure to watch the rebellion of American daughters in the face of an archaic father with a
heart
of gold. I can hardly wait to see how the third and most independent princess of all handles her
prince charming. PRINCE AND FUTURE DAD comes very highly recommended.
Suspicion
Superromance No 1157
Janice Macdonald
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711573 $5.25
Complex family relationships -- Recommended
While celebrating his fortieth anniversary, Sam Lynsky awakens from a nap to realize that his wife
Diana has mysteriously disappeared from their yacht. Everyone seems to suspect homicide. Now
three months later, daughter Ava cannot work or sleep. Before her mother's disappearance, Ava
created tiles that reflected the magic and wonder of childhood. She liked to think they were
inspired
by her own childhood; now, she is not so certain. Ava's twin sister Ingrid, does not share Ava's
idealized memories of childhood. Instead, she remembers her father's frequent absences and her
mother's unhappiness. After his final interview for the Los Angeles Times, journalist Scott
Campbell
moves to Santa Catalina to become the new publisher and editor of the island's newspaper. He
hopes
to create a new life for himself and his fourteen-year-old daughter. With his ex-wife to frequently
remind them both of his transgressions and short comings, repairing the rift between him and his
daughter will be challenging. Moreover, Scott cannot resist the lure of the story, and especially
not
the allure of Ava. Author Janice Macdonald pens a complex tale of family relationships in
SUSPICION. Having already been a widow, Ava proves to be a multifaceted character as she
comes
to terms with her previously idealized vision of her childhood. Scott's struggles with parenthood
likewise lend his character remarkable depth as he confronts uncomfortable truths. Indeed,
secondary characters are also vividly realized, resulting in varied and captivating cast. The fast
paced
plot with its intricacies may throw some readers, but will prove rewarding for those with
perseverance. SUSPICION comes recommended.
Trade Secrets
Harlequin Temptation No 935
Jill Shalvis and C. J. Carmichael
Harlequin Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373835906 $6.99
Highly recommended
A group of Harvard MBA students make a pact to each become CEO of a Fortune 500 Company
before they reach forty. The result is a strong series that showcases some of Harlequin's strongest
writing talent. In TRADE SECRETS, authors Jill Shalvis and CJ Carmichael's pen engrossing
tales
of love and betrayal. Vivid detail and strong characterizations neatly dovetail in these seamless
tales
set in Cooper's Corner. Indeed, both of these talented authors prove their remarkable storytelling
abilities with strong characterizations and meticulous plotting, resulting in a collection that comes
highly recommended. TRADE SECRETS by Jill Shalvis: when Ian McCall takes a bullet to the
thigh
in a bust gone wrong, he finds himself relegated to small-town life in Cooper's Corner. Insanely
craving the filth and noise of New York, Ian only finds solace when he encounters business
entrepreneur Annie Hughes. Threats to her safety soon give Ian renewed purpose, but the most
profound danger may be to his heart. Unexpected and quirky comments like "that's my work
you're
eating" when Ian takes a bite of apple provides the characteristic light hearted amusing tone that
fans
adore in Shalvis' work. DEAL OF A LIFETIME by CJ Carmichael: For four years administrative
assistant Stacey Prentice devoted her life to Chance Maguire, never complaining of long hours or
late phone calls. Then he remarried his ex-wife without even inviting Stacey to the wedding. So
she
plots her revenge. She intends to sell inside information, never suspecting that she is being quickly
ushered out of town so security specialist Meredith Hayden can do damage control. Assuming
Stacey's identity, Meredith intends to meet with Quinn Huntington and do damage control.
Neither
expects the person they encounter under such nebulous circumstances. Surprisingly, readers will
find
themselves amused with the intrepid Stacey by the end of the novel; a remarkable accomplishment
indeed.
Enchanting Baby
Superromance No 1152
Darlene Graham
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711522 $5.25
New life and new possibilities -- Highly recommended
Tragedy has left land developer Greg Glazier alone until he discovers that a mix up at the artificial
insemination clinic has led to a miracle. Now unable to father children, Greg was stunned to learn
the clinic switched his with another donor five years ago. A bit of detective work and lots of
publicity leads him to believe that TV star Ashleigh Logan now carries his child. Grief over her
deceased husband did not stop Ashleigh from deciding to become a single mother. Her very public
pregnancy led to great support from her audience until a stalker labeled her choices as selfish and
immoral. To protect herself and the unborn child, Ashleigh retreats from the world, hiding in the
New Mexico mountains north of Taos at the remote The Birth Place. But soon both the donor
and
the stalker find Ashleigh and she is faced with life altering decisions. Author Darlene Graham
utilizes
well known themes to great effect in ENCHANTING BABY. The concept tying the series
together
of a remote clinic called Enchantment will appeal to readers who love baby stories and
unexpected
possibilities. Graham breaths freshness into her contribution to The Birth Place series with
wonderfully memorable characters readers will love. Ashleigh and Greg both struggle with issues
of
grief and loss, finding healing in the child that binds their lives together. ENCHANTING BABY
comes highly recommended.
Ranger's Wild Woman
American Romance No 986
Tina Leonard
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373169868 $5.25
Recommended with reservations
Too much is happening around Union Junction Range, and Ranger Jefferson figures he had best
get
out quickly. The love bug seems to biting the local populace, and while he thinks a couple of the
local women are attractive, Ranger is not ready for putting his boots under their beds. So Ranger
leaves a note behind for his overly protective brother and hits the road. He intends to head for the
nearest military base to enlist. Instead, Ranger finds two hitchhikers and his twin brother. Ranger
stops to pick up Cissy Kisserton who has about to hitch to the nearest highway. Right behind her
is
Hannah Hotchkiss, and the girls have already demonstrated their propensity for cat fights over
him.
Worse, when Hannah climbs in the extended cab of his pick-up, she discovers stow away twin
brother Archer. As things go from bad to worse, Ranger finds his plans derailed on the way to the
Mississippi line. Wild child Hannah and her hot kisses have him thinking of things other than
enlistment. Author Tina Leonard pens a rollicking ride to the state line in RANGER'S WILD
WOMAN. Unfortunately the narrative tone is so overly exuberant that the characters begin to feel
more like caricatures. Their impetuous and spontaneous decisions lack the forethought that
readers
expect of mature adults. A thirty-two year old man, for example, would not simply leave a note
behind and run off to join the military. Nevertheless, author Tina Leonard does provide snappy
dialogue and outrageous antics aplenty. RANGER'S WILD WOMAN comes recommended with
reservations.
The Perfect Mom
Superromance No 1152
Janice Kay Johnson
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711530 $5.25
Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence
Once, Kathleen Monroe had everything. She was the model wife living with the perfect husband
and
daughter in a beautiful house spending her time doing important charity work. If there flaws in
paradise, Kathleen refused to acknowledge them until she was left without any other choice. Now
she is divorced, the fancy house gone, and her daughter's life is at risk to an eating disorder. The
first
time Logan Carr met Kathleen, she sobbed herself out in his arms. Since he had arrived to check
out
her kitchen and make a bid on building cabinetry to house her growing soap business, he had
certainly not expected the beautiful woman to seek solace in his arms. Before he left, he was
determined to make the job affordable and find out what she would feel like in his arms without
tears
and sorrow. As the mother of teen daughters, author Janice Kay Johnson know first hand the
challenges of raising healthy young women. Her sympathetic understanding and realistic depiction
of
the results of anorexia results in a stunning read with THE PERFECT MOM. Kathleen's own
need
to control her world, down to alphabetizing her soup, reflects her daughter's desperation in her
eating disorder. Kathleen is far from perfect, as seen in the daughter's narrative, but she is strong
and
determined. Her mix of tenacity and vulnerability draws Logan, who is likewise wonderful and
flawed. Add THE PERFECT MOM to the keeper shelf. Winner of the WordWeaving Award for
Excellence.
Cynthia Penn
Reviewer
Donovan's Bookshelf
An Encyclopedia of Occultism
Lewis Spence
Dover Publications
31 E. 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
0486426130 $29.95 1-800-223-3130
This was the first comprehensive coverage of its kind covering the topic of occultism, and was
originally titled with a long, daunting title peculiar to its 1920 origins. Dover's reduced the title to
a
managable read and provided a fine reprint of a dictionary-style set of entries which embrace
occult
terms and explore the roots of mythology, folk literature, and the occult. A thrilling, oft-cited
resource packed with important keys to understanding, this will still prove applicable and
important
to modern audiences.
Men of Iron
Howard Pyle
Dover Publications
31 E. 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
0486428419 $8.95 1-800-223-3130
Myles was only eight when a knight in black armor rode into his father's castle with murder in
mind:
it was an event which would change his life, bring disgrace to his family, and foster his own
training
for knighthood so that he might challenge the king's own champion. This story of 15th century
England has been a classic for many years and the Dover edition appears unabridged, republishing
a
Harper 1892 classic.
Psychopathology of Everyday Life
Sigmund Freud
Dover Publications
31 E. 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
0486428613 $8.95 1-800-223-3130
The republication of this authorized English edition which appeared in 1914 will enable libraries
to
replace aging volumes with a fresh, affordable paperwork. This remains one of Freud's most
widely
recognized titles, blending anecdotal accounts with his personal experience and psychological
insights. His first-person, chatty tone makes it easy for the lay reader to understand his concepts
of
underlying psychological influences.
Dover Publications, Inc.
31 East 2nd Street, Mineola, NY 11501
1-800-223-3130 www.amazon.com
Charles Aubert's ART OF PANTOMIME (0486428575, $9.95) first appeared in 1927 to cover
the
history and fine art of pantomime: this unabridged reprint includes the original 196 black and
white
drawings as it provides modern audiences with an invaluable key to understanding the nature and
variety of the art. Chapters focus on movements, principal laws, and acting keys. Iris Brooke's
ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK OF WESTERN EUROPEAN COSTUME (0486427471,
$19.95)
covers costume from the 13th to the mid-19th centuries, using costumes as contemporary clues to
wearing apparel that was in vogue in Europe during the times. This originally appeared in 1939
as a
2-volume set: its synthesis into a more manageable single volume retains the intricate displays and
coverages of costumes which will prove appealing to costume and cultural historians and actors
alike. Sheila Nelson's VIOLIN AND VIOLA (0486428532, $14.95) provides a comprehensive
overview of the history, craftsmanship and techniques of these instruments, republishing an
original
1972 title which is packed with music examples, diagrams, and over twenty illustrated plates. A
new
introduction for this edition compliments the production. Louis Baudin's DAILY LIFE OF THE
INCAS (0486428001, $7.95) provides many important insights into South America's ancient
native
cultures. Originally published in 1961, the return of this classic in unabridged paperwork will
provide
new audiences with important insights into Inca civilization and will prove especially important to
anthropology students surveying South American history and cultures. Eric Sloane's AMERICAN
YESTERDAY (0486427609, $8.95) provides a fine vignette of early American life using facts
and
anecdotes spiced with pen and ink drawings. A lively recreation of early Americana, vanishing
occupations, and unique careers.
Moving Pictures: Memoirs Of A Hollywood Prince
Budd Schulberg
Ivan R. Dee, Inc. Publisher
1332 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60622-2632
1566635268 $19.95 1-800-462-6420
The author was raised in the 1920s as the privileged son of a pioneer studio mogul in Hollywood
but
earned fame in his own right as a distinguished novelist and playwright. His autobiography is not
only about his life and achievements: it traces changes he's observed in the Hollywood industry
over
the decades, comments on characters and ironies beyond the Hollywood stage, and includes
plenty
of rare photos to top off his presentation. A 'must' for any film buff.
A History of the Dora Camp
Andre Sellier
Ivan R. Dee
1332 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60622
156663511X $35.00 1-800-462-6420
In mid-1943 Nazi Germany faced a shortage of manpower in its factories, and sent slave laborers
to
work manufacturing weapons. The Dora subcamp was one of the most notorious, putting
prisoners
to work building V-2 rockets. Sellier himself is a former prisoner at Dora but also a historian and
tells the story of the underground work sites. Source documents trace the horror of everyday life
and the conflicts of prisoners forced to work against their potential liberators.
Ivan R. Dee
1332 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60622-2694
1-800-462-6420 www.amazon.com
These excellent titles cover social issues with an eye to exploring history and social changes.
Wyatt
Wells' AMERICAN CAPITALISM 1945-2000 (1566635373, $24.95) traces the patterns of
change
in capitalism in this country from its era of mass production and war to modern times. The
author's
focus on things which have changed and things which have not makes an intriguing survey of how
the U.S. developed its rich economy and succeeded in diversifying its ventures. A recommended
pick for sociology classes. Brooke Allen's TWENTIETH CENTURY ATTITUDES
(1566635209,
$26.00) provides a strong set of critical essays which survey political engagement in the lives of
this
century's literary talents. Some writers steer to the left; others to the right, and some in between
the inclusion of all in this strong selection displays the fallacies, sentiments, and temperament of
all,
and the underlying influences motivating and contributing to social changes. R Douglas Hurt's
PROBLEMS OF PLENTY (1566634628, $13.95) considers the American farmer in the 20th
century, from technological breakthroughs to problems in productivity and market glut resulting
from advancements. Hurt traces the decline in farmer standards of living to social issues and
technological change, showing how a federal farm policy helped shape farming on many fronts.
An
involving coverage essential to understanding the paths and developments of American
agriculture.
Templar's Penance
Michael Jecks
Headline/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0755301706 $24.95 1-800-423-4525
Watch for this engrossing historical novel/mystery in November: it comes steeped in the
atmosphere
and flavor of the Middle Ages and tells of a former knight Templar Sir Furnshill and Puttock, his
sleuth sidekick. With a tone of Holmes set in medieval times, the two investigate a Spanish
murder
during a pilgrimage while facing a threat from the past. Fast-paced and highly recommended.
Hesperus Press/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1-800-423-4525 www.amazon.com
This publisher's reprints of important yet under-considered classics by big-name writers provides a
well-rounded selection for discriminating library audiences. New additions to their publications
include Gabriele D'Annunzio's BOOK OF THE VIRGINS (1843910527, $12.00) appearing in its
first English translation to provide a dramatic coming of age story, Alexander Pushkin's
DUBROVSKY (1843910535, $12.00), telling of an aristocrat-brigand's scheme for revenge; Guy
de Maupassant's BUTTERBALL (1843910470, $12.00), telling of an unusual prostitute with
political scruples, and George Eliot's AMOS BARTON (1843910519, $12.00), in which a parson
faces his own family's dire poverty while preaching the word of god. All are unusual and excellent
accounts which are recommended picks for any solid literary collection; particularly those
featuring
the better-known works of each of these talented authors.
Omnigraphics
615 Griswold St., Detroit, MI 48226
1-800-234-1340 www.amazon.com
Wilma Caldwell edits COMPUTER SECURITY HANDBOOK (0780806484, $68.00), an
important
guide for general readers covering the basics of computer, internet and email security. From
effective data backup systems to assessing firewalls, using passwords effectively, and considering
different virus protection programs, this tells how to protect your system from everything from
viruses to unwanted emails and porn. The strategies outlined herein promise long-lived
applications
in a rapidly-changing computer world. Sue Ellen Thompson's HOLIDAY SYMBOLS AND
CUSTOMS (0780805011, $68.00) appears in is third updated edition to explore the legend and
lore
behind the symbols and customs of holidays and holy days. This in-depth reference explains the
roots and meaning of over 1,000 well-known symbols, and will make an excellent reference for
the
general library lending collection. Wilma Caldwell's COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY
SOURCEBOOK (0780806468, $68.00) adds a new volume to this publisher's Security Reference
series: this providing consumers with basic information on the telecom security issues involved in
both wireness and networked systems. From wiretapping and evesdropping to location tracking
and
phone scams, this blends statistics with security issues and telecom nuisances to offer consumers
advice and insights.
Diane C. Donovan
Reviewer
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
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