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MBR Bookwatch

Volume 3, Number 9 September 2004 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

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

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

Shirley's Bookshelf Vicki's Bookshelf

Cynthia Penn's Bookshelf
Turn Me On
Kristin Hardy
Harlequin Retail Inc
ISBN 0373791526 $4.50 256 pages

Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence

Eight years ago an unfortunate hot tub incident ended the romance between Sabrina Pantolini and Stef Costas. He might have been her best kisser ever, but he did not have the trust in their relationship that it took to endure a Hollywood world. After their breakup, Sabrina abandoned her dreams, dropped out of film school and made a career out of partying for three years. Then she approached her uncle and offered hard work for training, becoming an excellent producer. Now she wants to put her hard earned skills to the test, filming a pilot made for cable called True Sex, an expose on the more risqu‚ side of middle America's sexuality. When her director gets a better offer, Sabrina's uncle calls in a favor and gets her none other than Stef Costas. Stef has serious misgivings about Sabrina's project. He does serious documentaries about espionage in the American War of Independence or the Industrial Revolution. Now caught between projects and waiting for funding, he is not eager to help Sabrina, especially when he learns her documentary includes strippers teaching lap dancing classes or the country's most daring private sex club. Despite his misgivings, however, Stef agrees to work for her, but vows to leave their personal relationship where it belongs - in the past. However, sensuality has a way of encouraging chemistry, and soon Sabrina and Stef cannot deny the heat between them. But when the smoke clears, they still face virtually insurmountable challenges to their relationship. Author Kristin Hardy burst onto the romance scene several years ago with scintillating tales certain to turn up the heat, but she has truly outdone herself in TURN ME ON. A racy, titillating, daring read that juxtaposes the rowdy with the tender, the daring with the gentle, TURN ME ON will turn readers every which way but loose with its exciting, fantasy inducing prose. Hardy boldly explore the most wild and risqu‚ possibilities of sensuality with grace, creating a background of heat and daring that absolutely dazzles. But beneath a story filled with glitz and glitter are a heroine and a hero that capture the reader's heart and imagination with their boldness and with their vulnerabilities. Most importantly, while readers always anticipate a happy end with series romance, Hardy offers enough tantalizing originality to make every page a treasure. Keep your eyes on this talented author, it won't be long until she joins the ranks of Harlequin's rising stars. TURN ME ON earns the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.

Snoops in the City
Darlene Gardner
Leisure Love Spell
Dorchester Publishing
276 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
ISBN 0505525860 $6.99 339 pages

Very highly recommended

Desperate to pay her rent, twenty-five year old Tori Whitley accepts her cousin Eddie's job offer to become a PI. A few chapters of an Idiot's Guide for the Private Eye and she is ready to pursue her quarry. Tori's contact insists on calling her Jane Bond, and is rather reticent regarding her motives for having Grady Palmer followed. Unfortunately, she cannot conceal herself when she tales the hunky businessman, yet her brazen attempts unexpectedly land her the opportunity to investigate Grady up close and personal. All she needs to do is determine if Grady has any shady deals going with the city officials of Boca Raton, Florida. Meanwhile, Grady cannot resist the beautiful woman who so ineptly follows him. When he confronts her, Tori claims irresistible attraction, but Grady cannot decide if she is part of the corruption he investigates, or if she has her own agenda. Instead of being angry or trying to slip away, Grady invites her to accompany him. Surprisingly, Grady invites Tori to accompany him, giving him the opportunity to observe her closely. Hanging out together, Tori and Grady quickly realize that their fierce attraction may lead to consequences neither bargained for. Darlene Gardner has long proven her talent for penning quirky, amusing prose that keeps fans coming back to series romance. SNOOPS IN THE CITY proves that this multifaceted, multitalented author certainly has the sass and pizzazz to make the leap mainstream romance. Her unmistakable flair for outrageous situations and memorable characterizations keep the pages irresistible turning. Secondary characters likewise sparkle, including a scene-stealing cat. Quirky, amusing and charming, SNOOPS IN THE CITY comes very highly recommended.

Lady Justice
Vicki Hinze
Bantam, A Division of Random House, Inc.
1745 Broadway, New York, New York, 10019
ISBN 0553583530 $6.50 448 pages

Sequel to Lady Liberty -- Very highly recommended

As the group only known as the Consortium targets the United States economy, only Special Detail Unit Agent Gabby Kincaid has enough knowledge to piece together their threat. Posing as a judge in the small town of Carnal Cove, Florida, Gabby investigates a connection between the local lab and several businessmen. Then a Global Warrior attacks her, exposing her cover. Dutifully, she marks herself for extermination rather than risking the lives of untold numbers of field agents. Her superiors choose her partner Max Grayson to kill her. Max arrives in the midst of a storm prepared to carry out his duty, but not before he extracts crucial information from Abby. Before he can learn what she has discovered, a lab accident leads Abby to exposure from a particularly virulent form of encephalitis. When treatment causes amnesia, Max uses the opportunity to put off duty for the sake of possibly recovering information from Abby. His continued investigation leads to the discovery that Abby has connected with a group of local women who are subject matter experts for his own organization. With their help, Max hopes to discover the identities of the local members of Consortium before the virus spreads through the swamps of Florida and across the nation. Author Vicki Hinze once again demonstrates an extraordinary talent for penning exciting romantic suspense with LADY JUSTICE. Conspiracy theorists have long warned of groups that could target the United States economy, bringing the country to its knees, and Hinze portrays this threat in tale both thrilling and compelling. Gabby shift from her reputation of a woman known as "Queen Bitch" to something more will strike a strong chord of sympathy with readers even as her red hot partner struggles between duty and love. Corruption , greed and love combine in this fast paced read that readers will find difficult to put down, and even more impossible to forget reading. LADY JUSTICE comes very highly recommended.

Women for Hire: The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Job
Tory Johnson, Robyn Freedman Spizman and Lindsey Pollak
Perigee Books, The Berkley Publishing Group
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014
ISBN 0399528105 $15.95 302 pages

Very highly recommended

While we have often heard that net-working is the key for job hunting, women have traditionally underestimated the value of self-promotion. From finding the perfect job to negotiating a raise, WOMEN FOR HIRE offers practical solutions to getting a job. In a society that encouraging self-effacement, self-promotion can prove quite a challenge for the job hunter. Learning to present ourselves with confidence, without sounding egotistical has become the edge women need to succeed in the current job market. With WOMEN FOR HIRE, women can get ahead in their careers. From resumes and cover letters, to conversations and interviews, women can learn to get the job, raise or promotion they deserve. Complete with exercises that help turn responsibility to an accomplishment, WOMEN FOR HIRE is practical way to capitalize on previous achievements. Although stuck in my review pile for months and months, WOMEN FOR HIRE drew my eye recently as I began yet another job search. An unexpected lay off had sent me scurrying for advice, suggestions and hope, all of which I discovered in this remarkable book. Written for the every day woman, WOMEN FOR HIRE confronts the challenges of job hunting with both optimism and practicality. Inspired by the reminder that perhaps a change of careers might be in order, I followed the books advice regarding networking and self-promotion. Within a month networking led to gainful employment with a company that offers great possibilities! A must have tool for any women searching for her first job or the next step in her career, WOMEN FOR HIRE comes very highly recommended.

Cynthia Penn
Senior Reviewer

Donovan's Bookshelf
Maximum Healing
Ark Dana Mincolla, Ph.D.
Pennroyal Press
0963281127 $19.95 Pennroyalpress@maxhealing.com

The 'new medicine' blends Eastern and Western techniques and studies, and Mark Mincolla's survey of natural health is organized by easy chapters from 'earth' and 'water' to 'fire' and 'wood', linking case histories and medicinal insights with both Eastern and Western medical philosophy. Mincolla has worked as a nutritional therapist for over 16 years, and his practice lends plenty of real-life examples to MAXIMUM HEALING.

Revenge
Ellen Von Unwerth
Twin Palms Publishers
PO Box 10229, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1022
No ISBN, $TBA

While Ellen Von Unwerth's black and white 'novel with photos' of S&M and bondage are not for every collection, it will appeal to the art library collection interested in unique photographic essays peppered with little text. REVENGE tells a story of capture, domination and sex which is graphic and artistic simultaneously: its inclusion in a college-level art library collection will educate readers on the power of the photographic essay.

Noble Purpose
Barry Heermann
QSU Publishing
3975 University Dr. #230, Fairfax, VA 20030
1932191046 $19.95 www.qsuonline.com

It's very difficult to summon purpose, and without purpose lives often prove futile: that's the message in Barry Heermann's NOBLE PURPOSE, which advocates a return to discovering self-wisdom and meaning in life, and using that to guide the way through work and play. Organizational consultant and Team Spirit developer Heermann's program has been used in major businesses around the world and its practical applications makes it much more than a light theory.

Hadeda
Van Zyl, Van Der Spuy & Vennote
Bowline Music
No ISBN CD www.rhythmrecords.co.za

Envision two English-speaking South African Afrikaans songwriters who blend lyrics in Afrikaans, Zulu and English; add the spice of African percussion and poetic overtones, and introduce guitarist Nibs from Durban and you have a gorgeous blend of styles and tracks hard to define, from the folky and appealing Hadeda sung by Shawn Phillips to Shezi, the drum-backed calypso-style celebration. There is no unifying theme here: they were all recorded/played as unrehearsed as possible with one or two takes only and come across as fine works-in-progress. It'd be intriguing to see another mix with the polished results of these excellent songs.

Fula Flute
Bailo Bah
Blue Monster Records
429 Pacific St., Brooklyn, NY 11451
No ISBN CD www.fulaflute.net www.bluemonsterecords.com

The Fulani flute or tambin is unique to West Africa and FULA FLUTE is a unique focus on the sounds of the tambin. Picture a deep-toned, haunting flute enhanced further by the player's actual vocal injections from breaths and you have a rich sound indeed. FULA FLUTE is not for the casual listener, nor for the classical flute enthusiast: what sets this instrument apart is the ability of a master player such as Bailo Bah to inject wailing vocals into the flute sound itself. Further, West African fans will note the repretoire represented here is not Fulani: Bah comes from the Fouta Jallon Mountains where this particular flute reigns, learned to play from family traditions, and blends the traditional music of the Manden with the Fulani overtones. A unique sound evolves to delight the specialty listener of West African or tambin music.

Deadly Distractions
William Manchee
Lean Press
1932475028 $13.00 www.leanpress.com

The latest Stan Turner thriller revolves around a client accused of killing an IRS agent involving Stan in the middle of a fight between the FBI and a citizen's committee and his best friend's disappearance. With more than a single crime in his pot, Stan must uncover many hidden truths in this fast-paced adventure.

GBC Audio

Four new audio cassette packages are fine picks, and hopefully will be packaged in covers which are spicier than these plain white cases with paste-on program notes. All are available on both cassette, cd and print formats. MONTANA MOON LADY (0971268134, $19.95) by Gina Beth lark comes alive in audio, depicting romance and the early West pioneer experience as it tells of a young widow's hardships trying to help two stepchildren with the loss of their father. Clark's HANNAH'S QUEST (0971740801, $19.95) also provides a strong narrative novel of a young woman's pioneer experience. Hannah's life from the age of five living with her aunt and uncle in the wake of her pioneer parents' departure west to Wyoming makes for a coming of age story filled with courage and a search for missing roots. Clark's ARTY, THE LOVE ANGEL (0971268118, $19.95) blends a rollicking cross-country car romp with the story of an engineer's invention of the ultimate recreational vehicle which comes up against gun runners and dope peddlers in New Mexico. CURSE OF THE RUBY ROOD (097126816, $24.95) tells of one Jean, who loves many women but none less than Kinnessee, whose legacy of a family gold cross involves generations with a search for life's meaning. Intriguing stories, all.

Scholastic Inc.
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com

Abby Klein's two new 'Ready, Freddy' readers ($15.95 each) are perfect introductions to reading: each presents zany plots which are fast-paced, spiced with black and white drawings by John McKinley, and filled with fun. TOOTH TROUBLE (0439555957) tells of a boy who's the only one in class who hasn't lost a tooth yet. The class bully is calling him a baby, and Freddy is at the point of forcing a tooth out to be in with the crowd even if it means soliciting a punch in the face! In THE KING OF SHOW-AND-TELL (0439555973), Freddy faces another big problem: he never has anything cool to bring for show-and-tell. This week his best friend has brought an alligator head: how can Freddy beat him? A hilarious result keeps kids reading. Daniel Kirk's REX TABBY, CAT DETECTIVE (0439452864, $9.95) presents the 'world's best detective' in form of a cat and a bunch of kitty criminals who challenge his detective skills. Ma Manx and her kittens are nothing but fish thieves, and it's up to Rex and his partner Si Meeze to catch the gang, with zany black and white drawings enhancing the action and story line throughout.

What the Industrial Revolution Did for Us
Gavin Weightman
BBC Books
c/o Trafalgar Square Publishing
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
0563487941 $32.50 1-800-423-4525

Between 1750 and 1840 the Industrial Revolution changed the lives of British people forever, advancing science and technological discoveries and their application to daily lives. Gavin Weightman is a noted historian and Dan Cruikshank presents the TV series on the topic: together they use the TV show as a starting point and foundation for examining the Industrial Revolution's lasting impact on modern times.

The Tudors
Richard Rex
Tempus Publishers/Trafalgar Square, dist.
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
0752425889 $35.00 1-800-423-4525

Richard Rex is Director of Studies at Queens' College in Cambridge and the author of numerous papers on Tudor England, so his introduction THE TUDORS comes from a richly researched background, making it a 'must' for in-depth English history collections at the college level. The public and private lives of the Tudors of England's 'golden age' are examined in a guide which considers how dukes and kings influenced one of the greatest ages in English history.

Living's the Strange Thing
Carmen Martin Gaite
Harvill/Trafalgar Square, dist.
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
www.tafalgarsquarebooks.com
1843430371 $15.95 1-800-423-4525

A middle-aged woman has just lost her mother and struggles to find a new life and role, turning to an unfinished doctoral dissertation studying a mysterious 18th century explorer. Unfinished business soon turns to a series of strange links to her own past, bringing Carmen Martin Gaite's LIVING'S THE STRANGE THING to life.

Beyond the Limits
Ranulph Fiennes
Little Brown UK/Trafalgar Square Press
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
0316857068 $24.99 1-800-423-4525

Sir Randolph Fiennes has been called the 'world's greatest living explorer': he's spent thirty years circumnavigating the globe, broken many exploration records, and has had both high and low moments in the process, so it's little surprise BEYOND THE LIMITS provides such a fascinating memoir and examination of these points. Ranulph Fiennes's lifetime of adventures is documented in a vivid series of lessons: add color photos and you have an outstanding achievement.

Newspapermen
Ruth Dudley Edwards
Secker & Warburg/Trafalgar Square, dist.
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
0436199920 $40.00 1-800-423-4525

Hugh Cudlipp and Cecil Harmsworth King met in 1935 and already had years of journal background between them even at their young ages. Opposites in most respects, they still enjoyed complimentary concerns and talents, and NEWSPAPERMEN provides an evocative biographical sketch of the lives of each and their associations in the 'glory days of Fleet Street'. Together the two became the 'Barnum and Bailey' of journalism, creating a publishing empire which evolved to become the largest in the world. Their controversial and unconventional relationship is revealed in all its nuances and conflicts in NEWSPAPERMEN, a lively treatise.

Film Posters of the 1930s
Tony Nourmand & Graham Marsh, eds.
Aurum Press/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
www.trafalgarsquarepress.com
1854109383 $24.95 1-800-423-4525

Take a gathering of classic movie posters from the Reel Poster Gallery collection, narrow the focus to film posters of the 1930s for maximum exposure, and cover films which helped alleviate the miseries of the Great Depression, then packaging it in an oversized paperback and you have Film Posters of the 1930s: The Essential Movies of the Decade, a work of art in and of itself. Over a hundred pages provide full-color reproductions of said posters, creating a book which excels in attractive presentation and reproductive quality.

Diane C. Donovan
West Coast Editor

Harold's Bookshelf
For Sure! For Sure!
Hans Christian Andersen
August House
PO Box 3223, Little Rock, AR 72203
ISBN: 0874837421 $16.95 29 pp.

A traditional Hans Christian Andersen story translated by Mus White, "For Sure! For Sure!" is the story of what happens when a simple comment is overheard and passed along by gossip. After a feather falls out of a chicken she notes that she looks "gorgeous". Another chicken overhears it and with a slight embellishment passes it along. The owls overhear it and pass it along to the pigeons who pass it along to the bats, etc. At each stage it changes so that when it comes full circle back to the original chicken she doesn't even know it was about her and she in turn also passes it along to the newspaper. A humorous story that children will love it also provides the opportunity to discuss the problems of gossip. "For Sure! For Sure!" is recommended for the young reader or as a read aloud book for parents.

Readings in the Greek New Testament
Jonathan T. Pennington
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310253225 $19.99 2 Audio CDs

"Readings in the Greek New Testament" is a welcome addition to the library of anyone studying New Testament Greek. While there are several excellent books on learning to read New Testament Greek (Koine Greek) but they all have the limitation inherent in any book about learning another language. No matter how well the author describes how to pronounce a word, where to put emphasis, or how to deal with diphthongs it is not the same a hearing it. On these two audio CDs Jonathan T. Pennington reads various passages in Koine Greek including the Sermon on the Mount, and the entire book of 1 John. If you have William Mounce's book "A Graded Reader of Biblical Greek" you will find all the passages mentioned there read aloud on this CD. While nobody is sure exactly how Koine Greek was pronounced, Dr. Pennington uses the most commonly accepted Erasmian pronunciation, which keeps the student in line with the majority of scholars. "Readings in the Greek New Testament" is highly recommended for anyone desiring to learn New Testament Greek and a great companion for anybody using William Mounce's book.

Zondervan 2005 Pastor's Annual
T. T. Crabtree
Zondervan Publishing
5300 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310243645 $18.99 376 pp.

For the busy pastor the "Zondervan 2005 Pastor's Annual" contains a full year of planned services for morning, evening and midweek. Each service has a text for the sermon, scripture reading, introductory information, outline with important points detailed, and a conclusion. The Sunday morning services information also includes appropriate hymn selections and an offertory prayer. At the end of the book are several services for other activities where a minister officiates. For example, there are messages on the Lord's Supper, messages for children, funerals, and weddings. Although designed for the pastor this book should not be considered only for that role. Youth ministers and camp counselors would find it very useful for beach services or camp services. Those away from their church traveling or on missions would find it useful as a way to receive a daily message for meditation and strength. Besides being for the pastor it gives you a way to take a pastor with you. I find it useful for services when camping or otherwise in the wilderness either by myself or with a group. The "Zondervan 2005 Pastor's Annual" is highly recommended for pastors, youth leaders, any anyone else who may want or need access to a full year's worth of sermon ideas.

Dear Judge: Kid's Letters to the Judge
Charlotte Hardwick, compiler
Pale Horse Publishing
PO Box 1447, Livingston, TX 77351-1447
ISBN: 158747008X $15.00 130 pp.

Filled with short letters from children to the judge, "Dear Judge" will at times make you laugh and at times make you believe in the family court system, but mostly it will point out the ways the court system and parents fail to take a child into consideration. When a young child has a question they generally turn to their parents, but when the parents say they can't take them somewhere, or see them more often, or otherwise satisfy the needs of the child because the court system constrains them they have to take other measures. These children took their pleas to the judge. Encouraging, disheartening, and enlightening, "Dear Judge" should be read by judges, parents, and attorneys alike.

Phillips' Treasury of Humorous Quotations
Bob Phillips
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
ISBN: 1414300549 $12.99 279 pp.

A wonderful and witty collection of humor, Phillips' Treasury of Humorous Quotes provides a quote for any occasion. The quotes are organized by subject and arranged alphabetically so you can find an appropriate one quickly and easily. Fun to read through just for pleasure and a great source for quotes for a speech or any other similar need, Phillips' Treasury of Humorous Quotations is a recommended purchase.

Pig Pigger Piggest
Rick Walton
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
ISBN: 158685318X $6.95 32 pp.

In a loose retelling of the story of the Three Little Pigs, author Rick Walton provides a romp through the world of superlatives. Join Pig, Pigger, and Piggest as they build their homes from the mud, muddier, and muddiest places. Of course there are the mean witch, witcher, and witchest, who seek to bring trouble into the lives of the pigs, but in a surprise ending everything turns out for the best for everyone. A fun book that is sure to keep children entertained Pig Pigger Piggest gets a high, higher, highest recommendation.

Why the Banana Split
Rick Walton
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
ISBN: 0879058536 $15.95 32 pp.

Filled with puns that are sure to keep children laughing out loud, this is the return of the book that is just plain fun to read. With illustrations as humorous as the puns themselves it is an opportunity to celebrate the joy of silliness with your children. Why the Banana Split is a highly recommended purchase for young children.

The New Inductive Study Bible
Harvest House Publishers
1075 Arrowsmith, Eugene, OR 97402
ISBN: 0736900160 $42.99

A different approach than most study Bibles, The New Inductive Study Bible provides a wealth of information but minimal interpretation. The purpose is to give you the materials and let you discover the truth for yourself. You won't find pages of doctrinally influenced information, but will find plenty of maps, charts, graphs, historical notes, detailed grammatical notes, illustrations, and a concordance. At the end of each book is an "At a Glance" page. You can fill in the chapter themes and other notes. The translation used is the updated New American Standard Bible. For a doctrinally neutral study Bible that can be recommended and used by any denomination very few rise to the level of this one. The New Inductive Study Bible is a highly recommended study Bible.

Herd of Cows! Flock of Sheep!
Rick Walton
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
ISBN: 1586851535 $15.95 32 pp.

After a very long workday Farmer Bob falls asleep and tries to get some rest. Unfortunately there is an emergency and all the animals try to wake him up, but Farmer Bob wants to get his sleep. In addition to an entertaining story, the book teaches an age appropriate lesson in the various words used to describe different groups of animals. With detailed, colorful illustrations to keep the attention of young children, Herd of Cows! Flock of Sheep! is a highly recommended read.

Full Verse Cross Reference Bible
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
ISBN: 0842356169 $29.99

If you are one of those people who likes to look up the cross references in your Bible and read the related verses then you will be delighted with the Full Verse Cross Reference Bible. Instead of giving you a reference that you have to go flipping through your Bible to find and read, this Bible gives the entire text of any verses cross-referenced. You know right away if the verse is relevant to your current study and save tremendous time by not constantly looking up verse after verse. The Bible uses the New Living Translation (1996) and includes a basic concordance in the back along with a few maps. With a two-column format at the top of the page for the primary text and three-column layout for the referenced verses at the bottom of the page, the additional information of the complete verses does not clutter the page at all. The Bible still has a clean and easy to read format. The Full Verse Cross Reference Bible is highly recommended for anyone who is tired of constantly breaking up the flow of their study by continuously searching out cross references.

Down Girl and Sit: Smarter than Squirrels
Lucy Nolan
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591
ISBN: 0761451846 $14.95 64 pp.

One of the difficult changes all children go through is when they move away from picture books to their first chapter style book. To make this transition easier it is important to have a book where the storyline is very strong and keeps their interest. Down Girl and Sit: Smarter than Squirrels fits this bill perfectly. Writing from the point of view of a dog (Down Girl) the author is meticulous about never getting out of character. This perspective makes the book both humorous and fun. Everything a dog does is examined from a totally different point of view that will leave children spellbound. Not just for children it is a fun and entertaining read for adults too. Open your mind, enjoy some creative thinking, and just have some plain old-fashioned fun. Down Girl and Sit is highly recommended.

Bullfrog Pops!
Rick Walton
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
ISBN: 0879059036 $15.95 32 pp.

What happens when one very hungry frog comes to town and starts eating everything he can? From pizza, to watermelon, to bread and anything else he finds, nothing is safe. A fun story with well-done illustrations, it is sure to be popular with all children. One of the things that make this title unique is the way the author ends the page with a partial sentence purposely designed to mislead the reader until they turn the page and read the rest of the sentence. For example one page ends with, "Bullfrog was surrounded. He began to shake..." The following page begins with "... the tree. Down fell the apples." This anticipation and leading off onto the wrong track makes the book even more fun to read. "Bullfrog Pops!" is a highly recommended children's book.

Harold McFarland
Senior Reviewer

Klausner's Bookshelf
Who Slashed Celanarie's Throat?
Maryse Conde
Atria
ISBN: 0743482603 $23.00, 232 pp.

On the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, someone leaves an infant with a slashed throat in the garbage and Dr. Jean Pinceau takes the lifeless infant to his office. There he reattaches her head to her body and brings the baby back to life. He and his wife adopt Celanarie, but nothing goes smooth. Celanarie uses a feral canine to kill Jean's spouse and later has him exiled a broken man when she lies about Jean sexually accosting her. With a scarf to hide her neckline scars, Celanarie travels to the Ivory Coast where she opens up a school for illegitimate children. Though highly regarded, the school also serves as a brothel. Those who complain, Celanarie either seduces or kills. After a time, she leaves Africa for South America and eventually returns to her Caribbean home where she plans to find her biological parents and learn why they wanted her dead before planning to kill them and others who abetted them. The truth will become even more dramatic than the sacrificial lamb she once was. This is a dark thriller starring an unlikable deadly heroine who seeks vengeance on those that harmed her, but unbeknownst to even her, she is driven by internal demons. Though the opponents of the "heroine" never quite come across as full blooded, they make Celanarie's more disturbingly journey interesting in a purposely murky way as part of the gloomy setting. Fans will appreciate the terse blending of history (the tale is even based on a real event) with Caribbean mysticism as they keep on reading to learn WHO SLASHED CELANARIE'S THROAT?

The Dog Walker
Leslie Schnur
Atria
ISBN: 0743482077 $23.95, 312 pp.

In New York City, thirty-five years old dog walker Nina Shepard loves a client she has not met in person except through his canine Sid the Weimaraner and snooping in his apartment when she picks up Sid. Based on her in depth probe, Nina believes that thirty-two years old Daniel Maguire is perfect for her although she has some doubts about his owning purebred Sid. Desperate to meet the love of her life, Nina ponders how to achieve her objective for she is sure that once Daniel meets her, they will forge a forever. When fate throws Nina with the object of unrequited love, moonlight over the Hudson takes hold although Daniel is not quite what she fantasized. As Daniel falls in love with Nina, everything seems perfect except that she begins to wonder if she should tell him the truth about her probe into his life and he ponders how to inform his beloved that he is not Daniel, but his twin Billy. Though the use of twins feels ancient, fans, especially dog fanciers will enjoy this Manhattan romantic romp. Nina is an interesting protagonist who feels strongly life has passed her by while she walks a motley crew of canines with varying temperaments and personalities. The human secondary characters are a bark short of the dogs, but add angst as Nina cannot help but getting involved. THE DOG WALKER feels like an adult matchmaking for herself. This work feels like Clueless transferred to Manhattan though some of the amusing bite is lost by doubling the age of the star. Still this romantic canine caper is humorous and fun especially for those walking their mutts.

Hissy Fit
Mary Kay Andrews
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0060564644 $24.95, 419 pp.

In Madison, Georgia, interior decorator Keeley Rae Murdock lives her life in accordance with her profession down to the tiniest iota. The twenty-eight year old feels everything is perfect until she finds her fiance Andrew Jackson "A.J." Jernigan and her maid of honor Paige Plummer having a go hiccups and all during the wedding rehearsal dinner. Keeley has a HISSY FIT that every local resident heard about, but especially comes to the attention of wealthy newcomer Will Mahoney. Will decides that Keeley is perfect for restoring the dilapidated mansion he purchased that he plans to use to court the woman he desires that he has never met in person only on TV. Keeley prefers to reject Will as a client as it seems impossible to decorate a home with no idea of the benefactor of her work, but her ex and his banking family are trying to destroy her business so she accepts the assignment. This dark comedy will keep readers' attention as southern small town secrets begin to surface including one involving Keeley's vanished mom. The story line offers an intriguing look at home furnishing mostly through the discerning eye of the heroine. Though much of the support cast is one dimensional especially that asinine jerk A.J. while Will's woman is kept somewhat shadowy on purpose, fans will appreciate Keeley's HISSY FIT that hooks the audience expecting more outbursts from this steel magnolia.

Whirlwind
Joseph R. Garber
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0060596503 $24.95, 320 pp.

Security failed at the New Mexico base when two generators exploded. The blasts enable Russian spy Irina Kolodenkova to obtain a top secret disc and an even higher classified block of the deadliest weapon ever made, Whirlwind. Irina flees for her country's San Francisco embassy so that the seventy pounds weapon of mass destruction can be sent to Moscow. Sam, the National Security Advisor knows that this incident could hurt national security, but worse derail his plans to run for the Oval office. He recruits his best dirty jobs person, former CIA Agent fiftyish widower Charlie McKenzie to "save the country" by recovering the disc and the block; use any means including murder to stop Irina from delivering the weapon in exchange for $20 million. Charlie rejects the patriotic cry because he spent two years in prison as the sacrificial lamb protecting the administration especially his bosses from taking falls from grace, but grabs the loot. Charlie catches up to Irina, but Sam's second agent Johan Schmidt catches up with both of them with the intent of killing the duo and retrieving the disk and the block. This is an exciting action-packed espionage thriller that focuses on a series of chases in which Charlie is either the pursuer or the pursued, which makes him seem more like an athletic late twenties stud. Except for Charlie, whose ironic wit makes him human albeit super spy, much of the rest of the key players seem cartoonist. Still fans who take delight in a wild spy vs. spy vs. spy etc. (Chinese and corporation too) adventure will want top join Charlie on his quest.

Into The Volcano
Forrest DeVoe Jr.
Harper Collins
ISBN 0060723769 $22.95, 320 pp.

Hired by the Consultancy, Van Vliet is in Istanbul where he believes that the Club Europa is being built as a cover for something else. Before he informs Gray, the head of the Consultancy, a profit-making black-ops organization, he is killed in his shower by a head that emits flame instead of water. It is 1962 and the cold war is fought by the Consultancy who the CIA hires to find out what is going on in Istanbul. Gray sends his two best operatives, Jack Mallory and Laura Morse to Istanbul where they learn that their old nemesis Anton Rauth hired mercenaries to kill them. Still alive, the duo find an earth digging machine in the cellar of the Club used to construct a tunnel into the Turks equivalent of Ft. Knox. Jack and Laura are sent to the volcanic island of He' Konau where Rauth has his base of operations inside the volcano. There assignment is to gather intelligence but they are caught snooping and only a miracle will save their lives and that of millions of people when Anton unleashes his master weapon. No doubt about it, the team of Mallory and Morse are the equal of 007 and other spy heroes that graced the pages of the spy thrillers of the 1960's. There is action, action and more action but like James Bond there is much tongue in cheek humor that lessens the tensions when it threatens to become overwhelming. Forest DeVoe Jr. has written an excellent spy drama and one can only hope he writes more starring the intrepid protagonists Mallory and Morse.

Days of Magic, Nights of War
Clive Barker
Harper Collins
ISBN 0060291702 $24.95, 512 pp.

Beyond the realm of Earth lies the archipelago of Abarat where every island is a different time of day. Candy Quackenbush, originally from the Midwestern town of Chickentown is brought for reasons she doesn't quite understand to this new world where magic works. What she does know is that Christopher Carrion, the Lord of Midnight, wants her brought to his home in Gorgossium, a place where monsters obey their lords' bidding and night never ends. He sends his minion the Criss-Cross man to bring her to him but he dies trying. Carrion and his grandmother Mater Motley plan to bring war to Abarat so that darkness will reign forever over the land and the champions of light will be defeated. They fear that Candy and her allies will stop them but Carrion has another reason to capture Candy, one that he doesn't understand himself until he recognizes who she really is. While evading Carrion's minions, she has plenty of hair raising adventures on the various islands but always she is forced to move on or be caught in her enemy's web. Clive Barker has made his mark as one of the best fantasy writers of young adult tales since C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. This book contains 125 illustrations that raise the bar of excellence even more. Candy Quackenbush's adventures can be compared to a magical version of The Perils of Pauline. Candy doesn't know her purpose for being in Arabat is to avert a war but she does her best to help people who are victimized and manages to find a little time to have some fun. DAYS OF MAGIC, NIGHTS OF WAR is a fantasy worth reading by high school students as well as adults.

A Moment on the Edge: 100 Years of Crime Stories by Women
Elizabeth George (editor)
Harper Collins
ISBN: 0060588217 $24.95, 560 pp.

This twenty-six short story collection pays homage to some of the great female mystery-thriller writers of the past century and showcases how brilliant women are at authoring crime tales. The anthology is set up in chronological order starting with the 1917 "A Jury of Her Peers" by Susan Glaspell and ending with a pair of works published in 2001. Most of the works occur in the second fifty years with most of those in the final quarter. Only two entries are pre WWII and in addition only two others comprise the first fifty years. Either Editor Elizabeth George is not familiar with the pioneers or women have come a long way in a quantity sense as the number of distaff authors has exponentially grown since the World War I-Great depression eras. The quality of the compilation is top notch as Ms. George has provided a virtual who's who with some of their best shorts included in this book. Fans of stories that run the gamut of the mystery-thriller genres but share in common taking the reader to "A Moment on the Edge" (and in some cases over the edge) will appreciate this terrific deference to the ladies of crime.

The Vote
T.D. Patterson
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142394 $25.95, 372 pp.

The polls agreed that Republican challenger Carl Wardlow would win the White House from Democratic incumbent Benjamin Forsyth. However, the prognosticators proved wrong because Independent candidate Marshall Young took Maryland and Maine. The results are a dead heat in the Electoral College and twenty-four states each for the two prime candidates although the popular vote went to Wardlow by a 53 to 45 percent margin. The election will be decided by the House for the first time in two centuries. Everyone accepts that the forty-eight states that went Democrat or Republican will adhere to the wishes of their voters or lose their office. Thus the election hinges on Maine and Maryland. Forsyth's key advisor and campaign manager Arch Longstreet will do anything including illegal surveillance and blackmail to insure his man remains in the Oval Office. His prime target is influential Maryland Congressman Trey Stone. Arch's thugs have caught the seemingly clean married Trey in a rendezvous with a friend Laura Weddington although he met with her as a favor only. Now he must decide between having the courage to stand up to his convictions on what is right or allow a do nothing president to use blackmail to continue to not run the country. This exciting political thriller comes on the heels of the wild 2000 election and the potentially even wilder upcoming 2004 race. The story line is at its best when all the president's men try to strong-arm and sweet talk Trey into supporting Forsyth. Though a subplot involving Trey, his wife, and their daughter adds suspense; that premise also takes away from the powerful look at a tie leading to a House vote on who will become the next president.

Beautiful Rage
Sandra Scoppetone
Five Star
ISBN: 1410402010 $25.95, 320 pp.

In Snowden County, Virginia, forty-three year old Sheriff Lucia Dove works a missing teen case. Apparently, good girl Julie Boyer came home from school and vanished not long afterward. The only clues are her Internet romance with Floridian Lyle Taylor. Lucia works closely on the investigation with Lieutenant Jack Fincham assisting her. The two cops have the hots for one another, but hide it as he is unhappily married to an alcoholic in denial and has a child. Lucia had a child out of wedlock, but she died in an accident. Jack's wife apparently commits suicide, but FBI Agent Mike McQuigg, Lucia's nasty ex-husband, thinks murder occurred. He legally searches Jack's home only to find a razor with DNA evidence linked to two other female teen homicides in the area. Lucia believes that Jack is being set up and wonders why Mike got involved in the case starting with the missing Julie. She begins her own inquiries not sure where it will take her, but when she gets there she is in for quite a shocker. This solid police procedural contains an interesting lead protagonist who struggles with any wrong doing to children because of her daughter's death even if she agreed with the official ruling of accident. The story line is fast-paced and the simmering desire between Jack and Lucia is hotter than the Arizona desert in summer. Though the identity of the serial killer will stun the audience who may think that it seems too way out, fans will appreciate this tense thriller.

Haunting for Justice
Kathy Vollmer
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142459 $25.95, 234 pp.

Martin and Belinda Alexander move from Seattle to Hope Springs, Oregon so he, a doctor, can start over following a malpractice case that led to his being fired from a hospital. Belinda soon learns that their new home, the Old Erickson place, was the setting of a 1958 murder suicide. She finds three five year journals starting in 1943 written by the alleged murderer Martha, who supposedly killed her womanizing husband Albert and then herself. Belinda begins to make inquires and searching for the missing last journal She believes an injustice occurred and that important people want the deaths of four decades to remain as is. As her spouse pressures her to drop her obsession, she falls in love Bobby Lassiter, son of the town's icons and the only one willing to help her learn the truth that might free Martha, but could lead to Belinda's death. HAUNTING FOR JUSTICE is an intriguing amateur sleuth tale starring a delightful champion who turns from a need to know the truth to an obsession to provide peace to the deceased maligned Martha. Bobby is her gutsy equal having to defy his beloved father and a close family friend to help Belinda on her quest. Her spouse is pathetic, no competition to Bobby and is brushed aside too easily. Still Kathy Vollmer furbishes a solid investigative contemporary tale with a historical haunting hum.

The King of Ice Cream
Robert Wayne McCoy
Five Star
ISBN 1594141487 $25.95, 409 pp.

When Luke Yeager returns to college in Mill Run, Kentucky, he notices changes have come to the town with two new malls, one of which houses Ice Cream Dreams. Luke senses something evil about the store and the men who run it and does his best to avoid it. People who eat the strawberry ice cream change, subtly at first, until they turn totally to embrace the dark. Luke knows these things because he is a Paladin, an order sworn to fight the demons and fallen angels that prey upon mankind. Mill Run is the place where the second fall of angels plans to make their stand, seducing most of the town into obeying them. This is a special place where the oldest cathedral in America was built; a site where the leader of the fallen angels rests and waits for his minions to do the necessary work that will awaken him so they can proceed with their plan; if successful they hope to reunite with God in heaven. From the very beginning readers know that there is something wrong with the town. Places on campus are closed to man and nobody is seen entering or leaving those closed rooms. An orange fog permeates the town but the majority of the townsfolk pay no attention to it. The smell of strawberry permeates the area, a sign of evil that is on its way. Robert Wayne McCoy has written an apocalyptical thriller that is spellbinding, enthralling and memorable, a work that uses archetypes from the Judeo-Christian system, but could just as easily used them from any religion where the forces of good and evil fight the eternal battle.

Family Matters
Justine Wittich
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142343 $26.95, 274 pp.

In Donhaven, children's book illustrator and painter, Jenny Tyler notices her neighbor's overflow of mail. Though not much more than acquaintances, she goes to check on Dolan, but notices his cat Choc acting weird. Jenny rings the bell, but receives no response. She notices the door is unlocked, enters and finds Dolan dead. Police Chief Pierce comforts her when troubleshooter Gabe Daniels arrives on the scene. Gabe works for the DEA and corporate CEO Sterling Thomas. He bullies Jenny, but she mostly ignores him. When Dolan turns out to be embezzler DeWitt and his house is blown up, Gabe worries that Jenny is in peril especially when assailants break into her home. As they become better acquainted Jenny and Gabe fall in love, but she has a history with the mob and he trusts no one not even his grandfather. This is an intriguing police procedural romance that ironically showcases in a twisted way that FAMILY MATTERS. Gabe and Jenny are solid protagonists while Pierce and to lesser degree Thomas are the elderly statesmen. Fans will find DeWitt quite fascinating as he stole millions, hardly spent any of it, and still needed the thrill of playing in another illegal activity. The falling in love subplot takes a back seat to a bewittiching strong suspense story.

A Dangerous Dance
Pauline B. Jones
Five Star
ISBN: 1594140987 $26.95, 294 pp.

The Louisiana state politicians all want the endorsement of Dorothy Morgann Merlinn for Governor as they know she has some influence being the only daughter of Magnus "Wizard" Merlinn though he was assassinated ten years ago. However, Dorothy has returned to the family estate Oz because she knows the time is right to learn who paid recently killed Verrol Vance to pull the trigger. Talk radio host Remy Mistral visits Dorothy, who has never forgotten that he contemptuously wrote her off as a nothing just before and after her dad was killed. Dorothy offers Remy a proposition that she supports his run in exchange for he being the target of the assassin as she expects an attempt on anyone she might support. He agrees with the stipulation that they marry, which adds depth to her so-called support of him. As Remy runs for governor as an outside reformist with Dorothy's support, they fall in love, but her plan works too well and both are in jeopardy from an unknown assailant. Up front L. Frank Baum is not the killer as Pauline B. Jones pays homage to the great author's terrific Oz novels with obvious references. The political romance story line is exciting as Dorothy knows that one of her father's "allies" killed him, but which one. Though there a couple of twists too many, fans will appreciate this Bayou romantic suspense in which the daughter of the deceased Wizard of Oz seeks justice but finds love instead.

Overstars Mail
Roberta Gellis
Five Star
ISBN 1594142289 $25.95, 265 pp.

In the far distant future, the Free Traders are the only group that provides order within the chaotic Empire, which is in trouble due to the fighting of the Emperor and the Empress. Cyn Lystris is not interested in interstellar politics but in keeping himself safe which is why he transferred out of Free Trade to take a job with OVERSTARS MAIL. He believes that he will not be shot at, kidnapped or left for dead on a route that has had no causalities in years. Of course now three mail ships have disappeared without a trace and the powers that be send a security agent on Cyn's ship to find out whether he knows what is going on, which he doesn't. On the trip he has six passengers, one of whom is going to challenge the emperor for his position. Neither Cyn nor the security agent knows who that person is but they realize someone knows that person is on the ship and wants to blast it out of the "air" before a challenge can be made. No matter what genre she writes in be it historical fiction, romance, fantasy or science fiction, Roberta Gellis always produces an exciting original bestseller. Between action scenes, there is a sex kitten who is always trying to get a man in bed even if he is not willing; this makes for many amusing moments. OVERSTARS MAIL is the first in what looks to be a fantastic space opera series.

Found Wanting
Joyce Lamb
Five Star
ISBN: 1594141800 $26.95, 348 pp.

In Colorado, her mom arrives to see her vanished daughter Alaina Chancellor for the first time in nine years. Not long afterward, Alaina's former lover and now brother-in-law Addison shows up and tries to rape her, but her mother intercedes. As Alaina flees again with her son Jonah (from her "interlude a decade ago with Addison), her mother dies in a car crash. Five years later in Chicago, private detective Mitch Kane, retained by Addison, easily finds Alaina, who he believes is a nasty piece of work for running off with his employer's son. However, he begins to change his mind as he observes the love between mother and child and when incidents occur to innocent people. He realizes that his client played him for a fool using his own feelings towards his ex-wife as a tool. As Mitch falls in love with Alaina, he vows to keep her and her son safe from a killing wolf in lamb's clothing. This is an exhilarating romantic suspense starring a wonderful female protagonist and a born again admirer of the courage of women. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action especially as Addison's thugs do their assignment. Though how no one could see past Addison's outer shell to the ambitious violent killer inside seems stretched even for a clever sociopath villain, fans of taut thrillers will want to read FOUND WAITING.

Broken Glass
Weyman Jones
Five Star
ISBN: 1594141851 $25.95, 246 pp.

In Suffolk County, New York twenty-five years ago, a high school junior Freddy fell from the fire escape of the Falcon Nest Hotel during a "club" initiation. Freddy remained in a coma for a few years as his family fell apart in their grief before Freddy finally died. Over the years though she married and divorced one of them, Freddy's sister Angela suspects four people were involved in the incident though none of them were seemingly impacted by it as her family was. At a high school reunion she informs Michael, Sam, Jock and Hap that she is suing them in the wrongful death of her sibling. Stunned, social worker Sam is further dismayed when Michael's son Mike is caught in a stairwell with an underage client; instead of filing the report he allows history to repeat itself by hiding the truth. However, when someone murders Angela, Sam with the help of his girlfriend, concludes he must face up to his role in the tragedy confronting his three friends. BROKEN GLASS is an intriguing crime thriller starring a beleaguered protagonist struggling with doing the right thing as for the second time in his life, loyalty to his friends comes in conflict with what he knows he needs to do. The terrific ensemble brings depth then and now, but the conscience and center of the tale is Sam. His dilemmas as a teen and as an adult make for a fine moral thriller, which asks when does one blows the whistle on a friend, family member, etc.

A Cold Summer Night
Trystam Kith
Five Star
ISBN 1594142246 $25.95, 309 pp.

The Sheriff of Nottingham, Hugh deSteny listens with dread to the account of how a crofter family died with only small punctures on their necks. He has fought these creatures on Crusade in the holy land. He fears they have arrived on England's shores and have made their base of operation Sherwood Forest, a dark and foreboding place where the sun never shines. Sir Gui de Gisbourne who has placed deSteny in his position doesn't give credence to the sheriff's belief but deSteny sends messenger to inform Prince John of the dangers of this infestation. Hugh is ordered to travel to Arundel to bring Lady Marian De Beauchamp to her betrothed Sir Gui. However the vampire leader Robin Hood and his men including Little John, Will Scarlet and the Red Friar kill the guard but take Lady Marian to Hood to her satisfaction because he treats her as are equal. Hugh with Sir Gui's approval sets a trap to bring the vampires out into the open where they can be destroyed. A roaming minstrel romanticizes Hood and his followers in ballads and a legend is born. A COLD SUMMER NIGHT is an original rendition of the vampire myths and Robin Hood legend. Trystam Kith's vampires are evil and under the domination of Robin Hood but they still remember to mourn the loss of their humanity. They know they are damned and intend to put off the moment of reckoning as long as possible. Prince John comes across as a caring leader who is trying to do what is right for his country by helping deSteny destroy the vampires in his country. This dark fantasy comes highly recommended.

Chocolate Magic
Karen Sandler
Five Star
ISBN: 1594141002 $26.95, 251 pp.

In Seattle, Kat Roth is the CEO of Roth Confectionary while her former husband Mark Denham heads up rival Denham Candy Company. Mark's cousin Fritz informs Kat that her father hired him as a community affairs advisor and he plans to get right to work though she asks him to cool his jets. Kat knows that Fritz is a walking disaster and hopes to get rid of him without hurting the well intended man. Fritz persuades Mark and Kat to co-host a charity event, Kandy for Kids, by playing the rivalry between the two like a concert pianist. As Mark and Kat work on the charity campaign, their love that never died resurfaces. However, will Mark, who has missed his Kat since she dumped him two years ago, convince her that they belong together? A "betrayal" will make it even more difficult to achieve his objective. This anti-Atkins contemporary romance should not be read on an empty stomach because the audience will suffer from sugar attacks. The second chance at love story line stars two wonderful characters and a horde of eccentric support characters who lovingly interfere with the lead duet. Sweet caring Mark will melt readers while bitter tart Kat receives less empathy. Yet together, fans will enjoy the tasty dessert headlined by the combating candy CEOs.

Donna Rose and the Slug War
Norma Tadlock Johnson
Five Star
ISBN: 1594142203 $25.95

In Cedar Harbor, Washington, retired school teacher Donna Galbreath enjoys working her garden and clam digging at the nearby beach. Though a member of the water board, she detests the meetings and thinks her fellow associates are a collection of idiots especially her next door neighbor cranky Cyrus Bates. Donna's favorite pastime is slinging slugs from her property onto that owned by Cyrus. While walking the beach early one morning, Donna finds the murdered body of Lyle Corrigan, owner of Corrigan Hardware and chair of the Water Board. She calls the police. Chief Billy Donniker, who was in Donna's sixth grade class and was an idiot than and now is a bigger moron, accompanied by Jake Santorini investigates the crime scene. Not long afterward, Donna without thinking of the consequences of her action interferes with the case by failing to inform the police that she recognized a newcomer as Lyle's daughter. Unable to stay out of the investigation, Donna and Cyrus go sleuthing, seeking who had an economic reason to commit murder, but they also finds a link to sexual abuse incidents from two decades ago. The slug war between the sleuths leads to new catapult equipment. This small town cozy is a fun tale due to the wonderful cast that makes for a fine story. The who-done-it (official and amateur) sometimes takes a back seat to the antics of the residents of Cedar Harbor. Fans who appreciate a warm comfy murder mystery with limited action beyond slug droppings will enjoy the teaming of natural enemies Donna and Cyrus seeking to learn who killed Lyle.

The Stone Prince
Gena Showalter
Harlequin HQN
ISBN: 0373770073 $6.50

In Dallas, six foot amazon Katie James enjoys running her firm James Real Estate in which she buys, restores, and sells old houses. Her latest acquisition is a dilapidated Victorian with a garden that contains seven statues displaying both genders getting it on. To Katie's chagrin, she is attracted to one particular carving, but on the other hand is pleased that he is stone as she feels men are annoying especially her older brothers. However, she feels she goes off the deep end because she believes the statue whispers to her to kiss it. Unable to resist, Katie locks lips with stone only to find a giant of a flesh and blood male appear. Jorlan en Sarr explains that he was from another world who was cursed by his sorcerer half-brother Perlen de Locke but also magically transported to earth for his safety by his mother. As Katie helps Jorlan adapt to his new planet, he worries that Perlen's curse goes deeper as the person who freed him must willingly give her heart to him or he returns to stone permanently. THE STONE PRINCE is a wonderful romantic fantasy that sub-genre fans will appreciate because of the strength of the heroine who takes no gruff from her siblings or the hunk from another planet. Jorlan actually starts off as an overbearing chauvinist who believes a woman's role is to only pleasure a man; Katie persuades him that a man's role is to pleasure a woman while also proving a female can protect his back. Some readers may detest the use of profanity and feel Katie needs a timeout, however, for the most part the foul language fits this charming story line.

The Butler Did It
Kasey Michaels
Harlequin HQN
ISBN: 0373770065 $6.50, 400 pp.

Five years ago, Lord Morgan Drummond lost his temper over an insult to a lady love and fought a duel of honor. Afterward, when he reflected back on his stupidity he thought he almost killed someone over nothing or he could have died as his father Mad Harry had when he was young. Feeling ashamed that he could have left his mother mourning and all alone, Morgan exiled himself from London to control his temper and make things right. Now Morgan feels ready to return to high society so he travels to London only to finds his home has been invaded by strangers. He tries to toss these weirdoes out, but instead is blackmailed by an elderly lady to allow these squatters to remain. Morgan cannot believe he is a hotelier to lunatics who belong in Bedlam. However, the worst of the lot of maniacs is Miss Emma Clifford, seeking a husband amongst the Ton. Morgan decides that if he finds her a spouse, he rids himself of her and her pesky kooks until he realizes he loves Emma and wants to play host to her and her brood permanently. This amusing Regency romance feels like a historical British You Can't Take It With You or the Adam's Family joins early nineteenth century aristocratic London. The story line never takes itself seriously as Morgan plays straight man to a bunch of nice nutty folks. Even the romance plays second fiddle to the top banana, Kasey Michael's humorous historical escapades.

Hot & Bothered
Kate Hoffman
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691882 $4.50, 216 pp.

After years away due to an estrangement by refusing to follow in his father's footsteps, realtor Trey Marbury returns home to Belfort, South Carolina to settle his late father's estate. Though twelve years have passed since he was last in town and he has had plenty of women since, he still remembers making love with Libby Parrish, now a cooking show host. Libby has never forgotten the only man she loved Trey. When he comes to say hello, she cannot stop herself and keep her distance. They fall into each other's arms; hugs lead to kisses and finally to making love. However, Libby expects Trey to leave once he finishes his business here so she hides part of her heart from him. When the spinster matchmaking Throckmorten sisters decide that Trey and Libby are perfect for one another, they send her a steamy note allegedly from him. Libby drops all her reservations until she learns Trey never wrote the note of love; although that is how he feels, he must persuade her that he wants her with him forever. HOT & BOTHERED is a torrid contemporary romance that stars two individuals who need a push (from the delightfully interfering elderly siblings) to realize love is forever. Although at times Libby and Trey act as if they are the stars of Temptation Romance 101, readers will appreciate that this nice couple belongs together and root for them to get their act in gear in Kate Hoffman's fine small town romance.

Underneath It All
Nancy Warren
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691874 $4.50, 219 pp.

Wealthy executive Darren Kaiser loves the perks of single life living in the exclusive part of New York until he is named Manhattan Match of the Year by Matchmaker Magazine with a national audience of millions. Not long afterward every female from eight to eighty wants apiece of this hunk so Darren, sick of the stalking, decides to go into hiding. Darren goes from the island's most eligible bachelor to computer geek Dean Edgar living in a lower middle class tenement. However, he finds one positive besides avoiding the female horde when he clumsily meets his neighbor hair dresser Kate Monahan and her younger brother Huey. As Dean and Kate fall in love, her worries how she will react to the truth especially when she believes that Kaiser is a wastrel playboy. UNDERNEATH IT ALL is a fun contemporary romance starring two delightful protagonists. Darren as a beleaguered Dean makes the tale hum as he escapes the female army only to fall in love as his alter ego and confused by feeling he wants the working class Late to Love the nerd as much as the hunk. Fans will think of Maid to Order when they have a good time with Nancy Warren's fine tale.

Turn Me On
Kristin Hardy
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791526 $4.75, 256 pp.

Highly regarded documentary filmmaker Stef Costas finds he lacks proper funding for the one project he always wanted to direct. A friend offers funding if Stef agrees to direct his niece's pilot "True Sex"; Stef agrees until he finds out that the niece is Sabrina Pantolini, who broke his heart years ago. When Sabrina learns that Stef is the director, she has doubts about working with the man who broke her heart years ago. Still he is her only hope so she accepts the situation. However, the college attraction between Stef and Sabrina remains strong although both blame it on the documentary. As they fall in love again, each has doubts that the other will be there once the filming ends and neither wants to lay their heart out in the open for fear of cardiac arrest caused by anticipated rejection. Fans of hot contemporary romances will be turned on by this enjoyable tale. Readers will feel their fingers burning from the passion generated by the lead couple even when they fear a dej… vu involvement with one another. The weekly meetings of the Sex and the Supper Club introduce the next lead stars, but they will have quite a temperature to scale to meet the Venusians levels of Stef and Sabrina.

Wicked
Tori Carrington
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791496 $4.75, 256 pp.

In Ohio, ER Dr. Will Sexton feels a bit put out when his girlfriend informs him that she is a born again virgin. Adding to the British doctor's uneasiness is running into his neighbor Renae Truesdale whose belly dancing costume leaves little to the imagination and to the very British Dr. Sexton he can fantasize the removal of the garb. Seeing scantily clad Renae every morning is a better wake up than coffee (make that tea). Separately every evening Will and Renae visualize what a fling between them would be like. Renae is attracted to her sexy Brit, but he tries to keep his distance as he remains loyal to his girlfriend though that is not an easy achievement. As Will gets hornier by the page, he tires of remaining faithful to his suddenly untouchable girlfriend, he and Renae start to share an intimacy and an attraction. Renae wants a few nights to quench her desire while Will desire the return of circulation to his upper head. However, the thirst of desire keeps growing until love blossoms, but both have "secrets" that once revealed will probably end their relationship before it can go anywhere meaningful beyond the boudoir. Tori Carrington satirizes their own heated romances with an amusing tale that is fun because of Will. His conflict between desire and loyalty leaves him in a state of desperate disarray mindful of Harry Reems' terrific character Dr. Young from Deep Throat (the Lovelace movie not any of the president's men). Renae may not have a throaty tingle, but every night she dreams of Will tickling her tingle. Tori Carrington tickles contemporary readers with this enjoyable torrid tongue in cheek (and elsewhere) tale.

Most Wanted
Jean Brasher
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712197 $5.50, 299 pp.

In Austin, FBI Hostage Negotiator Jesse Montalvo tries to keep fifteen year old Delilah Butler and her mother from becoming victims during a hostage standoff. Only his voice keeps the teen from cracking. However, the local SWAT Commander refuses to wait and storms the facility. Delilah survives but her mother dies. Jesse slinks out of town feeling like a failure while Delilah knows the Voice of her hero who saved her life. Twelve years later, the Violent Crimes Task Force requests Jesse lead a team trying to stop a serial killer who abducts young women. Delilah, now a detective, is on the team. As they work together both feel a bit shy to discuss what happened that connected them a dozen years ago as he feels guilt and she feels hero worship. Soon their divergent feelings converge into love, but the killer has Delilah in his eyesight but this time Jesse plans to not fail her. Though exciting and well written, the police procedural subplot takes a back seat to the "Deep in the Heart" love story between two people connected by a tragic event in which they interpret the outcome quite differently. The story line is fast-paced as the duo struggle to stop the serial killer with Delilah becoming the bait over the objection of Jesse. Fans will appreciate this wonderful romance in which the hero has many doubts including does she love the statue on the pedestal hero she has painted of him or the bleeding hurting real flesh?

Daddy's Little Matchmaker
Roz Denny Fox
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712200 $5.50, 299 pp.

In Ridge City, Tennessee, widower Alan Ridge, CEO of Windridge Distillery, worries about his nine year old daughter who severely injured her back in the car accident that killed his wife. Louemma has successful surgery, but shows no signs of healing and her doctors insist her problems are psychosomatic. Divorced from an alcoholic spouse, weaver Laurel Ashline has moved to her late grandmother's home in Ridge City. She provides weaving therapy to patients who need help for their arms and wrists. Alan's grandmother decides that Laurel is perfect to help her great-granddaughter and forces Alan to agree to the therapy. As Laurel reaches inside to Louemma beyond the loom, she learns the guilty secret that has incapacitated the child even as she falls in love with the two Ridges. The weaving therapy apparently has been around since the end of World War II with plenty of success is enlightening and quite interesting. The relationships between Louemma and the three prime adults in her life are touching as everyone wants the best for this hurting little girl. On the other hand Laurel's doubts due to her ex being a drunk and her beloved owning a distillery seems insignificant when compared with Louemma's needs, their love, and the heroine's understanding of personal responsibility as well as anyone. Still contemporary audience will find themselves praying for Louemma and wanting to see the permanent coupling of the lead pair.

No Ordinary Summer
Linda Barrett
Harlequin Super Romance
ISBN: 0373712189 $5.50, 298 pp.

Pilgrim Cove Realtor Bartolomew Quinn rents Sea View House to people in relational need as the abode has somehow magically brought people together. Bart is as enchanted as the house and he knows who the right people are for Sea View to weave its spell on. Bart leased the upper floor rents to Harvard Law Professor widower Daniel Stone and his dog, Jessie. The first floor belongs to divorcee Boston schoolteacher Shelley Anderson and her two kids, Josh and Emily. While Shelley remains emotionally battered from her former spouse's philandering and a nasty divorce, Daniel still mourns the accidental death of his wife. Although this couple has no reason to relate, an attraction springs up from the moment they meet. As they heal each other and her hurting children over the summer of love, her odious ex-husband Carl needs his old wife and children back to run for Congress on a family values platform. He blackmails Shelley with the threat of taking her to court over custody of the kids he ignored since their marriage dissolved. Only this time she has Daniel, her kids, a magical house and the Pilgrim Cove locals to help her do battle. NO ORDINARY SUMMER is an entertaining second chance at love paranormal (or perhaps just Bart's instinctive skills) romance. The lead couple is a fine pairing of two souls deserving of a lot of love. The support cast to include Sea View adds eccentricity, nurturing, and a wonderful mystic spin to the fine tale. Though Carl is an obnoxious opportunist oaf, the latest Pilgrim Cove tale is a fabulous read.

Bulletproof Billionaire
Mallory Kane
Harlequin Intrigue
ISBN: 0373227892 $4.99, 250 pp.

New Orleans Confidential leader Conrad Burke knew he needed a master of disguise who in daytime is a leading professional whom would feel comfortable amongst the wealthiest of the city; at night undercover and as at ease amidst drug dealers. He recruits Seth Lewis to pose as an international multibillionaire business mogul. The objective is to bring down Jerome Senegal, head of the Cajun Mob by seducing widow Adrienne Deblanc, owner of the Cajun Perk coffeehouses that serve as a front for Senegal's illegal drug peddling activities. Seth meets Adrienne and finds her nothing like the cool, aloof female he expect; instead she seems frightened and lonely, bringing out his protective feelings. Still he wonders why she does the mob bidding not realizing the threat of the "Knife" to her mom. As they fall in love, neither trusts the other though they share common goals of destroying Senegal, extracting Adrienne from the mess, and love. If they continue to hide truths because they remain suspicious of one another, they will fail. Inane title aside, BULLETPROOF BILLIONAIRE is an exhilarating romantic suspense that takes off from the moment Seth's siblings help prepare him for his assignment and never lets up until the final confrontation. Adrienne is a delightful Perils of Pauline heroine though the menace to her mom by the thug the Knife seems unnecessary as Senegal could get a hundred cooperative replacements in a flash. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy the second New Orleans Confidential and seek out the previous book, UNDERCOVER ENCOUNTER by Rebecca York as this reviewer will do and look forward to next month's entry by Joanna Wayne.

Renegade
Diana Palmer
Harlequin
ISBN: 0373770049 $16.95, 304 pp.

In Jacobsville, Texas Police Chief Cash Grier goes to New York to see Tippy "Georgia Firefly" Moore, the famous model turned actor. Cash and Tippy recently met in his hometown (see LAWLESS) but Tippy has mixed feelings about the lawman who wants to see her because she is very attracted to him, but fears intimacy since her stepfather raped her as a teen while her drugged out mom did nothing. In fact once she escaped she rescued her abused younger brother nine year old Rory from that hell although their "parents" use him to blackmail her for drug money. Cash picks up Rory at his Maryland military school and takes him to his sister in the East Village. The attraction between Cash and Tippy could ignite Manhattan, but both remain wary as neither trust easily; she due to her stepfather and he due to his former fiancee's rejection in which she labeled him a cold killer after telling her about his military black ops work. However, druggies linked to her stepfather target Tippy and Rory as easy money, but they failed to factor in Cash, who loves both of them. This engaging romantic suspense is more of a character study of two walking wounded rather than the police procedural love story of LAWLESS. Tippy and Cash have issues involving trust and intimacy as both have been hammered by the darkest side of humanity. Rory is a terrific "matchmaker" although his adjustments seem too easy. The "parents" are poster adults for why having children needs licensing more than marriage between two consenting adults. RENEGADE is a deep look at the healing power of love.

Suddenly Single
Millie Criswell
Harlequin Flipside
ISBN: 0373441959 $4.50, 218 pp.

Unable to cope with her husband's snooty family and his inability to be more than a wimpy mama's boy, Lisa Morelli walks out on Alex Mackenzie to return to her family. Her sister and mother object because they fear the twenty-seven year old is heading to spinsterhood and to give up a hunk like Alex is lunacy. Stunned by the collapse of his marriage in record time, Alex misses his wife and decides to follow her in order to court her so as to re-win her hand. Alex shocks Lisa by showing up as she figured his mama would want an annulment to rid the Morelli taint from the Mackenzie elite. She is further stunned when he removes his banking suit for a leather jacket and switches from a classic car to a motorcycle as Alex will do anything to regain Lisa at his side forever. This is an amusing contemporary romance due to the desperate turn around by Alex to prove to his beloved that she is first in his life, not his mother; Lisa is an independent individual who cannot understand why mama has so much influence on the intelligent Alex so she decides to go the single route. Though readers will wonder whether the effort Alex makes is worth the time, fans will laugh out loud by this comedic romp.

Plain Jane's Secret Life
Cathy Gillen Thacker
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750331 $4.99, 243 pp.

Chicago sportscaster Dylan Hart returns to his hometown Holly Springs, North Carolina to attend his sister's wedding. Mechanic Hannah Reid meets Dylan at the Durham airport to drive him to the wedding. Dylan considers Hannah as a tomboy little sister though she thinks he is hot. Still she has never been able to get him to see beyond her greasy garb that she wears as part of her owning and working at a classic car repair shop. However, this time Hannah plans to turn into a girlie girl to get Dylan's attention that she is the one for him. Dylan loses his job and Hannah is short funds for her renovation project. They agree to help each other, but Dylan never expected "plain Jane" to be so pretty. Dylan wonders if Hannah could reciprocate his new found love for her. The latest Brides of Holly Springs is a solid contemporary romance between two nice lead protagonists. The "mystery" that Dylan partially overhears between his brother and Hannah seems weak and the ease at which the couple helps the other appears too easily accomplished, yet the star duo and the support cast makes for a fine read.

The Last Time We Kissed
Ann Roth
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750358 $4.99, 249 pp.

Ten years have passed since then married couple Amy Parker and Sam Cutter set infernos in and out of the boudoir. However the blaze outside the bedroom destroyed their marriage as neither could cope with the heated fights. In Forest Hills, Washington Sam is watching his niece eight years old Mariah Carson while her parents are away enjoying a three week cruise. He takes Mariah to the Amy Parker School of Dance where she is one of the most enthusiastic student "pearls". There he and Amy see each other for the first time since their marriage went up in flames. Both remain attracted to one another, but Amy fears combusting if she begins to see Sam. However, Sam knows that he still loves Amy and that he will anything to persuade her that he has changed from when he burned her heart. Readers will enjoy this fabulous second chance at romance between the ballet school and hamburger joint owners. Along with a delightful support crew mostly made up of middle and grade school gems, fans receive an often amusing hot tale of love better with maturity.

A Scandalous Situation
Patricia Frances Rowell
Harlequin
ISBN: 037329316X $5.50

In 1807, Widower Lord Rob Armstrong heads home to his isolated estate Eyrie when he sees a carriage containing a young woman trapped in snow. He offers to help, but she points a gun at him. Still, he rescues her and her lame horse just prior to an avalanche. Rob takes wary Iantha Kethley to his home just before a blizzard hits. He explains that there are no women present at this time as he just returned from India. After a few days in his abode without a chaperone, Rob takes Iantha home where her worried family greets her in love. Rob asks her father for her hand in marriage, but her dad explains that six years ago Iantha was raped by masked aristocrats. Perhaps because his own child died, Rob still insists they wed and vows to Iantha that he will go slowly with her until she is comfortable with his touch. As Rob and Iantha fall in love and his kindness touch her soul, she begins to feel at ease, but her worst nightmare is back. Regency romance readers will appreciate this strong tale of a wonderful nurturing champion who helps his beloved recover from the horrors of rape. The story line is at its best when Rob gently heals Iantha's soul with his tenderness. Iantha makes the story line succeed as the audience can understand her fears of anyone but a child's touch and her need to control her situation including carrying a weapon. Though the villain's return adds suspense and a chance at his comeuppance, this confrontation takes away from the beauty of a fabulous historical that accentuates the healing power of love.

The Lake
Richard Laymon
Leisure
ISBN: 0843954507 $24.00, 384 pp.

As a teen, Leigh was a rebel protesting the Viet Nam War so her parents decided she needed a change of scenery sending her to her uncle an aunt's home in Wisconsin where she met studmuffin Charlie Payne. Leigh chased after the shy man who was intimidated by his mother until she finally caught him. They made love in an abandoned house, but as Charlie was leaving he fell through the floor, hit his dead, and died. His mother claimed Leigh killed her son, but the police ruled it an accidental death. She returned home pregnant. Eighteen years later Leigh's daughter Deana is on a date with Allan when a man carrying a cleaver and wearing a chef's hat chases after them and kills the lad. The culprit is the former chef at Leigh's restaurant, who was recently fired. Macer, the detective in charge, becomes romantically involved with Leigh. When the police catch Allan's killer, Leigh feels safe, but she soon will learns she is wrong because someone is coming for her and her daughter. Richard Laymon is a Bram Stroker award winning horror novelist who proves he can switch genre gears by writing a fantastic thriller as well. From the very beginning, the action explodes and just accelerates beyond warp speed and yet allows for a strong believable relationship between mother and daughter even when stress threatens to destroy it as both want to protect the other. The story line is loaded with surprises so that the audience never knows what will happen next. This totally absorbing crime thriller will have readers enthralled and unable to put it down until the last page is turned.

Luke Ashcroft's Woman
Elizabeth Clarke
Leisure
ISBN: 0843953918 $5.99

In the 1880s, Charlotte Duncan accompanies her husband as they plan to head to California with a wagon train. Also making the journey is Charlotte's sister and her spouse. However, Charlotte's husband is accused of stealing and immediately hung. Stunned, the mourning widow refuse to believe her spouse was a thief. Charlotte joins the wagon train under the protection of her brother-in-law. However, her real protector is scout Luke Ashcroft, who is attracted to the feisty widow and tries to keep her safe from her extended family. As the trek continues, Charlotte feels guilty because she falls in love with Luke. However, neither plan to act on their feelings as each wants to achieve their own dream not understanding their respective goals are identical. This deep graphic look at the trail will remind gamesters of the Oregon Trail games as the trek displays the hardships of the journey and the cruelty as opposed to the more common image of camaraderie between wagon train participants. Because of this immense depth and details, readers will taste the climatic conditions and feel other natural and man-made problems as if traveling alongside Luke and Charlotte. This makes the plot seem more like a historical tale especially in light of the villain who seems pale and inane in comparison to the real danger, the trek across the country.

The Moon Pool
Max McCoy
Leisure
ISBN: 0843953667 $6.99, 374 pp.

In homage to the mythology's Persephone, every twenty-eight days, he captures a red haired beauty, takes his victims underwater to the ruins of Mineral City, and at the full moon completes the circle by killing his prey. An official missing person's investigation has led to the need of a specialized expert so underwater crime scene investigator Richard Dahlgren leads the inquiries. Bodies suddenly turn up at an alarming rate and a pattern amidst this serial killing chaos forms that the murders have been going on for years. Richard, haunted by his own tragic failure a decade ago, hopes he can do better with the abducted Jolene and with the Goddess seemingly filling his head he might succeed. She meanwhile knows Richard is her only chance of surviving so naked and wearing only a cross she prays that she somehow survives the ordeal rather than become the latest victim in a long running Greek tragedy. This deep intelligent thriller takes the time to introduce readers to several subplots using scientific and technical vernacular, but worth the energy of those who appreciate a strong tale. The cast is solid whether they are the hero, the victim, the villain, the mythological figures or other support players. The various subplots cleverly merge over the course of the exciting story line in which the circles of murder and mythos overlap so that fans will treasure diving into the invigorating THE MOON POOL.

Devil's Bargain
Jade Lee
Leisure
ISBN: 0843953721 $5.99, 359 pp.

With the death of her father, a poor country parson, Lynette knows her impoverished family is in deep trouble. The Earl of Songshire visits Lynette suggesting a way out of destitution for her and her family. He gives her the address of Baroness Huntley, who runs a thriving business arranging marriages to wealthy elderly aristocrats. A desperate Lynette meets with the Baroness, who takes her on as a client and assigns her to her notorious nephew Viscount Adrian Grant to prepare her for her "mature" spouse in a marriage that should not last more than a decade. Adrian trains his latest pupil in how to behave as a willing biddable bride, but the intelligent Lynette keeps shocking him with her curiosity and her questions unlike his previous students. As he teaches her how to excite a man, even an old one, he finds the kisses and caresses and more stimulate him as no one has ever done before. Adrian suddenly knows he has a heart and that organ (and another) belongs to his pupil who has taught him to love. This exciting erotic romance will heat up fans of Regency tales as the tyro Lynette teaches the professor Adrian the difference between sex and making love. The story line focuses on the debate between these two protagonists as the innocent Lynette believes love and that her sex mentor deep in his soul wants someone to simply love him while Adrian insists it is all about lust as love does not exist. Readers will appreciate the hands on philosophical debate that Jade Lee presents her audience.

Tagged for Murder
Elaine Flinn
Avon
ISBN: 0060545801 $6.99, 304 pp.

Her husband ruined her sterling reputation by selling fake antiquities before leaving for parts unknown with his young bimbo leaving Molly Doyle financially ruined, She now runs her friend's antique shop in Carmel, California. She is recovering financially and making new friends when her sister Carrie whom she has not seen in fifteen years arrives with her twelve year old daughter Emma. Carrie is job hunting and asks Molly to watch Emma. Not long afterward, a letter given to Molly from Emma informs her that Carier is leaving the country and wants Molly to raise Emma. While Molly reels from her sibling's callousness, she learns that her friend Trudy Collins did not die from a heart attack; instead was murdered by someone who knew she was allergic to aspirin and hid a tablet in her soda at an antiques gala. While going through her pal's belongings, Molly realizes Trudy was selling fakes and Carrie was part of the operation. The more she digs, the more Molly comprehends her sister broke several laws and leaving the country was the only way to avoid arrest. Molly's snooping frightens the killer so much that he or she tries to murder her and her niece on a fog shrouded road. Molly is a likable and intelligent heroine who falls in love with Emma from the moment they first meet and takes her home with her without a second thought. She accepts that her sister is a felon and the best thing Carrie can do is stay away from her family. Emma steals the hearts of readers as a precocious child (they always seem that way in fiction) who has more common sense than most of the adults she knows. Elaine Flinn provides a beguiling amateur sleuth tale that readers will love.

A Dose of Murder
Lori Avocato
Avon
ISBN: 0060731656 $6.99, 320 pp.

While she is trying to get a sick boy's mouth open, Pauline Sokol concludes she just does not want to remain a nurse any longer. After twelve years she is burned out. Her gay roommate Miles gets her a job at an insurance agency as a fraud claims investigator. Her first case is to prove that Tina Macaluso, receiving injury compensation, never injured her back on the job. Pauline knows zilch about how to conduct an investigation; sexy Jagger offers to teach her if she will assist him on a case he works involving a group of doctors committing Medicare fraud by filing false claims. He wants Pauline to apply for a job as a temporary nurse since Tina is on medical leave. Jagger's source inside the office is murdered while Pauline stumbles across the corpse of the billings clerk leading her to wonder why she is doing the job she detests even undercover and could get killed doing it. The heroine finds herself in several crazy situations that leave readers at times chuckling out loud and often concerned whether she can extricate herself from her perils without revealing her true purpose for being in the medical office. The quirky support cast adds humor to this wonderful debut mystery. Lori Avocado provides a solid who-done-it, chick lit style.

The Return of the Earl
Edith Layton
Avon
ISBN: 0060567090 $5.99, 384 pp.

In 1800, Sir Gideon accused Lord Geoffrey Sauvage and his twelve year old son Christian falsely of stealing. Geoffrey and Christian are convicted and placed on the Retribution, heading to the South Seas. Geoffrey provides strength to his son and two other boys Amyas and Daffyd as they set sail as convicts. However, because of Geoffrey's skills to make money for his clients honed as an aristocratic working class soul, he makes a fortune for himself and his three charges. Fifteen years later, Christian arrives in England to claim the Earldom from his cousin Hammond, whose future in-laws are irate. Christian points out the so-called accidents that have eliminated the last five earls and plans not to be number six. Hammond sends for Julianne Lowell, sister of Christian's best childhood friend now dead, to identify whether he is the real thing. As Julianne and Christian fall in love, she is not sure though he looks somewhat like the person she knew in childhood. Whether he is or is not does not matter to someone who plans to add the upstart to the list of dead earls. This is an enjoyable Regency romantic suspense that will remind readers of the movies The Return of Martin Guerre and Somersby as Julianne is not certain if the man she loves is an imposter or the real Christian. The story line action-packed, but the characters make the tale with many containing negative feelings towards others. Fans will enjoy this delightful tale in which the earldom is apparently the most dangerous position in England in spite of the Napoleonic War.

Taming Tessa
Brenda Hiatt
Avon
ISBN: 0060723785 $5.99, 384 pp.

In 1816 England Lord Anthony Northrup, owner of the Odd Sock Club, a hunting club, is riding his horse while escorting a second nervous steed home when the new horse panics. A woman races past Anthony and gains control of the runaway. She calms the horse down. Anthony tells his three friends what happened and soon identifies the woman as Tessa Seaton of Wheatstone. The four pals visit Wheatstone where they meet Tessa's father wheelchair bound George crippled by a hunting accident, her Uncle Mercer and Cousin Emery who trains the horses. At a hunt Anthony quickly affirms that Tessa, a rare female participant, is the expert with a heavenly touch with horses while Emery is a brute. As Tessa and Anthony fall in love, he must persuade her that her odious relatives have lied to her about the fragility of her father's health if he wants to marry her. This engaging Regency romance stars two nice protagonists who readers will care about as each wants to do the right thing for family, friends, and loved ones at the expense of their own happiness. Anthony is a caring soul and his three pals share his best traits of championing the underdog like an abused horse, a taken advantage of young lady, or even a stalwart fox. Tessa is his perfect counterpart as her love for her dad makes her sacrifice her desires. Though why she trusts her odious uncle and repugnant cousin when it comes to the health of her father and their stable is hard to accept. Still in spite of two villainous losers, the lead couple and their friends make for a fine fox and hounds historical romance.

The Prodigal
Beverly Lewis
Bethany House
ISBN: 0764228730 $12.99, 320 pp.

With her beloved mother dead for seven years, Amish Leah Ebersol raises her two younger siblings who consider her their mom. Her sister Sadie has come home as a widow having married in Ohio; she must prove herself to the community especially the Bishop, after being shunned for an affair with an English person that led to a stillborn child before she fled town. Leah is concerned that her nine year old sibling Lydiann will choose the wrong path having made close friends with a Mennonite child her age. Jonas Mast resides on Ohio where he still reflects on what could have been if his beloved Leah was not married. However, unbeknownst to him, a misconception and a misfortunate event caused by Sadie, who feels guilty for doing what she did, has kept him away from Leah. If he only had known she was single things would have been much different. Soon a letter never reaching its destination will bring these two together, but is it enough to keep them together for she has two siblings who need her. The third Abram's Daughter tale, THE PRODIGAL, is an engaging look at life in an Amish community during the Eisenhower administration. The story line invites the audience to follow the daily living, which also enables the reader to admire Leah's strong faith though she has taken some blows in her life; she believes that God works in mysterious ways, but needed her with her family for the sake of her brother and sister. Though there is no action, Beverly Lewis writes an appealing and inspiring glimpse at a 1950s Amish community.

The Silent Harp
Gilbert Morris
Bethany House
ISBN: 0764227610 $12.99, 320 pp.

During World War I wealthy Sharon Winslow believes she has met the love of her life, Buffalo's Robert Tyson, while both try out for parts in an opera. Though her parents are a bit disappointed that she chose someone from the working class, they love and support Sharon's choice. The lovebirds become engaged, but agree to hold off on marriage and the conjugal bed until he returns from the war. However, he dies in combat. Sharon falls into a deep into depression to the point that her parents worry about her mental health. She vows never to marry. During the depression grungy Temple Smith rides into her life. Her parents and her younger brother Clayton find Temple unacceptable as an uncouth pauper, but reconsider their impression as they see he has brought back the spark of life to their beloved daughter who had not shown any vigor since her fiance died. While Temple must overcome her pledge to his ghostly rival and her parents' belief he is beneath her, Sharon is concerned with her family firm nearing bankruptcy. THE SILENT HARP is an engaging first half twentieth century historical family drama that follows the exploits of the Winslow family from World War I through just before the onset of World War II. The story line mostly concentrates on Sharon, but also contains subplots involving her much younger brother Clayton as well as her parents. Although the action is limited as this is more of a character study, Gilbert Morris cleverly uses the backdrop of major events like the war to end all wars and the Great Depression to showcase a perceptive Americana tale.

At the Scent of Water
Linda Nichols
Bethany House
ISBN: 0764227297 $12.99 (trade), 416 pp.

In Asheville, North Carolina, Dr. Samuel Truelove enjoyed his work as a highly regarded heart surgeon, cherished his beloved wife Annie and treasured their daughter, but never allowed family to get in the way of surgery. When he blew his daughter's diagnosis, a wedge formed between Annie and him. Reconciliation failed as Annie finally gave up on Sam and left for her sister's home when he chose surgery over her. His idyllic life collapsed further when pride drove Sam to perform an emergency operation when he was in no condition to do so, resulting in tragedy. Annie fled her husband to work at the Seattle Times and ultimately she obtained a job with the Los Angeles Times. She hoped to gain some solace in her work, but a headline forces her to return to the place of her greatest sorrow, her hometown where Sam, seeking redemption for his sin of pride at a clinic, has prayed everyday for five years for a second chance as he needs her now more than ever. AT THE SCENT OF WATER is an intriguing inspirational relationship drama that stars a prideful modern day Job, who had everything, but lost it all in a series of appalling errors that cost lives and his family. The story line is character driven mostly by Sam, but to a degree by Annie who has given up on him, love, and in many ways God because she ponders why bad things happen to good people. Though the action is limited readers who cherish a powerful insightful look at two lost souls seeking solace and redemption will want to read this moving tale.

Innocent Libertine
T. Davis Bunn and Isabella Bunn
Bethany House
ISBN: 0764228587 $12.99 (trade), 320 pp.

In 1814 and though her wealthy American expatriate family has become part of London's high society, eighteen years old Abigail Aldridge feels she must help those less fortune than herself. Abigail sneaks out with her cousin at night to tend to the needs of the residents of the Soho slums when Reverend Derrick Ames finds her wandering the dangerous alleys. While her cousin flees for home, Derrick and his friends escort Abigail to the Soho Square Church. When a raid of the church occurs, Abigail is arrested and taken to Newgate along with others. Her parents use their contacts, influence and affluence to gain her release. However, the subsequent scandal forces Abigail to return to the United States. Though stunned by the reactions of the Ton to her good intentions, Abigail plans to continue her efforts to help the poor chaperoned by the Countess Lillian Houghton, who seeks solace from her own woes. INNOCENT LIBERTINE is a vivid early nineteenth century character study that looks deeply into two women (more so Abigail than Lillian) as they adapt to new lives trying to tend to the poor. Abigail and Lillian have learned what paves the road to hell (or at least "colonial" exile), but both courageously move on with hopes of helping the impoverished as they feel all good Christians should do. Fans of inspirational Americana tales will appreciate this fine look at an expanding nation through the eyes of the two brave females and Abe, a brilliant intellectual who helps them find the path even as he and Abigail fall in love.

Secrets
Kristen Heitzmann
Bethany House
ISBN: 0764228277 $12.99, 384 pp.

In New York, Nonna Antonia suffers a stroke and is unable to speak, but manages to ask her grandson Lance Mitchelli to go on a quest to find something, but he has no idea what it is. He travels to Liguria, Italy where Nonna's cousin Sister Anna is in a nunnery and she sends him to Sonoma, California in search of his Nonna's SECRETS in the villa she once lived in years ago. Rese Barrett needs to prove to her deceased father that she can renovate the old villa into a B&B as well as any man could. Lance obtains a job as a cook/maid at the villa hiding his relationship to Nonna, a previous owner. As Rese and Lance work together, he searches for the SECRETS, but tries to hide his growing attraction to his employer who feels the same way. As they fall in love, he worries how she will react to his quest with each looking for heavenly intervention. SECRETS is an engaging contemporary romance starring two wonderful lead protagonists (though Lance is too adept at seemingly everything) and a fine somewhat eccentric support cast. The story line is character driven as Rese and Lance do not want love, but cannot stop the feelings between them. Nonna's SECRETS will intrigue the audience as like Rese fans will become obsessed to know what she truly wants and hope he delivers it without hurting or losing Rese. The underlying message is simply with God and love even an antihero can become a champion.

No Dark Valley
Jamie Langston Turner
Bethany House
ISBN: 0764227300 $12.99, 400 pp.

When Celia Coleman was fifteen, a DUI killed her parents in what the family forever called the "clothes dryer" day. Celia moved in with her dirt-poor pious grandmother. They did not get along as the younger felt God abandoned her while the older remained a fanatical believer. Celia leaves for college in Delaware and afterward becomes a South Carolina gallery art director, goes home to Dunmore, Georgia for the first time in fourteen years to attend her grandmother's funeral, but remains embarrassed by her roots. After the funeral, Celia finds a new family moved in next door to her. She is attracted to her new neighbor Bruce, but she will not act on it because besides he is married. Bruce reciprocates the feelings, but has his own demons to contend with including caring for his sister and his niece. Celia concludes that her sour puss grandma was content with her life while she is not. She begins to seek solace with God even as heavenly matchmaking skills assist her and Bruce to relate starting with a toilet plunger. NO DARK VALLEY is an intriguing character study that looks deep into the soul of a woman who lost all faith in the Lord when her parents were killed. The story line bares open Celia so that the audience can see her discontentment. The secondary characters furbish further insight into what Celia feels as some condemn her while others offer rejected sustenance. Though there is little action, Jamie Langston Turner provides her audience with a deep look at the impact of survivors when bad things happen to good loved ones.

Northern Lights
Nora Roberts
Putnam
ISBN: 0399152059 $25.95, 576 pp.

Baltimore Police Officer Nate Burke is in the dumps due to the break up of his marriage so his partner Jack takes him on a night on the town. When they are ready to go home, they see a drug deal going down so they go to arrest the perpetrators, but Nate is shot and Jack is killed. Feeling guilty and unable to cope, Nate quits the force and heads to Lunacy, Alaska to become police chief. Lunacy is a small quiet town in which Nate deals with traffic incidents and minor misdemeanors. From the first time he sees bush pilot Meg Galloway, Nate feels he has returned to the living. When a frozen male body is found inside a cave on No Name Mountain, Meg identifies the corpse as her father, who she and the townsfolk felt walked out on his family eighteen years ago. Not long afterward, newspaper publisher Max commits suicide leaving a note that he killed Meg's father. Nate thinks a second homicide is covering up a two decade old murder. NORTHERN LIGHTS is an electrifying romantic suspense that will please the myriad of Nora Roberts' fans. The hero is a wounded warrior who runs as far away from his hometown as he just about can to bury himself in the tundra. Instead he finds a new home, a satisfying job, and a woman that heals his soul. The support cast is eccentric and likable (Nora Roberts' trademarks) with anyone and no one capable of committing murder. Thus the readers will enjoy a solid police procedural that they will want to solve (not an easy mission) alongside a strong romance heading to the New York Times bestseller list.

Melancholy Baby
Robert B. Parker
Putnam
ISBN 0399152180 $24.95, 304 pp.

Boston private detective Sunny Randall goes into an emotional tailspin when her ex-husband Richie tells her that he is getting remarried. Even though she divorced him she never stopped loving him. She just couldn't be married or live anyone else except her bullterrier Rosie. Unable to cope with the pain of Richie's remarriage, Sunny visits psychiatrist Dr. Susan Silverman. Although she doesn't know it, Susan is the girlfriend of the famous Spencer. Needing something to occupy herself, Sunny takes on the case of Sarah Markham, a twenty year old college student, who wants her to find out who her real parents are. When Sunny talks to the Markhams they insist that they are Sarah's real parents; Sunny catches the husband in a lie about where he worked when Sarah was conceived. Two thugs beat up Sarah, telling her to drop the investigation or else. The same musclemen come after Sunny who meets them with her gun and some backup. The information she gets from these two goons leads her to the people who hired them. By the time the case is finished, two men are dead, one person is going to prison, Sarah learns who her biological mother is and Sunny is beginning to understand her fears of marriage. Robert B. Parker's Sunny Randall series is not a female version of Spenser. She is a troubled woman who seeks help to regain her mental health as s she shows her emotions more than Spenser does and her methods of investigation are quite different as is her circle of friends. MELANCHOLY BABY is one of the author's best works with its stark prose, eccentric cast and a climax it is impossible not to love.

Forced Mate
Rowena Cherry
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526018 $5.99, 320 pp.

Prince Tarrant-Arragon of the Tigran Empire always gets his way; so when he selected his bride, he expected nothing less than her capitulation. If she refused, he would take her anyway because the future of his empire rested on his mating with the last known virgin Djinni. Djinni-Vera is the daughter of Tarrant's rival, Djetthro-Jason (earthlings call him J. J.) and an Englishwoman. Her sire has raised her to detest Prince Tarrant-Arragon. What he fails to tell his daughter is that he J. J. has plans to usurp the throne from his cousin Tarrant, the rightful prince. Tarrant abducts Vera as a tool to accomplish his objective of solidifying his hold on the empire and thwarting his enemy, J. J. To his shock, he finds he likes his defiant Forced Mate. To Vera's even greater jolt, her new husband is arrogant but kind and caring; and his retinue, instead of fearing him, seems to like and respect him. She is torn between believing her father, the head of the noble Saurian Knights, and her husband as to whether Tarrant is savior or tyrant. Forced Mate is a terrific science fiction tale that uses humor to forward the exciting plot. The story line includes elements of a suspense thriller and romance but never loses its essence as a galaxy empire tale. Still, the key to Rowena Beaumont Cherry's fine story is the believability of the cast. Fans will believe in these seven-foot (non-NBA) hunks from space and wish the best for the delightful "half-breed", Djinni-Vera. This excellent romantic sci fi thriller calls for a sequel or two as several other players deserve to have their story told.

Still Life
Melanie Jackson
Love Spell
ISBN: 0505526085 $6.99

Ghostalker and dreamwalker Nyssa searches for information to fill the vast gaps of what she knows about her past. Nyssa is almost obsessed with finding out who she is and what her connection to hobgoblin Qasim is. Cop Jack Frost becomes concerned with Nyssa's probe reaching the attention of those who would use and abuse her or others who will kill her. To keep her safe from the FBI and goblin goons, he dispatches the entity Abrial, but initially she refuses his help. That changes as the Feds and the goblins begin to give chase. Travelers on the run with no hope of dispatching a courier to Jack, the two outsiders Nyssa and Abrial fall in love. However, their relationship means new groups who would not want a merger between a ghostalking dreamwalker and a night entity for fear of what the next generation will bring. The latest walk on the "Wildside" is a wonderful romantic fantasy that adds new elements that brilliantly fit and enhance the existing Jackson mythos. The action-packed story line is filled with mythological creatures, who along side of government agencies make Wildside seem real. However, the crucial component that invigorates STILL LIFE is the love subplot between two souls who know they should not, but could not prevent their feelings from showing even with danger mounting from seemingly everywhere.

Lauren's Eyes
Norah Wilson
Love Spell
ISBN: 050552600X $5.99

Veterinarian Lauren Townsend ignored the first vision of murder until she learned that she had seen the victim before the homicide occurred. When the second vision occurs, feeling guilty, but not trusting the cops would accept her as "reliable" she decides to act on her own. In her last vision Lauren saw a matchbook cover for Foothills Guest Ranch and immediately books time there as a guest. At the ranch she meets owner Cal Taggert who hopes to save his near bankrupt cattle spread with a guest section. Cal and Lauren are instantly attracted to one another. When his ex-wife Marlena appears, Lauren recognizes her as the upcoming victim. She begins to wonder if Cal, who she has fallen in love with, could be her killer as the hostility between the pair is cutting. LAUREN'S EYES is an engaging paranormal romantic thriller that makes readers believe that the gift or curse (responsibility is quite frightening) is a skill that the heroine possesses (even Randi the Great would become a true believer). The story line is character driven though the plot is loaded with action and suspense. Lauren at times seems vulnerable like Bergman in Suspicion as she wonders whether her heart could betray her. Sub-genre fans will keep an eye on Norah Wilson following this strong tale.

The Winds of Change
Martha Grimes
Viking
ISBN: 0670033278 $25.95, 407 pp.

Superintendent Richard Jury had thought nothing could be worse than his last case as he almost died (see THE BLUE LAST). However, looking down at the murdered little girl lying in the London streets makes him realize he was too optimistic. At about the same time, Police Commander Brian Macalvie investigates the case of a Jane Doe found murdered in the gardens of Declan Scott's estate. Three years ago Brian failed to resolve the abduction of Declan's stepdaughter, four years old at the time Flora. Her mother Mary died not long afterward and Declan still mourns thoselosses. The girl's autopsy reveals the five year old had sexual activity. Richard talks with pedophile unit Chief DI Johnny Blakeley who says the victim was abused by a ring owned by financier Viktor Baumann. The other killing also connects to Viktor as Flora was his child and Mary his first wife. The three coppers work together to prove that Viktor is a murderer and pedophile ring owner. However, the dots fail to connect instead seem to twist away from the prime suspect. The latest Richard Jury police procedural is an entertaining tale due to the usual crowd of eccentrics including a Plant on Scott's estate that assists the Superintendent on his inquiries. The story line seems a bit convoluted as the three cases appear to tie together through the odious Baumann, but takes a long time to actually begin to fit as one coherent plot. Still Martha Grimes provides a fine entry in her wonderful long running series in which the jury of readers will appreciate the aptly named WINDS OF CHANGE.

Something Rotten
Jasper Fforde
Viking
ISBN: 0670033596 $24.95, 385 pp.

After two years in the Well as the head of Jurisfiction, Thursday Next decides to go home although she literally will miss some of her compatriots. She travels to Swindon with her son Friday and that indecisive fickle Hamlet, who is unable to decide or not to decide. While Hamlet tries to understand the real world better so that he can improve his decision process in the Shakespearean realm, Thursday learns that the Goliath Corporation, who deleted her spouse Landon, have begun a faith based system. They believe she is the Chosen One and plan to choose her whether she wants to or not. Meanwhile outlaw Fictioneer Yorrick Kaine plots havoc so he can become dictator while the Merry Wives of Windsor show Hamlet to err is human, but they are divine. Only Thursday can clean up these messy subplots, but she is not sure what chapter or verse will follow. As President-for-life Formby is missing and the world will end in a whimper if the Swindon Mallets fail to win the croquet Superbowl, all she seeks is good childcare. A usual with a Thursday Next novel, literary giants are shredded and "exposed" as Jasper Fforde takes characters like Hamlet with his foibles and places him in the real world. The latest adventures are wild, over the edge, and very amusing. Fans need to set aside time because they will be LOST IN A GOOD BOOK literally sharing SOMETHING ROTTEN affair with the heroine as she tries to keep the myriad of lost plots straight. Once again nothing is sacred as Jasper Fforde satirizes with humorous word play literature and real icons.

Babes in Captivity
Pamela Redmond Satran
Downtown
ISBN: 0743463552 $13.00, 304 pp.

The four Homewood, New Jersey women are best friends living the American dream of raising a family in suburbia. They meet regularly to share their disasters (child or spousal related), but for the most part they seem contented with their lives. The contented illusion ends when Deirdre informs her cell mates that she hates her nice spouse Paul. She explains to her amused pals, who think Paul is the poster boy for the perfect husband that she wants to restart her singing career with her former Berkley lover. Nick "Mr. Sexy" Ruby who has relocated fifteen miles to the east in New York. Finally she laments that she has had no passionate orgasms since Ruby. Her confessions lead to two of the others moaning their desires. Juliette wants another child, but her husband Cooper hesitates since their son Trey suffers from Asperger's syndrome. Anne wonders if she should leave her philandering spouse filmmaker Damien. Supermom of four, Lisa refuses to reveal to her buddies or her too busy husband Tommy her desire to write a book for fear they will laugh at her "How to Live" tome. This is an interesting look at family life in suburbia starring four wonderful women, who share fears, disappointments, and dreams with one another that they find difficult to disclose to their spouses. The story line rotates the lead role between the four women using alternating chapters so that fans receive four subplots that tie together through their friendship. BABES IN CAPTIVITY is not a lighthearted chick lit romp, but instead is a fabulously deep character study that compassionately captures the ambivalence and conflict of motherhood and marriage vs. personal dreams.

My Favorite Mistake
Beth Kendrick
Downtown
ISBN: 0743470346 $13.00, 304 pp.

A decade ago, Faith Geary fled her small Minnesota hometown with no plans to ever return and has kept to her vow until now. Her sister Skye hysterically calls saying her world has collapsed as she is about to file for bankruptcy as the "The Roof Rat" bar that Faith invested in and managed by Skye's philandering spouse Bob is failing, and divorce from her cheating husband is imminent. Neither moves Faith though her life savings could vanish if the bar goes into arrears as she co-signed the mortgage. Still she has spent a lifetime with the Skye falling calamities of her sis so she decides to help from a distance. Her former lover Patrick Flynn calls Faith next to inform her that Skye is pregnant. Knowing that she is walking into landmines, Faith comes home. Skye shows no maturity as if the last ten years, the bar, and marriage never happened. Worse Faith still feels a deep attraction to Patrick, who remains angry with her for leaving him yet still wants her because he never stopped loving her. The story line is often amusing but contains a serious undertone on actually responsibility for one's actions (and not just saying so as seems to be the norm). Faith is a fine lead character who upon her return quickly realizes why she escaped the insanity in the first place. Patrick furbishes realism as he displays anger while wearing his heart on his sleeve until he realizes that his beloved will leave again without resolving their feelings if he remains irate. With the eccentric support cast adding humorous depth, contemporary romance fans will appreciate this you can go home tale.

Upgrading
Simon Brooke
Downtown
ISBN: 0743477626 $13.00, 384 pp.

Working at media sales for the Guardian, Andrew Collins detests his tedious job, which fails to pay for the lifestyle that the handsome lad believes he deserves. Fearing he will turn into a "Wanker", Andrew seeks money that equates to happiness. Andrew answers an Evening Standard ad for male escorts, hoping to land a "Sugar Mama". Andrew escorts the wealthy, decadent and older Marion. She and her nasty friends turn him into her boy toy. He likes the expensive cars he now drives, the excess "green" he carries, the weekend flights across the Atlantic, and the other trinkets she buys him, However, he soon feels his esteem battered when he meets shop assistant plain Jane. She likes the potential she sees in him, but is disappointed in how weak he is by allowing the Rolex crowd to buy his soul. To his shock, Andrew cannot get Jane out of his head and realizes he must decide whether he wants love or money. Andrew will remind readers of Alfie as he seems as shallow and morally void yet somehow empathetic and understandable. His struggle to select between debauched luxury and love leads the audience to hope he will properly choose, but not wait too long because Jane will not sit around moping. There is a vast contrast between Marion and her jet set minions who contain no redeeming qualities as opposed to the nurturing be all you can be Jane. This extreme also keeps the options simplistic as it boils down to selling your soul vs. loving another's soul. This is a terrific character study that if Marion was a wee nicer could have been UPGRADED into quite a complex tale.

The Vanished Priestess
Meredith Blevins
Forge
ISBN: 0765307804 $23.95, 320 pp.

Widowed after only a few years of marriage, Annie Szabo inherited her gypsy mother-in-law Mina, who was not pleased when her son married an outsider. Over time the two combating women found a way to co-exist at a distance with one another. Though they would never admit this to anyone even their maker, they respect one another. Annie is unhappy when Mina comes for an extended visit for a large dose of the woman will drive her crazy. However, Annie's concern over her failing mental health as there is no end state to Mina is diverted by someone shooting her neighbor Margo Spencer in the back; circus friends of the victim discovered the body. Margo owned and operated a new age circus that funded a shelter for battered and abused women. When Annie's daughter Abra arrived bruised, Margo brought her to the shelter and the Szabo women closed ranks against her abusing spouse Rory. At the same time that Margo was killed, her lover Lili disappears. To get her mind off of all the negativity that floods her soul, Annie investigates the homicide. An Annie Szabo mystery is always a special treat due to the eccentric Szabo clan that play powerful secondary roles especially driving the heroine nuts with their loyalty and other shtick that she reciprocates 100 percent. Meredith Blevins applies a wicked sense of humor, at times edgy, but never quite over the edge, as the conversations between characters especially the cross purpose discussions between Annie and Mina, are fabulous. Amateur sleuth fans will love THE VANISHED PRIESTESS.

Blood Retribution
David and Aimee Thurlo
Forge
ISBN 0765304422 $23.95, 272 pp.

He is a nightwalker, a Navaho vampire who because he is only half Nosferatu has the strength not to succumb to the allure of the dark side of his nature. He is a New Mexico state police officer who is often teamed up with beautiful FBI agent Diane Lopez who not only knows what Lee Nez is but accepts him for his good heart. Right now they are trying to infiltrate a smuggling ring made up of skinwalkers (Navaho witches) who can shape shift at night and still retain their ability to think like a human. These smugglers known as the Silver Eagles go to Mexico in animal form, meet with their suppliers, and return with silver and turquoise for jewelry suppliers who get their products at black market prices. The two cops seek to arrest humans who are part of the smuggling ring and kill the shapeshifters so they no longer can carry out their evil plans. While Diane and Lee stalk the Silver Eagles, they are hunted by a vampire who wants to kill them because they murdered her nest including her husband and brother. They remain on guard at all times because beside each other they don't know who they can trust. Once again the Thurlos provide readers their interpretation of the vampire mythos unique to the Navaho culture. Lee can stay in sunlight provided he uses sun block while his speed, strength and night vision make him a better police officer. In the Thurlos world, skinwalkers are unredeemable evil creatures who must be killed; a variation on the hapless victim werewolf legend. BLOOD RETRIBUTION is a fantastic horror thriller that readers of both genres will want to read.

The Sultan's Harem
Colin Falconer
Crown
ISBN: 0609610309 $22.95, 452 pp.

In sixteenth century Turkey Sultan Suleyman has three hundred women in his harem. Of all these beautiful females his favorite is Gulbehar because she has given him a son. However, truth be told, the weight of empire building and international relations plays heavily on the weary Suleyman so he has little interest in the inner goings-on inside his harem as long as the ladies do not disturb him. The omega entry in Suleyman's harem is the newcomer the Russian Hurrem, who resents being a slave and worse being the runt amongst a pack of subservient succubae. Her plan to be first in line immediately is to use her body to seduce Suleyman and her wiles to defeat these jackals that surround her. Thus, the ladies of the harem who previously understood their place in the queue now battle for supremacy in a scheming arena of intrigue, blackmail, and homicide. Hurrem is the ruler magically seducing Suleyman over time so that even some of his supporters in the royal court consider emulating the queen of mean to take control of the empire. THE SULTAN'S HAREM is an intriguing historical work of fiction that highlights four decades in the inner court of Suleyman the Great during the first half of the sixteenth century. The tale crafts a comprehensive (somewhat exhausting) vivid look at the mores of the harem and to a degree the royal court especially the intrigue, treachery, and strange bedfellow politics, but fails to place any of this on the bigger stage of momentous events. Readers who appreciate an interesting solid diligent glimpse at pebbles with no boulders will enjoy the regal intrigue of Suleyman's harem.

Indelible
Karin Slaughter
Morrow
ISBN: 0060567104 $24.95, 360 pp.

Georgia pediatrician/medical examiner Sara Linton visits her former husband Grants County Police Chief Jeffrey Tolliver at the station house when two thugs arrive with guns blazing. The duo precisely kills or wounds several cops and other people at the station house including visiting children on a class trip. The pair lays siege to the building with Jeffrey being the target of their attention. Sara reflects back on her life with Jeffrey wondering who would want him dead. She thinks back to twelve years ago when they made an impromptu stop in his hometown of Sylacauga, Alabama in spite of his vows to never go there. Jeffrey's friend Robert a cop, who lived next door to Sara's then mother-in-law, apparently killed an intruder. The wife Jessie was bewildered and unable to provide information, but Sara knew that Jeffrey altered the crime scene and refused to explain or give her any information as if he was covering for a fellow blue knight. Thus a major clink in their relationship occurred as trust became an issue. Could that event caused today's episode? This exciting tale actually occurs before BLINDSIGHTED and enables readers to see how the relationship between Sara and Jeffrey evolved the way it has. The storyline contains two subplots as the present crisis provides plenty of action, but also uses flashbacks to describe the pivotal incident in the lead couple's past. Though some minor questio

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