The Oath
by John Lescroart
Average Customer Review:
Mass Market Paperback (07 January, 2003)
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Editorial Review

Bad medicine makes good plotting in John Lescroart's latest, whichbrings back lawyer Dismas Hardy and his best friend, homicide cop Abe Glitsky. Astring of suspicious deaths at a San Francisco HMO don't look like murder atfirst--until Tim Markham, the head of the HMO, dies from injuries received in ahit-and-run accident. But did the injuries really kill him? Glitsky believesthat Hardy's client, Dr. Eric Kensing, killed his boss. Kensing had at least twogood reasons: not only was Markham having an affair with his wife, but his cost- cutting restrictions were threatening the lives of Kensing's patients. Kensingis a bit too heroic for the reader to ever believe in him as a suspect, and thereal murderer is pretty obvious from the get-go, which cuts down the suspense.Still, the reappearance of Glitsky and Hardy will be welcomed by Lescroart'smany fans, who'll be delighted with the widowed cop's new wife and new life andhappy to see the guys back in familiar if well-trodden territory. --JaneAdams ... Read more

Reviews (37)

a powerful novel of lescroart
I read this novel not too long ago.A family member of mine just introduced me to it and i had never heard of john lescroart before at all.But i have to say it was something of a book to read.One of the best that i think that I have read of this author in a while.I would recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a good book to read on one of those rainy days.
I am going to check out The first law from my local library and The second chair sound pretty good also.

Ryan Barry
Music1379@aol.com

A Writer's writer!
Several years ago I stumbled across one of Lescroart's early works.It was great -- make that terrific -- and I promptly searched Amazon for more by his pen, then ordered and enjoyed every one of them.Dismas and his erstwhile cop pal, Abe Glitsky, came to be as familiar to me as Batman and Robin were to a youthful, comic-book addicted me.

My hobby of writing short fiction for an on-line writers' club has whetted an appetite for beautifully crafted novels, stories that leave you hanging right up to the last page.Nobody does it better than John Lescroart.

Now if I only knew how to correctly pronounce his name.

Worth Reading!
The Oath is the first book I've read by John Lescroart but won't be the last. Lescroart's strong suits are in his ability to develop multidimensional, credible major as well as secondary characters, believable multilayered story lines, and witty dialogue -- all of which are intertwined in an entertaining, fast-moving mystery. The basic plot involves an HMO executive who becomes a victim of a hit-and-run driver and then a murder victim after being brought to one of his own hospitals for treatment. Dismas Hardy becomes the defense attorney for the doctor presumed to be the murderer and Lt. Glitsky is in charge of the murder investigation. The relationship between Hardy and Glitsky is one I enjoyed very much and am looking forward to learning more about when I read other books in the series. Without going into detail (and perhaps spoiling things for potential readers), what keeps me from giving The Oath a higher rating is that I found its ending to be a bit predictable in some ways and a bit far-fetched in others. Nonetheless, The Oath is worth reading and is a book I think you'll enjoy. ... Read more

Isbn: 0451207645
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Psychological Suspense    3. Legal    4. Medical   

A Death in Vienna
by Daniel Silva
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (23 February, 2004)
list price: $25.95 -- our price: $17.13
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Editorial Review

Gabriel Allon hasn't been back to Vienna since his wife and child died there in a terrorist bombing. But when his mentor in the Israeli intelligence agency dispatches him to the Austrian capitol to investigate a murderous explosion atthe Wartime Claims and Inquiry Office, his presence alerts the attention of police officials who have reasons to stand in the way of his investigation. When a concentration camp survivor is killed who could link the father of Austria's next chancellor to Nazi atrocities and an ongoing coverup by the Catholic Church, Allon discovers another connection to the conspiracy, this one closer to his own past than he could ever have imagined. This is the third of Silva's thrillers featuring Allon, the art restorer who's also a spy (The Confessor and The English Assassin are the first two). In an endnote, the author calls them a "completed cycle dealing with the unfinished business of the Holocaust." Allon is such a compelling hero that one hopes Silva, a skilled craftsman and a terrific story-teller, will bring him back in another series. --Jane Adams ... Read more

Reviews (52)

A Haunting Tale of Revenge, Justice & Contemporary Politics
The security system at the Wartime Claims and Inquiries office in Vienna was formidable, and seemingly impossible to breach. The technology, including a finely tuned magnetometer, had been installed by a firm in Tel Aviv. Since many Austrians vehemently wished the organization did not exist, a letter of introduction was necessary in order to enter the offices, and thorough searches were conducted after appointments were granted. The elderly Eli Lavon worked there and was responsible for interviewing Holocaust survivors, and their descendents, who sought restitution for property and valuables stolen by the Nazis. When a bomb blew up inside the front office, killing two young women and severely wounding Lavon, Ari Shamron, the "Memuneh," and former head of Israel's Mossad, knew he had to call in master spy, Gabriel Allon, to work the case.

Allon, who goes by the name of Mario Delvecchio, is one of the world's most brilliant art restorers. He is working on a Bellini altarpiece in Venice when Shamron notifies him of the explosion which critically injured his old friend, Eli. Although personally adverse to returning to the city where another act of violence claimed his wife and son years before, Allon travels to Vienna immediately to investigate the crime. A former Auschwitz inmate, Max Klein, contacts Gabriel right after his arrival, and tells him a bizarre story about his unintentional involvement in the explosion. Klein, who had been forced to play the violin in Auschwitz's infamous death orchestra, is murdered, but not before he imparts critically important clues.

Klein's information takes Allon to a Viennese cafe where he sees a man whose face he vaguely recalls. Then he discovers a photograph which triggers nightmarish memories. Unknowingly, Gabriel Allon become involved in events which are to take a tremendous emotional toll, and will lead him across Europe, to South America, and back in time to WWII. He will learn details of his deceased mother's internment in Birkenau Concentration Camp, events she had never been able to discuss with him, and also about the infamous Death March she barely survived. For the first time he will read Irene Allon's testimony at Yad Vashem, the Israeli center for Holocaust research and documentation. His mother's past, billions of stolen dollars in a Swiss bank account, and multiple conspiracies which still protect a sadistic mass murderer are linked. At the center of all the clandestine activity is the future chancellor of Austria and a plan to revive Fascism.

I think "A Death In Venice" is Daniel Silva's best book in his trilogy about the Holocaust. Although the last of the series, this novel stands well on its own, and the reader does not need any prior background to become thoroughly immersed in this historical thriller. The story takes on more chilling relevance when it is coupled with current Austrian politics. Gabriel Allon is a wonderful character. He has the soul and sensitivity of an artist, yet has had to repress so much of his self in order to serve his country. And he has made supreme sacrifices, including the lives of those he loved most. Now, when it appears he might finally have another shot at a meaningful life, he is called out of retirement, yet again, because of a scheme with consequences too politically devastating to contemplate, and because of a compelling need to seek justice. Outstanding!
JANA

Heavy Story Well Told
I have now read three Silva novels ("The Marching Season," "The English Assasin" and now "A Death in Vienna").I enjoyed all three, but this is easily the best.The story is well written and fast paced as were the other two.What really sets this apart, however, is that Silva provides much greater depth in his historical references and to the psychology of the players--the survivors, the SS and the Israeli Nazi hunters.In addition, he provides an interesting look at the politics of espionage.More than just a great read, this novel sends the reader away with an enhanced perspective on the Holocaust and its impact on lives even today.

Although the subject is a difficult one, I totally enjoyed this novel and recommend it highly.It is one of the best of its genre.

The Perfect Assassin
I love Daniel Silva's little assassin, Gabriel Allon.Long before "The Da Vinci Code", Silva has been writing thrillers that may not have the same initial impact, but his characters remain with me just as long.I usually roll from one book to another, but after a Silva book, I usually need a little time to pause and absorb a little more of the experience.I think my favorite in this series is "The Confessor", but this "A Death in Vienna" is a worthy companion.I always learn so much when I read Silva; not things that are required for Life, but things that are required for quality of life like the transience of some relationships and the durability of others and what makes the difference, the fine and gentle skill of art restoration, the politics of Europe and the Middle East (where the good guys and bad guys are startlingly interchangeable), and the long fingers of the Holocaust - to name a few.I understood that this was the last in a trilogy and I was a little panicked to think that Silva would be moving on (as rightfully he could) and leaving Gabriel behind.I'm delighted to discover that Silva's newly published "Prince of Fire" returns Gabriel to us.Perhaps Silva has become a prisoner of Gabriel like the rest of us.So be it. ... Read more

Isbn: 0399151435
Subjects:  1. Austria    2. Death marches    3. Espionage/Intrigue    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    6. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    7. Israelis    8. Mystery & Detective - General    9. Suspense    10. Vienna (Austria)   

Heart of the Sea (Irish Trilogy)
by Nora Roberts
Average Customer Review:
Mass Market Paperback (05 December, 2000)
list price: $7.99 -- our price: $7.19
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Editorial Review

Bestselling author Nora Roberts has another classic on her hands withHeart of the Sea. This final installment in Roberts's faerie tale trilogyreturns readers to Ardmore, Ireland, where the Gallagher family's pub is theheart of the community. Passionate and beautiful, Darcy Gallagher works as awaitress in the family pub while looking for a way to achieve the glamorouslifestyle to which she would like to become accustomed. Enter wealthy Americanbuilder Trevor Magee, whose Irish roots have drawn him back to the childhoodhome of his grandfather to build a theater. As Darcy and Trevor revel in theheated sexual attraction that flares between them, neither believes that theyare the final key to end an ancient spell that separated Carrick the FaeriePrince and his human lady love, Gwen. But Ireland is a magic place, where thefaeries dance among mere mortals and love blossoms under starry skies. Letveteran storyteller Nora Roberts transport you to the Emerald Isle, home of thelittle people and overwhelming passion. --Alison Trinkle ... Read more

Reviews (76)

300 Years Apart and Still No Sensuality!
In Jewels of the Sun and Tears of the Moon, we were treated to a glimpse of life in Ardmore, Ireland and exactly what that life entailed if you were a Gallagher.I followed Jude and Adain's love story in the first book and was hooked on this trilogy.Then came the story of Shawn and Brenna and I continued to be enthralled.(I've written reviews on both of these books).But I have to say, that even though I enjoyed the first two, I was anxiously awaiting the story of free-spirited Darcy Gallagher, and the outcome of the love shared between a faerie prince and the love he lost.Ok, so it sounds a bit hokey but what can I say, I'm a romantic!

Heart of the Sea is the finale of the Faerie Tale Trilogy and focuses on the youngest Gallagher and only female, Darcy.Darcy is beautiful and has quite the singing voice, as do all of the Gallaghers.I wonder if it doesn't go hand-in-hand with growing up working and owning an Irish pub.Darcy wants to see the world and wants more out of life than what Ardmore can offer.When wealthy American builder Trevor Magee comes to town, there is instant sparks between the two of them.

It seems that Trevor's Irish roots have drawn him back to Ireland (or some say it's fate) and he wants to build a theater behind the Gallagher pub.It's not an easy battle - the theater nor his attraction for Darcy, but Trevor decides that both are worth his time and energy.

When Trevor hears Darcy sing, he's amazed and has his company offer her a recording contract.It's everything she wants and will enable her to see the world, but at what costs?She's torn between the music that has always been a special part of her life, and the man that she loves.

But don't forget the three centuries old spell that needs to be broken in order for Carrick, Prince of the Faeries, to be able to claim his lost love, Gwen.Carrick has two of the three requirements met and just needs Darcy to fall for Trevor in order to finally break the hex.

The plot line is a simple romance, with a little made-up mythology thrown in.The book is an easy read and enjoyable, but not without a few bumps along the way.I found the scenes between Gwen and Trevor a bit more than I could handle.It was very sugarcoated and make-believe type stuff.Whereas the scenes in the first two novels were a little more believable, if you can believe in faeries and curses.

When the story leaves Ardmore and has Darcy and Trevor traveling it took some of the charm away from the tale.One thing that Nora Roberts does well is write about Ireland (read her Born In series to understand her love for the country and the Irish people) and she shouldn't try to deviate from it in a series about Ireland!

I was also a bit disappointed with the ending.Not with the Darcy and Trevor ending, as anyone could predict that outcome, but with the faerie tale ending.It was anticlimactic and I felt let down.There were fireworks, of course, but I expect so much more.After all, Carrick and Gwen had been apart for three hundred years - how about some sensual embraces or something!

Overall it was enjoyable and not mind-boggling.Heart of the Sea is a perfect book to take on vacation with you - it can be put down easily and won't interfere with your site-seeing plans.

Great, But not her best.
This book was as fantastic as the first two. I loved how each character developed into who they wanted to be. the Hero in this book sipmly shines. I love Trevor Magee. He is a wonderful addition to Ms Roberts Heroes. and as much as I loved Trevor, I hated Darcy ten times more. She is a selfish, greedy and arrogant woman. she hides her true self from Trevor but still wants him to understand that she's in love w/ him. The Book was wonderful. But if your annoyed by greey main characters... STAY AWAY!!!!

Disappointing To Say The Least.... (Sorry,Mrs R.)
The first two books in this series were absolutely fantastic, but this one was boring, and didn't show Darcy in a very good light.Darcy was pretentious, superficial, and was obsessed with greed; fine clothes, nice house, that sort of thing, which had to be the best.She completely overshadowed Trevor, who should have shined here.There's no one better than Nora Roberts, this one just didn't measure up. ... Read more

Isbn: 0515128554
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Romance    3. Ghost    4. Romance - General    5. Romance: Modern   

Just Enough Light to Kill
by A.E. MAXWELL
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 April, 1988)
list price: $16.95
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Reviews (2)

More than Enough Character -and-Action to Satisfy!
The husband-wife team calling itself A. E. Maxwell (Ann and Evan Maxwell) has produced not only two of the most memorable characters in the general area of "hard-boiled private eye" mystery fiction, but also sufficient action and colorful loacles to please virtually any "hard-boiled" fan.

While Fiddler is as tough and streetwise as any addict of private eye fiction might wish, his former wife (and still best friend and lover) Fiona certainly has enough strength, brains-and-ability and mysterious "talent" of her own (not to mention, of course, the requisite exotic beauty!) to provide an intriguing balance.

As this excellent series unfolds, for example, readers learn more about Fiddler's own very human (and colorful) past, including sharing with him both the memories and "inheritances" left him by his smuggler uncle.By turns sensitive-and-understanding but also brutally direct-and-violent, Fiddler fills his "formula" gumshoes just fine, thank you, with sufficient surprises and differences to keep readers intrigued.

The same is true of Fiona.Her hot temper and even hotter capacity of love (always bordering on eroticism!) -- plus her high (and also high tech)intelligence and business acumen (often bordering on ruthlessness!) -- join with hints of her Celtic mysticism and romantic past to create a female character every bit as challenging and involving as the male.No mere "sidekick" this (sometimes) femme fatale!

If there is any criticism to be leveled at this series (and it certainly wouldn't be concerning its colorful settings, ranging from the "good life" of the well-heeled California Gold Coast to Napa Valley and Santa Fe), it could only be that most of the novels are now out-of-print -- and that no more seem to be forthcoming.

For shame, "A. E."!

Fiddler and Fiora are Fun!
Anyone who likes Ann Maxwell will enjoy these books she has written with her husband Evan.They are interesting, and very well done.I have read the whole series, and have been hoping they would give us another storyabout these interesting detectives. The stories can be read singly, but itis great if you can read them in sequence, since references are sometimesmade to previous events. ... Read more

Isbn: 0385237138
Sales Rank: 1162258
Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiddler (Fictitious character)    4. Fiora (Fictitious character)    5. Mystery/Suspense    6. Private investigators    7. United States   

Forever... : A Novel of Good and Evil, Love and Hope (Forever Trilogy)
by Jude Deveraux
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 2002)
list price: $7.99 -- our price: $7.99
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Reviews (106)

Love it
If you like Jude Deveraux as much as I do, and like paranormal adventures, this is a great trilogy. The first and the last are the strongest, but that's usually the way it is in trilogies. I love it. The character's become very real to the reader, and I really enjoyed these three books. Jude Deveraux is the best romance novelist, in my opinion, she makes wonderful strong female character's and male character's you wish you knew! :)

She was soooooo annoying!!
I am sorry, but the leading lady was so annoying, I couldn't stand her obssession with money, I don't care that after all itwas for a good cause.
And other thing I didn't like was that larger than life Montgomerys could be killed, they are heroe, no matter where or when.
And the mother going from I don't care a bit about you to I am going to save you, come on!!!!

Very disappointing ending...
I love Jude's work especially "A Knight In Shining Armor". She writes high caliber, witty romances that have never failed to make me laugh and cry. But "Forever..." just doesn't cut it. Darci T. Monroe is the most interesting character but she's also the most unbelievable especially when paired with Adam Montgomery. All I can say is, if my PA (Personal Assistant) acted like Darci she wouldn't be my personal assistant anymore.

Of course, Adam didn't really hire her for honest reasons yet I still found Darci's behavior questionable. We know he hired her for a different purpose but surely Darci believes (at first anyway) that she is in fact his assistant. Her situation is, shall we say, desperate. She owes a LOT of money. So she can't afford to flub this job up. Which leads me to ask the silliest question here: why is she constantly saying or doing things that could possibly get her fired?

As for her relationship with Adam... I get the idea of two people falling in love from different worlds but I just didn't believe Adam's connection with Darci. They seem to have nothing in common. It felt rushed. He didn't even really find her attractive until after she got a make-over anyway.

My biggest gripe is the ending. Ms. Deveraux built us up to this climatic ending between Darci and Beatrice and then... what? Bubkiss! That's what! Right when we're about ready for the show down we turn the page and it's suddenly a year later and we're treated to a very bland, quick, DRY recap of what happened that we'd been waiting the whole book to see. What a cheat! It's disgraceful actually and something I really didn't expect from someone as talented as Ms. Deveraux.

As a writer myself I'd be ashamed to bring my readers so far only to sum up what should be the climax at the end. My thought is perhaps she did write the ending differently and either her editor told her to cut it because of length or because it was too morbid and graphic? I don't know. All I know is this is -- by far -- not this author's best work and I would recommend new readers to try "A Knight In Shining Armor" first.

As for True Persuasion? I liked the concept and it was crucial in the story line however I can't help but think the following: perhaps if Ms. Deveraux hadn't spend so many pages discussing this power of Darci's we would've been able to see Darci actually USE it at the end of the book in the final battle against her enemy. For shame, Jude, you left us hanging!

Grade: C- (Not Satisfying) ... Read more

Isbn: 067101420X
Sales Rank: 13929
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Romance    3. Literary    4. Romance - Fantasy    5. Fiction / General   

Force of Nature
by Susan Johnson
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 2003)
list price: $15.00 -- our price: $10.50
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Reviews (8)

Did I Miss Something??
I am all for love at first sight, But give me a break, Jo and Ito went from at first sight to elicit over the top sex no courtship, no establishment of who's woman or man I am.Does having sex make you now belong to someone?
IT WAS SUPER QUICK THIS SEX AFFAIR.
Then was there a rape scene or just a volation of sorts?
This is what happens to a person Male or female who puts themself in a situation because of being a so called "strong willed" woman and what made her strong? I felt she was a hard-headed brat, insensitive, stupid and a hot tail girl not a woman.To me she was way worst then her mama Lucy.
Books bring out the best and the worst in us doesn't it?
This book left me thinking, did I miss something.Oh and how does MR.ITO JUST LEAVE what HE HAD BEEN fighting for for years because you CLAIM YOU love the country,. You throw it all away for a peice of tail, excuse me female booty. yeah right. then you all get married and live a life of riches, and parental bliss. excuse me while I gag. where was the story? it was all all about sex, money and revenge, Hip Hoppers would love this book. I agree with the person who stated that she is not a romance writer.

Save your money and don't bother
I think I was especially appalled by this book because I used to be a fan of Ms. Johnson's work.I have enjoyed the Braddock / Black series in the past and although the love scenes have been intense, I still feel her books could be called a romance.Not so with this book.Flynn Ito, the 'hero' is a misogynist bastard.When the heroine, Jo is brutally raped, he can't quite bring himself to touch her.When she asks him to hold her in comfort, he turns her down.He needs time, you see, to assimilate all this, and can't bring himself not to blame her 'just a bit' for the rape.To add further insult to our intelligence, when he comes to his senses and tracks her down, Jo takes him back and forgives him.I personally was infuriated by this storyline.I found it sick, and I think Ms. Johnson has forgotten why women read romances.They are an escape.If I want to read about women being raped and further abused by the system, I will pick up a newspaper.To be fair, I have loved some of her other books."The Outlaw" is on my keeper shelf.Ms. Johnson, a former art historian, is in many ways a brilliant writer.She should write a courtroom thriller, and leave the romance genre to those who understand it.If you want an intense sexy romance, read Lori Foster or Lisa Kleypas.The negative message toward women in "Forces of Nature" was so disturbing, I myself have bought my last Susan Johnson book.

dreadful ghost of her former self
What happened to the wonderful stories intertwined with history thatSusan Johnson is known for writing?I am extremely disappointed in this book.I purchased it because several people had stated in their reviews that this was a return to her former writing.Alas, it is not. The story is disappointing and should not be connected to her former stories of Hazard, Trey and Daisy. There is a distinct lack of plot, I was not able to connect with the characters.Hazard and Blaze were not the same strong personalities as in the former books. I think that this will be the last book by Susan Johnson that I purchase. It is sad to see an author of her talent publish this book. ... Read more

Isbn: 1575668076
Sales Rank: 34265
Subjects:  1. Domestic fiction    2. Fathers and daughters    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Romance    5. Love stories    6. Montana    7. Romance - Historical    8. Romance: Historical   

Night Tales
by Nora Roberts
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 September, 2000)
list price: $14.95
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Reviews (27)

4 very early Nora tales that are outstanding
Some of Nora Robert's Early works, the "Night" tales are hard to find.You find them in secondary bookstores used - maybe - and for very high prices.Here you have all four tales (four complete Silhouette novels) in one volume - Night Shift, Night Shadow, Nightshade and Night Smoke.They are some of the best of her early works and it's great to get them all under one cover.

Night Shift has Detective Boyd Fletcher assigned to protect Cilla O'Roarke.She is a nighttime talk Disc Jockey at a local Denver radio station whose life has been threatened.Cilla is a tough cookie, but even she knows she needs Boyd's help.While being her bodyguard, Boyd falls for her, which jeopardizes his objectivity he needs to catch the psycho.But he cannot deny the attraction.

Night Shadow is Cilla's sister's story.Deborah O'Roarke.Deborah is an assistant DA, and she gets into danger because of the case she's involved in.Gage and his alter ego Nemisis (think Daredevil with sight) see it as their duty to protect the gusty DA.The Fantasy element in this is outstanding and I love the strong leads.

Nightshade is the story of Boyd's ex-partner, Althea Grayson (we met her as she helped Boyd protect Cilla in Night Shift).She is an early Eve Dallas (...In Death Series - the "role" model for Eve?) a very independent lass, who is a by the book cop.Sexy Colt Nightshade is a Private Investigator who disdains rules, unless he makes them up.They are both strong willed detectives with their own methods, and naturally clash - on the streets and in bed - as they are forced to work together to stalk a killer.

Night Smoke sees Natalie Fletcher, Boyd's sister clash with arson investigator, Ryan Piasecki.When several of the buildings Natalie owns has fires, she and Ryan clash, soon they are proving where there is smoke, there is in deed fire!

Four early Robert's tales guaranteed to delight her fans.

Four Fabulous Stories!
After being sooo disappointed in "Full House" I had to read something to renew my faith and Nora Roberts did the trick. What an entertaining book and each story stands alone but is connected.

Each story has a great hero and heroine, pretty good mysteries and great romance. One is sort of a fantasy and that one needs you to believe. The others are full out good reads.Thanks you, Nora. I will re-read this whole book again and again.

Fabulous book!
Everyone who is at all a fan of romance or romantic suspense knows how popular Nora Roberts is.Her books sell for a reason.I think this series is Nora at her best.All 4 of the books are filled with the strong characters, sexual tension, and suspenseful moments that make her such a good writer.I also like having all the related books published together in one package.
Another thing that makes this series unique to me is how each of the books has a common element: the night, but still manages to be fundamentally different too.The first, Night Shift, is pretty standard romantic suspense, but it is also well written.Night Shadow is more fantasy with some supernatural elements thrown in.Night Shade, the third and my favorite of the series, has the most fleshed out characters in my opinion.The clash between the two main characters is what makes this story work.Night Smoke, the last of the stories, is more a classic case of rich girl meets working class boy.Nora adds suspense and good dialogue to raise it above the average romance.Be warned though.The subject matter IS a little dark in these novels.They are grittier than standard romance novels.If you are looking for light fluff, you might want to try some of her other novels.But if you are looking for good romantic suspense, you can't go wrong here. ... Read more

Isbn: 0373484100
Sales Rank: 43794
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Romance    3. Love stories    4. Love stories, American    5. Romance - Contemporary    6. Romance - General    7. Romance: Modern    8. Short Stories (single author)    9. Short stories    10. Fiction / Romance / General   

Love's Encore
by Rachel Ryan
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 July, 1981)
list price: $2.25
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Reviews (14)

An amazing read
Camille Jameson is hired to redecorate Bridal Wreath, an old house with a lot of charm and history.She takes the job and goes to Bridal Wreath looking forward to restoring this house to it's dignity.She gets there to find out the son of the owner of the house is Zack Prescott. The man she had a one night stand with two years ago. She wants nothing more than to back out of the job and return to Atlanta but Zack won't let her because his father is ill and wants the house restored.Camille must work and live at the house and try to keep her feelings a secret.

Love's Encore is a fantastic book.It is very easy to read with characters who are for the most part down-to-earth and real.The plot of this book is excellent and moves along keeping the reader interested. I was able to read this book in just a few hours because it was so good and entertaining.

This is one of Sandra Brown's older books but stands the test of time well. I found it to be very good to read and worth the time.

I JUST LOVE STORIES WHERE THE COUPLE ACCIDENTALLY MEET AGAIN
LIKE IN MY TITLE I LOVE STORIES WHERE THE COUPLE ACCIDENTLY MEET AGAIN.AND THEN TO FIND OUT THAT ZACK WAS A RECK TWO YEARS PRIOR BECAUSE OF CAMILLE, WITHOUT HER KNOWLEDGE IT WAS HER THAT MADE HIM SO MISERABLE, WAS VERY SWEET.
THEY PLAYED THEIR CHILDISH GAMES AND THEN IN THE END THEY FELL BACK IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER.

Unoriginal and Unappealing...
Successful interior designer, Camille Jameson, has been commissioned to redecorate an old Mississippi Plantation House. Upon arrival she discovers it is owned by Zack Prescott, the man she had met two years ago at the Snow Bird ski resort. They had a whirlwind romance that led to one night of passion. Now she will have to stay under the same roof with the man she's never forgotten.

I actually read the whole book and I'm not sure why. The story was lackluster, insipid, and ranks as one of the worst books I've ever read.I believe it was written in the 80's and it definitely shows it's age. Camille's reason for their separation makes no sense. And Zack leading her to believe he was currently dating another woman was an awful plot device. This reminds me of the terrible romance novels my mom didn't know I was reading back in high school. And it could have been one of them, now that I think about it. After reading this, I haven't tried anything else by Ms. Brown, but after I recover, I may try one of her more recent publications. They have to be better. Obviously, I cannot recommend this one. ... Read more

Isbn: 0440149320
Sales Rank: 1785348

Deception Point
by Dan Brown
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (26 November, 2002)
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Editorial Review

Penzler Pick,December 2001: In theworld of page-turning thrillers, Dan Brown holds a special place in the heartsof many of us. After his first book, Digital Fortress, almost passedme by, he wrote Angels andDemons, which was probably one of the half-dozen most exciting thrillersof last year. It is a pleasure to report that his new book lives up to hisreputation as a writer whose research and talent make his stories exciting,believable, and just plain unputdownable.

The time is now and President Zachary Herney is facing a very tough reelection.His opponent, Senator Sedgwick Sexton, is a powerful man with powerful friendsand a mission: to reduce NASA's spending and move space exploration into theprivate sector. He has numerous supporters, including many beyond the businesseswho will profit from this because of the embarrassment of 1996, when the Clintonadministration was informed by NASA that proof existed of life on other planets.That information turned out to be premature, if not incorrect. (This story istrue; I repeat, Dan Brown's research is very, very good.) The embattledpresident is assured that a rare object buried deep in the Arctic ice will proveto have far-reaching implications on America's space program. The find, however,needs to be verified.

Enter Rachel Sexton, a gister for the National Reconnaissance Office. Gistersreduce complex reports into single-page briefs, and in this case the presidentneeds that confirmation before he broadcasts to the nation, probably ensuringhis reelection. It's tricky because Rachel is the daughter of his opponent.Rachel is thrilled to be on the team traveling to the Arctic circle. She is arealist about her father's politics and has little respect for his stand onNASA, but Senator Sexton cannot help but have a problem with her involvement.

Adventure, romance, murder, skullduggery, and nail-biting tension ensue. By theend of Deception Point, the reader will be much better informed about howour space program works and how our politicians react to new information. Bringon the next Dan Brown thriller! --Otto Penzler ... Read more

Reviews (417)

Another eye-catching novel
It wasn't until 2003 that I read my first novel by Dan Brown. I was intrigued by The Da Vinci Code, and although there were several flaws in it, I still enjoyed it right to the end. I was compelled to look for other books by Dan Brown. Deception Point was the next in line. It is very similar to The Da Vinci Code in the setting. It is easy to figure out the villain quite early in the book. I was not carried away by Deception Point as anticipated. Nevertheless, it too was one novel I couldn't put down easily. The plot is not as reach as those of 'Angels and Demons' and 'The Da Vinci Code' , and the pace is not as fast as either of the two. What I also found interesting about Deception Point was remarkably high amount of researched information that Dan Brown got for the novel. Nevertheless,likeTHE TRIUMPH OF THE SUN this is a very easy book to read andthe story is very captivating.

The happenings at Deception Point
This masterful novel gives the reader a sense of adventure and suspense from the beginning to end. In the beginning we meet Rachel Sexton, who is helping the president win his re-election against her own father, Sedgewick Sexton. Unfortunately for Rachel, this makes many people become suspicious of her and what she's doing on the opponent's campaign. Nonetheless, the president proves Rachel's loyalty to everyone on his campaign, by sending her out to Antarctica where a revolutionary NASA discovery has just been made. From the moment Rachel gets to Antarctica, she endures many near death experiences. Rachel, along with two civilian scientists, try to do everything in their powers to survive and give the world the shocking information about the NASA discovery. The question now is whether or not they gave the information to the president on time, and if they survived the whole ordeal which you haveto read to find out......

Good but not Da Vinci Code good
As I read this book I felt like I was reading a Hollywood script.Everything, from the action sequences to the behind the scenes conspiracy, right down to the ending of the book screamed "Make me into a movie!"And that's a shame too, because if Dan Brown had spent a little more time in flushing out some of the plot holes in the book (and there are many) he could have developed another stellar novel.Instead, you're left with a novel which could just as easily have been written by Michael Crichton or John Grisham.

The premise of the novel is straight forward enough.A fantastic discovery takes place in the arctic and through the course of scientific validation, the main protagonists get drawn into a tightly woven conspiracy.This is formulaic novel material and Dan Brown manages to pull it off with the best off them.And although his scientific and military descriptions are authentic enough, his story presents itself with too much flash and not enough substance for the reader to suspend any of their disbelief.

And this later point, about the suspension of disbelief, is what makes Brown's other novel The Da Vinci Code such a great read.Try as he might, Brown just cannot replicate the mystery that he managed to do with is previous outting.

I don't want to spoil the book so I'll refrain from saying anything else at this point.However if you are reading this book in hopes of a Da Vinci Code part II, you will be sadly disapointed.But if you like quick reads that don't involve a lot of thinking to be done on the part of the reader, then this book is for you. ... Read more

Isbn: 0671027387
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    3. Literary    4. Mystery & Detective - General    5. Thrillers    6. Fiction / General   

The Zero Game
by Brad Meltzer
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (20 January, 2004)
list price: $25.95 -- our price: $16.35
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Reviews (85)

Good Basic Thriller
By the end of the book, I was entertained.But I felt something was lacking -- like the story wasn't meaty enough.I know that's an odd criticism for a genre that relies less on substance and more on pure action.But that's the way I felt -- like the old adage about being hungary an hour after eating Chinese food.

The pace of the book is good.You keep wanting to turn pages.So, it'll entertain you during a plane ride or while lounging by the pool.But at the end, you'll wonder if that's all there is to the story.

In short, it's a good, basic thriller.Nothing fancy.Nothing wild.Entertaining but a little lacking.

Silly, funny, fast-paced and a fun read
OK, I work in DC and I found the story utterly preposterous, even for the nation's capital.The story gets off to a slow start (in my opinion) because there is some gambling, and that bores me.But once the action got going, it moved fast.It's a silly story, but who cares?It's suspenseful, and it features a charming young African-American lady (teenager) who is the real treat in this book.I won't quote some of her best lines.Read them for yourself and enjoy.It's a silly, fast- paced totally escapist read. My sister and her husband (who sent it to me) loved it too.Just don't look for wisdom or meaning in this book.

Half-baked plot
What do you get with a half-baked plot, multiple chase scenes with miraculous last-second escapes, fight scenes with the weak guy/girl somehow surviving, and unlikely characters who are not especially compelling? A book that doesn't deliver. The behind-the-scenes Congressional staffer/lobbyist interaction was of some interest, but it too was sketchy and unrealistic. Perhaps the author has some better books sitting out there. ... Read more

Isbn: 0446530980
Sales Rank: 50117
Subjects:  1. Capitol Hill (Washington, D.C    2. Capitol pages    3. Congress    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - General    6. Legislation    7. Officials and employees    8. Political    9. Political corruption    10. Thrillers    11. United States    12. Fiction / General   

High Country
by Nevada Barr
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (05 February, 2004)
list price: $24.95 -- our price: $16.47
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Editorial Review

When four young employees of Yosemite National Park disappear, ranger Anna Pigeon goes undercover as a waitress at the Ahwahnee Lodge to investigate. Living in the staff dorm, she soon discovers there's a connection between at least one of the missing girls, a crashed plane containing a fortune in drugs, and the outsiders who've moved into the tent cabin last occupied by a skilled climber who's also among the disappeared. The first attempt on her life doesn't scare her away, but the second is nearly fatal, and Anna's harrowing escape keeps the tension ratcheted up until the denouement. As usual, Nevada Barr turns in a well-paced thriller featuring a compelling protagonist and a strong cast of minor characters, but it's her brilliantly etched landscapesthat bring readers back to this popular series again and again. High Country is Anna's thirteenth outing, and it's one of her strongest. --Jane Adams ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Not One Of My Favorites, But Still Good
In this, the 12th addition to the series featuring Park Ranger Anna Pigeon, four young people working in the Yosemite Valley have disappeared, all on the same day.Anna goes undercover as waitress at a high-class hotel to learn what she can about the missing people and she soon finds herself in deep peril.This outing was darker than Barr's pervious novels.The Yosemite Valley in November is dark and dreary and Barr's usual sparkling landscape descriptions reflected the dismal weather.The mystery is a good one and the story moves along at a good clip. Although this addition to the series was a little depressing it is still a good story and the ending was a crackerjack.

surprised by bad reviews
I am generally hard to please (see my other reviews), this was my first book by Nevada Barr and I found it pretty satisfying. There are some minor problems and some pieces do not fit well enough, but the action is going, the author provides some clues, but it is really hard to figure the mystery out and there is some thrilling action.

Avoid this poorly written book
I couldn't get past chapter 5, and that was after skipping through some of the earlier chapters. Dull descriptions, and too many of them, dominate the writing. Characters were about as exciting as bricks. Plot development--ha! This is a mystery novel: why isn't the plot going anywhere?

And lest I forget, grammatical errors abound in this novel. Tip for you, Nevada: something is not "comprised of" things, things comprise a larger object. And Yosemite being at the same *longitude* as Mississippi? Pleaaase! Give me a break, it's barely at the same lattitude; Yosemite is 225 miles north of the very northern tip of Mississippi, and Mississippi is 300 miles long N to S. Hey Barr, are you sure you weren't smoking that dope when you wrote this?

Apparently (thank you other reviews), the punchline is that a plane full of dope has crashed in the mountains and people are swarming over each other to get at it. Big whoop. Come out to LA and you can see drug dramas for real--murder, intrigue, corruption and all.

Do something useful with your time: find a good Sherlock Holmes novel. ... Read more

Isbn: 0399151443
Subjects:  1. California    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    4. Mystery & Detective - Series    5. Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths    6. Mystery fiction    7. Pigeon, Anna (Fictitious chara    8. Pigeon, Anna (Fictitious character)    9. Suspense    10. Women park rangers    11. Yosemite National Park (Calif   

The Last Juror
by John Grisham
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (03 February, 2004)
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Editorial Review

In 1970, small town newspaper The Clanton Times went belly up. With financial assistance from a rich relative, it's purchased by 23-year-old Willie Traynor, formerly the paper's cub reporter. Soon afterward, his new business receives the readership boost it needs thanks to his editorial efforts and coverage of a particularly brutal rape and murder committed by the scion of the town's reclusive bootlegger family. Rather than shy from reporting on the subsequent open-and-shut trial (those who oppose the Padgitt family tend to turn up dead in the area's swampland), Traynor launches a crusade to ensure the unrepentant murderer is brought to justice. When a guilty verdict is returned, the town is relieved to find the Padgitt family's grip on the town did not sway the jury, though Danny Padgitt is sentenced to life in prison rather than death. But, when Padgitt is released after serving less than a decade in jail and members of the jury are murdered, Clanton once again finds itself at the mercy of its renegade family.

When it comes, the dénouement is no surprise; The Last Juror is less a story of suspense than a study of the often idyllic southern town of Clanton, Mississippi (the setting for Grisham's first novel, A Time to Kill). Throughout the nine years between Padgitt's trial and release, Traynor finds acceptance in Clanton, where the people "don't really trust you unless they trusted your grandfather." He grows from a long-haired idealist into another of the town's colorful characters--renovating an old house, sporting a bowtie, beloved on both sides of the color line, and the only person to have attended each of the town's 88 churches at least once. The Last Juror returns Grisham to the courtroom where he made his name, but those who enjoyed the warm sentiment of his recent novels (Bleachers, A Painted House) will still find much to love here. --Benjamin Reese ... Read more

Reviews (482)

Not terribly suspenseful, but a good read
This is not your typical Grisham novel as it's set over a period of 9 years.It could have used a little more character development and a little more suspense, but overall it was an interesting read.Grisham does a good job of creating a believable setting and picks interesting story lines to follow.Worth the read.

A gripping story
This was a light-hearted book to read. It was fast-paced book. I consider it to be one of Grisham's best. Grisham returned to legal thriller with style after his most recent books (Bleachers, Painted House, etc.). The Juror is presented through the eyes of the local newspaper editor. Like all Grisham books, it comes to a very sudden and abrupt ending, but for a change, it doesn't deviate from the story .In this novel John Grisham has created an intense, fascinating and revealing study of a small southern town, and created lively characters that developed with the story. His details are plentiful. DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE, THE RUNAWAY JURY, THE TRIUMPH OF THE SUN are also lovely historical fictions that stirs the adrenaline flow.

Grisham does it again
Only a hand full of great American writers come to mind when I go shopping for a book------I usually think first of Grisham (THE FIRM) then onto a classic such as Steinbeck (EAST OF EDEN) and on to McCrae (BARK OF THE DOGWOOD).So when one of my favorites comes out with something new (and this was new for me) I jump at the chance to read it.So it was with THE LAST JUROR. Grisham's experimentation with new styles and voices has been an interesting journey for his readers. This side trip back to Ford County was his first since The Chamber, cast as a first person account of a young man's pursuit of himself. The characters were interesting, and the dialog as genuine as Grisham readers have come to expect. One thing I have enjoyed about Grisham's legal novels has been his realistic depictions of many ethical dilemma faced by his protagonists. In The Last Juror, numerous ethical challenges await the young editor whose voice tells the story. The reader is never sure that Willie recognizes that he is straying, which would not be so problematic if we weren't left to doubt whether Grisham recognizes them either. He seems very comfortable with the editor as advocate and participant. Willie makes several decisions that seem unlikely or at best ill-advised that Grisham seems to support. The book was enjoyable, but I was never tempted to sit up all night to get it finished. On the bright side, I intend to add it to a list of extra-credit readings for my journalism students and challenge them to resolve Willie's problems in ways more appropriate than those he chose. ... Read more

Isbn: 0385510438
Subjects:  1. Ex-convicts    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Psychological Suspense    4. Legal    5. Mississippi    6. Mystery/Suspense    7. Newspaper publishing    8. Suspense    9. Thrillers    10. Trials (Murder)    11. Fiction / Suspense   

3rd Degree
by James Patterson, Andrew Gross
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 March, 2004)
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Reviews (129)

Thrilling
I have read several of James Patterson's stories and loved them all. I read this one too and loved it. The story is just wonderful. It kept me on the edge throughout the read.

3rd Degree will stick in your mind as a fast paced novel from the opening pages until the end. The plot begins when a townhouse goes up in flames and a note is discovered at the site. It became a controversial issue because no one could say for certain whether it is an arson/terrorist act or accident. But when more violence erupts in the city pointing to the August Spies group, it became clear who was behind the arson. In this high-geared investigative novel, the characters who featured in the other stories in this series (1st To Die and 2nd Chance) also featured here. There is the San Francisco Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas, there is Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer of the San Francisco police, Medical Examiner Claire Washburn, and Assistant District Attorney Jill Bernhardt.

In what initially appeared to be for political reasons, it turns out to be something more when the Women's Murder Club gets to the bottom of it all. With an effective use of dialogue, succinct narrative, amazing plot and outstanding setting, this book stood up to Patterson's standards and the bestselling quality that we all love.You won't regret picking this novel up for an interesting read. 2nd CHANCE, DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE, HONEYMOON are highly recommended book to anyone with a taste for classic stories

No One is Safe from Patterson!
James Patterson is a master in grabbing the reader from page one and not letting go until the very end.The Women's Murder Club books not only grasp you from the beginning, they never release you, leaving you anxiously awaiting the next installment that is months away from publication.3RD DEGREE is no different.

Lindsay Boxer is jogging with her buddy, assistant DA Jill Barnhardt.Little does she know that her entire life will be tossed upside down in a matter of minutes.She notices bruises on Jill's shoulder but before she can question her, a nearby townhouse blows up.Lindsay rushes inside to save a child (ah, our heroine!), and the chase begins...

Seems August Spies, a group of terrorists, is targeting greedy corporate executives and this attack is only the beginning.Lindsay along with the other members of the Women's Murder Club is on a journey to stop them before the body count increases.This time they have help from a hunky deputy directory of the Office of Homeland Security.Yep, you guessed it, Joe Molinari and Lindsay are smitten.

3RD DEGREE continues with excellent character growth and story development.A difficult transaction takes place in this tale, as Patterson kills off one of the main characters.I found it tough to understand his motive and am hoping in the next book we find out.I'm wondering if the missing member will be replaced, or will the others be left to continually morn her passing.Either way, it makes one wonder at Patterson's purpose.

Could the changing of the make up of the Women's Murder Club be Patterson's downfall?He could have at least waited a few more books like Cornwall did in her Scarpetta series.Hey, maybe with enough complaints, Patterson will have the deceased rising from the dead just like Cornwell did!We'll have to wait for a few more installments in this series before we have the answer to that question.

Overall 3RD DEGREE is a very good book and a must read if you've been following along in this series.

3rd Degree is a fast, enjoyable read
James Patterson, along with Andrew Gross, has brought the Women's Murder Club back with the third book, 3rd Degree.San Francisco police homicide LT Lindsay Boxer goes jogging with friend Jill, assistant D.A., and witnesses the explosion of a townehouse. Lindsay rushes into the burning home and rescues a child, but before this nightmarish event occurs, she notices bruises on Jill and begins to wonder what is happening in Jill's life at home.The story doesn't slow down as more viscious killings occur, each one acknowledged by an unknown person or group called August Spies. Lindsay, Jill, medical examiner Claire, and reporter Cindy all work together along with newcomer to the scene, Joe Molinari, deputy director of the Department of Homeland Security, to solve a series of horrible murders.This book brings the four women friends closer than ever, and they experience love, laughter, sadness, terror and finally tragedy as the mystery of the identity of August Spies unfolds.I read this very fast, and as always, enjoyed Patterson's short chapters and the camaraderie among this group of women who band together along with the SFPD to solve unthinkable crimes. ... Read more

Isbn: 0316603570
Sales Rank: 2383
Subjects:  1. California    2. Female friendship    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    5. Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths    6. San Francisco    7. Thrillers    8. Women detectives    9. Women in the professions    10. Fiction / General   

Bad Business
by Robert B. Parker
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (08 March, 2004)
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Reviews (49)

Spenser again
Robert B. Parker has been writing Spenser novels for what must be close to 40 years now (certainly 35). They have a formula which varies relatively little, and this one is definitely part of the series. Spenser, the detective without a first name, is hired by one of the most self-important characters I've ever seen in a book to look into who her husband is cheating with. When he follows the guy to a hotel room and discovers that he *is* cheating, he also discovers that the woman he's cheating with is also being followed by a PI. Spenser discovers that his client is *also* being followed by yet a third PI. This, of course, is rather weird.

When the guy Spenser's following winds up dead, the police begin to investigate too, and Spenser is intrigued, further. When even more curious incidents occur, the book takes a few unexpected turns, and things get interesting. While there's little of Spenser's trademark violence, Hawk (and Vinnie Morris) do make cameo appearances. The book has the momentum Spenser novels always have: it's just not quite as suspenseful as some of Parker's books.

A fine gaggle of investigators
Randy Frampton is the managing partner of the law firm.His client is Marlene Rowley.Trent Rowley's company, Kinergy, does energy trading.

Susan tells Spenser that when he picks up something he has to know it entirely.He tails his client's husband.Someone is tailing the other woman.Someone else is tailing his client.The Rowley house, expensive, looks as if it had been assembled by a committee.Marlene thinks Trent would be running a hardware store somewhere if it weren't for her.

Spenser has been reading a Simon Schama book for several years and uses it when his stake out involves sitting in his automobile.The subject of the surveillance turns up dead on the seventh floor of the Kynergy building.Spenser is summoned to meet with the CEO.He is invited to go to the Cape to attend a management retreat.Susan and Spenser decide to go.They agree that they can smell fear and greed among the participants.Spenser's room is bugged.

Afterwards Spenser decides to speak with a female manager of the company.She is the senior vice-president of development.The company is a money machine he is informed.The security chief becomes an apparent suicide.The female manager says the company is running out of money and she fears for her safety.

Hawk and Spenser set a trap and catch the CEO in an after-hours tryst.A forensic audit by Spenser's people is agreed to by the CEO under duress.Spenser's man finds the money scheme to be byzantine.Special entities were created to hide debt.

The book is a good concoction of an Enron-style debacle.

Don't tell your accounting professor
Fine little book here with the usual wit shown by Spenser; however, "the world's greatest CPA" is the world's worst CPA in this book.He missed so far from the mark that anyone with a little bookkeeping knowledge is going to find fault with his premise.This poorly researched area detracted from my enjoyment of the book. ... Read more

Isbn: 0399151451
Sales Rank: 23283
Subjects:  1. Boston    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    4. Massachusetts    5. Mystery & Detective - General    6. Mystery & Detective - Hard-Boiled    7. Mystery fiction    8. Parker, Robert B. - Prose & Criticism    9. Private investigators    10. Spenser (Fictitious character)   

Firestorm
by Iris Johansen
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (30 March, 2004)
list price: $24.95 -- our price: $16.47
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Editorial Review

Arson investigator Kerry Murphy has a unique talent for sniffing out the cause of fires like the one that killed her mother years ago. She also has a secret, known only to the mysterious stranger named Silver, a "consultant" who needs her cooperation in stopping the psychopath who burned his brother alive and who's holding national security hostage to his own demented ego. Silver has an uncanny gift for getting under Kerry's skin, which is both the good and bad news--good because it doubles their chances of finding the man behind the terrifying weapon of the title, and bad because Kerry can't afford to be vulnerable to Silver or any other man. Johansen has written a taut thriller that's not quite as combustible as its title but one that will keep readers fired up enough to stick with it to the last page.--Jane Adams ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Wow! A sure winner - two thumbs up!
What do you get when you cross a vintage Stephen King psychological horror tale with Thomas Harris' Hannibal and toss in a frightening, destructive weapon right out of a Tom Clancy techno-thriller? You bet - Firestorm! And this one succeeds from first to last.

As a child, Kerry Murphy spends two years in a coma after barely surviving the inferno that killed her mother and when she awakes she discovers that she has the psychic ability to sense fires. Brad Silver, a psychic "controller" knows that these abilities are the real reason for her success working as an arson investigator with her partner and dog, Sam. He needs Murphy's help in tracking down James Trask, a rogue scientist about to pass on his Firestorm technology, remote controlled high temperature accelerated arson, to the North Korean government.

Johansen's descriptions of Murphy's psychic forays into Trask's mind as a young man are creepy, frightening, yet truly compelling reading. Witnessing Trask as a young man and a brilliant student evolving into a psychotic serial arsonist and ruthless killer is eerie and will have you turning the pages well into the wee hours. At the same time as the story rolls towards its exciting climax and Murphy's final conflict with Trask, we are party to her falling in love with Silver and witnessing the endearing "adoption" of Carmela Ruiz and her sister, Rosa, near victims of Trask's plots. Far from detracting from the story, these heartwarming sub-plots are integral to its development and are meshed into it absolutely seamlessly.

Two thumbs up and an unequivocal recommendation to any reader that enjoys suspense thrillers!

Explosive and Exciting!
Iris Johansen continues to hold readers in suspense so they anxiously await her next release.FIRESTORM does not disappoint and is chocked full of suspense and intrigue, with an added cerebral exercise thrown in for good measure.

Kerry Murphy is an arson investigator who spent two years in a coma after losing her mother to a house fire when she was a child.When she awakes, she has acquired new abilities, which she keeps to herself.Her partner Sam, an arson dog obtained from an animal shelter, is actually a cover for her psychic ability to sense fires.Her life is going along fine until Brad Silver enters the picture.Brad's brother, a US Senator, has a very angry enemy who torches his limousine, as he and his wife leave their townhouse for a Washington DC function.Brad has vowed revenge and is determined to find the villain behind this senseless act.

Brad also has psychic abilities, although a bit different than Kerry's.Brad is known as a "controller" and can go into others' minds and manipulate their thinking.Brad asks for Kerry's help in finding James Trask, the person he believes is behind his brother's murder.Trask was part of the Defense Department's secret project - remote-controlled firestorms.

It's an interesting concept.You can disintegrate your enemies with little effort; Armageddon projected to only a selected group.Since Trask is angry his pet project was stopped, he continues with research and experimentation while vowing revenge on those that attempted to stop the project.Kerry Murphy and Brad Silver are the only two who can stop him.

Johansen puts two strong-willed characters together, along with a great support cast.Kerry refuses to help Silver until the madman torches her brother's home.Then she agrees but doesn't give in to protect her family, but she refuses to his demonstrative ways.She holds her own, which is part of the charm of this book.I love the strong characters Johansen creates!

FIRESTORM is full of action, has incredible character development, and leaves the reader wondering if psychics can actually invade your mind and change how you perceive a scene.Ok, so it might be a stretch, but it was definitely interesting.FIRESTORM rates up there with some of my favorite books produced by this author, and I'd be hard pressed to say which I enjoyed more: UGLY DUCKLING, AND THEN YOU DIE, or FIRESTORM!

If you like paranormal, a thriller of a story!!
I love reading book by Iris Johansen, Kay Hooper and others who deal in the psychic/telepathic/paranormal world.Sometimes when I read I like to be in a fantasy world to have more fun and entertainment.This book has it all.

It starts with a prologue of Kerry Murphy as a child.Her home is on fire with just her and her mother in it.Her mother grabs her and helps her escape telling her to "GO!" when she hesitates as her mom falls down.She runs across the street looking for help and sees a man who hits her on the head and she is then in a coma for sometime.

To me the mystery of who that man is became an underlying story that does have significance in the end.Kerry feels guilt for surviving the fire and becomes a firefighter but that is too tough on her.When she awoke from the coma, she had a special ability to sense fires, people who are in them or who started them.She uses this ability as an arson investigator using a Labrador retriever she picked up at the dog pound.The dog, Sam, is basically a klutz and provides wonderful warmth and humor in the story.

The main plot revolves around a project called Firestore that was created in a black ops-type of lab and was stolen by one of its inventors, James Trask.Trask is angry that the project was shut down and starts killing off the scientists and government people responsible.One of those is the elder half brother of Brad Silver, himself a pschic type called a controller.Silver wants to find Trask and so does the President (President Andreas from previous Johansen books) so Silver sets out to get Kerry's help.

Michael Travis, also from a previous Johansen book, is also brought into the story as the link between Silver and Kerry.Silver links with Kerry without her knowledge and helps bring her out of a terrifying vision of a firefighter friend of hers being caught in a backdraft.

Thus begins a strange but exciting relationship and quest to find James Trask.There are alot more bumps in this romance than most and Kerry has some problems with trusting people but I thought that Ms. Johansen resolved all the issues very well with lots of surprises and tragedies. ... Read more

Isbn: 0553803409
Subjects:  1. Arson investigation    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    4. Psychopaths    5. Serial murders    6. Suspense    7. Thrillers    8. Women detectives    9. Fiction / General   

The Last Goodbye
by Reed Arvin
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (17 February, 2004)
list price: $23.95 -- our price: $16.29
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Reviews (38)

The Long Goodnight?
I approached this suspense novel with a certain amount of trepidation - one of the back jacket blurbs was from Phillip Margolin, who IMO is one of the more dreadful hacks in contemporary airport reading. But THE LAST GOODBYE is a pretty decent book (NOTE TO AUTHOR: "The Last Goodbye"? Why not "The Long Goodnight"? or "The Final Farewell"? Seriously, this is not what I would call a memorable title). The writing is crisp, and if it at times veers into the "loner, knight in battered armor" prose associated with any number of writers in this genre, author Reed Arvin pretty much earns it. The protagonist, Jack Hammond, is yet another down on his heels lawyer, eaking out a living as a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta. Some of the book's best writing comes in its descriptions of Atlanta and the New South, actually, and at times I felt as though a more serious, less predictable novel was struggling to burst through the more conventional genre confines.

Overall I enjoyed the book. It's the kind of thing you could read on a plane, at the gym or on your lunch break and not hate yourself for wasting your time. I am rating it down a star because the ending to me was a disappointment. Any further elaboration would risk a plot spoiler, but let's just say genre convention reared its ugly head, creating a moment of poignancy at the expense of future complexity in the sequels to come...

Supposedly a thriller... disappointing...
Attorney Jack Hammond is a good defender, with a lot of heart, but his list of clients is low, and his bankbook is even lower, since he left a prestigious law firm.The death of long-time, college friend Doug Townsend is viewed by Jack as a murder paralleled to the police report of a 'suicide'.Doug's body is found with a needle in one arm, and the autopsy reports that he died from an O/Dof fenatyl.Jack knows different as his friend had been 'sober' for many years, and Doug never followed the fenatyl path.Hammond's investigation leads him to 'hacker' Nightmare (a favorable character to the story), to opera diva Michele Sonnier - her splendor on stage, and her murky past neither of which stops Jack from falling in love with her.Michele is also married to pharmaceutical mogul Charles Ralston, founder of Horizn Pharmaceuticals, conspirator with a trial drug (tested on humans which results in death) for hepatitis C.Yes, The Last Goodbye has a good premise and a few good characters, but Arvin's development of both of the latter is very weak.Narrated by protagonist Jack Hammond, the author delivers very weak dialog, unnecessary flowered prose to cover pages and move the story from A to Z, slooooowly, diverting from the original path of Doug's death, creating a thought process to the reader of 'where is this story going and when will it end?!'A farcical, way-out-there, disappointing ending, and overall too much rhetoric. Recommend instead:DYING GOOD by Allan George Cole, and SHADOWS IN THE DARKNESS by Elaine Cunningham.

Could have been better
THE LAST GOODBYE by Reed Arvin
October 30, 2004

In this legal thriller by Reed Arvin, attorney Jack Hammond battles demons as he tries to eke out a living in THE LAST GOODBYE.He was once a lawyer working for a successful law firm Carthy, Williams, and Douglas, but due to a mistake he made by getting involved with a client causes his dismissal. The mistake had eventually led to the murder of this client, and now Hammond lives with the guilt of her death on his conscience.

Fast-forward several years and he involves himself in the death of a college friend. It appears to be suicide, but clues tell Hammond that it looks like murder.He takes it upon himself to find out who killed Doug Townsend, and this in turn leads him to a beautiful opera diva who is battling a past of her own.

I have to admit, although this book did interest me and I wanted to know how it ended, a lot of the plot seemed implausible.I didn't mind that many of the lesser characters were no more than caricatures, but the opera singer, Michele Sonnier, turned out to be very unbelievable.A lot of her past did not mesh with what she came to be in the present, and I just did not buy it.

I feel that Arvin has talent, but he needs to learn to develop his characters with more realism and logic.Without believable characters populating a novel, it's hard to believe in the plot.This book is marginally recommended. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060555513
Sales Rank: 177203
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Mystery & Detective - Hard-Boiled   

Holy Fools : A Novel (Harris, Joanne)
by Joanne Harris
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (03 February, 2004)
list price: $24.95 -- our price: $15.72
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Reviews (13)

wandering
Frankly there were moments when this book barely made sense to me. It did not capture my imagination or attention. In the book, a gypsy, Juliette, who had once performed with a traveling carnival of sorts, is abandoned by the one man she ever loved, left to be imprisoned or worse (an old friend helps her escape). Juliette hides at an abbey, where she gives birth to a daughter, Fleur, and chooses to live her life, rearing Fleur, and taking on the sisterhood as Soeur Auguste. The abbey offers an idyllic life, cut off from reality-and all is well until the abbess dies. A new abbess, who is nothing more than a young girl, arrives at the abbey accompanied by a spiritual advisor, who turns out to be Juliette's former lover and fellow player, the Blackbird. Naturally he has come for some mysterious reason (later it turns out he wants revenge, and Juliette must unravel whatever his plans are in order to stop him). Juliette's first inclination is to run, but Blackbird is miles ahead of her, and has already abducted Juliette's daughter and sent her away in order to keep Juliette at the abbey and manipulate her. At times the story is exciting and fresh while in other parts the story wears on and gets on one's nerves. There are a variety of interesting characters within the abbey, but eventually Juliette herself seems to be grating on the nerves. The books wraps up too easily, smoothly, and in many cases, events were difficult to visualize.

Best since Chocolat
Having read all the books by this author, I consider Holy Fools to be her best effort since Chocolat.This work has all the intensity and mystery of the earlier bestseller:the disdain for religious hypocrisy, the secrets of the past, and the uncertainty of malicious intent.Thedelicious sensuality and humor are replaced by aerial acrobatics and macabre apparitions. The story takes place in 1610, and is recounted by a gypsy named Juliette.(Are we surprised that she reads tarot cards, creates herbal charms, and brews medicinal concoctions?)She recounts her previous years as a traveling performer in a troupe led by the charismatic Guy LeMerle; haunted by memories of his ultimate betrayal, she seeks refuge and anonymity in a forgotten abbey.When a disguised LeMerle unexpectedly turns up there, the intrigue, and battle of wits and wills begins.The writing is wonderful, evoking strong images.And the characters are complex, torn between warring loyalties.As we have come to expect from Harris, this is a compelling tale, told in her trademark style.

Captivating
I've been a fan of Joanne Harris since reading Chocolat, which is one of my favourite books of all time. I've read all her work and find her style of writing absolutely delicious.

In this book, she tells the story of a woman who tries to break away from her past by joining in a monastery in rural France, though her philosophy is much more gypsy than Christian.

This book is darker and more dramatic than her previous work, but once again, the characters are both compelling and well-drawn, and the plot is unpredictable and captivating.

Short chapters and a flowing storyline make it very easy to read - in fact, I didn't like having to take a break from it and ended up staying up very late one night to finish it.

All in all it's a good book, but it's not quite Chocolat.
... Read more

Isbn: 0060559128
Sales Rank: 109542
Subjects:  1. Abbesses, Christian    2. Actresses    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Historical    5. France    6. Henry    7. Historical - General    8. History    9. Impersonation    10. Louis XIII, 1610-1643    11. Suspense    12. Fiction / General   

Blinded (White, Stephen)
by STEPHEN WHITE
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (03 February, 2004)
list price: $24.95 -- our price: $16.47
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Editorial Review

Boulder psychologist Alan Gregory hasn't seen former patient Gibbs Storey since she and her husband were in marriage counseling with him almost a decade ago. So when she walks into his office with a startling declaration--that she believes her husband murdered at least one woman, and may be planning to kill more--Gregory finds himself on the horns of a dilemma that's not just professional but personal as well:He can't reveal what his patient has told him, not even to his wife, who's a prosecutor, or his friend Sam, who's a cop. What's more, his feelings for Gibbs may be clouding his judgment about the truth of what she professes. Though he telegraphs the denouement too early, Stephen White once again turns in a thoughtful, well crafted novel full of interesting insights on marriage, friendship, the human condition, and the Colorado landscape. --Jane Adams ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Gripping
I really enjoyed this book, unlike his other book, The Best Revenge.After The Best Revenge, I thought he was one of the author's I would avoid, but Blinded sounded so good, I went for it and I'm glad that I did.This book had the right amount of suspense, it was witty and his wife going through a relapse gave it a human element.Though the end was obvious, I would recommend this book to anyone.

First book I simply threw away....
Unbelievably boring and wildly predictable.The fact that people gave this good reviews surprises the hell out of me. I only finished it to punish myself for buying it and to be certain I knew the ending from the very first chapter...on the the bright side it could be used to treat insomnia.

Only the Characters Are "Blinded"
This was the first time I've read a Stephen White novel.Although well-written and mildly entertaining (good for killing time while in airports), I was somewhat put-off by the fact that anyone who reads novels like this could guess the coming "twist" ending early on in the process.The only ones who couldn't see it coming were the supposedly smart lead characters in the book itself, a psychologist and a police detective. ... Read more

Isbn: 0385336209
Subjects:  1. Boulder (Colo.)    2. Clinical psychologists    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Psychological Suspense    5. Gregory, Alan (Fictitious char    6. Gregory, Alan (Fictitious character)    7. Mystery & Detective - General    8. Psychological    9. Psychotherapist and patient    10. Suspense    11. Fiction / Suspense