Falkor Flirt Serial Killer

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Falkor Flirt Serial Killer Average ratng: 3,8/5 2132votes
Falkor Flirt Serial Killer

MBR: MBR Bookwatch, June 2009 Book Reviews, Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers Home / MBR Bookwatch MBR Bookwatch Volume 8, Number 6 June 2009 Table of Contents Cowper's Bookshelf Shattered Reality Kimberly Cheryl Privately Published 597, $11.95, www.myshatteredreality.com One of the most terrifying fears of a parent is for harm to come to their child. 'Shattered Reality' is an inspirational guide for parents of sexually abused children who want to help their children heal from the trauma of these incidents and in doing so, help themselves heal.

Michelle Almonte-DeJesus, 27-year-old woman from Grand Island, Nebraska, who pleaded no contest to sexual assault charge in March has been sentenced to no jail for engaging in sex with her 15-year-old stepson. My Fiction Bucket List. OMGGGGG YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

Encouraging parents not to blame themselves, 'Shattered Reality' is a solid pick for those who are struggling to cope with these horrible tragedies. I'm Gonna Tell Lori Cardille iUniverse 1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 300, Bloomington, IN 142036, $10.95, www.iuniverse.com Childhood sexual abuse is a tragedy, and its victims must find their own ways to cope.

'I'm Gonna Tell.An Offbeat Tale of Survival' is a memoir by Lori Cardille, who she relates her own story, enforcing her own power over her past while respecting the seriousness of the issue and the grave problems facing the world today. 'I'm Gonna Tell' is uplifting and motivating, and highly recommended.

Carta Marina Ann Fisher-Wirth WingsPress 627 E. Guenther, San Antonio, TX 916727567, $16.00, www.wingspress.com The format of the epic poem has fallen into disuse; Ann Fisher-Wirth revives the tradition with 'Carta Marina'. An epic poem divided into three parts, 'Carta Marina' tells the story of a cartographer who finds an old Swedish map and is inspired by it. Blending narrative and verse, 'Carta Marina' is a strong choice for any poetry lover looking for something with depth to seek their teeth into. Small Wonders Kendra Y. Bunch-Neal Vantage Press 419 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 533158782, $7.95, www.vantagepress.com A debut can say a lot, and Kendra Y.

Bunch-Neal makes quite a debut. 'Small Wonders: A Collection of Poetry for Children' is a collection of fine, entertaining verse aimed at young children. Very appropriate in the subject matter, 'Small Wonders' is a good choice for any teacher or parent who want to introduce their children to the world of poetry.

'Little Boys': Busy, bouncing everywhere/without one worry, without one care/proud to pick up anything/like crickets, spiders, or pieces of string/never weary, restless ones/always sure to have some fun/cute and curious, with adventurous joys/lovable, laughable, little boys. Bank on Yourself Pamela Yellen Vanguard Press 387 Park Avenue South, 12th Floor, New York City, NY 593154967, $25.95, www.vanguardpressbooks.com Just because the market dooms itself doesn't mean it has to take you with it. 'Bank on Yourself: The Life-Changing Secret to Growing and Protecting Your Financial Future' is a guide to financial security through sound planning and using various tips and tricks to establish one's own savings. Pamela Yellen writes that consistency and security should be valued over the gambling of the stock market, and that one can regain the money one pays for various expenditures if needed. 'Bank on Yourself' is a wise and sound investment guide for those who value security above all else in today's tough times.

Travels to Mayan Sites Barbara Jane Brehmer Vantage Press Inc. 419 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 533158409, $11.95, www.vantagepress.com The Mayans have captivated those with an interest in Native American history for centuries. 'Travels to the Mayan Sites: An Overview with Maps and Observations' is a guide to the Mayan ruins that one can find around the Yucatan peninsula regions that spread throughout many countries in Latin America.

A fine guide to this mysterious and captivating culture, enhanced with maps and charts, 'Travels to Mayan Sites' is a must for anyone planning a vacation to the area, or who is fascinated by the Mayans. The Secret in the Forest Sheila Adam McIntyre Infinity Publishing 1094 New DeHaven Street, Suite 100, West Conshohocken, PA, $9.95, www.infinitypublishing.com The Boy who cried Wolf is a charming fable to everyone except the boy himself. 'The Secret in the Forest' follows two young teenagers saddled with solving a grisly crime that they discovered in the forest. The police won't believe them due to their past, and out of fear of being harshly disciplined, they are silent to their parents. With no one to turn to, justice lies in their hands and they must find a way to deliver it.

'The Secret in the Forest' is a fine and highly recommended novel for younger preteen readers. It's Spellementary Pam Thomas Vantage Press 419 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 533160228, $7.95, www.vantagepress.com Spelling is a key skill when writing, but it's so often tossed aside.

'It's Spellementary: Some Basic Rules for Beginning Spellers' is a guide to giving young writers what they need to get a leg up on their spelling skills. It's better to embed spelling skills into young children so that they master it now when it's elementary, and not struggle with it when they're filling our college application. 'It's Spellementary' is a fine choice for elementary school teachers or parents who want to teach their children the value of good spelling. Discover Joy Joy Bodzioch Discipleship Publications International c/o Atlas Books 30 Amberwood Parkway, Ashland, OH 577822363, $14.00, www.atlasbooks.com Joy is a feeling of happiness, which so often eludes so many.

'Discover Joy: Well-Being, God's Way' is a guide to good mental health through spirituality and embracing God and Jesus, with the idea that the teachings of Christ are as psychological as they are words to live. With tips on dealing with the common mental health issues people face, such as depression, 'Discover Joy' does well in inspiring readers to look to the divine for a better life. The College Selection Compass Rebecca J. Callow & Susan P. Nichols iUniverse 1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 300, Bloomington, IN 595491926, $11.95, www.iuniverse.com College is the first chance for many young adults to leave home.

Choose wisely. 'The College Selection Compass: Helping Families Navigate a Difficult Course' is a guide aimed at families with a future college freshman among them. Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions a young intellectual can make, and authors Callow and Nichols want to give families all the information they need to make that decision an informed one. 'The College Selection Compass' is well worth considering for those undecided where they want to spend the next four years. Mary Cowper Reviewer Dunford's Bookshelf The Panama Club Louis Joseph Barbier Vantage Press 419 Park Ave.

South, New York, NY 533159925, $22.95, www.vantagepress.com What lies beyond the atmosphere? 'The Panama Club' tells the story of the Canal Zone after the relinquishing of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama. Jock Mahoney has been lead to believe that extraterrestrial beings are visiting the canal zone and wreaking havoc with its citizens. Will the first face to face encounter bring peace, disaster, or something else entirely? A unique exploration of science fiction with some fresh ideas, 'The Panama Club' is a fine read all the way through. Mortgage Defaults Tom Duncan Author House 1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 438938479, $14.99, www.authourhouse.com There are some ways to make an easy fortune, and others not so much. 'Mortgage Defaults: Short Road to Riches' is the result of the real estate world experience of author Tom Duncan.

Warning readers to shy away from advice gurus who promise millions after lessons that cost thousands, Duncan gives readers no-nonsense tips on how to profit off mortgage defaults. For anyone looking to get into the real estate game, 'Mortgage Defaults' is well worth the consideration. The Last Pope John Oster Booksurge 7290-B Investment Drive, Charleston, SC 439206607, $14.99, www.booksurge.com As science advances more and more, where does this leave faith? 'The Last Pope: Egression' is a science fiction novel taking an interesting approach to science fiction - what will become of the Catholic Church?

The protagonist is John XXIV, the 271st pope who has come to power in the twenty-second century, an era filled with human computers, time travel, and cyborg technology. Where does a man of faith have to stand in a world where science has become life? 'The Last Pope' is an innovative and good read. It's Not Where You're Going, It's How You Get There Charles W. Shirriff iUniverse 1006 Crescent Road West, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0Z3 915, $17.95, www.iuniverse.com There are many ways to get through life, and each of them is more strange than the last. 'It's Not Where You're Going, It's How You Get There' is a collection of memoirs by author Charles W.

Shirriff reflecting on his life and the unique way he cut his own path through it all. Written by a man who has been all over North America, 'It's Not Where You're Going, It's How You Get There' is intriguing in a profoundly human way. 'It's Not Where You're Going, It's How You Get There' is of interest to anyone seeking a good old-fashioned memoir. The Target, 2nd Edition J.R. Hauptman Xlibris International Plaza II, Suite 340, Philadelphia, PA 436309349, $19.98, www.xlibris.com Sometimes there are people so utterly despicable and hate-worthy that they just need killing. 'The Target: Love, Death, and Airline Deregulation' is the story of Carlo Clemenza, the most despised man in the airline industry.

Every who works under him comes to hate him with all their being, wishing death upon him. There is one pilot, however, who is willing to do more than just wish. 'The Target' is an entertaining adventure of karma and men pushed to the edge, recommended.

You Can Develop Pure Awareness Neil Crenshaw Outskirts Press 10940 South Parker Road, #515, Parker, CO 432732028, $15.95, www.outskirtspress.com Many people go through life with their head in a cloud, but how does one become truly aware? 'You Can Develop Pure Awareness' is a guide to finding this true and complete awareness in life by blending the ideas of many philosophies alongside logic and science. Written by a man of science, this isn't a typical spirituality book and will give readers a fresh blend rarely seen in new age books. 'You Can Develop Pure Awareness' is a top pick for those who don't think spirituality and science are mutually exclusive concepts. Devil's Island Frank de Sales Margins Press info@marginspress.co.za 627, $14.00, www.marginspress.co.za Just when you come to a tropical island to get away, the ultimate battle between good and evil erupts. 'Devil's Island' is a black comedy tale following two young lovebirds who want to keep their relationship strong by visiting a tropical paradise. Their love will be tested as the will of Satan has chosen their vacation destination for his latest expansionist efforts.

'Devil's Island' is a unique approach to the battle of good and evil, and is highly recommended. Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow Robert C. Lee Author House 1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 438908182, $14.49, www.authorhouse.com The answer exists, but it's not always obvious. 'Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow: You Can Make a Difference!' Is an inspirational guide that calls for people to embrace philosophy - while hard work is a solid virtue, it is not the panacea to all of life's woes.

Encouraging creative thought, faith, and helping others along the way, author Robert Lee gives readers small tips to aid them down the rough road of life. 'Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow' is well worth the read for those who can't find the way out but know it's there. Michael Dunford Reviewer Greenspan's Bookshelf Faithfully Yours Baruch J. Cohon, editor KTAV 930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 602800199, $29.50, www.ktav.com There are figures in every religion who, while not figures of the scripture, are invaluable to its development. 'Faithfully Yours' is a collection of writings gathered from correspondence between various individuals and Rabbi Samuel S.

Cohon, a man who was a forward thinker and representative of Judaism throughout the first half of the twentieth century. Revealing the wisdom of an intellectual who did much for his religion in speaking to the gentiles as well as tutoring his fellow Jews, 'Faithfully Yours' is a fine read. Jewish Meditation Practices for Everyday Life Jeff Roth Jewish Lights Publishing PO Box 237, Sunset Farm Offices, RT.

Woodstock, VT 580233972, $18.99, www.jewishlights.com A little bit of meditation does you well, no matter what your faith. 'Jewish Meditation Practices for Everyday Life: Awakening Your Heart, Connecting with God' blends the traditions of meditation from Buddhism with the western Abrahamic religious faith. There is a focus on Judaism, but Jewish Meditation Practices for Everyday life is meant to benefit readers of all faiths and backgrounds, be they Jew, non-Jew, or even non-religious. A guide to enlightening one's soul without abandoning one's traditions, 'Jewish Meditation Practices for Everyday Life' is a strong choice. Cane and Able Stephen Cheek Lulu 860 Aviation Parkway, Suite 300, Morrisville, NC 557000203, $23.49, www.lulu.com The urge to embrace the road inevitably trumps nervousness and fear. 'Cane and Able' follows young Justin Cane as he tries to gain his wheels in the late 1950s.

His teacher is one of his father's farmhands, and through their travels, Justin Cane learns more than just how to maneuver a vehicle; he learns about life and the harsh side of reality. 'Cane and Able' is a read that will leave readers thinking.

Street Art Johannes Stahl H.F. Ullmann info@ullmann-publishing.com 509 $16.99 www.ullmann-publishing.com Illustrated with full color photography on almost every page, Street Art is an extraordinary, inexpensive artbook that dares to tackle the phenomena of graffiti and street art - the artistic expression of painting on urban walls and the like (ideally with permission from the property owner, distinguishing art from vandalism). This type of art has long and storied history from the images and messages of Pompeii to the colorful and elaborate spray painting of the modern day. A surprising amount of beauty and wit lies within these distinctive street art creations, revealing a world of expression one cannot so easily find in a typical art gallery.

Street Art is highly recommended as an addition to any artbook shelf, and its convenient small size make it ideal for art lovers to browse on the go (unlike most other artbooks)! How and Where to Take Vacations! Eric Whitman Vantage Press 419 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 533160129, $7.95, www.vantagepress.com The daily grind wears away at one's will to go on, and a break from it all is sometimes needed. 'How and Where to Take Vacations!' Is Eric Whitman's guide to finding the vacation spots in the world that are best suited to the individual reader's tastes, desires and temperament.

Just browsing the lovely options in this guide can help one feel like they are beginning to recharge their batteries in a beautiful paradise! 'How and Where to Take Vacations!'

Is recommended for those who want to get away, but don't know where to start. The New Moon Race Morris Jones Rosenberg c/o International Specialized Book Services 920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 820, $49.95, www.isbs.com America won the first moon race. But who says there can't be a rematch? 'The New Moon Race' is a scholarly examination of the most recent developments in lunar exploration.

China has emerged as a potential major player in the world of space exploration, and there are many parallels that can be drawn to the Cold War-fueled original space race of 1969. This time, America's victory seems much less likely. 'The New Moon Race' also discusses why America has not done any manned lunar missions in decades. An utterly fascinating read for astronomy and science buffs. The School Board Fieldbook Mark Van Clay & Perry Soldwedel Solution-Tree 555 North Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 934009444, $24.95, www.solution-tree.com Education is a tough field to lead, with a lot of things to do and little money to fund it. 'The School Board Fieldbook: Leading with Vision' is a guide to being a successful board leader that does much for one's district.

Outlining the challenges these leaders face, from hiring other high level personnel to spotting warning signs and taking decisive action when needed, 'The School Board Fieldbook' should be required reading for any entering a school board position. Ready to Sail, second edition Ed Mapes Sheridan House 145 Palisade Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 574092714, $29.95, www.sheridanhouse.com Sailing can be a fun and fulfilling activity - provide you prepare properly. 'Ready to Sail: A Captain's Guide to Boat Inspection and Repairs - Preparations of Boat and Crew for Offshore Passagemaking' is a guide to preparing one's vessel for sailing and how to be fully braced for the worst while expecting the best. Covering each part of the ship and its required maintenance, 'Ready to Sail' is a fine and complete reference, and an absolute 'must-have' for any boat owner. Able Greenspan Reviewer Helen's Bookshelf Shroud of Beckoning Deb Woody Author House 1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 418484118, $14.50, www.authorhouse.com Evil is tenacious and never goes quietly into the night. 'Shroud of Beckoning' is the first entry in the Ice Water Mansion series from Deb Woody.

The story follows Carla, a girl possessed by a demon called Schatten, as she meets Officer Blanton, the one man who may be able to free her from her possession. A story of demons, guardian angels, and nothing being as it seems, 'Shroud of Beckoning' is a fine choice for fantasy fiction.

Transformation in Prayer M. Basil Pennington New City Press 202 Cardinal Rd., Hyde Park, NY 565483088, $14.95, www.newcitypress.com Wisdom doesn't need to long winded to be powerful. 'Transformation in Prayer: 99 Sayings' is a collection of 99 simple messages to inspire thought and prayer in readers.

Poignant and to the point, author M. Basil Pennington presents a powerful and direct message. 'Transformation in Prayer' is an ideal giftbook for Christians.

Love Blooms Eva Swain Avalon Romance 160 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 803499331, $23.95, www.avalonbooks.com Love is a powerful thing, and can overcome much in its way in order to bloom happily. 'Love Blooms' is a romance novel following Marcie Conner, a divorced single mother. She thinks she may have found her new Mr. Right in Kyle Hughes, a local police officer, but Marcie's own children frown on her new love, Kyle's family makes trouble for Marcie, and nothing seems to go right. But love doesn't give up so easily. 'Love Blooms' is an uplifting novel of how affection and acceptance of that affection are things that will come.

Culturally Speaking Mary Coons Beaver's Pond Press 7104 Ohms Lane, Suite 101, Edina, MN 592982394, $20.00, www.beaverspondpress.com Ignorance is a powerful thing - it can lead otherwise rational people to believe falsehoods like 'all Muslims are terrorists', or 'Islam promotes holy war against the white devil'. 'Culturally Speaking: Promoting Cross-Cultural Awareness in a Post 9-11 World' is a guide to better promoting understanding throughout the world, emphasizing that greater understanding between nations is necessary for a true resolution to the War on Terror. So many Americans don't understand the Arab world and will accept anything they hear out of ignorance, which author Mary Coons labels as the true enemy. 'Culturally Speaking' is a must read for those who want to combat ignorance with rationality and informed critical thinking. How to Talk to Anyone About Anything Jill Spiegel Privately Published 577, $12.00, www.jillspiegel.com Small talk is meaningless, yet at the same time essential. 'How to Talk to Anyone About Anything: The Secrets to Connecting' is a guide for those who are struggling to connect with the people they need to understand the most, be they family, romantic interest, or business interests.

Confidence is a key focus, as well as choosing one's words wisely. 'How to Talk to Anyone About Anything' is a choice pick for those who want to improve their people skills. Your Best You Bonnie Grove Beacon Hill Press PO Box 419527, Kansas City, MO 834124394, $14.99, www.beaconhillbooks.com How do you really find out what you're really good? 'Your Best You: Discovering and Developing the Strengths God Gave You' is a guide to finding these talents.

Author Bonnie Grove hopes to help readers cut right to the chase and start to live life as they want to. A realistic manual that realizes not everyone can do everything, 'Your Best You' is a faith-based approach to self-help, executed quite well. Unbridled Marilu Norden Booksurge 7290-B Investment Drive, Charleston, SC 29418 Power Promotions (publicity) 24165 IH 10 West, #217-424, San Antonio, TX 419695612, $15.99, www.booksurge.com Divorce has never been easy. But Reno can make it easier. 'Unbridled: A Tale of a Divorce Ranch' tells the story of a divorce ranch and the one couple staying there to make their severance more efficient. Lara, mother of two, is brought to one of these divorce ranches by her soon to be ex-husband. Depressed by the turn of events, she finds strength in the other women who face a similar situation.

Drawing much from the author's own life experiences, 'Unbridled' is a unique novel of a rarely heard about feature of Nevada. Helen Dumont Reviewer Klausner's Bookshelf The Bridge of the Golden Horn Emine Sevgi Ozdamar Serpent's Tail 3A Exmouth House Pine Street, London, England, EC1R 0JH c/o Meryl Zegarek Public Relations 255 West 108th St., Suite 901, NY, NY 10025 324, $15.95, www.amazon.com In 1966 sixteen years old, she lies about her age so no one can prevent her from being a 'guest worker' while she studies the Berlin theatre. Her Turkish middle class upbringing is probably more of a handicap than her age as that has left her naive because she is used to protection. However, she begins to expand her experiences when she meets members of the Turkish Workers' Association and starts to read the works of German Prime Minister Nietzsche, Shakespeare, Gorky, Engels, and others.

The young woman already overcame the typical Turkish education of dumping down females so that they remain obedient of their male family members or she would not live across from the theater. Yet the older women tell her to treasure her virginity while a friend insists that leaves her ignorant of men who control art.

When she returns to Istanbul, she is considered modern because she pays her way, but continues her study of movies under a drama teacher who wants art to imitate real life like street peddlers who work the Bridge of the Golden Horn. However, belonging to a Marxist group proves dangerous as they are beaten and his works tossed into the Sea of Marmara.

With toilets stopped up with leftist literature, the woman vows to leave Turkey after being jailed for allegedly abetting Kurdish separatists. This is a fabulous translation of a great autobiographical fiction novel that brings to life tumultuous Turkey in the late 1960s when being left meant being left out as well as the role women were allowed. The story line follows the escapades of the heroine who learns so much about life in Berlin, but realizes how much when she returns to Istanbul.

Apparently THE BRIDGE OF THE GOLDEN HORN is the second of three autobiographical fictions; Emine Sevgi Ozdamar provides an entertaining profound historical novel. The Last Llanelli Train Robert Lewis Serpent's Tail 907, $14.95 In Bristol, England as he becomes middle aged, private investigator Robin Llewellyn drinks at the nearby pub whose regulars are losers like him. Alcohol allows him to sit in the present and not muse sadly how far he has fallen not from his dreams but with the firm he inherited and hide from his lack of a future. He once planned to be a cop, but settled on debt collecting and now earns money mostly exposing errant spouses as professional expertise at divorces has become his specialty when he gets work that is. Currently he owes an arm and a leg and a few thousand pounds to a vicious loan shark, who will soon demand remittance. Robin has a wealthy new client, Mrs.

Dixon, who he plans to bilk for more than he is worth. She wants him to prove her businessman husband is cheating on her.

Dixon demands Robin do what he must to video her spouse with his latest floozy. He knows what he must do as he arranges a tryst between the husband and a hooker that he will film. The problem is to arrange and tape takes planning that denotes future; something Robin cannot do. Even he is aware that he is imploding, but cannot change anything even his clothing. Llewellyn is an unlikable sordid soul who is so sleazy that he fails to gain any empathy from enthralled readers even with one foot on a banana peel and the other already in the cesspool. The story line is fast-paced but almost irrelevant as in some ways THE LAST LLANELLI TRAIN is a character study of someone on the brink of self destruction.

Told by Robin who is fully aware of what he is doing to himself but unable to think ahead of the consequences of his behavior. Sobering and gritty yet filled with a dark humor, readers will appreciate Robert Lewis' discerning look at a man slowly subconsciously killing himself. Murder Takes the Cake Evelyn David Echelon Press 9735 Country Meadows Lane 1D Laurel, MD 20723 www.echelonpress.com, $13.99, www.amazon.com One week before Thanksgiving DC private investigator Mac Sullivan, a loner except for Whiskey the dog, finds his world upside down since Sullivan and Company has 'grown'. First, his business is in trouble needing paying customers not just bartering clients. Second, his assistant twenty-two years old Juliana 'JJ' Jarrett and his elderly ailing researcher Edger are driving him crazy. Finally there is divorcee single mom Rachel Brenner who works at a funeral home and whom he is attracted to and believes she reciprocates his feelings, but he has no idea how to act on a date. Now his about to marry goddaughter, Boston reporter Bridget O'Herlihy, visits him asking for his help as she swears someone is trying to kill her.

Although he doubts this is the case, he takes the threat seriously and sends his team out on assignments. Soon the corpses pile up while the groom and his family insist she is being a drama queen; at a time her dad Jeff wonders who stole caskets from his funeral home. Mac, JJ, Edger, Rachel and Whiskey keep digging looking for the ties that bound everyone involved.

The second Murder Takes (see MURDER OFF THE BOOKS) is an amusing cozy starring an ensemble cast of eccentrics. The story line is fast-paced while containing two mysteries tied to death (corpses and coffins are like peanut butter and jelly), a maybe romance, enemy canine-feline, an out of control wedding plan, and junk cars. The characters make for a fun lighthearted frolic as Evelyn David proves in deed MURDER TAKES THE CAKE.

Cry Mercy Toni Andrews Mira Books c/o Harlequin 225 Duncan Mill Road Don Mills, ON, Canada, M3B 3K9 www.mirabooks.com 489, $7.99, www.amazon.com In the Balboa Peninsular of California hypnotherapist Mercy Hollings has the mental ability to 'press' people into doing what she wants them to do using her mind to coax a person. She has always struggled to control her ability because she knows it is not ethical to intrude even when you want to. Her friend Sukey has been helping her look back on her life while moving near the ocean has provided her with some solace. Mercy wants to know why her adoptive parents eventually abandoned her. At the same time she wants to help former gangbanger chief Tino who wants to become a realtor. Tino also needs Mercy to help get his younger brother out of the gang lifestyle, but not all the punks are normal members as some come from the dark places where souls dare not go.

CRY MERCY is as always with this saga a fun but odd paranormal Mercy Hollings thriller (see BEG FOR MERCY and ANGEL OF MERCY). The story line is fast-paced but owned by the heroine who rips skin with her sarcastic retorts. Fans will enjoy the latest antics of Mercy as Toni Andrews provides an amusing refreshing beach fantasy.

Deep Down Karen Harper Mira 458, $7.99 In the Appalachia side of Kentucky, Sheriff Drew Webb of Deep Down calls Jess Lockwood to tell that her mom Mariah has disappeared. Only for Mariah would Jess come home as does not want to remember how much she once loved Drew. Apparently, as part of the job her daughter got her several years ago Mariah was searching for Sang, a ginseng that is on the endangered species list. In the midst of her work, she vanished. Although Drew has no proof that foul play occurred, he quickly finds suspects who might harm Mariah as he and Jess believe her mom's being missing is linked to Sang. As they investigate together, their previous feelings ignite, but first there is finding Mariah with neither suspecting how dangerous their inquiry will soon prove. DEEP DOWN is an action-packed, fast-paced police procedural romantic suspense.

The keys to the super story line are the fully developed lead couple as the audience will feel Mariah's dichotomy of emotions of love and fear, and the location that adds a gloomy sinister ambiance. Readers will appreciate this exciting thriller as the heroine learns you can go home perhaps to die. Thriller 2: Stories You Just Can't Put Down Clive Cussler (editor) Mira 233, $24.95 The twenty three tales included in this collection are for the most part excellent and timely. The anthology opens with Jeffery Deaver's 'The Weapon' focusing on torture while Lisa Jackson's 'Vintage Death' contains several terrific thriller twists. 'The Circle' by David Hewson will indirectly remind readers of the London bombings as a pregnant woman riding the tube hears a passenger mumbling 'They will remember my name.' Marcus Sakey's 'The Desert Here and the Desert Far Away' examines how strong the bond the band of brothers forged in the battlefields of the Iraq War survives once everyone is stateside. Gary Braver's 'Ghost Writer' was once a famous novelist, but now writes stories for other people to 'author' as that pays better though leaves him depressed.

Finally with Carla Neggers, Joan Johnston, Robert Ferrigno, Jon Land, R.L. Stine, and Lisa Jackson amongst others contributing, THRILLER 2 lives up to its subtitle of 'stories you can't put down'. 6 Killer Bodies Stephanie Bond Mira 073, $7.99 In Atlanta the police arrest body mover Cooper Craft accusing him of being The Charmed Killer. As women feel safer going outside, his friend Carlotta Wren thinks the cops made a big error as she feels her former working peer Michael Lane is the serial killer. Police detective Jack Terry agrees with Carlotta's assessment that the wrong man is in custody, but has doubts about Lane being the killer. Carlotta investigates, which enables her to ignore the other two men in her life, her brother Wesley who seems to land in one dire strait after another and her former fiance, Peter Ashford, who wants a second chance though he dumped her when she was down and seemingly out for the count.

Cooper is out on bail but required to wear a GPS ankle bracelet. He removes the tracking device and vanishes, which enforces the opinion he is the Charmed Killer. The full focus on the sixth Body Movers' thriller is The Charmed Killer, which will keep readers focused on the story line; as the sidebar distractions of 4 and 5 are avoided. Instead, Stephanie Bond provides her fans with a terrific entry as increasingly with every discovery Carlotta makes, Cooper is guilty; his fleeing the coop just adds to the overwhelming proof. 6 KILLER BODIES is a strong entry in the Body Movers' saga.

Red Hot Lies Laura Caldwell Mira 502, $7.99 In Chicago, Pickett Enterprises top entertainment lawyer twenty-nine year old Isabel 'Izzy' McNeil is doing great at the job due to her spunky optimistic approach and more so because client Forester Pickett likes her so he gives her his thriving business. However, unlike her professional life, normally energetic Izzy is losing it as her marriage to Sam Hollings is coming soon. The same day that Pickett dies from a heart attack, Sam vanishes with thirty million dollars in stock in a Panamanian real estate venture.

The police want to question Sam, as the last person to be known to have been with Pickett before he died. Her relationships with both men make Izzy a prime suspect in the missing bonds and in Pickett's death.

As the FBI searches for Sam and they and the CPD stake out Izzy, she begins an investigation into her fiance's whereabouts scooting on her Vespa on the mean streets of Chicago. Izzy tells much of the exciting story line as she bikes along the Windy City seeking clues to the whereabouts of her missing fiance and to solve who committed the murder. However as she 'joy' rides through the city, enough law enforcement types to fill Wrigley and thugs to fill U.S. Cellular Field (or is that the New Comiskey Park) follow her. Fans will enjoy this entertaining amateur sleuth as somehow everything converges on Iz who could use a day of f; just not in jail. Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss Kyra Davis Mira 363, $13.95 A decade has passed since mystery writer Sophie Katz saw her slimy former spouse Scott Colvin.

However to her shock, she runs into him at an open house in the Marina District where a, $1.4-million fixer-upper is up for sale. Her initial reaction is someone spiked her frap. Her second thought comes when Scott offers his ex a sweetheart deal; which she knows means he is hiding something from her because Scott Colvin means trouble for anyone who ventures within a kilometer of his sphere. The Victorian house is owned by Oscar Crammer, who insists his place is haunted and is willing to let it go for practically nothing. Scott takes Sophie to the mansion where they find the house haunted by the corpse of Oscar. The late owner's son Kane also believes the house is haunted and agrees to honor his father's price quote on the stipulation that Sophie join the San Francisco Specter Society to help him contact his father's ghost. Amateur sleuth Sophie and her private investigator boyfriend Anatoly Darinsky, hired by the victim's estranged wife to prove she did not kill him, think the house is haunted by humans and set out to prove the bumps in the night are mortal as is the killler This is an amusing lighthearted investigative murder mystery that will hook the audience on two levels.

First spunky Sophie is super as she takes San Francisco while providing her first person perspective which includes plenty of in your face comments. Second is the cleverly designed seance-homicide that turns out to be a locked room murder. Kyra Davis writes a terrific whodunit starring an amateur sleuth filled with lust for her boyfriend, loathing for her ex, and needing a little lip gloss for her boyfriend. Harbor Lights Sherryl Woods Mira 410, $7.99 Over a year ago the military informed former army medic Kevin O'Neill that his wife Georgia also a medic was killed in Iraq. Devastated but knowing he became a single dad, the civilian paramedic and his two year old son Davy leave Arlington, Virginia to move back to his hometown, Chesapeake Shores, so his family especially his grandma can help him raise his child. Recently divorced Shanna Carlyle also moves to Chesapeake Shores where she opens up a bookstore on Main Street.

When they meet each is attracted to the other, but she still reels from her divorce from alcoholic Greg though more because of who she had to leave behind; and he from his wife's death. Still his family starting with the lethal combo of his grandma and son along with other townsfolk begin a matchmaking campaign to pair up the reluctant ones. However, as they fall in love, her secret abusive past surfaces with the loved one she left behind arriving in town and Kevin's trust leaving.

The third Chesapeake Shores romance (see THE INN AT EAGLE POINT and FLOWERS ON MAIN) is a deep tale starring two strong lead characters and a deep support cast. The story line is fast-paced but driven by Shanna and Kevin as neither is ready for a relationship as both have issues; he feels guilt for his attraction and she has not forgotten the cost of leaving her marriage. Fans will enjoy the latest visit to Chesapeake Shores. Secrets She Left Behind Diane Chamberlain Mira 151, $13.95 In Topsail Island, North Carolina Sara Weston has vanished without a trace; she left behind her seventeen year old son Keith. Worried about his mom, Keith is still recovering from his near death due to an arson fire at the church. He is also scared and angry that his nineteen year old half-sister Maggie Lockwood is being released from prison after serving one year for her role in the events that led to the fire. Maggie is filled with remorse for her role in what happened to her half-brother.

She vows to take whatever rage Keith dishes at her, though her younger teenage brother Andy, who suffers from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder yet saved many lives from the blaze, threatens to intervene. As the three siblings struggle with life in general and with each other, they each wonder what happened to Sara. This is more than just a direct sequel to BEFORE THE STORM as several of the major scenes are recreated with a different perspective; a technique used by Elizabeth George (see WITH NO ONE AS WITNESS and WHAT CAME BEFORE HE SHOT HER) and Jean Johnson (see THE CAT and THE STORM). The story line retains the fascination of the first book as readers see closely the sibling rivalries from rotating first person perspectives and Sara's journal. Readers will wonder if the SECRETS SHE LEFT BEHIND will lead to answers as to what happened to Sara. Busy Woman Seeks Wife Annie Sanders 5 Spot c/o Grand Central Publishing 237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 www.hbgusa.com 444, $13.99, www.amazon.com Marketing executive Alex Hill is too busy to worry about her domestic fiascos as she spends seemingly 24/7 on creating an ad campaign to introduce a new sportswear product line.

However, ignoring her home proves futile when her flighty mother Bean falls and needs caretaker help; the former sixties model moves in with Alex. Alex seeks a 'wife' to clean the house, cook meals, and care for mom. Her friend Saffron finds her Ella, who after one day leaves without notice as she has a better offer. Instead Ella, without informing Alex, pleads with her out work actor brother Frankie to take over her position so that someone is there for Bean. He agrees and enjoys cooking idolizes Bean whom was a paper thin role model, and performs the household drudgery. Saffron and Bean hide Frankie from Alex because each believes the exec would never accept a man doing this type of work well. That subterfuge fails when Alex finds Frankie at her home; she fires him and throws everyone including Bean out.

However, not only is her house back to shambles and her eating fast food, the new product launch falls apart. Frankie and his posse of pushy females want to save Alex's butt if she lets them. Though absolutely predictable in a Lucy- Ethel harebrained way, once all the players are introduced, BUSY WOMAN SEEKS WIFE is an amusing wacky contemporary that plays on gender bending and the role of superwomen in modern society. The key cast members are fully developed with each having several flaws hyperbolized to add to the zaniness of the plot. Ironically, each key character is also very caring of the others in their relationships, which leads to a strange ethics of protecting one another even if that means lying. Fans will enjoy this madcap screwball comedy.

Genesis Bernard Beckett Harcourt Books 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003 www.harcourtbooks.com 494, $20.00, www.amazon.com Anaximander 'Anax' is a student studying the history of the twenty-first century in school. She learns that century was the period of human decline as the Last War proved to be an accurate title as much of the globe was devastated and led to plague, environmental collapse, terrorism, and the end of civilization on the continents. She also knows that the only pocket of true governance left in the world is her homeland, the Republic, an island in the Southern hemisphere modeled after Plato's classic Republic. On the verge of taking the four hour exam that will determine her future as an elitist or a drone as the test decides whether she gains admittance to the elite Academy, Anax has also serendipitously studied the outlawed works of rebel with a cause Adam Forde. She likes his stand on human rights and dignity in a society run by a strict code of conduct that bans anything deemed deviant, but especially appreciates his stance as a soldier guarding the Great Sea Fence when he did not kill a young female on a boat breaching the barrier; but Amax knows she must hide her feelings from the panel of examiners.

This is Brave New World meets Plato in a devastated world with several fresh spins as Bernard Beckett provides an intriguing philosophical science fiction tale that Huxley would have enjoyed. Anax is a terrific student historian who holds the story line together, but does so by concealing her adulation of Adam from her examiners. Fans will enjoy GENESIS as Anax learns the origin of the end of the world. Reynolds ImaJinn Books PO Box 545, Canon City, CO www.imajinnbooks.com 479, $14.00, www.amazon.com Although the government and the people know that vampires exist, for the most part mortals prefer not to acknowledge the nocturnal species and the bloodsuckers concur keeping a low profile. There are eight vampire lords, each controlling a jurisdiction while respecting boundaries to avoid a lethal vampire war. Raphael is the most powerful of the octet with thousands of loyalists calling him Master throughout his domain, the Western states in America. Two human traitors from within storm his Malibu estate in daylight while he is away; they kidnap Alexandria, a vamp he vowed to protect with his life.

To deal with mortals, Raphael hires human private investigator Cynthia Leighton, who works vampire cases. From the moment the client and the sleuth meet they are attracted to one another, but Cyn learned early in life not to believe in love, passion, or trust as they will be used as a weapon of mental destruction. Still she is determined to help the vampire lord rescue his sister.

The first Vampires of America urban romantic fantasy, RAPHAEL, is a terrific tale that if it is an indication of the series, sub-genre fans are in for a treat. The protagonist is tough yet vulnerable as she uses psychological defense mechanisms to conceal her weaknesses behind a kick butt facade. The title hero is more aligned towards typical vampire behavior as an arrogant haughty alpha leader used to obedience until his dependant is abducted showing a rare weakness and then meeting the sleuth showing that rarity is a little more common than his minion thought. The investigation enhances the fine story line as star-crossed lovers try to mount the rescue. Rose House Tina Ann Forkner WaterBrook Press c/o Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group 12265 Oracle Boulevard, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80921 www.waterbrookpress.com, $13.99, www.amazon.com Four years ago, Lillian Diamon learns that her husband Robert and their twin daughters Sheyenne and Lee died in an automobile accident. Lillian believes her sister Geena was the cause as she was having an affair with Robert and vanished just after the accident.

Five days after burying her family, Lillian traveled to Rose House in La Rosaleda, California. There she sees in an art gallery a painting of Rose House, dubbed Beauty and the Beast Within from an anonymous artist; in front of the stately mansion is Lillian in all her grief. In the present Lillian takes time off from the restaurant she works at to travel to Rose House and to learn more about the picture. She has not spoken to Geena since the tragedy as her sister knows she hates her. In La Rosaleda, when she meets artist Truman, she wonders if he painted her picture while he thinks their encounter is a private personal moment like the one he inadvertently intruded on four years ago. Meanwhile Geena desperately tries to reach her to warn her Much of the profound character study story line is a metaphor based on how an individual sees his or her life as a portrait painted by many other people until tragedy pulls away the various masks that hides the inner soul.

A spin re the car accident adds excitement to the plot but detracts from the painting concept as if someone exploded bright red onto a soft pastel. Still Lillian is a diamond (with a d) as she is summed up with the family photos at the restaurant in which everyone else have loved ones on display while all she has is ROSE HOUSE. Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart Chuck Black Multnomah 265, $8.99 In the Kingdom across the sea, Lucius and one third of the warriors loyal to him rebelled and were tossed out of their homes. These beings are Shadow Warriors, who tempt mortals away from the Prince and King.

Lucius and his minion travel to Arrethtree to gain loyal followers while the Knights of Arrethtree counter by spreading the Word of the King and Prince. Sir Dalton is a knight of Arrethtree in training, but lacks the heart and passion of his peers. When the Shadow Warrior Sir Prox captures Sir Dalton, he locks him away in a prison no one escapes from. He plans to break Sir Dalton into disavowing the Word, the Prince and the King and when he succeeds he will have another loyal member added to his shadowy minion. Sir Dalton does the impossible as he breaks out.

He meets Master Sejus who explains to him about the Code, the King and the Prince until the young knight in training feels the passion in his heart and becomes one of their most loyal supporters. Free Printable Pedigree Template. He knows he must challenge Sir Prox in order to liberate the prisoners as he now believes hecan win with the Prince in his soul. This allegory of good vs. Evil is a strong tale that young adult readers and many of us older in the audience will appreciate and understand the symbolic religious significance.

Sir Dalton is a doubting Thomas until his escape from the demonic shadow warrior and encounter with a true believer. He finally accepts on faith the Word and is willing to test his belief in battle. Though somewhat similar in tone to the sagas of Sir Bentley and Sir Holbrook, fans will enjoy this engaging parable. Dayhunter Jocelynn Drake Eos Books c/o HarperCollins Publishers 10 East 53rd Street, NY, NY www.harpercollins.com 831, $7.99, www.amazon.com Fire master NIGHTWALKER Mira has always understood her role as a secret weapon deployed by the ruling Triad to keep the evil Naturi from returning, but now also she knows who she is after centuries of wondering why she is so different from her vampire peers. Mira has made a shaky truce with the vampire hunter Danaus, a human although both know they are natural enemies who probably will one day fight to the death. The ruling Nightwalker coven orders Mira to come to Venice for a special assignment.

She is wary, trusting no one, not even her former mentor. Mira, Danaus who is now part of the Triad, and other members prevent Naturi Rowe from opening the locked portal that prevents his species from crossing over.

However, Mira knows it is not over and that some of the Nightwalkers are betraying their kind and the humans; with only the vampire slayer Danaus apparently on her side though she doubts she can depend on him to help her. This excellent fast-paced urban fantasy is owned by Mira, Danaus, and Venice. The city makes a great location for a dark gritty world in which the protagonist trusts no one; not even the mentor the heroine has cherished. Mira is terrific as she still struggles with self-revelations that she learned of in the first Dark Days novel, and now betrayal of those who she should be able to depend on and a survival alliance with a natural enemy the human vampire hunter. The changing of the relationship between Danaus and Mira is the heart and soul of DAYHUNTER, as anything may be creeping out of the shadows thanks to treachery, but even her new partner conceals secrets re who he is and what his agenda is as fans wonder if another seditious act is occurring.

Done Academy 7 Anne Osterlund Speak c/o Penguin Readers Group 345 Hudson St, 15th fl, NY, NY 10014, $8.99, www.amazon.com Aerin Renning is a loner with no future; Dane Madousin is the son of one of the Alliance's most influential people and thus has a perfect future. They both attend Academy 7, the most exclusive school in the universe. For Dane it is a divine right; for Aerin it is a shocker. The pair contends with one another for the top students at school. They share in common dark secrets in which neither reveals much about themselves to others and a competitive streak as they vie for the top student slot. Dane slaughters her in debate, but Aerin kicks his butt in sparring.

When Dane breaks a rule, he inadvertently got Aerin in trouble. During their joint retention, they become friends as each slowly trusts the other with their secrets especially special talent. They fear others especially Dr. Livinski will exploit them even as an unknown adversary sets a deathtrap to destroy them and the school.

The author of the young adult romantic mystery AURELIA, Anne Osterlund provides an entertaining young teen science fiction thriller with a touch of romance in the galaxy. The battling lead couple makes for a fun duet as each sings the refrain: 'anything you can do, I can do better' until they get into trouble. Readers will enjoy the somewhat gender bending escapades of Dane and Aerin as they are on the brink of being expelled from school in spite of being the top two students at the same time a nefarious deathtrap tries to keep them apart while also thinking kiss her already. The Reluctant Heiress Eva Ibottson Speak 770, $9.99 In 1922, Princess Theresa-Maria of Pfaffenstein may be an heiress, but she will not inherit much more than a rundown castle. Most aristocrats would be appalled, but Tessa is euphoric, because her financial state allows her to do what she wants.

Thus she works for the Viennese opera company as a wardrobe mistress hiding her royal connection from her peers. First generation nouvelle riche English orphan millionaire Guy Farne comes to the opera house seeking a means to entertain his high society guests and his snobby fiancee. When he and Tessa meet they are attracted to one another and quickly fall in love. However, she is unsuited for him as he wants an aristocrat not a working girl as a wife. Meanwhile impoverished Prince Max loves Tessa and wants to marry her. Though a young teen historical romance, THE RELUCTANT HEIRESS provides much more.

The underlying premise throughout the complex story line is how much WWI shook up the world order; similar in tone to the excellent PBS series The people's Century especially how The Great War reshaped the rest of the twentieth century. Readers will need a bit of time to fully understand how the prime four characters feel about the new world order because Eva Ibottson has cleverly left clues about what would have been expected of each if WWI had not occurred. This is a great young adult early 1920s tale at a time when the enthusiasm of a new hope for world peace was waning into a great depression. Nothing but Trouble Susan May Warren Tyndale House Publishers 351 Executive Dr., Carol Stream, IL 60188 www.tyndale.com 122, $13.99, www.amazon.com A decade has passed since PJ Sugar crawled like crab legs out of her hometown of Kellogg, Minnesota filled with remorse and guilt. Over the next few years, PJ found no purpose in life drifting from job to job and from trouble to trouble. She is finally coming home for the first time in ten years to attend her sister the attorney Connie's wedding to tae kwon do coach Sergei as mom broke her ankle playing tennis. She is still wearing the mantle of shame.

PJ will watch Connie's four year old son Davy while she is on her honeymoon. PJ plans to be on her best behavior while keeping her stay short. However, her intentions implode when her former teacher, Hoffman, is murdered.

Police Officer Boone Buckham arrests her best friend Trudi's husband Jack Wilkes because he assaulted the history teacher. PJ investigates though she knows that will put her at odds with the lead cop her former high school boyfriend (and rabble-rouser). This is an interesting Christian amateur sleuth starring a sort of female Uncle Buck that for the most part avoids over preaching. PJ is a fascinating protagonist who comes home to watch a nephew she never met, care for a mom in a wheelchair due to the busted ankle, work closely with her non English speaking in-laws, and solve a murder mystery while eluding her attraction to Boone with her rep as nickname NBT (NOTHING BUT TROUBLE) to live down. Readers will enjoy the misadventures of PJ Sugar who knows for sure that the person who said you can't go home came from Kellogg, Minnesota. Veiled Freedom J.M. Windle Tyndale 754, $13.99 New Hope relief worker Amy Mallory has looked forward to being assigned to Kabul since she first began her vocation as she believes she can help the impoverish populace.

However, her fantasy and reality are not even close; as a woman, even a western female, and a Christian are so restricted she can do very little. Amy hires Jamil as her interpreter as she tries to help women released from prison start over. Condor Security's Steve Wilson heads personal security for the country's Minister of the Interior Khalid Sayef though he vowed never to return to the war scarred nation where his worst nightmare occurred. Amy and Steve meet because his employer is the one Afghan leader willing to risk his life pushing a reform agenda. This is an exciting relevant character study that through the three prime players enables the audience to have a better understanding of Afghanistan. The most intriguing aspect of the tale is the profound look at the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad. Although 'government speak' acronyms abound (ironically starting with the author's name) slowing the pace as the reader will stop to figure them out, VEILED FREEDOM is a timely insightful look into a nation devastated by three decades of war.

The Moment Between Nicole Baart Tyndale 220, $13.99 Thirtyish accountant Abigail Bennett enjoys working at Johnson, McNally & Bennett in Rosa Beach, Florida although tax season can be hectic. However, her life explodes when tragedy strikes her younger sister, Hailey. Unable to cope, an obsessed Abigail seeks closure so she quits her partnership and travels to British Columbia to confront Hailey's boyfriend Tyler Kamp. In the Canadian winery where Tyler works, Abigail meets him. She begins to make friends with him and others employed there and surprisingly she finds she likes Tyler. Abigail also finds he cannot give her closure; only by turning to God might she find what she seeks.

The story line contains two rotating subplots: the present with Abigail in Canada and the past as she and her family relations unfold. Filled with passion, Abigail keeps the overall plot focused with her first person viewpoint and her actions in the third person perspective. Although the support cast outside of the two sisters are never lucid enough especially Tyler to understand who they are beyond how they relate to the siblings, Nicole Baart provides a deep poignant look at how mental illness takes a toll on anyone in that person's circle especially family. Sunnyside Glen David Gold Alfred A. Knopf c/o Random House 1745 Broadway, 17th fl, NY, NY 10019 www.randomhouse.com 689, $26.95, www.amazon.com In 1916, while Europe is overwhelmed with the devastating war, Hollywood silent movie star Charlie Chaplin is seen in over eight-hundred different locations at the approximate same time. Chaplin struggles with making Sunnyside, a picture he believes worthy of his skills but the studios prefer to repeat the same success until they drain every bloody cent from the public.

He also has issues with the war as he wants America to stay out of the hostilities across the Atlantic. Finally he has his usual female problems with lovers and the most daunting woman of all, his demanding mom. As Chaplin is spotted everywhere, Leland Wheeler goes to California with dreams of being a movie star although he calls himself Leland Duncan; instead of Hollywood he is soon heading to the western front as his status as the son of the last Wild West star offers him no solace from the German armies even though the Kaiser enjoyed the Buffalo Bill shows. Finally aristocratic Hugo Black volunteers to leave Detroit to fight under General Edmund Ironside who leads an expeditionary force into Russia just after Lenin takes power. Soon all will converge. Packed with many real persona from the War that ends all wars era, SUNNYSIDE is a complex historical fiction that sub-genre fans will need plenty of time to read. The story line contains seemingly a cast that only Cecil Demille and Glen David Gold could keep track of as there are a multitude of subplots even more than the three prime themes above.

The profound kaleidoscope ultimately comes together as Hollywood goes to war with a celebrity cast; who for the most part never ventures outside Southern California, but are true patriots; as Chaplin, Wheeler and Black know first hand. Censoring an Iranian Love Story Shahriar Mandipout Knopf 782, $25.00 As Shahriar turns fifty, he is tired of his futile attempts at writing a strong novel only to have the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance censor the guts of each one. It is so bad he knows exactly what Pofiry Petrovich, as he calls his official hound, will find objectionable, which usually guts the story line. Shahriar decides to try an upbeat optimistic tale, a love story set in modern day Iran.

He begins writing how Sara and Dara meet at the library and fell in love. However, Iranian Campaign Against Social Corruption forbids this couple being alone; their parents object to their being alone; and other family and friends also oppose their being alone. Still they defy the government, the religious leaders, and their parents by serendipitously meeting wherever they can. However, as he writes his classic, Shahriar realizes how much trouble he could be in; he begins censoring passages, ripping out the heart of his novel. Yet he still tries to sneak some scenes of the couple together without chaperones into the plot (the theme of his novel) by having his lead couple suffer remorse and ruin at the end hopefully making it morally acceptable by the Iranian literary cop. This translation will be considered one of the top satires of the year as Shahriar Mandipout uses censorship to tell a story of romance in modern day Iran, but could be in almost any place as for instance the political corporate media complex assaults those with an opposing view. The story line is super as Shahriar the fictional author edits his work by crossing out what he expects deleted, which guts his writing.

Fans will relish this excellent use of romance to lampoon censorship. The Wildwater Walking Club Claire Cook Voice c/o Hyperion Books 77 West 66th St., New York, NY www.hyperionbooks.com 896, $24.99, www.amazon.com In Massachusetts, Balancing Act Shoes is downsizing and decides that fortyish Noreen Kelly is redundant. They offer her eighteen months of salary and career counseling, which she accepts.

On her first day of work freedom, Noreen tries to call and email her lover Michael, whose company conducted the reduction at her firm, but he fails to answer her; she knows silence denotes she has been dumped. She finds daytime TV boring so she goes to her former place of work and using her employee discount for no reason she can fathom buys enough walking shoes to fill Imelda Marcos' closet.

Noreen begins walking and soon meets her neighbor Tess the teacher who is lonely as her teenage daughter is not speaking to her. They begin walking together and meet Rosie, who owns the big house at the top of the hill. She joins them as they form the Wildwater Walking Club with over 10,000 strides every morning on the nearby beach walk. They talk about their woes everyday. Tess hopes to reconcile with her daughter before she goes off to college; Rosie feels overwhelmed with too much responsibility and Noreen feels under whelmed with no responsibility. They become friends with one another and others like a cancer victim in New Orleans and unemployed Rick who especially likes Noreen.

The WILDWATER WALKING CLUB is an engaging look at the importance of friendship as each of the three women finds walking as a catharsis because they have someone listening to their personal concerns, fears, and gripes. There are several other subplots involving other people, but those detract from the main theme of a friend in need sometimes only need simple acts like listening. Readers who enjoy a celebration of friendship will want to walk the beach along side the Wildwater trio. Wit's End Karen Joy Fowler Plume c/o Penguin Group, USA 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014 www.us.penguingroup.com, $15.00, www.amazon.com In Santa Cruz, California, twenty-nine years old Rima Lanisell visits her godmother mystery writer Addison Early at the latter's oceanfront house Wit's End. Addison is extremely popular for her Maxwell Lane mysteries, but is somewhat a recluse. Her former boyfriend Bim is a recurring character in her novels even as she mourns his recent death; as does his daughter Rima although the latter grieves her brother much more although he died four years ago.

For every one of her mysteries Addison creates a dollhouse display of the prime murder scene. However, as her deadline comes closer, she has not started her prototype. Meanwhile Rima has gone through years old correspondence especially fascinated by those involving Constance Wellington of the Holy City cult stronghold, and the dedicated online discussion boards to learn the truth behind the Maxwell Lane novels; she is shocked that even she is a subject of fan discussion. The more she learns about her godmother, her father, and others; the less she understands. The storyline focuses on how much change has occurred in communications due to the Internet as once an author and a fan might relate one to one, but now a fan can communicate with many other fans instantly. Addison is a terrific character who brings a sense of ironic humor to the mix while her fab fans dissect every comma in her seeking nuances of universal truisms.

Rima is not as likable as her godmother, as she wears her grief as armor, but she is the catalyst with her slight probing into the past. WIT'S END is an engaging profound tale with a wry wit that makes the case fame is no longer fifteen minutes since the Internet makes celebrity status seemingly eternal even when the hits stop coming. Strange Angels Lili St. Crow Razorbill c/o Penguin Group (USA) 375 Hudson Street, 4th fl, NY, NY 10014 511, $9.99, www.amazon.com Sixteen years old Dru Anderson is used to traveling around; never staying in any place for more that a couple of months.

Her father trained her as his sidekick killing deadly supernatural creatures and once the mission is accomplished the pair would pack up and move to the next monster nest; some of these otherworldly beasts have no English word. Her Granmama taught her mostly in dreams and occasional rare visits how to be spiritually psychically stout. As for her mom, there are the curls. Everything changed for Dru in the Dakotas the night her Granmama died.

Dad acts strange as he goes out on the mission alone. When he fails to come back alive, Dru has to confront realities.

The only two people in her life are dead within twenty-four hours of each other; and though she thought she was a pro at hunting, she realizes she knows nothing about what they hunted beyond her extrasensory gift of the 'Touch' and even less about surviving in the mundane world. First she must live through the night as she knows mortal teen boys and creatures from beyond have caught her scent; she is not sure which is more dangerous to her existence, but then again there is her dad's killer stalking her too. The key to this terrific young adult fantasy is the supernatural creatures seem genuine with the representatives of a variety of species possessing differing personalities beyond just their basic 'natural' needs. Dru is fabulous holding the story line together in a first person viewpoint as she is a typical teen with a special skill and a radically different childhood than the norm. Fans will admire Dru and her two new associates Christophe and Graves who risk all in a battle against deadly foes who should not exist in the wintry Dakotas.

Ghostwriter Travis Thrasher Faith Words c/o Hachette Publishing Group 237 Park Avenue, NY, NY www.hachettebookgroup.com 581, $13.99, www.amazon.com Horror writer Dennis Shore is extremely popular with his novels always making the bestseller lists. However, since his wife Lucy died several months ago, he has struggled with making coffee let alone writing. After driving his daughter Audrey across the country to her college in California, Dennis has come home to a lonely empty nest overlooking the Fox River.

He is desperate as a deadline is coming soon, but he has nothing. That is nothing except a manuscript sent by a fan.

Dennis sends in the work as his; it becomes published with incredible critical acclaim. The author Cillian Reed is irate that his hero stole his work. Cillian wants what he deserves and harasses Dennis who feels his life is in jeopardy as much as his reputation, but what to do to remove the horror that threatens his existence is met with the same paralysis he suffered with writer's block. This is an exciting tale starring an intriguing lead character whose morale anchor died when his wife passed away. Dennis is a terrific protagonist who knows he is doing wrong but cannot stop himself from passing Reed's manuscript off as his.

The story line for the most part is fast-paced even though the jumping back to the relationship between Dennis and his then alive wife can be confusing and detracting. Still Travis Thrasher hooks the audience with this fine tale somewhat mindful but much more psychological suspense than the movie A Murder of Crows. Salty Like Blood Harry Kraus Howard Books c/o Simon and Schuster 1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl.

New York, NY 10020 www.simonandschuster.com, $13.99, www.amazon.com David and Joanne Connors accompanied by their seven year old daughter Rachel travel to Tippins, Virginia to visit his ailing father. However, during the visit Rachel vanishes. The local police investigate and with no evidence of foul play conclude the child most likely drowned in the nearby Chesapeake River; When David asked what happened to her corpse, the cops proclaim the river took the body out to sea. Joanne accepts the verdict of a tragic accident as she needs closure anyway she can get it; David rejects the ruling.

As David persists in his belief that his daughter lives, his marriage already weak even before the accident collapses. His medical practice also begins to fall apart as David obsesses on finding his child who he believes was abducted. He soon uncovers an identical case, which fuels his obsessive drive to rescue his child and punish her kidnapper. This is an exciting thriller based on a parent's worst nightmare, the disappearance and probable death of their child. The parents are super characters as David changes from fun loving caring dad to an aloof person keeping his distance from everyone (even readers) with only his Somali neighbor Amina able to somewhat reach him; and Joanne hides her feelings of vulnerability with a cold armor of 'realism'. Although there are too many spins including a couple of cul de sacs, fans will appreciate this strong family drama especially David's final paranoid over the top theory (or is it as sometimes the paranoid are right) on what happened to Rachel.

Yesterday's Embers Deborah Raney Howard Books, $13.99 On Thanksgiving Day, Kaye DeVore and her five years old daughter Rachel died from monoxide poisoning. The grieving widower Doug understands the irony of their deaths as an EMT he has warned about the hidden dangers of monoxide poisoning. However, he has no time to mourn as he must raise five children with the oldest Kayeleigh being only twelve.

Mickey Valdez knows the DeVore kids and their late mom as she runs a day care center that include the family's youngest Harley. As Doug struggles to make enough money to support them, he relies heavily on Kayeleigh to take charge of her siblings while also is always late for picking up his kid from the daycare center. Mickey takes Harley home and Doug invites her to join his family with their take-out meal. Harley, Sarah, Sadie and Landon are thrilled to have Mickey eat with them, but Kayeleigh resents her. When the two adults meet at a wedding that Doug wanted to skip but Kayeleigh insisted on attending, the townsfolk sense a spark and begin matchmaking though Kaye is only gone less than three months and the tweener resents the intrusion. This is an interesting family drama in which six people struggle with a sudden death of two loved ones when the patriarch begins courting another woman.

The story line is character driven as the kids react differently to Mickey entering their lives and she and Doug have major doubts as each knows it is to soon for him and his children. Though somewhat similar in tone to REMEMBER TO FORGET, the poignant reactions of the children refresh this deep inspirational Clayburn, Kansas novel (see LEAVING NOVEMBER).

Gold of Kings Davis Bunn Howard Books 312, $24.00 In Palm Beach Sean Syrrell owner of Syrrell's Galleries knows that killers are after him; this is why he suddenly fires his beloved granddaughter Storm. He proves right the hard way when someone snuck into his basement of Steinway's and sprayed him with a toxin that killed him. Shortly after his death, events he anticipated and planned for resulted in the release from a Barbados prison of treasure hunter Harry Bennett. His instructions include protecting Storm, who has found some interesting odd items in her grandfather's safe deposit box. Combined with what Harry knows, they conclude Sean has sent them treasure clues from the grave. When ancient Jewish historian Josephus' Copper Scroll of Qumron is found in Israel; it includes a list of Temple treasures not previously seen on Titus' Roman arch.

They are joined by US Treasury agent and INTERPOL agent Emma Webb on a quest to find the GOLD OF KINGS even as governments, religious groups, and others try to prevent their success any way they can including assassination if need be. GOLD OF KINGS is a seat of your pants thriller mindful of Indiana Jones; filled with false leads and non stop action, readers will enjoy the escapades of the lead trio as survival is not enough any longer with each having a touch of biblical gold fever.

Since the threesome quickly learns friends prove false, they trust no one except the 'guiding' spirit of Sean who each feels is with them somehow as everyone else has an agenda. That agenda is a key ingredient to the plot with some wanting to claim the treasure and others wanting it destroyed before it becomes publicly known. Fans will enjoy joining the global treasure hunt for the Temple's gold. Seattle Noir Edited by Curt Colbert Akashic Books PO Box 1456, New York, NY 10009 www.akashicbooks.com 804, $15.95, www.amazon.com These fourteen Noir entries that focus on Seattle are all well written with most being super. The stories can be divided between historical and recent/current as the city has dramatically changed from a kick butt blue collar port city to a white collar ethnic diverse urban center which is home to giant corporations. For instance, before coffee was king, rum was king.

The comparison between the fourteen contributions clearly captures that seemingly radical turn around, but in fact the short stories show the slower pace of change starting with Boeing in the 1950s. Colbert breaks the book into four segments. 'Gone South' contains four tales that look deep into ethnicity. 'What Comes Around' includes three entries that focus on modern day moral issues? 'Love Is a Four Letter Word' has three tales pf how love can go wrong even in a perfect setting. Finally the last chapter includes four shorts that take the audience 'To the Limits' that not everything is kosher. My favorites are the historical entries such as 'Paper Son' by Brian Thornton who looks deep at late nineteenth century corruption and the retribution tales of the last section as we all at times want to see someone else get what is coming to them.

All of the tales are fun as the city proves a perfect location as the 'Center of the Universe' (by Robert Lopresti) for a Noir collection as affirmed by these consistently strong but differing contributions. The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie Alan Bradley Delacorte Books c/o Bantam Dell Publishing Group 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell 308, $23.00, www.amazon.com In 1950 in a remote English village, eleven years old Flavia de Luce the chemist plots revenge against her pain in the butt snobby older sisters, Ophelia and Daphne. However, her considerations of various poisons while she should be sleeping are interrupted when an angry volatile redheaded stranger confronts her widower father Colonel de Luce in the cucumber patch. Wanting to know more, the expert keyhole listener pays careful attention and learns that the newcomer accuses her father of stealing a valuable stamp, which led to a schoolmaster committing suicide. Though she knows her dad is an avid collector, Flavia has a problem with him being a thief; her sisters perhaps but not dad.

Soon after the accusation, the stranger dies in bed. Inspector Hewitt arrests the Colonel for murder.

Flavia insists to Hewitt that she witnessed the spat, but he ignores her as a child of the culprit. With the help of battle fatigue victim Dogger the gardener, Flavia investigates that is when she is not lacing poison in Ophelia's lipstick or hiding Daphne's book.

THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE is a superb young adult historical investigative tale starring a brilliant sleuth who apparently proves to be a chip off the old block; her late mom that is. The story line is fast-paced from the moment the great chemist concocts plans to poison Ophelia's lipstick and never slows down as fearless Flavia investigates the stamp theft and its related two homicides. Her asides are worth the admission price as Alan Bradley introduces readers to a wonderful anti-heroine tweener. Whispers of the Dead Simon Beckett Delacorte 069, $26.00 Forensic anthropologist Dr.

David Hunter still recovering mentally from his near death experience (see WRITTEN IN BONE) decides to leave his London home to spend time at Tennessee's renowned Body Farm where his mentor Tom Lieberman is the director. Tom asks David to assist him on a particularly diabolical murder in a nearby cabin in the Smoky Mountains. David hesitates as he has doubts about his skills in reading the CHEMISTRY OF DEATH following his recent Scottish fiasco, but reluctantly agrees.

The fascination in this gruesome murder is the culprit's understanding of forensics; the killer made sure the entire crime scene left nothing that the death readers could interpret. The investigation turns personal when team profiler Alex Irving is abducted most likely by the same predator.

David concludes a brilliant serial killer is targeting the investigative team with booby trapped corpses, body exchanges, and redoing the homicide scenes to give wrong data. Now this lethal forensic expert chooses to hunt Hunter. This is a terrific forensic investigative thriller starring a hero who struggles with confidence as his last case still haunts his psyche and a cold blooded killer who seems to know forensic science as well as the police experts do. Throughout the fast-paced story line, the culprit provides small insights to the schemes to kill and fool the investigators. Thus when Hunter becomes the focus, the super plot spins into a cat and mouse game in which Vegas will place the killer as the prohibited favorite. Filled with suspense, WHISPERS OF THE DEAD is a fabulous entry as David gets a rude welcoming to America. Jump Tim Maleeny Poisoned Pen Press 6962 E.

First Ave., #103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 www.poisonedpenpress.com 740, $24.95, www.amazon.com After going out on an early retirement former San Francisco homicide detective widower Sam McGowan looks forward to rest and relaxation. When his odious landlord Ed Lowry takes a swan dive from a twentieth story window at the Golden Towers Apartment, Sam plans to remain out of it.

The brass pressure Sam's former partner Danny Rodriguez to declare it officially a suicide, but he has doubts. Danny asks Sam on his first day of retirement to conduct some informal inquiries with his twentieth floor neighbors. Reluctantly Sam does and learns everyone seemed to want Lowry dead; no one is mourning his loss. However who amongst the sandwich shop owning Siegel brothers whose store sells drugs; elderly widow Gail; Shayla and Tamara who are paying for grad schools through illicit webcam activities, and a few other players would actually kill the nasty punk. Readers looking for a wacky San Francisco whodunit will want to JUMP into this amusing mystery. None of the suspects hide their disdain for 'dead Ed', which is a bit of a surprise for Sam as usually people avoid making nasty comments about the departed.

The cast is zany bringing alive the eccentric charm of San Francisco as Tim Maleeny provides an amusing whodunit. Choker Frederick Ramsay Poisoned Pen Press 358, $24.95 Picketsville, Virginia Sheriff Ike Schwartz is relaxing at the Delaware shore on a vacation when a former associate at the CIA Charlie Garland asks for his help.

Charlie wants Ike to investigate the disappearance of his niece's fiance, Nick Reynolds. Charlie agrees to make inquiries though he wonders why Charlie did not go to official channels A former US Navy pilot, Nick left a strange voice mail message just before he disappeared over Chesapeake Bay.

Ike begins to find frightening information that makes the sheriff wonder if the missing aviator observed a threat to national security that required his being eliminated or going underground. CHOKER is an exciting investigative thriller that freshens up the Schwartz police procedurals (see STRANGER ROOM) with the CIA connection. The story line is superb as Ike delicately balances espionage agents, military brass, and cantankerous civilians. However, when the tale returns to Picketsville where Frank Sutherlin is acting sheriff, the plot loses steam as his inquiry into high school students conducting satanic rites subtracts from the prime investigation. Still with great characterizations and a fascinating main plot, Frederick Ramsay provides readers with an entertaining Ike Schwartz mystery. A Little Learning Jane Tesh Poisoned Pen Press 501, $24.95 In Celosia, North Carolina private investigator Madeline Maclin is excited over opening her new private investigative office. However, she is also under immense pressure to accomplice two divergent deeds.

First she has one week to resolve a riddle left in a will for a client, Nathan Fenton who, if Madeline succeeds, will receive a major inheritance. Second she needs to paint a picture also within a week so that it can be exhibited at a gallery. Already overwhelmed with work, Madeline accepts an opportunity to teach art at the local elementary school. However, to her surprise Amelia Lever, an elementary school teacher detested by faculty, administration, parents and students, is murdered. Madeline's inheritance case and the teacher's homicide are tied together by of all things collectible cards. When her new spouse con man turned bookstore employee Jerry Fairweather is attacked over those collectible cards, Madeline struggles to learn what is going on and by whom?

The third Madeline Maclin cozy (see A HARD BARGAIN and A CASE OF IMAGINATION) is a fun lighthearted Tarheel romp starring an eccentric cast. The story line is over the top of the Great Smokey Mountains, but no one will care as the inexpedienced Madeline connects the dots while Jerry tries to behave in the small town.

Filled with zany characters, fans of the series will enjoy assisting Madeline as she tries to solve Uncle Elijah's riddle, Amelia's homicide, and the collectible cards assault that seem tied together yet with no link. The Last Queen C.W. Gortner Ballantine Books c/o The Random House Publishing Group 1745 Broadway, 17th floor, NY, NY 10019 www.randomhouse.com 851, $14.00, www.amazon.com In 1492 with the conquering of Granada, King Fernando and Queen Isabel have united Spain and kicked out the Moors. Their thirteen year old daughter Princess Juana is proud of their achievement. However, to strengthen their control of Spain the royal couple begins to marry their children to other regal offspring to forge alliances via political marriages.

Thus Juana's older sister Princess Catalina becomes wife of England's Henry VIII. She waits her turn, but when it comes she is upset and asks her parents to reconsider as she has never met the Hapsburg Empire heir, Philip of Flanders. It does not matter how she feels as she is sent from her homeland. To her shock, Juana and Phillip are attracted to one another from the start and fall in love. Years later with heirs and spares, Juana shockingly becomes heir to the Spanish throne; she must act cautiously in order to avoid upsetting her spouse or her parents while both sides tug on her allegiance; others understanding her situation try to take advantage by manipulating the two sides to gain royal favors at her expense. THE LAST QUEEN is a terrific biographical fiction novel bringing to life the sister-in-law of Henry VIII; via his first wife.

Juana is caught in the maelstrom of political intrigue that leaves few survivors; her troubles are compounded by lies and betrayals. Gortner captures the era in which even a princess cannot avoid swimming in a cesspool filled with woman-eating sharks.

The Late, Lamented Molly Marx Sally Koslow Ballantine 207, $25.00 Thirty-five year old upper class mom of a precocious preschool daughter Annabel, Molly Marx led a divine life until her battered corpse is found next to her bike near the Hudson. She arrives at Duration holding station in limbo unaware of what happened to her. As she awaits her afterlife fate, Molly watches the investigation by NYPD into her death.

Though it could have been a horrific accident or even suicide, the Manhattan detective Hiawatha Hicks believes murder occurred and look closely at everyone associated with Molly. The prime suspects range from her cheating spouse plastic surgeon Barry; her demanding catty mother-in-law Kitty; the victim's lover Luke; her twin Lucy; her best friend Brie; and a chorus line of Barry lovers particularly his latest Stephanie who all want to be wife number two even before Molly is buried. Escorted by Bob the spiritual guide, Molly returns to Manhattan to insure her loved ones especially her child are okay and to learn why someone wanted her dead even as she recognizes her faults. THE LATE, LAMENTED MOLLY MARX is a terrific paranormal police procedural seen mostly through the eyes of the dead victim. Molly is fabulous as she holds the earthy and after life plots together. Readers meet the suspects through Molly's lens; for instance her twin comes across grieving and deranged, her child misses her mommy, her spouse deserves the Wilt Chamberlain award for scoring; and Brie and Hiawatha seem attracted to one another. Although the ending is not quite as powerful as the visits to the celestial and Upper West Side neighborhoods, Sally Koslow provides a deep character driven crime thriller.

Return to Me Christy Reece Ballantine 439, $6.99 Last Chance Rescue (LCR) Enterprises founder Noah McCall 'owns' Samara Lyons as he dominates her dreams although they live in separate states and she has no hope of really making it with him as his demons going back to childhood have left him heartless. When he arrives in her hometown in Alabama, she is stunned as the real person is even better than her memorable fantasies.

Noah pleads with Samara to assist him in his efforts to rescue kidnapped girls snatched by online predators. Samara agrees to be the bait and goes undercover to identity the culprits. Nothing goes as planned. Instead of capturing the criminals, they kidnap Samara. They torture her as Noah's past threatens the woman he always loved; he is willing to die to free his Samara.

The second LCR thriller (see RESCUE ME) is an exhilarating romantic suspense starring two kick butt champions in love, but his childhood leaves him unable to form a relationship. Fans will root for this couple as they play chess with nasty villains who have no compunctions about killing innocent civilians as the sex slave market is a lucrative recession-proof part of the global economy. Although their escapades are not new, fans will relish their dysfunctional relationship and look forward to the next thriller in the LCR saga, RUN TO ME.

Beach Trip Cathy Bolton Ballantine 996, $25.00 In the 1980s, Mel, Sara, Annie and Lola met at Bedford University in Mount Clemmons, North Carolina. They became friends, but after graduating from the liberal arts school went their separate ways. Mel became a mystery novelist living in New York; Sara is a part-time Atlanta attorney; Annie has become a Nashville businesswoman; and Lola married rich. Each is forty-five years old and they are meeting for the first time in over two decades on Whale Head Island in North Carolina's Outer Banks at the exclusive Wild Dunes resort, owned by Lola's husband. As they enter middle age, each of the women has pressing relationship issues that weigh heavily on them. Lola depends on drugs to cope with her manipulative spouse. Annie recognizes how terrific and caring her husband is and their kids are, but still obsesses over a tryst with a married professor at Mount Clemmons.

Sara worries about her ailing son while detesting her marriage and envying Mel's Manhattan lifestyle. Mel is a bit jealous of the others being still married as she has tried and failed twice yet also understands herself as the truism of her last novel 'I'll Sleep When You're Dead' describes her husbands in her mind. Although midlife crisis group encounters have been the theme of many novels including one by Cathy Holton (see REVENGE OF THE KUDZU DEBUTANTES), Mel with her Manhattan kick butt armor brings freshness to the mix. As the week passes, the four friends change from sipping tea to drinking tequila as they share their angst, guilt, and failures leading to a subtle strengthening bond. Fans will enjoy this engaging character study of middle age women in crisis who at the end of their BEACH TRIP learn they can do more than endure and survive, they can thrive.

The City & The City China Mieville Ballantine 512, $26.00 The corpse was found near a skating rink ramp in somewhat seedy Beszell. All the curious spectators knew she was murdered just by looking at the award angles of her body. Extreme Crime Inspector Tyador Borlu leads the investigation that he assumes is a simple homicide. He soon learns the victim is Mahalia Geary, which makes him reconsider the simplicity of her murder.

She was the leading proponent of a theory that a third unseen city she called Orciny co-exists in the same physical space as that of Beszell and affluent Ul-Oomaof. Her belief and that of her supporters was this other locale filled the vacant blind spots between the co-located 'twin' cities. As Geary's cohorts mysteriously begin to vanish, Borlu reexamines Geary's theory because increasingly the evidence points towards a third party conspiracy cleverly manipulating the biases of the two known urban centers. THE CITY AND THE CITY is a fantastic police procedural parable as brilliant fantasist China Mieville makes a strong case as to how far groups will go to keep the comfort zone of their social order. The story line is fast-paced with the audience accepting the existence of two 'cities' intermingled but separate; sort of like the Bronx in the 1970s where a bus line would go from the burned out slums of the south to the affluent estates of the north..Readers will appreciate this hyperbole as maintaining the illusion of belonging is more critical than economic and social realities.

A tale of two cities and perhaps a third too, this is a great whodunit that will have readers pondering what psychological devices we employ to 'protect' our places in society. What Would Jane Austen Do? Laurie Brown Sourcebooks Casablanca c/o Sourcebooks Inc. 1935 Brookdale Rd, #139, Naperville, IL 60563 www.sourcebooks.com 316, $6.99, www.amazon.com Recently dumped by her cheating fiance, Eleanor Pottinger is an expert on Regency aristocratic fashion. She is currently working as a designer for a Jane Austen festival during Regency Week. However, she is bit taken aback to find her room at the old inn is preoccupied.

Nonplussed Eleanor meets the ghosts of sisters Mina and Deirdre Cracklebury. The trio negotiates a deal in which Eleanor will go back to 1814 to prevent a deadly duel between their brother Teddy and Lord Shermont in exchange to them introducing her to Jane Austen.

As she and Shermont flirt outrageously with one another, Eleanor must decide between sense and sensibility; she needs to choose either the active sex of a lifetime or a passive meeting with a writer even as she considers WHAT WOULD JANE AUSTEN DO? Though Jane is a minor player, Eleanor and Shermont are wonderful leads and the ghostly sisters great support as Laurie Brown provides a whimsical time travel romance. The story line is fast-paced and filled with twists. This is Eleanor's tale as she tries to make the right choices considers her mantra: WHAT WOULD JANE AUSTEN DO? In this situation.

The Price of Sanctuary Gaylon Greer Medallion Press, Inc. 1020 Cedar Lane, No. Charles, IL 60174 www.medallionpress.com 585, $24.95, www.amazon.com History professor Shelby Le Cervoisier is forced to get involved in a mission for the U.S. Caribbean Basin Task Force in Haiti. However, the task falls apart and she is raped before she manages apparently to kill her assailants, complete her mission, and escape. Shelby accompanied by her younger sister Carmen flees for the states. Her contact with the U.S.

Caribbean Basin Task Force cannot allow a loose end that could point back to a rogue operation so two assassins are sent to kill Shelby and anyone else as collateral damage is authorized. Vlad the Impaler heads to Arizona while Hank Perkins travels to Arkansas, the two likely spots Shelby would run back to. Hank catches up to her and decides she is an innocent who should not die. He takes her to a farm in Colorado knowing Vlad is coming for her and will gladly kill Hank too. Fast-paced from the moment the plane from Haiti lands in Homeland, Florida and never slowing down, thriller fans will enjoy THE PRICE OF SANCTUARY. The two assassins are yin and yang as the sisters are fortunate who first finds them.

Ironically Hank actually describes the major detractor when he (and readers) wonders how an upper class academia could do what she did in Haiti (not explained) especially compounded by what happened to her when she is captured at the onset of the mission. Still fans will enjoy the High Noon battle between two federally paid hitmen. Dangerous Lies Anna Louise Lucia Medallion Press 082, $7.95 Following the death of her father grieving twenty-four year old Englishwoman Marianne 'Mari' Forster vacations in Rabat, Morocco so she can visit her paternal roots as her grandfather lived in the city. Nearby in the Sahara, thirtyish Alan Waring removes a smart card from a laptop held securely by a corpse. When worldly Alan and naively Mari meet, the attraction could light up the entire Atlantic coast of the country.

After they make love, he leaves for home to deliver the smart card; only he grabs her bag instead of his. Soon after he is in the air realizing his blunder, terrorists kidnap Mari.

They rendition her taking her to Algeria as they seek the smart card. Meanwhile Alan has returned to North Africa seeking Mari and the card. This engaging desert romantic suspense is a fun tale especially when the lead couple heat up Northern Africa. The story line is fast-paced when Mari and Alan couple, but slows down when they are apart even when she is held hostage. Thus fans who enjoy a fun contemporary romance with elements of intrigue will enjoy DANGEROUS LIES, but also need to understand the thriller elements never take charge nor anchor the plot, and in some ways feel more a detractor.

Still the lead pair make for a fine African romance. The Promise TJ Bennett Medallion Press 966, $7.95 In 1525 near Pavia in the Lombardy region, mercenary Gunter Behaim has made one friend, Martin who, before he dies from a battlefield wound he took for his brother in arms, asks him to marry his betrothed. Reluctantly Gunter makes the death bed pledge while musing about fate as he never had pals distrusting everyone due to a life of betrayals until Martin befriended him. Alonsa Garcia de Aranjuez is attracted to Gunter who proposes marriage in place of Martin. She rejects his kind offer as she was cursed by a former lover, the gypsy Miguel ten years ago in Spain. However, as danger mounts, Gunter and Alonsa begin to fall in love while he tries to at least keep her safe and persuade her to let him complete Martin's death bed wish. This fast-paced sixteenth century romance is a terrific tale due to the 'conflict: between the fully developed lead characters.

Carrier Rfl 0601el Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Whereas she fears love, he loathes love. His vow and her curse are like the immovable object meeting the irresistible force. Loaded with action and adventure, readers will enjoy THE PROMISE wondering throughout if love will prove strong enough. Nowhere-Land A.W. Hill Counterpoint Press 2117 Fourth St., Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94710 www.counterpointpress.com 988, $25.00, www.amazon.com Just outside Los Angeles, three suits abduct twenty year old Katy Endicott, a member of a Jehovah Witness' Church. Her father Church Elder Silas hires private investigator Stephan Raszer to rescue his daughter.

A cult expert and shaman, Raszer finds evidence the seemingly pious and pure young woman has become a sex slave to a group with Middle East connections that recruits over the Internet via a role playing game. Using modern technology and his extrasensory perception skills Raszer tracks Katy from California to New Mexico to a point where Turkey, Iran and Iraq connect. There awaits him on the mortal plane an impregnable ancient fortress run by someone the locals fear as the 'Old Man'; who also awaits him on the spirit plane. Although the religious dogma detracts from the Raszer investigation that turns into a rescue mission built on a prayer, NOWHERE LAND is a tense odd thriller due to the New Age elements.

Stephen is a fabulous hero as he follows clues that lead to a tri-focus where occult power is strong; perhaps greater than his shaman knowledge can deal with, but a young woman is in trouble. The blending of role playing over the Internet to an occult sex slave market adds an interesting twist that anchors the tale somewhat in the mortal plane. Fans of role playing games, who burrow so deep they ignore plausibility, will enjoy the aptly titled NOWHERE LAND as Raszer excitingly confronts the Old Man. Burned David Hagberg Forge c/o Tor Books 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010 www.tor-forge.com 957, $24.95, www.amazon.com When their Russian business deal appears to be falling part, Americans Patti and David Monroe fly to Moscow to resolve the dispute.

They are greeted by their Russian partners with a gun fired point blank into David's head and Patti is abducted; they calmly inform her to cooperate or join her spouse. The Russians take her outside Moscow demanding, $20 million for her release; failure to deliver will result in her execution. As the FBI works closely with the Russian MVD, they begin to uncover an even more insidious scheme as the kidnappers-murderers plan to use the money to buy nukes for their Al Qaeda associates to bring a worse 9/11 to America.

The back cover explains BURNED is 'inspired by the true story of Yvonne Bornstein' who along with her husband were kidnapped in Russia in the 1992 for 'Eleven Days in Hell'. The story line is fast-paced from the moment their hosts murder David and never slows down. Although the metamorphosis of Patti from middle class businesswoman to super warrior seems unlikely, fans will relish this stirring thriller as the Russians are known for hunting down kidnappers at the cost of the life of the abducted. No Warriors, No Glory Harold Coyle Forge, $25.95 US Army Captain Nathan Dixon is still limping from his war injuries and suffering nightmares as he does a tour at the pentagon.

Colonel Kaplan reminds him that the army runs on Vince Lombardi Standard time, which means 'if you're on time, you're late' before Dixon meets with the Chief of Staff General Stevens, who adds him on to his staff at a time when the army struggles with two brutal wars and radical transformation. Nathan is assigned to review a friendly fire incident. Having been in combat, he understands the harrowing chaotic fog of war leads to mistakes in spite of the military emphasis to eliminate these deadly errors; he also knows his probe is not to pin accountability in order to punish someone, but to determine the cause, ascertain if it is systemic, and come up with CALL lessons learned to remove any future errors. The incident was caused by an unmanned ground combat vehicle (UGV) during a test; a type of war machine he does not know anything about. He obtains an education on vested interests as the C.O. Knows his career is teetering; the manufacturer contractor does not want production on hold as he will be unemployed; and the victim's peers prefer to conceal the truth mostly Dixon assumes out of fear of retaliatory ends to their careers. Dixon understands his mission is to uncover the truth, but no one cooperates.

This is a terrific timely look at the modern army through the eyes of a career officer still suffering from PTSD whose current assignment is more difficult in many ways than combat because his brothers and sisters in arms do not want to talk. Fans will make comparisons to the Pat Tillman tragedy that raised awareness of friendly fire incidents, but Dixon's case is different as this inquiry is into a training event involving drones. This super military investigative thriller provides a powerful glimpse at the modern military in which increasingly means NO WARRIORS, NO GLORY or salutes to Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Frozen Fire Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson Forge 087, $24.95 Just off the Caribbean island of Taino, under the sea bed is a gigantic amount of the only known truly clean fuel methane hydrate. The owner of Taino, affluent businessman Dennis Cavendish has plans to sell the crystalline methane hydrate though the upfront capital investment is tremendous and the danger not just to the workers but to the planet is extremely high. The endeavor begins with the construction of Atlantis, an undersea complex from where Cavendish will begin tapping into the methane hydrate bed.

Early signs look promising but ecoterrorists led by save the earth activist Garner Blaylock kill the scientists and crew, and release into the ocean the poisonous methane killing thousands instantly. Blaylock knows what he and his female team is doing as his goal is to rid the earth of pollutants, which in his brilliant but mad mind means human extinction. If the leak is not capped ASAP, he will get his wish.

Scientist Dr. Sam Briscoe, security expert Victoria Clark, and some Feds struggle to close the hole in the floor of the Atlantic Ocean.

The follow up to the exhilarating Category 7 is a fast-paced action thriller that seems timely with energy and environmental issues in the forefront of global lifestyles. The story line is fast-paced from the onset and never slows down as the insane genius Blaylock believes strongly that humanity must die to cleanse the planet while Sam, Victoria and others desperately try to save the world. Eco-thriller fans will relish the latest from Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson. Twilight of Avalon Anna Elliot Touchstone Books c/o Simon & Schuster 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 www.simonandschuster.com 891, $16.00, www.amazon.com Morgan LeFay's granddaughter Queen Isolde struggles with the powers she inherited from her infamous ancestor and her father Mordred. With the murder of her spouse, the king of England, she knows his loyal men will suspect her of sorcery due to her roots.

She also knows there will be an ugly power struggle to initially determine who leads the army and subsequently fill the throne. She feels ill because she will see the bloody fights twice; before and during. Her advisors urge her to marry so she can be protected, but she abhors the idea especially since she still grieves her loss of three days. The apparently most powerful of the warriors fighting for the crown is Cornwall King Marche, who plans to marry the queen to solidify his hold though he is also attracted to her. Isolde tries to end his courtship, but Marche refuses to listen.

When the beleaguered queen meets mercenary prisoner Trystan, she learns she is unsafe from Marche, who forces her to marry him. However, Isolde and Trystan flee the castle with Marche in pursuit. This is a fascinating Arthurian tale that retells the often retold story of Isolde and Trystan. The emphasis is on political intrigue though there are paranormal moments.

Part of the intrigue is caused by Trystan who throughout remains an enigmatic shadowy champion; perhaps antihero might be more descriptive. However, Isolde comes across as either incompetent or a moron as she remains dense and oblivious that something is wrong in her inner circle while her loyal supporters keep getting assassinated.

Still this is an interesting fantasy told from her perspective, which ironically affirms her enemies are right that someone else needs to be on the throne for the sake of the kingdom. The French Gardener Santa Montefiore Touchstone 749, $15.00 Freelance journalist Miranda and her spouse David accompanied by their children move from London to Gloucestershire in Dorset although he still works in the big city; she dreams of writing a novel without the city distractions. As David spends increasingly more time in London and away from their home Hartington House, Miranda and the kids struggle to adjust to rustic life; she misses all the glamour and glitter of London while the kids have no earthly idea how to play outdoors when they are used to monitors. Frenchman Jean-Paul arrives searching for his lost love Ava Lightly whose family once resided in the home that David and Miranda bought.

He brings with him a simpler lifestyle especially his love of gardens as he tells them how his Ava loved the feel of rich earth; his cheery optimism is infectious as the kids and Miranda enjoy their time with him as if he a kindhearted Pied Piper. This is a well written profound tale in which the garden serves as a metaphor of life. The story line is divided into the four seasons with the garden different each time as is a person through the years. This story is poignant due to the wise aging title character who flashes back to the spring of his life so that the audience learns what happened to him and his Ava. Fans will appreciate Jean Paul's wisdom as it is never too late to hug a loved one even if the person you cherish has passed; the good memories provide strong mental hugs. Roadside Crosses Jeffrey Deaver Simon and Schuster 1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl.

New York, NY 10020 www.simonsays.com 994, $26.95, www.amazon.com The Chilton Report blog, owned and operated by Jim Chilton, opens up a discussion thread dubbed Roadside Crosses, which questions why an accident occurred on the spot where two roadsides intersect. The teens were going home after a graduation party; but two died, one was hospitalized and driver Travis Brigham hardly had a scratch. On the blog, everyone attacks Travis holding him responsible for vehicular homicide. He becomes the victim of a cyber war in which each part is uglier than the previously horrific segue as people accuse him of all sorts of crimes. Tammy Parker was kidnapped and thrown into the trunk if her car, which he drove into the ocean at high tide; she was fortunate to be rescued. She said Travis did it Another female almost died from poisonous fumes; she tells the cops Travis did it.

California Bureau of Investigation agent Kathryn Dance investigates Travis, but when she tries to see him a second time, he is gone. As more people on the blog claim Travis attacked them, Kathryn applies her kinesics expertise to separate the lies from the truth in hopes of catching Travis before he kills again; he knows if he is caught he has no prayer as the evidence is extraordinarily overwhelming. Jeffrey Deaver, author of the great Lincoln Rhymes mysteries, has another hit series with the Kathryn Dance police procedurals (see THE SLEEPING DOLL). The protagonist seems genuine because she makes mistakes even with her being the department's expert on reading body language. As she follows clues that seem to inch her closer to the perpetrator, she must deal with her mom being arrested for a mercy killing while also coping with the Blog attacks coaxing politicians to pressure her and other cops to catch Travis. There are plenty of red herrings and misdetections as Mr.

Deaver provides an intriguing high tech thriller; that besides an exhilarating cat and mouse murder investigation looks deep into the influence of blogs. Paper Butterfly Diane Wei Liang Simon & Schuster, $24.00 No longer working for the Ministry of Public Security, Wang Mei knows from experience how slippery a slope she walks as an 'information consultant'; private investigators are prohibited in China.

Guanghua Record Company CEO Peng Datong hires Mei as a 'consultant' researching the disappearance of his pop superstar Kaili. She vanished following a highly regarded performance at Beijing's Capital Gymnasium. Mei finds Kaili's dressing table filled with cigarettes and pills, but it is the letters and a PAPER BUTTERFLY the sleuth finds that interest her.

Apparently, Kaili has a long distant sweetheart. As the migrants leave Beijing to work in the provinces, Mei follows Kaili to Dashanzi where the workers live in abandoned factories while in the city. Meanwhile pressure rises on Mei to drop her investigation with only Police Detective Zhao helping her. At the same time, Mei feels guilty when a former student Lin returns to Beijing after her release from remote East Wind Lao Gai Camp where he was educated and purged of his inflammatory role at the Tiananmen Square demonstrations. Though readers will know instantly which side of the Tiananmen Square human rights debate that Diane Wei Liang is on, fans will enjoy this modern day China private investigative thriller.

Fascinatingly Wang being an information consultant is mindful of Mosley's Easy Rawlins who also could not be a professional sleuth in 1960s Los Angeles; adding depth to her fall from grace is her former peers and her family scorns her for quitting her prestigious job to go capitalist. The story line focuses intensely on China for instance the drop in acceptance of migratory workers to second class with the professionals like Datong taking over the city. The story line is somewhat leisurely flowed as the emphasis is on the culture and human rights. Back to the Coast Saskia Noort Bitter Lemon Press 37 Arundel Gardens London, W11 2LW, United Kingdom www.bitterlemonpress.com 374, $14.95, www.amazon.com Single mom Maria struggles to make enough money to take care of her children while trying to make it as a singer. Her boyfriend is not helping her as his depression only adds to her stress especially since she is pregnant with his kid.

Reluctantly Maria chooses abortion as she cannot afford another mouth to feed. Not long afterward, she is kicked out of her house and begins receiving anonymous ugly letters accusing her of being a whore and a baby killer. The police offer no help. Accompanied by her children she flees back to coast to the family home where her sister and brother-in-law were residing only he left his wife; a place with memories of her mom's insanity and he dad's aloofness.

To her chagrin, her stalker follows and is not easing up on a campaign of terror. Mindful of the Fontaine role in Hitchcock's Suspicion, fans will enjoy this deep family drama that focuses on 'loving' ties that smother and destroy. The story line starts off a bit slow as Saskia Noort introduces the reader to Maria and her feelings of being trapped and overwhelmed by her responsibilities. The tone dramatically changes after the abortion as does the beleaguered heroine who has regrets and guilt but soon fights for her sanity as much as her physical safety. Fans will enjoy this suspenseful dark look at choking relationships that never allow one to breathe.

Name to a Face Robert Goddard Delta c/o Bantam Dell Publishing Group 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 www.randomhouse.com 179, $15.99, www.amazon.com Eight years ago, landscaper Tim Harding moved to Monte Carlo following the death of his wife. His best client is Barney Tozer, who has given him investment advice. When Barney's Uncle Gabriel dies, he asks Tim to do him a favor that he will be greatly compensated for. He wants Tim to go Cornwall where his uncle died and has placed his estate in auction. There he wants Tim to bid on a ring that he swears Gabriel stole from his father. Tim reluctantly agrees as he feels guilty over having an affair with Carol, the wife of his benefactor. Tim tries to do his assignment only, but is stunned with the drowning death of journalist Kerry Foxton who looks like Hayley Winter whom he met at the Tozer family home.

He also learns the ring is gone; someone stole it before he could bid on it. As he begins to dig deeper, Tim begins to learn the tragic lethal centuries of history of the ring. Filled with the usual Robert Goddard zillion twists and spins that never let the reader or Harding settle back into a comfort zone, NAME TO A FACE is an exhilarating suspense thriller. The story line in some ways feels like a seven day tour with Sunday being Monte Carlo, Monday in Cornwall, Tuesday in the Scilly Isles, etc. Although Harding is not an engaging 'hero', fans will be hooked just like he is wondering what is going on and whether what has happened remains plausible.

This is another terrific tale as Mr. Goddard keeps the tension high throughout. Taming The Fire Sydney Croft Delta 278, $13.00 Agency for Covert Rare Operatives (ACRO) assigns Special Agent Trance to bring in Mistress Ulrika 'Rik' Jaegar because they want to use her shapeshifting power and to prevent her former employer Itor Corp from capturing her. He understands she distrusts anyone ever since she was snatched as a child from her tribe of therianthropes who believe they are beasts in human flesh and changed by those who abused her. He also knows the importance of his mission as she is a danger to herself and others. In London Trance visits an underground club notorious for extreme sex. However, he never expected to fall in love with her while seeing her vulnerability that she hides behind a wall of hostility.

As they battle for domination, one must become submissive, but both have savage beasts raging inside while Itor is coming to retake what they insist is theirs. The exciting 'stormy' adventures of the ACRO agents continue as Trance and Rik battle for sexual supremacy in an exhilarating entry. Filled with BDSM, the story line focuses on the changing relationship between Trance and Rik while their common enemies stalk them.

Although the plot references past tales and includes leads from them that will be difficult for new readers to follow, fans of the ACRO saga will enjoy TAMING THE FIRE as it burns you. Windless Summer Heather Sharfeddin Delta 875, $14.00 The townsfolk of Rocket, Washington depend on summer when the windsurfers and tourists invade to make a living.

However, the WINDLESS SUMMER has kept many of the visitors away and has driven off residents and shut down business. The Jemmet Motel overlooking the Columbia has been empty and the owner widower Tom Jemmet fears he may have to close. Tom's soul is filled with ghosts that haunt him starting with his late wife and with the living especially his twelve year old autistic daughter Sienna. Others hide damaging secrets too such as Charlene the kind mail clerk who helps with Sienna and the vet Dr. Lauren who conceals her love for father and daughter. However each shares the same abysmal no hope for the future. That changes starting with the man from Idaho staying in room six.

In that room strange happenings begin. Some will call it fate visiting; other the supernatural; while some proclaim divine or devilish intervention. Whatever, the truth is it starts with the weird accident in room six that makes the local news only to be picked up nationally. Soon the town and its motel are flooded with people wanting to stay in room six arousing the darkest fears and secrets of the townsfolk starting with what happened to Tom's late wife.

This exciting small town suspense thriller effortlessly blends psychological and supernatural elements into a fast-paced character driven tale. The audience will appreciate the switching points of view especially that of Tom, Lauren, the reporter, and to a lesser degree that of Sienna and Charlene. The outside horde that invades the town is treated initially as welcome bags of money, but soon considered unwelcome detriments. Fans will enjoy this intriguing story wondering what happened to Tom's wife and why he behaves guiltily as if his punishment for what is mostly unknown (but guessed) is penance for life. Burning Wild Christine Feehan Jove c/o Penguin Group (USA) 375 Hudson Street, 4th fl., NY, NY 10014 233, $7.99, www.amazon.com Leopard shapeshifter Jake Bannaconni's memories of his parents are that of unloving cold and abusive; only his great-grandfather showered him with genuine affection as the lad can smell a lie. He learned early on they would never love him as he knows why they had him, but Cathy and Ryann underestimated how much power their offspring has compared to them. Jake's pregnant former girlfriend Shaina Trent is in a tragic car accident with another vehicle containing a new bride Emma Reynolds.

Everyone dies except Emma; the fetus she carries, and the fetus Shaina carries. The paramedics at the scene deliver healthy Kyle, Jake's son. Perhaps it is the tragedy, but Jake and Emma share a connection so he persuades her to move into his place where she nurtures his offspring Kyle. However, she may not be safe as his odious parents have plans for their grandson.

The opening sequence in which readers see first hand how his parents treat Jake sets the tone of a strong urban fantasy romance as the abused neglected child becomes the adult. Emma is terrific as she displays patience with Jake and showers Kyle with love as if he is her child; in fact as Jake observes she treats both their kids as her own. Fans will appreciate this deep shapeshifting tale as Christine Feehan is at the top of her game with Jake's saga. Till There Was You Lynn Kurland Jove 240, $7.99 In present day London, Zachary Smith is bone weary tired of unreasonable clients like Viscount Franbury who he would like to shove down the man's throat the architectural drawings, but fears the designs might be ruined. He also is weary of women like the client's cunning nasty sister Lady Beatrice Smythe-Gordon. Finally he is weary of the paranormal especially those matchmaking ghosts who haunt him.

Zach plans to call his 'former' boss to tell him what is coming his way and quits. Zach walks through a door at Artane and finds himself sharing a dungeon with Mary de Piaget, a thirteenth century relative of one of his modern day ghosts. Zach having performed in reenactments has no major adjustment to the era, but has problems with his vow of no women as he is instantly attracted to the cross dressing Mary; whose father has arranged for her to marry as he can no longer delay the inevitable.

Being a student of history, Zach understands he must be extremely careful not to change anything, but when someone tries to kill Mary using poison, he brings his beloved into his time; not knowing that the past never goes away. This is an amusing time travel romance starring a terrific fully developed hero whose good intentions present and past are devastated by love. Mary is a strong person who takes to the role of liberated woman with ease as she was a forerunner prototype back in 1258.

Fans will enjoy their fast-paced adventures as he learns finally how not to get out of the rain but to enjoy the rain from his beloved teacher Mary who lives life to the fullest. Captive Of The Beast Lisa Renee Jones Silhouette Nocturne c/o Harlequin Books 225 Duncan Mill Road Don Mills, Ontario, Canada, M3B 3K9 www.harlequin.ca 101, $5.25, www.amazon.com On an island off the coast of Texas, Dr. Laura Johnson creates a vaccine to help young people control their special skills; something she understands first hand as her parents trained her to hide her extrasensory mental abilities to read, sense danger, and do telekinetic things. However, she is worried that the new boss Captain Walch is malevolent with plans to exploit the kids.

Her reward is incarceration on her island as her skills prove right that he is a minion of the evil Darkland Beast demons. Knights of White William Rinehart and his team arrive to rescue the research scientist and the kids. A demon warrior Rinehart finds himself with a new struggle beyond controlling the beast inside him; he is attracted to Dr. Laura, who he has sworn to keep safe yet wants to release the inner beast. However, the situation escalates for him when he realizes she has paranormal abilities and wants him too. Though similar in tone to previous Knights of the White romantic fantasy (see BEAST OF DARKNESS, BEAST OF DESIRE and BEAST WITHIN), this is a terrific thriller due to the lead couple.

She is a courageous dedicated heroine and he is a brave lost soul who knows his future is so bleak he cannot proclaim her as his. The story line is fast-paced, but the paranormal subplot takes a back seat to the relationship between the knight and his medical research scientist lifemate who shares his desire. From The Mists Of Wolf Creek Rebecca Brandewyne Silhouette Nocturne 125, $5.25 Hallie Muldoon decides to return to Wolf Creek after her late grandma bequeathes her the family farmhouse where Hallie remembers having spent great times growing up whenever she stayed there. However, still grieving her loss since only a month has passed since her grandma died, she ignores a Starry Night that van Gogh would appreciate. However as she drives on the two lane road in her sporty red Mini Cooper S, she sees a large black wolf. Aunt Gwen greets her at the farm.

Gwen has hired Trace Coltrane to repair the farm. However, soon inexplicable things begin to occur to include a stalker; with each incident the large black wolf appears ready to keep Hallie safe.

Hallie begins to wonder if the strange occurrences including the wolf might be tied to her mom's death several years ago. This is an intriguing romantic suspense thriller in which the audience will wonder if the threat is psychological or paranormal as hints of both surface throughout the fine story line. Hallie and Trace are a wonderful pairing as she wonders just who he is.

Although the ending is too fast and abrupt, fans will enjoy learning the secrets FROM THE MISTS OF WOLF CREEK. Back To Life Linda O. Johnston Silhouette Nocturne 132, $5.25 During an assault with four other Angeles Beach SWAT officers, Trevor Owens is shot in the neck.

The murder suspect Jerome Marinaro somehow escapes seemingly vanishing in thin air. K9 officer Skye Rydell saves his life by using her Valkyrie powers on Trevor because she senses he must complete something still on earth. Skye knows she is also attracted to the SWAT officer, but avoids him because she fears he suspects his life was saved by paranormal means; something she keeps secret.

However, Trevor has not forgotten his angel nor her dog (Bella) whom he knows saved his life somehow. He also believes he has things left to do on earth starting with following up on his attraction to that mysterious female. Fans of paranormal romantic suspense thrillers will enjoy this engaging police procedural due to the actions and reluctant reactions of the lead couple towards one another. In fact Skye's mixed feelings of wanting Trevor and avoiding him make the tale fun to read as she comes across so human in spite of her Valkyrie powers.

BACK TO LIFE is a well written romantic thriller. Jaguar Night Doranna Durgin Silhouette Nocturne 118, $5.25 Agents of the Atrum Core arrive near Meghan Lawrence's ranch seeking the evil tome the Liber Nex. Sentinel Jaguar shapeshifter Dolan Trevino also arrives at her ranch to protect Meghan and to insure the evil Atrium Core does not find and take the ancient book. However, Meghan rejects Dolan's offer of protection, as she holds his group culpable for the death of her mother, a Sentinel, two decades ago. In spite of her refusal to accept his safeguard offer, he remains diligent. As they fall in love, she keeps reminding herself her mom a Sentinel died protecting that book while the group failed to keep her safe as they promised. Although the plot feels a bit thin, JAGUAR NIGHT is a terrific urban fantasy romance due to Meghan, who rejects anything Sentinel as her memory is they failed her mother.

The story line is totally driven by the lead couple from the moment Dolan comes to Megan's ranch to keep her safe.

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