5 comments about The Countess.

1. Catherine Coulter admitted that her first book, a Regency romance, was really a "Gothic masquerading as a Regency." Now, she turns the tables by expanding the original novel and making it into a full-blown Gothic.

   Don't expect an earth-shattering romance, however. The heroine, Andie, marries an older man. (More insight into why she did this would've been nice.) Only later does she fall in love with his nephew, John. (Don't worry, there's no adultery.)

   I loved the Gothic elements -- I'm biased where those are concerned. Melodrama, mysterious suspects, atmosphere... However, I could have done without the Cute Quotient. Too much cute dialogue, combined with quips about Andie's dog peeing on the armor. Bleh.

   I gave this a B- at All About Romance.




2. Come on. This book is great. I don't understand why people think that it (...). This book is filled with laughter and love. People in this book care about each other. I dare you to give this book a try. The beginning might be alittle boring but the book is really interesting from the middle to the end. Take the risk to read this book.



3. i know he was given a few details on the first part. but after that, he seems to have vanished completely---everything was centered on andrea and what she sees around her. i dont even know how she came to fall in love with john (no offence, but his name is simply unremarkable for someone in the regency times--i know that this isnt a basis for judgement, i just cant help expressing my opinion on that one).

   the story is sadly lacking. im sorry now that it was the book i've picked up on the store since it destroyed my opinion on coulter's writing. now i'm afraid to buy another one in fear of having to read something as drab as this. dont mistake me---the suspense and sinister atmosphere was magnificently portrayed. but for the romance part....it's nil.




4. This was my first Catherine Coulter book and I absolutley loved it! It gave me a deep, gothic-like feel to the book and I found the twists and character plots very sufficient. One thing that could've used some changes was the way the characters talked to the dog, George. I found that sort of weird. But other than that it was perfect! The sense of tension and lust between Andy and John was very romantic, but forbidding. I loved the quote from John "You see what you do to me? Jesus, it un-mans me," I found it desirable. I definatley reccomend this book. I would love it if it was adapted on screen. That would make a good movie.



5. i dont like the heroin that much and she is too arogant for her own good. i didnt enjoy reading this book very much but i love the hero.it was kind of boring for me and i expected much more from catherine coulter than this.

5 comments about The Cove (Nova Audio Books).

1. Catherine Coulter drags you back to each romantic mystery with just enough spice to keep you reading.
   Senior citizens of Cove work out a revitalization program for the center of their lives. The hard work entices people to stop and enjoy the world's best ice cream, but visitors go astray and never reach their destination.
   Sally Brainerd, the daughter of a murdered Washington lawyer is seeking a place to hid but FBI Special Agent James Quinlan is on her trail. What they find in The Cove is not what either expected.
   Bedtime, beach and dentist office reading at its best.
   Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.



2. How does an author like this get published even once, let alone again and again? Speaks volumes about the reading public. This book reads like a bottom end 'made for tv' movie. One reviewer said it was like a high school story made up around a campfire... couldn't agree more, except at least the campfire crowd would not have pretended the story was plausible. The characters, the plot, the setting, are all so far fetched the only reason my husband and I finished it was for the entertainment value, even though the childlike writing made us cringe. I mixed Coulter up with the entertaining Patricia Cromwell, which is another reason we kept plowing through. I'm sharing this with anyone who loves good writing. Don't waste a moment of your time on this junk. There's too many good books in the world to spend on crap like this.



3. I purchased this (used) on the recommendation of a friend, who referred to this book as the first in a series of "FBI thrillers". What a mistake. I guess I should have realized that this was not what I was looking for when I read on the back cover that it was a "romantic" thriller. The characters were unrealistic, the dialog juvenile, the "romance" was painful to read, and the plot was absolutely absurd. The main character, a FBI "special agent", supposedly gifted at interrogation, ended up beating his suspects more than interrogating them, and breaking more laws than upholding. This book had nothing whatsoever to do with the FBI or thrillers. Ugh.



4. this was the best book i ever read except for the twilight series and if u havent read that it ia a must but anyways getting back on topic! false pretences is a very good book from the time u pick it up from the time u put it down( if that is even possible!)there is alot of suspense and alot of discriptive romance bed scense but u never know who the bad guy is or who the good guy is for that matter! this is a must read book!



5. She is one of my favorite authors and I have enjoyed almost all of her books. This one keeps you on the edge of suspense. Definitely worth your time and money.

5 comments about The Edge.

1. I'm a big fan of Catherine Coulter's FBI Series. So far, I've read six books from the series and have loved all of them...except The Edge. While she does bring back her best characters (the husband and wife team of Savich and Sherlock), the other characters lack depth. The character of Laura (a DEA agent and main love interest) was predictable and I never thought that I found out enough about her. Also, I wasn't fond of the first person writing style she used in this one. While Mac (the first person) is a good character, there's just so much action going on in these books that I don't want to be limited to the view of one person.
   
   As in the rest of the FBI Thrillers, the action was good. The storyline focused around the attempt to bust a plot involving the development of a dangerous new drug. But, some of storyline was a bit perverse to me. The effects of the drug seemed over the top and I never really thought of the two lead characters the same again after a particular scene involving a drugged-up Mac attempting to rape Laura while she was tied-up. I understand shock value, but this was a bit much for me. Plus, there doesn't seem to be a very good ending; there was really no closure.
   
   If you're reading this to keep up with the series (as I was), be prepared to wonder where the magic of the other books went. It's not a bad read, but it definitely lacks some key elements.



2. The Edge is a good book. I enjoyed it. It was kind of slow but not too slow.
   I received it in great shape.



3. The book was a slow read. There was just not enough action to keep things going. I have read other books by this author and I can see that this is not one of the best releases. Still I will continue to buy those written by Coulter as everyone has a "bad release" now and again.



4. I just finished "The Edge", the 4th in the FBI Series. I liked it okay (if Savich and Sherlock are included, then it's worth the read). However, some of it was a bit unbelieveable and seemed like the ending left lots of questions. I got impatient with the 4 agents lost in the Jungle and finally skimmed to the point they wandered out of there but then things seemed to just tie up quickly and not what I was expecting. I didn't dislike it but just wasn't my favorite of the series do far. "The Maze" was my favorite and the rest haven't measured up to that so far.



5. Savich and Sherlock are back to help Ford MacDougal, who appeared in THE MAZE, find his missing sister who had driven off a cliff in Oregon.
   Events are compelling, bazaar and fast paced but character development is static. At times it seems as if one is reading the same story over and over.
   Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.

5 comments about Riptide.

1. I loved this book I have read and listened to it several times. The plot was thought out and just when you thought you figured out the ending you would be thrown for a loop.
   
   The story is about 27 year old Rebecca Matlock, who was the senoir speech writer for the govenor of New York. She worked for him until she started recieving mysterioius calls from a man telling her to stop sleeping with the governor and only identified himself as her boyfriend. The only thing was she never did sleep with the govenor. Once her mother died and no help from the police she decides to move to Riptide, Maine a small picturesque town, for a safehaven. Though her hideout is soon discovered, by both friends and foes.



2. Terrible character development, horrible writing/formatting/editing and repetitive, boring plots. This is my first and LAST Catherine Coulter book. The writing is elementary level and I find it very hard to believe this is a "New York Times Bestseller" author. Must not be hard to be on that list! Throughout the entire story, high level CIA and FBI agents are looking for the villain stalking our main character (Becca Matlock-for some unknown reason to her). Seems Becca could have done the job on her own for all the fumbling stooges they turned out to be! The story is very disjointed and the dialogue is hokey (the term "folk" is used over and over) and I found myself re-reading paragraphs to try to figure out what in fact they were making reference to. This book is very hard to follow and very predictable. The author is confident you won't guess the villain, because the villain is a character introduced at the end of the story. Lousy writing and lousy storyline - don't bother!



3. This will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!!But, then they all do. She is such a great writer. I am absolutely hooked.



4. This book absolutely had a hold of me just by reading the first chapter! it was filled with many twists and turns and had me guessing all the time!! This book will want to make you buy EVERY book from her. Do read it!



5. I went into this novel knowing little to nothing about Catherine Coulter and her FBI series. I do not know how this novel measures up to her previous works, but I can compare it to my personal expectations and have to say that I am thoroughly disappointed.
   
   The novel began off very promising with the stalker calling the protagonist and even setting off a bomb to prove his control. However, the stalker pretty much disappeared after the narrator moves to the town Riptide. Instead of the antagonist, the author subjects us to painful, mindless characters whom we can care less about. I don't care about this FBI agent; I want to see more of the stalker. Basically, the author dragged out all of the wrong parts and brought them to the fore.
   
   The writing was average. There was no figurative language or amazing revelations. The characters were developed somewhat, but not to a point in which I began caring about them, only to a point in which it was above the cheap romance novels one sees at grocery stores. The author also has a terrible tendency to use repetition... but not the good kind. "Suddenly without any warning" jumped out of the text at least four times. Very poor word choices on the author's part.
   
   I simply couldn't finish this book. I have a whole list of what I would like to read next and this book was taking away that precious time from me.

5 comments about The Target (Bookcassette(r) Edition).

1. I just finished the hardback version of this novel (and because it is the only Catherine Coulter book that I have ever read) I thought I would check out what she has going on Amazon. Admitted, I cannot compare it to her other "better" works, but I must say that I found this book to be very touching. I'm actually very surprised at some of the reviews that I have read of this book.
   
   I won't rewrite a synopsis as this has already been done below but I do have several issues in support of this book to point out to other readers.
   
   There is a tad of the unbelievable in the fact that Ramsey didn't immediately take the child that he found to a hospital; but that is a sign of our too cynical hearts. The reason that it is unbelievable is because most people would be afraid of the consequences of being blamed for molesting her themselves and would therefore have immediately turned her over to the nearest "authorities", felt sorry for her and been done with it. But that is not the nature of the "hero" of this story.
   
   What makes this understandable is the fact that Ramsey is a federal judge who knows very well the system that Emma would be going into once he turned her over. As a federal judge he IS one of the "authority figures" and immediately takes responsibility of a child whose situation has touched his heart. He feels that he is more capable of being sensitive to her situation and caring for her than would male complete strangers in some podunk town in the Rockies. [I don't know about any of you readers - but have you ever had to deal with sheriffs in small rural towns on sensitive sexual issues of rape involving children? Guarantied that most of the people involved would be men, and loud, and insensitive to the fear they inspire in the child just by being men. Just imagine how much more trauma could be caused by this to a child.]
   
   Now, you may then bring up the point that as a federal judge he would know about things like destroying bodily evidence from the child when he bathed her, etc. instead of taking her directly to a medical facility. Remember another thing, they were in a very rural, very isolated location with no phone and Ramsey Hunt was in seclusion over what he claimed was the paparazzi chasing him after having to kill some drug dealers in his courtroom. But in reality he is having nightmares, etc. of guilt over having taken a life and doesn't feel good about being considered a hero because he lost it to his anger and killed someone. He was also having feelings of impotence over the fact that because the system was so overcrowded criminals would walk free in too short of a time period anyway. Emma's situation was one he had control over. He felt that he could do a better job than the local authorities who would hurt her feelings and didn't want to turn over the responsibility of her too quickly.
   
   As for the comments about him being almost as sickly obsessed with Emma as the pedophile - again I must point to too cynical hearts. Have any of you ever been exposed to a truly caring male? Not a homosexual with feminine tendencies but a heterosexual man with a caring soft heart? I feel sorry for our society if you haven't. I have. I was raised by one. I was married to one. I have uncles and cousins who are just as family oriented and nurturing - who take on half the care of the kids especially if their wife is pregnant again. Who would be just as outraged to their souls by what happened to that child as Ramsey Hunt's character is. Who may be just as deadly and want to take care of it on their own. (my late husband was a professional martial artist)
   
   Especially if it's a male Cancerian and Ramsey Hunt's character reads like a male cancerian. A male cancerian would be capable of taking a look at a poor, beautiful, abused baby and adopting her. He'd want to be her father and take her in, want to care for her, "mother" her in a male fashion, feel responsible and think that no one would be able to do the job as well as he would himself. He'd take over her life and would then extend that love to her mother. (I remember a male friend telling me once that the way some men find their mates is that they see a beautiful child and then want to meet its mother because the woman who produced such beauty had to "fine" herself.)
   
   So he never says "I love you" to Molly but he does admit, as far as he is capable, that he more than likes her. He comes to appreciate her qualities as a unique person and begins to picture them as a family. He shows her how he feels in his actions towards Emma and Molly. He takes them in and takes them over and nurtures them and lets himself be mothered by the women in his life at the same time. It's typical cancerian.
   
   As for Molly, she comes to appreciate him and his strength and his love for her daughter. He's a handsome, caring, successful, strong, man who will care for her and protect her without patronizing or smothering her. What sane woman would pass that up? She doesn't need money she's rich. What she needed he provided. It's a formula for successful marriage more enduring than the raw "passion" of most romance novels. It's a love story of a family who comes together and of love that grows between them after they have come to appreciate one another, their strengths, and their weaknesses.
   
   I found this book to be very touching. It left me with a bittersweet smile on my face for them as a new family and for the road that Emma would have to travel in life in order to be whole again. The mystery surrounding who was really behind the plots, them on the run, and the chase for the child molester, etc. was pretty good and kept the pages turning. Other commentators were right - it wasn't the most suspenseful book that I've read but it was a very good read. That's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Any other comments I make would be spoilers - and I hate spoilers. So I will leave you with a strong recommendation for this book as I really enjoyed it. The male character is not the typical stubborn, brooding Alpha man but caring and sensitive while still being strong and decisive. I will definitely be looking into more of Catherine Coulter's books. Ciao.



2. This book had a refreashing plot. It keep you thinking. But,I really don't think men are that mesmerised by a woman that easily. I give them more credit than that. I received it in great shape.



3. I have read several of the reviews and everyone has their own thoughts but I liked the book but not as much as The Maze. I think I liked the humor and romance between Sherlock and Savage more than the characters in The Target. One Reviewer talked about Ramsey being obsessed with Emma and even said he touched her too much and etc. I didn't see that. He saw her at the worse time right after she had been beaten and abused by this horrible person. I thought he handled it well, gaining her trust and protecting her. If police and therapists had been brought into it at the beginning, she would probably have been more terrified. Ramsey and Molly did seek professional help later. I thought the author's idea for Ramsey was a sensitive caring man and he was devastated by the ordeal of Emma. He indeed did love her and was protective of this little girl who had been wonded physically and mentally. I think Ramsey did love Molly but the author leaves you thinking he marries her just to get Emma, but still think he was in love with her and she him. I have noticed in Catherine Coulter books, she seldom has the romantic characters say "I love you". I kept looking for it in "The Maze" and believe I saw it once from Sherlock. The characters have other ways of dipicting they love the other person but kept wondering why they doen't just say it. Interesting! If I had a problem with the book was a Federal Judge being able to accept the Crime Lord's way of killing and getting away with it. I'm sure that is the way of real life but I had a hard time dealing with that. However, I found the book a "Thriller" and kept my attention from the beginning to the end.



4. When a kid is smarter than the adults fiction is in trouble. Kidnapping and child abuse are tough subjects, but a Judge who doesn't notify the police and a mother who isn't hysterical are hard to swallow. I've enjoyed Coulter's stories in the past but THE TARGET never worked for this reader.
   Savich and Sherlock do stop by for an encore, but without their normal punch. If you are a fan of her writing you may enjoy it, but for others pass this one by, Ms. Coulter can construct a better story.
   Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.



5. Let me start off by saying that the ratings on this book says something. I've seen items where the five stars and four stars well outweigh the lower rankings. On controversial books, the sign of it being effective is a lot of five stars and a lot of one stars, with little in between. While I'm in the largest group (I'm #22 of the five stars), the smallest group (the two stars) has a respectable number.
   
   What does this mean? If you are one who relies on reviews to decide whether to get this book, read ALL the reviews. Don't base your decision on just mine unless you happen to be a fan of my reviews and consistently trust my opinion.
   
   This is the third Catherine Coulter FBI thriller I've read. It is not Pullitzer prize writing, but it keeps my interest. I like the characters in her books, though for some reason I picture the leading men (Judge Ramsey Hunt here, James Quinlan from "The Cove", and Miles Kettering from "Blindside") as all looking the same, and I just realized I see them all looking like Barry Van Dyke (Dick's son) from Diagnosis Murder.
   
   This book is more disturbing than the other two I read because of its child molestation story-line. Also, one thing I'll give away is that the molester is a former priest. This is the first Coulter novel I read that does not have a protestant minister as one of the bad guys -- this time it's a former Catholic minister. (I wonder if Coulter has any books where a minister is a good guy, or at least, where none of the villains are connected with Christianity.) Maybe the preachers she knows are all child molesters and child kidnappers and murderers, but most real preachers are nothing like that.
   
   Also, this book does have some erotica which I skimmed over, and which is not necessary. Also, there is some cussing which I never consider a positive, though I'll add that it is not pervasive in this book.
   
   One thing that cracks me up is the long distance mob battle between Mason Lord and Rule Shaker. With names like that, I wonder if Coulter read Dick Tracy comics or watched James Bond movies for research.
   
   In her plot description, she promised a twist at the end that even the best mystery solvers would not expect. I don't consider myself great at solving mysteries, but I successfully guessed what that twist was. Maybe I would have been surprised if she didn't warn me of the twist.
   
   This is not a perfect book. Many have pointed out the illogical way the judge acts in the situation, though if he did what he was supposed to there wouldn't have been a story. Having completed a novel, I noticed that Coulter is not always consistent with the point of view. But if you want to entertain yourself, this would work.
   
   One other note. The other two books I've read in the series (and I'll add Hemlock Bay, which I started and decided to read later, maybe) had two different stories going on ("Blindside" had a third little situation unrelated to the other two); this one focuses on the main story.
   
   I will conclude by saying that I do like the way the book ends.

5 comments about Lyon's Gate (Bride).

1. Much better than some of her others. No rape scenes and less graphic details in the "romance" scenes. But, the ending didn't seem to have anything to do with the story.



2. I have been a Coulter fan for 20+ years and I eagerly await each new release. After reading all of the reviews I decided not to buy this book. However, I found it for a $.01 and couldn't turn down the deal. In retrospect, I should have saved my penny and thrown it into the fountain at the nearest mall. I would have made a wish that Catherine Coulter could still write books the way she used to. Don't waste your money even if it's only a penny....



3. This was one of the worst books I ever attempted to read... I say attempted because I could not finish it. This book was simply not worth my time. Hallie was immature, self-centered, shrewish and selfish and we are supposed to believe that Jason found this attractive? I cannot believe Catherine Coulter wrote this trype. The situation of the two of them living in the same house during this time period was ridiculous. And this book was an RT award nominee !! What were those people thinking !



4. Lyon's Gate
   by Catherine Coulter
   reviewer: Pamela Ackerson (author of Home of the Braves trilogy)
   
   This is another Sherbrooke novel. In my humble opinion, I must say it is much better than I expected. It was a clash of two stubborn hearts and minds written with a blend of ingredients that makes you understand why Ms. Coulter is one of the best in the industry. Top notch story, top notch writing.



5. I was so disappointed in this book. When I met Jason in The Sherbrooke Twins book I was really looking forward to reading his story but his character and that of Hallie are unbelievable weak. From the very beginning the story is weak and not the least bit believable for that time period or this! The way that the Sherbrookes respond to Hallie is also horrible and makes me not like the Sherbrookes anymore at all, they are all very shallow and selfish. I have no desire to even read The Wizard's Daughter when it is released.

5 comments about Hemlock Bay.

1. I have tried on several occasions to read Coulter's suspense novels. And I thought I'd bravely try one more time. Unfortunately, the outcome was the same: utter disappointment.
   
   Don't assume 1 star implies any redeeming value in this book. Amazon simple didn't give an option to award zero stars.
   
   I suppose I'll start with a pet peeve, and get it out of the way before critiquing the novel on more than just my personal likes/dislikes, so here goes: I don't like thrillers that deal with the torture of children. The first book I ever read by Dean Koontz dealt with this and he was forever off my list. There are some places I just refuse to go, and this is one of them.
   
   The opening chapter of this book give us a band of merry FBI agents who can't backslap and high-five each other enough because they've caught a couple of serial killers just seconds before they attempt to kill their latest victims: two adolescent boys. Never mind that the kids will be emotionally scarred for life after the ordeal that Coulter conjures up for us. Never mind that real agents, no matter how jaded, would be physically sick to their stomachs and probably deeply introspective after observing such human cruelty. Nope. In Coulter's world, the FBI agents whoop it up, and the kids and parents skip away to live happily ever after. Need I say more?
   
   OK. Rant finished. On with the review.
   
   I have to agree with a previous reviewer (shereads) regarding one of the main problems I have with all of Coulter's novels: the dialog. It is ridiculously juvenile. Frankly, when I read true juvenile novels, like my son's "Guardians of Ga'Houle" series, or the "Maximum Ride" series by James Patterson, even though the books are aimed at young readers, at least the dialog reads like real people talk. They just use simpler words, fewer references to things that young reader's won't get, and the plots have fewer convolutions. But when it comes to dialog (and plots...we won't even go there), Coulter's books are impossible. The dialog is not only lame, but the way the characters respond to situations is almost always implausible, as I noted above in my pet peeve rant. Coulter is a master at conjuring up characters that cheerfully and consistently defy reality in their dialog, their emotions, and their responses.
   
   So, if you are willing to regularly overlook these shortcomings in a novel, then Coulter's the author for you. If not, then you'd be better served to look elsewhere in this genre.
   
   As to the plot of this book, I won't comment on it for two very good reasons:
   
   1. Other reviewers have already done so quite adequately.
   
   2. The dialog was so lame that I couldn't get past the second chapter.
   
   I won't reiterate all of my other reasons for not liking Coulter's suspense novels (you can look up my review of her book "The Cove" if you need more evidence to avoid this author). I'll just say I've given her ample opportunity to prove herself as an author and she has been found seriously lacking.



2. The book Hemlock Bay itself was good. I enjoy reading Catherine Coulter books. But, I order a hard back book and I received a paperback book. It was soiled but in fairly readable shape. I contacted you after I received it and was told by e-mail that you were going to send me a hard back copy, but it never came. I never heard from them again.



3. I really like Savich and Sherlock and reading about them. (I give it 3 stars just because it's about Savitch and Sherlock) I didn't care for this one as much as some of the others because so much was unrealistic. IF I wanted Science fiction I would read another author. THe whole Ghoulie thing was just ghoulish. :) Nothing real or realistic about that whole thing. THe FBI looked like bumbling idiots that they couldn't apprehend one one armed woman???? Then Lily takes her out. Good Grief! I have some problems also that Savitch and Sherlock both put themselves in harms way so often at the same time when they now have a son. Then there was Lily's story! At first I felt sorry for her. Then her chartacter turned into a smart mouth and put Simon down all the time. She kept trying to run everything. I just couldn't warm to her character even though she was Savith's sister. My criticism isn't so much about bad writing as the story line itself. As others have siad it left so many unanswered questions. I have read the series to this point and hope the next ones are better.



4. Her book are excellent. Hemlock Bay is of the same group as Impulse. Again, I would prefer she'd stay with this story line along with her on-going FBI series.



5. Dillion Savich is busy with a kidnapping case when he learns his sister Lily has driven her car into a tree. Catherine Coulter pours it on in this addition to her successful FBI series. HEMLOCK BAY adds another dimension as Tammy Tuttle reenters the picture seeking revenge.
   The reading is fast paced with lots of thrills and chills as HEMLOCK BAY will keep the fans turning the pages long into the night. It isn't a question of "What happens next?" but "How soon!"
   Nash Black, author of SINS OF THE FATHERS and QUALIFYING LAPS.

5 comments about Penwyth Curse, The (Song Novels, The) (Song Novels, The).

1. As an avid fan and owner of every book she's published I was VERY disappointed in the storyline, plot, sub-plot, character development (actually lack there of), dialog, I can go on.
   
   When the story moves into dream sequences it's disjointed, choppy and is like flipping channels and watching a movie that has been on for over an hour.
   
   I haven't finished the book, I have no desire, inclination or motivation to. I stopped reading the book a week ago and haven't felt the urge to pick it up again. I am barely 1/2 way through the book.
   
   I feel like I wasted money. I feel robbed.



2. Nineteen years after the original release of CHANDRA, Catherine Coulter returns to her historical romance roots with a new addition to her "Song" series.
   
   For as long as anyone can remember, Penwyth Castle and its surrounding lands have been protected by a curse. Simply stated, death will come to all who dare to take Penwyth and marry the maiden with the red hair and green eyes. Since the death of her father four years ago, red-headed (and green-eyed) Merryn de Gay is the marriage prize sought by those who want the castle. Four times married and widowed, Merryn has resigned herself to dying a much-wedded but never bedded maiden.
   
   When Sir Bishop of Lyte saves his daughter from a band of bandits, King Edward decides to award Bishop by giving him Lady Merryn de Gay in marriage and making Bishop the official heir to Penwyth Castle. However, Bishop has no desire to be the next victim of the Penwyth Curse, be it manmade or not. He decides that the only way to survive is to destroy the curse before he marries the Lady Merryn. To discourage any who might wish to poison him, Bishop arrives at Penwyth declaring himself a wizard sent by the king to dismantle the curse. When otherworldly things start to happen, Bishop begins to wonder if, perhaps, he might have some wizard powers after all. Dragging a reluctant Merryn along, the pair leaves Penwyth to unlock the secrets of its curse.
   
   Meanwhile, in another time and not-too distant place, a wizard prince has come to claim Brecia, the witch of the sacred oak forest, as his mate. Unfortunately, Brecia refuses to forgive him for setting her aside once before. To make matters worse, a wizard rival named Mawdoor has set his sights on Brecia as well. When Mawdoor traps the prince and Brecia in his tower, the pair decides to join forces to escape. As their story unfolds, their actions will have consequences for future generations...
   
   Unlike the other books in this series, THE PENWYTH CURSE has a healthy dose of the paranormal with its parallel tales. Ms. Coulter cleverly weaves and melds the two stories to create a new twist in some very ancient legends. The result is a romantic adventure steeped in lore and sorcery. The dialogue is sparkling and fun, although there are times when it bogs down into head-scratching confusion. Nevertheless, readers will enjoy getting to know Bishop, Merryn and their various antecedents, as well as catching up with Philippa and Dienwald from EARTH SONG.
   
   TheSchemer



3. The Penwyth Curse
   by Catherine Coulter
   
   Reviewer: Pamela Ackerson (author Home of the Braves trilogy)
   
   Now this is more like it. This book is what I expect from Catherine Coulter. The Penwyth Curse is, in my humble opinion, one of her best. It is a book you can grab on to and not let go until it is finished. This is a medieval, historical, double romance, time-travel, mystery and intrigue type book. It is great. It is chock full of everything and worth every turn of the page. Ms Coulter delivers!



4. I like this book even though the writing was sub-par. The characters are quite funny but a person must pay close attention while reading it or they may get lost. The story is a bit choppy but the characters are quite likable even the obnoxiously conceited wizard prince. Proofreading should have been better done, but I am glad I read it. Maybe because I like tales of magic and happy endings.



5. This is the first book i have read from Catherine Coulter. I have read many good historical romance books, i was quite skeptical about this one.
   
   However, i was quite surprised as the plot was fresh and the story was actually, quite romantic. This book is unlike any other which u have read. From this book, i have gotten double dose of the romance, which involves 2 couples and you would come to love the 4 characters - even it might seem a bit too much for a romance book, as most only concentrate on 1 couple.
   
   You can expect some funny dialogues, some magic, and romance - what could have been better than to join magic and romance together?
   
   I would recommend that anyone who read it, should pay close attention, or find themselves getting lost in the dialogue or the story being messy. During the first "time shift" in the book, i was lost, but when the second "time shift" happened, i was quick to adjust to it. If you can get the story, it should be one of the best of her books.
   
   The book is indeed addictive, and certainly gets me going with another book of her's!

No comments about Sherbrooke Twins, The (Bride) (Bride).

5 comments about The Maze.

1. Lacey has been traumatized after the brutal murder of her beautiful sister by a serial killer. She decides to take control of her fears and revenge her sister by tracking her killer herself, hence she becomes a brilliant FBI agent. So years goes by..and its 7 years later...
   
   While in FBI training boot camp, she meets the well known computer whiz/FBI special agent Dillion, who also heads some FBI department that specializes in tracking killers. After an impressive drill/test, Dillion asks the department to assign Lacey to his force. Fortunately for her, this would allow her to track her sisters killer on the side. While all this is going on, the killer strikes again in Boston, her brother-in-law seems to be falling for her, Dillions ex who also works in the same department send her the evil jealous eye, and her family seems to be looney as ever with her insane mother hinting at her father trying to kill her. Not to mention falling in love for the first time since her sisters death...
   
   This book was a page turner, really well paced and kept me guessing til the end. However, the romance btw Lacey and Dillion didnt seem all that hot to be honest. They went from being totally professional to being in bed one night to talking about marriage, er yea... it just didnt seem all that real, the romance between these two seemed forced, more like an after thought.
   
   Don;t read this book expecting great romance, you'll get disappointed... but since the suspense/mystery is so great you wont even care. Overall its time and money well spent!



2. I've read several of the FBI series by Catherine Coulter, unfortunately not in order. The Maze is the book where Savich and Sherlock meet and become a couple. It is entertaining to read in retrospect after knowing them as a married couple. Parts of it are contrived and predictable, but for fans of the series, it is a must-read.



3. Ordered this book from Amazon along with "The Cove" after reading "Point Blank" and wanting to learn more about the characters. This is book two in Coulter's FBI Series, the third book that I've read by her, and it is by far my favorite. Great action, great suspense, characters that make you want to tear your hair out one minute and laugh the next. It also kept me guessing towards the end as to who really "done it" and more as to why they did it. Some of the characters are kind of creepy, but that's okay with me. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes romantic suspense.



4. Remember Dillion Savich from The Cove? He's back with his computer MAX collecting data for local officials who seek his help. Then a small flaming redhead carrying a truck load of fear takes him down for her final exam. He adds the novice agent to his unit and she uses her new job to track the man who killed her step-sister and left her behind locked doors.
   Her family has creased to function, but the fragile strains of love remain as her mother hides in depression. Not a good mix for a young woman with a mission.
   The plot twists and turns as the pages fly, with a wickedly suspenseful ending. High drama and good story telling.
   Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.



5. This book is the first in the Sherlock/Savich series, and though I've read others, this was my first insight into how they met. I was really interested in the mystery/crime portion, however, the romance and character interactions left me cringing. I know the characters are better than that, I've read other books where those same characters were alive and 'real' - but here they just seem hollow and silly. And though I did cringe through the love scenes and stupid conversations, I was interested enough in the meat of the story to plough through it. And it was worth it. This book had me second-guessing my second guesses! I wish the author would go back, now that there have been several books in this series, and rework the characters a bit. Then it would be a very, very good novel.