5 comments about Poised to Kill.

1. Author has turned out a fast paced mystery/thriller novel that keeps you on your toes trying to figure out the twists and turns of the plot. Highly recommend!



2. Lutterman has a gift for keeping the surprises coming until the reader is certain the puzzle has been solved, only to find one, last piece of the puzzle which causes the story to fall satisfyingly in place, just a different place than originally thought. The detailed settings put the reader "in" the story and provides a satisfying framework for the fantastic storylines. If you're not already a Lutterman fan, you will be by the end of this book! When is the next one coming??!!



3. I really enjoyed this book....the character was memorable and interesting. The plot had a number of twists and turns - with an unexpected ending. A bit of romance always adds something to a book as well. Great read...I coudnt put it down.



4. Poised To Kill is the gripping story of corporate executive Hal Dwyer. His twelve-year-old daughter has been kidnaped and the ransom is a top secret anti-missile software. If Hal doesn't steal the software from his defense contractor employer or his daughter will die. The action takes Hal from the corporate boardrooms of California to the wilderness backcountry of Minnesota. Author Brian Lutterman has proven himself to be a master storyteller in this masterfully woven tale of tycoons and terrorists. Poised To Kill is highly recommended reading, especially for enthusiasts of contemporary action/adventure thrillers.



5. "Poised to Kill" is a fine story, very well written and excellent in pacing. Lutterman is well in command of his plot and characters. Very satisfying read!
   
   Allen J. Hubin

5 comments about The Great Corgiville Kidnapping.

1. This is a superb children's book. The artwork and the test are engaging and full of details. Young readers will be fascinated by it many times over. Well worth the price!



2. How nice to have the residents of Corgiville back including Caleb, a fabulous rooster, and a clever crow. They are joined by some wily raccoons to bring a delightful story to us all.



3. Thought this was an extremely amusing book. She's got the corgi nature down pat. Have read it several times and think the artwork and story are great. It's sitting on my living room coffee table at this moment.



4. This is a good story for children who loves Corgis. I read this story to my grandchildren with my Corgi next to me so they can relay to the story. Sometimes I personalize the story as "Copper was a great detective...



5. An entertaining story that appeals to all ages. Funny and engaging, it's a great children's story. However, the artwork is not as clear and focused as in Corgiville Fair. In spite of this, it is still a great book!

2 comments about Polly Klaas: The Murder of America's Child.

1. This is the most inaccurate piece of literature I have ever encountered. As someone who was involved in the Polly Klaas case, I was able to find 13 inaccuracies in the first 5 pages of the book. The tabloid-style sensationalism that this book embraces not only emphasizes it's poor quality, but is offensive to Polly's legacy.



2. I think the book was ok.I wish they would have spoke about the girls life a little more.It is tragic that those kind of things happen in the world today. It makes you feel that your not safe anywhere.

4 comments about Out of the Shadows Into the Light.

1. Don't start this fast-paced book in the evening, because you won't be able to put it down until the wee hours of the morning.
   
   It is a must read.



2. I thought I was going to read a few chapters and I had read the whole thing before I knew it!
   Intriguing, rollercoaster ride of a romance that satisfies the heart. Fast action entertains while the reader really gets involved in Caroline's quandaries.
   Surprising twists and lyrical phrasing left me wanting to read the next book right NOW!
   Highly recommended!



3. This book was a great delight to me. It was refreshing to read with the values I believe in as a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Yes there is mystery, intrique and the drug cartel smack in the middle of it, but it also has the tenderness of a pure and true love that took my breath away. It definitely is a must read and you won't want to put it down.



4. Right off the bat, you find out that the main character's son has been kidnapped. We're still on the first page, and we find ourselves pulled into the action by our eyebrow hairs. Page after page of action, interspersed with a very believable and sweet romance, and then back to the action before you can even blink. I stayed in bed all day to read it, nursing a cold -- and after my Nyquil kicked in, I pretended to still be sick so I could stay in bed and finish. I can't wait for the sequel.

5 comments about Chasing the Dead: A Novel.

1. A phone call suddenly grabs Sue's attention when the caller informs her that he has her daughter and if she doesn't follow his specific instructions she will never see her daughter again. This isn't your typical "kidnapped book", it takes a bizarre twist midway through that has you turning the pages very quickly. Quite a few "ohh" and "yuck" moments, but still a good read.



2. I just finished this book and let me tell you, i couldnt put it down! i read it one sitting! The reviews in the book say this: "decaying zombies, serial killers, a centuries old mystery, and sadistic ghosts. What more could you ask for?" they are 100% right it had all that and more. I am about to start "Eat the Dark" by Mr. Schreiber and i hope it is juat as good, i will be going to get my hands on everything this guy writes!



3. Sue doesn't expect her daughter to be kidnapped the day before a big, potentially job-altering meeting. Veda and her nanny, Marilyn, have been kidnapped by a psychopath who's bent on getting one thing, and that's something that Sue's afraid of.
   
   This review's going to be shorter than my other reviews, because Chasing the Dead is the kind of book that you can't really review without giving too much away. For it's size (roughly 190-somewhat pages,) it's a quick read, but it's also an enjoyable read. I found myself drawn into the plot, as it spans an entire night. The story being told in one night is what drew me to buy the book, and I was not disappointed.
   
   Chasing the Dead gets four stars because of a cliffhanger ending. I don't know if Mr. Schriber has anymore books that follow after this one, but a cliffhanger ending like that bothers me, mostly because I was so happy that Sue got out of that whole mess.
   
   Chasing the Dead is a book you will want to check out, at the very least.



4. This fast paced horror novel starts from the first page and takes the reader on a terror filled ride until the very end. A short read at only 250 pages, this novel never lets up. The author puts you right in the drivers seat as Sue Young makes her perilous journey during a late night December snowfall in rural Maine. Heading east from town to town, Sue desperately tries to to stay on track and piece together this horrific puzzle to spare the life of her young daughter. Don't miss out on this one. It's sure to please!



5. I bought this book because my daughters name is Veda, and we lived in Massachusetts until 2 1/2 years ago. Being this was a "Bargain Book", I didn't Have all that great of expectations. As I started I thought that my original opinion was correct for the first few minutes of reading, but I was pulled into it very quickly.
   So, in conclusion, this is worth any amount of money you have to spend to acquire it. Do not be surprised if you sit down and do not get up until it is finished and the only thing you can do is hit the internet and start looking for more of his writings.
   Correction, the internet will not be the only thing your able to do...... staying awake due to terror is another HUGE possibility!!

5 comments about Blind Speed: A Novel.

1. Parents, are you having a discipline problem with your teenager? Well, I have the perfect disciplinary measure for you--simply lock your troubled teen in a room with this book and no computer, cell phone or television, and tell them that they can't come out until they finish the book. I guarantee that, within 2-3 hours, they will be clawing at the door, begging you for a second chance, and asking you to end the pain.
   
   I am usually a reader who will put a book this painful down and never pick it back up. However, given that I received this book through the Vine Program, I feel obligated to provide a review, and therefore felt obligated to finish the book. It wasn't easy. I forced myself time and time again to go back to the book and keep reading...through the sentences so convoluted that I had to read them 2-3 times to understand what he was trying to say...through the goofball "author talks to the reader" gimmick that kept interrupting the story flow (story flow?)...through an unbelievably ridiculous kidnapping plot...on I read, forcing myself to endure the pain of this God-awful book.
   
   It would be easy to write Blind Speed off as "just a bad book." But sadder than how much I hated this book is that there were tiny glimmers of brilliance in his writing. Like those tiny shards that glitter on the floor after you've shattered a glass, Mr. Barkan's momentary breakthroughs of brilliant writing pained me like a glass shard in the foot...because, clearly, he has some talent, but it sure isn't very evident in this book.
   
   Better luck next time.



2. I hate, hate, hate not finishing a book. I'm usually not a quitter. But with so many great books out there and life being so short, I've decided not to finish books that I don't like. I tried. I gave it half the book to get better, but when it didn't, I quit. Maybe you shouldn't review a book you didn't finish, but doesn't the fact that I didn't want to finish it say something about the book? It just bored me. I kept waiting for the turn-around point that never came. Not recommended.



3. I picked up this book several times, and each time put it right back down again. I couldn't get past page twenty. I didn't care for the protagonist, and the author's style, rife with authorial intrusions and asides, didn't do much to improve the book for me.
   
   I wanted to like this book. I particularly wanted to sympathize with the main character. But I couldn't. And this book soon became one of the few books I've picked up that I wasn't able to finish.



4. I need to disclose that the author, Josh Barkan, is a friend of good friends of mine. This is the first book that I have ever read after meeting and spending a couple of hours with the author. That was a little difficult. As I was reading the book, my mind wandered to question what was Josh really thinking when he was writing, rather than concentrating on the story itself.
   
   Nevertheless, I enjoyed 'Blind Speed' very much. I think it compares very closely to Kurt Vonnegut's 'Player Piano', without the science fiction. I think if he continues to write and grow, he could be one the great authors of the 21st century. It is definitely a book that I will want to reread. There was lot of depth to the book.
   
   On a personal note, one of the minor characters of the book was taken directly from a real person. It was wrong of the author to do this without asking permission. On a literary level, it shows some laziness, though I don't think it effects the quality of the literature.



5. The description of a "rip roaring read that will propel you to the next page until you laugh your way across the finish line" made me snatch this book up in the hopes of a light entertaining read. Sorry to say, it was not "rip roaring", maybe more like "muddling", there was no "propelling", more like "dragging" and as far as laughing my way across the finish line, that was only out of sheer joy that it was over.
   Blind Speed's protaganist, Paul is a pretty likeable guy. Overshadowed by his more successful brothers, and largely ignored by his parents, its easy to see how his vision of himself became clouded and doubt-filled. The author has created a good base for the book, someone I wouldn't mind knowing. Its not Paul's fault I struggled with the book. There are plenty of secondary characters, but none are explored enough to make me want to hate them or love them. Passive indifference is the best I can do. At no point did I want to get through a chapter so I can find out what happened to anyone.
   Barkan's writing shows flashes of brilliance. There were entire chapters I enjoyed. The premise of the story was even pretty good. Perhaps some serious self-editing is in order here. The book does not flow. The author's intrusions don't enlighten.
   All in all, I think Barkan has a lot of promise as a writer. Next time, I hope he develops more than 1 character. I haven't given up on him, but can't give this mediocre read more than 2 stars.

1 comments about Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (Book & DVD).

1. How do you make an awful movie into a very funny book? The lesson here is to stay true to the original but take it from a really warped perspective. I laughed on nearly every page. And had even more fun watching the movie again (a DVD is included). A bizarre concept for a book, but really, really well done.

5 comments about At Any Price: How America Betrayed My Kidnapped Daughters for Saudi Oil.

1. As an American who lived in Saudi Arabia for many years, it quickly became clear that the American Embassy would be the last place I would go should I need assistance. In Saudi Arabia, it appeared that our government representatives only cared about the feelings of the Saudi government, and couldn't have cared less about American citizens. This was very troubling to me then, and extremely upsetting to me now. Pat Roush's book reminded me again of the shameful behavior of America's state department. Her case was not a question of a marital dispute or even child custody, it was a case of kidnapping! I am incensed that former Ambassadors end up on the Saudi payroll. Frankly, I believe it should be forbidden for any former American government official to accept jobs or money from the Saudis, or from any other foreign government. Why is this not a criminal offense?

   I think Pat Roush is remarkable. She has never stopped fighting for her children, against all odds. Her book is very readable, although your heart aches for her, and for her two children who never had the opportunity to grow up with their loving mother.

   I just wish there was something I could do to right this situation, but only our government can make a difference. Every American should be INCENSED that our own government refuses to help these mothers--actually, the state department works AGAINST these American mothers!

   I applaud Pat Roush and pray that one day, she'll have her two American daughters and their children back where they belong, in America. And, I hope that every American who has worked on behalf of the Saudis to hurt these mothers, will one day understand the terrible hurt and harm they have caused...




2. Too bad that Ms. Roush has only learned to walk all over those who have done all they could to help both she and her daughters over the years, and for what, monetary gain? She certainly does not take one step towards helping the thousands of parents who also have abducted children currently.

   No, she steals a photograph for the cover taken by a disabled woman without her permission, compensation, or even photographic credit. No credit or name given to the other parents, online individuals and song artists for all the hard work they have contributed through the years, without even a "thank you" from this woman. Unknown little people who were trampled. Even the song writers Doug DeForest and Craig Deanto, used for her book and not mentioned by name.

   Some of these people still write her and other parents, even though they are suffering with MS and other illnesses. She deletes their mail and treats them like dirt. One of the people in the photo she used without permission should not be on the cover of a book about missing children! They are a known and convicted stalker. What a nightmare this woman is. With her hatred she seems to have forgotten all of the people who lended their shoulders, money and more in her times of need.

   Do not give this woman any more money, please. Go find a children's organization who really helps and give them the donation.




3. Upon finishing this totalling enralling and very well written book I am amazed at the courage, bravery and endurance this woman has had to sustain for nearly two decades. Not only has she devoted her life to freeing her innocent daughters from the totalitarian clutches of a Stalinistic regime like Saudi Arabia, had to fight her own government who obviously worked as 'Saudi agents' and compromised her and her daughters in every way but has helped so very many others in similar situations.

   Ms. Roush keeps the reader on the 'edge of your seat' as she wages her Joan of Arc battles all alone amidst insurmountable government betrayal and abuse. What she has done for this issue of human rights for women and children caught inside Saudi Arabia not to mention her tireless work as a pioneer in international child abduction is truly astounding. Her work with legislation, media, the U.S. Congress and the United Nations not to mention all the personal time and expense she has given to those in need is an inspiration to me.

   I found this book to be a special gift to America - to us all; it is exactly what is needed in these days of government deception and the focus on the Middle East. Her story of love, hope and faith should be on everyone's reading list.




4. I am amazed at the misfortunes this valiant woman and her family have gone through. The author gives details of American greed for oil, leading to the unwillingness of our government to stand up for the rights of American citizens. And throughout the book, Ms. Roush is very honest, and shows great insight into herself, and both Saudi Arabia and America.

   Pat Roush is an inspiring role model who has shown steadfastness and determination through troubles that would have crushed a lesser person.

   This book is one I'm always going to keep on my bookshelves.




5. I have read many books on the Middle East. Some of which relate to this issue. This book is by far the worst I have ever read. It was long and boring. I had to skip many parts just to get through the book. This was such an important issue. She should have written it differently. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

5 comments about Liberty or Death: A Thea Kozak Mystery.

1. Thea Kozac just keeps getting better. This is a well written, evenly paced story that brings a new dimension to the story of Thea and her Andre. In the hands of a most skillful author, readers will laugh, cry, despair, and rejoice right along with the characters. Some of the other reviewers have revealed the basic plot. All I will add is DO NOT START this book late at night or you will get absolutely no sleep. It is impossible to put this book down until the end.



2. Pregnant Thea Kozak stands at the altar waiting for the arrival of the groom, her beloved State Trooper Andre Lemieux, to exchange I do. However, instead of her beau, Thea learns that a domestic terrorist cell the Katahdin Constitutional Militia has kidnapped her future spouse. The group demands a trade for an incarcerated member, Jed Harding, who went berserk when the VA rejected his medical claim for his ailing son.

   Though Andre's boss and peers prefer Thea stay out of the mess, she has dealt with murder and death before so she insists on participating in the rescue. Andre's supervisor Jack Leonard provides Thea with the cover of a battered runaway spouse Dora McCusick. Thea travels to Merchantville, Maine where she obtains employment as a waitress at Mother Theresa's restaurant. As Thea does what she is not supposed to do (investigate) she begins to learn why Jed prefers jail than the militia as paranoia runs rampant in this part of Maine.

   Thea is a powerful lead protagonist who propels the story line forward with her unwelcome involvement yet ironically her soliloquies disrupt the action. Fans of the series will appreciate the lead character that just cannot sit idly by and take notes. Newcomers will need to adjust to this feisty in your face female especially when she provides asides. If given the chance, the tyro will soon gain new fans, as LIBERTY OR DEATH is a fabulous amateur sleuth-police procedural combo that highlights Kate Flora's abilities to entertain the troops.

   Harriet Klausner




3. I first read Kate Flora's books a few years ago when they were recommended at my local book store. I missed her first couple of books -- they are hard to get-- but I have read the rest of them. I loved Death by Paradise--it was much better than her previous books. I was very glad to see that she had a new book out. I loved it! Thea, the main character, is great. I love strong female main characters--Kinsey Milhone, Stephanie Plum--and Thea! If you haven't read Thea before--jump right in. I'm glad she's back, and I hope Kate doesn't take so long in between Thea's next adventure!



4. Thea Kozak is in her wedding dress and about to walk down the aisle when she gets the news. Her fiance and the father of her unborn baby, Maine State Trooper Andre Lemieux, has been kidnapped by the Katahdin Constitutional Militia. This terrorist, anti-government organization wants to exchange him for one of theirs, a Jed Harding sitting in jail. Thea, knowing she'll never be able to simply watch the investigation from the sidelines, convinces the State Police to let her go undercover as a waitress in Merchantville -- the little northern town now turned hotbed for militia activity -- and see what her ears pick up. But, being Thea, it isn't long before she's not just listening but also doing and has gotten herself in as much trouble as her beloved.

   LIBERTY OR DEATH, the sixth book in Kate Flora's series about the educational consultant often turned PI, Thea Kozak, has been a long time coming. And it's a bittersweet experience. Since Flora has always done an excellent job of characterizing a Maine State Trooper, I was disappointed to discover Andre hardly appears in this sequel at all. I understand the plot didn't need him (present, anyway), but I still missed him. Thea herself has toned down some. She's still sassy and in-your-face, but losing her rock seems to have made her more mature (though still willing to throw herself at danger on every other page). The description of the unofficial militia movement is accurate and timely; so is the portrayal of a small Maine town in which everybody's news is everybody else's. Flora tends toward long winded accounts of every thought going through Thea's head, but at least some of the thoughts in this book (contrary to previous enstallments) haven't already been described several times over. And while her writing style never sings, it grows more solid with each attempt. I do have a major complaint with the plot -- the Maine State Police allowing the civilian fiance of one of their Troopers to go undercover? But it does make for good fiction and I certainly enjoyed this latest addition to the Kozak world.

   Thea may at times remind the reader of an oversized Nancy Drew, but in LIBERTY OR DEATH she is strong enough to make you both laugh and cry. And want more.




5. Too over the top unbelievable for a book that was not meant to be. How can we truly believe that Thea would be allowed to go "undercover", find out so much so fast, and then return to "work" after her medical problem - just to name a few of the most ridiculous plot points?

2 comments about Running with the Reservoir Pups: Eddie and the Gang with No Name: Book One (Eddie & the Gang with No Name).

1. Molly's Reviews
   
   The Review
   Irish writer Colin Bateman presents an exhilarative, spine tingling work filled with all the zestful agitation, whimsical cast of characters and explosive tension necessary to hold the target audience absorbed from beginning paragraph to ending lines. Eddie & the Gang with No Name: Running with the Reservoir Pups is a well-written publication filled with generously drawn players and a cleverly interwoven, precarious story line. The setting for the book is England, and some of the language used will have an English flavor which kids will find intriguing.
   
   
   Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.
   
   Reviewed by: molly martin
   20+ years California classroom teacher



2. This book should appeal to kids who like the Series of Unfortunate Events. It's quite different, but has the same feeling of adventurous kids handling powerfully dangerous things in spite of some evil adults. It's way fun to read.