3 comments about Mosaic.

1. I haven't written an Amazon.com book review in several years; however, when I went to Amazon to look for Khashoggi's other books, I couldn't believe no one had written a review on "Mosaic", a book I finished just moments ago and will relish for some time to come. I picked up this book at a grocery store, but it deserves a far better venue. I typically shun Oprah's book recommendations, but "Mosaic" deserves that sort of publicity. It certainly would lend itself wonderfully to a book club discussion. Khashoggi's writing style is fluid in a way rarely seen in popular fiction today. I won't get into the details of the plot, but this one is a keeper. Kudos to Soheir Khashoggi for drawing me into a can't-put-down, beautifully written, unforgettable story.



2. Having read numerous other books on a similar subject, I have to say that I was disappointed in this one. While the writing style is nice, and the idea of having one's children taken away is indeed emotional, I found that in this book all conflicts wrapped up nicely, neatly, and FAR too easily and quickly at the end. So quickly and easily, in fact, that there may as well have been no conflict at all, and what's worse, the author starts setting up the easy resolution pretty early on. I kept reading thinking there would be a twist at the end, but nope--if you read this book and after about the first third, you start to think--it can't really be that easy, can it?--well, yes, it can.
   
   If you're looking for a light read with unneccesary romantic side stories for the lesser characters, this is a great choice. Not a horrible book, but not a book that makes me want to read her other two.



3. I picked this book up at Barns and Noble, and as I read the back it sounded quite interesting. I decided to purchase it. I started reading and read the first 10 chapters in one night; I wanted to read more and more.....I think that the author did a good job in telling the story.

No comments about After Dark: Familiar Stranger.

5 comments about Hannah's Legalized Kidnapping: A rush to react took her away for 207 days.

1. Very well written book. How easy this could happen to others. So sorry you had to go threw this. I'm your mother first cousin.



2. Everyone who purchases this book should be applauded for expressing an interest in creating greater awareness for mentally and physcially challenged individuals.
   Here's a story that illustrates what happens when assumptions are made about those with special needs. This family had to bear the burden of those assumptions in a big way - with two innocent parents spending time in jail and a precious 18-year-old removed from her home for 207 days.
   The second best thing you can do is buy this book. The best thing you can do is share it with others in hope that it helps make a difference some day.



3. This Book is very well written. It's Hard to believe that something like this could happen. This book is a real eye opener to reality. more people need to read it. it could make a difference!



4. This book is the real life image of this families tragic episode which evolves into a foundation of faith. We all have our trials, but very seldom does the message spread as this publication brings forth. The characters are real, and the story is heart-wrenching. It combines feelings of emotion from the darkest anger, to the most unconditional bound of faith. It makes you want to cry, laugh, and get involved. I'm impressed with the writer's ability to put the situation in our perspective, and make it seem like it really could happen to anyone. This is a comfortable read, and good for all ages to understand misfortune, faith, and people.



5. We've all heard the phrase "bigger isn't always better". That rings true with the author's first book. Only 56 pages long you don't expect the emotional roller coaster that is waiting for you. In just a couple of hours you can relive 207 days that tore a family apart but did not break them. You will read one story about an overburdened legal system that is far from perfect and caused great pain when it was intended to protect. Intertwined with this story is an even greater story of a family's faith and love. In the end you will be left questioning how does something like this happen?
   Keep in mind as you finish chapter eight and set the book aside that the two hours spent reading this story will equal the two hours spent investigating young Hannah's injury. In the same amount of time it takes to read 56 pages those responsible for protecting a mentally challenged girl made a decision to take her from her home and away from the people in her life who she needed the most.
   Are we truly innocent until proven guilty? Does the system really protect those who need protection? By sharing this experience the author shows us all that this nightmare could happen to anyone.
   Please read this story and share its message before another family is torn apart - before another child must face days, weeks, and months without those who love them.

3 comments about A. Night in Hollywood Forever (Five Star Mystery Series).

1. Tired of being shot and heeding his mom's advice, Alex Night quits as a real private investigator to write a great novel. He even takes an office at the Writers and Artists Building in Beverly Hills.
   
   However, his former clients keep hiring him to sleuth so that the great American mystery has not progressed beyond the title, The Big Changeover. He vows no more sleuthing but cannot resist the lure of finding a missing Faberge Egg once given by Hearst to his lover Mandies, However, the prime reason is gumshoeing is his fiancée, prolific author Goldie Rose, has vanished with her office broken into and ransacked. Though Goldie keeps putting off their wedding date, Alex fears for her life so like Sam Spade begins investigating her disappearance; however, he will soon find himself over the edge of night as half of Hollywood and the former KGB crowd amongst others want him out of the way whether it is over an Egg or the writer.
   
   Fans of urban noirs will want to spend a night or three following the escapades of "retired" sleuth turned wannabe writer Alex. As with A NIGHT IN BEVERLY HILLS, the story line centers on Alex who once again uses asides to pay homage to classic pictures and actors. The investigation begins late in the tale, but the plot before, during, and after contains plenty of action. Andrew J. Fenady makes A NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD worth reading.
   
   Harriet Klausner



2. In view of the lightning swift read full of noirish style, gut-humor, sex, hitmen, gorgeous women and a hero who is quite able to take care of himself in any altercation, these relevant details should be all that's really necessary to set forth on author Fenady's knockout punch of a yarn. It's a tight and antic tale that not only is a product of Hollywood, but helps, in its small, legend-provoking way, to define it. It's an insider's imagination taking a big gulp of fictionalized fact, factual fancy, and leaping in with a noirish mix of Hammett and humor--all descriptive barrels blazing.
   
   To get the title out of the way. "A. Night" is the abbreviated form of the central character's name, Alex Night, deriving from his real name, Nyktaas, Greek for --you guessed it-- night. Hollywood Forever is the new name for Hollywood Memorial Park, a final resting place for the Hollywood elite and those who want to rest near them. As a book sequel to "A. Night in Beverly Hills," it sounds like a series pattern to me.
   
   A. Night is tired of the P.I. game and has hung up his shield (or what serves as one) in order to put to use his knowledge of Hollywood lore, movie history and legend into a first novel. He calls it "The Big Changeover" and envisions it as the next Edgar Award mystery. But he never gets past the title when writer's block, a string of crimes, and other distractions lead him back to what he knows best.
   
   As part of his commitment to his new vocation, he takes an office in the famed Writers and Artists building which, in its day, "officed some of the most famous scribblers and celebrities in Hollywood history." But, even more exquisitely, he finds himself across the hall from Goldie Rose, a dame whose lips "looked like they had just licked something sweet--and fresh as a spring garden." He's a goner.
   
   Ms. Rose is not only a heart-stopper but a novelist who completes a murder mystery in precisely 11 days, knowing exactly what has to happen on each page and when she'll be writing it--down to the hour. With this productivity, she uses a string of pen names, most of them male. Among other feelings, our hero is envious. But, then, who amongst us wouldn't be?
   
   Not everyone from his past is impressed with Alex's new line of work--in fact, hardly anyone is. Mike Meadows, for example, studio boss at Tri-Art Pictures, prevails upon Alex (with a 5 grand fee) to get aging sex goddess Frances Vale to attend the premiere of his new film with the million dollar "Star of Good Hope" necklace around her still-beautiful neck. She's reluctant because she's only got a supporting role. But Alex understands the fears and insecurities of movie personalities, and persuades her. What Alex didn't count on, however, was the attempted robbery of the "Star", which he bravely and single-handedly thwarts by throwing the robber off a roof.
   
   But, that's just the start of Alex's wayward path to writing and it triggers a fusillade of violence, mystery and murder, involving a friend's exposure of secrets about an even more valuable piece of historical jewelry, "The Tear of Russia," one of the missing Imperial Faberge Eggs. Perhaps the most ornate of Peter Carl Faberge's creations for the Romanov dynasty, it was once given by William Randolph Hearst to his mistress, Marion Davies. Estimated value now, $10 Mil.
   
   No wonder the bodies are piling up along with personal attacks, rich men with gorgeous assistants and conniving ex-KGB agents. To further confound the intrepid investigator, his beautiful Goldie goes missing. And, once the trail leads to a Hollywood Forever mausoleum, Hollywood style mayhem ensues, with betrayals and shootouts.
   
   This is a crisp, endearing journey into the heart of Hollywood history and make believe that'll keep you on edge and engaged with the exploits of a hero who redefines the term "hard-boiled" while exploiting your taste for a thrill and a romp with your funny bone. Fenady takes us through a few very ticklish days with his A. Night.



3. This is Fenady's second novel featuring retired detective Alex Night -- and it was just as good as the first. If, like me, you are a fan of Hollywood mysteries, this is a fun read with a good puzzle. I hope Fenady's continues the series.

5 comments about Sweet Sacrifice.

1. Sweet Sacrifice by Crystal Rhodes is a dynamic and attention engaging novel about Sash Adams, an unemployed law school graduate striving to raise her young brother by herself. When her brother's sudden kidnaping turns her world upside-down, she must join forces with Brandon Plaine, a deceitful and dangerous media mogul, for any hope of her sibling's safe return. A tautly written novel, Sweet Sacrifice clearly documents Crystal Rhodes as a novelist of considerable talented.



2. Sash Adams was willing to sacrifice ALL for the love she had for her little brother Trent. This story was well written and very entertaining. Ms. Rhodes has a way of keeping you turning page after page. I am now impatiently waiting for her next novel "Small Sensations"



3. Sweet Sacrifice is the story of Sash Adams, an independent and feisty recent law school graduate who is raising her younger brother, Sweet. Sweet gets kidnapped and Sash has to make decisions and form alliances in order to get her brother back. Brandon Plaine enters and he is a suave, arrogant media tycoon. Sash enters his world seeking his assistance in raising the ransom. Why would Brandon help a stranger? With passions simmering in the background, Sash and Brandon must make compromises in a mission to bring her brother home safely.

   Sweet Sacrifice is a romantic suspense novel that enthralls the reader from the beginning until the final word. Rhodes has done a wonderful job of weaving the romance along with the suspense. The characters were realistic and well developed. I found myself lost within the pages of Sweet Sacrifice. I anticipate more literary offerings from Ms. Rhodes.

   Reviewed by Robilyn Heath
   The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers




4. Sweet Sacrifice by Crystal Rhodes has all the elements necessary to make it a "good read." Sash Adams is an intelligent, proud, and determined young woman who only recently graduated from law school. Although she is unemployed she is confident that it is only a matter of time before she makes her mark on the world. Then the unthinkable happens. Her young brother, Sweet, is kidnapped! More intriguing is the fact that the ransom is demanded from wealthy mogul Brandon Plaine. Sash and her brother have no connection to Plaine, so why demand money from him? How can she convince him to pay the ransom for her brother? And can she convince him in time to save Sweet?

   Both alluring Sash Adams and handsome Brandon Plaine are interesting characters individually but they are both headstrong and determined. Their personalities inevitably clash. As they battle their way through this horrifying experience the passion that both attracts and repels them is almost tangible.

   This book is a true page turner with a couple of really surprising twists. So, grab a cup of tea, retreat to your favorite reading spot and enjoy!




5. Grandmothers Inc is a delightful romantic mystery that takes the reader on numerous twists and turns. The excellent development of the main characters keeps the reader interested and waiting for more. The settings are quite vivid and enrich the storyline even further. I would recommend this book to males and females who (like me) have a curiosity about relationships and possibilities.

No comments about Rabbit in the Rock.

4 comments about Jimmy the Kid.

1. Westlake's Dortmunder books are his best. This is perhaps the funniest of those comic capers. A young genius cons the cons in this ironic, whimsical and hilarious adventure. Hard as they may try, Dortmunder, Kelp and the gang always lose, and though we empathize, we love seeing them do it.



2. This book is excellent. It is a well thought out, well written Comedy about the Troubles in the Dortmunder gang, A loveable and hilarious group. Donald E. Westlake is an amazing and talented author. Definitly worth the read.



3. All of Donald E. Westlake's Dortmunder novels lampoon the usual crime genre by portraying robbers as bunglers with bad luck. In Jimmy the Kid, Mr. Westlake really takes the gloves off to show his contempt for crime novels. The results are hilarious and you'll be glad you read this book.

   As the book opens, Dortmunder is looking to break into a warehouse in a neighborhood where people live . . . so he needs to be quiet. Suddenly someone is calling out his name and trying to get his attention. Dortmunder can't believe that anyone would do this to him. But it's only Andy Kelp who is trying to help. Dortmunder has slightly miscalculated where the warehouse is.

   Dortmunder takes a long time to get over being angry with Kelp about this incident. As a result, he's slow to take to Kelp's idea that the gang kidnap a child following the plot of a novel called Child Heist by Richard Stark. Eventually, Mae (Dortmunder's live-in girlfriend), Stan Murch (his favorite driver), Murch's Mom (the New York City cabbie) and Dortmunder agree. Mae and Murch's Mom go along more because they want to be sure that the child isn't harmed.

   The book alternates sections from Child Heist with what actually occurs. The differences make for grand humor. Dortmunder also has a problem with execution because by relying on the book, everyone becomes over-confident and makes easily avoidable errors.

   Anyone who has ever tried to reach someone on a cell phone with no success with how with laughter as Murch's Mom calls a car phone to direct how the ransom is to be dropped off.

   In the midst of this, Jimmy turns out to be a child genius who easily runs circles around the gang. The results are humorous and often unexpected. My only complaint about this fine book is that Mr. Westlake made Jimmy a little too much like Super Boy. I don't think there are many adults who could have pulled off elements of what he does in the story.

   If you have liked any of the Dortmunder novels, or like humorous books, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. It compares favorably with the best of the Stephanie Plum novels.

   After you finish enjoying the book, think about where you can add your own original touch to make life better for all.




4. Usually I don't care for detective/suspense novels where a child is in danger. Although "Jimmy The Kid" deals with the kidnapping of a child, Westlake handles it so well that at no time does the reader feel there is any peril for the child or concern by his parents.
   
   Dortmunder, against his better judgment, is persuaded to organize a kidnapping using as a plan the plot of a detective story. Needless to say, real life does not conform to the fiction. Also Dortmunder's gang aren't quite as smart as the fictional villains; for instance, Kelp puts up a detour sign reading "ROAD CLOSED -- DETURE".
   
   Somehow the kidnapping does manage to occur, but then as in O'Henry's "Ransom of Red Chief", the victim outsmarts the kidnappers.
   
   "Jimmy The Kid" is one of Donald Westlake's shorter books, and the madness does not grow exponentially as in other Dortmunder caper stories. Nevertheless, it is a masterpiece. Read and enjoy!

No comments about Raising Safe Kids in an Unsafe World.

No comments about The Kidnapping of Aaron Greene.

5 comments about The Girl in the Box.

1. I read this book when I was very young; maybe 9 or 10 and it has stuck with me ever since. I've forgotten many of the details in the book, but I remember how I felt when I read it and how I feel when I think back to it. The feeling of hopelessness and isolation with a very doomed feeling is not one you forget when you're young. Thinking back on it always sends a shiver of fear up my spine.
   
   In an unrelated note, the fact that she even had her typewriter seemed bizarre, why would she randomly have it with her? Admittedly I don't know if that was the norm back then, but it always struck me as odd. I don't actually remember the things she wrote about, but I know they were introspective and depressing (or it seemed that way when I read it).
   
   I guess my point is that while I didn't like the book (not because it was bad, but because it scared me) it certainly stuck with me over the years (I'm 19 now) which is what any good story should do. What really stayed with me was her isolation and the utter hopelessness of the situation (and so the fear that it could happen to me somehow). That food and water wasn't going to last long and with seemingly no prospect of rescue it makes for a very depressing read.
   
   I wouldn't recommend this book for young readers, certainly not as young as I was when I read it. The subject of random abductions, even though the book itself is in no way violent or graphic, will probably be disturbing for young readers. I do think an older child could really appreciate the thought provoking nature of the book and not be as frightened as a younger child might be. In the end, use your own judgment before buying this book, if you're buying it for a young child you might want to read it yourself to make sure that it's appropriate for their age.



2. I am 32 years old, and I read this book when I was a teenager in NINTH grade. This was one of a few books that stayed with me through all my years since high school. It is one of those stories you never forget. It left a huge impression on me, and is one of the reasons I keep a very keen interest in missing persons cases and true crime stories to this day. You hear of them from the outside, stories of the missing person from their family members and the media, but a rare opportunity to enter into the missing person's mind, and hear what they are thinking about and how they are feeling while they are going through, most likely, the scariest time in their life. Not knowing what is going to happen, or if they will ever see their friends and family again, and the isolated fear as the hours and days go by. It is a book that pays homage to all the missing persons out there - the ones who have been found, and the ones who are still missing. It is a highly-recommended read from someone who has been a book worm for decades.



3. I read this book in 1990 and have never forgotten it. Certain passages, names, details, etc. I cant even say that about books I am currently reading. Would make a great movie. It is riveting, and has tones of The Lovely Bones with the narration and teenage kidnapping with no apparent resolve...Highly recommended. Some say too scary for teens, but I disagree. Especially in these times, it makes teens more aware that this can happen, and to keep an eye on creepy vans and your best friend..ha ha



4. I just finished the book and was so disappointed at the ending that I had to read all the other reviews. Then an idea came to me. The author should write a sort of sequel from Jackie's parents point of view and tell how they handled the same ordeal and then give us an idea of what the kidnapping was all about and how it ended. That way the story could still have closure without "Girl in the Box" having a phony, happy-go-lucky ending. Otherwise the whole story seemed trite and was just an avenue to explore the mind of someone stuck in a horrifying situation.



5. My 11 year old was forced to read this in the 6th grade. It traumatized her. The book has no point, unless you think the fictional adolescent musings of kidnapped teenage girls are worth your time and effort. I can't believe this book is appropriate for elementary school children. At best, offer it as option reading for older kids, but it was a horrible experience for my daughter.
   
   And we wonder why kids don't read for pleasure anymore. . .