5 comments about Harm Done (Chief Inspector Wexford Mysteries).

1. I have read 1 other Ruth Rendell book, and one Barbara Vine (her pen name) book and can tell you that Ruth Rendell strikes me as a good writer. This book is well written, but somewhat hard to follow. To me, the problem was that the book tackled too many story lines. She started with an abduction story, moved to a pedophile story, and ended with a spousal abuse story. Yes, the three stories all tied together, but not well enough (as far as I can see) to justify the book. I would have loved to see the abduction story developed into a full novel instead of being used as a filler in this book.
   
   I will admit I was disappointed in the book, but not because it was a bad book, rather because I expected more from the author. I will definately read another Ruth Rendell book as I believe this book just falls into the "not one of her best" category.



2. No one can take on real and hot issues and deal with them like Ruth Rendell does. She is probably one of the premiere novelists out there. In this book she takes on the topic of "wife abuse", and builds a mystery around it. There are a number of things at play here. There is society dealing with the release of a convicted pedophile, there is a young girl who finds herself pregnant by an older man, and there are some girls disappearing for two or three days, and the stories they have when they get back make Wexford shake his head. But overriding of all of this is wife abuse, and the havoc it wreaks on families. Ms. Rendell can tell a story, and increase her readers' social consciences with it.



3. The narrator of the CD production of Harm Done that I listened to was Portia Davinia. She did a great job with the voices and accents of the different characters. There are several mysteries (small and big) that Detective Wexford is involved with. Wexford is a clever and kindly man. This was an entertaining listening experience.



4. I was unpleasantly surprised to discover that the audio CD of Harm Done I recently bought turned out to be an abridged version. I was wonderng why it seemed to include a lot less detail than I recalled from reading the book a few years ago. A clue to do with knives--which emphasized the book's themes--simply wasn't there, for example.
   
   I don't see mention of abridged vs. entire story (unabridged) on the descriptions of this product that are currently online.



5. But no great thrills either. I guess it was my bad luck to be reading by coincidence four thrillers involving young female abductions and/or killings. So while reading HARM DONE, I was quite sick of the theme. The spousal abuse was an interesting theme. The missing girls and who was taking them was a disappointing subplot. Cute little surprise twist at the end.

No comments about Chambers.

2 comments about The 1862 Plot to Kidnap Jefferson Davis.

1. This book is very interesting, and an easy book to read for those who do not know much about the Civil War. It tells the story that very few people know about three brave frenchmen and their plot to capture the president of the confederates, Jefferson Davis.. Including the adventures they have a few weeks before and after their plot. I would recommend this book for anyone, especially those interested in Civial War History. This book was hard to put down.

   I am definately not "into" Civial War history, but I found this to be a great book. I would make the same decision in buying it again.




2. I find it hard to believe this book is not mostly fiction..it was readable..but to say that it is a true story is beyond any wild belief.The "plot" to kidnap Jefferson Davis was at best a ill conceived "dream" of the French characters of this book. Indeed if they had a true intent to kidnap the Confederate President,they would have had several back-up plans in the event all the pieces of the original plan did not fall into place. It turns out to be little more than a story of what the Confederates believed to be neutral frenchmen, traveling from Washington City to Richmond, on a lark. The story is full of the Frenchmen's value of self-worth and the feeling that the Confederates were ignorant fools that had no place in the civilized world. The trio fashion themselves as The Three Musketeers. The originals of Dumas have little to fear from these three. This book was hardly worth the read...and I do not say that about many books. It is however a short book and that is a blessing. I decided to give it another try as a evening read after having read and reviewed it five years earlier. The basics of my review stand.

No comments about The History of Ophelia (Broadview Editions).

5 comments about The SHARP TEETH OF LOVE: A NOVEL.

1. The characters, the plot and the dialogue of this novel were what I'd expect to find in typical romance novel. The characters were trite: the self-absorbed fiance, the longsuffering, misunderstood woman who just needs a warm, sensitive man, the warm, sensitive man, and the loveable child-abuse victim. The writing was good, the plot a bit predictable,and it would have been fine if I had been looking in the Harlequin section.



2. I'm not "in love" with this book, but I certainly liked it. A sort of crunchy find-yourself-in-the-Nevada-woods narrative that borders on overly optimistic (while hiding out in the woods to escape her old life, Luna finds, naturally, a wonderful and off-beat man that just happens to live in a tent nearby. Oh, and a son of course. Who, despite his cavities, may just fit in just fine). Despite all this, however, Doris Betts managed to keep my interest with strong writing and interesting observations from the characters.



3. Although it had a rough start and I wasn't immediately intrigued by the story, this book works its way up to being great. I love Betts' use of the different points of view. It adds a whole new dimension to an otherwise somewhat simplistic storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, especially Paul's character. I don't know what it was that intrigued me so much about Paul.. he's just a very well written character.



4. Betts has to be one of the best authors to ever come out of North Carolina. Her writing has a touch of realism that is seldom matched by writers. Her wit is brilliant. Her characters are moving. The story is hypnotic. Take a look at this book. A+



5. I picked up the hardcover edition of this book simply because I liked the cover - the paperback edition's photo isn't nearly as interesting.

   This book has some very dynamic, well thought-out scenes - although it does tend to flounder a bit at times. The ending is also a little too predictable and anticlimatic. But the characters are compelling and there's just enough excitement and suspense to keep the reader on edge.

   I look forward to reading more of this author's work.

No comments about Journey to Boc Boc: The Kidnapping of a Rock Star.

1 comments about Clay.

1. Elsie and her younger disabled brother have been taken from their father by their mother - now they are leading a life hiding from family and all they have known. It's all up to Elsie to care for her brother, and when danger enters their lives, it's up to Elsie to make a decision which will change their paths forever. An involving, moving story of parental kidnapping.

No comments about Sir Gadabout.

5 comments about My Body Fell Off! (LightTraveler Adventure Series, Book 1).

1. Imagine what might happen if one day you discover you can leave your body! This is just what happens to the hero, Bart. As he is discovering this talent, he also stumbles onto a sinister plot that threatens the lives of those he loves. I think young adults around the country will have as hard a time putting this novel down as I did. I have also read the second novel, and it's even better. I'm so glad the author has finally come out with a third!



2. I am a major bookworm and I have to say that this is by far the best book I've ever read! Lots of excitement and adventure. It's a good book for ANYONE to read.



3. This is a most interesting story about a boy who has to face his talent (astral projection) and its consequences.
   I found the story so thrilling, that I almost read the book at one time only throughout the night. The following morning I had swollen eyes ! The only other book about this subject which fascinated me equally was "Frabato,The Magician" by Franz Bardon.
   Due to this book I was less shocked. One tends to think that some things simply happen much too fast...
   But in itself a truly and thoroughly fascinating book, and most recomendable.
   Anyone interested in this subject, but yet "a beginner", will find itvery helpful.



4. I haven't found too many books like this one. You can find many books on the subject if you want to learn "how to" techniques of getting out of your body, but what if you just want a good story? What if you just want a novel adventure about an esoteric topic that is usually ignored? Well if that's what you want, this is the book you're looking for. It's not particularly realistic as far as OBEs go; the protagonist can get out of his body far to easily. But who cares. This book lets you entertain the idea of a life that is not limited to the physical realm. For me, it helps me visualize myself that much closer to doing it. But besides that, it's just plain fun. I wish someone would make a series of movies like this OBE thriller. This is the kind of book that you can't put down. And it's not that big, so you'll get through it quickly, leaving you thirsting for more.



5. When I first saw this book and read the title, I didn't think it would be for me. But it was highly recommended by a friend, so I picked it up. Bart Elderberry is my new hero. Stepping out of his body at will, zipping around the universe to solve mysteries, it's a fantastic book and I eagerly hunted down and read the two that follow.

1 comments about The Car Theft Kidnapping (The/Invincible Abdullah ; Vol 2).

1. I read the books when I was 13 they are the Muslim answer to Hardy boys. they give an adventure novel (which the younger children are looking for)that also focuses on Islam the fundamentals and the necessity to act on them no matter what the situation. I believe that if children were to read the Invincible Abdullah series it would allow them to feel free in acting Islamic in front of other non Muslim children of their age or at least not make them deny their religion to their peers (which is happening at public schools)