2 comments about Kidnapped: Child Abduction in America.

1. If you're really interested in missing children and child kidnappings, like I am, this is definately the book for you. It begins with the heartbreaking 1874 ransom abduction of Charley Ross from Pennsylvania. His father refused to pay the ransom, not because he didn't love his son, but because he thought kidnappers should not profit from their crime. Charley never returned home. The next chapter is about the Lindbergh baby, then Leopold and Loeb, and so on. It ends with modern kidnappings: Etan Patz, Kevin Collins and Polly Klaas. There's also a chapter on parental abduction. In other words, this book is very extensive.

   While it's a very "academic" book, it's not dull like a textbook. I found it very entertaining, with a nice centerfold of photographs. This book should definately have a place on anybody's true crime shelf.




2. This is not easy reading, particularly for a left-behind parent who may have had to or continues to endure the terrorizing tragedy of child abduction or kidnapping (they are two very seperate but painful events, and are dealt with in the courts differently). In 'Kidnapped: Child Abduction in America' by Paula S. Fass, readers are brought into a historical perspective on how society deals with the abduction and wrongful removal of a child, and how this perception has moved the courts in different ways. Fass brings out a very important issue in this meaningful, yet painful book: what is the role of the media in abduction, and how has the role of the public voice directed the subjectivity of the various courts who are charged with overseeing such cases. Importantly, the author also points out that though the law is objective in theory, how the courts have handled abduction is subjective.
   
   What is missing, is an in-depth understanding of what a left-behind parent can do for themselves while seaching for a child. Emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially most left-behind parents are left with scars no words could ever express. The turmoil brought onto a parent, yet alone a child, is unbearable. And for some, always with the safety of the child first and foremost, it may not be easy or suggested that a left-behind parent speaks directly to the press due to concern of their child's safety.
   
   Nevertheless, this is an invigorating book, and the stories presented, painful. When you see one of those fund raisers for an organization involved with missing children, do not think twice about helping. If you're a parent involved with a search, keep your faith. Sometimes its the only thing one can hold onto. Again, keep your faith.
   
   Well done, and thank you for bringing the issues of child abduction and child kidnapping out further into the public light.

No comments about Liverwurst Is Missing.

5 comments about Flash Point: A Susan Kim Delancey Mystery.

1. Nancy Baker Jacobs's savvy arson investigator, Susan Kim Delaney, is a welcome new voice in mystery and suspense. Intelligent and tough, with a dry wit and wise heart, she more than proves her mettle in the face of danger. Well-drawn characters and a solid plot help to make FLASH POINT an unforgettable reading experience. This one will have you reading through the night!



2. Not only does Susan Kim Delancy, California's first arson czar, have to race to find a killer who targets new mothers; she also has to prove the value of her new office to politicians, the press, and fire professionals. I could not put this book down, and I look forward to Nancy Baker Jacobs's next book featuring this complex, caring, courageous Asian-American single mother.



3. Susan Kim Delancey is the Governor's Special Assistant for Arson Investigations, a political appointment that has her serve as liaison with all the counties in California. Right now she is investigating a series of arson homicides that have taken place in Sausalito, San Francisco, Daily City and San Vincente. She is trying to find out if the same person is responsible for the four incidents.

   In each case the victim was a single mother who recently gave birth to a baby girl. No trace of the babies is found leading the press to dub the crimes the "Baby Snatcher Murders". Susan and her understaffed overworked team find a common thread even as the killer targets someone Susan loves more than life itself.

   Nancy Baker Jacobs has a winning new series if FLASH POINT is any indication. The heroine is impossible not to like as she races from one horrific crime scene to another to find some answers that will stop a killer before he strikes again. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages until they find out who the perp is and why he is doing such terrible things.

   Harriet Klausner




4. in this fast-paced page turner. Ms. Jacobs manages to make every word count in Flash Point, her latest mystery entry. Thanks to the author's keen eye for detail, the reader sees the characters come to life on the page. And what charming characters they are---it's a pleasure spending time with Susan Kim Delancey as she tracks down the serial arsonist. Well researched, the author sets the scene so realistically I have a new-found respect for the men and women who fight fires daily.



5. I'm a longtime fan of Ms. Jacobs and hope that
   "Flashpoint" is the start of a new series.
   This novel is just the right blend of mystery,
   suspense, and social commentary.

   Be sure to read Ms. Jacobs' other recent novels,
   "Star Struck" and "Double or Nothing".

3 comments about Across the Wild River.

1. James Gregg and his fellow poineer friend, Cady Walker, are left behind with thier families on the plains when James's Pa fall ill. He (James) and his brother Jeremy haven't been getting along real well lately, but when a trio of desperadoes tempt to kill his family and friends, the two brothers put away their diferences so they can save thier family. This book is really intresting and suspencive. I suggest it to kids that are 11-12. You'll like it because there is drama, along with romance, and danger. But one thing, will the brothers untile long enough to be able to save their family? And will his Pa ever get better? Read it and find out.



2. This is the first book in a trio. James's Gregg's life is changing forever when in 1848, he and his family catch the Oregon fever and decided to head out of the states, west, to Oregon. James meets two friends in Indepenance, adn they are travling together. They have many adventures on the trail. But near the end, Cady falls into the Platte river, and doesn't know how to swim. James jumps in after her, ut can he save them both, or perish in a watery grave on the bottom of the Platte? I suggest this book to kids of 11 or 12. I finally got the concept this summer, after having them since 1994, when I was like. . . 9. The second and third are a littel romantic, if you like all that stuff, and by reading this book, you will find who is having the romance. For further reading, look up Along the Dangerouse Trail, and Over the Rugged Mountain. Bill Gutman is a master-mind.



3. James Gregg's life is changing for good when his father gets the gumption to travel a grueling 2,000 miles along the dangerous plains and mountians to go to Oregon. They endure storms, plagues, and floods. Not all will make it. And when James's best-fried, Cady Walker, falls from her family's wagon, and has not the ability to swim, he jumps in after her. It is a very good beginning to the trio. Look up other two, Along the Dangerous Trail, and Over the Rugged Mountain. I assure these are somthing every kid sould read. I've had it since I was 8, and I didn't understand it till I was 11-12, so I suggest this is the approx, ages.

5 comments about Drawing a Blank: Or How I Tried to Solve a Mystery, End a Feud, and Land the Girl of My Dreams.

1. How does one describe Carlton Dunne IV? Here's how I think he would describe himself:
   
   *Comic book geek
   *Trust fund kid
   *Loner
   *Incapable of being attentive or focused
   *Afraid of people
   *VERY afraid of female people
   *Non-adventurous
   *Off-spring of a nutcase
   
   
   Unfortunately, his dad might not be crazy. Carlton's grown up hearing about some ridiculous, centuries-old feud with some guy in Scotland. He's always just assumed it was his father's insanity, but now his dad is missing, and Carlton's getting really weird phone calls. So, the guy who's scared of people is about to be forced to deal with a whole bunch of them that he's never met before. One of those people might be a dangerous lunatic who is holding his father hostage, one of them is definitely the prettiest girl Carlton's ever seen, and he's also about to have the adventure of a lifetime.
   
   Let me start by confessing I'm not a comic book fan. When I opened the book and I saw a comic strip, I groaned out loud. See, one of Carlton's quirks, of which there are quite a few, is that he draws comic strips when he's unhappy or uncomfortable. He kind of re-draws his circumstances. But I made myself sit down and start reading. Carlton also makes random comments in footnote form. I like random comments, and that's what I always thought footnotes should be used for anyway, so the book started to grow on me. A lot of the footnotes actually contain useful and interesting information, as well. He also continuously gives birth and death dates, which I didn't quite get, but still found amusing. I really started to like Carlton, and his book. By the end I had laughed out loud, in public no less, quite a few times. And I'm not saying I'm ready to go to ComicCon or anything, but I have a newfound appreciation for comics.
   
   Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman



2. Drawing a Blank was about how this young, cartoon aritist goes on this journey to Scotland because his father was kidnapped. Hid Dad's family has gone way back with this rival clan about how their two families fought for Agricola's Dagger. Carlton also met the love of his life throughout his journey.
   
   My favorite part of the book was when Carlton went to Comic Expo in place of his father. Carlton wrote comics for this newspaper and said that his Dad made them. Carlton's Dad had no clue about writing comics and his boss invited him to Comic Expo. Carlotn went in his place and saw some very interesting people. I think it was funny because his Dad had no clue about Carlton's job writing comics. Overall that was my favorite part in the book.
   
   I deffinetly recommend this book. I thought this book was really good. The beginning of it wasn't that good but the end was awesome. The beginning was kind of boring but the end sure wasn't. This book showed me that nothing is impossible. Carlton Solved a Mystery, Ended a Feud, and Landed the Girl of his Dreams all in one adventure. He wasn't even one of the popular kids, he was just a kid at a private school that sat in his dorm and created comics. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a funny book with a great storyline and message.



3. This book has a lot going for it. The story (as the full title explains) follows Carlton Dunne IV as he tries to rescue his father who is embroiled in an age-old family feud with another Scottish clan. In the process, Carlton runs away from his boarding school, visits the comic con from hell, meets a crazy girl who wants to be on "Cops" and continues working on his comic strip that runs in a local paper. As you might have guessed, Carlton wears many hats.
   
   The story is exciting and includes comic strips between chapters throughout the novel. Carlton is also a really fun character, likeably neurotic he brings to mind the protagonist of the Wessex Papers--a trilogy that Ehrenhaft wrote under the pen name of Daniel Parker.
   
   Although the book is a significant length, the chapters are short--averaging about three pages at a run. This is good because you can read them quickly. On the other hand, Ehrenhaft's preference to end chapters on a cliff hanger becomes redundant after the eightieth time.
   
   The story takes a while to get to the action, a fact Carlton himself acknowledges early on, but the time is well-spent introducing memorable characters and explaining Carlton's personal history.
   
   A definite must read for any comic fans :)



4. Drawing a Blank by Daniel Ehrenhaft is a surprisingly enjoyable read. The main character, Carlton Dunne the IV, is an introverted graphic artist. Carlton has drawn forever as a way to escape the world around him. His eccentric father, Carlton Dunne the III, is obsessed with a legendary family fued that dates back to 13th century Scotland. This fast-paced read combines all the elements of a good book. The intriguing mystery surrounding his father's kidnapping, the fictional fued whose proof of existance appears in unexpected places, and Carlton's psychotic but fun partner makes this book all that more delightful. The comics dispersed throughout this book add more pleasure and wit to this novel than the text alone. The humor, intrigue, and charm of this novel will enchant readers from the first page to the final picture, anyone will enjoy Drawing a Blank.



5. That phrase means "my hovercraft is full of eels" and is from Simon Ager's Useful Scottish Gaelic phrases web site (http://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/gaelic.php). I'm sure that Aileen would love and possibly USE that phrase! What a wonderful book! I loved it and couldn't put it down. I will recommend it to many of the YA readers who frequent my library. If you like Scotland, comics, adventure and/or goofy and fun books, then this book is for you! I hope there there are more to come for the team of Ehrenhaft and Ristow. Enjoy!

No comments about The Hell's Angel Kidnapping (Linford Mystery).

5 comments about Even Steven.

1. I enjoyed Gilstrap's Nathan's Run and At All Costs, but Even Steven was a grind. The eternal internal monologues were drudgery. A lot of it was down right corny. It was hard for me to believe that an upper-middle-class, educated, married couple would act the way the protagonists did. Didn't seem real to me. April Simpson maybe, Bobby and his wife, no. Some reviewers said this book was gripping, and moved fast. The only place it moved fast was at the end. I hope Gilstrap rediscovers his storytelling ability in time for his next one.



2. This does not approach the excitement level of his debut "Nathan's Run",but then very few novels do,and it is still a competent and enjoyable thriler
   Bobby and Susan Martin are a prosperous couple whose life lacks only one thing-a child,previous pregnancies having gone awry through either stillbirth or miscarriage.While on a camping trip in the Catoclin National Forest they encounter a runaway boy,dishevelled and exceptionally dirty.In close pursuit is a hulking brute of a man who clearly terrifies the child.An altercation breaks out and Bobby accidently kills the man who is carrying a police officer's badge.Susan blithely disregards the circumstances and insists on viewing the child as a gift from God-a replacement for their stillborn child Steven after whom she names the newcomer.
   The child has in fact been kidnapped by a local gangster as collateral for a debt and stirred into the mix we have the child's real mother ,and the FBI who are in pursuit of the Martin's

   The handling of several disparte plot strands is not always as deft as could be but the characterization is good and the ghradual unravelling os Susan and her refusal to accept the truth,with its concomittant strain on the marital relationship is convincing not something I can say for the burgeoning relationship betwen the mother and an FBI agent which fails to persuade

   Perhaps the next novel will get away from the chase motif which is starting to wear a tad thin




3. Gilstrap has once again amazed me with his powerful "family on the run"-type writing style. "Even Steven" is, overall, a good book. It doesn't quite live up to "At All Costs," and is no where near as compelling as "Nathan's Run," but not all books can be classics. Gilstraps offers situations that everyone can relate to. A mother in fear of losing a child, a father trying to keep control over his family, an older brother stuck caring for his younger sibling, and a younger brother unable to shed the annoyance of having his older brother watching his every move. Gilstrap's main lacking point is the way he caries out his plot. Sometimes it seems as though he were looking for the easy way out, and didn't take the time to make the stroy beleivable. I would consider this a bedside book. Don't be surprised if it doesn't turn out to be an instant classic!



4. I really like Nathan's Run, but couldn't get into At All Costs. I'm glad Even Steven came along. Very fast paced and a convoluted, but very followable , plot. Enjoy it.



5. This was a new author for me and I have to say that I was impressed with his writing style. I didn't know what to expect. I thought his writing to be equal to many of the popular suspense/thriller authors whose work is made into high budget movies. This should give an indication of how fast the action is and how visual. If you want to read an author whose work you can read as a "visual" experience, I would also give Ken Follett a try.

1 comments about Correction of Drift: A Novel in Stories.

1. This is a great book for people who are interested (and some are obsessed) with the Lindbergh story. The question always remains: what was the truth, what did happen and this book sets out "on foot" to find the answers in a way only fiction can.
   
   This is experimental fiction, a must read for those who are interested in what writing can be, a must read for students of fiction who want inspiration and encouragement for thier own experimentations: to believe that writing can be not the same-old, same-old, can be more courageous, can be something new in the very form of writing.
   The first sentence begins "They lit out on foot, in wing tips, in oxfords--black & white, and oxblood brown--and sharp-toed boots of yellow buck with high tips and a fancy stitch--hurrying along the moon-bright road......" and follows our kidnappers as they set out to do the dirty deed. The references to news clippings made me want to find out more of the story.
   Buy this book. Keep it forever. And go back to it again and again.

2 comments about PRISONERS AT KITCHEN TABLE.

1. The book "Prisoners of the Kitchen Table" is an exciting book involving friendship, teamwork and courage. A neighbor boy named Josh and a girl named Polly get "KIDNAPPED" and taken far away.

   The get taken to an old house in the middle of a cornfield. The kidnappers told the parents of the children, "No funny business with the police or you'll never see your kids again. You'll both have to pay $100,000 to us to get your kids back." Trapped in a house out in a field, with no luck of help coming, they think they are lost. What will happen to them? Will they stay with these people forever or will they ever get home? Read more to find out!!

   I think this book would be good for people who like mysteries and danger put together. Parents, don't think this book is wrong for your child/children. Even though there is a bank robbery and guns, it also ia a good story of friendship and teamwork for your child to learn.




2. This is a good book to read aloud to kids about 4th grade. Unfortunately, the copy I got through amazon (third party used book) is a shortened version with only 95 pages. It's the Weekly Reader version, and the longer one, about 125, is better.

5 comments about The Second Silence.

1. I love Eileen Gouge's style and characters. In my opinion, and I have read them all, this is the best book Eileen has published. I couldn't put it down. It was not entirely predictable. There were interesting twists and turns, tangled families, certainly more mystery and excitement than usual. I could relate to the people; they were "real." I loved this book. I recommend it to anyone who loves Eileen's style, and to anyone who likes a mystery that is not gory or violent, spiced with love and romance. This is a five for sure. Eileen this is sure to be your best selling work.



2. I really enjoyed this book. It is my first experience reading an Eileen Goudge book, and I was impressed. This was the perfect summer book, nothing too deep or confusing going on. It centers on a young mother, Noelle, trying to win back custody of her 5 year old daughter whom her husband has kidnapped. Her husband, Robert, then goes on a ruthless campaign to portray her as an unfit mother, and he even stages several things to further that impression. Along for the ride are Noelle's long divorced parents, Mary & Charlie, who despite being divorced for roughly 30 years still have very strong feelings for each other, her ailing Grandmother Doris, whose very strong opinions she seldom keeps to herself, and her half sister, Bronwyn, a sort of teenage Nancy Drew. All in all a good story, that ultimately centers on love between mother, daughters and sisters and also letting go of past hurts to open oneself up to love again. I would definitely recommend it.



3. I was intrigued by the title and have never read anything by Eileen Goudge, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Second Silence has an excellent balance of mystery and romance -a moving relationship drama. Very enjoyable! Also recommend Shade of the Maple by Kirk Martin and The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks-two incredible relationship dramas.



4. It amazes me how 10 people can read the same book and either love it or hate it. This is the first book by Goudge that I have read; I went into it cold and did not read the reviews until I finished it. Not being an avid reader of romance books, it was a surprise to see that it was combined with my favorite genre: mystery-thriller. You can get the details from other reviewers if that is what you are looking for but I say, read it and judge it for yourself. True, it may sound like a soap opera but aren't our lives the basis for those soaps?Every body has to make decisions that ultimately affect the lives of others and your decisions will have great impact that you never in your life could imagine. In this story, decisons made 4 generations ago lead to a terror-riden climax with a beautiful ending. See if you can identify with the different characters in your own family's generations. I did and saw a lot of "what if"s as we all do. Enjoy the book just to get away from all the stress and obscentities of today's pressures.At least you can put the book down but you can't put your own life on hold!!



5. In this season of charity and goodwill, we concentrate on the reason we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus, the son of God who came to save mankind. Mary felt something flare like a spark from one of the frayed electric cords strung like Christmas lights along the walls as she ponders on the untimely death of her best friend. Just today, I was tempted to buy a whitesparkly aluminum Christmas tree just the right size for one's desk; it made me think of Eva Ezell's original prized aluminum tree stored out in her garage which had many pleasant memories for her.
   
   My favorite poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, wrote "Three silences there are: speech, desire, thought..." In the autistic mind, speech is silent as Eric frantically ran from place to place in the restaurant. Speech comes early to some like Alec at seven months, as he tries to form words; later to Kyle who has just turned three years old and can't form sentences, only his mom understands and interprets his phrases. He has not learned how to be quiet and listen, as he is constantly bombarded by sounds from educational videos. He can say, "Can't Hear" to get his doting mom to turn up the volume. Perhaps that is today's young mothers' attempts to create a genius. A genius is not made by man, but is created thusly by providence, perhaps by God. When I was a young mother, it was reading which shetted their appetites for knowledge and simple toys used to create fascinating and creative plays, stories, and artwork. Sweet words are all you need. You reflect on recent conversations and realise there is something you could have said but didn't. Now is an opportunity to take a second chance with someone, especially if you harbor unspoken feelings for them. Its important to verbally express yourself now. You might stumble over your words a little, but your intentions are clear. What you have to say is received with affection. Whatever it is you want, stop stewing over it and tell someone. Ideally, someone who has the influence to help you get what you crave.
   
   Today's world is too much electronic with loud noises and no silences. Some people are unable to speak at all, some haltingly so. Some people never learn to speak. There is a young man who rides the buses who makes animal sounds to communicate; another who grunts and growls like a gorilla. So often it's about choosing to think positively. After all, no one can predict the future, so no one really knows whether you're right or wrong. Desire comes later as one learns how to express his needs. Children desire things of their own; their main desire is to be loved.
   
   Adults desire the companionship of others and also the need to be loved for themselves. At different ages, the desires will be constantly changing according to existing circumstances and expectations. We desire to be desired. Our omnipresent desire is to be successful in some field and to live life to the fullest. Desire for material things, large automobiles, a place to find the first and foremost desire, silence, a childhood wish for a piano, a trip to Hawaii, usually can be attained with a little help from your friends and a good banker like David Sharp.
   
   The desire to perpetuate the cycle of human evolution is what makes the world go 'round. Longfellow was a thoughtful poet "and the night shall be filled with music" (thanks, young Bill Ross for your guidance). Thought begins at birth; the expression of thought revolves as the child matures and grows. Thought is the most importand 'silence' as it is cerebral and can be expressed by actions, words, sign language, musical talent, and in writing. Without thought, it would be a dead desolute world. Just say the word; "the problem is I haven't known where to find me." He was looking for a sign of what the future might hold. No one knows.
   
   Some people, those who can't hear, are caught in a world of silence. Silence can be beautiful, or silence can be an imprisonment. Some people think too much and don't take the time to let those thoughts sink in so as to make life worthwhile. More people than not talk so as not to have to think at all. Some people are deep thinkers, some not. A certain class of today's society have not been taught how to think on a high level, which holds them back and they exist in a netherworld of violence. Some kids considered hyperactive are drugged so they can't think rationally or any other way; they're turned into zombies to allow the smartest to excel, while they have reached a stalemate in a world where they will never fit in but, eventually, rebel in an explosive way.
   
   Institutions used to be full of these problem people, but now they are out on the streets causing havoc and getting hurt by criminals. They're being mainlined into today's social world in which they can't cope, like the mentally retarded and handicapped were in the school system. It was called special ed. Most will withdraw down into their own little fantasy world. I see them every day on the local buses, at the library, sleeping on the sidewalks. There is one bus passenger who dons a red velvet jester's hat every winter until up into the summer months. He doesn't realize how dumb he really looks and a lot of lower class citizens who don't know any better make fun of him. That "dummy" headdress is the only way he's able to express himself. I say he just wants attention, to be noticed, and to be acknowledged of his existence.
   
   Many such poor people fall through the cracks while the rich "beautifully dressed and coiffed" so-called society people (though not exceptionally smart) look the other way and booze themselves into oblivion. They are morally corrupt but simply do not care. If they could live one day as one of us who have nothing, the world would change for the better. "God, how I wish it." To walk a mile in the other man's shoes. The second silence, desire, with a few twists of imagination, is for a safe place to live in a peaceful world without wars.