Non-fiction Books

Heard this story as a child from my grandparents who were on German background. This story is just like they told it. Beautiful illustrations complete the story that swirled in my head so many years ago!!

Ok.I HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK.I hope that you don`t hurt my reviews for this,but in a way,I HAVE read this book.I am in this play,so I have read this script.And since the play is going to be on Saturday,(5th) and Sunday(6th) and also for the next weekend,I have to read this script over and over and over again.I think that this book is a very good book.In the play I am Miss Applebee but I think that this book is very good it must be.

When I was about seven-years-old a family member gave me a recording, (78s) of the Pied Piper of Hamelin narrated by Ingrid Bergman. As I listened, I could see the characters in my head and never tired of the story.

A month ago I bought the book for my eight-year-old granddaughter who lives about eight hundred miles away from me, because I was afraid with the passing of one more generation, the story might be forgotten.

It is a lovely book, written by Robert Browning more than a century ago. The drawings are perfect, given the dated language used in this book. And the story has a simple message, about honoring our promises.

Sadly, my granddaughter glanced at the book and was clearly not interested. I wanted to read it with her, intending to make clear the English used by Browning.

So, a tale almost twelve hundred years old bit the dust, at least in our family it did.

But if you are a lover of this fable, it is worth your time to try it out on the children in your family. They will be the richer for it.

This book would be a wonderful treasure for the pictures alone. Kate Greenaway, noted children's illustrator, has created a magical world of beautiful children, innocent faces, and romantic, nostalgic costumes. The colors on these pages are breathtaking, and the details (although Greenaway is always faulted for not drawing hands and feet well) are superb. This story is not for very young children, as it contains some troublesome themes. For the older child, perhaps 7+, the story might provoke some interesting post-read family discussions about honesty, trust, and the actual state of the children at the end of the tale. This is even a beautiful book to give to adults, as the messages about human nature can be appreciated on a deeper level.

"Rats!
They fought the dogs, and killed the cats,
And bit the babies in the cradles,
And ate the cheeses out of the vats,
And licked the soup from the cook's own ladles,
Split open the kegs of salted sprats,
Made nests inside men's Sunday hats,
And even spoiled the women's chats,
By drowning their speaking
With shrieking and squeaking
In fifty different sharps and flats."

Robert Browning (1812-1889) first published his poem "The Pied Piper of Hamelin, A Child's Story" in 1842, based on an old German legend which may or may not have had some basis in historical fact. Browning was a serious poet; even in a poem filled with playful rhymes written specifically for children, he did not "dumb down" his language, but expected his readers to do a little work in understanding some of his "big words."

Kate Greenaway (1846-1901) was one of the most famous and popular illustrators of children's literature in the latter part of the 19th Century. She had grown up loving Browning's poem, and shortly before his death she requested and received his permission to republish it accompanied by her own illustrations. This edition was initially published in 1888 under the imprint of George Routledge & Sons, which was at that same time in the process of splitting between Routledge and Frederick Warne. Starting in 1889 all subsequent editions carried the Warne imprint. The book continued to be popular, and Frederick Warne has issued reprints from time to time, well into the late 20th Century. This Warne edition is not in print at present, but used copies with various reprint dates are available from Amazon Marketplace sellers.

However, two different reprint editions are currently available, each with the complete original text and illustrations, and each presented with loving care from an eminently respectable publisher, in well-made but modestly priced editions. The Dover reprint (ISBN 0486296199) is full-size, in a sturdy paperback; the Alfred A Knopf/Borzoi/Everyman's Library reprint (ISBN 0679428127) is part of their Children's Classics series, in a very sturdily constructed hardcover with sewn sections that will not crack with use, but the page size is somewhat smaller. Both are beautiful books, and either is an excellent value.

As noted in the Editorial Reviews above, there have been other editions of "The Pied Piper," with different illustrations, and at least one seems to have been issued with the poem itself "retold" to make the language simpler; neither of those reviews is discussing this original version. Some readers may prefer one or another of these different versions. But anyone wanting to stick with Browning's original full text and Greenaway's original charming, muted and subtle illustrations should choose between the Dover or the Everyman's, or visit Amazon's Marketplace sellers to look for a copy of the Frederick Warne.

I don't think I am qualified to write a review of this piece of art. Think Toni Morrison on LSD, or maybe Falkner writing in Hebrew as Isaiah, composing in a way never before conceived, about of all things, The Hollocaust! I guess this most twisted example of human depravity requires such a book. However, if I had not read Mr. Grossman's beautiful love narrative, " Someone to Run With" I would not have known at first if it was a work of genius or a tale told by an idiot, and might not have hung in there long enough to declare it the former - 5 stars! However, a second reading may be required to understand the nuances.

Words fail. I beg anyone who has been considering buying into Jonathan Safran Foer's hype to instead find themselves a copy of this, the book from which he appears to have stolen most of his ideas, instead.

All hyperbole aside, this wonderful book has few equals. It demands attention, and reflection, and time, and it rewards those willing to invest those things in it beyond compare. Nothing short on a meditation the way our lives are impacted by the moral calculi of others, and the way our own actions reverberate throughout the generations.

As an Israeli who have read it in Hebrew, I would like to add a few words. One thing: this book is entirely different if you read it in Hebrew. It losses a lot in the translation, and not because the translation is bad, rather that the combination of different layers of very special Hebrew combined with Yiddish, along with the cultural context, makes it a book that is an impossible mission for the translator. Of course, you can't ask someone to learn Hebrew just for this book (and this still won't be enough, because he has to be born again as an Israeli and grow up here to understand everything...), but the book has numerous universal aspects that can be translated, and it's still, even after the translation, a must-read.
And now, for the book itself (if there is such a thing the book itself...).
This is by-far the greatest Israeli book that I have ever read. I had one feeling that went along with me throughout the journey: I don't know how the hell he did. I just don't know. Like a magician that makes a trick you just can't figure. The scope. The depth. I cannot describe this book. It defies space and time. It is a masterpiece.

It was hard to read this novel. Grossman presents us with mysteries and references that require both faith and patience -- they are amply rewarded. Part of what delays the intrepid reader is the time required just to absorb, to make connections, to take deep breaths, to sob. The horror and disgust that one expects in a holocaust novel are there, but what pulls us up short are the compassion and, yes, love that emerge in the most unlikely places. It would be no help to read a synopsis of this book or to have a guide to its mysteries, because you read it in your heart and in the aqueous subconscious. Reading is always an act of love, a tryst of imagination with the writer. When it really goes well, when the miracle occurs, a child, a book is produced between them. It hovers luminously in the aether - real, profound, fleeting. See Under: Love invites us to into that relationship, helps us visualize it, and transforms our sense of what this world really is. There is plenty to study, learn, and analyze in Mr. Grossman's incredible work, but my first reading was a sacred experience. This book sat on my shelf for about eleven years. I gave a first edition of it to a young man obsessed with the holocaust who died a year later of a mysterious disease. I thought picking it up would mean acknowledging his absence - instead it reassured me of his presence. Prepare to be surprised.

One of the best novels I have ever read. Don't miss it!

This volume contains genuinely creepy tales from various parts of the world. The writing is atmospheric and Katherine Coville's illustrations are well-crafted. This would be an ideal choice for anyone looking for a spooky book to read to classes at Halloween, around the camp-fire, or just for their own entertainment. And really, who could resist a book with memorable monsters like the Tailypo, the Cegua, the Golem, and the Loup-Garou?

This book is a well put together collection of folktales and true ghost stories from all over the world . i enjoyed it very much.
There is a nice diverse mix of stories, but no matter where they are from, all are relatable because fear is a universal human emotion.
Beautifully done illustrations set the mood of the book off perfectly.

Short and Shivery

Do you like reading ghost stories that leave you afraid to turn out the lights at night? Short and Shivery by Robert D. San Sousi has many haunted stories that are really creepy.
In the story of "The Haunted Inn" a guy named Wei along with a couple of his friends were driving around. All of a sudden a storm appeared. Because of the violent storm they had to stop and stay at an inn. They were greeted warmly by the innkeeper and his wife. I felt one of the best parts in "The Haunted Inn" was when the group went up in front of Wei's friend's face. The reason I mentioned both both of these incidents in the stories is because they were the creepiest.
In another story, "The Duppy"the protagonist, a boy named Jubal Lescot had an aunt that died when he was six. He told us she had been mean and evil. He overheard his neighbor talking about a duppy, or a ghost. A few weeks later he went to the graveyard to spy on the duppy, but instead, the duppy spotted him! One of the best parts in "The Duppy" was when Jubal came running from the duppy and ran into his father. His father said, "In the morning we will put the duppy to rest." They were going to kill!
If you didn't enjoy the last book you read, you shouldn't wait to read this. This book has many different stories, and each will excite you. Go and buy it now! These stories will creep you out.

My sons, ages 8 and 5, absolutely LOVE these stories! They are just scary enough without going overboard, and have great plots that keep their attention the whole time. We will definitely be buying more in this series.

This book was great because it had so many scary folk tales and tall tales. I liked that it had short stories. I liked this book more because of all the scary stories that they have in this book. The one I like the most was "The Water Fall of the Living Ghost".

Back again, and more problems.


Having made it back to her own Earth, our heroine still doesn't have it a lot easier - but does have electricity and running water. There's still evil wizards that want to rule the world, live forever, and generally do bad things.

The good wizard she fancies she has shafted, and somehow has to try and set that right. Her only advantage? A modern outlook and some technology.

Joanna has betrayed Antryg to torture, imprisonment, and horrific torment - and she's back in Los Angeles, a universe away and unable to help him. Gary, possessed by the dark mage, can open the void for her to cross and rescue Antryg - if she can follow.

What would YOU take with you if you were charging off to another world with the grand agenda of saving Antryg and stopping Suraklin from plunging both worlds into horrible, hopeless greyness forever to fuel his bid for immortality, once again constantly trying to evade capture, avoid monsters, and keep track of all the players?

This truly excellent novel wraps up the story begun in The Silent Tower. Never predictable, the tale is taut from start to finish as Joanna, Antryg, and a few surprising allies fight the good fight against staggering odds. It doesn't seem possible that they could win.

And what would it mean if they did?

Buy this book!

The heroine does NOT have a worn computer disk. She has a worm program on a disk. This is important in the story.

My daughter and I love this book. Between us, we've gone through at least five paperback copies. The cover art for the paperback is absolutely fabulous and appropriate, too.

OK. You pick up a book.
You open it.
The first sentence is:
"The worst thing about knowing Gary was dead was seeing him every day at work."

You want to know a little bit more, don't ya?

Of course you have to read the Silent Tower first, but you won't be bored.
Barbara Hambly is an excellent writer; she creates these Technicolor characters. They're priceless, detailed, 3-D and believable; I'd love to invite them over for lunch. (Especially Antryg; he's a corker. I can just see him waving his fork and expounding on turtle shells and Unreal Tournament and the Punic Wars and pretty much everything. I'd listen until my ears fell off.)

In general, this is an exciting espionage-ish book; they're wrecked, lost, captured, escaped, imprisoned, etcetera--you certainly won't be bored. It's a complex, highly plotted book, with lots of twists and surprises. She creates some very Lovecraftian monsters as well, so you can get some exercize by letting your flesh crawl. And you *have* to meet NineTenTwo, who looks like an H.R. Giger Alien but talks like a cardigan-wearing physics prof.

This was the most amazing book I have read in ages - honestly. Hambly surpasses herself. A real tear-jerker. I ended up crying about 5 times in just the last few chapters. It absolutely screwed with my emotions, which is just how a like it, and a sure way to prove that I was living the book rather than reading it!
Read this book! Everyone! And enjoy it - I insist!

Sir Nigel is the tale of the early adventures of Nigel the future commander of the White company, from his early squire hood culminating in his knighting on the battlefield and successfully winning his lady love.

In many the morals and world view of Sir Nigel clash with my own. Nigel is one of these simple strong souls who never see the relative nature of the world. To Nigel everything is black and white, good or evil without any shades of grey, Honour is all and fear is an unknown concept. Yet I enjoyed this story immensely. Why? Perhaps because it takes me back to the simplicity of childhood, that state of perfect heroes and right and just causes.

Also this is Conan-Doyle the author who bought us Sherlock Holmes so the quality of the writing is first rate as is the quality of the historical research and accuracy providing idealized visions of characters such as Prince Edward and John Chandos and events such as the Battle of Poiters.

You're a Sherlock Holmes fan, right? Yes, of course you are. Everybody is. Look at the zillions of reprints of these stories. Every year there's another one. And who is the writer? Why, Arthur Conan Doyle, of course.

Or maybe you're a science-fiction or fantasy nut. The books you love best are those in which a very imaginative author conjures up a remarkable, detailed, complex world, puts human-type characters in it, and sets them in motion, reacting to the forces around them. You'd crawl through mud to find a book like this.

So why oh why oh why don't you give this neglected masterpiece, this Sir Nigel--and with Doyle as the author--the acclaim it so richly deserves? No, it's not fantasy or science-fiction, but it begins in England in 1348, and can you possibly imagine a time and place more foreign than that?

To briefly summarize, the story is about a young squire, Sir Nigel, and his quest to perform noble deeds so that he can win the hand of his love, who waits patiently for him to complete them. If you want nothing more than adventure, this book has it. He begins by rescuing a damsel from a scoundrel who would besmirch her honor; there is a small then a large sea battle against the Spanish; there is a journey to a cruel, pirate-infested island, and the revenge exacted on its leader; there are jousts, one on one and thirty on thirty; and in final there is a large, desperate battle between huge armies of French and English where much glory and blood is to be found. Large and small, adventures abound, and I haven't even mentioned half of them. And nothing here stretches credibility. Yes, Nigel is a hero, but he suffers setbacks also--some really embarrassing--and in fact misses most of a set-piece battle he was looking forward to when he almost gets his brains bashed in at the beginning of it.

Like all of Doyle's creations, this novel is rich in small details also. For example, forks hadn't been invented yet. It was considered good manners to hold your meat with your thumb and middle finger while cutting it; to do otherwise was bad form. When you're done with the meat, you toss the bone behind you for the dogs. Once a week, the whole mess was swept out and more hay is laid on the floor. He shows a great knowledge of weaponry as well, talking about the relative merits of the bow and the arbalest, the heavy stones heaved by mangonels, and of course the use of swords and shields and lance. These are just a couple of examples. Practically every page reveals insights as to the way of life in those times, not the least of which is the portrayal of the chivalraic code by which they all lived.

Lastly, it is beautifully written, almost lyrical. Nigel comes upon the fair Edith, "whose face had come so often betwixt him and his sleep." Is there a more economical or descriptive way to put this? And later, marching in war-torn Brittany: "As the darkness deepened there came in wild gusts the howling of wolves from the forest to remind them that they were in a land of war. So busy had men been for many years in hunting one another that the beasts of the chase had grown to a monstrous degree, until [even] the streets of the town were no longer safe . . ." Descriptive? Indeed, chilling.

This is exciting, informative, first-class fiction, and warrants a much larger audience than it has apprarently been getting over the years. Do your part!

I don't have much time to write this review, but if I did, it would be a long one full of words of praise. I read this book in its Spanish language version(only about 15 times). I found it really exciting and interesting. It is the classic story of the undersized fighter who at the end gets all the glory. The story is full of surprises and it will capture anyone's imagination (it got mine). Read it! -

The book just grabbed me from the very first paragraph. I knew that Sir Arthur is an excellent writer but I didn't know that he is that good with medieval adventures.
Everything he writes is very true historically and that makes the book even more enjoyable. His sense of humor and the story made me feel almost being there with Sir Nigel. The story itself is simple but full of surprises. If you are a kid or if you are one of those grown up kids like me you will love this book.

After finishing The White Company I RAN to the library and devoured the prequal, Sir Nigel.

A magical work of historical fiction.

From the Back Cover:
Cesar Valverde was the man with everything-stunning good looks, wealth and a bachelor lifestyle. But Cesar knew it would please his ailing godfather more then anything if he got married, preferably to Dixie Robinson... Well, perhaps a temporary engagement to Dixie would be enough to please Cesar's Godfather.

But Cesar discovered Dixie was a beautiful, sensual virgin, and he couldn't help but make love to her. Cesar's bachelor days were over! Within a week, he was standing at the altar, and Dixie was his bride-though unbeknown to Cesar, she was also the mother of his child!

Comments:
I was a bit skeptical about reading this book because it was written several years ago and I wasn't sure if it would be interesting today - I WAS WRONG. This book was enjoyable, the characters likeable and the interaction between the H & H was laughable.

Cesar is an alpha male sometimes, rude, clueless and domineering but definitely likeable. He sometimes went out of his way to make Dixie happy and you can tell these two where made for each other. Dixie sometimes came across as clueless and naive, but she always had a good reason for her actions.

It is truly funny how their unintentional humor bounces off each other, to the point of being comical and had me laughing out loud.

Great story, lots of laugh, heroine to root for, hero to covet.
The best of L. Graham's books. Lighthearted and fun. The scene with the personal trainer is a hoot.

this book is so funny that it will keep you in stiches, I wish Lynne Graham will write more like this. A great stress buster.

I don't read much Harlequin, except for Lynne Graham's, I guess, and i don't like her books unconditionally either. But this one is absolutely wonderful.

Cesar Valverde is a darn smart, filthy rich, amazingly sexy... sarcastic, cold, inhuman... parental-neglect survivor. Yet Cesar would do *anything* for his terminally-ill godfather. To please him, Cesar will fake falling in love and getting engaged to his godfather's "pet". I guess on the inside Cesar is quite sweet.:-)
The "pet" would be our heroine, Dixie; bookish, dowdy, unintentionally-hilarious... warm and kind-hearted.

Dixie's to her throat in debt (due to her family), so she'll act as Cesar's fiancee. Around one third of the book watch Cinderella bloom, and Cesar fight total meltdown tooth and nail.

Then watch the tables really turn and Cesar fall head-over-heels for Dixie's warmth. It's quite endearing. He learns to watch his tongue and gets hilariously jealous. First he growls like a grizzly bear, then he does all he can to ingratiate himself with Dixie (the parts where he's trying to get Dixie's pets on his side, and where he quotes Dixie as he turns down a model's sexual advances are just so funny). There's more to go. From all of Graham's couples, i love Dixie and Cesar best.

Pick a comfy spot where you can laugh out loud without disturbing anyone and settle in to devour one of the best light-hearted romances ever ... highly recommended, five stars just doesn't seem good enough for this book!

Description from the book back cover:

It started with a ring ... and ended in marriage! Cesar Valverde was the man with everything. But his beloved godfather was in poor health, and Cesar knew that it would please Jasper if he got married, preferably to Dixie Robinson ... Well, perhaps a temporary engagement would be enough to make Jasper happy ... Beneath Dixie's baggy sweaters Cesar discovered a beautiful, sensual woman. Within a week his bachelor days were over; Dixie had become his wife for real, and, unbeknown to him, the mother of his child!

This book is a typical Og Mandino book. It is a real page turner. It is very difficult to put it down. You just want to keep reading to find out what happens next.

If you have not read any Og Mandino books before, then I suggest you start with The Greatest Salesman in the World. I personally like that best of all I have read.

After you have read a few of his books, you come to expect the unusual twist that all his books contain. Even though you have a good idea of what is coming, it is still spellbinding.

The book is well written and draws you into the book. The story is great but the lessons for living wrapped within the story are even more important.

You will be moved, inspired and enlightened. You can always count on Mandino to deliver a great story with some real lessons for better living.

I have read everyone of Og Mandinos Books and all I can say is that he writes with brilliance, clarity, enthusiasm, and spirit. You can never go wrong with any of his books. He points out the path to success and motivates the spirit within to achieve all that we as human beings are capable. He helped me to tap into my innate genuis and create a life of prosperity and creativity. If you havent raed his books, start now and your journey of the spirit will begin. He was a born writer and even after his passing continues to have a great influence on many people old and young. He truly lived a purposeful and divine life. Go buy all his books and enjoy the growth and enlightenment. After that Buy my Book " Your daily Walk with the Great Minds of the Past and Present". Enjoy and rememeber you are capable of great things in your life.

I love Og Mandino and this is typical Og style. Good feel good book, predictable.

...and what a 'GIFT' it is!

I have read several motivational/inspirational books that take you on a rollercoaster ride and this is one of them.

OG is a master at weaving you like a homemade basket. He skillfully places words and moments in specific places so you feel like you are gently being carried in and out of a world that is so real. You find at the end...that it is REAL!

I am presently reading Mr. Mandino's 'The Greatest Salesman in the World'. I so-called read it many times before, but this time, i am paying attention and doing exactly what the book says. I am up to the 7th scroll and I won't be finished with the scrolls until the beginning of 2005. You have to start somewhere! I will keep you posted on my progress and pray that you are progressing as well from all books that propel the human spirit to soar.

'Spellbinder's Gift' will definitely keep you SPELLBOUND.

WHEN YOU FINSH THIS BOOK. MR DUNNE WILL BE A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND

I always like to read new works and it's especially gratifying when new writers are so creative and daring and are willing to break the rules of traditional "novel writing". This combination of genres is a dizzying entertaining exercise of creative storytelling and well worth the read.

This is a totally bizarre book that had me laughing out loud over and over. It's about a gay poet and his two female friends--each one forging their future a little differently. The humor is irreverent, the commentary sobering and the romantic elements very sweet. The several writing styles threw me at first, but then it all starts to gel and you see how clever and effective it really is. Once you're hooked, it's hard to put down...and it's over way too fast. I hope there's a part two!

If you enjoy funny, clever, off the wall and back to the chair humor, you will enjoy this book. Every word in all the reviews so far is true. Yeah...what they said!

A Roller Coaster Ride of Humor, Whitticisms, Wild Bi-Coastal Observations, and Word Smithing.

How many of us have had a friend drift in and out of our lives, seemingly changing before our eyes and then becoming again the good friend we know and love? How many of us have spotted someone across a room and wondered what kind of relationship could be had with this person? How many of us wish we could give up our material lives to follow a poorer but more creative and satisfying path? This book is a funny, heartfelt slice of the lives of three friends. Read it!

Ed Baker's adorably insightful and sweet "The Story of Kitten Cuckoo" has earned a most coveted place amongst my little boys' nightly must-reads. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is relevant. There aren't many books that as a parent, I thoroughly look forward to reading each night. "Kitten Cuckoo" is definitely one of them. B-R-A-V-O Ed Baker!

I love this book, my kids adore it. The message is important and relevant.
A must have for any children's library.
Mom in Los Angeles

This book is not only visually stimulating but really teaches kids something truly important. I received the book as a gift for my 6 year old and we read it again and again. The illustrations are gorgeous and vibrant. It also taught my daughter that true friendship is not based on looks, the color of your skin or your size or shape. Teaches kids with simple text and rhymes that love and friendship goes beyond physical appearance and teaches them acceptance and tolerance. A wonderful read and kids of all ages will love it! Highly recommended.

we all loved this book and can't wait to read it again and again! great illustrations and fun story, easy to read great book, highly rec!

A beautiful tale of an unlikely friendship between a kitten and an elephant. The illustrations are fabulous and the story melts your heart. As I write this review, my 7 year old daughter is reading it to my 4 year old son. Appeals to kids of all ages. An adventure not to be missed.

I enjoyed the book start to finish and the mystery bit at the end was a nice edition to an already funny parody of the typical travel memoir. I think my favorite character in the book was the prince. The accidental confrontation between him and Haverford made me laugh.

this book is fantastic. the masterpiece theatre production was awesome too. i would like to buy a copy of the video if anyone has one. this is definitely worth reading - and watching too!

The book is set in Tuscauny, where an English family is renting a home. Odd things happen, water disappears, and then someone dies. The mother, Molly Partiger, becomes obsesses with getting to the heart of these mysteries, and with meeting her mysterious landlord. It is a particular pleasure to see Mortimer's love of Shakespeare come through in Molly's Falstaff of a father, and the Hamlet-like play-within-a-play which gives Molly the final clue to the murder. Interwoven with the plot is an homage to Piero della Francesca (although it has been written that Mortimer gets everything wrong about Piero's Flagellation). The book ends with typical Mortimer poigniancy. Summer's Lease is light in the way that a Tom Stoppard play is light -- an intelligent guilty pleasure.

This is a quaint and entertaining novel. The characters are interesting and carry the story well. The plot is simple, but not boring and certainly not bad. The introspective thoughts and actions of Molly the forty year old protaganist who looks for love in all the wrong places, Hugh her "successful" attorney husband and Havorford Downs, Molly's rogue father are most captivating.

It's a lighthearted mystery in which the writer allows the reader to participate at any depth the latter prefers.

Descriptions of Tuscany are well done to the point that this reader could almost see lines of slim cypress lining a dirt road and smell the pungent aroma of a bottle of black rooster labeled Chianti. There were times while reading that I couldn't help but laugh out loud. There are some really funny moments in the tale.

Brits who read the novel will, I feel certain, fall right in line with the story. We Yanks, on the other hand, need a little time to acclimate ourselves to British verbal nuances. Surprisingly, though, it didn't hinder the reading enjoyment even a little bit.

This novel is one for a summer's day, with a glass of tea (forgive me, but iced tea) in hand. While the book will not be ranked with the geat ones of western civilization, it is fun. Truly a delightful experience.

I read this book because I saw the Masterpiece Theatre production on TV in the early nineties and fell in love with the characters and the story. This is the type of detective mystery novel where one can truly relate to the detective as she is an average person with a highly developed sense of curiosity. While I shared Molly's intense curiosity about her absent landlord and her outrage at the so called "water racket", I would not have gone as far as she did to satisfy that curiosity. Molly is rather reckless (if not stupid) towards the end and doesn't realize the consequences of her actions until too late - and even then chalks it up to coincidence. All in all the book is a quick and delightful read that will have you longing to travel to those Tuscan hills. I wish Masterpiece Theatre would rerun the film or make it available on video. You've got to see the film. The cast was so well chosen and the locations are beautiful, especially the terrace on La Felicita.