Contemporary Books

I loved Trish's writing style. The story moved along with humor and intrigue. I loved it.

FBI Agent Jake Donnelly suspects LeAnne Crosby is a quack who tried to hoodwink his late aunt out of her money. But when he is forced to spend two weeks at LeAnne's doggy spa, he finds she's not what he thought. She's...amazing. And she's teaching him how to get along with his newly inherited dog, Muffin. And maybe he's learning he CAN'T get along with LeAnne. Now, if they can escape the bad guys, maybe he'll have a chance to prove it to her!

Despite being surrounded by dogs, Jake and LeAnne's love is anything but puppy love! Trish Jensen totally rocks!

This charming book kept me company on a business trip, and was I ever glad I had it! It's offbeat, funny-yet-intelligent and cleverly put together, reminding me of an updated Katharine Hepburn movie. REALLY well done--don't miss this (I did and was glad I caught it!)

This book really surprised me. I'd put off reading it for some time because I thought it was going to be "flaky." (A dog psychologist??) I'm happy to say it was anything but. If you're looking for an easy weekend read, this is it. I really enjoyed reading it.

...this is another gem from her.

I loved 'Stuck With You' and this is just as enjoyable. Jake Donnelly's favourite aunt died and leaves her entire fortune to her pet Bulldog "muffin". Jake could careless, except for the Summer cottage where he has a few of his happier childhood memories. When he finds out if he does not take Muffin, it will go to the owner of Hound Dog Hotel, Leanne Crosby, the fur hits the fan. She runs a doggie/owner summer vacation spa and Jake, an FBI agent, decides he is going to expose her "racket". Toss in the usual odd ball Jensen characters, some mobsters wanting to bump Jake off....

Well, you have another hilarious, utterly charming Jensen Jewell. Keep 'em coming, Trish!!!!!!!...

This was a cute read. I would recmmend it for a few good laughs to waste the afternoon.

If you need something to help you escape from this world. This is a book to do it for you. I was laughing during most of this book with the misadventures of both the main characters. Heartwarming and fun. Excellent beach reading.

Judi McCoy's latest is her best yet. I don't usually read books with a fantasy element, but I was thoroughly charmed by this modern take on Greek mythology. The idea of Zeus running Mt. Olympus like a modern day CEO (albeit a somewhat canktankerous CEO)is very clever. Kyra, the muse of good fortune is sent down to earth, to Las Vegas, on a mission to inspire good fortune. There is one caveat tho; she cannot fall in love with a mortal without suffering dire consequences. Perfect summer read.

I read vampire romance. Period. So when a friend insisted I would enjoy this sexy, funny fantasy about Greek gods, demi-goddesses, and Sin City???, I had my doubts. But, after scoffing for a page or two, I had to admit, I was having a great time. I took the book with me everywhere--and stayed up late so I could finish. (Sorry, no spoilers from me!)

Judi McCoy stays true to form in her newest release, Almost a Goddess. Beautifully detailed settings, well-drawn characters, an engaging plot line and an ample dash of spice form the ingredients of this laugh-out-loud read that's guaranteed to leave you with a smile. I can't wait for the next book in this wonderful new series.

Deb Stover never takes the easy way out with her books. She writes complex, unique stories that deal with sensitive, timely issues, yet she still manages to blend it all with humor and generous doses of steamy sensuality. Best of all, she peoples her books with strong, multi-layered characters--heroes and heroines not afraid to take risks and face their fears on the road to happily-ever-after. I loved ALMOST AN ANGEL, and I can't wait to read Deb's latest book, STOLEN WISHES (10/99).

Nobody writes paranormal better than Deb Stover. She *makes* you believe -- even if her characters may have a little trouble! ALMOST AN ANGEL will float into your heart. (I think the comment from Oneida says more about her than about this book.)

Deb Stovers ALMOST AN ANGEL is a delightful and humorous tale which includes a beautiful ghost, two characters who learn through love. It defintely has alot of humor. I believe all of Debs books are worth buying and keeping! The reviewer from Oneida, Wisconsin may not like it but many of us do and she needs to be a little more kind and tactful.

I read all of the reviews before I bought this book. I really didn't believe the book would be as good as everyone said, but thought I would check it out for myself. This book was even better than everyone claimed! I started and finished in the same day and not one bit of housework got done that day. It kept my attention from the first page to the last. Even when you thought you knew what was going to happen.. you didn't. She just kept surprising you.

"Almost An Angel" by Deb Stover was a wonderful and sensual book. From the moment Zach and Hillary met, I was on the edge of my seat and could not stop reading until I knew how the story ended. I will definitely read many more books by Deb Stover

Quizas la mejor publicacion sobre Wyeth jamas realizada... casi todas sus Obras Maestras impresas con una calidad impecable...si te intereza la obra de Wyeth, este es el libro.

A very nice,well done coffee table book.....the thing is-this guy is 90 years old and has done thousands of paintings...why do the same plates keep showing up book after book after book for the last 4 decades? I've seen 90% of these already! Where's the rest??

A large format exhibition catalogue, a slightly over square volume printed on quality art paper. The introduction discusses Wyeth's development and output in relation to other artists; this is followed by four essays covering various aspects of the artist's work. These sections are illustrated throughout almost entirely in colour with examples of Wyeth's work and comparative examples of other's, many of them at a good size. The main section of full colour plates commences on age 122 and concludes on page 209. This is followed by a detailed list of works in the exhibition; there is no chronology or bibliography.

The main section of plates presents the images one to a page, and many are of a good size. Inevitably the long landscape proportion images do not fare so well, with the publishers seemingly reluctant to cross the gutter, these appear as little more than a three or four inch wide strip across the page; even a number of the more regularly proportioned works could easily have been reproduced larger. However that aside it is a fine volume, beautifully produced and with a feel of quality, which offers over 150 examples of Wyeth's output including paintings, watercolours and drawings reproduced in full colour.

As a collector of books by and about Andrew Wyeth, I must say this is a tasteful and beautifully produced art book with insightful essays by five excellent writers who know their subject well. Wyeth has been around for a long time and started fading from public consciousness after the "Helga Affair" -- undeservedly so. To my mind he is still one of America's greatest 20th century cultural treasures. The book resulted from a retrospective exhibit of Wyeth's work in 2005/2006. My only reservation about the book is that it shows too many of Wyeth's pieces that are in all the other books about his work. But that may be Wyeth's choice and must be respected.

The book was well written, interesting, and informative. Color plates depicting Wyeth's paintings were bright and clear. The book arrived timely and in excellent condition. Well satisfied.

These pictures are the perfect combination of art and wit-- there is a wonderful discovery on every page. Harper's captions are just as entertaining. This book enchants adults and children alike.

"Beguiled by the Wild: The Art of Charley Harper" tickles all my funny bones. He has delighted me with not only his unique art but also whimsical description and insights into the animal kingdom.
I am on a hunt for the proper bookstand to display this book, to be smiled at page by page.
I am charmed.
Karen of Maine

This book is a great value for it's price. Alot of color prints and a wonderful samples of Charley's style. Charley Harper is a huge talent and this book is a wonderful example of that.

If you like animals, or mid century modern, you will love this book. Charley Harper's simplistic art is so wonderful and his play-on-word prose goes perfectly with his arwork. I don't know how anyone couldn't love his art or this book.

Great book. The stories that accompany the images are as wonderful as the artwork. This is the fourth time I have purchased this book; everyone I have given it to has loved it. I love to introduce people to Charley Harper's work-he will be missed.

WOW!!! The ending was not as I expected. During my reading of this book I was thinking that it was so obvious who was behind the killings...but I was wrong. I was very shocked to say the least. The book from the very beginning was interesting. I could not get anything else done for wanting to read this. I would take it to work with me and read on breaks and lunchtime. The author is without a doubt my favorite. Everything I have read by her has been interesting from page 1. Indulge yourself today in the works of Christiane Heggan.

I found this book a little slow going at first, but plodded along until it finally started getting interesting. From then, it didn't let up. It was not the best mystery I have read, but I gave it five stars because very seldom does an author stump me. I did not expect what I was reading. The killer's identity comes as a surprise and I usually figure it out right away. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Investigative reporter, Kelly Robolo, used to be in good with the police, especially with Detective Nick McBride, but while helping a friend who was being forced to pay for "protection" in Chinatown, she was shot and an (undercover) Detective Matt Kolvic was killed. Now the police shunnher, harass her, and didn't answer calls if she needed any help. While still on medical leave, her closest friend, Victoria Bowman, called her for help. Victoria's husband, Jonathan, was missing. Soon there was evidence of an affair and possible drug trafficing from the casino in which he was an executive of. Swallowing her pride, Kelly went to Nick for help. Nick's father used to work, high on the food chain, at the same casino that Jonathan had. He was soon convinced that Jonathon's disappearance and his father's murder a year ago were somehow linked. The widow of Matt also found out that her husband was more than "undercover", he had actually been part of the protection ring! Nick was positive that was connected as well. This one catches its readers and holds onto them for dear life! Fast paced, full of action, twists, and surprises! I see awards in the future for this one!

What a GREAT book!!I had a lot of things I had to do in my house, and what am I doing----reading Blind Faith. I COULD NOT put it down. The romance, mystery, heck, everything about this book is FANTASTIC.

Blind Faith goes faster than a dollar in a casino and has the twists of a Philadelphia pretzel. I read this in one day (Thank goodness I had the time.) Don’t plan on reading this one in bits and pieces. Save it until you can tuck yourself away for the day and swallow it whole. Christiane Heggan is in top form. Get a head start on her books. I see movies coming...

I'm truly a fan of Christy French. Each book I read is fresh, new and very entertaining. Her characters are delightful and full of life. I was not sure if she could keep the characters interesting time after time. But she is a master at weaving a story and creating new storylines that intrigue the reader and make one feel as if they know the characters personally. This one is guaranteed to take the reader on a ride of humor, mystery and romance. Add the personal touch of Ms. French's compassion and you have a winner. I cannot wait for the next adventure that she creates in this series. I highly recommend this one!

Natasha Chamberlain is a "protection specialist". You and I would call her a "bodyguard". She works for her boyfriend, Jonce Striker (a very studly man's man) who harbours less than well-hidden doubts about Natasha's abilities to take care of herself let alone her client, Giki, the English rock star who's currently touring the southern US. It's not a big surprise to discover that when we're talking rock, we're also talking sex and romance, drugs, aggravatingly relentless paparazzi, shoplifting, stalking, short days and late nights, a recklessly self-indulgent lifestyle, domineering management, uncontrollable fans and, oh yeah, a little more sex.

To make a comparison that will give you the flavour of Ms French's novel, readers will definitely notice similarities between Natasha Chamberlain and Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum - hilarious comedic moments, a fierce hair-trigger temper contrasted with a warmly, feminine ability to forgive, clever repartee, a certain angst and self-doubt combined with a fierce determination to succeed against all odds, a less than completely fulfilled sex life driven by a very hearty and entirely healthy libido, and, of course, an ability to attract trouble more quickly than a magnet pulls in iron filings.

But, for my money, French's Bodyguard series outdoes Stephanie Plum because, however she's achieved it, her characters are more real, somehow more grounded in reality and the mystery is also quite well done.

Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended light escapist reading. I'll look forward to going back now and reading the first two in the series.

Paul Weiss

The Bodyguard and The Rock Star was my introduction to The Bodyguard series by Christy Tillery French. Apparently, this is the third book detailing the thrilling cases of bodyguard Natasha Chamberlain. Let me tell you, I am running out immediately to obtain the first two installments. The Bodyguard and the Rock Star is a fun-filled, action-packed, red-hot read. It was the perfect start to my summer, and I plan to spend more of my time with Natasha and her adventures.

Ms. French has light, easy style. The characters are very well developed and three dimensional; they feel real, familiar, and immediately comfortable, as if they have been your friends for years. Character emotions run the gamut, and all ring true, from the tantrums of the spoiled yet loveable rock star, to the concern and dedication of the smart, tough as nails bodyguard with a heart of gold and very human foibles, and on to the wild worry and fear of the passionate, handsome, super sexy fiancé. The pacing is supersonic; you are hooked from the first lines, and find you can't put the book down. The action, twists, and surprises continue until the very last word...and then some.

This book is a clever, unusual, and down right funny combination of detective mystery, chick lit, and romance. I found the story and the characters delightful, fun, and very entertaining, and I am certain that you will, too. I wait with breathless anticipation for Book Four.

Occasionally when reading an action thriller I will come across a steamy love scene, obviously thrown in to keep the attention of some male readers. By contrast, this latest edition of the Bodyguard series has an adventure story included with the remarkably hot love scenes between our heroine, Natasha, and her lover/competitor/hero/antagonist and fellow bodyguard Jonce Striker. Natasha Chamberlain is a protection specialist hired by rising young rock star Giki to protect her from some anonymous internet threats. Giki has all the issues you might expect would come from too much money and fame at a young age, and a few you might not, such as an addiction to donuts and chocolate. (I was able to relate to this portion of the character.) Natasha does a fine job protecting Giki from dangerous others and even from herself. The author, in turn, does a fine job disguising the true nature of the threat from the readers untill the very end.

But throughout the novel I felt the "real" story was about bodyguards Natasha and Striker. Passionately in love with each other, the two are also highly competitive in every sense of the term. This is hardly a case of opposites attracting. Natasha is, in many ways, the mirror image of Jonce Striker and when she is not head over heels in love with him she can be dangerous to his physical and mental health. Having "caught" Striker in a compromising situation, she once announces to him, "I thought you were my life mate. I thought you were the one meant for me. I had such plans for us. ... Now the only history we're gonna have is me holding a doll that looks an awful lot like you and sticking pins in it you sorry...." A hot scene nonetheless follows, as do more misunderstandings and mutual threats against each other. Natasha is nothing if not feisty, physical, and independent, qualities mirrored by Striker who, while loving her more than anyone else, also offers to kick her --- and at one point carries her away kicking and screaming.

The dynamic tension between Striker and Chamberlain almost overshadows a great thriller story; almost but not quite. Indeed, that very tension ultimately ties the story together as both Giki and Chamberlain's relationship are saved simultaneously. Sub plots involving Natasha's friends and Striker's employees Pit and Bigun, and the paparazzi Lumpy are all handled nicely as well. In all, the story keeps your interest from beginning to end.

On the whole, I enjoyed the story as I read it aloud to myself and my wife while camping in a tent. She agreed it was good, but protested vigorously the scene in which Natasha's "no" meant "yes." Guys assume that is often the case but I am not about to test the theory. That is better left for alpha males in romance novels. There were a couple loose ends that I wish had been tied up better. Without spoiling the plot, I will only say that I think the real villain got off way too easy and I hope future novels will resolve any long term relationship prospects for rock star Giki.

But impressed as I was by the story, I was yet more impressed with the author, who donates all procedes from her novel to helping homeless dogs, cats, and other animals. Our society brutalizes such creatures by killing them in large numbers. The (mostly) government agencies that do these disgusting acts wash their hands of it (one suspects rather like Lady MacBeth--they never really relieve their guilt) by blaming the population at large for not spaying and neutering their animals. There is something to that complaint, but not enough to justify the wanton destruction of animals in our society. No kill shelters deserve your support and animal rescues, I know from personal experience, make fine pets. (Two such animals are on my shoulder now.) So by all means read the book if you like action, adventure, and hot romance. And if you don't, find another way to support the author and her cause. Part of being human is caring for those who sometimes cannot care for themselves and the bodyguard, Natasha, exemplifies this element of humanity to the fullest. So does the author.

Ms. French's characters, especially Natasha and Striker, seem to gallop in from wherever they are and whisk us away with them. From the first moments, I felt pulled into the drama, from the rock concerts to the chase scenes, and as if the characters were now part of my life. I couldn't put the book down, carrying it everywhere, until the final scenes. Natasha is so real and gritty, with her cursing, and then she could segue so completely into the romantic heroine when she and Striker had their "makeup sex". These two would seem completely wrong for each other, constantly fighting over control issues...until you get to those aforementioned love matches!

And I love the mother and grandmother characters...they explain a lot about why Natasha is so independent, fierce and yet deeply romantic.

The story itself is full of suspense and the action kept my heart pounding.

So many unanswered questions, too...so, of course, there must be another Bodyguard book on the horizon! Will Striker tame Natasha, or will she rein him in?

Wonderful story and wonderful characters! Many kudos, Ms French!

This is a great book! I felt like I was in New York City. It is so nice to have good Christian fiction to read. My thanks to the authors!

Chick-lit fans will delight in this modern-day retelling of the Bible's Book of Job. Without being preachy, The Book of Jane delivers a message of hope, resiliency to change, and the reminder to hold on to your faith and to keep your integrity through the rough times of life.

Jane is the type of level-headed person I would want to be someday, because I would have fussed, complained, and ultimately lost my cool if all the things that happened to Jane, happened to me. Especially at the same time!

Jane's character doesn't grate by the end of the book. Sometimes while reading first person narratives, I want to tell the character: Move past it already; you've mentioned that over and over. Dayton and Vanderbilt keep the plot moving by surrounding Jane with believable friends and adversaries which kept me eagerly turning pages.

The Book of Jane is highly recommended and since this was my first time reading a book by these authors, I'll be looking out for their next story.

This is by far the authors' best work to date - I couldn't put this one down. It was so easy to identify with Jane and root for her character along the way. I especially loved the character, Coates...(I usually try to put actor's faces to the characters I am reading and I could totally picture Patrick Dempsey in this role :))

It was much more emotional than I expected - more so than any other chick/lit book I've read...I was actually sad to see it end. Here's to more from Dayton & Vanderbilt!

Every book I've read by these authors gets better and better. I was pretty disappointed by Emily Ever After, as I felt that he protagonist was unlikeable and hypocritical. But I saw enough positives in the writing to check out their next book, Consider Lily, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I picked up The Book of Jane the following week, and I absolutely loved it. Jane was real, relatable, and likeable. The plot is a contemporary retelling of the book of Job, and is an encouraging read for anyone who knows what it's like to question your faith when life seems to fall apart. There were actually moments in the book that made my eyes well up: just little kernels of wisdom in there that spoke to my heart. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to the next novel by these authors.

I enjoy "chick-lit" that is light, fun and entertaining. And if the aforementioned novel has an uplifting message to boot... well, that makes it perfect. The Book of Jane is a modern-day look into the Bible's book of Job, and the novel enthralled me, touched me, made me smile and at times laugh out loud all at the same time. Twenty-eight-year-old New Yorker Jane Williams has it all. She has a chic apartment in the Village, a fabulous PR job, a great boyfriend, wonderful friends and an awesome hobby as a leader of the Girl Scouts. She is also a devoted Christian. But it's easy to be a Christian when one's life is going well. Will Jane's faith falter if she were to suddenly lose it all? Well, she's about to find out. Jane goes through a tough road to self-discovery, and with an arrogant and coaxing jerk like Coates Glassman to test her, the road gets even bumpier.

I LOVED reading this! Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt know how to fuse an inspirational, Christian message with a fun and sassy voice without being preachy or judgmental. Most people are under the impression that Christians are a strict, joyless bunch. A novel like this proves them wrong. Jane is a great character. She is sweet and grounded. Her flaws and cries for help humanize her. She is a character that all women could relate to. The secondary characters are wonderful as well. I loved Lee, Jane's next door neighbor and best friend. I thought Matt, the movie star, was a tad stereotyped, but that was the one of the very few flaws in this book. The novel starts out a little slow, but it soon becomes impossible to put down. Yes, The Book of Jane is a modern take of Job and how God tested him, and the results are wonderful. Dayton and Vanderbilt are authors whose work I'll look closely from now on. In the meantime, I highly recommend this gem.

Dr. Kate MacGillvray has discovered her fiance is a cheater and on a whim, finds herself in Scotland on the fields of Culloden. After having visions of a 18th century soldier in the mist who seems very familiar, Kate then meets modern day Scot Alec Lachlan. Alec is everything in a man she has ever wanted and makes her everything in a woman her former fiance said she couldn't be, enthusiastic about life and passionate about love. Dr.Alec Lachlan is drawn to Kate, but having been hurt by a former love, tells her he will never marry and never date a woman doctor. Kate is too excited about the promising sexual tension between Alec and herself to tell him that she is a doctor, somehow she knows also that this is the man she is meant to marry. Oh well, she will just have to change his mind. After Alec introduces Kate to his family, she starts having visions of the past and finds out that the man and woman she dreams about were really real, they were Caterona MacGillvary and Alex MacLachlan.....are Kate and Alex and destined to be together or is their relationship doomed to failure.

I loved this story, Alec is just what you would imagine a perfect, modern day hot Scot would be and Kate was real, although sometimes you wanted to choke her. Great story.

A case of nerves is one of the best book i have ever read.I fell in love with the charactors,was mad at them,was happy with them,and was crying for them all at once.The charactors(Alec and KAte) seem real and possible.All in all,I love this book...it made me fall in love with scotland even more than i was before

The historical accuracy of this novel surprised me. I was not expecting this from a "romance novel". Angie Kay's future is bright. I can't wait to read her upcoming medical thriller.

Starting into Angie Kay's "A Case of Nerves" was like stepping into the Brigadoon she utilizes for the story line..When Kate finds her heart's desire among the memorial stones of Culloden this reader found herself transported back to her own youthful visit there. Kate's joyous story allows us to imagine that a splendid Highland clansman is there for each of us.

Across Culloden Moor, Kate MacGillvray found herself face to face with the man of her fantasies, her past, her present, and her future. Or was he simply the end of the nervous breakdown she was surely having? Her heart knew this man as surely as she knew her own name, but how? This was her first visit to Scotland.

Running from her present and a man she didn't want in her future, Kate decided to visit the homeland of her ancestors and clear her head and her heart. She needed time and space to come to terms with the loss she had witnessed.

Alec Lachlan swept Kate off her feet, making her ache for a man in ways her ex-fiance never had. But, Alec had informed her that, after his failed relationship with his female physician fiancee, he would never fall in love again and he would surely never marry. And he would run from another female physician. Kate knew she had to tell Alec the truth about who - and what - she was, but the timing simply wasn't right.

When the truth is revealed, though, it threatens to completely destroy the relationship that Alec and Kate had forged. With all she loves lost, Kate faces the past, the present, and goes back to Scotland for one last chance at the future with Alec.

"A Case of Nerves" is pure Scottish magic from cover to cover and will make you believe in a love so strong it truly transcends centuries.

This is an amazing book about human nature and the dictatorial vilanry of Stalin. What amazes me is the parallels with the Bush Administration in the immediate post 911 -with me or against me mentality. Stalin's paranoia reflected by the whole connerie of Donald Rumsfeld/Dick Cheney circus. Human nature does not change: only circumstances and names of events. God help us all.

Today I read this as a Journalist from AL-JAZIRA testifies here in Geneva regarding his 6 year holyday in Cuba grace à la govenment de texas. Merde.

Rybakov does a masterful job of showing the complexities of the Stalinist Soviet Union. Through the eyes of a clique of young Soviet students in the 1930's we are caught up in the post-revolutionary euphoria as Stalin sought to build "socialism in one country." Gradually the sinister aspects of Stalinism become apparent, as each character must decide the path they will take. Some simply go along and hope for the best, some work within the system (joining the NKVD), others are exiled to Siberia. _Children of the Arbat_ has been righly compared to _Dr. Zhivago_. It is a masterpiece of contemporary Russian literature. Highly recommended.

This book is excellent. It great for people like me who don't like history. Through this book you will go in the world of Russia in the time of Stalin. The history is interestingly incorporated in the lives of the Russian people. I hope that you will read this book because it's really great.

I picked up this book after being told that it's a "must read" for anyone wishing to gain insight into life in 1930's Stalinist Russia. This is a gripping, though tragic, story of an idealistic boy who aspires to a life of service to the Soviet Union. His idealism is ultimately used against him, and his life thrown away by party members whose sole concern is self-protection and advancement. Unfortunately, while this is clearly the story of the author, the reader can't help but sense it's also the story of millions of youth in that time and place.

If you want a glimpse into the proverbial "Russian soul" and the factors that have shaped it, this book is an excellent place to start.

It is not always easy to keep track of the many threads in this sprawling 685 page novel about the Soviet Union in 1933 and 1934, on the eve of the murder of Kirov and the Reign of Terror. But it gives a superb picture of the period: a vivid portrait of Stalin and his thought processes, of the lives of young people in Moscow, of how it was already possible for devoted and loyal communists to be sent into political exile. (Most people know about the slave labour in the Gulags, but fewer know of what life was like for political exiles, who lived more freely among the villagers of Southern Siberia). Among the people we meet are idealistic and decent communists as well as ambitious and scheming ones. It stands up remarkably well in the light of all the new knowledge that has become available since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the opening of the archives. In particular, Rybakov's picture of Stalin is confirmed by Simon Sebag-Montefiore's chilling "Stalin: the Court of the Red Tsar" (2003)