Oliver Books

In The Strong Silent Type, Deacon Davis, the son of a deceased civil rights leader, decides to seek help for his stuttering problem after being forced to resign from his father's organization. It is at a conference that he meets Maria Oliver, one of the speech therapists. As Maria is tasked to help this high profile client overcome his affliction as well as bring positive publicity to the organization, she is faced with her own problems. After her shaky teen and college years, Maria now has her life together and hopes to finally raise the child that she left in her brother's care. However, it's not as easy as it sounds. Deacon and Maria are both faced with difficult challenges but together they just may be able to overcome them.

This was my first novel by C. Kelly Robinson and I have to say that I was very impressed. Not only was it well written but contained all the elements that I look for in a great read including mystery, romance, a whole host of characters and a few different story lines. The characters were professional people who were likable, yet flawed. Although there were many characters introduced, they never became overwhelming and each added something to the story. I was drawn into every storyline and was elated when they each ended satisfactorily. The main draw to this story was Deacon's stuttering problem. This was something that I had never encountered in a novel and I was enlightened by how society treats people that stutter and how they view themselves.

I would recommend this novel to book clubs who are looking for an insightful, compelling read that deals with everyday issues. Although this was my first read by Robinson, it will definitely not be my last.

Reviewed by Nicole
APOOO BookClub

Before one can truly examine the issues in his/her relationship with others, they must first be aware of the weaknesses they possess both within and on the surface. It is only then that they will be capable of truly living life and following their dreams. In his January 2005 release, THE STRONG SILENT TYPE, C. Kelly Robinson has created a storyline and characters who leave the reader with a feeling of accomplishment and acceptance, as well as the inspiration that they can come to terms with what ails us.

Deacon Davis is a former professional football player, turned director of the American Dream Party; established in the interest of African-American voters across the country. He dreams of following in the steps of his father and
living up to the legacy of the Davis name. When he's forced to resign from his position as a result of stuttering through a nationally televised interview, and later has a confrontation with his son's teacher, he falters and begins questioning himself. Though he's always had problems with his speech, over the years he's learned how to hide his impediment. Unfortunately, with the loss of his job he begins to question his self-worth and comes to the realization that he needs professional help.

Deacon enrolls in a Speech Recovery Program and is assigned to Maria Oliver, a speech therapist on staff. Maria has her own problems and finds herself not only trying to keep her mind off her personal problems, but also off the attraction she has to Deacon. Because of the ethics involved, Maria attempts to provide Deacon with the guidance necessary to conquer his fears of speaking. It's obvious they both have their own personal demons and baggage, but will they be able to overcome their issues?

Most people have some type of baggage or obstacle in their lives which aid in making them feel inferior to others at time. Through this novel Robinson has clearly shown how we can all persevere through past afflictions, learn to appreciate ourselves, and continue on the path towards our dreams. Despite any type of struggle that exists, it is possible to move past it. THE STRONG SILENT TYPE is a well put together package, one I could use to help understand my own family members who stutter. The individual storylines add depth to the story and the bonus "mystery" throughout the novel adds an extra hint of suspense not normally mixed into the contemporary fiction novel. I absolutely loved the realness shown in the characters. Their flaws, weaknesses and fears intermingled well with their successes, hopes, and dreams. (RAW Rating: 4.5)

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

C. Kelly Robinson raises his game with each consecutive novel that he pens. This is no exception. The Strong Silent Type is a wonderfully engaging tale of two people caught up in life and all the pitfalls that it brings. Yet they manage to keep sight of the important things in life and that is a rarity. So many people harp on the negative instead of drawing from the positive.

Deacon's stuttering problem is a nice twist to a classical romance. There are many people living with that problem and others that cause them to have low self-esteem. I applaud Robinson for tackling the issue head-on and showing that what makes us different can also make us special and unique. I fell in love with the Deacon character and the Maria one was equally as unforgettable. She was a real sister who had gotten into the wrong man and the wrong things early on in life but turned her life around, which is commendable. It shows that we can overcome our mistakes and move on to achieve something more positive.

I would suggest this novel to anyone and I hope that the masses will discover it. It is truly a story that will touch people right where it counts: in the heart.

The Strong Silent Type is the story of Deacon and Maria. Deacon Davis is a former NFL star. While many see him as a man of little words by choice, the strong and silent type, he secretly battles with stuttering. Things are good for him until his worst nightmare is played out on national television as he stutters through an interview. He is forced to resign from his job and his life is turned upside down. In search of professional help, Deacon crosses paths with Maria Oliver, a speech therapist working for a renowned clinic. Maria is battling her own demons - a child she gave to her brother and his wife to raise as their own. Maria thinks she's ready to play a bigger role in her son's life. As Deacon and Maria find comfort in each other, will their baggage simply be too much? With his speech problem, can Deacon ever live up to his father's image? And is Maria's son better off not knowing that his Auntie Maria is really his mom? Walk with them on their paths of self-discovery.
Hats off to Mr. Robinson for tackling the issue of stuttering. He delivers a well-written story while making readers aware of the challenges some face. It was an eye opener for me as one never having had a speech impediment. Good read.

Simply stated, The Strong, Silent Type by C. Kelly Robinson is one of the best books this reviewer has read so far in 2005. Although he has four novels under his publishing belt, Robinson's name is not as widely known as say, Eric Jerome Dickey or E. Lynn Harris. However, if Robinson keeps writing compelling tales like this, he will no longer be a silent bestseller, but a prominent and popular author.

While Dickey is the king of drama and Harris brings the DL heat like no other, Robinson ranks supreme in storytelling. He goes back to the basics of a well-written story and combines flawed characters and an engaging plot, with a few twists to boot. More than anything, readers will appreciate the unique and refreshing storyline.

The main character, Deacon Davis, is an ex-professional football star who works as an executive director of the American Dream Party, a political organization started by his late father. But when Deacon stutters horribly during an important nationally televised interview, he is forced to resign. Frustrated that his tongue had failed him and cost him his job, he's determined to do something about his stuttering and get back to fulfilling the duty of continuing his father's work.

He seeks professional help at the Speech Recovery Clinic, where he meets Maria Oliver, an attractive speech therapist. Before either of them knows it, they are breaking the clinic's fraternizing rule and if anyone finds out, she too, will be out of a job. Adding to her stress is another dilemma. While battling with drugs in the past, she gave her baby to her brother, Thomas and his wife to raise as their own. Now, when Maria is clean and sober with a successful career, she can't deny the maternal feelings she has. She wants her son back. Despite Thomas's litigation threats, she wants her son to know the truth, that she is his mother, not his aunt.

Maria's not the only person wanting truth revealed. Deacon's brother, Miles plans to write a tell-all book, detailing his theory that his father's mysterious death was not an accident, but an assassination. However, there are a few holes in Miles' theory, and Deacon knows the one person who can confirm or shatter Miles' suspicions.

The Strong, Silent Type is a great read. C. Kelly Robinson has a masterful way with descriptions that truly bring characters to life. The scenes are vivid and the dialogue, authentic. Robinson should not only be commended for penning an intriguing tale, but he should be applauded for enlightening a few readers, like this reviewer, about the impact stuttering has on people who have the communication disorder. If you're looking for a book that has it all--romance, suspense, drama and excellent writing--pick up The Strong Silent Type. You won't be disappointed.

Very enlightening. Well written. A must for parents of children in small towns.

Well written, flows well, and an "eye opener" on gang activity and gang recognition to the uninitiated. Mr. Oliver obviously knows his business and weaves it into an exciting story.

TOM OLIVER DOES AN EXCEPTIONAL JOB OF DICTATING THE EVENTS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN REAL AMERICAN TOWNS RIGHT NOW! HE TAKES THE READER ON A ROLLER COASTER RIDE INTO REALITY! IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT GANGS ARE DOING OR WHAT YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER IS DOING WHEN OUT WITH THEIR "HOMIES" THEN THIS IS THE PERFECT COURSE IN WHICH TO LEARN! I CAN'T WAIT TO READ TOM'S NEXT BOOK!

This was a great book - definitely kept my attention - the story deals both with big cities and small towns. It makes the problem certainly seem real when it doesn't seem that a gang problem would exist. Very enlightening, entertaining and well thought out. A good read for men, women and teens. I'm ready to read the author's next book!

If you like modern police novels you'll really enjoy this. Has the big city stuff and nicely transitions to smaller community America with real issues everybody can relate to. This one won't sit around unread. Starts good, goes good, ends good!

Dr Theo Tithonus has it all going for him, gay handsome and fit, in his mid forties he is a successful plastic surgeon of integrity, has a prosperous practice in partnership with the beautiful Dr Susan Zack who is also his best friend, and he is in line for the coveted job of chief of surgery at his hospital. To cap it off he has Sam, about ten years his younger and faithful lover of five years with whom he shares his comfortable Philadelphia home, and who with untiring efficiency cares for all things domestic.
But then it all starts to go wrong. His two sisters appear to be scheming against him and getting too involved in his ailing and elderly father's financial affairs, putting pressure on him to agree. His professional partner Susan, with whom he had a daughter Natalia five years ago through artificial insemination, now wants him to become involved in raising her. Then in desperate need of a break from the pressures of work she dumps Natalia on Theo and disappears to California. For Sam this is the last straw, already feeling ignored by Theo and previously having issued an ultimatum, ups and outs. To add to this and old flame, Dr Timothy Garlington, turns up at the hospital and starts politicking for Theo's promised chief of surgery position. As the story unfolds we learn how Theo comes to terms with his problems, and himself.
The story is told with occasional wit, and includes some lovely comic exchanges of dialogue. As Theo, previously inattentive to the needs of those closest to him, begins to accept change either through force of events or self realisation, maybe his problems will be resolved; whatever the outcome he will be a better person for it. Amongst other things he learns that honesty is the best policy. This is a very warm and fulfilling tale that builds to a most satisfying conclusion.

This was a good book. The plot line and character development was well done and intriguing. I enjoyed this book though I was frustrated with the main character. A sign of a good book! :)

This is a wonderful book that I would love to share with many. The complexity of the lives of the characters leaves the reader feeling helpless, sadden, hopeful and astonished by the power of relationships. This is a wonderful book that I would love to share with many. The complexity of the lives of the characters leaves the reader feeling helpless, sadden, hopeful and astonished by the power of relationships.

Jim Oliver has done it again! After reading his first book, "Closing Distance," I picked this up, his second book, expecting it not to be as good a read as his first. Wrong! This was too fast a read. As his first book did, this one left me smiling, laughing and, at times, crying, and at the end, yearning for more pages. Much more. What makes a Jim Oliver read better than most others is that his characters go through a lot of turmoil and, oh! by the way: the main character just happens to be gay! As opposed to other books where the main ingredient of the characters are their gayness, Jim Oliver's books seem to focus on PLOT and have something to say, rather than just an erotic gay story. Yeah, I want more, Mr. Oliver: Please, give us another book. Soon.

All the elements were here for an excellent novel: interesting interpersonal interaction between characters; an easily read writing style; plots and subplots that bounce off each other. But when I'd closed the book at the last page, I had the feeling I'd just watched a marathon run of a daytime soap opera. In fact, except for the homosexuality of the central character, Theo, and his spouse, Sam, the whole thing could have easily been a plot for The Guiding Light. And the characters themselves, with the exception of Susan Zack, Theo's daughter's mother, seemed rather stock to me: especially Theo, whose central conflict between a noble career and a home life, offered nothing new on the subject.

All in all, I think our fiction ought to do more (or at least different) things from our sit-coms and soap operas.

THREE CHEERS! Julie Moffett for Across a Moonlight Moor romance.
Fiona Chancellor is hurl back in time to Medieval Ireland. There she meet hot looking irish warrior Ian Maclaren.
The moment the two met it had been sparks, conflict and battles of wills.
Ah, but when the two kiss they melted as one in passion embraces.
A perfect love match they were.
The hero and heroine learn from each other and grew together by the end.
However I would have love for Fiona to had stay back in Ian's time.
I look forward to reading another medieval time travel romance from Julie Moffett simliar to this one.

All the right elements in a romance, but I wish the ending had given them EVERYTHING they wanted. Still, it was excellent. :D

From the back cover:

A love match...

An enchanted dagger bearing a mysteriously familiar inscription pointed Fiona Chancellor to Ireland in search of her missing cousin. Then a midnight visit to Celtic holy ground slid her into the seventeenth-century--and into the arms of the most gorgeous male she had ever seen. But after one clash with the stubborn man, Fiona longed only for her twentieth-century comforts.

Instead, she found herself pressed against Ian Maclaren, galloping across moonswept moors to escape death. The hot-blooded barbarian ordered her about as if she were a soldier. But his kisses left no doubt he thought of her as a woman, and soon she knew she would trade a thousand bubble baths for one of his passionate embraces. For although she had traveled across three centuries into the past, it had taken only a moment for her heart to recognize she had met her match.

And my review:

I absolutely love time-travel romances, so I've read a lot of them. I found this to be an average read. While this book was a sequel to "A Double-Edged Blade", this book worked just fine as a stand-alone. Still, those who enjoyed the first book will like that much of this story revolves around the main characters of that story.

The time-travel aspect of this story was interesting, and quite well-written. At first, it seemed as if Fiona accepted the fact that she'd travelled 300 years into the past a bit too easily, but the author would throw in enough "fish out of water" moments to keep it realistic. The characters were also quite well drawn, and the action was non-stop. This book was also quite well researched, and interesting, as not many books are set in Ireland during the time of Oliver Cromwell.

My only complaint with this book was that the romance part of it felt a little bit rushed. At first, it seemed to be progressing nicely, but then the author kind of ruined it by having the characters fall into bed so quickly. (They'd only known each other for a few days). I know that Fiona is a modern woman, and therefore not subject to the rigid standards of the day, but still, I kind of felt cheated. It was like the romance was just starting to blossom, and then the author decided to take a short-cut and throw them into bed together, where, of course, they realize that this must be love.

Also, the ended felt a little bit rushed, as if the author had gotten past the exciting part of the story and just wanted to wrap things up.

Still, I've read far worse time-travel novels than this one. While I wouldn't give this a glowing recommendation, this was still an enjoyable quick read, and I would probably give other books by this author a try.

This is the sequel to the book" A Double-Edged Blade" which was the story of Miles and Faith. Well they appear in this book too so you get to find out what happened to them. This is Fiona's story. She is Faith's cousin back in modern England aand after a year of not knowing where Faith has gone to she decides to do a bit of investigating on her oen. She goes to Ireland where her cousin disapeared and finds herself at the same Druid circle of stones that Faith was at. The time portal opens again and she finds her self propelled back in time to the Ireland of 1649. There she meets up with Miles's friend a Scot with an attitude, named Ian. Together they must help Miles and Faith and along the way they fall for each other. Some of the supporting characters from the first book make an appearance here and it makes for a very enjoyable read. I also enjoyed the different ending it had. I would recommend this book and the first one to anyone who enjoys time travel books.

In 1997, the trail Fiona Chanceller has followed in search of her missing cousin Faith Worthington takes her to County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. The experts told her that the dagger she holds that Faith once possessed comes from that region. She quickly learns from an antique shop owner, Seamus Gogarty that the OýBruiader dagger is indeed from the area. He also informs her that the dagger, which has not been seen in centuries at least in this vicinity, has a legend involving Fey people, and an enchantment allegedly activated by mystic stone circles like that of nearby Beaghmore.

Fionaýs search takes a twist when she soon finds herself in mid-seventeenth century Ireland where she learns that Faith is happy with her soul mate, who is a prisoner of the Roundheads. As Fiona tries to help free Miles OýBruiader, she falls in love with his best friend Ian Maclaren, but can she give up the conveniences of late twentieth century life as her friend has?

ACROSS A MOONSWEPT MOOR is an exciting time travel romance. The engaging story line works because the heroine struggles with her adjustment to a less technological area and clearly misses the conveniences she is used to having. The return of Faith and Miles (stars of A DOUBLE EDGED BLADE) augments this story as their fate impacts on that of Fiona and Ian. This cleverly crafted tale that uses historical tidbits to describe the setting belongs to the lead couple, especially the ýcake and eat itý heroine who wants her hunk and her twentieth century devices too.

Harriet Klausner

it was okay, i had hoped a bit more in depth to the periods but as a vauge overall view it was very nice- i was dissapointed my first queen concert shirt was not listed.I had purchased it as a gift for a customer but i don't think it is cool enough to give them , sigh

My boyfriend plays in a rock band, so I got the book as a surprise for him. We love looking through it and reading up on the stories of the how, why, where, and what of each particular shirt. Call us Rock Geeks if you want, but I think this book is "Chicken Soup for the Rocker's Soul."

If you are interested in band or rock tees- this is THE book. You can tell the authors are true music fans who really care about this subject. It is well presented with great photos on really nice paper. Almost every page is a photo- so it serves as a great catalogue of "the best of" band shirts. Interesting details on each shirt keep you turning the pages. They really did a lot of research. Good range of tees (not just rock). If you are interested in music, fashion, or art- you'll like this book.

This is a great mini coffee table book with heaps of great band t shirts for almost every genre of music. Would make a great gift.

Or I guess I had that one. It is great to be able to see so many shirts that I had or always wanted. I miss my RUN DMC shirt, and now can at least look at a photo of it. The photos are high quality, the selection is varied and impressive, and great stories about how some of the shirts/logos came about, that you don't usually get to hear.

This is the first book of a great series. There's a lot of story here, with excellent characters and a well thought out world. Oliver has developed a rich universe that blends high magic and sweeping themes with common sense and gritty realism so that you can sink your teeth in and have a good read without straining your suspension of disbelief. And though this volume occasionally gets lost in exposition, it is well worth the read. The second book in the series is quite a bit smoother and I look forward to the third book.

Oliver wrote a pretty story with memorable characters and plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention. It's a classic fantasy story with magic, action, and romance.

In the fantasy tradition, the language tends toward the formal, but it fits the piece and works with the story.

As I was walking around at A-kon in Dallas, I noticed Jana G. Oliver's table displaying a giant poster of the cover of this book. That's the thing that made me end up buying it at the end of the convention.

Not only is Jana G. Oliver a wonderful woman to talk to, but she is also aware of people and what they want. This book delivers exactly what you need to fulfill your fantasy need. From the humor, to the suspense and drama, to the last page, you are hooked. I haven't had the opportunity to read the second book or Lover's Knot, but I can't wait to. It is difficult to find a randomly good fantasy novel, but indeed, I've done it this time. Sadly, every good book has an end. I look forward to seeing her books again at further conventions!

Mind you, I'm only a Senior in high school, but I've read my fare share of Fantasy. I like authors who have a sense of humor to the point if I'm reading a book in class, I disrupt it because of a funny part and get told to put the book away.

But that's the great thing about good books. You CANT put it away, and I finished this one in less than 12 hours, wanting a sequel in my hands as soon as possible.

This book rates as high as David Eddings, way higher than Terry Brooks, higher than Patricia C. Wrede, and even higher than Pulman.

I would have never seen this book if I havne't attended A-KON, an anual anime convention held in Dallas, Texas. This is where I was introduced to the first book last year, and got the second one.

To put it short and sweet, this book has every literary element my english teachers preach about, and I enjoyed it.

I just finished reading this book, and I'm pretty impressed. It's a romance-fantasy, but without the saccharine happily-ever-after that usually taints the genre. I found that the various plot strands were woven together deftly, and the dialogue had an archaic flavor without getting bogged down or sounding stilted. The characters do some serious growing, and I felt that the ending was satisfying without relying on one of those smugly "happy ever after" cop-outs.

It was the cover of this book that caught my eye, and I'm glad that I indulged and bought it.

There are some problems which could have been caught with the services of a good proof-reader. I didn't find any problems with continuity or anything like that, just the occasional mis-used word. I believe that this book was self-published, and despite those few mistakes, I'm pleasantly surprised and quite pleased with the story. The heroine is likeable and intelligent, the hero is moody with good reason, and the villains have understandable motivations.

To put it succinctly, I stayed up to read it.

Cutting the Cheese reminds me of a good old fashioned stage play, very fast paced and irresistibly witty. Vivid characters take the stage, and in the middle of all the fussing and commotion there is Luke, his life coming to a complete stand still when he sets eyes on this complete stranger. Or should I say the stranger sets eyes on him ?
Great fun !

Every character in this twisted little comedy may seem like a stereotype, but stereotypes exist for a reason. I have personally met people in my life who are exactly like these characters. I have no trouble envisioning them acting in just this way.
This is one nail-biting, back-stabbing, hair-pulling thrill of a ride. With the sweetest of love stories set right in the middle.
I laughed so hard, I felt guilty, because I felt like I was laughing at myself and some of my closest friends.
Cheese and wine will never be the same again.
I give this naughty little treat two over-the-head snaps!

This brief, funny book packs a lot of sharp observations on what we do for love or for money as played out at an evening meeting/party at the home of Sugar Daddy Roy Otterson. To paraphrase the song, Patterson looks at all kinds of love: fresh and still unspoiled, love/lust that is slightly soiled with meretricious desire, the mellow love of middle age. The author manages to cover this gamut without being judgmental, though the characters, with wildy disparate agendas, (the Lesbians' agenda, to their frustration, is mainly that of the meeting), are often bitchy and downright hostile. Patterson, as omniscient narrator, understands that our lives and our relationships are full of agendas, often hidden, somtimes greedy, and he refuses to favor one character over another, even the newbie. A fun book (each chapter is named with a different kind of cheese) that belongs on every shelf, though it could use some editing (a problem we indies are known for).

Being straight, this book provided a whole new insight for me into the gay and lesbian world. Someone close to me, I suspect is gay. I realize that it is scary coming out, and taking those first steps into a new world. I really felt for the newbie, not knowing who to trust, who would be a reliable friends, and who was foe. For me, it was hard to keep track of so many characters, but that is probably my own problem. Also, being a proof reader at work, the many typos and spelling errors were distracting, but that will hopefully be fixed after Libby's comments. :)
All in all, a fun read, with interesting characters, and definitely a broadening of my horizons since this is not usually my type of book. But I believe in supporting the indie author, and I hope many others will too!

A casual afternoon spent with your nearest and dearest 'activist' friends discussing the best way to go about expanding your group's influence on the wider community, while supping over wine and cheese. What could be simpler or more civil? Unfortunately almost every character in this convoluted clash of cross purposes and hidden agendas seems to be the reincarnated souls of some of the most vilest, back stabbing, boot licking neophytes to ever grace a royal court. Into the center of this snake pit wanders poor befuddled Luke. Idealistically romantic Luke. In over his head and sinking fast, will the bewildered and beguiling young newbie ever find his knight in shining armor?
The characters are vivid; (I'm certain I know one or two personally), the setting is masterfully detailed; (I could easily see it as a movie, or better yet... a theatrical production) and the pace; frantic and fevered. Hold on tight, because this trip through the lavender 'newbie shredder' is not for the faint of heart.
Wickedly Funny!!!

Ramsey Campbell has one of the most distinct voices in modern horror. He transcends the membrane between literary fiction and genre fiction. Many horror authors consider The Face That Must Die one of the best horror novels of all time, and that alone makes it worth reading.

It's not quite what you expect. The thing that most people find so disquieting is that it is told largely from the killer's point of view. Poppy Z. Brite likens it to Graham Greene's Brighton Rock. Campbell points out that (because of this) the novel is as much crime fiction as it is horror.

The thing about the killer is that he's not Hannibal Lecter. He's not brilliant or charming. He's not even strong (he has a bad leg). He's just a loser - close-minded, bigoted, and quite insane.

The new edition by Millipede Press is the one to get. It are a great small press that is dedicated to publishing classic works of horror (many of which would be headed for oblivion) in quality paperback editions. This one has an introduction by Poppy Z. Brite, a new afterward by Campbell, and the photographic art from the original version throughout the book.

"The Face That Must Die" was a great read. This is my first experience with Ramsey Campbell, and it won't be the last.

The book starts off with two short stories, one semi-autobiographical and another brief story unrelated to "The Face That Must Die". The opening tale has Campbell speaking about his childhood and the paranoia he lived with under the roof of his mentally unbalanced mother. Campbell's descriptions of the increasing insanity of his mother are very well done, and he paints a sobering picture of how an ordinary person can become swallowed by their own personal demons. How does one cope with a loved one losing their mind? Read this great little tale and find out.

The second story is very short, and somewhat disturbing in its own right. Not a bad story, but it is forgettable compared to the introduction and the main course.

When the main event begins, the reader is treated to another fine examination of paranoid thinking and the consequences thereof. Our "heroes" all live in a small apartment complex, however none are anything more than average people living average lives. One married couple in particular elicit little sympathy from me, as they live their lives stuck in a rut of arguments and drug abuse, making little effort to improve their circumstances. I didn't like any of our protagonists, mostly because Campbell paints them so realistically that they could be real people; people I happen to dislike.

Our antagonist is a bit of an enigma, as his portions of the story are written from his own mad perspective. You never get a clear picture of him, even though the character makes a strong effort to apply reason and logic to his insane internal ravings. Campbell is masterful in his handling of this character and different readers gain different effects from the writing style. Example: darkgenius wrote an excellent review for this novel on this site, and he explains that Horridge lives in a cheap tenement. The impression I got, however, was that Horridge only THOUGHT he lived in the tenement, yet in reality lived as a homeless man on or near the grounds of said tenement. A small bone to pick, but very telling; Campbell expresses the mind of a person disassociated from reality so well that it creeps into each and every line of thought he has.

The plot revolves around Horridge thinking he knows who has been killing gay men in the area. He is convinced that this person lives in the same apartment complex as the other players in the novel, and wishes to intimidate the killer into a confession. Of course, things are not what they seem to be, and as the story develops it is the paranoid delusions of a madman that makes "The Face That Must die" so disturbing and fun.

My only complaint is that this novel lacks the depth necessary to make it a classic. The book is not shallow by any means, but the protagonists are, and the novel suffers a bit as a result. Still, I recommend it wholeheartedly to horror fans. Campbell deserves to have his stories back in print; he is every bit as good as other horror authors (Laymon, Little, Clegg) with large paperback distribution deals.

The Face That Must Die is rather a disturbing read. Ramsey Campbell gives us a look inside the tortured mind of a killer, one who evoked a number of different emotions from me as the story progressed. The man Horridge is a sad, unhappy soul who has pretty much lost everything he once had, including his old home. He now lives in a section of cheap tenements which he regards as a concrete prison. His memories are full of tragic experiences, but the unpleasantness of what has already happened pales in comparison to the increasingly paranoid thoughts running through his disturbed mind. He believes that everyone is out to get him, and he is particularly suspicious of foreigners and gay men. The story begins with the backdrop of a couple of ghastly murders of gay men, and Horridge is convinced he has seen the killer. After a close encounter with the supposed murderer, he sets out to harass the man and thereby protect his own safety by letting him know that he is on to him. As his fears increase, he takes increasingly bold actions that his poor mind tells him are right and just. Simultaneous to his story we have a running commentary on the dysfunctional life of a husband and wife living in the same building as the man Horridge believes is the murderer. As is so often the case with Ramsey Campbell's characters, it is almost impossible to like them, especially the drug addict husband. Naturally, the paths of these main characters cross in the end to present the reader with a pretty effective conclusion to the novel.

The novel is not half as disturbing as Campbell's very personal introduction. In "At the Back of My Mind: A Guided Tour," he offers up an autobiographical account of his unusual childhood and the mental derangement of his mother. He basically never saw his father growing up, although he still lived in the same house with him. On her own, his mother basically lost her mind. Campbell describes her overwhelming fears: strangers would appear in her home and stare at her, she would never change clothes because she claimed someone stole her good clothes and replaced them with rags, her neighbors were trying to poison her, she became convinced that her home was not her own but another one that looked just like it, etc. Campbell acknowledges that his account sounds rather cold-hearted, but he felt it was important to say all these things; it is an attempt on his part to somehow describe why he writes the things he writes. It certainly does make the character of Horridge have much more of an impact on the reader, for he exhibits the same kinds of paranoia that Campbell's mother did.

The book also contains a strange little short story called "I Am It and It is I," which is a little disturbing in itself, but the meat of this literary meal of horror is to be found in the foreword and in the novel itself. The Face That Must Die is a fascinating read that, despite the typically bleak setting and troubled characters that seem to always fill Campbell's novels, is sure to set up permanent housekeeping in one of the darker corners of your mind. I can't say I've ever read another horror novel quite like this one.

This one was good. I really got into the villian. The only problem was that the guy became kind of preditable, so I didn't feel a constant tension.

A MUST for fans of Ramsey Campbell. Campbell takes his readers into the mind of an insane killer, a paranoid maniac and reveals how his fears drive him to murder.Not only a truly frightening tale but a book that should be considered a classic of the horror genre.

this book is for ages 8 and under, my question is why, adults seem to actually enjoy this book more then kids, as it reminds them of the powerful power and control they have over them. for example when the bunny felt powerful because he grew the biggest strawberries, the power was taken away, by his mom who forced him to go sleep

Perhaps I am biased given that I am also an Oliver. However, in Good Job, Oliver, the combination of repitition, beautiful illustration (I have the hardcover version) and a very positive message of not letting challenges overwhelm you is very uplifting. I always feel revitalized after I read it. I can not recommend it more strongly.

This book is so pretty, you will find something new to look at each time you read it. The beauty does not outweigh the messages that you can be little and still accomplish more than the bigger "bunnies", and also that by stoping and thinking you can find the solution to problems. Oliver saves the day and then shares his good fortune...multiple messages, great pictures, all around enjoyable!

A wonderful book for young children. Oliver proves that biggest isn't always best and provides encouragement for the "little guy". It is a very reassuring tale and the illustrations are superb.

This is a super story, that makes sure we all understand that even the smallest among us are capable of making great contributions, and achievments. It's also about character...sticking with something, even through the rough stuff (like pesky birds and gophers and such, that want to eat your strawberries!). Laurel's paintings are engaging and JOYOUS (!), as always. GREAT BOOK!!!! :-)

Possibly the best book written about Mike Tyson. Rudy was a bodyguard/driver for Mike and was part of the "Team Tyson" entourage who witnessed it all and lived to tell about it.

I was involved with Rudy and Frank for part of the research for the book. I aranged for Rudy to be bailed out of jail after being arested in Miami as a matter of fact he ended marrying his bondswoman. Funny how much of the "facts" Rudy had me check out that didn't quite add up never made the book. Anyway, Rudy used me as I imagine he used many of the Tyson-King clan and he got left out. Too bad, my heart is broken for him. As far as I'm concerned he deserved what he got. He is a user in my opinion.

What can I say but "Complete devotion to his clients safety." I should know this first hand because Rudy protected me while I was the lead singer of the Grammy award winning Latin group of the year (The Barrio Boyzz.) For those of you that haven't read this book, it is definitely a must! I am currently working on my new Spanglish solo album entitled "Diaries of a Broken Heart," "Diario De Un Corazon Erido," which I am happy to say that the single from the album has been chosen for the soundtrack of the movie, " The Inner Ring." Which should hit the stores early this year on "J" Records. I do this safely knowing that Rudy will be there on my next world tour.

PS For all our fans don't forget to call "J" Records to receive a free copy of my single "I Shall Return," " Y Volvere."

God Bless, and follow all your dreams!

-ANGEL RAMIREZ Jr.

A fantastic book detailing Mr. Gonzalez's insider life as a bodyguard with Iron Mike. Captivating reading that will keep you turning to the next page until you're finished!! Highly recommended!

What a book! I couldn't believe the deceit and fraud committed upon Mike Tyson by his so called "family". No one could have this bird's eye view of the live of Mike Tyson like Rudy, his personal bodyguard for over five years. Some of the evidence Rudy has regarding Tyson's rape case is staggering. I challenge anyone who thinks Mike Tyson is a rapist to read this book. I guarantee you will have doubts regarding his guilt. Rudy does a fantastic job of describing the ins and outs of the bodyguard business, fanatic live of "Iron Mike".