Reviews Books

This pdf helped me tremendously in determining just how we incorporate the Internet into our strategy and company. To this day, I still refer back to this timeless masterpiece for guidance, advice and motivation on what the Internet ought to do for our company and how we need to embrace it. I highly recommend this pdf.

A lot of IT developpers forget what is the main essence of a WEB site. This short paper describes how to be efficient and successful according to Porter's theory of competitive strategy.

BUT... you might have some difficulty to apply it if you haven't read the theory (competitive strategy & competitive advantage). There are a lot of examples so it's quite easy to understand, even for a beginner.

Michael E. Porter is a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. He is a leading authority in the field of competition and strategic management. This article was published in the March 2001 issue of the Harvard Business Review.

"The key question is not whether to deploy Internet technology but how to deploy it." According to Porter companies should build on the proven principles of effective strategy since the Internet per se will rarely be a competitive advantage. "Many of the companies that succeed will be ones that use the Internet as a complement to traditional ways of competing." In order to prove his point Porter discusses a long list of subjects, such as distorted market signals ("New technologies trigger rampant experimentation ... as a result, market behavior is distorted and must be interpreted with caution."), the impact of the Internet on the five competitive forces and industry structure ("Its greatest impact has been to enable reconfiguration of exisiting industries."), and the myth of the first mover. He then switches over to the future of Internet competition ("The next stage of the Internet's revolution will involve a shift in thinking from e-business to business, from e-strategy to strategy."), discussing the impact of the Internet on competitive advantage. Porter also discusses the Internet as a complement to traditional business. He uses sidebar and figures to translate the impact of the Internet into his famous models and frameworks (five forces, strategic positioning, and value chain). "Only by integrating the Internet into overall strategy will this powerful new technology become an equally powerful force for competitive advantage."

Although this article has come too late for many Internet companies, it is essential reading for managers of organizations that are considering or need to improve their online strategy. It provides great insights into how the Internet links into traditional business and strategies. For readers unfamiliar with Porter's previous work I recommend his 1996-article 'What is Strategy?', or his book 'On Competition' which is great value-for-money. The author uses simple US-English.

Michael E. Porter is a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. He is a leading authority in the field of competition and strategic management. This article was published in the March 2001 issue of the Harvard Business Review.

"The key question is not whether to deploy Internet technology but how to deploy it." According to Porter companies should build on the proven principles of effective strategy since the Internet per se will rarely be a competitive advantage. "Many of the companies that succeed will be ones that use the Internet as a complement to traditional ways of competing." In order to prove his point Porter discusses a long list of subjects, such as distorted market signals ("New technologies trigger rampant experimentation ... as a result, market behavior is distorted and must be interpreted with caution."), the impact of the Internet on the five competitive forces and industry structure ("Its greatest impact has been to enable reconfiguration of exisiting industries."), and the myth of the first mover. He then switches over to the future of Internet competition ("The next stage of the Internet's revolution will involve a shift in thinking from e-business to business, from e-strategy to strategy."), discussing the impact of the Internet on competitive advantage. Porter also discusses the Internet as a complement to traditional business. He uses sidebar and figures to translate the impact of the Internet into his famous models and frameworks (five forces, strategic positioning, and value chain). "Only by integrating the Internet into overall strategy will this powerful new technology become an equally powerful force for competitive advantage."

Although this article has come too late for many Internet companies, it is essential reading for managers of organizations that are considering or need to improve their online strategy. It provides great insights into how the Internet links into traditional business and strategies. For readers unfamiliar with Porter's previous work I recommend his 1996-article 'What is Strategy?', or his book 'On Competition' which is great value-for-money. The author uses simple US-English.

Michael E. Porter is Harvard Business School professor and a leading authority on competition. He has written several important novels and articles in the field of competition and strategic management.

In this Harvard Business Review article, Michael Porter describes the impact of the Internet on competition and strategy, through discussing distorted market signals, the impact on industry structure (Porter's five forces), the myth of the first mover, the impact on competitive advantage, and the Internet as a complement. The author concludes that the Internet does not render strategy obsolete, but makes it even more important than ever for companies to distinguish themselves through strategy. "... the fundamentals of competition remain unchanged. The next stage of the Internet's evolution will involve a shift in thinking from e-business to business, from e-strategy to strategy."

For various Internet-companies this article has come too late (March 2001), but it is extremely attractive and useful for all people looking to extend their traditional businesses into cyberspace (Internet, World Wide Web, and e-commerce). Michael E. Porter makes extensive use of his previous research into competition and strategy, and combines these with Internet examples and cases. The author uses simple US-English.

My oldest daughter loves this book. The entire series by Esther Averill is terrific!

Great book for any cat lover

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

What a wonderful book! I didin't want it to end. The cat characters were wonderfully realized, very "cat-like", with distinct personalities and catty quirks. The slightly primative illustrations were charming and enhanced the narrative. I loved the story, and look forward to reading the rest of the "Cat Club" books!

I'm hoping that The Hotel Cat will soon join the other Cat Club reissues. Somewhere over the years I lost my original copy and recently replaced it with a used one I came across on EBay, but I'd love a new copy that would hold up long enough for my children to pass on to their children. If I read this book once I read it a thousand times, and I'll never forget the fifth-grade book report I wrote---or the crude mobile I created for which my mother helped me knit a little red scarf for Jenny! The illustrations and the story captivated me, transported me to a place I could only imagine, and inspired me to ask my parents all kinds of bizarre questions that they probably never could have expected---like what's a hornpipe dance and why is it called that?! A real treasure.

The other day I came across a copy of "Jenny and the Cat Club" at a bookstore and was overcome by memories of the hours I spent with the Cat Club as a child. "The Hotel Cat" was the first of my experiences with the Cat Club, and has always remained my favorite. For several years in grade school I would check it out over and over at the library to have the pleasure of reading it again and again. At one point I became convinced that my own three cats had a secret club with the other neighborhood felines! Eventually of course I moved on to longer and more difficult reads, but I never forgot Tom and the other Cat Club members. Sadly, when I looked for "The Hotel Cat" at the library a few years ago I discovered that it and the other Cat Club books had been sold or donated due to a low check out rate. Since then, I have been looking for my own copy of Cat Club books. Now that they are being republished, I absolutely plan to buy a copy of each so that I can pass these wonderful books that meant so much to me on to my own children some day.

This is a MUST! A short and simple read that describes the awesome power of prayer!!!!!!! It is annointed by God.

I am going through a transistion in my christian life that has given me such a thirst for the word of God and a thirst for a deeper powerful prayer life. Each time that I am awakened at 6:00 in the morning I know that I am going to have a special time with the Lord. I looked down at the end of my bed yesterday when I was awakened and this book was there. I finally figured out where it had come from, but I had had it for about a year without actually "seeing" it. I picked it up and I knew I was suppose to read the book with my devotions this am. I started reading the book and could not put it down. The Holy Spirit began a work in my heart and life learning about a much deeper prayer life that Roger Morneau has experienced. Every story and example taught me how precious it is to call on Jesus. I have had similar experiences of my own and many times the same type of prayer had gone out and I have seen God work quickly and sweetly. This book is a book that every christian, new in christ, and old in christ, needs to read to increase their prayer life with Christ to a much more meaninful deeper walk with Jesus. I wish that I could meet Roger Morneau and be in his meetings. What a wonderful 127 pages of blessing. Thank you Roger Morneau and thank you Jesus for your inspiration to Roger to write this for us. Shelva Christian

...a celebration of the power and faithfulness of the Almighty God. A simple, straight-forward personal testimony of the power of God in the human life -- very inspiring, very heartening, very faith provoking! Wonderful stories of answered prayer, angelic intervention, and the power of intercessory prayer. Also, check out Garrie F. Williams' books on the Holy Spirit, which have similar inspiring true-life stories and personal experiences. Both Morneau and Williams employ only the Bible as reference guides, and both are right on the mark. If you can get a copy of it, also pick up Morneau's "Trip into the Supernatural," which although terrifying, is awe inspiring -- a vivid depiction of how the Shepherd will leave the sheep to find the one lost lamb.

This book was excellent in my opinion. Roger Morneau gave testimony and example one after another of how God answered his prayers and those of people he met in his life. He did not fill up his book with personal opinion, but instead placed scripture and examples there clearly for us to just take it and run with it or not. I highly recommend it.

You'll get much more than you pay for in this little book. Roger's down to earth approach to prayer is very inspiring and the humble spirit in which he approaches God is something that could change your life forever. His words made me want to fall on my knees before God and worship, but it didn't end there. Next, he motivated me to pray for others on a daily basis. Roger knows first hand there is a dark power that holds others in its grasp because he was a Satanist at one time. His desire is to loosen the grasp of Satan long enough that the truth brought by the Holy Spirit will be able to shine through. If you want to be inspired to pray, read this book. It is a book that could change your life.

After reading Esther Averill's The Fire Cat and Jenny and the Cat Club, my daughter has become an avid fan. She giggles at the tales of Jenny's adventures with her brothers and the other cat club friends. These are timeless tales which are perfect for early readers because the stories have enough depth to keep children interested but are simply told making them ideal for those starting to read on their own.

My girls love all the Jenny Linsky adventures/stories. This one does not disappoint and is so well-written that it appeals to all ages.

Esther Averill, is the author of a wonderful series of children's books involving a small, shy black cat named Jenny Linsky, of which The School for Cats is one. This story, and all the others in this series are very sweet. They remind me of the other wonderful, classic children's stories such as the Beatrix Potter stories. While the Jenny Linsky stories were written in the 50's, I think children today would still find them very entertaining. Any parent or child who loves cats and cat stories will love these stories. This is a story that kids will want read to them over and over again.

I think Esther Averill's work takes me back to a more innocent age. As cliché as that sounds, it is true. Also, her books flawlessly combine two of my true loves: children's literature and cats!
I'm not sure if I would refer to her illustrations as "art," nor to Ms. Averill as an artist. Her pictures are simple, two tone sketches, black lines and hatchings off set with an occasional splash of red. They are, however, somehow perfect and always endearing. There is nothing harmful and so much beautiful in the Cat Club books about shy Jenny Linsky and her friends, and still the little black cat with the soft red scarf travels the world and has great adventures.
The use of words is perfect, and I think that Jenny Goes to Sea is the perfect read-aloud step between Winnie the Pooh and My Father's Dragon. If you start a child with shy but brave and honest heroes like Jenny, you can spark their sense of adventure without robbing them of their innocence. Yes, this is a children's book (Don't say I told you otherwise. Your teens and preteens want bolder works than the Cat Club), but it is a five star children's book. Treasure it!

Copyright 1957. Jenny Linsky goes to sea at a time that was sweller than now, presuming you were a well-birthed white male or knew your place. Jenny knew her place. She has a member of the civilized Cat Club and no stanger to adventure. Look out for mysterious predictions, an epic poem, and the brave deed! Life was simpler then, and, frankly, I occasionally enjoy being spared the social redeeming values of more modern fiction. Pickles the fire cat even makes a cameo appearance. Averill's simple illustrations and charts nicely augment the short novel. A good read. The balance of Esther Averill's work as well as other publications by the New York Review Children's Collection are also worth looking into. Don't miss The Fire Cat. Enjoy.

Hi everyone
I started preparing for step 3 around a month back and was doing with USMLE WORLD.I was not scoring well and was lacking in ETHICS.Then one of my online study partner suggested me to go with ETHICS BY DR.CONRAD FISCHER.The book is awsome and it has everything which USMLE step 3 gonna ask you on your step 3.No question will be asked outside the content of this book by you have to go though it around 3 times in total and solve MCQs at the back.After doing that my scores on ethics questions improved a lot.
Dr. Fischer has discussed each and every topic on ethics in a very simple and communicative manner that you would enjoy reading the stuff.And guys its well said that when you enjoy doing something ,the tedious of work is not difficult rather becomes a child's play for anyone.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and order this book right away !!!
If you have any questions just give me an email on anujbhatnagar06 at the rate of yahoo dot co dot in

Excellent resource for quick, concise, to the point information. It's an easy read and may be completed easily within one week.

This book is very easy to read, with good explanations for the ethics concepts that are applied in the US medical field.
I find this book very helpful to undestand and apply the medical ethics concepts in the questions presented in the USMLE format. Explanations are case related which give an easy way to follow and review the material.

I think that this book is one of the best for the ethics and will be very much useful for all usmle exams ..... since now a days they are asking more ethics questions. One of the books you must have if you want to master and crush ethics in the real exam.....

Dr. Fischer has done it again. In his clear and easy to read format, he covers most of the ethic topics asked on the usmle. Useful for all three steps, it includes lots of questions at the end, with detailed explanations. It's not cheap but it's about all you'll need on the subject.

Although relatively new in the game, (when compared to veterans like the Cecil's and the Harrison's), Kelley's Textbook of Internal Medicine is in a class of its own. This 3,200 pages of sound medical gospel is an all-round platinum winner.
It is a pacesetter in outlook: covering all branches of medicine in a veridicous way that is worthy of emulation.
If the current pace established by the 4th edition is sustained in the future, Kelley's will completely douse competition from both the Cecil's and the Harrison's texts.
It is hard to find flaws in this book; and I believe that many people would like to see what its CD-ROM version will look like.

Kelley's Textbook of Internal Medicine, now in its 4th edition continues to uphold the highest standards of excellence and is an acclaimed classic world-wide. It is unique among other medical books in that as a stand-alone one-volume reference guide, no other provides such an encyclopaedic breadth of coverage and utility in clinical practice. The founding editor, William N. Kelley has succeeded admirably in compiling a superior and formidable state-of-the-art medical reference which contains several written contributions from leading medical specialists and is a powerful teaching tool for both medical undergraduates and qualified practitioners. The text is compartmentalised into 11 major sections, each corresponding to the main branches of medicine. These include an opening part on Principles of Medical Practice which is followed by sections on Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Oncology and Haematology, Rheumatological, Allergic, and Dermatological Diseases, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism and Genetics, Neurology and finally Geriatrics. Each section is then further subdivided into chapters which discuss the procedural aspects of how to approach a patient with a common presenting complaint from tests to final diagnosis, a focus on the main disorders of each particular system, as well as an in-depth analysis of the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities pertaining to specific disease entities. In light of the growing importance of evidence-based medicine, a major new addition to the 4th edition is a series of "clinical decision guides". These are based on various gradations of scientific evidence which propel evidence-based medicine into the front-line of decision-making when considering the formulation of guidelines relating to differential diagnosis and management protocols for major problems. Also worthy of special mention is the inclusion of an extremely useful Rapid Access Guide which is alphabetically indexed by organ system and located at the beginning of the text. This allows fast and easy retrieval of the most important facts regarding common specific diseases or syndromes. In summary, at over 3000 pages long, Kelley's Textbook of Internal Medicine is a truly inspirational achievement and must surely rank amongst the most thoroughly comprehensive and authoritative medical textbooks currently available. Certainly, I can think of no book which encompasses such scope and captures the changing face of medicine today.

I have been using this book for many years. No new edition will ever come out. Dr. Humes, the chief editor, of this textbook in the reply to my email by one of his coworkers, he stated that " Dr. David Humes asked that I respond for him to your email of 5/8. He regrets to report that Kelley Textbook publisher, Lippincott Williams & WIlkins, is no longer publishing General Medicine textbooks and that he is unaware of any plans to publish a new edition of the Textbook. Dr. Humes appreciates, however, your kind and favorable comments regarding the Textbook.."

So no more new edition of Kelley's textbook of internal medicine in the market. What a great disppointment!!!!

An excellent reference text for the practicing primary care physicians. Concise, gives necessary info without a lot of minuta.Great bargain for the price. I trained using Cecil's and I feel this is as good for less money.

I whole-heartedly agree with other reviewers. This book is a treasure in the midst of competing texts that simply do not offer the quality of Kelley's textbook.

This book does what others simply fail to do. Provide comprehensive, *practical*, and evidence-based medical management guidelines. Whereas most standard texts may provide such information about disease entities, Kelley's also recognises that patients most often present with diagnostic problems (such as hematuria or tremors) and thus devotes much attention to these. Each of these presentations is examined in terms of differentials (not just a list - you are given perspective and told what to look for in different subpopulations that present with the same complaint), then workup, treatment options, and followup considerations are explored. Facts aren't simply printed for the purpose of memorization (as is often the case in other texts); they are contextualized and presented in a manner that is useful to your goal of providing thorough and effective management options to your patients. I would also recommend this texts to medical students, as it is far easier to absorb information that is clinically and practically relevant rather than memorize those lists and flow diagrams (which at first glance may look concise and easy to study, but in the long term are actually difficult to remember).

Dr A.M.

I love this book...I currently have about 4 chemistry review books, including an older edition of this book from my brother. The SAT II Books (like Princeton Review and Barrons) are good, but this book is very clear. There are a few trick questions, but mostly it is about the concepts. Very helpful with all the extra questions at the end of the chapter. Absolutely great! Thanks

This book has helped me so much with honors high school chemistry and explains everything so clearly and the convenience of having 40 practice questions per chapter really helps me truly understand the concepts of each chapter. I recommend this book to anyone taking chemistry!!

It may be a little too detailed for the regents student. Since the regents is getting dumbed down, I reccomend getting an older copy of the book (before 2001)-- It has more details and helpful hints in it

This is about the best book on high school level chemistry I have come across. Albert Tarendash explains each concept with care and very helpful example problems are worked out. I would recommend this book to anyone who is taking an introductory chemistry course.

This book has helped me so much with honors high school chemistry and explains everything so clearly and the convenience of having 40 practice questions per chapter really helps me truly understand the concepts of each chapter. I recommend this book to anyone taking chemistry!!

This book was chuck full of fun information, activities and history. It is the kind of book I could use to teach math, social studies, and science.I loved the recipes and fun facts about bread. Kids will love to just look through it anytime and can always find something knew.

What a great book. We incorporated it into our homeschool curriculum (great for the kid who enjoys cooking!). In addition to the fascinating historical and cultural tour, the recipes are delicious, and provide an opportunity to work with all those tricky fractions as well. We're looking forward to more books by the Harbisons.

This winsome little book is designed to take readers on a gastronomical journey through the history of the world. The history of bread is, according to the Introduction, also the history of civilzation and this book is one delicious way to make that discovery. The heart of the book consists of a timeline history of bread, beginning at 73,000 B.C. in Asia when bread began as a lumpy concoction of mashed grain and water, and ending with a look inside a modern bakery, accompanied by recipes for white bread, French bread, croutons and French Toast. Scattered along this timeline are historical tidbits and bread making stories from various cultures both ancient and modern. Readers will learn why the ancient Egyptians are credited with the discovery of yeast breads, why the Pilgrims often ate their biscuts in the dark, why Marie Antoinette allegedly said, "Let them eat cake," and how John Montague, the English Earl of Sandich, came to invent the popular lunchbox fare. Naturally the book includes plenty of tempting recipes to try out as well. including colonial Johnnycakes, Sally Lunn from nineteenth-century England, and Moravian Christmas bread. There are even recipes for readers who, instead of baking, would rather use bread-making ingredients to create gooey mixtures in the kitchen. Poster paints, squeeze paints, and play dough, for instance, can be made from flour, water, salt, sugar and oil. And those of a scientific mind can grow a little mold in honor of Sir Alexander Fleming or use a simple yeasty mixture to blow up a balloon. Since all cultures throughout history have had some kind of bread at nearly every meal, one could say that bread is the common gluten that binds us all together. LOAVES OF FUN offers a fun and tasty way for homeschooling families to combine a little history with their bread baking -- and eating -- endeavors." -Joan Torkildson, Home Education Magazine, May-June 1997

My daughter needed this book for a school report she was doing, and I picked it up one night and started flipping through it. To my surprise, I really got interested. This is a very informative book and the illustrations are just adorable. Highly recommended!

Sure you've eaten white, rye and wheat bread. But how about Welsh Rabbit, Amish Friendship Bread and Jewish challah? These and other interesting breads are made around the world. Hear all about them in LOAVES OF FUN: A HISTORY OF BREAD WITH ACTIVITIES AND RECIPES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. The book, which contains over 30 recipes and activities, also explains how French toast, pretzels and the first sandwiches were created.

-YES Magazine, May/June 1997

Did you like the movie? (I loved it!) If yes then you will want this book ... it is all you want to know (and more) about King Kong 2005. A good read.

Having always been a fan of '76 version of King Kong and never having seen the original version, at first when I knew that Peter Jackson was making his updated version, I became excited because it was one of those iconic mosters from my childhood, and also because Peter Jackson's previous works with The Lord of the Rings, which was quite amazing.

This is one very detailed hell of a book!!! Really good technical stuff as well as concept work, I just wish there would have included more Kong pics, either concept art as well as any photo from the movie. But anyway, this stuff is great!!!!

This book is one of the best "Making of" volumes I have read - informative, interesting, intelligent, and with plenty of 'insider' views of the film making process. Refreshingly, the focus is less on the "let's chat with the movie stars" aspect, and far more on the complex process of pulling this huge movie together. A real salute to Peter Jackson and his team!

Very simple...a fantastic book from a fantastic film. Well written and concise. The photography is perfect and fills you in on the myriad of details that went into this stunning film. The parts on how Wellington, New Zealand became New York are worth the price alone. The detail is overwhelming. As someone who lives in New York I was amazed that Peter Jackson and crew captured the rows of piers that once jutted out into the Hudson, towards Hoboken, New Jersey. This didn't have to be put in...yet is a small example of the attention, pure attention to detail that went into the making of this film. This will not destroy the mystery behind the making of this epic...it will enhance it.

Having watched Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong three times already, I wondered so often during the film how they made it all look so real. I never doubted for a second that there was an uncharted island of the coast; it was all so real and vibrant I couldn't help believing. I wanted to know exactly how they created not only Skull Island and it's creatures, but the whole city of New York, the actor's takes on the movie, and Peter Jackson's vision. Having said so, I believe this is the best possible guide for the movie you could have.

Each page is a veritable explosion of color and detail as they take you through step-by-step, explaining the creations of miniatures and models, motion-capture of Andy Serkis, and blue and green screens suddenly turning into lush tropical jungles, or cold, dirty, city streets. They give histories into the Skull Island natives, personal actor narritations of their characters, and detailed explanations of the process of creating an image in the computer and bringing it to life on the big screen. This is one of those books with something for everyone, and you can skip around to whatever interests you most. Myself, I read the entire book and often went back to certain sections to just immerse myself in the creative genius of the people who made this production a reality. It also made me a bit amazed at times, when I learned that the famous log scene was conducted on a bucking constructed log in the middle of a sea of blue screens only 2 meters from the floor. Or that New York wasn't really New York at all. Or even that the biplanes were all reconstructed by hand from old blueprints, because there were no surviving ones. It also talked about teh detail put into the shop windows, where everything was bought or made by hand. After reading this, I had such a deep feeling of respect and amazment for the people who worked on this production, making it as realistic as possible. I know that sounds weird, because King Kong is a fantasy story, but with such heart and detail and life, it's hard to think of it as anything but real. In all, this is the perfect book for anyone who wants more insight into the world of Kong, or even wants to be entertained and amazed time and time again.

Having read Jack of Hearts I was immediately interested in "A million would be nice." You don't need to read Scotts first novel to enjoy this but I was glad I had. The story features Donavan Smith who is as bad as they get but attractive in his evilness. From start to finish I was captivated by the storyline and events which are in tandem with Scotts first book but in my opinion, that little bit better. Plenty of action and drama written in a smooth manner with plenty of twists and turns. The book lasted forty eight hours until I had to sadly hit the last page and I would suggest it as a definate suggestion for the book collector.

Ken Scott has done it again. A MILLION WOULD BE NICE, THE sequel to JACK OF HEARTS, takes us back once again, to the roller coaster life of Bob Heggee. Just when Bob thinks he has a calm life after winning alot of cash and robbing a bank, he meets up with a cold-blooded character named Donavan Smith who turns the novel into a spine-tingling journey through Paris, Spain and Cannes, where Donovan kills, blackmails and kidnaps, all for the sake of a million bucks.
The action and story-line makes this suspense thriller a page turner. Mr. Scott did a great job of weaving the lives of all the characters into a fast-paced story that is parallel to one of Stephen Kings best novels.
I highly reccommend this novel for those who love suspense, hate putting a good book down and those who keep thinking about the characters long after the book is read.

Kate Genovese
author of TWO WEEKS SINCE MY LAST CONFESSION
WWW.KATEGENOVESE.COM

Ken Scott's book is well worth the read. Like many of you, I have a stack of books on my nightstand and sometimes I read two or three simultaneously, choosing whichever one matches my mood. Occasionally, I'll start a book that demands attention and won't allow time for the others. "A Million Would Be Nice" is one of those books. I couldn't divert from it until I was finished. It was much better than others I've read in this genre of crime thriller/suspense. Scott writes with intensity, and he is able to shift gears and thrust us into the warped thoughts and motives of various characters. While the main character is not traditionally sympathetic, there is no doubt about the origins of his sexually charged, murderous arrogance and cold-heartedness. What makes this book curiously different is that despite a few academic literary flaws, the intense writing style carries the story and lifts it above the others. Therefore, I can easily recommend "A Million Would Be Nice." I didn't want to stop reading, which is the best measure for any fiction, regardless of genre.

To offer a disclaimer, I feel compelled to inform you that I bought "A Million Would Be Nice" because it is published by Libros International, the same company that will publish (or has published) my own novel "Where the River Splits." Often, as with any reviews, I don't necessarily agree with nor understand the high ratings and sometimes befuddling raves. However, I truly enjoyed this book and can without hesitation recommend it.

Jeff May, askwritefish.

I don't read many books that claim membership of a genre. In my humble opinion, a work of fiction should aspire to create its own world, describe it, communicate it and then live in it. I want a book's characters to inhabit the events that are portrayed, events that are clearly influenced by the character's presence, but which are also usually bigger than any individual's contribution. Wars don't exist unless people fight them. Crimes are not committed without criminals. Love stories are made by lovers and ghosts don't exist.

For instance, in my own book, Mission, there are four wars, but it's not a war novel. There are at least three love stories, but it's not a romance. There are several deaths, one of which is a murder, but it's not a crime novel or a thriller. And then there's a character who comes back from the dead to haunt an old man, but it's not a ghost story or a fantasy. In short, it's Mission, a novel set in Kenya.

So I approached Ken Scott's crime thriller, A Million Would Be Nice, as a reader unused to the genre's codes and forms.

Unlike general or literary fiction, I recognise that learning what happens in A Million Would Be Nice is one of the main reasons for reading the book. My review, therefore, cannot reveal too much of the plot. Suffice it to say that there has been a bank robbery. It was an inside job and the scenario for its execution is carefully concocted and inventively created. The perpetrator gets away with it and scarpers with the loot to live it up in Spain.

On an apparently separate thread, we meet Donavan Smith, a quite incredibly vile piece of humanity from Newcastle, of which I hope he is not representative. He's a successful young thing, a kind of nouveau riche moron, who apparently defines his identity by surrounding himself with requisite items of designer consumption, clearly knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing. He has everything, does our Donavan, but he is never satisfied. He wants more.

There isn't a lot to endear us to Donavan Smith. He's a misogynist, and occasionally indulges in some quite bizarre behaviour in the bedroom. He justifies everything with quotes from the Bible, a source of justification that was beaten into him by an abusing mother. He lets nothing get in his way. He has his ideas, knows how to achieve them and then ruthlessly destroys anything that might resist. In some ways, he is quite creative.

But one of his conquests becomes an accomplice, because she has inside information about that money that went missing in the bank raid. He needs her and together they visit people all over the prestigious bits of Europe, Paris, Cannes, London, the Costas, Newcastle, to pursue and realise their dream. And believe me, this Donavan is nothing if not resourceful and he certainly has a knack when it comes to making things happen.

The story moves at a fast pace. Different characters are drawn into the thread and many are inevitably cast aside by Donavan Smith, our single-minded, calculating anti-hero. And that is as much as I will relate. A Million Would be Nice claims to be a crime thriller, and a crime thriller is exactly what it is, fast paced, and packed with greed, obsession and ruthlessness.

Ken Scott's own background as an employee of a major British bank provided him with much of the detail surrounding the original robbery. Since the back cover of the book shows him, like the robber in the book, living it up in Spain, I can only hope that this is as far as the similarity goes. A Million Would be Nice will appeal to readers of thrillers and crime fiction. It has all the elements you would expect and, in the relationship between Donavan and his mother, perhaps something extra as well.

A Million would be Nice picks up the baton from Ken Scott's first novel Jack of Hearts. Bob Heggie is pursued by his nemesis in the form of Donavan Smith. The action is exhausting and the characterization so good you can almost taste the tension. If you don't like suspense thrillers then this is not for you. I recommend starting the book on a Friday, as work will only get in the way of what is a superb book.