Characters Books

I highly recommend this book and all the "Dragon and the George" sequels. It was a wonderful series, written by an amazing SciFi/Fantasy author!

a great book and the second in this amazing series.

a must for Fantasy readers everywhere.

This book is very exciting and does a good job how life was probably like in the middle ages, but it also has alot of suspence and action, and alot of times when you can't help to wonder how Jim(aka the Dragon Knight) can get out of his situation. It also has the interesing twist of comedy that makes you laugh every once and a while. This was a very good book but, I still like The Dragon and the George, better then this one, but they are both pretty simular. Never the less, this is a great book and I recomend it

This incredible book takes the best characteristics of a fantasy book and mixes them with a very particular way of seing every-day life during the Middle Ages. The author narrates the story with the fine humour that we see in all his work, capturing the reader with the crazy situations in which Jim and Brian are involved and trying to show us how beautiful and horrible can a life surrounded by magic and by unusual things can be. An excellent book full of magic, fantasy and optimism that any reader will enjoy a great deal!!!

This is another good book in the dragon series. If you liked the first you will surely like this one. The one disappointment I had with this book was that it leads you to believe there is much magic involved with the plot. However, in the final grudge there is really no magic but more strategy and war than any magic battle. The final ending does bring you back up to speed with an unsusspected surprise. Once again the mid-evil thriiler will grab you in the end and bring you back to the next book in the series.

Gee Jae Arnold has written a wonderful book relating to the hurts that we all experience, the hurts that we inflict upon others, sometimes intentionally but often unintentionally, and how we can get beyond the pain to healing and wholeness. We've all experienced the condition that she describes as "dropped," i.e., that unpleasant feeling resulting from being let down, dissappointed, betrayed, disrespected, having our rights trampled on or our physical or emotional well-being injured by the actions or inactions of others, including by those who are supposed to love and protect us. The good news is that we can all experience the healing that comes from forgiveness and reconciliation. We can choose to respond to being dropped, not out of our pain, but out of the strength of our relationship with a living God who loves us.

The author does a great job of analyzing this condition, this state of being dropped. She attributes this to a common human condition, what the Bible calls sin. She gives honest and moving accounts of her own experiences--her struggles, victories, failures and hurts--involving some of her closest relationships, showing that she is writing from more than intellectual curiosity or theoretical analysis, but from her own life.

If I have any criticism, it would be that summing up the condition of being "dropped" as "sin" may be a little too simplistic. In addition, the writing gets a little bogged down in the middle as Ms. Arnold seeks to demonstrate, by summarizing various Biblical narratives, that this "dropped" condition permeates the relationships chronicled in the Bible. This section may not be as interesting to those who are familiar with the Biblical accounts. But the book picks up again with a very clear and compelling presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

All in all, this is a good and timely book, well-written with valuable insight into the human condition, and resting on the timeless truths of God's Word. I highly recommend it.

This book touched a part of everyone's heart that sometimes they don't like to think about. We all feel this way, but no one ever talks about it. This is an amazing book that addresses issues of the heart that stem from the past, but can be carried into the present, and even the future. It shows the reader how to identify these conditions, and how to deal with them. The author bares her soul, and shares with us a part of her that most people would bury, and never reveal to anyone. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

Great!It is a dynamic, inspirational to book to read, especially, if you are trying to grasp the concept of your purpose for living in this kaotic world. Where people go around dropping others without a reason.

Excellent book. Well written. Reaches out to the need for a higher being in all of us. Answers some of those questions that we thought were answered by society, but actually were not until now. Thoughtful and provocative.

Ms. Arnold is a very intuitive and intelligent person. Keep advising us, we need it.

Dropped answers the 4 basic questions we have in life:

Who I am? We are all products of our home environments. As children we watch our parents/partners interact with each other. It is through them that we learn how to treat others. If we were mistreated, abused or neglected as children, it may seem normal to us because this all we know. We have no other yardstick by which to measure if "everybody else" goes through what we are experiencing. We grow up, date, marry, have children without the slightest inkling of what "sharing/showing love is about". It cripples us even further emotionally. I personally learned that there is no such thing as "normal" and that we are all dysfunctional to some extent.


Why am I like this? We are like we are because deep inside we wish to retain some sense of control over our destiny. We learn to show love or withhold love as a bargaining chip with our friends, family members and eventually the person we marry. If we are pleased, we grant you the gift of our love, emotional closeness or affections. If we are displeased we punish by "withholding" our love, our affection our emotions and generally making life miserable for others We can be held prisoner by our pasts, holding on to them to "protect" ourselves from further hurt, not knowing that we are actually imprisoning ourselves even more because we are afraid of being dropped. The situation perpetuates itself because we are too self-righteous in our feeling of being dropped to want to change. We choose not to realize that we have also dropped others. We have not learned at this point in our lives that Jesus came to set the captives (us) free.

Where am I going? By this point in our lives we have begun to mature and realize that something is really wrong with us emotionally. We realize that in our quest to make things right within ourselves we have dropped other people and learn that hurt people hurt other people. We come to Christ and eventually accept Him as our Lord and Savior and he slowly begins to change our hearts from within. We ask Him to break and mold us and to spiritually rebirth us and we begin to learn the importance of giving ourselves to Him, surrendering our heart to him and He begins to work in us. We begin to hunger and thirst for His word and strive to be like Him. We then seek and find a Church home and begin to attend and pray and fully embrace our spirituality.

And if we are Christians how can I make this life better? We learn that for everything we experience in life, Jesus has experienced it also. We learn that for every situation there is a word of comfort in the Word. We learn that when we say I can't, Jesus says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We learn that when we say I am afraid of...Jesus says The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid? When we are angry and want to strike out because we feel we have been dropped, Jesus says Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgives you. When we are faced with temptation, whatever our temptation is, Jesus says because He himself suffered when he was tempted he is able to help those who are being tempted. When we feel that life is unfair and we are being given an unfair share of life's "downs" Jesus says a righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.
"Dropped" is a must-read for every person who diligently seeks positive changes in his or her life based on God's principles.
M.Hawkins, Long Island, NY

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. God has annoited this man for such a time as this. There are very few men especially preachers who will allow themselves to be transparent. Bishop Long "keeps it real." It's one thing to be able to preach a sermon but it's something totally different when you practice what you preach. I thank God for Elect Lady Vanessa Long. Her chapter in the book was refreshing. Today's first ladies really aren't interested in the people. It's about what you can do for them. I thank God for this man and woman of God.

Like every other book I have read by Bishop Long, The Elect Lady has enlightened me to the Truth. This book is an excellent choice for anyone who felt like their life was interrupted at some point. It caused me to look back at some dreams that I once had, but were interrupted. I thank God, however, that my dreams were interrupted. The outcome was/is better with His plan in action! The Elect Lady encourages readers to keep moving forward in what God has elected us to do no matter what obstacles show up. It reminds us that what God has for us is for our good and it is not to destroy us. I may not have done a great job writing a review on this book, but Bishop Long has done an excellent job writing this book in the Spirit of God. I have recommended this book to several people since I read it. I even purchased it for others as a gift:-) Go pick a copy of The Elect Lady today!

This is a wonderful book created by one of the greatest Pastors in the world! This is a book for every woman. It is inspirational and empowering.

I have begun to read "The Elect Lady" by Bishop Eddie Long. What I have read, is not only inspiring, but also gives women hope for what their futures hold. I enjoy listening to Bishop Long, and now, I am enjoying his book. I hope to read more of his writing.

Bishop Long has out-done himself! I plan to buy more copies for my friends!!! To GOD be the GLORY!!!

After reading Royal Flash and Flashman's Lady, I was beginning to think that I as over Flashy, as those books didnt move me in quite the same way the Flashman Papers and the Dragon did.

However, this tale of debauchery and adventure redeemed good ole Flashy in my eyes. Actually, I have been beginning to suspect that Flashy isnt as big a coward as he plays himself to be. His aim appears steady and his sword arm sure when ever he is in a pinch.

The only draw back is that if you are not careful to remember the meanings of all the native lingo, you'll bound to get lost.

Neither has historical fiction. Harry Flashman is both. By now you are probably joining me in wishing Harry Flashman was here today. I'd vote for him to President.

I read this book as part four of my chronological survey of the life and times of the greatest jewel in the British crown. After greatly enjoying the original Flashman papers and the two following edited packages, I consider this installment the best so far.

Fraser not only gives us the expected portion of ribaldry, but puts our hero in an accurately described historic situation in which some of the players are so spineless that they make look Flashy rather virtuous, by comparison.
The result is a well-documented narrative, describing the first series of big battles of the British in the Punjab in which the local powers did not have any scruples about plotting a defeat resulting in thousands of deaths of their own people, just to hold on to power a little longer.

In style, Flashman, who looks rather upstanding through it all, gets none of the credit that he for once deserved. ...

This book was a great read and I can't wait to devour the next volume in the series.

In the fourth installment of the Flashman papers, our intrepid hero is in India, helping the Empire expand into the Punjab. And yes, there are instances where Flashman does seem to demonstrate a little spine - but perhaps this is more a result of his working along side equally manipulative and underhanded schemers that Flash looks downright heroic in comparison.

As Flashman fans would expect, the history behind the story is meticulously documented. The tale is set a few years before the crown assumes control of the sub-continent from the East India Company, as India makes is greatest (but ultimately failed) attempt to drive the English out of the region by force. The history alone makes a fascinating read. With the addition of Harry Flashman's escapades to "liven up" the byzantine plotting of real -life theives, turncoats, cowards and liars you have the best Flashman book to date.

In George MacDonald Fraser's 'Flashman and the Mountain of Light', our man Flashy sees Queen Vicky holding the Koh-I-Noor diamond and flashes back to India - more precisely, the Punjab where he arrives just in time for the first Anglo Sikh War (1845-46), not to suggest that Flashman had a hand in the war or anything.

The reader meets some of the most colorful figures ever to occupy the historical stage - as Flashman says "there were some damned odd fellows about in the earlies" - many of whom have just about slipped into the obscuring mists of time before Frasser rescued them. There's the White Mughal Alexander Haughton Campbell Gardner, the Queen Mother Maharani Jeendan (ohh, what a mother!), British 'agent' George Broadfoot and more. Flashman even meets up with a couple of fellows who are bigger cowards than he - Lal Singh and Tej Singh.

Fraser also takes the reader through the war in some detail, especially the battles at Ferozeshah and Sobraon. If anything the battle scenes last too long, but that will be a matter of taste for the individual reader.

Along the way, Harry engages in some rather disturbing behavior, which other reviewers have suggested indicate a degree of bravery heretofore undetected. Bosh! While Flashy isn't always the quivering mass of jelly we have come to expect, any actions suggestive of courage are simply acts of self-preservation. And anyway, Flashy gets his just reward for such behavior in the end.

Highest Flashman recommendation.

I honestly think this is the best book yet! This spellbinding book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I really appreciate Patricia's hard work and effort in writing this series. Keep up the good work!

"Forgotten" has got to be the best so far in the entire Jennie McGrady series. I first started reading these when I was 11 I am now 19 and although this may be a little old to be reading them I think they are a great series especially considering the disgusting rubbish that is around these days for teenagers. The books are a good clean exciting christian read. "Forgotten" had that extra element of excitement and interest for me the idea of making Jennie lose her memory was a really good idea and kept u on the edge of your seat. It also gave me an insight into what it must be like to lose your memory especially when she was trying to remember her family. I really hope that Patricia continues this series. An excellent read!!!!

I really loved this book! The more you read into it, the less you can put it down! It takes twists and turns in the plot that you would never expect, and holds your attention the whole time. I read it in less than 24 hours! I loved the way that the mystery started out as something sort of small, and then built right up to the climax. It's a MUST READ!!!

I have been reading the Jennie McGrady series since I was 12. Along with the Helen Bradley also. I find both series very interesting. Patricia Rushford writes beautifully. I only wish I had her talent. Not too long ago I got to meet her personally. She visited me and my family to come talk to my school about being an author. Along with writing books. She is a wonderful bubbly person who has an excentric personality and energy to do anything. I found that she is a lot like her characters. The first book I ever read was #3. It was addicting. I had to start from the beginning. So I did I have now read every one except for her latest McGrady book. I know that I will also enjoy this one as well. So please read her facinating books. All of the series!

This book is one of the best books in the series. It is a frightning but also entertaining book. A great read. I recomend that no one under about 8 or 7 years old should read this. I am 9 years old, and it was a tiny bit scary in some parts like when.. oh I probably shouldn't tell you if you're going to read it, and those of you who aren't, well you'll have to find out for yourselves! Enjoy!!

Castles and courts suck.


Skeeve is left with a lot more than he really wants to have to deal with, let alone just the whole court magician gig. The king bails out due to impending nuptials, and this then leaves someone's mother mad at him, not to mention a fairy godfather, of the somewhat mafioso flavor, as opposed to the Glinda flavour.

This Myth book is the fourth in the series. Like the others, this book is chock-full of marry mischiefmaking as Skeeve, the young magic apprentice, and his master Aahz, the powerless demon, continue to experience eeary adventures.

In this volume, Aahz is spirited back to his dimension just as Skeeve is being commanded to replace the king so the king can go on vacation. Now, why would a king want a vacation, asks Skeeve about one moment too late? Because of some deals that will likely cause him to be killed. Skeeve manages to extricate himself from this mess by creative use of his talents and his friends including Hugh Badaxe, Big Julie, Tanda, and Chumly.

Just as Aahz returns and the story ends, the second story line develops. In this one, Skeeve gets tangled up with the mob and the whole gang has to figure out how to get them away from Postillum, Klah, and the Bazaar at Deva.

Needless the say, there are plot twists aplenty as well as much of the quirky humor that is written in so well by the author. For instance, at one point, there is a wrestling match provided by midget wrestlers with four arms from the dimension Tue (sounds like too). So, of course, the puns commence: The team is known as the "terrible Tues" etc.

The book is great fun and will not take long to read. Pay close attention to the quotes that grace the beginning of each chapter. They are a hoot and a holler in their own right.

This is the fourth book in Asprin's Myth series and it's just as good if not better. Aahz is transported back to his home dimension, Perv, and Skeeve is left to handle his job as court magician on his own. He soon ends up with a homicidal queen, Hemlock, and the Mob's fairy godfather, Bruce, after him.

Hit or Myth is just as entertaining as the previous books in this series. Even though Aahz was out of the story for most of the book, the storyline continued to work. It allowed the reader and Aahz to realize how far Skeeve has come in his apprenticeship. It was nice to see Skeeve develop throughout the book from an apprentice to a magician in his own rite.

This was the first book by Robert Asprin I ever bought, it was the first I had ever seen and most of my friends have spent the last few years being regailed with how brilliant this guy is. The pottential this book showed made me spend ever since looking for anything written by this guy in the hope that he maintained the passion of this book. For the most part I have not been dissapointed, and I am still convinced I was one of the first Brittish people to hear of this guy.. I have one important thing left to say.... BUY THIS BOOK....

This was my first Robert Asprin book, and it will not be my last. With a quirky cast of characters including a murderous princess, a kidnapped mentor, a silly pet dragon, a war unicorn, an absent king, and the mafia, not to mention the apprentice this story revolves around, this is truly an enjoyable read.

It goes quickly enough to be a great vacation book, but don't wait to pick it up! Run out to your nearest bookstore, grab a copy and start enjoying, and laughing. You'll be glad that you did!

And for those that won't trust me and want a preview of the plot, Skeeve, an apprentice magician, is tricked into assuming the kings likeness and place on the throne, by King Rodrick himself! The king then runs away. Why? Because he's about to be married to an infinitely rich princess! Right about then the mob shows up and things really get bad from there, but if you want to know what happens next, buy the book!

Ah, how I wanted to find another gay sleuth. Since Fred Hunter and his series will no more be as Fred has passed on, this series gives me just what I need. Nick, Juno and Stephan are quite a combo, and since this is my first read in the series, I am sure this book is no exception.

As other reviewers have stated, the murder takes place in a upscale Health Club steam room, and the victom, Vlado, is one of the most popular of the personal trainers at the club. Nick and his bizarre, Divine Miss Juno character take their romp through the steeets of this Michigan burb to find the guilt, and in the process discover much about their own personal demons. But the ride is fun, light fare, and a perfect book for the beach and a cool drink.

But what makes this such a wonderful read is Raphael's view of society, especially as it relates to social doctrine, religious hypocrisy and relationship turmoil. This is a quick read, and you will want to go immediately and get another Hoffman installment.

Hot Rocks is a laugh-out-loud murder mystery. I'm not even a fan of the genre, at all, but I loved this book. You'll feel very smart if you get all the references, a pleasant aspect of reading this novel.

The social observations in this series have always been a hilarious mix of the thoughtful and witty, but Raphael's seventh mystery outdoes the rest as it charts delightful new territory: the luxury health club. Filled with the fitness-obsessed, it's an ideal setting for murder, and Raphael does a deft job of limning all the different personalities and motives that one finds in this super-charged environment rife with envy, jealousy, and murderous rage. But you don't have to ever have done even one push-up to enjoy the details, the insights, the luscious character descriptions, and Raphael's expertise as a mystery writer. I'd consider this the best-plotted mystery of the series since The Edith Wharton Murders, which I remember as having received rave reviews all over, including from the New York Times, and rightly so. This one, appropriately enough, is much leaner. You always hope that the books in a series will get better, and here you will not be disappointed.

I had never read any Nick Hoffman story - nor anything, in fact, by Mr. Raphael - so it was with some apprehension that I picked up Hot Rocks. My fears were quickly put to rest: it's a welcoming introduction to the series for anyone, irrespective of their familiarity with Hoffman, Raphael, the State University of Michigan, Michigan Muscle or any of the other wickedly satirical devices Raphael uses. It's terribly funny and the mystery itself holds together and keeps your attention throughout. I plan on reading more by Raphael based on my enjoyment of this book.

Raphael, Lev. "Hot Rocks: A Nick Hoffman Mystery", Perseverance Press, 2007.

Hot, "Hot Rocks"

Amos Lassen and Literary Pride

The Nick Hoffman series has always had social observations and "Hot Rocks" is no different. This time the venue is a health club for the wealthy and the observations are wittier and funnier than ever. The seventh in the series, Lev Raphael does not disappoint a bit--in fact he outdoes the others. The club is brimming with those obsessed with toning their bodies and what an ideal setting for a murder.
If any of you belong to a health club, you are familiar with the types there as well as the aura that pervades, The personalities run the gamut and what a wonderful setting for a crime like murder. We know that health clubs foster jealousy and envy which can become rage quite easily. Raphael is, of course, aware that not everyone is into fitness so he gives us descriptions that are explicit.
Nick Hoffman a SUM professor, like myself, is an academic. Perhaps that is why I enjoy reading his adventures when he acts as a detective.
After the murder has been committed, the list of suspects includes trainers, wives whose bodies need work, club members who are possessed of arrogance and other wealthy characters. None of these are what they appear. Nick does not act alone. He has a fellow detective, Juno Dromgoole. Together they are quite a team--especially when they banter and show how ambivalently they feel for each other.
Nick has just returned from a Caribbean vacation and he knows he has to get back in shape afterwards. He goes, with his partner Stefan to Michigan Muscle but his workout routine suddenly is interrupted when he finds a dead body in the steam room.
What a perfect book to read at the beach. Raphael looks at the culture of the health club as well as American society using Nick Hoffman to satirize the rich. Stylishly written, you will be taken on a series of twists and turns through the world in which we live and you will be turning pages quickly. The writing is clear and probably some of the best that Raphael has done. Nick and Juno manage to get a good look at the life of the wealthy and as they do so, secrets are no longer secret and deceptions cease to deceive. Nick also has to deal with his own secrets and those of his partner who has a complicated past. The book is not just a story but a puzzle that the reader has to solve. Peppered with human characters that are identifiable as people we know, "Hot Rocks" is a fun romp. It isn't just a story, it's a trip. Nick is our driver and quickly becomes a friend who gives a social commentary which is honest and real. As excitement increases and we near a climax and think we have everything figured out, things change and the ride gains speed. I was somewhat sad t close the covers of the book because it meant I would be saying goodbye to friends I had made. But knowing that Raphael is a writer who just doesn't quit, I also know that I will be with Nick again in the eighth of the series.

First of all let me tell you that this book is not an easy reading, it has to many characters and to many stories, to be exact it has six stories, at first all of them separately but in the middle of the book they will be as one big story. Of course the main story, the story of Lucky and Lennie is the must important, but you are really interested in all the stories at the same time. When you end a chapter of one story you want to skip the next chapter to see what happened in that specific story, but when you start to read about the other story you forget about the first one and you will want to know what happened to this one.
The end of the book is not so good, but the book still keep 5 stars

Yes, I should be reading something with more substance, but I love Lucky Santangelo's story! This is like watching your favorite soap opera, but with better characters, and a faster, tighter storyline. Very hard to put down once you start it! I especially loved how Lucky planned to make her studio more receptive to female stars and women's stories. If only there was a Hollywood studio like that for real!

I am not normally one to ready "trashy" novels. Ms. Collins has set up a great list of characters (Bridgett, Charlie Dollar, etc.) in the Lucky Santangelo series. This is perhaps the best of the bunch. Feisty Lucky Santangelo purchases a movie studio from one of the old time owners (kind of a Louis Mayer personna) and becomes the boss of the studio. This causes a lot of friction with her husband Lennie Golden, who feels cheated of his right to win roles on his own merit.

I read this one really fast!

Nothing comes remotely close to this series.

In LADY BOSS, Lucky has finally found the love of her life in comedian/actor Lennie Golden. Not only are the two different as night and day, but they are both as headstrong as ever causing them to sometimes bump heads, but the love that they have for each other surpasses all of that.
Who would've thought that Lucky would find love again after her beloved Marco? Three marriages later, and she has finally got it right this time around. So like any loving wife, Lucky tries to make her husband happy. When Lennie nags and complains about the goings on in his workplace -- Panther Studios, Lucky decided to eliminate his frustration by buying the studio so that the pair of them can have complete control. But nothing wanted in life comes easily. Before Lucky can take full control of the studio, she has to go undercover, and expose all employees who pretty much aren't "getting the job done". This is where the adventure begins.
Meanwhile Lennie is oblivious to this plan. Lucky has to cover up her whereabouts because she wants to surprise him with this after the plans flow accordingly. This situation brings on strain that the two were not prepared for. Will Lennie appreciate the gift Lucky is working on presenting him with? You'll have to read and find out!

I recently finished 'LADY BOSS' the third book in the Lucky Santangelo series and I absolutely loved it! Where 'LUCKY' was good 'LADY BOSS' was great. In this third installment Lucky goes to Hollywood in hopes of acquiring a major movie studio, however, just before she closes the deal she finds out that there is a catch. She has to work undercover at the studio for six weeks as a plain Jane secretary! At first Lucky is reluctant but soon the idea of surprising her husband movie star Lennie Golden with his own studio coupled with the sheer enjoyment of being able to spy on all of the studio executives is too much for Lucky to pass up. But as Lucky soon finds out Lennie is not too thrilled with her surprise, which puts their marriage in serious jeopardy.

There are so many enjoyable story lines in this book that it makes it hard to put down. An example of this is the story of Venus Maria and Martin Swanson the movie star and the billionaire. Swanson is a business tycoon who is married to Dena Swanson a woman who became famous by using the Swanson name and refuses to let anybody take that away from her including the Madonna like movie and recording star Venus Maria. But Venus is determined to have Martin all to herself that is until her brother Emilio shows up and stirs up trouble for the couple.

I found this book to be extremely entertaining and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Lucky is powerful, demanding and independent a true example of a strong woman. 5 Stars!

Moles abound.


The last book in this trilogy is probably not quite as good as the other two, you could call it a 3.75 if you like, but there is some entertaining commentary on what goes on in the spook office with the whole clueless management versus the footslogging hardworking spy in the field.

MI6 is still a bit worried about Benard because of his traitorous spouse, so when he finds out about what he thinks is yet another mole, he isn't looked on too favourably, particularly as it might just be one of the higher-ups.

People who like the others should still enjoy this.

This book can standalone as a good spy story, as can the others in this trilogy, but the storyline attains excellence when read in series - Berlin Game, Mexico Set, and London Match. The tension ebbs and flows throughout the trilogy, but it isn't until the climax of London Match that we see the full scope. I honestly think this is the best book of the three, but maybe that's just because all the threads finally come together. Highly recommended!

This is the third of the Bernard Samson trilogy set in London, Berlin, Mexico and East Germany. I think that Mr. Deighton possibly felt that the first of the series was meant as a solo effort. Perhaps not. Both Berlin Game and Mexico Set stand on their own and could have been solo efforts; London Match is possibly the weaker of the three, but leaves us with that gritty taste in our mouths that recalls the anti-Bond stories of Harry Palmer, Bernard and the others.

The office wit characterized by working with management types unfamiliar with the "field" is not uncommon to many of us who spent time in the military or big corporations. We toil for those who have never experienced what they ask us to do. Hence Dickie Cruyer and Bret Rennselear. Of course for most all of us the result of the inequity of working for management is several antacid tablets; Bernard is quick to point out for him it may be death.

Len Deighton writes wonderful stories about the Cold War a long time ago. Or was it? 5 stars. Larry Scantlebury

It's one of those hall-of-mirrors British spy stories in which the puzzle is to figure out who is working for whom, and who is double-crossing whom.
I was rereading my Len Deightons, partly to see how much impact they still have post-cold war, and I picked this one up out of order. After the first few pages I remembered that this was third in the Bernard Samson series, set in the 1970's and 80's, but it has close affinities to the Harry Palmer series of the 60's, especially Funeral in Berlin. (This has a 1985 publication date). If you're completely new to Len Deighton I'd start with those, and of course you should read Berlin Game and Mexico Set before this.
Some people think Deighton deteriorated in the later spy books. They contain fewer wisecracks and less descriptive scene- setting. In compensation there's a lot of subtle humor in the portrayal of the Dilbert-like atmosphere of office politics, and the plots are more sharply focussed and draw naturally to a climax. The earlier books tend to jump from episode to episode with a tidying up of plot in the last chapter.

The best of the game, set and match trilogy. Exciting, lean and suspenseful.

MY DAUGHTER IS STARTING TO COLLECT THESE BOOKS. I WISH I HAD KEPT MINE FROM YEARS AGO. BOOK 21 DOES NOT MATCH THE FIRST 20 NOT SURE IF IT CHANGED THEN OR WHAT. BUT STILL GOOD

A deceased composer's music has gone missing, and his elderly father, Mr. March, approaches America's favorite spunky girl detective, Nancy Drew for help. Mr. March really needs that money now to support his granddaughter, Susan.

There's a lot of twists and turns to this story, but what really shines is Nancy. She's not only on the case, she will stop at nothing to help out people in need.

I recommend The Secret in the Old Attic as one of the best of the Carolyn Keene novels.

The book arrived quickly and in perfect condition. It was great to see such an old story so well preserved.

I read this in about one day, it may not have been exactly the most action-filled book, but it just somehow keeps me excited. It is hard to get up and use the bathroom, when you are reading this. I do think that anyone who likes Nancy Drew and Mystery should read this, it's one of the best so far that I have read.

This review concerns the original 1944 edition and the revised 1970 edition which closely follows the plot of the original, with a few small changes. Elderly Mr. March approachs Nancy seeking her help to find his deceased son's unpublished sheet music. Mr. March desperately needs the money to care for his granddaughter, Susan. Unfortunately, a thief has been secretly entering the March house and stealing whatever songs that he can find and publishing them himself. I really enjoyed this book. In my opinion, it is the second or third best of the series (I can't decide between it and The Bungalow Mystery; The Hidden Staircase is my #1). I found it to be well-written, highly descriptive, and had quite a bit of action. The climax of the book, when Nancy finally finds the music and is confronted by the thief, is perhaps the best scene of the series for its originality, excitement and suspense. The only thing that I did not like about this book, was how the thief was caught because Nancy had pretty much nothing to do with actually capturing him.