Clubs Reviews

The case of the foot-loose doll

Published in Unknown Binding by Thriller Book Club (1965)

Author: Erle Stanley Gardner

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A Perry Mason Classic

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-22

Erle Stanley Gardner (1889-1970) wrote more than one hundred novels over the course of his long career. A trial lawyer himself, Gardner's best known creation was Perry Mason, a flamboyant criminal defense attorney who earns his large fees by virtue of a remarkable talent for using the law to uncover the truth on the witness stand.

Although Gardner's Perry Mason novels were formula, Gardner was at the peak of his powers during the 1950s--and at his best he was able to combine a twisty plot, impressive courtroom scenes, and his tendency to staccato dialogue to tremendous effect. Written in 1958, THE CASE OF THE FOOT-LOOSE DOLL offers Gardner at his best.

An attractive secretary in Oceanside, California, Mildred Crest is looking forward to her marriage to the town's most eligible bachelor--but is stunned when he abandons her under highly dubious circumstances. Dazed and distraught, she gets in her car and simply goes as far and as fast as she can... until an unforeseen accident offers her the opportunity to escape the past once and for all.

Or so it seems. But the past has a way of catching up with you--and in Mildred's case it isn't just her own past that she has to worry about. Before too long the question of murder arises, and Mildred finds herself in desperate need of legendary Los Angeles attorney Perry Mason.

Law, police procedure, and science has changed quite a bit since Gardner wrote this book, but that is part of the fun. And in this instance Gardner anticipates the modern phenomena of identity theft in a most unexpected way. Fans will enjoy it and newcomers will find it a delight. Recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Don't Replace Oneself With a Stranger

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-25

Mildred, a heart-broken girl, wants to run away from everything. When a hitchhiking girl killed herself, Mildred takes her identity to live a completely new life.

It is crazy to replace oneself with a complete stranger. It would be an artificial story if Mildred's despair were not convincingly described. And it would be tiresome if her misery were tediously described. Gardner describes her hopeless feeling concisely but convincingly. He is an excellent writer. No more explanation will be needed. Please enjoy how Mason brilliantly rescues Mildred from predicament.

This book is written in 1958. The general public is so strict to an unmarried pregnant woman that she will be driven to suicide. It is interesting how times has changed.

Distinguishing the Real from the Imitation

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-16

The Case of the Foot-Loose Doll, by Erle Stanley Gardner

This book is dedicated to Theodore J. Curphey, M.D., Coroner of Los Angeles County, who is trying to get legal medicine used properly. If autopsies do not use current scientific methods then crimes can escape detection, or innocent persons can be convicted of crimes they did not commit. Dr. Curphey formed the Institute of Legal Medicine to combin the medical schools, the law schools, and the police and sheriff's departments in a practical partnership.

This story is about Mildred Crest, whose world collapses when her boyfriend breaks their engagement, and confesses to embezzlement from the company they work for. Mildred goes for a ride, and picks up a hitchhiker. The car crashes and burns, but Mildred decides to assume the hitchhiker's identity - Fern Driscoll. She finds a new job and apartment, and lives a more reclusive life. But an insurance investigator shows up, and asks "Fern Driscoll" to write a statement about the accident. Mildred went from the frying pan into the fire! So now she consults with Perry Mason about a "personal matter". "Fern" tells about the crash from her point of view (Chapter Three); but Mason knows she didn't tell the whole truth. A stranger shows up, tells "Fern" a story, and Mildred confesses she isn't Fern! And this is just the beginning of this story. Then the insurance investigator is stabbed, and the police investigate this murder.

Circumstantial evidence is the best evidence, unless it is misinterpreted. Eyewitness evidence can be deadly and dangerous because there is often no corroboration for this testimony (Chapter Twelve). Whenever a person was unjustly convicted, it is usually on eyewitness evidence. Most people cannot recognize a stranger seen for a few seconds (Chapter Thirteen). Would a prosecution witness who testified falsely be liable for perjury (Chapter Fifteen)? [NO!] Chapter Seventeen has the last day of the preliminary hearing. Mason's cross-examination brings out the hidden facts that will clear his client. It wasn't just the ice picks that were duplicated! There is another shocking surprise, and a happy ending. Mildred Crest has all charges dismissed, current and potential. [Does part of this story remind you of "The Talented Mr. Ripley"?]

My Favorite Perry Mason Mystery

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-09-01

This is my favorite Perry Mason Mystery. It has the feel of an Alfred Hitchcock mystery. A woman who is running away from life is in a one car accident in which her passenger, a hitchhiker, is killed and mutilated beyond recognition. So she begins a new life, assuming the identity of the hitchhiker. All goes well until an insurance adjuster figures out her secret and tries to blackmail her.

The Cat and the King of Clubs (Five Star Mystery Series)

Published in Hardcover by Five Star (ME) (1999-06)

Author: Carole Nelson Douglas

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An Excellent Book

Helpful Votes: 13 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-09

I really enjoyed this book. Going back to before the series as we know it began and getting history on some of the characters gives the book another dimension. This book would be interesting reading in and of itself, but as an avid fan of the Midnight Louie series, I was thrilled. I can wait to read the remaining three from the beginning of the series.

Midnight Louie is the cat's pajamas!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-03

I was lucky to stumble onto this author and find this book before any of her others. From the first page, I couldn't put the book down. Midnight Louie is the narrator and what makes this so great? He's a cat! And every so many chapters, he gets to interject.

This fun story is set in the playground of vintage Vegas, which brings back that old magic. The author time warps you to experience all of the glitz and blinding neon of the city and really makes you feel like you are there with the characters. I totally fell in love with Nicky Fontana and Miss Van von Rhine and I'm thrilled that there are three more books in this series!

This is a beautiful love story with classic romance without getting gushy. It also has elements of mystery woven in that don't all get explained. I also loved the way the author put words together making the language poetic without being flowery.

But my favorite part was the end where, after the story is told, there is an interview between the cat and the author, explaining things in the book and about the series that you weren't clued in on. You really start to believe the cat is real! I highly recommend this book.

Midnight Louie's first great tale

Helpful Votes: 37 out of 37 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-22

Though his family is renowned as Mafiosi, Nicky Fontana runs a completely legal business. He currently plans to renovate an aging Las Vegas landmark into a major, first class casino. He hires Van Von Rhine to oversee the operation, giving her a budget of just under $8 million.

However, an unknown assailant wants Nicky to fail. That individual will do anything to make sure that the renovation project fails. Midnight Louie, feline private eye extraordinaire, decides to investigate in order to expose the culprit. As Louie snoops, Van struggles with adapting to the Vegas glitter as well as her personal attraction to Nicky.

THE CAT AND THE KING OF CLUBS is the full version of Midnight Louie's debut novel. The publisher sliced and diced this tale and the subsequent three other books that made up the original series. However, Carole Nelson Douglas has brought the gem back to its original glittering self. The who-done-it story line remains fresh and even more fulfilling this time around as Louie shows why he owns the universe. Fans of the series will take great pleasure with this "expanded" reprint. The audience will feel elation over the upcoming release of the other three tales from the original set that established Louie as one of the best feline sleuths on the prowl.

Harriet Klausner

Excellent, great fun and fast moving.

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 1999-08-14

I have all of Carole Nelson Douglas Midnight Louie and Irene books. Love them and hope they keep coming. Also, get the audios every chance I get. Thanks for hours of enjoyment. I find them very absorbing and entertaining.Wish they came out faster.

Chester, the out-of-work dog

Published in Unknown Binding by Trumpet Club (1994)

Author: Marilyn Singer

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Chester The out of work dog

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-16

This book is fantastic! The book is about a dog who has much love for his job and his family. One awful day he gets fired from his job at the farm. In search of work, he moves to the city and he finds that it is a very different lifestyle.

I laughed out loud....

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-11

Chester, who is a herding dog (and obviously a Border Collie) moves from the country to the city and gets into a number of misadventures before he finds a job to keep him occupied.

Chester's attempts to find something to herd in the city are the funniest part of the book--the ending is a little cute.

And for anyone who is misled by the review citing Christian scripture, the book has nothing to do with religion, Christian or otherwise, unless you believe Border Collies are a religion in themselves. Sheeesh!!!!!

Caution:

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-20

With an eye for negative influence on children, I submit the following criticism: An ending attitude of pride ("Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18); I want my children to learn humble self-assurance, hence the "just misses the mark" rating. Please consider this and preview for yourself and your children. The positives: Pictures positively delightful and detailed. Chester initially reflects the characteristics of a loving shepherd. May help teach the days of the week. An inconsequential negative: I found myself leaving out "extra" words as I read.

Cute Book!

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-01-28

This book is a cute book about a dog who herded sheep on a farm and then moved away to a town. He has no one to herd and is sad. He starts herding people and his faimly gets made and the dog runs away. Finally a group of kids are lost and Chester knows where the children need to go! Can Chester herd them where they need to go,get a job and make his family proud?

The orchard cat (Children's Braille Book-of-the-month Club)

Published in Unknown Binding by National Braille Press (1987)

Author: Steven Kellogg

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My favorite book as a child

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-20

This was my favorite book as a child. When I had my son 2 years ago, I asked my mother for some of my old books. This was the first one on the list! Much to my sister's and my chagrin, she donated it to unfortunate children sometime when I was a teenager. I located a used copy and now my son loves it...calls it the "chocolate cat" book. Great story and fantastic artwork. Very sorry that it is now out of print.

A Must-Read for Both Kids and Parents

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-15

My mother and I are both staunch admirers of children's lit as an artistic medium, trollers of Newbury and Caldecott award-winners alike. This was our favorite book, and it broke her heart to learn that it was out of print. I tracked down a used copy in good shape to give to her for Mother's Day, and she cried. The book is beautiful, the illustrations are tremendous, and there is just enough of a morbid twist to the humor to entertain adults while the kids learn extraordinarily important life lessons: being kind and accepting is the best path to peace. ("What you need, kitty, is someone who cares!")

I cannot believe it went out of print. The book is a classic and every kid should give it a chance.

An Old Alley Cat Called Her Son To Her Bed...

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-14

"I'm dying," she said, "I've got pains in my head! I've got warts, mumps, and chicken pox, measels and gout! My liver's gone bad and my heart just gave out!"

*sigh* Those might not be the real words, because I don't have the book here with me, but everyone should read this book to their children. I have no clue why it would ever go out of print.

I must say that I attribute this book for making me the way that I am. I feel that the moral of the story is, "If you're nice to people who are mean and show them actual caring and love, then they'll turn nice." I've tried to live this out my whole life, and besides being quite happy, I also believe I've made other people happy as well.

Lasting Values

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-15

My "baby" graduated from High School this spring. I still believe this is her all-time favorite book. She can recite the sing-song lyrics by memory and the illustrations are vivid in both our minds. I enjoyed reading this book over and over, and will carry memories of those snuggly times on the sofa with me forever. It's a classic that should be in every family's collection.

Claudia and the Recipe for Danger (Baby-Sitters Club Mystery)

Published in Library Binding by Econo-Clad Books (1999-10)

Author: Ann M. Martin

List price: $11.25

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This book is one of my favorite mysterys

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-25

In this book Cluadia finds out about a baking contest and enters it with Mary Ann and Sean. Mary Ann thinks they can win it by finding a cake her mother used to make for her father so she's searching all over. Soon someone is ruining the contest. To find out the rest of the book read this five star mystery

such a great book

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-16

everyone in stoneybrook has entered a baking contest but someone is trying to sabotage the different teams and claudia is trying to solve the mystery. Also it's interesting about how claudia has an artistic flair for designing and decorating cakes though they don't taste good at first, but then when they get a recipe of a cake mary anne's mom used to make before she passed away they make that and use one of claudia's beautiful designs and win!

This is a good book.

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1998-05-17

I rate "Claudia and the Recipe for Danger" a 9 because it was an okay book. The plot was good. I can't believe Grace Blume thought Claudia was doing all that sabotage! Don't worry, Claudia wasn't doing it. I recommend this book to fellow BSC fans.

Masterpeice!

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-10

When Claudia enters the baking contest with Mary anne and Sean, Mary Anne knows they will win the contest. Because Mary Anne and Claudia are planning to build a cake. Soon someone is ruining the contest!

Claudia's Freind Friend (The Baby-Sitters Club, #63)

Published in Paperback by Scholastic Inc. (1993)

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cool!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-05

claudia and shea are both in trouble at school. If they fail one more language test, she may not past the sunject. so what they do is to help each other and that's where they become friends.

Cool!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-03

Claudia baby sits for Shea, a kid who also doesn't know how to spell. So what they do is Shea gets to be a teacher and they help each other and become friends!

Cool!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-28

When Claudia baby sits for the Rodowsky family, She and Shea become friends. they are both not good at spelling. they help each other in spelling. Nut stacey almost ruins Claudia and Stacey's friendship.

A Good Book!

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-06

Claudia is in trouble at school, if she fails one more test, she's done for it. Nobody seems to understand how hard it is for Claudia. Unfortunately, Shea is also having with it. Together, they're gonna show those teachers what it takes!

Climbing: Memories of a missionary's wife

Published in Unknown Binding by Sword Book Club (1946)

Author: Rosalind Goforth

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Inspirational and Convictiing Missionary Memoir

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-06

Rosalind Goforth and her husband, Dr. Jonathan Goforth served in China more than 30 years. This account of Mrs. Goforths personal spiritual struggles, failures, and triumphs makes great reading, and inspires and encourages the reader. Highly recommend

A very good book

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-24

This is a very good book which is also very challenging. The Goforths definitely did not live in a life of complacency which you find alot in the church today. I recommend this book for anyone who is a Christian.

Open Home, Open Life

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-18

A very moving and challenging story of a woman and man sold out for God. Fascinating - especially the account of the months they held "Open House" in China in order to prove that they didn't pickle and eat babies, and of the thousands of visitors who passed through their home at that time.

A very good book

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-24

This is a very good book which is also very challenging. The Goforths definitely did not live in a life of complacency like the church is in today. I recommend this book for anyone who is serious about the Lord and doing the work of His kingdom.

The Club

Published in Paperback by Xulon Press (2007-11-03)

Author: Monica Everett

List price: $14.99

New price: $8.99
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The Club

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-24

Monica has captured the pain of losing a child in such a way that it makes your heart ache. I have never lost a child, but I feel that anyone who has, will understand every hurt and anguish in this spellbinding copy of her journals, written during the worst time of her life.

A mothers heart

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-20

Since receiving this book I have read it cover to cover two times, the first without putting it down. Monica Everett has a gift for putting what's in her heart into words. This book has something for everyone. Not only for those that share in the loss of a loved one. But for those close to them to better understand, and perhaps help them be better friends and supporters.

5 stars for The Club!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-07

Monica has captured in words the unbearable pain of losing a child.
She brings comfort and a sense of understanding for anyone who has lost a child, when no one else can possible know or understand how you feel and what your going through. Wonderfully written.
Deborah White

This book gets right to the heart.

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-25

Monica Everett has done a wonderful job of showing the world the grieving process from the perspective of a grieving mother. One can easily sense her grief, disappointments and eventual victory through her words. A must read for anyone who has lost someone close to them.

The Clubmaker's Art: Antique Golf Clubs & Their History

Published in Hardcover by Zephyr Productions (1997-09)

Author: Jeff Ellis

List price: $150.00

New price: $576.41
Used price: $175.00
Collectible price: $350.00

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An interesting document of golf clubs. A must have!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1998-05-07

I haven't seen a better book! The auther clearly spent a lot of time on this work of art. It is a must have for all collecters, and all golf fanatics. If you are looking for a father's day gift, this is perfect! If you have any doubts, I advise you to buy it anyway. It will definitly be worth your while!

A Must Have for the Avid Collector

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-18

Without doubt this is the most beautiful and fascinating compendium of antique golf clubs you will ever come across. It is well worth every penny. The illustrations are superb and the content flawless. You will be amazed at the splendour of the Clubmakers Art.

A GREAT GIFT!!!

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1998-10-07

I recently recieved this book as a gift for my birthday from my wife. I was highly impressed with the fine quality and craftmanship of this work of art. I plan to give this book to my friends that are as interested in golf as I am, and even to the ones who don't like golf! No one could ever be displeased with this book! My compiments to Jeff Ellis on his accomplishment.

An excellent work of art!

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1998-06-03

The Clubmaker's Art is a magnificent example of hard work and dedication to the golf industry. I received the book recently, and I couldn't be happier with what I got. The pictures are so life like, and they pop out at you. This is the best example of quality in the writing industy, and I think that every golf collecter, lover, and player must get this book!

Conduct to the Prejudice of Good Order: the final years of the Vietnam War

Published in Hardcover by Writers Club Press (2002-12-03)

Author: Dan Dane

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Sharply Honest

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-03

I was a civilian working for USO in Vietnam during the same time that Dan Dane was there as a JAG officer. Dane's outstanding book is sharply honest, sharply funny, sharply sad, and entirely engrossing, acutely tuned to the way things really were. If readers are curious as to why Americans are still imprisoned, to one extent or another, by the Vietnam War, Dane's book will provide some valuable answers.
Diana J. Dell, author, A Saigon Party: And Other Vietnam War Short Stories

Twisting in the Wind

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-14

Dan Dane shines a bright light on another cost of the "American War" as the Vietnamese call it. Judge Dan tells the story of how Americans destroyed Americans in the name of orders and government policy. If you want to know how Saigon Warriors, class warfare, and drug use destroyed an army, this book tells it all.

Why we lost the Vietnam War...

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-26

Judge Dane writes a entralling story about the last years of the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a JAG officer. His courtroom scenes and depiction of military politics read as real as possible. All the distinctions - officers/grunts - career/draftee - white/black - combat/backup - add to the tension and conflict. He puts forth a convincing hypothesis about why we lost the war. Once realized, the hypothesis seems obvious and one further realizes that the same element echoes through American society today - still causing lost lives. The Judge is to be complimented on his rendition and understanding.

A no-holds barred insight into the military maelstrom of Viet Nam.

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-06

The author presents a JAG (Judge Advocate General) lawyer who represents soldiers accused of murder and drug offenses. And the censors are not allowed to lessen the brutal telling of the pitfalls.

This book brings the reader into the fray, allowing him to feel, taste, touch and react to military life in Viet Nam. Using the experiences of a non-career Army lawyer assigned during the last days of duty in Viet Nam, we discover that the justice served in the military is a fight in itself.

At times that legal battle is influenced by high command input not necessarily beneficial to the lawyer's role or to the meting out of justice to the defendant.

We follow the lawyer protagonist's fight his personal battle of bafflement and anger towards his immediate superior whose sole ambition is to promote himself. Thoughts of killing enter the lawyer's mind. This mind frame is grown out of the futility felt due to Generals doing the opposite of the facts published to the American public. "I fight to stop a moron poising as an Army officer from screwing up the life of a soldier."

This moving book guides us through the daily experiences faced by the "grunts" which, of necessity, become the foundation of the ordeal of the defense counsel. Fortunately, where he finds innocence of the purported crime, our lawyer battles through the layers of military law to bring about a "not guilty" decision.

This is a must read story of the little known area of the conflict in Viet Nam.

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