Arizona Books

This 2nd book of the trilogy is my favorite of all LLM books. The suspense was better in this one as to who was doing it and why. It is one I could read again and again.

I love all of Linda Lael Miller's novels. They are quick and fast paced with just enough spice to make them interesting.

As the second in the trilogy, I think I actually liked this one the best, but that doesn't say much.

Clare Westbrook has opened her new pro bono lawyers office after receiving a large inheritance from a father she didn't know. Unfortunately, Clare picked one of the worst parts of the city to set up shop. This leads to a slew of vandalism and murder attempts, as well as a crazy stalker after her.

As with her other novels, LLM spins several different plots throughout the story line. The only problem with her writing is that she never has enough red herrings making the reveal all that more obvious. The suspense is okay, but other than a curiosity for the Clare and Tony's on going relationship, the series falls short of being anything great. The serial stalker/killer in this particular novel makes for more interesting reading though compared to the other two in the series. The suspense is consistent throughout the novel as well keeping the reader turning pages until the very end.

Is it worth buying?

I hate to say this because I know the authors need the sales, but the series isn't worth retail value. It is okay as a check out from the library or on sale and this one novel is better than the others, but I still wouldn't want the series in my collection of great novels. It is just an average read at that.

I actually went searching for these book. Linda Lael Miller has never let me down, not with the historicals and not with the contemporary. Besides, Tony Santerra is too hot for me not to know what happened with them.

I cannot believe how this book ended. I finished it in November and the last book didn't arrive until January. I thought I would have a hissy fit. Linda Lael Miller really knows how to hold on to readers with this one. I really think she should have more Tony and Clare books.

I accidentally stumbled upon this trilogy and fell in love with Clare and Sonterra. I love the romance between the two of them, I love the supporting characters that fill their personal and professional lives and I love the sharply written plots that pull the whole thing together. The first two books of the trilogy were absolutely gripping while this one was more entertaining but still a great read nevertheless. When I saw the title though, my stomach fell because I'm not ready to say goodbye to Clare and Sonterra and their goofy friends. Please, Ms Miller, can't you write "One More Look"?!

I don't want to reiterate everything that everyone else said already but here's my review nonetheless. Overall, I found the story pretty engaging (hence the 4 stars) and I found myself really admiring Miller's ability to convey how perceptive and intuitive Tony and Clare were. There were many nuances to their characters that made them seem like very real characters. Also, I admired Miller's ability to tie up loose ends in the story because there were quite a bit of secondary story lines that could have easily been forgotten about. (Miller must have a really good editor!! :-))However, I'm used to reading Miller's western novels (i.e. McKettrick Series) and this being my first contemporary romantic suspense novel written by her, I was struck by how different the writing style was in this book versus her other novels. It made me think-"Okay, which series is the REAL Linda Lael Miller and which one is her ghostwriter?". Also, I have to admit, I could relate to Clare's bullheadedness where she deliberately went against Tony's wishes several times in the story but after a while I was like, "Jeez, Lady, you really have no respect for your future husband's wishes at all." I guess Tony's character must have had more depth than I was reading in the novel because I really couldn't see why he would be so patient and loving towards a woman who continuously interfered with his professional interests and seemed so reluctant to walk down the aisle with him. On top of all that, there just seemed like one too many crises going on one after the other, ESPECIALLY for a pregnant woman. Clare only seemed cognizant of being pregnant when it seemed like her life was in danger (due to her own stupidity IMO). In real life, most women would have gone into pre-term labor or had some other complication from all the stress surrounding her series of crises, but, alas, this is a fiction novel and therefore I really tried to suspend my disbelief and just be entertained for a little while.

One Last Look is the conclusion to the "Look" trilogy. To really get a feel for the characters you should first read "Don't Look Now" followed by "Never Look Back."

This series was very reminiscent of Janet Evanovich without the comical anctics and humor of oddball characters from the Plum series. It is more of a suspense novel with a hint of mystery to keep the reader engaged throughout, leaving the reveal to the very end.

However, I have only two complaints about this author's writing style. One is that she is very formulatic. She also fails to supply enough red herrings to make the mystery reveal more of a surprise. Both, tend to make the story that much more predictable.

On the up side, Linda Lael Miller is a good writer. She can keep the reader in suspense until the last few pages and the characters are well developed.

In this installment, Clare and Tony move to a small town outside of Tucson, Arizona. Immigration smuggling over the Mexico border is out of control and so is domestic violence which seems to make nearly everyone in the town a suspect at one thing or another. It's even harder finding a friend in the small town to trust. Luckily, all of Clare's friends from Scottsdale are still included in the story line. Yet, her best friend Loretta is going through a sticky situation of her own, and Tony is rushing Clare into getting married faster than she expected. Having finally agreed to the wedding, all Clare needs to do is stay alive long enough to make it through the horrifying week.

Is it worth buying?

As a series it is not bad. However, full price is a little much knowing that the consumer's expectations will be higher. If you find it on sale, along with the others, than maybe. I ended up buying this one before I realized it was part of a trilogy and then had to get the others before reading "One Last Look." I found the first two at the library thankfully, because I think if I had bought all three at once, I may have been disappointed. Hopefully, that gives you more of an idea of whether you should buy it or not. Personally, it was an okay read and entertaining enough, but nothing I will keep on my book shelf for years to come.

I really enjoyed this book. The two leads had great chemistry. Clare made me laugh several times with her witty remarks. Tony really seemed to love her and was patient when her insecurities seemed to take over. Some of the action was over the top especially considering she is pregnant but I still enjoyed the story.

This is the first time I have read a novel by this author. It is listed as the third novel in a trilogy, but reads fine as a stand-alone novel. I am reviewing the novel based on its own merits (I review novels, not authors). Contrary to statements by other reviewers, I found little similarity between Clare Westbrook and Stephanie Plum (I have read all the Plum novels), and cannot fathom why anyone would think they are similar. OK, so they both have a man in their life, but there are no strange relatives, no second man competing for attention, etc.

Clare Westbrook in an attorney with independent financial means who does a lot of pro bono work. She understands the problems of the people, having come from a lower class background (spending time in foster homes, working as a waitress, etc.). She has moved to Dry Creek with her significant other when he took the job of Chief of Police. She is pregnant with his child. She is familiar with the town from when she was a teenager.

Clare becomes personally involved when she takes a job as an investigator with the sheriff's office. That allows her to carry a badge. The case involves abusive males, two legged coyotes (bringing illegal immigrants across the border from Mexico), and relationships of various kinds. There are a number of side plots intertwined with the main plot. I personally thought the story was well written, and it held my interest and kept me up late. The conclusion has some surprises. Contrary to what one reviewer claimed, I did not think it was predictable.

The novel has some explicit sexual content as well as some amount of violence. I would rate it as AO for Adult Only.

This book is filled with beautiful colored photos and lots of very interesting information about hummingbirds.

Another reviewer was right! Small book, LOTS of information that you can USE if you're into attracting hummers...HIGHLY recommend the book.

Order came in pretty quick and in great condition-I would order from this person again.

This is a wonderful Book!! The pictures are fantastic!! Makes a great table book but unlike most table books it's full of everything you need or want to know not just pretty pictures. I "Raise" Hummers in the wild and it has provided me with a wealth of information regarding these truly magnificent creatures. I'm constantly referring to it! I wish it wasn't such a beautiful book! That way I wouldn't worry so much about dog earing it up!!hehe!!

You really cannot go wrong with this one if you have any interest in these wonderful little creatures what-so-ever. I have been watching, photographing, feeding and studying these little birds for years now. It is rather amazing that the author could pack so much information into one small volume and give us some wonderful photographs to boot. We here in Missouri have only the Ruby Throated, but, and I am lucky, I know, we are able to travel to other parts of the country and view other species. No matter how much you know of these birds, you are sure to pick up some new information in this work. As another reviewer pointed out, the photographs are well worth the price of the book. Recommend this one highly.

Another great novel by Nancy Turner, thoughtfully written. Poignant narrative with just the right amount of humor and insight into turn-of-the-century life in the territories. Bound to be a classic series.

Sarah has so many things to go wrong but she knows how to resolve the problem and keep it all together. Way to go Sarah. Mr. Hanna needs to get it together. He needs to concentrate on Sarah and not on Frances.

Let's see what happens as I get further into the book.

I have loved the two previous "Sarah" books. Sarah Prine is one of my favorite heroines, full of courage and spunk. Even when she doesn't know what to do, she does her honest best, which is a quality I admire greatly. However, (don't read any further unless you have read the book) I think Sarah "sold out" for lack of a better word. Her relations with Udell Hanna were a big disappointment to me. I know she was lonely, but that part of the book didn't feel like the true Sarah to me. She's human, as we all are, but I wish she had stayed true to herself. Still, a good story. I would like for Nancy Turner to put a picture of all the characters on her website, if she has any. Especially Jack. He must have been the Tom Selleck of his day!!

really enjoyed this book, I read the first two and this one was as good

This last book of the series was SO GOOD. Not as good as the first, better than the second. If you have read These is my Words then definitely keep reading the rest of the series! I wasn't going to read Star Garden because I didn't get that into Sarah's Quilt. I'm so glad I did!

This book should be bound with yarn and decorated with macaroni. Ridiculous reviews abound in this space. Everyone gives it 5 stars?! Really? Are you afraid Jesus is going to give you crabs if you only give it 4 stars?

For the casual observer of geologic formations, this book is a masterpiece! I have lived many years in the Colorado Plateau area and this book really helps the average person be able to understand how the Grand Canyon was formed. I recommend this book to many people I meet when they come to visit and want to know more about the area's formation.

Yeah, I thought that title would get your attention (!)
What a remarkable gem of a book. I have to second the 9 rave reviews for this title.
The author is a local boy who studied geology through a MS in AZ and put it to good use in his own backyard. I appreciated the way he covered both the geochronology of GC geologic events and the chronology of geologists who took a stab at unraveling the remarkable geologic history. That timescale appears to end with the participants who wrote Colorado River: Origins and Evolution (2000). Another must read.

Creationists would do well to take a look at the geoscience, and, the unsolved mystery in this book that Noah and a christian god had no part in. Unfortunately Vail's GRAND CANYON: A DIFFERENT VIEW appears to be the rock on which they're willing to stand: superficial and supernatural.

The only negative comment I have is not finding GRAND CANYON GEOLOGY by Beus and Morales in the bibliography. Available at the GC bookstore where this title certainly deserves to be.

Well done with good graphics, pictures and dialog that is not too technical. Visited the Grand Canyon after reading this book and found it to be quite adequate for beginner or one who may want more detailed evidence of the happenings millions of years ago. The writer has lived there, led hikes and has spent much time researching the latest theories.

If geology had a face, it would probably be Grand Canyon. No other landscape on Earth offers such a familiar and powerful image of time, rock formation, and erosion. Grand Canyon has been a magnet not just for tourists but for many of America's most brilliant geologists. It may come as a surprise, then, to learn that geologists are still trying to figure out how the canyon got there. It's like our understanding of the origins of the Moon: Apollo was supposed to solve the mystery, but instead it left geologists more puzzled than ever. At least for awhile. It turns out that it was easier to understand the moon than Grand Canyon, for erosion on Earth has removed much of the evidence geologists need.

"Carving Grand Canyon" is the first book to explore the 150-year-long sluething into the formation of Grand Canyon. It stars the geological dectectives who've pursued this puzzle and lets them speak in their own (often eloquent) words. It shows how new evidence has been discovered, and how theories have emerged and been modified and sometimes eroded away. It brings us right up to date with today's cutting edge theories.

The author, Wayne Ranney, has the advantage of having led geology tours of Grand Canyon for years, and thus he knows how to communicate potentially confusing concepts to the public. This book is also well-endowed with illustrations and charts and maps that make it easier to visualize these concepts. In the end Ranney leaves us with a large sense of mystery, but then maybe this will inspire some young reader to become the geologist who will finally put all the puzzle pieces together.

I enjoyed this story, however, not as much as I did Deadly Gamble. Mojo's sister tended to get on my nerves in this story. I did enjoy the developments with Mojo and Tucker as well as the new friends that have "appeared".

Deadly Deceptions is number 2 in the Mojo Sheepshanks series by Linda Lael Miller, author of several other series such as the excellent "Look" series and various western themed romance books such as the "McKettrick" series.

Mojo is a somewhat unlikely heroine. In Deadly Gamble she discovered she can communicate with dead people, which isn't as macbre as it sounds. She sees them in order to get them justice, usually by solving their murders. They are not ghostly apparitions, but the closest I can describe them is living in a parallel universe, and have substance like a normal being.

Unravelling the mystery involves suspense, and can put you on the edge of your seat at times, but it does not make you squirm like a Patricia Cornwell. It is a lighter read than a Tami Hoag suspense, e.g. Dark Horse, Alibi Man, Dark Sky (which are all excellent books by the way).

This book centred around a little girl who is abducted and murdered on her way home from ballet class, but there were lots of sub-plots involving Mojo's adopted sisters and others including her cop boyfriend's children. The twist came near the end and I found it quite shocking when I realised why the person/persons did it. I don't want to reveal too much here!!

Mojo inherited a Biker Bar and lives in apartment above this, and not in a particularly great part of town. Read Deadly Gamble first for how this occurred, which is an interesting story regarding witness protection, etc. There are lots of interesting, and some really scary characters, one of which had me looking under my bed for several nights.

If you like animals, there are some great dogs in the book, and it was a very heart warming, but not syrupy ending. It is very well written and the dialogue and plots flowed very well.

I would definitely recommend buying this book or visiting your local library for a copy. I read it cover to cover and let the family order in Chinese for dinner because I just couldn't put it down. I have since lent it to two friends who also loved the book.

Definitely a keeper, but I'd suggest you buy it in conjunction with Deadly Gamble and read that first.

In this book we see the return of Mojo Sheepshanks from Deadly Gamble. Mojo is a PI (sort of) has an obsession with self help books and oh yeah she sees dead people. In this episode of Mojo's life she helps solve the murder of a 7year old girl who's ghost visits her. If that's not enough her sister is suspected of killing her cheating Dr. husband and her on again off again fling with HOT cop Tucker is really on again. This book made me cry and laugh and Mojo is a character that you can't help loving. It's definitely worth the read.

Linda Lael Miller has written another great story in the Mojo series. I enjoyed watching Tucker and Mojo's relationship mature, the interaction with his children and ex-wife, and the relationship between the three "sisters". Several questions were answered in this book and with the appearance of Max - we are now led to book number 3.

The mystery was well written, I had a hint of who the killer would be early on...but was still surprised by some of it. I enjoyed seeing Mojo become stronger and making some personal decisions. Over all, this was a very enjoyable read. I look forward to the next one.

WONDERFUL!
If anyone is wishing they had a really good book to read over their summer vacation, DEADLY DECEPTIONS is it! Mojo Sheepshanks is wonderful! In this sequel to DEADLY GAME, Mojo, a PI who sees ghosts, is approached by the ghost of a 7-year-old deaf-mute girl, Gillian. Not knowing sign language, Mojo tries her hardest to solve the murder of this sweet little girl. However, Mojo's brother-in-law ends up dead as well, and she is off trying to solve this murder. When Greer, Mojo's sister becomes a prime suspect in her husband's brutal death, Mojo desperately tries to help in anyway her can. Tucker Darroch, a homicide cop and lover of Mojo, provides support and they find themselves engrossed in more then they can handle. Or have they? Linda Lael Miller has really out did herself in this series of stories. I found myself wishing that the story would go on and on. Don't miss this one for the summer!

Gary T. Lowenthal, a law professor in Arizona, spent his sabbatical as a prosecutor in the Phoenix (Maricopa County) prosecutor's office, the office of County Attorney Rick Romley, who, according to his web site, has held office since 1989. Surprisingly naïve for a law professor who says he has taught criminal law and criminal procedure, Lowenthal tells a tawdry tale of expediency and laziness that permeates that office.

The book is thus a must-read because it exposes a plea-bargaining-based expediency that not only encourages crime by failing to adequately punish and deter criminals, but also extorts guilty pleas from persons who may not be guilty. The excuse is that plea bargaining saves money and resources. There are two main reasons why that is not true: (1) criminals who plea-bargain their way out of prison are free to continue to prey on their communities; and (2) revolving-door "justice" means that the same criminal has to be processed over and over again.

As Lowenthal admits time and time again, however, it is just plain easier to plea-bargain a case with an offer of often unjustified leniency than to try the case and get the justice the defendant, the victim, and society deserves. For most defense lawyers, of course, plea bargaining is the only way they can make a buck-it just doesn't pay for them to spend the time and effort defending their clients in a trial.

Although the book's main focus is a case that Lowenthal did try, the real story he tells is about the lame excuses he and his fellow prosecutors marshal to justify either not charging crimes (including one Lowenthal declined to charge even though the police arrested the defendant red-handed in a stolen truck) or to justify probation for folks whose crimes warrant lengthy prison terms. "Down and Dirty Justice" paints an ugly picture of how justice is bartered in Phoenix. If accurate, Phoenix should get itself a new chief prosecutor.

Knowledgeably written by Gary T. Lowenthal (a law professor who dared to venture from the ivory towers and work for the Arizona County Attorney's Office), Down And Dirty Justice: A Chilling Journey Into The Dark World Of Crime And The Criminal Courts is an all-too-real presentation of an American judicial system which is chronically riddled with failures, brutality, the ruthless prosecution of the innocent, and the slap on the wrist to the guilty. Forced to conclude that it is the plea bargaining prosecutors, not the judges nor the juries, that rule the criminal justice system Down And Dirty Justice is a chilling and much needed expose and warning of just how bad the system is now -- before it gets any worse within the context and pressures arising from the current "War on Terrorism" and "Patriot Act" legislation.

This book provides insight into the way the criminal justice system really works. It's format is like Law and Order's in that it follows a case from the investigation stages to sentencing. It also features a gripping case. But, unlike Law and Order, this is the real thing. Resources and relationships -- between police and prosecutors, prosecutors and defenders, defenders and clients -- are strained. People are overworked and underpaid. Rigid policies and harsh mandatory sentencing laws prevent judges and prosecutors from fashioning punishments that truly fit the crime. Lowenthal has written a compelling, true account of our criminal justice system. I recommend it for those who want to learn more about the criminal justice system or those who just want to read an interesting true crime story.

This book is an entertaining, compelling, and somewhat grim look at American jurispudence today. Down and Dirty Justice is the riveting experiences of an experienced, ivory tower law professor thrust into the realities of today's legal system as a novice prosecutor. Early in the book, the author makes the point that his view of our legal system, though more informed than most, was still heavily colored by television. Like most Americans today, that was how I viewed our legal system, but as the author shows, TV shows such as Law and Order and The Practice, though supposedly true to life, give a far from true picture of the court system.
Mr. Lowenthal focuses on one particular case, an assault/kidnapping case. It is not glamourous; it is not high-profile. It is, however, fascinating. In his erudiate, well-written account, Professor Lowenthal details and highlights the often convulted and somewhat strange route to a kind of justice and resolution, which at times during this book were unlikely.
This book is not only well-written, but Mr. Lowenthal's insights into the legal system of today are deft and knowledgable. It is a book that anybody who has contact - or might have contact - with our legal system should read.

This is an excellent read and an informative book. I knew our criminal justice system was flawed but I did not realize the breadth of the problems. Though neither the victim nor the defendant is a particularly sympathetic individual, the system abused each of them. Any thoughts I had that justice usually occurs were eliminated. The author writes clearly and intelligently about a bureaucratic, political and often arbitrary legal system.

I worked in law enforcement in Arizona and was directly involved in this case. The book was very well researched and written.

Being from Phoenix I knew the story well. This is a good read, but prepare to meet evil as close to face to face as one can get without actually being there. I couldn't put this book down. I couldn't believe such evil and lack of conscious could reside in one person. Any man who can kill a toddler and involve his own sons in it is really beyond evil. Insane maybe? But, I don't think so. I think that Tison was so full of himself that he thought he'd always get away with the things he had done. And having that IDIOT Cardwell as the warden was Tison's ticket to the outside.... and the multiple murders of innocent people. Unbelievable, but true.

Tison, Greenawalt and his misguided idiot kids were without a doubt stains in this world. Killing without regard to life is one thing, but the way they murdered innocent people, including a 22 month old child, speaks for itself. To suggest that the Tison boys were "scared" of their dad is rediculous to me. They are just as guilty, just as deranged and just as degenerate as their father. The girl who was found in the desert some distance from the scene was my girlfriend, Theresa Tyson. No relation to the murderers thank god. Theresa was a wonderful young woman with her whole future ahead of her. It's easy for these men to kill people who couldnt defend themselves. I call them cowards. I smiled the day I heard that Gary Gene Tison died. I wished that I was there to watch Randy Greenawalt be put to death in prison. Hell, I would have done it. I thought that his death was far far better than the one he deserved. I don't remember the name of the Author who interviewed me in Las Vegas all those years ago, if it was this Author, I think that his portrayal of the Tison boys showed them to be far too innocent. Truth is, they could have said anything about what happened because they killed everyone else. I hope they burn.

I read this book in August/September 1991 while traveling through the area where it all happened. The trip was kind of a premarital honeymoon vacation and our first trip to the US (I live in The Netherlands). I bought the book so I could read while off duty from driving the van and I guess it turned out to be a 'lucky' choice. From the first page on I was sucked into the story. I just could not put it away. As the story developed we came nearer to the place where it actually happened. I will never forget the day we passed Flagstaff. The book gave me the creeps. Still does.
This book screams to be put into a movie. Gary Tison makes Hannibal Lecter look like a school kid.
One of the most chilling books I've ever read!

I think Clarke is pretty close to the money. Randy Greenwalt took me fishing when I was a kid and did yard work for our family, his Dad was a bricklayer in my Dad's construction company. I still have a beautiful display cabinet that he built in his senior year woods class at Palmyra MO high school. Didn't know much about abnormal psych then, but in retrospect there was a lot about Randy (and his younger brother James 'Doc' Greenwalt) that I now realize was a short fuse waiting to go off. Dad often said that their father was too rough on them and it was just a matter of time before their pent-up anger blew in one direction or another. Randy was not a leader, but he was a dedicated follower, which meshed well with Tison's warped sense of purpose. Randy probably would have been a good Marine--his sister Darlene did have a successful Army career.

Most interesting study.

I bought this guide mainly for places to ride our quads. Even though the book is geared towards 4WD vehicles, it still gives you enough information to decide if this is a place that you would also like to ride your ATVs.

This is a worthwhile book if you are looking for quad, jeep or hiking trails. It isn't as complete as I would have liked but it is worth the price.

This is a great book to get off-road with. I haven't tried too many, but what I've seen is very accurate.

I have traveled countless miles of Southwestern trails, and I think these are the best trailbooks available for Arizona and Moab. Wells has selected the most scenic and interesting trails, with concise and simple directions. Some people may find the non-topo maps confusing at first, but combined with the written directions, GPS coordinates, and basic common sense anyone should find their way through without incident.

The book is thorough, with relative charts for difficulty and overall enjoyability of a trail, as well as driving tips and preparation guidelines.

As with any printed book, some of the info gets outdated rather quickly, but he does try to post updates on his website. No matter how good a trailbook is, always use an additional navigation source: topo maps, atlas, land management maps (BLM or USFS) and always check with local 4x4 shops, clubs or land management agencies for current conditions.

Great resource. Good maps, good directions and even GPS waypoints. Couldn't ask for more.

Just returned from a tour of the Southwest. The field guide was easy to use. I liked the fact that it covered so many aspects of the Southwest and eliminated having to tote five or six field guides to cover most of the subject matter.

This field guide is really usefull. It has a basic description of hte animals, plants, geology, insects, and weather of the Southwest.

I initially found this book in the library and enjoyed it so much I wanted my own copy to carry with me when out hiking in the Tucson, AZ area. Informative, accurate, and easy to access information. For such a small field book it packs complete info regarding plants, trees, birds, reptiles and general info on geology and natural history in the southwest. If you want to learn more about the southwest desert - this is a must have field book

This is a good book to have along as you explore the beauty of the region. It is not very comprehensive, but then if it was it would not be small enough to carry with you in the field, which would defeat its purpose. I feel it is well worth the price and will use it on my upcoming venture into the Southwest this October. I will also take several other books on the Southwest because each provides additional information for this region. It's not possible to get all the reference information in one volume, but this is a great book if you can only have one, and it is small enough to carry along on hikes or explorations. It is also bound properly for field use, an important feature.

this is the one to take! Like carrying a park ranger in your backpack to help you know what you are looking at. Trees and wildflowers, animals of the land, sky and water, minerals, stars of the night sky. Increase your knowledge and understanding of the beautiful places you visit and your own backyard. Check out the Audubon Field Guides to Florida and other regions as well. Well worth the money. Lots of color photographs and well organized for easy use.