Oregon Books

Boyfriend Darren proposes marriage and Barbara is on soul search solo vacation where she run in to a mother and son who disappeared. There is an ex-husband, a family business, patent stealing and a billion-dollar company sell. The woman shows up in Barbara's town and gets shot to death or does she? The boy is missing and the ex-family is running crazy. Barbara, with the help of dear ole Dad & Baily solve this tangle with all of its twist and turns to save the day. Excellent story and the some of the best character ever.

I read almost half of this book and just gave up - I didn't care! Nothing much happens and what does is so obvious it's silly. Did anyone NOT get who the dead body was????? REALLY slow

Attorney Barbara Holloway only wants a little time, a little peace, in which to contemplate some personal and career moves. Should she marry? Should she teach? Her solitary sojourn in the mountains is interrupted when she bumps into a child alone and in distress. Naturally, she is moved to assist him, and the following day finds that this simple scenario has exploded into a convoluted mystery. There are few enough characters in this novel to make guessing who the perpetrator is a relatively easy task. It can't be Barbara, although the police consider her their prime suspect, and with her father she sets out to solve the mystery and clear her name. Until that occurs, Barbara is prevented from determining which direction her life will take.
This is an interesting enough tale, but with only one surprise and little suspense or excitement, there is little to raise it above the norm for the genre.

Lawyer Barbara Holloway is on a retreat after her personal life takes a complicated turn. Little did she know that the peace and serenity of her surroundings on the Oregon coast is an illusion. Barbara discovered the abused and battered body of a young woman along with they woman's frightened young son. By the time Barbara gets back to the scene with help the woman and boy are gone. There are many conflicting stories as to who would want to harm the woman hiding in the woods. People jump to the conclusion that Barbara was helping her escape and before long she is immersed in a murder investigation.

I've always enjoyed the characters of Barbara Holloway and her father Frank. They have such an endearing father/daughter relationship that I feel drawn in. I was really hooked on this story from page one even though there are several eye-rolling moments. For instance, wouldn't a motive be good if someone were to be accused of a murder, and the almost untouchable power of some of the characters was a little over-the-top. The villains were more caricatures than real people, but for all the faults, I read the book in one afternoon. So even though much of this story is unbelievable, it's still a good read.

Thirty-four year old Elizabeth Kurtz is a woman in distress in Kate Wilhelm's "A Wrongful Death." Her ex-husband, Terry, barges into her office one day to announce that his father is dying. Terry wants Elizabeth to help him find an important document that will mean a great deal of money for them and their son, Jason. If Terry's malicious mother, Sarah, were to find the paper first, she would immediately shred it, and Terry, Elizabeth, and Jason would end up with nothing. Elizabeth reluctantly agrees to assist in the search, but much to her shock, she comes across a thick folder with contents so potentially explosive that she hurriedly grabs it and leaves town with her son. Her impulsive actions come back to haunt Elizabeth when she realizes that someone is willing to kill her to retrieve the stolen files.

Oregon-based attorney Barbara Holloway is at a turning point in her life. She is disillusioned with the law and is seriously considering giving up her practice. She also has qualms about accepting a proposal of marriage from the man she loves, Darren Halvord. Barbara's therapist advises her to "confront what it is you fear; only then can you resolve it." She retreats to a secluded spot to consider her options. While walking along the beach one day, Barbara is suddenly accosted by Elizabeth Kurtz's hysterical son who tearfully informs her that his mother has been hurt. Barbara takes the boy back to the cabin where he and his mother have been staying; she finds Elizabeth Kurtz lying on the ground bleeding from a head wound. After Barbara makes the injured woman comfortable, she locates the caretaker and returns with him to the cabin, only to discover that Elizabeth and Jason have both disappeared.

Much to her consternation, Barbara unwittingly becomes embroiled in a case involving a bitter family feud, greed, corporate fraud, insanity, and murder. Fortunately, Barbara's father, Frank, a respected criminal defense lawyer, and Bailey Novell, a crackerjack private investigator, are on hand with much needed advice and support during the grueling months to come. The police suspect Barbara of lying when she insists that she has no connection to Kurtz and does not represent her. Although she would prefer to wash her hands of the Kurtz matter, Barbara decides that she has no choice but to investigate this dysfunctional family.

"A Wrongful Death" is a convoluted, talky, and far-fetched story that requires a great deal of exposition to clarify all of the players and their roles in what turns out to be a messy and protracted domestic melodrama. Cozy scenes of Barbara eating her father's scrumptious meals and enjoying his loving concern alternate with brainstorming sessions in which Frank, Bailey, and Barbara try to figure out what is really going on. Wilhelm has written a pedestrian mystery hampered by stilted dialogue and cardboard characters that rarely come to life. The police detectives are incompetent, the villain (who is telegraphed from the beginning) is a one-dimensional monster, and Barbara is never in any real danger. A few twists bring the book to life briefly, but "A Wrongful Death" is a mediocre thriller with too few thrills.

I found this book interesting, obviously well-researched and containing much information I didn't know about the early explorers of my own state of residence. Mr. McCartney did an important work in presenting history and in paying tribute to his gutsy ancestor within the same accounting.

This expedition followed the Lewis and Clark Corp. of Discovery by only a few years, long before Fremont made his journey into Wyoming. They were conducting the exploring of passageways for trade of all kinds, but for the moment, the fur trade - for John Jacob Astor, one of the most astute businessmen of that century. While Lewis and Clark made mighty discoveries, but didn't hit the jackpot with the intended waterways due to the imposing mountains, it was Stuart who discovered an equally important "northwest passage" in the South Pass route, far to the south which is really where the mountains meet the plains - the gentle ending of the Wind River mountain range - allowing the vast traffic West to begin to pass through. And pass they did, the natives watching astounded as they were pushed aside in the tidal waves of emigrants that followed. I couldn't help it - the naughty thought occurred to me that Fremont, while indeed serving his country in his travels, was primarily the son-in-law of a politician wishing to make a name for himself after the real work was done.

It does have controversy, of course - any great discovery is subject to it in the course of hashing out history. John Colter may have crossed it after he split from the L&C expedition - it has been suggested - I'm not enough of a scholar to question some of it but for certain, this man was of the first white men to see it, and documented his journey.

The list of names, rivers and landmarks bring it vividly to life for me, as they are dear, familiar places that I visit on a regular basis, thinking all the while of these men who came before. The Platte, Bessemer Bend, Independence Rock, the Snake river, Henry's Fork of the Snake, Fort Hall; the people of Stuart, Hoback, McClellan, Hunt, all of these people live on vibrantly in our country here - with the landmarks memorializing them. For them, life was to be lived - or lost - in the trying. I doubt that many of them aspired to the greatness they achieved - it was simply answering the call of the wild and unknown, reminding me of yet another free spirit - Robert Service - who said it all in his poem "The Men Who Don't Fit In."

One scenario I found difficult to believe was the part where the explorers were close to death from starvation. Men with firearms, ammunition, should have had no trouble feeding themselves. The country abounds with game even to this day, and it was abundance of twenty fold then. Even if the big game had become scarce in certain areas due to migrations, there were certainly rabbits, even in the winter. It made mention that they "were reluctant to fire their weapons" for fear of attracting the hostile Crow back to their whereabouts, which had to be the most of it, even though it didn't actually come out with the reason. Our Native people are, at long last, taking their rightful place in history too - this book demonstrates it too - for it was their homes that were being invaded and one can scarcely blame them for being insulted.

A mass paperback tale it is not. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, found it scholarly enough without being dry, well-conceived, well-written, and am glad I found it. I'm also thankful for the reviews given it, which helped me decide to read it. It has a well-deserved place in my personal library.

I thought this book was excellent. I thought it was very similar to undaunted courage, but I felt it moved a bit faster, and spent less time on all the minute details of the Astorians' adventure. Maybe my review is higher than the book deserves due to my interest in the subject matter, but I haven't read a historical book cover to cover for along time, and the author did a good enough job that I breazed throught he 270 pages.

This book had a lot going for it, I thought. The writer lives part of the time in the wonderful wild country he's writing about, he graduated for Yale and is an award-winning journalist with work published in many prestigious magazines. He had access to private letters and diaries from the expedition. The expedition itself was dangerous and exciting. The topic was one of my favourites. This, I thought would be a really good read.

Well, it was O.K. The book seems to be accurate, factual and comprehensive. But it's the dullest book about an exciting adventure I've ever read. It lacks a sense of adventure, any depth of understanding of the country, the circumstances and any empathy with the feelings and interactions of the men. It seemed like just a journalistic exercise in getting all the relevant information and setting it down in a coherent sequence.

Robert Stuart appears to have been a remarkable young man and his expedition was hugely important in the development of the region. Both deserved better than this.

This book had a lot going for it, I thought. The writer lives part of the time in the wonderful wild country he's writing about, he graduated for Yale and is an award-winning journalist with work published in many prestigious magazines. He had access to private letters and diaries from the expedition. The expedition itself was dangerous and exciting. The topic was one of my favourites. This, I thought would be a really good read.

Well, it was O.K. The book seems to be accurate, factual and comprehensive. But it's the dullest book about an exciting adventure I've ever read. It lacks a sense of adventure, any depth of understanding of the country, the circumstances and any empathy with the feelings and interactions of the men. It seemed like just a journalistic exercise in getting all the relevant information and setting it down in a coherent sequence.

Robert Stuart appears to have been a remarkable young man and his expedition was hugely important in the development of the region. Both deserved better than this.

An interesting story of Robert Stuart, the white explorer who learned from natives the existence of the South Pass through the Rocky Mountains and used the Pass in 1812 on a West-to-East trip. (South Pass is the only wagon-friendly route through the Rockies.) The purpose of Stuart's trip was basically a management report on a private company's progress. The trip was through largely uncharted territory, and dangers were encountered, but this is not a compelling read. Here's the most frustrating part: John Jacob Astor, Stuart's boss, elected to keep secret the existence of South Pass. So this critical piece of geographical info was not used until the Pass was re-discovered in 1823 by William Ashley, who publicized it, leading eventually to the Oregon Trail. Astor never used his "trade secret." That makes Stuart's trip an interesting historical footnote, not the landmark discovery it could have been if Stuart and Astor had publicized the existence of South Pass.

Living in Vancouver, I used this book many times to impress various women and have to say that although the places this book digs up are not inexpensive they are certainly romantic. Without it, I would never have found the most amazing on hill house in Whistler where I was able to propose to my wife to be. I thought this book was awesome and have recommended it to many people.

On checking the local listings, I had already been to every place listed in this book and the winery listings are very out of date. The Jewel this book listed for Prosser, ,WA is probably the ugliest winery in the Yakima Valley.

Other listings appeared to be fairly accurate but not very well researched. Overall the book would still be pretty useful. Title should be changed to *Good Places....* because the Best Places aren't listed.

This is a terrific travel guide for true romantics. I have used it on many trips and have never been disappointed. A great companion book to take along is The Romantic's Guide: Hundreds of Creative Tips for a Lifetime of Love.

If you read Best Places: Northwest you do NOT need to buy this book, which is far inferior. Many of the same locales are covered, but the author chooses to stick to the same term throughout: "romantic." Seldom does she choose another adjective. It didn't inspire me to kiss my new husband any more; it angered me that I had bought a dumbed down version of the Northwest books I already have.
Looking for less expensive places to have a "romantic" interlude in the NW? Don't look here. I don't know about the rest of the US, but my honey and I can't go to $$$ or $$$$ places.
Re-write the book to include real people who want to know things we haven't already read in your other books.
Don't buy it. Check it out at the library, but don't waste your hard-earned cash. And come up with true romance that doesn't cost a fortune. That should be the focus.

As the contributing editor for "Oregon" on Suite101,com, I'm always on the lookout for great books about Oregon. Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest is great for what it includes and should probably be broken into three separate books so that more places in Oregon, Wasington, and British Columcia can be featured.

I agree wholeheartedly with the picks included. There are just so many great restaurants and B abd B's that are missing.

An entry in Bend, Oregon states that Bend is known better for outdoors kissing spots than cozy restaurants, yet I can name Kayo's Dinner House, Le Bistro, and McGrath's Fish House right off the bat that are left out.

In addition, I don't know if this would be considered a best place to kiss in other people's books, but growing up in Bend, the two best kissing spots were on top of Pilot Butte (might be closed to cars now) and Pioneer Park. Neither were included.

In Washington, Centralia's got a very cozy B and B I'd love to go back to visit (no Centralis entries) and Ocean Shores isn't even mentioned.

That said, the most annoying factor of the book is its organization. Within each section, (e.g., Vancouver and environs) towns are listed all higgledy piggledy! Ladner comes after West/North Vancouver, which is followed by Tsawwassen, then Point Roberts. It took me longer than it should have to find what I was looking for.

The write-ups are fair and show little bias. It is very journalistic, without any real personal stories. I really wanted to know why each spot was chosen.

What's there is good and even great for some areas. It's too bad there are gaps.

Who knows whether I'll actually push the pedal that begins a coast to coast bicycling trip but having read Donna Lynn Ikenberry's "Bicycling: Coast to Coast," I now know what to feel, smell, taste and enjoy along the journey. The sunshine pours through her scenic descriptions and your legs ache during her climbs. As she comes close to each day's destination you can feel the anticipation of soothing well-used muscles. This is a guidebook to prepare for the trek as well as take along for reference. Buy two and leave one with someone responsible for knowing your itinerary.

This book goes the wrong way, namely East to West. The book follows the old 1976 Bike Centennial trail that is well described and updated at the Adventure Cycling website. I followed this route, East to West. It would have been a lot better to have gone East to West. The wind gets pretty strong and it blows West to East; so, if you are riding East to West, you have to work much harder than if go would go the other direction. While I enthusiastically recommend the route, I suggest that it would be better to start in the West.

Donna Ikenberry's "Bicycling Coast to Coast" is a well laid out, day-by-day guidebook for a bicycle trip across the country. From maps, to sights to see, to places to camp and eat, this book has everything you need to get across the country and not get lost.

The only thing I wish this book included was trip preparation hints (of which it has very few). However, this book along with Steve Butterman's "Bicycle Touring - How to Prepare for Long Rides" make a great cross country bike touring set.

I biked the TransAmerica trail last summer and I used this book for pre-trip planning and as a guide while on the road. The vast majority of the route Ikenberry takes is along a trail that was first ridden in 1976 and was designed by Adventure Cycling. If you just need maps of the roads to take, you'll be much better served by getting them from Adventure Cycling. If you want to use this book as a companion to the maps, you should realize that this book was written for westbounders. If you are riding from west to east (like i did) get ready to learn what dyslexia feels like as you try to decipher all the directions backwards.

The book is thin on trip planning info and simply points readers to other sources for info on bike touring. In general, most of this book merely describes points of reference along the TranAm trail (ie: mile 1 - You'll pass a convienence store on the left; mile 2.3 - You'll see a lake with picnic benches to the right). I felt that it lacked a real focus (sometimes it reads like a diary, sometimes it reads like a guidebook, etc) & was full of superfluous fluff (the state flower of virginia is blah blah, a family in kansas fed me cake, etc) that only made my saddlebags that much heavier.

Overall though, it's not my objective to dissuade you from buying this book... as unbelievably it seems to be the only guide written about riding the TransAm trail. Ikenberry's book certainly has some usefullness - perhaps mostly so in providing info on places to sleep along the way. But even then, she fails to mentions whether these places have showers or food on numerous occasions. It's worth the 15 bucks... but the book could (& should) have been so much better... (for example: there is no mention anywhere of suggestions on what kind of bike to use, gearings, tires - nothing even remotely technical)

I used this book this summer, riding from Florence, OR to Yorktown, VA (yes, the book goes from east to west, so I was reading "backwards"). For my purposes, I used the book to help figure out how large towns were and what services they offered. 9 times out of 10 the book gave fairly accurate assesments of services. There were times when "full-service" towns were no longer in existance and the grocery or restaurant we had been relying on was nowhere in site.

That said, I would NEVER bike the Trans Am, or even a portion of it, without consulting Adventure Cycling first [on their web site]. Their maps are indespensible and when used in conjunction with their up-to-date addendums, they are incredibly accurate. Ikenberry makes it pretty clear that she is using the Adventure Cycling maps as her guide as well.

I also found it odd that Ikenberry only biked the Trans Am once. She makes comments on terrain and areas which are purely cicumstantial (such as mentioning "dog-prone" areas in Kentucky - where we had no more dogs than any other day - and areas with mean drivers.) It was sometimes hard to tell whether her descriptions of places were based on one pass through or fact. Plus, I would have trusted her judgment of "steep" and "trafficky" had I felt more confident in her bike touring past.

On the plus side, Ikenberry does offer some nice background information on historical areas which the Trans Am cyclist may not otherwise recieve.

Overall, I am glad I lugged the extra pound on my tour. It was helpful and since I wasn't relying on it for accuracy, I wasn't affected at all by the closed services. It would be great if someone would update the book! Some towns in the book are no longer on the Adventure Cycling route. Also, she breaks the route into 70 different biking days. Some are rediculously long. She must have had some serious tail-winds at some points! Again, had she biked the route several times, I am sure her days would have been more "normal" in some instances.

In any case, bike the Trans Am since it is awesome and contact Adventure Cycling for your most accurate information. If you have [any money] left over and some room for a medium-sized book, squeeze Ikenberry into your pannier.

I loved this book as most of Debbie Macomber's are high on my reading list. It had a very good story line. You won't want to put it down.

Debbie MacComber's short story was lacking compared to the rest of the Midnight Son's series. It was nice to hear what happened to the rest of our favorite characters from the other books (in fact it was more interesting than the Scott/Chrissie main plot). I didn't buy Scott's "troubled teenager" character at all because of who MacComber painted him to be in the earlier books. Scott would have talked things out with his family instead of internalizing and running away.

The other two stories were good reads especially Promise Me Picket Fences but I felt that the stories moved too quickly and didn't develop characters. For example, I would have liked to learn more about Angie and about Hannah's sister Emily (who sounds more interesting than Hannah herself).

I have reread Janice Kay Johnson's story Promise Me Picket Fences over and over again. It is worth the price of this collection. The other two stories have major problems as far as I'm concerned. But Picket Fences was complete with a too-die-for hero and an endearing heroine. I enjoyed the story as well as the romance. Buy Born in a Small Town today! Janice Kay Johnson's story is lovely and makes it all worthwhile.

Debbie MacOmber's story was fine but not great. Basically, it was just an excuse to meet up with all those people from her previous books. Judith Bowen's story was also entertaining, although I disliked the theme of a heroine who disguised her appearance, then having a hero who fell for the disguise and couldn't figure out who she really was. But Janice Johnson's story definitely made up for the rest of the anthology. Her story sparkled with humor and romance. It's a must-read for all romance fans!!!

I asked for this book for my birtday, because I had read the previous six books over the summer that proceeded the first story in this book. This story was a good follow up to those books. A quick read. I enjoy Debbie Macomber, and that is the only reason I got this book. I couldn't get "into" the other two stories, however, and moved on to better books!

This $3 booklet is the size of a greeting card. There are 24 "fantastic facts" on 43 pages. The postage is $3.99. Buyer beware.

This is a quaint little book that is full of interesting facts. My fifth graders have enjoyed listening to the unusual stories. The entries are quick and easy and great for filling those 5 minute gaps or introducing a lesson.

I purchased this book for my daughter who is 9. It is a really good book for children and for adults. There were quite a few interesting things listed in the book that I did not already know. A real fun book, but dont expect a doctoral thesis.

Ms. Keefer needs to improve her spelling, especially if she is a 4th grade teacher (see her review). I live "on" the Oregon Trail, in Pocatello, Idaho. My wife and I visit Oregon Trail sites (especially visual "ruts") whenever we can. Michael Trinklein is a well-respected historian; this book is a keeper!

Although this book is not intended to (and won't) gove you a comprehensive overview of the history of the Oregon Trail, this is still a very good book to read if you are interested in the era. I learned quite a bit about it, and found it fascinating. Some great facts. Definitely worth reading.

Perfect guide that fits in your pocket. Information was detailed enough so that I was able to get around to all the major points of interest waterfront, pioneer square, japanese gardens, and Oregon's waterfalls without any additional resources.

It also contained a number of great recommendations of food from breakfast to dinner. Four stars and not five because the maps could have been a little more detailed.

FROMMER'S PORTABLE PORTLAND is a great book about Portland. It has all of the information- i.e. where the best sightseeing, dining, nightlife, shopping, and outdoor activities are- that you'd find in a full-sized book, but in a volume that you can take on the bus in your carry-on to tune out difficult people. In other words, this is a small book with all the information of a much larger volume, only not as bulky. This book is essential for anyone even remotely interested in the Pacific Northwest.

This is an oversized pocket guide. Fits great in a coat pocket but not too well in pants pocket. Has great map. Gives reviews of about 50 or so eateries. The 'Best Places' guide is much better though.

This is a great resource for a short trip to Portland. The small size fits easily in a pocket or purse. We tried several restaurants listed in the guide and all were excellent. I suggest Jake's seafood and Bijou Cafe for breakfast. Also check out the Mount Hood loop directions in the book--no trip to Portland will be complete without this!

I would have liked this book to be more intra-regional and do more talking about the green zones around the metropolitan area but as far as detailing what's what in Portland itself, I have no criticism. Also some nice maps came along with this book, which is handy.

I don't often read a book in one day, but this one I did, it kept me guessing the whole time and I never once just started drifting off and thinking about something else. At times I even laughed out loud, even the down times were entertaining. I certianly reccomend this book & I'm going to read the rest of the seires

Rick Hanson did a good job with this one although it lacks the suspense of his other ones. Mortal Remains is a unoriginal plot, but theres a couple twists in the story. For fans of murder mystery's this is a fun book, but for anyone else I don't recommend it.

i just thought it was odd that i was telling my boss about the book mortal remains and how it happend in my back yard on 187 narrow ave witch was the road in westport that the lane whent down to the murder site and wanted her to read it and it came out that her husbands nameis rick hanson id like to get a copy but i dont have a credit card could you send me more information on getting a copy thankyou sheila thstin eard

I had never heard of Rich Hanson before I "Mortal Remains." I was looking for a fairly quick read that was sure to entertain. Can't go wrong with a cover like this one, right?

It was definitely fun for the first 200 pages. I laughed out loud which rarely happens when I read. I would compare the characters to those you might find in Gregory MacDonald's "Fletch" mysteries. I was also drawn into the plot. Characters I would not have expected find themselves six feet under by the end of this book.

However, I cannot believe the author planned out an ending for this book. It was like hanging up the phone without saying "goodbye." Did the publisher say, "OK, you've had enough time. Wrap it up?" A real letdown.

In addition, the author has a sex scene that seems totally out of place right smack in the middle of the book. Something dirty had to be going through his mind at the time.

All in all, I would read another book by Hanson. He definitely shows promise.

Any judgment of a book based solely on the cover may be inherently problematic, but in this case, the judgment probably works well. The cover features a smiling face with a bullet hole through the forehead. In other words, there's violence, but it's hard to take it all too seriously. "Mortal Remains" does have a body count (more than one and less than that of Friday the 13th IV), but it is the humor and the bizarre characters that really carry the book. And therein lies the book's main flaw. "Mortal Remains" is part of the mystery genre and somewhat in the style of Crais and Hiaasen. But the mystery does not work as well as it might. There are, unfortunately, too many loose ends to the mystery.

Hanson is a very funny writer, though, and some of the humor is so funny that I was laughing aloud--something I seldom do at only the written word. The cast of characters, most of whom are connected to a psychiatric institute, are indeed colorful, and they make the read an easy one. The "death squad," a triumvirate of patients, is particularly amusing, though they may not be entirely P.C. Also along for the ride are a man who carves pneumatic statues of his grandmother out of trees and a high-school baton twirler.

The plot and the mystery involve the death of a doctor at a psychiatric hospital. Former Marine and former cop Adam McCleet seeks to solve the mystery because of his ties to the dead doctor. There's no doubt who killed the doctor, but there is a question about who caused the death. When other crimes, including arson and murder, follow, McCleet finds his life and those of people close to him in danger. Throughout the investigation, McCleet must deal with his possible fear of commitment, his post-traumatic stress disorder, one angry pickup driver, and his own possible artwork for the town.

After a recent visit to Portland I was looking for more information about the slave tunnels and other Portland landmarks. This was a great follow-up to that visit. I recognized various landmarks and enjoyed a story about a geographical location and period of time of which I had little knowledge. I hope the publisher will reconsider and publish the third book in this series. Don't keep us hanging about Libby's future.

I'm grateful I discovered this series after the second book was published. I don't think I could have waited another year to learn more about the relationship between the main characters. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

The author does an outstanding job of creating an authentic sense of place without hitting you over the head with chunks of historical research. The details are woven into the story naturally, which many writers have not mastered. In this book, the characters are well developed with good motivation and enough tension to keep you turning the pages. If you have any interest in a good mystery and history, be sure to read both books.

I won a copy of this book, Murder at the Portland Variety, a couple of months ago. I just finished reading it. Libby Seale is an interesting character. She is a seamstress who has come to Portland to escape an unhappy marriage. Due to her employment at the Portland Variety, she is acquainted with the young woman who is found dead in the tunnels below. She determines, with the help of a young, enterprising reporter by the name of Peter Eberle, to find out who killed Vera.
The book is filled with historical details, but those details do not overwhelm the reader. Libby comes across as a real person experiencing life alone, far from her New York family and friends. She questions many, including the police. The answer to the question of what has happened to Vera, and previously to another young woman, is answered in an intriguing climax. The author had done a good job with the mystery and the setting.

In a strong debut, M.J. Zellnik introduces a smart and resourceful amateur detective, theatrical seamstress Libby Seale, who finds herself living and working in Portland in 1894 and investigating the death of her friend, a vaudeville performer. Along the way, Libby joins forces with a bright and charming newspaper reporter, and together they uncover the seamy underside of Portland society.

With a meticulous eye for period detail, characters who are richer than first meet the eye, and pitch-perfect tone, Zellnik (a sister and brother team) crafts an engaging and suspenseful story of love, corruption, betrayal, and bravery, all set in the vibrant worlds of the vaudeville theater, the busy seaport of Portland, and the highest eschelons of turn-of-the-century society.

I eagerly await the next installment of Libby's adventures.

I love a great mystery and it's always fun to find a new author. Since I live in Portland, I enjoyed the references to landmarks I recognized and was inspired to find out more about historical Portland and how it became the city it is today. A thoroughly delightful read. Libby Seale is a wonderful character and I look forward to many more hours finding out about her life and times in future books. Wish they could get them out a little faster!

This is a great book about a boy and his family who traveled through the Oregon trail, but his dad and mom die of dysentery. After that he has to lead the children along the snake river . It's nothing but exciting.

I read this book for a book report and my teacher loved it so much she read it to the class! It is a great book that tells about the life of a young boy on his dangerous and thrilling journey on the Oregon Trail! READ THIS BOOK!

Have you ever wondered what really happend on the Oregon Trail? If you are one of those people, then you should read this book. Captain John Sager leads his family on the Oregon Trail to Oregon, but he uncovers dangers with his family, and with the Native Americans. This book has the same type of action to it as "Stones in Water" and another book I read "April Morning". I think that most of the story was factual, and part of it was opinion from the author. I was brought into the main and strongly supporting details, but some of the weak detail wasn't really needed or wasn't that interesting. This is how the story begins. "This is a story of a great pioneer. Aww. I know what you're already thinking. You think that this book is just a biography about somebody. But you are wrong. This is a much better book than those long and boring biographies, but you will still learn a lot about history.

John Sager is the leader of his family on the way to Oregon. He is going to occur mountain crossings and the decisions about crossing rivers and what to do about his sick family. He does a lot of things like his best friend, famous frontiersman, Kit Carson, likes killing deer and other animals to have for lunch.

This a very exciting story that really shows the hard ships of life on the frontier. If you like books about the west, settlement of America, or about struggle and making your dreams happen, this is the book for you. I read this book as an assignment for school and I think it's great for kids around junior high age. The book is set in the 1800's during the settlement of America out west. It is about the 9 member Sager family who are going to Willamette, Oregon. On the way the father and mother die leaving John, the 13 year old son, to take the large family to carry out their father's dreams of starting a one thousand acre farm in Willamette.

Our family (with 4 kids) listened to this on tape as we drove through Idaho and Oregon, basically following the Oregon Trail. This book, more than anything else including museums, helped the kids understand the difficulties and dangers of the journey. They (and we their parents) loved it. However there are very negative stereotypes of Native Americans throughout the story which are unacceptable and require discussion.