Mystery Books

Ms. Rowling apparently had a lot to say in this next installment of the series. Coming in at nearly twice the length of the previous story, the bulkiness does not detract from the good, solid storytelling. The author seamlessly brings new readers up to date in the life of Harry Potter by interjecting, throughout the book, facts from the previous three books. However, you will not truly appreciate the development of this wonderful wizardly world without reading them in sequence. Other reviewers have felt the need to list their favorites in this series, but the exercise is unnecessary. The first four books were very fun and easy reads. This stuff isn't meant to be Shakespeare, folks. Many, many adults and kids have gushed to me about how much they enjoyed all seven novels. Nothing in Ms. Rowling's books have soured me from soon reading the fifth installment. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

This book is great. It has very descriptive words and it is action packed with a lot of drama. This is my favorite Harry Potter book so far. In general, Harry Potter books are the best for me. Harry finds a romance, but sadly it may not go so well. The book is fantastic. At the end, something interesting happens, and I won't tell you what, so read the book.

I enjoyed this book and it was a very quick read. The characters are fun but I don't understand the hype around this book.

I've reviewed each of these books but keep being prompted to review them again. I can't praise the writing talent of J.K.Rowling enough. And again I will say, there should be more books and more movies that promote acceptance, tollerance, standing up for one's beliefs, values and what is right vs what is easy. There are too many books and too many movies that plant the idea of violence for violence sake to make us all ill. And, please excuse me if I offend anyone here; Why is it that anyone thinks they need to write a book about finding God in a work of fiction? And for those who have complained since day one about what a threat the Harry Potter books and movies are to so called Christians, if a work of fiction, a work of cinematic art can threaten your faith then you have no true faith to speak of therefore, please keep your squeemishness to yourself. God and Christ put forth the ideas of acceptance, tollerance, standing up for your beliefs standing up for your fellow human beings and for all living things. The Harry Potter books promote these same healthy valuable life lessons so if that is a threat to you, well, bless you for you know not.

This book is my favorite out of the first four. The reason I like the fourth book the best is because it has the most details. For example J.K. Rowling described the dragons that Harry fights against very well. She does it well because she uses examples skin color and various things like that. Another reason I like this book the best is because it has a lot of action. One example of action was when Harry had to fight a giant spider. Another moment of action was when Harry had to fight the dragons. Also there was an example of action when Harry had to fight the merpoeple.The last moment of action was when Harry fought he-who-must-not-be-named. The last reason I liked this book was because of the vocabulary. It was interesting how the cruciatus curse came from the Latin stem cruc. Another vocabulary word I learned was Yule which meant Christmas. Also my favorite vocabulary word was hippogriff. A hippogriff is a half horse half eagle. The reason I chose the word is because it sounded cool. These reasons are why I think it is the best book out of the first four Harry potter books.

This is quite honestly one of the best books I have ever read. If you read, read it.

James Roy Daley, author of The Dead Parade.
The Dead Parade

I purchased this book at a thrift store for $1. I had read one other of McCammons books "Swan Song" which I thought was excellent so I figured I would try "Boys Life". It seemed like a dumb title but for $1 I figured I could pitch it if the book was no good. I am the type of person if a book does not grip me in the first 50 pages I move on. Was I ever surprised. Right off the bat the story gripped me. I would stay up late at night wanting to see what would happen next. McCammon writes in such a way that you can feel the emotions of Cory the main character in the story. I could see how the boy thinks as I once used to when I was boy many years ago. McCammon makes this story come alive. The pictures he draws of this small town are clear and you are drawn in and can't put the book down. McCammon is an excellent story teller. It is almost like you are there. It takes place in the early 1960's when the world was a different place than it is now. The death of Cory's best friend, his dealing with some bullys, his relationship with his parents, and a host of other odd characters that Cory deals with come alive. There is also an odd mystery he tries to solve that weaves through the entire story. These all come alive in the story and at the end they fit together. Excellent book. Definitely five stars. If his other books are this good, I can't wait to read them.

Boy's Life by Robert McCammon was a pretty good book. It starts out in a little town in AL with a twelve year old boy (the main character) named Cory Mackenson is with his dad at "work" and a mystery begins to unfold right in front of his eyes. It catches the reader's attention. But as the story continues, I think that is gets a little confusing to follow as there a lot of "mini-stories" that make the plot somewhat strange. Some stories were interesting, but some just did not make any sense in my opinion. At the end of the book, grown-up Cory talks about his new life- this is a nice touch at the conclusion of the book. Overall, it was a pretty good book. Not a five-star for me though.

There's nothing I can say about this book that hasn't been said, but let me add to the ovation. Everything you've read is true. This book is brimming w/ magic and heart. I think it's the only book I've ever started to read again right after finishing it. If you haven't read it, do yourself a favor and do so.

It's been 17 years since I first read this book and it's still my most favorite book of all time. Before "Boy's Life" it was Stephen King's "Different Seasons" that held the spot and I thought that it would never be knocked from number one. I still think about how I felt after I first read this book. It was a combination of awe, hope, and anticipation. McCammon wrote in such a way that I just prayed that he'd come out with another book really soon. Which he didn't, but that never took away from the quality of "Boy's Life."

Do yourself a favor and read this book, and then read it again, and then a third time. Read it to your kids; a few pages at a time each night, and they will be hooked on reading forever. Do ya'all remember what it felt like after watching the movie "The Titanic"? Yeah, that's what I felt like after I first read this book. Awesome.

I loved this book when I was a pre-teen. I now have an 11 year son who has read and loves this book, and now we are reading all of her books. Obviously, these are geared toward kids, but I have to say that I am enjoying the books as well. The plus of course, is that we're reading, we're doing something together, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Mary Downing Hahn is a well-crafted story teller!

This is an amazing book! Get it- you will love it and want to read more of Mary Downing Hahn's ghost stories!

I first read this book when I was about eight. I had gone to the library and was first captivated by the cover art. I read the book and fell in love with it.
I became so involved with the story and the setting. I grew up always wanting to be an artist who lived in a converted church in the country with a cemetery in my back yard. (I am currently in artist who lives in a small town with a cemetery a block away...so it's close.)
After I read the book, I searched the library for other books by this author and found The Doll in the Garden (which I also quite enjoyed). For about 2-3 years, I checked this book out of the library every other week (alternating with the Doll in the Garden). I probably read it over 100 times. When I was in high school, I saw the book at a bookstore and bought it instantly. It has since become a book that I read at least once every other year.
I don't really know how to explain it, but there is something about the story/writing that just captivates me.

When Molly and Michael's mother remarries, they move to a renovated old church out in the middle of nowhere. Neither is happy about the move, but it is made even worse by their spoiled stepsister, Heather. She doesn't want to share her dad with anyone (her mother was killed in a fire) and does everything she can think of to try to break up the family.

Heather soon begins visiting an old graveyard on the property and Molly overhears Heather's conversations with Helen, a girl who died on the property years ago and was buried in the graveyard. Heather warns Molly and Michael that they'd better be nice to her. "Wait until Helen comes," she taunts. Michael is sceptical, but Molly is convinced that Helen is a ghost who means to harm them all.

The suspense builds into a delightfully creepy tension for most of the book, though I was a bit disappointed in some rapid developments (especially with Heather's character) towards the end. Overall, a creepy read that will appeal to fans of ghost stories.

This is one of my favorite young adult ghost stories. It's very well told and keeps the reader engaged and interested. It's one of the books I never forgot about and I decided to come back and give it another read as an adult. I'm glad I did.

I read this book when it first came out years ago but lent it to a friend and never got it back. Then I took it out from the library and reread it again a few years later and still loved it. Recently I found a hard copy at a thrift shop and scarfed it up to put it on my keeper shelf.

Shay, and her adventures back in time, make for a wonderful read. If you enjoy time travel or romances you have to find this book. I recommend this story highly!

A really great story..something you can reread again and again..
Follows two relatives, who end up switching places in time, one goes to the past to be thrust into a plain time period filled with rough hard men, and the other into the future to find her way into the sensitive arm's of her granddaughter's fiance..and how they each deal with their alien surroundings and time periods..

I read this book about 25 years ago and have loved it ever since.

It took me years to track down a copy (this was well before Amazon and eBay).

This haunting tale will stay with you and leave you longing for the author to write a sequel.

I contacted the author and she said she still receives many letters about this book. She wrote in her letter that the picture on the front of the book shown above is the actual Gingerbread House in Colorado. Although the story is ficton, the house actually exists.

This book is perfect for a rainy Saturday, when you curl up on the couch with a cup of hot tea.

Just a warning, don't read it before you plan on going to sleep!

No, you won't be too scared to sleep and it won't give you nightmares, but you will stay up all night, because you can't put it down!!

I loved this book!! It is so well written. I loved the way she handled the time paradoxs. Her characters are well developed and totally real. I wonder why I have'nt read it before but I definetly will read it again!!

Oh boy, I just know I will get the wrath of most reviewers but, I do recall at least a couple who will agree with me...but, it's my opinion and that's what this is all about.

now before you get the hacking at a response to me...I don't read any, as this is my turn. Next ...the book was intriguing for the first half, then got bogged down . where's was the editor was was it the author herself ? It could have been splendid . but, now this book will find it's way to the local library .

book goes into minute detail on some pages and goes on and on leaving you with the foolish notion there's a reason ( perhaps on the next few pages ? ) but, no, just for the sake of the author's desire . Like bout the scene with the candy store , over and over and yet, when a key character dies ...poof , maybe a small paragraph . one sentence they are here then the next it's like " oh by the way " my uncle dropped dead sort of thing .

If you truly like time travel to the past type books, as I do as well and do not mind reading detail all of which really matter to the story plot . May I suggest ............

" Time And Again " by Jack Finney , " Time After Time " also by Jack Finney . These books well thought out and done with care . I own old copies of those and " All About Time " short stories by Finney .

Also the book " Bid Time Return " by which the movie " Somewhere In Time " starring Jane seymour, Chris Reeve was somewhat losely taken from ...but,it is still a good read and now re-released under title of " Somewhere In Time " same as the movie , to attract new readers .
Give them a try .
Just my opinion after all, what sort of site would this be if every book had 5 stars ? what's the point ? most of you gave 5 stars which I based buying ' The Mirror ' ... I should have read the 3 star reviews a bit closer .

I couldn't put the book down and as soon as I got done I picked up the second one and so on... I finished all 3 in 2 days... this book had me second guessing every one all of the characters

I've read this book at least 4 times already...and I'm not sick of it at all. I first read it when I was about 14 and now I'm 19 and the book STILL interests me. The character development was good but not GREAT; there were some people who he could've expanded more on, but overall an excellent novel for not only teens, but adults as well.

I read many Christopher Pike books when i was a kid and loved them all. Remember me is one that has stayed in my head forever. I'm finally getting it for my oldest. I know she's going to love it as well!

This was one of the first Christopher Pike books I ever read and it is probably one of his best. The plotline is interesting, the characters are fun to read about, it's everything the back summary promises it to be and more.
First of all, let me say that Pike has a habit of writing about characters who are quite stereotypical. The characters in this book are no exception, though I feel like the stereotypes work better here than they would in other books of his. Shari's view of the world was always somewhat black and white, and, in some ways, it remains that way even after death. I suppose that is the way things are to many teenagers. This book won't enlighten anyone about the complexities of human nature (except in a somewhat cursory way) but it is still quite an interesting read for young teens who are looking for a simple, yet unique, murder mystery that is also quirky and intelligent (well, intelligent compared to many other books of its kind). The concept was somewhat different. I don't really know how original an idea it is but it certainly felt refreshing to a 13 year old me. And then there were the characters. Shari was just bursting with personality and I liked her. Some of the things she said were very witty. She admits that she can be a bit phony, and this makes her seem real in a world that often doesn't feel that way. Maybe this is why I didn't mind the stereotypical characters so much. Sometimes I felt like Shari was mocking the ways in which we can sometimes focus on the things that seem important at the time but really aren't. Anyway, the characters were never boring. They were certainly memorable, in my opinion.
The book also makes its own statement on the after-life and while it may or may not conflict with the reader's own religious views, I have to admit that it's an intriguing look at one of life's greatest mysteries---where we go when we die. Well, it was intriguing to me. I've read/heard of other books that dealt with the afterlife, and I have to say this one had the most interesting perspective, in my opinion. The fact remains that we'll never know exactly what it's like to die until we actually do so, in the meantime, all we can do is question.

Anyway, Remember Me does deal with some mature themes and, for that reason, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone younger than 13.

A great book to start with if you're looking to venture into the world of Christopher Pike. But you don't really have to bother with the rest of the series unless you're interested in the spiritual questions the first one raises and want to read more on that. The other two have weaker storylines. They seem far more into the more complex questions of life and death and, I must admit, much of it went over my head.

First let me say that this book, in my opinion, is a 4 1/2 stars. This is by no means Christopher Pike's best book, which would be "The Last Vampire", no doubt.
Christopher Pike has an incredible talent and precision for details. I love the way he can make the smallest of detail into a major part of the plot, an excellent technique... especially in a murder mystery.
This book had everything in a good mystery, and more, when considering the fact that the main character was a ghost trying to solve her own murder.
As the book progresses, the storyline thickens and one cant help but be enthralled with it. I dont want to give anything away, but the end revelations are shocking, and you wont believe who the killer is. You wont be dissapointed!
The diolouge and characters are more than extraordinary, and all his books hold you captive and dont let go till the end, but I think there could have been some improvements.
During the novel, I felt little danger for the lives of the characters in "Remember Me", until the last 50 pages... where the story really takes off. Since they were ghosts, it wasnt like they could be harmed again.
Also, I was hoping for some more "spooky" interaction. Shari was a spirit, yet she couldnt do any of the cool things mosts ghosts are mythed to do, like fly, travel through doors and walls, and somehow communicate with the living. It was almost as if we were reading about an ordinary girl.
Although the story bagan a little slower than I'm used to with most Pike novels, I still loved it very much, and would reccommend it to people of all ages.

These reviews are not by readers! If you look at "see all my reviews" each of these 5 stars only give out 5 stars and rarely write reviews for any books other than this author. This book is poorly written and not well proofed -- many errors and typos. I threw it out!

I had never heard of the book nor the author when I bought it, but it had received a 5 star review on your web page, so I bought it. I have read my whole life and enjoy it very much, but this book was very poorly written, the story line was absolutely stupid, there were more misspelled words throughout than I can ever remember coming across while reading a book. I threw the book away, rather than loaning it or passing it on to someone else.

I have not read these books, but it is rare for a book to get so many reviews and have an overall 5 star rating, so I thought I'd check it out. Then I noticed something fishy - I'm not making it up - check it out for yourself: Most (not all) of the reviews use the same basic language and grammar. Most of them mention the word "series" in the first sentence, "characters" in the second, and the last sentence ends with one to three exclamation marks "!!!". Also, they don't say anything about the plot of the book, and they have about the same number of helpful votes (30-50). All this is very suspicious to me, and then comes along a review that says they bought the book because of all the 5 star ratings and then found the book to be awful and even contained many spelling errors. Did the same person write these using different names? It looks that way to me. Based on all this I decided to skip this one.

I absolutely love this story! Gabe Baldwin is my favorite male character in this MUST READ series. His character is alpha-male, hot, sexy, and mysterious. I like that in the characters I read about. Of course, Charles Mason and Clint Chamberlain aren't bad either. I wouldn't kick either one of them out of the sack, hahaha! If you are a reader who wants to escape from it all via reading fiction then you have just struck gold with Ms. Murray's popular LAMBERT series. Get cozy before you start reading this book because it is very hard to put it down once you begin the story. That's a fact! (I'm thrilled to recommend this book and the 3 other books that go with it!)

I bought the first two books based on the glowing reviews. I agree with the What Am I Missing Reviewer. They were poorly written and I could not even stand to finish the first one. The reviews are obviously a set up and a great disservice to people who actually buy these books. Please show us a review from a national source.

Murphy calls Dresden to the scene of what is being classified as a suicide. But something doesn't feel right. And with his own brand of investigation, manages to find a hidden message: one that even the police would never have found. A message for him. Exodus 22:18. `Suffer not a witch to live.' Murphy things perhaps a religious fanatic. Harry doesn't think so.

As Harry investigates, he's finding more of the 'supernatural underclass' are turning up either dead or missing. And he doesn't like the looks of things. A security tape points right at Thomas, Harry's half brother, and Harry refuses to believe it. His brother wouldn't do that. But finding Thomas is an investigation in itself ~ Harry can't find him and he's started to get worried.

As Harry delves deeper, he and Murphy are targeted more and more, and he's suddenly thinking of a bigger picture. There's more to these supposed suicides, he's sure of it.

Without warning, Elaine pops into the story, surprising Harry with the actual amount of strength she has as a wizard. However, she's keeping a low profile; she doesn't trust men, refuses to be controlled by them again, and is staying on the down-low, refusing to call attention to herself. She wants nothing to do with the Wardens or the White Council and will do anything to keep it that way.

The investigation grows more complex, time is running out, and Harry has to figure out a way to stop the threat of a bigger war.

Harry knows he can't do it alone. But is he willing to throw his friends in the fray and watch as they get hurt or, worse yet, die?

I saw a different side of Harry in this novel, and at times, he even scared me. Harry is doing what he can to teach Molly the different between doing something right for the right reasons, knowing that if she screws up, it would be the end of the road for them both. But Molly doesn't really understand what Harry's trying to teach ~ that is until two seriously intense moments between them. One of them scared the daylights out of me - and I'm not a character in the book. Disturbing is just one word I could use to describe it. Even Murphy demands an explanation after witnessing that episode. And yet he finally manages to get through Molly's thick skull - by golly, she's learning. And while teaching Molly, Harry is brought back to his roots, revising everything he had learned at her age, and is finding new ways to deal with his magic. LOL, even patience has a new meaning to him.

When Harry and Murphy confront a group of women for answers to their questions, only more questions pop up. With the help of Lasciel, Harry discovers that there was someone else in the room, one that veiled themselves to keep from being recognized. Low and behold, Elaine had come to the aid of a woman seeking her help to protect her and the others. Then he realizes something: she's stronger than she's pretending to be. After a few questions answered by Ramirez, now Harry's certain. Finding out why she's keeping on the down-low is almost hurtful.

As the investigation goes deeper, Harry discovers that three of the other houses are attempting to overthrow the king of the White Court, wanting to stop the peace talks and throw their weight in behind the Red Court and their war with the Council. Harry is desperate to stop that from happening - should the war continue, and the threat of a Black Council rise, it would be the end of Harry's world. And he's determined not to see that happen, no matter the cost.

With the help of Molly, Murphy, Thomas, Ramirez, even Lasciel and Marcone and some of his men (including Hendricks), Harry puts an end to the fight. But it's a really close one.

Action scenes are incredible ~ I truly love watching/reading Harry in his battles. The end of the last fight scene was fantastic. The way he got through to Molly was damn near scary. At first, I wasn't happy with the way he did it, even though I understand why. He even reasons with Lasciel, making her understand his point about it all. His agreement with Marcone was something of a surprise, I most certainly didn't see that coming. And the more and more he investigates with Murphy, the more and more she's understanding everything. I'm glad that Harry and Ramirez talked. Harry knows not to trust anyone, and yet Ramirez gets fired up that Harry hadn't trusted him. Carlos even began to suspect Harry. Whew, glad that was put to rest.

What I like about Butchers novels is that, now matter how he does it, there is always something new to learn in about in Harry's world. In earlier novels, we learn the differences between the vampires: White Court, Red Court and Black Court, and what kind of vampires they are. In this one, we learn the differences between the families/houses in the White Court - sort of made me think of the mob. These novels are addictive ... darn near unputdownable. The dialogue is smooth, Harry is witty and fun to read. The plot simply flows - there's no slowing down. There's never the same old, same old. Always something new, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

This book, in comparison to some of the earlier books in the series, has an ideal balance of political intregue, solid writing and character development, and a quick-paced story. Those who are familiar with Harry Dresden and his supporting cast will find comfort in a reunion with old friends, with a story that has some unpredictable twists and turns.

I have enjoyed every book in this series and am looking forward to the next installment.

Butcher delivers.

An action packed, Harry Dresden adventure.

This is another in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. Butcher's hero, Harry Dresden, is a wizard/private investigator who has his own battery of unusual resources and methods of getting things done. Because Harry's 'involvement' usually leads to confrontations, there is always something happening to keep your interest; it makes it easy to read on and on, often well into the night.

In this episode, some of Harry's lesser magical female brethren have being committing suicide, or have they; enter Harry and Murph to get to the bottom of this enigma.

Butcher's tales are fast paced and fun to read. The main plot, not unexpectedly, deals with fighting the evil hordes, but there were other things about this book that I really liked. There are, for instance, sprinklings of humor (often sarcastic or cynical), some eroticism and even some profound musings regarding love (and love lost), loneliness, pain and death. I found it hard not to like and feel some empathy towards Harry; he's probably one of my favorite fantasy figures.

In addition, there are also a number of 'side' characters in this book that I really enjoyed. Especially the lecherous Bob the Skull (my type of nonentity), Elaine, Lash and Lara, each with their own unique personalities and agendas.

Conclusion:
A typical Harry Dresden fantasy adventure; action packed, fast and fun, and with the occasional, ever so subtle, deeper philosophical moments.
If you like Jim Butcher's writing style, you'll love this addition to the Dresden files.

R.Nicholson

I love all of Buthcher's books. I can hardly wait for the next ones to come out. Very exciting and keeps you up at night until you're finished. Keep up the good writing! I am anxiously awaiting the next one.

Oh, I love this book. I first came across it when a friend lent it to me. That was in 2004. I still have the book.

While I am planning on giving it back to her (soon, I swear) I bring up this embarrassing story just to point out what holding power this book has. At this point, I've read it so many times that I don't remember what my initial reaction was. Every time I reread it, though, I discover more details and make more connections. More imporatantly, the story is rich enough and gripping enough to still be engrossing even after so many rereads.

The characters in this book are rich and well-developed. What I love most about it, however, are its setting and its intricately layered plot. Ravensmere ended up being up quite as much a living, breathing entity as were any of the characters, and had a distinct personality of its own; as a United States girl, this book makes me want to go to Britain and find my own equivalent of the estate with each reread. As for the layering of the plot -- simply put, this is one of those books where every detail matters. As the story progresses, it constantly reflects back to something mentioned, even if only in passing. This makes it interesting and quite thought-provoking.

This is a young adult novel, and as such may be passed over by many more dignified readers. Despite that, however, it is a well-written, complex, lovely book. Really, the only thing that disappoints me about it is that the rest of Liz Berry's work is so difficult to find.

Anyway. Yes. Read the book!

Liz Berry's book, The China Garden, was... insightful. She has an incredible ability to paint a picture with her words. Never before have I felt more into another world. She transforms your mind and makes you view what her characters are seeing. Not as keen with feeling, nothing to the extent of, say, Stephenie Meyer in the emotional front. However, the pictures she provided were grand and all too entrancing. The book, holding a deep moral obligation to save the planet, showed the necessity in the most obscure way possible. Burning humans, telepathy, and foresight, all bound in present times. None of these extraordinary gifts were deemed out of the norm, as if having the ability to predict the trend in the Stock Exchange was a normality. All in all, it was an excellent read, and I would gladly pass it on.

Me and my sister have read this book over and over since we were quite small, I still adore it, it seems like every time I read it I discover something new. Wonderful book to read aloud! I hope you enjoy it as I have!

ISBN 0380732289 - With teens the target audience, and with teens largely able to pick their own reading material without mom and dad nosing in, let me at least note that the sex scenes aren't as bad as romance novels for the grown-up audience, but they're there.

Clare and her mother, Frances, have some trouble getting along lately, partly because of the boy Clare's been dating. Once somewhat idealistic, Clare has taken up Adrian's opinions, which tend toward the "every man for himself", greedy sort. This is a little thing compared to what's coming next - Frances has taken a job as a private nurse and tells Clare, basically, that she ought to stay behind in London. Clare, however, makes up her own mind (for once) and decides to go along to Ravensmere, where her mother will be caring for 87 year old Mr. Aylward. Slowly, long-hidden truths begin to come to light.

So many things Clare thought she knew - from where her mother was born, to her own name - turn out to be half-truths or outright lies. Frances had spent Clare's entire life protecting her from Ravensmere and the legacy that will be hers, no matter what she does. With a history that might well go back tens of thousands of years, Ravensmere and the families tied to it protect a secret so powerful that the head of the Aylward family and his bride, always a Kenward daughter, must protect it with their lives.

Really well done, with a nice build up (that others found too slow) that leaves you wondering where everything is headed. As the secrets are revealed to the reader, and to Clare, understanding begins to dawn - but the real secret is beyond your guessing. You're going to have to read it to find out!

On the negative side, there's not much. At one point Clare snaps "Cat fleas don't live on humans." at Roger Fletcher, which is just stupid, since there's no such thing as "cat fleas" and fleas DO live on humans. And I hate to say it, but the ending wasn't as well done as the rest of the book. If Clare and Mark hadn't actually SAID what it was that they were sworn to protect, I'd still have no idea. Don't let that scare you off, though, because this one is one you'll be sorry to miss out on!

This is an amazing fantasy/mystery/romance. It is about a girl who is slowly unravelling the mystery of her mother's past and her future, after they move to a beautiful and mysterious country estate in England. The story is very original and filled with symbolism.
I definitely recommend reading it. I gave it 4.5 stars, rather than 5 because I am extremely picky about what I consider a 5 star book. The only qualm I had with this book was that the romance seemed a bit shallow. It was based almost entirely on a fate they seemed unable to escape, and instantaneous sexual attraction. The sexual content is a bit mature for teens too.
Aside from that, I really liked it.

Having spent the last 25 years in Las Vegas I can attest that Brian Rouff knocked this one out of the ball park. I could swear that I know some of these people. The characters are so intriguing that we want to know them better. I hope that this will become a series because one seldom encounters so pleasant a read. The narrative is honest and refreshing and he captures Vegas Noir with style and understanding. Cheers for this page turner of a novel.

This short novel is very well-written. It has an engaging plot that leads to a gratifying ending. But, the best thing about Dice Angel is its character development. The characters are believable and diverse. The author is so focused on setting up the story's background and characterization that he doesn't introduce his central character, the Dice Angel, until half-way through the book.

Dice Angel paints most of its characters via dialog. Besides making the book a very fast read, this method brings the reader right into the action. The reader pegs each character just as he or she would do in real life, i.e. by listening to what they say and noticing what they do.

Without straining too hard to be funny, Mr. Rouff also does a good job of inserting humor into the story.

Dice Angel is a very good book written by a skillful and imaginative author.

In today's day and age people want to read something that is interesting, funny, and a quick read. If you are looking for a very well written book to take with you on the plane ride to Vegas or to the pool, then this is it. Not only is it a page turner, Mr. Rouff's wit shines through and will have you laughing all the way.

As a soon to be published author, it only makes sense for me to wholly endorse another author who inspires me. Bravo Brian, keep up the great work!

James C. Hughes, author, Vegas Original (coming fall, 2008)

"Dice Angel" is a great fun read. I laughed out loud several times while reading it, and the ending brought a real smile to my face. You also get to see Las Vegas from a locals point of view, which is dead on. The only reason it's not 5 stars is that it's really not meant to be. Its meant to be 4 star fun!

"Dice Angel" is a smart, hilarious page-turner with witty dialogue and vivid characters. Set in the real Las Vegas, known only to locals, the book offers an insider's view into the bizarre dichotomy of this world (i.e., who knew Mormonism flourished in Sin City?) We follow Jimmy D., our flawed but lovable, wise-cracking antihero, as he weaves his way through a series of trials and tribulations which would defeat a lesser soul. With nothing left to lose, Jimmy grudgingly hires the weird and wacky gambling guru, Amaris (the "Dice Angel") in the hopes that she can reverse his bad luck. Never a dull moment between these two, and the wild ride which ensues culminates with a couple of unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable twists. A great read!

Everyone hears about the book you can't put down. ELIXIR, by Gary Braver,is such a book. It is one of the few thrillers I WILL read again. Chris Bacon is a trained biologist in search of medicinal plants, but returns from Papua New Guinea with the 'Fountain of Youth.' Now Braver poses some very big questions. Would living for centuries, maybe forever, be too much of a good thing? Where will everyone live if people don't die? Suppose members of families disagree? What will be the new policies? Who decides?

The author draws you in to this potentially changed world, but unfortunately some things never change. Greed, corruption, jealously, murder, all play a part in the compelling plot. This book should be a movie. Someone once said, Man is Nature's sole miatake. Braver shows us why.

A gripping bio/pharma thriller with the allure of forever young and the concequences.
Braver moves your imagination closer to reality in this fine novel.

I want another like it. Mr braver...please let us know when you are gonna write one as good as this. Does anyone else think this would make an awesome movie?!!??

I DO
Jamie

I'm the same age as the hero of the story (Chris Bacon) when he worked on producing the Elixir drug in the first half of the book. Despite his efforts and successful experiments, the drug has a terrible consequence. As I read this fast moving and thrilling story, I wondered if I would want to have Elixir available so I could live much longer than the lifespan nature has given me. Would the side effects be enough to make me fearful of taking Elixir? Would the social, environmental and moral consequences be enough? Where would all those billions and billions of people live if they didn't die? Or would the promise of staying young and never aging be too much of an attraction to ignore?

Braver doesn't just write suspenseful thrillers with good guys and bad guys in conflict with each other. He gets us to think about what can happen when something so promising and not really that far-fetched descends upon us. What will humans do to themselves and their world? Will they do the right thing? But what is the right thing? These are hard questions. Braver does not provide easy answers and we wouldn't want him to. He makes you care about the characters, think about these questions and also enjoy the ride he's taking you on. Any fiction writer capable of doing that deserves five stars and a recommendation to read his books.

Two weeks ago, I discovered a book called Flashback. It looked interesting, so I picked it up at the library. I was hooked at the first sentence. I then ran to the library where I picked up Grey Matter. I'm telling people "This man can flat out write." (That's a southern expression). I am now about to finish Gary's first Braver book: Elixir. Yes, I read them in reverse order; so, sue me.
I have become besotted with Braver's writing and I will BUY his next book, and all that follow. Hope Mr. Braver makes it soon.
I have advised all my friends, family and fellow readers to discover this fascinating writer. I mean, Robert B. Parker loves this guy!!!