Burr Books

This is the second of Coulters books that I have read where the ending was highly disappointing. The book is typical of the FBI series, and following well known characters is fun. However, after Savage and Sherlock spend a whole book chasing the killer of a supreme court justice, the motivations given by the killer in the final scenes is anticlimatic, furthered by a plot twist that had the potential to be huge, but was largely dismissed. It was a good read, just left me a feeling a little let down with the ending.

I'm going broke buying her books. Happened to read one of her FBI series and ordered all the rest from Amazon. I was not disappointed. I've been really ill lately and having decent romances, intrigue and mystery all in one book(s) has kept my mind off my illness. Thank you Ms. Coulter.

This was the first book from CC I ever read, and I won't be looking for another one. The plot is thin and there is simply no actual problem solving. The protagonists come to decisions simply "because". The use of the MAX computer to find the murder - OMG, what a cheesy resource... The ending is also probably one of the weakest I have ever seen, unexpected in a bad way, disconnected to all the previous threads she mentions througout the book. In short: don't waste your time.

I just finished "Blowout" and I liked it for the most part. As in every book, there were a couple things that were distracting. For me the whole Supernatural thing could have been left out but I didn't hate it either. I enjoyed reading about the workings of the Supreme Court. There were a few times that I was confused as to who was talking and would have to skip back up a paragraph. I have read the reviews and some hated it and some loved it. That's what makes the world go round-we all see things differently. Someone said Savitch and Sherlock are played out. There I disagree. That is why I continue to read the FBI series is to read about them. The other characters are just secondary to me. I will say I was a bit surprised as to the ending of the thriller and why the people were murdered. I expected something deeper I guess for the death of all those people and so brutal. Also I didn't feel a deep connection between Callie and Raven. That was too rushed seeing as how they didn't even like each other in the beginning and this all takes place in a matter of days. However, that seems to be CC's style so that's okay even to Callie and Raven saying I love you at the same time. Corny maybe but at least different. Unlike some of the other Romance-Thriller authors where the love sceens are all the same and the couples all react the same, at least CC's romances have all been a bit different. Sometimes there is no love scenes, but just mentioned. I have liked the fact every book in the FBI series has been different. Some I liked better than others. I'm probably not as critical when I'm reading fiction-it's not Rocket Science-just fiction. I will admit I skim if it gets too long or one scene goes on too long. I will read the rest of the Series as long as Savitch and Sherlock continue to be a part of them. I enjoy their relationship even if some think it corny. I understand CC is working on the 12th book of the series. Could that be the end??? Gilbert Morris once did a series of 40 books (and I read them all)but spanned several generations.

I know this sounds like all the rest but this woman writes a terrific book!
The tension, mystery and problem solving skills are exceptional. 5 Stars to you and keep them coming!!

I have not seen one bit of bias in this book. It reads to me very fairly balanced and objective. Where is all of the stuff that the anti-Clintonites are jumping on (Hillary is a mean leftist/socialist, this book is proof!)? Where is all of the stuff that the Clintonites are yelling UNFAIR! (The portrayal of Hillary is disgusting and mean, it's obvious that the author is biased against Hillary!) about? It's just -not- there. I don't see how describing Hillary's childhood the way the author does is anything but even-handed, though one may read into everything as Hillary being an overachiever (the author never states that outright, but from the list of accomplishments, that's what MY mind says to me; but also, since when is it BAD to be an overachiever?).

If your brain is not hotwired to overreact towards stretches of the imagination, then you'll find this biography a decent read about a fascinating woman with facts about her childhood, upbringing, personal and political life to be absorbed and deferred to whenever you hear a mention of Hillary's character in the current election cycle news. She does NOT descend from a wealthy family, she is NOT a bad person. Don't buy into the political hype (and certainly don't buy into the extreme hype of the reviewers here). It is way too obvious that the people leaving reviews are not at all fair people (be they Obamatrons, wingnuts or just plain vulgar people).

Picked up this audio cassette edition in a remainder bin for $5, and thought I was swindled...

The author clearly wants to work a policy agenda, which disagrees a lot with Hillary's position on a wide variety of issues. An especially recurring theme is Hillary's position on family issues; the author would assert that Hillary wants the state to raise children and not mothers and fathers.

That being said, there is a lot of stuff in this book which, if halfway true, does form an image of Hillary as a post-hippie policy wonk who has a powerful intellect and strong will. I do think that, nearing the age of 60, Hillary has outgrown a lot of the viewpoints and beliefs attributed to her in this book.

And, as others here have said, this book is a scandalmongering exercise, but, well, we must educate ourselves on the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, right? If this is as bad as anyone can possibly paint her, I'd say she's electable...

I could not even finish the book. The negativity in virtually every chapter oppressed my soul. I wanted facts and to gain some knowledge about Hillary, and all I got was nausea. Milton's bias was oozing from every page. The information was second, third, and fourth hand, unsubstantiated, and based on assumptions and innuendo. It was like reading a tabloid that went on for over 400 pages. Milton spent too much time explaining what Hillary thought and what all of her "ulterior motives" were for virtually everything she has done in her life thus far. Did she know Hillary's inner thoughts by osmosis or through some Vulcan mind meld? Come on! Don't buy it, don't even check it out from the library. I would have given it a negative 5 rating, but that was not an option. A complete and utter waste of paper and ink.

I got this book used and thought it would be interesting to read after the fact of HRC's moving on to other things. Without a doubt I believe the Clinton administration was filled with lies, deceit and well, just plain politics. This book is a discredit to thoughtful readers. I've only thrown away a handful of books in my life and this is one of them.

I bought this biography because I have always been fascinated with Hillary Rodham Clinton's role in her husband's administration. I was hoping for an objective look at her contributions to policy, instead, this novel is full of acrimonious allegations and innuendo. It seems that the author is completely unable to separate HRC the person from her politics. This book is horribly slanted and I would not recommend to someone who truly desires insight into either one of the Clintons.

I can see why this book falls in the middle. Some loved it and some hated it. For me it was just OK. The problem I had was the terrible narrator. Ms. Merlington has a monotone voice and horrible accents. I had a very difficult time listening to her, which probably made the book even less enjoyable than had I read it myself. It really is painful to listen to this woman. Do sample the audio before you purchase this audio book.

I had spooky moments reading this book at night, turning around to see if anyone was behind me.... so overall I don't think it was a total waste of my time, however I wouldn't consider this a great book.

Romance aspect wasn't really believeable to be honest between the hero/heroine. In addition, most of the characters in this book were very unlikeable. We have the two sisters both in love with the same man. The beautiful but shallow sister comes home with her boyfriend, the older bookish, slightly over weight sister covets him.

I must admit, the heroine ruined the book for me. There are some things you just do not do in my opinion, like "NO sleeping with your sisters ex 24hrs after they break up!"... you don't even date them! especially if you're aware how much the sister loves him! Its just one of those unwritten rules.

Spooky book, with "some " romance thrown in, mostly blah in every expect. Borrow this book if you're a fan.

Unlike the previous reviews, I found this book highly entertaing! I read the book in a day-I could not put it down! I don't approach books as an editor might, but as entertainment-and entertained I was! I found the romance aspect of the book secondary to the suspense! If the reader is looking for a romance read, then they may be disappointed, but all in all I found this to be a really good novel. Side note: As in the above review, I too wondered why they did not leave the house, and why they left the children...and ok, I also wondered what took her so long to enact her revenge...

I didn't agree with many of the negative reviews for this book.

While I do agree that the romance level in this book was pretty low, the suspense and flow of the story was excellent. There were times when I was downright spooked and wondering how they were going to get out alive.

I didn't think that Isabel would ever let them escape...especially after successfully manipulating the intertwined lives and deaths of those in the families for so long. The insights into Isabel's life showed how a lonely girl searching for comfort and love from those around her was tricked and betrayed by life's cruel fates and brought to wrongful end.

I have long been a reader of Brenda Joyce and while the juicy love story I was looking for wasn't here this time, she definatley kept me on my toes and anxiously waiting until I could pick it back up again.

In the space of 48 hours at an isolated estate, one woman dies, two go missing and the host's beloved wife - who vanished 8 years ago from the same house - is seen looking in a window.

Do you:

(a) contact the police

(b) organize a search

(c) take the children and leave

(d) gather in the library for drinks

(e) none of the above

If your answer is "d," you're too early by one murder. They don't gather in the library for drinks or consider getting the police involved, until a man is found stabbed to death on the property. Time to stop arguing and spring into action - almost! First, hors d'oevres.

Once in a while, you read something so awful you begin to enjoy it as comedy. I've chosen to believe that Brenda Joyce intended "House of Dreams" to be tongue-in-cheek. Which also explains why, when a character blurts out a cliff-hanger confession, accusation or other line that ought to ignite a big scene, the author usually skips that part and moves on.

I gave in to the laughter when, on the morning after a life-shattering confrontation between two sisters in love with one man, the good sister knocks on the other's bedroom door and chirps, "Wake up, lazybones!"

Be forewarned, there's not a likeable character or a credible moment in this whole mishmash. Then enjoy it for laughs, assuming you didn't pay big bucks for the unabridged audio CD. In which case, the joke is on you. (And me.)

I enjoyed the book as a whole, but I was disappointed in the number of errors. What happened to the editor? There were at least five grammatical errors and a couple of errors in the story. For example, when Shana and her friend went to the duplex to pick up Shana's stuff, they decided to take the van. The opening sentence of the next chapter even stated that the "van" arrived at such and such a time. Then, moments later, the detective sees two young women loading items into Lily's Audi. So what happened to the van? It was very frustrating to me. On at least two occasions, male and female pronouns were used incorrectly. I blame these things more on the editor than the author, but it really took away from the novel as a whole.

NT Rosenberg clearly knows the law. Like Linda Fairstein, at times she provides procedural info that serves little purpose other than to show she knows her stuff. Unlike Fairstein, this author falls down in her plotting, which is terribly simple and obvious. Much of the dialogue had me laughing, it was so artificial. At the very least, I held out hope for a decent climax but it just suddenly ended. There are way too many strong authors of legal thrillers to bother with Rosenberg's books. Even in the 'mindless' beach fiction category, there are much better options.

Give the book a chance! I enjoyed it and the story and plot kept me reading and wanting more.

This is the first book I read by Ms. Rosenberg and I'm not sure if it will be my last since I have another one on my shelf to read. I found the book slow and boring. Ms. Rosenburg writes like this was a sequal, but yet it isn't. I've been corrected it is a sequal, sorry. Things are mentioned liked we, as the read, are suppose to know already about them. The characters in the book are ho hum. They are very one sided or flat. Many different story lines start the book and then are dropped when the "real story" starts. Then they are picked back up later and treated as not important. I will say this Ms. Rosenburg does know about the law, but knowing about the law and writing an interesting book about it are two totally different things.

There is a lot of criticism of this book from other readers, but since it is a new author for me, I have to say I enjoyed it!! I would suggest to those who have not read this author -- give her a chance!! There are several ideas and plots going on in the book. This book did hold my interest and I found myself coming back to it each evening, tho at times I will admit to feeling a bit of confusion with some passages. If you are an expert regarding legal and investigation techniques and forensic science investigation, maybe you will find this book less than credible. I read it for the enjoyment and escapism!

Paretsky writes her usual solid story, but this book was ruined for me by a gratuitous and rabidly pro-abortion subplot. A pro-life group was depicted as patent and unalloyed evil, while its individual members were characterized as overweight, fanatic dullards. This just didn't work.

This subplot, which adds nothing material to the story, drops this book 2 stars in my rating system.

I have read all of the Sara Paretsky mysteries, and think this is the weakest of the group. She maintains her writerly skill, but the plot in this novel feels like it was devised to make a political point about women's access to health care and particularly to abortion. In the process, she takes pot shots at her political opponents by making the characters of those who disagree with her unidimensional, manipulative, and unlikeable. The novel does have suspenseful elements, but not enough, and I just didn't buy the story. If you want to read all the books in the series, this is readable. If you're picking the best, go with Hard Time or Tunnel Vision.

Good storyline but characters sometimes difficult to discern. Story a little choppy; not as tight as it could be; somewhat maudlin but still it holds the interest until you discover whodunit

Almost interesting, but finally wraps up with stock villians and an implausable resolution. The fact that this is set entirely in the world of doctors and hospitals, healthcare economics, which Ms Paretsky obviously does not understand, dooms the story.

While it is clear that Paretsky used the story to pontificate around the abortion issue, the story was not (in my opinion) held hostage by her views. Of course, she must have known that those who hold opposing views might be somewhat derailed by her machinations. Apparently she felt it was a risk worth taking. For my part, the story was entertaining and amusing. There were sufficeint plot twists and turns, a romantic interlude, loveable yet annoying characters... all the stuff that makes us enjoy V.I. This is what I call hot-fudge-sundae fiction. I read it for its entertainment value--not intellectual nutrition. YUM!

If you are interested in Native American folklore and history, this book has much to offer. The writing style reminds me a bit of Janette Oke; however, I'm more of a fan of Tracie Peterson's other novels which I find more exciting and intriguing.

Maybe her other books had me spoiled, but this one never did hold my interest...ever.

Rainy Gordon and her twin brother are tour guides in the Southwest. Rainy is living with the ghost of accusation of theft. She spends her days among the very things she loves, yet has been accused- again- of stealing. She meets a man with similar loves and just when she thinks she has found the man God has picked out for her, she learns he has been paid to spy on her. Suddenly his attention and even his kiss mean nothing. Or do they?

I would still give Peterson the benefit of the doubt and purchase another book, but truthfully, this one was terribly, terribly lacking.

Another great story by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg. Haven't read her in a while and it takes right off where she left off the last time. I had no trouble just continiung on.

While this book has touches of authenticity from the author's prior careers, she's not a writer. A writer does more than string together grammatically correct sentences. There has to be transitions between them. In addition, there has to be more than cardboard characters, manipulated by the author with no regard to plausible behavior. Neither plot nor characters are believable.

I have read almost all of Nancy Taylor Rosenberg's books, and was quite disappointed with this one. Her Carolyn Sullivan character has gone from being passionate about her job to being foolish, gullible, impulsive, and self righteous. She believed the Jude character over and over and over again, each time convinced that this time Jude was telling the truth.

Carolyn had a very irritating and tiresome preachy quality to her in this book. Over and over again, she lectured different characters about how she was right and they were wrong, and she was convinced that she was the only one who could see the truth -- even though she was repeatedly deceived by Jude. In addition, Rosenberg's need to pepper the entire book with short commentaries on what dogs men are -- illustrated through Carolyn's indignance about this or that -- was completely unnessesary.

This book was a huge disappointment -- Rosenberg just dialed this in and did a barely mediocre job on it. There were many loose ends left hanging. Who wrote the threatening letter? Who did Brad see in the Explorer with Veronica? Just to name a few.

Skip this book -- don't waste your time.

I totally agree with the person who wrote skip it. This has to be one of the worst books I have read in recent years. I finished only to see if it possibly improved by the end; it didn't. The plot is disjointed and unbelievable ( I certainly hope probation and police departments don't work that way); the diologue is contrived, and the characters, especially Caroline, are superficial,unauthentic and not very likable. How do such books get published?

This book was just AWFUL. The dialogue was trite and the plot ridiculous. The ending came out of nowhere. It was like this book was plotted and written by different people. I don't know if Nancy Taylor Rosenberg has a ghost writer on her staff, but the plot just seemed disjointed. This was the first Taylor Rosenberg book I have read, and it is probably my last.

Being a fan of Raymond Burr and being interested in his career, I was very happy when I received this book as a gift. Unfortunately, after reading it, I cannot recommend that anyone spend their money on it.

It is a very poorly written hodge podge of fan magazine pap and poorly constructed chapters.

Here are a few examples that jumped out at me as I read it.

It says that during 1940-44, Raymond was busy acting in plays and trying to get into the movies. It says in 1944 he was under contract with RKO to be in their version of "The Robe". Then in the very next paragraph it says he was discharged from the Navy in 1946 after suffering schrapnel wounds at Okinawa. Huh? It's never explained how, when or where he got into the service or how he ended up on Okinawa.

It says at the 1960 Emmy awards where he won an Emmy for Perry Mason, his date was Barbara Stanwyck and that she cried on his shoulder when she won an Emmy for "The Big Valley. First of all, Burr did not win an Emmy in 1960 and secondly of all, The Big Valley was not on the air in 1960.

In the chapter concerning his trips to entertain the troops in Korea, there is a long story about when he was in Tokyo about to head for Korea, a woman asked him to deliver a message to her son in Korea on his birthday. According to this book, not only did Burr deliver the message but he took the young man and 10 of his buddies to the Coco Club in Saigon to celebrate. The problem is Saigon is in Vietnam.

The sad thing is, this book does have some little seen photos of Burr in his early days in Hollywood. But in the paperback edition they are so poorly reproduced that I still can't recommend the book even for the photographs.

I doubt if we will ever know the true story of Raymond Burr because he himself told so many conflicting and sometimes untrue stories about his early years.

But if you are looking for answers, this book will only confuse you more.

As a big Perry Mason fan, I have been looking for a bio of Raymond Burr for a while. This, unfortunately, is the only one that has, to date, been written. While it does a fairly good job of detailing the many areas in which Burr worked (from the theater to radio to orchid farming...yes, orchid farming), it does little to tell us about the actual man. The ending falls flat. Little is given on how Burr dies, just one brief paragraph that he does as the book closes. Burr's main piece of work, the "Perry Mason" series, is given little play. No insight whatsoever into why the series came about, how it developed, etc. This book, while semi-interesting reading, leaves me wanting more. Will someone please write a bio on Mr. Burr???

I literally had this book thrown at me by a young friend who I truly do admire. But, tragically, I finished this book thinking "that was pretty much a waste of my time".

And I don't want to say that Jenny Phillips is not a wonderful and spiritual and inspiring woman. I just want to say that she really ought to stick to songwriting because her fiction doesn't cover it.

Yes, it's an inspiring message, even though it is one we have heard time and time again. In fact, I most want to compare this to Max Lucado's "With You All The Way", which was a charming tale that did not feel the need to make blatant all its comparisons.

Yet this Parable does that. The princesses are painfully stereotyped and it is clear who represents what, even without the little guide at the back of the book.

And yet... are these symbols even appropriate?

The princesses are taken to a place where they are separated from God with nothing more than a book. I'm sure Jenny wished to represent our world and the Book of Mormon... yet what of our living prophets here to guide us? The book suggests we are completely alone.

And the Christ figure... gah! Christ and the Holy Ghost should be with us at all times... not merely coming in when we need them. Even the princess who did what was correct suffered without Christ. None of it makes sense.

The result is a story that is too familiar and forced and too much awkward symbolism.

I'm so dissapointed at the BSK Joke book. I shared them to my cousins, relatives and classmates but thy were not funny. So i just sold it for $3.99 to get my money back.