Carter Books

The novels of H.M., which were written by John Dickson Carr(using the name Carter Dickson), range usually from "Great(The Peacock Feather Murders)", to "Awfull(Seeing is Believing). This is the only H.M. I could rate as "Near Perfect".

Jimmy Answell is on trial for murder. Its belived he murdered his future father-in-law, Avory Hume, by stabbing him with an arrow. Jimmy was invited to Avory's house, and taken into his strong room. Avory comes in, locks the door, prepares a scottch, and shows Jimmy some of his archery trophys, including three arrows nailed in a triangle. Suddenly, Jimmy's head begins to spin. He fall's out cold. When Jimmy wakes up, Avory has been stabbed, one of the arrows has been pryed off the walls.

Suddenly, Jimmy is on trial for murder, and every one thinks he's guilty. Every one, except Sir Henry Merrivale, who see's a Judas Window in the room, a secret exit that only the murderer can see. But can he prove Jimmy inocent?

This is one of the finest mystery novels ever written, and I am more than a bit disappointed not to see more rave reviews of it on this page. It is arguably the high point of the brilliant career of John Dickson Carr (alias Carter Dickson), the greatest writer of "locked room" mysteries and in many people's opinion the greatest writer of the "Golden Age" of mystery novels (the 1930s and 40s). It features the detective H.M. (Sir Henry Merrivale), my personal favorite fictional detective of them all. His brilliance and irascibility is only exceeded by his basic good-heartedness and desire to see the innocent protected. Oh, he is wildly funny, as well.

This novel features an unsurpassably brilliant and baffling crime, and a fantastic assortment of 'red herrings' in the form of untrustworthy potential murderers. Carr/ Dickson really did virtually perfect the form of the mystery novel, and in an era when mystery novels are so popular it is a shame that his contributions to the genre are not more widely recognized, if not worshipped!

Dickson and John Dickson Carr are the same. He specialized in Locked Room mysteries. In various polls in mystery mags he always ends up at the top of locked room mysteries. I like this the best of his novels, but the Hollw Man (under Carr) is usually considered the best. His short story "The House in Goblin Wood" is I think even better -- simply the best locked room story ever.

Other writers to look for in locked rooms: Clayton Rawson, Ellery Queen (sometimes a locked room).

Ishould point out that as a novel aside from the puzzle its not very interesting. You read these things for the mystery and the detective!

Carter Dickson (also known as John Dickson Carr) created another wonderful golden age locked room mystery in his novel, The Judas Window. Sir Henry Marrivale is the sleuth and he is, as always, a dependable joy. The author has surrounded him with an able cast of supporting characters to help nudge the story along. The triumph, of course, and the reason for this book's existence is the locked room crime. Carter Dickson knows how to tease the mystery and drama out of this glorious cliche, making it seem fresh and new. This is a classic from a thrilling time in mystery writing by a true master of the form. Not to be missed.

Jimmy Answell is summoned for an audience with Avory Hume. The two men are later discovered after witnesses break into Hume's study - a room with bolted steel shutters and a heavy door locked on the inside. Answell is found lying unconscious and Hume stabbed to death with an arrow. How can young Answell but be guilty? How could Sir Henry Merrivale (H.M.!) be foolhardy enough to undertake his defence at the Old Bailey? And what is the `Judas Window' to which H.M. keeps alluding?

This is John Dickson Carr (aka Carter Dickson), the acknowledged master of the locked room mystery, in top form. The quality of the puzzle in The Judas Window is superior to that in The Three Coffins (popularly regarded as Carr's best book and the most famous locked room murder mystery). The case unfolds through the medium of a riveting courtroom drama that simply ought to have been filmed. The comic touches provided by H.M. as defence counsel are terrific. And the modus operandi of the crime is stunning in its simplicity and the conviction it carries. Less convincing however (and this is what makes the book stop just short of perfection) is the murderer's motive. But this flaw makes only a ripple in the overall masterly construction of the mystery.

Don't miss it!

I happened upon the audio version of this book, the cover of which told nothing about the book, but I took a chance and bought it, used. This is absolutely one of the best books I have read. It tells a good story, is thoughtfully, intelligently and beautifully written; much care was taken. I agree, as one reviewer here has said, this book is worth revisiting. There are few books worthy of being read again.

A very enjoyable book that I could not put down. It brought me back to my VT roots. Not only did I enjoy the characters, and find them very realistic to the Vermont environment, but mostly I found myself intrigued with the specific venues of Vermont that the author brought to life. The way he characterizes the people and places within the book makes even a "real Vermonter" feel this is a person and a place they know. I was most excited about the fact that it was the first book that both I, a 40+ year old high-tech Boston suburbanite and my father, a 65 year old Vermont Dairy Farmer enjoyed it. It's a multi-generational book that I encourage you to read.

I was enraptured with this book - from the prose to the seasons - so vividly described in the Vermont countryside.
Moreover, it goes to the heart of living, loving and leaving
a legacy, even something as simple and profound as a tale well told.

"Mirror Lake" is an exemplary debut novel which explores the full range of human emotions. Christopher Burns offers a powerful reading.

In this story we meet two men who would probably have never even taken notice of each other had it not been for a dangerous quirk of nature. The younger of the two, Nathan Carter is still in his twenties. He's come to Vermont following his father's death. When his jeep runs off the road during a blinding snow storm, 79-year-old Wallace Fiske becomes his care giver. But Wallace gives more than nursing, he tells Nathan his story which centers on his marriage to Nora.

Is Wallace embellishing the truth or is he relating his past life as it actually took place? When Nathan begins to try to discover for himself what really happened some half a century before he discovers a number of surprising things about himself.

Greene's absorbing tale is both entertaining and thought provoking.

- Gail Cooke

Mirror Lake tempted my own desires as each character pulled a different emotion. I connected most with Nora, a woman captured by the beauty of nature while enjoying a life lived off the land. An uncomplicated woman at first, her life becomes more three dimensional with each page - many moments dealing with love and grief.

My most loved aspect of the book is the description of drink and scenery. It allowed me to close my eyes and relax into a winter slumber in the middle of July.

I loved this book, so much that I'm buying it for gifts! Written with the traditional family in mind, Robert Wolgumuth uses honest,personal examples & stories from his own life to illustrate much needed do's and don't's for successful family relationships. Along with the Biblical references and explanations, this book is a "must own" encouragement for every family. Reading it was like talking with a friend. I was deeply moved.

Raising our children in a Christian home is an important part of our responsibilities as parents. However, sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin, especially when you might not have been raised in a Christian home yourself. Robert Wolgemuth lays out simple definitions, principles and ideas to help you be intentional and successful in creating a healthy, God-centered environment for your family.

One thing I love about Robert's style is that he is not sharing the "10 Principles for creating a Christian Home" or "How to Create a Christian Home in 3 Easy Steps." He shares key values - like the power of words and the importance of laugher - and then he shares practical ideas that have worked for him. He gives you some vital components of a Christian home and a starting point for implementing ideas that work for your family.

As we build our Christian home, we develop not only a ministry to our children, but to everyone who visits our home. As Robert notes, "God is exactly what a Christian home should smell like. The moment folks walk through the front door, there should be something - although completely invisible - that reminds them of the God of the universe. And when your kids show up at work or school, there shodl be a trace of secondhand smell that others can quickly detect."

As parents, we cannot leave the responsibility of the spiritual development of our children to the children's or youth ministry at church. We must begin at home. The Most Important Place on Earth is a great resource in helping us to do just that.

This book is an absolute must for any Christian home. I love it!

An absolutely outstanding read - very uplifting, very challenging. Author of She Calls Me Daddy!, Wolgemuth explores the various unique elements that make a Christian home different than just any other home. While the book has many practical suggestions that Wolgemuth shares from his own experience (good and bad), the primary emphasis of this book is to get the reader to feel, not think, about the importance of the Christian home. Wolgemuth begins with the smell of a Christian home - the aroma that brings back memories of family, food and fellowship within the home. He talks about the words that are used in the home - how they need to be encouraging, loving and tender. And he talks about the home being a safe place, one where children feel like they can be themselves, even if that isn't always perfect.

Wolgemuth probably says in the book a dozen times that he's "old school," and he is. He believes that the family ought to sit down for dinner together, he believes that electronic devices (TV, video games, etc) disrupt family conversation time and result in disconnected children, and he believes that the parents should view themselves as the "priests" of their home. I guess I would have to say that I'm "old school" as well and wish that more people would be!

Wolgemuth is also very honest about his own learning curve as a parent and gives numerous examples of where he blew it as a dad and a husband. The book is an excellent read - slows down a little in the final couple of chapters, but still one of the best books I've read on the importance of the home and the family...especially in our culture today!

I am only halfway through this book, not because it is a tough read, but because everytime I pick it up, I read something that calls me to get up and go do something. This book is so rich (the best word I can use to describe it). The author, Robert Wolgemuth, uses a very casual tone and talks about what works to build a Christian home in everyway. It really is motivating and it gives good reminders and habits to practice everyday. I would recommend this to new parents, old parents, and basically anyone who comes in contact with children who want to be of Christian influence. Wonderful! I will try to read it every year.

A Favorite Book. This really captures the essence of the 60's movement where people looked for and created alternate life styles. This book makes my heart sing.

With catchy rhyme and colorful illustrations Reeve Lindbergh (daughter of aviator/author Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh) offers a feel-good story about a grandparent/grandchild relationship.
The story begins with:
"I have a hippie grandmother.
I'm really glad she's mine.
She hasn't cut her hair at all
Since nineteen sixty-nine."

From there we learn that Grandma drives a purple bus, and has a cat named Woodstock. Naturally, her bedroom is decorated with "Love" and "Flower Power" posters, and she grows her own vegetables.

Throughout there are happy scenes of grandma and granddaughter enjoying happy times together, whether it's selling vegetables at the local farmer's market or picketing for peace.

"My Hippie Grandmother" is a delightful reminder of the love they feel for one another.

- Gail Cooke

Far Out & Way Groovy are the perky poetry and pictures in this book about "a hippie grandmother" who
"hasn't cut her hair at all
Since nineteen sixty nine."

Grandma drives a funky old bus; grows, sells and shares organic; and continues to fight City Hall. Look what they've done to their book, Ma!
/TundaVision, Amazon Reviewer

This book is written in rhyme and makes you read it in a very peppy upbeat way. The pictures are so much fun to look at. I borrowed this from the library and need to by my boy his own copy.

This book is about a young girl who loves to spend time with her Hippie Grandmother. She enjoys eating cracked-wheat-and-honey bread and singing Amazing Grace with her. She loves everything about her Hippie Grandmother and wants to be just like her when she grows older. I absolutely love this book. It is very cute and children can relate to it in many ways.

In the poignant story of his father's service in WWII, the author presents a moving portrayal of the sacrifices made by all soldiers and their families. Through his father's letters home, the author has also provided historical information about the 110th Station Hospital which arrived in England December 1942 as part of the build up in anticipation of D-Day. As a descendant of an Army Nurse who served with Dr. Carter, I find this book to be an absolute treasure, finally shedding some light on her service in WWII. If you have ancestors who served in the war as Army Nurses, doctors or foot soldiers, this is a book you should read. If your ancestors served with the 110th Station Hospital, this is a must read. And since it is only about 200 pages, it is perfect for younger readers, too.

I heard Walter Carter tell this story before he put it on paper and yet, despite that fact, I was riveted by his telling of it again. This slim volume is a wonderful read and a very personal recounting of the sacrifices endured by the sons and daughters of Brokaw's "greatest generation." Read it for the history, for the story and for the lasting impression it will leave with you.

I traveled with Walter Ford Carter and the Normandy Allies (www.normandyallies.org) of Rochester, NY to Normandie, France, in Summer 2004. I heard Walter's story of his father's WWII experiences in person and visited the field where his father died near St. Lo. I had read the story of Dr.Carter before this trip and was very touched by the human-ness and how Walter reconstructed his father's and mother's war years through love letters and documents. This is a worthwhile read of a personal WWII history.

Furthermore, my father landed in the 5th Wave on D-Day. He died in 1995 and Walter inspired me to do some digging to fit the pieces together of my father's history with the 5th Engineering Brigade. Baby Boomers with veteran fathers and mothers will gain insight and understand the war years--and the silences kept by our parents over a horrific war.

Read this book. You won't regret it.

The book is a personal story of a man trying to come to grips with who his family was and what sacrifice really means to those who are left behind to pick-up the pieces of their lives after the father/husband was killed in the 1944 Normandy campaign. Mr. Carter, one of the co-authors of the book and son of CPT Carter, successfully communicates who his father and mother were - whether those stories were done for their childhood days, young adult lives, CPT Cater's military experiences, and the later days leading to his mother's death. The sacrifice of the Carter family was not only the death of the father, but also those who were left behind. Sacrifice and love are threads that hold this story together. This is a very good read.

Military history focuses on battles and campaigns in linear time stopping and starting around the time of the war. WW2 Memoirs cover in greater detail the lives of the particpants usually before and during the war but usually stop there or only give a brief postscript. This work is unusual because the author tells you up front the basic story and then unfolds it from there. The knowledge of Norval Carter's fate looms like a shadow over the story but nevertheless his death and his son's (the co-author)discovery of his father still will bring the tears when you get to those pages. This is a story about the meaning of courage, sacrifice and the meaning of being a father and husband. The story covers the events of the war and the buildup for D-day in enough detail that even someone with no knowledge or interest in military history will enjoy and understand this story. At a slim 199 pages it is a very quick read. I highly recommend this book for anyone.

Dominic Carter has written a deeply moving memoir framed around the horrific physical and sexual abuse he suffered as a young child. No Momma's Boy is not for the faint of heart. Some of the descriptions of the abuse that Mr. Carter suffered at the hands of his mentally ill mother, Laverne, are almost unbearable to read.

Yet, ultimately, Dominic Carter's story is one of triumph over adversity. Laverne sexually abused Carter and tried to kill him when he was a toddler. Born with heart defects and pneumonia, Mr. Carter grew up in poverty on the mean streets of Harlem and The Bronx. Under these circumstances, it is remarkable that he survived, let alone thrived. "Prisons and mental institutions are full of people with backgrounds similar to mine," Carter opines.

In a fast-paced, conversational style, Carter takes readers through the darkest days of his inner city childhood, his escape from poverty via graduate school in upstate New York, and his meteoric rise to journalist extraordinaire at one of New York's top cable television stations.

A key factor in young Dominic's survival was the support he received from his grandmother, Anna Pearl, and his Aunt Inez. Laverne was in and out of mental institutions, and Dominic's father was absent most of the time. Anna Pearl and Inez stepped in to fill the parental void, providing love and putting steel in Dominic's spine, which served him well growing up and later in the cutthroat profession of television journalism.

Mr. Carter is brutally honest about his volcanic temper and the subsequent emotional breakdown following Laverne's death which nearly ended his career. No Momma's Boy is not only an eye-opening read, it represents a cathartic healing of Carter's pain. After a lifetime of holding back powerful negative emotions relating to childhood trauma, Mr. Carter has found the courage to admit that "talking about issues that shame you is like giving CPR to your soul."

Mr. Carter proudly displays bravado and does a lot of name-dropping. This trait is a double-edged sword. It is initially off-putting, but as Carter cogently notes, it is also a critical source of self-confidence that enabled him to overcome extraordinary adversity.

He brags, but he has a lot to brag about. Mr. Carter is a top reporter at NY1, a premier cable television station in the nation's largest media market. He has interviewed world figures such as Bill Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, and Nelson Mandela. This would be a monumental achievement for anyone; it is absolutely amazing for someone who grew up poor and abused in The Bronx.

All I can say is thank you Dominic for opening up your heart and allowing me the opportunity to read about your family secrets. From start to finish I was captivated by this story and I must say what a delightful person he is when you meet him in public. This was one gem of a read......you go New York 1 Political Commentator!

NY1's top reporter/political analyst gives a painful recollection of his childhood with a schizophrenic mother and how he was able to overcome it to become successful, careerwise and personally. I thought his writing was sincere, not showy, and gave insights into the people and institutions that influenced him in a positive way. An interesting read.

Often the family history of some one who has a mental illness is covered up. This almost happened in this mans family. His story lets us all know that to seek the truth brings healing to deep hurts. Leaving the truth covered never gets to forgiveness. As a Black family member this is particularly true. The unspoken code of Black families is to not ever uncover mental illness, just pray to deal with the issues. Additionally, most men do not speak of a difficult past, espically one in the public eye as this important well known news personality. The book was easy to read, and tells of wonderful forgiveness, and can help anyone bring their own hidden truths of abuse and mental illness into the sunshine of healing. Thank you Dominic Carter for telling your story.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has included this as one of the best books of 2007. It probably did't hurt that Dominic Carter--a colorful media celebrity--served as grand marsal for the NAMI New York City walkathon, but the book deserves the distinction in its own right.

It is an incredible book by a person who has lived an incredible life, and overcome odds that would defeat most people.

Carter is a character written in bold and an inspiration. He grew from a childhood of poverty in the Bronx to become one of New York City's best-known news anchors and political reporters, interviewing Nelson Mandela and President Clinton and sparring with former New York City mayor Rudy Guliani. (If Guliani does become president, let's hope that one of the national television networks assign Carter to the White House press room; it would be great theater to watch and a service to the nation).

Carter also lived with a secret of physical and sexual abuse as a child. After his mother died in 2001, he collected 620 pages of medical records and learned for the first time of her life-long struggle with paranoid schizophrenia. "I got hit with a double-barreled shotgun," he said in recent newspaper interviews. "As a child, I didn't know what was going on,"

His autobiography is therapeutic. "I've been running from the ghetto...I've been running from my mother, and I didn't want to run anymore."

In confronting the past, Carter comes to terms with his mother's mental illness and his own emotions. "My mother was not a demon, but she saw demons," Carter writes. "If a demon exists in this story, it is society's collective mistreatment and misunderstanding of mental illness."

"In spite of her tragic life, I celebrate my mother for this one thing," Carter concludes. "She was a survivor...I am proud of my mother for not giving up...You become a real winner in life when the winds of fate knock you down and you manage to get back up. Many people, rich or poor, cannot get back up, but my mother did."

"I am not ashamed to be called her son."

The book is self-published and candid. To his credit, Carter resisted suggestions by mainstream publishers to sensationalize his story, because the basic facts and description of his childhood are upsetting enough. It is a memoir marked by pain, but also, an enduring love. It details Carter's successful career, but the unifying theme throughout is one of family. Its candid disclosures are also an act of courage, not unlike Mike Wallace's disclosure of long history of depression, or that of actor Joe Pantaliano, whose 2003 autobiography similarly reflects his mother's mental illness.

Frankly, I'd love to see Dominic, Wallace and "Joey Pants" discuss their childhoods together sometime. They have much in common. They have much in common. They are larger than life characters, who love a good scrap and rarely censor themselves, except perhaps to usually hide the softer hearts of their nature.

I bought One-Dog Canoe to read to my two year old granddaughter. It was a HUGE hit with the whole family!! I must have read it to her at least 10 times over the course of one weekend. My son (her father) loved it too - we Minnesotans love a good canoe story!! Mary Casanova is such a good author!

I purchased this book on a recommendation from a fellow volunteer in a children's literacy group. What a fabulous book! I read it to classes of both Kindergarteners and 2nd graders alike, and every child (no exaggeration) loved it. I also bought a copy for my niece when she was 3, and she soon had it memorized - the ryming is fantastic, and not at all annoying. I especially enjoyed the illustration details - there are many nuances that children ill find each time they read the book.

Hands down one of my favorites.

I bought this book for my 3 kids, ages 7, 5 and 3, and we really enjoyed it. I heard about the author in my Literature Course, and wanted to read a book from her. I loved the drawings and the rhyming, which made a perfect book for a group reading. My kids enjoyed it too, specially with all those animals in the story.

This is a wonderful book. It is very unique, featuring animals of the Northwoods such as moose and bear. It is a joy to read with an memorable cadence. Your child will enjoy it.

This is such a fun little story. My three year old twin girls just love it. I will read it to them many times a day, and they always bust into laughter. They think all the animals are so funny when they want to take a ride in the One-dog Canoe. Great story for all children.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book of poetry. Each line is written with such clairvoyance, you cannot help but feel as if you are a part of each experience she has faced. Those who have at one time or another felt they were all alone during their most challenging life experience... pick up this book and take the journey. You will be able to identify with many of the poems written and be inspired to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

"Poems from the Edge" gives the reader an outlet for raw heartfelt emotions. Carolyn was able to take her pain and give us the readers something to think about and relate to in our lives. The poems inspired me by the depth and fullness, a picture was drawn on paper of how life can be so devastating but yet also the hope of where life can take you if one stops and listens to their surroundings. I wish Carolyn Jones-Carter great success with "Poems from the Edge" and suggest everyone purchase copies to share with family & friends like I have.

A wonderful book of poems that beautifully shares this womans heart and soul with anyone willing to experience it. This book provided a view of things that has occurred in all of our lives in some form or function. If that is not clear enough, I loved this book of poems. I purchased additional copies to share with my friends and coworkers. This book is not just for the person that loves poems but for every person that loves truth.

This is one of the most powerful and deeply moving books I've read. It has the ability to take you through an entire spectrum of emotions. Each poem is written in such a way that you really feel and understand exactly what the author is experiencing. It is raw, compelling and wonderfully written.

Poems From The Edge displays a very honest view of one's personal feelings- from the good and the bad. The expressions, word-play, and metaphors used proves that the author is without a doubt a gifted writer and poet. I was able to feel and visualize Carolyn's poems. The poems actually pull you into the realm of what she was feeling when she wrote them. For those who can appreciate poetry in it's rawest,truest form I highly recommend Poems From The Edge.......

For Novices, all they need to know to be respectful, comfortable and a vital part of the experience. Good job!

This book provides an excellent overview of native ceremonies. You feel that Julia lives what she is writing about. An excellent book for those who want to get involved in native philosophy seriously.

Julia provides her reader with a straight forward and easy to understand guide to Pow Wows. She provides all the information they need to get the most out of their Pow Wow experience.

Julia White has captured the essence of the pow wow. The information provides the proper protocol for being part of a pow wow to prepare the viewer as a courteous participant. I particularly enjoyed Julia's descriptions of the various dances. I have been to several pow wows and have seen "guests" do all the wrong things and act in a way that would be considered offensive to Native Americans who are sharing their culture with us. These events are "gifts" to those of other nationalities and it is important to show respect when attending a pow wow. These ceremonies have sacred meaning and it is incumbent upon us to to know what is expected of guests. Julia presents the information in an interesting manner - straightforward yet very easy reading. The supplemental information about Native American background leaves me wanting to know more. Her knowledge is exemplary and she herself is a very special person. I highly recommend this book to any who attends pow wows or just wants to gain additional insight into the Native American culture. I personally appreciate that I can go to a pow wow and act in an appropriate manner. I hope Julia White is planning on writing additional books. I will be first in line for anything else she comes out with.

This excellent book tells in great detail and wondeful illustration, the history and tradition of the modern Native American Pow Wow. Readers will find great information on where to find Pow Wow's as well as how to act when they attend one. A must read for all those interested in Native culture.

I received "Quilts of Virginia 1607-1899" as a gift. It's not the kind of book that I would have been inclined to buy for myself, simply because quilts are way beyond my customary range of interests. However, the hidden delights of "Quilts of Virginia" fit easily within my areas of interest. It is not merely a book about quilts. "Quilts of Virginia" is a history book, an art book, a photography book, and in parts, a book about both poetry and the law. The book has nearly as many facets as the quilts that it so vibrantly portrays. It captures the readers' attention, even the attention of individuals whose range of interests might not include quilting. The photographs are abundant and excellent. I found "Quilts of Virginia" to be an unexpected delight, highly informative, and extremely interesting.

This book is a work of art (Barbara Tricarico's photographs are stunning) but at the same time, it is a thoroughly researched, comprehensive history of quilting in Virginia - the authors did a wonderful job - I loved it!

Quilts of Virginia, 1607-1899: The Birth of America Through the Eye of a Needle
Congratulations to the creators of this book, the Virginia Consortium of Quilters. This is beautifully illustrated and very well written. I very much enjoy reading the history of quilting and learning about the States of America, this book is one of the best that I have read. Virginia is such a rich source of inspiration and the material that these authors have found is just wonderful. Sometimes history books can be a bit dry and technical, this is one that should find a home in every quilters collection.Well done and I look forward to any further works that may be currently a "work in progress".

Fantastic Book. Can't stop looking at it. Fabulous addition to my
quilt library!!!!

I have almost every State Documentation book published, and this is one of the best. There are wonderful stories that go with every quilt. The pictures are in gorgeous color. Loved every page.