Collins Books

Like many struggling young actresses before her, Martyn Tarne has a private fantasy of stepping in for a leading lady taken ill. In true Ngaio Marsh style, Martyn's dream is made a reality, in a twisted way; having just missed an audition at the Vulcan, Martyn wangles a job involved with another show set to open in a few days - as the leading lady's dresser, since Helena Hamilton's regular dresser just went into hospital. Martyn, a New Zealander who was robbed upon arriving in England, is alone and broke, and thankful to get *any* job until she can get on her feet - even at the Vulcan, where her mother's immensely famous cousin Adam Poole is both leading man and director.

The small cast and other Vulcan personnel involved in the production feature quite a few mirror images and parallels in their situations and their relationships with each other. In several scenes, actual reflecting surfaces underline this - shop windows as Martyn trudges to a late audition, a picture under glass of one character that reflects another, and so on.

Martyn doesn't want to establish herself on the London stage solely on the strength of her relationship with Poole - but she's ideally suited for a supporting role in the play requiring a woman who strongly resembles the lead. By contrast, Gay Gainsford, cast for the part on her uncle's insistence, requires heavy makeup and acting skills outside her scope, and is as prone to hysterical outbursts about her loathing for the play even as Martyn tries to fade into the woodwork and hang onto her job. Both women's relationships with older men in the company result in protective and sometimes over-protective reactions as clashes occur in the high-pressure atmosphere of the last few rehearsals and opening night.

As for the men associated with the Vulcan, Clark Bennington, Gay's uncle, is a once-fine actor now in a supporting role as an alcoholic both on stage and in life. On a particularly galling note, he seems to be playing second fiddle to Adam Poole in his marriage as well as his career - Helena Hamilton, the leading lady, has a career that eclipses Bennington's and tends to inspire devotion in most men, though she seems to collect only the young and artistic variety. Most of the other men on the scene apparently don't qualify, being either too old (her devoted admirer Jacques, the director's assistant; Gay's admirer Darcey, supporting player; the crabby playwright Dr. Rutherford) or ambiguous. All the men except Jacques and Poole do their bit to make the situation worse - even the playwright, whose "helpful" feedback is loaded with unprofessional attacks on the junior members of the cast, driving them almost to the point of breakdown when he isn't tactfully headed off.

The story plays out in a very compressed space and timeframe, set almost entirely within the walls of the Vulcan and mostly upon the opening night of THUS TO REVISIT, whose first performance ends with the discovery of the body of a member of the company; the investigation is wrapped up before daybreak.

I recommend James Saxon's unabridged recording of the text; Marsh's stories tend to function very well when performed, and this is no exception.

Drive in totals:
- Two deaths (poison); a third from a previous incident in the same theatre is referred to. (The Vulcan is not the same theatre as the Dolphin, which appears in other stories).
- One sexual assault (off camera, referred to indirectly).
- One openly homophobic character; it's made clear that that's only one of many unpleasant aspects of his rude, bullying personality.
- A character from A SURFEIT OF LAMPREYS turns up as a young constable.
- This story isn't about Alleyn, really; he serves to bring the truth of events and various motivations of the real main characters to light. Alleyn's personal life and family aren't a factor.

There's never a dull moment at The Vulcan Theatre--especially when a starving actress named Martyn Tarne walks into the job of dresser for the show's leading lady. What with a gifted but nasty author, an alcoholic actor, a hysterical bit player, and a host of other neurotics, opening night is more unnerving than usual. In fact, it's pure murder, and Inspector Alleyn is soon on the scene.

Ngaio Marsh is one of the great mystery novelists of the 20th Century, and she is particularly known for her skill at creating believable characters in memorable settings. But she is also uniquely gifted at portraying the complex world of the theatre, a task she takes on in several novels but never better than here. Marsh captures the contrast between the out-front-glamor and the backstage hysteria with the knowledge of an insider (she was, in fact, a theatrical director herself), and in VULCAN she offers a remarkably accurate, powerful vision.

Although it is occasionally beset by some of Marsh's less admirable tendencies, NIGHT AT THE VULCAN is easily among the best of the best, a novel that will not only fascinate you with it's look behind the grand curtain, but keep you guessing in terms of plot as well. Recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Who would've thought that so many murders could occur in theatres? But then again, it's all a case of life imitating art, and no one does this better than Ngaio Marsh. It's not surprising when you realize that she was a stage director/producer in New Zealand. _Night at the Vulcan_ beautifully captures the atmosphere unique to the theatre, while laying out a very clever case of murder made to look like suicide. This is all told through the eyes of Martyn Tarne, a young lady newly arrived to the London theatre scene, making it all the more interesting. The only reason that I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5, was that the identity of the murderer became a little too obvious, in my opinion, but all in all, a fantastic read.

Night at the Vulcan has everything; sympathetic (and endearing) characters, lots of Shakespearean quotes, realistic dialogue, two very different (but equally satisfying) love stories, gorgeous prose...all of the things I read Ngaio for. The character of Martyn Tarne is one I wish Ngaio had re-used in a later book (like she did with some characters from "Death of a Peer" and "Killer Dolphin.").

Ngaio Marsh is my favorite author, and Night at the Vulcan is my favorite Ngaio Marsh. 'Nuff said.

Cormier has always written wonderful characters. His books have always been invitations to walk with them through their personal torment. This is not a happy book, his books never are. You get a sense of strength having gone through the same tragedies as the main character. Its a warm embrace into a cold world.

Eleven-year-old Darcy Webster, caught between girlhood and adolescence during World War II, makes her first friend ever when she meets Kathleen Mary O'Hara, and their relationship blossoms until Kathleen Mary mysteriously disappears. At the same time, Darcy's father is reported missing in action. All this, plus Kathleen Mary's "baptizing" Darcy, brings her to a painful spiritual crisis.

Other Bells for Us to Ring is beautifully written but it raises many issues about God, miracles, growing up and alcoholism.

There are some beautiful passages where Cormier has blended words into a lovely picture.

It had wonderful characters. I felt like I was walking with Darcy through her personal tragedy. This is not a happy book, but I got a sense of strength feeling like I had gone through the same tragedies as the main character.

The most moving part in the entire story was when Darcy looked to an old nun, Sister Angela for help and wisdom, who explained the beauty of life and faith to her. I found this part amazing and extremely moving. I really got something out of it. Sister Angela's words were inspirational to me they really explained God to me. I knew who he was and everything. But I have never really understood things until I read what she said to Darcy.

I thought there would be a happy ending. I really did. It was happy at first, when I learned that Darcy's father was safe and sound, but in the next chapter when I learned what happened to Kathleen Mary, all my expectations came down with a great and glorious crash. It was powerful when John Francis showed up and gave Darcy the news. I thought that the giving of the doll gave me closure. It was a sad ending but yet it wasn't. It is quite hard to explain.

Overall this is a powerful book. It is truly exceptional.

As her father moves the family to an army town Darcy makes a new friend in an otherwise strange setting. She and Kathleen Mary become inseparable, best friends forever, and begin a journey of friendship that exposes Darcy to the Catholic faith. One day Kathleen Mary is gone and Darcy's father is missing in action. Darcy seeks out the help and wisdom of an old nun who explains the beauty of life and faith to her. As Darcy struggles with the loss of friend and father her newly discovered knowledge helps her through. This is a beautifully written story, one that is probably best suited for ages 11 and up. There are some beautiful passages where Cormier has blended words and imagery into a lovely picture.

I am not religious and I'd rather stay away from religion. When I read the back of 'Other Bells for Us to Ring' I thought: oh know, a sappy religious novel. But I read it anyway, because I trusted Robert Cormier not to disappoint me with a sappy religious novel. Religious it was, sappy it was not! I've never been particularly interested in Catholicism and never knew much about it, but I learned a lot from this book and feel all the better doing so. Both Darcy and Kathleen Mary O'Hara are exceedingly likeable characters, particularly Kathleen Mary, who was in my eyes a younger version of Amy Hertz from Robert Cormier's novel 'I am the Cheese.' I thought there would be a happy ending. I really did. It was happy at first, when I learned that Darcy's father was safe and sound, but in the next chapter when I learned what happened to Kathleen Mary, all my expectations came down with a great and glorious crash. My father, when he saw me weeping, muttered about an 'adolescent mood swing.' I just kept sobbing. Why do good people have to die? Why?

This is an awesome book. Not only is it a great shower gift but I gave them to single friends and married couples. It makes a lovely anniversary gift. I have already used my copy several times and I am married for 35 years! You can always learn new things about dinner parties, decorating ideas and how to make a cosmopolitan.Party Basics for New Nesters: More Than 100 Fresh Ideas for Holidays and Every Day

What a fabulous book, Maria has done it yet again. As a new nester myself ( not married, but single in a new home) I have to tell you this book is not only the perfect addition to my coffee table, but has given me the courage to invite people over and feel like I have all the pieces in place for a fabulous party. All of Maria's party planning ideas are done with greatest attention to detail, that I know my guests will appreciate and definitely comment on! A celebration planning guide that will take you from start to finish, all year-round.
Definitely the most stylish gift for any housewarming party!

This book is amazing in every way! I just pulled off a dinner party that could have been a nightmare without this guide. I wanted everything to be perfect, and it was. The photos are exquisite and gave me great ideas that are actually do-able. Most helpful were Maria's tips on stocking up on party basics. A must have for all of those who stress before hosting any event- big or small.

I bought this book for my newly married daughter. But of course, I had to sneak a peek for myself! The book is warm and "user friendly"! Maria makes everything look easy and fun to do. Not only is this a book that you would use over and over again for ideas, it would look fabulous on any coffee table.
Thumbs up!

The soup, appetizer and cheesecake recipes are the best anywhere! I have used this cookbook for the past 6 years and can't say enough wonderful things about it. Worth the money!

I've lived away from my central Texas home for almost 10 years now. But on more than one happy occassion, I have been taken back in time upon walking into a friend's kitchen and seeing this cookbook or its one of its companions opened and in use on the counter. The books are never shut away on a shelf somewhere to look pretty. They are used and loved. The directions are easy to follow with lots of nuggets of pure culinary wisdom tossed in for good measure. Enjoy!

I have had this cookbook for probably ten years. This is one that I use often. The recipes are great, and the instructions precise. The recipe for the brownies and chocolate sauce are worth the price of the book!

My wife had this cookbook when we got married in 1993, and she frequently consults it for everyday cooking and frequent entertaining. Although we have not tried every recipe in the book, of the dozens we have tried, all are delicious. As the chief cook in our house, my wife, Joy, likes the logical organization of the recipes and their easy-to-read style. As the chief eater in our house, I like the way Peach Tree recipes taste.

I am a US diplomat, and we entertain guests often at our home in Bangladesh. This cookbook has earned our trust to the point that we have used it to plan dinner parties, without testing the recipes ahead of time. The Peach Tree Cookbook (as it is called at our house) has never let us down.

Phoebe was my heroine at the age of 5. This book is part of my childhood. Fantastic illustrations, lovely story. And she gets a dog in the end! 'Nuff said.

Phoebe was my hero1 I would get out this book every week from the library! I am 17 years old and am desparate for it for my 18th birthday! *sniff* Bring back Phoebe!

This was my favorite book when I was growing up! A great choice for the heroic little girl in your family! The illustrations are so wonderful!

as an adult i have recently re-discovered "phoebe and the hot water bottles" and i can't tell you how wonderful this book is. phoebe was my favourite person and this was my favourite book ...i would get this book out at the library each time we went, often renewing it for months at a time! it is the perfect and timeless book to give to any little girl and i would recommend it whole-heartedly.

Dave's candid, detailed writing of his bought with cancer gave me the shocking truth of the hell he experienced during several relapses and the ensuing treatments. His fight for life was very inspiring. His experience with HMO's as a cancer patient is frightening.

My husband is Mike, the nurse who took care of Dave. When he read it, he said everything was as brutally honest as Dave wrote that it was. Dave has found a way to express all of the emotions, thoughts, situations, etc. that are experienced by someone living with leukemia. I have read the book and I was engrossed the entire time and I think I would have been even if I didn't know several of the people in the book!! It is a touching book that I would highly recommend!

This book is honest, gutsy, raw, and at times hilarious. If you've never been in David's position, I guarantee you'll come away with a very real sense of what it's like to fight this disease. His ability to describe his feelings, pain, and attitude in every moment are spellbinding. You're with him every step of the way - many times when you don't want to be. This is an amazingly warm, funny, and heart-wrenching book. It isn't for the weak of heart but worth every minute of the ride!

'The Ride' received 50 out of 50 points in the publisher's manuscript review, earning Writer's Showcase acceptance.
"This story made me smile and cry! ... 'The Ride' will definitely appeal to a wide audience ... it is so real ... powerful ... exceptionally well written."

This beautifully written collection of stories is a triumph! This is not just chicken soup for the therapist's soul. Through the power of story, these therapists give a message of hope and healing, as well as powerful insights and tools for positive outcomes in therapy. Through subtle nuances in storytelling, they are able to demonstrate powerful and useful recovery tools.

The self-disclosure in these stories has a certain vulnerability that is at once sharply insightful and endearing. The authors are not afraid to risk telling it like it is (or was) in order that the reader may benefit from the truth of the experience.

This book is a soothing salve to ease therapist burnout and revive the hope in a counselor's soul. It also proves a motivator for the client who is not sure if therapy is for them, or is hung up on the "Freud's Couch" (no offense Siggie) method of therapy.
The authors have truly been to the center of human sorrow, and bring renewed faith in everyday miracles.

Kathleen Morgan
Continuing Medical Education, UCLA

Was thoroughly impressed, I would definatly recomend this book to all of my friends and family.

This is a powerful and beautifully written little book that allows us to witness the sacred connections between two therapists and their clients. But, it is so much more. It is an invitation to all of us to be witnesses to the sacredness of the human spirit. It is an invitation to be open to each other in our day-to-day comings and goings. An invitation to "stay still" long enough in our relationships that we are truly present to each other and the wisdom to be given and received.

As a social worker, the stories in this book resonated with my own experiences. The "magic in-between" that is created when a professional and client open their souls to each other and to the "work" is what makes this sacred work such an honor. It is also what makes the work so hard.

Bonnie and Trina capture the "magic in-between" in these powerfully written stories. They have also shared how the stories they listened to left them vulnerable and inspired a personal story. Each story in the book weaves the two sacred stories together into a beautiful "touch stone tapestry", a reminder of why this work is worth it. The third sacred story that will be woven into this tapestry will be the reader's.

This book is a powerful tool for both the therapist and laymen. It is a roadmap to aid in dealing with vicarious stress in our lives. The stories are touching, heartwarming and inspirational. The work done by these two therapists is a testimonial to the importance of caring and dedicated social workers.

I have always enjoyed American presidential history, and this wonderful book gives a rare view of White House events. It's easy to find information about the presidents in the context of politics and history, but "The President's Table" shows the presidents entertaining guests 'at home'; a more intimate aspect of their public lives. The presentation is beautiful. The invitations and menus are great fun to read, and of course, the guest list is mind-boggling. (Oh, to have been there!)
Mr. Landau has done a brilliant job of assembling his material. It is rare to find a 'coffee table' book and a readable book all in one. It also is a perfect gift.

The President's Table is a book for the ages. It should be in every library and university for all those with an interest in American history and the Presidency. I've ordered 50 copies for all my friends for Christmas. It is both historical and beautifully illustrated with magnificent color images of all those unbelievably elegant Presidential menus. I never knew the President's menus were so luxuriously presented. I've always loved American history, and particularly the Presidency; this wonderful new book presents both against the intriquing worlds of American politics and international diplomacy. Mr. Landau presents his text from such an entirely new perspective, and makes it great fun to read. He uses the menus to move the story along, and does so deftly as an artist applying his brush to the canvas. BRAVO! It's a cross between The New Republic and National Geographic.

Barry Landau's wonderful book deserves special attention as it covers an area, for the most part, largely ignored by historians. In addition to broad general appeal, this book will particularly interest history buffs, gourmands, socialites, collectors, and scholars. History is most truly enjoyed through the tangible items that provide us a connection to our past, as well as, the stories that make those from the past come alive and more human. Landau has masterfully connected the two elements and created a wonderful saga that threads its way through our country's major events, all through a unique lens. A tremendously enjoyable and elaborate presentation of American material culture interspersed with the historic stories of dining, grand celebrations, and the subtle nuances of diplomacy and politics --- often as major events unfolded over food and drink. Not only is it beautifully presented but the material, fondly collected over 40 years, is a resource and collection of the first order. It is lavishly illustrated and thoughtfully organized with succinct yet insightful descriptions of each administration. He knows his subject. Further, the author's credentials could not be more relevant. Barry Landau has had the unique opportunity to participate on the stage of which he writes. His mother, lovingly acknowledged in the book for sparking his lifelong interest and thus this book, would be proud. I am told he is now working on a second volume. Let's hope it is an equally engaging companion to this one, and that he doesn't wait long!

A history book both interesting and fun. If you are at all intrigued by American history, this is delicious, little sidelight, a small but richly entertaining detail of the American tapestry.White House entertaining, presidential menus and invitations from Washington to Bush from a man who has been to WhiteHouse dinners. And very nonpolitical: in this election season ,it offers a relief from difficult and confusing campaign rhetoric but still emerses one in the lighter side of world in Washington.I really enjoyed it.

I've read this novel about 3 times already, once you start, you can't wait till it's over. Joan is a genious. Excellent novel.

When I read the back of this book I wasn't sure I even wanted to read it. I wasn't to thrilled with the idea of reading about five actresses who were fighting over the same job, but it was the only book I could get my hands on at the time. My desire to read won.

I can even begin to tell you how glad I am I read this novel. It had my interest from the beginning. I was amazed at how well developed all of the characters were as well as how different. I found myself choosing sides with the different actresses and rooting for a winner. I would have missed out on a great book had I decided not to pick this one up after all.

Corruption, Lust, Sex, Betrayal . . . This book has it all.
The story of five acresses & their struggle for one star part. Joan Collins' novel is a glimpse at the lives of ambitious young women and their hunger for success.
Set against a background of great wealth, luxurious homes, yachts etc.
An enjoyable book. A non-stop page-turner.

Joan Collins can put novelist to her resume now with this page-turner of the rich and rotten. Her brochette of characters are a likable bunch, as they suffer and suffer during the making of a nightime soap opera. And bubbles sure do float in this glossy, effective novel. Collins's prose is sharp, witty and wicked, with a fast-moving plot and glamorous descriptions of clothing, sexual escapades, champagne and caviar parties--all the right ingredients for making PRIME TIME a one sitting read. Yes, glitter is her game, but can you really expect anything else from the queen of television's melodrama herself ?-----Martin Boucher

Robin Jarvis continues his Wyrd Museum Trilogy with fantastic style. Starting at the moment the first book left off Neil Chapmen is again needed to help the Webster sisters. First Neil finds an old Raven in the Seperate Collection then finds himself on the road to Glastonbury on the tail of Veronica Webster the youngest of the sisters. An ancient force has returned to overthrough the Webster Sisters.
This story is much darker than the first and delves more into the past of the webster sisters and what the Wyrd museum is really for. Leaving you on a cliffhanger at the end, this one will have you clawing for the concluding book.

Possibly the best in the trilogy. The Raven's Knot is powerful, moving and terrifying. The horrifying valkyries are some of the most chilling villains Robin Jarvis has come up with and the confused Reverend Galloway, tricked by Odin into believing he is doing the Lord's work by supporting the pagan god and his demon henchmen, is both sympathetic and loathsome at the same time.
The most interesting aspect of this book is the religious subtext. You can't help but wonder what Robin Jarvis's religious beliefs are after reading this- it has some fascinating material about angels and faith in general.
The conclusion is both thrilling and moving and I would not like to spoil anyone's experience by giving anything away so I'll just say it has a truly satisfying end.

After reading the excellent "Woven Path," the first volume of this trilogy, I was eager to read the second. Wasn't disappointed. Can't wait for the third volume.

Neil and the Sisters Wyrd (sorry, Weird--uh, their name is Webster) -- also known as the Three Fates -- return in this story. Neil returns from London (previous book) bringing a young woman named Edie with him. But Edie is not just another female sidekick -- she is a vital asset to the Sisters, who want her to further their work.

But the Sisters have a powerful enemy -- Woden. He is planning to disrupt them by pulling Edie and the youngest Sister, Miss Veronica, through the bizarre time warp. Neil transports through time and space to find his friends. And if he can't, the world will disintegrate with the Cloth of Time.

This book is a worthy follow-up to Woven Path. It does suffer from the problematic "we don't know what's going on because it doesn't stand alone" syndrome, in which you won't understand most of the references and best points if you haven't read the first book. That is not to say that you won't understand anything, but best to read Book 1.

Neil has grown a bit from the boy we saw griping to his dad in the backseat. The responsibilities that are heaped on him have matured him in mind, and he acts more like an adult in this book. The Sisters are more awe-inspiring throughout, as we know what they are for the whole book, but they are still weird and quirky. Edie is excellent!

The writing style is descriptive when it needs to be, a good balance between wordiness and fast action. Fantasy is well-styled and intriguing...

A must-read story! Can't wait for book three...

This book was enthralling and to one new to Robin Jarvis, the quality of his writing is astounding, this book is a must for anyone who enjoys something a little quirky, I loved it almost as much as his series "The Deptford Mice". I have not yet read the first book and i am currently looking for it because of the excellent quality. Robin Jarvis is such an acomplished author that i feel that anything that he has written is automatically worth reading. The plot and sub-plots are clear, and the characters and ideas used are enough to draw you in immediately. Definately the kind of book I just coun't put down for more than a minute. I recomend this book and hope that many people out there will consider buying it.