J Books

Nice, solid mystery for kids, with lots of action, and a couple of great nod-nod-wink-wink bits that readers will love!

I read this book after Mr. Hale spoke at our library last year. Even if you don't like soccer, you'll still love Red Card. It has action and adventure, and it's a really good mystery. I didn't figure it out until the end...

My wife and I always check out the books we give our boys (ages 8 and 10). We grew up on the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, and we loved the pleasure those books brought us. Until recently, we'd been unable to find anything new on the market in the way of great mystery/adventure fiction. You know what I mean - pure, unadulterated, fast-paced fun. There are a lot of books out there about kids with "issues", which is fine - they're certainly needed. But if alot of the kids today are anything like my wife and I were when we were young, then there's a need for a modern Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew.

We'd all but given up on finding anything like that, until I noticed a teaser on an uncle/nephew mystery writing team in last week's Apple eNews email from Apple Computer. I checked out the full story on Daniel J. Hale and Matthew LaBrot on Apple.com's Pro site. I was intrigued. I ordered both books in the Zeke Armstrong series. I read both Red Card and Green Streak in a single day (when I should have been making sales calls). They blew me away. They took me back to my youth. I gave the books to my wife. She stayed up until 3 AM reading them. They blew her away. They took her back to her youth. We gave them to our boys. They devoured them. For the past two days, all they've been able to talk about is Zeke and Pow Wow, Zeke and Pow Wow, Zeke and Pow Wow. My wife and I have never seen them so excited about books.

At last! In Zeke Armstrong, we have a worthy successor to the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Thanks to Apple Computer for bringing him to our attention.

Okay, I got into the Zeke Armstrong Mystery series backward. I read Green Streak first. I loved it. My ten year old son loved it. I ordered Red Card and received it yesterday morning. Like with Green Streak, once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I had it finished by the time my son came home from school. He picked it up and kept reading until HE finished it. We both understand why this book won the Agatha Award, and we expect Green Streak to win even more awards. Daniel J. Hale and Matthew LaBrot have definitely got something going with the Zeke Armstrong Mystery series.

Mr. Hale came to our school to tell us about this book. I reccomend it to anybody who likes mysteries. I don't really like soccer, but I still give this book two thumbs up

A very entertaining book.

Growing up, everyone has lessons to learn. As we get older, we start to see that our parents are human beings--men and women--not just dad and mom. Thirteen-year-old Ruby Tuesday Sweet's awakening begins with the wedding of her older brother.

Sports have always been an important part of the Sweet household. Ruby Tuesday's dad, Hollis, is absolutely obsessed with the scores of the game--any game. Little does Ruby Tuesday realize that the reason Hollis is so concerned is not a simple love of competition, but a love of income: the Sweet family income. But during her brother's wedding celebration, a series of events gets the ball of awakening rolling for Ruby Tuesday and, suddenly, she is on the road with her rarely-present mother, Darlene, to hide out in Vegas with Hollis's crotchety old mother, Nana Sue. With her eyes opened wide by these two outspoken, independent women, Ruby Tuesday learns more about life--particularly her own--than she ever knew existed.

Kogler brings excitement and realism to Ruby Tuesday without crossing the line for adolescent readers. There is a lot of gambling slang used throughout the book, and readers may be rather confused by this language, just like their new friend Ruby Tuesday. But Kogler includes a glossary at the back of the book, and this will help readers decipher the "code" of the bookie-gambler world.

Fun and excitement, along with some rough awakenings for the naive-but-feisty heroine, make RUBY TUESDAY a coming-of-age eye-opener for both tweens and teens.

Reviewed by: Mechele R. Dillard

Ruby Tuesday Sweet's family has always been a little different from her classmates' families, but she never knew exactly how different. She had only a vague idea of what her father did, but now things are becoming a lot clearer. Ruby Tuesday has always known that her "Uncle" Larry, mother, grandmother, and father weren't like other people, sure, but now she knows that they're more than eccentric; they've been involved in some shady business, and now her father is in trouble following Larry's murder.

Ruby Tuesday and her mother, Daphne, skip town for a little bit until things blow over. Where do they go? To visit Ruby's grandmother, who lives with her pet iguana, 21, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Apparently, a lot of the secrets in Ruby's family go back to Las Vegas--and gambling. It's legal to gamble in Las Vegas, but Ruby's father and Larry were involved in that same business in California. Now, it's gotten them all into some hot water.

Ruby is just one of many fascinating, unusual, and well-written characters in a great novel by debut novelist Jennifer Anne Kogler. I also believe this is the first YA novel I've read taking place in Las Vegas, and that setting gives a lot to this book. Jennifer Anne Kogler has put captivating people in an enthralling location and written a funny, entertaining, original, and absorbing novel about them. It's a page-turner!

Reviewed by Jocelyn Pearce
12/20/2006

4.5-BOOKS on WUAT = 5-STARS on Amazon

Ruby Tuesday is one of those rare books that successfully voices the weirdnesses, funninesses, sadnesses, and revelations of moving from a kid world to an adult one, while managing to throw an iguana-filled Vegas adventure into the bargain. Like Roald Dahl, Jennifer Anne Kogler infuses an alternatively dark and touching humor into her novel that catches hold of both adults and kids- although Kogler's protagonist, being a bit older, speaks more to adolescent confusion than childhood rebellion.

Unlike the worlds of Harry Potter or Lemony Snickett, recent hits that also transcend the kid category, the world of Ruby Tuesday, although decidely wacky, is refreshingly and very recognizably the real world. Although Vegas glitz, grimy casino backrooms, and mafia hitmen aren't exactly part of the normal tween experience, the gritty reality of realizing that parents don't always do or say the right thing, and that sometimes it's the kid that needs to forgive, is. The best parts of the novel plunge you, right along with Ruby, into the dicey contradictions of adult relationships and the tension between doing the right thing for the wrong reasons or the wrong thing for the right ones.

And as anyone who has read the book will tell you, we're all excited to see what Ruby will do next....

Insightful, hilarious, creative... Ruby Tuesday is impossible to place into a single genre. Its also impossible to put down. Though its hero is a 13 year old girl, her context is decidely unique. A bookie father, a rock-and-roll mother, an iguana-toting grandmother, and an adventure in Las Vegas a normal adolescence does not make. With Janet Evanovich-esque humor, its hard to believe that Miss Kogler pulls off a drama amidst her comedy. I was particularly impressed by how real her characters were even in an atmosphere few of us can relate to. A great adventure, its like Finding Nemo - appeals to all ages, with smart humor and lots of heart.

I just finished reading Science of Survival, cover to cover and really got my wits around it's content. I had some familiarity with it over the last thirty years (being a student of both Dianetics and Scientology) but I never really grasped it the way I did this time.
I've noticed that some people have an almost magical quality to make things happen, while others, no matter how well founded the intent or how great the intellect, seem to struggle. This book not only addresses this issue but also provides insight into what is behind this and what can be done to improve one's journey through life, especially in dealing with both the good and the bad intentioned individuals that we all can come across.
Give it a shot. I hope you get as much out of it as I did.
By the way, after reading it I suggest you listen to the Science of Survival lectures that were delivered by Mr. Hubbard. They further strengthen the understanding of the material.

Ever wonder why people do the things they do? Or say the thing they say? Did you ever go into partnership with someone only to find out that they were unable to fill their end of the bargain? Would you like to learn how to predict someone's likelihood for success? How about honesty, responsibly, productivity, or even state of health? This book contains the information and technique necessary to answer this question accurately, without guessing.
It also has all the information and techniques necessary to increase anyone's potential and quality of life.
It is important to note that this is book #2 after "Dianetics" - The Modern Science of Mental Health. Although after reading both books I think one can jump right into this one. It is also important to note that this reads like a manual. If you are looking for something entertaining, there are better choices out there, but if what you are looking for are answers to life's basic questions and workable technology on improving one's existence than this is a must!

This book is your guide thru life. This book for me taught me more about people and how to recognize my friends from my enemies. And that is INVALUEABLE. I can't place enough praise upon this book.

Buy it, read it, USE it! It will be a life saver, a time saver and enlighten you in ways you can't imagine. Without this data I would not be the success I am today.

Until the "Power Vs Force" series from Dr. David R Hawkins this was my favorite book of all time. Prior to this book I envisioned science and religion as diametrically opposed with "irreconcilable differences". This book actually moved me off the atheist viewpoint by logically illustrating that spirituality can exist and the most obvious and demonstrable place to "prove" this to oneself is by observing one's fellow man.

I'm a very visual person and to have a scale to plot out various areas of human behavior in order to predict behavior in other areas is extremely appealing, whether or not it's true - the idea simply rocks! This book is spot on and 100% accurate. I have seen it demonstrated as true time and time again even when I was blinding myself because of emotional attachment to people and situations - the information contained in this book, if followed, will definately prevent much heartache and upset!!

This author, whether devil or saint; maligned or benefactor, has the observational geniuse of Galileo, et al. To be able to observe life and the very things that all of us are exposed to for our entire sentient lives and then be able to make sense of things with utter clarity leaves me in awe. How many times have people observed an apple falling and it took Newton to actually make sense of things or Galileo timing pendulum swings with his pulse when all I would see is a swinging chandelier - that is the type of clarity of vision that this book brings to interpersonal relationships.

After this book I started to rethink my studies in theology, philosophy, psychology, etc. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts!! Very uplifting and revealing - you'll definately leave this work less confused and with clarity instead of with a furrowed brow.

This is a great way to predict how someone will behave. It's a must when looking to hire someone or start a relationship of any kind. There is an easy to understand chart of human behavior that makes this so easy to apply to real life situations!

If you love cats, and you love the Web, this book is for you! Innovative, creative and funny! Take time to look over all the Web sites in the book -- there's lots of great material (and great cat photos too!).

In a format that reminds me of the old Mad magazines, Jon Mathis and Mary Shomon have compiled a book of web sites for cats called "Scratching the 'Net" that would make a great gift for anyone who loves both computers and cats. My favorite site was for Ross Purr-oh, who is apparently still running for president (backed by United We Purr, of course!). Shaper Claw has several pages of its on-line catalog, featuring items such as the Spray-Away Robot, for those times when the cat just can't be there to protect its territory.

From the web sites to the tool bar (including such buttons as Back to Sleep, Open One Eye, and Find Toys), this book is definitely a cat's eye view of the Internet.

I give it 5 purrs and a good lick!

Best book to receive for Christmas: light, smart and fun to read! Pokes fun at humans without offending cats; G-rated for the whole family and cat-lovers from 2 to 82. I'll never again sit at my computer without wondering what my cat Tiger has been up to overnight.

This may become your favorite "coffee table" book, as it is not one to read once and put away. You'll find yourself coming back again and again to pore through this devilishly delightful spoof of web pages for cats. Just spend a few minutes absorbing "Deepcat Chowdown's 'The Seven Spiritual Laws of Laziness' " and if you aren't chuckling with delight, you have no sense of humor at all. Every page is designed to tickle and titillate, with outstanding success.

I don't like cats. Never did. I'm a dog person, but reading this funny book (someone gave it to me), made me laugh out loud. I hope the authors come up with something as great for dog lovers! It was a perfect break from the ever so serious world of the net.

I adore well written horror and it is so rare to come by, I absolutely loved this book. It is not easy to creep me out, this book creeped me out good. There are not a lot of scary scenes in Shadow Child, the story is so solid it didn't need a ton of horror filler. After finishing the book I searched on the stone caves in New England, I don't think I could go near one after reading this book.

short and sweet review ...which I wish everyone would do .

This book is as good as the early Stephen King novels ( when he was king of horror ) .
Don't read this book before going to sleep ....alone . Yes, it's good .

All of Joseph Citro's books are good, but this may be his best. From the first paragraph to the last word I could not put this book down.

Shadow Child is a bone chilling horror mystery based on true events. Joseph A. Citro tells the story of a family in a small town in Vermont haunted by a secret civilization. After a long lost cousin returns everything starts going weird in town. All fingers point to (the cousin) Eric. But who knows? Joseph makes this book so interesting because he includes real newspaper clippings to support his events in the story. He also utilizes foreshadowing. So by the time a third of the book is complete you won't be able to put it down until you are completely finished. You want to know what is going to happen to the family. I would recomend this book to everyone.

Honestly, I had never heard of Joseph Citro, until I stumbled upon a link on Amazon that led me to read about his works. I ordered two books, Shadow Child & Guardian Angels, and was very pleased with both. Shadow Child follows the travails of the Whitcome family, i.e. Clint, Pamela & Luke together with Pam's cousin, Eric Nolan through a New England winter. The Whitcome's house is in a mountainous region in Vermont and its inhabitants are menaced by an ancient race of 'wee folk' called the Gentry...not to give too much away, the storyline is gripping, and the horror is insidious and altogether terrifying. It is a well-told horror story, both atmospheric and frightening...one gets the chills reading about the horrific acts committed by the evil beings, and feels a sense of dread at the menace posed to the family in this story. Citro is a great storyteller, and I think his works are underrated and deserving of a wider audience...his works rank alongside those of Saul's and even King's. I can't wait to read his other works, and only wish he would be more prolific in writing horror fiction.

Uplifting. Inspiring. Passionate. True. Reading SIZZLE for escape I found Mary Cavanaugh had personal and work things going on like me. It sounds so true. Why aren't there more writers like C.J.Beck out there today? Those over-hyped bestsellers I see all the time on Amazon seem a safe bet but I always go away feeling empty. Like eating Chinese food. This one stays by the bedside for midnight snacks.

"Sizzle has everything a connoisseur of fabulous ficition seeks. Compelling characters taking the reader on loads of adventure evoking tears and laughter simultaneously, an exquisite command of the English langauge and excellent use of details. Summer reading hasn't had it this good in quite some time." - Antoinette Walters review in Hi-Riser,Sun Sentinel Group, a Tribune newspaper. Couldn't agree more!

Sizzle surprises at several levels. It's a keeper that will be on my birthday mailing list since I know it won't disappoint. Border's has lots of copies.

I saw a display in Palm Beach and then later in Fort Lauderdale where apparently the author lives. Missed the signing unfortunately. Looking forward to the next one. Great Value!

How could Amazon let this sell out? It's such a great read for all burgeoning writers. Mary's the little lady who could. A protected spouse who blossoms and blooms in her late twenties to take on Madison Avenue, Hollywood and Washington D.C. by storm as to the manner born. C'mon Amazon. Follow Mary's lead!

This is a fine book which will help me in my studies of forensic analysis.

Once again, Mr. Fisher has kept us updated with the ever changing world of forensic science and the techniques of crime scene investigation, in this seventh edition. The book encompasses current information in an intelligent and organized manner with the methodology to address, not only the elements of the investigation but also the interaction of the personnel involved.
This in depth text should be on every forensic investigator's bookshelf.

It is a great book that is truly pertinent to the topic it relates to and doesn't go off on a tangent. If you are looking for a book that is related to crime scene techniques then this is a book for you.

Fisher provides the absolute, hands-down best text out there for basic crime scene work. This is the one that is in everyone's bookshelf - we even keep all our old editions! When I began working in crime scene investigations, this was my 'go-to' reference, and several years later, I still read through it every once in a while to keep fresh. I teach part time, and this was the book my co-instructor and I suggested that we use for our basic and advanced crime scene classes - thank goodness it's our new text! I can't wait to share Fisher with our students. Invaluable book.

For all of those who are interested in either becoming Crime Scene Investigators, or increasing their knowledge THIS is the ULTIMATE book to get. It's the leading textbook, handbook, bible, guide, whatever word you wish to use and the author "Barry Fisher" has a way with words that leaves you with no doubt about his knowledge and experience. It's one of those books that I couldn't put down and can learn from and remember what I'm reading. An EXCELLENT study guide.

This book, if read carefully, will change the way that you look at the world. It is powerful and insightful.

Excellent and superb are words that come to mind while reviewing this work. The authors, Drs. Humberto R. Maturana (biologist, University of Chile) and Francisco J. Varela (Foundation de France Professor of Cognitive Sciences and Epistemology, Paris) attempted and succeeded in providing a clear and concise work in a difficult field. Their goal was to "propose a way of seeing cognition not as a representation of the world 'out there,' but rather as an ongoing bringing forth of a world through the process of living itself."

Knowing how we know, or how we perceive is the subject of this intriguing work. In writing on this subject, the authors present a refreshing and new approach to cognition-one which has dramatic cultural, social and ethical ramifications.

The work, originally published in 1987 and re-released in 1992 as a revised edition, is attractive, colorful and well-illustrated. Unlike many books, whose pictures, graphs and figures merely fill space, each illustration performs a beneficial and needed service. In ten chapters, the reader is led slowly through the concepts and disciplines of perception, classification, heredity, biology, psychology, sociology and philosophy.

Since its initial publication, The Tree of Knowledge has received favorable attention from the public, has been out of stock in most bookstores and has been used as an undergraduate text at the University of California. While stimulating the imagination of readers it has, however, not received the scholarly acclaim it richly deserves.

Dr. Carl Edwin Lindgren, DEd
Former Member of the Royal Institution of Great Britain

However Amazon writes "by Humberto Maturana" we cannot forget the other writer (Francisco Varela) dead about three years.

Both come from the research started by Stafford Beer in Chile and they are not alone: People as Terry Winograd or Fernando Flores are in the same package and all of them give powerful reasons against the so-called GOFAI (Good-Old-Fashioned-Artificial-Intelligence).

Maturana and Varela are not the first but, for sure, they are among the brightest.

Amazing piece of work. Very slow reading... meaty. Well written. This should be the primer for every field of study in every country. We are first and foremost biological organisms. We live in language like fish in a fish bowl. Fish can't distinguish water. It defines them. Same with language with human beings... we are defined by our listening and speaking and don't have a clue.

The illustrations are the best... I think it is one of the most important books of our time.

I came to this book years ago through, of all things, a two-year course in business and sales, for which it was required reading along with "Computers and Cognition", another eye-opener; the latter anticipated the current transactional nature of the Internet. You might ask how a work as theoretical and speculative as "Tree of Knowledge" could be part of a pragmatic and hardnosed business course, and that is one key to its attraction for me: as intellectually intriguing as the ideas and assertions in this book are, even more engaging is how they might actually change the way we act in the world.

The authors drill down to molecular biology and then carefully build upward their premise that we construct the worlds we live in out of language. Each of us exists inside a story we tell ourselves about the way the world is, and we are completely contained within that story. In that sense, we interact with other people through the way our stories talk to their stories. And the success of our relationships and the effectiveness with which we act in our world is dependent on how well we can recognize the stories of others and understand the nature of our own story.

This is good news, once we recognize it, because we are a narrative species. On my way to work in the morning, I am telling myself a story about the way I want my day to go: what I expect, what I want to accomplish, how I will confront the challenges along the way. The story I tell myself about my life has heroes and villains, goals and challenges, grand themes and petty foibles. The more we understand the grand, rich, complex stories those around us are telling themselves, the more we can overcome misunderstandings, conflicts and cultural dissonance - the more, in a sense, we can constuct a meta-story that serves us all as human beings.

This is not a quick and simple read, but it is so logically and carefully laid out that I never felt lost along the journey. It is a wonderful book to read in tandem with a friend, or as part of a book club. The discussion and the "aha!" experiences it prompts make for a lively exploration of its ideas. Part of the joy of "Tree of Knowledge" is its potential for promoting tolerance of those different from us, through recognition of what drives their story rather than through compromising our own values.

"ladylucero", in her review, noted that "Tree of Knowledge" is required reading in some American universities. I read that in the authors' native Chile it is even taught in high schools. This, I believe, is good news: the earlier in life we recognize how our individual stories drive our hopes and expectations, our fears and disappointments, the more capable we will be of living well with our fellow human beings.

I enjoyed reading Margaret Wheatley's book, "Turning to One Another: Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future". This book is easy to read, applicable and possibly life-changing.

Read this book with a group of your friends, or neighbors, or with a group of the willing. The opening premise simply states: "I believe we can change the world, if we start listening to one another again. Simple, truthful conversation where we each have a chance to speak, we each feel heard and we each listen well." The book encourages us to actually listen to each other, to different perspectives, to our own perspective, with the aim that we are better off when we have genuine connections with others. One of the best parts of the book is "A Prayer for Children" by Ina. J. Hughes; the poem is poignant, humorous and intriguing.

So simple, and yet such a fresh way of looking at life, leadership, community and conversation. I learned a ton from this book, very helpful in specific situations I am involved in. It teaches me how to become an ever better listener.

Margaret has created such a powerful book on conversation, learning, and change. I can not imagine a more powerful book telling stories that can transform how we work, play, and learn together. This is a life changing read and one that I highly recommend. And even more importantly, in such a turbulent time, keeping in conversation with others may be the only thing that helps us hold this world together. Therefore, do not only read the book, but put into action conversations that can change the world.

Margaret Wheatley's Turning to One Another: Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future is one of the most important books I've read.

It is based on the incredibly simple premise that growth, real growth begins with two people having a conversation.

Part 1 discusses a range of subjects: Wheatley's views on conversation and listening, including the importance of staying with conversations that sometimes get "messy" to reveal deeper truths and commonalities; her belief in the importance of being surprised and even shocked by the person(s) with whom she converses, versus seeking people who agree with her, affirm her thoughts, or where the conversation follows either a predictable course, or safe outcomes; the belief that differences between people can lead to deeper commonalities and greater closeness.

Quite frankly, there are simply too many gems of wisdom and insight in this book to do more than recall a handful that particularly struck me.

Part 2 is very short, restating some fundamental principles or concepts explained in greater detail in Part 1.

Part 3 is a list and explanation of 10 possible conversation openers.

This is not per se a "how to" book, as if there is "one way" either to converse, listen or relate to another person. Quite the opposite. She talks, for example, of the reality that various people can have a seemingly unlimited number of interpretations and reactions to a given event to stress (implied) that what matters is the process, the act of conversing and relating.

Wheatley's book is about possibilities, the possibilities that everyone possesses in terms of relating to one another, personal growth, healing oneself and restoring hope in the future, compared to the fragmentation, isolation, pressures of day-to-day life, the impersonality of technology, etc.

It is an exciting book to read, a book that virtually anyone can benefit from no matter where they are in their lives. It is, fundamentally, a gift that those of us fortunate to read this book should be grateful Margaret Wheatley wanted to share.

A continuation of her excellent first novel and just as good. Along with all of the romance and relationship angst and suspense and a well relayed tactile sense for her setting (I would actually get cold at times while reading from her description of the environment) the thing I liked most about this novel was the presentation of an empathetic, funny, real, genuinely helpful shrink, if only they could all be as intelligent and insightful.

Under the Gun is a great book! Gun Shy left us all wanting more of these great characters and this sequel delivers! The plot is good through out and this book is a true page turner.
The love, humor, devotion, sex, and who could forget the COLD weather are all here in this exciting book! I can't wait to read Have Gun Will Travel. I hope Lori Lake keeps the Gun series going...it is an enjoyable, easy read!

Back to tantalize readers, Dez and Jay come full force to deal with new relationship issues both at work and at home. Not only do they find themselves separated at work and mixed up in a murder investigation with a pair of questionable detectives, they also find themselves dealing with emotional issues associated with their new relationship.

Dez has problems dealing with concerns related to Jay and her late partner. As a result, she is temporarily suspended from the force and required to see a psychiatrist. She makes herself scarce and seemingly runs away from Jay as a result. Jay spends a lot of time doing grunt work in a murder investigation until she proves her worth to the two detectives leading the charge. She also spends a lot of time reaching out to her partner in hopes the older woman will finally acquiesce.

It's amazing the ways both protagonists mature emotionally and learn to be true partners as the story progresses. A must read for anyone who enjoyed `Gun Shy,' `Under the Gun' is the continuation of a truly satisfying love story between two women who defy the odds.

In the second gripping police drama in Lori L. Lake's Gun series, "Under the Gun" delightfully picks up where "Gun Shy" left off and sets the stage for the third novel, "Have Gun We'll Travel." Once you make the acquaintance of Officer Desiree (Dez) Reilly and her partner and lover Rookie Officer Jaylynn (Jay) Savage, you won't be able to get enough of this dynamic duo. The two cops are as different as night and day in appearance and personality. Always the macho cop, Dez, affectionately referred to as "tall, dark, and dangerous," maintains a tough impenetrable shell and demeanor to hide her fears. "[Jaylynn] liked the fact that there was a defensive fortress around her taciturn partner, but that the tall cop had let her find the few chinks in the armor so that she had free access to come and go as she pleased" (p. 378). Dez contains her emotions until the breaking point, while Jay is not embarrassed or afraid to show her feelings. "It occurred to [Dez] that one major thing she liked about Jaylynn was how alive she was. She took on life with zest, whether she was investigating a crime, talking on the phone, eating something tasty, making love, or crying at a sad movie" (p. 271).

"Under the Gun" begins with Dez seemingly happy and hopelessly in love with Jay, the vivacious, light-haired bundle of energy, but at the same time, she is petrified of losing her, which is making her miserable. Jay is proving to be an excellent officer, but her impulsive streak has Dez worried, since Jay repeatedly ends up in harm's way. It's understandable that the introspective Dez, who withdraws and equates letting her guard down with being weak, is afraid of losing the one person who understands her, tolerates her moodiness, and who adds meaning, love, and joy to her life. Lake explores their evolving relationship with rich detail while Dez goes through the biggest transformation of all.

Dez is so adept at concealing her inner turmoil that even she is not aware she's doing it. Having suffered serious traumatic events in her life including the loss of her beloved father, also a police officer, and her partner and close friend Officer Ryan Michaelson, Dez snaps and ends up suspended with her only alternatives being to see psychiatrist Marie Montague, or be kicked off the force. Reluctantly, the skeptical secretive Dez works with Marie. Can Marie save Dez from self-destructing, and going to a very lonely and isolated place where she denies her heart's desire for fear of loss and rejection? Will the astute psychiatrist help Dez learn to bridge the gap in all of her severed relationships, including the ones with her mother Collette and her brother Patrick?

Can Marie help Dez believe Luella, Dez's landlady and chief nurturer, who tells her, "You can't hold onto someone so tight that you choke the life out of them" [p. 280]. Luella tries to convince Dez that loving and losing someone is painful, but avoiding love to avoid pain is not the answer. She also tells her surrogate daughter, "You are a strong person, Desiree Reilly, and you deserve to love and be loved. But you have to make a choice to take the chance" [p. 280].

Lori L. Lake's completely satisfying action/romance novel will engage a full range of emotions that will leave the reader wanting more. No stone is left unturned as all the loose ends are tied up. The psychological journey of the characters' growth and development, particularly Dez's, is just as intriguing as the crime drama, murder investigation, and police work. Every character, no matter how small their role, has a place and reason for being in the story. Lake does not rush through her narrative, but with the perfect pace, 490 pages go by in a blink.

I recommend "Under the Gun" for the strong characterization, loveable characters, and absorbing plot. Anyone who enjoys a realistic look at police procedurals, romance, and psychological drama, will love following the story of Dez and Jay. Lake paints a vivid picture that allows the reader to jump into the story and become a part of Dez's world. It is not surprising that the sequel, "Have Gun We'll Travel," is a finalist for a Golden Crown Literary Society 2006 Goldie Award. "Under the Gun" is a page-turner; read it and you will see what I mean.

This novel picks up right where Gun Shy left strong veteran cop Dez and her rookie partner (both on and off the job) Jaylynn. Their happiness is clouded by events that force Dez to deal with pent-up stress, emotional baggage and the everlasting question of whether loving and losing is better than never having loved at all.

Since the two main characters are policewomen, there is certainly a fair amount of action and police procedure in this book, but foremost the book delves deeply into concepts of strength and weakness, physical as well as emotional.

I liked this book a lot. You really get to know and feel for the characters. Especially fascinating was Dez's struggle to handle her emotional problems, when so much of the character's self-image seems built on her being the strong, stoic hero coping alone with issues big and small. The way Jaylynn deals with her partner's inner turmoil is also nicely depicted, with a realistic portrayal of her sometimes understanding and at other times, like a lot of their surrounding characters, fooled by the strong self-sufficient appearance of her partner.

I strongly recommend this book. Read Gun Shy first though since it's just as good! Also, if you like this one, try some of Radclyffe's books which are similar, but different. Radclyffe's are often similar story-wise with a lot of focus on strong women, but less fleshy character depiction and more fleshy love scenes. Really good reads the lot of them.