Nova Books

Carl Sagan's love for science and for rational thought, expressed in this work and in many others is downright infectious. Critical thinking is one of mankind's greatest assets and this work should be required reading for every English speaking person who wants to understand the world not as an unconnected series of mystical events, but rather as a part of an understandable, rational universe.

Carl Sagan will most surely go down as one of the most poetic, and prolific, science popularizers of all time. This book, the last of his published before his death, is a brilliant enconium to science, and warning against pseudoscience.

The book can be divided into three seperate "sections": the first part of the book focuses on exploring all types of pseudoscience and showing how its proclomations are sloppy when compared with the scientific method. the second section focuses more on explaining how science works, and how we can use its method in our everyday lives. The third section is a warning against the "anti-intellectual" trend in schools, and cautions us to teach students from an early age the virtue of asking questions, being skeptical, and being innovative.

If the first "section" of the book - that debunking pseudoscience - had been written in the past five years, it most surely would have concentrated on psychics and clairvoyants. This pseudoscience has witnessed a great popularity of late. As it was written in 1995/96, however, Sagan's focus is primarily on the then-in-vogue pseudoscience of UFO's and belief in extra-terrestrial existence. While this makes the book feel somewhat dated (as beilef in ET is far less prevalent today), Sagan does a GREAT job walking us through the sloppy thinking involved, and why ET is not a sceince.

Sagan's focus on debunking psueodscientific belief in ET is also an interesting choice because Sagan was somewhat of a sympathizer with belief in ET. He certainly thought it was possible, and spent a large part of his career advocating the search for life on other planets. He is not railing against belief in ET, but hasty belief in ET without good evidence.

The section "section" of the book consists of one of the best explanations of the scientific process and how sceince works that I have ever seen outside of the abstruse philosophy of science texts. This is where the real "money is made," and one criticism I have of the book is that, as strong as this section is, it may have made more sense to put this section first and the excoriation of pseudoscience after.

Two chapters stand out from this section of the book. First, there is "The fine art of baloney detection," where Sagan lays down the "rules" of science - rules that, when followed, make it near impossible for bad "science" to make it through the steps of the scientific method. The second stand-out chapter is, "The marriage of skepticism and wonder," a philosophical reflection on the seeming conflict between sceintists' needs to be creative and accepting of new ideas, and scientists' need to stay conservative and skeptical. The best they can do, it seems, is to remind themselves of the necessity of both mindsets, so that if they find themselves favoring the one too much, they can quickly temper it. (Sagan does suggest, though, that a scientist is better off too skeptical than too gullible.)

Teh third "section," about the "anti-intellectual" trend in education and culture - is somewhat lackluster, probably because we have heard it so many times since 1996. It is hard to disagree with many of Sagan's conclusions, but as an astronomer, one does feel that Sagan steps far outside of his specialty. (I am a high school educator, and while I agree with many of Sagan's points, one cannot see some of them as completely unworkable. A science class relying exclsuively on lab experiments CAN lead to "hands on, minds off." I have seen it. One needs ot memorize facts in order to know waht to extract from labs.)

There are only a few criticisms I have of this book. First, as I mention earlier, the book may have done better by explaining what science is before excoriating things that are not sceince. Second, the book is quite meandering at times, and while Sagan may start a chapter talking about x, he often ends talking about z. This gets annoying over several hundred pages, and leads to an unfocused approach. Lastly, there are so many chapters dealing with the same or similar themes (many chapters on belief in UFO's, a few on belief in first-hand testimony), that the book suffers from a bit of redundancy at times.

Other than these, I whole-heartedly reccomend this book to anyone who wants to read a sparkling explanation of what science is, why it is important (albeit imperfect, like anything else), and why straying from it is always a risk.

Reading Sagan's book made me realize the loss I'd suffered in not exploring it sooner. When I was a fundamental Christian (for far too long), Sagan was called "Carl SATAN" in our churches and we were gleefully told from the pulpit how he's writhing in Hell right now. Of course, this is nonsense; may rest in peace while the treasure of reason he left endure the test of time.

When one actually reads the book, you find that Sagan has respect and understanding for religious beliefs...he simply lets the facts fall where they may and that makes fervent believers uneasy. One must ask himself why the truth would not be welcome in a belief system? Sagan, as the book title declares, merely uses sound thinking to illuminate ignorance, but he does not do it from a "high and mighty" viewpoint. Science has made mistakes as well, and he readily confesses this. But science improves with time while religion, and other mystic beliefs such as astrology, are hopelessly locked in the past.

The most liberating principle I take away from the read is that science, indeed, is not "God". It is a METHOD for determining truth and learning from the discovery process. He actually acknowledges how wonderful Heaven would be and that it may in fact exist...only that it's not provable and given observation, the odds of it are very low.

Sagan also touches upon other odd beliefs such as psychics, etc. as example of surrendering to illogical thought processes. This is a great tutorial on rational thinking and I strongly encourage everyone from teens on up to read it!

What is the biggest danger facing our society today? Here, Sagan presents a compelling argument that it is our failure to teach a proper appreciation for the scientific mindset, which combines a sense of curiosity and wonder with a strong dose of skepticism. Sagan attacks the credulity of our media in presenting a wide range of pseudo-sciences as having equal merit with the physical sciences, and argues that our schools are stripping our students of their love of learning and leaving them without the tools they need to properly evaluate problems they will face in life.

There is so much in this book that is interesting, but I found myself most drawn to Sagan's arguments that combination of curiosity and skepticism that define the mindset of a scientist are also important in maintaining a free society. Without these traits, people are likely to blindly follow any leader that tells them what they want to hear, surrendering freedoms along the way. It is only by carefully and skeptically evaluating what our leaders tell us that we can ensure that we protect ourselves from this trap.

This is a truly impressive book, one that should be read by everyone, especially those who don't appreciate the value of skepticism.

If you're already a hardened skeptic, skip this book. The book briefly touches on a number of topics that tend to suck in gullible people (e.g. aliens, crop circles), but is unlikely to provide any new material to anyone even minimally acquainted with the subjects.

Who is this book aimed at? As far as preaching to the choir, it's hopelessly boring and stale. Hoping to convert new people to the ideals of skepticism? Hardly. Even from that perspective, it's not terribly interesting or involving - there's no sense of great revelation here. Besides, are the people that *need* to be reading this book actually going to buy and read it? No.

This, the second in the Three Sister's Island trilogy is just as good as the first. Miss Roberts moves you right along with her wit. Once again I was sucked right into the story. Great little book.

This is a very charming book, the first in a trilogy. The heroine, Nell Channing, had to fake her own death to escape an abusive husband, but her trials aren't over yet. Landing on Three Sisters Island, she gradually finds friends, creates a career, meets the perfect man...but she has to deal with her past before she can enjoy her future. Along the way, she also finds out that she is an hereditary witch, and will play a part in averting a 300-year-old curse. I have read this book several times, and always loved it, but I have one small quibble...the silly rhymes used in witchcraft wouldn't convince a toddler, much less the powers of Air, Earth and Fire.

i just finished this book and i'm glad i picked it up. i haven't read a nora roberts book in some time.. as i can't really get into her j.d.robb series novels.. this book was fantastic.. the characters were well developed and i fell in love with zack.. sigh.. such a sweet, hunky man.. all the characters were pretty in depth. this was a pretty quick read for me, i just couldn't put the book down. and i loved the magic and witchraft.. i would love to visit sisters island!!

this book was very well written in that it pulled me in and i didn't want to come back to the real world.. esapism at its best! i can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy

I absolutely loved this book, and I can't wait to read the second in the trilogy. I loved the characters, the setting, everything! I have yet to read something by Nora Roberts that I dislike. Pick up one of her novels, you will not be disappointed.

Nell Channing is on the run! She has had to go so far as to fake her death to escape her abusive wealthy husband. When Nell lands on Three Sisters Island, she finds the place she feels at home. She finds a job at a café owned by Mia Devlin. The two hit it off and become fast friends. Mia is a witch. This is something she neither hides nor flaunts, but when it comes to light that Nell also possesses powers, Mia helps her develop them. While developing her gifts, Nell makes another friend of Ripley Todd, Zack's sister. Ripley is also a witch, but doesn't actively practice.

When the local sheriff, Zack Todd, meets Nell, he is determined to get closer to her. He plans to break thru all her barriers. While she likes Zack, she doesn't disclose her deception because she is afraid of being found. When her identity is revealed, her life is at risk. It will take the strength of the Three Sisters - Nell, Mia, and Ripley for her to survive.

I enjoyed this first installment of the Three Sisters. The practicing witches were a new aspect for me and interesting to read.

"Relic" is the first step on a fantastical and intellectually-stimulating literary journey that is the Agent Pendergrast series. Where else can you find bloodthirsty monsters and fiendish murderers on the same pages that discuss the finer points of Alkan's Grande Sonatine and Beethoven's String Quartets? You also get treated to an incomparable guided historical tour of Manhattan's Museum of Natural History, which is grounded in Mr. Preston's well-researched non-fiction book on the museum, "Dinosaurs in the Attic."

For lovers of horror stories with a well-developed story line and plenty of mystery, this is an excellent read. I especially like the author's vivid descriptions of gruesome details (the evacuated cranium of a victim) but also the elaborate intertwining of ancient history, modern science, and mysticism. I will never forget the images the author painted of police wading in the monster's lair, the sewers beneath the museum, and describing the strong odor of goat's breath as a harbinger of the monster's arrival on scene. I have bought this book as a gift for others because of its excellent story quality.

How Hollywood producers could mess up what is essentially an action-packed thrill ride of a novel and turn it into a mediocre horror film with Penelope Ann Miller is beyond me. One of the authors used to work at the Museum of Natural History in New York, and the readers are treated to an insider's view of the museum and what goes on during and after business hours. This book still stands as one of their absolute best novels (although Cabinet of Curiosites and Still Life with Crows come close).

A monster is loose in the Museum of Natural History and scientists and police are trying to figure out how to stop it before a huge exhibition opens. The book introduces my favorite fictional detective, Special Agent Pendergast (who reappears in many of their later novels). He is a decorated agent with a genius-level IQ and Sherlock Holmes would probably fare badly when pitted against him.

My buddy of mine turned me on to this book "Relic". Although at the time i wasnt a avid reader. Relic really pulled me in & by then i was hooked! It is a very entertaining read & would recommend this book to anyone. Just to let you guys know. Because of reading this book i am now an avid reader. I read all the Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child books without being disappointed!
Keep up the good work guys. Im waiting for the next!!

After the death of two museum visitors, the museum of Natural History calls in the Police, headed by truculent hard-nosed Lt. D'Agosta, also FBI Agent Pendergast, a quirky and unorthodox investigator from the south. What they discover? They believe a serial killer is on the loose- perhaps intending to derail the museum's new "Superstition" exhibit. What they don't know is something far more sinister lives in the basement of the museum. As the date of the exhibit nears, can the agents and a team of museum scientists get to the bottom of the museum murders before its too late?

I listened to the unabridged audio edition of Relic. The characters were well thought out, the monster interesting and the story exciting. I particularly liked D'Agosta and Dr. Frock. The monster itself was fascinating, and the museum was very cool as the background for this taunt story.

5 stars. Excellent.

This was the first Nora Roberts novel that I had ever read. Was looking for an Irish novel and picked this only. Of course it being a trilogy I purchased all three. I have been in love with this author ever since and I collect and have read so many of her novels. I would never think of parting with them. Jewels of the Sun, like all of Nora Roberts novels, is filled with adventure, love, mystery, mythology, and takes you right to the very end before figuring out the "who done it" so to speak. I would recommend this Trilogy and any or all of her books including her J.D. Robb series to any one and guarantee that the reader will get totally hooked on her novels.

Wonderful story about Fairies, , stubborn women and love. Set in Irland, it transports you to an Irish coastal town and take you off on quite a trip. I just loved it.

I had forgotten how lyrical Nora Robert's writings can be! The Irish countryside and its people were described in such vivid detail. I didn't mind the fantasy - it injected some Irish magic into this novel that's full of Irish charm! There was so much about Jude that reminded me of myself, and I loved accompanying her on her journey to find herself and reinvent her life. Who could resist a man like Aidan, and such lovely friends as Brenna and Darcy! I cannot wait to read their stories in the remaining books of the trilogy!

I think this might be my favorite Nora Roberts book. Oddly enough, I had read "Tears of the Moon" before I read this (I bought it in an airport not knowing it was part of a trilogy) and knowing the outcome did not detract from my enjoyment of this book at all. Jude and Aiden are sweet apart and together, and NR fully fleshes them out, and shows their growth as the story goes on.

Irish Trilogy - Book 1

This was not a good read for me. I guess I am one that definitely likes her more recent work because I couldn't force myself to get involved with this one. This was not very exciting, and the story was lacking depth.

Jude Murray runs from her life in America with a broken heard in tow, and heads to Ireland to study old tales and legends. She stays at her grandmothers' cottage, and likes it so much that she longs to become part of the community.

Aidan Gallagher runs the local pub with his family, but is not prepared for the impact meeting Jude will have on his life. Through magic and deep sorrow of a ghost, Jude and Aidan discover their new path in life together.

For those of you who keep giving this good reviews, and saying this is a heart-pounding thriller, your obviously reading Michael Crichton. This is more like a chore than entertainment. The characters aren't there, the description sucks, and the shark scenes are lame. At times it reads like a movie script for an awful made for t.v. movie, other times it reads like a fith grader wrote it. Descriptions like "pulvarized him into mincemeat" does not enthrall me. Neither does, "cornered and wounded the animal went berserk", or "terrified, they looked up as they were about the be crushed." And could he be any more less specific. He needs to write more than just, "he hit him." Not amusing. Its nice to see Jonas Taylor is a stronger character, yet still human, but now he's just a cardboard cutout, and his outbursts were not at all convincing. And I'm glad that Terry is more human yet still strong, and that her rebellious teenage girl attitude is gone, but again, just a cardboard cutout, and Alten tries too hard to make us feel sorry for her. Such a good idea, and Steve Alten doused it in oil and lit a match. Peter Benchley would turn over in his grave. For shame.

I am a "Jaws" fan! If you are, you gotta read this book! Steve Alten writes very specific, detailed accounts of shark attacks. He is describing an ancient relative of the great white shark, a megladon! It was a real nail biter, I could not put it down. I also recommend his other "Meg" books. I've read them all every horrifying word....

Maybe the heat is frying my brain, but after re-reading this book, I started liking it more. Look, it's not serious literature from Ian McEwan or Cormac McCarthy. It's simply a mindlessly fun summer read about a prehistoric shark who escapes from a California aquarium and feeds on whales, other sharks, and humans. The protagonists from 'Meg' are back with some new cardboard human villians who serve the purpose of making the shark look good. Throw in some long-presumed-dead marine reptiles who live in the Marianas Trench, and you've got a beach read.

I love this series, what else is there to say. I really enjoyed reading this book. I was always wanting to see what would happen on the next page right up to the very end. In my humble opinion, that is what makes for a great book.

Is no one else bothered by the fact that Steve Alten can't write? The man supposedly has a master's degree, but his prose indicates illiteracy. "The Trench" reads as if it were written by a middle schooler who stayed up late one night copying down every detail he could remember about every shark movie ever made...the really, really bad ones. Its predecessor, "Meg," had unbearably bad writing as well, but the plot at least was gripping enough to make me overlook this flaw. But this sequel lacks the sort of plot that kept me reading "Meg," even when the grammar was as irritating as fingernails on a chalkboard. The villain and his femme fatale sidekick are absolutely comical. Jonas Taylor, the protagonist, and his wife, Terry, are no longer sympathetic, just pathetic. I wanted them to be devoured this time around. And I kept hoping against hope that the shark scenes with Angel, the albino megalodon, would make up for the boring human characters. When they nicknamed her "The Angel of Death" early in the book, I admit I felt a chill of anticipation. But after a while the shark-eats-someone scenes just felt like a cry for attention. In summation, utterly redundant with deplorable prose. Skip it!

Another Wilbur Smith book you simply can't put down. From page one to the end he keeps you spellbound by his description of ancient Egypt and his skillful weaving of a love story full of romance and mystery. Wilbur Smith is a master of suspense and when you think you have figured out what will happen next, he will surprise you with a clever twist. I highly recommend this book which is the first of a series of three. I can't wait to read the next one.

This is one of my all-time favorite stories! The characters are so well written & the story is outstanding. The slave, Taita, who tells the story is an engaging character, and his devotion to Lostris, the daughter of his master, is heartwarming. The adventures these two have over their lifetimes are so much fun to read. There is also a lot of information about ancient Egyptian mythology, culture, etc. woven in so that you learn a lot while reading it. This is one I re-read a couple times a year and I never get tired of it - what a great movie it would make!

I read The Quest before I read River God. I thought the story of Taita & Lostris was captivating in Quest & I wanted to know the full story. Smith is an impecable history writer. You know that he's researching to the fullest extent before writing his tomes. I enjoyed the story of River God, but it took me a little longer to get into it than it took me in the Quest. I thought the development of Lostris was amazing & the other characters as well. I am ready to order the 7th Scroll!

Wonderful storyline that makes you feel you are with them on the journey. Who cares if it's not historically accurate - it's fiction. I'm looking forward to the reading the rest of the series.

I don't usually read fiction but every once in awhile it is good to try something different. After having this book recommended to me by several Wilbur Smith fans I found the time to read it. I am glad I did. It is a long book but Wilbur can sure transport you back in time to another world. Well worth reading.

This is the first book I ever read by Jenny Crusie. I am SO GLAD that I picked it up! I've read everything of hers that I could get my hands on, and am looking forward to "You Again," "Charlotte," "Dogs & Goddesses;" "Always Kiss Me Goodnight;" and "Wilde Ride."

Phin Tucker, his daughter Dillie, and Liz his mother. Sophie Dempsey, Amy her sister, and Davy her (hot, hot, hot - though not to Sophie - See "Faking It" for Davy's story) brother. Add Wes Mazur, the Chief of Police, Clea Whipple Black (the stupidest woman to ever grace a page...well, she's actually very intelligent, just an idiot for giving up Davy...) the actress-porn star-wife-of-a-television-reporter, her soon-to-be ex-husband Zane Black, Rachel Garvey, Leo Kingsley, and a cast of others, and you have Temptation, Ohio (alas, not a real location...but certainly fun to visit in the Crusie-verse).

Sophie and Amy are asked by Clea (their brother Davy's ex-girlfriend) to film her audition tape, so she can get back into acting (if one flop and a porn movie equal an acting career); because she knows them, and because they own a Wedding Film operation. Sophie pretty much raised Davy and Amy after their mom died. Their dad was a con-man's con-man, and not the most wonderful parent available. The Dempsey kids have some baggage, but Davy and Amy were spared a lot because Sophie protected them. In turn, they protected her.

Phin is the Mayor of Temptation...like his Daddy, Granddaddy, and Great Granddaddy before him. He doesn't want to be Mayor anymore. He just wants to run his book store, and enjoy life. Phin is Sophie's "worst nightmare." The town-boy to end all town-boys. Blond, blue-eyed, hot, sexy, handsome...pain. Sophie is the "devil's-candy" to Phin. Hot, sexy, sweet, tightly-wound, beautiful...pain, and then some.

So, of course, Sophie and Phin fall directly in lust, and end up in love. If the latter didn't happen, this wouldn't be a love-story, now would it?

The various twists and turns of the plot are great. As with the majority of Ms. Crusie's works, this is a wonderful book; well worth the effort to locate, the money purchase, and the time it takes to read. I have read this many, many times, and will read it many, many more. I highly recommend it.

I love this book. In fact, thus far, I have liked all the books she has written herself.

This was my first Jennifer Crusie book and I was really disappointed. There was no romance or tension in the book. The story itself was not interesting or believeable. Please don't waste hours reading this book. I'm going to give Jennifer Crusie another chance with her highly rated book, Bet Me. I was disappointed with this one.

I was disappointed with this book. I usually enjoy Crusies' light-hearted humorous stories. I read about a hundred pages and then just put it down and didn't care. The plot was weak and the characters shallow. This is not a romance at least not my kind-just lusty sex with no real appeal.

After getting my first review of this book rejected by Amazon because it made "judgements" on the authors intent, I'm going to attempt to scale this one down in attempts to review this book that I spent hours reading.

I realize that this book is very popular and well received by a great many. That however, is not enough to make me recommend this book. I am not critical by nature, (see my other reviews), but I do like to "call a spade a spade"!

This is a story about the town of Temptation, it's citizens, and a family who comes to film a "movie". Phin is the mayor and Sophie is the traveling film maker.

This book contains crass humor, foul language, and very little romance. For me this makes for a very disappointing read. The characters had PLENTY of sexual chemistry, but I NEVER believed that there was any real and lasting love between the 2 of them. This is a cardinal sin for a "romance junkie" like myself, and I cannot recommend this book to readers who love romance. For those who like a "naughty" read..this might do the trick.

Sorry, not for me.

I expected a fiftys' type of story and not a romance story. Overall, I truly enjoyed the story and would likely purchase other books by the author.

Pete

I really debated between a four star rating and a five star, but decided a four was more appropriate.

I really, really enjoyed this book. I had the luxury of the time to read this since I had the piano tuner in the house for a big chunk of time and had to be very, very quiet while he worked. I am so glad that I wasn't pressed for time, because this book was difficult to put down once I started. I read the whole thing in about a day and a half.

There was a fair amount of misery and sad stories in this, but the writing style and the humor that Ms. Letts injected into the book kept it from being overly depressing. There were some very funny parts and I found myself grinning even with all of the trials and tribulations the characters endured. The main reason I chose not to give this book 5 stars was the fact that it felt disjointed at times and I would have liked to see serveral of the characters fleshed out a bit more. I think I would have prefered fewer secondary characters and more time spent on the smaller number.

The central location of the story is a diner in rural Oklahoma and the majority of the characters only come into the picture when the are physically in the diner. This device does keep the story moving and folks come in and out so that part works well. The writing is so good, that the main characters largely feel like people you know well and are so multi-faceted that I half expected to see Molly O as a waitress in the next restaurant I patronized.

I will definitely be putting Billie Letts on my "must read" list and am looking forward to other books by her since this was my first. "The Honk and Holler Opening Soon" reminded me of "Empire Falls" by Richard Russo which I LOVED, so this is high praise coming from me ....

Enjoy !

I loved this book, I love the characters and I hated to have the book come to a end. A fun story. Im now reading another Billie Letts book and I am enjoying it also, hope she keeps the books coming.

I thought this was a little slow going, but by the time I got near the end I was fully hooked and couldn't wait to see what happened to everyone. A mix of people are tied together by this diner. The author does a good job of telling eveyone's story and at the same time helping you realize what is important in life. I will look for more books by this author.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think it was even better than her first, "Where the Heart Is." Endearing characters who are like most of us! You will not be disappointed.

I ordered a paperback and was sent an audio tape. I am returning the item.

What a wonderful Irish story. Its filled with fun, happiness, sadness, love and a bunch of Irish Fairies. Great read...especially of you love Irish tales.

A lovely story about childhood friends who move past the platonic brotherly/sisterly relationship they've cultivated over the years into an abiding love firmly rooted in friendship and appreciation of the other. I love Nora Robert's style of writing! It oozes with Irish charm and magical folklore.

This was a fine sequel to "Jewels of the Sun." The characters were sweet. On the whole, the book is quite simple, but it's an easy read and definitely worth a look if you are a Nora Roberts fan.

Irish Trilogy - Book 2

The second story brings Shawn to find his destiny. After Jude and Aidan marry, he takes up residence in the haunted cottage where continues with his compositions and music. He is perfectly content until fate puts Brenna in his way.

Brenna O'Toole has always loved Shawn, but has never done anything about it. When she decides to stop sitting on the sidelines and take control, she pushes Shawn beyond his limit.

It takes magic and a ghost to get them to resolve their differences, and love each other.

The book started off ok but then the reader discovers that Eve, the main character, is plagued by a very violent crime involving a little girl. Without giving too much away, I just found myself as a reader having a hard time getting past this point. It seems to me that the crime involving this child was ultra violent and something that did not need to be fictionalized for a book. Nora Roberts is a creative person who could have come up with a myriad of crimes that could have been just as effective in terms of a catalyst for a novel and a main character.

Just got acquainted with JD Robb books and her great character, Eve Dallas. They are terrific! Then, had to get the first one. It is as good as the latest. It is so dramatic, interesting and detailed. Set in the future, it is a taste of Scifi with a main course of plain old detective work from any century.
Now I am hooked and look forward to all the others.
I recommend Naked In Death and all Robb novels........

For years I have avoided this series like it was the plague. I am not a Nora Roberts fan. I've never really found anything enjoyable about her books and feared that these books would leave me feeling the same way. However, when I became involved with an online bookclub, everyone was raving about this series so I figured to take the chance and ordered Naked in Death. I am so glad that I did. I absolutely adored this book and have already gotten the next three in the series. I cannot believe I waited so long to try this series.

Naked in Death tells the story of Lieutenant Eve Dallas in the year 2058 (something that was at first a little difficult to get used to). Eve is investigating a high profile murder of the granddaughter of a US Senator. The book is full of a number of twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. However, one of the best parts of the book is the introduction of Roarke. He is so strong and sexy. He'd definitely be one of those book characters I'd like to meet in real life (I'm sure hubby would love to hear that...lol).

I have to say, I liked just about everything about this book, save for Roarke. He came off as a smug, smothering, creep. As the saying goes, money doesn't buy manners.

Eve and her universe felt very real, making her a compassionate character. I'll probably check out other entries in this series, just to see what she's up to. Overall, this was a fairly enjoyable read. It was a bit slow in a few spots, but other than that, flowed well. It's easy to see how the Death series is on the must-read lists of mystery and romance readers.

Nora or JD, the lady can write and I think the IN DEATH series is her best yet.