Williams Books

This is a serious biography for all history buffs. The author has expertly woven world history, specifically British history, and the Golden Age of Piracy's pirates (Blackbeard, Bartholomew Roberts, Anne Bonny, etc.)into the background of William Kidd's life. William Kidd began his illustrious career as an honest trader and ended with the financing of his ship by unscrupulous English businessmen. He began his final journey to the Indian Ocean with one mishap after another and ended it by being arrested for piracy. Did he deliberately comit acts of piracy? Or was he a scapeboat for a business deal gone bad? This is an excellent well-researched and well-written book. I have read many nonfiction historical books, and this is one of the best. It has detailed footnotes and index. I recommend any book about pirates by David Cordingsly and Frank Sherry. My son also read a children's novel that is well-researched, has pirate photos, and nonfiction information. The author is K.J. McWilliams, and the book is The Diary of a Slave Girl, Ruby Jo.

This book makes you hostage from start to finish Was the captain out on the seas in quest for something other than treasure You Decide Great read

This book makes you hostage from start to finish Was the captain out on the seas in quest for something other than treasure You Decide Great read

Ritchie does an extremely able job of refocusing the story of Captain Kidd away from being a personal drama. Instead, he builds an image of the world where Kidd was one of many trying their luck at this (then) semi-legal trade. Piracy was the only place left for a sailor who loved the sea but not the navy.

As a reader, it was interesting to see Kidd transformed from the pirate figure of legend into a semi-competent adventurer who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time in British history. Ritchie also provides a fascinating look at the 17th-18th century justice systems.

Ritchie is less of a writer than a historian, unfortunately. There were a number of places at the beginning of the book where I felt lost as to where he was trying to go. However, as another reader notes, this improves later on in the book.

Recommended for readers with a particular interest in pirates.

A scholarly treatment of the William Kidd case and times. The author switches back and forth between presenting biographical information about Captain Kidd and an evolution of the declining use of privateers and pirates as tools of foreign policy. The writing is smooth and well thought out, providing an entertaining read.

I found the information on the attitudes toward pirates during the late 17th and early 18th centuries interesting and chock full of little know tidbits. The biography of William Kidd was eventful and conforms with what I have read in other sources. The author takes the story from early accounts to Kidd's first appearance in the Caribbean to the arrival in New York and on through the fateful trip that sealed his fate. Ritchie uses the general information on the attitude toward pirates to reinforce the conclusion that Kidd was doomed from the moment he surrendered in New York, and to provide some insight into why Kidd did surrender.

My one complaint revolves around the author's conclusion that Kidd was actually guilty of piracy and should have been convicted. It is not that the author reaches that conclusion, after all the evidence can point to that conclusion, however, I had the feeling from the first page that the author's intent was to prove Kidd guilty. Casting off the guise of impartial historian that early in the book has to raise the question - has the author's attitude spilled over into the data presented? That said, it is important to read multiple views to get a better understanding of the history, and I did find this book to be both entertaining and informative.

For an alternate view of the William Kidd story try The Pirate Hunter by Richard Zacks. P-)

Fun! I did my top 10 choices and I think the results described me perfectly. This will by my top gift for friends this year. Would be fun for a party, a book club, any gathering - or just to read through on your own. Addictive -- you also find yourself trying to categorize people you know. Only thing I will say that the results are slightly more appropriate for a single vs. married individual as romantic pursuit plays a part in some of the descriptions, but don't let that stop you from buying the book.

Cinescopes is entertaining and can keep a party going for hours. This book is totally fun and allows you to really understand personality traits just based on what you enjoy watching. Movies are great because we relate to them, and Cinescopes is fun because it ties our movie trends to our personalities. You will definitely laugh a lot and learn a lot from this book.

I most certainly recommend this work and it is a fun read!

We bought this for a gift but ended up taking to every gathering over the holidays that went to. We brought along a chart that we made up to go with it. It was a fun conversation starter!

"Movies are the mythic tales of today. They can make us cry, scream, or laugh. They can cheer us up or bring us down. And just like those ancient stories of humans struggling for the favor of the gods, movies tend to focus on a hero undertaking some kind of journey, whether it be physical, intellectual or emotional." - From Cinescopes

Quick: list your ten favorite movies.

Did Michael Clayton or Forrest Gump make the cut? What about Napoleon Dynamite, Hotel Rwanda, The Da Vinci Code, or Batman Begins? Did Toy Story, It's a Wonderful Life, or What the Bleep Do We Know make your list or perhaps No Reservations, Somewhere In Time, or E.T. is more to your liking?

No matter what cinematic fare you prefer, it is possible that your favorite movies can reveal intriguing aspects of your personality. In the clever new book Cinescopes, authors Risa Williams and Ezra Werb outline sixteen distinct personality profiles based on psychology, cinematic theory and mythology. All you need to do to find your unique profile is list your favorite movies, look them up in the index, record the appropriate Cinescope codes and determine which profile crops up the most by adding them together.

Do you enjoy Wayne's World, The Simpson's Movie or Airplane? According to Cinescopes, you would be an Invincible Optimist (IO). Having On Golden Pond, Mommie Dearest and Crash among your favorite movies would make you a Determined Survivor (DS).

Maybe you're a Destined Hunter (DH) like me, anticipating the thrills and chills of movies like Joy Ride, Misery and Saw. If you're an Existential Savior (ES) like my husband, you'd probably count The Matrix, The Mothman Prophecies, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Close Encounters of the Third Kind among your treasured films.

In addition to learning more about yourself (not to mention getting some great ideas for movies you'd enjoy based on your personality!), Cinescopes also offers each type's deepest secret, strengths and weaknesses--as well as behavior in the workplace, with friends and in romance. The author's also provide Quintessential Statements (corresponding movie quotes), most (and least) compatible Cinescope types, greatest nemesis, words of advice and much more.

I found my second highest Cinescope profile (Existential Savior) the most startling accurate and thorough, but my highest profile also gave some canny observations. However, my husband's highest profile (Existential Savior) didn't sound like him at all. The compatibilities were hit and miss, too, but hey...this is movie profiling we're talking about. Not all of our favorite movies were included in the book (e.g. Mr. Brooks, Prime, Red Planet, Kung Pow: Enter the Fist, The Magdalene Sisters, etc.), and I found a code error for the Ratatouille movie (DY and IS are listed. I assume they meant DI and YS?)

Engaging and accessible, this engaging 176-page book would make a perfect gift for movie buffs or personality junkies, as well as serving as an excellent icebreaker for groups. Cinescopes would also make fantastic entertainment for family reunions, parties and holiday get-togethers.

If you want to know what your favorite movies reveal about you--a Vivacious Romantic, Youthful Sage or Passionate Maverick at core, perhaps?--check out Cinescopes by Quirk Books. At the very least, it's fun and fresh--but you may also walk away discovering a heckuva lot about yourself in the process.

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

The authors of this book have combined their educational credentials and film industry experience to create a unique, fun, and not-so-scientific analysis of personality type based upon favorite movies. I participated on the Internet before I bought the book, and to validate my "Charismatic Performer" profile, I entered another ten movies and obtained the same result. It appears that in some instances, your profile may not portray what you are as much as what you wished you could be (your alter-ego, as it were). In the last few days, I have encouraged many people to find their Cinescope and have enjoyed the feedback and discussion.

CINESCOPES has the potential for being the 21st Century's answer to Trivial Pursuit and will probably stimulate us to watch movies that we haven't seen in a while and view some from others' Top Ten (I have spent a lot of time on IMDb lately). My only criticism is that the list of movies in the back of the book is very incomplete. No White Christmas? No Interlude? Last night on Turner Classic Movies, The Sterile Cuckoo with Liza Minelli (nominated for two Academy Awards) was on, and that wasn't listed either. Because this book is so different and has provided me with a winter diversion, I forgave the omissions and awarded it Five Stars for originality.

If somebody wrote the true story of William Haines as fiction it would be universally panned as stereotyping - a gay man comes to Hollywood in the silent era, becomes the heart-throb of millions and a top box office draw, faces being outed and is ordered by his studio (MGM) to either enter into a fake marriage or lose his contract, picks love over career, and then goes on to have a sucessful 40 year career in interior decorating. However, sometimes fact is stranger than fiction and this is one of those times.

This is a beautiful book full of the decorating work of William Haines. I haven't found another book like it anywhere, and I highly recommend it if you've only heard of his reputation and are curious about what the man's design work actually looked like. It's a shame that his movie work isn't as well remembered as his design work. Haines made a successful transition to talkies, and probably would have continued to do well in the movies if L.B. Mayer hadn't forced him to choose between the love of his life - Jimmy Shields - and his MGM contract. Haines chose Shields, and that was the end of his film career. However, he and Shields worked together successfully for the next forty years decorating the homes of Hollywood's elite, with a little help and some recommendations from friends such as Joan Crawford, a lifetime friend of Haines and costar in several of his films. Besides photographs of Haines' work, this book includes quotes by Haines on his design philosophy, quotes by members of his firm's design team, and a pretty good biography of Haines including his Hollywood years.

Haines and Shields stayed together from 1926 until 1973, their relationship severed only by Haines' death. Their joint legacy lives on in their design work of which this book is an excellent record.

This is a very visual account of the life of one of the greatest decorators of our time. Billy Haines started out as a silent movie actor and when he refused to keep his sexuality in the closet he was fired, forcing him to change careers - and thank goodness. Schifando & Mathison take us on a journey, via photos, sketches, and other images, through the life of Haines and the evolution of his personal style. His classic interiors, which often included a touch of chinoiserie, a unique custom lamp, low chairs, quilted fabric upholstery, and other unique pieces will never go out of style.

Being an admirer of nearly all things vintage Hollywood, I was most eager to read a book on this almost forgotten silent screen legend. I was most impressed by the great detail on the man, his loves and hates and his metamorphosis into a highly successful interior designer in later years. The thoroughly entertaining anecdotes throughout also kept me interested until the very end. It gives the reader an insight into a period in Hollywood that has long since been buried by time and our bizarre fascinations with the likes of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton et all.

A must read for any reader of the good old days of Hollywood.

Having purchased most of the major design books in the past 4yrs...this one is right up there with the best...5lbs of old hollywood chic mixed with todays blue-blood..must have for any coffee table

I am so thrilled to have found this book. I have tried for years to find pictures of William Haines work. This is such a magnificent book. I just wished there were more of what there was. This book is an amazine find and a delightful addition to my collection.

I purchased "Comes the End" and "The Gathering" from Mr. Creed at a book signing at Scott AFB, Il on Sunday 8 Oct and finshed reading it on Tuesday 10 Oct. It is a real page turner and I can't wait to start reading "The Gathering" which I understand is the second book in this series. I would love to see this book turned into a movie!!!

I'm not big on polemical fiction -- the message almost always obscures the story when, if I wanted big-M Message I wouldn't be reading fiction. I'm also one of the small-press editors who was offered this book & its sequels, & declined for business reasons. To top it off, I'm not even Christian.

But I enjoyed this book, even just in my "picky science fiction fan" hat. That simple.

Unlike the exceptionally mean-spirited "Left Behind" series & its ilk, Creed tells a harrowing suspense story, packed with flawed characters that are a bit like you & me, & they struggle to follow the best of their inner natures even as their past wrong-turns of life try to cloud their sight. I found myself fretting over their missteps & rooting for their acts of true faith.

It ain't Sunday School reading, but Creed works in a lot of tension without resorting to detailed scenes of depravity. Similarly, he puts in just enough high-tech stuff to create a solid backdrop for the unfolding of the plot.

With this book, Creed is still finding his feet as a fiction writer, but he's off to an impressive start, & I expect that this series will just get better & more skillful as the series progresses. I recommend this without reservation.

After having read most of the Left Behind series; this book was great with a different twist and, not as long to read through it. I enjoyed it tremendously and, am anxious to red the rest of the series.

Great for either the Sci-Fi fan or The Left Behind series.

If you enjoyed the Left Behind series, you'll thouroughly enjoy "Comes the End." I met the author at the FT Campbell PX during the 2004 holiday season. I read the review sheet he handed me as I shopped. I bought the novel and read it in just a few days. Having already read the LEFT BEHIND series, it was nice to see an end of days novel that took a fresh spin/take on the subject. Too many forms of media on the subject (film, novel, television) have rehashed the same end of days story. Not so here. It is a unique story, plausible in every detail. Beautifully written, enticing characters, and a fresh approach. My only regret is in the wait for the next novel. However, I will in fact wait to see how this stroy progresses.

In "Comes The End," author William Creed offers this original version of the Last Days. Thankfully, this is not another slant on the Omega Code or the DaVinci Code. The message is gentle, not preachy, so non-Christians will still enjoy this book. I must admit I rolled my eyes when the word "alien" popped up, but Creed makes it work. (I'm not a Sci-Fi fan so that says something!)
Although this book is compared to "Left Behind," I found the two in no way similar. The plot of "Comes The End" gets right down to business without much filler. It makes for a good, fast read. Creed renders settings well; the story is easy to picture. Having felt that LaHaye downplayed the catastrophic events of the Rapture in "Left Behind," I appreciate that Creed doesn't pull punches in executing these dramatic events.

This is like another textbook. If you are looking for a supplement to compliment the material, it is a very in depth examination of critical constitutional areas. It is not a book of case briefs.

Excellent study aid for tests and very informative for those interested in the rationale behind US Supreme Court decisions.

This is an extremely useful book for any first year law student. I have about every imaginable first year study aids, but by far this is one of the best on the market! Professor Baker does an outstanding job of explaining complex issues to the novice constitutional law student. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who would like to enhance their legal knowledge. It's also a very handy tool for final exam time!

This is an excellent work on the origins of Constitutional Law
and the various governing precedents and protocols. For instance,
a litigant must have standing in order to have a case considered by the United States Supreme Court. The concept of standing requires that the party have a stake in the outcome. The Constitutional legal apparati consists of the following:
o It establishes a national government.
o It controls the relationship between the states and the federal
government
o It defines personal liberties
o It contains provisos for the perpetual operation of the
government. i.e. the operation of law of the Magna Carta since
1215.

The basic pattern of the distinction between liberty and governmental power/prerogative is present in virtually all constitutional cases. The Courts are asked to set or interpret
the dividing line between liberty and the governmental powers of the states and the federal government. For a Court to overrule a previous decision/precedent-it must be confident that the
decision-making criteria in the past stare decisis is in error
or in need of substantial revision.

According to Justice Jackson, " The very purpose of the Bill of Rights was to withdraw certain subjects from the vicissitudes of political controversy, to place them beyond the reach of majorities and officials and to establish them as legal principles to be applied by the Courts."

Overall, the work has a generous coverage of individual liberties and protections, the National Powers, State Powers, the Constitution, the process of Judicial Review, Intergovernmental immunities, the relationships between and amongst the states, inter-governmental and foreign relations.
The Constitution of the United States is published in the
appendix. This work has a wide constituency of users in government, the legal profession, journalism and a general concensus of users in academe.

Professor Baker's "Constitutional Analysis" is an excellent supplement to the study of first year constitutional law. However, I would recommend the book to any individual wishing to improve their understanding of the Constitution. The book uses common language and reads like a well-written novel. The Index and Table of Cases allow you to quickly locate any topic or case quickly and efficiently.

For those who started with "The Cry of Sirens," the first of the three books in this "trilogy," "Cooley Wyatt" is more accessible and more entertaining.

If "The Cry of Sirens" was an insightful psychological journey into Ben Hawthorne's attemp to explain why he acted the way he did towards his long time friend, "Cooley Wyatt" is a fascinating story. It is more simply told and if the name of the author were covered over, I am not sure that you would recognize it as coming from the same pen. Like the first book, there are passages that are so poetic that you find yourself re-reading them and going back later to read them again.

The premise is intriguing: what if a folk legend who was supposed to have been killed in a plane crash 25 years ago was still alive? What if Woody Guthrie or Ricky Nelson or John Denver didn't die, but chose to disappear and reinvent themselves.

"Cooley Wyatt" is part two or a trilogy, but the common character Ben Hawthorne isn't remarkable in this book. The common themes of artistic integrity and the entertainment industry and the creative experience are what ties "Cooley Wyatt" to "The Cry of Sirens," not the common character.

Like "The Cry of Sirens" this is a visual novel. Cooley and Jack seem very real and the story unfolds like a detective novel. Without giving away any secrets, it circles around the questions of reinventing oneself and escaping from things that don't work and finding a road that is suited to ones own personality and goals, irrespective of the common opinion of how those things should go.

Some of the minor characters are worth a book of their own, Mortie and Billy Joe for example.

At its most fundamental level, "Cooley Wyatt" is an allegory and a morality play in that it has universal meaning and appeal. Just as Jack was moved by "Death of a Salesman," "Cooley Wyatt" is thoughtful and moving and a pleasure to experience and gives you much to relate to in your own life.

I look forward to reading "NY/LA"

It is out of character for me to opine on the craft of another artist's work and especially so to recommend what another should read. Furthermore, a friend foist this book upon me exactly when my necessary reading had reached overwhelming proportion.

"Cooley Wyatt" by William Kronick has me acting out of character. This is an unusually compelling read, hard to put down. I have filled it with notes and dog-eared pages for future reference (and sharing) of the use of language. My initial interest was piqued by the protagonist Jack Amory's professional and life crisis. And just his name "Amory" had me going in different directions. Was the character "amoral" or "amorous"?

But all that blather aside, this is a great read. When it began, I had little sense of the thrilling places this work would take me. I guess I try more than I should to glean where I am being taken instead of just enjoying the ride. I am not often surprised and am delighted when it happens - and this book is full of surprises.

Once I was finished, it took a force of will not to start it all over again.

Thoroughly delightful, the character development is very good and established early in the book so one can enjoy the story plot from the very beginning. The territorial description of the locations where the characters lived or traveled is well done. I could feel the sense of being in New York City and Santa Fe with Jack Amory or Cooley Wyatt . I enjoyed the intrigue as the detective story unfolded and I highly recommend the book.

Kronick's "Cry Of Sirens" was a breakthrough novel, but "Cooley Wyatt" although a more traditional book is just as thrilling a read. The character development is even more engrossing and for me personally the subject matter of a "cat and mouse game" between the new journalist and the authentic folk singer was a page turner. I couldn't put it down.

Great story telling. Gripping action. Well defined characters. This works well both as a detective story that will keep you hooked until the last page and as a well crafted morality tale reflecting on the nature and character of celebrity. I recommend it highly.

The story of John Crowley and his family is amazing. Anand did a great job of telling the story in a way that I could feel what the family was going through and the business challenges that John took on.

This book gives great insight into what parents of terminally ill children experience and the lengths they will go to to save those who are the most important people in their lives. A must read, especially for those who have any similar experience!

This is a great book. John Crowley discovers that his two youngest kids are dying from a rare disease - one so rare that nobody has bothered to invest a lot in a cure. Crowley ends up quitting his job, starting a drug company and finding a drug to treat his kids. Only to discover that the FDA considers it a conflict of interest to include his own kids in the trials!

It's a great heart-warming story of a family's struggle with a little known disease written by a great writer - Greeta Anand. The book is mostly about the business side (as opposed to the medical side) of the disease. It's a story about the dad's struggle to find a cure for the disease. He's never run a company, never gotten funding, knows little about biology or science, and yet he starts a very successful biotech company and finds a drug that works - all for his kids.

I found the conflict of interest part interesting. John Crowley brings in people suffering from Pompe to meet the people in the company. Most of the researchers have never met anyone suffering from the disease they are trying to cure! And get this, it could be considered a conflict of interest to meet the people they are trying to cure! That doesn't make a lot of sense to me. In the computer high tech world we consider it a very good thing to meet your users - you are making the product for them! In Crowley's case the visitors helped motivate and empassion his company.

As a father of small children and a businessman I really enjoyed this book on multiple levels. Very well written. I could not put it down. Watch out, it made me cry several times.

Ms. Anand tells a wonderful tale of true love. Love of a husband and wife faced with unexpected challenges so early in their marriage, and how they struggled to keep that love alive under both sad and horrific conditions. Love of children for their parents and each other. Love of family, both immediate and extended. And love for each and every person touched by the fight for the cure. I was swept away by the human drama and just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next, the story look another unforeseen turn. It's amazing to realize that this is a true story. Life and love doesn't get any better than this.

My daughter was diagnosed in 1997 at 1 month of age. Fortunately for our family we had the best specialist to help diagnose and treat her condition almost from day 1 of her life. And her doctor is none other than Dr. Orenstein himself (or just Dr. O to us). I can speak from personal knowledge that he is without a doubt the most informative doctor I have ever been around. He truly cares about the children in his care and he takes a proactive role in their health and well-being. His book is considered the CF bible by those in the know in the Pediatric Pulmonary field. As you read this picture a man with a bow tie and sandals explaining this to you. It is very easy to read and understand which when it comes to this disease is very important. I am happy to say that my daughter is almost 12 and thanks to Dr. O and his staff is in excellent health. If you know someone with this disease get them this book or better yet get it for yourself as well. Knowledge and understanding of the disease can really help.

This book accurately describes the disease cystic fibrosis (CF) and offers guidance in self-management on day to day problems. As a mother of a son who has CF, I highly recommend this book to any family dealing with CF.

I eagerly await the 3rd edition of this book. As a fully involved CF parent, my 8y/o daughter's care has benefited from my increased knowledge. I can form theories and question her caregivers from a more informed perspective and that is a win-win situation. If you have a child with CF, you should have this book. I call it the CF Bible.(Although encyclopedia would be a more accurate description.) I feel this book should be given to the parents of all newly diagnosed children.

I really enjoyed this book. Anyone who needs to learn anything about Cystic Fibrosis should definitely buy this. It covers everything! I read the whole thing in 4 days and I understand so much more now.

Im a teenager and was diagnosed with CF when I was born in 1989.
It was recently that I wanted to do some more reading on my disease. I looked through some books and was shocked by what I was reading. As many of you know, the out-of-date books on CF can have some very frightening information, like death and more infections, and etc. It was I discovered this book that I was so much more relaxed about my condition. This book is up-to-date and tells the real facts about this disease. After reading this, my disease doesn't scare me anymore.
If you are a teen, like me, I suggest you read thid.
If you know anybody with CF, you should read this book or have them read this. Don't let them read those early books on CF with the grim facts...have them read this with the true and helpful facts.

great book, great read. perfect for the coffee table, or the bathroom for your guests to go "wtf kinda stuff do you read?"

This is Saul Williams but it is not a book of poetry. It is well written and I would recomend it to anyone who likes Saul Williams, poetry, hip hop or both.

Saul Williams, hip-hop's so-called "poet laureate," can comfortably add "hip-hop mystic" to his résumé with this collection of excellent poetry. His rhymes drip with the religious symbolism of ancient Mystery cults (most notably, Isis) as he journeys with the reader on a path to self-discovery, spiritual fulfillment, and ethical reasoning. In hip-hop Williams sees ancient drums and chants, camp-fire storytellers whose power has been hijacked by capitalist greed, materialism, defeatism, and chauvinism. He teaches through twistable and irresistible verse that the power of history's lessons and thought can change worlds by changing words.

I admit that I am not a hip-hop fan, per say. I do enjoy a select few artists (Williams included), and have studied African American history/culture, so I was not entirely unfamiliar with the themes/issues of this book. I am, however, a lover of poetry, truth, and vulnerable strength, which Saul Williams encapsulates perfectly. Truly, one need not know much about hip-hop to appreciate this book. No matter one's musical preference or cultural background, Williams speaks truth, and therefore can be embraced by all. "Word is bond."

i've written tons of academic papers (including my current thesis) on williams; his work is unbelievable and should be taught everywhere. his attempt to uplift hip-hop is honorable and appreciated.

I first heard about this book on a message board (I think it was the one from DaveyD.com) and I really enjoyed reading the publisher's excerpt, and it was just the introduction. With it, I didn't know how to take it. Whether it was truth or just a very well worded story from Saul Williams. Either way, I could feel the vibe of Hiphop Kulture coming from it. So of course, I went out and bought it.

I was blown away.

I first heard of Saul from the book ", said the Shotgun to the Head." So I already thought I knew what to expect. But I was completly blown away by the deepness of these poems. Whether really taken from a strange manuscript in an old spray can or just a way to publish his own poems about Hiphop's preservation of love, peace, and unity, this was great. I recommend it for anyone who like poetry, spoken word, rap music, or just books. Very good.

In order to create the fictional town of Steven Falls, the author has created an alternate world where the political boundaries and political organization are different, two towns have disappeared (replaced by the fictional town in a different location), the state police have taken over the county courthouse, and the sheriff's office is no longer in the county seat. Readers familiar with the real location may have problems with the novel. For people from outside the Puget Sound/ Olympic Peninsula area, it might be an interesting cops and robbers tale.

Seattle PI Leo Waterman has a friend who has acquired property to start a small resort and work as a fishing guide. He is an outsider in a small town, where locals have their own ideas for the property. Conflicts with the local red necks and power brokers turn lethal. Leo brings in an assortment of street people, thieves, and shadowy individuals to exact retribution. Leo is not a nice guy when you get on his wrong side.

The novel starts out on a different case before getting to the main plot, and meanders at some points. It is hard to say if anyone wins in the end as everyone, including Leo, gets banged up, and we seem to be left with a trail of broken bodies and shattered dreams. At best, the story would have a PG-13 rating.

A great addition to the Leo saga - jumps right into action on a sordid case of sexploitation, then changes gears into a small-town conspiracy mystery. Plenty of laughs and plenty of action. A real page-turner.

I love the Leo Waterman series. Everyone of them has been great. But I think I can safely say that this is my favorite yet.

Leo and his live in girlfriend visit some freinds who have bought some property in hopes of opening a resort. Beautiful little town, perfect location on the water. But things feel a little weird. After returning home, a few weeks later they discover the husband is dead. Leo being who he is wants to know why.

It turns into almost a caper from there on. Leo bringing in people who can do specific jobs for him to help nail those responsible.

A whole lot of fun to read, and And I would highly recommend this series, but this book in particular.

Jon Jordan

Do not read this book while sitting in the lunchroom at work! It looks very unprofessional to be laughing out loud when you are sitting at a table by yourself. Leo Waterman's unique view of how the system works, and how to work the system makes for a delightful read.

Leo & Rebecca are at it again. This is the sixth book in the series and one of the best. Leo makes some new friends and revisits some old while untangling the circumstances around the death of an aquaintence. The scheming he uncovers leads him to some scheming of his own as only he can scheme. The 'Boys' new home is a riot, and the plot is involved enough to keep you guessing. This is a fun read, although there are a couple of darker undertones and some changes that will make Leo a different person when we meet him next. G.M. Ford has done it again!