Windsor Books

"He belonged to no part of society,not anymore.He was a man alone,who
answered to no one on this earth,not even the United States
Government;who would answer only to God."

It wasn't the author's name or even the title that attracted me to this book;because,quite frankly they were both unfamiliar to me. I read a lot of Westerns, and particularly like some of the great artwork on the covers. It was the artwork that immediately caught my attention in this case.
If you've read any of my reviews,particularly those on the "Longarm" or "Trailsman" series;you will see that I prefer Westerns that stick with being a Western and are not too much of a Mystery,Detective or a Whodunnit.I prefer to have the outlaw pretty well identified early on,and then a fast-action saga,with lots of gunslinging,street,canyon,and saloon fights and shoot-outs.This coupled with some near impossibl life threatning experiences of survival,all in the pursuit and bringing outlaws to justice in the Old West style.Therefore character development and description are more to my liking than mystery convolutions,analysis and explanations.I also like to find a good amount of history of the time sprinkled throughout ,yeah,some real and some stretched,and legendary.
This is the first novel I've read by Pronzini.He is a great writer;and keeps your interest flowing from beginning to end.This novel has a good storyline and the main character ,John Quincannon is a one of a kind.
You have to get used to the idea that he is not a Gunslinger,a Marshal,a Texas Ranger,or a Bounty Hunter ;but basically a Detective or sleuth working as an investigator for the Secret Service.
Historically,the Secret Service was created in Washington DC in 1865 (this story is set in 1893),with its prime function to protect against counterfeiting,and part of the Treasury Department.As the years went on, it was given the responsibility of protecting the President(after McKinley's Assassination).Then ,as the years went on, it also took up the role of many types of fraud,which has expanded greatly with the expansion of communications ,computers and electronics.In 2003 ,with the new War on Terrorism,they are now no longer under Treasury,but now in the Department of Homeland Security.
I very much enjoyed this historical element of this novel and in spite of my preferences;I found it a great read.
So;if you want to read a Western with a somewhat different slant,and you enjoy the combining of mystery and the Old West,with some interesting historical connotations thrown in,you should like this one.
The age of the Old West was coming to a rapid end at the time of this saga,1893.Though in this novel,the railroads and telegraph were still the modern thing, elecrticity,which would bring electric lighting,the telephone,motor vehicles and everything else,would result in unimaginable changes to the Old West,virtually overnight.
Little wonder Quincannon was ready for a lifestyle change at the end of the tale.

This master storyteller has crafted another masterpiece. The tale could fit in either the "Detective" or "Western" genre and is set in the silver mining area of Idaho's Owyhee Mountains. Pronzini devotes great effort to technical accuracy and lifestyles of the 1890's. In addition to pleasing the reader he educates on the details of counterfeiting, opium addiction and silver mining. His principal character, as in THE PINKERTON EYE, is an imperfect and flawed detective that manages to succeed despite his faults. This is an excellent story and I recommend it highly.

I first balked at the high price of this book. It didn't matter that it was written by professional futures trader, George Angell. I bought it and studied the different spread trades that he dedicates a chapter each to. This book will be useful for years to come from taking these trades. The price is well worth it in just one or two contract spreads.

while some of the trades don't work now, this book is still good.

Typical trade: buy june live cattle, and sell oct live cattle when this position moves positive 2 days in a row from jan 15th to feb 15th. Hold until may 1st. Exit if your entry point is threatenned after 2 negative days, or if you are ahead by the amount of original margin.

Good job explaing bull and bear speads, and basics of commodities. Good for novice and experienced traders.

I thought that the book was very interesting. Good Story.

The Sandman's Eyes is a great mystery and is worth reading for anyone who loves mysteries. In this book Michael Thorne is committed and put into a mental hospital for something he didn't do. He has to find out who is the murderer and then maybe be could live a normal life. A man named Gary is writing a book about Michael and helps him figure out clues that may prove his innocence. With the help of Gary, Michael will find out who murdered the woman the night in Monrovia Park.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing about who committed the crime. Michael also faced many other problems that kept me thinking about other things, and not just the murder. While reading it, I had to think about Michael's other problems. It kept me side tracked and the author tried to keep me from figuring out the real problem, the murder.

I've been a mystery addict since I was 13, when I encountered "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes", but for some reason I had never read any of G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown stories. I recently found "The Scandal of Father Brown" in my local library. I've been eagerly devouring these stories, although paradoxically I don't want the book to end!

Father Brown is a small, unassuming figure, who peers at the world through "moonlike spectables". His appearance belies his intellect: as one character states, he could have been a detective instead of a priest. His observational skills and keen insight into human behavior allow him to solve even the most intractable problems.

Father Brown may draw comparison to other Golden Sleuths, such as Hercule Poirot, but there is one major difference: G.K. Chesterton's rich sense of humor pervades every tale. The stories aren't "funny" in the Wodehouse sense, but they display a definite appreciation of life and sense of the absurb.

Read this book! You'll be very happy you did.

Chesterton again allows us to accompany Father Brown, preternaturally-unbiased master of human nature, as he stumbles across another series of murders and mysteries. These stories in this series are not as compact as those in other books, notably "The Innocence of Father Brown," but they have the same magnetic power to draw the reader in.

As ever, Chesterton is interested not only in delivering first rate detective stories, but of describing human nature. His characters are flawed and biased, all blind in their own way, which is what makes it so difficult to see the truth that lies before them. Father Brown, ever kind and imperturbable, nearly always sees right through to the heart of the matter. Posing as a humble parish priest, which he is, he somehow sees beyond the class boundaries which it is Chesterton's special gift to point out and puncture.

Not all the stories are murder mysteries. "The Scandal of Father Brown" is about a man in pursuit of an errant wife; and "The Insoluble Problem" is about crime, but not the one Brown is called to investigate. In all of his stories, would-be detectives, constables, lovers, actors, academics and men of means cross paths in ways that are befuddling to all but the dumpy little priest in the round spectacles.

Listening to this collection was a wonderful way to pass several long commutes.

In the version I heard, BTW, reader Tom Whitworth did a great job with one exception. He evidently did not realize that Flambeau is a Frenchman!

Jack Windsor's book `The Secret of the Lake' is one of the best books I have read for a long time. Jack Windsor has the ability to make me cry with his sad stories and laugh out loud with his funny stories. They are so fascinating, that I even hate to be interrupted when someone brings me a cup of tea.

Jack Windsor is a powerful writer and this collection of his work is filled with many wonderful twists, turns and laughs. This book is a must have for anyone who enjoys short stories with cliff hanger endings.

Author Artie Knapp

A classic Colin Forbes suspenser! England's top MI6 secret agent Tweed is framed for a rape and a murder he did not commit, and is forced to flee to Europe in the midst of winter. Paula Grey, his trusty assistant, and Bob Newman, international reporter-turned-secret agent stand by his pleas for innocence. Meanwhile, a British government minister called Lance Buckmaster plans to alter the balance of power in the world . . . what is the significance of the hijacking of a ship carrying a supercomputer anti-ballistic missile space defence system? Tweed seems to be the only key, and he is being hunted by the authorities across Europe. To add to this, ace sniper Marler infiltrates Buckmaster's organisation, who are also trackong Tweed, to find out the villain's true aims using any means necessary. This is a brilliant thriller with Colin Forbes's trademarks - well-researched locations, amusing narrative and plot twists galaore when you least expect them! DON'T MISS IT!

First book I ever read of Colin Forbes, and was the first book I could not put down without reading another page!

Victoria Holt once again sweeps her readers into the life of another heroine, Davina. Through the audio version it almost sounds as if Davina might be telling you her story yourself. She is suspected of murder in Scotland but it can't be proven so she goes to South Africa to escape gossip but the nightmare continues there until in the end everything turns out all right and she ends up with the man of her dreams.

The story takes place in post-Victorian Edinburgh. A bankers daughter begins (too late) to notice all is not perfect in her perfect household. Her mother dies. Her governess is let go under mysterious circumstances. And a bawdy new governess moves in to take her friend and her mothers place---and all other things. Her father is discovered dead from arsenic poisoning---and she is accused of murdering him. I was surprised at the end---I felt sure I knew who had killed the girls father----but I'm not good at guessing, I guess.
The characters are pretty well thought out---theres a voyage to South Africa and the terrain is detailed. But the most standout of this book is the main characters illusions that the perfect way of life can go on uninterrupted. She certainly left one snare of serpents for another, too. Very well written and interesting.

Great book with lots of humorous action. The characters are memorable Peter Shandy rocks

Charlotte MacLeod, veteran mystery writer, has released a paperback delight called Something in the Water. This latest entry stars Peter Shandy, professor at a mythical agricultural college in Massachusetts, who has an amazing ability to kick up clods of murder as he traipses through life. Professor Shandy, a reluctant economy-size hero, has temporarily abandoned his wife Helen's side at her request while she entertains childhood chums. The timing appears perfect for Peter to visit Pickwance, Maine and see for himself the "glorious" lupine the scientist in him knows must be more the stuff of legend than fact. To his chagrin the lupine are real and everything else in this picturesque community is not what it seems to be. He discovers paintings (by an artist who refuses to be identified) that evoke distinct pictures in the mind, but are only hazy colors on the canvass. He drinks water from a mysterious spring owned by a woman who must be old, but looks young. Most disconcerting to him, however, is the man who dies within his purview the evening of his arrival. In a community where so much is larger than life (quite literally as even the hens are the size of turkeys and lay enormous eggs), so is the corpse, perhaps not in physical size, but in perfidity. This truly is a man whom none mourn. Time passes, Peter Shandy requests his wife join him in Maine, and the mystery spins itself out. Try this book--if you have never read a MacLeod mystery befoe you will be enchanted, if you have, you will find yourself comfortably back within the company of old friends. Two other selections by the same author featuring Peter Shandy which are very good reading are The Corpse in Oozak's Pond and Vane Pursuit.

When I started reading this book I knew that I was about to dig into the truth of the everyday lives of children in South Africa. This mystery is an autobiography. I have read some materials about South Africa but this book really tells it all.

The book started out with Peter living in Johannesburg. He lived with his parents and brothers and sisters. At first, it appeared as if he had a good life and a happy family. Then things took a bad turn. His father died and they were forced to give up and leave their home to reside in Vrededorp.

This was a slum. It was different from life in Johannesburg. It was a really difficult and poverty ridged life. It was so difficult that his mother could no longer afford to keep him. She sent him to live with his Aunt Liza and Uncle Sam in Elseburg. It was not as comfortable as life in Johannesburg but it was better than Vrededorp.

Here he worked really hard at tasks his uncle and aunt would assign him. He was a very hard worker. It would appear as if he spent a great deal of time there. The book did not tell how long he spent. However, his mother sent his brother and sister to get him. His aunt got accustomed to his company and his help and she did not want him to leave.

When they got back to Vrededorp the family moved in to live with a family friend. He provided free lodging and food for them. From there Peter went to live with another aunt a few streets down. Here he got a job selling fire wood to the whites in white Vrededorp. Here his number of friends increased and they became a gang in which he was the leader. They would steal and fight other gangs. His aunt discouraged him out of the gang. He dropped the gang.

He realized his need for formal education and took it upon himself to approach the principal of a black school. He begged the principal to allow him to go to school. The principal agreed on the condition that he does good work otherwise he would be punished with lashes.

At fifteen his education seemed to stop abruptly when he found himself a job at a hotel cleaning, running errands, and doing room service. He worked really long hours and did not get enough sleep. He was often exhausted to start the job each day. He woke up one morning with bloodshot eyes and his sister sent him back to bed. Hours later he went to work but his boss was out looking for a new worker. His boss returned with a new worker to find him, Peter, waiting. He tried to punch Peter but Peter ran away.

He got various jobs after that. He went through anger and bitterness as he tried to succumb to the ridicules and hardships of life. Throughout his life he had questions he wanted to ask but dared not. He had to forego school for work. He was very ambitious. He read widely and became a nationalist in his own way, through the literatures. Eventually, he got his chance for a college education. The rest is history. It is a good book do not stop until you have read every page!!

Reaction
I believe this book highlights the true and real childhood of South Africa's children. This book, Tell Freedom, is a Mystery that only those of the high hierarchy can solve if they will. I believe there is still much evidence of this type of hurt today in some parts of South Africa. This is also present all over the world. Somebody will have to do something to prevent poor children from such ridicule and hardship. It has been going on too long. I believe a change will be welcomed at this time.

I would recommend that this book be read by all age groups. It is an excellent portrayal of life as an under privilege.

When I started reading this book I knew that I was about to dig into the truth of the everyday lives of children in South Africa. This mystery is an autobiography. I have read some materials about South Africa but this book really tells it all.

The book started out with Peter living in Johannesburg. He lived with his parents and brothers and sisters. At first, it appeared as if he had a good life and a happy family. Then things took a bad turn. His father died and they were forced to give up and leave their home to reside in Vrededorp.

This was a slum. It was different from life in Johannesburg. It was a really difficult and poverty ridged life. It was so difficult that his mother could no longer afford to keep him. She sent him to live with his Aunt Liza and Uncle Sam in Elseburg. It was not as comfortable as life in Johannesburg but it was better than Vrededorp.

Here he worked really hard at tasks his uncle and aunt would assign him. He was a very hard worker. It would appear as if he spent a great deal of time there. The book did not tell how long he spent. However, his mother sent his brother and sister to get him. His aunt got accustomed to his company and his help and she did not want him to leave.

When they got back to Vrededorp the family moved in to live with a family friend. He provided free lodging and food for them. From there Peter went to live with another aunt a few streets down. Here he got a job selling fire wood to the whites in white Vrededorp. Here his number of friends increased and they became a gang in which he was the leader. They would steal and fight other gangs. His aunt discouraged him out of the gang. He dropped the gang.

He realized his need for formal education and took it upon himself to approach the principal of a black school. He begged the principal to allow him to go to school. The principal agreed on the condition that he does good work otherwise he would be punished with lashes.

At fifteen his education seemed to stop abruptly when he found himself a job at a hotel cleaning, running errands, and doing room service. He worked really long hours and did not get enough sleep. He was often exhausted to start the job each day. He woke up one morning with bloodshot eyes and his sister sent him back to bed. Hours later he went to work but his boss was out looking for a new worker. His boss returned with a new worker to find him, Peter, waiting. He tried to punch Peter but Peter ran away.

He got various jobs after that. He went through anger and bitterness as he tried to succumb to the ridicules and hardships of life. Throughout his life he had questions he wanted to ask but dared not. He had to forego school for work. He was very ambitious. He read widely and became a nationalist in his own way, through the literatures. Eventually, he got his chance for a college education. The rest is history. It is a good book do not stop until you have read every page!!

Reaction
I believe this book highlights the true and real childhood of South Africa's children. This book, Tell Freedom, is a Mystery that only those of the high hierarchy can solve if they will. I believe there is still much evidence of this type of hurt today in some parts of South Africa. This is also present all over the world. Somebody will have to do something to prevent poor children from such ridicule and hardship. It has been going on too long. I believe a change will be welcomed at this time.

I would recommend that this book be read by all age groups. It is an excellent portrayal of life as an under privilege.

A wonderfull Heyer read, in the tradition of Detection Unlimited, this rollicking mystery will keep you guessing wildly till the last page! Charming new characters are introduced to complement familiar friends, Superintendent Hannasyde and Sergeant Hemingway once again being called on to solve a baffling double murder. Absolutley delightfull!! Youll love Terrible Timothy, Pretty Paul and Dashing Dermott.

"They Found Him Dead" by Georgette Heyer is as close as Ms. Heyer gets to a series with the inclusion of Superindent Hannasyde and Sargent Hemingway in their third baffling case. Everyone is trying to help them solve the case as the heirs to a fortune are being assassinated.
Bright new characters command the stage with the star being Timothy Harte, a brash young man in love with American crime films, who tries his hand at learning to be a detective until he may be the next victim. It seems a shame this clever story was missed during the film noir period, it has all the perfect elements. An intriguing read with plenty of laughs.
Nash Black, author of "Qualifying Laps" and "Sins of the Fathers."