Windsor Books

As a devotee of Bill Pronzini's nameless detective series, I have a few expectations when I first read one of the entries. I expect narrative sequences describing the local of San Francisco and other northern California climes. I expect plenty of pathos, emotion, and grit as nameless unravels the case, or as the case sometimes unrattles our pulp loving protagonist. I also expect at least one major jarring plot twist to keep me on my toes.

Bleeders met all my expectations and gave me one I wasn't expecting: The major plot twists came very early in the story. There were two major surprises one that nameless was aware of and one that he and I discovered at the same time.

These changes made Bleeders in many ways different to me than the twenty or so series entries that I had read previously. I like that Mr. Pronzini has used this and other devices to keep the series fresh for his fans while still utilizing the elements that I expect from this master of detective fiction.

Mr. Pronzini sure let his fans down with this one...thin plot, and an ending that is downright lousy. If I had written this book, I would want to be nameless!

This is a very fine detective novel. It's a bit of a throw back in that it is in essence an old time gumshoe private eye tracking down an elusive quarry. The manner in which Pronzini unfolds his plot here is unexpected in a very satisfying way, while at the same time sophisticated in its delivery. The author that comes to mind most similar in style to this book is Lawrence Block and his Matthew Scudder series before it started to fall apart. Both Pronzini and Block have the gift of being able to create a scenario that is bigger in scope than your run of the mill end of the world contemporary thriller. These authors do this while presenting the reader with a simple elegant story. Bleeders is very satisfying indeed.

What amazes me most about Bleeders is that this is the twenty-something book in the series. It is obvious that Pronzini has complete control of his medium here. He is not selling you a half-hearted effort based on past success. I don't think that I have picked up one of his nameless detective novels before. I plan on reading them all now. Unlike every other author of a mystery series I have yet to come across one that has sustained such a firm grasp on excellence as Pronzini has with Bleeders. Maybe you could say that about Ed McBain and his 87th precinct books. Most authors fall into predictable story lines that would pale in comparison to the earlier work. If Pronzini has fallen from his high horse, if even a little, his first nameless detective novels must be something else.

Hey, pick up this book, you will enjoy it.

Pronzini is always strong, but this one is special. It starts as a good, solid read, with the nameless detective outsmarting some lowlifes who fully deserve their fate, but then takes a darker, more emotional turn that is pitch-perfect and completely convincing. Too often in this genre such changes are overdone, turning the story into something sentimental and self-indulgent -- but Pronzini gets it right. He has a very subtle touch everywhere, from the hero's interactions with his child to his own night terrors. And the suprising ending that one of the other reviewers hated (probably because it does not provide a spasm of cleansing violence) succeeds fully.

Isn't it time that Pronzini is "rediscovered"?

Although Bleeders is a standalone story, you will enjoy the book more if you have also read Hoodwink, Shackles, Hardcase and Crazybone. Few will rate this as more than a three-star book unless they have read at least Crazybone. Bleeders can be considered to be the second book in a new section of the Nameless Detective series. If you enjoy Bleeders, be sure to also read Spook which is the next book.

The title is one of Mr. Pronzini's best. He refers to literal bleeders, those who have been injured or killed in violent ways. He also means to refer to people who drain others in illegal ways such as blackmailers. Finally, he sees bleeders as those whose hearts are open to the troubles of others and empathize with them. The Nameless Detective falls in the last category. He has a hard time turning down those in need . . . even if he is not being paid.

One of the book's more ingenious references is in the dedication:
"For Bill Pronzini
Without whom this series would never have been written."

This series is clearly autobiographical in many ways as a note in Casefile indicates. That symmetry reaches an apex in Bleeders as both Mr. Pronzini and Nameless reach 60.

Each book in the series hooks up with a different type of social problem and a different part of northern California. It was inevitable that one book would address illegal drugs and the harm that they do. Bleeders is that book.

More than anything else, though, Bleeders is a study in psychology. Nameless has been reluctant to change anything about his life. Even after marrying, he retained his old apartment and sometimes stays there alone when he's on a case. Long after other detectives were using electronic surveillance equipment and on-line searches, Nameless was pounding the pavement to get his answers. In recent stories, he's been accommodating those areas more and more by asking others to help him. That leaves the tough guy parts of detection for him. But how much tough guy work can a man of 60 expect to do?

Early in the book, Nameless has the kind of epiphany that few people have except those who have survived a long illness. How will it change his life? At first, he looks into doing what he always has done . . . tracking down the bad guys. Later, he realizes that more fundamental changes are called for.

Although Nameless has married now and adopted a child, Emily, he hasn't really settled into family life. Can you imagine Sam Spade with a wife and child? He would have been much different. Mr. Pronzini is venturing into uncharted territory as he adopts noir mystery fiction to modern day family life. I find the work to be interesting and rewarding to consider, and look forward to the series continuing for many years to come.

The mystery in this one isn't very mysterious. Nameless is being asked to drop off a blackmail payment for a client. Where a sophisticated detective would have dropped a tracking bug into the cash, Nameless stakes himself out and plans to trail whoever picks up the money. It's a great reference back to the first book in the series, The Snatch, in which Nameless is to make a kidnapping payoff. Nameless suspects that the reasons for blackmail relate back to drugs, and thinks he has it all scoped out. Soon, though, he realizes he has miscalculated when he puts both Emily and himself in the gravest danger.

The action in the mystery goes downhill from there. As Nameless struggles with his experiences, his critical epiphany is late in coming. In the meantime, he takes you into the mean streets of San Francisco where you meet the scum of the earth.

Most people will be disappointed with the ending to this story. That's why I graded it down one star.

As I finished the book, I began to think about how dedicated professionals in whatever line of work can make more room for their families and those they love. Where can we all get the help we need?

Is blood thicker than, well ..... diamonds! Wilbur Smith, writing in 1971, explores the rivalry between an estranged foster-child and heir to the Van Der Byl diamond fortune and his rival "brother" Benedict. Throw in the love of a woman and whammo you gotta adventure novel.

"The Diamond Hunters", while not Smith's best novel, is nevertheless a fantastic read. As Smith's has matured over the years his novels have become a bit more tedious. Not so with Hunters.

"The Diamond Hunters" comes right at you from the first page. There is action, adventure, love and scenery.

Just about every Wilbur Smith novel is good. This one will not disappoint you. It is fun, fast and entertaining. Well worth your time...

Densel Myers
Yukon, Oklahoma

I am sorry the books were a gift but the recepent gives great reviews and wishes to have more from that auther'

Wilbur Smith just proves how good he is this is a must read book with characteristics of betrayal and loyalty coming into the fray.The ending was not finished strongly but never the less another work of art by Wilbur Smith

This novel was written over 30 years ago. It is not as polished as his newer books but it contains all the elements that make Smith one of the masters of action and adventure. Exotic locale, unforgettable characters and a prose that takes you `there'.

Let Wilbur take you to a trip to Africa, you will be coming back for more.

I have seen Wilbur Smith novels on the bookshelves for years but for one reason or another none of them had ever really piqued my interest, but while browsing in an airport bookstore looking for something to read on a long flight I picked this one up and as I began to read I found that my flight was too short. I didn't want to be interrupted for something as trivial as changing flights. I intend to read more Wilbur Smith in the near future.

The way Smith builds the story of Johnny Lance being an outcast and the way that he discovers the truth about his childhood and the animosity that builds between him and his foster brother Benedict Van der Byle makes for a spellbinding read. Smith's descriptions of the African landscape and exotic locations are well written without being over-done. When he describes Thunderbolt and Suicide you can smell the salt air and see the foamy spray shooting skyward and hear the crashing of the huge waves against the unyielding rock formations.

Like all fiction stories this one is not for everyone, but if you enjoy action/adventure, emphasis on action you will find this a very enjoyable read.

Boomer knows what he is talking about! There are many key messages: to focus on the ball not on the ball flight, to use a 3/4 swing so to keep your swing thought on striking the ball not on making a backswing, to bring your hands back low to keep the club on plane (also per Hogan and Hardy) to keep the arms at free full stretch through the ball, to "brace" your left side.

The key and the one that really resonated with me was that to hit the ball straight you have to feel as though you are swinging in-to-out. You have to swing out toward 1 o'clock to get the ball to go to 12:00 (great graphic on page 129). As long as you don't slide forward, the clubhead actually has to make a perfect in-to-in stroke, though your feel is quite different. Try it in ultra slo mo and you will see that that is the case.

The pros swing this way but have been doing it from the beginning. To us, who have been coming over the top with the goal of hitting down the line, the feel is strange and hard to believe, but after a couple of weeks of medium speed swings and several buckets of straight balls you will believe - and then you will be on your way to great golf. Current players who come to mind who swing like they were taught by Percy Boomer are Mark Wilson, Zack Johnson, Trevor Immelman, Michelle Wie and Suzanne Petterson.

I have read many many golf books. Some had good advice but none of them really fixed my concept of the swing. This book is the real deal. Yes, Boomer does get into some detail sensations in some of the middle chapters that maybe only the pros can benefit from, but by following his basics: In-to-out, the fixed pivot and loose wrists, you will straighten out your swing. As I write these words I know it sounds like the book is full of mechanical thoughts but really it is about visualization. About replacing your wrong visualizations with the right ones.

Do not be put off because Percy is an old-timey guy. Get this book and get some real golf swing!

Had my marks-a-lot in hand and ready to highlight the important passages. Trouble was I found nothing useful. Instruction is all about "feeling" right and presented in language that I considred inpractical for learning the swing. This is just the book for Joan Baez or Bob Dillon to use for starting their game. As for me, I read and found Hogan's book "Five Lessons" and Dante's book "Four Magic Moves" just what I needed for developing a basic swing for beginning golf.

If you want to change your game for the better, Buy this book now. Simple and easy to follow.

This is one of a handful of books that any serious student of the game should read carefully. Perhaps the most important contribution that this book makes is that it beautfully describes FEELINGS associated with a good golf swing. He uses the term "controls" to describe the way the body learns to perform complex actions. I found myself laughing at how well he describes thoughts and sensations one feels in the journey of learning golf. His writing style adds to the value of the book (he's pretty sharp and funny). The premise is that you must feel to learn the golf swing. He uses terms like "a glorius sweeping of the ball" to describe what happens at impact during a good swing. He also makes the contention that ones initial instincts about the golf swing are mostly harmful to learning a good golf swing. Hogan clearly borrowed a bit from Boomer in Five Lessons. I can't say enough great things about this book. I would encourage anyone to use this book as an ajundct to all of the four Harvey Penick books. In my opinion, Penick is the best pro of them all, and he quoted Boomer pretty regularly.
The Scottish teachers and early American teachers used mind pictures and sensations to teach golf. In my opinion, they know the best way to learn is to use sensations and mind pictures. This lets the persons own natural ability learn how to square the clubface with every club in the bag

I've read more than a few books on golf instruction. Percy Boomer's book is without a doubt the best of the lot. I don't know whether Mr. Boomer was ahead of his time or whether modern golf instruction just lost its way somewhere along the road. The fact is that these old time pros knew what they were doing. The "tricks" and "tips" of today's pros found in the pages of golf digest etc. are just that. Let Mr. Boomer show you how to build a repeatable swing that will produce consistent results. You won't be disappointed. My only regret is that he's not still around to give lessons.

I have never laughed so much while reading a book in my life. Some of the stories told are hilarious. I enjoyed learning about Michael Crawford's life. If you have any interest in Michael Crawford, I advise you to get and read this book. You won't be disappointed.

Item in excellent condition and arrived on time.

I have just started reading Michael Crawford's bio but must comment on the service.I ordered the book on Tuesday and was amazed to find it in my mailbox on Thursday.Never have I received such speedy service before.Thank you Ed Silver!

This book is my favorite book of all time. Michael is the best! He truly wrote a wonderful book. I love it! I loved reading about his childhood . It was so interesting. Really,the whole book is very interesting. If you are a fan of Michael's, please read this book. Michael, Thank you for writing this book. Please write another one soon!:)

Though I've not read many autobiographies, this has without a doubt been the most entertaining that I've read thus far; indeed, at times it is simply hilarious. Michael Crawford's career is meticulously chronicled from its beginnings (he started out as a child performer) through to and including the international super-stardom he achieved with his coveted role as the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical, The Phantom of the Opera. In the process, he tells of his short and disillusioning stint doing Hollywood movies in the late 60s/early 70s. He recounts the huge television success he had in Britain in the 70s with Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em (and the hilarious upshot--hilarious for us, that is--of being nationally recognised as and taken for a disaster-prone half-wit!). Crawford went on to forge a name for himself in the 70s and 80s as a formidable lead in musicals (the culmination of which was, of course, his role as the Phantom). Greatest of all, though, was the tremendous honour of receiving an OBE in 1987.

Crawford, who was born in 1942, is extremely candid--even quite personal at times--as he recounts his life story, and sharing the limelight with his professional life are the many recollections he shares about his personal life. There are a great many happy and humorous memories (and even some embarrassing ones), but he doesn't hold back from sharing with us the painful memories as well--like his mother's unhappy marriage to his step-father, or the death of his beloved mother and grandmother.

What really makes this autobiography stand above the others I've read are the many humorous anecdotes that infuse Crawford's recollections of both his personal and professional life. He was a practical joker and a bit of a clown as a child--traits which he continued (thankfully!) to embrace wholeheartedly as an adult. That combined with his love for daring stunts result in some absolutely hilarious experiences that are rendered all the more enjoyable for being so engagingly told.

This 329-page hardcover has 24 pages of black-and-white photos, many of which are from Crawford's own private collection. There are photos of Crawford as a baby and as a child, photos of his mom with her first husband (who sadly died in the war after only a year of marriage), photos of his grandmother with each of her two husbands, photos of his two daughters at different stages in their lives, photos of his then-wife, and photos of Crawford--shots of him with his various co-stars or shots of him in his various productions--from the many stages in his career. Though published in 1999, Crawford ends his story in 1990, following his last appearance as the Phantom in Los Angeles. It would've been nice if he'd brought things up to date, but I suppose one cannot fault him for wanting to end his story on what has been (at least to this point in time) the apex of his career.

In conclusion, I heartily recommend this delightful autobiography to all fans of Michael Crawford. His engaging style reveals a man who is a very capable story-teller, and he certainly has no shortage of entertaining stories to tell.

good book club . lots of similar experiences between blind wife and soldier husband.

It is only March and I have already voted this book for my Book of the Year Award, which I normally select toward the end of the year. This book was beautifully written. You could see the human emotions coming through the characters and it made me want to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen. You feel both sorrow and joy in the characters. Frances Itani knows the human heart and displays it so well on paper. Great job! I am going to make this book a part of my permanent library.

The true test of an author is the ability to portray the mind of someone else. Recently, that ability has been stretched by writers who describe the "abnormal". The young, autistic Christopher in "Curious Incident" is the prime example. Frances Itani takes us into a different world, that of the deaf. It's a world of endless confusion. There are sounds, so easy to the hearing, but meaningless to the deaf. We think speech is the only important sound, but talk is hurried, undirected, and indistinct. Nature produces her own sounds which we use in speech, but for which there's no meaning to the deaf. Through Grania O'Brien's early life, Itani strives to introduce us to that world. Does she succeed?

Grania, who would have been "Grainne" in her ancestral Ireland, lives in small-town Ontario as the story opens. Deafened by scarlet fever [remember that?], she's coached by Mamo, her grandmother. Blessed with a quick eye for lip-reading, Grania is given a book with words displayed as rope. The rope, of course, becomes highly symbolic as the book progresses, but Grania begins to equate the shapes with meaning. Mamo strains to have the girl equate printed words with proper sounds. It's important that Grania "blend in" with the rest of the community. With her parents running a hotel, Grania's only other tie is with her sister Tress, with whom she develops a secret sign language.

All of Mamo's dedicated effort, nor trips to sacred shrines, can't force the pace. Grania is to leave home for a "Deaf School". Itani portrays the school as staffed with immensely caring ladies. No Dickens intrudes with harsh discipline or abuse, but the school draws children from across the Province. All the children remain in school until the summer holidays. Sign language is discouraged for those who can speak - dividing the children, some of whom are mute. Itani passes rapidly over Grania's progress in the school. The deaf girl, however, manages to shed some of her fear of the dark - a long-held terror.

Meeting a young aide in a hospital after leaving the school, Grania's life takes a new turn. The courtship is but a moment in the story - the wedding description not even related until much later in the book. Instead, the Kaiser rudely intrudes on their lives with the invasion of Belgium. Itani carefully rejects any political discussion in the narrative. King and Country [Britain, not Canada] are under threat and Jim must sign up. There's no family discussion, no question of how Irish immigrants in a far land should react - Jim crosses the Atlantic. There's a training stint, then Jim finds himself in the thick of battle. When time and circumstances permit, letters are scribbled in muddy trenches. Sometimes Grania's reach Jim, but delays in the exchanges make communication a flimsy thread.

Itani makes a splendid effort to depict the impact of the Great War. Confronted as we are today by daily images of conflict, Itani still manages to impart a special sense of horror at events. The years pass with Jim, a stretcher-bearer, braving the bombardments and fusillades of machine-gun fire, without being able to fight back. He carries wounded, tends their injuries, dodges fire and grows increasingly introspective. Never once, does he question the worth of the conflict. At home in Desoronto, Grania watches the causality lists, the statistics of insanity, lengthen while she worries. Soldier's wives need more visibility and Itani's effort is commendable.

This book cries out for a sequel. Grania's life hardly ends with the Armistice. With the end of the War, her deafness remains, the family is almost intact and a future must unroll. Itani has built a unique scenario with skillful prose. You will not find it easy to put this book down as you read. However, when you do finish, you will find the conclusion abrupt. Nothing is lost by that finale, but there might be much gained by going on. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

A beautiful book. So wonderfully written that savoring the words was a joy, never mind the sensitive yet powerful story. Though the topics -- deafness, World War One -- suggest a very grim work, it ends up being a powerful affirmation of life.

This book deserves to be much more widely known than it is; it's an excellent example of how even good books deserve ample promotion, as I think that it's a lot better than some major recent best-sellers. I was pleased to see in a bookstore recently that it's won an award.

A great novel!

This book, by Francis Itani, revolves around the world of a girl/woman who as acquired deafness through childhood illness. The setting is initially in Ontario, Canada in the late 1800's and then eventually alternating between Ontario and the European theater of World War I.

I must admit I had some difficultly getting into this work, but I persevered and I'm glad I did, because this book is truly a magnificent read. Once committed, I could barely stand to put the book down.

As with all great books, what makes this book special, is the quality of the writing. The prose just seemed to flow effortlessly off the pages as time melted away. You learn things about deafness, quietness and darkness that you never really noticed before; you begin to appreciate what people without hearing have to endure to get through an hour, a day or a lifetime. There were a couple of occasions in this book where I was taken aback with a new revelation regarding deafness; where I would just let this book slip to my lap and think about what I'd just read.

There are parts in this book that are not for the faint of heart; some of the description of the trench warfare in France and Belgium are very graphic and disturbing. (but, most likely, accurate)

All in all, a story that is quietly beautiful and at the same time beautifully sad. Really, one of my favorite books. If I had to compare it to another book for quality, beauty and heartrending appeal, then I'd pick Charles Frazier's " Cold Mountain". Both books have that intangible timeless aura to them that separate them from their peers.
Highly recommended!

I love these books! Especially good for herb lovers.

This is the first Brother Cadfael mystery that I have read. In the past I have enjoyed the Brother Cadfael Mysteries on PBS and that is what prompted me to read one for myself.

The language is difficult to understand at times, (I suggest keeping a dictionary handy)but the mystery is a masterful "who done it". In this story the husband of a former love of Cadfaels suddenly dies and it is discovered that the victim was poisoned by the deadly Monk's Hood. The same tincture that Brother Cadfael himself has prepared for medicinal purposes. There is a large cast of characters that may have purpose and reason to murder Gervase Bonel but when the authorities believe the murderer to be his young stepson Brother Cadfael takes matters into his own hands to prove the youth innocent.

This is not a light read. Stick with it. You will enjoy it.

Brother Cadfael is both pleased and displeased when his old love, Richildis, arrives at the Abbey with her husband, to take up residence as a permanent lodger. In return for permanent food, shelter and all things comfortable, Richildis's husband, Gervase Bonel, proposes to deed the ownership of his manor to the Abbey, a fact which does not sit well with his stepson, Edwin, to whom was promised ownership of the manor. In old age, Gervase had grown cantankerous and had taken a spiteful pleasure in goading Edwin into a rage about reneging on his promise of passing on the ownership of the manor to him. After eating a highly spiced and sauced dish of partridge, Gervase dies, and suspicion immediately falls on Edwin. The dish was poisoned with monkshood, an oil made of which, was brewed by Cadfael to use as a liniment for the old and arthritic monks. As usual in a Cadfael story, there are several characters who have equal reason and opportunity to have committed the murder, so it's up to Cadfael to sort out the mystery. It's another fascinating story, set in the 12th century, with a wealth of detail about mediaeval life and with Brother Cadfael sorting out the clues.

Now that I've finished Monk's Hood, I have found a new appreciation for Ellis Peters' work. After one death too many, I was expecting a rather static setting that would seem to change, but in truth, it would really change from book to book. I am definitely the product of watching too many American sitcoms and am glad my expectation was not met.

The story begins with Father Abbot Heribert leaving Shrewsbury to a council being held to reassess the leadership of the Church in England. He believes is going to be replaced so he leaves any legal matters unsigned so the new Abbot could determine the course of things once appointed. In the meantime, the Bonel household was going to cede its holdings to the abbey in exchange for a quiet retirement. The contract was left unsigned by the Abbot and shortly after Gervase Bonel, the head of the household, was murdered by way of poison, a medicine called Monk's Hook made by Cadfael himself.

The book is filled with a wonderful assortment of characters. None of which are good or bad. They have their own strengths, aspirations and failings. Once of things I enjoy about the Cadfael stories is he passes very little judgment against others (Brother Jerome and Prior Robert being exceptions). We have a new assistant - Brother Mark, his former fiancé - Richaldis, the return of Hugh Beringer, not to mention a number others. Even the murderer in the end is a many Cadfael felt sympathy for and helps. Yes, there is a sense of right and wrong in these books, but the means to right are often rather unorthodox and thus enjoyable.

I would recommend this book to anyone continuing to read the stories of Cadfael. They would appeal to a mystery reader and perhaps a fantasy reader as well. Definitely someone who likes historical fiction. I know I am well hooked into the series now.

I have always believed that the BBC made the finest adaptations for radio and television, and indeed the BROTHER CADFAEL series is no exception; Bert Coules (who most recently adapted Sherlock Holmes for BBC radio) and the fine actor Philip Madoc brought Cadfael to life in three adaptations which are well worth listening to if you can: MONKS HOOD, THE VIRGIN IN THE ICE and DEAD MAN'S RANSOM. However, Sir Derek Jacobi was an excellent Cadfael for television ... even if some of the teleplays didn't quite follow the plot of the original novels. Acorn Audio did something quite extraordinary when they turned the audio tracks of the four teleplays of the first Cadfael TV series into an audio series, adding a narrator to fill in the gaps and adding some slight commentary on the action which could not be seen on an audiotape; in doing so, they tightened up the narrative to keep the stories moving at a good clip so that the listener would not lose interest, and Stephen Flynn's narration is well-read and well-written. This story brings Brother Cadfael's pre-cloistered past back to haunt him while he struggles to both solve a murder and protect the son of his former love and has enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the viewer (or listener in this case!) rivetted, and I have to say in this recording's favor that the telepay follows the book very closely, more so than many of those in the TV series. I am sorry that Acorn Audio hasn't adapted the rest of the televised Cadfael stories into this format, and the only grievance I have is that the cast of characters is not read out at the end of each story (all we get to know is that Sir Derek Jacobi plays Brother Cadfael, when there are some fine actors in each of the stories). This is something entirely new, coming somewhere in between actual radio drama and books-on-tape, and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the Brother Cadfael series. The listener will not lose anything by not seeing the action on a TV screen, and the acting you will HEAR combined with the narration will definitely provide an ejoyable listening experience.

St.Peter's fair is held annually on the section of land outside the monastery walls in Shrewsbury, but involves the monastery itself, with its guesthouses filled with the gentry and travelling merchants. When the body of wealthy merchant, Thomas of Bristol is discovered, stabbed, stripped and robbed, his niece Emma who was accompanying him, is put into the care of Aline, the wife of the deputy sheriff, Hugh Berengar. Brother Cadfael becomes the girl's protector as she moves around the town, determined to carry on her uncle's business, as he would have wished. Another merchant is murdered and Emma's belongings are searched as if the killer is looking for something in particular. The townspeople of Shrewsbury become very alarmed as this part of the country is still very much divided in its loyalties, with factions supporting King Stephen and others favouring Empress Maud. Cadfael is convinced that Emma knows more than she's admitting, but it's only when she is openly courted by a young nobleman, who would normally be considered too far above her in station, that her life is endangered. It's another fascinating story of life and death in 12th century England, with the detective monk, Cadfaek working his way methodiaclly through clues to a satisfactory solution.

Ellis Peters' fourth Brother Cadfael mystery is set in the summer of 1139, in a Shrewsbury still recovering from the siege of town and castle by the army of King Stephen the previous summer. To speed the rebuilding of its defences, the townsfolk are eager for financial help from the abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which, being located just outside the town, came through the episode of the siege without harm. With the lucrative annual three-day St. Peter's fair fast approaching, the burghers of the town are anxious to secure a share of its profits - normally given over entirely to the abbey. The new abbot, however, is far from anxious to set a dangerous precedent by ceding away the abbey's dues.

Thus it is that merchants arriving from distant towns for the fair find themselves suddenly embroiled in a dispute between town and cloister - and embroiled rather too deeply for comfort as the town's youth escalate the situation out of hand. And so it is that Shrewsbury (and therefore Brother Cadfael, of course) suddenly finds itself with the mystery of another murder (and various other nefarious goings-on) to solve.

With her characteristic meticulous attention to period detail, Ellis Peters weaves an intricate web of deceit and intrigue into this far from obvious murder mystery. As usual, she balances the political manoeuvrings of the principal parties with the playing out of a separate romantic sub-plot. This serves to keep the reader (and, in this case, Cadfael too) guessing almost up to the very end as to the real drama running through the story and, of course, to the identity of the villain of the piece. Indeed, the reader is well into the nail-biting conclusion to the story before realising fully what has been going on.

Peters' writing style ensures that this book is as enjoyable as Brother Cadfael books ever are. Fans of the mediaeval sleuth may be somewhat disappointed to find that he actually has very little to do here beyond collating the pieces of others' findings but this does not really detract from the tale over all. If the Cadfael books are new to you, I would really recommend reading the first two volumes before any others to truly get the most from them. On the other hand, if you are not interested in reading the whole series but simply want an evocative tale of mediaeval England, then you need look no further than this.

Provost Corviser leads a delegation of Shrewsbury's best men before Abbot Radolfus demanding a bigger share of the proceeds of St. Peter's Fair, an annual event sponsored by the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul. The money is needed to repair the town after the ravages of the recent seige of the town by the forces of King Stephen. Abbot Radolfus demurs, saying he's bound by the ancient charters.

Philip Corviser, the Provost's son, leads a delegation of young men to request a voluntary contribution from the merchants at the fair. There he is smitten by the beauty of a merchant's niece, and also smitten by the merchant's bludgeon. A riot ensues.

When the dust settles, young Corviser is in gaol, the merchant is in the mortuary, and the neice, Emma, is in fear--but of what? Not to worry, Ivo Cobriere, a handsome young nobleman, stands ready to aid her. Misfortune continues to stalk poor Emma and another murder occurs. Deputy Sheriff Hugh Beringar and Brother Cadfael are sure that Emma knows more than she is telling.

Philip gets out of gaol, another killing occurs, Cadfael and Hugh unravel the mystery, and the saga ends in a stirring chase and rescue.

Of the chronicles of Brother Cadfael that I have thus far read, "St. Peter's Fair" is the most "mystery-like." No cut and dried solution springs to mind as the plot unfolds. This one had me guessing for some time.

All the regular ingredients of the previous stories are here: Political wrangling, personal intrigue, a love story, and of course--a murder.

Cadfael once more is a treasure trove of wisdom. Some of his lines here are classic. Cadfael is a very noble, very humane, world-weary protagonist. Ellis Peter has truly created a detective for the ages in him.

In "St. Peter's Fair" Cadfael is up against one heck of a baffling case. He and Hugh Berengar (my favorite secondary character) team up to try and solve the murder of a visiting merchant. I have no desire to give the ending away. I will only say that "St. Peter's Fair" has the added bonus of a chase scene.

"St. Peter's Fair" is a worthy entry in this series. The more I read of Ellis Peters, the greater my respect for her becomes. I recommend this book highly.

Of the chronicles of Brother Cadfael that I have thus far read, "St. Peter's Fair" is the most "mystery-like." No cut and dried solution springs to mind as the plot unfolds. This one had me guessing for some time.

All the regular ingredients of the previous stories are here: Political wrangling, personal intrigue, a love story, and of course--a murder.

Cadfael once more is a treasure trove of wisdom. Some of his lines here are classic. Cadfael is a very noble, very humane, world-weary protagonist. Ellis Peter has truly created a detective for the ages in him.

In "St. Peter's Fair" Cadfael is up against one heck of a baffling case. He and Hugh Berengar (my favorite secondary character) team up to try and solve the murder of a visiting merchant. I have no desire to give the ending away. I will only say that "St. Peter's Fair" has the added bonus of a chase scene.

"St. Peter's Fair" is a worthy entry in this series. The more I read of Ellis Peters, the greater my respect for her becomes. I recommend this book highly.

A junior member of a law firm is invited to a slightly odd club, that initially appears to be just a group of members that like to tell stories of different sorts, but just before xmas, the story must be 'uncanny'.

He begins to suspect something strange when some of the furnishings and books in the club seem very unique.

Only Stephen King can write a novel that is so completely lucid and insane at the same time and get away with it. Having a particular affection for audio books, I recently listened to his novella, THE BREATHING METHOD.
While nowhere near as frightening or gory as some of his other works, the story does what it is meant to do, and that is wonder which turn KING will take this time.

How many times have many of us NON FAMOUS writer's of suspense and horror thought about this type of story, only to shove it in a drawer or leave it on our word processors because we thought the subject matter just too darn bizarre?
This is one such tale and told by one of the great masters of the telling.
Not having children myself, but having been an offside observer to the births and stories thereof, of many nieces, nephews, and friend's kids, I fully understand THE BREATHING METHOD and what it is supposed to do. Without spoiling it for those who have not read the novella, let's just say when a woman wants to give birth to her baby-illegitimate or not, she will, NO MATTER WHAT! Interest peaked? Well you should read this Novella and be prepared to smile with realization that King does it again.

What I particularly liked at the end of this story, Mr. King offers insight on his writing method and the deep black hole the NOVELLA GENRE falls into. He amusingly gives reminisces about writing stories that are rather too long or too short. When they are short they fall into the Novella category, and into the abyss of probably-never-to-published. He admits he was lucky at times, and also gives valuable publishing information for both horror and sci-fi authors. Most writers of his magnitude wouldn't reduce themselves to offer such help.

Now for you audiophiles. Anytime you can listen to anything read by Frank Muller, (who I believe reads a lot of King's work), by all means do it. He has that unique voice that is quick, precise and puts you right in the middle of the piece he is reading. As an audio book lover, the narrator is important to me as the story. If I don't like a narrator I make note of it, even if I loved the book.

I enjoyed this book. It is well written with good character development.

Reader Frank Muller delivers this tale with aplomb. Taken from King's superb story collection, "Different Seasons," the action takes place in a tony Big Apple men's club where there are no membership dues. Membership rises and falls with the telling of tales.

Who can tell them better than King. This time out his subject is a woman who is bound and determined to give birth no matter what.

Scary? Of course. It's King, isn't it?

I finished the audio book earlier this week. In typical Stephen King fashion, he draws you along the story, twisting several plots into it. Surprisingly, it was not the main focus of the story that gave me chills, but the last 5 minutes when certain revelations are made, or at least hinted at.

I especially loved the iconography of the statue in front of the hospital, and the often repeated quote which basically said that there was no comfort without pain. Which I guess can be considered a message of hope, or at least a message that suffering is not done in vain. But again, it's one of those details that makes this whole story just a bit askew.

Overall, it was a great read. I really enjoyed the story, it was a bit predictable, but the pace of the words draws the listener along nicely. I would recomend this book to a friend, but not to my mother.

Swapping LivesTells the story of three women, it is a little hard to follow; it's like reading three novellas in one book.

I was really into the first book by Patricia Scanlan, but not as much with this book. It's the story of three girls who apparently have a very deep friendship, but I didn't really get that. It was three individual stories about the difficult lives these three have had and there is talk about them doing things together and meeting once a week, but you never really get into much detail. Over all, I enjoyed this book, but I didn't really feel as much for the characters as I did in Francesca's Party. Also, it's said that the book is set in the 80's but it reads more like the 30's, very conservative.

I loved this book , i just couldnt put it down it had a brilliant plot and it made me feel happy and sad especielly when she had a row with luke and then made a special bond with him as they made themselves a couple instead of friends !!!!!. I would recommend this to anybody its a brilliant book .

I loved this book , i just couldnt put it down it had a brilliant plot and it made me feel happy and sad especielly when she had a row with luke and then made a special bond with him as they made themselves a couple instead of friends !!!!!. I would recommend this to anybody its a brilliant book .

I've read many books in the "girlfriends" genre, but CITY GIRL take first place as the most enjoyable, most compelling, most totally captivating. This is due mainly to Patricia Scanlan's ability to create three distinctive women, each with serious contemporary problems and each with the inner strength and tenacity to face whatever comes, especially when she has true friends to stand by her.

The resourceful Devlin, the insecure Caroline, and the fun-loving Maggie are young Dublin women who confront out-of-wedlock pregnancy, a husband who strays, men who are not what they appear to be, alcohol addiction, and even the death of a beloved child. You will be totally engrossed in their lives and the people that move through it----from the compassionate Luke to the sophisticated Richard and the fun-loving Terry as well as the secondary characters who add intrigue, romance, and a lot of Irish charm.

If you're looking for a book you won't be able to put down, one that involves you so deeply in the lives of the characters you feel as if you know them, and one rich with the flavor of London and Dublin, I highly recommend this one. As a matter of fact, I had scarcely finished it when I picked up the sequel CITY WOMAN because even after nearly 500 pages, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to these wonderful characters.

This is the first Brother Cadfael mystery i've read. It was, perhaps, not the most fortuitous choice i could have made; certainly it was rather different from my expectation. Part of the difference can, of course, be explained by the fact that i have seen some four or five of the adaptations starring Derek Jacobi, so despite my best efforts i interpreted everything i read through that filter, seeing the characters in my mind according to their development in the television shows. The murder/mystery is well plotted out, though simple not quite simplistic, and nicely both hidden and revealed. I can point to the exact paragraph, sentence even, i was reading when i suddenly knew ~ not through anything revealed in that paragraph ~ the solution; the rest was mere reading to prove myself correct and see how Peters would handle the results of the revelation. Though this was not what i expected, i shall read another Cadfael book, just to learn a little more about him, and to see if i can't erase Jacobi's excellent interpretation from my mind.

In this eleventh chronicle of Brother Cadfael of the Abbey of St.Peter and St.Paul in Shrewsbury, the ongoing war between King Stephen and Empress Maud has come to a stalemate, following the sacking and burning of the city of Winchester. With Stephen still a prisoner in Bristol, Maud had barricaded herself and her forces within the city when Stephen's queen, Matilda, attacked the city with fire arrows, destroying the monasteries and convents and causing the general flight of all who could escape. Two Benedtictine monks arrive at the Shrewsbury Abbey, begging for refuge and a new home. Humilis, the elder, is an ex crusader, like Cadfael, but had been severely wounded in battle. Fidelis, the younger monk, is mute, and is Humilis's carer, tending him with complete devotion. Cadfael realises that Humilis is close to death and tends him with loving care. At the same time, a hue and cry is set up to find the whereabouts of the former fiancee of Humilis who had wished to enter a convent after her betrothal vows were rescinded by Humilis who knew that he could never be a husband to her with his shocking wounds. Sheriff Hugh Beringar is afraid that the girl was robbed and murdered en route to the convent as she was never seen again. Wise and worldly Cadfael sees beyond outward appearences and soon becomes aware of the deceptions being carried out. With his aid, the well meant perpetrators reach a satisfactory conclusion to their trouble and the life of the Abbey goes on as smoothly as possible in these turbulent times.

"... this story was most tedious and far-fetched. I couldn't believe that this young woman would do what she did for a man she hardly knew..."

I am currently reading The Crusades by Zoe Oldenbourg. From this book and others, the type of action taken by this young woman is very believable *FOR THE TIME*. Women worshipped heroic men and marriage was not a match for love, but for property. To put it in a more modern perspective, what if a young girl was told that in 10 years time she would be the wife of Harrison Ford or Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt or Kid Rock.

Certainly, she would spend much of her growing years yearning for every scrap of information and growing into a bond with the legend of him.

This is the fourth Brother Cadfael mystery that I have read (I happened upon a random selection in a neighbor's giveaway bin) and it is definitely the best so far. The title, taken from the Book of Common Prayer ("O God, who hast consecrated the state of Matrimony to such an excellent mystery"), is more than apt.

The overall theme of this installment could be briefly summarized as "things are not what they seem". While this is true in most mystery novels it is true in spades here. A young women is mugged and murdered--or is she? A monk has a homosexual crush on another monk--or does he? Sorry, I've probably already said too much.

As usual, there are several romantic plot threads, always a nice touch in the midst of a mystery story. Brother Cadfael, in this installment, does not use his deductive powers so much to solve the mystery as to analyze it as it unfolds. This heightens the suspense because we don't get let in on the inner workings of Cadfael's mind.

Another reason why this novel rises a notch above the others is the role that the 12th century English history plays in the story. In previous installments the history, while interesting and informative, sometimes makes the book hard to get into. Here, the history plays a central role in the story, as the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Maud provides both the impetus for several new characters to show up in Shrewsbury, as well as making it more difficult to track down the information necessary to solve the mystery.

In addition to being a good read, I think this would make a great movie. I see from another review that the series has been dramatized, presumably for British TV. It's too bad this series is not more widely circulated, perhaps if more people knew about it a movie would be more likely. Or, alternatively, maybe somebody should make a movie anyway, so that people who would not normally read the books can enjoy these excellent mysteries.

It is the late summer of 1141. The war between King Stephen and Empress Maud to decide who will rule England continues. As the fighting rages, the abbey in Winchester is destroyed and two of the displaced monks find their way to the Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul at Shrewsbury. Brother Humilis is a former crusader who is slowly dying of his wounds. He is accompanied by Brother Fidelis, a young mute who is devoted (for reasons unknown) to the care of Humilis. But their relationship is only one mystery. Another is what has happened to Julian Croce, a young woman fron a manor in the north of the shire who seems to have disappeared while on her way to join a convent near Winchester.

Peters books are a pleasure to read. She exhibits an elegant turn of phrase that. As someone else here has already remarked, she makes the "grim and gritty middle ages" sound like someplace you might actually want to live. And this is one of her better plots. I figured out what was going on about halfway through, but only because I got an unintentional hint from someone who had already read the book. Even so, it was a pleasure to watch the story unfold.

Elegant style and clever plotting aside, however, the story is a bit over-romanticized. For example, at one point Nicholas rides non-stop from Winchester to Shrewsbury, through both day and night and, finally, through a storm. He "must get his tale at once to the ears of authority" and he "dared not stop hating, or the remaining grief became more than he could stand." All this intense feeling over a girl he had only met once, three years earlier. Sorry if this makes me a chauvinist, but clearly this is a woman writing about how women wish men felt about them. This is the mystical ideal of chivalrous love. It isn't how a young man would really feel under such circumstances. This is typical of Peters and it doesn't really hurt the story, but it is a bit gushy and you can tell a woman wrote it. For a male reader, it's just a little over the top.

Peters is a charming writer. She paints a vivid, if somewhat romanticized, picture of life in the 1100's. Cadfael and the rest of her characters are congenial and her stories are light, but entertaining. The mysteries are sometimes a bit transparent, but not this one. This is one of her better ones. Cadfael fans will definitely enjoy it. Others should keep in mind that this is definitely a romantic mystery. Also, if you haven't read a Cadfael mystery before, you should consider starting at the beginning of the series. That said, I recommend "An Excellent Mystery" to those who like this type of story. It's better than most.