Windsor Books

Miss Read's novels capture the best aspects of the small town provincial novel--the sense of connection, the wry Austenisms--while leaving the sentimentality and pollyanna-ism sometimes afflicting the genre to her lesser imitators. A Peaceful Retirement brings us another step--perhaps a final step--nearer to the end of this series. I recommend this series, and this book within the series, to anyone who wishes that a novel might have both a 20th C. awareness and a somewhat 19th C. sense of perspective....Most people have not discovered Miss Read, and one somehow wonders if "most people" really ought to. But I am certainly glad that I did....

Miss Read has written over 40 titles, with this final tome describing how her headmistress heroine copes with her new-found life of leisure.

In an afterword, the author says she is laying down her pen "with a thankful heart". It is all the more surprising therefore that these final tales show no sign of staleness. In fact, "A Peaceful Retirement" is quite playful in tone as Miss Read copes valiantly with a series of unlooked-for marriage proposals.

Given that the school year is so regular the author manages to describe events such as Christmas celebrations and harvest festivals with no sense of repetition, and as ever captures the tensions between town and country living, children's and adult worlds and men and women beautifully.

With this book Dora Saint, the real-life Miss Read, can take her own retirement from authorship knowing that she has served her readers well.

I just finished reading "A Peaceful Retirement". Just like her other books, it was excellent reading. I was sorry when the book ended because I wanted to read more. Few years ago I wrote Miss Read a letter stating I loved all her books. She was kind enough to write me a handwritten letter in reply. After a hetic day, I look forward to reading her books and revisit the loveable characters in the quiet town.

I enjoyed this book just as much as I have all the other books written by Miss Read. The reason that I enjoyed this book so much was that it was like catching up with old friends and being transported back to the Village and all the surrounding scenery which captures my imagination. I recommend that you read not only this book but all those that Miss Read (Dora Saint) has written for anyone that enjoys people and a very descriptive story which includes the lovely countryside that one can only imagine. I will miss my friends very much. Thank You Dora Saint for giving me many hours of pleasure.

I just finished reading "A Peaceful Retirement". Just like her other books, it was excellent reading. I was sorry when the book ended because I wanted to read more. Few years ago I wrote Miss Read a letter stating I loved all her books. She was kind enough to write me a handwritten letter in reply. After a hetic day, I look forward to reading her books and revisit the loveable characters in the quiet town.

This was the first book by Jack Higgins that I read. The plot grabbed me by the second page and didn't let go until the end. The characters were all very well developed, with no loose ends in their various encounters. The particular development of Martin Fallon was very interesting...Higgins established his "death wish" in a good manner, but kept me guessing to the end just how Fallon would resolve all of his issues. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.

...This novel was a little more touching in its direction and somewhat more of a moving story than all action of his other books. I found it as good as always, but I am a fan, so make your own opinion.

I first read this book about two decades ago. I think I can best describe the book by describing how that first encounter with APFD went. I had borrowed the book from a friend. I read it at one sitting - it's a quick read - and felt compelled to share it with others. In the week for which I had the book, I loaned it to four other friends then read it once more before returning it. Since then, every two years or so, I'd have an urge to read it again and I'd go out and find a copy. The book can almost be called a classic.

I must have read this book five years ago-- probably more like seven. In any case, it wasn't my copy-- we were renting a cabin, and it happened to be on the bookshelf-- I picked it up, and could NOT put it down until I read the whole thing, at the expense of my vacation. Not that I minded, mind you. ;) In any case, Higgins' tragic tale will have you aching over every moment. In fact, this novel is nearly perfect-- except for a couple of sexually explicit scenes, which I skipped quickly over. Due to that fact, this is not for sensetive readers at all, and usually I'm one of those-- but, frankly, after all the books I've ever read, this one was in my life for a mere twenty-four hours, and I remember it as one of the best.

I was first introduced to Jack Higgins with 'The Eagle has Landed' and 'Storm Warning', two WWII era stories. I enjoyed his ability to develop characters while keeping the action moving and suspenseful. However, it was this book, 'A Prayer for the Dying' that made me a lifelong fan of his writing. Actually written before he exploded into popularity with 'The Eagle has Landed' this tale is deeper and more moving than any of his books, before or after. Each character, both good and bad, have demons to overcome.

The story is about Martin Fallon, an ex-IRA executionor, who has bailed out on the movement after an tragic miscalculation caused a bus-load of school children to be blown up. We find him in London trying to leave the country and being chased by both his old comrades and Scotland Yard. He is blackmailed into killing one crime boss by another, and is seen by a priest Father De Costa. The story takes Fallon from executionor to hero as he is forced to protect the life of the priest at all costs.

Higgins takes the time to develop each character in this story into very complex people. Beside Fallon and De Costa we're introduced to Jack Meehan, (the crime boss with a twisted sense of fairness), his brother Billy (the original thing from under the rock), Miller (the frustrated Scotland Yard Detective), and Anna de Costa (the blind niece). Each character has wonderful and surprising quirks. A great example: Jack Meehan is an legit undertaker with many non-legit sidelines including prostution, gambling, and drugs. However, he is also VERY protective of the elderly, feeling they are always being taken advantage of. He actually crucifies one of his employees for trying to swindle an 87 year old widower out of 20 pounds.

To go further into the plot would spoil all the great surprises and twists. If you're a Jack Higgins fan you MUST find this book and read it. It's out of print but any good used book store will have it and it's well worth the trouble.

I was delighted with Cauldwell's third book in her too-short series. Much maligned Cantrip always makes me laugh, and you get plenty of him in this book.

After the relatively disappointing second book in the series (The Shortest Way to Hades) I was enraptured to find The Sirens Sang of Murder on a par with the first Sarah Caudwell, the one that made me sing hosannas and rush out to buy everything she had written. One of the strengths and pleasures of Sirens, as with Thus Was Adonis Murdered, is that a large part of it takes the form of an epistolary novel, in this case through telexes in the hilarious voice of Cantrip. Surely Caudwell is a fan of P.G. Wodehouse, since the hapless Cantrip reminds me irresistibly of clueless Bertie Wooster, even down to his malapropisms and his dotty uncle (reminiscent of Uncle Fred). Having so many adventures related through his harried, well-intentioned, quirky voice ("pottle" is one of his favorite verbs) makes everything that much livelier. Another clever, enjoyable device is the use of hackneyed romance-novel cliches, which circulate due to Cantrip and Julia's collaboration on a would-be bestseller. Added to this heady mixture is the faintly dangerous, sexy whiff of witch lore and the supernatural.

If you enjoyed Thus Was Adonis Murdered, don't hesitate to heed the Sirens' seductive cry.

The humor is elaborate and depends on convoluted witticisms couched in a pastiche of eighteenth century prose, alternating with sharp observations of contemporary British life and amazingly effective slapstick. This sort of thing has to be done superbly well or it falls flat. This is done superbly well. The plot seems completely fantastic until the murderer is revealed and you realise you should have thought of that person all along. The same setting as the other Caudwells - the London singles bar scene.

This is the third of Sarah Caudwell's sublimely funny murder mysteries narrated by Hilary Tamar, professor of legal history at Oxford, and featuring her young barrister friends. All four of these books are hilarious, and this is the funniest of the lot. Not many books in my life have made me cry with laughter, but this one reduced me to tears on several occasions. The adventures of young Michael Cantrip (educationaly disadvantaged, poor boy, he went to Cambridge)in the Channel Islands and in France and Monaco are full of wildly funny incidents. The poor boy has to suffer spending five hours shut in the boot of a car, being locked in a wine celler by a dotty waiter etc, meanwhile back in london his colleagues are having to cope with his barmy uncle. The plot is amazingly convoluted, and like all the books you may find yourself getting a bit lost in the complexity of the financial details, but who cares. Just enjoy the ingenious story, the wonderful characters, the witty dialogue, and Sarah Caudwell'smarvellous style. What a tragedy that there are only four of these marvellous books.

Cantrip is missing! Having been seconded to assist with the mysterious Daffodil settlement in the Tax Haven of the Channel Islands, he disappears, and there seem to be bodies all over the place, bodies and unlimited suspects who might well have been involved in murdering them - or then again might not. Even murder isn't necessarily on the cards here. Really, it is up to Professor Hilary Tamar to sort things out and find the culprits, and find Cantrip at the same time.

A while ago we were discussion (on a Jane Austen list) the art of the epistolary form of the novel - and perhaps this is the original idea behind Caudwell's form of mysteries - they are very reliant on letter writing. While the first mystery featured letters by Julia from Venice (Thus was Adonis murdered), and the second Serena from Corfu (The Shortest Way to Hades), this has Young barrister, Michael Cantrip, writing from..... well.... all over France - and using the handy mechanism of the Telex machine to send his messages back to the members of the nursery at 62 New Square (and the occassional less than flattering note to their Clerk, Henry).

A very funny, bouynat mystery with the usual Caudwell twist at the end - I guess the unexpected seems to occur every few pages really - The only thing I would mention is that I didn't feel like all the clues were quite at my grasp as they might have been - however, I didn't mind, it was such a rollicking good fun ride. Sometimes I wonder if I read these as mysteries or comedies - they are lovely as both. .

This is a great collection featuring the key early issues that developed Wolverine's character for decades to come. These are the issues - first appearance, original mini-series, and Weapon X - that set up Logan's hardcore persona and mysterious past. A GREAT read for a seasoned Wolverine fan, and a PERFECT starting point for someone unfamiliar but intrigued by the character.

The ONLY downside is the Captain America issue included - it seems a bit out of place. Cap and Wolverine fight a giant robot? It might have been better to include an issue where Wolverine works with the X-Men or something.

Now this is an excellent collection. Hulk, the great Claremont/Miller mini-series, and Weapon X. Top marks for putting this one together. A fun cover, and this work is from back in the day when they weren't using Wolverine to sell lunchboxes, undies, and every second series or mini-series that Marvel felt like putting out, so it was a bit more special for that, and for X-Men fans at the time.

The inclusion of the first Miller/Claremont Wolverine TPB and the Barry Windsor-Smith Weapon X series make this worthy of the price. The Miller/Claremont collaboration is seminal and lays the ground work for pretty much all of Wolverine's subsequent adventures in Japan. It's 5 star work.

The Weapon X storyline is good and reveals the epic adamantium bonding process that Logan went through that is mentioned throughout so much of his history and, in particular, the 80s "memory plugs" story line in his regular series. The only bad things I can say about this is I don't think Smith had quite hit his stride as an artist and my expectations for Weapon X were so huge that I couldn't help but be a bit disappointed. Regardless, this is an excellent read.

Also included is Wolverine's first appearance in the Incredible Hulk 181 and a Wolverine solo X-Men adventure excellently drawn by Windsor-Smith, which features Lady Death Strike; I will say this is not the best story featuring Yuriko and it also features a Power Pack member, which is unfortunate, I think they were just trying to segue into the Weapon X story. There's also a Captain America annual which features Wolverine, which is ok, but feels like filler, which is why it loses a star.

This is it, the birth of the most awesome character in the marvel universe. It is amazing storytelling, great art inside and out, and a very excellent comic. Chris Claremont needs to go and slap the fools that are writing the works for the Wolverine comics today. This is the basis for which all others most follow and some are following it pretty poorly and with out dialog to explain their reasons.

Frank Miller did the Marvel Presents series who for you newbies did the graphic novel for the movie '300', so nuff said.

ALL in ALL:
I LOVE LOVE this series none better to my knowledge. A ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE to enjoy especially if you are new to the Marvel Universe and Wolverine in general. These are the stories that keep players like me in the game. OUTSTANDING!

You've heard it over the years how Wolverine is the coolest character in the world. You've seen the Hugh Jackman movies and now you're interested in the original comics that made Wolverine a legend. Well, then look no further than this hardcover volume. All the tales that made him the hottest darling of the comic-reading crowd in the 1980-90s are here.

The book starts off with Wolverine's first appearance in Incredible Hulk #181 (by creator Len Wein). Then we get the justly classic mini-series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller. After that we get a classic Wolverine-Captain America tale (that foreshadows a lot of what constitutes the duo's relationship now in "New Avengers" and "Wolverine: Origins") and a Wolverine-Lady Deathstrike tale. Finally, we have the entire "Weapon X" storyline by Barry Windsor-Smith. The book comes with a foreword by Chris Claremont explaining the creation and evolution of Wolverine over the years (with special emphasis on the now legendary car-ride he had with Frank Miller discussing how to revamp the character into a failed-samurai). Also included are all the covers and pin-ups related to the stories.

I love all the books in this set. They are wonderful. I do believe in the "borrowers". I bought the whole set for my 11 year old granddaughter. Hopes she loves them as much as I do.

Being 13, I'm pretty picky, but this book was awsome! It's so in my shopping cart! I love how the Clocks are so smart, they can make everything out of anything! This book really appeased me, because I love models and mineature things, an the thought of moving, living, mineature people is so thrilling! I really liked how they made a hot-air balloon out of a strawberry basket, a fountain pen, and a plastic (or toy, as it says in the book) balloon. Soooo coool! I'm SO reading the other books (I've already read the book and seen the movie "The Borrowers").

Again great reading in this series of books. Couldn't put it down. Great for children and adults alike

I liked this book a lot. I like to read about how resourceful the Borrowers are when they use stuff humans don't need or misplace. It had really nice pictures, too. I recommend this book to kids five years and older.

In this, the fourth book in the Borrowers series (after The Borrowers, The Borrowers Afield and The Borrowers Afloat), the Clocks have moved into Little Fordham, and are starting their new life. Unfortunately, unknown to them, the greedy Mr. Platter has built a rival model village. Having seen the Borrowers, he kidnaps them to add them to his own model. How can such small people escape from a prison built by such huge human "beans"?

Ah, Mary Norton (1903-92) was a genius! Her Borrower stories are an excellent combination of suspenseful adventure and heartwarming drama. My children and I love this book, and highly recommend it to you!

I had read several of Alistair Maclean's novels, and had an 8 year break when I got a hold of this. This novel is a prime exhibit of why I enjoy him so much. A mystery, revealing tid-bits here and there, leaving you guessing who the good guys are and who are the bad guys.

If you want to be on the edge of your seat for a while, this book will do it.

To recommand for all readers to buy, read, and re-read for n number of times. fantastic book

There are lots of surprising twists in this story including a final surprise in the last sentence. MacLean did a very good job when he wrote this book.

I'm not a fan of the circus and I hate clowns. Being a MacLean fan, but with my current mentality, I figured he had finally run out of ideas (at this point in his life). But the cover of the 1975 Fawcett Crest edition (see "customer images" for the paperback edition) was intriguing: a man falling off a high-wire, the bicycle tumbling after him. Is someone killing off circus people? I had to read.

It turns out that the circus plays as a backdrop for a secret CIA mission. Believe it or not, but the agenda in this tale is about an incredible circus performer recruited by the CIA to break into a prison (that the circus "moves" next to) to steal -- as the back of the book explains -- "a formula capable of annihilating the earth itself." Sure enough, MacLean was like the Crichton of the 70s and managed to weave an entertaining yarn around the idea of anti-matter (certainly not new in 1975).

MacLean refrains from delving too deeply into describing anti-matter or how this formula will end up being used. His somewhat amusing approach to it takes place as a discussion between semi-ignorant CIA agents and Bruno, the acquired circus performer, all of whom are frightened by the power of anti-particles.

As the title may suggest, the book is a slight deviant from other MacLean adventure tales, but I rank it up there among his best works. The book is full of extremely original death scenes that, despite being accustomed to MacLean's formulas, took me completely by surprise. There are more twists in the last chapter than there are in some of his better books, and MacLean pulls it off realistically, and without creating a convoluted mess.

Keep an eye out for Carter. While no first name is ever given, he is the doppelganger cameo of Chief Officer John Carter of MacLean's "The Golden Rendezvous." (MacLean has done this with other characters throughout his novels.)

Another great MacLean classic. In this book the hero is an American athlete, an immigrant from eastern Europe. He is recruited by the CIA and is to undertake and unimaginable mission. He, of course, succeeds, but not without the extreme difficulties that macLean's heroes always face. The story twists are awesome and the ending is both expected and surprising. A great read.

Linda Windsor is my hero. I don't know how she manages to put together a novel with all the emotions one can experience between the pages of a 295-page book. With wisdom and Linda's trademark humor. Linda deftly weaves in all the tension required between the hero and heroine, the 'other woman', an intriguing running sub-plot, the irresistible pull of a troubled boy--and a very wise dog.

Ellen's story in For Pete's Sake is #2 in the Piper Cove Chronicles. #1 was Alex's story, one of four long-standing friends from their high school days. I have a pretty good idea that the focus in book #3 will be Jan, the baker, who seems to be hooked up with the wrong man. Stay tuned for the next fun-filled tale from Piper Cove.

Ellen Brittingham was riding her Harley home when the Corvette in front of her ran off the road and ploughed through a field of corn. Of course she stopped to help, and that's when she met Adrian MacAllister Sinclair, her new neighbor. Since his car wasn't drivable, she took him home and met his young son, Pete. She also met Selena, Adrain's beautiful fiance, who was, in Ellen's opinion, all wrong for him. Anyone could see that Adrian needed someone more like...well, more like Ellen. Book two in the Piper Cove series is a captivating story of love, suspense, and faith, with delightful characters who think they have their lives all mapped out until God gets involved.

This book totally captured my attention and I did not put it down from beginning to the end. Linda Windsor is a talented author who literally makes the characters jump from the pages of the book. Ellen's personality makes you wish she was your best friend, she came to life as a person who lives their life to the fullest.In fact she makes you want to ride a Harley. I didnt read the first Piper Chronicles, but will be reading it soon, totally on the basis of this book. Pete and his life, living with Asperger's reaches out to you and helps you to understand the issue they deal with. This book is a must read!

This book is the second in Linda Windsor's Piper Cove Chronicles. If I hadn't already been a devout Windsor fan, this story would have won me over by itself. With the skill of an expert, Linda brings the characters to life and leads the reader on an emotional journey that will have you laughing, hurting and loving along the way.

Ellen Brittingham is a motorcycle riding landscape artist with a love for God and a heart for children. She is a confident, no-frills tomboy who often attracts disaster. Although I have a black thumb and would dare only to ride behind a skilled driver, I found myself able to relate to Brit, as she is called by her friends. She is real. She is believable. She will walk off the pages and into your heart.

Adrian Sinclair is one of those guys you just want to take home. A business success and millionaire, Adrian comes across as a confident, high society man. Upon closer look, you realize there is a lost soul lurking behind the expensive suit and you can't help aching as you watch the struggling relationship between him and his son, Peter.

And Peter. I can't remember when a child has so captured my heart, with the exception of my own, of course. Pete is hurting while he struggles with the difficulties of his condition. There is a loving boy locked behind the anger and formality he displays and it was pure joy to watch him slowly come out of his shell.

Now, this review wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention the musketeers. This group of four women - Alex, Jan, Sue Ann and Ellen - shares a lifetime of friendship, support and ice cream. It is amazing to watch the dynamics of these women as they laugh together, support each other and speak the truth, even the hard truth, in love. It had me longing to be a part of their group, and thanking God for the special friendships in my own life.

This book is packed with chemistry, emotion, action, laughter, fun, faith and love. It is truly one of a kind. There was not a boring moment among the pages and I found myself completely enthralled and drawn into the lives of these characters and the town of Piper Cove. I would suggest, however, that you pick up the first book in this series Wedding Bell Blues, as you won't want to miss a moment with this unique group of women.

Read this and other romance reviews here:
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For Pete's Sake by Linda Winsor is the second book in the Piper Cove Chronicles. It isn't at all necessary to read the first book to feel comfortable in this terrific romance. Ellen Brittingham works for her family's landscaping business, but her heart is working with children. Adrian Sinclair works in the cutthroat world of cyber security and trying to connect with his son Peter, who has Asperger's Syndrome. This doesn't sound like a match made in heaven, especially when you throw in Adrian's fiance Selena, a walking Barbie doll. Ellen is a down to earth, Harley-riding, T-shirt and jeans kind of gal, not at all Adrian's type. Windsor's character's are wonderful; no stereotypes, great dialogue, well-defined personalities. The story has everything: romance, suspense, faith, and drama. I read a lot of books, and this is the rare book that I actually can I say loved, wholeheartedly.

"Shadow Over Babylon" is the first book by David Mason and it's a gripping read very much in the style of Frederick Forsythe or Tom Clancy. The story revolves around a group of British ex-Special Forces men who are hired to assassinate Saddam Hussein and the planning and organisation involved to infiltrate Iraq, shoot Hussein and then escape. They draft in a sniper, Danny MacDonald, who is a deer stalker and we are introduced to Danny at the beginning of the book as he explains about shooting to a deer hunter. This aspect of the book - the technical detail of the sniper's craft - is fascinating and not something I've read elsewhere.

As the book progresses we learn more about the characters and the plans that they are making to carry out this difficult task, although we don't know the full plot at any time - as it unfolds we understand why they organised things as they did. There is a parallel story taking place in the American NRO (National Reconnaisance Office) as they find themselves tracking the team and trying to work out who they are and what they are doing. Big brother was definitely watching them!

The book has some technical detail but perhaps less than a Tom Clancy book - which isn't a bad thing. There is also more characterisation of the men involved in the mission - why they are doing it, how they handle the stress and violence - and even a couple of little romantic storylines for three of the main people involved.

And do they succeed in killing Saddam Hussein? Well, you'll have to read it to find out, but it's a really great read and there's a little twist in the tail which I wasn't expecting and was fun. Enjoy the story and the plot and the characters - this is an excellent debut novel by someone who clearly knows an awful lot about what he's describing and it's great fun to read a book with British special forces, rather than American ones, with the humour and amusing conversation of the Brits.

Mason's work in Shadow is an excellent beginning to an author that possesses such a deep understanding of military manuvers, lingo, etc. The details are what captured me in this book, particularly the story of the team's sniper. I felt a little lost towards the middle of the book, but I suppose most book are that way. Overall, he is NO Clancy, however, his next book is still something I would like to take a look at.

GOOD JOB!

-Sunil James

Shadow over Babylon was given to me by a friend, he said that the book was impossible to put down. I thought that this might be a bit of an exageration, so i decided to read it. I ended up reading the book in 4 days while during my summer holidays. I can honestly say that this is the best book that i have ever read. My favourite author may be Wilbur Smith but this book eclipses anything that he has ever written. David Mason's second book Little Brother is also worth reading.

"Shadow Over Babylon" is the first book by David Mason and it's a gripping read very much in the style of Frederick Forsythe or Tom Clancy. The story revolves around a group of British ex-Special Forces men who are hired to assassinate Saddam Hussein and the planning and organisation involved to infiltrate Iraq, shoot Hussein and then escape. They draft in a sniper, Danny MacDonald, who is a deer stalker and we are introduced to Danny at the beginning of the book as he explains about shooting to a deer hunter. This aspect of the book - the technical detail of the sniper's craft - is fascinating and not something I've read elsewhere.

As the book progresses we learn more about the characters and the plans that they are making to carry out this difficult task, although we don't know the full plot at any time - as it unfolds we understand why they organised things as they did. There is a parallel story taking place in the American NRO (National Reconnaisance Office) as they find themselves tracking the team and trying to work out who they are and what they are doing. Big brother was definitely watching them!

The book has some technical detail but perhaps less than a Tom Clancy book - which isn't a bad thing. There is also more characterisation of the men involved in the mission - why they are doing it, how they handle the stress and violence - and even a couple of little romantic storylines for three of the main people involved.

And do they succeed in killing Saddam Hussein? Well, you'll have to read it to find out, but it's a really great read and there's a little twist in the tail which I wasn't expecting and was fun. Enjoy the story and the plot and the characters - this is an excellent debut novel by someone who clearly knows an awful lot about what he's describing and it's great fun to read a book with British special forces, rather than American ones, with the humour and amusing conversation of the Brits.

Mason was good at making this premise work, even though he was working with the handicap that came with setting this a few years back. We know the history of the Gulf War aftermath, so where's the suspense in reading about this crack team headed to take Mr. Hussein down? It's there all right. Obviously this is the work of a sharp intelligence. If Mr. Mason were to write another novel, I'd be sure to at least take a look at it.

Gerald Durrell has written quite a few books and this is one of the funniest. He travels to Africa to find rare and exotic animals and has laugh out loud funny adventures. He also has a serious message about preserving animals and their natural habitat.

This would be a good book for middle school type readers.

I could not recommend any book more wholeheartedly than I do "A Zoo in my Luggage", along with all books by Gerald Durrell. Young and old will find the information of great interest, the writing style hilarious and entertaining, and the geographic descriptions factual and vivid with local color. I have read all of his books when I was a young mother living in West Africa, and I have ordered these books now for my grandchildren to enjoy.

Gerald Durrell's books have touched the hearts of naturalists for decades and I admit that I have only become a fan of his in the recent years. I was introduced to his books through my local used bookstore, where I was looking for copies of James Herriot's books that were not offered at my local bookstore, and decided to pick up a few and try them out.

His stories have a incorporated a vivid energy and hilarity into his passionate memoirs of unique nature experiences that will entertain any nature-lover. While some of his scientific practices may now be considered obsolete, we are given a rare glimpse into the love and respect for all things living that has been a core aspect of any naturalist throughout the ages.

I have since bought as many of Durrell's books that I have been able to find, and treasure each and every one of them.

Naturalist/writer Gerald Durrell, with a writer's eye for unusual detail, a great sense of humor and absurdity, and an unquenchable enthusiasm for finding unique animals, recounts his third animal-collecting trip to the Cameroons in this classic 1960 memoir, recently reprinted. Supplying other people's zoos for many years, Durrell, on this trip, intends to collect specimens for his own zoo, one which will be open to the public and which will become a "self-supporting laboratory" with a captive breeding program to prevent the extinction of these species.

Arriving on the west coast of Cameroon, Durrell uses pidgin to converse with the Africans and refers to all animals as "beef," but he soon acquires many rare animals from the local population. A frightening canoe ride through hippo-infested waters, an attempt to capture a fifteen-foot python, a search for the blue-scalped, bald-headed Picanthartes bird, and the experience of smoking out a hollow tree keep Durrell and his staff energized and excited before they head to the highlands. There, Durrell stays with the charming Fon of Bafut, a elderly king with many wives, and he and Durrell enjoy many long evenings of talk, dance, and whisky. Soon the Fon's compound fills up with hundreds more captive reptiles, birds, and animals, including a half-grown baboon, a five-year-old chimp, and a baby chimp, all of which provide innumerable, often hilarious adventures.

Durrell provides details about the care and feeding of these animals, and he and his staff prove to be very "hands-on" caretakers, often having animals creep into their beds. The logistics of building cages and, eventually, packing them for the trip home, reveal the level of detail necessary to keep these animals healthy and calm so they can survive the trip to England. Upon his return, Durrell then begins the daunting task of trying to find a place to house these rare specimens, a task he neglected ahead of time.

A lively writer with a commitment to conservation and a tremendous sense of fun, Durrell gives the flavor of the whole trip, not just the academic details, providing realism at the same time that he reveals irrepressible humor, much of it directed at himself. His sensitivity to his surroundings, which he conveys through vibrant descriptions, makes the countryside come alive, while his anecdotes about the animals and the people he meets show his interest in expanding his knowledge while fully participating in events around him. Though there is no epilogue to bring the reader up to date on the success of Durrell's zoo or its captive breeding program, this information is readily available at: http://www.durrellwildlife.org/index.cfm?a=11 Mary Whipple

Gerald Durrell spent most of his life collecting interesting animal specimens and Durrell is an interesting human specimen himself. His well chronicled life (mostly chronicled by Durrell) begins with the hilarious, and very succesfull, "My family and Other Animals". It is ably followed up with the equally hilarious "Birds, Beasts and Relatives". Both books are full of tales from the Durrell family's years on the Greek Island of Corfu, pre WWII. Little Gerry dives right into the flora and fauna of the island, including its human fauna. I own very few nonfiction books with such a plethora of memorable characters. Now, of course, we get to the volume in question. It is plenty good, and worth multiple readings over years, as is "The Overloaded Ark" and several other books detailing trips to collect animals. A word of warning, don't go nuts and buy all the zillion Durrell titles. Some of them are out of print for a reason and were most likely dashed off by Durrell to finance a collecting trip or two...

Move aside Captain Jack and make room for Gabe Avery! Okay, not really - Jack is my favorite. But boy-oh-boy, Gabe Avery is an amazing leading man. He's strong and roguish and has that soft side that he only shows to the leading lady.

Blue Moon is a treasure hunt of suspense and romance filed with entertaining characters and an exotic location. There's plenty of adventure and excitement in the hunt for a sunken ship and its treasure. Fans of Linda's other "Moonstruck" books will not be disappointed as she tells this tale of Jeanne Madison - the sister of the Madison men from the other books.

It was difficult, to say the least, but Jeanne Madison has finally pulled off the impossible. She has secured financial backing to find and excavate a treasure laden 18th century Caravel off the coast of Yucatan. God has smiled on her so far, so what could possibly go wrong. Well, for starters, she hires Gabriel Avery and his ship, The Fallen Angel. After seeing the run down boat, Jeanne feels that's an appropriate name. Gabe Avery is bronzed, muscled, has a tatoo, and a teasing glint in his eyes. He wears his dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and isn't what she expected in a ship captain, but she has to admit he adds a certain something to the scenery.

Treasure hunting isn't for the timid, and soon a competitor who will do anything to succeed is trying to take over. Jeanne begins to think she is in over her head, both professionally and romantically. Suspense builds as they scramble to recover the treasure before it can be stolen from them. Nights spent on the beach with the moon working its magic on Gabe and Jeanne weaves a romantic spell, but can the lady PhD and the rough and ready ship captain find lasting happiness?

Blue Moon is the third book in LInda Windsor's Moonstruck series and it's just as much fun as the first two. Set in an exotic locale with a quirky cast of characters, lost treasure, romance and humor, it's a story you won't want to miss.

When archaeologist Dr. Jeanne Madison plans her "Blue Moon" expedition to look for the Luna Azul, and early 18th century Spanish galleon that sunk off the coast of Mexico, she has no choice but to hire the only captain her project can afford, Gabriel Avery. Her former professor and mentor, Dr. Remy Primston, accompanies her to Cancun to meet the captain of a charter fishing boat. The handsome, dark captain who sports a British accent is far from the crusty image she had. Far worse, he reminds her of a pirate and his blue eyes make Jeanne nervous. Worse, one look at his rusty ship, the "Fallen Angel", makes Jeanne wonder if it can even hold any artifacts they might find.

Jeanne returns to Cancun a few months later to start the expedition, along with students from Texas A&M University and a former classmate of Jeanne's who is now a photographer who will film their discovery, if any, for National Geographic. Accompanying Gabe on the expedition is his deck hand, Manolo, and Gabe's lab, Nemo. When Gabe's nemesis, Captain Marshall Arnauld of the "Prospect", suddenly shows up, Gabe fears Marshall will try to steal any discovery, just as he had stolen the rights to salvage a ship Gabe himself found several years earlier.

Excitement abounds when the first sign of the Luna Azul's contents are found near a coral reef, but it's nothing compared to the excitement that Gabe stirs within Jeanne when they share dinner, or when Gabe reveals his concern when she comes down with a fever. Then strange things begin to happen after their discovery: Gabe's ship suddenly develops problems, and a strange man keeps watching Jeanne and Gabe when they're on shore. And the excitement is only beginning...

Linda Windsor's BLUE MOON is an exciting novel filled with adventure and intrigue, deception and suspense. It is also a story of love, set in the exotic seas of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. BLUE MOON is a true treasure for any reader who loves a great romance, and one I highly recommend.

Dr. Jeanne Madison has secured limited funding to find and excavate the "Luna Azul" (translation: Blue Moon). It is a treasure-laden eighteenth century caravel off the Yucatan coast (Mexico). Along with Jeanne is the snobbish Dr. Remington "Remy" Primston who is documenting all for his future book, a few college students, and Ann Mills who is not only Jeanne's college classmate, but also a photographer with World Geographic magazine.

The tight budget forces Jeanne to hire the handsome Captain Gabriel "Gave" Avery. His boat may look ready to fall apart at any moment, but Jeanne knows that God will help her in her quest. Besides, Gave is the only skipper around that will agree to getting part of any treasure that they may find instead of a huge daily fee. Gabe and Jeanne are very attracted to each other, but Jeanne knows that a relationship between them is hopeless unless God helps Gabe see His light.

In the meantime, the American playboy Marshall Arnauld smells treasure. He has already stolen sunken site rights from others in the past, including from Gabe, and now he is after Jeanne's find.

**** This is the third in the Moonstruck series. The cover says it is the "new romantic comedy", however, I found very little comedy. Instead, I recommend this one as a Christian Modern Contemporary type of romance. A sweet read with lots of faith and a dab of suspense. Author Linda Windsor proves that you do not need a lot of steamy bedroom scenes and crude language to make a wonderful story. ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Twenty-six years old archeologist Dr. Jeanne Madison believes she knows where the eighteenth century Spanish galleon Luna Azul sunk off the Mexican coast during a storm. With her mentor Dr. Remy Primston they hire marine biologist Captain Gabe Avery to take the two marine archeologists to the locale. Though Gabe has strong references including those of her overly protective brothers, Jeanne has doubts that he knows what he is doing though she admits to herself he is quite a hunk.

Gabe has more doubts than Jeanne about the success of this sea venture. He has been betrayed before from so called friends plus the Pollyanna believer in God team leader looks too young to be a PH.D though he admits to himself he finds her fascinating and pretty. As they sail, Gabe realizes he wants her and not just for a sea cruise fling. He cannot abide her so called mentor who he feels holds her back. However, even worse in his eyes is her naive attitude towards a charming snake he once called pal; Gabe knows the rat is her rival who will steal the claim and the fame unless he and his crew give 200 % to the woman who inspires them to be more than they ever have been before.

The third Moonstruck tale (see FIESTA MOON and PAPER MOON) is an enjoyable inspirational tale starring an idealist and a cynic falling in love while on a high seas adventure. The story line is action-packed yet the key cast makes for a fun time as readers will appreciate the antics and competition between the three men now in Jeanne's life. As always Linda Windsor provides a strong thriller with interesting characters enhanced by an impervious belief in God.

Harriet Klausner