Nevada Books

At first I didn't know if I was going to like this book, but all of the sudden I was just sucked into it. This book does not end like a normal book you would read, it isn't one of those books that you know how it is going to end, it kept me sucked in until the very end. And it still seems like it should have another sequel.

"Grizzly" is one of those books-- if it's hot you sweat, and if it is cold you need a blanket. It makes you feel like you are there. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the way the characters talked. The thing that made it difficult to read was the slang.

Will Reed was the reason this book was so good. Will fought for what he believed in. Sometimes he fought the Americans and sometimes he fought the Mexicans, but no matter what side he was fighting for, Will fought for the rights of everyone's freedom.

When I read this book I just couldn't put it down! I don't like frontier books but this one was just amazing. It teaches you a very valuable lesson and will have you hanging on every last page. The ending is to die for! Everyone should read this book!

Luis Mejia - Desperation is a deep and certainly scary work of fiction which gives way to a general sense of message through it's thoughtful scenaries. Among the King universe Desperation is unconventional, although it gets quite refreshing for it's style. It captures the crudeness and strambotic sense of the desert, the mystic power always present in his paranormal fiction, the storyline is easy-going and lineal (which gives the plot a witty sense), and the reader can be excited by the All-American characters King writes with such a dark sense of anti-humor. Apart from this factors usually present on Stephen King's work, it's impossible not to think that, even for King, the work shoud've been better crafted; while the storyline is understandable, it hits into common and even incredilby predictable boundaries; clutches of plot pieces are wrolngly scattered on through (Eg: the survivor lady which gets to the cinema and the impossible to connect section's of David Carver's past) and specially the quick and running ending, which is worst portrayed than the length of the whole novel. By all means, at the end of the novel, take a great time to think about the deepness of the messages so wonderfully expressed on the novel; the merciless aspect of God (the "hole" Desperation represents, the destiny God carries out on David and even the rest of the connecting survivors), the crude appeareances of stereotypes, and how evil and goodness are balanced. Be prepared to read an unconvential King novel, all gotten into the bloody side of the desert and the terrible perspectives of loneliness in towns and it's only connections.

This was the first Stephen King book that I ever read. I saw it at a 2nd hand store and figured for $5 I couldn't go wrong. Well I have to say when I opened it that night after work I could not put it down! This book was amazing! The intese details paint a perfect picture. Definately a good read.

Once again a novel about the classic battle of good vs. evil, but King (as usual) does a good job of coming up with original material. This keeps the reader involved, as the suspense comes from trying to figure out just what/what the bad guy is and what he wants.

That said, even when writing a horror book about the unreal, it is not justifiable to throw all logic out the window, and sadly King forgets logic in both the details and the overall plot.

For instance, in one scene a main character is looking at a WALLET-sized photograph and is able to clearly identify not only three men, and the baseball cap that one of them is wearing, but also the name of the club on a sign behind them. If this isn't bad enough, it should be mentioned that the photograph is 30 years old. (I guess they don't make photos like they used to.)

Flaws in the plot are also clumsy: in another scene hero David makes another one of the main characters empty his pockets to make sure that the guy isn't carrying any "evil rocks". But when does he do this? Not after another lady is found with evil rocks, when it would be logical. Instead, the pockets are emptied in fact much later: RIGHT AFTER David declares that this guy has had a "change of heart" and is now certainly on the good side.

Most embarrassing is the overall theme. All through the book, the main characters all determine that "God must be cruel" to let so many people die in the town. But on the last page of the book, it is once and for all decided that "God is love". What happened during this time for the main characters to change their minds? The evil guy decides to let the main characters escape, but God commands them to destroy the evil guy, which leads to the death of 2 of the main characters in the process.

Flaws aside, overall the book is entertaining. However, in between the action, King for some reason has some of the narrative recounted by hero David (who tells the background story after seeing it in a vision) rather than just having flashbacks in the story. This leads to a book that would be equivalent to a fast-paced action movie that is inexplicably interupted up by 10-minute sequences of dialogue.

This book concerns a number of travellers trapped by what appears to be a maniac cop, in a mining town called Desperation, and their attempts to escape.

As Stephen King books go, I did not think this was one of his better ones, but was a pretty good read, nonetheless. I felt the characters in the story were reasonably good, and kept you interested in them, for most of the time, anyway, as it should be pointed out, that this book is slow moving in parts, by this author's standards.

The main drawback, I felt was that the whole 'Tak' thing was weak, and got slightly boring at times. It also could have been explained a bit better.

Above all, the book is poorly written. The plot is formulaic and forgettable. The author's attempt to be suspenseful and scary fell flat. I'm not a Stephen King reader but I was sorely disappointed by this book.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well this book was written. Ben did a fine job of capturing, in words, what the MIT counting team experienced. In doing so, he brought the reader into the lives of the players and into the rush of the game/scam. This book will keep you turning the pages until you're done. Make sure that you set aside a few hours of uninterrupted time to read this book in its entirety. I read this book long before the movie came out and I want to say that the movie does this book an injustice. You're better off owning this book than owning the movie. This is a must read for thrill seekers and for the modest of gamblers. For ten bucks...you can't go wrong.

I liked the story behind what these kids did. It was exciting and scandolous. I didn't like the actual people in the story. Most of them seem like overpriveleged brats who were looking for a free lunch. I was also a tad disappointed with how simple their methods really were. It had less to do with brainy algorithims and more to do with teamwork and deception. All in all though, an interesting book.

This book came to my attention after hearing a radio interview with one of the MIT Card Counters. I immediately searched out this book, and it didn't disappoint. Ben Mezrich does a great job of boiling down a sophisticated card-counting system, following the rise and fall of one of the team's key members. And for those interested in the details, an essay on card counting mechanics by the main subject, "Kevin Lewis," is presented at the end of the book.

This was Mezrich's first forray into non-fiction and it shows at times with some cheesy and tedious metaphors and heavy-handed attemps at injecting prose into the action. Nonetheless, the book is short enough and the action quick enough that I wouldn't describe this as a major distraction.

If you liked "Rounders" or the casino scene in "Rain Man," then this book is probably for you.

Book was like new and delivered as promised. Great book for a great price. Very easy transaction. Thank you!

Mr. Mezrich, in "Bringing Down the House", gives us a fascinating account of a group of MIT students who took "card counting" at the blackjack table to a whole new level. This fast paced page-turner takes a thrill ride that reads like a novel. Great read!!

Although somewhat entertaining to read, this story by highly recommended Michael Connelly just misses success. A narrative slow in progression with a weak background story. Nice to see a female lead in a caper. Interesting note- one of the characters in Void Moon is mentioned in Michael Connelly's excellent book "City of Bones".

to please. Everyone LOVES Harry Bosch and we can NEVER get enough of him and his adventures. This takes us away from Harry and the result is just as pleasing. Cassie Black is an ex-con trying to go straight. She is lured back into a final caper and things go very bad. Character development is good and the plot gets your blood pumping. We will all have more Harry soon enough. Great Summer Read!!

I've read about 8 or 10 Connelly books and have liked them. For me, Michael Connelly is someone I can grab off a shelf and be sure I'll enjoy it. Not this one, though. After 120 pages of very detailed writing of a woman getting back into her criminal ways - how to set up the scam she will commit - I gave up on this one. The beginning shows how bored she is while trying to live the straight and narrow and the writing is, well, boring. I guess that was the point, but come on!
I won't give up on his books because this one wasn't to my liking.

Having read all the Harry Bosh novels to date, I was pleasently surpirsed with VOID MOON. Connely should write more non-Bosch novels!

The author writes this one with a real sense of urgency as far as the characters are concerned and to use the old cliche 'page turner' is very appropriate.

I'm a B I G fan of Matt Helm and Travis McGee, and have always thought that Harry Bosch came in a VERY distant third. Connelly shows that he has the stuff of a great mystery writer with VOID MOON.

"Void Moon" is Michael Connelly's ninth book, and was first published in 2000. It's only his third book not to feature Harry Bosch, giving a starring role to Cassie Black instead. However, Cassie is a little different to Connelly's other heroes - instead of a cop, a lawyer, a retired fed or a journalist operating on the 'right side' of the law, Cassie is an ex-con currently on parole.

When we meet her, Cassie is working in a car dealership on LA's Sunset Boulevard. Although she spent time in prison in Nevada, she managed to have her parole transferred to LA and knows she was lucky to get the job. She suspects it's because the boss - Ray Morales - hopes their relationship will move beyond the professional. Her parole is due to run for two years and, although she's on minimun supervision and she has a very likeable parole officer in Thelma Kibble, Cassie is starting to get a little twitchy.

Cassie's past is only given away gradually : exactly what she was convicted for, who Max was and what happened to him and why a five year old girl called Jodie Shaw is so important. Cassie has been keeping a close eye on the Shaw family, and it's their proposed move to Paris that (apparently) causes Cassie's twitchiness. She's maybe a little too honest with Thelma in a parole meeting, even (foolishly) asking about the possibility if seeing out her parole in France. When it's made clear that isn't going to happen, her decision is made : one last job, with a big enough dividend to disappear on. She's barely out of her meeting with Thelma before she's on the phone to her old contact DH Reilly. DH (as in Dog House) is actually the Leo Renfro's alias and is someone she had worked closely with in the past. He had also practically raised his step-brother, Max. Roughly two weeks after Cassie makes contact with Leo, he gets back in touch with her : he's managed a identify a job that matches her requirements. Unfortunately, it sees her return to a place she'd never have wanted to see again : Las Vegas. Her problems with Vegas aren't limited to personal, however - her new assignment throws up quite a few professional difficulties also.

A very enjoyable book, and - with both Cassie and Thelma Kibble - two very likeable characters. (In fact, both have been given very small cameos in subsequent Harry Bosch books). Cassie presents two mysteries, in a way - her current job and her past life...in particular, why the Shaw family is so important to her. Connelly has been one of the best mystery writers of recent years, and "Void Moon" is no disappointment - very much recommended.

I was really into this book until the end. I get very annoyed when a book is exciting and suspenseful and then in the end beyond belief. My big question at the end was how did Sister Mary Rose know where the daughter was to contact her in the first place. (I had guessed who she was early on.) Maybe I missed something along the way - I did go back to see if I had, but could find nothing.

I definitely enjoy Coben's style and wit. However, this is the second book I have read of his where the ending just didn't stack up to the overall book. However, I might try one more, as he is an entertaining writer.

A thriller that grabs you from the beginning and doesn't disappoint. Characters and situations that are gripping and engaging. Not a classic by any means, but a good fun read if you are into thrillers.

Harlan Coben has yet to disappoint me. The Innocent is really not an overly complex plot, yet at the same time it offered depth that really kept me interested. The characters have complex personalities and the plot twists, as with all of Coben's books that I've read, continue to surprise the reader.

I had heard Harlan Coben's name for years in book chats, but had never read him until this book. Since the voracious readers that I chatted with in years past had spoken of Mr. Coben reverently, I must admit that I was disappointed in the first half of this book--this was just not the caliber of writing that I had been expecting.

While the writing may not have been as strong as I expected, Coben's storytelling was good. "The Innocent" is a dense, multi-layered mystery involving a large cast of generally-well-drawn characters. I really liked the main character, Matt Hunter--a good guy who was at the wrong place at the wrong time when he was young and ended up in prison. Coben uses this good-guy-with-a-bad-rap theme as a major thread in the story, especially when Matt and his wife Olivia try to move back to Matt's old neighborhood and are met with prejudice due to his past.

Like most stories of its ilk, "The Innocent" requires quite a suspension of disbelief--there is some really wacky stuff going on that I sometimes found difficult to take seriously--but, all in all, it is a satisfying story. The last 100 pages, in fact, were outstanding and I was able to end the book on a MUCH higher note than I started it. Given that the book was 500 pages long and I thought only the last 100 pages were great, I wished that the book had been edited down to a tighter 350 or so and maybe it would have been an overall more enjoyable experience.

Reading The Innocent by Harlan Coben, I couldn't help but get a feeling of been-there-done-that with its plot of a man having his whole life uprooted when he discovers his wife/lover has a secret life. I've read similar stories by Coben before, but fortunately, Coben is good enough to keep the story going well even if he is revisiting old ideas.

In this story, the lead character is Matt Hunter, whose life was disrupted in his college years when he tried to break up a fight and wound up killing another student. After serving time for manslaughter, he's rebuilt his life and is married to the beautiful Olivia who's just become pregnant. While she is away on business, Matt gets a call to his cell phone: what he receives are pictures that make it look like Olivia is having an affair. What's worse is that the call came from her phone and now she is unavailable.

Meanwhile, homicide detective Loren Muse is called back to her old Catholic school where the Mother Superior wants Loren to look into the past of a recently deceased nun. It turns out the nun had a mysterious life before she entered the convent (revealed because she had cosmetic surgery), and that her death was a murder. As Loren tries to ascertain her identity, the FBI gets involved and tries to cover up the whole thing.

A phone call from the nun to Matt's sister-in-law's house provides a link between the two stories, and a series of circumstances will lead to Matt being suspected of murder. Matt knows that he could eventually prove his innocence, but his prison time has made him fearful of ever being locked up again, however briefly. Therefore, he will need to become a fugitive to get the answers he needs, both to prove his innocence and to determine what's going on with Olivia.

Once again, Coben has written an effective page turner. If there is a fault with it, it's what I stated before: it is familiar ground that Coben is revisiting. However, this will not keep most current fans from enjoying this book, and if you're new to Coben, this book should also be a pleasure to read.

Yes, this is a more gruesome and difficult book to read than any thus far in the Irene Kelly series. But, it was one that I found myself compelled to read. The level of intensity never let up. Oh maybe there would be a short lull where the intensity went from 10 (out of 10) to 8, but then its right back up there again. And never, til the very end of the book, did I feel completely secure that all would end well enough.

Its a brutal read, there's no questioning that, IMO. But its so very well-written and the new characters (and several we've come to love) are so interesting. The storyline requires the reader to pay attention at all times. This is not a lazy read. It's an intelligent, sometimes painful, but definitely compelling and entertaining book. There was a sense of accomplishment (and some relief) when I finished it.

Much like a roller-coaster ride, its can be horrifying, but strangely exhilarating, too. Read it and find out for yourself.

Don't miss one of Jan Burke's Irene Kelly stories. They are wonderfully crafted and hard to put down.

[***** = breathtaking, **** = excellent, *** = good, ** = flawed, * = bad]

... heroine is stranded in the wilderness with the serial killer. Longer review at ImpatientReader-dot-com.

In 2002, my brother gave me a gift certificate to Amazon.com. I decided to shop for some books and stumbled on Bones by an author I had never heard of before. The premise of the book sounded good and I decided to take the plunge and buy it.

This started a love affair with Jan Burke and everything she has written that lasts to this day. What an amazing storyteller. I have read them all, loved them all and of the hundreds of books I have read, hers are some of my treasured few that I keep to reread again and again.

Bones is still my favorite of hers and can stand alone as a great book even though her character Irene Kelly stars in books before this one. The plot was really good, the character development amazing - I really came to know these people and care about them - and suspense was terrific. Overall, the book was really fantastic and a truly great read.

I read this book on the strength of its Edgar Award, and while I thought it was a very good book, I would not say that it was "not put down-able" since it took me a solid two weeks to read...meaning that I put it down a lot.

Here is the basic premise, longtime Jan Burke protagonist Irene Kelly and a notorious serial killer are included on an expedition bound for the burial grounds of one of his victims. The serial killer is actually allowed out of prison to lead this expedition. The expedition includes a dozen (plus) forensic experts, forest rangers, and sheriffs/guards. Enough of a security force that one would assume they'd all be safe. Bad assumption, the whole expedition heads south rather quickly and that's what the rest of the book is about.

Jan Burke has a real knack for turning out memorable phrases and she has the requisite plot twists that maintain a good interest level.

Recommended for all mystery lovers. I certainly enjoyed the book and based on that, will go back and read some of the books that came before Bones.

I'm sorry, I just found this book just a bit short of silly. And I am a western fan. The character development was shallow and the story line predictible while at the same time unrealistic. If you want a book on philosophy there are ones that are much better.

The inhabitants of a ranching community get up a posse to go after a band of rustlers who are thought to have stolen cattle and committed a murder. The small number of men who try to act reasonably and thoughtfully are easily swept aside by those who are ruled by their passions, leading to disastrous results.

Walter Van Tilburg Clark is a wonderful writer who has produced a powerful novel that succeeds in every way. His simple, evocative language brings the Old West to life. His characters speak with distinctive, authentic voices. Most importantly, the novel is very astute about mob psychology as it depicts the ebb and flow of the men's passions through the final tragedy in the pitiless morning sunlight to the aftermath of guilt and regret. This classic story still has much of value to say about the danger of retribution unchecked by law.

This classic western takes a raw and realistic look at frontier justice and mob mentality. Author Walter Van Tilburg Clark (1909-1971) shows how easy it is to be caught up in the mentality of a howling mob with its inherent peer pressure, not to mention the difficulty and often danger of trying to reason with or stand up to such a mob. The OX-BOW INCIDENT involves of group of westerners in 1885 that turn to vigilantism after hearing that their friend has been killed by cattle rustlers. The men form a posse and ride out of town determined to avenge this despicable crime. The posse soon comes across three men that may be the perpetrators, but the evidence is far from certain. At this point the vengeful posse becomes a kangaroo court - despite some dissent - disdaining judges and the court system, not to mention the idea of taking their captives back to town to stand trial. Instead the mob simply hangs their captives from the nearest trees. Sometime after this rash act this vigilante group discovers that they've indeed done wrong.

I gave this solid 1940 novel just four stars because it drags a bit in places, but it carries a very valuable message. The OX-BOW INCIDENT was soon adapted into a very good 1943 movie with Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews and Anthony Quinn.

THE OX-BOW INCIDENT is a classic tale. It also is a classic Western, and because the Western is so central to American culture, THE OX-BOW INCIDENT surely is more important -- more "classic", if you will -- for Americans than for others. To be sure, at times the writing is somewhat dated, but that "flaw" is negligible. The cast of characters (at least 20) is very finely drawn, with only one (the uncouth town drunk Monty Smith) tending overly towards a stock portrayal. By and large, the psychology underlying the characters is astute. And there is some very fine writing of scenes, especially the one a quarter into the novel of the weather changing and the storm coming on. But the reason to read the novel, even if you have seen the movie, is for the story. It was powerfully presented in the movie, but is even more powerfully presented in the book.

My one and only complaint or reservation has to do with the last chapter. It is superfluous. I suppose that the two additional deaths contained in that chapter and Davies' "confession" tend to make the book more of a Greek tragedy, but that's not really necessary: this is a quintessential American tragedy, and it doesn't need any retribution or retrospective moralizing.

An aside on the subject of lynching, which is at the dramatic center of the book. Like the Western, lynching is a peculiarly American phenomenon. It is a blot on our history, but one we should remember, not repress. The best book documenting the horrors of lynching in America -- a book that should be much more widely known and circulated -- is "Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America."

Off hand I can only think of a few Western novels that have transcended their genre to become classics, and share with the world what all great art does; that being a universality of it's story and relevance no matter when or where. Shane, The Searchers, The Lonesome Dove books and certainly much of Frank Norris and Cormac McCarthy's work. I know there is more than these, but I am not a constant Western reader.
Having said this, The Ox-Bow Incident joins that bunch, as a compelling novel of hysteria, aggression, moral confusion, the Outlaw spirit, American masculine relationships and the folly of vengeance and vigilantism.
While other reviews may describe the story, I'd rather point out that it is a fairly simple one, simply presented and concluded. What stands out though is the characters and the depth to which Clark creates them. Sure there are standard cowboys, tough and grim-faced, but most of the characters suffer, whether in confusion, drunkeness, cold, moral despair, aimlessness, boredom or even arrogance, bullishness and myopia; territory I don't associate with Western lore/myth.
The lesson of The Ox-Bow Incident is timeless, and most important today, whether it be on a schoolyard, in gang territories, our criminal justice system itself or geo-politcs.

I really enjoyed the first 478 pages of this book. For me though the ending just didn't do the story justice.

If you are a religious person, and you can't believe how Pattyn's father treats her, or how their pastor thinks, you may cringe a bit. I know I did. Even though it is fiction. I couldn't believe some of the things. I loved it despite it was disturbing. I loved the relationship between Pattyn and Ethan. I'm glad she found someone. I wish that Pattyn would've put up a fuss, and demanded she stayed with her Aunt, when it was time for her to go home. I love Mrs. Hopkins work. I am anxiously awaiting "Identical" which is due out August 26th.

another great read from hopking... i have loved everything she has writen. stories that are good and could be real..very realistic hitting on real life issues

I started reading this book last night and I just finished it 90 minutes ago...I could not put it down...I instantly fell in love with the characters (well not all). It may not leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, but it's a great read.

Ellen Hopkins has yet again created another masterpiece that is both touching and thrilling. This book creates images of a story that people can relate to and see happening in our every day lives. It takes place in a Mormon family where a woman's only role is to have as many children as she can (mostly boys), take care of them and please her husband - even if it means getting beaten!

In Pattyn's (the main characters)world, she has never known true freedom until her father catches her with a boy (that isn't Mormon) and after a series of dilemas, is sent to live with her Aunt J whom has never gotten along with her brother, Pattyn's father.

The story continues at Pattyn's finds love, hatred, pain, and the harsh sides of her own reality and the one person she truly loves... This heart warming story will live you in tears or close to them. Enjoy!

This book is pornographic, plain and simple. We feel that now is the time for all books to be rated so that readers, parents and educators can be made aware of the age-appropriateness and the content that each book contains. Let the writers write what the wish, but don't taylor such garbage as this to a pre-teen. This material is very unsuitable for anyone less than 18 years of age. It not only contains profane laguage describing genitalia, but it describes sex acts such as intercouse, oral stimulation and acts of self gratification. KEEP THIS BOOK OUT OF THE HANDS OF OUR CHILDREN!!!!

Diamond Dog by Alan Watt was an attention-grabbing book. The book is about a young boy named Neil Garvin who kills another young boy named Ian Curtis. Neil panics after killing Ian and throws him into the trunk of his father's car who is the town's sheriff. The book takes a real spin from there. FBI agents are called in to investigate the disappearance of Ian Curtis, father son turmoil stirs, and a son is wondering about the disappearance of his mother from years back.
Neil is forced to confront his dad about the disappearance of his mother and Ian's body. When he confronts his dad, all of his feelings change and Neil sees the world in a different way.
I thought that this book was alright. It could have been better. The author would do flash backs when flash backs were not needed and confused me if it was from the past or present. The book was also a little graphic. If this book was a movie it would get the rating of "R" for sexual content and use of language. If you want a book to read for your leisure time I would suggest it but I would not suggest it as a family reading.

What can I say about this book? Its one of those things. Not only does the author take us through a journey, but he inhabits the conflict of the characters miraculously. The main character is young, belligerent at some party and has plenty to hide, but when his father gets involved, it really turns into something special. Who didn't have some kind of conflict with their own father? The story speaks to the human condition, but also gives us the heart of an unusual family. One where nothing is quite what it seems. There are surprises throughout the book that are wonderful and sad. I really recommend Diamond Dogs, it was a pleasure to read and I learned something about who I am while reading it.

Diamond Dogs is a small masterpiece that, like Crime and Punishment, operates perfectly as both a crime thriller and a universal tale of redemption. As a crime thriller it is impossible to put down. As a tale of redemption it is unforgettable for its insight and compassion. I heartily recommend it to any serious reader. It also makes a wonderful gift for teenager readers looking something that does not speak down to them. A distinctly American story told by a master craftsman.

A friend of our family's has a daughter in middle school. She happened across this book one day in her school's library in order to read it for Accelerated Reader. When I saw just the first few pages I was so disgusted it almost made me sick. For this book to be in a library where children can read it is totally irresponsible, neglectful, and downright innaprpriate! I gave this book only one star because it would'nt let me give. We REALLY need some sort of a rating system for literature just as we do movies or video games. That way I could teach my child that they could only get books that were appropriate to their age and maturity. It saddens me that this is what we are putting in our children's hands. As if the world isn't scary enough now, we have to make reading a sex ed lesson. Reading is supposed to be an adventure that can relax and teach young readers to enjoy reading. I'm not sure I want my child to learn ANYTHING from this book! Therefore if your reading this trying to decide whether to buy this book for your child i implore you PLEASE PLEASE reconsider or at least get it and read it yourself first.Then if you still think it's ok, then buy it. Thank you

First things first. Regardless of the cover illustration of baby sea turtles or the title, this is not a book about sea turtles. You'll learn a lot more about fire management than loggerheads (you always learn something about natural resource management in author Nevada Barr's books).

In Endangered Species, Anna Pigeon is earning some extra money with a temporary assignment to the fire suppression crew on Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia. When a plane crashes on the island, killing the pilot and his passenger, Anna is asked to help (as a note-taker) with the investigation and watch over the widow of one of the deceased. Her investigative ears are burning, though, and her law enforcement skills uncover deeper mysteries.

Anna continues to be an imperfect person, but her drinking is temporarily under control, her snooping helps catch a killer, the ashes of her dead husband go down the tubes, and her relationship with Frederick comes to a conclusion.

In the meantime, ranger Anna Pigeon is clobbered, infested with ticks and chiggers, shot at, and forced to inhale very large quantities of mind-altering smoke.

In other words, Anna continues her life story thick in the middle of things.

Endangered Species started slowly, and I kept getting confused with who was who and who was doing what. It seemed to plod along, and took until chapter 25 to really get going. That was about 4/5 of the way through the book! However, I appreciated "getting to know" Anna Pigeon better. I now know I have to read these books in order of publication to appreciate them best (even though each one works as a stand-alone book).

Here's the list of Anna Pigeon novels, and the order in which they've been published (I've starred the ones I've read to date, to remind me):

1. Track of the Cat (1993)*
2. A Superior Death (1994)
3. Ill Wind (1995)*
4. Firestorm (1996)
5. Endangered Species (1997)*
6. Blind Descent (1998)
7. Liberty Falling (1999)
8. Deep South (2000)
9. Blood Lure (2001)
10. Hunting Season (2002)*
11. Flashback (2003)
12. High Country (2004)
13. Hard Truth (2005)
14. Winter Study (2008)

Enjoy!

I love Nevada Barr's character Anna Pigeon, but this story was diffinetly not one of her better writtings. I found it kinda boring and wished that she had used Barbara Rosenblat as the narrator. I find that the narrator along with the story really makes the book so much better and gives Anna Pigeon life.

Storytelling at its finest, Nevada Barr's ENDANGERED SPECIES features the little known Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia, home to the Loggerhead Turtle, which many have fought for to bring back from the edge of extinction. The island is on our must visit list the next time we are on the east coast and I'm sure to read this addition to the Anna Pigeon series for its descriptions of the fauna and wildlife of the island.
The story is marred by too many characters, it becomes confusing but Barr's powerful prose keeps your eye glued to the page.
Nash Black, author of WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.

The action takes place on Cumberland Island. I've read the book, and visited the island. Now I want to share with my husband, so I got the audio book version: we will listen to it on our way back from Florida to California.

My aunt left this book at the house after visiting over thanksgiving, so I decided to give it a try. Very interesting to have a mystery plot built around a park ranger. It is very evident the author has done here reaserch and knows her subject. Plot and mystery was strong enough to hold your attention. I'll look for more books in this series.