California Books

Marissa is erudite, quick, fun, funny, committed to social justice and truth, and and an acute observer of human behavior. Her friend Johnnie Cochran describes her (in the introduction!) as "a prosecutor's prosecutor. She is full of zeal for her profession and possesses an insider's knowledge of the criminal justice system." She's also devoted herself to Buddhism for over 30 years, as well as to the mastery of the culinary arts. All of these elements figure in her very unusual book.

Besides telling three compelling and hair-raising tales, Marissa shares aloud the unspoken rules of the courtroom, and offers appreciative and insightful looks into the lives of law enforcement professionals, and denizens of South Central LA and the gay demimonde of Hollywood.

As a skillful storyteller, she is compassionate without becoming maudlin, and righteous without losing her sense of humor.

I am looking forward to her next book, which I understand is under way!

Marissa has the heart of a warrior. Her stories are classic story telling with spell binding revelations of what the truth is when it comes to crimes and the criminal mind. Her attention to detail, coupled with a sense of the world of the victim, allows the reader to be a prosecutor seeking justice for the people. The criminal procedural aspects of the criminal courts are cleanly explained with no chance of misunderstanding that lawyering is still an art when done with a heart. Marissa injects the calmness of her buddhist philosophy into the psyche of the reader to allow a deeper appreciation of the law and the victim equation.

As a criminal defense attorney, I usually avoid "true accounts" written by prosecutors as they tend to be one-sided, self-serving renditions of cases that could be won by a first year law student. The usual story involves a clear cut case where the District Attorney is representing the forces of right (the good people of the State) while the defense is usually some bad dude who deserves a long vacation in Prison. Of course the good guys prevail and the prosecutor is the hero. Good and Evil, Right and Wrong are clearly defined and everybody leaves happy. Not so with Ms. Batt's book. Besides her personal disappointment at the result of one of her cases, she manages to show that all is not black and white - urban life and particularly the criminal justice system present a myriad of situations where the lines become blurred. Her cases are interesting in that there are victims - individuals who by virtue of their own life choices are often viewed as not deserving of protection by the law and the system. Besides showing the underside of life, Batt also manages to forcefully demonstrate the maxim that "no man is above the law and no man is below it."
A great read, colorful, fast paced and real...I loved it.

...of the L.A. justice system. I won't repeat the other reviews, but two or three things deserve note. First, Johnnie Cochran wrote the introduction...high praise indeed. Second, the appendix - "Twenty-five rules for giving effective testimony" - is interesting reading in itself. Overall, the book is not compelling reading, not forcing you to read it in one sitting, but it's interesting and varied. I consumed it in three sittings if memory serves. The pace is generally good, although I felt the Buddhism dragged a bit, but that was only a couple of instances. So - recommended - *especially* if you are a fan of mysteries set in Los Angeles! I await Marissa Batt's next work with more than a little interest.

What makes this book so compelling is that you get to hear the perspective of the actual prosecutor in the cases described. Through Marissa Batt's words, you get a virtual tour of the way the Los Angeles legal system works, or in some cases doesn't work. You are introduced to characters that actually inhabit Los Angeles, who actually went through the situations described - cases that are so intense and bizarre, they seem unbelievable. Through it all, you get a comprehensive version of the legal system mirroring human lives and decisions, as seen through the eyes of a person who does their job with integrity, intensity, and strength of character. READ THIS BOOK! It is a thorougly enjoyable read though shocking and extremely upsetting at times.

I could not put this book down. It is an engaging book. I read it for some background research on John Steinbeck and the Grapes of Wraths. If you have read Steinbeck's masterpiece you have to read Red Dirt. I think Roxanne's memoir completes the story of the Joads. The psyche of the "Okie" comes alive and the drive of Roxanne to break away and then come to terms with it is fascinating. I loved this book so much that I use it for the Ethnic studies classes that I teach. I believe that to understand different ethnic groups we all have to understand what makes White America tick. This book delivers a much-needed look at the class divide among white America and no matter how much the poor whites have been abused by their richer cousins they still stand by their side. Why? Because they are white. This was a great ride

if you like books about the old way of living,you will love this book. it brings back memories of my childhood...

...
The best of autobiographical works are those that convey, in the telling of one life story, larger truths than those we experience as individuals. To accomplish this feat with seeming effortlessness, as Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz has done with Red Dirt, is to create not only a valuable historical record, but a literary work that is a pleasure to read. Employing the finest storytelling skills, Dunbar-Ortiz lovingly recollects her youth in Oklahoma and the family dynamics she experienced "growing up Okie" during the mid-20th-century. In the process, she touches upon a host of social issues--among them racism, sexism, and economic disparity--that have plagued the U.S. since its earliest days. Perhaps most importantly, she offers one resounding voice from among a vast population--namely, the white underclass--that consistently has been underrepresented in historical texts, and misrepresented in popular culture. Exploding the notion of 'poor white trash,' Dunbar-Ortiz offers three-dimensional alternative as she reconstructs through her personal memoir the history and struggles of the frontier settler class and its descendants. As we move into the next century, Red Dirt is a text of vital significance to our collective humanity

I grew up in central Oklahoma and can identify with many of the themes Ms. Dunbar-Ortiz writes about in Red Dirt. I think anyone who is on a journey of self-discovery or is attempting to reconcile his or her past will enjoy this book as much as I did. I rarely read literature about Oklahoma that makes me proud to be an "Okie" - this book does just that.

This book was my introduction to Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz. I read it before I learned more about her and her career as an activist for the past 40 years. She reflects on her life from birth until her move to California. She grew up in rural Oklahoma during some of the worst years ever. These were the years that shaped her, the launching pad of her feminist, anti-family, pro-socialist, anti-war, ... efforts.

The reader can learn a good bit about the Socialist movement in Oklahoma in the early 1900's, the Green Corn Rebellion and the patriotic surge that accompanied World War I.

Roxanne's grandfather, one of the less 'disfunctional' family members was a Socialist and strongly pro-labor and imparted his views to her. She remembers him fondly. It appears that her abusive alcoholic mother influenced her ideas about the family and church. She had very little to say about her mother or father that is not negative. Considering these influences, the dire poverty of her early childhood, and her marriage 'up' the social ladder her views on things are not too surprising. Simple - yes, but undeniably true, at least in part. And that does not take away from her drive, talent and desire to make a positive change in the world.

You can learn more about Roxanne at her website, reddirt.com.

I think I will read Outlaw Woman, the next volume of her story.

c.k. veale tells the story of adult sisters: julia, who climbs above the wreckage of their abusive childhood, and shelley, who is buried beneath it. while not always a pleasant read, it was always an engrossing one - keeping me wide awake 'til all hours turning the pages (my benchmark of a good book!)

I was hooked from the first page! I found the story, although heart wrenching at times, very inspirational and uplifting. Julia is a woman we can all look up to; a woman who manages to overcome a tortured childhood and emerge whole and complete. The characters were richly painted and easy to identify with. My women's group is using this book as the first book in our newly formed book club and find that it has given us hours of stimulating and thought provoking conversation. We all love Julia and hope that Ms. Veale has a sequel in mind for this wonderful character.

The book was an eye-opener for me. Having grown up in a loving family I was totally unprepared for the graphic descriptions of Julia's childhood. The author's portrayal and insight into abusive behavior were compelling-I found myself wanting to take Julia in my arms and tell her everything was going to be OK. The book served as a reminder for me that we can never take our children for granted. The development of Julia's character and how she faced life can serve us all as a wonderful example of overcoming life's hardships, without living/blaming the past.

The detail in this book is so descripitive that the author pulls the reader into the story. I felt like I was on the sidelines watching the story unfold while holding back the tears, smiling, and cheering through different stages of the book. The main character is not only an inspiration but subtly teaches the reader some valuable lessons by just being who she is.
I am looking forward to enjoying more from C.K.Veale.

I couldn't put this great book down. I enjoyed visiting the past of the character and seeing her develop in the present as well. I really found myself getting excited and anxious to see what was going to happen next. I can't wait for another book to come out! Outstanding work!

Cooper's work directly confronts all this nonsense produced by so-called main stream scientists that there is just one reality 'out-there'. Wrong! There is no such thing. Mountains mean so many things to so many people. They can be huge hulking masses of brutal rock, or they can be the most delightful, gentle companions. They can be cruel or they can be our greatest teachers. How can we make sense of this diversity of possibilities? By listening to the pilgrims who make these decisions to live by those truths. What is the data for our understanding of these poetic geographies? It is the words of these thoughtful travellers. And this is what Cooper does. He's listened to pilgrims from Europe and North America. And then he brings us their words and the words of the writers and teachers who've most influenced these people. So the result is one of the richest books I've ever read. Bristling with ideas. Never short of compelling, courageous experiences. Daring to go places where other mountain books fear to tread. But in doing so, doing a great service to mountain literature, pilgrimage and all allied scholarship. Read it!

There is no shortage of mountain literature, but a great shortage of real quality in this field. Adrian Cooper's brilliant first book is of the highest quality, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to all who love mountains - climbers, walkers, skiiers or other pilgrims. At the heart of Cooper's success here is a willingness to listen to the stories mountain people have to tell. He doesn't judge, condemn or categorise. Instead, he takes these stories, uses the travellers' own words where appropriate and then locates them with the ancient history of the mountain in question - the poetry and prose which others have been inspired to write. So we, the readers, are treated to so much wisdom and clear insight. A remarkable achievement.

I was given Sacred Mountains as a birthday present, but began reading it with dread. It looked too New Age to me. But that was just my first reaction, which I soon banished as soon as I got into this excellent and original book. I like the use of interviews with so many fascinating people. And Cooper's remarkable breadth of knowledge in developing an intelligent discussion from what everyone says is truly impressive. And in so many directions too, but with singular clarity. Each of the pilgrims Cooper writes about have embarked on some remarable mountain journeys. But as readers, we're never left behind. Cooper writes so we can all 'see' what others have experienced - both within their psychology and their physical surroundings out on the peaks. The use of poetry and prose from other writers is also a wonderful added dimension to this multi-dimensional book. To the best of my knowledge, there hasn't been any other mountain book which is like this one, so for originality alone, it deserves the support of all folk who need the mountains and love them (ie find them sacred/precious places). In an age when religious ideas are so much under threat, Cooper reminds us of how important Rudolf Otto's famous observation is: sacredness is both terrible and fascinating.

I finished reading Sacred Mountains a couple of months ago, but it won't let me go! It keeps challenging me. It keeps pushing me to think more deeply about my feelings and instincts toward mountains. And I like that. Any book that refuses to let go of its reader has got to be worth talking about, which is why I wanted to offer this testimony. This is a truly great book.

I can't add too much to the other reviews here. I agree with them all. But all I would say is, for me, mountains have been such a help in getting over a lot of personal problems in my past. They've given me solitude. And this book comes closest to being the truth about mountains from the way they've changed my life.

As a San Francisco resident of nearly 20 years, I loved this book. It is not a typical, boring guidebook, but rather a very well written, witty book that reads more like a novel. There are many places that Wach writes about that I have never heard of and I am so glad that I recently purchased this book. A must read for San Franciscans!

This book is a great way to get to know SF. As a local, you can do all the things you're "supposed to do" that you haven't done, even though you've lived here for years. Visitors to the city will get a great mix of must-do tourist attractions, and an inside peek into the many things that make San Francisco great that don't begin with "Fish" or "Golden" - a real local flavor.

The author is a regular contributor to the SF Chronicle Newspaper, and her articles are always a treat. She has a great writing style and is extremely witty - this book is actually an entertaining read straight up even if you're not looking for a guide book. She "gets" San Francisco and passes it on to you.

Especially invaluable if you have friends/family coming to SF and you need to show off our little city by the bay, but can't for the life of you remember anything to show them, except for things starting with "Fish" and "Golden". Many chapters that customize a visit to SF for each visitor type - from that "interesting older aunt" to the "wornout by the kids couple". It's a lifesaver when you're expected to give someone the "SF Experience".

Over twenty tailor-made tours of San Francisco are outlined for specialty tourists, from food fans to shopaholics. This isn't your normal tourist's view of the city. At the heart of San Francisco As You Like It: 23 Tailor-Made Tours for Culture Vultures, Shopaholics, Neo-Bohemians, Famished Foodies, Savvy Natives & Everyone Else lies its small neighborhoods and long-lasting shops and restaurants which often are hidden from casual visitors. Add a healthy dose of humor and you'll find a tour to suit all kinds of visitor - and even the San Francisco native.

It doesn't matter if you never go to San Francisco -- buy this book just for the sheer joy of reading it. Bonnie Wach has real opinions and does not dish out the usual everything-is-great travel-guide drivel. Her writing sparkles with personality, wit and humor. All the particulars for the places she writes about are listed in the margins, making the information easy to find when you're looking for it. If you have any interest in San Francisco or travel books in general, buy this book.

This is one of my favorite guidebooks to one of my favorite cities. Witty and funny writing style. Filled with interesting detail and juicy tidbits, yet at the same time simple to navigate. The approach is clever too - tailor made tours for a wide variety of perspectives and preferences. Even though I used to live in SF and know it fairly well, I've gotten so that I don't visit The City without this book.

Thank you so much - the book arrived in fantastic condition and I enjoyed it very much.

--Beth :)

In this entry of the popular Rina/Peter Decker series, Kellerman assures us of more Jewish history and customs as the victims in this one are of the Jewish faith. This time the double-edged mystery sends Peter and Rina to Israel to track down the sons of a wealthy diamond magnate and his wife. Did the boys kill their parents? Add to this, the search for a friend of Rina's from New York, who comes to California for a visit with her three children and then mysteriously vanishes as well---to Israel. Add a cool ice queen named Kate Milligan, a shady partner named Shaul Gold, add a few other nasties and Kellerman sends her heroes off into a labyrinthine plot.
Kellerman's a good writer and as she progresses, she tries to focus more on plot and suspense, and not so much on Rina's faith. It does seem surprising though that she manages to slight other religious beliefs while sanctifying her own? Hopefully, as she progresses she'll take some clues from her husband Jonathan and write more substantial works.

I had trouble putting down this book from the very start -- it's a real page turner with a well-plotted mystery -- two of them actually -- keeping you going. The mysteries involve a family who has disappeared out of the blue -- he's a California diamond dealer, so perhaps this was part of a theft -- and a woman and children who arrive unexpectedly for a visit with Detective Decker and his family -- her husband is also a diamond dealer in a Chasidic community in New York. As Decker goes about trying to solve the disappearance of the California family, odd things begin happening with the New York family who are visiting -- they also disappear. Is there a connection?

The mystery takes Decker and wife Rina to Israel, a major diamond cutting/dealing country.

I learned a lot about diamonds and Israel reading this book, and for the most part really enjoyed it. The dialogue was more natural than in some Kellerman books I've read. But -- her pro-Jewish, anti-everything else sentiment was present in this book again, this time in an anti-Moslem bias. Why are metal boxes on door frames considered good religious practice but painting a doorway blue (as Moslems do) treated as superstitious? It seems to me that the customs of Orthodoxy Judaism are unusual enough that Kellerman should be more tolerant and openminded about the practices of other faiths.

Peter Decker and his wife Rina are enjoying family life with her sons and their new baby daughter when Rina's old friend Honey Klein asks to come visit. Rina is surprised because they hasn't been in close contact with Honey in recent years, but she agrees to the visit. Meanwhile Peter works with his partner Marge on a case involving an entire family who have suddenly vanished. The husband is a diamond dealer, and there are many motives for a possible murder, most of them having to do with money. Coincidentally, after Honey comes to the Lazarus home, her husband, also a diamond dealer, is mysteriously killed. Peter's quest for the truth in these matters eventually takes him and Rina to Israel where they pursue missing persons from both of these cases. As usual, author Kellerman weaves interesting facts about the orthodox Jewish religion as well as Peter and Rina's evolving family life. The trip to Israel adds an extra dimension to the story, and the total package is very satisfying for a mystery reader.

In my book 'Sanctuary' is one of the best in the Peter Decker/ Rina Lazarus series. The story revolves around the missing husband of Rina's friend. The search takes Rina and Peter to Israel where we are treated to a fascinating tour of the West Bank and the diamond trade in Israel. What makes this entry so important today is the portrayal of the continuing conflict and violence that shapes Israel's future and her people. It is a pleasure to read a book that is both thoughtful and fun to read.

My only other suggestion if you are new to Faye Kellerman is to start at the beginning with 'Ritual Bath' to see the relationship between Rina and Peter unfold. Then read all her books in the order in which they were written. Its a great series.

I have been reading everything I can find about the gray whale since I am visiting them in San Ignacio, Baja, Mexico in early February. I found this book to be the most informative for someone who is truly interested in how gray whale conservation evolved especially from the standpoint of how politics influences conservation efforts. Fortunately for the gray whale, the Mexican government had enough proponents to stop the Mitsubishi salt mining from expanding. And Mexico is the ONLY COUNTRY which has outlawed gray whale harvesting. If you are visting the gray whales in Baja, this is a definite must read!

I just returned from touring Baja and experiencing the magnificent gray whale. Serge Dedina spent a significant amount of time researching the content; he succinctly conveys the history of politics and conservation in Baja California in this book. After visiting the same places he lived, and experiencing the people, environment and Gray Whale, I can attest to the fact that Dedina's work is dead-on accurate. Reading this will save you months of research. And, if you are fortunate enough to travel to Baja, I can guarantee you will come away wanting more, and wishing you had done your homework.

This book, along with Sightings: The Gray Whales' Mysterious Journey
by Linda Hogan & Brenda Peterson, are required reading for anyone planning to do gray whale watching in Mexico. It is based on the reality of how Mexican politics, not conservationism, determined the perservation of these wonderful animals in Mexico. Most people are not aware that Mexico is the ONLY country in North America that has outlawed gray whale harvesting.

This book combines a captivating portrait of the whales and the people of southern Baja with a well-documented political analysis of the challenges involved in conservation. Plus, it's a great read.

(From Planeta Journal) - For the past several years, one of Mexico's most pressing environmental controversies was whether or not the Mexican government and the Mitsubishi Corporation should develop a new salt mining operation within the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, one of the world's four breeding areas for gray whales. A candid text, Saving the Gray Whale provides an engaging capsule history of whale conservation in Mexico and a timely review of environmental politics.

In fact, the timing could not be more opportune for this book. Within a month of publication, the plans for the salt operation were cancelled. For readers who are only now learning about this issue, this book is an excellent resource.

Saving the Gray Whale is a must-read book for whale watchers and readers interested in Mexican environmental issues. The candid tone stems from the author's travels and research in Baja, not to mention dizzying trips to Mexico City, where the labyrinths of political power stray far from efficiency. The author combines analysis from historical reports, planning meetings and from encounters on the road or from a kayak paddled across San Ignacio Lagoon.

This book is a treasury of little-known facts ("Gray whales are not gray") and a straightforward review of environmental politics in Mexico -- at least as far as the government is concerned. The list of players is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental issues! Unfortunately, it does not have the same depth when it reviews how the conservation groups ("Non-Governmental Organizations") operate. Is the "Grupo de los 100" really Mexico's "most influential" environmental group? Likewise, what do The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund do in Mexico? Reports are kept hush and the author doesn't seem to question the lack of transparency.

Well, to make this very simple, I started the book one evening, and by the next morning....4A.M. I had finished it. Couldn't put it down. PERIOD!

See storyline above.

Mark T. Sullivan never disappoints and this time I think he has exceeded his previous best.
'The Serpent's Kiss' is a highly addictive and gruesome tale, with plotting that will excite any reader of thrillers and mysteries. Interesting locales and some graphic scenes round out this intense story.

Highly recommended.

Having read Sullivan's previous works including PURIFICATION CEREMONY, I was pleasantly surprised at this genre-changing work. Sullivan should definitely consider more Seamus Moynihan novels.
This one is a firecracker from start to finish. The terrible deaths of these men are graphically depicted, and make the flesh crawl. Sullivan throws several suspects at you, and then saves the best for last.
Seamus is a great character, as is Nick, the television "Crocodile Dundee". The women in Seamus' life give him a little more trouble than most femme fatales.
An explosive book, with a great feel for place as well. Shifting from California to Alabama, Sullivan gives us several spooky and suspenseful scenes.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Mark T. Sullivan has created a winner of a character in San Diego homicide detective Seamus Moynihan. He's complex and conflicted as all get-out--his family life is in a shambles, his career is on the line, and he's got a past that would haunt anybody. His father, also a police officer, was killed in the line of duty and Seamus broke a promise to his mother by also becoming a cop after a traumatic injury cut short his life with the Boston Red Sox. His ex-wife is moving on with another man, he is alienating his son, and he has difficulty with all his relationships. He doesn't always follow his own advice--the book would be shorter if he did--but then what real person does? In addition, he is an effective narrator and he lives on a boat like Travis McGee. All in all, Moynihan is one engaging character--although not always entirely believable (I mean, I like my heroes as flawed as the next guy, but Moynihan has enough for two characters). Sullivan plans to write a series of books starring "Shay" and, at the very least, this is a man we will not tire of visiting anytime soon.

The Serpent's Kiss, however, is another story. It's a riveting read--plenty of suspense, action, twist, and turns, as well as lots of different characters to keep us guessing to the identity of the murderer. Unfortunately, Sullivan attempts to lead his readers down a path that makes sense, then jettisons it at the last moment for a more sensationalist ending. The last quarter of the book--while gripping, informative, and quickly-paced--dampens the effect of the rest of the novel. Nevertheless, I was engrossed to the very end.

A string of sexually-related serial murders is the focus of the investigation. Peppered with the bites of various illegally obtained snakes (or "hot herps"), the victims are found with poisoned apples in their mouths (where's the Snow White angle?) and obscure literary/biblical references left at the scene. The search leads Moynihan and his partner/brother-in-law to the local reptile adventurer, Nick Foster, star of Cold Blooded (an obvious Crocodile Hunter parody) and his reluctant partner, zoologist Jan Hood. Also involved in the investigation is professor Susan Dahoney, author of a controversial book about the Lilith myth called The Second Woman. Both these women will provide keys to the eventual solution, but not before Moynihan gets involved with them romantically. And before long, Shay will get too close for comfort with several poisonous snakes, but at least his knowledge of them--courtesy of the investigation--will help him survive.

From the beginning, Sullivan leads his characters down the wrong path intentionally, all the while winking at his readers and letting us know he's in on it. This made it all too easy to guess the perpetrator's identity. Sullivan's prose is mostly invisible--perfect for this type of thriller--but there end up being too many subplots. He leads us running from location to location, trying too hard to make sure we're having a good time. After a while--just like on a rollercoaster--I'd had enough and was ready for it to be over.

In the end, I enjoyed The Serpent's Kiss very much, and will certainly be on the lookout for future Sullivan/Moynihan novels. I think that readers who are looking for a suspenseful ride will be very pleased with the novel and those who prefer their characters to be attractively flawed will enjoy keeping company with Moynihan. I recommend it with only these few reservations.

What a fascinating read! The first half of the book seemed like the typical American police procedural--this time set in San Diego. The murders are ghastly, and the subset of individuals who seems to be the chosen victims adds another disturbing twist to the story. Our hero, Seamus Moynihan, is a narcissist and is somewhat hard to like. He's a jock, good with the ladies, drives a muscle car, and spews testosterone in every interaction with another living thing, etc.

Once Moynihan travels to rural Alabama--that's when things get interesting. The deeper he seems to go into those dense, humid forests looking for the house where a tragedy took place 27 years ago (and may be the key to solving the string of San Diego murders), the eerier the story.

The ending is somewhat predictable, but the psychology of the criminal's behavior is plausible enough to warrant our suspension of reality to enjoy a spooky, disturbing police procedural.

Lots of pictures... Lots of history. What I like about it is it covers the range of single actions from the 1800s to present... and not just Colts! I am a fan of the Ruger Single Actions and there is several sections that cover the different calibers and models. Plus Taffin always has a 'story' to tell too! When I want to relax I enjoy just thumbing through this book and rereading a section. Highly recommended.

Pretty good, but for gun enthusiasts like me who read a lot of gun magazines, especially Taffin's articles, there was no new material. If you've been reading Taffin's articles, there's nothing new for you here.

It wasn't quite as good as "Big Bore Handguns" and not nearly as good as "Big Bore Sixguns" which had much more original information.

It's pretty good eye-candy, but I'd recommend it for people who've ALREADY read the other two, above, books and are just craving for more. Even the photos weren't as good as his last two - more like leftover and staged photos.

OR, ESPECIALLY...

If you HAVEN'T read the above two and AREN'T familiar with Taffin's writings and are interested in single-action revolvers, then you'll benefit from this book a LOT.

I hope he, someday, does a "Double-Action Sixguns" book. I'm sure it's just a matter of time.

I found in this book everything I wanted to learn about sixguns. There is a lot of pictures, most in color, some in black and white. Excellent!

From modern sixguns to antiques, the single-volume sourcebook SINGLE ACTION SIXGUNS: THE DEFINITIVE, FULLY ILLUSTRATED REFERENCE WORK covers everything in an illustrated guide and is a 'must' for gun collectors and hobbyists. Color photos appear on every page along with first-person insights on gun purchases, brands, gun tricks, production specs and more. The first-person comments throughout reflect author John Tafflin's in-depth knowledge of these guns and their history.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I have many, many books about guns, and this is without a doubt the BEST one that I have ever owned. The illustrations are superb, and Mr. Taffin's style of writing makes you think he is talking to you. I highly recommend this book for anyone that loves the single action revolver, but I have to warn you, it will make you want more and more guns!

Set in present-day California, Joe Magee is a world-renowned anthropologist and expert on Mayan culture, working for a local museum. He is set to lead an expedition into California's Central Valley to explore the bizarre possibility that Mayan culture may have made it that far north, before they disappeared many centuries ago. Magee is told to include Amy Parrish, another world-renowned Mayan expert, in the expedition. The museum Board is less than convinced that is is a good idea.

She moves into Magee's isolated house in the hills, and the two immerse themselves in Mayan culture. One night, a strange computer virus is found on Joe's laptop, where he keeps his scientific data. The computer seems to turn on by itself, and sends Joe's files to an unknown location. Sean Gables is another museum employee, who is not what he seems. Sometimes, he is legitimately helpful to Joe and Amy, and other times, he acts, well, the word "slimy" comes to mind. Strange things are going on, but neither Joe or Amy can put their finger on it.

Later, a dead body is found in the nearby hills, a Hispanic male with his heart cut out. For most people, this is just a particularly gruesome murder, but for Joe and Amy, it means a lot more. According to Mayan prophecy, the Fifth World is ending, and the Sixth World will be coming in a few years. It is to be preceeded by three human sacrifices. Days later, two more bodies are found with their hearts removed, right on time. Someone is putting up a very large Keep Out sign. Joe has an anonymous benefactor paying him a lot of money to find Mayan culture in those hills. The Sixth World is characterized by a shift in the earth's magnetic pole, causing worldwide catastrophe. At that time, Mayan culture will rise again, and rule the world. During a mini-expedition in the hills with some college students, Joe and Amy make some huge discoveries which prove that the rumors of Mayan culture making it as far north as central California are not just rumors.

This is a really good thriller story. My only criticism is that the first half of the book could have moved a little faster. Stick with the book, and this is a story that will give the reader plenty to think about. Also, keep an eye on the month of December, 2012. According to Mayan prophecy, at that time, big things are supposed to happen.

This book was a page turner. The author has a fast plot driven by intrigue, romance and greed. You are not quite sure how it will all turn out until the end. I read it straight for two days. The romance side was gratifying also. The Mayan prophesies may indeed be realized, I would recommend that you read this if you like Dan Brown or Michael Crighton.

Dr. Joe Magee, a world-renowned professor of anthropology, specializing in pre-Colombian civilizations, is employed by the San Francisco Museum of American Antiquities. He conducts research and seminars from his home in the hills overlooking the lush Central Valley of California. Magee has a nice parcel of land and enjoys living in relative isolation. Except for his professional obligations, he has become reclusive in the last years, unusual for a man in his early thirties.

Dr. Amy Parrish, anthropologist and world expert on Mayan culture, attends one of Magee's seminars. Previously, Joe had been asked by one of the museum's directors to hire her to collaborate with him on an upcoming expedition on his property. However, he had never even met Parrish and was reluctant to do so. After talking with her at length after the lectures, Magee decides to employ her for the enterprise, planned for the spring. The success of the job interview may be largely attributed to Amy's beautiful blonde looks, as well as her extreme intelligence, a terrific personality and a specialty in Mayan culture.

The decline of the Maya civilization, and their disappearance from their home in the jungles of Central America, has long been a mystery. Dr. Magee, and other expedition members, plan to search for possible evidence that surviving members of this ancient civilization may have made their way north, as far as California's Central Valley. This hypothesis has long fascinated Amy Parrish. In fact, the work of both anthropologists meshes perfectly and Magee employs her ahead of time to assist on special projects and presentations. Amy moves out to Magee's property and into the lodging he provides for her near his home. The two turn from anthropology to detecting, however, when recent corpses are discovered on his property with their hearts torn out in a manner suggesting ancient Maya and/or Aztec sacrifices? They also find Mayan hieroglyphics in the area, forecasting the beginning of the Mayan Sixth World. It appears that 21st century descendents of the Maya are preparing for the cataclysmic end of the Fifth World, (that's the one we live in), as well as the inauguration of the Sixth, when the Maya will rule the earth.

December 22, 2012 is the projected date for the event, based on actual Mayan predictions of the new age involving the Earth's ongoing reverse magnetic energy, sunspots and solar flares. Are the predictions accurate? And is Dr. Parrish more involved than she is aware of, with this civilization she has always felt an affinity for?

The book's premise is certainly interesting. However, I had hoped that much more factual information about Mayan history, science and culture would be included in "The Sixth World." I am disappointed that elements of the novel were not more evidentiary based, as would befit a book of this kind, which asks the reader to buy into the fantastic. Ultimately, I had a difficult time going along with the author's storyline because she failed to back up her case with historical research.

The first part of the novel seems to focus primarily on the budding relationship between Parrish and Magee. Unfortunately, theirs is by no means a thrilling romance. There is little chemistry between the two, and they have barely kissed by page 200. What's worse, however, is I didn't even care, at this point, whether the prospective couple ever connected! I guess this means "The Sixth World" is not a romantic novel. Nor is it a historic novel, nor a fantasy sci-fi bolstered by fact. Other characters are introduced spottily, not in depth, as are the ancient Maya. At almost 400 pages, the book is overlong and the pace is slow during the first half. Almost no excitement - very little tension - is built in the relationships or in the mystery itself. The events warrant more passion than they actually provoke. The narrative could have been easily cut to make it more taut. I hung in there because I was hooked and wanted to see where the plot was leading. I am extremely interested in the Maya civilization, but was left wanting at the conclusion of "The Sixth World." I felt as if I had been served an appetizer and now wanted the main course.

As I said previously, I was curious enough to read the novel through to the end, so obviously there is interesting material here. Check it out at the library or book store, however, before you invest in a copy.
JANA

Margaret Evans is a native of the Washington, DC, area, and a graduate of Georgetown University's School of Business Administration. She works in the managed health care industry in a legal capacity. For many years she has written for community newsletters and magazines.

It's easy to see Margaret Evans is also a skilled novelist. THE SIXTH WORLD may be her first novel, but it reads like her tenth. It is an expertly written, flawlessly plotted mystery thriller. If you liked THE DA VINCI CODE, you'll love THE SIXTH WORLD. Where THE DA VINCI CODE grips the reader in a breakneck race to discover the Goddess and the secrets of Mary Magdalene, THE SIXTH WORLD entangles the reader in a race against terrorists and numerous foes to discover the lost civilization of the Maya and its secrets.

THE SIXTH WORLD is the story of two anthropologists working for the San Francisco Museum of American Antiquities, who lead three expeditions into the hills of California's Central Valley to prove the theory that the Maya vanished from Central America in the ninth century only to reappear in the United States. They believe the Maya accomplished this by a slow, planned exodus in boats, having been forewarned by their gods of the coming invasion of Spain. Here, they built a city composed of temples, pyramids, and a library packed with astrological calculations and predictions for the future. Oh, yes, and a large supply of gold. The primary plot driving the novel is the ancient Mayan prediction that the world will end in 2012. Because THE SIXTH WORLD is also a well-researched novel and remains true to the facts we know about the Mayan culture, the reader should be prepared for a few grizzly sacrifice scenes, as the descendants of the Maya welcome the approach of the Sixth World.

For those who enjoy expertly plotted, fast-paced fiction, I highly recommend this book. The only thing I can't understand is why THE SIXTH WORLD wasn't snapped up by a publisher in Manhattan? A modern-day mystery, I'm sure. But one thing is certain, Margaret Evans is a talented novelist to watch. I predict the New York publishing world will soon discover what it has been missing with Evans, and in the coming years we'll see her novels sitting beside the publishing industry's favorites on the shelves of every chain bookstore in the country. Order a copy of THE SIXTH WORLD today and see for yourself. No kidding.


Highly recommended.

At last we have someone who can write a decent novel without resorting to all the trite places and circumstances. Not ALL of us are interested in the beautiful people of Zoo York or La la land. Evans' book involves none of the overworked topics, either. This one is fresh; the characters are real.