Breeds Books

The latest in the Ed Loy series has the Irish PI looking for a jockey who disappeared years before after holding back a favorite horse so it would lose. It brings him into the midst of deep dark secrets of a prominent horse-breeding and -racing family. Although there isn't enough information to even begin an investigation, such a lack doesn't seem to deter Loy.

Discovery of the first of several bodies opens the inquiry into the many mysteries of the Tyrell family. All this takes place beginning on Christmas Eve and leads up to the four-day Leopardstown Racecourse Christmas Festival. The story is set among the current and past Irish economic and social conditions, with observations on the people and the Catholic Church playing an important role. The plot involves, as usual, the sins of the fathers cast upon the children.

The drama is high, the writing solid. This third in the series is as gripping as its predecessors, and is highly recommended.

In Dublin, Father Vincent Tyrrell hires private investigator Ed Loy to find missing jockey Patrick Hutton. The case is made complex by the fact that his client offers only a name and that Hutton disappeared about a decade ago. Loy wants to say forget it as he figures he has little chance of finding the man, but the fee is too good to ignore.

Loy knows he must tread the streets very carefully as the Halligan family plan to rough him and more because they hold him culpable for one of them residing behind bars. As he makes inquiries on another case involving a homicide that leads back to Father Vincent's brother affluent business mogul F.X. Tyrell, Loy soon finds himself investigating two other related homicides connected to the Tyrell family. Beaten severely and told to back off or else, Loy keeps digging until the trail takes him to the four-day Leopardstown Race-course Christmas Festival.

In his third appearance (see THE COLOR OF BLOOD and THE WRONG KIND OF BLOOD) Loy does what he does best: gets tattered and threatened but keeps on ticking. The story line is fast-paced from the opening request and though filled with neat twists never slows down until the final altercation. Bruised, battered and beaten, Loy still conducts intelligent inquires whose link is F.X. Private investigative fans will enjoy Declan Hughes' strong Irish mystery.

Harriet Klausner

The Price of Blood is Declan Hughes' third thriller set in Dublin, Ireland. Hughes previous novels are The Wrong Kind of Blood, which won the Shamus Award for Best First PI novel, and The Color of Blood.

Private Investigator Ed Loy is hired by Father Vincent Tyrrell to find a missing jockey, Patrick Hutton. Taking the case is easy, but the clues are few. The only thing that Father Tyrrell can offer to Loy is a name-and that the jockey disappeared years ago. Not a good start for solving a missing person's case, and Loy would prefer to let it go. The problem is the money is just too good, and since Loy's bank account is depleted, he really must take the case.

During the investigation of another case, Loy discovers the body of a man who is linked to Father Tyrrell's brother F.X. Tyrell. That mystery leads to other clues, and as Loy usually does, he gets battered and bruised, but doesn't give up digging into the mystery. The trail finally leads to the four-day Leopardstown Racecourse Christmas Festival where Loy finds dangerous people and activities afoot.

I love that Loy is "everyman." and yet he has something that sets him apart from most. He's tenacious, thorough and oh so likeable. Hughes' The Price of Blood is fascinating. It's fast-paced, gives the readers some wonderful twists and speeds on to the conclusion.

If you like PI novels, check out The Price of Blood. I guarantee that you will go out and buy the first two. Hughes is a habit-a good habit.

Armchair Interviews says: Hughes' novels just keep getting better

Irish playwright Declan Hughes's third private detective Ed Loy novel, THE PRICE OF BLOOD peers into the gritty sides of Dublin and families as Loy investigates the case of a missing jockey and a case of vandalism. In a suspense thriller with echoes of Greek tragedy set in modern life, Declan Hughes creates an innovative look into the darker sides of his characters and the underside of Irish horse racing. THE PRICE OF BLOOD is a suspense read full of local color from an Irish author who looks beyond the surface into societal changes and customs as well as into the shocking secrets hidden from plain view, secrets that when spoken can often lead to tragic consequences.

Father Vincent Tyrrell asks PI Ed Loy to look into a name, Patrick Hutton. The Catholic priest and horse racing devotee gives Ed Loy just the name without any other details, refusing to break the seal of confession. Now dying of cancer, the priest's conscience troubles him. Meanwhile, Ed Loy takes on a case, assisting Joe Leonard in catching vandals. As Ed Loy pursues the Leonard case, he discovers a body dumped, a body with some shocking details and a piece of paper that might just relate to his jockey case. When Ed looks closer into the history of Patrick Hutton, the body count increases. Each victim has 2 cryptic tattoos roughly engraved into their skin and certain other details in common which Ed discovers when he comes across a dumped body. While the papers claim the murders are the work of a serial killer, The Omega Man, Ed Loy knows that the clues and relationships just do not fit the serial killer scenario. His investigation of jockey Patrick Hutton takes him into the tumultuous world of Irish horse racing and the Tyrell family where passions run deep and secrets are hidden even deeper.

From the very beginning of THE PRICE OF BLOOD, Declan Hughes takes the reader into an intimate vision of Ireland. Declan Hughes sections the book by date into Advent, Christmas, and St. Stephen's Day, thereby creating a temporal structure that relies on the Catholic calendar and focuses on Father Vincent Tyrell`s world. His moral dilemma introduces this work of suspense, allowing the reader to catch both a glimpse at the depth of this character, as a man tortured by a secret he must keep and also as a compassionate man willing to stand out as he brings Tommy Owens into the fold of his church and protection despite the congregation's displeasure. From the very beginning, the reader feels Ed Loy's ties to his youth and his independence from the Dublin of his past through the interchanges with Father Tyrell. Through the descriptions of the Joe Leonard case, Declan Hughes, takes the reader into Ireland's past and present as characters once isolated from one another by economics, now live in close proximity. Those who once thought of semi-detached housing as low class now are limited to council housing. Now, downcast, Joe Leonard is determined to protect his corner. To Joe Leonard, Declan Hughes juxtaposes F.X. Tyrell, a man for whom horse racing has improved his status and station in life.

As suspense, THE PRICE OF BLOOD delves into the dark side of horse racing, purebreds, and relationships as passions and past histories collide. The closer Ed Loy gets to answering the puzzles, the more surprising twists he uncovers. As St. Stephen's Day approaches with the exciting climactic horse race, even the best laid plans cannot prepare the characters for the shocking conclusions still to come. As with a previous past case, when the culprit is finally revealed, the revelations elicit unexpected actions. Secrets haunt but brought to light, do they bring comfort? Declan Hughes' suspense stands out precisely because answers are not easy or simplistic. Through the depth of the character of Father Vincent Tyrell, Declan Hughes creates a magnificent sense of pathos in his suspense that makes THE PRICE OF BLOOD a unique suspense read.

Declan Hughes is a must read for drama enthusiasts (particularly tragedy lovers) and literature enthusiasts. Father Vincent Tyrell recalls to mind Graham Green's memorable characters while simultaneously upping the ante several notches. While reading THE PRICE OF BLOOD, literature lovers might call to mind OEDIPUS REX and Arthur Miller's DEATH OF A SALESMAN, not so much in terms of plot or characterization where there are both some similarities and differences, but more so for the brilliant way Declan Hughes deviates from these classics. Declan Hughes creates an innovative work of fiction that pays tribute to previous literary classics while all the while transforming them, adding new twists as he places his tale in the suspense genre. The author invigorates the suspense genre with a new vision that will delight, indeed haunt lovers of both suspense and drama.

If you are looking for a light happy suspense read or a quick serial killer whodunit that you can easily put aside with disinterest shortly after finishing it, this book may not be the best choice. If you want a suspense read that glosses over the ramifications of actions or the pain endured by characters, search elsewhere. If you are looking for a unique read and one that stands out from all the books out there, in either suspense or literature, THE PRICE OF BLOOD is brilliant! Although tragic, THE PRICE OF BLOOD is hauntingly innovative --- the kind of book one remembers for its uniqueness.

This is a cute book, probably mostly enjoyable for people who already love pugs! Stephen Urbauer

This book is written with comedic flair and terrific photography. Yes, the outfits are well-made and well-researched, but the book's charm lies in the wonderful humor of this delightfully pan-faced, patient Pug, Charlie, acting out the larger-than-life historical roles her "mom" has designed for her. First Pug on the Moon? Queen Victoriapug? Andy Warholpug? Marilyn Monroepug? Charlie portrays them all with a dignity totally at odds with her fabulously-dressed situation.

You don't have to like Pugs or dogs to enjoy this book -- just bring your appreciation of the absurd, and you will be entertained!

For anyone with a love all Pugs - this is a great picture book !

This is a must-have for any pug-lover, especially pug lovers who love to buy their pugs outfits! Lisa creates all of her pug Charlie's outfits from scratch, which is amazing considering the elaborate nature of some of the costumes. The photos in this collection are fantastic, and Charlie is a great model. She is equally adept at tackling Marilyn Monroe or Genghis Khan! Even non-pug lovers will marvel at the beautiful photos and costumes and at the sweetness of Charlie.

This book has been very helpful to us before getting our field spaniel and even better now that he is here. My 8 year old daughter has even read it several times.

a must for anyone who knows little or nothing about this rare breed, covers almost every thing and gives a sound and through coverage of all material available.

Field Spaniels are a rare breed with characterics much different from their close cousins, cocker spaniels and Springer spaniels. As a result, there is not a lot of information available about the breed. This is the book to study if you are interested in a Fieldie. It is written by a respected breeder and Fieldie enthusiast and well thought of by those who love the breed.

Great informative book. The author includes the cons as well as the pros of owning a Field Spaniel. They're great dogs for the right people. You'll know after reading this book if this breed is right for you.

My dad gave this to me for Christmas because I have been interested in the history of mushing since I started about 8 years ago. I am extremely happy to see Togo in here! I really don't like how Balto has gotten all of the glory, I mean, he only did the last 40 miles!
This is a great read for any dog nut or anyone interested in the gold rush.

Dog lovers and history buffs alike will relish Gold Rush Dogs, a celebration of notable dogs of the Gold Rush era, from John Muir's Stikeen to Baldy of Nome. Black and white photos from Gold Rush days depict dog and man alike in this excellent blend of history and animal insights.

It's time people recognize the "true heroes" of the lifesaving Diphtheria Run to Nome which began on January 27, 1925 in Nenana, Alaska. The true heroes were not Balto and Gunnar Kaasen. The true heroes were members of twenty dog teams. Wild Bill Shannon left Nenana with 300,000 units of serum to be relayed a distance of 674 miles by twenty dog teams, before finally reaching Nome. On January 28, 1925, Leonhard Seppala and his dog team led by Togo, left Nome to collect the serum 254 miles away at Nulato for the final run into Nome.

Togo was a small gray dog eager to be a sled dog. It was by chance that Leonhard Seppala discovered the leadership Togo displayed when first harnessed in the wheel position. Because of Togo's determination, he was moved in stages to the front of the line, soon becoming a once in a lifetime leader. Seppala entered and won every major race in Alaska, many of them several times, with Togo in lead position.

Late in the serum run, Seppala was unaware that Nome had made the decision to send three additional dog teams to relieve Seppala. The teams were to space themselves every 20 miles outside of Nome. Rohn, Olson, and Kaasen...whose team was led by Balto...drove the three additional teams. Kaasen hit a blizzard at Solomon and was instructed not to go forward. Kaason alleged there had been little wind that night in Solomon, visibility was good, and the Safety Roadhouse displayed the proper signal light acknowledging the waiting dog team. Kaasen continued on, bypassing Safety where the serum was to be turned over to Rohn, who in turn was to take the serum into Nome.

Kaasen reached Nome on February 2, 1925 with the serum. Kaasen had been accused of bypassing Safety in order to claim the honor of bringing the serum into Nome. The men of the "Great Race of Mercy" were awarded $25.00 each from the Territory of Alaska along with citations of bravery and inscribed medals. Kaasen received an additional $1,000.00 along with an offer to star with Balto in a Hollywood film. Kaasen traveled Outside to the lower 48 states giving lectures about the serum run. Balto not only received recognition as the "wonder dog" but was recognized for Togo's racing achievements as well. The city of New York erected a bronze statue of Balto in Central Park. The other nineteen dog teams and their vital part in the serum run were soon forgotten.

Kaasen and Balto had carried the serum 106 miles. Seppala and Togo covered 260 miles in 40-degree below temperature through a raging storm, a distance longer than any team on the trail. Togo received permanent injuries during the serum run and would never race again.

After the serum run, Seppala continued touring on the Outside. He later moved to Seattle where he died in 1967 at age 90...never forgiving the events that followed the serum run. Togo's remains are displayed at the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska. The Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award is presented each year to the Alaska Iditarod musher displaying the highest care and concern for his or her team. Balto's bronze statue still stands in Central Park. Balto's remains are displayed at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Togo and Leonhard Seppala were the heroes of the serum run...along with the other eighteen dog teams that were soon forgotten amongst all the negative controversy.

Please note: It is not my intent to take away the achievements of Balto; nor was it Balto's intent to dishonor the nineteen great dog teams. The one that finishes the race first is not always the winner. In this case it was the nineteen teams that brought Balto to the finish in Nome along with his fame and glory.

Gold Rush Dogs is a great book that shows just how loyal dogs can be. Not only that she tells about the history and shows the important role that dogs played in developing Alaska. Besides this, she tells nine amazing stories of dogs that are famous in the region of the state that they stayed at.

Sure, you probably know about Balto in the Dipheria run, but you may not know about Togo, who was equally vital in the relay. Then there is Patsy Ann, the friendly stray who's ability to always know when and where the ships were coming in earned her the titile of "Official Greeter of Juneau.

Whether your a dog lover, or just love stories about Alaska, this book is full of amazing stories that capture the grandure of Alaska and the heart of dogs.

Good information on care of the tonkinese breed with detailed information on breed history and showing.

I bought this book together with the Tonkinese cat book from Linda Vousden and i find it really good ...
Very nice pictures and good information.

Nice book, although I did find it a tad bit disappointing! Why?

I got the book before I got my two Tonk kittens, so it was an o.k. starter book.
The book talks a lot about the lovely characteristics about Tonkinese cats and to this I have to agree as I have here 2 very sweet, adorable and gentle purring kittens!

The book however, lacks information that I think are important. It does not mention in detail about the origins and the possible health problems that may occur or originate from the original parental breeds. This is important information to have if you are considering any purebred animal.

The book also covers very minimally on areas regarding pedigrees, various colours, points and torties (as breeders may have different abbreviations for the same colour) deciphering registration and pedigree papers and other documents. This is crucial information especially when talking to your breeder or prospective breeders about your preferences (if any) and about the quality of his animals.

The lack of clarity in the book about what is accepted or not accepted (either colour or healthy physical structure) by the various clubs and associations or what you should look out for when choosing a Tonk kitten is also disappointing. I think regardless of whether you are planning to show your cats or not, if they are of show quality, pet quality or breeding quality,it is good information to have, particularly if you are interested in the breed itself and not just simply owning a cat. Most importantly, it tells you how dedicated the breeder is to his animals and breeding them to produce healthy offspring and not using them as a money-making venture. This might be very important if you are getting your cats shipped to you.

The information about feeding, grooming and caring offered in the book can easily be found in a good book on cat ownership, without having to go specifically to this book.

Overall, I think the book offers a very general skim of Tonkinese cats. If you are seriously considering Tonks, I would recommend that you DO get this book to get a general idea, but also get a good book on good cat ownership as well as Linda Vousden's "Tonkinese Cats". These 3 books combined should give you a very interesting and thorough understanding of what buying and owning Tonks mean.
Good Luck!!!

This book on tonkunese cats has excellent photos on this wonderful breed of cat. The information given provides
complete information on their care. Highly recommended!

Anyone who likes reading about Alaskan adventures and the outdoors will love this book. If you are a dog person, however, you will especially appreciate & enjoy it. I read it out loud to my family and they didn't want it to end. The author is an excellent writer who knows how to pull you into a story--you will find yourself laughing and crying. I highly recommend it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to those who enjoy dogs especially those who love them. This is one "gutsy" lady not only for having the dogs but for braving the elements that surely make it difficult living in that area.

If you love dogs, the outdoors, the adventurous spirit, you'll enjoy reading this book. You'll relate to all the antics of the dogs in this authors life and her own adventures living in Alaska. I recommend it.

Betty Jo loves her dogs; they are her family. She gives them all she's got, and they give in return - sometimes more than she bargains for. We laugh with her as she pleads with her Alaskan huskies to remember their heritage and "PULL!" the mile and a half to her mailbox each day. We despair with her when her dogs are shot by a cold-hearted neighbor, or tangle with a moving car, or get lost in the Canadian wilderness. And we nod with her in understanding as she relates the hiccups they get when they are punished or felt they are mistreated. Yes, dogs do have feelings, she says.

Betty Jo's many dogs vary widely in their intelligence, sensitivity and obedience; each has their own distinct personality. But all of them provide her with endless entertainment and boundless love. Any dog lover ---indeed any animal lover---will happily relate to these stories about Betty Jo's dogs..

Excellent book - met all my needs about obtaining and training a Kerry Blue.

Two years ago I obtained my beloved Kerry Blue Terrier, as my first official dog and first show dog. About 7 Months prior to purchasing him, I had pre-ordered this book through my local bookstore and when they had it in I was ecstatic...I had already heard that the author was a "Terrier Guru," so I had faith that this book would help me learn a bit more about the breed. And it certainly had. When I finally brought my little guy home, I had finished reading the whole thing, but was glad to have it around for a quick reference every now and then...two years later, I still look through the book whenever I need help with a Kerry issue (though his breeder is wonderful help, too!).

A big plus for me is that his father, grandparents, and great grandparents are featured in this book! So it's always fun to show people what great specimens of the breed his bloodline consists of :)

I totally recommend this book to anyone considering a Kerry! Bardi McLennan does a good job describing the breed's history, health, grooming needs, etc.
And if you decide that the Kerry is the not right terrier for you, she has written many other great terrier books worth checking into.

I research the breed for a while prior purchasing a puppy, I wanted to make sure we are the right family for this dog. This book was very comprehensive and among all those I had looked at it was the one I purchase for the content and amount of information regarding the most important aspects a new dog owner ought to know. The price was right too.
Thank you!

I bought this book for my father who owns a Kerrie Blue. I mentioned the book to him prior to purchasing it & he reminded me that he hates to read & I had better not even think about buying him a book for Christmas. I didn't. Paudie, his Kerry Blue did. I called a couple days later to see if he was reading it and much to my surprise, he had already read it cover to cover! He couldn't stop telling me how much he enjoyed it and how it described Paudie perfectly. Paudie's family was mentioned in the book, as well as his breeder. My father reading this book from cover to cover in less than two days is the highest compliment a book can have!

How did Mr. Cochran know my lab? This book is PERFECT for any dog lover, but especially lab lovers. I highly recommend it as a gift to someone or for yourself. I'll treasure my copy forever, just as I do my labs!

Do you own a Lab, or know someone that does? If so than you have to read this little book! The little cartoons Bruce Cockran comes up with for lab behavior are so typical that it it is just plain funny. From shedding to stealing your spot on the couch, there is a cartoon for every Labrador trait!

This book is the perfect gift for a Lab owner, it will bring a laugh to anyone who has one of these funny dogs!

Mr. Cochran has another hit to his credit. I'm definately going to get ALL of his books. He really gets into the mind of labs and their owners with this one. I'm on labs #13 and #14 now, and they're as memorable as my first. I've bought several of these for friends, and they've loved them too. Bravo Cochran!

If you have a lab, you will love this little book. It made me laugh, totally the typical traits of lovable, wonderful labs.

This is a Great book about Beagles. It is not just another dog book. I adopted a beagle mix 8 months ago and I wish that I read this book before. It perfectly describes every aspect of a Beagle's life.

It even includes some (though limited) information about Health Care issues. The only thing it missed is how to deal with the occasional "Reverse Sneeze" attack.

It includes a Training DVD that will give you pointers on dealing with Beagle issues.

It is a great Book for anyone who is thinking of getting or owns a Beagle. It is a quick read (128 pages) and a good Beagle reference book.

This is an excellent book about beagles by someone who has been directly involved with the breed for many years. Since this author is also a veterinarian, this book is written with professional acuity. Breeders especially will love this book as it gives good practical advice on breeding their hounds and finding others who do.

Good general care such as vaccinations and regular checkups is included. I recommend this book for anybody who owns this delightful breed. I love beagles!

this book is really helped me to understand my beagle. i love it and recommend it and training your beagle. i was able to teach my dog to sit within five minutes and he still does it.

"Living With A Beagle" is an excellent new book about beagles, not your run of the mill "boilerplate" dog book. The author has been involved in beagles for many years and is also a veternarian! I was particularly pleased to see the information on choosing a reputable breeder, and how to determine if you are dealing with one when purchasing your beagle pup.
Due to her medical background, there is also lots of up to date info on vaccinations, disease, and even doggie first aid. I most heartily reccomend this book to any one who owns, or expecially anyone who is thinking of getting a beagle!

Truly gorgeous photography in this book, and his depiction of the temperament, personality and intelligence of Abyssinian cats is so true! So many photos in the book and descriptions of behavior mirrored life with my own Abyssinian cat. The story of how living with Dickens gave such entertainment and pleasure is absolutely charming.

Of course any cat lover will adore this book...but it will likely make many converts among those who think cats are just decorative bean bags, too! My photographer friend really appreciated the "Hurrell" portrait in the book as well as the composition and quality of the photos overall.

We "Aby people" have always said if Ferrari designed a cat, it would be this breed of cat. Wonderful book!

I collect cats books and this is absolutely the best! The black and white pictures are taken with superb skills and perspective. The text carries an elegant sense of humour. It is a complete visual entertainment for a cat lover.

I picked up this book on a whim -- and am ever grateful I did! The pictures of Little Dickens make me not only want to take up photography, but buy an Abyssinian also.

How did he catch that shot of sweet little Dickens in mid sneeze, I can't help but wonder!

Buy this book if you need a pick-me-up, or know someone who does, it's like comfort food for the eyes. Even if you believe you are a "dog person," you won't be able to avoid being delighted by the candid images Tom Bianchi shares in this book.

Dear friends. After twelve and one half years of loving life, Dickens died this past April. Fortunately,he had only one sick day at the end. I'm lucky to have had this wonderful five star cat's company. I'm grateful that his charm lives on and that so many people got to know him through his book. Thank you. Tom Bianchi