I read this book that I borrowed from a friend 3 years ago. I am a Sonoran native, and I found most of the author's comments accurate. Although I found it a bit pessimistic and cynical at times, I really enjoyed his observations on the present conditions in the state, since most of them are true.

Arturo Wagner Navojoa, Sonora

This is a delightful read, a vivid description of the land, the people, and the culture of Sonora, written by a person who loves it.

A research scientist at the University of Arizona, David Yetman creates a nice balance among history/geography; the human stories of people he meets; and his personal relationship to the land and indigenous people .

The esteem in which Yetman is held, both by Sonoran natives and gringo colleagues, is awesome. He moves easily from intimate conversations with native families willing to share their last tortilla, to sophisticated discussions of politics, agriculture, and drugs with officials in the highest of places. While acknowledging the challenges facing Sonora in light of ecological and social changes, he goes easy when questioning reluctant locals about the drug culture, presumably to avoid putting them, and himself, in harm's way.

Yetman's academic credentials are revealed in the wealth of information about the varied landscapes within Sonora. That he truly enjoys and respects the people he has encountered over thirty years and hundreds of visits shines through and gives the book its personality.

Marilyn Prather's ability to weave setting into her story until it becomes one of her characters is most evident in SONORAN LOVE SONG. While Callie Townsend and Reece Tanner struggle with their internal demons, the Sonoran Desert works a magic of its own in bringing these two together.

The desert comes alive, seen through the eyes of a newcomer as well as those of a veteran desert dweller. Vivid images send the reader into a world where well-drawn characters are brought together by the historic desert and its lore as well as their attraction to each other.

As Callie and Reece discover, the quiet desert is full of danger as well as passion.

This sweet love story had a hook that kept me reading until the very end! The desert comes alive because of the author's vivid descriptions. The hero and heroine, Callie and Reece, caught my sympathy from their first meeting in the dark desert night.

This sequel easily got 4 stars. In the beginning Tag the main character travels through timefrom 1250 to a lot of different times. All through that time he protected the canyon he lived in with his best friend from grave robbers. In the end he finds his dad and the canyon is protected. I thought that the author characterizied Tag and the people he met well. It is very suspenseful and made me read on. This is a very good book to read if you like the Indian culture or action books.

This series is amazing, and never leaves you at a loss for whatwill happen next, but the suspense is overwhelming! Tag and Walkertogether make the strongest pair of friends I have ever seen in a novel. Their lives span centuries and their stories capture you! I strongly recommend this book, and the others in the Walker of Time series, to enjoy over and over again as I have!

The Mining section is great. The Tombstone history on persons, events, etc. needs a proofread by someone who knows the period. Many errors on dates, persons, events. A good beginning. Looks like it is frozen about 5 yrs ago from current research. Still 1000% better than Odie Falk or anyone else out there. Tombstone was more than a mining town. It was also a minefield for historians. Very little said about the Earps. Many of the old timers just fade away. It would be insightful to actually know where they went and what they did later. Still "IT'S THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN" as Mark Smith, the Tombstone atty once said. A fascinating book on a fascinating subject. Leaves one hungering for MORE. Congrats to the auther for even attempting this book. The footnote references are a bit obscure but maybe Mr. G. wanted it that way.

The book accurately separates the myth from the fact. But the facts are wonderful. I have never seen so many people pistol whipped, shot, shot at, robbed, or ticket for speeding (a common problem of Tombstone).

It is extremely well documented. The books moves through history and there are places where you will want to know more. This books is more than a story about the Earps, just as Tombstone was more than a town about the Earps. The end of the book covers many of the characters of tombstone covered in the book. Where they went later. How they died and what from. Even the net worths of the individuals. There are a few errors, but this is the best effort I have been able to find.

I actually purchased my copy in Tombstone. The cost was about (...)! The gal that sold it to me was worth the extra price, being a selfproclaimed expert on Tombstone. Believe it or not, an old Tombstone cowboy recommended this book and the bookstore.

Knowing Tombstone they were probably related. Seems like picking money off people in Tombstone is much the same today as it was in 1887.

After reading it, you will want to scan back and reread many of the parts.

Ms. Myal's book is truly a delight. Having once lived in Tucson, I quickly became a Mexican food aficionado. Reading through "Tucson's Mexican Restaurants" brought back all the terrific memories I have of sitting with friends and visiting family members, enjoying a meal at one of the many Mexican restuarants in the Old Pueblo.

Whether you're looking for a guide book on where to eat in Tucson or recipes of Mexican favorites, you'll find this book a good resource.

This book is the most useful if you are new or relatively new to Tucson's Mexican restaurant scene. I bought this book and use it all the time. In time we will try them all!

"The Andromeda Strain" is an exciting, realistic novel that chronicles the discovery and study of an imported-from-space pathogen. Four scientists and a team of technicians working in a top-secret government facility created specifically for such an emergency must isolate, characterize, and neutralize the Andromeda Strain before it infects, and quickly kills, millions.

Crichton brings the full force of his research abilities and scientific knowledge to bear on this book, explaining the scientific aspects of the story without detracting from the faced-paced action. He draws readers into the story within the first few pages, and constructs a plausible and page-turning mystery.

The book has two flaws. The first is that Crichton's narrative voice waxes a bit preachily on the subject of human fallibility; this is at times irritating but usually short-lived. The second flaw is more important: the ending, which arrives at least a hundred pages too soon. Throughout the novel, the narration touts the impending consquences of the scientists' mistakes - consequences that are given only twenty pages of discussion at the book's end. Crichton doesn't even stop to wrap up the loose ends of his plot, leaving the reader with half a dozen unanswered questions and an unconvincing, uncompelling denouement. Such an interesting premise in the hands of such an entertaining writer deserve a fuller treatment. However, while the front-heaviness of the book is a serious literary flaw, 260 of the book's 290 pages are exciting, controversial, and engaging - good light reading even if the ending fails to deliver.

The Andromeda Strain by Micheal Crichton is an intense book about several scientists racing to eliminate deadly bacteria, which came from outer space. In some ways I see it as a horror because of its direct applications to real life, its believability. It doesn¡¦t infer any blame on the government, like a lot of biological thrillers do. Yet it does surmise the possibility of underground facilities in which the equipment is tech enough to handle many kinds of biological disaster, or outbreaks. The premise of the book was good and the action sequences were nail biting. Although there was a lot of dated components, old computers, methods, etc., I feel it still ran miles ahead of its time, for a book that was written in the 60s. I felt awfully empty when reading the parts of the book in which the town was described. It made me feel like I was going to die. The scientist that did the fieldwork wore these moon-suits with tube for oxygen bulging from the sides. The people they found were dead, when the veins were cut open on the corpses the blood rolled out like sand. But before they left, two brought along¡Xalive. All of these things were part of plot development and key to the book's clincher. The characters in the book were easy to identify with. They had families, personality flaws, and compassion. Characters, I feel, make or break a book¡¦s quality level. The Andromeda Strain is a good book to read if you¡¦re a fiction junky. It also tantalizes the intellectual, and entertains the novice.

How do you fight a deadly micro-organism brought to earth by a returning satellite? You know nothing about this micro-organism other than it has completely wiped out an entire town's population except for a sickly old man and a crying baby (clues!). Exposure to this organism will kill you instantly. Do you dare try any of the conventional methods for destroying viruses and germs? Anything you do (even nothing) may cause the micro-organism to multiply faster, mutate, etc, and you risk decimating the earth's population!

That's the challange faced by Michael Crichton's team of elite biophysicists in their top-secret, ultra-sophisticated underground research facility (code name: Wildfire). Rich in scientific details, the book speeds along from the shocking discovery of a town full of dead people, to the cloak-and-dagger process of alerting and assembling the team of civilian experts (some of whom have secrets), to the action occuring in the facility itself (a central character with a few secrets of its own).

The ultra-biologically clean government facility is equipped with automatic safeguard mechanisms that I will only characterize here as extremely thought-provoking. I was intrigued by the elaborate procedures and mechanisms for decomtaminating the scientists prior to entering the facility (not as straight forward as one would think). Also interesting was a side story involving the unexpected results of an experimental drug that kills absolutely every single bacteria, germ, virus, and organisim in the human body.

Logically plotted, highly technical and suspensefully timed, this is a thinking-man's sci-fi story which constantly reminds you of time running out with everything at stake. If you've read Michael Crichton's work before, you'll recognize his recurring theme involving the unpredictability of the universe (chaos theory), and man's mistaken belief that he can change and control nature with technolgy.

The subject was highly topical in the late 60's and early 70's when Apollo missions were bringing material back from the moon on a regular basis. Today, who knows what micro-meteorites bearing alien bacteria may be captured by space shuttles, space stations, etc?

A SIDE NOTE:

If you like this book, you should check out the 1971 film that was based on it. Considering when it was made, it is a surprisingly well-made science fiction film directed by Robert Wise. This is one of the few films that is actually as good as the book it is based on. The acting, production values, set design, and art direction are all very impressive. Sure, the computer hardware may be dated, but this was the real equipment in use at the time and actually increases the film's realism (no ultra flashly graphics, talking computers, over-produced effects, etc.). Like '2001: A Space Odyssey', the film still plays well today. Rent it!

This story is a touching recollection of painful experiences. Through Yvette's story the reader is taken through a series of emotions. Native Women coming from a matrilineal clan systems will surely relate to the expressed feeling of attachment to family, land, sprirituality and harmony.

Although the reader is taken through a complex array of ceremonies, the content is described with specific simplicity , as to not disrespect the traditional ceremonial purposes.

The book encourages women everywhere to take adversity in ones life and face it with courage, vision, and spiritual growth.

Like many of the readers I couldn't put the book down until I read it from cover to cover. While reading the story I found out these people were my extended family! I know everyone mentioned in the book. As a youngster I remember the crusade of Aunt Desbah, Uncle John and others in finding the twins who were stolen as babies. I wept at the end when Yvette participated in the holy Hozhoji ceremony to be reunited with her birth place, family, culture, and environment. Very moving!

Aunt Betty, Yvette's biological mother lived a very brave life as she longed and searched everyday of her life wanting to be reunited with her twins. May God bless her soul.

I read this book from cover to cover in a few hours and wished it had gone on and on. It is a poignant yet heartwarming story of an American family. For many years our Native American people suffered immesurable pain as their children were stolen from them and often lost forever. This is a "happy ending" story of a joyful reunion! The emotions in all of the family members are deeply felt. Lost children are returned to their roots and the depth of love of these family members for one another is beautiful. This book is wonderfully written!

This latest Joanna Brady mystery is a fairy tale, at least as far as the central character is concerned. In it, Joanna--who has had her share of tragedy in the past--gets it all: the murderer, a nice man, a use for the jewelry given her by her first husband, a daughter happy with her Mother's choice of boyfriends, understanding inlaws, and professional respect.

And, she gets to be the central character in another mystery by J.A. Jance!

I am a Jance fan, because I enjoy her fine writing skills and tightly-plotted action lines. Usually I like Jance's central characters, too: J P Beaumont has depth in adversity in his battle with alcohol, and Joanna Brady is a woman with a load of grief and guilt. Somehow, though, in this novel Joanna is less real, more fantasy...and because of that she slips into the realm of becoming a stereotypical mystery novel heroine--beautiful, strong, intelligent, and invincible by the normal adversity that would paralyze the rest of us.

Still in all, Outlaw Mountain is a good novel and an enjoyable reading experience, even if the characterization isn't quite as mulilayered as Jance usually develops.

I am both a Joanna Brady fan and a JP Beaumont fan. In the winter rain of Seattle, I especially enjoy letting my mind wander to the heat of Arizona and Sheriff Brady's attempts to keep the peace in Cochise County. JA Jance continues to develop both Joanna Brady and the people who are a part of her daily life. Outlaw Mountain is not just about another murder, but about community and personal issues any of us could face.

An elderly woman is found dead in the middle of a stand of cholla cactus. Sheriff Joanna Brady is called into the case and immediately begins investigating those who were close to the dead woman, including a much younger, somewhat mysterious boyfriend. Also among the suspects are a group of young teenagers who take the woman's car on a joyride across the Mexican border. The subplots in this book are a little more complex than in the previous books in this series and include a mentally challenged man who is found wandering aimlessly, a man in a witness protection program, and a deepening romance for Joanna. Sprinkled throughout the book are the usual problems with Joanna's overbearing mother, and her feisty young daughter. This is a good series to read in sequence, so if you haven't read "Desert Heat" you might want to start there.

There are some stories you just don't want to end. The Search by Iris Johansen is one of those stories. This book not only brings back all the characters from Ms. Johansen's last two novels but provides a story that went way beyond my expectations of this book.

John Logan, that wonderful millionaire who helped Eve Duncan search for the reamins of her murdered daughter is suddenly slapped in the face with horrendous evil from his past. When one of his research facilities is blown up and a brilliant scientist is kidnapped, Logan calls in Sarah Patrick and her golden retriever, Monty. Logan knows his only chance of rescuing the scientist alive is through the special talents of Sarah and Monty. He promises Sarah that this is a one-time job and then he will never bother her or Monty again. However, what is suppose to be a one-time deal explodes as Logan frantically tries to confront his past and save those in the present.

The chemistry between Logan and Sarah sizzles. The evil is enough to give even hard core suspense readers chills up their spines. There are no words to adequately describe this novel and sensations it makes you feel. This book is fantastic. I especially love the way Ms. Johansen not only shows the communication between Sarah and Monty, but also gives Monty his own story line that keeps the reader intrigued. I would love for Ms. Johansen's next novel to feature one of the secondary characters in the story named Galen. He definitely sounds like a lead character that deserves his own story.

Put out your hard-earned money for this novel. It is well worth the investment.

KLR
October 9, 2001
The Search
This novel, The Search written by Iris Johansen, is a great book that you find yourself not wanting to put down. It is a very action filled, intense novel with a little romance thrown in.
Eve Duncan is a forensic sculptor whose daughter was brutally murdered. John Logan helped Eve to find her daughter's body and bring her home. When Logan suddenly faces a horrible problem from his past he calls on a friend of Eve's, Sarah Patrick. Sarah and her dog Monty are part of a search and rescue team and Logan knows he must have her cooperation to deal with this horrible fate. Logan promises to help Sarah get away from her boss as long as she will help him do this one job. But the one job Logan had planned turned out to be a whole lot different.
As Sarah and Logan stay together longer to help innocent people, they start to develop a chemistry between them, something that will last a while.
Iris Johansen did a great job in keeping the book suspenseful. She makes all the characters have their own story line and she shows them interacting well together.

John Logan is in a desperate situation, his top secret project has been sabotaged, all employed are dead except for one man being held for ransom by a madman hell-bent on revenge. Logan knows he must rescue the man in order to find out what secrets he knows, and to save his life. For this mission to work, Logan will need the cooperation of the expert search/rescue team of Sarah Patrick and her golden retriever, Monty.

Sarah is not a big fan of Logan and is furious that she is forced to help him.

Once the mission has begun, Sarah realizes Logan's promises of safety may not be enough...for Sarah has become an object in the killer's plan.

The clock is ticking for Sarah and Logan to put a stop to anymore killings.

"The Search" is EXCELLENT summer reading. It is an exciting, fast-paced and well-written thriller, that all readers will enjoy.

Iris Johansen has scored another HIT, bringing back characters from her previous novel "The Killing Game".

A MUST read.

Nick Gonnella

The first in a new series, HIGH COUNTRY BRIDE was a quick, entertaining read. It is the fairly fast-paced tale of Rafe McKettrick, one of three brothers forced to compete to be the first to produce an heir in order to inherit a sizeable ranch, and Emmeline Harding, niece of a brothel madam, and, maybe, a prostitute, who is his mail-order bride. This novel is thick with fun, interesting characters, love (so many couples!!), and a certain amount of mystery in the shape of one "Sister Mandy" who everyone doubts is actually a nun. I look forward to seeing how marriage turns out for the other McKettrick boys.

Angus McKettrick, melancholy over yet another birthday without grandchildren to bounce on his knee, has made a decision. His three rowdy sons need to settle down, and he lays down a challenge. The first one to marry AND produce a grandchild, boy or girl, will inherit the majority of the Triple M ranch. The young men are stunned, angry, and each is determined to be the winner of this "contest." Rafe, the eldest, feels Angus's decision is unfair. To lose his inherited right to head up the ranch's operation would tear him apart. So he reluctantly gives up his freedonm and sends off for a mail order bride.

Emmeline Harding can't hold her liquor. She doesn't find this out until after she wakes up in her aunt's brothel with a pile of gold coins on the nightstand beside her bed. Fearing the worst, Emmeline flees town as a mail-order bride. But will she have to confess her dubious past to her unseen husband?

A wonderful tale begins right from the start of this novel. Each character, including the secondary characters, is well drawn. The plot is believable and keeps the pages turning. The only thing I would have liked to see is more of Rafe! It is a little weighted on the inner conflict of Emmeline. Otherwise, a great read!

This book made me laugh out loud. I loved how Rafe was totally in the dark about what Emmeline was doing or thinking. I laughed at the antics of Becky and her daughter. Rafe breaks your heart with his sweet, albeit misguided, offers of a hot brick and a nightgown. I totally loved this book. I really cannot explain why, it just seemed like a fun romp in the southwest. A cowboy and his mail-order bride. I haven't read much of Ms. Miller, but I do know that I will definitely be purchasing the second offering in the McKettrick series. Hopefully Ms. Miller won't stop at Kade and Jeb. I need to see a novel about Holt, too!!