This book reminded me of my first novel which took place on the Great Lakes. Wright has taken this reader into another world which many do not know exists. "The Captain's Wife" shows those in the know and those who know nothing about the lakes. This author and I have a great deal in common. We have both lived on and around the lakes and have both come under its haunting heritage. The ships (or boats) which travel the Great Lakes are a strong story, alone, but "The Captain's Wife" brings a humanness, an identity of the sweetwater seas the reading public has missed. Write another one Wright! Continue the history!the love! Trish Schiesser author of another Great Lakes story, "Ida's Ride."

A born-and-bred New Englander now landlocked in the Midwest, my only experience with the great inland seas, the Great Lakes, has been the rare visit to the southern shore of Lake Erie. This book, "The Captain's Wife," took me fully into the world of the Lakes and the people who live, love, and work them. Ms. Wright obviously loves the land and the waters she writes about; her descriptions of scenes, settings, and weather were vivid and detailed. I became involved in the lives of Fannie Healy and her extended family, feeling her triumphs and disappointments. "The Captain's Wife" is an engaging read. I hope Ms. Wright plans to continue her stories of Fannie and Jack's family in the land of the Great Lakes.

I enjoyed The Captain's Wife and highly recommend it to other readers. Fannie, the main character, possessed a realistic combination of strengths and weaknesses. I cared about what happened to her and could hardly put the book down. The author did a good job describing the hypnotic beauty of the Great Lakes. I think it would make a great movie!

"Summer of the Storm" took me straight back to some of the happiest days of my life -- days reading the Little House books, and summertimes in Galveston. Julie Lake has created in Abby Kate a character who's as charming and curious as Laura Ingalls Wilder. And, like the Little House books, the setting is full of accurate historical details -- how an icebox worked, the foods people favored, the outhouse, woolen bathing suits ... even the job of providing insurance for a ship's cargo. While the book highlights the havoc wreaked by a hurricane, I would love to see a whole series based on the character and the time period -- turn of the 20th century. I'll be telling my children's school librarians and teachers about this book.

My favorite part of the book was the storm because it was the most thrilling part of the book. I also liked the part where Freddie locked Abby Kate in the outhouse. It was a very good book and I enjoyed it.

I liked the setting -- Grandma Linden's house, Galveston and the beach. There was so much detail that I felt I was really there and could see it. I really liked the characters (even troublemaker Freddie!), and enjoyed their practical jokes and adventures. I was happy to experience what a hurricane is like by reading this book in the safety of my bedroom.

I believe this book was written partly to counter-act the romantic story-telling of Great Lakes authors like Dwight Boyer ("True Tales of the Great Lakes," "Ghost Ships of the Great Lakes," etc.) and William Ratigan ("Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals").

"Ghost Ships, Gales & Forgotten Tales" is a very well-researched, workman-like book that casts new light on (among other things) the invention and demise of Whalebacks, the Lake Michigan Storm of October, 1880 (also known as the "Alpena Storm" because of the sinking of the big passenger sidewheeler, 'Alpena'), and the chaos caused by the smash-up of the Poe Lock by the 'Isaac L. Ellwood' in November, 1909.

My favorite story concerns the " Alpena Storm" and the loss of the 'Trader.' The author really did his research on the little steamer 'Trader,' which actually foundered a couple of days before the great storm of 1880. Her eleven crewmen were rescued by the schooner 'Guide' and the 'Trader' itself was towed to Grand Haven. Two days later, the "Alpena Storm" thundered down onto Lake Michigan and "full many a midnight ship with all its shrieking crew" sank beneath its suddenly murderous waves---including the 'Trader,' which somehow broke away from her mooring in Grand Haven. However at the time of her sinking she had no crew, even though the 'loss' of her eleven men was reported in all of the newspapers:

"To Captain Brown [the 'Trader's master], the whole matter of the 'Trader' was probably an on-going source of aggravation for months to come. He found himself having to explain to his peers, each time that they met, how it was that he had not perished on Lake Michigan. Yet acquaintances that he had not seen in years greeted the good captain as if just returned from the great beyond."

The author has included photographs and drawings of many of the ships featured in his stories, and also maps of where some of them disappeared below the waves.

For the most part, Oleszewski stays away from the oft-told tales like the tragedy of the 'Eastland,' or the sinking of the 'Lady Elgin.' When he does touch upon a well-known event, he focuses on one of the 'little guys'---an old barge, tugboat, or schooner on the Lake long past its retirement date---that got caught in the same storm as the big freighters.

According to its back cover, "Ghost Ships, Gales & Forgotten Tales" casts new light on some of the obscure Lake events that "have been under-reported, or forgotten altogether."

Wes has become probably the best writer the Lakes region has ever seen. His books are well researched, with no hyperbole, manufactured conversations or guess-work. Very meticulous in detail. Any of his books are a must-have for any serious Great Lakes reader.

Wes Oleszewski brings us right no the deck of the ships & to the lakes we love. The information is profound dates/names/places. The diligent effort to bring the history to life makes enjoyable reading.

I really enjoyed "Ice Lake" by John Farrow (pen name of Canadian literary writer). The main detective charged with solving an initially uncomplicated murder case, is the complex and dedicated Emile Cinq-Mars, who is a legendary Montreal city detective. But as the case unfolds, using a kind of reverse flashback technique, it becomes much more complicated. Farrow draws the reader into a world of shady pharmaceutical companies, Montreal organized crime, and Indian activists. His characters, for the most part, are well-developed and one understands the reasons behind their good and bad actions.
Farrow is especially good at setting descriptions and moods. His paints a very good potrait of the stillness of frozen fishing lakes, the chaos of inner city Montreal and the peace of Cinq-Mar's rural horse farm. Farrow's descriptive phrases keep one turning the pages as much as the rapid fire dialogue that keeps the plot humming along nicely. This is a good detective thriller.

The setting and the character of Cinq-Mars make this a better-than-your-average detective-mystery series. Cinq-Mars, a bit larger than life, loves his city of Montreal, which makes me want to visit someday, even without the chance of meeting the curmudgeonly detective.

The way the plot unfolds is different and interesting. Most of the characterizations are very good, with the exception of Camille, the reason why I gave this a 4 star rating. Read the book and decide for yourself - wouldn't want to give away anymore of the plot than the reader already gets in the first chapter!

The ice-ridden locale is ideal for the cold hearts at play here. The lake is a frozen wasteland where danger and confusion, snow and ice, compete in masking and unmasking and masking again a criminal conspiracy that is tundra vast. What we don't know is this: Saint Lucy, dupe or conspirator?

Lucy's lover and partner in crime is found dead underneath an ice hole in a fishing shack on the lake, (but who is he, really?). Nefarious Québécois mobsters, police from competing jurisdictions, industrial spies, a femme fatale in Camille Choquette, who makes Lizzie Borden look a sweetheart, all skate in biotech espionage, psychopathic murder, Indian Warrior politics, crime syndicates, and the coldest hearted capitalism.

Ice Lake, by respected Canadian novelist Trevor Ferguson writing as John Farrow, follows City of Ice, which introduced the brilliant and charming, moody and maddening police detective Emil Cinq-Mars, a maverick in the Montreal PD, whose heart harkens back to an earlier time in the city's rough past when vice ruled and cops broke heads.

Mysteries are my favorite books and Murder at Lake Tomahawk is now one of my favorite mysteries! I can hardly wait for the second book to see what happens next! I loved the complex plot and the ending was GREAT!! Dusty McCray is quite a character. He is a scientist with a unique view and attitude. Although Dusty was my favorite, I thourougly enjoyed all of the characters. I loved all of science and scientific explainations. Stuff that would have put me to sleep and/or confused me was presented in an interesting and easily understood manner. I got to learn scientific fun stuff while trying (unsuccessfully) to figure out what was going to happen and what the end would be. You won't EVER be able to guess.

"Murder at Lake Tomahawk" is a delightful, refreshingly different kind of murder mystery. The characters are quite real and believable, and the storyline has enough twists & turns and blind alleys & dead ends to keep you guessing right up to the final pages. Even though it seems as if you know "who dunnit" about two-thirds the way through, don't jump to conclusions! I also really enjoyed the scientific information woven into the fabric of the narrative. It made some of the plot points more comprehensible as well as more realistic. I look forward to the author's next outing.

A very enjoyable book. Keeps you guessing right up to the end.I look forward to other books written by this author.It is a book that you will not want to put down. It also has very interesting information in it. I think you would enjoy reading it.

Dianna Shaeffer had what other people would say was the perfect marriage, but she found that happiness was not included. Here in Lake Placid she falls in love with a bobsledder named Jim Manning, who lives an average life, completely the opposite from what she is accustomed to. She has choices to make - give up her marriage to a successful lawyer, and start a new life, one full of excitement and fun. She gives all this up and finds happiness with Jim Manning for a while. The book is beautifully written. The author's visual description of the Lake Placid region captures your attention. If you have read Nicholas Sparks "The Notebook" and liked it, you will be even more pleased with this book. Rosemary Matteson is a very talented writer. Looking forward to another book from her.

Rich and vibrant characters and wonderful story telling make this book a hard one to put down. Rosemary Matteson writes a beautiful story of love and life. One that touches your heart and stirs your soul. I was absolutely taken in by these characters and their journeys. Just wonderful!

"Nothing Gold Can Stay", written by Rosemary Matteson, is a richly textured novel of life in beautiful Lake Placid, New York. At the top of this sensational story is Dianna Shaeffer, who did not believe her comfortable marriage to Jeff Shaeffer would ever be threatened. It was an Olympic bobsled champion, Jim Manning, who changed her life. Her attorney husband tried in vain to rejuvenate their union. Diana left the social life of Southport Connecticut to marry Jim. Olympic events and life in this beautiful lake region will keep the reader intrigued from the beginning to the end. The author's description of the land of "merciless cold and eternal snow", and the beauty of the great Adirondacks was done exceptionally well. After her marriage to Jim, Diana experienced the thrill of passion again, with the love of her life. However, this thrill does not endure. She realizes that "Nothing Gold Can Stay". A very exciting novel. Be sure and read it. The title of the book is very appropriate; it was taken from one of Robert Frost's great poems. His poem reads, in part: "So dawn goes down to day, nothing gold can stay."

The book conveys the daily activities and routines of life aboard several Great Lakes freighters. The author portrays an honest and factual look at his crewmates and what it all takes to keep one of these big ships on the go. By the time I finished the book, I was sorry to put it down and found myself longing to go on another voyage!

Mark Thompson shares an enjoyable and interesting picture of life aboard today's Great Lakes freighters. You get to know the crew members as you become a part of their work day routine. As the reader, you become anxious to see what each new day has in store. I'm anxious for the sequel.

This is one of the best books that I have ever read! I could not put it down! If you have any interest in Great Lakes Shipping or life on a Great Lakes Ore Boat read this book! Mark L Thompson does not "Sugar Coat" what life is like on an Ore Boat. He is very open and honest about life in the Great Lakes Shipping Industry. Read this book you won't be sorry!

Steelhead Dreams ranks up there as one the best books about the Great Lakes steelhead fishery. Author Matt Supinski is considered one of the top Great Lakes steelhead guru. In this book he shares decades of knowledge and experience. The book has chapters on mastering the rivers, different times of year, presentations and the top Great Lakes rivers.

Steelhead Dreams is a very easy book to follow and understand. This book also has the best fly recipe section I've seen in any book. There are plenty of color plates of popular nymph, egg, and streamer flies. This is an excellent book for the angler deciding to get into steelheading.

This is a "must have" for any Great Lakes Basin Steelhead Fly Fisher. Written from One who has been faced with "4th & goal" and has made the conversion. Matt's underlying theme is that each and every one of us Great Lakes' Steelheaders MUST realize that we have to take care to preserve this awesome privilege that we enjoy. Matt shows how and why the traditional West Coast Methods are very limited in the Great Lakes Basin. He does, indeed cover everything you'll need to know and do to become a more proficient fly fishing steelheader...I promise.

I have been an eastern and great lakes trout and salmon fly fisher for 42 years and fished many of the great lakes rivers for steelhead the last 22 years with the fly rod. Steelhead Dreams presents a wonderful description of the immense steelhead fly fishing opportunities through outthe great lakes states and canada. The history of the fishery, comparisons to the PNW steelhead fishery, tackle, techniques, rivers, and how to approach the four seasons of steelhead fly fishing are discussed in detail to aid both new anglers and more experienced steelhead fly fishers. Matt obviously has a great love for steelhead, fly fishing, and the great lakes fishery. Excellent color pictures of the rivers, fish, tackle, and flies are provided. All great lakes and PNW steelhead anglers will benefit in increased knowledge of this fishery to enhance their angling experience. I learned some new things from Matt which will be applied this year. This is the best indepth book on great lakes steelhead fly fishing I have seen to date. I look forward to more books from Matt on the great lakes fishery.

Mr. Borg's second novel is even better than his first. The story is an excellent depiction of Tahoe's forests and impending danger from fire. As a neighbor to The Oakland Hills firestorm of 1991, the danger really hit home. As in his first novel, the characters are intriguing, especially his dog Spot.

I look forward to reading more of Mr. Borg's work.

AN ABSORBING MYSTERY THRILLER SET IN WONDERFUL LAKE TAHOE THAT OFFERS PENETRATING CHARACTERS ALONG WITH COLORFUL, NONSTOP ACTION. READERS WILL WANT MORE!
PLEASE KEEP WRITING, MR. BORG!!

"An ordinary forest fire can be put out, but you can only run from a BLOWUP..."

Well mystery fans, he's done it again. Who you ask? Why, Lake Tahoe's very own author Todd Borg. And just what has he done that has readers from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco so worked up? He's released his second riveting novel in the Owen McKenna mystery series; a suspense-filled tale of kidnap and arson at the height of the fire season titled "Tahoe Blowup."

Toward the close of summer in the Sierra Nevada, people who live and work among the pines and firs of the Tahoe National Forest get real jumpy. Months of long hot days coupled with tinder dry brush and low humidity make the threat of forest fires something many lose sleep over. It is almost unthinkable that someone would deliberately set out to release the fury of such fires with the strike of a match. But that is exactly what has been happening at Lake Tahoe and what local private investigator, Owen McKenna, and his Harlequin Great Dane, "Spot," have been asked to stop. That and a string of murders associated with each devastating blaze until McKenna's own girlfriend, Street Casey, is marked as the next victim. Thrill binding excitement right up to the very end-an ending you'll never expect!

Attention to detail, vivid descriptions and lifelike character portrayals are the hallmarks of Borg's style and he has really done his homework on this one. In depth investigative work on everything from environmentalist watchdog groups to forest management techniques and fire fighting theory. It just doesn't get any more real.

"The Colfax Area Express," Colfax, CA

I found this guide ideal when I used it to locate lights to visit in this region last year. Bruce Roberts' superb photography and Ray Jones interesting and informative narrative significantly enhanced my enjoyment in visiting the lights.

There are directions and other info for finding and visiting lighthouses. They do not always show all lights for a given area. The photos are all color. I own 3 of these books. There are not many other guide books out there so if you are looking for guide books these are good to have. Since there are so many books in this series I thought I'd help people find them easier. This is the series.
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American Lighthouses
California Lighthouses
Eastern Great Lakes Lighthouses - I own this one
Western Great Lakes Lighthouses - I own this one
Southeastern Lighthouses - I own this one
Southern Lighthouses
New England Lighthouses
Mid Atlantic Lighthouses
Gulf Coast Lighthouses

I know that Bruce and Ray Jones don't visit or include all of the Great Lake lights in their books, but it is highly arguable that they do portray the best looking ones. I travel from Chicago to Upper Peninsula and have to include their books on the trip with all of the excellent directions. They are excellent travel guides and provide nice context to why and where they lights originated and give sufficient information about the beacon. They are my number one travel books when I go on a lighthouse expedition and they are bar none no better book published with directions on Great Lake lighthouses.