I enjoyed this book, but I must admit that I thought John Del Vecchio's prose in The 13th Valley was much stronger. The important factor was the way the book examines the reactions of what would seem to be good kids to circumstances... What keeps a good kid good and what makes a good kid go bad?

John Del Vecchio is best known for his Vietnam novels, written from his own experience in that war. This book, too, draws from his personal history, this time as an Italian-American, growing up in a large family in Connecticut. And like his other novels (13th Valley; For All Things Living; Carry Me Home), his characters, plot and writing is so good, you'll keep reading even if your vision of the world is quite different from the author's (note that this reviewer is a bleeding heart liberal pacifist WASP -- Del Vecchio is not)!

This story covers so much that an attempt to explain it in detail may make it sound too complicated. The writing is so good, it isn't too complicated, but it isn't a quick read.

Del Vecchio writes primarily from the view of Johnny Panuzio, a middle-aged husband and father in the process of being downsized from his job as an advertising executive. He struggles with a gambling addiction while functioning as best friend to Mitch (a black coworker), a good husband to Julia (fresh back in the workplace as an executive in a publishing company), a dedicated father to a college-aged son, and a son and daughter in high school, a patient son to Rocco, who lives with the family and is slowly losing his memories.

Add a mysterious death, a love story, corporate game-playing, and some local politics, all touched by a rich Italian-American heritage, and you have a book you won't want to put down. In addition to Johnny Panuzio's viewpoint, Del Vecchio also offers the reader a view from the murdered high school student (through publications of letters the young man had written), as well as from the views of his teen-aged son and his aging father. There are flashbacks from Johnny's childhood, as well as a running series of his own "final thoughts".

A good, thick read that will make you think long after you've put it back on the shelf.

Much like Mr. Del Vecchio's other book, the 13th Valley, I really enjoyed Darkness Falls. The book forces you to put yourself in Johnny's life and forces you to feel his pain, a pain that is so relavant to today. At the conclusion I found myself studying my foundation's in life and where they are going to take me. If you enjoy characters and a deep meaningful story pick up Darkness Falls.

Once I started to read this book I couldn't stop until I finished. There were many clues along the way and I kept deciding who was guilty, over and over, a different person each time, until the ending. Juke was a great guy who I would like to meet and, even though he was depressed, the book was uplifting in the end. I hope this turns into a series so I can read every one of them!

I'm always looking for a good book that is easy to read and hard to put down. This is the first book I read by this author, and I absolutely love Juke. I am a big mystery fan but tire of the same old types of heros and heroines. This guy was human. Loved the plot twists and was surprised with the ending. I like when I keep asking myself, "Then WHO could it be?"

Being a huge fan of Mr. Bechard's writing, I was glad to see he wrote another book. Hoping for something in the way of his earlier books, "The Second Greatest Story Ever Told," and "Balls," which are truely excellent books to be treasured! (Note: Do not ever lend these books out without making sure you will get them back! I guarantee you won't!) I was very suprised to find out it was a mystery, without a female heroine, but I warmed up to Juke Miller as soon as I started reading the book. Juke is just as intelligent, humorous, and good hearted as Mr. Bechard's other main character's.

For being a 360 degree turn in genre, I was intrigued with "Good Neighbors." I liked the characters and was totally fooled by the twists and turns in plot. I never guessed the ending! Recommendation: Get the book while it is available or you will be out of luck.

Mr. Bechard has another hit on his hands!

If you are a fan of The Mitford Series, I think you will also enjoy A Miracle For St. Cecilia's. Set in a quaint, charming, New England town, you will meet an endearing set of characters, both parishoners at St. Cecilia's, as well as the towns folk of Dorsetville. Leading the parishoners of St. Cecilia's is Father James, who learns that St. Cecilia's doors will be closed due to lack of funds. Heart-broken, Father James is distressed at what will happen to his St. Cecilia's family, who rely on the church and their friendships there, to get through life's struggles.

Katherine Valentine is a gifted writer, though her style is simple, it is wonderfully easy to read, and creates a true warmth and feeling of comfort. Even though it did seem a lot like the Mitford series, it was still creative in the story lines, entertaining and insightful. For those with Christian roots, it provides some strong messages of faith & hope.

Katherine Valentine sets her first novel in a tiny New England town -- one that seems even smaller than Silver City and certainly more homogeneous. St. Cecilia's church fills a critical role in the lives of many townspeople, even those who aren't Catholic. They face problems ranging from life-threatening (beloved husband Bob Peterson needs a bone marrow transplant to live) to semi-comic (teenager Matthew Metcalf has been suspended from high school after hacking the teacher evaluation files).

Father James Flaherty must announce the Archbishop's decision to close St. Cecilia's on Easter Sunday: the building needs expensive repairs and attendance is dwindling. Flaherty will be transferred, the eighty-two-year-old former pastor will be placed in a far-away nursing, and parishioners will be swallowed up by the five thousand members of a nearby congregation.

The book's title, as well as the delightful primitive-art style cover, give away the ending. We know that the church will be saved or else the loss will be turned to triumph. We know everyone will have a happy ending.

Still Valentine masterfully provides suspense on every page with the one question remaining: How will we achieve a happy ending while maintaining a twentieth century credibility? While the ending does require a couple of coincidences -- plausible, but not likely -- the author's ability to pull together the diverse strands of the story is the real miracle. It's a feel-good story that made me wish Bing Crosby could play the leading role.

In an endnote, Valentine suggests the story was inspired by her own near-death experience and was written to create a miracle in her own life. Therefore, it's understandable that portions of the book (easily skipped by the uninterested reader) offer a hard sell on the Catholic religion that will remind older readers of The Silver Chalice or the final pages of Brideshead Revisited. A few pages, such as Father Flaherty's deathbed discussion, could have been omitted.

Still, this well-written book offers escape entertainment as well as a message that will be welcomed by many who want to go back to the basics. At times I felt as if I had walked into a Norman Rockwell painting, but the lively style and sympathetic characters keep the pages turning. This book will find a place on many Christmas gift lists -- but I'd choose the recipient with care.

A book that is worthwhile reading and you don't have to worry about the language. Can hold your interest and make you think of your own spirituality at the same time. I thorouoghly enjoyed this novel of suspense and togetherness. Of families torn about because of death and then brought back together because of the same. Can't wait for her next book. Really makes you think of your own belief in the Lord and how it can change ones life.

I enjoyed the book very much. I did however find it a bit slow in the beginning, because I am not a sports fan and did not understand the sports part. I did however learn about the Jewish faith and found it very interesting.

Len, has put this right where we were at that time and place. You become a part of the book and feel you are reliving some of your past. Easy book to read, one to make you feel warm and fuzzy. What else can we ask of a book, but to put us right in with the author. Felt as though I was back on the team, rooting for the home team, snuggling in the back seat, dancing at the sock hops. Wonderful, Wonderful, are real visionary.

I enjoyed The Reunion a story and time i can relate to as i grew up in the 50s . It brought backlots of memories of a much slower and fun time . Made me laugh and made me cry and brought back memories of loves and feelings of long ago. I sincerly hope Leon writes more books for us to enjoy.

The author's enthusiasm for these compelling stories is apparent in her research and writing. She brings to life two still-shocking crimes with a refreshing lack of sensationalism. However, the writing itself rarely rises above the level of a bright college sophomore's term paper. In spots, the editing is poor, for example, the author will reference facts that hadn't been presented yet by that point in the book. Too much attempt is made to judge by modern mores and motives, sometimes implicitly and sometimes explicitly (repeated comparisons to the OJ Simpson trial, for example)...further research into social history of the time would have improved the book. It's often not entirely clear what facts are documented (or how) and what is speculation, even with reference to the copious footnotes. Worth a read, but look for it at the library.

"Arsenic Under the Elms" is thoroughly an intriguing, mind challenging read. I felt Virginia A. McConnell did a wonderful job presenting the known facts, as well as including her speculations, but leaving the final verdict up to the reader. The explanations of the era and how they dealt with these sorts of crimes, as well as how they dealt with it legally and medically were very educational and thought provoking. I'm sure many criminalists, physiologists, lawyers, judges, and crime scene analysts, would have a field day solving these crimes. If only they had the technology of today, back then. Even if your genre is not "true crime," this book is a great read. I recommend.

this was a great book! I loved the comparison of how the world & justice worked in the time setting of the 2 stories versus how we have it now. I am fasinated by the victorian era & true crime. This book blended both into a very ingrossing experience. I can't wait to read her 2nd book "Sympathy for the Devil:the Emmanuel Baptist Murders." and hope there will be more after that!

The other readers must have read this right after the Huskies won the championship--the fact that it was such an intoxicating moment for UCONN lovers must have hurt their judgement. I for one *LOVE* UCONN, yet this book reads like a rough draft. Calhoun also reveals little about the season that a devote UCONN fan wouldn't already know. I reccomend "Huskie-Mania" by Jim Shea for Huskie fans out there.

Calhoun and Montville have crafted a masterpiece!

Calhoun writes like he talks, quick and witty (yes, it's funny!). It is an effective, fast-break style that has readers feeling like they are participating in one of Calhoun's practices. It is never boring, always moving. If you love UConn hoops, you will love this book -- guaranteed.

Calhoun is never chest-thumping. His tone is honest, warm, and humble. He is even a little self-effacing (hey, not even The Coach is above reproach).

Calhoun takes us from his days at Northeastern and prior, through the Dream Season, and into the X's and O's of the Championship Season. You will want read this slowly because you won't want it to end! There are a plethora of tid-bits and stories about the Calhoun era that even the most avid fans will respond with frequent shouts of "Wow!" and pumps of the fist.

Thanks Coach, and thanks, Leigh -- two guys who bleed Husky blue just like the rest of us in Husky Nation!

...for the Connecticut Huskies you must read this book. I am a 1995 Graduate of UConn. I was at the school for a chunk of this miraculous decade. And I have never felt more proud of that school or that amazing basketball team than I do after reading this book. Jim Calhoun is funny, strong, tender and candid in this book. A man whom we don't often get an insight to (other than reading a few four letter words on his lips from the sidelines) opens his heart and soul to us in this book. He shares the moments that tore him down, and the moments that made him realize he has the best job in the world. He is an inspiration. A leader. A great coach. And, a champion.

This is the first book by Carla Neggers I have read. While I suspected one person as the killer, I was wrong - but not too far off base. The characterizations were good, the story flowed well, and the concept was very believeable. I just ordered four more of her recent books.

STONEBROOK COTTAGE reminds me of why I'm a Carla Neggers fan. I loved the characters, found the mystery intriguing and the resolution totally satisfying. I agree -- it's an excellent summer read.

This is the first book by Carla Neggers that I have read.
I am now trying to find all her previous books as I really enjoyed this one! I highly recommend it as a Very Good Romantic Suspense!!

Funny how we don't hear much from Melanie Travis's brother Frank in her previous mystery adventures. We know he exists, and we've seen him a few times during family get-togethers; all the same, I'm sure Melanie prefers not to have him around, for when he is he's either raiding her refrigerator or asking for money. In Watchdog, Frank is asking for much more: he wants his sister to help clear his name when a business associate is murdered.

Frank's latest big venture in a string of failed jobs and prospects is a coffee bar in a nearby Connecticut township. Locals are protesting the business, and one would that was the worst of Frank's worries. Then his financial backer turns up dead on the construction site, and Melanie -- whose hands are full with dog shows, a new job, and a marriage proposal (finally!) from Sam -- must come to the rescue.

Berenson is always a delight to read, with fun characters and lessons in dog grooming. Watchdog is no exception; watch out for this one and for Melanie's future exploits.

Loved reading this one before bed. More twists and turns than usual and her characters have become like real people to me. Love the referrals to dog shows and training,grooming, etc.since I got my Standard Poodle. Even if I don't ever end up showing her, I can dream...

What a great book! This is one of the best dog mysteries out there. The characters are incredibly real (I think I saw Melanie and her son in Central Park the other day.... hm...) and the pacing was wonderful. It was a book you couldn't put down. And even though I'm not really into the Sam-Melanie thing, I was excited to see them become a little more committed! My only qualm would be to give Faith a little more of a pronounced personality to really make her come alive. Other than that, I can't stress the greatness of this series!!

This is a psychological thriller that introduces us to ex-FBI agent John Becker. It's one of those fast paced books that ensured that I was frantically turning pages in an effort to keep up.

John Becker is asked to have a bit of a look into some recent disappearances of some young men in the local area to see whether they are related. Becker, who is trying to enjoy his retirement, very reluctantly agrees and has soon linked the missing men through a common, yet obscure similarity. From here the chase is on to identify and track down a man who we know as Dyce. We learn a lot about Dyce quite early on, and follow along as he finds himself a girlfriend. This was probably the only part of the book that I had a problem with as the girlfriend is cast as a real desperate, so much so that she completely ignores some pretty weird things about her new boyfriend. And when I say pretty weird, I'm talking right out there, baby.

This is quite a typical psychological thriller with the usual extreme - dare I say it - psychotic behaviour by the killer accompanied by the odd flashback to his childhood to explain his present day actions. Becker's character is established, casting him as reliable in his instincts, but difficult to work with, particularly when fool superiors are involved. It's the sort of first book of a series that promises further development of a character who already has issues.

John Becker returns to the serial hunting fold when men mysteriously disappear. Flashbacks were a bit much. The mode chosen to murder the victims was gruesomely sick. I couldn't stop reading though.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Be careful with this one, I didn't sleep for a week afterwards. So this is how John Becker got started. What a debut! I've been working my way backwards through David Wiltse's stuff, and I see he just started at the top and stayed there. Remarkably scary book!

Growing up can be a challenge for any young child and Tomie was no exception to the rule. Tomie took his liability and figured out how to turn it around to his advantage. This book shows that anyone big or small can follow their heart and make their dreams come true. Tome Depaola wrote and illustrated this book for readers to understand that time changes but childhood experiences remain the same for all individuals. I highly recommend this chapter book for any child experiencing the introduction of a new sibling or the adventure of moving to a new environment. Especially for a mischievous young boy who is full of life. I think this book can give them the positive drive to be creative and inspire them to bloom where they are planted.

This book really brings together all facets of the family that children and young readers can easily understand. I would recommend the book for all ages.

Here We All Are is the latest chapter book by Tomie dePaola about his childhood. It tells the story of Tomie and his family as they move into their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue in Meriden, Connecticut, and the exciting things that happen to Tomie during his first year in school. Tomie is a very bright and curious little boy, but he doesn't always follow the rules his strict teacher sets out. He steals the show when the kindergartners put on a play, and often breaks into song when he is supposed to be napping. Things go better for Tomie when he begins taking dance lessons with the kind Miss Leah. The highlight of the book is the birth of Tomie's baby sister "with a red ribbon in her hair", just as Tomie hoped and prayed.

Our favorite parts of the book probably were the parts where Tomie caused trouble in school without really meaning too, especially when he totally derails the class production of "Peter Rabbit". Lots of kids can relate to the experience of getting in trouble for just being themselves. Knowing that young Tomie grew up to be a successful author, artist, and dancer helps kids see that they don't have to be perfect or just like everyone else in order to do well in life.

We would recommend this great book to anyone in grades K through 4. The stories in it are ones that children of that age would love to hear and would definitely be able to connect with, although it would probably need to be read aloud to kindergarten and first graders. The reading level is just about perfect for second and third grade. Fourth graders probably won't find the reading hard, but they will be able to use this book as a way to get a look into how Tomie's other stories and artwork came to be.

By the way, this book is the second in a series of chapter books about Tomie's childhood. The first is called 26 Fairmount Avenue, and it is just as good. The third one should be out later this year.