The story is fun, the writing first class and the gardening essays made me want to race out and start planting. I will admit, however, that toward the end I did skip over the essays to follow the mystery line. My curiosity appeased, I was then eager to go back for the essays. I did read the paperback version and the cover doesn't do justice to the story or the writing. Also, one minor point. For me, Louise "felt" much older than forty and it threw me when references to her age were mentioned. I fear this is a publisher issue in that there is some fear readers won't want to read about a mature woman. Wrong! I don't know if this was actually the case or not, but it seems likely, and that is my only quibble with my first Louise Eldridge Mystery. This is a very talented writer with much to share with her readers and I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

After Ann Ripley so cleverly blended stories together in the first three Louise Eldridge stories, you think her ability to weave paths together in Death of A Political Plant couldn't be beat; then you read The Garden Tour Affair. The story changes the setting from the capital to the Litchfield Falls Inn in Connecticut. A quaint setting is the perfect foil for the hustle and bustle of the three first novels set in Washington. Our heroine Mrs. Eldridge takes the first major trip for her PBS show Gardening With Nature to a house of quarrel between members of the Seymour family. Halfway through, you'll think you have it all figured out, and then the story takes another twist. The fast paced action continues right up until the last page. Ripley can truly do it all, between her masterful storytelling ability to her knowledge of gardening and wonderful use of allusions in her literature. An entertaining read, the best so far from Ann! 5 stars.

Ben Abbott is a fiesty, resourceful, (innocent) ex-con realtor who is a great observer of people and a real sucker for the ladies. Financial and emotional needs land him inadvertantly in the middle of a murder mystery in a (usually) quiet get-away town north of NYC. Ben is personally vested in one of the victims (his cousin), and would like to be with one of the suspects (a lovely, lonely woman).

Justin Scott's writing was truly refreshing, like the New England autumn in which his wonderfully woven story takes place. His characters' dialogue is sharp and character-consistent enough that the reader doesn't need constant reminding who is speaking (like so many modern mystery writers whose characters are completely flat). Scott's discriptions of action and settings blend seamlessly into the story, and often are contributing factors. He addresses all sorts of folks, from NYC big-time business brokers to backwoods bumpkins, and he writes them all very well.

This is not a book to be "skimmed" -- if you do, you'll miss a number of Justin Scott's wonderful little additions. Scott has such superbly gentle command of his storytelling in HARDSCAPE that there is a great deal of depth to his characters that can be read between the lines. For instance, the hero, Ben Abbott, has many great traits, but his internal dialogue is also humorously honest about his flaws. Being a single man who loves female companionship, what Ben notices and thus describes about other characters he encounters is different: he talks about the men according to their physical size and strength (just what an ex-con would notice and evaluate - can I take him?), and he takes note of other characteristics of the fairer sex - their clothes, hair, smiles, etc... It's a really brilliantly executed character development device. Scott paints such a pretty picture of the New England countryside that one can almost smell the smoke of the wood-burning stoves.

While the plot is not extraordinary and the conclusion a little too Matlock-neat to fit the rest of the lush tale, everything else IS extraordinary. HARDSCAPE is the most smartly written, engrossing, and enjoyable fiction I've read in the past year. I'm looking forward a great deal to Scott's second entry into the Ben Abbott series, STONEDUST. I highly recommend HARDSCAPE for those seeking a clever, fun mystery to get wrapped up in.

I was really suprised to see no review for Hardscape. Justin Scott has written an excellent mystery. What made it stand out for me is the protagonist Ben Abbott, a very likeable, believable, if flawed character. If you like your mysteries with some solid writing and excellent characterization, give this series a try.

The 3rd story of this series is intense. It was hard to put the book down as I hoped for a way for Daniel and Taregon to make peace with their past and the things that drove them apart. After Daniel unwittingly betrayed his family I was in agony as I wondered how everything was going to work out in the end. It is so good to read about a piece of history that is so often neglected in our American history books. I greatly enjoy reading about the Native Americans and wish things could have worked out differently and wonder what our world would be like today if they had.

The third installment in this wonderful series. This one started a little slower but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. I am anxious to get into the 4th book. I know I will be sorry there are only 5. However, I have now purchased several of her other books. She is a wonderful writer. Thank you Angela Hunt--keep writing!

Huskie Mania is among some of the finer works of modern non-fiction sports literature in print today. Huskie Mania, which is both editorial and factual, contains Shea's thoughts and opinions on the University of Connecticut's basketball teams, both men's and women's, as well as exclusive information on coaches, team members, and games not found anywhere else. And along with his sentimental view points are the authentic, legitimate, unquestionable, and valid approaches to what really went on behind the scenes of college basketball at the University of Connecticut. Unique in its approach, breathtaking in its style and brilliant in its sincerity, Huskie Mania is a must-read for children, teenagers, adults, parents, and especially basketball fans. I reccomend this book to anyone who has ever had a dream to do something amazing, for it will inspire you to become anything you want to be. Shea, if you are out there, congratulations on a book well written and a job well done. You truly are one of the, if not the, greatest author of all time.

I reccommend this book to sports fans of all ages... it's a great book, now my fave of all time! This is the best book I've ever read!

Long River Winding is a very interesting, reader friendly book with something for everyone. Anyone who likes history, travel and especially people, should find this a good book. It gives glimpses into people's lives, some famous and others not famous, with humor and sensitivity. I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it.

I loved this book! Highly enjoyable for armchair travellers, history buffs, and lovers of New England lore. I felt as if I were travelling with the author through the Connecticut River Valley, past and present, having experiences like riding with the chief of police in Holyoke, Massachusetts, witnessing family life in Mark Twain's home in Hartford, or meeting "the feisty women of Old Saybrook." Heroes, villains, witches, and geniuses are all here. There are probably 40 or so little-known human stories of "life, love, and death"that took place in New England but are universal in their themes of humor, drama, and poignancy. Travel notes at the end of each chapter help you visit the sites mentioned by the author, making this book a useful travel guide as well as fun to read. I never realized how fascinating the Connecticut River Valley is. It's one of America's great places and best-kept secrets.

At a highly regarded Connecticut university, Professor Jason "Lars" Larson teaches literature. Because of his antics in the classroom, students enjoy Lars' classes and anyone fortunate to attend his seminars is considered lucky. Some of the prettier females go so far as to share a bit more than just his professional time. Because she believes he loves her, Lars' spouse Emma quietly accepts his trysts and the emotional ups and downs of his extracurricular activities.

However, Emma begins having doubts about Lars feelings when Iris Weed becomes his latest student involvement though she rejects his advances. Iris has obtained Lars' permission to write a journal about living in a truck with no other modern convenience. However, Lars feels like a moth to Iris' flame as her élan pull him into her sphere. When someone murders Iris, Lars hides her diary from the police. Though it can help capture her murderer, it provides insight into the darker elements of the charming Lit Professor that Lars prefers buried for now even if the police feel he committed homicide.

If you have not read a Janice Law novel, you are missing out on one of the better writers of psychological mystery on the market today. The story line allows the audience to get inside the heads of the key cast members so that each individual is quite understandable on how they behave following the homicide. This deep character development enables the powerful plot to gain incredible speed and suspense until the tale is finished. THE LOST DIARIES OF IRIS WEED is another triumph from a strong author.

Harriet Klausner

Janice Law's latest thriller is perhaps her most accomplished to date. As a longtime fan of her Anna Peters series I was prepared for a fast-paced thrill-ride; what I wasn't prepared for is Ms. Law's newfound depth of characterization. Her "hero," Lars, is charmingly odious; and the namesake of the novel isn't entirely what she appears to be. I don't want to give away the central plot twist, but readers who devote 20 pages to this book are in for a nasty shock -- and just wait until the ending. This one would make a great movie.

New England Seacoast Adventures: A Complete Guide To Outdoor Recreatoin From Connecticut To Maine is an engaging travel guide by experienced travel writer Stephen Jermanok and written specifically for anyone with an interest in enjoying outdoor activities to be found along the seacoast of of all the Atlantic bordering New England states. Listing data sport-by-sport for each state, along with information on state parks, camping places, historical landmarks and much more, New England Seacoast Adventures is a superbly presented and highly recommended "user friendly" guide for people who enjoy camping, kayaking, sailing, beachcombing, rock climbing, scuba diving, surfing, golfing, fishing, camping, or a wide variety of other memorable seacoast area activities.

New England Seacoast Adventures: A Complete Guide To Outdoor Recreatoin From Connecticut To Maine is an engaging travel guide by experienced travel writer Stephen Jermanok and written specifically for anyone with an interest in enjoying outdoor activities to be found along the seacoast of of all the Atlantic bordering New England states. Listing data sport-by-sport for each state, along with information on state parks, camping places, historical landmarks and much more, New England Seacoast Adventures is a superbly presented and highly recommended "user friendly" guide for people who enjoy camping, kayaking, sailing, beachcombing, rock climbing, scuba diving, surfing, golfing, fishing, camping, or a wide variety of other memorable seacoast area activities.

Gilpin et al. aptly depict and identify what has made Yale's workers and the movement they have created so vibrant and strong. This book is all the more pertinent given last month's strike of all four unions.

I had to read this book for a US Labor History course at the University of Colorado. It was absolutely incredible. The authors trace the events leading up to the strike but, more importantly, they describe how the community of New Haven came together in order to defeat "Corporate Yale." I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in labor history and the struggles faced by American workers.

I loved the stories, especially about the dog hair wearables. I've seen some of them over the years on WTNH and the book has the same local feel. Diane was our guest speaker at the Connecticut Junior Women's Spring conference and was wonderful. She is a natural storyteller & I'm looking forward to a follow-up book!!

This book tells us a lot about what is wonderful about living in this part of country. Smith finds people like a man who make wooden toys for sick kids in local hospitals, a personal trainer who volunteers his time to the elderly, the "Nut Lady" who runs the state's only museum dedicated to praising the Nut, etc. She also covers stories over a number of years, something that's rare in news: the New Haven society that started over 10 years ago to erect a monument to the slave ship Amistad; and the retirees who got together to restore a vintage "flying boat".

Excellent book! Not only does the author spell out, in complete detail, the best trout streams in Southern New England, he provides basic maps of all the areas mentioned as well as a list of the feeder streams as alternatives to the main rivers he discusses, if you want to have a better chance of not running into anyone else while on the water. In most cases, he also includes a listing of essential flies (including sizes) that you should have if you want to catch the fish. I've planned several day-trips using this book alone and have absolutely no complaints. All the info he provides is clear & accurate. If you live in MA, CT, or RI and love to flyfish, GET THIS BOOK! You won't be sorry you did.

In Trout Streams Of Southern New England, native New Englander and experienced angler Tom Fuller presents a trout fisherman's guide to the streams, rivers, lakes and ponds in southern New England with all of their variety and fertility sustaining trout year-round. Trout Streams Of Southern New England features 27 maps of the major watersheds, complete access directions, up-to-date information on regulations and stream conditions, recommended patterns to match the hatches, hatch charts and fly recipes. Trout Streams Of Southern New England is informative, practical, and a terrific guide for fly fishing day trips, weekends, or extended vacations.