As a boy I loved reading those ancient tales about Odysseus and his adventures. As a grown-up I realize that he did survive it all because he was the meanest SOB of them all. A fact he could conveniently forget to tell his biographer Homer because he was the only survivor. And the gods were even worse.

So when an alien probe arrives at the university of Chicago and snatches people to send them into the realm of Greek mythology most quickly reappear dead. Except for one group who manages to survive and boy, do they really have adventures to tell.

The experience of living in South Africa probably shaped the humor of Dave Freer in a way similar to that of Tom Sharpe: the world is crazy, people are crazy, so do not worry but go on living. And do not mind the gods, they are crazy too.

The book is an ongoing joke, funny and not to be taken seriously. People who know the Greek mythology will appreciate the lighter view at it. The excursion to Egypt and its gods was unnecessary and could have waited for the next book. I hope there will be another one because the world is so much better when you can laugh at the gods?

This was a marvelous book. Funny, but with a plot as well.
The characters are different, and very likable. Plus, there're the interesting twists on more commonly known myths. Obviously a lot of work had to go into writing this, and it was definitly worth it!
Hopefully there will be a second book, although I can't see where the story could go from there, but that's the fun of it.
Very entertaining, and there were even a few parts that made me laugh out loud.
You should pick this one up if you haven't already. It is well worth your time.

A thoroughly enjoyable romp from two authors I would like to read even more of in future. I enjoyed this more than "Rats Bats...", if only for the depth of research that went into Greek and Egyptian mythology without said research ever bogging the story down. More intelligent and less preachy than Pratchett, less cynical than Adams. The possibilities for journeys through other cultures's mythologies are endless. Hopefully book one of a series.

This author was new to me, and I didn't know what to expect. I certainly didn't expect what I got: a really playful mystery featuring one of the most engaging sleuthing couples I've seen yet. Alex and Peter are such a wonderfully matched, loving couple they made me jealous! They demonstrate a kind of old-married-couple sensibility that was different from a lot of gay fiction I've come across. And the addition of Alex's mother, Jean, to the mix was a wonderful touch. The plot, involving Russian spies and defectors, was hilariously complicated (and somewhat silly, but that was part of the fun). I'm going to get the rest of the series ASAP.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable mystery, and very out of the ordinary. Alex Reynolds and his husband, Peter Livesay, join the ranks of happily married sleuthing couples along with such luminaries as Nick and Nora Charles and Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence Beresford. Added to the mix is Jean Reynolds, Alex's mother, an irrepresible Brit with whom the two men live. Jean is a positively delightful character, forever coming up with schemes and devising ways out of the predicament in which the trio find themselves, quite by accident. Believeability is not exactly the matter here, as with most romps. I wonderered if one would actually meet foreign agents in a gay bar, but the story and the prose were so delightful that I really didn't spare much time to worry about it! The best thing about the book was that these characters were so personable and believable (particularly the relationship between Alex and Peter, which was very complementary and compelling) that it made me want to come back and revisit them. I really am looking forward to the next entry in this series.

This is probably one of the funniest books I've read in years. It was so refreshing to discover a new series that doesn't take itself so seriously! It was equally refreshing to find a book featuring gay characters in which the leading men are actually happily married and devoted to each other - there is none of the gay-angst that plagues a lot of gay literature. Additionally, the set up is very unusual. Alex Reynolds and his husband, Peter, not only live happily together, they live happily with Alex's mother Jean (and she's a stitch on her own!) This book contains a delightful trio in a mystery that was obviously meant to be more fun than mysterious. The real hallmark of this book was not so much that the mystery was entertaining (though it was), but that the relationships are so alive. These are people you will want to revisit again and again. Buyer beware: if you take yourself too seriously, you will not like this book!

In Hornung's Al Capone, he looks into the life of the most notorious crime boss of all time. He chronicles Capone's rise to power and his transformation from a New York shoe-shiner to the most powerful crime boss in America's history. Hornung used actual stories from Capone's life to show how he lived and how he rose to the top.
Al Capone was born in Italy, but his family moved to New York towards the end of the nineteenth century. His father opened up a barber shop and supported his family adequately for an immigrant. As a teenager, Capone started a shoe-shining business in the front of a hotel near his house. One day, a few boys from a local gang came by and destroyed Capone's stand. The rage that filled Capone would be the catalyst for Capone's attempt at entering the crime world of the New York streets and the beginning of a life of crime. After success as a neighborhood gang leader, Capone quit school and entered into the true organized crime of New York as a "muscle" man. He moved to Chicago with his mentor who got him set up with jobs. The author goes through stories of different people Capone had met and how they affected Capone. Capone eventually made his way up to the head of the Chicago crime world and held his power with the help of fixed elections keeping him power for years. He finally was caught by Elliot Ness, an IRS agent, and ended up serving time at Alcatraz. He died of syphilis in his home in Miami after leaving Alcatraz because of failing health. The biography went through all aspects of Capone's rise and fall including his love life, family, money, and friends to show how the experience affected all who encountered him.
I really enjoyed this book because it went into the details of organized crime more than any other book I have ever read. I reccommend this book to anyone who wants to know about a man that used fear to rule an entire city during the 1920s.

While the paper and general publishing quality are not as impressive as Rick Hornung's other books, the narrative is pure Hornung. As with his previous volumes, Hornung's jazzy syle spins a new light on uncomfortable facts, and leaves his readers strangely satisfied. This lively and extremely well researched biography brings us from New York to the streets of Chicago where we preceive the darkness of Al Capone. It's well worth the trip...

I thoroughly enjoyed Hornung's intricate accounting of the classic gangster Al Capone. I felt transported back to Chicago... on the scene, reliving the drama, the murders, the bootlegging and the payoffs. This is a comprehensive and honest portrayal of this infamous criminal. In Hornung's book we learn the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I can't wait to see the Biography show on A&E.

Working In The Dark is the story of Charvette Lee's climb up the corporate ladder and the challenges that she faces as an African-American woman in the Telecommunications field. Yvonne Grays Nathane tells a story that many professional African-American women and men can relate to. The story is filled with the struggles that people deal with on a daily basis in corporate America.

Nathane gives equal time to the villains in the story. It is not stacked in a one-sided us against them fashion. The enemies are black and white. The office politics displayed in this book had me talking to myself many times. I found myself telling Charvette to quit that job and move on.

Some components of the story were unrealistic because Charvette had talent and experience in a very exclusive field, yet she felt unqualified to seek work at any other venture. While Charvette had legitimate experience and skills, others in the story had little and were promoted based on whom they slept with.

Working In The Dark is a compelling read which sheds light on some of the struggles of people of color in the workplace.

I think the story would have been better if the characters were developed more and if the dialogue was used in a more effective manner. At times, it seemed as if the characters were giving motivational speeches. Also, throughout the book, Charvette's ex-lover is mentioned as someone prominent in her life; however, he is never presented in the book in any real way. When he is mentioned, it is usually in the form of a memory of a sexual experience.

Despite the flaws, I enjoyed Working In The Dark, partly because I could relate to some of the plights that were faced by the protagonist. Also because I enjoy the image of a Sister handling her business, dressed to the nines, and sporting a natural style. AND the cover of the book is gorgeous! Working In The Dark is a 3 on the RAW scale.

Reviewed by Diane

Working in the Dark brings to light an issue that many of us may have dealt with (those who have worked in Corporate America). The issues of black-on-black conflict, corporate political games, and learning how to assert yourself are very important issues people deal with in life. The characters were somewhat believable and the dialogue was a little stifled, but the novel was very entertaining none-the-less. Ms. Nathan is a rising author who will hopefully continue to learn more about her craft and share with readers. I really liked the way Ms. Nathan focused the main character on self-love and her communicating skills. Chervette was a styling, profiling, strong black woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. Many female readers will cheer her on as she goes through her journey in this story. I am looking forward to seeing the progression of Ms. Nathan's writing as her next novel is released. I think this was a good first effort.

The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover, then the title made me want to know what the sister on the cover was working. From page number one I was taken into the world of corporate america at its finest. The main character was not to be broken or punked. She stood for what she believed in.

Working in the Dark was one of the best books I have read in a long time. It takes a lot for me to say a book is good and this one is high on my list. I even went out and bought all my friends a copy so that we all could talk about it.

Good job Yvonne, I can't wait for the next book.

Alex Matthews says that she wrote this book because she doesn't think women are accurately portrayed in most mysteries. Women should sue her for defamation of character. Cassidy McCabe takes stupidity to new lows. There were several times when I had to restrain myself from throwing the book across the room in disgust at her actions, or lack thereof.

It's too bad, because the writing is good and the story decent. But McCabe is beyond hope and that ruins the book.

Genre: Mystery Alex Matthews has created a masterful beginning to her mystery series with Secret's Shadow. All lovers of mysteries take note: Cassidy McCabe will keep you entertained and guessing till the end. Cassidy is not the typical heroine. The story begins with a charming calico cat adopting the 37-year-old psychotherapist. Throughout the book, we are privy to Cassidy's inner thoughts as she talks to the nameless feline. And when the going gets rough, Cassidy's peanut butter cups become a tell-tale sign of stress and hope. Secret's Shadow has a tight plot that's guaranteed to delight. Cassidy has divorced a charmer who has nearly caused her bankruptcy. When her ex borrows money from the mob, against an old deed with both their names on it, the mob comes to Cassidy for collection. Further, her malpractice insurance lapses, and when her favorite client commits suicide, the family sues. Worse, she's forced to face her feelings for the deceased patient Ryan, as well as question her clinical abilities -- all while coping with a blossoming romance with Ryan's black-sheep brother Zach. When her life is endanger, she's not sure if it's the mob or someone worse after her. Alex Matthews has a big hit with this quirky, engaging heroine. The author's prose is snappy and sharp, and the quick moving plot is meticulously detailed. All mystery lovers are sure to enjoy the fast-paced Secret's Shadow.

Cindy Penn, Reviewer

Genre: Mystery Alex Matthews has created a masterful beginning to her mystery series with Secret's Shadow. All lovers of mysteries take note: Cassidy McCabe will keep you entertained and guessing till the end. Cassidy is not the typical heroine. The story begins with a charming calico cat adopting the 37-year-old psychotherapist. Throughout the book, we are privy to Cassidy's inner thoughts as she talks to the nameless feline. And when the going gets rough, Cassidy's peanut butter cups become a tell-tale sign of stress and hope. Secret's Shadow has a tight plot that's guaranteed to delight. Cassidy has divorced a charmer who has nearly caused her bankruptcy. When her ex borrows money from the mob, against an old deed with both their names on it, the mob comes to Cassidy for collection. Further, her malpractice insurance lapses, and when her favorite client commits suicide, the family sues. Worse, she's forced to face her feelings for the deceased patient Ryan, as well as question her clinical abilities -- all while coping with a blossoming romance with Ryan's black-sheep brother Zach. When her life is endanger, she's not sure if it's the mob or someone worse after her. Alex Matthews has a big hit with this quirky, engaging heroine. The author's prose is snappy and sharp, and the quick moving plot is meticulously detailed. All mystery lovers are sure to enjoy the fast-paced Secret's Shadow.

Cindy Penn, Reviewer

The author followed this book up with Mindgames...about Phil Jackson. It is obvious that much of the authors research was used in both books, this book does a better job of conveying inside information. The sources are similiar in both books (Winters, Schaefer, Kerr) but this seems to stay consistent with the title. As mentioned earlier, Mindgames, has similiar information, but you are expecting to read about Jackson, not the Bulls in general. Read this and skip Mindgames if you are Bulls fan or looking for information about Jackson.

Ever wonder how and why the internal conflict of the multi-World Champion Chicago Bulls began? Well, this book explains that, and much more. From the origin of Jerry Krause's nickname, 'Crumbs', to Dennis Rodman's shaky start in life to blossoming into one of the NBA's best rebounders, Lazenby covers every detail painstakingly. I live in Chicago, so I found this very informative, because Lazenby allows each side to speak their mind, for the Chicago press always made Jerry Krause look like the bad guy. If you think Krause WAS the bad guy, your opinion may or may not change after reading this book. Personally, it just solidified my opinion that Krause caused the breakup of the greatest dynasty in sports. My final opinion: If you were ever curious about the Bulls conflict and followed it throughout the 90s, or even if you're a casual Bulls fan, you will not be able to put this book down. Pick it up, and enjoy "The Long Strange Ride of Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls."

The anecdote on the back cover - about how the Bulls logo came to have blood on it - is just the start of an exciting - and depressing read. Exciting because author Roland Lazenby has clearly spent an awful lot of time speaking with virtually everyone on the Bulls, including trainer (now ex-trainer) Chip Schaefer, assistant coaches (current & former), the team's general manager, and team owner Jerry Reinsdorf as well as the players of course. This is as close to the Bulls as you can get without being related to someone on the team. The book is depressing because it reveals the human flaws of some of the people involved, particularly general manager Jerry Krause. Although Lazenby probably goes slightly overboard trying to let everyone have his say, Krause, in his own words and actions, comes across as petty and mean-spirited. If Michael Jordan retires, he is to blame and fans should be vocal in their protests about it. The most surprising thing - due to Jordan's competitive spark and Phil Jackson's coaching and people management - is how the Bulls kept winning with all the off-court distractions. This is a book that is both about the triumph and degradation of the human spirit as found in some of the best professional athletes in the world. A compelling book!

I like this series more with each book. Journalist Mark Manning is a likable, thinking man's hero, and his lover, young architect Neil Waite makes an appealing foil. The more Michael Craft developes these characters and their relationship, the more I like his mysteries--although, I gotta say, the religious fanatic thing is getting real old (there ARE other motivations for evil). Mark and Neil talk more than most gay protagonists, and about an interesting variety of topics. Craft has toned down the artificiality which affected characters and dialouge in FLIGHT DREAMS, first book of the series. Craft has plotted a solid mystery this time with plenty of action, and I particularly liked the way he handled the threat which developed in Mark and Neil's relationship (although it was far too easily and unrealistically resolved). I look forward to the next installment.

The second in the Mark Manning series, Craft tells a tale of political intrigue mixed with religious and sexual overtures. The reader becomes totally engrossed as the story centers around a most sinister plot involving the religious right, the President of the United States, and the cut-throat world of journalism. The story also delves into the main character as he struggles with his sexuality and his relationship with his lover, Neil. This is a must read for all who enjoy vivid storytelling populated with intriguing characters. It is a perfect follow-up the author's first in the series, "Flight Dreams."

It has been two years since Chicago Tribune reporter Mark Manning came out of the closet to admit in print that he is gay and living with his lover, architect Neil Waite. The pair is committed to each other and their careers. Mark is working with David Bach, a cub reporter, on a potentially prize winning story. However, David hero worships wants Mark and wants him as his lover. This situation places Mark's personal relationship with Neil at risk.

Although their relationship becomes strained and severely tested, Mark expects his lover to understand that he is not perfect. Meanwhile, the story that Mark and David are covering centered on a conspiracy involving the Millennium 2000 celebration turns deadly. In some manner, a phony astrophysicist, a dead reporter, and a Christian fundamentalist are tied together. It is up to Mark to learn what binds these people together before the country is dramatically changed.

EYE CONTACT picks up where FLIGHT DREAMS left off by focusing on the mystery and the growth of the man coming to terms with his sexual preference. The who-done-it is well plotted and interesting, but the beauty of this novel lies in Mark's struggles to understand what makes a relationship work. Michael Craft demonstrates he is an artist as he crafts a beautiful relationship drama that is superior to most on the market today. Harriet Klausner

"Irish Lace" with it's beautiful irish quips and sayings constantly brought me back to the green pastures of Ireland. I thought that the relationship that Dermott and Nuala Anne shared refreshing. My only criticism was that some of the "reports" sounded too much like a history lectures and didn't really integrate well with the modern aspects of the book. Although, I really don't think that was the case for 'Titia's letter, which I enjoyed immensely. Overall, I felt like I'd lost a friend when it ended.

Continuing the saga from "Irish Gold," Nuala and Dermot once again find themselves solving a mystery. However, the true mystery that is unfolding is the one surrounding their relationship. Greeley works his magic again making it difficult to put this one down. In fact, it took me only a week to read it. And I would recommend it to anyone. But, first read "Irish Gold" so you will fully understand and appreciate Nuala and Dermot.

My first book by Andrew Greenly was "Irish Gold" and I could not wait to read "Irish Lace". What really interested me was the information on the Civil War. I was not aware that there were prison camps during this period and of the suffering that occured. Did the government hide it or am I naive on the subject? Nuala is the most enjoyable character that I have been exposed to. The Sunnyvale library closed for the summer for renovations, and I checked out five books, all by Andrew Greenly.

I thought Seven Moves by Carol Anshaw was going to be an exciting, mysterious, psychological mystery.
It wasn't. I thought the main character Chris Snow would be enduring the dangers of the mid-east in her search for her missing photographer lover, Taylor.
She doesn't.

This book's goal is actually to attempt to examine the relationship between the two women.
However, it doesn't really succeed on any level, including that one.

The author never fully tells the reader what happened to Taylor, the woman who disappeared, but she comes close enough you can surmise the answer.

The thing I found the most disconcerting in reading this novel, was the fact the author chose to tell the entire book in the present verbal tense, which I found highly annoying, and more than a bit distracting.

Carol Anshaw's Seven Moves is an excellent and involving book that I recommend to everyone--and particularly to lesbians in search of first-class books that include us. Seven Moves can be emotionally difficult at times, as the book deals with the main character's frightening sense and reality of loss. It is also fascinating and different: the lesbian character, while completely real, is not what one might guess. Most importantly, Seven Moves stayed with me. I found myself rushing appointments to get home and go back to reading it. (Make sure to also check out Anshaw's brilliant book Aquamarine.) Thanks to Carol Anshaw, if you ever see this.

I bought this book in a tiny little bookstore in northern Vermont, while frantically searching for a book to keep me occupied on a boat for 4 hours while my husband fished to his hearts content. I picked this wonderful treasure of a book quickly, and without really knowing what it was about. It was fantastic. This book is like talking to a very good friend over coffee. Cliche although it might be, Anshaw makes you laugh and cry all within the same paragraph. The relationship between the two lovers is so perfectly explained and heartwrenchingly understood by the way in which Anshaw writes easily and without pretense. Please read this. My four hours on that boat were more enjoyable than I ever would have thought possible, all because of "Seven Moves". Thank you for this book, and please hurry up and write again.

As a big fan of both of P.N. Elrod's vampire series (Jack Fleming and Jonathan Barrett), I couldn't wait to read this one. Admittedly, it is tough to write a 5th book in the series without upsetting someone, but I wish she had provided more background information. I have read the others in the series, but not recently enough to remember who was who. It's different to read a novel set in the 1930's, but I often got lost with the terminology. Still an enjoyable read for fans of the series.

P.N. Elrod has done it again. I've been waiting for the next installment in this series and was thrilled when it came out. Jack Fleming, a vampire with a conscience, is quite a character. Angela is quite a dame and the other characters that "flesh" out the story are all well done. I read on the jacket that Ms Elrod is branching out into other genre but I hope she continues this series and that of Johnathan Barrett, Gentleman Vampire.

I didn't realize until after I already had it home that this book was the 7th in the series. "Oh great," I thought, "if this is any good, I'm going to have 6 more books to buy!"

I started reading "Chill in the Blood" on Sunday night, and only put it down at 6am Monday morning because I started falling asleep from being up all night. I could not put it down! That afternoon I tried four different bookstores, trying to get the rest of the series. Finally had to order them all online, not to mention ordering the first book from a "Rare, Used and Out-of-Print Books" site. The only reason the Internet was my last stop was that I wanted them NOW, not after having to wait for them to ship!

The only thing I haven't liked about the story (besides Jack being "attached" ) is that I feel like I walked into the middle of the tale, as it obviously picks straight up from the last book.

The first person POV is a wonderful touch, really getting the reader in touch with Jack. And being a fan of the 1930s & 1940s "The Shadow" pulp fiction stories, I was thrilled to find that the book is set in 1937! Jack even mentions "The Shadow"! In my opinion, that gave Ms. Elrod "bonus points." LOL

I could gush all night, but I'm about a hundred pages from finishing the book, so I gotta go read!