This book (and the other three in this series) are the best written mysteries I've read. The characters are well developed, the plot is twisted and interesting, and the psychological drama is intense. This is a dark story that goes far beyond the plot of a simple cliff-hanger mystery.

I have yet to read a lesbian mystery that even comes close to the Micky Knight series. Not only is the plot well-written and realistic but the mystery of Micky Knight's life itself is just as compelling. The reader is periodically given glimpses into Micky's past which helps sheds light on her present actions and adds more character depth. By the end of the book I couldn't wait to pick up "The Deaths of Jocasta" (second book in this series) to find out what happened between Micky and Cordelia. All four books in the Micky Knight series can be difficult to find, but it is well worth the time and effort. You will not be disappointed!

This is one of the best mysteries I have read in a very long time. Redmann manages to pull the reader along through three interwoven tracks: 1) the basic mystery that PI Micky Knight is dealing with, 2) the daily and often amusing life Micky lives, and 3) the mystery of her past and how she became who she is.

The story line is well-written--I mean, it has DEPTH. So many mysteries are fun fluff. Redmann manages to weave a tale that is so much more than just a mystery. Micky Knight's smart-ass, oddly observant point-of-view is funny and catchy, but under the cool quips, the character is DEEP.

I had a tough time getting hold of a copy of this book and the next one in the series, but I don't regret the trouble I went to. I can't wait to keep reading! And I agree with Litterati: if Knight were straight, people would be tossing aside their Grafton and Cornwall and Paretsky mysteries in favor of Redmann's!

Jolly good job!
:) Lori L. Lake

What a wonderful collection of delicious recipes. Chef Walker has shared his magical culinary secrets and has delivered them in a beautifully illustrated and well written book. "In Your Kitchen" tells us how to prepare some of Brennan's famous treats such as: Brandy Milk Punch, Turtle Soup and Bananas Foster. Carl Walker also shares his life experiences with his readers. After reading through the book, I feel that I know Chef Walker and his family personally. NOTE: The Texas Cornbread Pudding will become a must for your family gatherings.

Brennan's of Houston in Your Kitchen is as approachable as Chef Carl Walker himself. This cookbook guides the reader through the best Creole recipes from the restaurant in a straightforward, informative manner. Recipes are not overly simplified for the home cook, but instead are presented in an enticing and easy to follow step by step process, with lovely pictures of the final products. Each dish we have prepared tastes exactly like the food available at the restaurant. We recently visited Brennan's of Houston and were again pleased with how well the recipes translated for the home cook. What a delightful addition to any "chef's" library.

This book is so well balanced with recipes, photos, history of the place and it feels like you know the author when you read it. I've tried some of the recipes and they are user friendly, which isn't always the case for a chef written book. I've given this book to my friends for Christmas and they have loved it. The photos are exceptional and they are not intimating to me, like so many other books. If you want a touch of Creole and some just good cookbook reading it is my new favorite.
ps. I forgot almost every recipe has Chef tips and notes so you can substitute ingredients that may be hard to find and make your own creation.

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We have prepared many great recipes that were absolutely delicious!

The recipes / preparations are easy to read, with clearly detailed preparation steps.

Highly recommend this book if you like hot Cajun dishes; (our favorite - Cajun Meatloaf with extra spices. Best enjoyed when re-heated after sitting in the refrigerator for 24 hours - I have no idea why!)

Favorite Recipes:
1.....Shrimp Etouffe'e (page 75) - of course!

2.....Cajun Meatloaf (page 112)

3.....Cajun Seafood Gumbo with Andoulle Smoked Sausage (page 208)

Negatives:
1.....I only give it 4 stars because it does lack some of the enticing glossy pictures we have grown to expect for visual pleasure. (I have the 1990, or so, edition, so this may no longer be accurate)

2.....Many recipes have multiple steps to make the sauce, or base, then prepare the recipe. If you are strapped for time, or not a dedicated chef, this can be disappointing.

3.....Not everyone likes Cajun heat; so, while not all recipes are hot, this issue will limit the recipes to choose from.

4.....Diet with Prudhomme? Forget it!

Years ago watching Phil Dohahue, my husband and I viewed Paul Prudhomme promoting his book the Louisianna Kitchen. we were intrigued and had to have his book. Thus began our journey. We loved the illustrations and poured over them trying to decide which recipes we would do. We tried many and they have since become standards in our household.

I remember our first attempt at Crawfish enchiladas con Queso. we went over to a bait shop on the sacramento river to get the real thing. After the ordeal of immersing them in boiling water and the tedium of peeling them. we decided bay shrimp may make a good substitute and have used them ever since. It is a wonderful meal that starts me drooling just thinking about it.

Other tasty treats are Chicken big mamou (watch out for the scovil units), Cajun shepherd's pie, paneed veal and fettucini, cajun meatloaf and shrimp creole.

Over the years we have learned to cut down on the butter, without hurting the recipe and adjust heat to our taste. These recipes are not for the timid or diet conscious - but they are Deeeelicious!!

If you have ever wanted to cook the same fine foods you ate when you visited South Louisiana (or even if you never have visited the bayou) then this is the cookbook for you. I grew up in Louisiana and now live many cotton fields, rivers, praries and mountains away. Not once have I ever had an unsatisfied craving for cajun food simply because Louisana Kitchen is a bookshelf away. If you ever have the privilege to taste a bowl of Gumbo better than the recipe in this book, I promise I would give you your money back if that was legally possible. The only drawback to this book is now every time I order cajun food anywhere in the world it's a letdown because I can make it so much better thanks to Chef Paul! I will say you must enjoy cooking if you purchase this book. If you don't have a love for chopping vegetables, making roux or boiling shrimp shells I would suggest a lower maintenance cookbook because Paul don't cut no corners and there's a reason for that!

I teach Kindergarten in New York City. My students sat totally engrossed as I read the story of Ruby Bridge's struggle to gain an education in New Orleans, Louisiana.

After I finished the story they asked to hear it again. My five year students actually had a sophistated discussion about the moral wrongs of Ruby's experience. To quote one little boy, "But that's not right. It doesn't matter what someone looks like, they should be able to go to school."

My students totally got it! In January we learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. and they instantly connected the Civil Rights struggle lead by King to Ruby's experience of going to an integrated school. They also learned the value of education. It was an awesome experience.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with children or works with children.

Wonderful, powerful, humbling true story of Ruby Bridges, a six year old African American girl in 1960, sent to integrate an elementary school in New Orleans. Children of the 1990's will be speechless with astonishment when they come to understand the ugliness of racism. Ruby's calm perseverance, academic commitment, and gracious forgiveness are powerful lessons for all of us, parents as well as children. MUST READ FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY. Ruby's story makes it all make sense.

Short Synopsis: Young Ruby Bridges is ordered by a judge in 1960 to attend William Franz Elementary School. She is the first African American to attend the school. A mob gathers to shout racial insults at Ruby on her first day at school. Marshals accompany Ruby to school for months as crowds gather daily to protest. Ruby is taught alone by Mrs. Henry as white children are pulled out of school. The story ends with Ruby praying for the forgiveness of those who are persecuting her.
Critical Review: This is an excellent historical story about a young girl's determination and love. Students will see how hurtful racial prejudice is, and will better understand what African Americans went through at this time in history. The book is illustrated by George Ford. The pictures are large an bright. The colors are beautiful. The eyes of Ruby follow along so well with the story. They seem to paint a picture of Ruby's soul.
Curriculum Connections: This book fits into my social studies curriculum. I use it while studying the history of the southeast. It also fits in well with units on civil rights and famous African Americans.

Terri Blackstock has done a masterful job of combining heart-pounding fiction with Christian values. You will absolutely not be able to put this book down and yet you will have no sense of guilt or shame at having read it, because you know the writer is committed to following Christian values.

What is also refreshing is that Private Justice doesn't follow a formulaic, Polyanish, everything-is-okay storyline. There are real people, with human flaws, who fail their families and their God. Christians make mistakes. Men are not Knights in shining armor and woman are not breath-takingly beautiful homemakers with perfect waistlines and no bad thoughts.

There is a marriage on the rocks that is put together only by God who allows tragic circumstances to force two independent belivers to come to grips with His will for thier lives. This book mirrors the real Christian life. You as a reader will at times wonder if Terri Blackstock has inside information from your life.

What I also enjoy is that Private Justice is so tightly written that she doesn't have to overwhelm the reader with unneccessary minutia about the field of police and fire and rescue.

This was my very first Terri Blackstock novel, but I can assure you that I will read many more. She has a wonderful storytelling talent. May God richly bless her work.

My Christian bookstore recommended I read this book by Terri Blackstock, and now I'm hooked on the series. This book is suspenseful, promotes Christian integrity without being preachy, and is hard to put down.

I would recommend this series highly.

I am reading the Newpointe 911 series in a Christian bookclub I belong to. Within three weeks, I've already read two of them! Private Justice is a nail-biting thriller that entertains as well as spreads the word. The characters are so realistic you can imagine them living in your neighborhood. I can't wait to start the third book in the series!

Dakota Lane keeps her readers entralled in johnny Voodoo, a novel that explores young romance and intense characters. Johnny and Deirdre find themselves in a world all their own learning together how hard love can be. I love this book and I've reread it so many times. I recommend this book to all young readers out there. I hope Dakota Lane creates a sequel to this book. I long to read more of Johnny and Deirdre

I read Johnny Voodoo for my 2nd period English class. I thought that it was one, if not the best book that I have ever read. It is about two outcasts who are brought together through love. It is more of a romantice book and some people are not in to them but if you are I think that you would enjoy this book. The two outcasts are Deirdre and Johnny and the story takes place in Charmette, Louisiana. Deirdre moves to Charmette from New York and she is very lonely there until she meets Johnny who is a homeless teenager. Deirdre classmates see them together one day and they make fun of her because some of the girls think that Johnny is good looking and they are jealous of Deirdre. So, she does not have many friends in Charmette. Deirdre has one other thing that upsets her and it is her father. He is not the nicest person to her and her mother died when she was little. But, like I said it is more of a romance so if your in to that I recommend that you read this.

I always seem to come back to this book and read it over and over again. The compelling atmosphere of love and utter revoltion combined with delicious details sucks me right into the story and I REALLY wish I was there. It's like I can smell the damp woods, it's wonderful! Too bad she had to have a father to spoil it all...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story follows a Louisiana family over an entire generation, through marriage, kids, and the death of loved ones. The author's insight into the minutest details of Cajun culture is astounding and he creates a vivid world for his characters that you become a part of while reading this book.

The author is honest and sincere. He focuses not only on the richness of Cajun culture but also on the harsh realities of the family's struggles with money, each other, and the different levels of class in their society. I'm sure that anyone could relate to the main character and her longing for a better life. In her case it's a life outside of small towns, and one in which her childhood wasn't so quickly stolen by early marriage.

Check this book out. It rocks.

I bought this book because I heard that Mr. Pousson's novel was as powerful a debut as Dorothy Allison's or Frank McCourt's. I had no idea how touched I would be, on an emoitional level, after I finished the novel in one sitting! Inspired by the book, I wanted to call every member of my family and say "we must work on our communication,before it is to late!". I am from a small town in central Illinois and found his characters and story surprisingly,universally familiar. The writing is so perfectly fluid and flowing, always moving forward,sometimes subtle- sometimes shocking, but always honestly. He, as a writer, has his own unique signature in every chapter. I simply say this. "Buy this book!" I bought it, and then literally bought several more for each member of my family to read. I cannot wait for Mr. Pousson's next novel!

This is a whole novel of poetry. Not the poetry of precious words or obscure references. But a poetry of emotional nuances and implosions perfectly plotted. Pousson masterfully begins _No Place, Louisiana_ at the same moment but told from two distinct viewpoints and then lets them merge from that fateful moment on, singing almost as a discordant duet, in their always and completely separate, heartbroken and heartbreaking voices. It is truly a brilliant work of emotional artistry.

And how Pousson manages to distill not only the essence of Louisiana and Arcadia in particular but also the love and losses of the entire life of his two main characters, Nita and Louis, in only a few hundred pages is spellbinding storytelling. I have bought copies for everyone I know because I don't want them to discover this incredible author after they make the movie from this book. For it isn't just the story that holds the heart here but the subtle underweaving of emotional complexity throughout. Pousson's art has to be experienced word for word!

This is a great book for a person who wants to know what a war can do to a family. Ocie Mason faces a lot of changes during the war. She gets a new pa. She loses a sister and gains a brother all in the beginning.The war comes to Ocie's house,her fathers house. There she finds her first love. She's made to move when the first battle is fought on her front yard. Ocice and her family go threw a lot of changes. Her sister falls in love with a Yankee. Her mother has 2 more childeren. After living in Richmond for a while the family is moved to Appromattox. There Will Mclean thinks his family is safe.Ocie once again falls in love. This is a great and wonderful and should be read. I might be young,but I enjoyed it fully. And I thnk others would to. Rinaldi shows a lot of historical value in this book.

This was the first book I ever read by Ann Rinaldi and I have read many of her books since. I first read this book in fourth grade, I'm now in seventh and I still love it. It is a great story with history and romance woven together. I love most of her books because of the great romances they include. This one is no different, it also makes the civil war come alive to the reader. It is an excellent book.

For anyone who loves this book already:If you ever visit Washington D.C. you can visit nearby Mannassas and see for yourself the breathtaking view on Henry Hill, the feild where Benjamin Chinn's mules grazed, and Lucinda Dogan's house. At the Mannassas visitors center you can get a map of selfguided walking or driving tours. There is also a museum in Manassas which has information about Mannassas during the Civil War. One disapointing fact though is no one knew the location where the McLeans actually lived but seeing where this book took place is still highly enjoyable.

To start off the setting is placed in the south with the main character, Oscie Mason. Oscie has just gained a new step- father, Will McLean. These two are not on good terms. Both are hard headed and never give up without a fight. Soon it becomes 1861 when the war begins. As luck would have it they live near the Manassas Junction so the Confederate Army decides to make their headquarters on the McLean's plantation. There Oscie falls in love with an army general by the name of Captain Alex. One problem: he's married. Soon Oscie is forced to leave her home to a new, smaller town known as Appomattox. There she meets the charming Thomas Tibbs. As I wish to not give away the ending to those of you who still have yet to read it, i'll leave it at a cliffhanger. I have read a total of 3 Ann Rinaldi works, The last Silk Dress, Girl in Blue and In My Father's House. Each book has a great look on the Civil War and telling you what is true and what is made up. Also they tell of the war from each side. All are wonderful and i hear she has another book out i must read, Time enough for drums. This is definetly a book worth buying or just reading. ( i read mine at least 10 times!)

Huck Finn with a Cajun patois. Fifteen year old Emile "Meely" Labauve is part ruffian, part home spun philosopher, and completely charming. He is a wise, uneducated man-child, fighting the basic battle--how to survive in a hostile world. This good short read (250 pages) takes you into Meely's world, where a man (even a fifteen year old man) is judged by his ability to survive by his wits, his honor, and his courage. Like any good novel it takes you to a place you may have never been, in this case, the swamps of Louisiana in the early 1960s. Ken Wells' debut novel is extremely entertaining. Mr. Wells' characters are vivid, memorable and authentic. His tale is both simple and complex. In this coming-of-age tale, Meely comes face-to-face with prejudice, loneliness, and sex (for the first time); not to mention alligators, snakes and bad cops. Althought it is a tale of children, it delivers an adult lesson. Meely's saga contains lots of action (swamp car chases, wild animals, shootouts) but its real power comes from Meely's conflict with prejudice: white vs. black; rich vs. poor; young vs. old. In Meely's world, his friend Joey, the educated son of a rich landowner, saves the day by defying his class prejudiced father by doing what is right instead of what is safe. Make no mistake, this is an entertaining tale, not a philosophy book. But like Mark Twain's Huck, Meely Labauve, if you are not watching, can sneak up on you and teach you something about life.

Ken Wells has written an enormously pleasing and emotionally-compelling coming-of-age novel in Meely LaBauve. The son of a reprobate father (who is suffused with his own private suffering at the loss of his wife some seven years earlier), the fifteen-year old Meely LaBauve absolutely enchants the reader with his comic, tragic and courageous antics. Told through the eyes of the protagoinst, the novel's use of cajun bayou dialect and direct dialogue enchances its credibility. I found myself utterly captivated by Meely's character and deeply moved by the predicaments encountered, faced and surmounted. As well, the novel is drop-dead funny, and you will find yourself laughing out loud through most of the book.

Wells seems to have been able to combine elements of To Kill of Mockingbird (sensitivity to racial injustice and the need to combat racism), the novels of Farrol Sams (it ain't the size of the dog that counts) and the enduring tragi-comic view of Mark Twain's Huck Finn. Readers will encounter life as lived on the periphery in the cajun bayous of Louisiana; Meely's forced independence (he too suffers real pangs of loneliness in the wake of his mother's death) is countered beautifully by his social environment -- one which contains a truly mendacious schoolyard bully, an African-American teen-aged woman who introduces him to the delights of "heaven," and teachers, whose commitment to education in 1961 include liberal dosages of corporal punishment.

Great novels must resonate with humanity and inspire us to envision communities based on tolerance and respect. My late father once called me his "podnah," and when the Meely's dad uses that phrase...well, more than just memories come to mind. Mr. Wells has made a small part of Louisiana his universe, and that universe has become my own. So, "podnah," spend a few hours with Melly LaBauve and discover how Ken Wells has crafted a truly great novel.

I spent some time in South Louisiana where this book is set but I'm not sure that matters. Meely's one of the best books I've read in a long, long time set anywhere. Meely himself is a great character--a kid full of heart and honor, but a bit of a rascal too. His daddy is an alligator hunter, part Native American, who never quite got over the death of his wife years before. Meely's being left to pretty much raise himself on the "lonesome end of Catahoula Bayou." He shoots his food, including a mocking bird when he's hungry enough. He runs afoul of the bayou bully, a hulking, mean-spirited farm boy who doesn't like Meely because he's a fearless runt and doesn't like Meely's pa because Junior is a bigot who holds the LaBauves' "Wild Injun" blood against them. When Junior and his pot-bellied, racist uncle, a local cop, get after Meely, it forces Meely's dad to re-enter his son's life in a major way. I know a lot of people will compare Meely to Huck Finn but Wells writes nothing like Mark Twain. His, in fact, is a clear, simple, accessible prose and Meely's voice, though he speaks in dialect, is singular and pure. And there's a lot packed in this little book--insight into race and class, not to mention an amazing chase scene and one of the best, and most hilarious, sex scenes I've ever read. This is not a child's book, but I think teenagers would really enjoy it as much as I have.

I bought this based on amazon's reviews. I have been reading tarot cards 25 years & i am always open to new avenue's of divination.
Even with a master's degree this is a tough book to get through & follow.
The art on the cards rarely corresponds with the meaning of the card which makes it even harder.
I suppose if i was an expert in voodoo it would help a lot.
It is not written for an novice, although it was written with a novice in mind. I wish it was. In most cases, i have found the text more work then enjoyment. there is good stuff in there but a lot is hard to follow.
edit... after 6 months i really do enjoy these cards & yes, they can be very powerful. had to do a bit of research on voodoo.
still learning. ...

As a voodoo initiate, I found this book and card set to be worthwhile. There's nothing dangerous about this deck at all.

Just know that there is a "true" invisible force inside the world of voodoo, and that any rituals that you decide to partake in, you should handle it with care, caution, and grace.

Already, being part of this religion, I can say that the book describes voodoo very well. He talks about the root of it, as well to the present. The only thing is he could of explained the meanings of the cards more. He describes the pictorial part of the cards well, but is very brief with the meanings, which can be alittle confusing, being that there is not another companion book to this deck.
However, I've had these cards for a month now, so I haven't gotten into "Birthing the deck yet", so maybe once done the cards will give me a better insight. But overall, if you are interested in this religion, and into the tarot, this book and card set is not a bad start.

The book does not have a lot of spreading techniques, it does however teach about the wide aspect of voodoo and entities of loa (really wide, beyond the deck itself). Not only a divination tool, it is a really powerful (and REAL) tool to actually affect situations, such as undesirable outcomes you may have into desirable ones (with certain rituals of course). If you are a voodooist, go and explore this card. It offers many new NEw Orleans-style rituals that can be said as "extensions" to the existing voodoo rituals, which are highly applicable to this deck. If you are just interested in voodoo, MAKE SURE YOU DO A LOT OF RESEARCH ON VOODOO-RELATED SUBJECTS. The information in the book will not be sufficient for starters, and you can end up calling certain "external" entities who are not actualy Loa, but may get attracted to the deck while you are using it. REcently I have just had one of these, 'he' was indeed quite worrying, as quite a tragic character... and took me and my colleagues quite some trouble to persuade 'him' to leave me in peace. I have closed the deck in its dressing, and I will access it again after I have got further information. IT IS VERY POWERFUL AND LISTENS TO EVERY WORD YOU SAY WHILE YOU ARE USING IT, SO BE CAUTIOUS.