BLOOD TO DRINK is another fine entry in the Wesley Farrell series. As ususal, Skinner's storytelling is strong and his characterization of Farrell grows more complex with each novel.

But what impresses me most is how Skinner actually makes you feel like you are in the 1930's or at least the 1930's as we like to imagine the era.

Mystery buff or history buff, you'll love this book and the rest of the series.

If you're a fan of detective stories, don't miss this book.

Well-plotted, well-rounded characters, dynamite dialogue, a unique setting (New Orleans in the 1930s), Robert Skinner's BLOOD TO DRINK is an outstanding book and a genuinely pleasurable read. It packs quite a punch.

Wesley Farrell is at his deliciously tough best, gun wielding, knife slashing, lady kissing, put-the-bad-guys-in-the-ground.

The intricate plot of gangsters, cops, organized criminals, alluring women, and crooked politicians is surprisingly easy to follow. Only a writer of Skinner's obvious skill can pull something like this off so easily, so deftly. This is one well-crafted novel I highly recommend.

It is certainly nice to be able to visit New Orleans in the good ole, bad ole days.

Robert Skinner has penned another Wesley Farrell mystery for his readers. Hardboiled mysteries are not my cuppa, but historical mysteries are, and since I missed out on reviewing his last title Daddy's Gone A-Hunting, I decided to grab this one up. Even though the storyline is a little stronger than I anticipated, I'm glad I did.

At the beginning, Mr. Skinner gives us a quote from Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of Seven Gables, 1851: "God will give him blood to drink" -- and so goes the story. Wes Farrell's world is in the south; New Orleans to be exact. The former rumrunner now runs a nightclub. His sweetheart Savanna Beaulieu, back from a sabbatical, owns one in the French Quarter, but she only has a small part in this mystery. The prologue takes us to September 23, 1934, when Louis Bras and his Hot Six Combo were raising the roof at the Honey Pot. Wes thinks he's minding his own business until a Coast Guard Lt. Commander George Schofield shows up looking for an anonymous informant. The night leads to a deadly conclusion, one that will come back to haunt Wes five years later. 1939: A T-agent (Treasury agent) by the same name of Schofield shows up asking questions about George Schofield in an attempt to get some answers to that night in '34. The T-agent doesn't know Wes was with his brother that night, so Wes is in the clear, except that he wants answers of his own. At the same time, an undercover cop is killed and Chief of Detectives Frank Casey, Detective Sam Andres and Negro Squad Detectives Merlin Gautier and Sergeant Israel Daggett take to the streets looking for the killer or killers.

In Blood to Drink, the reader will know who the killers are. The mystery to solve is: whom is the bone chilling, threatening voice that gives the orders. Wes Farrell mysteries are highly seasoned, suspenseful reads to begin with, but with bad guys like Mercer and Zottie it becomes an even more demanding read. The author, Robert Skinner, is talented in his ability to bring the south, during the thirties, to life. With a stroke of his pen, he creates an intoxicating atmosphere of inestimable, dynamic characters so rich in dialect and life that they ascend from his inscribed print. It isn't just a mystery; it's one of the most provocative paintings of the south I have read in a while.

David Ritz has helped many rhythm and blues musicians write their autobiographies, including Ray Charles, B. B. King, Marvin Gaye, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin. The characteristics that these books share is the sense that the subject is writing directly to you as you read, and that the bad times as well as the good times are revealed. If you are a fan of the musician, you feel like you have a better understanding of them once you've read the book Ritz helped them write.

The Neville Brothers' story must have been complicated to organize because there are 4 Neville Brothers, Art, Charles, Aaron and Cyrille. They tell their stories simultaneously, a paragraph or two by one brother and then a paragraph or two by another and so on. The story they tell is fascinating and often horrific! Violence, drug abuse, crazy characters, prison terms and danger fill virtually every page. These are fascinating lives to read about, but I wouldn't want to live them! Aaron and Charles seem to be the most forthcoming and the most sympathetic of the brothers. If you love Neville Brothers' music, you'll want to own this book!

THe Neville Brothers are a very solid unit.Great talents.this book takes them not only as a Group but also as People with feelings&outlooks.David Ritz does a Great job of doing books.always Interesting reads.this is a very complete book.long overdue on these greats.but better late than never.

The Brothers is a coherent and compelling series of autobiographical narratives, alternating among Art, Charles, Aaron, and Cyril. These perspectives are a valuable record of collective memory, as well as moving individual journeys. American culture from the late 1930s to the close of century informs and drives these voices: here is camaraderie and racism, love and alienation, spirituality and hedonism, cruelty and tenderness, peace and rage, cocky determination and chilling fear, triumph and despair--all related with a palpable frankness. Those of us born in the 30s and 40s will find parts of ourselves here; those born later will see how true it is that "past is present." Lovers of jazz, blues, early rock'roll, funk and r&b, and New Orleans rhythms will revel in the stories of contacts with the "greats." The street language may put off some readers. With all respect to those readers, I suggest their tolerance. It is no small thing that those who struggle with personal demons may find a light to their paths between the covers of this book. Over 300 pages, family photos, discographies, and an index.

Gaines captures Louisiana culture to a 'T'. As someone who spends a lot of tiem their the Carmiers, Jackson, Charlotte and Mary Louise ring true. HIs descriptions and elegant choice of words are just plain gorgeous. Wonderful classic.

I throughly enjoyed this novel by Mr. Gaines. It was vivid, realistic, and delighful.This is an easy read.Read it and discover who Catherine really is.

The reviews thus far tell little of what this story is about. Although I read it several years ago, as I remember this book, or at least a part of it, centered on the intra-racial divide between those of African descent. The Creoles of color, particularly in the region of the book, have long maintained a somewhat separate status from blacks based on a caste system determined by mixed blood and lineage. The "forgotten people" have maintained they have black blood, but emphasize their heritage also include French, Spanish, and most times Native American blood. Although a great many Creoles eventually assimilated into the black community, during the time of this story, (the 60s, I think) most of them kept a separate status from blacks, thought they were subject to the most part to the same Jim Crow laws and racism as blacks (unless of course, they chose to pass for white- a whole other subject). When Jackson encounters Catherine, they act upon an attraction they had from their school-age days. The unwillingness of both families to accept is at the heart of the story. That a group of people by virtual of the fact they have mixed blood (for that matter, how many blacks are not mixed- whole other book)descended from French planters deem themselves better or superior to others of more distinct African blood and all the ignorance that prevails because of this belief is what this is all about. The reviews talk about Cajuns and indeed this is Cajun country and the different cultures interact, but it is the Creoles of Color that this book is about. Mr. Gaines handles this with his first-hand knowledge of growing up in Louisiana and all of its idiosyncracies regarding race and class. Though the book left me saddened, I enjoyed the subject matter.

In this poignant story the main character, Armand Aubigny, assumes that it is his wife's (Desiree) fault that their young son has Negroid features. He assumes this because when he first met and fell in love with her, she had no real knowledge about who her parents were and where she came from. Feeling shame and disillusioned about his marriage, Armand forces his wife and son away from his home and life forever. But by the end of the story, he stumbles upon a family secret which makes him, not Desiree, directly responsible for the Negroid features of his son. He discovers that his own mother, " . . . belongs to the race that is cursed with the brand of slavery." This bit of irony in the end is cleverly done and establishes Kate Chopin's final point - that the only difference that exist between white and black, is in the imagination of a society that exclusively decides its own racial purity!

I first read this at school in England where I was taught Literature by a Texan. Although I appreciated the clever delivery and beautiful poignancy of this story, I did not realise that it would live in memory. Knowing only the character's names, I have looked for this book for 19 years. Thanks to your website, I have finally found it.

This is a magnificent tale which I would recommend wholeheartedly.

I read this book seventeen years ago when I was at school in England, being taught 'Literature' by a Texan. At the time I thought it a poignant story, and as years have passed the story of Desiree and Armand have lived with me. I couldn't remember the author, or even the title of the story, but was determined to search it out. Thanks to this website, I have managed just that. I would not hesitate in recommending this sad, strange story to all, but warn you that it is a truly unforgettable piece of literature.

I've read this one to a class of 2nd graders who were begging for more by the end. The only complaint I got was that I only read the dialogue with a Cajun accent instead of the entire book! I'm watching for more books by this author and plan to buy every one.

This book is one that you can read over and over again to the children. There's is even a song that goes with the book by Johnette Downing! The kid's in my class love this book and most of them own it by the end of the year.

My kids (8, 5, and 3) love this story, and it's a book that's fun for a parent to read, especially if you enjoy putting on just a bit of an accent when you read. The language in this story is wonderful, and the book comes complete with a one-page Cajun glossary and pronunciation guide, to help your kids learn just a little about Cajun culture.

Feliciana is a wonderful little girl, strong, spunky, and definitely more spice than sugar. She has a whole passel of brothers, who keep her on her toes.

The story, set in a Cajun bayou, is one that little boys and girls from everywhere will enjoy, since it involves a hungry alligator, who bites off more than he can chew when he goes after Feliciana Feydra LeRoux.

The drawings in this book are terrific. Colorful, funny, and whimsical -- they bring the story to life.

This is a great book that has the rare ability to both entertain and teach, and I highly recommend it.

Donna Schaff's Just One Kiss is an entertaining romance novel of a man and a woman who simply don't care for each other in the beginning - but with passing time and new challenges, each finds the courage love again. At different times warm, contradictory, or philosophical, Just One Kiss is a thoughtful, passionate, highly recommended presentation of stubborn personalities and heartfelt sentiment.

Once again Ms. Schaff has done it again. As with her first book "Priceless" everytime I put it down I was drawn back to it. I just had to find out what was going to happen next. I found the non-rushed pace of the "budding romance" refreshing. I mostly enjoyed the author's sense of humor. Although I am not a big reader of romance I most definitely will continue to look for Ms. Schaff's work and am eagerly awaiting her next venture.

Ms. Schaff has done it again! Like her first book, Priceless (which was a RITA finalist for Best First Book), this is one you can't put down. Just One Kiss is wonderful. This author has a magical story-telling ability; she delivers adventure and passion in a superbly paced, emotional tale of two people, each with their own painful secrets. They don't like each other in the beginning; they clash, they try to out-manuever each other, yet they're destined to become lovers. Ms. Schaff creates heart-breaking, memorable characters who play off one another beautifully, with wit and humor and deep emotion. In my opinion, she's one the best historical romance writers in the genre. I can't wait for the next book!

Excellent collection of real recipes from real locals. Captures timeless flavors. Straight format of recipes makes reading and reference very handy. The title is true.

All the recipes I've tried from this cookbook have been great.

I grew up just outside of Baton Rouge, so I know what "authentic Cajun food" is supposed to be. The recipes in here are a compilation of recipe books my mother used: River Road Recipes (I & II), Tiger Bait, Jambalaya, Talk About Good, and a bunch of others (hence the name...Best of the Best). Most of the recipes are pretty straight-forward and easy (though occasionally time-consuming). My wife and I both love to cook, and when she lets me cook, this is the first book I pull down. Be sure to try the "Jambalaya Bread Pudding" recipe (from the cookbook titled "Jambalaya"). Every time I bake it, I get asked for the recipe.

Superbly enhanced with color photography, Breakfast At Brennan's And Dinner, Too showcases original recipes from the menus of New Orleans's world-famous Brennan's Restaurant. From Buster Crab Pecan; New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp; Creole Onion Soup; and Brennan's Blackened Redfish; to Crabmeat Lundi Grass; Tournedos Royal with Sweetbreads; Les Peches Flamees; and the house specialty Brennan Dressing, Breakfast At Brennan's And Dinner, Too is an elegant, "kitchen friendly" cookbook that is as much fun to browse through as it is exciting to draw from for truly memorable dining.

Great book, very easy directions and not 15 to 20 different ingredients. My girlfirend and her husband were there last year and raved about the place. She and I each have the book and I've now oredered one for my daughter. This is a must have in your cookbook library.

After having the pleasure of eating at both the original Brennan's in New Orleans and the other location in my home town of Houston, Texas, this book is a joy to own! The recipes are easy to follow and it also gives you the background history of this fine restaurant. I highly recommend this book.

The Old South and particularly the Plantation homes is a subject that always interested me. This particular book is the best I have ever seen. Some of Mr. Laughlin's comments are a bit flowery, but for the most part, he captures the spirit of this time in history. I think it is wonderful that people have restored some of these homes back to their original splendor, but the pictures and the history of the homes that have long since been destroyed are the most interesting and are truly the "Ghosts Along the Mississippi".

This book contains heart breaking photos of mostly Louisiana Plantations, some Beautifully restored but most are tragic beauties gone for ever, it is the only source for most of these homes to still exist, many of these photos are the only images of these magnificent homes ever taken, read the book front to back and you will agree, it reads like a novel of the tragic queens of the old south.

Laughlin's work is truly inspiring of the imagination; definite piece for the book lover of art and architecture.

I picked up this book at the airport as I was leaving New Orleans. I had tried many of the dishes at restaurants in the city, then recreated them with the cookbook at home. The instructions are easy to follow, and the recipes are very much like what I had in New Orleans. My family wants me to make every recipe in the book.

Oh my goodness ! Have you ever wanted to cook down home creole dishes ? If so, this is the book for you. Simple instuctions and obtainable ingredients. I just made the Seafood Gumbo and it is out of this world. (Don't forget to make it the day before ;) The Chocolate Eclairs are to die for and easy to make. This little book is a must have for every good cook and my guys love every recipe. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. Buy it ! Buy one for a friend. A wonderful cookbook.

This is one of the finest cookbooks I've used and definitely the best I've seen with regards to New Orleans cuisine. The recipes rarely require anything extraordinary and substitutes are suggested in those rare cases where required. In addition, she adds pronunciations which are often helpful for those of us who are creloe deprived.

Ms. McKee has done a fantastic job bringing the recipes to life. I could smell the fresh pralines cooling in her kitchen and couldn't wait to make a batch of my own. If you love Southern cooking, this small book will be a wonderful guide.