Crime writer Laura Lippman, the winner of every important mystery award (an Edgar, a Shamus, an Anthony, and an Agatha), now pays tribute to the man many consider to be the world's premier mystery writer - Edgar Allen Poe. "In A Strange City," Lippman's sixth novel to feature PI Tess Monaghan is set in Baltimore where in the predawn hours of every January 19th, the anniversary of Poe's birthday, a coterie of the famed author's fans wait to see a mysterious visitor who comes to Poe's tomb bearing 3 blood red roses and a bottle of cognac.

This year, Tess is among those waiting for a glimpse of the mysterious "Poe Visitor." She is surprised to see not one but two cloaked men carrying the appropriate tributes; she is even more surprised to see one murdered as the other escapes into the semi-darkness.

Bobby Hilliard, a 28-year-old gay waiter is the victim. The senseless beating of another gay man some days earlier and Hilliard's death arouse the local gay and lesbian rights group headed by Tess's former friend attorney Cecelia Cesnik. The group insists that a maniacal homophobe is running amok.

Tess soon finds herself enmeshed in a multi-layered swirl of events pulling her in opposite directions. Hammered on by the chief detective who thinks she knows more than she's telling, our heroine is also stalked by an unknown person who leaves cognac and three red roses by her front door.

There's more than mere murder here as Tess suspects a complicated scheme involving priceless antiques and other black marketables begins to emerge.

Ms. Lippman has laced her latest thriller with strains of greed and homophobia, and included such Poe-isms as a victim buried alive and a ticking clock. It makes for a unique and compelling read.

- Gail Cooke

Laura Lippman's Tess Monaghan is truly one of the most appealing and original PI protagonist to have appeared in last few years. She is not a self assured repository of cliches, but a three dimensional person, occasionally irritating but always interesting and sympathetic. WIth this book, Lippman's sixth in the series, the Monaghan series rises to it's full potential as one of the premiere PI series of the last decade.

In A Strange City opens up with a scene that harkens back to a Hammett or Chandler novel: a grotesquely overweight man hires Monaghan to follow a man to recover a necklace he says was stolen from him. Seems pretty straightforward, except for the fact that the man he wants her to follow is a local Baltimore legend known as the "Poe Visitor", a cloaked figure who lays a tribute of roses and cognac at the grave of Edgar Allen Poe at the anniversary of his death.

Of course things quickly go haywire as Monaghan is thrust into a murky plot which includes fanatical bibliofiles, an antagonistic homicide detective and a series of assaults and burglaries that seem to target gay men. It's a murky stew, but it's actually quite an original plot and Lippman's prose makes it seem perfectly clear and convincing.

The best part of this series (indeed, the best part of all detective fiction) is the sense of place and setting which brings the city of Baltimore true to life. The only thing I knew about Baltimore came from episodes of "Homicide:Life on the Streets"("The Best Damn Show on TV"). But reading this series makes me seem like I've been living there for years.

I gave this book less than five stars (Four and a half, really, but I can't give half ratings) because I spotted the killer fairly easily. But that really doesn't take from the book. After all, the best part of detective fiction is not who killed who. It's the journey that counts.

As a mystery writer with my debut novel in its initial release, I genuinely enjoyed Laura Lippman's toast to our genre's founder, Edgar Allan Poe. In her latest novel, IN A STRANGE CITY, Ms. Lippman plants her protagonist, Tess Monaghan, in the middle of a contemporary mystery story that is a pure tribute to Poe. A murder occurs during the observance of Poe's birthday at the great author's tomb when two cloaked Visitors show up with roses and cognac to serve as the Poe Toaster. A shot is fired. One toaster dies. The other flees. Tess witnesses the homicide and soon finds herself involved in other Poe-esque plot elements. The story includes multiple murders, a woman buried alive, and still unanswered questions involving Poe's life. As usual, Lippman's writing is first-rate and her beloved Baltimore is rendered perfectly. IN A STRANGE CITY is Lippman's best book yet. Read it. You won't be disappointed.

A Civil War re-enactor myself, I began the Starbuck series with scepticism - believing that like most Civil War fiction - this would be more romanticized drivel. But... was I ever wrong. I've been to Sharpsburg, I've walked the Cornfield and west woods, and I am amazed by the accuracy and emotion conveyed by Starbuck and Company. The panic, the sheer bewilderment felt by those brave men on both sides is utterly captured by Mr. Cornwell. Though true "history's" are indespensible, the authors descriptions gave me a sense of being there that I've not experienced for some time. What a ride!

The Starbuck series has been an excellent read. I am about finished with 'The Battle Flag'. I personally hope Cornwell will fire up another three or four books in this series. Reading this fictional series has piqued my interest in the Civil War. In conclusion, Cornwell is an excellent author and continue to be one of my favorites. I hope he does us all a favor and continues writing in the series. jes

I cannot rate this book without talking about the brilliance of the whole series. Cornwell takes you from your reading room, and teleports you back to a simpler time. And you find out that it's not so simple. Set against the backdrop of the Eastern Theatre in the American Civil War, he portrays the massive carnage and greatest bravery in minute detail. You actually hear the cannons, and smell the rotting flesh of the wounded. Yet, the main plot does not take place amongst the gunfire outside. But, rather, within. It is a story of a soul, and his struggle with God, man, who he is, and what he stands for. Amidst the shouting, crying, blasting, and dieing...is a poor heart, searching for peace. I found Cornwell's protrayal of Nate Starbuck to be no less than perfect. I found myself rooting, questioning, hoping, and praying for this fictional character. For, I saw myself in Starbuck. The same questions, fears, and desires. When done, I walked away from this story with a different outlook on life, liberty, and what's truly important. As will you. Awesome series Bernard! I cannot wait until the saga continues...

Patricia MacDonald's latest book, "Not Guilty," is typical of a genre that I call "the woman in distress" novel. This genre usually has a heroine who is beset by tragedy and who must hang together physically and emotionally so that she can fight for the survival of herself and/or her family.

In this case, the heroine is Keely Bennett Weaver, a woman who is widowed at a young age when her husband, Richard, commits suicide. She subsequently marries a friend of Richard's, Mark Weaver, and her life finally seemes to be on track. Keely has a son, Dylan, from her first marriage and a baby girl, Abby, from her second, and she enjoys both affluence and the love of her family. What could possibly go wrong?

Since this is a "woman in distress" novel, everything goes wrong. Keely suffers a horrendous shock which threatens to tear her family apart. Her sullen and rebellious son, Dylan, is accused of murder, and Keely is determined to do whatever she can to protect Dylan from the authorities. She also learns that several people whom she trusted over the years have been keeping some terrible secrets from her.

The first half of the book is suspenseful and engrossing. Keely is an attractive and sympathetic heroine, down-to-earth and completely devoted to her children. The book deteriorates, however, as the plot unravels towards the end. Too many characters in "Not Guilty" turn out to be wolves in sheep's clothing, and the melodramatic conclusion is forced and cliché-ridden. In an attempt to give the plot several twists and turns in order to surprise the reader, MacDonald throws out both plot cohesion and realism.

I am still a fan of the "woman in distress" novel, but "Not Guilty" is only a partially successful example of this genre. I recommend this novel for its strong beginning, with a warning that the ending does not hold up.

The story of Keely, her two dead husbands, her teen age son, her baby girl and all the people in her life----a story of tragedy, love, deceit, death,terror and family life. This story has much to offer----one of the main story lines is the relationship between the mother and a rebellious teenage son. It has its ups and downs-----issues of trust and truth versus lies. Did Richard commit suicide or was he killed by the young son? Why did Mark drown? Was he forced into the pool when he couldn't swim? Why was the little girl wet and by the pool? Did the teenage boy have anything to do with this tragedy? So many questions----answers that are surprising and revealed at the very end of the book. It captivates you from the beginning and doesn't let you go until the last page. It's a great read. A great ride. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to be caught up in a good book----and is willing to ignore housework, spouse, children, sleep----just to get to the final chapter. Enjoy!

This was an excellent book! Patricia MacDonald doesn't come out with many new books but with this one, I could hardly put it down! It kept my interest and was an excellent read! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys her work.

Great step-by-step instruction manual on various appliqué methods, but I found the designs for the lessons to be uninspiring. Nothing jumped out and screamed "Make-Me, Make-Me".

The book has twelve lessons including: Cutwork Applique and the Tack Stitch, Onliad Cutwork Applique, Inlaid Cutwork Applique, Straight-edge Applique, Unit Cutowrk with Folded Fabric Flowers, Interrupted Cutwork, Stuffed Applique, and Mixed Applique techniques. The book also has 27 patterns, and a 16 page color section with the lesson blocks and finished examples of contemporary and classic Baltimore Quilts.

This book takes you through the steps of Baltimore quilts by hand sewing. Elly is an expert and experienced historian of Baltimore quilts as well as an expert in hand piecing Baltimore quilts. At the end of the 10 lessons you become an experienced in piecing Baltimore quilts. The book includes over 50 pages of quilt patterns to piece. Have fun with this great book.

My love of Hawaiian quilting attracted me to this book and Baltimore album quilting. The instructions and patterns are clear and the designs are awesome. I particularly like the simpler patterns like double hearts, fleur-de-lis, and you are perfect (a pineapple design). I think it may be possible to machine applique as well as hand applique these designs. Of course, there are many intricate designs too--many that require rouched flowers and curved stems and intricate applique that I can only imagine being quilted by the most devoted. The directions on how to cut out the patterns with paper folding are clear and helpful. You could spend a lifetime making the quilts in this book--and what a beautiful life you'd have!

Luvas' book provided an excellent itinerary for those who would visit the Antietam battlefield. However, it fails to help the reader understand the context of the given part of the battle to the whole. After positioning you at strategic points he simply reprints copies of the official reports from officers involved in the components of the battle. Since many officers' reports were comprehensive reports of the entire battle, and Luvas takes only a small section of the report for a given area of the battlefield, even the reports lose the perspective of context.

Another thing missing is a comprehensive map of the battlefield with his selected stops, again helping show the context of a given part of the battle with the whole.

If you are interested in the Maryland campaign of 1862, this is the book for you! It includes South Mountain, Crampton's Gap, Harpers Ferry and a good bit of detail on Shepherdstown.

Unlike the Gettysburg guide this book outlines the campaign on an "operational" as well as "tactical" level. Both of which are easy to understand and follow along if you desire to use this book as a battlefield guide.

The driving directions along with detailed maps, historical photos, and reports taken from the Official Records make this book a complete tour and reference package!

If you require an outstanding volume of work detailing nearly every aspect of the campaign, then look no further. I highly recommend this book as "must read" for anyone interested in Marse Robert's Maryland Campaign of 1862. It will also make an excellent reference tool for anyone who cannot make it to the battlefield. It brings the fields of battle to you!

These series of books from the U. S. Army War College are the best available resource for conducting ACW battlefield tours - assuming that your purpose in touring battlefields is to study and understand the applicable tactics, strategy and terrain and to develop an appreciation for the objectives and efforts of the participants. If you go to ACW battlefields to gawk and gossip as an everyday tourist then an investment in these guides is unnecessary. If you have an active interest in ACW history, military history in general or fascinating chapters in human history, then these guides are remarkable values, "Best Buys". Helpful maps illustrate troop engagements and key terrain features, excerpts from the Official Records provide first person commentary from the participants at each "Stop" on your tour and concise analysis is provided to tie the story together. Thorough but not intimidating, insightful and objective, with no deficiencies noted. This particular guide is especially insightful in that the tour includes the Battle of South Mountain preceding Antietam and includes "Stops" in backwoods areas of western Maryland and West Virginia which are otherwise unrecognized as significant to the Battle of Antietam. A great way to tour a beautiful area of our country and understand in detail a significant chapter in our history.

The minute you pick up this book, you will not want to put it down,Mr powers really captures the readers interest from the onset. When you read this book you will get a feel of what it is like growing up in urban America. There were certain parts of the book that I found difficult to read simply because I could visualize these things happening.I wondered how painful it must of been to write these things,Mr powers does not hold any -thing back.Minorites in law enforcement will also benifit from this book because it deals with some of the issues that are often talked about, but seldom is there anything ever done.

I ordered the book after hearing the author on a local talk radio station in the Baltimore, MD. area on several occasions. His story sounded interesting, one that I could relate to as a minority. I felt it would be interesting to read about the plight of Black America from the male point of view-in addition, as a career federal government employee in the field of law enforcement, I wanted to know if the author encountered the same racism as i have encountered in my 26 year career with the government. I could easily relate to all of the examples of racism Mr. Powers described in his book while employed by the FBI. It was comforting to read that the author was able to get an education,rise above his circumstances and become a meaningful member of society. He did not fall into the traps so many of his friends had, he was able to get an education, secure a job and impart his knowledge to the community. At times, I felt some of the chapters and descriptions were too wordy, h! owever, I realized the author was laying the groundwork for the information to come as each chapter had a surprise ending and had me "chomping at the bit" to get to the next chapter. Throughout most of the book, I found myself reading ahead. As a person of color, I could really relate to the obstacles encountered while growing up in the community and how it takes a lot of stamina and willpower not to "follow the crowd", but to have your own personal agenda for becoming a positive contribution to yourself and the society. It was interesting to read from a local author about growing up in Baltimore, MD.-we share a lot of the same experiences. I heartily recommend this book as required reading for anyone, but especially for minorities who will be able to see that no matter what obstacles you encounter in life, you must persevere and become a positive force in society. The book stresses the value of an education and constantly reading, gaining the knowledge tha! t will take you places. I have readily passed this book on ! to my brother who is an avid reader and as a black male in america seems to have lost his way. I sincerely hope that this book will allow him to see that you can never give up, that with the right characteristics, a person can be whatever they want to be in this country. I feel this book should be required reading in schools, bookclubs, etc. I fully expect to dialogue with my brother about the book when he finishes it. After reading the book, I find myself anxious to read the suggested readings/reference materials to enhance my knowledge and awareness. I now have a healthy respect for history! I'm sorry I did not pay more attention to it in school. Some of the suggested readings are currently in my library, others I will secure as soon as possible. In conclusion, a very good book and an excellent reference tool-must reading!

I heard about "Eyes To My Soul" from a friend. My friend told me how well the book had been written and she encouraged me to read and purchase the book. I am glad that I accepted her advice. Reading the book was very thought provoking. I decided to add this book to my son's required reading list. Tyrone Powers is an excellent and very intelligent writer. It is obvious that he is very well read. Tyrone's style of writing made me feel as though I was encountering an out of body experience. I was able to visiualize each scene as though it was really happening. This book will make you laugh, cry, happy and sad. Eyes To My Soul should be required reading in all schools and homes! To those who have not read the book, "You are missing something that is good for your SOUL."

I'm an extremely big Maryland sports fan - season tickets, final four, etc.

When I heard about this book, I had an idealistic hope that the book would be very detailed and interesting- Barr was the beat writer, the books title ('the inside story') , and because it took so long to come out (why wasnt it out before xmas?). i assumed it would have a ton that we didnt already read in the papers, saw on tv during the games, talked about on message board, etc.

but it didnt. It was just a summary. A great story but Maryland fans have heard it already.

I didnt really learn anything new from the book. it was very short (about 190 pages) , and i finished it in less than 2 hours probably.

There werent a ton of factual errors but the ones that were in were blatant and annoying. For instance, he says that Maryland lost to Arizona in the NCAAs the year after Steve Francis left, but any casual Maryland can tell you that is mistaken.

The question is - is Josh Barr just trying to make some money off Maryland's successful season? You decide.

A well written book by a true insider. The author knows more about this team than anyone. I highly recommend it to "true" Maryland fans.

This is a great book. I'm not even a big Maryland fan, and I found the whole story riveting. Josh Barr is an excellent reporter who was able to get all sorts of insider details that other reporters couldn't. He clearly knew the coaches and the players really well, but he also doesn't pull any punches. The road to a national championship is always a tough one, but it's amazing what this team had to go through along the way. The book really reinforces what an incredible player and leader Juan Dixon was. Lots of stories I had never heard before.

I have read everything poker-related I can get my hands on, and this is *the* great poker novel.

I wasn't expecting much when I got this book. I am a big reader and a relatively new and still small wager..... poker player. I have been reading every poker book both instructional and literary I can find. The poker in this was great and very realistic to me though I have never played at the larger bet levels of the characters. The game is the same and losing still hurts. I was most surprised and pleased by the writing. It's not Shakespeare or Tolstoy, but it isn't too bad. It is a good read with real people for characters and true feelings. While there is action it is not nor does it try to be Hollywood. It will sit on my poker shelf next to the Cincinati kid, Shut up and Deal, The Biggest Game in Town, Big Deal, and The Education of a Poker Player.

An excellent grasp of the poker world and how it relates to life. Rick Bennet is a great poker player that I first met in early 1996. I played WITH him and then later dealt TO him. This is the first time in print, film, or television that I wasn't forced to watch some incredible Hollywood poker hand where one player has four Aces and the other player says "no good, read 'em and weep". As a poker dealer that has played for a living, I am thrilled to finally find someone that undertands my world well enough and can also translate it so that others can see it. This novel IS what all of us in the poker industry HOPED the movie Rounders would be but fell so short. King of a Small World is the most accurate account of poker life from the many different aspects; professionals that grind out a living, dealers that blow all there tips, and recreational players that are there to enjoy themselves because they rarely win and are where we all make our money. Poker is a game of skill with short term luck. There has to be some luck or people wouldn't "gamble". I never heard of chess being played for big money. Finally an accurate portrayal of the life of a person that plays for a living. It is done by reading people and playing the odds, not by someone in a tuxedo betting $100,000 per hand on a table game where the house has the edge. Through the eyes of a professional poker player, the reader learns how poker gives us the tools to perceive the rest of life. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, the characters are very realistic; I know people like this. At the same time, I learned about the charity and underground games in Maryland that I have always heard about from the many poker players that have moved from the D.C. area to California, the new poker capitol of the world. I highly recommend King of a Small World.

David Lozell Martin has created some memorable characters and vividly realistic scenes in his gruesome and gory novel, "Cul-De-Sac". Washed-up cop Teddy Camel (first introduced in Martin's "Lie To Me") comes to the aid of his former lover as she tries to save her husband from the evil clutches of the mysterious house known as Cul-De-Sac and one of it's former residents, convicted murderer Donald Growler.

Growler, you see, has revenge on his mind. Revenge in the form of grisly murders of the former residents of Cul-De-Sac who helped to frame him for the death of his cousin. But was Growler really framed or is this just the warped perception of a pychotic mind? As Camel and Annie Milton try to save Annie's husband, they end up finding out more about the original Cul-De-Sac murder then they bargained for.

Without giving away too much of the plot, let me just say that this book has a number of plot twists that will keep the reader guessing. And, while the finale follows a somewhat expected path, even it has an interesting final twist. As long as the reader is not easily disturbed by florid scenes of violence, then this will be a satisfying and extremely quick "read". Fans of Richard Laymon and Rex Miller will no doubt flock to other novels by David Martin.

Highly recommended is the aforementioned, "Lie To Me", plus "Tap, Tap" and "Bring Me Children" all written by Martin.

The majority of my favorite books have me well-hooked by the end of the first chapter. David Martin's latest nailed me by the end of the first page. And kept me thoroughly riveted right through the end.

Cul-De-Sac involves a very burned-out ex-cop, whose life is turned inside-out by the sudden appearance of his sensuous ex-girlfriend, the fairly freckled Annie. There's also the ex-girlfriend's husband (an ex-Jesuit). Most notably, there is Growler -- an ex-con who, after serving time for a murder he didn't commit, goes on a bloody rampage of vengence against all those who put him away. Growler's prison experiences have left him with a serious grudge as well as a new set of teeth; he's a man on a mission and in addition to wreaking some extremely violent havoc, is in desperate search of...yup, you guessed it; an elephant. Really.

This book made me laugh out loud. It also made me avert my eyes from the page occasionally; while some scenes are very funny, be warned that the violence is not for the faint of heart.

I've bought four more copies for friends thus far, because I won't let mine out of my sight. I've also scrambled to get my hands on all of Martin's previous books (only partially successful); Cul-De-Sac takes gets my vote as Martin's best for its sheer audicity, outrageousness, and great, great writing.

If you're a fan of Pulp Fiction or Twin Peaks, Cul-De-Sac will thrill you

David Martin does it again, another homerun. Is is possible that jail can change a person? Take someone who's innocent of murder then spent several years in jail, and when he comes out, he's a changed man. This is the story of Doland Growler. Grolwer (you have to love that name) had to spend years in jail, and he was changed froever. Now that he's out, he wants to find the ones who set him up for murder and was forced to do unspeakable things in jail. But now Growler is out, and it's times to make the giulty pay.
Don't think that that the above spoils anything. What I said is mention in the back of the book. I left out a lot, trust me.
Martin gives the reader many chills with the unique murders that Growler commits. Martin also has the ability to keep the reader glued to the page, and actually forced the reader to put the book down. This book has a lot of plot twiwts and excellent characters that will heep the reader hooked to the very last page.
If you know of Martin's works, then you need to get this book, and other book Mratin wrote. Now, if you haven't read any books my Martin, then you must start it. You may want to read a book called "Lie to Me", before you read this book. One character in Lie to me, shows up here. Start this book, you won't be sorry.

Warning: Only mathematicians, cartographers, and astrophysicists are qualified to understand this book!

Okay, that might be a bit of hyperbole but it is indicative of the technical detail Danson needs to make his point. The Mason-Dixon line is more about the greed of powerful colonial families, fighting for every square mile of claimed territory than it is about slavery, geography or history.

Yes, this same personal greed drove the development of technology. Even the British government got into the act, offering a reward for a better measuring instrument. Even then, the goal was to master naval power, trading, and economic development, not to advance technology.

The opening chapters summarize the give and take of English royalty, Catholic and Protestant, and their desire to divide up the New World. All this dithering and bloodshed did produce an agreement on one thing: Unless we can get someone to draw the line somewhere and to everyone's satisfaction, all of the dithering and bloodshed will continue. Mason and Dixon were just the guys they needed. Only this same line of "peace" became the demarcation for the American Civil War two hundred years later.

Recommended only for the math-savvy and the hardcore history buffs. Let's hope that there are more than four of you out there...

Edwin Danson's Drawing the Line, How Mason and Dixon Surveyed the Most Famous Border in US History provides a wealth of informaiton on the development of 18th century surveying equipment. A bit too much for me.

The jacket bills this book as the first popular history of the drawing of the Mason/Dixon line. To me, popular history is far more asseccable than the opening chapters of this book. Mr. Danson's work would be very interesting to geographers and surveyor's, but it left me struggling with too much detail about Mason and Dixon's gear and longing for more details on thier lives and personalities.

Danson does provide us details on the emense challange that Mason and Dixon faced. There was much more to drawing their famous line picking a starting point and running surveyor's chains in a straight line between Maryland and Pennslyvania.

This book provides readers with tantilizing hints about Mason and Dixon that lead one to believe they would be very interesting subjects for a biography, but we get no more about them than one gets from listening to Mark Knofpler's song "Sailing to Philadelphia". Perhaps if Danson had reversed his priorities and provided readers with more about Mason and Dixon and less about their equipment I would have rated this book higher.

Still, if you have an interest in map making or surveying or the Mason/Dixon line, Danson's book will inform you, it just doesn't entertain.

Most people have probably heard of the Mason-Dixon line, though they may not be aware of where or exactly what it is. I grew up less than three miles from the famous line that separates Maryland from Pennsylvania, and was aware that there were stone monuments spaced every mile along the boarder - but I had no idea of the origins of this line. Danson weaves the historical backdrop that necessitated the survey and follows Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, two British astronomers, as they traveled to the colonies with their telescopes, quadrants, and mathematical expertise. A surveying job such as this required exquisite accuracy in the determination of latitude and longitude - a job for skilled astronomers in their day.

For the more technically inclined, appendices are provided that go deeper into the methods surveyors use to shoot the lines. Given the amount of astronomy involved in such a surveying job, I wish the author would have provided more detail about the instruments Dixon and Mason used to accomplish their task. I'm sure it was not Danson's intention to cover this sort of technical instrumentation in detail, but in my (biased) opinion, it would have enhanced the story. Still an excellent book and one any person interested in the history of science should read.