I always knew that there were other monarchies in the world besides the ones in Europe. The author goes in depth examining the systems of chiefs of the various islands and then the Royal Family of Hawaii. This is an important book for extra knowledge to be gained about the various systems of monarchy.

Hazel Holt writes confidently and spiritedly, and this outing is no exception. This time the plot allows her to indulge her fondness for Stratford-upon-Avon (elsewhere the series visits Oxford) and the concerns of a rural dweller shine through here and there, convincing us that this is an author with knowledge of her settings.

In this novel, Sheila Mallory investigates the sudden death of an unpleasant cleric that she has known since childhood. There are plenty of juicy suspects, and plenty of echoes of the novels of Barbara Pym (whose literary executor Ms. Holt was) in the details of rural and church life. Her busy, confiding tone embraces one, and one almost believes that Taviscombe exists.

Mrs. Mallory's relations with the police are perhaps the weak point of this series - even in the jovial West Country one finds it difficult to believe that professionals would let a late middle aged widow tell them what's what - but then detective fiction of this sort requires some suspension of belief.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this, and other books in this series, and I look forward to seeing many more.

The 3rd book in the series about residents in a California retirement community. For seniors Angela and Caledonia, the murder of the gardener at posh Camden-sur-Mer is a delightful break in their routine!

The residents of a retirement community (not a nursing home!) have a murderer in their midst. Two murders happen quite closely together and no one sees a connection until a third happens. Angela is actually the one that helps the police find the connection and puts herself in danger with the real killer. This book's ending was a bit of a surprise and was genius the way it was put together.

This book shows that retirement does not mean "out to pasture" and shows how valuable the elderly are (to those that, unfortunately, need a reminder!). This was a delightful look at a feisty group of retirement residents that work together to help the police solve a murder. The characters grow with each book in the series and this book was a great addition to the first two. Great for all ages! The first book in this series is "The J Alfred Prufrock Murders". Enjoy!

The 2nd book in the "retirement" series. Two residents of a retirement community (not a nursing home!) work together with their friends and the police to solve another murder in their small community.

Friends Caledonia and Angela are featured more in this follow-up to "The J Alfred Prufrock Murders" and are assigned small tasks by the police to keep them out of the way. However, during their search, they once again put themselves in grave danger. While trying to solve the mystery, Angela and Caledonia also work hard to dry out an alcoholic in their midst for what they claim is his best interest. However, little do they know that he prefers to live out his final years in an alcoholic stupor.

This series shows that retirement does not mean "out to pasture" and shows how valuable the elderly are (to those that, unfortunately, need a reminder!). The characters grow with each book in the series and this book was another look at these delightful "people". Great for all ages! Enjoy!

Although born in England, I knew very little about Rudyard Kipling. This book covers Kipling's life from childhood thru death and shows how his character influenced his only son into joining the Irish Guards at the beginning of the Great War. His son was killed on his first day in combat and his body never recovered. Now, 77 years later, they think they have found him - or have they ? All the evidence is presented for the reader to decide. A good read.

This one of Tom Holt's better books, and very good. The plot concerns a writer and her um characters. If you have ever wondered what happens to characters when the writer knocks off for the day, here is one man's idea of their habits. It gets a little more complicated than that though... Jane Armitage, the writer of a fantasy series, is contacted by an unfortunate western writer who has been stuck in his books for 30 years. He begs for her help and the assitance of her hero. She sends him off to help and unwittingly helps set in motion the end of the world. This is very funny and invades several clssic works of literature, but many of Tom Holt's stock incidental characters seem to have gone missing. Danny Bennet does not make an appearance, nor does the bounty hunter.

This book is a nice compilation of integrative medicine as it pertains to the prevention of heart disease. As a practicing physician, one is bombarded by questions that were once considered foul territory; now, questions related to alternative medicine are now on the real playing field.

Although lacking cited references, asides from "recommended readings", the author writes in an interesting manner. An easy to follow, non-stringent guide to diet, relaxation, vitamins and natural nutrients are discussed. The book looks at the way to help oneself in the battle against heart disease with assistance from a physician.

The book may be a bit more detailed with "science" beyond the needs of the lay public. Nevertheless, this is a quick flowing book that opens eyes to alternative practices, without bashing conventional medicine.

Get this if you already live in NYC or intend to visit, you will not be disappointed. I loved the detailed info on the architecture of the Woolworth building and the history behind the folks in buried in Trinity Cemetary. I enjoyed the facts of who used to live in what buildings in the Village. When covering the 5-Points Section, what is now the Federal &State Courts area & Chinatown, was absolutlely fun trying to hunt down these old sites still visible for myself. All the info on the history of some of the street names was curious such as Mott, Pell, Bayard & Baxter streets were named after the butchers in the area when that area was a stinking mess. The lore surrounding Wahington Square Park, especially the "Hanging Tree" was fascinating. I'm still trying to figure out which tree it is! All the semi-hidden small cemetaries mentioned in Manhattan is worth a look; knowing that these still exist especially when the real estate here is so astronimical in price. I hope people make good use of this guide when showing off the City to visitors & I'm sure tourists will get a kick out of an insiders tour of NYC.

I enjoyed this book... although it was not the greatest of Jean Plaidy's books. I just didn't get attached to Richard II or Henry IV... although I did like Catherine Swyford, but that was because I had read Anya Seton's novel... It was not as good as The Vow on the heron, but it's still fun to read.

I'm a fan of the "Little Quilts" books and miniature quilts in general, and I think this is a really fun book with cute patterns that range from easy to difficult. I've made a couple of the patterns so far and the directions are easy to follow and adapt to your own ideas. A big plus is that all the patterns have templates for hand piecing as well as machine piecing directions, which makes the patterns even more versatile. It's also a pretty book and fun to just browse through but if you do you'll want to make the quilts before long!