Have you ever wondered what really happend on the Oregon Trail? If you are one of those people, then you should read this book. Captain John Sager leads his family on the Oregon Trail to Oregon, but he uncovers dangers with his family, and with the Native Americans. This book has the same type of action to it as "Stones in Water" and another book I read "April Morning". I think that most of the story was factual, and part of it was opinion from the author. I was brought into the main and strongly supporting details, but some of the weak detail wasn't really needed or wasn't that interesting. This is how the story begins. "This is a story of a great pioneer. Aww. I know what you're already thinking. You think that this book is just a biography about somebody. But you are wrong. This is a much better book than those long and boring biographies, but you will still learn a lot about history.

John Sager is the leader of his family on the way to Oregon. He is going to occur mountain crossings and the decisions about crossing rivers and what to do about his sick family. He does a lot of things like his best friend, famous frontiersman, Kit Carson, likes killing deer and other animals to have for lunch.

This a very exciting story that really shows the hard ships of life on the frontier. If you like books about the west, settlement of America, or about struggle and making your dreams happen, this is the book for you. I read this book as an assignment for school and I think it's great for kids around junior high age. The book is set in the 1800's during the settlement of America out west. It is about the 9 member Sager family who are going to Willamette, Oregon. On the way the father and mother die leaving John, the 13 year old son, to take the large family to carry out their father's dreams of starting a one thousand acre farm in Willamette.

My fifth grade teacher read this book to my class in 1959, and I have never forgotten the gripping saga of these seven orphan children making their way along the Oregon Trail to the territory where their father dreamed of having a beautiful farm in the Willamette Valley. The metamorphosis of the oldest brother, John, from an irresponsible and lazy boy to a humble but brave leader and protector of his little brothers and sisters is a model of how character is formed the midst of adversity. I am still reading it to my students 40 years later.

The Jump Off Creek: A Book Review The nineteen nineties feminist movement has been slowly permeating every domain of society. Female empowerment has become an increasingly common protagonist theme among all genres of literature as well. The American western novel has become subjugated to a new hero. In Molly Gloss's novel The Jump Off Creek the feminist literature movement finds a graceful home.

Jump Off Creek tells the story of Lydia Sanderson, a widow taking up a claim in the Blue Mountains of Oregon. The text begins with a spring journal entry. This is the beginning of Ms. Sanderson's endeavor. The journal entries are continued throughout the story, not only to keep the reader aware of the time line of the story, but also to provide a unique first person account of Lydia's life story. Lydia says of herself, "I am used to being Alone, in spirit if not in body, and shall not be Lonely, as I never have been inclined that way. I believe what I feel is just a keenness to get to that place and stand under my own roof at last." Lydia's strong and independent character is a careful mix of gracefulness and ruggedness. Her resourcefulness and amazing endurance makes the Ingalls family look passé.

Yet the feminist tones of this book manage to make concessions and include some strong male characters to compliment Lydia. On her way to the homestead Lydia meets Tim Whiteaker. Tim is a John Wayne figure minus the capacity for conversation. Early in the text the model for Tim's behavior is clearly etched. One passage describes him as such: " He stood at the edge of the creek, not looking toward (Lydia), while he pushed his hair back up under his hat with the heel of one dirty hand. Then he gave the dog a word, took hold of the bay's reigns and started off afoot..." Gloss managed to soften this granite figure by making him an excellent cook. Tim even ends up taking up cooking at a nearby ranches when funds are running out. But while his bread baking and cattle branding may be time consuming, Mr. Whiteaker still manages to take time out to pay special visits to Ms Sanderson. It is through these visits that a fragile and special friendship blossoms just as Lydia's wildflowers.

Tim also serves as an avenue for another friendship to develop for Lydia. This being with Blue Odell. Blue triumphantly beats the so-called Indian side-kick role in this novel. He develops more three dimensionally than Tim. This is in part due to the relationship he has with Lydia. While these two characters have more dialogue, it is their physical interaction that speaks the true message.

Of course the standard Western elements are retained in this novel, even though the main characters have been assigned the opposite sex's code of conduct. Man still has to fight nature; the weather and a bear. The conflict of man vs. man is also important. In this case there is only one drunken fight, but the altercations between some unscrupulous wolf hunters and Lydia's male friends nourish the western need for violence.

Another important characteristic of a Western novel is the main character's quest for identity. Molly Gloss obviously wrote in the previous characters to aide in this task. But it often takes a character of the same sex on the opposite end of the personality spectrum to clearly define that identity. The definition comes via the means of Evelyn Walker. She is a young, rotund, bubbly, mother of three. Gloss's careful attention to these two women allow Evelyn's brightly smiling face to enhance Lydia's stern beauty, not diminish it any.

Lydia's character is also enhanced in the story through a series of social gatherings at the Walker's. The reader admires her quiet, near invertedness among the chatty and whimsical fourth of July celebration. This process of the reader identifying with Lydia is a slow process throughout the story. In fact, the nature of the text never moves the reader to feel very strongly about any of the characters, because indeed, Lydia never demonstrates any strong emotions. Perhaps the only persons the reader may ever develop active feelings towards are Lydia's late husband and her parents, who aren't even active in the story!

The simple link that the reader develops with Lydia, and which Lydia in turn shares with the characters, is reflective of the style of prose in which this novel was written. The plain language is honest and appealing. The matter-of-fact narrative is believable. Simply put, the journey the reader embarks on with Ms Sanderson develops into a wonderful meditative exploration of self. I thoroughly enjoyed my journey and strongly suggest that other readers pack their bags for the trip.

Molly Gloss' The Jump-Off Creek is a story about a woman's independence in Western society. It follows the lives of the three main characters; Lydia Sanderson, Tim Whiteaker, and Tim's Indian friend, Blue. Throughout the book, Gloss tells her story by using the different perspectives of her characters. These changes in points of view allow the reader to understand the main characters personalities and to watch them develop. Gloss uses the harshness of the West and its winters to strengthen her characters, and she tries to show her reader that life in the West was not as easy as it normally appears to be in typical western stories. The Jump-Off Creek demonstrates life through hardships and trials. But, through them all, the main characters are able to persevere and are made stronger. It is my opinion that her portrayal of the West was well done and will challenge the reader to think differently about how he or she conceives the West. Gloss' book is a western which shows the reader how a woman saw the West. No longer is the western only about cowboys and Indians. Now, the reader is allowed to see how a woman, and an independent one at that, perceived the West and the trials that she had to go through just in order to survive the first winter. Lydia Sanderson's husband had recently died and had left their farm land to her. With a restless soul and the need for transformation, Lydia is driven West to find a new life. However, Lydia does not go West to find a new husband. She does not need any help from a man, and is rather reluctant to accept any help from the opposite sex. She intends to make it on her own, and throughout the book, she does maintain her independence. She does not conform to the lifestyle of the other women in the West. Gloss uses to reflect women's position in today's society. Gloss intends to prove that a woman and survive without a man. And, what better way to prove this for the young women of today than through a story of the harsh West? Gloss keeps the theme of her abnormal depiction of the West in her portrayal of Tim Whiteaker. Mr. Whiteaker was not a typical cowboy. In fact, none of the men in this story are. The men in this book depend on each other a lot more than the men are allowed to in other westerns. Tim and Blue rely on each other so much that, in the end when Blue dies, Tim becomes so lonely that he begins to rely on Lydia's company. These men are also quite squeamish when it comes to blood and injuries. For example, after Blue is injured during a fight with a bear, Tim calls Lydia to stitch up Blue as he cannot stomach the thought of doing it himself. Tim even feels the need to step outside while she is working. Tim shows that he is not a typical cowboy in many other ways. He is a cook, and he even gets a job cooking at a ranch during part of the story. He never finishes a fight, at one time he falls off of his horse, and many times the reader sees that Tim has bad aim while shooting a gun. None of these are characteristics of a cowboy, and may make one wonder how he has been able to survive the harshness of the West. In her journal entries, Lydia constantly refers to Tim in childlike terms, as she often does while she speaks to him. Throughout The Jump-Off Creek, the weather plays a big part in the characters' lives. Especially during the winters, the reader is able to see how hard a settler had to work in able to get through an ice storm. A settler did not only have himself to worry about, but any animals that he might have, as they could not care for themselves during this weather. If the animals were to die, the settler would have a hard year to look forward to as his livelihood would be gone. The toughness of the land, and the weather that came with it, eventually drew the characters closer as they tried to band together in order to survive. I feel that Gloss's portrayal of the sexes in her book are quite beneficial to young women in today's society. So many times, in literature and other areas of life, women are called upon to take the "back seat," or a supporting role. In The Jump Off Creek, Gloss shows that this secondary role is not necessary. She shows her female readers that they should feel free to take the reigns and strike out on their own adventures. No longer must a woman need a man. Also, Gloss shows her male readers that it is "O.K." to ask for help. They need not "do it alone" as so many men feel they need to do in today's society. I enjoyed this book, and I believe that while it may challenge a person's traditional view of the West, it does so thoughtfully. Now, the reader is allowed to make their own decisions about "how the West was won," and to consider the role of the female. Could the West have survived without the woman? Gloss does not think that it would have. And, she challenges her reader to think the same.

The Jump-Off Creek The American West: a place of fun and excitement, action and adve nture. These stereotypes often come to mind when thinking about the West. However, do these terms ideally describe the real American West? In her novel, The Jump-Off Creek, Molly Gloss offers an opposing perspective of the Western frontier. Instead of focusing on the excitement of the West, she shows the struggles and hardships that may give a more realistic picture of the frontier. The Jump-Off Creek gives the reader a well-rounded portrayal of the West. Contrary to most Western novels, The Jump-Off Creek allows the reader to see the West through the eyes of a woman. Lydia Sanderson travels to the West alone where she makes her homestead. Lydia is not a glamorous woman but a woman of the land. Her life is not simple. It is a daily struggle for her to survive on her own. Unlike most Western novels the hero in the book is not a male. In fact, Lydia is definitely the heroine in The Jump-Off Creek. She represents the strength most women wish they could achieve but are afraid of being alone. Lydia ignores fears of being without a man and follows her dream of traveling West. Her courage is admirable and it is that which kept me turning the pages of the novel. The focus of The Jump-Off Creek is not on action or adventure and its scenes are not glamorous and beautiful. Instead it shows the often overlooked and sometimes ugly side of everyday life of the frontier and the strength it took just to survive. Although the traditional West is not always prevalent, in small passages throughout the text there are some glimpses of the West. A native American and his cowboy friend, Blue and Tim, are involved in two scenarios that are familiar to former Western novels. The two major characters are intertwined in both a bar fight and a struggle with a bear in the wilderness. However, the endings of the two scenes contrasts with the fights of typical Westerns. In both instances, the two "heroes" are defeated. After the quarrel behind the bar, Blue and Tim are left in pain. "Tim lay where he was, drawn up protectively around his genitals. His ears rang. He breathed carefully through his mouth. After a long time he heard a Pianola playing through the wall of the building next to him, and after that Blue said, 'Sh*t,' on a high coughing gasp. Tim made a small sound too, meaning it to be a laugh, but it came out soft, a sigh." Blue and Tim are not invincible like typical Western heroes. They are mortal. Unlike the heroes of many Westerns they do not escape a brawl without a bruise or scratch. Blue and Tim show the realistic human qualities of pain and suffering. Throughout the novel Gloss thoughtfully includes journal entries written by Lydia to display the dialect of real women of the West. "8 April Lost the way on poor directions but I am here now and glad for it, tho it is bad as I knew it would be, the stove rusted clear through, the roof rotted, the logs poor fitted and mildewed, the yard where the Animals must stand all Mud and stones." Through Lydia's journal we feel as if we are beside her in her adventures of surviving alone and we realize the harshness of her situation as she is making her own home on the frontier. While Lydia's views are most prominent throughout the text, Gloss uses smooth transitions to also write in the perspective of other characters. For example, Blue's viewpoint emerges in one chapter beginning with the following sentences: "A woman rode out of the trees and stopped at the top of the hill to let down the fence rails. Blue saw her before Tim did." Although Gloss does not come right out and tell the reader that she is writing from Blue's perspective, it can quickly be inferred. While writing from the perspective of other characters one can get a feel for the distinct personalities of these characters. The use of many perspectives is a very beneficial literary device that Gloss thoughtfully uses to give the reader insight to each main identity. The conclusion of The Jump-Off Creek left me with a sense of disappointment. However, realistically, the ending contained a truth about the West that is often glamorized in most novels to leave the reader with a sense of false belief of the real frontier. Gloss reminds us that in the West not every story ended "happily ever after." The question remains for the reader of The Jump-Off Creek: what is the real West? Is it the West of John Wayne in Hondo or is it the harsh life of Lydia Sanderson in The Jump-Off Creek? The answer is ambiguous: we cannot define it in simple terms. No doubt, both the excitement of Hondo and the reality of The Jump- Off Creek existed simultaneously. The Jump-Off Creek is a fast reading novel that offers a contrasting perspective of the frontier and leaves the reader with a more troubling, complex, and real picture of the American West.

I loved this book! It is a lighthearted story, with unexpected humor at every turn. If you are looking for something fun,this is the book to read. Guarenteed to put a smile on your face!

I love Patricia Gaffney's romance novels. I was very excited a "new" one was coming out. I ordered it and when it arrived I read the first paragraph. I said " Gee, this is familiar". That's because I read it and loved it 2 years ago. I think in all fairness to Amazon's shoppers and the fans of all writers, we should be advised when a book is a reprint. I've been duped and I don't like it.

Caddie McGill is a saloon owner with big dreams and a bigger heart. For years she has battled the man who wants to control the town, appropriately named Mr. Wyle, for control of her gold mine. Though it has ostensibly played out, it is hers, and she wants to keep it; more importantly, to keep her enemy from having it. However, Caddie is up against a foe who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Then, notorious gunfighter Jesse Gault enters town. With a legend that proeceeds him, Gault finds that people are willing to do whatever it takes to please him and to keep their lives. Only the lovely saloon owner appears unintimidated by him and the potential danger he poses. Despite this, he is attracted to her. Though she hates to admit it, even to herself, for men have treated her badly all her life, Caddie feels something for Gault. There is much more to this gunfighter than meets the eye, and as he makes a place in the town for himself, Jesse finds his way into Caddie's heart. When his secret is revealed, will he continue to have her love, or even to live?

***** Humor and romance combine to give this novel a touch that is reminescent of the James Garner SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL.... duet of movies. A spunky heroine, ordinary guy hiding behind a larger than life image, colorful townsfolk, and a comedic surprise twist make this a light novel that many will find easily enjoyable, especially when it is spiced up with very hot love scenes. *****

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.

Well, I fell for the trap. I liked Claire of the Moon and, despite some reviews, thought I'd give this one a chance. The cover is the best part of the book. It appears Conn was trying to unload some demons, tell some history and weave two short stories together into a book. This is the story of a woman who fails in Hollywood, flees to the Oregon coast and tries to get back to her real nature by writing a book based on the writers, poets and artists (gay and non-gay) who made Paris their base during the 1920s. The Paris story is actually the best of the two, but can be confusing if you're not familiar with who those people were and what they were doing. Conn's book also is confusing because she switches between the two stories with no warning and it's sometimes difficult to figure out which one you're in. The woman who is supposed to be writing the Paris story is another lesbian who throws away a perfect relationship for her work and doesn't realize what she's lost until it's too late. That's probably reality, but it's depressing to read. If the two stories had been separated into two short stories, I think they would both have been more successful. At least the Paris story is satisfying. The last twenty pages of the book are the best, if you can last that long.

Oh...what a wonderful read -- a good long read -- like Gone With the Wind -- with a lot of complexities and intricacies so you really get drawn in and regardless of whether you're in the more contemporary story or in the historical story(Paris in the 20's is my personal favorite) the love scenes are VERY EROTIC. This is marketed to the lesbian community but it's really a mainstream book. I think I'll buy it for my straight girl friends for X-mas. Good old fashioned get-swept-up-in-it-read!! If you liked Tipping the Velvet, you'll love this.

It took me a while to read "She Walks in Beauty" but I finally finished it and did not have to struggle. I am not an eager reader or even a literary person, I am a romantic and Ms. Conn can surely make one feel, every bit romantic. This is "A MUST READ BOOK" and I genuinly recommend it to any woman but especially Lesbian types, like myself. This writer is very thorough and detailed in her every paragraph, articulating different issues, in a sensitive way. Whether or not this is Nicole's real life story and or part fiction, she brought me back to my own dysfunctional family and I could realte to all the emotions from it. Drawing me to four different places, through different seasons of life, was an accomplishment and I look very much forward to more spendid works like this.
Thank you,
Carole Markarian

At first the book seems nothing more than a compilation of Murphey's various hunting escapades. But a closer review shows chapters laced with tidbits and tips taken from personal experiences. --Bill Monroe (The Oregonian)

I greatly enjoyed reading BLACKTAIL DEER HUNTING ADVENTURES. Your work really counterbalances a lot of the anti-hunting and anti-trapping sentiment which is so strong especially here in California.

I've read BLACKTAIL DEER HUNTING ADVENTURES with a great deal of interest and enjoyment. It's fun to read while at the same time containing a lot of solid "how to" information. The book depicts a young enthusiastic outdoorsman who made a lot of mistakes in his early years. It shows the same young man maturing into a responsible, successful hunter with a deep respect and love for the wildlife resource. He has written this book in a manner which will help the young reader to avoid the mistakes which he made and give older hunters cause to reflect on how they conduct themselves while in the woods. As a bow hunter who grew up hunting Whitetail deer, I know Murphey's methods for hunting Blacktails can also be applied successfully to Whitetails. Murphey's final chapter on the future of hunting could well be the most important message he delivers. Hunting rights are no longer something that sportsmen can take for granted. They are under attack from all directions, and unless hunters realize the danger and are willing to become involved in the political and legislative process, our children and grandchildren will never experience the thrill of opening morning, or of having a four point bust out of his bed and into their sights.-- Rod Harder (Executive Director Oregon Sportsmen's Defense Fund)

Rick Hanson did a good job with this one although it lacks the suspense of his other ones. Mortal Remains is a unoriginal plot, but theres a couple twists in the story. For fans of murder mystery's this is a fun book, but for anyone else I don't recommend it.

I had never heard of Rich Hanson before I "Mortal Remains." I was looking for a fairly quick read that was sure to entertain. Can't go wrong with a cover like this one, right?

It was definitely fun for the first 200 pages. I laughed out loud which rarely happens when I read. I would compare the characters to those you might find in Gregory MacDonald's "Fletch" mysteries. I was also drawn into the plot. Characters I would not have expected find themselves six feet under by the end of this book.

However, I cannot believe the author planned out an ending for this book. It was like hanging up the phone without saying "goodbye." Did the publisher say, "OK, you've had enough time. Wrap it up?" A real letdown.

In addition, the author has a sex scene that seems totally out of place right smack in the middle of the book. Something dirty had to be going through his mind at the time.

All in all, I would read another book by Hanson. He definitely shows promise.

i just thought it was odd that i was telling my boss about the book mortal remains and how it happend in my back yard on 187 narrow ave witch was the road in westport that the lane whent down to the murder site and wanted her to read it and it came out that her husbands nameis rick hanson id like to get a copy but i dont have a credit card could you send me more information on getting a copy thankyou sheila thstin eard

Claire is a hapless young adult wandering through life when she gets the call that a distant aunt has died. She is the last known living relative and must clean out her aunt's trailer. She takes her dim witted boyfriend with her and they find mostly junk. One picture catches Claire's eye and she keeps it. After checking out the picture and taking a last minute whim trip to New York. She quickly has people looking for her and wanting this picture. It seems that the Nazis took it from a family who wants it back. At times this book got lost and Henry threw anything trying to make the book work. Clair job as a vanity plate approver provides a few comical moments and I had funny trying to decipher the acronyms. Sadly this story didn't connect the dots and the solution to the mystery was not supported by the clues woven in the story. I tried this series out since this author also wrote "Learning To Fly" which many refer to her as her breakout novel. I know this author has potential and I will read the next in the series.

I found out about this book through a book discussion group I'm in. It was chosen as our monthly group read. I so enjoyed all the informaton about the Vermeer painting and the history of Vermeer, that I have gone out and bought several more books on the subject. I liked the fact that the main character had a job that was different from any I've come upon in other mystery books. The license plate riddles were fun to me. Also, if you paid attention to them, you would realize they were basically sending you messages and in a way clues. I admired Claire for going off to New York on her own to settle the matter of what to do with her Aunt's painting (I never would have had the nerve). I also admired her smarts when it came to saving the painting (don't want to say more because it would ruin it for others). All in all, a good mystery, a likeable heroine. Can't wait to read more about her ventures in the next book.

Linda

This debut novel by April Henry is a fun mystery revolving around 35-year old heroine Claire Montrose, a woman with a boring job, an annoying boyfriend and white trash roots. When her great aunt dies and leaves her a mysterious painting, Claire's life takes a turn for the adventurous, and she is soon faced with a lot of questions and a number of characters, trustworthy and un.

This book is a quick read with an interesting mystery and, centering as it does around the authenticity of an unknown Vermeer painting, Henry relates a lot of interesting art history while keeping the entertainment level high. Details about Portland and New York are enjoyable (though how could she not bring up Powell's Books?), and the characters are three-dimensional.

Well done. I will read other books by this author.

Square in the Face by April Henry is the second in the Claire Montrose mysteries. It's a heart grabber when Claire starts looking for a matching marrow donor for an old friend's dying son. In the meantime Claire's mother is buying everything her new best friends on TV's home shopping network are selling. Lots of family secrets! This is a wonderful story with terrific characters. I loved Charlie, Claire's roommate. It is fun watching Claire rediscover her family, too. Humor, a little love interest, lots of intrigue, and some sad history, too. As with any mystery, the 'bad guys' leave their mark but our Claire is not going to let them get away with it. This is a strong follow-up to Henry's first book, Circles of Confusion, and moves this series onto my 'must buy' list. April Henry is a sharp young writer with ever-increasing skills, a superb imagination, and the wit to use them well.

When a friend's son needs a bone marrow transplant, she asks Claire Montrose to help her find a lost daughter. Claire feigns pregnancy to gain entrance to a secret and expensive adoption agency. There, she learns of terrible secrets the doctor is willing to kill for. The clock is ticking for the friend's son and Claire tracks down the families who may have adopted the daughter. Claire is an engaging character who, at times, seems unaware of her beauty and wit. She's a regular gal who feels out of place with her new boyfriend's high society pals. This is the second of the series and loses a little focus as the author pulls threads from the last book, which are a little diluted in this story. None the less, very readable.

April Henry has written another excellent book, I agree with the good reviews. What I liked was plate numbers, it makes the book last longer and makes you think. In Circle of Confusion, I also spent a good couple of hours looking at the art of Vermeer. Great fun.

TIES THAT BIND is a vehicle for Phillip Margolin's reintroduction of Amanda Jaffe, last seen in WILD JUSTICE. Jaffe is still adversely affected by the events that befell her in that novel and is making efforts to deal with them. Daniel Ames from THE ASSOCIATE also makes a cameo appearance, but this is primarily Jaffe's book. Jaffe is an interesting character, but in TIES THAT BIND, she tends to get lost among the more interesting people and events around her.

There aren't a lot of sympathetic characters in TIES THAT BIND. The bad guys are really bad and as is often the case, they're more interesting than the white hats. Jon Dupre, a violent pimp accused of murdering Senator Harold Travis, is a world-class scumbag. It's difficult to let your sense of justice rise to the occasion and see him acquitted of a crime for which he might be wrongfully accused. However, the evidence against him looks strong and, while in police custody, he kills his court-appointed attorney. To paraphrase Tom Sawyer's Aunt Polly, he wouldn't miss a lick if he rode the lightning, even if it was for the wrong crime.

There accordingly isn't a lot of tension for any sort of race against time to find the real killer. On top of that, Travis is an extortionist and a murderer in his own right, so his death is not going to elicit any particular sympathy, one way or the other. When Jaffe is requested by the court to take over his defense, it looks like an uphill battle for her. When she begins to investigate Dupre's alibi and claims of innocence, however, she is pressured --- violently --- to drop her investigation and let justice take its course. What is interesting here is what the investigation ultimately uncovers, which is a conspiracy that has existed for decades and that links Travis to a mysterious group of public officials and drug lords. As Jaffe nears the surprising truth, she brings danger closer to herself and those she loves, even as the truth that she and her client is seeking comes from a totally unexpected source.

Margolin's plot doesn't always hang together perfectly. The method by which the surprise ending is effected, in particular, is somewhat of a stretch and requires some suspension of disbelief, though it is ultimately quite satisfying. Overall, Margolin remains an exciting writer of great economy with the ability to keep readers turning pages as fast as they are capable of reading. TIES THAT BIND ultimately continues Margolin's unbroken string of riveting, spellbinding novels that are almost impossible to put down without finishing.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

Amanda Jaffe is back, but she is still in shock from her adventures in the last book (Wild Justice) Her confidence is shot and she has panic attacks. There are dirty politicians, policemen, and lawyers. When a senator is killed, and Jon Dupre, a pimp who provided girls for the senator is accused it looks like an easy case. During his first visit with his attorey, it appears that Jon actually manages to kill the attorney. He's got to have a new lawyer and no one wants to take the case.

Amanda's father talks her into taking a dangerous and challenging case in order to get back on track. She suddenly finds herself believing the story of an unlikely client and looking into a conspiracy that dates back twenty years. She is nearly killed once a gain, but does solve the case. Hopefully she will come back again better ready to tackle a tough case without her personal hangups. It was not the best of Margolin, but still a good read.

In a world of Big Macs and Palm Pilots, few seem to have time for a deeply moving mystery. Margolin, knowing his audience, slices his novels into manageable snacks for those on the go. Each book is fluid and credible, with characters we care just enough to follow and plots we try desperately to unravel.

"Ties That Bind" is vintage Margolin. From the opening scenes which undergird a far-reaching conspiracy, to the concluding surprises, Margolin lets us revisit Amanda Jaffe (from "Wild Justice") as she finds herself embroiled in trouble. When she agrees to defend a man, owner of an escort service, against murder charges, she finds cover-ups and misdirection on every side. Amanda must face her own fears and grow through her experiences.

Amanda, though, is almost secondary to the stronger characterization of Tim Kerrigan. Tim is a man with a football-hero past, a temptation-paved present, and little hope for the future. He finds himself a pawn in a deadly game. His own poor choices place his family in danger, and he must find a way to extricate himself before his guilt crushes him once and for all.

While "Ties That Bind" addresses family, moral, and political issues in short snippets, it's really all about telling an adrenaline-charged story. Though there's little time to get emotionally involved, Margolin manages to draw us onward and throw us for a few loops. The style is gritty, sometimes twisted...and one heck of a ride.

My husband and I enjoy spontaneous traveling in our Motorhome. We plan our vacations by selecting how long we will be gone and what direction we will head. This is the freedom afforded by having a Motorhome and being empty nesters.

This book is fantastic. We have marked it with highlighters, "Post-It" flags, and even different colored stars. "Sea Perch" campground near Cape Perpetua in Oregon, is marked with a gold star. It is literally on the ocean, clean, friendly, and has beautiful scenery.

Since we travel year-round, I like the information on campground openings and Motorhome size limits, facilities, etc. The quadrant maps, detailed driving directions, and "Trip Notes" are invaluable.

I am a skeptic when it comes to ratings in books; to me, quality of an area is determined by personal preference. The descriptions in the "Trip Notes" provide an excellent overview to make personal selections.

We have shared this book and recommended it to MANY people.

I just got this book for Memorial Day Weekend, and it saved our trip! The spot we'd planned to go was full, but we were able to not only find another spot real easy for the night, but it ended up be better than where we'd planned to go. Great book! Saved my butt! Will always take it.

I wouldn't dream of roaming around Washington or Oregon without this book -- simply would never get stuck for the night ever again.