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Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Ransom", sorted by average review score:

Ransom for a Killing
Published in Paperback by Worldwide Mystery (December, 1999)
Author: Fred W. Hunter
Average review score:

Another fabulous Ransom-Charters who-done-it

In Chicago, nine years ago, Laura Shay accuses Ben Harvey of raping her. Ben was convicted and sent to prison. Recently, DNA testing proves that Ben never committed the crime. He is released from jail, but the idealist who entered prison is a lifetime away from the person being freed. However, matters for Ben turn worse when his accuser is murdered on his first day of freedom. Law enforcement officials believe Ben, out of vengeance, committed the act.

However, police officer Jeremy Ransom refuses to rush to judgment, thinking that the original rapist might be the killer. With the help of his partner, septuagenarian Emily Charters, he begins to search for the unknown assailant, who he thinks is the killer.

The fifth Ransom-Charters novel, like the previous four tales, is a great blending of a police procedural with an amateur sleuth story, even though Emily's role is a bit less than usual. The dark story line is first rate but tempered by the warm, respectful, and devoted relationship between the lead characters, normally found in a pure cozy. With RANSOM FOR A KILLING, Fred Hunter continues to provide readers with a marvelous mix that turn his tales into a fun time.

Harriet Klausner

An absorbing case.
In the detecting team of Chicago cop Jeremy Ransom and Emily Charter's, Jeremy's elderly and beloved friend, there exists an unlikely yet beguiling pairing of the young and the not so young, the streetwise and the sweetly intuitive. Charters's razor-sharp mind flourished despite her limited fram of reference; Ransom is unusually erudite and proper for a city cop. Ransom does the bulk of the legwork; in this absorbing case, he's intent on unraveling the interlocking destinies of Laura Shay and Ben Harvey, the man whom Laura accused of rape nine years ago. Ben was convicted and imprisoned, but the results of a new DNA test have now set him free. Shortly after his release, Laura if found murdered and Ben, naturally, falls under suspicion. Ben has been traumatized by nearly a decade of incarceration, while Laura was known to be both promiscuous and a second-generation drunk, who mysteriously came into some money soon after Ben's conviction. After Laura's mother dies an untimely death, Ransom is convinced that finding the identity of the true rapist will lead him to the murderer. Charters doesn't have much of a presence in this fifth in the series (which follows Ransom for a Holiday, 1997) beyond noting an odd turn of phrase in Ben's first televised interview after his release. The mutual devotion between Ransom and Charters continues to be both chaste and charming, however, and contrasts dramatically with the tone of the plot, which features doings that are notably darker and tougher than thos ein earlier books in the series.

His sharpest, most urgent case yet.
Ben Harvey just can't catch a break. Eight years ago, he was convicted of raping his Chicago schoolmate Laura Shay, largely on the strength of the scratches she left on his face when he saw her walking dazed and weeping down the street and tried to help her. Now that a DNA test unavailable during his trial has proved his innocence and sprung him from jail, shiftless, alcoholic Laura's been strangled, leaving Ben another legacy of trouble as detective Jeremy Ransom's prime suspect. Yet Ransom's honorary grandmother Emily Charters insists there's more to the case than a simple revenge killing. Why did Laura lie about her attacker's identity? Why did she try in vain to keep the rapist's child? Where did her downtrodden parents get the money to send her away to college, and why did she return home before finishing? And (the biggest question of all) if Ben Harvey didn't assault Laura, who did, and what's he been doing for the past eight years? Though the few suspects--Laura's amorous boss, her disdainful school friends, the rich kid she had a hopeless crush on--are so sketchy and briefly onstage that not even the rapist leaves much of an impression, the resolute focus on these few leading questions gives normally low-key Ransom (Ransom for a Holiday, 1997, etc.) his sharpest, most urgent case yet.


Sabrina (Sunfire, No 17)
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (June, 1993)
Author: Candice F. Ransom
Average review score:

the best
hi, i usually find romance books sappy, but this one was by far the best i have ever read. it's well written, the character actually has a personality (the girl, i mean, the guy always has such an overbearing one), and she is active in the war! how many girl spies did you see running around in 1776? Bravo!

The best Sunfire Book!
I love many of the Sunfire books, but this is most assurdly the best one!! This is even actually one of the best books I have ever read! The love story between Richard and Sabrina is so beautiful, i always cry at the end of this book. Even though I am in my late teens now, every once in awhile I go back and read this book and am reminded of the intensity and sweetness of it. I think it is [sad] that the Sunfire books are out of print! Bring them back!!! Anyway, I love this book!!!

This book was cool.
This was another cool Sunfire book. Sabrina is an orphan living with her aunt and uncle in Charlestown, South Carolina during the American Revolution. When her uncle becomes ill, Sabrina must take over his role spying for the Patriots. Can Sabrina find the courage to risk her life for her country? And can she choose between the two men who love her - a wealthy Tory and a brave Patriot?


The Academic Scribblers
Published in Paperback by Princeton Univ Pr (14 September, 1998)
Authors: William Breit and Roger L. Ransom
Average review score:

Makes complex theory understandable
I had the privilege of studying under Dr William Breit at Trinity University in San Antonio, and can attest to his skill in (and dedication to) taking abstruse economic thought and making it comprehensible to -- if not the layman -- at least the student with some grounding in economic principles.

(Dr Breit and his partner in crime Dr Kenneth Elzinga perform a similar service in the series of murder mysteries they penned under the name Marshall Jevons -- a pseudonym derived from the names of two of the economists profiled in 'The Academic Scribblers.')

Condensing the life work of major economists into articles of a few pages long necessarily involves leaving some things out and seriously compressing others. In spite of this, though, Breit and Ransom give us a comprehensive look at these men and their work -- enough to understand their place in the pantheon of economic thought. They also show how that thought has stood the test of time and the assaults of competing theories. And while the authors' editorializing is light, they are also willing to point out how these economic ideas have been employed in the political arena.

In all, a great textbook for an Intro to Economic Thought class, and a valuable tool for someone wishing to understand the paths the 'dismal science' has traveled over time.

Worth the weight to tote to class
For any undergraduate or layperson, the Academic Scribblers is the most lucid uncomplicated look at the work of 12 key economists. If you ever need a good guide to the subject of economics this is it.


The Ascension Factor
Published in Hardcover by Putnam Pub Group (January, 1990)
Authors: Bill Ransom, Dick Ransom, and Bill Ransom
Average review score:

More Voidship
Unlike Dune, this series has been out of print for some time. Shame! No one does it better than Herbert but Dune-Mania has left too much of his best work unread and unknown. Dune was a masterpiece, no question. But the series devolved into action novels - the work of creating his universe did not have to be re-done so the rest was just what happens next (and as Brian continues the series, what happened before). The Voidship series is different. Beginning with Destination: Void, which establishes the premise, each novel must reestablish the world in which it is set. Each set of characters has very new hurdles and new forms of intelligent life(? at least self-awareness) to deal with, each with their own world view. A good marketing bet would be to reintroduce these novels in paperback, capitalizing on the popularity of the Dune series. Let the new generation of sf readers discover the other worlds of Frank Herbert. This review refers to the series - Destination: Void, The Jesus Incident, The Lazarus Effect, and The Ascension Factor

Ascension Factor -- Frank Herbert's other sci-fi world
This is not a story of empire, such as in his great classic series, "Dune; but rather, Herbert and Ransom tell the story of an ill-fated interstellar colonial expedition gone horribly wrong. I am looking for a hard copy of this work because I believe that the general theme of the mega-hit Strategy software game, "Alpha Centauri" is inspired by some of the vicious alien creatures described in Herbert's story of the adaptation of humanity to a brutal alien world. Characterization is a lot deeper than most sci-fi, and the "run around the fortress" scene is something I've remembered for more than two decades since I last read the book. In our world of animated feature films, this would make an incredible movie.


His Lady's Ransom (Harlequin Historical, No 275)
Published in Paperback by Harlequin (July, 1995)
Author: Merline Lovelace
Average review score:

Beautiful medieval romance. Couldn't put it down.
Lord Ian de Burgh has come to court to extricate his younger brother from 'the siren' rumored to be Prince John's mistress--Lady Madeline de Courcey. Twice wed & widowed, Maddy was raised with the Plantagenets as a royal ward, & is skilled in the arts of courtly love. Upon their first encounter, Ian is surprised to find she isn't even pretty but rather holds men enthralled with her lively wit & practiced charm. Sparks fly whenever they clash, as Ian finds himself alternately lusting after her or despising her for her rumored 'loose morals'. The excitement begins when she taunts him too far...& he retailates by taking her for ransom...

This is one of Ms. Lovelace's best works! It has all the best elements I love in a story: a fierce yet gentle warrior, a strong-willed lady, & a great love full of passion & chemistry. The lively pace & witty repartee kept me glued to the pages. Definitely a keeper!

SMASHING ROMANCE !!!!!
MY 1st TASTE OF MERLINE LOVELACE NOVEL & IT WAS TRULY AN IMPRESSIVE & HARD-TO-PUT-DOWN HISTORICAL BOOK. LOVED EVERY ASPECT OF THE STORY EXCEPT THE DISAPPOINTING ENDING (TOO ABRUPT): THE GRIM, RELUCTANT, HARD-HEADED HERO, THE ENCHANTING HEROINE WITH A SPICY MOUTH, THE STEAMY LOVE SCENES ETC ETC. IF ONLY THE AUTHOR'D GIVEN A MORE SATISFYING EPILOGUE..... IT'D HAVE BEEN A PERFECT NOVEL. I'M STARTING 2 COLLECT HER EVERY TITLE OUT THERE NOW. I'VE READ READERS' RAVE REVIEWS FOR HER CONTEMPORARY / MILITARY ROMANCE & JUST CAN'T WAIT TO READ 'EM ALL. A FEAST FOR THE SENSES !!!


My Sister, the Creep
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (May, 1990)
Author: Candice F. Ransom
Average review score:

Best trip down memory lane...
Being the younger sister in my family, i can totally empathize with jackie howard. older sisters ARE creeps! They think that they're SO important - like Jackie's sister Sharon. Anyway, everytime I read this book, i remember...the good times with the bad... if you're also a younger sister that grew up in the late eighties/early nineties, then I can guarantee that you'll never tire of this book!

Jacqueline Howard is in deep problems...
Jacqueline Howard doesn't know what to do! Her sister Sharon is moving away to Madison and Jackie is wayting to get her room. But, soon she realizes that she is missing Sharon very much. At the same time Jacqueline goes to High school where Sharon has been. Teachers are calling Jacqueline as a "Sharon's little sister" and Jacqueline doesn't find any friends she would like. And when Sharon is visiting at Howards, she acts like Cleopatra or something. What Jacqueline should do with it...?


The Promise Quilt
Published in Library Binding by Walker & Co Library (October, 1999)
Authors: Candice F. Ransom and Ellen Beier
Average review score:

A book for your child that will make you weep
Both of my Grandmothers quilted, but no other family members seem to believe in the magic of a homemade quilt. I purchased this book for my three preschool daughters. Little did I know what a powerful read aloud opportunity this is. You get: children helping without complaining, a girl who wants to go to school to learn to make her mark, a history lesson, unselfishness, strangers helping one another, and quilting, all in one book! I wept reading this sweet lesson to my children the first time, and every time since.

The Promise Quilt
This is an excellent book to explain the feelings of the Civil War to a child in a way that they will understand. The story was easily readable for my five year old son and the illustrations added to the overall feeling of the story. We have read this book several times since purchasing it, and my children never tire of hearing the story. If your family likes to explore Civil War History, you should make this a part of your library. It not only teaches how the young girl and her brother felt about their families involvement in the war, but it told a story of how they helped to pull their community together after the war to keep a promise made to young Addie by her father before he went off to fight.


The Ransom
Published in Hardcover by St. Martin's Press (November, 1991)
Author: Brian Tobin
Average review score:

I wish Tobin would write more
The ransom was the best books i have read and i havent found a book that even compared to it yet. I have also read The Missing Person which is also by Tobin and that is probably my second favorite. I wish Tobin would write a few more books like this one, because its hard, after reading this, to find a book that even compares to this.

A clever, original crime caper
Tobin has a unique sense of his milieu, which fits the lead characters in a manner which is unheard of in this realm. One would think that he actually knew these charcters and walked these streets. Remember the name - Tobin.


Ransom for Our Sins
Published in Paperback by Harlequin (September, 1997)
Author: Fred W. Hunter
Average review score:

from The Chicago Sun-Times:
Hunter perfectly blends the police procedural and cozy sub-genres, slighting neither.

from Publisher's Weekly:
Ransom and Charters make a formidable and enjoyable team whose partership has developed into one as genuine as any in crime fiction.


Ransom of Red Chief
Published in Paperback by Jamestown Pubns (August, 1980)
Author: Raymond Harris
Average review score:

Just a playful little kid....Right?
Red Chief, the red haired, freckle faced, 7 year old, is really a good kid. So he sets cats on fire and shoots arrows through the postman's hat. So he through Becky in the lake, he just wanted to get her clean. But why does everyone in Summit, Alambama (the flattest little town in the south)run when he comes out to play? And what happens when he is kidnapped by the two slick, charming, and unusually kind con-men Sam and Bill Driscoll? Red Chief (or Johnny Dorset by true name) adores them both, which is more than is to be said about their feelings toward him. Bill gets hit by Hurricane Red Chief the hardest. But what happens when they try to collect the ransom leaves them both on the short side of
"The Ransom of Red Chief"!!!!

This book was so funny. I absolutely loved it.
I had to read this last year for my English class, and thought that it was going to be just another lame story like all the other "classics" the public schools make us read. But when I got into it I was pleasently surprized. I couldn't stop laughing. The story is about two men who kidnap the local millionare's heir. But get more than they bargoned for. Instead of a well behaved rich kid they get a wild, red-haired hellion, that insists on playing Indians, and sacres one of his kidnappers so much that they finnally take him back to his father, thinking that they'll just get rid of him then and there. Well, instead of a reward the kid's father says that if they pay him a hundred or so dollars he'll keep his son back for a while and he won't tell the neighbors that they brought him back until nightfall. What happens next will surprize you and make you laugh. It was so much fun to read, I would suggest it to anyone that wants to read something really funny, it'll just make your day.


Related Vacation Book Subjects: North_Dakota
More Pages: Ransom Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14