This is a spectacular book. From the opening scene until the conclusion, this book held my attention like few others have.

Deutermann does a great job of creating characters that the reader feels for. I really cared about the characters. I wanted Kreiss to find his daughter and thwart the bad guy, I wanted Janet Carter to succeed. And, although I could see it coming a mile away, I was not disappointed that Kreiss and Carter linked romantically.

There are some great plot twists and numerous conflicts happening simultaneously that made me keep reading page after page.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense thrillers.

When I first saw this book I thought it looked like a typical "rogue agent vs. Washington establishment" suspense thriller, so I took a pass. However, after looking it up at Amazon.com and reading all the five-star reviews, I decided to take a chance. I knew I had made the correct decision while reading the first page! This is an absorbing novel with intriguing, well-developed characters, especially the female sweeper, Daniella Morganavicz, ex- FBI agent Edwin Kreiss, and disillusioned agent Janet Carter. The plot is believable and is written as if it really happenned. The secret deals, inter-agency competition, and dislike and mistrust each of the characters have for each other are themes interwoven throughout the story. The author takes the reader behind the headlines and takes full advantage of the public's naivete and ignorance about what actually takes place at the higher levels of the CIA, FBI, and BATF. He has created characters with the traits the public suspects and fears most. The positions of power are held by people who are power-hungry, immoral and self-serving and guided by the belief that the end always justifies the means. One of the advantages of fiction though, is the author can get the results he wants and in this case the conclusion is very satisfying.

This book is highly recommended with one caveat: you must remind yourself it is a work of fiction.

This is my second attempt to write a review for this book. I apparently was too forthcoming in the reasons why I like the Edwin Kreiss character so much.

This time I will just say that I share his sentiment for the punishment the kidnappers of his daughter deserve.

Hunting Season is wrought with political infighting between the government's different alphabet agencies, the FBI, the CIA, the ATF, not to mention the Justice Department. Figuring out who is being honest, and what the real motives are behind any of the actions of these agencies is a mystery in itself, and adds to the enjoyment of this book.

Throw in Kreiss, a former CIA/FBI super-agent who specialized in hunting down other agents, and you have one heck of a good book.

If you are viewing this review, then you are probably already interested in this book, so do yourself a favor and read it.

A great family read aloud! I read this book aloud to my three children each night after supper. They got so involved in the story, one night they forgot to watch their favorite TV show. This book makes an excellent read-aloud and is the kind of literature I want my children to be reading.It's exciting, full of humor and imagination. A great way to learn about history. But what I loved most about the book was that it was so full of heart and though the kids laughed alot in the funny parts the also grew very, very quiet suring the sad parts. The story opened up a lot of discussion about war and what happens when men choose to fight for their beliefs. My children and I are looking forward to sharing other books by this author.

I teach fifth grade in Virginia and my children really enjoyed the book. Helps to tie in Revoltionary War as well

How many people travel back into time, get to help out with a march in a war, and have the courage to care for a friend in the freezing snow? Not many people I know!!! Wow!! George Washington's Socks is a fascinating book about a boy named Matt and a group of friends. They decide to camp out in their backyard. Suddenly, Matt's sister Katie finds an old rowboat. When they travel on the rowboat it takes them back into George Washington's time! Matt helps out with a march in the Revolutionary War, and meets a very special friend. Matt is cold and hungry, when a gentelman takes him into his home. Will Matt ever find his friends? Will Matt ever get home? Read this book to find out!!!!

In Jess Walter's debut novel, it looks like a serial killer is systematically killing prostitutes in Spokane, Washington. It looks even more likely that the killer is the man that Caroline Mabry confronted but had to let get away during a drug bust gone bad.

Caroline Mabry and Alan Dupree are the two main protagonists and are both detectives with the Spokane Police Department. They share a past that is slowly revealed to us as they become more involved with the case, and this begins to affect the way they carry out their investigations.

This is Walter's debut novel and is a psychological thriller that starts out very well with an action packed and dramatic opening, snappy dialogue carrying plenty of humorous exchanges. But then the story gradually gets bogged down in the middle as the main characters all become very introspective. I had the feeling that we were in suspended animation for a while, waiting for someone to yell "action". However the pace does pick up again as things fall into place and set the scene for a thrilling and somewhat surprising ending.

A highlight of the book for me comes from the description of the two profilers whose dislike for each other provides plenty of funny scenes. Their egos and obvious distraction from the case while compiling data for their respective next books add a touch of comic farce to the story.

I found this an entertaining book that toyed with the emotions, dark enough to provide a substantial, thought-provoking thriller, yet light enough to provide plenty of amusing moments.

Jess Walter understands something that escapes many thriller writers: Character comes first. This first novel has a gritty and credible plot about a series of murders in Spokane, Wash., but Walter goes beyond the usual cliches of the genre by building his characters carefully and believably. Det. Caroline Mabry is an intriguing, complicated and wholly sympathetic escort into the world that Walters evokes, a dangerous world of prostitutes, johns and seedy bars. Because we care about her, and about her sometimes partner Alan Dupree, we care even more deeply about the case that consumes her. Walter also does an exceptional job of capturing the flavor of Spokane, a mid-sized Northwest city with a super-sized inferiority complex. The plot may invite comparisons to Spokane's real-life serial killer story, but Walter's story veers off in unexpected ways. An assured first effort by a fine writer.

While it has been mentioned in other reviews that the plot of this story is somewhat derivative, I would say that all stories work or don't work due to how the story is told. There are only 12 known plots anyway, right?

In this story the female heroine, Caroline Mabry, is dealing both with a serial killer that seems to have made a connection to her, personally, and with her unresolved feelings for her ex-partner. As the body count increases and the police attempts to solve the crime continue to fail, her emotions become more and more frazzled, leading her back to her former partner and mentor.

What I think is most important here is that Jess Walter can write: he develops believable characters, his language is years ahead of most mystery writers and he tackles themes of interest and meaning.

What's more, he does not shy away from the graphic. There's plenty of sex, drugs and violence in this novel, all describe vividly and without cliche. He knows when to describe a scene in detail and when it's more horrific to just describe the characters reaction to it.

The only thing that might have added to my enjoyment of this book would be if I could have read it on some northwestern shore. Not that I could have been any more drawn into this island world, but as I finished the last page I wished that I could look out over the Sound and hold on to the experience. This is a book to savor; it's complex and compassionate. You will find yourself caring deeply about these characters, adoring some, despising others. The story line is creatively unpredictable with moments as rocky as Useless Point, but still I found something familiar. It made me think of some of the people and families that I have known. For those with an extended family either born or created, or for those with their own steps and exes, this book is bound to resonate.

steps and exes A Novel of Family by Laura Kalpakian

When reading a book as well-done as this one, turning to the last page is sad, a let-down. The reader wants more. But the ending makes up for the feeling of closure on a family one has gotten to know so well. The ending is satisfying and ties up lose ends.

Interesting, clever words march across the pages, that are often brought to a halt by a one word sentence.

Why does a lamp burn day and night in an upstairs window of the bed-and-breakfast operated by the main character, Celia? Will a lavish engagement party bring her clan closer together or cause problems? Will the party lead to an even more spectacular wedding?

Celia's family changes constantly. Where do they all come from? These step-children and exes? Celia explains it all by way of flash-backs and also as she narrates current daily activities. Conflict after conflict erupts, leading up to the grand disruption which pits daughter against mother, sister against sister, father against step-daughter.

There's a family inside this book waiting to make the reader's acquaintance. Some characters will be likable; some will arouse hatred.

As the book is read, Isadora Island beckons the reader to make a reservation at the famous bed-and-breakfast, Henry's House. It's difficult to realize that this is fiction; or is it? The reader will enjoy escaping from one life into another and back again.

Like to read about strong women characters? Then this is the book for you.

-Lois Berning

This is a beautifully written, heart warming novel about the perks and quirks of a steps and exes family. The story of Celia, a champion of unfettered love, and her family proves that your relatives can be relative and your family is what you make of it. This book is a true gem, Kalpakian's best since These Latter Days. Steps and Exes is a must read for anyone whose family is anything less than "nuclear."

Oh my goodness! Reading this book was almost like stealing scenes from back in the day for me. I know plenty of folks can relate or still can (smile) to the times when they were just out to have a good time in search of what the world....society emphasizes as "the good life". Clubs, the opposite sex, the day job....happy hours! I thought it was fun. Like Anderson plugs that song in the book "Life Is What You Make It". I guess that type of livin' had it's purpose for a season in my life too..... YUP!... To discover that type of lifestyle wasn't it!
Slam DUNK for me. Funny stuff. Good dialogue. It'll take you back....for real. And not 10 years, but just back around the corner a couple of years from your hard clubbing days. By now, most of us are starting to discover we are all in search of something Greater. Anderson calls it out!
I'm telling you...this read is about "Finding EachOneofUs"....while watching "Liq" (suave little pet name for main character Salliq) fumble through and find himself.
I won't give it away....but would love to see a sequel. Or is Anderson's life the sequel? hmm....!?! If you are paying attention Anderson, is this your life? Tell us!

A unique mix of humor and spirituality. This good is just... different. I expected your basic "beach read", but this is anything but. It's a fine story that I think anyone can relate to if they've ever woken up one day and wondered exactly where their life was going and what was the purpose of it all. It's a book that will have you examining your approach to life.

I could have done without some of the cursing, and a few of the female characters seemed one dimensional, but overall, it's a book about how men think, and there's nothing wrong with hearing that perspective for a change. And enjoyable, full hearted first effort. Bravo Mr. Anderson, Bravo!

I've read a lot of popular fiction and this book comes very close to the top of my all-time favorites list. Robert Anderson does a great job of incorporating straight COMEDY into a well-developed plot that follows the evolution of the main character, Saliq. As a woman, I usually spend a lot of my reading time pin-pointing how male authors miss the mark on developing their female characters, but didn't have the chance to critique Anderson in this way. Kudos! Can't wait for his next release.....

This story was good, though definately not one of the best. I enjoyed reading a little about the politics of the 1800's, and some of the social issues, but mostly I liked watching the heroine, Abagail Cabot, grow. It was kind of an "ugly duckling" story, though not exactly, since the heroine changes the way she sees herself more than she changes her appearance, though she changes that too. I though the hero (Jamie Calhoun) was a bit of an ..., but I suppose he turned out to be a basically good duy, although I'd say that he was rather willfully blind when it comes to some things, and the stunt he pulled with the letter made me want to beat him with a large stick. He interferes repeatedly in Abagail's life trying to "help" in order to win her father, the most powerful senator at the time's support of his stand on the Southern railroad building. He is rather high handed in his handling of our good heroine, but he really does genuinely want to see her happy as it turns out, and so he sets out to remake her so that she may win the heart of the vice president's son, Lt. Boyde Butler, who by the way, took one look at the beautiful Helena (Abagail's sister) and just about fell on his face. I also liked that Abagail's sister (Helena) turned out to really love and care about her Abagail and their family in her own way, more than just society and their opinions unlike some other books. I thought it was really cute that she had a thing for the good professor, though I didn't like the professor half so much by the end of the story. He started out as the sexy absentminded academic type, and ended up being an ... But still, it was really nice to watch Abagail grow, and go from being totally clumsy and having absolutely no self esteem, to being so sure of herself, and so much more certain. All in all, I'd say that, though not one of my favorites, it was a nice story- a decent rainy day read- and recomended as such, expecially if you follow the series. (The Charm School, The Horsemaster's Daughter, Halfway To Heaven, and Enchanted Afternoon<-- that's Helena's story)

Halfway to Heaven is the first book by Susan Wiggs I've read. What a treat! Her distinct style hooked me quickly, transported me back to the world of 19th century Washington, D.C. politics, and kept me turning the pages.

The main characters, Abigail Cabot and Jamie Calhoun, immediately captured my heart because they were portrayed as two very human individuals whose imperfections make their story all the more believable. Lively dialogue snaps back and forth as Jamie attempts to teach the very intelligent, unconventional Abigail the social graces. All the while, they fight the growing awareness of their love for each other.

With a distinct style, Ms Wiggs paints wonderful and evocative word pictures of her well-researched historical period. The detailed personalities of her engaging secondary characters add yet another level of depth. Senator Franklin Cabot, the aloft father; Helena, the shallow, but not so shallow sister; Professor Rowan, the neighborly nutty professor and object of Helena's desire; Lt. Boyd Butler, the vice president's son and Abigail's unrequited love interest; and Princess Layla, the woman who destroyed Jamie's heart.

The captivating plot moves smoothly with humor. Her believable characters and their interaction draw you into the scenes with their hints of the plot twists and turns that lay ahead. The conclusion draws Jamie and Abigail's story together with a satisfying resolution and the author even promises a follow-up of Helena's story.

Halfway to Heaven is an enchanting love story that will stay with you long after the final page.

Jamie Calhoon is no Professor Higgins, but he's out to help Abigail Cabot transform herself in order to capture the man of her dreams. But as Jamie and Abby spend time together, he finds that more and more, he doesn't want her dreaming about any man but him. Both characters have emotional baggage, both are endearingly flawed. A truly lovely twist on an old theme...with two characters you can't help but love.

OK, here's the brief plot synopsis:
boy living in the modern world of PR/polling and the Internet is drawn back home to New Jersey and the Mob background that his grandfather was prominent in and wanted him to leave behind. It's an interesting merger of a mafia story with modern technology.

I found this on the new book shelve in the library and the synopsis caught my attention. I'm glad I picked it up. This is an entertaining read with a more substance than the typical summer novel. For a first novel, it is excellent, much richer than you would expect. For any novel, this is a fine read, well worth the time investment for you thriller fans out there.

The story was not predictable; you really had to hang in to the end to figure out what was going to happen. The characters get fleshed out as real people. I'd guess the author is from Jersey and knew these kinds of people growing up. He also knows the world of modern polling and media manipulation. Read his bio on the book jacket for some interesting background.

There were a couple of times you'd want to go back and read a sentence or two as some of the metaphors were a little strained but they stood out as exceptions. This guy is a very decent writer. I'll read his next one.

I truly enjoyed this book! I was slightly surprised, because I'm not usually interested in mob-related books or films. Thanks to this book's interesting characters, unusual story line, and sheer originality, however, I couldn't put it down. Somehow, Dezenhall has managed to come up with an intelligent, exciting story that is extremely funny, yet has a lot of depth. When I heard it was a "comic thriller" I expected something more slapstick--and was glad to find something far different. It is hard to put a brief descriptive label on this book--so if you enjoy a good, thoughtful story with a lot of laughs and interesting characters, buy Money Wanders!

Fifty years ago I was sent to Las Vegas to do a Public Relations campaign that would portray mobsters as kindly, benign, businessmen. Lo and behold, Money Wanders presents a campaign I wish I had access to those many years ago. This book is "right on the money." It doesn't matter if the story is about New Jersy, Chicago, or Las Vegas, the characters appear as part of an international brotherhood.

This is a fun read with an honest plot, and moves toward a satisfying ending. I am on my third re-reading and continue to laugh at the characters who really believe they are "tough" guys. You don't have to be an authority on organized crime to enjoy this book, however you will learn to recognize the difference between Tony Soprano and authentic mobsters.

The popularity of George Pelecanos is on the rise, and with good reason. Soul Circus is the third installment of his Derek Strange series, and it more than meets the high expectations set by the previous two. Pelecanos is to Washington, DC as Robert Crais and Michael Connelly are to Los Angeles. He knows the streets, the people, and the culture and his writing reflects the knowledge of an insider. His depictions of urban youth, gang violence, and drug culture are on the mark and he pulls no punches.

Character development seems to be a strong suit of Pelecanos, as Derek Strange is one of the best around. There is not a reader around who will dislike him. He is not perfect - in fact, he is quite flawed. He's married, but he's reluctant to fully immerse himself in family life. He opposes the death penalty and hates the drugs that plague his neighborhood, but at times resorts to violence and illegal activities himself. He is constantly trying to help the younger men with whom he comes in contact, but realizes that he can only go so far.

Terry Quinn is his partner, and he is just as flawed as Strange. He does not believe in stronger gun control laws, and hates when he is 'punked' due to the fact that he is white. He is prone to violence and has a temper. He often steps over the line, but he is just as loveable as Strange and brings a great deal to the story.

Soul Circus is a novel filled with violence and the death of the young. It is at times brutal, and Pelecanos does not flinch when he relates the reality of murder to his readers. He does not, however, portrey all those involved in the drug trade as evil thugs. No character in this book is drawn so black and white as to be wholly good or bad. From Mario Durham, who is constantly laughed at for wearing a pair of used 'ordans,' to the feared Granville Oliver on trial for his life, everyone has their flaws, and all have redeeming features.

This book can be read as a stand-alone, but readers would probably maximize their enjoyment of this novel by reading Right as Rain and Hell to Pay beforehand. They are both excellent as well.

George Pelecanos is one of today's best crime writers. I've read all of his novels and I can honestly say that I've never been disappointed. In his latest novel, Soul Circus, Mr. Pelecanos returns us to the Washington D.C. of Derek Strange and Terry Quinn. It's a Washington that most of us don't know about. Drug dealers, gangs, guns and violence abound, but that's not all these neighborhoods are about. Mr. Peleconos takes us deep into our capitols neighborhoods and culture.
If you've been keeping up with Mr. Pelecanos's writing you'll know that, Harriet Klausner pay attention here, this is Derek Strange and Terry Quinn's third appearance and Mr. Pelecanos's 11th novel.
As I said before I've enjoyed every one of his novels but the ending to Soul Circus is a surprise that I wasn't prepared for. It may just signal the end to Derek Strange's stories. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
If you've read Right as Rain and Hell to Pay then pick up this novel as soon as possible. If you haven't'..What are you waiting for?

With his 11th novel bestselling author George Pelecanos offers another powerful, disturbing and highly readable story set on the mean streets of Washington, D.C. Private investigator Derek Strange with the aid of Terry Quinn again takes center stage as turf battles erupt in violent grabs for territory and money.

Accomplished voice performer Richard Allen adds just the right amounts of menace and bravado to his reading, ably inhabiting the skins of both good and bad guys.

When a D. C. crime boss is captured and imprisoned he seems a shoo-in for the ultimate punishment. Lawyers representing the gang leader hire Strange to help in getting a lighter sentence. A witness is needed to cast doubt on testimony against the drug lord, and that witness might just be an angry former girlfriend. After all, hell hath no fury like a you-know-who.

Meanwhile with the crime boss in jail two young drug dealers are jousting for the apparently up for grabs neighborhood and profits to come. It is, as Pelecanos makes clear, a vicious circle that goes round and round in an amoral neighborhood where fear rules and friendships are forsaken.

Pelecanos writes thinking man's thrillers, as his legions of fans will attest.

- Gail Cooke

I am an avid reader of Sandra Brown's books and found she is a prolific writer with many different styles of writing, whether drama, suspense, humour or romance. Many of her main characters in her writings reflect these differences, and each hold unique characteristics which is aplaudable considering the many books she has written. The book was a teary, emotional, romance with star-crossed lovers that yearned and deeply loved each other, but unable to fulfill their love due to their positions. Her having a MIA husband and him being a "Senator in running" constantly in the public spotlight. I couldn't put the book down and appreciated the history of MIA's and the plight of their families that Ms. Brown brought into light. I thought the ending resolved quickly and maybe abruptly, but all in all a good read, that I enjoyed as much as "Mirror Image".

I read this book several years ago and had forgotten. While I was reading, I felt like I was revisiting some old friends. The wife (Keely) of a MIA who after only weeks of marriage loses her husband for 12 years. For 12 years, she is loyal to her husband but discovers she's a woman with woman needs to be loved and cherished. No longer a child bride. She meets Dax, a congressman on the way up the political ladder. They fall in love and try to fight their attraction. In the end there is always a happy ending for Ms. Howard. I fell in love with Keely's best friend Nicole what a character. Once you finish reading this book you'll wish you had a good friend like Nicole.

This is one of my favorite Sandra Brown books. It is a very fast read-I read it in less than one day. Keely is a woman whose husband has been MIA for 12 years. On the way to a PROOF convention, she meets Congressman Dax. This has a very interesting, real plot that keeps your attention from the first chapter. Definitely a great summer read!!

By now many readers have become happily acquainted with the style of Major Sean Drummond's amusingly sarcastic personality. In The Kingmaker, Brian Haig's third book, circumstances affect Major Drummond in such a way that his attitude becomes occasionally more caustic than normal.

This time around, our beloved JAG officer is asked to defend a man accused of treason - not just any treason, however, but the worst case against the United States government to date. To make matters more difficult, treason is not the only charge against him.

The overzealous prosecutor has also added such things as adultery, perjury and murder. Major Drummond has a hard road ahead of him, and not just in defending someone that seems to have no possible defense, but also due to the fact that he despises his client.

Brigadier General William Morrison is married to the one woman Drummond has always wanted to spend his life with...the one that got away. Morrison has been a thorn in Drummond's side for years, and now he's stuck trying to prove his innocence when helping him is the last thing he truly wants to do.

The clouds eventually open up, though, and a ray of possibility shines through. If Drummond can find the man known as "The Kingmaker," he can possibly find the truth behind the accusations against Morrison. With the help of his Russian-speaking, leather-wearing co-counsel, Katrina Mazorski, and the ever-present legal assistant Sergeant First Class Imelda Pepperfield, he might just be able to beat the odds.

Brian Haig has developed a character that is likeable and laughable at the same time that he is being brash and brilliant, which gives life to the books rather than making them just dry, legal tomes.

One of the best aspects of these novels is that they can each stand alone. While Sean Drummond, Imelda Pepperfield and some of the other characters surrounding his career are present in each volume, there is not a thread connecting them in such a way that the reader must follow them in order.

In fact, Brian Haig even takes the time to explain Drummond's "black unit" background in all three. In this way, one isn't left guessing as to how exactly he got where he was, yet he doesn't approach it in such a way that makes a Drummond "follower" feel as though it is redundant.

Each time out, Brian Haig gets more accomplished as a writer of thrillers. In Sean Drummond he has created an engaging protagonist worthy of the complex and timely plots he constructs. JAG lawyer Drummond has so far travelled from the the atrocity-scarred Balkans to the turmoil of the Korean peninsula and now, in The Kingmaker, to the chaos of the Russian Federation to find the truth behind the allegations of treason levelled against his latest client, who just happens to be a former Academy classmate. An altogether thrilling ride, with some remarkable insights into who actually controls the political landscape of present day Russia.

Well, what can I say. I am a big Brian Haig fan. I enjoyed this book so much. I look so forward to Mr. Haig's books and I was not disappointed. I love the Sean Drummond character, not only his great sense of humor, but the fact that he makes mistakes, has vulnerabilities just like the rest of us. I think Mr.Haig is up there with Ludlum, Forsyth and Demille, which as far as I'm concerned is really good company. I will be reading his next one too. I hope Drummond will be back, but if not, I still look to any story that Mr. Haig will tell.