Fleeing the rigors of the priesthood, as well as an outraged husband, Nicholas joins a band of actors to survive in this nearly lawless land. The small ragged group travels together for protection and to perform stylized plays in small villages along the way for pennies. The plague is in the land again, starvation is an ever present threat, and Kings and Lords hold the power of life and death over the desperately poor. Unwittingly, the group of players stumble into a village which was recently the site of the murder of a young boy. A young woman has been tried for the crime and is to hang immediately. Step by step the group is drawn into this real life drama of life and death until their own wretched existence is at stake.

Although this is a clever plot in a deceptively simple story, the period is the real attraction here. The author captures the most desperate existence imaginable while painting a portrait of a cold, gray, primitive England that is vivid and memorable. A fast and entertaining book.

Morality Play is a mystery, but it is one with a complex and thoughtful plot rather than one that races ahead at a breakneck pace. This doesn't slow the book down. Far from it; the book's perfect pacing only enriches and deepens both the story and the characters.

Morality Play is really a perfect novel: a surprising murder mystery, engrossing historical fiction and a book that delves into the very beginnings of modern theatre. It's perfect for anyone who loves England, loves historical fiction, mysteries or theatre.

However, Stone finds himself the recipient of the VIP treatment, making him conclude that someone does not want him to investigate the disappearance of his former squeeze. Soon, Stone is told to go back to the Big Apple as Arrington has been found. Still, he cannot leave without finding out the truth about the recent shenanigans. This turns into a mistake as the New Yorker becomes the target of some questionable characters.

SWIMMING TO CATALINA is not for everyone. If someone wants a jocular, irrelevant novel in which nothing is sacred, this is the book to peruse. Stone is a typical cynical New Yorker with a slightly self-deprecating sense of humor. He is also the last of the free love characters. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plenty of action. Simply put, Stuart Woods has written another three thumbs up winner.

Harriet Klausner

This foray didn't quite measure up to his previous two, especially "Dead in the Water", but it was a great read nontheless. Will Arrington be out of his life forever now that she has Vance's child? Or will Stone charge to her rescue the next time she calls? Stay tuned...(we hope!)

But treating her like another mistress isn't possible for Jocelyn. He trusts her, confides in her, opens his heart to her, without suspecting that Jane is hiding many things from him, things that could compromise their relationship.

Mary Balogh has a way to bare her characters' inner thoughts that is poignant and makes perfect sense. Misunderstandings keep them apart without artificial dramas. She also knows how to write love scenes between two characters and make them so very different according to the state of their relationship. More Than a Mistress includes a love scene of sheer romanticism and a later one that reflects the different emotions driving both heroes. A lot of the characters' state of mind is revealed through those two scenes, as well as another greatly powerful one where, after days of coldness between Jane and Jocelyn, a wordless exchange reminds us all of the unspoken feelings binding them.

There was only one regret I had about this book: I wish the main element of the outcome (which I won't reveal to avoid spoilers) had been showed "live" and not just told about. It seemed out of the blue and out of sync with the way the characters behaved a few minutes before what they knew (and what the reader didn't know) was revealed. I would also have wished for an epilogue; an unpublished one is thankfully available on Mary Balogh's site, and it made up for that small complaint of mine. :)

As a whole, a delightful story, full of humour and poignancy, and certainly one I'll enjoy reading several times.

GETTING RID OF BRADLEY is a re-issue of an earlier novel, and it will delight her newer fans who missed the book on its first go-round.

Her characters are distinctive and well-developed, and the plot is far more detailed than in most conventional romances. Heroine Lucy Savage is endearing and compelling, with foibles that seem all too real. The dogs are real and compelling, also. Reading Ms. Crusie's CV on the back of the jacket, it is easy to understand how she has become such a star in her field.

The only complaint is that once this plot reached its inevitable climax--every pun intended--the story becomes more about lust than about mystery. This is a pity, because Jennifer Crusie has crafted a romance novel that has far more depth than the genre usually requires.

"Getting Rid of Bradley" is one of those novels you just can't help laughing out loud to. Bestselling author Jennifer Crusie manages to tell an entertaining story by blending humour and sexual tension. The characters and situations they are thrust into are so crazy, so left field, that you can't help believing that it could actually happen. The interactions between Lucy and Zack are very entertaining to read and it's nice to watch their relationship develop in such a short time period. What begins as an innocent attraction quickly turns into overwhelming passion and eventually love for the two, who seem hell-bent on preventing just that.

If you're looking for a light-hearted, romantic novel, check this one out. You'll just love it!

Gennie Bailey-Rogers

Mr. Hilditch is one of the most memorable characters I've encountered of late. Like Count Fosco in Wilkie Collins' THE WOMAN IN WHITE, Hilditch appears to be a benign giant, overweight and always eating pastries, a charming man. Inside, however, he's dark. His past haunts him and compels him to act out unspeakable evils so unspeakable that Trevor leaves it up to us to figure out what exactly he has done. Therein lies the suspense: what are this man's crimes, what is the runaway Felicia up against, where are the bodies, if any? We watch, helpless, as Felicia slowly enters Hilditch's trap, wondering how she could possibly escape.

The suspense builds steadily throughout, especially as we learn more and more about Mr. Hilditch, as we begin to feel sorry for this tortured soul. FELICIA'S JOURNEY is a little slow, perhaps, but a worthwhile read nonetheless.

Though still a young teenager, poverty-stricken Bess Hardwick attains a position in the household of Lady Margaret Zouche. Ultimately, she gets to go the King Henry's court and meets Princess Elizabeth.

However, due to family pressure and English inheritance laws, she is forced to wed the ailing Robert Barlow before she is sixteen. Because of his health, they never consummate the marriage. A year later, he dies. When Rogue Cavendish's wife dies, he marries Bess. They have a passionate love affair. However, when Henry dies and Queen Mary attains the throne, unbearable pressure is placed on Rogue. He soon dies from a heart attack. Bess next accepts a proposal from the kind but elderly William St. Loe. Four and a half years later, he dies. Throughout all this time, Bess has been attracted to George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, but knows that there chance for a lifetime together is remote.

With her newest novel, Virginia Henley proves that readers know a good thing as evident by her numerous best selling novels and awards. A WOMAN OF PASSION is more than just an Elizabethan romance. Instead it is biographical fiction that brings an era and a brave person to life. This well-written fictionalized account of the real life and events of Bess Hardwick, an influential figure during the Elizabethan era may be Ms. Henley's best work to date, which is saying a lot because her resume of erotic historical romances include some of the all time best works.

Harriet Klausner

It follows her through her childhood to her four marriages and gives each one depth. You'll love the steam that she shares with Sir Cavendish, and feel true sympathy for her and Robert Barlow, her first husband who she marries to save her family. Poor Robert sure gets an A effort at least. You'll love this book and how entailed it is. You will feel so in touch with Bess that you;ll be sad when the book ends. It is truly one of the best historical romances Ive read.

Is it a literary mystery disguised at a thriller? OR a thriller disguised as a literary mystery? You be the judge. I found it to be simply excellent. 4 1/2 stars out of five; five being reserved for books like Cat's Cradle or Ulysses...

Though based on actual events, this book shouldn't be confused with a reference book, its not. The author uses his talents as a fiction writer to breathe life into the unfortunate souls on board the doomed ships. Cussler is also very opinionated and doesn't hesitate to share his slant on a subject. Anybody dumb enough to base a college paper on this book alone, probably didn't have much chance of passing anyway (earlier review).

Its a nice insight into how Cussler comes up with ideas for his Pitt stories, but don't expect beautiful marine biologists being stalked by evil billionaires here.

Having just read and enjoyed your book, The Sea Hunters, I just wanted to drop you a note. Your search and salvage exploits have been amazing!! The book presented numerous situations and scenarios that were unknown to me. Sections of your book should be used by teachers to make the study of history more interesting. Although some people may criticize your fictional accounts of the incidents presented in your book, the writing is certainly vivid and brings to life a somewhat tedious and dull subject. My only criticism of your book is that it did not include a bibliography, although you do mention a few references throughout the text. I guess I'll just have to go to my local library and start looking for appropriate books on subjects of interest.

I've read all of the Dirk Pitt® exploits, but they certainly don't compare to some of your non-fictional adventures. Dirk's are becoming a bit "over the edge." But who cares. A well-crafted story is what the reading public wants. Dirk Pitt - What a great name for an adventure hero!! James Bond sounds like a sissy name compared to the one you've created.