Legal Tender by Lisa Scottoline

LEGAL TENDER is a fast paced legal crime novel, with Benedetta "Bennie" Rosato as our heroine. She's a lawyer, who along with her partner Mark Biscardi, make up the law firm of Rosato and Biscardi. Business is going great. Her love life isn't, on the other hand. Mark, who was once her lover, is now dating one of their junior lawyers, Eve, and although Bennie's angry as hell, she doesn't have anything against Mark. Eve, on the other hand, she does not trust one bit.

Soon, there is trouble at the office. Mark informs her that he is planning on starting over by forming a brand new law firm, leaving Rosato and Biscardi behind. Shortly after their argument, Mark is found dead in his office, and because he has named Bennie as his main beneficiary, she is the main suspect. Before long, she is on the run and she doesn't know whom she can trust. The law firm's success was bogus, and after much investigating she finds out that Mark had been planning to leave the partnership quite a while ago, bringing Eve along with him.

Mark isn't the only one found dead. Soon, there are others, and Bennie knows that the deaths are all connected. Could they all have something to do with a case she had been working on? It was hard to tell. But as the newspaper headlines blare out her name on the front page, she finds that she is having a hard time coming out of hiding and returning to a normal life.

With the help of Grady, another lawyer from the law firm, she does a lot of researching and investigating, and slowly learns the truth of why Mark and all the others had been murdered.

I'm not a big fan of legal crime dramas, but I did enjoy LEGAL TENDER. I've read other crime novels, and found this one relatively easy to follow. It was fast paced and it took me only a few days to read it. I did feel that a lot of the plot was predictable, but this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. It only helped to make the book go that much faster. I would highly recommend it, but do not think the typical fan of legal crime dramas would enjoy it as much.

This is the first book I've read by Lisa Scottoline and while I'm not a huge fan of legal thrillers, I enjoyed this book. The book is told from the point-of-view of Bennie Rosato, a larger-than-life lawyer who has been dumped personally and professionally by her boyfriend and law partner, Mark. Mark is sleeping with a young associate in the firm and plans to oust her. After a huge fight many of the associates were witness to, Mark is found murdered. Bennie soons learns Mark hadn't changed his will and she is still listed as his main beneficiary. As if that weren't enough to incriminate her, the cops are all to eager to to charge the woman who has won many many police brutality cases against them. Bennie has no one to trust. Anyone from the firm could have killed Mark. Only Grady, a handsome associate in the firm, agrees to represent her. As more bodies are found, Bennie goes into hiding to solve Mark's murder case. The action is fast-paced and the characters jump off the page.

Lisa Scottoline is a writer that pulls you in immediately and I promise you that you won't put down any one of her books unless you absolutely have to. Legal Tender introduces the character "Bennie" Bendedetta Rosato. Bennie is accused of murdering her ex-lover in this fast-paced legal thriller and as the plot thickens you are unable to tear yourself away from this book. All of Scottoline's books are absorbing and as soon as I finished reading this one I went out and bought all of them. Often I buy several books of the same author and they get boring and repetive but not so with her, its a surprise every time. She's been compared to Grisham but my opinion is she is even better!!! Don't miss Legal Tender or any of her books, you won't be disappointed!

Jayne Ann Krentz is a master storyteller who combines romance and adventure with a skilled hand. However, even the best sometimes fall back on formula when their muse deserts them and this book is an example of Krentz with either serious writer's block or a deadline right around the corner. The characters of Charity and Elias as well as the bizarre people who make their livings on the pier are bad photocopies of previous characters from her earlier novels. All seem interesting on the surface but do not have the degree of detail that marks Krentz's normal high level of quality. The story is no better and is reminiscent of one of her less imaginative series romances. All in all, this one is not worth the effort and certainly not the high price that a paperback commands these days.

I am sure that at some point I have read other Jayne Ann Krentz books, but I definately enjoyed this one. Let me give a short synopsis.

At first we meet Charity Truitt who is a powerful corporate person and right away she shows that she is burnt out and has a breakdown. She settles into a small town and owns a small shop which she is very content with. A gentleman, Elias Winter, who we learn was also an important corporate person, moves into Washington's Whispering Waters Cove. Everyone mistrusts Elias' motives including Charity. But, Elias is a novice when it comes to relationships and Charity has been repulsed by former boyfriends...so they meet.

There is some suspense and a mystery involved in the plot of the book as well as a wonderful romantic tale. This novel was fun to read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes more to a romance novel than just boy meets girl and they end up in bed.

Deep Waters was the first contemporary romance novel I ever read, as well as the first JAK book. I have to say, I got totally hooked! I found the Zenny water philosophy of Tal Kek Chara to be an extremely creative addition to the book, and the space-cult storyline was hysterically funny. One of the reviews on the book calls the relationship between Charity and Elias a "Tracy-Hepburn" alliance, and I have to agree. They had such passion, understanding, and (oddly and entertainingly enough) humor. The secondary characters were equally personable. I loved every minute of my reading experience, and Deep Waters is one of the few books in recent memory that I have picked up again and again, and enjoyed just as much each time I read it.

One final note, not really plot-related, but I have to say how much I loved the detail JAK uses in her writing. Charity and Elias's cooking contests had me in stitches -- and rummaging through my cupboards and cookbooks!

This is also the only romance novel I have given as a gift. I would highly recommend it to any fan of JAK or intelligent contemporary romance.

Alzheimer's is a distinctly unglamorous disease that nevertheless has been thrust into the public eye of late. Famous names have withered in its clutches and most recently, the film Iris thrust dementia out from behind closed doors.

The losing of one's memory, arguably the essence of the person, is one of the most distressing disease processes to contemplate, making Alzheimer's a name that brings with it stigma and fear.

Shenk gives a uniquely humane coverage of the condition, in a book that is devoid of harsh clinical language. He explains concepts such as the multifactorial causes of the disease with a pleasant use of analogy. A roughly chronological account of both the natural history of the disease and the history of scientic study of Alzheimers allows the book to evolve naturally and gives it a structure that is often not found in lesser disease-orientated books.

Cases, both of anonymous families and famous victims of the disease, are woven into the narrative in a wholly sympathetic manner.

Shenk offers us helpful ways of seeing the degeneration of the disease in a mirror held up to childhood development which may help some people to break through their fear and disgust.

This gentle book holds much of value for victims, families and carers as well as for students of health related subjects.

Just in case you don't have enough to worry about, consider Alzheimer's disease. Over five million Americans currently suffer from this degenerative disease that attacks the neurons in the brain, slowly erasing memory, verbal skills, motor skills and the basic elements of identity. It is lethal, incurable and only negligible treatments are available. Now think about the baby boomers, currently poised on the brink of the years when Alzheimer's disease begins to strike. Over the next fifty years, the number of Alzheimer's patients is expected to triple, resulting in a crushing burden on the medical community and on family caregivers, who may suffer more than anyone.

People are scared to read David Shenk's book. In his afterword, he refers to a family friend who bought it and intended to read it, but was too intimidated by the subject matter and its implications to delve into it. It's easy to understand why. If you already suffer from Alzheimer's, you may think it's too late to learn about it. If you don't have Alzheimer's and you don't know anyone who does, you might not want to learn any more about this terrible, merciless disease. However, as our population ages, it becomes increasingly likely that everyone will be touched by Alzheimer's --- as a patient, as a caregiver, or simply as a citizen of a world wherein a substantial segment of the population can no longer drive, dress themselves, speak rationally, recognize loved ones, or remember their own names. It is a social force as strong as any war --- and information and communication are our greatest weapons against it.

THE FORGETTING provides a brief history of the disease. Shenk describes Dr. Alois Alzheimer's first patient, a woman who suffered from what was believed to be inexplicably premature senility. He intersperses his accounts of ongoing research with anecdotes of famous people we now know to have had Alzheimer's disease, great minds that self-destructed inside otherwise healthy bodies. Ralph Waldo Emerson's decline was slow and sad. Jonathan Swift died bitter and thwarted by his waning skills. His last words were, "I am a fool."

Painter Willem de Kooning had a different experience. He kept painting, even though his mind was failing and produced some of the best works of his career. His story is a reminder that some Alzheimer's patients find a sort of peace through their disease. In letting go of ordinary habits and concerns, some patients reach a level of tranquility before their last decline.

The book also introduces us to the research community: an army of doctors, scientists, independent researchers and pharmaceutical companies who are working fiercely to find a cure before Alzheimer's disease overwhelms us. It is heartening to know that such an effort is in progress, although it's cruel to end Chapter 14 hinting that a vaccine has been found that will prevent Alzheimer's disease from ever developing and stop existing Alzheimer's disease from progressing, only to mention in the afterword that the vaccine never made it past FDA phase 2 trials. False hope is the last thing these people need.

David Shenk does not mean to be cruel; it's just that research is moving so quickly that the best prospect for a cure in the hardcover edition had already been scrapped by the time the paperback came out. Even so, there's a lot of good information here. Readers might find the Resources section in the back to be the most practical help and Chapter 16, "What Not to Do," lists behavior patterns that researchers (currently) find helpful in avoiding the disease.

--- Reviewed by Colleen Quinn

(...) Though Shenk's book makes an excellent introduction to the subject to the lay reader, as well as a thoughtful meditation for those whose families have been directly touched by the disease, it also transcends its single subject to become a profound exploration on identity, will, memory, and loss; in this regard, "The Forgetting" stands with the classic works of what neurologist A.R. Luria called "neurobiographies" -- including Luria's own "The Man with a Shattered World," as well as Oliver Sacks' numerous works, such as "An Anthropologist on Mars" and "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat." In books like this, the disorder itself becomes a way to investigate consciousness and meaning, and thus becomes worthwhile reading for anyone interested in the nature of mind.

Shenk's prose is lucid, erudite, and often luminous, weaving historical information, science, and direct observation into a multifaceted consideration of the profound impact of Alzheimer's on those who have it, and those who love them. I found myself weeping at several points in this book -- not out of horror, but out of admiration for the courage of those who face this disease, and the bravery and humanity of those who love them.

Personal disclaimer: I was the co-author, with Shenk, of a book in 1993 called "Skeleton Key." I was frankly blown away by how Shenk's prose style has matured since the writing of that book and his fine later work, "Data Smog." The gravity of his subject in "The Forgetting" has drawn the very best out of him, and I would have been as moved by this book even if I didn't know him. It was Shenk's bad luck to have his masterpiece come out in the same season as the attacks on the World Trade Center -- I have no doubt that "The Forgetting" would have become a major bestseller on its merits if the world hadn't been distracted by anthrax and war. But I also have faith that this book will find its audience, and proper recognition, over time.

Needless to say, anyone who has been touched by the life story of Iris Murdoch will find even more illumination here -- the problems Shenk's subjects face cut to the heart of the human condition.

A brilliant, important book -- easily one of the best books of 2001. It's the kind of book you want to give to your friends and relatives so they can experience the redemption that comes from facing darkness full-on, and remembering what qualities of the human spirit prevail through the gravest difficulties.

As a Hamptons native who has moved away from the area, I was very interested by the idea of the book. It read a lot like "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," with eccentric real-life characters (though no transvestites) and squabbles that are funny to anyone not involved in the situation. However, it seemed rather caught up in mainly covering the socially elite of the Hamptons and was rather rude in its constant dismissal of any Hamptons other than Southampton or East Hampton (Gaines sniffed several times that Westhampton, for instance, should've been called "Dentisthampton"). I think an excellent follow-up, or companion, volume to this book would be if Gaines were to find the same types of fascinating people and stories in the not-so-exclusive Hamptons.

I read the book like one savors a delectable morsel of some rare treat - slowly, deliberately, trying to make every bite last an eternity.

Stephen Gaines managed to capture in great detail not only the fascinating and unique history of this town but he artfully blended in the hilarious shenanigans that color today's East Hampton.

Most Hamptons visitors and probably most recent residents are unfortunately not aware of this town's character beyond the "rich & famous" banalities usually reported in the tabloid press.

What partied-out summer reveler can tell you that:

1. The East Hampton Trustees, a body of private citizens, own the waterways to this day through a decree by King George and not even the U.S. Federal Government has succeeded in successfully challenging this right?

2. The oldest cattle ranch is in Montauk, not some place in the West?

3. Amagansett was the only location in the U.S. that was ever invaded by the Nazis in WW2?

4. Captain Kidd's treasure is buried somewhere off the shores of East Hampton?

5. Gardiner Island is owned by a man who holds his title from King George

These and countless other fascinating tidbits were carefully researched and documented in the book along with the bizarre and outlandish behavior of some of our local celebrities.

This is a fascinating book that educates the reader through an entertaining style a la Hard Copy. Really a must read!

I loved this book. The author has written a social history of the Hamptons that's a real page-turner. The characters are fascinating and he evokes a sense of place that makes you feel the author knows every nook and cranny of his subject. The book creates an historical tapestry stretching from pre-Revolutionary days to an end- of-the-millenium July 4th party. It would be easy to take potshots at the rich and richers who live in the Hamptons, but the author, who sees these characters with a clear and discerning eye, never condescends. The book moves so quickly I finished it in one sitting. This is my favorite kind of book-- a non-fiction book that reads like a novel. Because of the subject, some people might consider this a summer read, but I found this to be THE perfect book to read during a recent snowstorm. Enjoy!

I am an avid mystery reader and a biologist, and so when I was stuck in the Portland airport for 12 hours, I picked up Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr. I have often found with mysteries that there are 2 basic kinds: a mystery with a compelling plot that is well constructed but has a one-dimensional protagonist, or a simple-minded mystery with a compelling protagonist. While not perfect, I found Anna Pidgeon and this story to be the best of both worlds. True, the plot was a bit translucent at times, but it was still based on a neat premise. Her descriptions of the park were beautiful without being distracting. And I loved Anna. Yes, she is flawed, but she is a REAL person. I know people like Anna. She's no Miss Marple (dont' get me wrong--I love Miss Marple and her twinkely blue eyes), but does she need to be? Anna is a decent, flawed, intelligent person. Like most of us. She's not the 'perfect omniscient detective' who figures out things in leaps of logic none of us can fathom (and are disappointing to read in a mystery, frankly). You can put yourself in her shoes, and any good novel does that for the reader. I look forward to watching Ms. Barr and Ms. Pidgeon grow in the subsequent novels. This was not a perfect novel, but showed a LOT of potential!

As far as mysteries go, I thought this book (and the other Anna Pigeon books I have read) were pretty good, though perhaps not among the best-written I've ever read. What made the books enjoyable for me were the settings. Each book takes place in a different National Park, where the main character, Anna Pigeon, is stationed as a ranger. We've traveled to several of the national parks featured, and her descriptions are very evocative of the sites and bring back great memories. They also provide some interesting perspectives on the life of a park ranger! If you're a National Park Fan, you'll enjoy following Anna Pigeon around on her various assignments.

Nevada Barr is really the first mystery writer I've ever looked at, and "The Track of the Cat" is the first book I've read of hers. It's very good, and maybe a little old now since it was published in 1994. However, the time of publication does not matter in this case, for I loved the stark description of the national park where Anna Pigeon works. I enjoy her relationship with her psychologist sister who still lives in New York, and the unravelling mysteries surrounding the death of fellow ranger Sheila Drury and the disappearance of another male ranger. Unfortunately, the copy I had might have been missing some pages right near the end, so I don't know if I went through the entire story. Once again, read this and be enthralled with Nevada Barr's debut novel!

Having just read "Motion to Suppress", the first in a series of legal thrillers featuring main character Nina Reilly, I've got the other succeeding books already on my reading list. What I like about this book, aside from it's fast-pace and intriguing plot, is that Nina is depicted as an independent woman with smart business savy, yet one with shortcomings and insecurities. In other words, she's human.

Having just left her husband and a prestigious corporate law firm in San Francisco, Nina relocates to Lake Tahoe where she sets up a private practice. There, she takes her first criminal case, Misty Patterson, accused of murdering her abusive husband. In the meantime, Nina has her own personal issues to resolve, including a pending divorce, and warding off intimidation from a another defense attorney, drivin by male ego, who's use to having the run of the town's clientele.

Other bright and colorful characters include Nina's private investigator friend who has hinted at being more than just colleagues, a sassy and witty secretary who has friends and relatives in high places as well as referrals, and a supportive family with whom she takes temporary residence.

If "Motion to Suppress" is an indication of what's to come, I look forward to more of Perri O'Shaughnessy's books.

Sister-writing team, Pam and Mary O'Shaughnessy, team up in this first installment of the Nina Reilly series. The series must be a hit with readers and their publisher as the ninth book is set to be released later this year. In "Motion To Suppress," we are introduced to Nina as her career as a San Francisco attorney and her marriage to a fellow lawyer hit the skids. With her young son in tow, Nina packs up and heads to Lake Tahoe to visit her brother. She soon sets up shop and lands her first client -- a troubled woman seeking a restraining order from her abusive husband. When the husband is found at the bottom of Lake Tahoe and Nina's client accused of murder the fun really begins.

O'Shaughnessy is (are?!) proficient at piecing together a mystery, although it does get a bit bogged down in the middle. However, this lasts only for a short time as crackling courtroom scenes with a fair share of twists and turns keep readers quickly flipping the final pages. Character-wise, I never quite warmed up to our protagonist Nina. She does not seem to be the most fun person to be around but I certainly would not mind having her as my lawyer if I ever needed one! Despite all the unsavory folks lurking about, "Motion To Suppress" certainly made me want to visit this picturesque town on the California/Nevada border. Overall, the novel is an entertaining who-done-it. It is not likely to win any writing awards, but certainly worth a recommendation for a summer-time read. I am sure I will read more of O'Shaughnessy's novels in the future.

I am just curious to know why I haven't heard of Perri O'Shaughnessy before now. The first book (as I understand this is a continuing series), Motion to Suppress, is a thrilling book with the plot thickening each chapter, and definetley plenty of twists.I just can't believe this book has been out since 1995, and I haven't heard the name before now!! I am so disappointed to have not found the authors (Perri O'Shaughnessy is the pen name for two sisters writing together) earlier! In Motion To Suppress, Nina Reilly is a lawyer who has just opened her own practice in Lake Tahoe. She takes on her first case, which is a wife, named Misty Patterson, who is accussed of killing her husband. The kicker is that Misty remembers hitting him while they were arguing, but doesn't remember anything thereafter. Of course when her husband turns of dead, Misty is to blame. Nina is in a race to find the truth about the murder, and finds lots of "interesting" facts along the way. I overly enjoyed the whole book, right to the very end. The only reason I gave Motion To Suppress one star short of perfect is because the writing is hard to understand and wordy in places, which can be expected since this is the debut novel, and will get better with each novel. Other than that Motion To Supress is a great mystery/thriller that will leave you guessing throughout the whole book, not to mention changing your mind on "who do it" with each passing chapter. Perri O'Shaughnessy is a winner!

This is a reprint of Lisa Kleypas's first novel. I was very excited to read it, because she is one of my favorite authors. But, as excited as I was, I wasn't expecting her usual novels, because, well this was her first attempt. I hate to say it, but usually an author's first publication isn't as good as their novels now. Anyway, I really did enjoy this book.

I thought that Lysette was a strong heroine, and though she seemed to cater to Max's needs a lot, she was still an individual. Max allowed her to have her own opinions and thoughts, and wasn't as high handed as many husbands of that time could be. I also liked Max. He was so happy to be around his wife, and I really don't see that much in historical novels until nearly the end of the book. He took joy in being with her all the time, and he liked her for her individualism.

Max's sons, Justin and Phillipe, his mother, and the mystery surrounding his first wife's death all added to this book. But, I have to say that I guessed who the killer was almost from the first. Ignoring that fact though, this book has good characters, wonderful romance scenes, and a setting that I have never seen Kleypas use in her current books. I was pretty pleased with this book all in all, and I think it would be worth a read for any romance fan.

I must admit that although I had read "Only In Your Arms" waaaay back when, it had not "stayed" with me even though she is one of my favorite authors. I had a hard time recalling characters and the story line so for me this was like reading a new book. This was a great story full of the trademarks that make a Lisa Kleypas book a Lisa Kleypas book. There is great chemistry between Max and Lysette and the story is fast paced and interesting. Set during one of my personal favorite time periods (early 1800's) and in one of my favorite locations (New Orleans) Ms. Kleypas manages to include historic people in their own storyline that is not boring to the reader but at the same time manages to include main characters and move the story along. This is a great example of what Ms. Kleypas is able to to with her writing and storytelling talent.

When I first heard that Lisa Kleypas was re-working her 1992 novel Only in Your Arms, my first thought was, "what is she thinking?" After all, Only in Your Arms, in my opinion, is one of those novels whose epic love story lasts through the ages.

I must say, though, after reading When Strangers Marry, I realized that you CAN improve upon perfection!!! The story of Maximillien Vallerand and Lysette Kersaint is magnified and enhanced!! Max is sexy and charming in a way that he never could have been in OIYA. Max still has that dangerous quality that attracts and repels us to him, but he is much more approachable and easier to laugh. Lysette is a lot stronger heroine in the re-work. Even in her slight size, she stands up to Max and appears unafraid of the man that everyone else calls "murderer".

The best thing about this book is that the sensuality is more intense between Max and Lysette. These characters sizzle in each other's arms. I think all of Ms. Kleypas' fans will be pleased to see Max more open and tender with Lysette. And, Lysette is Max's dream come true.

I was happy to re-visit the Vallerand family. It was good to see Justin (that wicked man!!) and Phillipe again. I am glad that Ms. Kleypas chose to maintain Justin's dangerous rebellion, but temper it with an earlier reconcilliation with his father. And, although the murder of Max's first wife is still looming over the family, the love story between Max and Lysette is not overshawdowed by it.

Kudos to Ms. Kleypas.

As a first time reader of Nina O'Reilly, I had a hard time putting this book down. Also, as a former resident and casino worker in Lake Tahoe I enjoyed the references to real places. I found her characters to be well-written and while I didn't like them all, I felt that I knew them personally. The story and plot lines were interesting, and I didn't figure out whodunit until the end. I intend to go back and read the previous Nina O'Reilly books now!

When intrepid Tahoe lawyer Nina Reilly takes on a palimony suit, even she cannot imagine the twists and turns that may well determine both her own Fate and that of her client, Lindy Markov. With the prospect of netting huge profits warring against her fierce sense of morality, Nina faces an uphill battle against her arch-rival - defense attorney, Jeffrey Riesner - in a case that could literally make or break her.

A page-turner from start to finish, BREACH OF PROMISE shines as O'Shaughnessy's best mystery to date. As in the three earlier novels, O'Shaughnessy skillfully weaves together a fast-paced, multi-layered plot that never feels forced or contrived. With enough intrigue and surprise to keep any reader guessing, BREACH OF PROMISE cuts to the heart of the basic dichotomy between men and women without bogging down in sentiment or cliché.

Surrounded by a fascinating cast of characters, all wonderfully distinctive and deftly drawn, Nina Reilly remains refreshingly appealing and real. Both tough and vulnerable, she soldiers on through triumph and adversity alike without ever surrendering her values to expedience. And her droll self-deprecations, her wariness of commitment, and her insecurities about parenthood only render her all the more endearing.

A wonderful story and a compelling mystery, BREACH OF PROMISE should be on everyone's summer reading list.

Going through a mid-life crisis, Mike Markov decides to leave his spouse for a younger woman, who happens to work in their company, which happens to be thebiggest employer in the Reno area. When Mike tells his wife Linda that he is filing for divorce, she hires Tahoe attorney Nina O'Reilly to insure she gets half of their multi-million dollar business empire. Mike, in turn, brings in his own top gun, slick lawyer Jeffrey Riesner.

Feeling as if she is not ready for the big leagues that Jeffrey swims in, Nina asks Winston Reynolds to assist her. Ultimately, the case goes to court where Nina and her cohorts find twists and turns, some caused by her own client. Still, the intrepid Nina and her crack staff give their client the best representation an attorney can provide.

BREACH OF PROMISE is a fabulous legal thriller because of the adept writing of Perri O'Shaughnessy to microscopically look at a male's mid-life crisis from various perspectives without placing blame. Though the story line bogs down a bit during the jury deliberations, the overall plot is action-packed and fast-paced with numerous twists. Still, this series is made great by the eccentric characters (Nina, her assistant Sandy, and her lover Paul) who bring real personalities to a sub-genre normally populated by Herculean individuals. This gripping novel and Ms. O'Shaughnessy's previous tales (see OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, etc.) are all fun to read because the morality is not so clear cut.

Harriet Klausner

I normally like war time novels. I have read every one of W.E.B. Griffin's books, some several times. The Men at War series was originally written under his pen name Alec Baldwin, and came before all of his other series. This sequel to those two books is a poor follow-up to the first two. I felt the author was just going through the motions to make another buck after the re-release of the first two books in this series ( under his real name this time). Mr. Griffin, don't take this personally, but you can do a lot better.

The Soldier Spies is classical but not great W.E.B. Griffin. It has what is fans have come to expect. Heroic characters in an engrossing plot. Language that at its best compares favorably with Herman Wouk and Scott Turow, and at its worse would draw reprimands from most conscientious eight grade English teachers. His faith in the moneyed classes continues unabated as does his rather juvenile view of women. The finish, traditionally weak in Griffin's books is especially limp in this volume. It reads as if he was late for an important social event and chose to stop in mid paragraph. But one reads Griffin for the flow not the finish, and for those of us who are fans, Soldier Spies once again delivers the basic goods. Bottom line: If you started the Men at War series you will enjoy reading the Soldier Spies and will happily purchase the next volume; if only to learn the fates of the spies and soldiers left stranded from Budapest to Manila. If you are new to Griffin start with the Marine Corps series.

This is a very good book. It had a lot of excitement in the storyline, the characters were very indepth. The characters were as if you knew them your whole life, and by the end of the book you could almost tell the rest of the story yourself, you knew what they said even before you read it. You feel joy for them when they get permoted you feel that you should walk over and shake their hand and congratulate them. When one has to leave his wife or his girlfriend you feel a need to go and comfort them and say it's ok they will be alright. W.E.B. Griffin really knows what he is doing when he wrote this book. At first the book starts off with about four different stories all going on at the same time. This can become rather confusing but the more and more you read the stories one by one come together and everything makes sence. When the stories start coming together that is when it really gets good. If you enjoy books that make you think than you should really consider this book

I just returned from a month in India, traveling with both the Lonely Planet (9th ed.) and Rough Guide (3rd ed.) If you are considering a long trip across the breadth of India, I would strongly suggest taking BOTH books. The Lonely Planet is great for practical details (train times, phone numbers, etc.) but spends too much space reviewing individual restaurants and hotels. Even though the book tops out over 1000 pages, the sections devoted to actually explaining the sights and the wonderful culture and history of India are very short.

In contrast, the Rough Guide spends much more space discussing the background and culture of individual locations, and is packed with lots of interesting details not found in the Lonely Planet. The RG spends less space on restaurant/hotel reviews, which was perfectly fine - I'd rather know more about the places I'm visiting than worry how much chicken shahjani costs at some particular restaurant.

The tone and approach of the books are different too - the RG takes a much more optimistic, romantic view of India, while the LP is often so terse and cynical that it doesn't really inspire you to visit many wonderful places.

Get the LP for the listings. Get the RG to appreciate the beauty of India.

This edition of "Lonely Planet India" is better than the previous one, which was very very good itself. Despite the immensity of India and the numberless topics and regions that therefore have to be covered, the authors have done an excellent job indeed. Some weaknesses are inevitable, and this is perhaps why this is not one of LP's masterpieces, but it is indeed inevitable for travel guidebooks to be the better, the smaller the region they cover - this is why this book should perhaps be complemented with the individual LP guides to different Indian regions. But in itself, this book does cover most of what a visitor will need or want to know. And in a place that is chaotic and tough for foreigners like India, this may indeed be an essential tool for the less experienced travellers. The coverage of places to stay and eat is absolutely excellent, not just for the major cities but also for minor towns and sites (the authors would indeed seem to have been on every single square foot of land in India !). The section on permits and other legal matters is of immense value to anyone, and well up-to-date. And of course, the sections and special chapters on history, culture, religion, are extremely well written, great for the traveller and the armchair reader alike. Even though the best discoveries are those a traveller will make herself / himself, this guidebook is surely a great tool and help in anyone's discovery of this wonderful land. All in all, a masterpiece despite its limitations. A weakness is of course that things being as they are in India, information is subject to change, and some may have become out-of-date by the time this book was printed. But this is of course inevitable, and it simply means that - as in any country - a traveller should not rely on only a guidebook, but make a considerable effort to grasp as much as possible of current circumstances on her / his own.

I used the 98 edition while travelling in Sept/Oct 99 and found it extremely informative even though the prices were outdated. Prices may change overnight but 1,000 year-old temple ruins probably won't. It did seem as though every other traveler (and hotel owner and rickshaw driver...) owned a copy, yet it provided an excellent orientation to the places I visited and served as a great reference tool for further exploration.

The maps were better than anything I found locally and the cultural info was very helpful.

The book is bulky/heavy but tearing out key sections can easily solve this. I cut my book in half this way and got lots of envious stares from others lugging their entire LP or Rough Guide around and actually referring to maybe a third of it.

Get this book, get the LP Hindi-Urdu phrase book, but skip the LP travel atlas unless you want to walk across India.