The western genre can usually be found on the bottom rack of the book display in most supermarkets. It seldoms rates more than a thin display at bookstores as well because, well, let's face it! it's snubbed by those who look down on 'cowboy' stories. However Loren Estleman's books and particularly Billy Gashade deserve a more prominent place in book displays and certainly more attention.
This is taleneted writing, skilled craftsmanship, and shucks buckaroos, just fine storytelling! History comes alive in this adventurous run and more than once you're going to catch yourself thumbing to the end of the book and swearing because you're running out of pages!
If you're not hooked yet then give Estleman's books a read. You will be.

I bought this book because I love Estleman's mysteries. I thought I would try one of his non-mystery books.
I was amazed. The book takes us from one coast to the other during the time of the cival war. We see it through the eyes of a young musician on the run. Along the way we see Billy meet some famous folk of the old west, including the James Brothers, Custer, and Billy The Kid. It reads so real, that you want to check for the name Billy Gashade in history books. Estleman did his homework and it shows.A history lesson that entertains every step of the way.

I picked this book up in the airport looking for something to do on a marathon flight. What a great surprise! This is an interesting tale that keeps you intrigued with characters from the past. Very much worth the time.

I think this is certainly one of the best Joe Grey books, if not THE best. Joe and Dulcie are joined by their new sidekick called "The Kit", a tortoiseshell kitten who has an insatiable craving for adventure and danger. There has been a murder of two women on a bridal path and the third rider, the cats' friend Dillon has disappeared, maybe murdered too or kidnapped. Joe's greatly admired friend, Max Harper, the Molina Point chief of police is the one and only suspect in the murders. Joe is spitting mad that people will believe his friend Max could do such a thing. Naturally, Joe "knows" that Max is innocent. The Kit has witnessed the end of the murders and been scared witless by all the violence but she was too scared to know what she saw or to recognise anyone. The three cats run afoul of Joe and Dulcie's old nemesis, Lee Wark who knows their secrets about understanding human language and having high intelligence. He would absolutely love to put a permanent damper on their crime solving shenanigans. He thrives on killing cats anyway. Kate Osborne, who can change to a cat and back to a human is back on the scene and terrified because three convicts have escaped, including Lee Wark who knows her secret also. She seems to have a "thing" for Joe's human housemate, Clyde Damen while Clyde's old girl friend, Charlie seems to be sweet on Max Harper now.

How Joe Grey, Dulcie and Kit thread their way through this maze of tangles, car chases, and a haunted house that's home to a cougar makes a fine story. It's also amazing that three small cats could get through all the perils without losing one or more lives. Ms. Murphy only gets better! She adds more polish and finesse to the stories every time. I'm anxious to read "Cat Laughing Last"

This book was utterly delightful with Joe Grey's deep respect for the Chief of Police, Max. By proving Max's innocence, Joe Grey, Dulcie and Kit all provided bits and pieces of the puzzle, including a daring rescue of the 13 year old girl who witnesses the murder. The story definitely kept me on my toes wondering what was going to happen next...Now I wish the next book of Ms. Murphy's would come out even sooner than January so I can start reading it...

This Joe Grey mystery features Murphy's cat pair who can read, speak, and solve crimes. Here Joe can't keep his paws off his owner's latest case: murder which points to Harper himself. Joe knows his owner is innocent, but has to prove it in Cat Spitting Mad, an intriguing murder mystery approach.

Originally published in 1982 when Conran was 50 years old, this book is as great today as it was when first written.

The story chronicles the lives of five women, four of whom meet up at a Swiss Finishing School. It follows the their growth to maturity as each one carves a successful future for themselves. However, their lives are laced together by a shared secret!

Lavishly descriptive, you will be seduced by the glamour as well as the hard realities that the five women have to endure. Ultimately, it is a book about friendship and what it means to be a woman. Conran writes with heartfelt understanding and accuracy. She is first rate!

I believe a wealth of Conran's life experience (and cultural awareness) is evident in the development of the characters. And, I can honestly say as a man, that my understanding and empathy for women has changed for the better.

Shirley is a real woman and she writes from a real womans perspective. The intimacy, pain and passions of the characters are viewed from an intimately feminine standpoint. I feel I have shared something of what was in the authors mind and the minds of the characters in this magical book. Thankyou Shirley.

I am only 14 and this is so far the best book I have ever read. I thought it was very interesting and the end (I won't give it away) was great I have read it twice already and I will probably read it again if you like romance and plot twists read this book. You won't be sorry you did.

I think this is one of the most well-written books I have ever had the pleasure to read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to read a good book with an enthralling plot!

This is one of those books that once you start you can't stop. A Highly enjoyable reading experience.

LANDMOOR is a fine read, presenting an engrossing story in well-crafted prose. Wheeler's interest in medieval history comes through in his vivid descriptions of the towns, taverns, clothing, and weaponry. His martial arts background comes into play in the well-designed fight sequences.

Most importantly, Wheeler's characters are complex and interesting. There is a definite line between good and evil, Forbidden magic and Earth magic, yet the characters are in no way one-dimensional. Though LANDMOOR fits in with "clean fiction" suitable for younger readers, it is not "fluffy bunnies and lollipops." Not by a long shot. I thought Wheeler's creative approach to "cussing" added a nice touch of humor to the book.

The only mildly annoying aspect of the book is that the ending is a bit of a cliff-hanger. Clearly, LANDMOOR is meant to be part of a series. Fortunately, the world Wheeler has created is easily intriguing enough to support one with little difficulty.

In short, if you enjoy high fantasy, you'll love this book.

What an incredible book! The character development was awesome and the plot twists and turns very well. The author did a great job keeping me on my toes and causing me to lose a lot of sleep! Thanks! For anyone who enjoys Shannara and Dragonlance, this book is a must.

This author knows the Shea. A map of his story's territory is included at the book's front. There is enough adventure to appeal to anyone enjoying sword and sorcery, with enough description to appeal to those who yearn for the poetic magic that words can weave. Mystery lovers will find a surfeit of that as well. This is a safe read for the sophisticated younger set with a good grasp of vocabulary and a hankering for role model characters.

Yet another terrific story from Ms. Krahn. This is the fourth of her books that I've read and enjoyed and this and "The Mermaid" are my favourites so far. A Victorian battle of the sexes that leads to some very witty and sweet moments. Two lead characters that you just adore and root for eventhough they are at cross purposes - at least in the beginning!

Remington Carr, Earl of Landon is a proponent of women's rights and an opponent of marriage. He suggests that marriage should be abolished and both men and women should earn their own way. No more kept women sitting around eating bon-bons! Antonia Paxton is appalled and disgusted by these views. Being a widow, she knows first hand that marriage is the only place where a woman can feel safe, protected and provided for. She has taken several widows with no where else to go into her home and has helped marry off several more. When she and Remington meet 1. sparks fly and 2. she challenges him to a wager. He does "women's work" for two weeks and if he changes his opinion he must publicly retract his past statements; if he does not, she will then do two weeks of "men's work". Needless to say, these role reversals offer lots of very funny moments and both think they're so slick! And by the end of the wager both find themselves very far from their original positions and desperately in love!

Ms. Krahn writes some great dialog - wry and sardonic - and creates a very authentic Victorian atmosphere. Queen Victoria makes an appearance and the scurrilous Fleet Street tabloids also play a big part in the story. But the heart of the story are the roles of men and women and the value of marriage. And the stars are Remington and Antonia - with a terrific supporting cast including Antonia's "ladies" and Remington's uncle Paddington.

Read and enjoy!

When I started the book, I couldn't put it down! I have read quite a few romance books every month and this is one of the best. I loved Remington and Antonia. The "wager" was so unique through the whole story. Too many times I feel the heroine is a ninny but Ms. Krahn has a great talent for creating super characters, such as all those sweet old ladies. The very knowledgeable Cleo was precious. I can hardly wait to start "The Perfect Mistress". So many of her books are rated 5* and I agree. I definitely recommend this entertaining book. She has written so many and I am trying to find as many as I can. I check all my UBS in the area and then browse all the auction sites.

There is not much I have to say about this book other than it was absolutely wonderful. The storyline was well thought out and origional and I loved all the characters, especially ther hero and heroine, but the background characters were also very good. They added a lot to the story. Though the entire book is great the ending was the absolute best part. It was a rather unusual ending for a historical romance novel. I won't tell what happens so I recommend you read it and find out.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have just finished reading it. Looks like the transition to the next installment is excellent. If you haven't read this book yet, be sure to put it on your reading list very soon. The characters are very well developed and the story is very exciting.

I didn't think I'd read a book to match Ralph Compton's, but this one grabbed me quick. Another outstanding author. A page-turner of a western, and a terrific character in Frank Morgan. This is writing at its best.

Mr. Johnstone has topped his Mountain Man and Blood Bond series. Frank Morgan is a fresh new character and not a "Smoke Jensen" or "Preacher" knockoff. Once again, we see Mr. Johnstone's ability to make history come alive. Can't wait for the next installment coming in August 2000. Mr. Johnstone, please write faster! Thank you for a wonderful read!

This was good. Pioneering in Wyoming. Starting a town with men about---lets bring in some women. The story is fast paced and keeps going well. Things are always happening, so it makes it hard to put down! I'm so tired! :)
Jane reminds of Jane Eyre. The trod upon Jane who falls for the powerful Mr. Rochester. Except hes now Mr. American Kilkenny.
Hes got Irish and Indian blood in him. Hes running the town.
And he finds her intriguing.
She has a painful secret. She doesn't want to share with anyone and this keeps her and Kilkenny apart for most of the story. Theres also the typical Garlock character of the woman beaten who has left her bad man and the obsessed maniacal person out to kill our heroine.
But---what I want to say is that its just good. It keeps you going and its a sweet romance. Its built up enough to make it believable and sentimental throughout the story.
Jane grows close to several other women in the story as well as Kilkennys people. They name them the family which is pretty cool.
Oh yeah and Colin Tallman shows up from "Larkspur" and falls in love.
Sorry this isn't the best review. I keep staying up late reading Ms. Garlock! This is one of the good ones! Also try "Larkspur" and "House on a Hill."

I just finished this book from Dorothy Garlock... and it is now one of my favorites (yes, I realize I say that with each and every book I complete of hers)!

Jane Love is just one of many women that are trying to start a new life in Wyoming Territory, where T.C. Kilkenny is working to bring the old town to life again. Jane, as many of the other women, are almost running from their past lives, but each will learn you can't run and instead must face them head-on. This story is full of interesting characters... from the sweet and scared Polly that is pregnant from a recent rape... Sunday, the strong and beautiful woman with a mouth like a man, and is just as strong as one too... and Jane Love, who is carrying the burden of a terrible secret, that she is sure will shame her if discovered. From the very beginning, Jane begins receiving threatening notes... "I know who yu are."... which make her desperate to leave the town of Timbertown, Wyoming. However, T.C. is determined to keep her in the town, until he's ready for her to leave for his homestead ranch.

Also making their presence in this wonderful story is Colin Tallman - the son of Addie and John Tallman from "Yesteryear."

Readers will also learn the fates of Amy and Rain Tallman from "Dream River" - the grandparents of Colin Tallman. If you recognize the name Kilkenny, it is from "Midnight Blue." Moose Kilkenny was the bare-knuckle fighter that lost his title to Pack Gallagher... Moose is T.C.'s uncle. Milo Callahan returns to Garlock's stories from a villain in "Sins of Summer" to a villain in this story. Also mentioned in this book is Gerrick and Katy Rowe from "Nightrose."

Now for those of you that haven't read all these other books by Dorothy Garlock, you are in luck. You don't have to read any of them to follow along and understand everything that is happening. Those mentioned simply make it much more enjoyable for those of us that have read them all.

Next, I'm off to read Dorothy Garlock's "Sweetwater."

I literally just finished this book about ten minutes ago, and now I am here browsing through Garlock's other books because The Listening Sky was so good! She really had a nack for describing a love that I think everybody would want - a love that is so perfect. The characters are all well described, and you really find yourself getting attached to all of them. The trials that the two characters go through is enough to keep anybody hooked to the plot, and to watch the way that their love is displayed to each other through thick and thin just makes you feel so good. I highly recommend this book.

Josie Litton's final installment in her trilogy on the mythic Akoran monarchy weaves political intrigue, supernatural elements and gorgeous romance into a grand finale. Castles In The Mist focuses on the delicate romance between destined couple - nurse Brianna Wilcox and helming ruler Atreus in the throes of war and passion. Brianna goes back to England to learn truths on her heritage and recover the lost memory of how she ended on Akoran shores after a shipwreck that separated her and her parents. Atreus, who had visions of Brianna as his future wife during the arduous trials to becoming the ruler hides a hidden truth that may destroy their love. Brianna wonders whether he pursues her out of love or obligation.

Filled with sensual moments between two strong and intelligent protagonists, Josie Litton brings unadulterated passion and romance against a backdrop of chaos spearheaded by cunning rebel honcho Delios who is set to usurp the throne from Atreus. Family ties are threatened when Brianna's brother Polonus is misled by Delios. The danger towards the end is climatic, gripping and harrowing as Brianna is held hostage; Atreus faces his dilemma in giving his beloved Brianna the freedom to leave. Ms. Litton's emotional grip and magical narration sweeps you away to a fantasy abound with castles and adventure that gives a most satisfying end.

For whatever reason, I was not able to get the other books in this series, but I really enjoyed this book.

This is my first Josie Litton book and it was very good. I am going to read all of her other books, now. I love the kingdoms she has created.

There are lots of characters to loathe and love in this one. Derek, Holly Elliot's stepfather was a real brute. Being in the army, Derek was able to prevent Holly's father from leaving Vietnam. If Derek had been in the Marine Corps, he would never have pulled this off. A Marine would not have left a dead or wounded man behind to die, no matter how close the enemy was!

Jason Cole was every girl's dream man, one of the few KS heros with no flaws. His quick intelligence allowed him to see the real Holly within moments of meeting her. Both were beautiful, smart, and in love. But, Holly had a lot of gall getting angry at Jason when if not for him, she might never have known her father's fate! She was darn lucky he cared enough to get involved! He went through his own emotional battle over this, too!

Raven was a wonderful girl who deserved much happiness. Nicholas was fine, handsome, and totally in love with her. But towards the end, there was a scene where he was furious with Raven and spoke pretty ugly to her, then upon realizing his mistake, he's back 'in love' with her. His lack of trust in her wasn't even an issue. I wouldn't have dismissed the incident so easily.

Lawrence and Caroline were also a fine couple, but KS turned Lawrence into another one of her overly sensitive, sappy, soft men, like Rafe in STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT. What a mush he was!

I just finished this book yesterday and it was one of those that you can't put down. Raven is a wealthy and succesful entertainment lawyer who has searched for love and never came out ahead. Holly is a romance author who is hiding from reality. Nick is a single dad that is trying to protect his family and heart. Jason is a actor/director/producer who has bought the rights to one of Holly's books. Holly doesn't want him to change it even though he has a right to. They are all connected enough to maintain in the same story but it is like reading 2 or 3 different stories within one book. You would think it would be somewhat confusing trying to keep track of who is connected to who and how but in this book it flows so smoothly that you don't even really think about it. This book is a romance without all the explicit love scenes but it isn't just a romance it's about the characters finding themselves and helping each other.

This was the first Katherine Stone novel that I read and it is one of the most moving and beautiful romance novels I have ever encountered. The two primary characters, Raven and Lauren/Holly, are among my favorites in fiction. Both are seriously wounded spiritually but are amazing survivors who never give up on the hope or dream of love. Their stories are emotionally gripping, and for readers who love to go though the maelstrom of emotions, this is a terrific choice. I highly recommend it. I have read almost all of Kathernine Stone's other novels, but this is the best and most satisfying.

I like Ed Dee's books. His dialouge is fast and very funny at times. His two cops have their problems, but they still do their job and do it well. Unlike Waumbaugh's drunken idiots who don't deserve to wear their badges. All of Ed Dee's books ring with authenticity and they move fast. I've never put one of his books down because I found myself bored or disgusted with the lack of accuracy. Sonething that I have done many times with Waumbaugh, won't even read his books anymore. I'm a police officer in the West and I've only worn a uniform for a short while. But while my city may not be the Big Apple and my department's entire force wouldn't fill up one small precinct building Ed Dee writes with complete authenticity. Some things are the same in law enforcemnt no matter where you are. Now this is a general review of his works, but Little Boy Blue is good with a couple of twists at the end. Read it as well as all his other books. You won't regret it.

Again the author ED DEE brings to the reader a gripping tale that illustrates hard working Detectives Ryan and Gregory investigating the death of a young cargo handler and in doing so brings to the reader an action-packed hunt for a murderer. It shows the push and pull of families testing their loyalty AND some of the betrayal COMES ALIVE. I was saddened by the killing of the young man. It is a must read for it lifts the cover into a great story that only DEE could create. The Author is brilliant in creating emotion in this fast moving story. Sensational.

If you have read either of Ed Dee's other two books, you will do what I did after reading the first one: which is to run down to the bookstore and buy the other two. "Little Boy Blue" is a fast-paced, highly entertaining novel written by an author who knows how the good guys talk and the bad guys talk and what they say to each other and about each other. The dialogue is so good you'll think you're actually eavesdropping. Read it. You'll like it.