I just loved this book. It will quietly draw you in and take you to another part of the world. I went to England, Devon for a brief trip last year and fell in love with the country and I love reading Austin's descriptions for his country. This is not a book full of wild, bloody action, so if you're looking for that, you will be disappointed. Rather this is a wonderful escape from the harried world of the U.S., written with charm and love of his characters. They are fresh, and you wish you could meet them in real life, but for the bad one's. Now I am going back to read his first Beauford Sloan, "The eagle heist.

I meet this author Raymond Austin while he lectured on a recent cruise. I knew of his work as a television director and found his lecture very interesting and in lighting. I have now read both his books. "Dead again," is a wonderful book two in the Beauford Sloan series for those of us who love a good mystery and hate all the sex and violence that is put into the books for NO REASON. He had a little sex in number one "The eagle heist," but petite. "Dead again," like the first will have you on the edge of your seat and make you feel like you really know the characters. A great mystery, ideal for a stormy night. Why Austin never took to the pen before I know not.

I picked up Austin's first book The Eagle Heist this summer. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. It sounded a lot like a Spencer novel, and he's PI is not one of my favorite. I was very surprised when I finished the book in about three days. I've been waiting for Dead Again his next book every since,but I have only just picked it up. It petty much picks up right where the Eagle Heist and Beauford Sloan left off in the first novel.
I think the characters are what makes the books so good. Austin has created a very real bunch,Beauford is very real. Austin's writing is excellant and the pace of the books is good, it just flies. I was hooke in both books from the first page. It never drags like some do in the middle. All over all this is one good read!I'm already waiting for Austin's next, there has to be one?

This book is excellent. Tee Austin is a terrific writer. In this book Tee Austin shares her life experiences filled with disappointment, abuse, frustration, bad choices, and finally hard-won independence. Despite the many tribulations Austin underwent, she persevered. I want all the readers to know this is truly an inspirational book. This book allows you to focus on personal and spiritual growth, self-acceptance, change,and bringing peace into your life. I could not put it down. This book will make you mad, sad, and happy. You will cry but most of all you will learn a lesson. Soul Ties by Tee Austin is truly a book that will teach you to maintain faith even through the hardest obstacles. She encourages us all to look at ourselves, laugh at ourselves, cry for ourselves, and then take the necessary steps to heal ourselves. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching for a message based on self-determination and the power of Spirit.

This book has the power of words, I did not want to put it down I finished it in one day. I could feel every emotion as the words came form the page and into my head. This book touched ground with what alot of woman have faced, and learned to live! If you are in need of a spiritual lift you should read this painful but heart warming novel SOUL TIES. Learn there's more to LOVE then LOVE ITSELF!!

I thought the book was a great book I felt so bad for Ruth and I hated marie for her betrayal but I think its a winner.I will tell every one i know to buy it.

It doesn't get much better than this. And I've read most of the top books in this field. If you have an interest in Baseball -- and want to read about the sport when it was really a "game" try this book. The book is truly told by the men who played the game in the early 1900's -- as transcribed in oral history fashion -- one chapter devoted to each player. Ritter brings to life players that most of us have always read about (Ruth, Cobb and Walter Johnson) and many more greats from that era -- Harry Hooper, Paul Waner, Rube Marquard, and Goose Goslin. (And yes, the author is my Uncle, but the book is STILL a great one!)

This is one of the greatest books I've ever read and may well be the best non-fiction book I ever read. The book is actually a collection of reminiscences of old-time baseball players compiled by their interviewer, Lawrence Ritter. The original book was written in 1966 with additional chapters added for the revised 1984 version that I read. What comes across first and foremost in all the recollections is the joy and dedication of the long-retired players. At a time when labor strikes, hold-outs and escalating salaries are standard sports stories, this book takes Baseball nostalgia to a new level. It isn't just about the joy of the game, however. This book brings to light a lot of forgotten Baseball history. I fancied myself a bit of a Baseball historian but there were a number of major events in Baseball's early history that I had never heard of before. I think the most memorable was Fred Merkle's "bonehead" play that cost the Giants the pennant in 1907. That was a situation where he forgot to touch second base and thereby cost the Giants the winning run. It is told (and referred to often) with better embelishment than I just gave it but, then, that's the point of my praise; the whole book is a poetic look backwards at the game we sometimes take for granted these days. It's no accident that the best parts of the book are the earliest recollections. You can almost see the corrupting effects of popularity creep up on the game in the 1920's. The stories that these veterans tell and the details that they give make you feel like you've been there yourself. If you're a Baseball fan, you'll love this book. If you're not a Baseball fan, reading this book might just make you one.

I have heard so many stories about Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, I can't tell fact from fiction. Lawrence Ritter and undertaken an extremely long journey to bring you a true record of the early days of baseball.

Packed with stories from legends Goose Goslin, Harry Hooper, Joe Wood, Hank Greenberg, Sam Crawford and others the spirit of baseball past comes to life. Ritter's ability to bring baseball alive is nothing short of spectacular.

Probably the best baseball book I have ever read, The Glory of Their Times, is more than a amazing collection of stories. You'll read about how baseball has transformed from a love of the game to love of money.

Each story has so much packed into it that I found myself re-reading each chapter just to make sure I got everything. I am so very proud that I have had the opportunity to read and review this extraordinary work on baseball. Thank you so very much Lawrence Ritter!

I had a football coach my senior year in high school who set our priorities for us at the beginning of the season. They are listed here in decending order:
1. God
2. Family
3. School
4. Football
This book explores all these priorities and does it with a hilarious but insightful twist. Reading the stories, learning about the people and being privy to what make St. Johns so "Sweet", makes me believe my high school football coach had it right all along. Murphy must be exceptionally well paid to go back to what he describes takes place in the big leagues on a consistent basis. This book restores my faith in the game. The negative sports news we hear so much about, the throat slashing antics, the war dances are all performed by a very small percentage of bafoons who drag sports down to their level. I would like to believe the majority of people who play this game are like the folks at St. Johns. It is fantastic that Murphy spoke out for those who have been seeing the game deteriorate over the years. This book props up the sport of college football, puts God and family at the top of the heap and is a great advertisement for what sounds like a neat place to go to school.

This book is a joy to read. It reminds those of us sports junkies that there are still places where the "student" in "student-athlete" truly comes first. Murphy has written a jewel of a book, the kind that any fan will devour and at the same time savor. Stories about the legendary Coach Gagliardi are recounted with the same reverance that one might give, say, Vince Lombardi. And Gagliardi deserves it.
This is an amazing book, written in the style of John Feinstein and told with the emotion one might hear when listening to Bob Costas. Read it now . . . once you stop, you'll want to get yourself to Minnesota and experience the magic that is St. John's for yourself.

Gentle Readers, Austin Murphy tells us a little about St. John's University football in "The Sweet Season" and a lot about his marriage, his faith, his family, his work as a Sports Illustrated writer, the state of professional football, Catholics, and himself. He is funny. The subjects are big and serious. Murphy moves you through these subjects and the book with detailed descriptions especially with an eye for the humor in all of it. You need not be a sports fan to enjoy this story. Is it literature? Maybe...

A good first book from Wendy devere Austin. She is more than just a storyteller. Well worked out plot. Good luck.

Hot of the press. A good story-line, interesting characters, a generous dash of spice, and tense frightening mystery. My husband and I are long time mystery buffs and I both like this first book of Austin's very much. As an editor, I particularly admire the lack of padding. I have read countless bestsellers that ramble due to poor editing. But the writing in Still "Waters Run Deep is tight", and it adds punch. This is not a book you find yourself skimming through, it keeps you on track until the last page. Bravo!

Wendy Devere-Austin betrays her British heritage by her use of certain words and phrases, but it only adds luster to this delightful mystery-thriller! She weaves love, lust, violence and, of course, murder into a web that is a delightful echo of the best of Agatha Christie. Tough cops, a beautiful heroine, and a maniacal killer are complemented by just the right touch of humor and one-liners as the face-paced action moves from coast to coast. Even after the reader learns the identity of the killer in mid-story, there remain twists, turns, chases and changes that lead to the unexpected epilogue. It is summertime, and time to get books for the beach, porch, and nightime leisure -- this book is a must for the list of any thriller-loving reader!

In preparing our list of Christmas books to share with others, we had to search far and wide on amazon to find this particular book, a paperback edition of the classic Night Before Christmas.

This is the book I've used for years when reading this story to my own children, passing on Tasha Tudor and other illustrators. Why?

Although we can find the same poem and pay a lot more, with award winning illustrators, the illustrations provided by Douglas Gorsline are surely the best. They are quite colorful, and offer details little children love looking into...cats lie sleepily on the window sill, we see an overview of the town, the presents spilling from the open sack are intriguing and plentiful, and Jolly St. Nick is -- well, quite Jolly (as you can see by looking at the cover!)

The story is an "abridged version" - I'm not sure about other parents, but we read this on Christmas Eve, and we only have so much time and energy. Everything we remember from the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore is in this version.

(From "'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" to "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!" In between we have everything, from the names of the eight tiny reindeer, to a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, including dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky".

In other words, don't be scared off by 'abridged'!)

Perhaps a hardcover edition might be more appropriate if you're giving a gift (unless you're giving to more than one child), but this book is one of the best offers we've found!

A classic done simply and inexpensively!

We have an inexpensive paperback version (see our reviews) of this classic poem, and we said that's enough for us. That was before we looked through this beautifully illustrated (by Bruce Whatley) edition of The Night Before Christmas.

The lyrics are the same, from book to book, but the fanciful illustrations in this one are enough to engage adults and children as they read this book together.

The perfect gift for any family whose Christmas tradition includes reading this classic!

This beautiful book was in my family as a hard cover edition for many years and was a Christmas Eve tradition for my four sons when they were growing up. It's poor battered body disappeared some time after the last of my little ones went off into the adult world. I am so delighted to see it back again, though this time as a nicely affordable soft cover. Clement C. Moore's enchanting story poem already provides an atmosphere filled with warmth and joyful expectation and with the addition of Tasha Tudor's quaint, nostalgic water-colors from an antique New England the Christmas magic is complete!
The winter landscapes fill our senses and Tasha's own gray tabby cat and Welsh Corgi welcome us into this charming world.
Tasha's Santa that you will meet in this book has been portrayed as the poem describes him...a right jolly old elf. He's not that much larger than the corgi and his team really consists of eight "tiny" reindeer. His pointy ears and his Eskimo mukluks add to the delightful ambiance of the book. He dances with the toys and with the happy animals and we can truly believe it will be a happy Christmas for all.
I hope this book becomes a Christmas Eve tradition for many, many more families.

My first time reading an Evelyn Palfrey book and I'm HOOKED! I couldn't put it down and hated when I was interrupted for any reason and had to stop reading it. This was an amazing story!Vivian was a good example of the strength and endurance of black women. While reading, I wondered if I could be as understanding if my husband brought home his woman's baby and acted the way Walter did. I think 99% of us black women would certainly have taken this brother to task. Marc Kline was the prince charming we all dream about. A real man who stood by his woman even when she doubted his sincerity (although he did make the mistake of letting another man put doubts in his head). If you haven't read this book, BUY IT NOW! It will definitely renew your faith in love and in black men.

The Price of Passion is a true page-turner in every sense of the word. I found myself reading at all hours of the night and telling all of my friends to read this book! I loved the way the plot unfolded and the characters are well-developed. I gave POP to my mother to read and she couldn't put it down either.

What I like best about POP is how this precious baby takes a hold of the lead character's heart and doesn't let go. POP is a true testament to the power of love. The story keeps you guessing what is going to happen next and trying to figure out the mystery as you go along.

I have to admit, when I first saw the other cover I was thinking the story was strictly political. It isn't but there are alot of political elements that come into play. What I also love about The Price of Passion is how it takes place right here in Austin, TX. I could truly visualize the scenes because I know all the places Evelyn wrote about. That made POP an extra treat. Most stories take place in towns you know nothing about. Austinites have a treat in store with this one. I also enjoyed the RV traveling with some "down home blues" thrown in too! :o)

Evelyn, you are a wonderful writer. Congratulations on your success and thanks for always being so positive & helpful when it comes to my writing quest. Clarissa.

This was the first book that I have read by Evelyn Palfrey, and I must say that I am in the process of ordering her other two books. Vivian was a strong woman and although no descriptions were given in the book none had to be about her, Marc, or any of the other characters. The story that the author wrote is something that happens in everyday life. She added a twinge that made me not to want to put the book down. I look forward to reading Palfrey's other two books, Three Perfect Men and Dangerous Dilemmas, as well as any future books.

This is the first of Austin's books that I've read. I expected typical "Christian Fiction", where the characters main role is to preach the gospel ad nauseum. However, I was happily surprised to find something much better. Indeed, the gospel is presented, but in terms, I think, most anyone would find palatable. The story is developed through the lives of four generations of women. Louise leaves her German homeland to follow a pacifist husband to the United States. Emma marries a man chosen by her parents, and finds herself in an abusive relationship. Grace becomes the proper wife, mother and socialite her mother never was. Susan leaves her husband because their ideals have grown apart. The characters are rich. They struggle with faith and the lack of it, and readers become aware of how faith affects living. These are real people in spite of their fictional origin. Readers will ponder and long remember what they read in this book.

I was recommended this book by my grandmother. She and I often enjoy the same books (though there are some exceptions to this!). When she gave me Eve's Daughters, I was skeptical I admit. I tucked it away for a few weeks and didn't bother reading until one Saturday when I had to wait for the cableman to show up at my apartment. I settled down, opened the book (which started out a little slow, causing much apprehension), and that same Saturday I finished. I laughed, I cried, I reread certain parts, and I was hooked. I think I spent the next three days thinking of little except how incredible the read had been and how I wished all books could be like that. I could relate to the characters, I felt their heartaches, and I saw why they made the decisions they did even though I would've done differently in their positions. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone, young or old! I can now safely say that Eve's Daughters has become my favorite book.. it's simply the best.

This book started out a little slow, but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. Through the telling of the lives of these four generations of women, Austin masterfully creates a complex drama that not only entertains but teaches as well. As each of these women in the book must learn how to deal with the struggles they face in life, they also learn what it means to be a godly wife. Just as with Adam and Eve, these women learn how- even though difficult at times- they must trust God and follow their husband's leadership.

Another book I enjoyed which is similar to this one is Jerry B. Jenkins (co-author of the Left Behind series) book, "Though None Go With Me." His style of writing is somewhat similar to that of this book.

This is my very favorite book, bar none, and has been since I first read it 20 years ago. Hero John Lang attends Harvard (Class of 1905) with Dorn, a young man from Islandia, a mysterious, xenophobic country struggling to deal with incursions from rest of the world. Upon graduating, he finds himself unable to choose a career, so he decides to use his language skill (Dorn teaches him Islandian one summer vacation in Maine) and is granted a rarely-issued entry visa. Though he never truly fits in, he becomes involved in Islandia's curious culture in various ways, and ends up at the crux of a national debate there, related in part to a German military threat. (Islandia is on the northern end of an Australia-like continent, never clearly located but probably in the far southern Pacific.) Wright carried Islandia in his head, expanding it from a childhood fantasy into hundreds of thousands of words of narrative and description of the place. [Sailing on Cape Cod once, he remarked that a particular bay looked just like another in Islandia.] He was killed in a car accident in Las Vegas in 1931, and his editor and family took 11 years to cut about 70% of his words to winnow the book to its still formidable length (it's 1,000 pages long). The book is wonderfully written and edited, with a smooth, lovely style. It's a bit slow by contemporary standards, but the description of Islandia's language, e.g. there are 4 words for love (romantic, strong friendship, desire, and one unique to Islandia's family-centric society), culture, and country, are beautifully done. Example: he's helping plow one day, and is horrified to find human remains right in the main field. His hosts quietly explain that when people die, they are of course returned to the land they loved, and they carefully return the bones to the furrow. In subsequent conversation, his hosts are equally horrified to hear how corpses are handled in America. The plot tracks John Lang's development from a young man, through his coming-of-age, finding himself, and coming to terms with his simultaneous love for and alienness in Islandia, and ultimately accepting who he is. First published in 1942, it was a minor cult classic in the early '60s, and though it's a bit dated in terms of feminism, for example, it remains my favorite book of all time. If there was an Islandia, I'd be there now...

I could gush for pages and pages about this marvelous book, but the other reviews here can tell you pretty much everything you would want to know. I'm adding my comments as well to strongly urge you to purchase Islandia -- it's worth buying at any price.

For a month this summer I was a witness to life in the simple but beautiful nation of Islandia through the eyes of the protagonist, John Lang. He becomes friends with an Islandian native, Dorn, while at Harvard, and after graduation is appointed consul to Islandia. There he experiences a full life of romance, adventure, politics, intrigue, and the clash of two incompatible cultures. Ultimately he must decide what really matters in life.

The book's evocative descriptions of Islandia are all beautifully done. I found myself time and time again thinking that Islandia actually exists. The message is as striking as the descriptions of the nation, and the novel is worth reading for both. I can only echo others in saying that this has been for me more worthwhile reading than any of the books I was made to read in my high school English classes.

This is one of those rare great novels to keep and treasure. Buy it -- its worth is far greater than the pittance it will cost you. Your room has been prepared for you...

Islandia is a masterpiece. It is a utopian novel about a high culture, low technology society, but a utopia without glib answers and with real-world problems. It is a rich and detailed creation of a country, its society, and its people. The Islandians have developed a simple way of life that gives broad scope for individual fulfillment and the living of a happy, healthy, natural life through the enjoyment of work, love and friendship, craft, and the beauty of nature. Since this is the story of an American in Islandia, there are many contrasts between the American and Islandian way of life. It is impossible to describe the richness of this book; it has to be experienced to be understood. The plot is dramatic, the characters have great depth, the dialogue is fascinating, and the writing is beautiful. I have already read it three times, even though it's 1000 pages. It is a pleasure to read and highly rewarding.

This Review lead me to Raymond Austin. (It is right it is.)

BOOKLIST AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Fans of the classic British television series The Avengers and The Saint may recognize the author',s name: as Ray Austin, he directed episodes-of-those serve; as well as many other British and American shows, This is his first novel, and it's ideally suited for the small screen. An armored car is hijacked, seemingly snatched out of thin air, and Virginia's Beauford Sloan, retired-cop-turned-private-detective, is hired to find out whodunit. Sloan, who closely resembles the actor Wilford Brimley, is a remarkably likable character. (The resemblance is no coincidence: Brimley and the author are friends, and Brimley has expressed his desire to play the detective in the anticipated television movie based on the novel. He has also written an introduction to the book.) In fact, everything about the novel is remarkably likable; perhaps because he spent decades in the world of moving pictures, Austin knows how to create detailed characters, dialogue that is both memorable and realistic, and an exciting plot. An excellent debut and a real find.

David Pitt

A great summer read, fast paced, with characters that you care about. I liked Sloan so much, I want to see what else he does. A third book is coming out soon, can't wait! This would make a great movie!!

I was totally captivated right from the start how the incredible "Eagle Heist" went down. You'll have to read to know what I mean! This book was fabulous! Right until the end I could not figure out who masterminded this incredible heist. Raymond Austin does an amazing job of creating a visual masterpiece in his first book. It must be made into a movie! I'm looking forward to the next in his series, "Dead Again."