Book Reviews and Discussions

From Cubicles 2 Cabins: A survival guide to your first job by Sanket J Danatra

2011-11-22T21:21:00.002+05:30

Hi Friends

This book, is as it name suggests, Lots of Good Gyan to survive during first year of Job, by this IIM A passout. And, I think the contents are relevant not all to rookie but to all the professionals.

The book has been written in a very informal manner, covering most of the broad pointers that a rookie should know about. But I think, its too brief to grab a permanent RAM share of Reader’s Hard Drive J. So, I anticipate this won’t be the first book, but first of the series that will follow.

On the flip side, the book needs more structure, and should make better use of Bold, Italics and Frameworks, which definitely involves reader more.

So, in nutshell, I will recommend this book to all the rookies, irrespective of the field they are in. And, hope Sanket after his debut book, will share more Gyan in coming series.

Sons of Fortune by Jeffery Arcxher

2011-11-21T23:17:00.000+05:30

Hi Friends

I read this book by Jeffery Archer recently.

Throughout the book, I got the feeling of Deja Vu, reminding the story style of ‘Kane & Abel’, ‘First Among Equals’, ‘Only Time Will Tell’.......

I think, Jeffery has written the blocks of instances in his notebook, which when required will be injected in new book, with minor tweaking of names and locations. And I am sure, had he been an MBA, he would have used Microsoft Excel for the same J

Coming to the main story, as always, the master story teller keeps you on edge of the seat. But, the climax couldn’t keep the pace with the built up crescendo. In fact, the most awaited moment of the two main characters meeting with the facts revealed, is treated in very shabby manner.

So, if you haven’t read Jeffery Archer’s other books, I will recommend this book, but if you have, then don’t pick it with many expectations.

Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer

2011-10-24T23:28:00.002+05:30

Hello Friends

I have read Jeffrey Archer after long time.

This book is the first one of the five novel series known as 'Clifton Chronicles'.

Though, as advertised its the most ambitious and the best work of the author till now. But, I don't feel the same.

Its no comparison to the legendary 'Kane & Abel' and 'First Among Equals'. Also, to leave the novel with the ending 'to be continued....' type, is not accepted in the present trend of novels.

Apart from it, the style of Jeffrey Archer is quite the same, and he is still the master story teller, but who might have told his best story before this series

The Secrets of the Nagas by Amish Tripathi

2011-10-24T23:24:00.003+05:30

Hello Friends

This is the second book, I read by Amish Tripathi, as he hasn't written third book yet :)

The book, is second in the 'Shiva Trilogy' and continues from the 'The Immortals of The Meluhas'.

I will say, the author has done a great job in spinning the story and creating a treasure hunt type of thrill. But, at the same time, its not as interesting as the first one. Also, it again gives all the more feeling of reading comic book.

Book Promotion - From Cubicles 2 Cabins: A survival guide to your first job

2011-10-04T17:59:00.006+05:30

Hello Friends

This is not a review, but a promotion excerpts by the Author, my friend Sanket Danatra

It is 3 am, the year 2008. Exams done, graduation in a month, convocation a week after that. Me and dorm mates were sitting and thinking about the two years that went by. A couple of years back, we were skeptical about how easy or difficult it will be to go back to college after having worked for a few years. No salary no more, the rigor of academics. Were we up to it? Two years and a MBA degree later, we are discussing life after IIMA. Looking back at how we ended up at this juncture, how different would the work life be with the new degree.

We concluded that, ‘Life is tough’ and ‘People are stupid’. And this applies to each and every one of us, no matter how smart. In retrospect, we were absolutely naive during our first few work years. And yet luckily things worked out for us.

There are thousands of graduates from various universities all over the country, who join the workplace with all the relevant technical skills. But is that enough? What else does it take to thrive in a competitive business environment? And to find answers to this was born the first book of the Elf series – ‘From Cubicles 2 Cabins: a survival guide to your first job’

Want to know more ??? Visit http://elfseries.wordpress.com/ and get excerpts and download other freebies !!!

Book out! Order now at flipkart and avail a 35% discount on the list price.

Visit http://www.flipkart.com/books/9380349435

So enjoy reading it and gift it to your sons and daughters and nieces and nephews ! Forward this mail to all you think would benefit !

Warm Regards,

Sanket J Dantara [ http://elfseries.wordpress.com/ ]

Drive by Dan Pink

2011-09-23T18:17:00.001+05:30

Drive
A review of Daniel H. Pink’s Book
By Peter A Hunter

Managers, recognising that Command and Control Management is no longer working, have been looking for the “something” to give to their workforces that will allow them to perform.

Their greatest mistake is assuming they know what it is that their workforces need.

All that managers really have to know is how to give their workforces what they already want.
All they really have to figure out is what that is.

Daniel Pink in his book “Drive” tells us what the workforce already want, and he also shows us how to give it to them.

There is a growing awareness today of the destructive nature of traditional management practices, usually called “Command and Control Management.”

Our workforces have long been aware of these problems but nobody ever listened to them.
What we are seeing today is an increasing volume of academic endeavour focussed on making management aware of those same problems because, as Dan Pink says;

“Management is not the solution, Management is the problem.”

Unfortunately management are not aware of the problems they create so they have no reason to look for solutions.

Daniel Pink, in this book “Drive,” not only very clearly and elegantly brings the problems to the attention of the reader but has also gone into some detail laying out many solutions that can be mixed and matched to suit individual circumstances/organisations.

All that we need to happen now is that the right people read this book, understand from Daniel Pinks analysis that they are the problem, and that they continue to read it as far as the solutions.

The book is divided into three separate parts;

The first takes the reader from a current position, perhaps of vague discomfort, or a mild annoyance that not everything seems to fit.
From this position Dan Pink takes us on a journey that starts, in time, in the late forties through an accumulation of seventy years of academic endeavour, largely disregarded because it did not fit with accepted notions of management and behaviour.

Dan summarises this section neatly with his “Seven Deadly Flaws of Carrot and Sticks.” Which he says can:
· extinguish Intrinsic motivation
· diminish performance
· crush creativity
· Crowd out good behaviour
· encourage cheating, shortcuts and unethical behaviour
· become addictive
· foster short term thinking

Together these flaws sum up the conditions that a conventional “Command and Control Management,” approach will create.

Dan quotes Richard Ryan who said that we all have the “Drive,” that is the title of the book, and that it is a part of our humanity, but whether it emerges, or not, in our lives depends on whether the conditions that surround us will support it.

In our working lives “Drive” tells us that these conditions are created by those who manage us.

What the first section of the book does is expose the management behaviour that crushes our “Drive” and leaves a potentially able and imaginative workforce unable to do original work, be creative or think for themselves.

Many managers will read this first section and genuinely believe that it does not apply to them.
These are the people who believe that the world begins and ends with them, who believe that without them nothing will happen and that other people exist to be used.

These are the people whose behaviour Dan Pink likens to coal.
“Cheap, easy, and efficient to resource but polluting and ultimately finite.”

The type of behaviour that must replace this antediluvian management model, Daniel compares to the Sun; “Clean energy that is inexpensive, safe to use and endlessly renewable.”

The book, having brought us to an understanding of the historical support for “Drive,” examines in more depth what this Drive actually consists of, how we can tap its potential and finally a whole host of tools that we can use on Monday morning to start to release the “Drive” that exists inside every single member of our workforce.

Daniel H. Pink with his book “Drive” has captured what generations of managers have never felt the need to acknowledge, that every single member of the workforce has experience, imagination and “Drive.”

The time will shortly be upon us when an organisation that has not released the “Drive” of it own workforce will not be able to compete in the same marketplace as those who have.

Those who have, will likely have read this book.

Peter A Hunter
www.breakingthemould.co.uk

The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi

2011-09-10T12:46:00.005+05:30

Hello Friends

I came across this book couple of months back, and was surprised how it has started dominating shelves of most of the Indian book stores and kiosks. And was not able to resist it anymore.

The book is about Indian Mythology of Lord Shiva, inbuilt in fiction of author's imagination.

Throughout the book, I kept on feeling as if the style is same as of Terry Pratchett's Disc World Series and of George Orwell's Animal Farm.

The book, though via mythology raised many current issues of Terrorism, and Communism Vs Democracy. And, it raised it well.

But, during the mid of the book, I suddenly started getting feeling its not a book for adults, but comic book for children. And this thought was further reinforced by the abrupt ending with 'to be continued....'.

Can't say more till I read the second book of Shiva Trilogy 'The Secret of Nagas'.

Overall, its a very good attempt for first time author. And, I think he is the only Indian Author, till now, who is commanding the following of Indian Readers in fiction like no other than Chetan Bhagat.

The Art of Deception by Kevin D Mitnick

2011-08-30T22:47:00.002+05:30

Reading this book reminded me of movies like 'Catch me if you can!'

Well, this book is written by one of the most notorious hackers Kevin D Mitnick, who is now acting as Cyber Security Consultant to many companies.

While reading this book, I came to understand, doesn't matter how hard we make Cyber Security, but in vain. For Cyber Security, has at its heart humans to operate it. And human is the weakest link in the security.

The book is written in very unconventional method, giving the insight to the mind of a hacker. And points out, how corporate professionals, unintentionally invites hackers and viruses to their company, opening the whole maze in front of them.

Though its related to Cyber Security, but this book is not technical. So any common man with the normal knowledge about internet and computers, can gain a lot from it.

And, I think, this book should be made mandatory in every organisation where heavy dependence on IT is there

The Rise and Fal of Third Reich by William L Shirer

2011-08-30T22:40:00.002+05:30

I have read any book based out of history after long time.

I tried to read many books on Nazis and most hyped Mein Keimph too, but didn't get much out of them. As most of them were biased, and none was able to answer, what made the whole nation go crazy for the bloodiest Genocide in the history.

But, while reading this book, I got answers to most of the questions, I have been seeking, since I came across the History chapters on WW I and II, during my high school.

Though the book is quite bulky, with the not so friendly font size, but then the history so profound, can't be written in precis writing.

I will recommend this book, to everyone who is seeking answer to the questions I have mentioned.

Maverick, Ricardo Semler.

2011-05-15T04:08:00.002+05:30

The book “Maverick” by Ricardo Semler is a narrative about a company identifying the need for a transformational change then telling the story of how that change was brought about.

The example however falls short of being a paradigm on a number of fronts.

Ricardo Semler had the right idea and the right goal but went about it the wrong way.

The book is an eight year litany of confrontation, bloody noses and sackings as Ricardo tried to force his employees to change.

He did not have the best people at the start, he had normal people.
His workforce were exactly the same as any other workforce on the planet, they were average people, but they were all individuals.

He inherited the company from his father; who was a traditional authoritarian boss. He demanded that it was done his way or the highway, and had no idea how destructive his uncompromising Command and Control style of management was.

His workforce was average and produced an average performance.

Ricardo's vision was that each employee was potentially exceptional but that it was the working environment they were kept in that prevented them from being exceptional.

Ricardo's' vision was to create the working environment that would allow his employees to be as good as they could be.

This involved getting the managers out of the way to stop them interfering with the ability of the workforce to perform and to give control of their lives back to the workforce.

The company in those eight years grew over ten times but the cost was the replacement of almost every single member of the management team.

The reason for this was that although the change was the right change, it was being driven by Ricardo, from the top down.

This made the workers and the middle management resist what was happening because they were being told what they had to do.

When you tell a human being what to do, whatever it is, the act of telling automatically generates resistance to whatever it was they were told to do.

It is not “What” they were being told that caused the resistance it was just “Being Told.”

At the end of eight years the employees were the same individuals but the environment that had been created for them to work in had allowed them to engage. That in turn allowed them to be exceptional and to produce exceptional performance.

Today we recognise the problem of top down driven change that Ricardo could not avoid.

It lost Ricardo his whole management team and eight years of superhuman effort to drive through his changes.

Today we can see how, by allowing change to come from the bottom up, we not only get the right change but we also avoid the resistance that the “Top Down” driven solution creates.

Ricardo Semler did his best with what he had.

Now we know better.

No matter how right the change being proposed, if it is driven from the top down it will create the resistance that will cause it to fail.

Peter A Hunter
www.breakingthemould.co.uk

Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter & Hogler Rathgeber

2011-05-12T09:58:00.000+05:30

I read this book, after strong recommendation of my professional guide.

The book is in the fable form, and it reminded me of book 'Who Moved My Cheese?' by Spencer Johnson.

Though I have read the ideology of John Kotter, in one of his Harvard Press Articles, listing out his 8 steps Change Management Press, but fable is more enjoyment, less stress and more insight.

So, in general it was fabulous book on Change Management, which is becoming increasingly important, as global forces are making businesses and all other spheres of life fast changing. It actually reminds of the phrase ' Changing is Changing So Fast!!' in the book 'Future Shock' by Alvin Toffler.

Still, I think most of the management theories are unable to answer one vital question 'How to create a change, when its not actually not a zero sum game, but at the same time, also to an extent a zero sum game?' The typical and extreme case is 'Downsizing'.

And, I couldn't get the answer to this question in this book too.

But, in total its a good methodology and book to follow in any Change Management Process.

One can refer to the site of John Kotter, http://www.kotterinternational.com/Default.aspx for further details on the book and its methodology

Reengineering the Corporation by Michael Hammer & James Champy

2011-05-10T22:32:00.004+05:30

This book was written by the authors, who coined the term 'Business Process Reengineering', which has been a buzz word since 1990's and still is.

Though this book as written in 1990's and then rewritten in early 2000's, but the approaches discussed in it are quite relevant.

The best thing I liked about the book is how the authors took me through the journey of Industrial Revolution, Adam Smith's Factory Model, Ford's Assembly line model and then back to Process based industry.

I think, this book is must read for any corporate manager. While many of the approaches discussed, may not be immediately applicable in one's environment, but it surely will broaden the perspective of readers

More works of Michael Hammer can be explored at his company's website http://hammerandco.com/

Corporate Atyaachaar by Abhay Nagarajan

2011-04-28T22:50:00.002+05:30

Well, I must give all the praise to the author for his first attempt.

As, I haven't read many Indian Authors, I am forced to compare Abhay with Chetan Bhagat. And, this book for most of the times, reminded me of 'Five Point Someone' and 'Two States'.

I couldn't stop laughing throughout the read. And I was easily able to connect with the mindset of the rookie with respect to his boss.

I must say, Abhay has knack for story telling. But, towards the end I was slightly disappointed, as it was not able to keep the pace with most of the book.

Also, I am wondering, if the instances in this book are real, then Abhay must be on hit list of his boss and colleagues.

Looking for more from him!!!

Mckinsey Mind by Ethan Rasiel & Paul Friga

2011-01-30T11:09:00.002+05:30

I have been in corporate for around 6 years. Have attended lot of trainings on Problem Solving

And used to think that Business problems are really complicated, and we need tools like Six Sigma to solve it.

But, after reading this book, I came to understand that how easy it is, provided we follow the systematic approach with rigour. Although approach is more of common sense, but systematic and rigour are the key differentiators

Balanced Scorecard by Robert Kaplan & David Norton

2011-01-30T11:05:00.003+05:30

I was constantly fascinated by the article written by Robert Kaplan & David Norton 'Balanced Score Card' and its sequel 'Strategy Maps'

I used to think that article is more than enough. But, when I actually read this book, came to understand the book is much more than the article.

It illustrates the Dashboard approach of Balance between Long term and Short Term strategic metrics, for a business.

I recommend this book to all the Top Management of Corporates

The Immortals of Meluha: A Review

2010-12-16T12:56:00.003+05:30

Aah! Just finished with just another book by just another IIM graduate. But the story this time was not just another story that we listen to or read every other day. This story was of none other than that of Lord Shiva who has been portrayed as not the God but a superhuman who earned that status of Lord Shiva through his righteous fight against the evil.

The story is of Shiva, the tribal leader of a Tibetan tribe who’s invited by Nandi to his kingdom of Meluha in the lands of Sapt Sindhu. The people of this land are blessed young-forever because of the treasure called somras that they drink. This civilization is an extremely advanced one where everything seems to be perfect and everyone seems to be rational. They have the most advanced scientific tools at disposal with most intelligent people to develop them further. Everything seems to be fine with them, except one thing. They are Suryavanshis – descendants of Lord Surya and followers of Lord Ram – and they are faced by continuous attacks from their ‘enemies’ – Chandravanshis, descendants of Lord Chandra. This is where the story begins, but it ends with the defeat of Chandravanshis by the Suryavanshis under the guidance of Lord Shiva. To know how and why, you have to read the novel.

The story has been greatly put together. The research has been fantastic. It doesn’t look like the debutant novel by Amish, I thought he’s written atleast half a dozen novels before penning this down. If you are interested in mythology and fiction, this is the best book that you can read where mythology meets fiction and creates a great story. I’m waiting for the next two novels in the Shiva trilogy by Amish.

-Arun Sharma

(Originally published at www.whynothavefun.wordpress.com by Arun Sharma)

Ambani & Sons by Hamish McDonald

2010-12-11T18:51:00.002+05:30

This is another book by Hamish McDonald, the author of 'The Polyester Prince'

The Polyester Prince was banned or is still banned in India since its publication around decade ago. But, you can easily find the pirated copies of it on road side in all the metro cities of India.

Anyway, this sequel has made it easy for the readers to buy the story of Ambani's legally. According to readers, the story is 80% the story of The Polyester Prince, with 20% addition.

The earlier book was focussed on rise of Dhirubhai and covered it till 1998. While this book covers till mid 2010. The new chapters focus more on now two seperate empires of Anil & Mukesh.

And after reading it, I can very well understand why the earlier book was banned. And I think, Hamish is in habbit of writing such open and provocative books, which are banned in the focussed countries.

But, if you want to understand evolution of Business in India post Independence, this is must read

Operation Karakoram

2010-11-27T01:26:00.002+05:30

Operation Karakoram is the debut novel by Arvind Nayar. Though Chetan Bhagat has written a testimony that it’s a nice novel to begin with, but I don’t think it comes even closer to what Chetan’s debut novel was.

Anyways, the story is about another fictional Indo-Pak tussle where Pakistan wins, for a change. There is an Indian politician who is about to become the Prime Minister, but is dreaded by Pakistan because of his hard stand on Pakistan. So, the most secret body of ISI, Pakistan’s intelligence agency, hires a professional assassin to kill this politician. Then the novel is all about irrelevant things like this assassin’s Spanish mission and a murder in Oman, which bear no relevance to the story, but just showcase that Arvind has been to these places. A lot of loopholes are obvious in the story. For instance, Pakistani intelligence hires an assassin to kill the Indian Prime Minister, without knowing that he’s an Indian, even after they met him in person. But nevertheless, the guy was professional and completed his task of killing the to-be Prime Minister.

I would say that the concept was fine, but the articulation was extremely poor. Boy, you need to work a lot more for your new piece. If I had to rate it on a 5-point scale, I’d rate it at 1.5.

-Arun Sharma

(Originally published at www.whynothavefun.wordpress.com by Arun Sharma)

The Lost Symbol: A Review

2010-10-04T01:33:00.005+05:30

I know it’s been quite a while since the book was out, but I read it just now and thought it’ll be great to give you guys a head start on it, in case you plan to read it.

If I rate Dan Brown’s other fictions, namely The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons at 5, I’ll rate The Lost Symbol at 4, or maybe even 3.5 due to some reasons. The Lost Symbol is another Robert Langdon stunner with the usual Dan Brown beginning that he wakes up in the morning not knowing where he’s going to end up in the evening. This plot has been followed in all his novels without exception. And I think Dan Brown is obsessed with three things - Europe, America and Christianity.

The plot of the story rotates about a mad man trying to find a Masonic Pyramid which is believed to be hiding the secret of some secret Word that leads to apotheosis of the man. And obviously, there’s only one man on earth who can find and decipher this pyramid and this word – Dr Robert Langdon. And out of nowhere, he finds himself trying to save his mentor and his own life from this madman who’s also being followed by none other than the CIA chief. The end, of course, you’ll have to find it yourself.

Though the story is intriguing and the thought process has been great, but I think Dan Brown is getting caught into his own web. During most of the novel, it looks like he has written it just to show-off his intellect and knowledge. He has gone into so detail about the specification of events, even the ones that don’t have any impact on the story, that it starts getting boring and sometimes irritating. The description of Italian marble and 16^th century bible etc etc were some parts which were not at all required, but were there in the story. Such parts were enough to distract the attention away from the main plot.

Apart from this, I think the novel has been written very well and is a usual Dan Brown thriller with unexpected turns and twists. Though I’ve rated it below his other masterpieces, it’s definitely way above some of the other well-known authors.

Arun Sharma

(Originally published @ www.whynothavefun.wordpress.com by Arun Sharma)

It's Not About Bike: by Lance Armstrong

2010-10-01T23:11:00.002+05:30

I was going through the rough patch in my life and this book was gifted to me by my close friend.

After reading this, I am unable to believe that what Mr. Armstrong is saying is true. Infact, I don't believe its humanly possible.

Since then I am trying to find the personal id of Lance, to ask this question directly.

But, if its true, then nothing seems to be impossible. A must read for anybody who wants inspiration in life

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

2010-03-19T13:30:00.003+05:30

This is my third reading of Dan Brown. The other two ones were 'Da Vinci Code' and 'Angels and Demons' .

I was really fascinated by these novels of him. And I expected the latest novel to even better. But, now the style of Dan Brown is getting stale. Its only treasure hunt stories he is spinning. And this particular novel is having anticlimax at the end.

Utterly Disappointing novel as per me. I will think 10 times before reading Dan Brown again.

Rising Sun by Michael Crichton

2010-03-13T16:22:00.002+05:30

This is the fourth novel by Michael Crichton, which I read.

Actually, it was suggested by one of my friend. And the topic was intriguing. So I picked it asap.

The novel is about, different management styles of Americans and Japanese. The front end of the story is about a murder, but backend is pure management.

Though I worked with Japanese joint venture company for 4 years and thought I knew a lot about their management style. But reading this I felt, there is lot more to learn, digest and understand.

I recommend this novel to anybody and everybody, who is interested in Japanese Management Style.

Many Lives Many Masters

2010-03-02T15:06:00.002+05:30

I was recently tempted to read this book, because of one recently launched serial in India viz 'Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka' (Secret of past life).

This book is about reincarnation. It narrates experience of Dr. Brian Weiss with his patient Catherine.

After reading this book I was as confused as ever. There is no proof till now, whether actually there is reincarnation or not.

But, it was interesting and an entertaining read.

2 States by Chetan Bhagat

2010-03-02T15:02:00.003+05:30

It is indeed a master piece by Chetan Bhagat after Five Point Someone. The other two novels i.e. One Night @ Call Center & Three Mistakes of My Life, were relatively junk.

First hour of reading, I kept on laughing holding my tummy. Its indeed a hilarious one.

I think that Chetan's real life has more spice than his imagination. So Chetan, dont try to imagine anymore :), just share your real life incidents with readers.

Trinity by Leon Uris

2010-03-02T14:57:00.003+05:30

This is the fourth book of Leon Uris, I have read. The other three were Exodus, Mila 18 and Angry Hills.

This book is about the freedom struggle of Ireland against England. It carries the classic style of Leon Uris, as was reflected in his legendary novel Exodus.

After reading this book, I came to understand what is the whole problem in Ireland i.e. between North Ireland and Britain. Between IRA and government.

Its indeed a masterpeice by master. I recommend it to anybody who is interested in history of Ireland.

Aol.com by Kara Swisher

2010-03-02T14:49:00.002+05:30

I read this book almost after the decade, it was published. I was apprehensive, whether should I or shouldn't I read this book. But, i went ahead.

This book gives us a snapshot of internet industry in its infancy stage. More over it tells us about the AOL-America On Line- its birth and rise.

I recommend this book to all the netizens as well as to all the brand managers. It gives us a classic case of brand management.

The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson

2010-02-02T13:59:00.005+05:30

I came to know about this author Niall Ferguson, when one of my close friends told me about the concept 'Chimerica',which is the term indicating the symbiotic relationship between Chinese and American Economy. According to author, this was one of the main drivers behind the recent recession.

Anyway coming back to the book 'The Ascent of Money', it reminded me of the works of Alvin Toffler, especially the 'Third Wave' and 'Future Shock'. This book tells you the financial history of the world, especially about the currency,banking system, bond markets, stock markets, insurance and real estate. I will not be ashamed to claim that I was more than scared after reading this book. I am enlightened as well as confused about money now.

And at the same time, I will say today's schools should include this book in the course, because nobody can't remain untouched by financial market at least in the civilized world today.

A must read.

More articles on author's work can be found here http://www.niallferguson.com/site/FERG/Templates/Home.aspx?pageid=1

2 States - The story of my marriage: Chetan Bhagat

2009-11-10T00:33:00.006+05:30

Sometimes, I think Chetan Bhagat is writing specially for the generation that I belong to. His debut novel “Five Point Someone” came at a time when I was in the last leg of my engineering and that too in Mechanical Engineering. So, the novel was and still is very close to my heart. Then came “One Night @ Call Center” and “Three Mistakes of My Life” that were again very precisely timed to match the movements in my life. And now, when I’m pursuing my MBA, Chetan has come up with this new novel “2 States” about an IIMA passout who finds his love for life during MBA.

The story of the novel spins around the lives of a Punjabi boy Krish Malhotra and a Tamil girl Ananya Swaminathan. As was written in their Nakshatram, they met over the dining table in IIM-A and fell into love with each other, just because the Punjabi honcho couldn’t stay “just friends” any more. Subsequently, they had made to each other’s beds pretty fast and often during the course of the MBA. But again, as the legend has it, their parents had to disagree with this decision of their children. The refusal was partly due to North India – South India clash and partly due to the generational egos of parents when children select life partners for themselves. And then, it takes the Citibank Relationship Manager, Mr Malhotra and HLL Marketing Manager, Ms Swaminathan, quite a while to bring the two families together.

Chetan has spun the novel nicely around this story and maintained the seriousness of the North India-South India issue along with the fun of reading his novel. The description of intimacies by Chetan Bhagat has been as unmatched as ever before. And some anecdotes like “we don’t use spoons to measure alcohol” made me laugh at the conversation between a Punjabi boyfriend and his prospective Tamilian father-in-law. The description of Punjabi lifestyle and their way of looking at the Tamilians and vice-versa has been interestingly funny. Just like his previous novels, this one is also full of youth and unrealistic idealism at certain points, but that fits in perfectly well. Some twists here and there make it an irresistible read.

On a serious note, there’s one particular incident that left an impression on my mind from the novel. There is a conversation between Krish and a Guruji in Pondicherry’s Aurobindo Asharam where Guruji guides him that forgiving someone doesn’t make him/her right. All it does is to make the forgiver feel lighter and happier.

All-in-all, I found 2 States an interesting novel, worth spending some time to get yourself relaxed.

Arun Sharma

Visit http://am-i-possible.blogspot.com

Book Review: Of Course I Love You..!

2009-08-24T22:15:00.006+05:30

Durjoy Dutta and Maanvi Ahuja have nicely presented the tale of the college life of a guy Deb who is an average performer in every field except getting girls to bed. The novel is all about the college life of a loser who doesn’t get to see good grades in his college life but still believes he was an IIT stuff, just dropped in DCE. The story has some characters like Vernita, Tanmay, Deb, Shrey and Avantika who made me feel a left-out from the world and doubt my physical (read sexual) prowess given the fact that I’m 25 year old virgin. Vernita is the only girl in Mechanical Engineering department and hence, pretty obviously scores good marks every time. Tanmay is Vernita’s boyfriend who’s hated by Deb and Shrey because he’s rich, handsome and intelligent. Deb is an average performing guy in studies but scores high on girlfriends and night outs. Shrey is this dream-guy who doesn’t give a shit to the studies and exams and still makes it to a start-up company in Germany. Avantika is the goddess, the most beautiful girl on the earth, the most gorgeous and the sexiest one too. She knows what to do, when to do and how to do, I hope you got it. After struggling hard in the college, when Deb doesn’t get placed in any company, he hooks up in BHEL and finds Amit, his to-be-best friend. He enjoys his life by shaping up a love life for Ami and Astha and hence getting all the office work done by Amit, the studious small-town boy.
The story ends in such a passionate love-making by Deb that I envied him for the same. It’s a nice book, Five Point Someone class. It’s a story about the youth, but it can be frustrating at times, especially when you do not have a girlfriend of your own.

Arun Sharma

State of Fear By Michael Crichton

2009-05-20T21:01:00.004+05:30

It is my second reading of Michael Chrichton. First one was TIMELINE.

I sometimes wonder, what sort of research these authors do, to present such a real plot.

This book created all the doubts in my mind regarding Global Warming and all other Environmental Campaigns going on in the world.

I recommend this book to all the good citizens of the planet.

Its indeed an eye opener

Goal by Goldratt

2009-03-15T20:55:00.004+05:30

I read this book, after i was recommended by my friends atleast dozen times.

I was surprised that this book is in story form, where the author has explained lot of management tactics via form of situations arising in front of our Hero.

I was more surprised to learn that this book was a textbook of MBA students in NITIEE.

It definitely acts as a source of inspiration to all management practioners in general and to operations guys in particular.

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

2009-01-26T11:17:00.000+05:30

This is the second novel I picked of Dan Brown. I picked it as lot of my friends told me that it is better than Da Vinci Code.

The style of writing is same of both the novels.

In this novel Brown has shown one organization named ‘Illuminati’ against Church. Again the clues are spearheaded by Robert Langdon.

I came to know a lot about secret scientific societies via this novel.

Now I m looking forward to read other works of Dan Brown

Prey by Michael Chrichton

2009-01-26T11:12:00.002+05:30

This is the second novel by Chrichton I ever read. The first one was ‘Timeline’. This novel is similar to Da Vinci Code, as its breathtaking.

The novel is about the fusion of Nanotechnology, Computer Technology and Biotechnology to create Artificial Intelligence. I was unable to sleep many nights after reading it.

And was not able to leave it after 30 pages.

I sometimes, wonder what authors like Chrichton do to write such a novel. Its totally beyond the normal human imagination.

I am sad that Chrichton died, I will miss his good work.

Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

2009-01-26T11:10:00.000+05:30

I picked this novel for the third time. Last two times I couldn’t get past first 30 pages. And I kept on wondering, whats so special about this boring novel, that all my friends are crazy about it.

This is what I realized on my third time. The moment you get past the first 40 pages, its breathtaking. I used to wait whole day in the office to get it over, so that I can get home and read it.

It made me doubt the very foundation of Christianity, and gave me lot of glimpses of Pagan religion.

No wonder, it’s one of the best novels ever I read.

Wheels by Arthur Hailey

2008-12-07T14:03:00.000+05:30

This is the second novel of Hailey, which I read.

It was a logical choice for me, as I belong to Automobile Industry. The style of Hailey was as usual, too detailed.

Giving the feeling of how Automobile Industry works in Detroit, and especially by Big Three i.e. GM, Ford and Chrysler.

It gave the visual work details of the Assembly Line, then how the whole process of starting new car to selling it.

It also touched the lifestyle of Detroit, of automotive guys, and then the Black population in Detroit.

Overall, it was a decent read, with a slow story, and without any message for readers. I will say, read it only if you are interested in Automobile Industry.

The Money Changers by Arthur Hailey

2008-11-26T19:41:00.001+05:30

This is the first novel by Arthur Hailey, which I read. Before it, I tried to read, Overload, Airport and Detective, but was not able to proceed more than 50 first pages.

I picked this novel, understanding that Arthur Hailey is research oriented author, who gives full ins and outs of the sector, about which it is writing a novel.

So, in the given picture of Global Economic Tsunami, ‘The Money Changers’ by him was the logical choice.

The story is thrilling, giving all the details of Banking industry. And it gave me better picture about how US is pushing its valueless Dollars, projecting it equivalent to gold, in the whole world. Also, it gave me insight what might have happened to Lehman Brothers, Merryl Lynch, J P Morgan Chase, Bank of America…………………

I think if you seek enjoyment in reading and you are interested in Financial Sector, specifically the Banking Sector, it’s the best time to read this

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett

2008-11-16T21:51:00.001+05:30

This was my first reading of Terry Pratchett. I read it on strong recommendation of my friend of the whole series. The series is known as Discworld Series.

The plot is about reviving the postal system of Ankh-Morpork. The famous hypothetical city, governed by the tyrant, Lord Vetinari.

But the twist is, that the person assigned to the job, is no government official, but a crook, a fraud, a trickster, Moist Lipwig. Moist Lipwig is the person with many names, many appearances, many personalities. He is hanged to death, for unforgivable crimes he has done. He wakes up wondering, how heaven or hell will be?, only to find he is still alive in front of Lord Vetinari. This is when, Lord Vetinari, gives him choice either to be hanged again, this time to death, or accept to the post of Postmaster, to revive the postal system.

The story is full of modern day things with only different names. Golems for robots, Clacks for Telegraph system, and so on.

Besides the innovative style of Terry, it is simple story of fraudster turning into good man, only to find a bigger fraudster.

The story is full of drama, emotion, conspiracies,…………………….

I will recommend it as a leisure time reading.

Hong Kong by Stephen Coonts

2008-11-14T19:41:00.000+05:30

It was the first novel of Stephen Coonts, which I read, as it was highly recommended by my sister.

The plot is about the anti communist revolution in China, with the epicenter in Hong Kong. The novel was good showcase of changes in Hong Kong after Chinese took it over from Britain. The plot was indeed thrilling, with people, emotions, conspiracies, hi tech warfare and what not. But, I will think twice before reading next novel of Stephen. As, though the story line was good, but the flow was very abrupt, which is not a sign of good author.

Still, I will recommend this novel for the people who want to be thrilled via vicarious experience of reading.

Joker in the Pack

2008-08-01T20:20:00.001+05:30

By Ritesh Sharma & Neeraj Pahlajani

This is the book, I saw in my friends hand few months back, during the placement season of my college.

I came to know that it’s the story about IIM life, and wanted to read immediately. But, as time was scarce couldn’t pick it.

Few weeks ago, I was out shopping, and saw it in one of the windows of the book shop, and immediately bought it.

The story is indeed about the life in B-Schools in general and IIM’s in specific. While reading it was remniscent of my life in general and my B-School life in specific. The dilemma, whether to do MBA or not? Which B School to choose? How to convert the interview call?

Then it further walked me down the lane of ragging, summers, Business Plan Competitions, Co-curricular activities, Placement fight, and of course academics.

To make the story spicy, it had a estranged love story, lot of funny incidents. And the best part was the insertion of ‘hindi’ dialogues.

I would recommend it to any B-School aspirant, student and alumunus.

Love Story by Eric Segal

2008-06-16T12:32:00.005+05:30

Oliver is studying in Harvard and is one of the brightest students there. Well, he is not just Oliver but he is Oliver Barret IV, belonging to one of the most influential families of London. He has a great history, full of achievements ( by his predecessors). He is supposed to carry the legacy of the family. His father, Barret III is just Barret III and nothing else for him. Then comes Jenny. Socially zero as compared to Barrets but as Oliver always quote "Jenny is Jenny", we realize during the book that she is.

The book revolves around the troubles Jenny and Oliver face in order to settle their lives. How they manage their small small issues. How the relationship between in-laws of both side progress? And, lastly their most important battle.

All through the book Oliver is "Preppie" for Jenny and Jenny is the "Witch". Most of their conversations end with one thing "Okay". Still, the book is full of emotions at every point of time. It make you realize the value of those who are very near to you. Read it for realizing their importance before its too late.

Sorry to give you all no clue about the plot. But you can always read it yourself. Just 125 pages.

Why I recommend this book is because it is the most honest love at first sight story. We always wish to have same experience. Lucky Oliver and unlucky too. Why unlucky, please find out yourself. And finally to conclude, this book do state the very important message of life for all of us. " Love means never have to say that you are sorry". Okay Preppie. Okay.

The 3 mistakes of my life by Chetan Bhagat

2008-06-05T14:25:00.003+05:30

This is the third book written by Chetan. And also the third book of his, I have read. The other 2 were One night @ call center and Five Point Someone.

The mention of the word Ahmedabad, lead me to believe that this is Five Point Someone at IIM Ahmedabad. But, it turned out to be entirely other way round.

The best part about story is that its based on real life story. Interestingly the author, receives an email by one of its reader fans. The catch, is the email is the 'Suicide Note'.

Now, even the authors like J K Rowling, Mario Puzo, Jeffery Archer..... dont have mettle enough to ignore such mail. Same happened to Chetan.

The story is full of drama, friendship, love and action.

Interesting events covered by the story is Cricket, Gujarat Earthquake and Godhra Riots.

The story is not to the class of the earlier two works of the author. But, reality is seldomly a match of spicy fiction.

I recommend this book, to all the readers as a non-serious leisure time reading.

Book Review : How buffet does it. - James Pardoe

2008-05-12T16:27:00.001+05:30

This is a very easy to read book, with 24 simple tips. It is a qualitative without any numbers but makes a good read. It explaines the buffet philosophy in a very staraight forward manner. For example, how you are not buying stock but a share in the business and thus you must focus on the economics of the business. The concept that the price at which you buy determines your returns and so on. All in all a good read

Book Review : Buffetology - Mary Buffet and David Clark

2008-05-12T16:22:00.000+05:30

In contrast to How buffet does it, this book was a big let down. It has two parts, one about the philosophy and the qualitaitve part and the other advanced buffetology which has some number work done. It is a 319 page book but doesn't give you any thing other than the same thing Pardoe says in 150 pages. The so called quantative part and advanced buffetology is at best something lifted from a basic / entry level finance text book. NPV calculation, calculaing expected values and P/E multiples etc. It was a major let down.

Code To Zero by Ken Follet

2008-04-29T23:14:00.003+05:30

hello Friends

After long time, I picked up fiction.

Its the second book of Ken Follet, I went through. The first one was 'The Third Twin'. It was pretty gripping. And I had the similar expectations from Follet this time also.

The very name suggested me, that its some sort of a sci-fi. But, that belief was totally wrong. Still, the book was good read, throwing lot of light on aspects of espionage, Cold War, Communism and Rocket Science.

The plot was quite gripping, which starts with a man who lost his memory, when he wakes up. The grip was so tight, that I finished it in two days, pretty difficult in my latest schedule.

So, I will recommend it to read in bit of relaxed time, else your expectations may not come true.

TO WHERE IS THE INDIAN IT INDUSTRY HEADING?

2008-03-08T15:02:00.004+05:30

Release 2.0: The Bangalore Imperative
250 pages
Fiction

Spanning from January 2005 to December 2008 and set in the continents of Asia, America, Africa and Europe, Release 2.0 is an interesting science fiction novel and thriller concerning the Indian IT industry. This futuristic novel explores two possible outcomes of the Indian IT industry- both utopian and dystopian. From another perspective, it also chronicles the rise of the IT industry in India and its expected future.

The current contribution of the Indian IT industry sadly mostly pertains to the services sector. The ultimate contribution of the IT industry to India as a nation is almost nothing apart from the minor revenue earned. IT work is outsourced to India because of the cheap labour the country provides. India however faces competition from Hungary, Iceland, Morocco, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as far as outsourcing is concerned.

Release 2.0 prophesises that if India’s IT industry relies heavily on services not only will it stagnate but bears a risk of actually being wiped out. The author has drawn a wonderful parallel with the mills in Mumbai that relied on cheap labour. In the 1850s India had a booming export business of yarn. The Japanese mills however improved in productivity by investing in new technology. Soon the Japanese mills superseded the Indian mills and took away the Chinese market. The author paints a grim image of the carcasses of the defunct textile mills in central Mumbai waiting to be sold for their land value. IT firms will face the same consequences if they don’t innovate. This is the dystopian outcome of the Indian IT industry.

A major part of Release 2.0 is set on the tiny isle of Mauritius. Mauritius, which is known as a tourist and leisure destination actually houses a backup centre for the software development centres in mainland India. It stacks seventeen and a half tonnes of back up batteries and its diesel generators has four thousand gallons of fuel to provide fifteen days of power supply in case of power failure India. A mysterious figure called Mr.Mauritius heads the operations out there. His real identity is kept under wraps and is only revealed at the end of the novel.

A special feature of Release 2.0 is that it is very grand in its technological vision. The author goes into intricate detail to lucidly describe these new innovative technologies.

Release 2.0 suggests that the Indian IT industry should follow the steps analyzing, designing, building and testing to innovate. The characters of the novel create a computerized hair cutting machine which creates a data base of every strand of hair. An electronic pair of scissors clips hair. An identical scalp is created bearing the desired haircut which was replicated on the human scalp. The customer is given the privilege to review the progress of the haircut by checking out its image display on the computer screen. This technology is furthered into the collection of data from across the world through wireless means using secure data-channels which itself is the most beautiful ramification of a seemingly simplistic technology. A concept as easy as putting ‘individual’ tags has been given an entirely new dimension in the wireless future.

The characters use RFID technology (radio frequency identification by electromagnetic and electrostatic coupling) to precisely identify any object or person any where in the world. This system bears a striking similarity to the futuristic technological system of global tracking shown in critically acclaimed motion picture Minority Report.

The inflowing information is stored in a mammoth data base. A brick wall astonishingly lights up to form a gigantic plasma screen. After all to exhibit mammoth data a screen which is the size of a wall is needed.

A normal ball point pen turns out to be a digital pen. It’s activated by removing the cap. It’s deactivated by replacing the cap. The pen has an inbuilt modem which is the size of a hairpin. The pen has an invisible digital camera. Its optical sensor captures any work done with the pen and duly registers the pen’s movements. A processor digitalizes the words and images. The data thus collected is then transferred to the ‘wall’ through the hairpin modem thus enabling the building of a huge database at the backend.

The book suggests an amazing networking strategy to help in the innovation. Like minded people are who want to want to see India’s IT industry innovatively flourishing are encouraged to be a member of the South Asians’ Network for Research and Development. The members may actively participate in the research or help by financing the projects. They must be well-coordinated like the Al Qaeda not in promoting terrorism but in evolving a sophisticated and secure system for information dissemination. Though the members of this network are not directly connected to the head person the IT related information that they send are reaching the headquarters. The back-end data may be available to the front end whenever required simultaneously maintaining top secrecy. This is only possible by the way of an emerging telecom provider. Banks and the President of India are also involved in the networking.

Beauty contests are eyed for choosing beautiful woman who has in depth IT knowledge. It is a refreshing change to see IT companies sponsoring a beauty pageant instead of cosmetic companies. Instead of asking clichéd questions on world peace, IT related questions are asked.

Release 2.0 suggests that new overseas markets like France need to be tapped by the Indian IT industry. If through innovation India seems to be a lucrative IT hub, the brain drain trend may be reversed. Indeed eminent IT personalities may be motivated to pack their bags and return to their mother land India.

The utopian future that the book envisages is IT people making a beeline for Bangalore, leading Indian IT companies merging thereby forming one of the world’s largest company, villages being digitalized and the IT industry providing a major share of the GDP. The key to India being an IT powerhouse according to the book is through innovation and meticulous networking.

Besides its visionary ideology, the book stands out for the way it has chronicled and caricatured some of the chief architects of the IT industry.

Though this book is set in the IT industry it is not meant for just IT professionals. Any person who enjoys thrillers should find it an enjoyable read.

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL-MATES SOUL

2008-03-08T14:52:00.007+05:30

By Al Raines
Undercover Utopia

Whoever had made the proverb ‘Don’t judge a book by the cover’ would have surely changed his mind if he came across a copy of Soul Search Engine by Al Raines. Honestly, this is the first book I have ever come across, which so crisply captures the whole essence of the novel with its cover page design. No, this book doesn’t have an expensive and glossy cover. Rather it is a sweet and simple cover.

Your foremost glance at the cover will give you the impression of the google homepage. However you will soon realize the title, hyper links and search button logos of this google page look-alike, actually read different. In bold colourful font this page is titled ‘Soul Search Engine’ which also happens to be the book title. The words keyed in this search box read ‘life times’. The indices or cross-sections of search offered are ‘time’ and ‘space’. You are given the options of an indepth infinite search or a simple nostalgic search on the whim. The web links indicate that you can savour your search through your five sense organs in terms of images, sounds, tastes, textures and fragrances. This book can’t be accessed with a mouse click as it is after all not an online book nor is its cover page a real web page. Just start turning the pages and read on- the novel will take you on a lovely trip down the ages.

Thematically Soul Search Engine is ‘a brief story of life, the universe and everything in ninety-nine pages: a story fourteen billion and thirty six years in the making’. The novel traces the history of the world from its inception till the modern times. It simultaneously unravels one of the greatest and touching tales of friendship through the story of two souls who strengthen their bond of friendship through the successive life times they share together. The front cover illustratively captures this very thematic concept.

Structurally the book is divided into three broad chapters: Disappearing Dinosaurs, Neanderthal Noon and Modern Men. The book opens with a prologue and is rounded off with an epilogue. A striking feature of the book is that the chapters are interspersed with diary entries by the protagonists of the book in cursive hand, lending an epistolary touch to the novel.

Those of you who think, “What’s the use of a book without pictures or conversations?” let me gladly inform you that Soul Search Engine has soft pencil shade sketches of dinosaurs, prehistoric men, cave sketches and artefacts symbolizing the modern age. The conversations between the protagonists are sometimes sad, sometimes funny, sometimes highly philosophical and sometimes so naïve, sweet and simple.

The protagonists of the novel are the adorable Stegy and Rex, who despite being poles apart become best buddies, in fact soul mates. They meet for the very first time when both are dinosaurs. They are reborn as Neanderthal men and later as modern men. As they bump into one another over several births they renew and develop on their friendship every time they meet.

Historical fact and fiction are harmoniously blended in etching out the characters and developing the plot. Stegy in his dinosaur birth is the Stegosaurus, very correctly described as large, plant-eating dinosaur with triangular plates on his back and spikes on his tail. Whereas Rex is a Tyrannosaurus Rex very aptly described as a carnivore with a massive skull balanced by a long, heavy tail. Despite being the largest predator alive he is pint sized when compared to the Stegosaurus. Stegy and Rex are however not the blood-curdling dinosaurs as shown in Jurassic Park and the Godzilla movies. They are docile rather than destructive. The only destructive dinosaurs in the book are the wily raptors. They retain their birds of prey instincts even when they reincarnate themselves later as prehistoric tribes thirsting for vengeance and finally modern terrorist warriors.

Neanderthal Noon beautifully chronicles the impact of the discovery of fire and the invention of the wheel. This chronicle may not however adhere exactly to factual truth- it reads more like a fictional chronicle. The wheel and fire rather have symbolic overtones in the novel and act as a medium to unravel the innate characteristic traits of the prehistoric protagonists Coznay (a reincarnation of Rex) and the Hider/ Finder (a reincarnation of Stegy). Coznay seems to have the vibrant energy and indomitable fiery spirit a fire seems to have. The Finder, the inventor of the wheel is the creative one. The way in which the Finder brings forth innovative changes to the world, he is indeed like the wheel of progress.

Prehistoric life is unraveled through sensuous imageries. There’s a lavish description of a feast in which ‘a veritable cornucopia of berries, nuts, roots, shoots and fruits’ are ‘all dressed up in myriad shades of leaves’. A prehistoric village in the shroud of the night sky is garlanded with small fires on tree tops and the paths between the huts. Rex in a latter life time while visiting New York City with all its dazzling lights fondly conjures up this rich visual memory.

In the last chapter of the novel Stegy and Rex come back to the world as Mikhail Gorky (who though an Army General wishes to save the defenseless) and Alex Baldwin (a self-made American millionaire who bets on the war). The concluding chapter is the most philosophical and nostalgic chapter of the novel with Stegy and Rex now with the analytical thinking capability of the contemporary man fondly reminiscence over the many lives they’ve spent together and how the world has changed over the years.

For a literary person Soul Search Engine may be a poetic and lyrical experience. For a historian the book may be a crisp synopsis of world history specifically the time frames of the Dinosaur Age, Prehistoric Age and Modern Age. For the philosopher the book brings forth a plethora of philosophical insights without promoting the teachings of any particular philosophers. For a person who believes in reincarnation it may be a delightful spiritual rendezvous.

Business@Speed of Thought

2008-03-07T18:52:00.004+05:30

By Bill Gates

I picked this book recently, though written around 10 years back.

During the first few pages, I thought that I did a mistake by buying this, as most of the things or technologies mentioned in it are already in place. But, at the same time I was really surprised by the Bill’s forecasting of the future, much of it has come true.

When I further read the book, I was more than amazed. I used to think Microsoft to be only Windows and Microsoft Office. I used to think, that soon it will be cannibalized by more innovative company like Google.

But I was wrong, what Microsoft has done around 10 years back, it will take other companies around a decade from now to catch up.

The book talks about Digital Nervous System in any system, organization, society or nation. It gives a fabulous examples in industries like Healthcare, Governance, Aeronoutical and what not.
Bill claims that this book is for CEO’s of this century. But, I disagree with him on this point. This book is for any and every person living at this point of time. As we can see, the impact of Information Technology is so great on our present lives, that it has become as essential in education as arithmetic. So, I recommend this book to any and every person who wants to educate oneself on how Information Technology has and would fundamentally change our lives forever.

The Prayer by Al Raines

2008-03-07T18:51:00.004+05:30

This novel by Al Raines comes with the label ‘the first ever horror novel from India’ on its cover. Authors of the cult supernatural novel November Rain unfold yet another spine chilling tale through “The Prayer”.

The novel is set in Riverdale - a town otherwise well known in Archie’s comics. However Al Raines’ Riverdale is not at all a mirthful town as it is haunted by an evil prayer. Prayers are meant to give hope and heal. Unfortunately a prayer bearing a Wiccan curse is being forwarded to the inboxes of the citizens of Riverdale. This sinister prayer comes with the pledge that if read before bedtime it’ll make the reader’s dreams come true. By ‘dreams’ the prayer doesn’t refer to ‘wishes’ but ‘what the person dreams of when asleep’. Not all dreams are sweet, nightmares plague one’s consciousness when in slumber and some of those nightmares may indeed be of death. Reminiscent of the film The Ring in which every person who sees an evil video is supposed to die, in The Prayer, whoever has a nightmare of death after reading the prayer loses a loved one or dies. Life soon becomes a living nightmare with the characters in the book desperately trying to stay awake over cups of coffee to prevent themselves from falling asleep and dreaming in the process. Weariness however catches up and before they know it the characters are asleep and having ominous nightmares which will soon turn to reality once they wake up.

Eight-year-old Jamie found this prayer on a parchment on the windshield of his family’s car. He read that if he sent this prayer to seven people his dreams would come true. He diligently forwarded it with the hope that his separated parents reconciled. The characters affected by this forwarded prayer are shown to be within six degrees of separation.

The author does claim to be inspired by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkin’s theory of memetics. Meme is Dawkin’s unit of human cultural evolution analogous to the gene. The Prayer file not only infests the computers of the recipients like a virus, annoyingly popping up on screen just refusing to be deleted but adhering to the principles of memetics it seems to mutate in the brains of the recipients to be ready to jump to new vehicles. Adhering to Dawkin’s theory there seems to be a power struggle between the hosts (recipients of the prayer) and The Prayer which plays the role a gene in this case. Dawkin’s Selfish Gene theory says that the genes usually win without a fight. Only if the host is intelligent enough to realize its interests can there be a true conflict. As the prayer recipients begin to die one by one, the surviving members diminish their six degrees of separation to bring their heads together to solve their common problem by consolidating all their dreams to one dream and deciphering its symbolisms.

The authors do not seem to delve into well known dream symbolisms established by Carl, Jung and Freud. Rather they give the dreams a unique Wiccan supernatural touch. However Wicca even if practiced in scary rooms with black paint and no bulbs as shown in the novel may not necessarily always be ominous in its effect. The authors go on to show that Wicca is not synonymous to evil. ‘Evil lurks in our minds’ the novel says. ‘For those whose hearts are true, the light always shines on them.’

The authors also claim to have drawn inspiration from Edgar Allen Poe. There are special references to Poe’s poems A Dream Within a Dream and indirectly to The Raven. The circulating prayer of the novel in fact reads very similar to Poe’s poem A Dream Within a Dream. Poe’s poem questions the thin line between reality and fantasy with the rhetorical question as to whether everything is just a dream within a dream. In the novel fantasy becomes reality thereby becoming synonymous.

The characters of the novel see a raven in their dreams. Poe’s raven seems to ominously foretell that he will soon fly out of the poet’s life just like his friends have flown away from him along with his previous hopes. Similarly as the characters lose their friends, gradually they lose hope but ironically a mysterious character called Ravenclaw, the worshipper of the Goddess of Dreams can redeem them from the evil effect of the prayer.

Other than being a supernatural horror novel The Prayer beautifully explores the lives of Alcoholic Anonymous members in a foreign first-world-nation among whom the prayer is circulated. Some of them are trying to regain control in their lives sometimes by aiming for perfection when in reality they are following the path of self-destruction and returning to the bottle.

The novel ends with ample scope for a sequel to follow. Let’s hope that Al Raines is soon back with an equally scary The Prayer- 2.

November Rain by Al Raines

2008-03-07T18:42:00.004+05:30

Cult novel and possibly India’s foremost pop-fiction November Rain written by Al Raines seems to take a cue from the epic rock ballad November Rain by Guns N’ Roses. The bride in the Guns and Roses song is often presumed to be killed abruptly when a lightning strikes during her church wedding. Similarly young Sandeep unexpectedly loses his sweetheart Arpita while fixing their marriage date when their car crashes during a rainstorm in November.

We’ve all heard of the wedding vow to love ‘till death do us part’. However what may happen if we continue to love our partner not only after he/ she dies but in his/ her next life as well? After all it is often believed that when you meet your lover from your previous birth, you instantly feel a deep and natural affinity with him/ her as he/ she is your soul-mate.

England-born Erica paradoxically sees her dream man in her nightmares from childhood. He holds a red rose for her in the fog. She seems to be on an unending ominous wait to meet him. Medicines, hypnosis and counseling just won’t cure her recurrent nightmares. Heeding to her grandfather’s advice on his death bed an eighteen-year-old Erica flies to India to find this soul-mate of hers.

November Rain uniquely explores the concept of fate, love and loss. It shows how a single incident may have a far reaching impact affecting many people over generations. Maybe it’s better to stoically accept fate, love and loss instead. Another relevant issue explored is whether we do end up in marrying our soul-mate? And should we just let the dead rest in peace instead of invoking their spirit through a planchette?

A supernatural thriller, November Rain subtlely builds up climax through nuances. An invoked spirit scrawls that he wants to watch a ghost movie. Two cars narrowly miss a head-long collision maybe symbolically indicating that the passengers narrowly miss meeting one another despite being intertwined by fate. A painter purposely does away with all light bulbs as he likes to paint by candlelight. Out-of-season rain in November acts as tragic foreboding. The novel breaks clichés to juxtapose a sinister touch to the number ‘16’ than the predominantly used ‘13’. 16 whether in birth and death seems to be of ominous significance.

Written in epistolary style, November Rain often narrates the same incident by the various characters in their own perspectives. The narrations randomly shift between the 70’s and 90’s decade in both England and India. One of the narrations is actually by a spirit called in a planchette!

The language alters in accordance with the narrator. When an orthodox ageing NRI couple is the narrator it is full of the usual grammatical errors they are typically prone to. When college-going-youngsters narrate, the language has slang and references to rock bands.
Though this book may have more takers among those open to the supernatural especially Stephen King readers, maybe skeptics should know that November Rain is partly based on four inexplicable incidents in the authors’ present lives

Dragon of the Mangroves by Yasuyuki Kasai

2007-12-30T05:38:00.000+05:30

Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 13: 978-0-595-39026-7 (pbk)
13: 978-0-595-83414-3 *ebk)
Genre: Fiction

Many stories of World War II are untold on both sides of the battles fought in the Pacific theater that should be told of the bravery displayed by the ordinary soldier on both sides and the terrors they often faced. This is one such story, based on events that occurred during the Japanese withdrawal from Ramree Island.

How does one look through the eyes of an ordinary man conscripted to fight a war he doesn't really understand and depict what he sees or what is happening around him? Talented author Yasuyuki Kasai has used his understanding of human nature to craft a tale that shows us how men react when faced with certain death.

This is a tale that could be applied to any group of men in any similar situation. The confusion caused by orders that call for defense and retreat at the same time, send Second Lt. Yoshihisa Sumi and his men on a rescue mission to remove as many soldiers as possible from Ramree Island. He must find transport to the island when no boats are available, he is given an inadequate map, arms and food, yet he finds the way to obey his orders.

Both the retreating army and rescuers are unaware of dangers awaiting them as they proceed toward a meeting place. There is a definite tension in this story that will hold your attention. History unfolds as you red and you will understand once again the untold horrors of war.

An interesting tale that I'm pleased to recommend to any fiction fan. History, horror and suspense all mingle with facts that prove life can produce experiences worse than any imagination. It is a read that will open your eyes and I can honestly say I learned something about another side to this war and the men who fought it.

Anne K. Edwards

Whispers by Nancy Madison

2007-12-29T09:31:00.000+05:30

Publisher: Ebooksonthe.net
ISBN: 978-1-59431-266-4

What would you do if the man you were about to marry betrrayed you in the worst possible way the night before your wedding and proved to have another motive for marrying you other than love? Would you jump from the frying pan into the fire as Layne Hamilton did? In her efforts to put things in perspective she travels south to Virginia only to find her problems have followed. Her return to New York is no better. Will she ever find happiness? The plot twists and turns, surprising the reader as Layne tries to untanble herself from the darker motives of others. Doe slove have a chance? Will Layne forgive the past? These are but a few of the questions you'll want answered as you read. A well-told tale that any romantic suspense fan will enjoy. Creative author Nancy Madison weaves a plot from motives, danger, romance and fear that will keep you reading. You'll feel as if you've stayed at the lovely B&B in Virginia with Layne so well described are the settings. Lots of adventure and action for an exciting read. Recommended as a fun read that will have you looking for other books by Nancy Madison. Enjoy. I did. Anne K. Edwards

Bangkok Laws by Jim Michael Hansen

2007-12-18T17:14:00.000+05:30

Preview

Title: Bangkok Laws
Author: Jim Michael Hansen
Publisher: Dark Sky Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 13: 9780976924319
Genre: Thriller/Suspense

If you're planning to travel to Bangkok to sample some of the sleazy and forbidden entertainments found there, beware that it doesn't cost more than you are willing to pay. Like Alan Ewing did.

It's his mysterious murder that brings Bryson Coventry into contact with a lovely P.I. who deliberately seeks him out. The question is why? Would you trust her? Would you trust her story? Is she as she appears to be? Where will she lead Bryson and the reader who follow so willingly?

Familiar characters who will be easily recalled from other "Laws" stories guide us into the realm of shady dealings by an international law firm where almost any fantasy or case can be won by manipulating people. Bangkok Laws is a study of methods of revenge by victims of this firm.

Highly recommended as a tale you will have to finish once you begin to read. Talented author Jim Michael Hansen has woven a fascinating plot from several subplots to satisfy even the pickiest thriller fan. Action aplenty with false trails and red herrings to draw the reader into dead ends and keep us trying to out guess the villains who do what they do sooo well. A book guaranteed to hold your attention and provide you with reading satisfction. Enjoy. I sure did. (But a warning to the girls, don't travel to Bangkok unescorted.)

Anne K. Edwards

Broken Gods by Michaela August

2007-12-18T17:13:00.000+05:30

Review

Title: Broken Gods--House of Rose Book III
Author: Michaela August
Publisher: Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc.
ISBN: 9781587496042
Genre: Paranormal

Vampires galore! If you like history and vampires, this mix set in the time of Knights Templar when Constantinople was the center of an empire will please you immensely.

Since most of us don't see vampires as protectors, this book presents an interesting premise that there can be other types of vampires, those who act as protectors to a certain house. This is the tale of how one woman became a member of these protectors during a time of upheaval for those they were to protect. Will she learn her craft or fail?

The talented author Michaela August creates a world of characters rich in variation and motives for their actions, a grouping to include rebellious and caring types, proving that vampires can have emotions and thoughts beyond the drinking of blood.

For the reader who wants something more than a rehashed tale of Dracula, I'm pleased to recommend this book as one written outside the outlines of "what we know" to bring something fresh to the realm of vampire tales. Enjoy.

Anne K. Edwards

Man's Days Are as Grass by Shel Damsky

2007-12-18T17:10:00.000+05:30

Review

Title: Man's Days Are as Grass
Author: Shel Damsky
Publisher: Cambridge Books Imprint of WriteWords Inc.
ISBN: 9781594314377
Genre: Fiction

Politics, anyone? What do you know about political bosses in a small town? Do you know how they operate, how they build and maintain power? Do you think they use strong-arm tactics?

To find the answers about one boss in Olympia, New York, join author Jonathan Abrams who gave up his law practice in Olympia to write legal thrillers. He had no plans to ever return, yet when he gets a call from an old friend, he soon finds himself in the thick of a grand jury trial that challenges the hold of the local political boss on the town.

He enjoys reminiscing about his youth in Olympia with people he knew and visiting the old neighborhoods and boyhood haunts. Yet, he's not sure he should be involved in the trial after such a long absence from the town and the law. Fortunately, a well-known attorney is on hand to advise him.

A thought-provoking story that warns of abuse of our legal system by talented author Shel Damsky, this tale will keep you reading. Cleverly crafted with realistic characters who all have motives for what they do, this is a delightful change from the formula legal thriller.

I'm pleased to recommend this book to any lover of fiction as one worth the time to read. Enjoy. I sure did. You'll be looking for other books by this author whose ability to craft a variety of plots and characters will keep you happily reading.

Anne K. Edwards

Poor Souls by John William McMullen

2007-12-18T17:09:00.000+05:30

Review

Title: Poor Souls
Author: John William McMullen
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
ISBN: 9781593747160
Genre: Fiction

Have you ever wondered what life was like behind the scenes of the priesthood, how they, as men, thought and reacted to ideas and events within the realm of the church? Have you ever wondered why a young man becomes a priest and what his education is like?

If you enjoy a tale about ordinary men who take on the daunting task of trying to live a life inside a set of rules that most of us would find too restrictive, Poor Souls by talented author John William McMullen is just the story for you.

A study of one man trying to walk the political tightrope among the conflicting lines of thinking and dogma, an introduction to the variety of personalities attracted to the life of a priest and how they "get the call". This is a well written story that any reader will enjoy as something different.

I'm pleased to recommend Poor Souls as a tale that will open your eyes to how human priests are and the issues they face in dealing with the heirarchy of the ancient organization they have willingly dedicated their lives too. This is a story well worth anyone's time. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Road Kill Art by Niles Reddick

2007-12-18T17:08:00.002+05:30

Review

Title: Road Kill Art and Other Oddities
Author: Niles Reddick
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
ISBN: 9781593748043
Genre: Fiction

If you like short pieces on reminiscences and people, this collection of short stories is a book you will enjoy. There's something in it for everyone, something that will strike a chord deep inside you to make you recall certain moments and people from the past.

Everyone has known someone or had a relative who was considered strange by the rest of society and will identify with the characters in the title story. Or did you want to learn to ski only to find out it wasn't for you after traveling to get there?

You will find a fun tale about UFOs and birds, both of which remind us of moments we'd rather not remember. And try tracing your roots to see what is lurking up in your family tree like the author did.

I'm pleased to recommend this book by talented author Niles Reddick as a relaxing read that stirs memories and pleasant musings on life. Enjoy. I really did.

Anne K. Edwards

Witness in the Square by Gini Anding

2007-12-18T17:08:00.001+05:30

Review

Title: Witness in the Square
Author: Gini Anding
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc.
ISBN: 13:9780575410958 print
13:9780595854547 ebook
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Mystery

Have you ever traveled to Paris? Did you explore it neighborhoods to
discover little gems like Ile Saint-Louis? Amy Page did and found a new
life.

A widow in search of meaning for the rest of her life, Amy finds more than
she hoped and winds up, not for the first time, knee deep in murder when the
simple loan of an umbrella to a stranger puts her life in jeopardy.

Amy is supposed to attend a family wedding in Hawaii, but will she make it,
or will a new terrorist group interfere with dire consequences? Will her
new love Jean-Michel Jolivet keep her safe?

This is a fun read that will let you feel as if you've visited the Ile in
person and toured the shops and old buildings. The well drawn cast of
characters will keep you focused on the story. A multilayered take woven
into a cleverly plotted tale by talented author Gini Anding will satisfy any
mystery lover. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

Silenced Cry by Marta Stephens

2007-12-18T17:06:00.000+05:30

Review

Title: Silenced Cry
Author: Marta Stephens
Publisher: BeWrite Books
ISBN: 978-1-905202-73-7
Genre: Mystery

Sam Harper has lost his partner, Gillies, an experienced narcotics detective in a shootout with a criminal. And as a result, Sam is experiencing job changes within the police department. He is sent to homicide, given a new partner, and set to work on cold cases, one of which isn't in the files.

When a baby's bones are found in the wall of a building undergoing demolition, Sam and his new partner get the job of trying to piece together why the baby was in the wall. The work is a wearisome checking of old records until the clues begin to melt into a picture of what happened.

Talented author Marta Stephens opens a door into the darker side of society and human nature that will make the reader consider how much life is wasted here, how much hope is lost. You'll wonder that anyone survives in this world.

Sit in with interviews of witnesses and learn the story of the lost baby. You'll want to cry. A tale that could be taken from the news, this is a book you will remember and look for other tales by this creative author.

A realistic cast of characters lead us step by step into the past, into the darkness of the human soul. The twisting trail has a surprise at the end for the reader.

Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Touch of Fate

2007-12-18T07:26:00.000+05:30

TItle: Touch of Fate
Author: Christine Amsden
Publisher: Paladin Timeless Books
ISBN:
Genre: Paranormal

Hey paranormal fans! Something a little different and definitely worth reading is Touch of Fate by talented author Christing Amsden.

Marianne Waters can predict the future and knows it can't be changed. Or can it? When she foresees the death of her daughter's best friend, she feels compelled to try.

This event changes their lives and she and her daughter move to St. Louis for a new beginning. But is there any such thing?

Mariaanne finds herself caught up in a group of women with similar talents and hopes to form friendships based on a shared ability. Unfortunately, events take a turn for the worse and she is caught up in violenct that can end in her own death.

I'm happy to recommend this tale to paranormal fans. A well drawn cast of characters whose motives and intents conflict show us the possibilities and limitations of being psychic and the problems they face in social acceptance. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

Matabele Gold

2007-12-18T07:25:00.000+05:30

Title: Matabele Gold
Author: Michael J. Hunt
Publisher: BeWrite Books, UK
ISBN: 1904492339
Genre: Fiction

After years of absence, Daniel Walker is returning to his homeland in Africe where the remnants of the Boer War still affect the life of the residents.

For a while Daniel was content to work for the company that controlled the entire area, but in time he set himself up as an independent consultant. The work with another in precious metals found on a small farm brought him into sharing the danger of exposure and perhaps imprisonment.

A developing relationship with the local policeman's wife complicates his life farther. How will it all end?

Talented author Michael J. Hunt shows us the way life had to be lived by native Africans and the defeated Boer families under the rule of a large English owned company with power of life and death in these remote areas.

Mr. Hunt shows us the skills and subterfuges this forced people to develop simply to exist where they had no legal protection. A tale well worth the time to read for anyone who enjoys history and the realitybehind it.

Recommended to any reader looking for an interesting story set in an interesting time. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

The Lute and The Liar

2007-12-18T07:24:00.000+05:30

Title: The Lute and the Liar
Author: Rie Sheridan
Publisher: Awe-struck E-books, Inc.
ISBN: 13: 9781587496011
Genre: Medieval Romance

Dismissed from his place as a musician and challenged to only tell the truth by a witch, Mordigan Bryne has his hands full when he winds up wandering the roads to nowhere in particular.

The Princess Allysian takes it into her head to find him for reasons of her own so cuts off her hair, dresses like a boy and takes to the road only to wind up in prison.

Where will their futures take them? Will Mordigan find his destiny and will the princess be freed to find him or will their paths never cross? It may be only the witch knows for sure.

A fun, well told tale that any fan of romance will enjoy. The story is flavored with the once-upon-a-time of the fairy tales of childhood with witches, wizards, and castles, and will remind any reader of those fun reads.

I'm happy to recommend this tale to any romantic. Talented author Rie Sheridan weaves a story that will keep you reading and you'll be looking for other books by her. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Behind the Polygamy Veil

2007-12-18T07:23:00.000+05:30

Title: Behind the Polygamy Veil
Author: Kenneth Brown
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 1425721818
Genre: Mystery
3 1/2 bolts

What is polygamy? Why does it persist into today's world? Who are the men that practice it and where do they find their wives? Do the women come willingly into this world?

Talented author Kenneth Brown gives a look into this shadowy world by raising the curtain on it in this tale. A vanished wife draws PI Greg Forman into this world, then a girl vanishes on her way to school.

A mysterious message from the girl gives the searchers their first real break and the hunt is on. Will they find her alive?

A story for any one interested in the practice of polygamy and how it impacts the lives of its victims. A tale told by an author with a sure knowledge of his subject. Enjoy.

Anne K. Edwards

Tremolo, Cry of the Loon

2007-12-18T07:22:00.001+05:30

Title: Tremelo, Cry of the Loon
Author: Aaron Paul Lazar
Publisher: Paladin Timeless books, imprint of Twilight Times Books
ISBN:
Genre: Mystery

Open the pages of this great story and you'll find yourself stepping back in time to the childhood of the hero of the LeGarde mysteries by the very talented author Aaron Pau Lazar. The setting has all the earmarks of being real and pulls the reader nostalgically back to their own childhood with its warmth and laughter.

Three children, Gustave, Seigfried, and Elsbeth are set to enjoy another summer on the lake, but a series of events sends them off in a different direction, tinging the peaceful lakeside atmosphere with fear and mystery. A missing girl, a mysterious visitor the children are forbidden to bother, the attempted murder of Gustave and other events keep this story moving with a sense of tension that will have any reader looking over their shoulder at strange sounds after dark.

Join Gustave and his friends in their attempts to find the missing girl, and find where their conviction they've found her leads. A tightly-written tale with loads of action and adventure to keep you reading by a superb story-teller whose characters live and breathe.

A fun read with plenty of mystery and intrigue as seen through the eyes of a boy well on his way to becoming a man. If you are familiar with the adult LeGarde, you will recognize the seeds of his personality as sown here. Enjoy. I certainly did and I highly recommend this and all other books by Aaron Paul Lazar to any reader.

Anne K. Edwards

Exile

2007-12-18T07:19:00.000+05:30

Title: Exile
Author: Richard North Patterson
Publisher: Henry Holt
ISBN: 13: 9780805079470
Genre: Suspense
4 1/4 bolts

A thoughtful tale by talented author Richard North Patterson that offers a look into both sides of the present day terror issue as seen by the people who live it and those who, like most Americans, are removed from it by distance and politics.

Attorney David Wolfe is confronted with a problem that has the power to destroy the life he has built and the future he hopes for when Hana Arif, a love from the past, steps back into his life. She is Palestinian and he is Jewish, she committed to the cause of a homeland and he only to a personal future and success.

They manage to overcome their differences and fall in love, but it is a relationship they both know is going nowhere. She is engaged to a Palestinian and in the end marries him and disappears from David's life. Until the day he gets the call because she is in trouble.

An important Israeli leader has been killed by a suicide bomber and she is suspected of being involved. And David must decide whether to help her or not, a decision that could turn his entire life upside down.

Should he help her? David is tormented by this question over and over because he was also a witness to the explosion that killed the Israeli leader who had been working to bring peace to the Middle East. If David helps Hana, he risks being isolated from all he knows even though she has the right under the law to his help as a lawyer.

I"m pleased to recommend this well told tale to any reader who is open minded enough to look at both sides of an argument and its adherents whose hate keep it alive. This is a book whose characters you won't soon forget. Enjoy. I sure did.

Blue Diamonds

2007-12-18T07:17:00.000+05:30

Title: Blue Diamonds
Author: Spencer Dane
Publisher: ebooksonthe.net
ISBN: 1594314829
Genre: Suspense/Mystery

Follow the track of a dozen blue diamonds that seem to carry a curse as they wreak havoc in the lives of those into whose hands they fall. How many will pay with their lives to possess them? Where will they end up?

Join Zachary Taylor and his partner, Sabrina Calabrese, are drawn into the drama surrounding the stones in the pursuit of criminals. More than once they put their lives on the line and danger seems to confront them at every turn. Is there a mole in their department who is feeding information to the mob that is partly responsible for this?

Zach finds his cases further complicated by the reappearance of an ex lover in his life. As a newscaster, she could add to his danger when they turn up at the same hotel and he is under cover. Will she?

This is a story that will please the suspense fan who enjoys sharing the danger with the good guys as they move from case to case. A fun read. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Mose T A to Z

2007-12-13T01:35:00.001+05:30

Title: Mose T A to Z: The Folk Art of Mose Tolliver
Author: Anton Haardt
Publisher: Saturno Press
ISBN: 0975384201
Genre: Nonfiction

Little-known artists sometimes receive the recognition they deserve and their names become known to the art world. Such is the case of Mose Tolliver, a talented, self-taught folk artist.

Injured on a job, he took up painting as a way to productively fill his hours. After several years, Mose was discovered by collectors and his work now hangs in several collections and has been included in many shows by famous galleries like the Corcoran Art Gallery in Washington, DC.

The concept largely held by society that uneducated people are simple is disproved by men and women like Mose Tolliver. If opportunity knocks, they prove they have talents that place them in a special category apart from the rest of society.

Mose didn't care for the trappings that go along with success, he said he wanted only to paint. And so he did. The subjects of his work cover a wide range and change over the years.

Author Anton Haardt lets us see beyond the artist into the personality of a complex man who took defeat and turned it into victory, an example for all.

I'm happy to recommend Mose T as an introduction to folk art, a field I know little of, and a starting point for learning about the artists who create that art. Definitely a book worth reading.

Anne K. Edwards

Aethereal's Pride

2007-12-13T01:33:00.000+05:30

Title: Aethereal's Pride
Author: Christopher W. Wilcox, Sr.
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
ISBN: 978-1-59374724-5
Genre: Science Fiction

Humans and Aethereal Guardians have joined forces to fight the Grays, an enemy bent on destroying all other life forms in the universe. A weapon built to protect them from the Grays has flaws as revealed when one of them was hurt.

Talented author Christopher W. Wilcox Sr. opens portals into several subplots that weave together in a well told fun read that is rich in characters and the unusual forms they take. Felines, humans, dragons and bear-like creatures all exist together and try to solve certain problems that have cropped up when a feline home world is destroyed.

The rescue of one surviving family begins the search for others of their kind and how to contact them. Spyder, the injured man who has lain in a coma for several months, finally comes out of it with unusual results.

This is a tale any fantasy or sci-fi fan will enjoy. I'm pleased to recommend it to any reader who is searching for something different. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

The Vandenberg Diamonds

2007-12-13T01:32:00.000+05:30

Title: The Vandenberg Diamonds
Author: John Russo
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
ISBN: 193335383X
Genre: Historical Suspense

A military flight ends in a crash landing with one survivor. The cargo is
removed and stored on a pig farm by the finders who plan to be wealthy men
after the war. Fate steps in and the cargo lies unclaimed for another
generation.

A tale by talented author John Russo that contains all the ingredients for a
fun read, The Vandenberg Diamonds offers plenty of action as the real owners
of the diamonds set out to find them while two young men have decided to use
them to make their fortunes.

Unfortunately, there is in the mix of characters a very unpleasant criminal
whose decisions affect the outcome for everyone. He's a villain you'll love
to hate.

A well-crafted tale of several subplots woven together to give the reader
lots of action in a variety of settings will hold your attention. Intrigue
mixed with a touch of history move the story along at a good pace.
Recommended as a good read for anyone looking for a worthwhile way to spend
some reading time. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

Capable of Murder

2007-12-13T01:31:00.002+05:30

Title: Capable of Murder
Author: Brian Kavanagh
Publisher: BeWrite Books
ISBN: 1905202113
Genre: Mystery

Belinda Lawrence discovers the body of her reclusive great aunt on the floor of her home and becomes an heiress as the old lady's death is labeled an accident by the police. But Belinda can't stop the niggling doubt at the back of her mind. The problem was who would kill an old woman and why. There seemed to be nothing missing in the house.

Belinda learns there are great differences from living in the lights of the city and the darkness that descends on the unlighted streets of the village once she claims her inheritance with the intention of living in the house.

It isn't long before an antiques dealer turns up looking for old furniture and a realtor wants to sell the house for her. The only people who seem friendly are her closest neighbors.

A break in at the house, another murder in the house keep the action in this well crafted story moving forward as Belinda has to decide who to trust among the people who have taken an interest in her new home. Why did the lawyer who wrote her aunt's will disappear? Why does the neighbor feel so strongly about the overgrown garden?

These and other questions will keep the reader turning pages as they try to identify the villain of the tale and solve the mystery before Belinda does. Recommended as a fun read written by talented author Brian Kavanagh who introduces us to a cast of characters not soon forgotten. A story with a surprise in store for the reader.

I am pleased to recommend this book to any mystery fan. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Adam's Point

2007-12-13T01:31:00.001+05:30

Title: Adam's Point
Author: Elena Dorothy Bowman
Publisher: ebooksonthe.net
ISBN: 1594315043
Genre: Paranormal

Beware large old homes with mysterious pasts. And multiple ghosts.

A young woman inherits a house that seems frozen in time and sets about turning it into an inn with the added attraction of its resident ghosts who'd be sure to give guests a good case of shivers. But that's not all they give the guests.

A powerful spirit takes up residence above the house and it doesn't seem happy. Things become dangerous and the owner doesn't know why. Abigail seems threatened by the house that had formerly welcomed heer. What is going on? Why has the house changed? When guests go missing, Abigails' husband--Ethan, decides the women must leave the house while he searches for them.

Talented author Elena Dorothy Bowman leads us across the line between our reality and that of the spirit world where anything is possible. As in the first two of the series, The House on the Bluff and The Gatekeeper's Realm, there is plenty of spooky action to give you chills and keep you reading. You'll have to know what is the reason behind all the ghosts and events.

I'm pleased to recommend this tale to any reader who enjoys paranormal tales guaranteed to have you looking for other books by the same author. You'll be looking at large old homes wondering if they could have similar ghost tales after reading this fun tale. Enjoy. I sure did.

Triangle

2007-12-13T01:30:00.001+05:30

Title: Triangle
Author: Sue Swift
Publisher: Five Star
ISBN: 1594144656
Genre: Mystery

A cruise that was meant to combine research for a scientist and some
relaxation for Marilen Case, the company gofer, turns into a nightmare of
gigantic proportions when someone aboard proves to be a murderer.

Marilen has problems before the yacht even leaves port. She is hoping for a
marriage proposal from one man and is stunned to find herself in bed with
another. Her plans are ruined.

Talented author Sue Swift gives the mystery reader a good tale with lots of
intrigue and fun characters who are caught together in a web of fear. The
shadow of mystery cast by the reputation of the Bermuda Triangle adds color
to the story when the captain learns his navigation and communications
aren't working.

A tale peopled with well drawn characters who each have a private agenda or
problem aboard the yacht and many act in cross purposes as the plot unfolds.
Recommended as a fun read with red herrings and false clues added to the
mix. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

The Round Table Magician

2007-12-13T01:28:00.000+05:30

Title: The Round Table Magician
Author: Ann Marr
Publisher: Awe-Struck Books, Inc.
ISBN: 9781587496066
Genre: Paranormal Regency Romance

Romance combined with the touch of a fairy tale will please a lot of romance readers, taking us back to our childhood and the days when damsels in distress were rescued by princes. The land of happy ever after with its bumpy road to reaching it sill lives in this fun read by talented author Ann Marr.

Martha Dunsmore is rescured by a stranger during a melee at a shop near her school. There is a strong attraction on both sides, but one is a mere girl and the other a man of standing and rank. How can they ever be anything more than nodding acquaintances.

Who is this stranger called Lord Brinston. Where does the Round Table fit in? These and many other questions are raised and you will have to read the book to find out. A tale with lots of movement, intriguing characters and set in a time and place that acts as a bridge to Camelot of Merlin's day and the Regency era.

Villainy's afoot, a girl grows up as she tries to identify the villain, lots of fun with a group known as The Banshees and a step back in time to a slower paced era.

Recommended as a fun read any romance fan will enjoy, especially if they ever loved On'ce-Upon-A-Time stories.

Anne K. Edwards

Time Rift

2007-12-13T01:27:00.000+05:30

Title: Time Rift
Author: Elena Dorothy Bowman
Publisher: ebooksonthe.net
ISBN: 1594314160
Genre: Fantasy Romance

With a desire to learn as much as she could about the ancient people of Mu and if the Hawaiian Islands could be a remnant, Trisha Holden returned home to immerse herself in old legends. This takes her into the waters around the islands to explore and learn with an old friend named Martin who was native to the islands. Martin teaches her the old myths and legends connecting Hawaii to Mu. Can there really be a connection? Could any of this be true.

Going against all warnings not to dive alone, Trisha takes her boat out and dives. A seaquake traps her and she thinks she will die after running out of air. On awakening, she finds herself trapped in a bubble with descendants of Mu. There will be no escape for the Pacific Ocean rolls restlessly overhead.

She is taken under the wing of a man named Kan who is the High Priest of this remnant of Mu. Trisha vows she will return to her home as she does not intend to remain a prisoner below the ocean even though Kan tells her that this could get her killed. With this threat and the discovery that she has earned the enmity of the high priestess, Trisha explores and tries to learn how she might escape. That the bubble that has so long preserved its people shows signs of weakening is not encouraging either.

A fun read by talented author Elena Dorothy Bowman that reintroduces us to old legends of the lost continent of Mu which serves as a setting where well drawn characters work out their destinies. Excitement and menace serve to capture your attention. Recommended for any fantasy or romance fan who enjoy something different. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

The Mangler of Malibu Canyon

2007-12-11T19:43:00.000+05:30

Title: The Mangler of Malibu Canyon Author: Jennifer Colt
Publisher: Broadway Books
ISBN: 10 0767920120
Genre: Mystery

The red-headed twin PIs are at again. In a fast-paced, action-packed story, they manage to save a plane from terrorists and come off wearing bags over their heads to trying to keep their rich aunt and idler cousin from being charged with murder by an eager-beaver prosecutor.

They look guilty to any and all when a headless corpse is found in one
of aunt's rugs and the cousin turns up carrying the head but he can't
remember how he got it. Involved in this messy situation are the
denizens of the posh Malibu Canyon area. Will the girls be able to
ferret out the killer or could they become his or her next victims.

Add a cult of the rich and famous who believe in alien abduction to
the tale and you have a tongue-in-cheek tale that will have you wanting to ride with the girls on your own pink Harley. The cast of fun characters includes producers who take advantage of starlets and those who want to join the movie star fraternity, trophy wives, cast
off wives, and other members of filmdom's population, a cross section
of that world that will have you laughing even as you consider the
seriousness of the murder.

A fun read that I'm pleased to recommend to any mystery fan who enjoys
a lighthearted look at life in the fast lane. Beware the coke snorters and settle back for some enjoyable hours.

Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

The Hidden Assassins

2007-12-11T19:42:00.000+05:30

Title: The Hidden Assassins
Author: Robert Wilson
Publisher: Harcourt, Inc.
ISBN: 0151012393
Genre: Mystery

The trail of death leads from a faceless body in the garbage dump to an explosion in a suburb of Seville in an apartment building that housed a mosque in the basement. Inspector Falcon and other investigators are trying to figure out what is going on. Why would somebody destroy an entire wing of a building, killing children in a day care center as well? What madness is causing this indiscriminate killing?

You'll find yourself wondering what the personal life of Judge Calderon has to do with the killings also. What links do his mistress and mistreated wife play?

There are many other threads woven into this tale that will keep you guessing. Talented author Robert Wilson gives mystery or thriller fans a tale that could be taken from current events involving religious fanaticism and the mounting tensions between the many groups involved.

Mysterious men working for a mysterious communications company might be involved in the bombing. Is there an American link? Do politics play a role in the chaotic aftermath to the bombing? Will Falcon find out who is responsible?

Surprises await the reader of this fun tale as it unwinds. You'll find there are unexpected links between Calderon and Falcon, unexpected twists in the story that guarantee reading satisfaction. Enjoy.

Anne K. Edwards

The Golden Crusader

2007-12-11T19:41:00.000+05:30

Title: The Golden Crusader
Author: Linda Langwirth
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
ISBN: 1933353910
Genre: Fantasy Romance

Homecoming for Gemma Ravenscroft is bitter and bittersweet. She did not miss her father in her life but sadly missed the last years of her grandmothers life. She is hoping the cottage left to her by her grandmother will be a retreat from a world she never felt she belonged to while she works on her book.

Gemma can't seem to stay out of trouble and is almost immediately is taken in hand by the local doctor and a sea captain whose competition for her affections is often trying. However, add a ghost to that mix and you have a whole new situation. All three are willing to risk much to protect her when it turns out she has enemies. Their main concern is who will she choose.

Some locals blame her for her father's removal from their church and other, newer, enemies are smugglers who want her gone from the cozy cottage above the sea cove.

A fun mixture of romance, mystery, paranormal and fantasy, it is with pleasure I recommend The Golden Crusader by talented author Linda Langwirth who has crafted a multi-faceted tale to grab and hold your attention. Guaranteed to satisfy any romantic at heart or mystery buff. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

The Vanson Curse

2007-12-11T19:40:00.000+05:30

Title: The Vanson Curse
Author: David Hough
Publisher: BeWrite Books UK
ISBN: 10: 1905202318
Genre: Historical Fiction

In spite of warnings that he'll be sorry, Kit Vanson has decided to give up the sea and his interest in his family's plantation for the old family farm in Cornwall. It is his hope to find a peace denied him in a new life.

In traveling to his family farm he runs into a man named Ralph Killiow who is abusing a woman. The confrontation has a far-reaching outcome into Kit's future and the woman does not seem to appreciate the rescue. He learns his new enemy is the son of the local squire, the man of power in the area.

Kit discovers life in Cornwall is both different and much the same as that he left behind. Must he stand by while farmers are forced off their land, a minister is hunted for encouraging the workers to unionize for better working conditions, and women are left without protection of the law? Would it be better for him to return to his family's plantation and forget Cornwall? Or should he confront the man behind the local troubles? The tension that flows through this story, while it seems understated, will keep you reading to find out what happens next. Talented author David Hough kept me reading in this well-crafted tale of romance, intrigue and danger.

Recommended as an intriguing, well-told story that leaves the reader with a sense of having stepped into another time and walked in the shoes of people whose lives too often depended on the whims of a man with too much power and who lacked the sense of its proper use. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Competitors!

2007-12-11T19:38:00.000+05:30

Title: Competitors!
Author: Susanne Marie Knight
Publisher: Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc./Earthling Press
ISBN: 1587495996
Genre: Paranormal-Romantic Suspense

Is it perhaps possible that the Neanderthals still live among us? What would they be like? How would they act? Do they look like the long armed, slump shouldered beings as drawn by artists?

Vivianne Quinn is about to find out as she recovers from a tragic car accident. She has moved into her brother's apartment while he's on a book tour and just trying to get her life back together when she meets Max Vogelherd who makes inquiries about her brother and an associate of his who has recently come into possession of a Neanderthal skull.

She has to fight the powerful effect this man has on her and doesn't understand how she could be so drawn to a complete stranger. How does it happen she's agreed to take care of his cat?

A series of unsettling events put Vivianne on guard, and alert her policeman brother Donovan that she could be in danger. He isn't sure he trusts this new man in his sisters's life.

And Max, the mystery man, has mystery of his own unfolding. How is it he is becoming so enamored of the woman he's just met? He knows it can impact his task so what can he do?

A fun read I recommend to anyone who enjoys something different, something that offers a new outlook and new background for the characters. This tale fits into many genres and will provide hours of pleasant reading. Talented author Susanne Marie Knight gives us a multi-layered story and a new look at the mystery of the Neanderthal's disappearance. Or did they?

Enjoy, I did.

Anne K. Edwards

The Snow Dogs of Lost Lake

2007-12-11T19:37:00.000+05:30

Title: The Snow Dogs of Lost Lake
Author: Dorothy Bodoin
Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
ISBN: 1597051063
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Do you like a little paranormal to flavor your cozy? Or do you just love mysteries set around Christmas time? If so, this is one tale you won't want to miss.

Talented author Dorothy Bodoin makes us feel the cold bite of snow, the sense of danger of traveling a lonely wooded road in a snowstorm, and the fun of shopping for Christmas. Her blending of these elements with the appearance of three white collies to Jennet Greenway on a lonely wooded road during a bad snowstorm sets the stage for something to happen. And it does.

Jennet thinks she's hit one of the dogs and during her search for it, she finds a body that has been attacked by animals. Rumors of a cougar in the area will raise the hair on the back of your neck as you follow Jennet back to her car. What had been a lovely winter scene is now a place of danger.

A cleverly plotted story to please any reader. I'm pleased to recommend it as a book worth the time and sure any mystery fan will enjoy it. You'll be looking for other books by this author. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

A Corpse in the Soup by Morgan St. James/Phyllice Bradner

2007-12-06T22:03:00.000+05:30

Title: A Corpse in the Soup
Authors: Morgan St. James and Phyllice Bradner
Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
ISBN: 1-59705-216-7
Genre: Mystery

Two sisters have a knack for solving crimes and this one is a doozy. One sister, Godiva Dubois, is wealthy and an advice columnist under the name G. O. D. while the other sister, Goldie, lives in Alaska and has an antiques shop.

Godiva lures her niece to Los Angeles with a promise of helping her get a position on a cooking show with a famous chef that she, Godiva, has taken a fancy too. Her sister soon follows and they are plunged into the world of cookery and contests and murder when one of the chefs is found face down in some bouillabaisse with a knife in his back.

With their mother and uncle's aid, the sisters gather clues to the identity of the killer. Talented authors Morgan St. James and Phyllice Bradner introduce us to the egotistic contestants of this cooking contest and names of dishes we don't make in our kitchens. Lots of fun and action to carry the tale along without a hitch.

I'm pleased to highly recommend this tale to any mystery buff who enjoys a tongue-in-cheek style of story telling with lots of fun characters who take you by the hand and lead you a merry chase after a killer. Guaranteed to provide many smiles and even provoke some laughter as you read.

Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

Island Stories by Celia A. Leaman

2007-12-06T22:02:00.000+05:30

Title: Island Stories
Author: Celia A. Leaman
Publisher: Devonshirebabe Publications
Genre: Fiction

Like to laugh while you read? Then this is the book for you, a collection of short stories by talented author Celia A. Leaman whose keen insights into human behavior will keep you reading with a huge smile on your face.

Get to know Oliver Turtle and his wife, Doll, and join them in their divided decision to remove to Gale Island because Oliver is bored with condo living.

Oliver's solitary trip to Gale Island is fraught with disasters that will have you in stitches. The marvelous supporting cast offers Oliver dubious support and you'll be thinking, "Wait'll Doll shows up." Whether you pity Oliver or envy him his courage to make such a move, you will enjoy his misadventures immensely

This and other tales in Island Sstories will leave you wanting more of the same and looking for other books by this very imaginative author. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

Death Game by Cheryl Swanson

2007-12-06T22:01:00.001+05:30

Title: Death Game
Author: Cheryl Swanson
Publisher: Zumaya Publications
ISBN: 13: 9781554103256
Genre: Mystery

How powerful are the violent games played on computers? Can they lead to acting out the violence in reality.

You might think twice before playing those shoot-to-kill games on your computer after you read this well-told tale. Take a couple of slightly unstable teenage boys who suffer problems identifying with society in general and let them play a new game and see what happens.

This is how Cooper O'Brien nearly loses her life while she is trying to find out what happened to her younger brother, Jimmie. She learns more about computers and the dark side of computer programmers than she ever wanted to know.

Talented author Cheryl Swanson gives the reader something to think about in the possibilities of computer games in this intriguing tale. Will Cooper find her brother? Will she survive the search?

Surprises await the reader in this tale as you follow Cooper from one clue to the next, only to find the trail seems cold or a twist that brings you back to the beginning. Plenty of action and characters who aren't what they seem.

I'm pleased to recommend Death Game as something different in the mystery genre. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards.

A Victim of Convenience by John Ballem

2007-12-06T21:59:00.000+05:30

Title: A Victim of Convenience
Author: John Ballem
Publisher: Dundurn Group
ISBN: 10: 1550026178
Genre: Thriller

Someone in Calgary, Canada, is killing women and leaving their mutilated bodies in the public parks. Most of them are ordinary looking with no seeming connections, but the latest victim turns out to be a young lawyer connected to an important law firm that handles accounts for oil companies.

It appears to be the work of the same killer with all the same clues. But Detective Chris Crane has his doubts. The problem is the question of who would want to kill the lady other than the serial killer. It is on that question that the investigation hinges.

As the investigation unravels the murder, Chris finds the finger of guilt pointing to several people. Could one of them, a coworker, an old boyfriend, a boss, a stock broker or others be the serial killer? Could the serial killings be intended to cover up the single murder of the lawyer?

Those are the questions Chris and his sidekick, Gwen, must deal with to resolve the murder and find the motive. With the city in a state of near panic over the killings, the pressure is on to solve the case quickly. Can it be done?

Using a journalist to feed information to the press to make the killer contact them, Chris succeeds beyond expectations when he learns the identity of the killer. Lots of tension in this well told tale that will keep you reading. Red herrings and false trails will have you testing your ability to outguess the detective.

I'm happy to recommend this book by talented author John Ballem to any mystery or thriller fan. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

The Second Horseman by Kyle Mills

2007-12-06T21:58:00.000+05:30

Title: The Second Horseman
Author: Kyle Mills
Publisher: St. Martins Press
ISBN: 031233575X
Genre: Thriller

If you love thrillers, you will truly enjoy this tale by talented author Kyle Mills. A real change of pace and a breath of fresh air in the genre.

Imagine yourself behind bars, prepared to serve a sentence for a crime you didn't commit, when you are suddenly expelled from the prison into a rainy night and no explanation is given. That is what happens to Brandon Vale. Caught between a rock and a hard place as the cliche says, he is forced to flee.

He has no plan, he has no resources, yet he arrives at a destination predetermined for him by the man who sent him to prison. Given no choice, Brandon is forced to do a job and expects his final reward will be a bullet in the back of the head. The job is to steal 200 million dollars to buy some bombs.

A cleverly plotted story, a hero who seems anything but as he works his way through this challenge to his inherent genuis for crime will hold your interest and you won't want to put the book down.

Loads of action with unexpected results, settings that take you into the story and an original look at the commission of a crime. I'm pleased to recommend this tale to any thriller or mystery buff who likes action and high drama in their reading. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Witness on the Quay by Gini Anding

2007-12-06T21:57:00.001+05:30

Title: Witness on the Quay
Author: Gini Anding
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0595336970
Genre: Mystery

Have you ever wanted to go to Paris? If so, this tale will take you there.
In reading it, you will experience all the sites of an area known as the Ile
St-Louis, at the heart of the great city.

Talented author Gini Anding describes the Ile and its culture so well, you
will see the sights and smell the food cooking and feel as if you are there.
Join Amy Page and Jean-Michel Jolivet as they try to unravel a mystery
involving two of Amy's oldest friends.

A simple visit to a flea market can prove murderous, the simple purchase of
a writing desk can drag you into an international crime ring and bring you
face to face with death. You will want to warn Amy not to go out after
dark, even with an escord. You will also want to warn Jean-Michel not to
ignore her.

A complex set of subplots woven tightly into a story of intrigue and death
as told by a cast of colorful characters you will enjoy meeting will have
you turning the pages to find out what happens next.

I am pleased to recommend this well told story to any reader of mysteries
who enjoys cooking, sight seeing, history, or just visiting old houses. It
is all here in splendid detail. You will want to read this authors other
books too. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Volk's Game by Brent Ghelfi

2007-12-06T21:55:00.000+05:30

Title: Volk's Game
Author: Brent Ghelfi
Publisher: Henry Holt
ISBN: 0805082549
Genre: Mystery

The gangster ridden underground of Russia makes a great setting for criminal Alexei Volkovoy. It is where he belongs, where he conducts his shady and sometimes fatal business, a place where thieves and murderers have their own code of honor and woe to those who break it.

Talented author Brent Ghelfi opens the door to this bleak place in his book, Volk's Game, and invites us to follow Alexei Volkovoy, known as Volk to his associates, on a dark journey into a world of which we know little.

The ties that bind Volk to his superiors are tenuous and he knows loyalty only exists temporarily at best, that they will betray him quickly as necessary. Life is cheap in this world and Volk uses others as he is used to survive.

A smell of corruption hangs over Volk's world in this well-told tale that will hold your interest to the lsat page. Crooked politicians and military officers compete and cooperate while trying to grab the lion's share of any prize for themselves.

I'm pleased to recommend this book to any fan of mystery fiction who might enjoy a tale with depth and characters who are not quite what they seem, who will surprise you at times. Realistically drawn by an author who knows the whys of human behavior, you will find yourself sympathizing with them as well as shuddering at some of the things they do.

Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

Witness at the Bridge by Gini Anding

2007-12-06T21:53:00.001+05:30

Title: Witness at the Bridge
Author: Gini Anding
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 10:0595-366465 pbk/10:0595810683ebk
Genre: Romantic Mystery

Amy Page and Jean-Michel Jolivet are in love and trouble has found them
again. The security of the Ile Saint-Louis is disrupted by a murder and
attack on Amy that leaves her with a gunshot wound and having killed a man.
A second attacker is also shot and winds up dead in the hospital.

Though a link between the murder and the attack on Amy is suspected, there
seems to be no link other than her mild acquaintance with the dead man.
Jean-Michel is worried too, that Amy might be charged with murder for owning
an undeclared gun.

The love story between Amy and Jean-Michel takes center stage in this fun
read. Talented author Gini Anding knows the city of Paris well as her
descriptions show, giving the reader the sense of being there.

A talented combination of romance and mystery, this story is a well told
tale that will please the pickiest romantic or mystery buff. Lots of action
as the story unfolds.

I'm pleased to recommend this book to any reader who likes a good read.
Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Tainted Tea for Two by Susanne Marit Knight

2007-12-06T21:51:00.000+05:30

Title: Tainted Tea for Two
Author: Susanne Marie Knight
Publisher: Uncial Press
ISBN: 10: 160174000X
Genre: Mystery

Someone wants Viscount Embrey dead. So they have Marty Jackson from the US hired as a personal trainer for him. Almost immediately, Marty encounters problems. The viscount has had a stroke and she isn't trained for that type of therapy, the person hiring her didn't know she was a woman, the viscount's son insists she remain and do as she was hired.

Can she get through the next two weeks without failing in some manner. She is hired help, but they insist she join them for meals in dress. The viscount's son is engaged to a woman he detests and that woman quickly develops a hate for Marty.

This is a tale with plenty of suspense, intrigue and mystery mixed with the possibility of romance. Join Marty as she walks the halls of the manor and finally walks into a murder. The intention by the killer is to make her the suspect, but will it succeed?

A well written tale by talented author Susanne Marie Knight that will please the mystery fan or the romantic suspense fan. Is there something more to the viscount's illness? Why does he keep having recurring bouts? Will they discover what is happening in time?

Recommended for a fun read to learn who the killer is and why he plotted such a complex crime. Is it about money or a title or revenge of some sort? Enjoy following Marty and the rest of the well drawn cast along the twisting paths of suspense and susicion. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Dead On by Ann Kelly

2007-12-06T21:48:00.000+05:30

Title: Dead On
Author; Ann Kelly
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0595326641
Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Do you believe in reincarnation? If so, then you will enjoy talented author Ann Kelly's tale of one soul chasing through time after another.

The diary of a young woman long dead, an escaped convict, a medical examiner, a carpenter, and a psychiatrist--what have they got in common? How do they relate to the deaths and threatening emails sent to Ann Yang, medical examiner?

Join Ann Yang as she tries to untangle her personal and professional life and help catch a killer who leaves strange clues behind. Will she be one of his victims?

Visit Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and you'll find it isn't the sort of town where serial killers live and kill. Yet, that is just what happens. Follow the trail as the killer has done and see if souls really do live more than one life. That is the question that will keep you reading.

Recommended as a fun read with an intriguing cast of characters, this is a tale that offers readers something different and interesting. Enjoy. I did. By Anne K. Edwards

Three Wise Monkeys by Lesley-Anne McLeond

2007-12-06T21:47:00.000+05:30

Title: Three Wise Monkeys
Author: Lesley-Anne McLeond
Publisher: Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc.
ISBN: 1587495759
Genre: Regency Romance

Louisa Rainley and her two friends, The Haythe twins, are out to enjoy a season in London where they will be presented to society and perhaps find a match to ensure their futures. She only hopes it will be fun and a success under the sharp eyes of her sponsors.

Louisa has recently gotten over a crush on the twins elder brother who is now Lord Cheriton and convinced she is ready for a serious relationship. However, she is somewhat distressed to hear a rather infamous woman may have the Lord in mind as a husband.

A series of hijinks, misunderstandings and uncertainties give the reader a good time. You may have an idea of the ending of the story, but the getting there is more than half the fun. Will bad companions win out? Will love find a way? Will the monkey continue to wreak havoc?

A very enjoyable story by talented author Lesley Anne McLeod. Lots of romance and a very well-drawn cast of characters to tell you their tale.

Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Grave Future by Susanne M. Knight

2007-12-06T21:46:00.001+05:30

Title: Grave Future
Author: Susanne M. Knight
Publisher: Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc.
ISBN: 1587495775
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Do you like creepy graveyards at night? Do you enjoy plodding along a dark country road in the rain? You may be sure that Jocelyn Hunter did not so why not keep her company and see what happens.

She was lost after a car accident left her stranded. The only shelter from the storm was a house inhabited by a surly man who did not want to offer her shelter. But he decided letting her in the house would be safer than letting her seek shelter in a mausoleum.

Safer for him that is. He felt a need to keep an eye on her. He did not believe her story of being lost. She must be a spy.

You'll have to know what is going on, why Dan Ferguson acts so strange, who is Velma and who is Ned.

A fun read with touches of the paranormal, suspense, and romance blended by talented author Susanne M. Knight to make for a well told tale that will keep you reading. Recommended for a dark and stormy night when the wind is howling down the chimney and the house creaks in response. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Highland honor by Christina Young

2007-12-06T21:45:00.000+05:30

Title: Highland Honor
Author: Christina Young
Publisher: Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc.
ISBN: 1587495708
Genre: Historical Romance

Life in the Scottish Highlands in the fifteen hundreds was hard and dangerous. There was constant warfare between the English and Scots and among the Scots themselves as one clan sought to eradicate another.

Such was the life that Callie Whitcomb was born to. Her father was an Englishman and when he died, her stepbrother decided she would marry a man she detested. She had other plans.

She escaped her family home and went in search of a man known as Hawke. She thought he was an old friend of her father whose life he had saved. However, once she found him, she also found that things were not as she supposed. She had escaped one trap, only to be caught in another.

Will she ever know security again? Or will she always be a prisoner to the schemes of a captor?

Talented author Christina Young uses her vivid imagination to create a story that will keep you reading. Recommended as a fun read for any romance fan. Enjoy.

Anne K. Edwards

Deadly Laws by Jim Michael Hansen

2007-12-06T21:44:00.001+05:30

Title: Deadly Laws
Author: Jim Michael Hansen
Publisher: Dark Sky Publishing
ISBN: 10: 0976924331
Genre: Mystery
4 1/2 bolts

How would you react if you received a phone call and the caller said if you didn't do what you were told a woman would die and it would be your fault? Would you hang up and forget it as a prank or take it seriously?

Law student Kayla Beck feels coerced to take on the task of rescuing the woman and goes armed. She finds the woman wearing a locked steel collar chained to the floor of a boxcar and things get ugly from there.

At the same time this rescue is taking place, plans are made for the kidnapping of another woman for other purposes. Here, the question arises if these two things could be connected? How? The crimes aren't the same.

Detective Bryson Coventry is drawn into chasing a murderer and kidnapper when a body is discovered in a boxcar. He's wondering who had worn that collar and if the dead man was killed by the kidnapper because he raped the captive.

Talented author Jim Michael Hansen keeps the many subplots and characters moving in a delicate balancing act that tightens the noose around a serial killer as victims, killer and Bryson Coventry cross paths, often missing each other. This is a thriller that will have you looking in one direction while the killer is doing something else. A tale that readers something different.

I'm pleased to recommend this tale to any thriller or mystery fan. The imaginative departure from the time-tried plotlines will satisfy and have readers looking for other books by this author.

Anne K. Edwards

Removing Edith Mary by Anne Morgellyn

2007-12-06T21:43:00.001+05:30

Title: Removing Edith Mary
Author: Anne Morgellyn
Publisher:: BeWrite Books, UK
ISBN: 190449269X
Genre: Mystery

Louise Moon has a job that none of us would envy. She handles corpses on a daily basis, moving them from one place to another and, in the case of those with no known relatives, makes the arrangements for funerals and collecting the bits and pieces left behind by the dead.

Her world is one of bleakness, decorated with the cobwebs of some inner guilt that causes her to champion lost causes like the son of deceased Edith Mary Woods. Louise undertakes to help Roy Woods establish a small memorial to his mother. The problem is, of course, that Roy is a mental patient and her attempts to help him are not looked upon with favor by her boss, his psychiatrist or her boyfriend.

Talented author Anne Morgellyn has taken two very unlikely people and brought them together in an unexpected manner. She understands well the inner workings of the human heart and mind and makes us look deeper than the words of this well told tale.

Though fiction, the plot and characters are realistically portrayed and you'll find yourself wondering how they'll manage. What will happen to the man whose problems keep him labeled as a social misfit? How will Louise deal with her unpleasant job and boss? You'll want to know. Then you'll be looking for other books by this imaginative author.

Recommended as a very good read for anyone looking for something a bit different. Enjoy. I did.

Anne K. Edwards

Adam's Point by Elena Dorothy Bowman

2007-12-06T21:41:00.000+05:30

Bed and Breakfast Murders by Billie A. Williams

2007-12-06T19:15:00.000+05:30

Title: Bed and Breakfast Murders
Author: Billie A. Williams.
Publisher: Wings ePress
ISBN: (elec) 1590884884
(print) 1590887050
Genre: Mystery

You'd think a Bed and Breakfast in the country would be peaceful, especially during a blizzard. However, The Pink Lady Slipper is anything but peaceful.

The B&B started life as a brothel and something of that life remained even after it changed hands. It reached its present status when owner, Trudy Moncha's mother was murdered and Trudy inherited it, tainted past and all.

New guests arriving to spend some time in the winter, to enjoy sleigh rides and other winter activities or so it is supposed to be. But, it doesn't happen. The guests arrive along with a blizzard and the B&B is effectively cut off from the outside.

Trudy is fortunate to have friend Alexandra and two hired hands to help out during this stressful period. Her guests are a strange group, all traveling together. Three are men without tongues, a woman who gives no name, and a man calling himself Marquis. Things go smoothly enough until the woman is murdered, followed by other not so nice incidents.

Not a tale for the easily frightened to be reading on a dark night when they're alone. Every creak in the house will have you jumping. You'll be on the edge of your seat when things start happening, wondering what will happen next. A well told tale by a talented author that will have you looking for other books she's written. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

Upstaged by Aaron Paul Lazar

2007-12-06T19:14:00.000+05:30

Title: Upstaged, a Gus LeGarde Mystery
Author: Aaron Paul Lazar
Publisher: Publish America
ISBN: 14137722587
Genre: Mystery

If you ever worked on a high school play, you will definitely feel at home in this tale of suspense as Gus LeGarde and a well-drawn cast try to figure out who has a reason to stop the production. What could anyone have against a bunch of schoolkids putting on a play?

Have you ever met a stage mother? Or perhaps kids whose tempers exceed their acting ability? And what of the disappointed members of the background cast who wanted to be stars? Add to the mix a rather different clean-up crew and teaching staff andy you have an interesting, fun read.

Gus LeGarde and his fiance are involved in the production of the annual high school play and planning their wedding at the same time. How could they know someone wants to stop both sets of plans. How could they know death waits in the wings?

Talented Aaron Paul Lazar has created a cast of lifelike characters whose doings will keep you reading as the plot unfolds. Plenty of suspense and surprises await the reader who enjoys a good mystery. Recommended as well worth the time. Enjoy.

Anne K. Edwards

False Impressions by Jeffrey Archer

2007-12-06T19:10:00.000+05:30

Title: False Impressions
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312353723
Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Do you think you know how the art world works? Well, think again and then read False Impressions. You'll find a banker with a new way of building his collection.

A famous Van Gogh painting is up for grabs after the North Tower is destroyed in the 9/ll attack. The offices and papers of the bank that had a lien against it were destroyed but the banker was still determined to establish ownership.

But Anna Petrescu who had acted on the banker's behalf suddenly found herself without a job and wasn't sure why. Her firing made her suspicious of her ex-boss's intentions regarding the painting and she decided to take matters into her own hands.

At the same time, FBI agent Jack Delaney has been assigned the case being build against Anna's ex-boss and she comes under his watchful eye. He wonders whether she's acting for her ex-boss or herself when she takes flight for England to visit the owner of the painting.

A well-told, complicated tale of people moving in one direction, but each with his or her own purpose. The plot thickens when a new player begins to also follow Anna on her rather involed trip to Europe.

Anna is aware she is being followed, and takes steps to frustrate the person behind her, without realizing who he is or that another person has joined the chse.

Author Jeffrey Archer has used his vast imagination in creating complex characters and plots that meld together in a tale that will keep you reading. Plenty of action without the usual shoot-'em-ups, set in a series of well-drawn backgrounds with lifelike characters who live the story.

At times, the hair on the back of your neck will seem to rise when the villains you will love to hate come on the scene while you will will be hoping all the good characters come through the story with a whole skin.

Highly recommended as a story filled with all the things that make a fun read. You're sure to enjoy this book. I really did.

Anne K. Edwards

Jill 9 by J. D. Tynan

2007-12-06T19:09:00.000+05:30

Title: Jill 9
Author: J. D. Tynan
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher LLC
ISBN: 0976;773295
Genre: Romantic Suspense

The past is prologue so they say and it couldn't be more true than in the case of Elias, Ian and Jill. A few short summer days, an accident, and what brought Jill into the world of Elias and Ian took her away.

Ian Hamlin grew up to be a tough FBI agent, Jill became a meteorologist and Elias a spoiled rich man. Ian and Elias lost their friendship after reaching adulthood to become bitter enemies while Jill put them out of her mind.

That is, except for Ian. Her memory of a boy could still stir her senses as a woman. Because of him, she never found any man she wanted to stay with. Until Elias came back into her life and she thought maybe he could be the 'one'.

But fate played with their lives again. Eight dead women with the same name as Jill, brought Ian back into her life as an investigator intent on protecting her and catching a serial killer. And Jill was back to square one romantically.

Talented J. D. Tynan has a surprise in store for the reader as the story unwinds and the plot thickens. Like a magician, who has you looking at one hand while another pulls a coin from your ear, she points your focus on a possible killer, but lurking in the background is a shadow that moves into the foreground as the story moves along.

Recommended for any fan of suspense or romance. A well told tale with interesting characters who move the plot along. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards.

Apache Lance, Franciscan Cross by Florence Byham Weinberg

2007-12-06T19:08:00.000+05:30

Title: Apache Lance, Franciscan Cross
Author: Florence Byham Weinberg
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
ISBN: ebook: 1931201430, paperback 1933353449
Genre: Historical

Something different and something definitely worth reading. A tale of two
people from the two cultures that dominated the American southwest at the
time that Spain lay claim to it.

Ahuila, an Apache woman, comes into contact with the Franciscan monks who
are working to establish new missions in her tribe's territory. She is drawn
in particular to one called Fray Marcos because of his golden hair. Hiding
her identity, she joins the group and watches him and bides her time. She
plans to offer him as a sacrifice to her father's spirit.

Fray Marcos was a former member of a minor aristocratic family until he felt
the call to serve God. Much against his family's wishes, he joined the
Franciscans and was sent to serve in the Spanish territories in the New
World. He notices Ahuila watching him and begins to worry about his own
feelings. Such feelings can cause him to be forced out of his Brotherhood.

This is a tale I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. It offers a look at several
conflicts that would have occurred during this period between cultures and
the individuals from those cultures. Talented author, Florence Byham
Weinberg has created a wonderfully lifelike cast of characters with definite
personalities who will pull you into their world and make you believe it
could have happened exactly like this. I'm glad I had the chance to read
it.

Anne K. Edwards