Book Description
One of the best loved writers of historical mysteries, Peter Tremaynes novels and stories have been published in over a dozen countries around the world. An Ensuing Evil collects for the first time fourteen of his historical mysteries ranging in time and place from 7th-century Ireland (featuring his best known sleuth, Fidelma of Cashel) and 8th-century Scotland (featuring the real-life Macbeth) to Victorian England and beyond. These fourteen tales of murder, mayhem and mystery each display Tremaynes usual mix of compelling historical detail and a baffling puzzle that will delight and confound his ever-growing legion of fans.
Customer Reviews:
disappointed.......2007-08-10
He's a very good writer but this collection is uneven and at times boring. It has a few good stories but for the rest there's just something missing.
Not Sister Fidelma stories.......2007-02-09
I was expecting this to be a collection of Sister Fidelma mysteries, but there's only one in the collection. I dutifully slogged through them, but would not recommend it as his best writing.
Short stories, long sentences.......2006-08-07
Peter Tremayne, as he is known, has become a better writer with each new Sister Fidelma novel. He still reminds me a bit of the late Isaac Asimov, in that his characters tend to be wooden and 2-dimensional, described largely in quick familiar strokes -- if not cliches -- and seeming to exist only to serve the machinations of the plot. In Asimov's case, the science was the foundation (no pun intended), and in Tremayne's it is the history. Their expertise is, in my opinion, the best part of their storytelling. However, Tremayne has gradually found more ways to convey the personality and feelings of Fidelma beyond the perpetually wayward bit of red hair that signals her basically boundary-testing and fiery personality.
This collection of stories takes us beyond the setting of ancient Ireland into other territories in the past. Tremayne's skill at setting out the mystery as a puzzle for the reader to solve before it is revealed is as strong here in tighter conditions as it is in his novels. The only real problem I have with these stories is his attempt to stuff a novel's worth of information into a much smaller space. This leads to sentences such as this one, which ought to get some sort of literary award:
"MacBeth, son of Findlay, the Mor-mhaor or petty king of Moray, which was one of the seven great provincial kingdoms of Alba, answering to no man except the High King, whose capital was south in Sain, stared down with a grim face."
There are 35 words between the name of the person who did the action and the action itself! In those words, we are told who Findlay is, what Moray is, and where the High King lives. Oh, my. In Fidelma's Irish, the sentence would have begun (more or less) "Stared down with a grim face Malcolm . . . " so you would have known what was going on before you got the geography lesson.
And that is not the only such convoluted sentence in this respected historian's collection of clever mysteries.
I recommend this book to you highly nonetheless, as I do all of Tremayne's other fiction and, for that matter, just about all of Asimov's. But I warn the reader that there may be bits such as the one cited above at which you will burst out laughing for reasons that have nothing to do with the story itself.
Delightful Tales of Murder and Mayhem!.......2006-07-28
Peter Tremayne is a master of historical murder mysteries, as is amply demonstrated by this delightful collection of short stories previously published in other mystery anthologies.
The 14 stories range in setting from 7th Century Ireland to 8th Century Scotland, Victorian England, India in the day of Rajahs and even a present-day 747 in flight. Populated by such real and fictional characters such as Sister Fidelma - Tremayne's best-known creation - Macbeth, Charles Dickens and Sherlock Holmes, they are a wonderful smorgasbord of mystery and mayhem.
To be honest, I almost gave this title a 4-star rating. The book includes five Sherlock Holmes stories, three of which involve aspects relating to Holmes' Anglo-Irish background. I didn't find that backdrop all that interesting in one story, let alone three.
However the book deserves a 5-star rating. The opening story, featuring Macbeth, is a wickedly delicious murder mystery that twists and turns until the ending where the reader discovers how evil people can be. Other stories in the anthology such as those featuring London Constable Hardy Drew, another one set on a Royal Navy sloop and the aforementioned India tale are top-of-the-line page-turners as well.
As this anthology demonstrates, Tremayne is a wonderful writer. His stories resound with memorable characters, masterfully evoked settings and compelling mysteries that leave the reader chuckling at story's end.
If you love whodunits, you'll enjoy this book!
Book Description
US regulars at the Lucky Nickel Saloon, Second Ave, Laramie, Wyoming Territory, US of A, are shocked to hear from Mick, the Irish barkeep, that his mortgage is due tomorrow. Bankruptcy looms, dire straits for certain sure, as we-all're broke and none of us can get credit nowheres else. Sudden-like, a gang of fairies invades town. They're intent on robbing the circus, just arrived in town for a show, of payroll gold. But afore the robbery, said bandits intend to get drunk on Fairy BrewHaHa, concocted only in the Lucky Nickel. Trouble is, Mick, who brewed said brew, can't remember the secret formula. He better remember quick, as the fairies get agitated and commence to breaking up furniture and glassware. Trapped under the saloon piano by the furious fairy folk, yer faithful narrator Tom Dooley (at-yer-service), plus a long list of characters, must do battle - guns, poker, fisticuffs, swinging parasols, and wooden leg clubs - with the fairy horde. We got ourselves a saloon to save.
Ken Rand resides on Bora Bora Drive in West Jordan, Utah. His website: www.sfwa.org/members/Rand/. His living and working philosophy: "Lighten up."
Customer Reviews:
zany historical urban fantasy .......2005-04-06
In the Wyoming Territory, Lucky Nickel Saloon owner Mick is ecstatic that a fairy paid for his drink with a gold coin, which enables him to remit the rent owed to his landlady who was threatening him with foreclosure. His spirits plummet when the coin turns to dust. A fairy horde descends on the saloon, causing mayhem and aggravating his regular non paying customers. Former regular Tom Murphy and his mermaid wife Miss Lizzie, who just arrived in town with the circus, join the melee.
Everyone takes refuge under the magic piano to avoid the out of control fairies who intend to rob the circus of their gold so they can make more real gold. They demand Mick serve the only drink that can get them drunk, Fairy BrewHaHa, but he doesn't remember how to make it because he and the fairy King J.R. Ewing were drunk when he concocted it. Mick's girlfriend makes a deal with the fairies that will solve everyone's needs. The fairies will get the drink they want and a gold coin so they can make more gold coins; Mick will receive three gold coins a week for a supply of Fairy BrewHaHa. Now he must remember the ingredients and find a gold coin from all his mooching regulars.
This wacky, wild and wonderful urban fantasy takes place in the Wild West but instead of cavalry fighting Indians; fairies are fighting humans. Readers will chuckle out loud out with the snappy repartees and the zany situations that arise when two different species occupy the same space. Ken Rand is a grand storyteller whose historical urban fantasy will gather him a huge fan base.
Harriet Klausner
Average customer rating:
|
Saint Stephen's Moon
Charles David
Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Adventure
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1413443206 |
Book Description
St. Stephen's Moon is a dark thriller. What begins as a pleasure trip to the Holy Land by three Dallas friends becomes entangled with the haunted echoes of a lost world and another traveler. He had come to the Holy Land to defend the faith, but that first night in Jerusalem brought Adrian DeBalliou, the Norman knight, the deepest of sleep and the strangest of dreams. He could not know that in a few eventful months the Battle of Hattin would overtake his life, his loves, the kingdom for which he fought, and turn events eight hundred years into the future. For Hadrian North, a middle-aged commercial pilot from Dallas, this Christmas holiday exploration of the Holy Land is very welcome reprive. His personal fortunes have been in a "power-off" descent for at least three years.For now at least things are upbeat. With him are two lovely thirty-something women, one a close family friend, Diana Donohoe, and the other her secretly notorious pal, Marie LaFay-Lucarini. But with the appearance of St. Stephen's Moon, what had been a pleasure trip becomes a haunting detour. A odyssey through the remnants of another age and a gateway into the future awaits them. They will share a journey of discovery, tragedy and a new destiny for them, for Jerusalem and for the world. "Intelligent and fun." Writer's Conference, Clear Lake, Texas May 03- Bay Area Writer's League review.
Customer Reviews:
Great Read.......2007-08-24
This not well exposed book is a great read and thought provoking. I loved the Israeli (both the medieval prologue, and modern mainline) setting for the adventure- and paranormal atmosphere that slowly envelopes the three main characters after their vacation arrival from Dallas.The author needs to get off his butt and push this book.
Customer Reviews:
Bailey has just become the newest and possibly the most important member of our family........2005-11-19
Back in February of this year we lost Binki,a Lhasa Apso cross Poodle after 17 wonderful years.Prior to that we had a Dachshund,Max, who spent 14 years with us as our 3 children grew up.So,as we are now seniors,our children are all married,and now that we have 8 Grandchildren;we faced the facts and felt our dog owning days were probably behind us.
That is what we thought,we found Bailey,she has now joined the two of us and getting a new puppy was one of the best decisions we've ever made.She is a Yorkshire Terrier cross Teacup Poodle.She will be small,about 7 pounds,doesn't shed and has all the features of what we could want in a dog.She is 12 weeks old,we've had her over a month,and I believe she finds us acceptable.By this point, you can see Bailey is a pet,a member of the family is more like it,and we have no intrest in breeding or showing.Maybe I should qualify that bit about showing.We do a great amount of showing as a matter of fact,everyone in the neighbourhood has fallen in love with her and we can't complete a 10 minute walk in less than a half hour while showing her off and making friends with every person and dog we meet.
We,as the case of a lot of people who have dogs,tended to operate by trial and error in raising them,heck,didn't it work with the kids? Anyway ,I saw this book and thought maybe I could learn something.You've heard the old saying "You can't teach old dogs new tricks"There is simply no truth to that.I am learning lots and there is much more to be gleaned fom this book.
The book is only 160 pages and covers everything you could or should want to know about Yorkies.It will also be kept nearby for reference in the years ahead.
The book discusses how intelligent this breed is,and we have already seen signs of that.If there is anything that I might fault the book for,it is this.I am a very avid reader,but very disappointed that Janet has given absolutely no attention at all on helping me with teaching Bailey to read.I have already been reading to her,she obviously comprehends,nods at the right time,and even dozes off if the story gets too dull.I am convinced she could easily be taught to read,but for that,I guess I'm on my own.
Like I've already mentioned,and so have a couple of the other reiewers,the book covers a lot about breeding and showing in competitions,but that should not deter you from getting it.All the same principles apply,and your little friend is just as important to you and those around you as a Best of Show is to its owner and the show Judges.
Bailey is a great addition to our family and we intend to give her a lot of happiness and I know she will return any love many times over and that doesn't even take into account the companionship we'll all enjoy.
Oh yeah, one other thing,Carol touches on the cost one takes on with getting a dog;but remember this;
"All it takes is money to buy a fine dog,but it takes love
to make it wag it's tail."
Yorkie.......2005-10-10
Being a new owner, I wanted a more practical book on the breed.
I found the author to be focused on the competitive aspect and
"quality" breeding lines. For someone who was looking at entering dog shows, this would be a useful book. For me, who
was looking for some insight at the pet level, it lacked practical applications.
GREAT for Yorky lover!!.......2005-09-27
This is a good book for anyone who love littles cuty monster,YorkShire Terrier. U will gain more understanding about this cute little one and it will help u to make a decision if u r fit with this little one or not. This book has many useful things u need to know about yorky. I LOVE THIS BOOK :)
A New Owners Guide to Yorkshire Terriers.......2000-01-18
I wish this book had been available when I got my first Yorkie! Very well written; she approaches the subject with common sense --plus it is great fun to read. Super book--super breed!
Best book for new Yorkie Owners out there.......1999-07-13
This is a most comprehensive book, written with humor and obvious delight and love for the breed. I wish I'd had this book when we were training our first Yorkie. I highly recommend this book!
Average customer rating:
- American Dolls from the Post-War Era, 1945-1965
|
American Dolls from the Post-War Era, 1945-1965
Florence Theriault
Manufacturer: Hobby House Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Dolls
| Antiques & Collectibles
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Antiques & Collectibles
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0912823305 |
Customer Reviews:
American Dolls from the Post-War Era, 1945-1965.......2000-10-03
This is a book to refer to and enjoy many times. The photographs and doll examples are wonderful!
Customer Reviews:
May Basket Quilt.......2007-04-07
Eleanor Burns always makes a quilting project fun and easy to do. Steps are broken down and easy to understand for beginner to expert.
Book Description
From distinctive outdoor objects to decorative mirrors, tables and planters, this guide offers crafters a dynamic range of 14 original projects from which to choose. Basic painting and tiling techniques yield incredible results as crafters cut, stamp, tile, glaze and paste their way to achieving fabulous and functional pieces for every type of decor.
Designed for today's busy do-it-yourselfers, this book offers: attractive, easy-to-complete home decorating projects; full-color, step-by-step instructions; inexpensive materials lists; affordable pricing.
Home decorators of all skill levels will delight in the inspiration this guide brings. It provides specialized instruction for planning, executing and completing every project in two days' time. Each project features a timeline, materials list, detailed instructions, and an inspirational, full-bleed image of the completed work. Best of all, crafters can easily tailor each project to suit their own room configurations and color schemes. Easy-to-copy templates included.
Customer Reviews:
Unique mosaic and broken china projects.......2000-07-28
This is a wonderful book with great ideas to make with broken china and old/ugly tile that needs refurbishing. However, I have found that there are a few difficulties with this book. The author refers to PVA glue which cannot be found at local hardware stores and doesn't use a manufacturer's product name (come to find out this is actually close to Elmer's white or yellow glue). Also, there appears to be an error on pages 32 and 33 - please look at them as the instructions repeat themselves and there is no Day Two instructions so you can't finish the project- which is one of the projects I had planned on doing. As much as I love her ideas, I'm having a difficult time finding the products she uses and the suppliers list in the back were not helpful and some were no longer attainable on the internet. Someone needs to contact the author and ask her for clarification on the products that she used (especially for the fountain project).
Average customer rating:
|
Proud2beaflyer
Matteo Sola
Manufacturer: Gingko Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Pop Culture
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 8886416474 |
Customer Reviews:
A stirring portrayal and highly recommended reading.......2003-05-15
A Song Of Faith And Hope: The Life Of Frankie Muse Freeman is the fascinating memoir of a most remarkable African-American woman, who grew up in the Jim Crow era South and, upset at the injustice that surrounded her every day, became an effective St. Louis civil rights attorney who dedicated her personal and professional life to improving justice and equality for all, and which eventually earned her the distinction of being the first woman to be appointed to the U.S. Commission of Civil Rights. A stirring portrayal and highly recommended reading, A Song Of Faith And Hope is an invaluable contribution to personal and academic Black Studies collections.
Books:
- Arms of Nemesis: A Novel of Ancient Rome (Novels of Ancient Rome)
- Aunt Dimity and the Duke (Aunt Dimity Mystery)
- Aunt Dimity's Christmas
- Aunt Dimity Digs In
- Blood Follows: A Tale of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach
- Blue Blood: A Debutante Dropout Mystery
- Bluffing Mr. Churchill (Frederick Troy Novels)
- Chasing the Devil's Tail: A Mystery of Storyville, New Orleans
- Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter: The First Dixie Hemingway Mystery (Dixie Hemingway Mysteries)
- Dead Angler (Loon Lake Fishing Mystery)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- John Steinbeck: Travels with Charley and Later Novels 1947-1962: The Wayward Bus / Burning Bright /
- Hell's Gate
- Concerning the Spiritual in Art
- FANNY AND SUE: A NOVEL
- Edie: Girl on Fire
- Forest Trees
- Halfway Home : My Life 'til Now
- Venus in Exile: The Rejection of Beauty in Twentieth-century Art
- Complete Idiot's Guide to SINGLE PARENTING
- Basic Essentials Edible Wild Plants & Useful Herbs, 2nd
The Leper's Bell (Sister Fidelma Mysteries)
Master of Souls: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland (Mysteries of Ancient Ireland featuring Sister Fidelma of Cashel)
Badger's Moon
Whispers of the Dead: Fifteen Sister Fidelma Mysteries (Sister Fidelma Mysteries)
The Haunted Abbot: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland (Sister Fidelma Mysteries)
