Octopus Alibi: An Alex Rutledge Mystery (Alex Rutledge Mysteries)

Book Description

The murder of a long-missing woman, the death of a mentor, and the suicide of Key West's mayor are revealed on a warm April day. Alex Rutledge, a freelance photographer with ties to city and county law enforcement, first must help friend Sam Wheeler identify a body in Ft. Lauderdale. Hours later, in Key West, Rutledge documents the mayor's demise. He also is forced to confront the death of Naomi Douglas, who encouraged his creative photography. All this on the day before Alex's departure for a big-dollar photo job on Grand Cayman Island. Home-front troubles compound his dilemmas. Teresa Barga, his housemate, is absorbed by Whitney Randolph, an old college friend with cash, bent morals, and more alibis than an octopus has suckers. Randolph, he learns, has slithered into the suspense, linking himself to both scam and murder victims. The police see no crimes. Only Alex senses foul play. And when out-of-character friends, duplicitous officials, and violence take him to labyrinths of corruption, he is faced with the most dangerous encounter of his life.

Customer Reviews:

So-So, Not Bad.......2007-08-09

Maybe it's me, but this novel didn't spin the prop on my beanie like others I have read. It's got plenty of action, lots of Key West background, but somehow it didn't get to me. Rutledge seems a little too smug. It's not a bad read, just one of those you are glad when it's done ....

Alex wraps up another one.......2005-08-15

Tom Corcoran sometimes has to stretch for a plot, but always provides a good read. Alex Rutledge mysteries are well worth buying.

Great Fun! Key West Local Color With Hot Story Included!.......2004-11-03

RUN....don't walk, to your nearest book seller and beg, borrow, or steal all four of Corcoran's Alex Rutledge novels. If Octopus Alibi hooks you, as I believe it will, you'll find multiple, fun to read who-done-it enjoyment in backtracking the previous three Rutledge sleuthing forays. Good fun, "lazy days" kind of reading. Lower Keys locals and frequent visitors alike are having an absolute blast peeking throughout to see where (or, if) they've been included (surely hoping that it's not jail or the morgue), and which political folly du jour gets a subtle send up. Of course the best places to eat or have drinks in or near Key West are also brought into the storyline. Yes, I can just see myself at sunset, re-reading Octopus Alibi at the bar at Louie's Backyard now, sipping a rum soda w/Key Lime, listening to "Cuban Crimes of Passion", & peeking around the pages to see if Rutledge shows up with a lady friend. Saw a sneak paragraph or two of Corcoran's next book, so I know that one is gonna be hot stuff, too! So, get yourself "hooked" - on Octopus Alibi right away!

Excellent follow to his other great Rutledge Novels.......2003-06-24

I was an inhabitant of the islands in the early 80's before the place got popular and crowded. Corcoran's description of the characters and the long term residents of the keys are dead on. If you know the keys and key west well, you will really enjoy this book and the other Rutledge novels. Fans of the Travis McGee series and Carl Hiassen's books would really enjoy this story as well as the others Corcoran mysteries. Keep them coming Tom!

A Key West Mystery.......2003-06-09

Of all the major "Keys" writers, Corcoran seems least frequent in publication, and this pays off in well written novels, or at least fast moving novels. He really is fun to read. Additionally, if you are "into" Key West, he's your writer. While there are actually two trips up and down to Miami, and a couple of "off island" forays, this book is centered in and plays on the ambience of that "last place in America." Alex Rutledge, Corcoran's photographer hero, tools up and down Simonton on his Cannondale or strolls the sidewalks of Duval, avoiding the overflow from Sloppy Joe's, dodging into Captain Tony's around the corner for an early beer. Certainly the Key West life style. There are many other little treasures: remembered sidewalk restaurants, cascades of bouganvillia on corners, the ocean mist, happy hour at Hog's Breath, regularly painted empty buildings. These are the observations of someone who knows the streets over time.

Dirty deeds in this novel, surprise, are linked to real estate development and illegal immigration. The two plots work, but are not systematically linked to each other. These are mingled with the unraveling of a relationship between Rutledge and his "roomie" Teresa, that not unfrequent disaster that comes about when two decide to live as one and abandon the freedom of separate apartments. As the novel drew to a close, I had the feeling that there were three distinct stories, all joined at Alex Rutledge. Still, both mystery plots are exciting, and enough to keep anyone reading the novel awake an extra hour. The romance ends, as is common in "Keys" novels with a promise of future solace.

For those who remember the days of clearing the pier of ships for sunset, or "tank" island (before the "condofying" of the island perimeter) wise contemporaries who bought Conch cottages for a song seem just a little long in the tooth. Such folk, also, have to be in their mid to late fifties and for we less lucky mortals self-knowledge forms plausability questions. One bit of K.W. zaniness, which someone eventually will seriously propose is a developer's Malory Square Dome with recorded projected sunsets to allow tourists to view the ten best in history. No mention of a guaranteed green flash, however.

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Octopus Alibi
Tom Corcoran
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTFEGM

Book Description

The second issue of H.P. Lovecraft's Magazine of Horror is dedicated to classic fantasy writer Richard Matheson, presenting an original story, interview, and critical overview of his movies. An additional 11 stories fill out the issue, including work by such luminaries as Tanith Lee, Ray Russell, Chris Bunch, a classic reprint from E. Hoffman Price, and much more. Plus all the usual features by editor Marvin Kaye, book reviewer Craig Shaw Gardner, and film critic Greg Lamberson. Plus poetry by H.P. Lovecraft, Lynn Jamneck, and Mike Allen. Rounding out the issue is a fine selection of artwork by Steve Hickman (cover), Allen Koszowski, Alex McVey, Britt Spencer, George H. Scithers, Mike Dublisch, and David Grilla.

Book Description

In Central America, rebel forces are battling Union troops for control of Chiapas. But the guerrilla struggle becomes an interstellar war when a lethal energy sliver from the Maw crashes into the Mexican jungle...pursued by the Maelstrom's most vicious aliens. Now in the fallout, a wounded Shard is mutating into a horde of crystalline monsters, while an undead Pharon priest slaughters both Union and rebel soldiers to reinforce his zombie army. And as the fighting escalates into bloody anarchy, the deadly energies build and intensify, threatening a damnation worse than even the Maelstrom itself...

Download Description

THE SHATTERER OF WORLDS In Central America, rebel forces are battling Union troops for control of Chiapas. But the guerrilla struggle becomes an interstellar war when a lethal energy sliver from the Maw crashes into the Mexican jungle . . . pursued by the Maelstrom's most vicious aliens. Now in the fallout, a wounded Shard is mutating into a horde of crystalline monsters, while an undead Pharon priest slaughters both Union and rebel soldiers to reinforce his zombie army. And as the fighting escalates into bloody anarchy, the deadly energies build and intensify, threatening a damnation worse than even the Maelstrom itself. . . .

Customer Reviews:

Rousing space opera.......2000-11-01

First off, a bit of truth in advertising -- I wrote this book.

That said, I think it is fast-paced with intriguing characters, has a storyline you're not likely to see elsewhere dealing with Chiapas and an alien invasion, and works well as a tie-in for the Vor:Maelstrom game.

Give it a read. It was fun to write and I certainly hope it will be fun to read.

A good space opera.......2000-10-31

In the far distant future, Earth no longer revolves around the sun since the Maw Maelstrom pulled the planet through its vortex. Thousands of other planets with almost as many species are also yanked into this strange area.

Some of the new neighbors retain a belligerent nature and have evolved more advanced technology than that of earth. Two of these groups are the zombie-like Pharon, who uses the undead as slaves and the crystal-like Shards who use their own bodies to help themselves transport through space.

Both feral groups want to control a piece of the Maw that has broken away from the main body. They see the capability of the Maw as a weapon of mass destruction. The Mote lands in Central America where a cruel local war

has devastated the countryside. However, with the Shard and Pharon using this area as focal point to capture the Mote, the civil war has become the site of an interstellar battle that could destroy earth as a by-product of the fight.

This novel is based on the computer game from FASA, but it is not just a simple advertisement for its parent company. Instead, HELL HEART is space opera at its finest as it turns a local squabble between two brothers into a unified alliance against the alien intruders. Readers will enjoy this work and want more novels inside Vor: The Maelstrom.

Harriet Klausner

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The only diet that works.

More practical and a must have

Everyone should be required to read this book!

This diet makes me feel good

The best diet book around( the only one which really works)

The Recipe for Living Without Disease
Aajonus Vonderplanitz
Manufacturer: Carnelian Bay Castle Press, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Healthy | Special Diet | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Nutrition | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Special Conditions | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Medicine | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 1889356840

Customer Reviews:

The only diet that works........2007-06-19

Seriously.Forget about the recepies.You'll never make them anyway,beside the basic ones(shakes,moisterizing drink).Once in raw diet,you'll eat your meal mostly plain.Get We Want 2 Live too.Lots of info.You'll need to read it over and over 10-20 times in order to stick.This book changed my life.I can't say enough about it.I saw him in person too.Great man!God bless him!
Prior to this diet I did evrything there is.You name it!Macrobiotic,vegeterian,Atkin's,lacto,etc...Never felt good. A year and a half on raw meat and fish,I feel different person.Thanks AV.

More practical and a must have.......2006-05-19

After reading his first book "We want to live" I had to have Aajonus' 2nd book. This book, "The recipe for living without disease" lists some more practical and very useful information about a healthy primal diet. Aajonus discusses some healthy food combinations and gives some valuable recipes (suited even for babies!).

As I have found out with many of the MDs and PhDs I've listed in my other review of his first book, they all advocate using a blender and a juicer. It reminds me of what Richard Schulze M.D. always said: a blender and a juicer saves lives! It's so true.

In this book Aajonus discusses what cooking does to nutrients in food, if microbes are dangerous to humans and bacterial food-poisoning etc.

I was very pleased to read that Aajonus is writing new books and that CD/DVDs will be published that show how to make recipes and use kitchen equipment etc. Anxiously waiting these arrivals...!

Everyone should be required to read this book!.......2005-09-26

This book will change the way you look at everything you put into your body. Aajonus has information that you will never hear anywhere else. It should be a requirement for every physician to read in medical school.

This diet makes me feel good.......2005-01-22

I've been eating Aajonus diet for 6 months now and I feel awesome.

The best diet book around( the only one which really works).......2004-11-30

Aajonus's first book was a little too New-Agey for my tastes. This, his 2nd book, is however OUTSTANDING. It contains numerous references to various scientific studies and reports, which I have seen referred to in New Scientist magazine among other sources. The previous book neglected this aspect to a certain extent.
The beginning and end of the book deal with the theory behind the diet, demolishing the irrational concerns of society, such as regards parasites and bacteria, while the middle part deals with recipes and the like.
All in all, I have to say, that I have tried numerous other diets out there(Palaeolithic Diet, Vegetarianism, Raw Vegan, Hay Diet,Instincto, Atkins, "balanced diet" etc.) but the Primal Diet is the only diet which actually restored my health. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in improving their energy levels or in curing their long-term health problems.
I would like to add that my former (very serious) health problems were only got rid of completely once I switched to a fully Raw, Palaeolithic variation of this Primal Diet:- I had to eliminate raw veggie juice and all raw dairy from my diet(like many RPDers I have a very strong food-intolerance/allergy towards raw dairy), reduce drastically consumption of raw honey, raw fruit, and raw (solid) veg, to minimal amounts, and eat mainly (raw) organ- meats(especially high-fat ones like bone-marrow/suet/tongue etc.), glands and fatty muscle-meats in place of overly lean muscle-meats. Combining this modification with all other aspects of the Primal Diet, such as "high-meat" etc., helped cure a number of long-term health problems. I also found that doing IF(Intermittent Fasting) helped greatly to improve energy levels.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Book!.......2006-03-10

Very clearly written and easy to read. The pictures and sketches are wonderful examples of the topic areas. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to enhance their Dressage journey.

Great Organization.......2003-05-20

The best thing about this book is the way it is organized! It is set up in progressing levels of difficulty and is pretty much a trouble shooting guide! You go to the Canter section and find the problem you're having and it gives you many good tips for fixing your problems!!! It is by no means a replacement for a trainer but a very close second! I consult it many times when my trainer isn't around!

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Dressage Tips And Training Solutions
Holzel/Plewa
Manufacturer: KENILWORTH PRESS LIM
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K206GG

Book Description

This new book enables individuals to complete each step of the process necessary to create a magnificent 18th century paneled room, relying upon a hands-on, experiential approach. Here, both novices and experienced professionals find valuable design insight, as well as solid, practical methods of cabinet construction. From the basics of design to the finishing touches, readers are taken through the complete building process as beneficiaries of the authors years of fine cabinetmaking experience. 260 color photographs and 20 drawings show steps in the choice and purchase of materials, along with the process of building cabinetry and paneling, passage doors, and moldings. This book is a valued resource for amateur and professional cabinetmakers alike. Only rarely does so talented a craftsman share his secrets and wisdom so clearly.

Book Description

This informative and easy-to-follow guidebook makes the ancient sites of the Big Island of Hawaii available to the general public for the first time. Grouping sites by location, the book characterizes the cultural background of five main types of sites: heiau (temples), pohaku (sacred stones), petroglyphs, caves and fishponds.

Customer Reviews:

Very nice guide.......2007-10-06

This is a very nice guide to plants of a specific region of Louisiana. If you live in the state, it is great guide to have to identify all the local plants. Easy to read, great drawings, but it is out of print.

Book Description

Brand-new Let's Go: Vietnam is your insider's guide to Southeast Asia's up-and-coming travel destination. Mixing completely fresh text and maps with Let's Go's forty-five years of practical savvy, it's the only guide you'll need to navigate this rapidly changing country. With a focus on alternatives to Vietnam's most visited destinations and a large section on the remote Northwest Highlands, Let's Go will help you escape from the tourist track. Valuable hints, tips, and listings provide the practical know-how to see the sights, experience the culture, and make a difference. Whether you'd rather drift lazily along an Annamese river or strut your stuff in cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City, Let's Go can take you there.

Customer Reviews:

Not useful..........2006-04-01

I bought this book and the Rough Guide to Vietnam. Thinking I didn't want to lug around both books, I left the Rough Guide at home and took this one. It seemed like it would be more useful given the proper Vietnamese writing of names/places and the more recent publication date. What a terrible mistake on my part. My traveling buddies had a boot-legged version of the Lonely Planet, which we relied on much more than this guide.

This book lacks information about sites, accomodations and restaurants that was easily found in the Lonely Planet, and was much better described in the Rough Guide. For the places we stayed, the descriptions of the accomodations were sometimes not at all accurate. Maps were also better in the Lonely Planet.

The only thing that was somewhat useful was the nightlife section, but even that was rather sparse in some areas.

Overall, would recommend Rough Guide above this (far above this) and Lonely Planet.

Lot of information. .......2006-01-22

Let's Go Vietnam help me a lot on my recent trip to Vietnam. I used it to plan for the stay. It gives more information on hotels and resort than Lonely Plant. Prices are still correct as of January 2006. If I had to take just one I would pick Let's Go Vietnam. A better way is to take Lonely Planet Vietnam and Let's Go Vietnam, which is what I did.

Book Description

Here is an invaluable guide to the dog-friendly areas in Chicago, its suburbs, and its surrounding counties. From parks and beaches to stores, bars, restaurants, and cafes, it provides a list of places where dogs are welcome guests and rates them in terms of interest for both dogs and their human companions. DogGone Chicago thoroughly explains the leash laws and cleanup laws for all the areas it covers, plus it includes helpgul infromation on places to stay, neighborhood festivals, and other doggy-doings.

Customer Reviews:

Not enough substance.......2003-05-14

While this book provides a large number of listings about the local parks and other places, there are serious flaws. First of all, there are no maps (!), and directions are minimal or missing from most listings. Second, a lot of the descriptions contain more details about the author's dogs than about the places they visited, which is fun, but largely unhelpful. Finally, a lot of the information is out of date (although that's par for the course with any guidebook). As a resident of Chicago, I found it only slightly useful. I think a visitor to the city would have a hard time using it at all.

Better than no dog book.......2003-01-07

A travel book without maps strikes me as not much of a travel book at all. While there is a lot of info. in this book, it's not easy-to-use. I'd rather have some directions, maps and tips than stories about Luna and Chaser and what kind of spaghetti sauce they prefer.

I wish there was a guide like this for other cities.......2001-08-20

If you have a dog and live in Chicago, this book is a must. Just flipping through this book, you can quickly learn how dog friendly the Chicago are is.

Having recently moved to Madison, WI, I didn't realize what I had until it was gone (most parks prohibit dogs, and the designated "dog parks" are usually over run with extremely aggressive, untrained dogs that are a serious danger to you and your pet).

As one reviewer notes, you should phone ahead on some of the places in the book. The Renaissance Hotel downtown will allow small dogs (generally less than 15lbs), and even has a section on the room service menu for your furry friend.

Finally, a reason to visit my mom!.......2001-05-30

I love and dearly miss Chicago, but was not a dog owner when I grew up in the city. I long to visit for reasons other than business, but cannot justify taking a vacation to a town where my dog might not have fun. This book gives me something to do and look forward to with my devoted companion Ben. I've seen all the museums, the shopping and the water, now I want to experience Chicago from Ben's point of view. I know he'll love the people and the street food! And my mom will love that I finally found a compelling reason to visit!

Hotels do not allow dogs.......1999-05-18

I was very disappointed when I tried to call the hotels in Downtown Chicago listed in the book as "dog friendly" and told that they no longer allow dogs. The only one that still allows dogs is the Resident's Inn Downtown Chicago. Based on that, I have reason to question the accuracy of the other information in the book (ie. restaurants, parks, shops etc.)

Book Description

This volume publishes and illustrates over 1,000 English coins from the Norman Conquest to the coinage reform of Edward I. They are spread over 16 museums, ranging from the National Museums of Scotland to civic museums such as Ayr, Eyemouth and Dunfermline. The most outstanding collection is that of Dr William Hunter (1718-83) in Glasgow University's Hunterian Museum. This renowned cabinet contains a superb group of coins from William I to Stephen, including some of the greatest rarity. The other major Scottish collection is that of the National Museums. Its strength lies in the later issues, Henry II to Edward I, thus complementing the holdings of the Hunterian. This volume will be a fundamental source for those interested in Norman coinage and in the Short and Long Cross coinages alike.

Sylloge of Coins of the British Isles : Scottish Museums: English Coins 1066-1279 (Sylloge of Coins of the British Isles)

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Sylloge of Coins of the British Isles : Scottish Museums: English Coins 1066-1279 (Sylloge of Coins of the British Isles)
J. D. Bateson
Manufacturer: British Academy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKVQ4U

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The Spirit of Bonsai Design: Combine the Power of Zen and Nature
Chye Tan
Manufacturer: Collins & Brown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
House Plants | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Japanese Gardens | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Growing Bonsai: A Practical Encyclopedia: The essential practical guide to a classic art with techniques, step-by-step projects and over 600 photographs

ASIN: 1843400219

Book Description

Aimed at enthusiasts of all levels, this unique and beautifully illustrated guide reveals how an understanding of Zen aesthetics can profoundly influence and improve your skills at shaping, displaying, and appreciating bonsais. All the key stages of creating an outstanding bonsai appear in detailed photos, with technical information, advice on care, and numerous examples.

Product Description

Finally, a clear and comprehensible explanation of all the advantages and capabilities of medium format cameras and their accessories. Includes chapters on the history of medium format, image formats, films, camera types, shutters, image quality, lens performance and controls, exposure and metering modes, flash, close-ups, filters, electronic imaging, transparencies, maintenance and much more. 272 pp., 160+ illus., 6 x 9 , Softbound.

Customer Reviews:

Wildi is conservative but makes his point.......2001-06-24

I am a big Ernst Wildi fan! That said, some observations should be noted: Wildi writes lucidly, logically, and tries to teach the reader in every one of his works. His photography is excellent and he really does not hide the fact he is a Hasselblad guru! Perhaps, he assumes that some of his points that are written and diagrammed to demonstrate, are obvious to all readers, and does not go into great depth. Yes, I got it! People wanting more from Ernst on techniques should check out his book, "Achieving the Ultimate Image." These 2 works could have been combined into one; re-titled "The Ultimate Image in Medium Format" or similar.

More focus on Medium Format please!.......1999-08-15

Ernst Wildi's book was quite a disappointment to me, as the title made me believe, that it would be a competent appraisal of the different formats and a recommandation of fields of photography where the size of medium format would win the game. But after a couple of chapters concerned with different formats, cropping and camera types the rest is just an ordinary photography primer with really no news. Additionally the illustrations are often handdrawn and really not of the quality you would expect to find in a book like this.

Book Description

The Focal Handbook of Commercial Photography is a contemporary and pragmatic guide to professional practice and career planning that will help both aspiring and established photographers make appropriate choices in the face on the ongoing changes in this industry.

Successful photographers must possess, or at least appreciate, many skills: artist, entrepreneur, accountant, designer, carpenter, chemist, creative director, keyboard wizard, and futurist. They practice elements of a two-hundred year old technology while learning new technologies that are only minutes old. This handbook will help commercial photographers succeed by providing an overview of business and technical strategies together with information to help interpret and apply new developments in the field.
Discussing such topics as managing your studio and your business, as well as assistants, equipment, lighting, shooting techniques and situations, darkrooms, marketing, and pricing, this handbook will offer many practical hints on making more money in less time with less effort.

Practical career guide for all aspects of commercial photography.
Provides business and technical strategies to make more money, more easily.

Customer Reviews:

Exceptional book.......1998-11-23

From comparing the myriad of items dealt with in this book, after looking at the table of contents, against the relative small number of pages, I thought this is going to be another contents-deceiving phony book, full of nicely printed color pictures, period. What a surprise! Every comment Mr Kopelow has to offer about the many aspects of commercial photography, is always deeply thought, clearly analysed, and concisely written, ranging from quite valuable to, as in the case of his approach to home color printing, just sensational. His approach to the digital beast is bold and inspiring. Besides, or perhaps most important of all, after reading the book, I am not only technically better imformed than before, but quite refreshed by the original and deeply honest personality of the writer, whose love for photography as well as for human beings is quite transparent. Exceptional value.

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