How to Murder a Millionaire

Book Description

Nora Blackbird, society columnist and down-and-almost-out former debutante, reclaims her place within Philadelphia's elite when she stumbles upon the murdered body of a millionaire art collector.

Nora Blackbird, society columnist and down-and-almost-out former debutante, reclaims her place within Philadelphia's elite when she stumbles upon the murdered body of a millionaire art collector.

Customer Reviews:

Fun.......2007-06-11

All of Nancy Martin's books are fun, fast and easy reads. They are entertaining, will make you laugh, and great summer books for relaxing. It is enjoyable to try to figure out Who Done It. Great characters.
Enjoy!

Funny, easy read.......2007-04-25

I loved this book, I didn't think I would, can't wait to read the others.

A DISAPPOINTMENT.......................................2007-02-18

Silly little mini-mystery centering around the beneficiaries of old money on Philadelphia's exclusive Main Line. Nora Blackbyrd has become the unfortunate owner of her family's suburban estate....it has seen better years, and worse yet is the tax obligations that she has been saddled with. To save the bulk of the property, she is forced to sell off a portion of it.....only to see it give birth to, of all things, a used car lot. When the violent death of a longtime family friend and Main Line icon occurs during a party that he hosts, Nora's investigative nature kicks in. And the search for the killer reveals facts about Rory Pendergast that frankly Nora would rather not have known. Could the killer really be his longtime mate? Or perhaps a slightly unethical art dealer? Nora is, frankly, stymied. And although the kiler's identity may be even more shocking than we think, Nora is also finding herself delightfully distracted by having to fend off the blue collar attentions of a dangerously handsome used car lot owner...
Although containing an interesting array of characters, I found the Blackbyrd sisters unbelievable and frankly unlikeable. The story was extremely slow starting...and never quite took off. I found it silly and unbelievable. And to think that I was excited about finding a brand new series to read......

DYB

Fun, fast, fluffy........2006-10-11

How to Murder a Millionaire was fun and fast to read. As others have said, it's fluff, but then I like some fluff in by reading diet. The title doesn't exactly fit the story and the victim was a billionaire, not a millionaire, but those issues are minor. The title is catchy and the cover appealing, which always adds to my interest in selecting a novel to read.

Nora Blackbird and her sisters, Libby and Emma, all three of whom have been widowed, have been rudely dumped upon by their wealthy, but totally irresponsible parents who run off and leave them holding the bag (and the bills) when they can't meet their financial commitments. (If they were my parents I wouldn't call them up like Nora did in this story to get some advice--about anything)! Anyway, Nora gets a job at a Philadelphia newspaper called the "Intelligencer" in order to help pay off the enormous tax bill owed on Blackbird Farm, the family's historical homestead. When the paper's owner and long-time family friend, Rory Pendergast, is murdered, Nora wants to know why and by whom.

There are many characters introduced into the story, some of whom we'll see developed more over time (I hope). The story is not heavy with suspense, but has enough to make it interesting and entertaining. I do hope, like some others, that Emma and Libby gain more character as time goes by. At present they're pretty lousy siblings. Michael Abruzzo is the requisite hunk who's got a thing for Nora. However, his family background is less than stellar and Nora is uneasy about the growing butterflies flitting about in her abdomen whenever he's around.

I thought the end of the story was a little weak, but not enough to keep me from ordering the rest of the books in the series: Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds; Some Like It Lethal; Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die; and Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too.

Carolyn Rowe Hill

Fun To Read.......2006-06-16

This is my first Nancy Martin book. I instantly liked the characters and the story kept my attention. Has a nice bit of humor too. Looking forward to reading the next one. I'm a huge fan of Mary Kay Andrews (a.k.a. Kathy Trochek) and these are similiarly fun to read, but not as in depth. Good summer book.

Average customer rating:

Meet the Blackbird Widows!

HOW TO MURDER A MILLIONAIRE

Manufacturer: Signet Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0739431617

Product Description

A Blackbird Sisters Mystery. First in a series.

Customer Reviews:

Meet the Blackbird Widows!.......2006-05-20

The first book in the Blackbird Sisters mystery series introduces us to a sleek, yet unlucky sleuth trying to stay on the top of the social ladder. The narrator, Nora Blackbird, is a widow (her husband died in a drug deal gone bad) with a $2 million tax bill left to her by her free-spirited parents. When her parents left the country to avoid paying back taxes, Nora got the property (with the tax bill as an added bonus) and her two sisters got the furniture and the art collection. Swallowing her pride, Nora takes a job (albeit a swanky one) writing for the gossip/society page at one of Philadelphia's newspapers. She owes this cushy job to family friend and newspaper owner, Rory Penderghast. However, when she attends a party thrown to honor the newspaper and its lengthy history, she has the unfortunate honor of finding Rory dead in his room. Believing that he could have never killed himself, Nora is determined to find a killer and keep her family's good name in the process.

Even though the premise of the series is a bit implausible, I loved this book about these hilarious sisters! They were plucky in the face of doom (how could you ever repay $2 million?) and were determined to triumph over the hard times in their lives. I was glad to see that Nora did not have a completely naive attitude about money (she did wear her grandmother's evening gowns to parties) but there is something odd about a woman who acts nonchalantly about millions owed to the IRS. Nevertheless, I found this book fun and interesting, and would definitely recommend this book for a lighthearted, fun read.

Enjoy!

Book Description

For more than eighty generations, two obscure societies have been at war with one another. One has worked to hide all knowledge of magic. The other has sought to exploit magical power that would enable it to unleash long-sequestered magical beings that once destroyed ancient kingdoms. A young bladesmith, Ereben Leaf, is swept into this hidden conflict when his family is inexplicably murdered--a crime for which he is blamed. With his only clue being the advice of a hated adversary to "seek out a Stump named Whittig Trench," he flees the one home he has ever known, into lands peopled by races named only in tales told to children. This journey will place at center stage his ignorance of the secrets contained within the dagger forged by his own hands and coveted by his relentless pursuers. The fate of civilization hangs in the balance.

Counterspell: Guardian of the Ruins launches The Counterspell Chronicle, a father-son collaboration of epic fantasy that explores the implications of the use and abuse of hidden knowledge.

Customer Reviews:

Fantasy and Adventure With Colorful Characters.......2005-05-05

Dr. Robert Goff and his son Micah sure know how to tell a tale and keep it interesting, as well as populated with colorful characters. I have to admit that, at times, some of the language had me going back and forth in the book (there is a brief Knurlish dictionary in the rear) to completely understand the dialogue, but that forced me to concentrate harder. Ereben and Jasper were my favorite characters and being an animal lover I liked Titus, too. By December of 2005, we can expect to read the sequel (part one generously includes the first chapter)and after being "hooked" on this one, I look forward to it!

Sucked In .......2005-03-29

These authors adeptly create a captivating fantasy that provides insight into modern day charaters and events. The characters are consistent and believable, as if they were your own friends, relatives, or enemies. As the characters struggle through hardships and develop enduring relationships, the reader is continually reminded of parallels with real-world religious conflicts, wars, and revolutions. At times, the authors seem to be commenting on present-day situations, exposing the beauty, humor, irony, hypocrisy, and/or stupidity of people, cultures, nations, and races. The authors have obviously used their own experiences with wilderness adventures, personal relationships, military duty, and travel to other countries, as well as their knowledge of medicine, weapons, and language to make this fantasy feel real. You can't help but be sucked in. I'm waiting to see what happens next!

"Guardian of the Guardians".......2005-03-26

From someone whose favorite reading is non-fiction, I find that the work of this unique team speaks effectively to the imagination. They carry the reader easily into the world that they create, leading one into a landscape that is visually vivid and peopled with characters that one is curious to follow. A good way to escape bad news.

Til the wee hours ... .......2005-03-18

Guardian of the Ruins kept me up all night! I couldnt sleep until I had consumed every last sentence and now Im hungry for more.

Way to go!!!!

Product Description

The author applies a no-nonsense approach to dieting, exercising, disease treating, and other aspects of everyday life. Our looks, longevity, as well as our physical and mental conditions result from the way we eat, breathe, and take care of all our physical and psychological needs. The question is not limited to nutrition only, as is the case of dieting programs.

Customer Reviews:

Rare find .......2007-09-06

I will certainly keep this book handy and use it frequently treating myself and my family. It's a book I've been waiting for a long time to read. Priceless information. Simple. Easy to follow. And the best thing of all, it costs you almost nothing! As one of the readers noted, this book can possibly make dieting industry die out, and many pharmaceutical companies with raised by them doctors would be out of business, if only people allowed themselves be wise enough to use very simple advice from this book. My mother, who is RN, almost never turned to prescription medications to treat my illnesses, on the contrary, many of her treatments were from holistic medicine, and some of them I find in this book. Wonderful book, amazing, wise! Yes, I can't agree with part on reading character by eye colour and horoscope, but let it be a fun reading and not a scientific statement. Beside that, this book is extremely valuable.

Logic,...Logic,....Logic.......2007-09-01

If you are proactive in maintaining your health this book is absolutley for you along with Cure the Incurable. If you are not proactive I would not suggest this book for you

Who wants to live 150 years???....not me, but, that is not the point. The point is to show us how our body functions and the common sense principles to our health...its call biology, plain and simple

My daughter has been going to various doctors for IBS, bloating, pre-diabetic issues, headaches, irritabilty, etc.

I do understand that our body is one biological system and that it all works together, but, many people do not believe that, especially my daughter

Well, needless to say, I gave this book to her to read and understand....
and finally a light bulb went on
She found out that she had human parasites (almost all of us have them) which no doctor that she went to checked on that

When you read this book, you should leave with a concept of how the body works and what it needs...

Read it as it might not only help you but someone close to you

Simple, Sensible and Extremely Effective.......2007-06-02

This is the ultimate holistic living guide. From correct breathing, through taking care of your back, to proper food combination, the author provides natural recipes for everyday living. The words are direct, awakening and motivating, causing you to start taking care of yourself.

Very important for me was chapter six - Complete Body Cleansing. The liver cleansing is really very rejuvenating. You have to prepare for the procedure a few days earlier by appropriately changing your diet. The liver cleansing itself takes two full days of total concentration on your own body. It is not pleasant but it is very rewarding. After it was over I felt like a newborn. Somehow it also pushed me to improve my eating habits.

Also very good is the chapter about obesity. Without complicating the matter, like many other authors tend to do, the author very effectively deals with the subject in one short chapter. He explains the reasons behind ineffectiveness of most popular dieting programs and suggests simple ways for dealing with the most common habits that lead us to gaining weight. PAINLESS AND EFFECTIVE!

Very helpful is also the chart on proper food combination. Applying the simple rules from the chart after my liver cleansing keeps me feel youthful and energetic, and I keep losing weight week after week.

No one before has motivated me so well. Just follow the simple advice for a month or two and you will see the difference. You will feel better and you will look better. What else do you need?

Another great book that I highly recommend for all those wanting to live healthy life and stay away from prescription drugs is Prescription for Nutritional Healing.

Sometimes you just have to laugh.......2007-04-08

How the author manages to delete all the negative reviews so quickly month after month is quite impressive. I remember writing a negative review a couple of years ago. Actually I wrote two and both disappeared. Now I return and the same battle is waging. For info on this guy check out the discussion section below.

Your health and wellbeing are in your own hands.......2007-02-10

I am usually very skeptical about various claims that can be found in the books written by many "self-healers" and other gurus. The author however, does not over-promise in any chapter of his book, in spite of its catchy title.

It is a good compilation of safe-and-sound recommendations for longevity and healthy living. I did smile at some of them (walking bare footed, etc.) but even if I do not believe in their direct benefits, they might still bring about good results for those who do believe (placebo effect). In any case, none of the recommendations can in any way be harmful as most of the remedies contain products used by many of us on a daily basis.

Other advice, like proper food combination, periodic fasting, taking hot and cold baths, using sauna, drinking pure mineral water, taking daily walks, etc, are just common sense and indeed very beneficial for our mental and physical conditions. By the way, the author clearly states that he is not a medical doctor himself but that he just compiled the wisdom of many nations - from Europe, via Tibet, to old China. As a result, some of the ingredients suggested in certain remedies can be difficult to obtain in North America. For example kefir. It is a dairy product, with well known health benefits, that is very popular in Europe but hardly ever obtainable in the US, except for specialty organic food shops. [...]

There are a few Apendices at the end of the book. Some of them are too much on the side of "New Age" and does not really fit my analitical mind. However it might be of some interest for those who like to believe in astrology, Horoscope etc. I think it is fine to read it as an interesting trivia, especially since this is presented in the Apendices -- clearly outside of the main body of the book.

The author was educated as a biologist and chemist, but he devoted his life to studying human body and he is a well known authority on healthy living documented by the fact the he was the head of Center of Health Sciences in Moscow. I do believe that this book will be very beneficial for many people, especially for those jumping from one fad diet to another. As the author rightly pointed out - your health and wellbeing are in your own hands.

Many methods and remedies suggested by the author are indeed valuable and effective. They are presented for the reader to explore. Please use them wisely! On the scale of 0 to 10 I give the book 9 points. Highly recommended reading!

Can We Live 150 Years?: Your Body Maintenance Handbook

Average customer rating:

Can We Live 150 Years?: Your Body Maintenance Handbook
Mikhail Tombak
Manufacturer: Healthy Life Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N660D2

Average customer rating:

Trans Fat Every Where.

Accurate and Practical

Valuable reading even for busy Parents

Informative & Humorous - move over Fast Food Nation

I love this book!

The Trans Fat Solution: Cooking and Shopping to Eliminate the Deadliest Fat from Your Diet
Kim Severson , and Cindy Burke
Manufacturer: Ten Speed Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Low Fat | Special Diet | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Low-Fat Diet | Special Conditions | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Nutrition | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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The Trans Fat Free Kitchen: Simple Recipes, Shopping Guide and Restaurant Tips

Trans Fats: the Hidden Killer in our Food

Get the Trans Fat Out: 601 Simple Ways to Cut the Trans Fat Out of Any Diet

Dr. Bob's Trans Fat Survival Guide

The Trans Fat Remedy: The First Consumer Guide To Your Family's Biggest Health Threat

Accessories:

Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 1580085431

Book Description

Deciphering nutrition labels can be daunting, especially when the deadliest dietary fat isn't even listed on the label. Research now confirms that trans fatty acids, or trans fats, are worse for our bodies than saturated fats such as butter and lard—and food manufacturers aren't required to list them on labels. In THE TRANS FAT SOLUTION, San Francisco Chronicle food reporter Kim Severson demystifies the science of trans fats, offers a formula for detecting trans fat in packaged food, and gives shoppers an aisle-by-aisle guide to help them avoid buying it. Working with Seattle-based chef and food consultant Cindy Burke, Severson also offers 60 clear, practical recipes, shortcut mixes, and substitutes for packaged foods that will give readers new tools to create trans-fat-free versions of their favorite foods at home.

Customer Reviews:

Trans Fat Every Where........2005-08-05

Trans fat takes the reader deep into the food asles of your groccery store- Buyer beware! If you step into any of the asles with food in boxes or wrapedup- your in for a really eye opener!
I learned a lot of ways to cook my food diffrently after reading this book and how to shop for food. This book has brought awarness to the number one killer in our fast food world. Some of the more common foods have trans fatty particles just waiting to enter your blood stream. Highly recommend.

Accurate and Practical.......2005-03-08

I am well-versed on the chemistry here and the book is right on target there. A nice explaination for the intelligent lay-person. What was useful to me was the exposure of all the places this stuff can be found. A few surprises there. Thanks! The last factor is the cookbook. Can't say I have tested that part, but it is great to have yummy stuff that is more healthy. Short and easy to read.

Valuable reading even for busy Parents.......2004-01-09

From casual newspaper and magazine reading, I was aware Trans Fat were bad for you, but it was eye opening to realize how bad. Severson writes in a very calm, factual way. Also, there is just enough detail (versus deadly dull level of detail!). It is a very quick read, and I would recommend it for all harried moms and dads as we make alot of choices while pounding the aisles at the market, and I know I have changed my shopping choices based on the information I learned in this book.

Informative & Humorous - move over Fast Food Nation.......2003-10-23

This is the most well written and researched book that I've found on the subject of Trans Fat. Severson's tone is non-alarmist and spiced with humor. She presents scientific facts and research in an understandable and immediately practical fashion. This doesn't have all "the sky is falling! the sky is falling" rhetoric of Fast Food Nation, and for that reason alone is utterly believable--and sobering.

I love this book!.......2003-10-11

This book is presented in an easy-to-read format and is full of great information and fabulous recipes. I finally understand what trans fat is and why it is so bad for you. The recipe for Chicken-Tarragon Potpies is so delicious and easy to make it is going straight into my Family Favorites file. This book should be on everyone's cookbook shelf.

Average customer rating:

One misstep, the rest is good advice

great advice for my fearful dog

Great Book

Never Knew There Was So Much To Know About Cats!!!

a must have for your home library

Good Owners, Great Cats
Brian Kilcommons , and Sarah Wilson
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cats | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
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Good Owners, Great Dogs

Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat--Not a Sour Puss

Hiss and Tell: True Stories from the Files of a Cat Shrink

Cat Vs. Cat: Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat

The Cat Who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions, and the Psychology of Cats

ASIN: 0446518077

Amazon.com

Thinking of getting a cat? Read this book! Brian Kilcommons, an animal trainer for more than 20 years, and Sarah Wilson have written a book addressing all aspects of owning and caring for a cat. They explain the mechanics of cat ownership in a way that encompasses the emotional care necessary for a happy cat/owner relationship. In this lively, easy-to-read book (with a marvelous collection of feline photographs), subjects include taking care of a new kitten, raising a healthy cat, and understanding cat behavior. Scattered throughout are short stories about notable cats and their owners; one such story relates the account of Nermal, whose idea of fun was sliding down the laundry chute. Asides throughout the book relate such information as finding your lost cat, dealing with fleas, and choosing a veterinarian. Also helpful are the "Frequently Asked Questions" at the end of each chapter, which address those questions that one might not feel comfortable asking in a large group ("My kitten likes to chase flies. Is this okay?") Touted as "a guidebook for humans and their feline companions," this book is a must-read for any cat owner.

Book Description

Thinking of getting a cat?Read this book!Brian Kilcommons, an animaltrainer for more than 20 years, and Sarah Wilson have written a book addressingall aspects of owning and caring for a cat. They explain the mechanics of catownership in a way that encompasses the emotional care necessary for a happycat/owner relationship. In this lively, easy-to-read book (with a marvelouscollection of feline photographs), subjects include taking care of a new kitten,raising a healthy cat, and understanding cat behavior. Scattered throughout areshort stories about notable cats and their owners; one such story relates theaccount of Nermal, whose idea of fun was sliding down the laundry chute. Asidesthroughout the book relate such information as finding your lost cat, dealingwith fleas, and choosing a veterinarian. Also helpful are the "FrequentlyAsked Questions" at the end of each chapter, which address those questionsthat one might not feel comfortable asking in a large group ("My kittenlikes to chase flies. Is this okay?") Touted as "a guidebook forhumans and their feline companions," this book is a must-read for any catowner.

Customer Reviews:

One misstep, the rest is good advice.......2006-12-12

I really like Kilcommon's advice on behavioral issues and methods to train cats. His advice has a slightly different angle than what you will find in a cat book by a vet. One point he makes, which I strongly disagree with, is his advice that if you can't tame a feral cat, have it euthanised. I presume he wrote this out of ignorance, since TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) wasn't widespread ten years ago, but since then has become the best and most widely accepted way to manage feral cats. They can live perfectly happy and healthy lives outside if they are spayed, neutered and cared for. Other than this, a solid book and good addition to cat care information.

great advice for my fearful dog.......2005-03-03

My husband and I recently adopted a fearful/shy dog from a local canine rescue group. The group recommends this book to "new" parent(s). This book has given me some great advice in understanding, owning, and training a dog, as well as, how my behavior/attitudes/emotions affect the dog's confidence. Originally, I checked this book out from a local library; I am going to purchase this book to have as a general reference.

Great Book.......2004-03-25

I am a brand new cat owner and so I checked out 3 books from the local library, this being one of them. In reading each of the books, I realized that "Good Owners, Great Cats," almost always had the best, most common-sense advice written in a very "no holds barred" way. Kilcommons doesn't mince words and he's very opinionated, but his opinions seem to be right on the mark. I've only owned dogs in the past, and without reading this book I think that I would be clueless in how to train/discipline a cat. In the few short weeks that I've had the cat and the book (which I've purchased) I've used its hints and advice innumerable times.

Never Knew There Was So Much To Know About Cats!!!.......2003-08-06

A very thorough book on one of America's favorite companions! Great pictures and information. It made a wonderful gift for a friend too!! I highly recommend it! "Good Owners, Great Cats" and GreatPets.com - where else do you need to go to find out about cats?!

a must have for your home library.......2001-03-30

This is a fabulous book! I had a good cat to start, but I wanted to understand her better. Brian and Sarah's book helped me understand what my cat was trying to tell me with her body language. Consequesntly, my cat has become more outgoing when people come over. In addition, this book was the main reason I was able to keep the peace when I brought a new dog home.

I read some other animal training books, and this book manages to cover the core of what you really need to know about cats better than the rest. I liked it so much, I also purchased Good Ownners, Great Dogs - which is also the best in its field.

Average customer rating:
Groote Schuur: Great granary to stately home
Phillida Brooke Simons
Manufacturer: Fernwood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Southern Africa | Africa | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006FAD9C

Book Description

Jack Lemon and his Landfall Press is one of a handful of fine art presses who work directly with the leading artists of our day. As Lemon notes, "in the collaborative situation, the artist relies on the printer not just for technical information but for essential judgments. . . . Communicating with artists is something I know how to do." This catalog documents 25 years of such collaboration with artists as diverse as Christo, Vito Acconci, Claes Oldenburg, and Sol LeWitt.

Distributed for the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Book Description

Since 1619, when Africans first came ashore in the swampy Chesapeake region of Virginia, there have been many individuals whose achievements and strength of character in the face of monumental hardships have called attention to the genius of the African American people. 100 GREATEST AFRICAN AMERICANS attempts to distill from many wonderful possibilities the 100 most outstanding examples of African American greatness.

Pioneering African American Studies scholar Molefi Kete Asante has used five criteria in selecting the 100 greatest African Americans: the person's significance in the general progress of African Americans toward full equality in the American social and political system; self-sacrifice and a willingness to take great risks for the collective good; unusual will and determination in the face of grave danger and against the most subborn odds; a consistent posture toward raising the social, cultural, and economic status of African Americans; and personal achievement that reveals the best qualities of the African American people. In adopting these criteria, Professor Asante has sought to transcend the usual standards of popular culture, which often elevates the most well-liked, the wealthiest, or the most photogenic to the cult of celebrity.

The individuals in this book--examples of lasting greatness as opposed to the ephemeral glare of celebrity--come from four centuries of African American history.

Each entry includes brief biographical information, relevant dates, an assessment of the individual's place in African American history with particular reference to a historical timeline, and a discussion of his or her unique impact on American society.

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