Book Description
The irrepressible Bishop Blackwood Ryan returns as his Cardinal dispatches Blackie to The University on the South Side of Chicago to investigate a baffling locked-room mystery. Someone has assassinated a Russian Orthodox monk in his office at the Divinity School-despite the fact that the door of his office was bolted shut from the inside and no killer was found within.
Who shot Brother Semyon Ivanivich Popov? There were only four professors in the building on the night of the shooting: a feminist theologian, a distinguished scripture scholar, an expert on the Talmud, and a young tenure-seeking professor whom Blackie compares to a silverback gorilla.
It turns out that the mystery of the locked room is simple compared to the international intrigue that swiftly develops around the case. Intelligence agents from diverse nations seem to be involved, as well as both the Sicilian and Russian mobs. Blackie soon finds himself the target of threats and actual bullets as he seeks to unravel the deepening mystery surrounding the murdered monk-whose murky secrets may stretch all the way to the Vatican itself!
Murder is more than academic in yet another delightful whodunit by one of America's most popular storytellers.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing.......2004-08-10
I have always looked forward to the Blackie Ryan books but I had a hard time getting through this one. The back story of the monk/priest/cardinal was just too convoluted and unbelievable, especially as it was inserted into the middle of the book as the priest's journal. By the time I was done with the "journal" I had a hard time remembering who the present-day characters were. And I never did understand why this was such a big deal that people were shot at and killed over it.
Finally - I found the continuous involvement of characters from the "Beggar Girl of Ste. Germaine" annoying and unnecessary - just an advertisement to get people to read the earlier book.
A drop in quality.......2004-07-06
Having read and liked all the previous Father Blackie mysteries, I eagerly began this latest one and had a problem getting through it. It's not easy to say exactly why or where this sagged. It could be that the details of the romance of the professors got in the way of the murder story. That should never happen, especially when the love affair does not envolve the hero and when the romance has nothing whatsoever to do with the main plot. In this case, the love story was gratuitous. It's as if the writer said, "Editors insist on a love affair, so I'll stick this one in and make the editors happy."
The book does start to move when we begin to learn the background of the murdered monk, but it isn't enough to save this from being considered the least of the Father Blackie series. In truth, Father Blackie has little to do with unraveling the mystery. It just sort of happens. The monk's diary appears. People step forward with clues. And suddenly the book is finished.
I do hope for better things from Blackie. He's a nice man. Arguably....
It's time for Father Greeley to stop coasting.......2004-03-30
Father Andrew Greeley once had a powerful impact on pubishing with his saucy novels. In recent years that has declined somewhat. However, he continues to write and his body of work expands yearly.
This book shows the ongoing adventures of "Blackie" Ryan, a Priest/Detective who is the star of the mystery novels written by Father Andrew Greeley. "Blackie" actually sprang from Father Greeley's earlier books when he appeared as a beloved sleuth/cleric who helped settle mysteries that baffled others. Eventually, "Blackie" gained his own series of books which brings us to the current one.
This is a fun look at the world of Priest/Sleuth "Blackie" Ryan as he solves the murder of a monk on the University of Chicago campus. All the usual Greeley touches are here--descriptions of the life of a priest and how he relates to the congregation, the world of the rectory, the interrelation of the Catholic hierarchy with each other, the locked room murder and all the typical aspects of a "Blackie" Ryan mystery are here.
Yet, I can't help think that Father Greeley needs to energize the "Blackie" Ryan series. This is a great series that appears to be going through the motions. Yes, this is a good book but one suspects that it can be much better. Father Greeley is coasting a bit and it shows. The kicker is that he still has the ability to write a great mystery and the charactars to do so. He needs to refocus and do just that.
I'd suggest he get a very strong charactar, Cardinal Sean Cronin, to become more involved in the stories. This charactar has been reduced to a minor role in his books and the series has suffered. I'd also suggest the charactar Mike Casey be involved more as he too is interesting. Father "Blackie" needs to get more involved in solving a crime related to the Catholic church which Father Greeley knows well and can weave many fascinating aspects to in his stories that actually get you thinking about this faith.
To some extent, Father Greeley has strayed from writing about the Catholic Church to focusing on academia and it makes for a less interesting novel.
In short, this is a good book by a good author who has gotten into a rut so to speak. One hopes Father Greeley can rediscover the magic he once had and get "Blackie" Ryan back into some more interesting and rich adventures.
A quirky but amusing mystery.......2003-12-12
Greeley, a Catholic priest and sociologist, writes a mystery series featuring Bishop "Blackie" Ryan as an amateur investigator. Far from being a procedural, this story spends more time on church and Cold War politics than it does on investigation. In this case, a Russian monk teaching at the University of Chicago is found murdered in an apparently locked room. The reasons for the monk's stay in Russia are more interesting than the crime. It turns out that the body on the floor isn't the monk in question. Though the Bishop's dwelling place is shot up by Russians, he never loses his aplomb. Greeley tries to leaven the story with humorous repartee, but the Irish jokes wear off by the middle of the book. The locked room question gets lost in the narrative, being resolved in an off-hand remark. The ending is anticlimactic. Yet the book has a certain quirky charm.
A master plot with a twist..........2003-11-14
When Milord Cronin needs someone to solve a locked room mystery, he knows he can count on Bishop Blackie to see to things. Therefore, when a Russian Orthodox monk is killed in a locked room in the University, Blackie is sent to take care of things. Before long, he finds himself in the middle of a worldwide investigation, dodging bullets from the Russian mafia, and dealing with a woman whose mind is mired in sixties mode of militant feminism. If Blackie can live through this one, Cardinal Cronin is going to owe him at least a bottle of Jamison's.
**** Father Blackie's irrespressible humor alone makes any book in which he stars worthwhile. While some have been critical of the extensive discussion of church history and the differences between Orodox and Catholic branches of the church, I found it to be a fascinating and educational aspect to the story. As always, Father Greeley adds a slight twist that keeps the case from being too simple and manages to interweave a homily into the master plot. ****
Reviewed by Amanda
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The Lightless Kingdom
Jonathan Wylie
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books | Alternate History | Anthologies | Arthurian | Contemporary | Epic | General | Historical | History & Criticism | Magic & Wizards | Series
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Age of Chaos, The
ASIN: 0552134171 |
Average customer rating:
- You not Sick, you're just thirsty
- Life-changing
- flabbergasting
- 1st step to better health
- Water: For Health, for Healing, for Life: You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty!
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Water: For Health, for Healing, for Life: You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty!
F. Batmanghelidj
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
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Binding: Paperback
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Your Body's Many Cries for Water
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Water: The Ultimate Cure : Discover Why Water Is the Most Important Ingredient in Your Diet and Find Out Which Water Is Right for You
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Obesity Cancer & Depression: Their Common Cause & Natural Cure
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How to Deal With Back Pain and Rheumatoid Joint Pain
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Water Cures: Drugs Kill : How Water Cured Incurable Diseases
ASIN: 0446690740 |
Book Description
Asthma, allergies, arthritis, hypertension, depression, head-aches, diabetes, obesity, and MS. These are just some of the conditions and diseases that are caused by persistent dehydration. But there is a miracle solution that is readily available, all natural, and free: water. In WATER: FOR HEALTH, FOR HEALING, FOR LIFE, Dr. F. Batmanghelidj reveals how easy it is to obtain optimum health by drinking more water and supports his claims with over 20 years of clinical and scientific research. Thirsty readers will discover what they never knew, that water can actually: - Prevent and reverse aging - Cure asthma in a few days, naturally and forever - Eliminate pains, including heartburn, back pain, and migraine headaches - And much, much more.
Customer Reviews:
You not Sick, you're just thirsty.......2007-09-26
The book was very informative and the research he did on dehydration and the effect on one's health was stunning, to say the least. One's entire bodily functions depend sooo much on water and salt to operate properly.
This book will change the way we depend so much on prescription drugs. Everyone should read this wonderful book on body maintenance.
Life-changing.......2007-09-05
The information in this book literally changed my life. For the last six months, up until two weeks ago, I thought I was dying. Blood-pressure through the roof. Dizzy spells. Exhausted. Severe headaches.
Somehow, I found this book and immediately started applying the principles. Now, after two weeks, my blood-pressure, while not totally in a normal range, is almost there. I've got my energy back. No more headaches. No more dizzy spells.
And it's so easy.
flabbergasting.......2007-08-06
A fantastic book which for the first time , for me, explained the physiological background of dehydration and why water is not exchangable for any other fluids
EXCELLENT!!
1st step to better health.......2007-06-28
This book is was beneficial. As a two time cancer survivor I learned a lot about the impact water has on your body. After my third out of fourth treatment (round one) I was told to drink one gallon of water during the first two days after chemo and then half a gallon the rest of the time in order to "flush the kidneys" of the toxins from chemo (because if I didn't they would crystalize in my organs). My doctor said since the chemo goes into your blood stream first you won't "water down" the chemo by drinking so much. I faithfully began drinking the large amounts (even though it was extremly hard.) I gave it a try and I truly could endure my last two treatments. Although I have had a recurrance, the second treatment went smoothly with little illness. I drank water from the start and finished strongly. It will be almost two years since my last bout with the stupid disease. I believe that good spring or purified water is the best, however, maintaing a healthy balance in eating and exercising are important. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED WAS TO ALLOW GOD TO BE GOD AND THANK HIM FOR EVERY MOMENT HE GIVES YOU- WE ARE ALL APOINTED A TIME TO DIE, BUT BE VIGILANT AND NOT FOOLISH IN THE DAYS YOU ARE GIVEN.
Water: For Health, for Healing, for Life: You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty!.......2007-05-19
I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in becoming healthy & remaining healthy.
I do not agree that TAP WATER is healthy & would recommend people drink
filtered water. I would also caution them to only use #1 or #2 plastic for bottles.
Book Description
Give Your Border Collie the Best Possible Care—for Life!
As a caring Border Collie owner, you want the best for your pet. But you may not know all the special steps you need to take to raise a happy, healthy Border Collie.
Your Border Collie's Life was written with one purpose in mind—to give you the most up-to-date information and guidance you need about the health, nutrition, training, and care of your dog. Reviewed by a nationally known veterinarian, this book shows you how to give your Border Collie the best life possible—whether you've just welcomed a new puppy into your family or adopted an older dog.
Includes a special training section written by renowned training expert Liz Palika.
Inside—What Every Border Collie owner wants to know:
·Is a Border Collie the right dog for me?
·How much exercise—and what kind—will keep my Border Collie happy?
·Which training techniques work best with the intelligent Border Collie?
·Can I prevent my Border Collie from herding children and pets?
·How can I keep my Border Collie from being destructive when I'm not at home?
·What is the best type of diet for my high-energy Border Collie?
Customer Reviews:
Primer for every first time bornder collie owner!.......2007-08-10
An essential book for every new border collie owner. This book covers all the basics: from puppy selection to rearing, from training to feeding. This IS your reference manual. Call is 'Border Collies for Dummies'. I am new to the breed, and these dogs truly are differernt. So glad to have found this book. Don't let other reviewers steer you away: this book is definitely about border collies. I recommend buying 2-3 books on border collies, since there will be differing perspectives and opinions on some matters. Also, there are unique insights that other breeders/experts bring to raising and owning a border collie. Either The Ultimate Border Collie or The Working Border Collie is a good companion to this book.
Insightful.......2003-10-06
This is a well written, easy to read, guide. The authors are knowledgeable and expressive. Subject coverage is complete and this book is an excellent addition to one's BC library.
Too Nonspecific.......2002-10-14
This book is okay, but I was disappointed to see how much general dog information is included in the book. This information applies to all dogs, not just Border Collies. I've got many books to use as a resource for this type of general info. I am looking for Border Collie specific information and found only a small part of this book dedicated strictly to Border Collies. Very disappointing.
A wonderful book! A real Winner.......2001-03-03
If you have any questions on Border Collies,this is the book to have!I was very impressed.It is filled with all kinds of doggie tips & fun facts.This covers all aspects of this wonderful dog.It includes chapters on why you might want a Border Collie,preparing to bring you dog home,grooming,training, and for those of you who already have a Border Collie, curbing the herding instinct & correcting problems such as barking or biting. A wonderful book to have, I loved it.
A very informative book about Border collies.......2001-02-26
This book is a wonderful book if you want to know all about border collies. It offers a detailed description of all aspects of dog care, breed-specific training tips, and all the facts about Border Collies. If you are thinking about getting a border collie puppy or adult this is a very informative resource. I highly recommend it.
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Handbook of Yarn Production: Technology, Science and Economics
Peter R. Lord
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
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ASIN: 0849317819 |
Book Description
Written by a leading expert, the Handbook of Yarn Production: Technology, Science and Economics is an authoritative and comprehensive guide to textile yarn manufacturing. The book is designed to allow readers to explore the subject in various levels of detail. The first chapters provide an overview of yarn production, products and key principles, followed by a detailed review of the production processes for short-staple, long-staple, and filament yarns. The book also covers quality control and the economics of staple-yarn production. The final part of the book consists of a series of appendices with more detailed technical data and worked examples, providing in-depth analysis of key topics.
Average customer rating:
- Weismann is smart and has read everything.
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Taste of Modernity: Sufism and Salafiyya in Late Ottoman Damascus (Islamic History and Civilization. Studies and Texts, Vol 34) (Islamic History and Civilization)
Itzchak Weismann
Manufacturer: Brill Academic Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Interior Design
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| Professional & Technical
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ASIN: 9004119086 |
Customer Reviews:
Weismann is smart and has read everything........2007-05-10
Who would have guessed that an Israeli professor at Haifa University would be the world's authority on Islamic movements in Syria? He is. He has read everything and writes well, bringing alive the human and intellectual drama of Islamic debate in Syria. When Syrians debated how they would face the modern world and the western on-slot at the time of encroaching European power, most did it in Islamic terms. This is the book to read if you are interested in understanding the roots of modern Islamist movements in Syria. Weismann has written many important articles on modern Syrian Islamists, who have sought to unify Sufism and Salafism in order to push aside the Baathist regime. This is a very pricey book, but it is worth every cent.
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Posada's Broadsheets: Mexican Popular Imagery 1890-1910
Patrick Frank
Manufacturer: University of New Mexico Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| History & Criticism
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| Abstract Expressionism
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Posada's Popular Mexican Prints
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Jose Guadalupe Posada and the Mexican Broadside (Art Institute of Chicago)
ASIN: 0826319033 |
Book Description
Jos Guadalupe Posada is one of the most important graphic artists of modern Mexico. This book offers a close examination of his extensive broadsheet work in its original context: the murders, disasters, revolts, and popular heroes that engaged the attention of the public in Mexico City in the declining years of Porfirio Daz's dictatorship. Patrick Frank analyzes the sources of Posada's style in Mexican and European prints and cartoons and shows how he altered them to fill his illustrations with vigor and life. Posada's broadsheets detail many stories that were front-page news at the time and include a variety of colorful characters, among them Jess Negrete, a Mexican Robin Hood-type career criminal, as well as a man who killed his parents and ate his baby son. Posada also illustrated the early events of the Mexican Revolution.
Frank shows that Posada's outlook was that of the working class and that he depicted the stories of his day from a vantage point belonging neither to the defenders of the regime nor to its organized opposition. This book brings fresh insights to the work of a major figure in Mexican art history.
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The Marcus Garvey and Universal Negro Improvement Association Papers, Vol. V: September 1922-August 1924 (Marcus Garvey and Universal Negro Improvement Association Papers)
Marcus Garvey
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
African-American & Black
| Ethnic & National
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ASIN: 0520058178 |
Books:
- The Cater Street Hangman
- The Chocolate Bear Burglary (Chocoholic Mysteries)
- The Chronicles of Riddick
- The Genizah At The House Of Shepher
- The House of the Vestals: The Investigations of Gordianus the Finder (Novels of Ancient Rome)
- The King's Gambit (SPQR I)
- The Last Dark Place: An Abe Lieberman Mystery (Abe Lieberman)
- The Main Corpse (Goldy Culinary Mysteries, Book 6)
- The Majolica Murders
- The Mousetrap and Other Plays (Miss Marple Mysteries)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
- A Voyage for Madmen
- Unknown Quantity: A Real And Imaginary History of Algebra
- Wild Colonial Girl: Essays on Edna O'Brien
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- Basic Principles of Structural Equation Modeling : An Introduction to Lisrel and Eqs
- A Diary From Dixie
- Pit's Letter
- Wild Harmony: Animals of the North
- Wild plants for survival in south Florida
The Bishop in the West Wing: A Bishop Blackie Ryan Novel (Blackie Ryan)
The Bishop in the Old Neighborhood: A Bishop Blackie Ryan Novel (Bishop Blackie Ryan)
The Bishop and the Beggar Girl of St. Germain (A Father Blackie Ryan Mystery)
The Bishop and the Three Kings (A Father Blackie Ryan Mystery)
The Bishop at Sea (A Father Blackie Ryan Mystery)
