Petty Treason: A Sarah Tolerance Mystery (Sarah Tolerance)

Book Description

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a Fallen Womanof good family must, soon or late, descend to whoredom.Miss Sarah Tolerance refuses to follow the path of the Fallen Women who have gone before her. She's a straight shooter, with her pistol as well as her wit, and her mind is as sharp as the blade of her sword.Miss Tolerance is an Agent of Inquiry, a private investigator of sorts--the sole one of her kind in London, in this year of 1810 with mad King George III on the throne and Queen Charlotte acting as his Regent. Her aim was to trace lost trinkets, send wastrel husbands back to their wives, and occasionally provide protection to persons with more money than sense--but she is continually drawn into the plots of others. Her newest case poses a puzzle unlike any she has faced before: who killed the Chevalier d'Aubigny? The French emigre was beaten to death in his own bed, found by his retainers the next morning, all the doors and windows of the house sealed tight. The murder is a classic locked-room mystery, but Miss Tolerance knows she can find the key.As Miss Tolerance examines the situation and interviews witnesses and suspects, she realizes things are far more complicated than she originally suspected--for the Chevalier had more enemies than he had friends, and Miss Tolerance is hard pressed to find someone who didn't wish him dead. Her search for his killer takes her from the lowest brothels of the seedy London underworld, where men go to indulge their more aggressive desires, to the Royal Family and a Duke who must hide his perversions or risk the Throne.Welcome to Miss Tolerance's Regency London, where nothing is what it seems and the only way to serve justice is to follow conscience rather than law.

Customer Reviews:

Like its predecessor, this book is solid, entertain and unique .......2007-07-01

With her first book, "Point of Honour" author Madeleine E. Robins established an almost perfect period mystery heroine. Sara Tolerance is smart, but not always correct the first time around, unusual (she sword fights and lives in the backyard of a brothel her aunt runs) and just stiff enough to fit in with the time period (which is, if you don't know, a slightly alternative late Georgian England.) These qualities are essential not only in a good mystery novel, but in the new genre of historical mysteries which has become increasing popular in the last few years.

Like "Point of Honour" "Petty Treason" focuses on one of on the case Sara Tolerance takes on to make ends meet. In this case she is hired by the brother in law of a French émigré who had his scull based in in his bed. The man was a sexual sadist and his brother and law wants to ensure that his sister, the widow, is cleared of the crime and protected from those who committed it.

But because the man is from France (which only recently went through its revolution) a whole new bunch of problems popped up. Is the murdered man a French spy? An English spy for France? Was he murdered by his mistress for his cruelty, or one of his servants who loved his wife and hated how they treated him? There are a number of possibilities because everyone hated this man (which does make for a good mystery.)

Though the plot is good, like the last book this one has its problems. The writing is still stiff, but that seems to be the author's style. Once again there is too much discussing of "fallen women" and how they are treated, portrayed...ect. One thing I did like though was that there is no actual rehashing of the last book in this one, as there is in so many sequels (you know, that couple of paragraphs that discusses what went one previously...I hate that.)

So just like its predecessor, I rate this book four stars. It's solid, entertain and unique and I recommend it if you're into history or mystery.

2nd entry in Sarah Tolerance Regency England mystery series.......2006-09-01

Petty Treason by Madeleine E. Robins is the second book in the Sarah Tolerance mystery series. Sarah is back to solve another mystery, this time she's been hired to find the murderer of the villainous Chevalier d'Aubigny, who everyone in London seems to have a reason to want dead. The mystery goes all the way to the royal family and threatens Sarah's life. This book was one of those rare books that so completely sucked me in that I forgot I was reading a book and lost myself utterly in its world. Robins creates a mood that's difficult to escape from. Don't pick this book up unless you have time to read it through, because it's impossible to put down. I hope that more will soon be coming in this series!

Very enjoyable mystery set in an alternate Regency.......2006-06-28

Petty Treason is set in a somewhat altered England, in about 1810. The main alteration concerns increased power for George III's Queen, and a concomitant increase in the rights of women -- not to say that their status is all that much better than in the real 1810. But Robins' heroine, Sarah Tolerance, a Fallen Woman (ruined as a result of running off with a lover who subsequently died), is at least able to make a living as an agent of inquiry, and also to do such things as attend a club alone, fence, and wear men's clothes on occasion. The other effect of the books being alternate history is to allow Robins to have her characters directly affect the politics of the time without violating established history. The real pleasure of the books is in their detective stories, their evocation of a historical time, and in their engaging characters. Which is to say, they are likely to be enjoyed by fans of detective novels like Anne Perry's Victorian-set novels, and the late Kate Ross's post-Regency books about Julian Kestrel.

I found Petty Treason to be very enjoyable (as I did its predecessor). In this book Sarah Tolerance is engaged by a gentleman from the country to protect his sister, after her husband is found murdered in his bed. The husband is a French emigré, and, it soon transpires, a very unpleasant man. He appears to be a sadist and a spendthrift. The wife is a very naive and countrified lady, and appears overwhelmed by her position, hardly aware of the truism that in a murder the spouse is the first suspect.

Miss Tolerance's investigation leads her to some of the darker aspects of the London sex trade. She also encounters some shadowy figures of the French emigré community -- which, given that England is at war with Napoleon's France, brings the title of the book into some focus. (It turns out, which I didn't know, that petty (or petit) treason has another meaning which is also important.) And her situation is complicated by friction with the official magistrate assigned to the case, with another magistrate who has been her friend, and with her Aunt and host, a quasi-respectable Madam.

As I said, I quite enjoyed it. The novel ends with a couple of half-predictable but satisfying twists. The main characters continue to hold our interest. And the prose is strong, and on occasion delightful (as with the opening paragraphs, a nicely composed set piece).

Regency England as it Probably Was.......2005-07-21

This is a sequel to a wonderful new series that should continue ad infiniatum. A strong female protagonist in a multi-layered and convoluted storyline. I was fascinated with the first book and could not wait to find the second. Cannot wait for the next. This is not your mother's regency romance -- it's better!

Excellent look into Regency England and the role of women.......2005-01-04

Fallen woman Sarah Tolerance makes her living as an investigator and it's no huge surprise when an anxious brother contacts her to investigate his brother-in-law's murder. Not that anyone really regrets the death of the French emigre who tortured his wife and others, spent more money than he made, and spent his time in dangerous company. Finding the killer soon takes second place to keeping the victim's widow, Anne d'Aubigny, from the pursuit of English Law--law that was especially vigilent against that most horrible of crimes--a wife's murder of her husband.

Sarah's investigation soon puts her in harm's way--she is attacked in the street, as is one of her witnesses. Undeterred by the attacks, she continues her search and finds a second mystery--the victim had recently found himself with some level of wealth--without any apparent source. The more Sarah looks, the more it appears that there are layers of complexity hidden, that the d'Aubigny murder is only a part of a plot that might threaten England itself--at a time when every resource is stretched to support the ongoing war against the French and Napoleon.

Author Madeleine E. Robins provides a fascinating look at Regency-era England, diving below the manners and misunderstandings of most Regency writings to examine how a woman might make her way in a time when sexism was viewed as natural and when a woman without a man's protection was seen as fair game. Robins' strong writing engages the reader and draws us into a mystery that continues to reveal new depths--leading from a simple murder to possible treason against the nation itself. The sharp twist at the end left me, at least, nodding with appreciation.

I look forward to reading more mysteries by Robins.

Average customer rating:

Great read

The Daughters of Bast "The Hidden Land"

a vivid story.....

a vivid story.....

A good book that I could hardly put down
The Daughters of Bast: The Hidden Land (Daughters of Bast)
Sarah Isidore
Manufacturer: EOS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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The World Tree (The Daughters of Bast)

The Daughters of Bast : Shrine of Light

ASIN: 0380803186
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Book Description

In a time of magic and savagery...A deadly plague rips across the Celtic lands, and to appease the gods a rare black cat must be sacrificed. But Veleda, a young girl born of a line of Druids, frees the cat, a magical creature named Mau, and follows it through a dazzling jeweled forest to the magnificent temple of Bast, the ancient cat-headed goddess of Egypt.

A goddess bestows mystical powers upon a young woman-The startled Veleda has been chosen to receive special gifts and powers that will end the killing scourge and heal her people. But these newly bestowed gifts will change Veleda's destiny forever; for Julius Caesar leads the legions of Rome unchecked across the continent, and the Celts are his next unintended prize.

Who may be her people's only salvation....Far worse, these implacable conquerors are protected and assisted by Bast's dark sister, Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess of blood and death. Blessed with the wisdom of the oak and the powers of Egypt, only Veleda can unite her wild and warlike peoples in order to repel the invading Roman forces.

Customer Reviews:

Great read.......2003-07-15

I really enjoyed this book alot. I mostly bought it because of the partial egyptian theme but enjoyed the celtic blending that went with it. I thought the author did a good job of mixing history with fiction.

The Daughters of Bast "The Hidden Land".......2000-10-14

This book is one that a person cannot afford to pass up. Sarah Isidore does a terrific job of combining history with fantasy. The characters portrayed in this book really makes you feel as if you know them, like they are one of your best friends. The cat-Mau- is a great character, and has an attitude that fits a cat. I cannot express how good this good this book truly is, so anyone reading this review, please go out and buy this great book. Again, Sarah is probably one of the best authors I have read, and with anticipation I await to buy the sequel! God bless

a vivid story............2000-07-17

This book is an exciting starter to Sarah Isadore's trilogy. I can't wait to read the second book!

I love fantasy books (especially ones with cats) and this book is quite good!

Veleda is chosen by a mysterious outland goddess, an egyptian deity named Bast. She alone is faced with the challenge to stop Bast's evil sister, Sekhemet, and save her people from the legions of Rome.

Read it. You'll like it.

a vivid story............2000-07-17

This book is an exciting starter to Sarah Isadore's trilogy. I can't wait to read the second book! I love fantasy books (especially ones with cats) and this book is quite good! Veleda is chosen by a mysterious outland goddess, an egyptian deity named Bast. She alone is faced with the challenge to stop Bast's evil sister, Sekhemet, and save her people from the legions of Rome.

A good book that I could hardly put down.......2000-07-12

The Daughters of Bast The Hidden Land was a well written and compelling book to read. The combination of the Celtic history and the magical powers of the priestess made for a very interesting fantasy that I enjoyed reading very much. I look forward to the next book in the trilogy.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing, fails to live up to title's promise

No More Misbehavin': 38 Difficult Behaviors and How to Stop Them

BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT NOW!

Not useful for our child

Basic Knowledge For Parents

No More Misbehavin': 38 Difficult Behaviors and How to Stop Them
Michele, Ed.D. Borba
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0787966177

Book Description

This will be the only discipline book you'll ever need to raise good kids." -- from the Foreword by Jack Canfield, coauthor, Chicken Soup for the Soul and Chicken Soup for the Parent's Soul "Michele Borba offers insightful, realistic, and straightforward advice that is sure to get immediate results." -- Editor-in-Chief, Parents Magazine "A sensitive, thoughtful, eminently practical book that will help parents help their children change behaviors that will improve the child's, and the entire family's, well being and happiness. A wonderful contribution!" -- Alvin Rosenfeld, M.D., child psychiatrist and coauthor, Over-Scheduled Child Anger, Anxiety, Biting, Bossy, Bullied, Bullying, Chore Wars, Cynical, Defiant, Doesnt Listen, Fighting, Gives Up Easily, Hitting, Homework Battles, Hooked on Rewards, Impulsivity, Intolerant, Lying and Cheating, Materialistic, Mean, Negative Peer Pressure, No Friends, Over-Perfectionism, Poor Sportsmanship, Put-Downs, Rude, Selfish, Sibling Battles, Short Attention Span, Shy, Stealing, Swearing, Talking Back, Tattling, Teased, Temper Tantrums, Whining, Yelling. Parenting expert Dr. Michele Borba tackles the most common bad behaviors that kids ages 3 to 12 repeat over and overandmdash; behaviors that drive parents crazy. In this enormously useful, simple-to-use book she shows how to change these behaviors for good. For each negative behavior Dr. Borba offers a series of key tips and guidelines and outlines a step-by-step plan for a customized makeover that really works! Using the steps outlined in No More Misbehavin' will give you the help you need to raise kids with strong values and good character.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing, fails to live up to title's promise.......2007-06-08

This is a simplistic parenting overview -- not a series of solutions for a child's most difficult behaviors. The traits included are very significant and deserve serious treatment, not matter-of-fact tips that can be found in any parenting magazine which is what the book contains.
For example, the chapter on bossiness - a complex and serious negative behavior trait - gives three overly simplistic tips and then asks the parent to consider a series of questions about why the trait is bothersome. It does a very poor job of explaining the root of bossiness and gives overly simplistic advice, like "raise the child's self-esteem." If I knew how to do that, I wouldn't have had to buy the book!
Try another resource. This one won't help.

No More Misbehavin': 38 Difficult Behaviors and How to Stop Them.......2007-01-14

This book was not very good. It doesn't give enough solutions to behavior problems.

BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT NOW!.......2005-12-17

If you are having problems finding the words or techniques to lovingly and effectively correct your children this IS the book for you.

I became the instant (step)parent of two boys 7 and 9 who are for the most part great children, but at times need to be disciplined. I was at a loss at to how to approach the problem, but this book has given me clear and direct tools to become an effective parent.

Not useful for our child.......2005-07-06

The title was rather seductive ... but I was disappointed, if validated. I am by no means mom of the year, but I think I already follow most of what the book suggests. This book is likely good for parents who are gobsmacked by newly emerged bad behaviors and recalcitrance, but those of us who have spent any time with the "Spririted," "Explosive" and "Active/Alert" child books will have seen/implemented most of the recommendations already.

Basic Knowledge For Parents .......2004-10-19

This book was just okay, it has a few good points but most of it was common knowledge if you are in touch with your children and how to manage their behavior...great book to get from the libray, not one to purchase.

Average customer rating:

Very nice but not everything is quite right

Pleased as Punch With this Beautiful Cookbook!

Indian Cooking Made Easy!

Yay! Now I can make Butter Chicken!

I LOVE THE GULAB JAMUN AND BUTTER CHICKEN

Simply Indian: Sweet and Spicy Recipes from India, Pakistan and East Africa
Tahera Rawji , and Hamida Suleman
Manufacturer: Whitecap Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Indian Home Cooking: A Fresh Introduction to Indian Food, with More Than 150 Recipes

ASIN: 1552854116

Book Description

Samosas, rotis, tandoori chicken, and biryani are just a sampling of the vast cuisine that India has developed. And although many Indian dishes have unique and complex flavouring, they need not be complicated to create in your own kitchen. This book written by two experienced instructors of Indian cuisine simplifies ingredients and traditional techniques. They have developed recipes that are easy for beginners to make, without sacrificing the rich taste that is the signature of great Indian food. Try some chai for an elegant afternoon tea or make some masala chicken served with a biryani, raita, and naan bread for a royal feast! Simply Indian also features a wide variety of meatless dishes for a complete vegetarian meal.

Customer Reviews:

Very nice but not everything is quite right.......2007-09-26

This is a great recipe book for both Indian and East African food, especially for the North American cook. Some of the recipes capitalize on available convenience foods such as frozen hash browns or frozen vegetables (in a good way). I have tried a variety of recipes from this book and they've been quite good, including fish, vegetable, lentil/bean, chicken, and bread recipes. The recipe for mkate wa sinia (kumimina) is excellent, and the method translated from cooking with charcoal to the gas/electric stove. The photos are clear and many in number, although often put in parts of the book far from the recipe.

I have a few complaints about this book. One, my copy is missing half of the index (which I assume is just an unfortunate but unique case). Two, the samaki wa kupaka is way off, as its downright frightening photo (a fish swimming in a yellow gravy) attests -- it should be a light tamarind marinade, not a gloppy turmeric sauce poured over the top. Three, the authors include a recipe for vitumbua that requires, according to their own notes, a pan found only in Zanzibar. Actually, an aebleskiver pan could make an acceptable substitute.

That being said, "Simply Indian" is a very useful resource.

Pleased as Punch With this Beautiful Cookbook! .......2007-07-24

Upbeat and user-friendly, this book uses simple cooking techniques and more often than not, calls for ingredients you can find anywhere. I've tried out four recipes so far and they've all been hits with my family. We really like the Sheesk Kebabs with Tomato Sauce, the Chicken Palak (spinach curry) and Masoor Daal Curry. The recipes often leave salt out of the picture and usually I have to add some, but otherwise the beauty of this book is the emphasis on the natural flavor of foods, not a dependency on oils and heavy creams like you'd find in restaurant versions of these dishes. Since all the readers are raving about the Butter Chicken, I can't wait to try that one next!

Indian Cooking Made Easy!.......2004-02-17

I took two of Tahera's cooking classes 3 years ago. I am pleased that she's finally published her book. I was quite surprised to see it mentioned in a 2003 Cosmopolitan article about enhancing your sensuality!

The chicken bhiryana is the best chicken dish I've put into my mouth. I like it better than butter chicken. The vegetarian samosas don't last long on any table. In general, all the dishes are tasty, and most can be easily prepared for a week-day supper. This is a great collection of recipes for a beginner in Indian cooking.

Yay! Now I can make Butter Chicken!.......2003-06-09

What a beautiful book! I'm so glad I have it.

The recipes are easy to understand and so much fun. I've wanted a book to teach me Indian cooking for a long time, and this book is all I needed, because it has soooooooo many recipes! (Actually, it has *every* Indian recipe I've ever wanted and more.) =)

I wish you could see the inside, because it's so pretty - it looks really authentic and the pictures are so vivid and glossy - I can't believe it's so cheap!!! Oh, and it's got lots of tips and there's a little blurb about each dish that is sometimes quite funny (and always helpful). :)

I LOVE THE GULAB JAMUN AND BUTTER CHICKEN.......2003-06-08

Gulab Jamun and Butter chicken...two things I love in Indian meals but very hard to make..and I did it in following Taheras simple steps...I love it...now next try ....three variations of rasmalia....I love this book ..150 plus recipes...one can just go crazy ...and the steps ...so easy to follow....

Book Description

A handy companion pocket size guide with exercises that you can practice. Bring it in the arena with you during your training sessions! *Teaching the Maneuvers: Stop, Stand, Back Up, Walk, Trot and Turns *The Quarter method *Cadence Changes and Working the Cones *Five Patterns You Can Practice.

Average customer rating:

Essential!

Tomarts Encyclopedia & Price Guide to Action Figure Collectibles, Vol. 1: A-Team Thru G.I.Joe
Bill Sikora , T. N. Tumbusch , and Tomart Publications (Firm)
Manufacturer: Tomart Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Customer Reviews:

Essential!.......2000-09-02

If you are a collector of action figures or just want to know how much th G.I. Joe you played with when you were a kid is worth. This book is for you. For both, the serious collector or amateur, is an essential tool.

Book Description

IN THE TRADITION OF JAPANESE TOUCH FOR YOUR GARDEN, THE PERFECT BOOK FOR CONTEMPOLATING A ZEN-STYLE GARDEN FOR HOME OR TOWNHOUSE, YARD OR BALCONY.

Japanese gardens are renowned for their serene and peaceful ambiance. The New Zen Garden presents the Japanese garden as it exists today, with all its traditional qualities joined to modern architecture and viewed from a modern perspective.

This book takes the concept introduced in the best-selling Japanese Touch for Your Garden and, focusing on the more contemplative gardens that are drawing greater and greater attention, blends it with a more practical approach.

Lavishly illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs and featuring the works of contemporary garden designers and landscape architects, The New Zen Garden begins with a brief introduction of the history of the Japanese garden and its spiritual roots. It then guides the reader through
the basics of garden concepts, layout, and personal needs.

With a focus on small- and medium-size home gardens, author Joseph Cali introduces a visually explicit process in which anyone can conceive their own home garden, whether for a single-family residence or the balcony of an apartment or townhouse. Cali also includes a handful "spotlight sections" that
feature guidance from prominent Japanese garden designers, each of whom steers the reader step-by-step through a specific building technique, including the making of textured clay walls, traditional stone walkways, and stone settings.

The New Zen Garden provides a wealth of information on designing a garden to harmonize with any home or private space. It is a provocative eye-opener both for the serious Japanese garden enthusiast and the weekend gardener.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful book!.......2004-10-04

This book is itself a work of art, the best I've ever seen in the field. The photographs convey the quiet, peaceful, beauty of small Zen gardens so well, that it is a joy to look at. Mr. Cali's text clearly introduces and explains both the historical background and the philosophical/aesthetic concepts behind Zen gardens. The traditional techniques to create your own garden space, large or small, are explained clearly enough to give anyone the confidence to create even a tiny oasis of natural peace within their home environment. This is best book on zen gardens to come out in a long time. Highly recommended.

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