Monthly Archives: September 2013

Reality’s out; hilarity’s in

Posted on September 29, 2013 by Linda

Bob Moyer knows a delightfully crazy crime novel when he reads one, and he’s just read the latest zany book by Carl Hiaasen. Reviewed by Robert P.  Moyer BAD MONKEY. By Carl Hiaasen. Alfred A. Knopf. 336 pages. $26.95 Take … Continue reading →

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Piracy, smuggling and other great American traditions

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Linda

Steve Wishnevsky finds a good dose of cold, hard, enlightening facts in a recent history that describes the growth of America in terms other than those we celebrate on the Fourth of July. Reviewed by Stephen Wishnevsky SMUGGLER NATION: HOW … Continue reading →

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New battles, old murders

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Linda

Charles Todd, the mother-son writing team that’s had considerable success with the Inspector Ian Rutledge mysteries set after World War I, is back with another novel in their newer series starring Bess Crawford, a nurse in that Great War. Reviewed … Continue reading →

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The magic is in the writing

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Linda

Steve Wishnevsky takes a look at what happens when J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame tries writing a detective novel. He likes what he sees. Reviewed by Stephen Wishnevsky THE CUCKOO’S CALLING. By J.K. Rowling, writing as Robert Galbraith. Mulholland … Continue reading →

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Crime, Barcelona style

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Linda

What a happy thing it is to be in on the debut of a good detective series. This one’s set in Barcelona, so it offers the added attraction of virtually visiting an exotic foreign setting. Reviewed by Linda C. Brinson … Continue reading →

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Forgotten history

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Linda

History is important not only in itself, but also in the way it affects the present. Paul O’Connor reminds us of that in his review of a “fascinating“ book about a part of history Americans have too often overlooked. Reviewed … Continue reading →

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“A true masterpiece”

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Linda

Steve Wishnevsky, who knows a lot about the subject, takes a look at a classic collection by one of the giants of science fiction and fantasy. Reviewed by Stephen Wishnevsky THE COMPLETE LYONESSE. By Jack Vance. Gollancz. 1,040 pages. Hardcover, … Continue reading →

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Mystery in Paris, in fine fashion

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Linda

When Bob Moyer isn’t traveling in physical terms, he’s traveling through his reading. Here, he visits Paris by way of a charming mystery. Reviewed by Robert P. Moyer MURDER BELOW MONTPARNASSE. By Cara Black. SOHO Crime. 336 pages. $25.95. Cara … Continue reading →

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A Muslim’s view of Jesus

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Linda

Some people are outraged by Reza Aslan’s new book about Jesus. Some praise it. Lots of people seem to have opinions. Steve Wishnevsky has a suggestion: read it. Reviewed by Stephen Wishnevsky ZEALOT: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JESUS OF … Continue reading →

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