The Arraignment

Amazon.com

When Paul Madriani's old friend, flamboyant criminal-defense lawyer Nick Rush, is gunned down on the streets of San Diego along with a client, Madriani sets out to find the killer. He follows the trail through shady real-estate dealings, cross-border smuggling, political corruption, and a nasty fight between Rush's ex and his young trophy wife over a hefty life-insurance policy. Eventually the case leads Madriani to the Yucatan Peninsula near Cancún, where the last third of the book takes place--a dandy locale for skullduggery, even if it does make you suspect that the author thought up the plot while vacationing there.

The Arraignment is marred by some sloppy, foggy-headed writing ("The neighborhood exudes the kind of aura picked up by a sixth sense that lingers and lifts the hair on the back of my neck"), and the plot, after its initial bang, sags for a while before it gets moving again. However, the sheer vigor of Martini's prose, his densely inventive plotting, and his sharply drawn characters carry you happily, tensely along. The book's action scenes--including a hand-to-hand fight in a shabby apartment and an unforgettable poolside shooting at a Cancún resort--are told in fresh, vivid prose that unfolds with hypnotic clarity. And the denouement is great fun, although the complex plot takes a lot of explaining at the end. Martini's not perfect, but he's still one of the best legal/adventure thriller writers going. --Nicholas H. Allison

Book Description

Clint Adams thought he'd seen it all. Then, he found a man who'd been tortured to death and tied ramrod-straight to a runaway horse. Now, the dead man's enemies plan a similar send-off for the Gunsmith.

Customer Reviews:

Not so much court-based..........2007-06-04

I've read the whole Madriani's episodes and I think this is the less interesting. In general, Steve Martini is really bright in portraying the defense-prosecutor in court fight. All of his "trial-based" books are very entertaining. I can't say the same of this one - that is, in fact, a bit "far" from Martini's usual milieu. It is, nevertheless, a good reading, but don't expect Madriani at his best!

The Arraignment.......2006-03-15

This story starts off a little slow. You get to know the characters and get a feel for the setting. It is all based around this lawyer named Nick who gets killed. And how his friend Paul Madrini tries to help find out who did this. He gets into a couple of difficult situations in between.

Paul has to go through a whole bunch of people to find out all the missing links of the murder. He has to deal with insurance companies and Nick's wives. Both his ex wife and his widowed wife. You have to sit tight and make it through the beginning chapters before the story really starts to pick up.

Once you start getting towards the end of this book the story starts to move at a very quick pase. When in the beginning you wanted to just put the book aside, but now yo0u can't put it down. There are some pretty crazy action scenes towards the and then it happens. You find out who killed Nick and all the other guys and boy does it surprise you.

It Happens in the Epilogue.......2006-02-20

Arraignment was my first Steve Martini book, and I followed the convoluted plot with interest. Much of the plot was implausible but still interesting and worth the time. However, when the denouement occurred in the epilogue, I was stunned. Mr. Martini ends the last chapter of his book with loose ends everywhere. This forces him to give the reader information in the epilogue that he has omitted in the plot. I will give Mr. Martini's work one more chance, but I would not recommend Arraingment.

Some good spots here, but they are marred by the bad.......2006-02-09

Martini is an author that never quite gets it right. All of his books have some moments of high suspense and esoteric thoughts. In fact some of the action scenes here are written in a manner that escalates him to the top of the writers heap (though Martini does go over the top into the silly realm every once and a while). If you read this book, look for some of the more nuanced and downplayed moments of tension and think about how cleverly created they are. Madriani, the protagonist, is not often found in gun fights with dozens of soldiers and facing increadible odds. Instead, Martini places Madriani in smaller, more plausible predicaments and it works very very well. I wish that other authors who can hold a plot together a little better would take note of Martini's gifts and incorporate them into their own works.

On the down side, the plot is terrible. It is not so apparant as you read the book, for Martini does a fine job of keeping you wondering exactly what is going on til the end. But when you reach the end and look back at what you have just read, I dare you to attempt to piece it together and call the actions of the characters here as lucid or rational. The more I think about the story, the more I wonder at the motives and resolutions and thus the less I enjoy the contemplation.

This is brain dead reading material here. Its fun, it clips along, and it will pass a few hours. Beyond that it is something to be avoided. Especially because their are so many better authors and books out there. Try Harlan Coben's more recent titles, early Carl Hiassan, Dennis Lehane (Mystic River), or Patricia Cornwells first five or so novels.

Lawyers as Action Guys.......2006-01-03

This was my first Steve Martini book and I listened to the audio version. The audio is an abridged version so I am always a bit apprehensive as to what was left out.

I found the story to be interesting and it moved quickly. It was OK for light entertainment which is what I listen to when I am on the road and need to stay awake.

There were some technical errors concerning the weapons and their usage and the bad guys were really bad guys. I always have a little trouble with attorneys as action guys. I work with them all of the time (attorneys) and they are not very good as high speed low drag action oriented individuals.

But, I would definitely read another Martini book with the protagonist Paul Madriani.

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The arraignment

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739431447

3 HBs by Steve Martini: Arraignment, List, Compelling Evidence

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3 HBs by Steve Martini: Arraignment, List, Compelling Evidence
Steve Martini
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SHOH0Y

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3 hardbacks

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America`s Arraignment of Germany
J. William White
Manufacturer: London: T. Fisher Unwin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J0QP0A

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The Arraignment - A Paul Madriani Novel
Steve Martini
Manufacturer: G. P. Putnam's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IXFDU6

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The Arraignment - A Paul Madriani Novel
Steve Martini
Manufacturer: G. P. Putnam's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IXD0BU

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Arraignment 1ST Edition Signed
Steve Martini
Manufacturer: G P PUTNAMS SONS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q9NGTW

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The Arraignment of Error
Samuel Bolton , and Don Kistler
Manufacturer: Soli Deo Gloria Ministries
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

A Bold Arraignment of the Medical Profession, for the Practice of False Theories

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A Bold Arraignment of the Medical Profession, for the Practice of False Theories
Adriel S. Kingsley
Manufacturer: Indianapolis Printing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GTEJF2

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Come to the Waters
Children of the Day
Manufacturer: Maranatha! Music
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000M6UDRC

Product Description

Contents include: "Children of the Day", "As a Child", "Jesus Lives", "The Search", "New Life", "Jesus" and "For Those Tears I Died"

Book Description

Rule #1: Never fall in love.Celeste Bradley captivated critics and readers alike with her unforgettable novel Fallen, which was nominated for the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America for Best First Book. Now, she brings us The Lover, the first book in the wildly fun, exciting, and sexy new Liar's Club series both featuring irresistible heroes who are out to steal their leading ladies hearts!She had a secret she'd do anything to hide. Agatha Cunnington, a headstrong beauty from the country, has come to London in search of her missing brother James. The only clue she has is a cryptic letter signed The Griffin. Agatha decides to disguise herself as a respectable married woman so that she can go about the city unnoticed. But for her charade to work she needs a suitable "husband," preferably someone tall, elegant, and rakish-someone like Simon Montague Rain.He had a secret he'd do anything to hide.Simon Montague Rain, also known as The Magician, is a member of The Liar's Club, a renegade group of rogues and thieves in the service of the Crown. When someone begins murdering members of the undercover cabal one by one, Simon is given the mission to bring in The Griffin, one of his comrades who is suspected of betraying his brothers. Simon goes undercover and infiltrates the home of "Mrs." Agatha Applequist who he believes is the Griffin's mistress. Before Simon knows what's happened, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Agatha's soft, feminine charms-and he is tempted beyond reason to break the first rule of The Liar's Club: never fall in love.

Customer Reviews:

Couldn't put it down!.......2007-01-10

This was just a great story! I had never read this author before, so this was a great start! The story was well written, and easy to get into. I loved the sparks between Simon and Agatha. If only they came that way in real life!

A great day read !.......2006-10-04

The Pretender by Celeste Bradley was a fantastic suspense romance historical novel. Agatha moves to London to her find her older brother but to have the freedom she needs to be married so she makes up a husband. The fake husband works wonderfully until someone wants to meet Mr. Applequist. Simon is a member of Liar's Club who work for the Crown. Simon is looking for James (AKA Agatha's brother) and ends up pretending to be Agatha's husband. Great twists and turns off to read all the of The Liar's Club series The Pretender (1), The Impostor (2), The Spy (3) and The Charmer (4).. If you enjoy this genre, I would also check out The Lady Lies, The Lady Killer and The Lady's Code by Samantha Saxon

Enjoyable IF you're familiar with the series.......2006-09-20

I've now read all the Liar's series in different order, but when I picked up this book, I realized I had tried to read it a year or so ago and found it boring, although I knew nothing of the Liar's and Royal Four at the time. I stuck with it this time, however, and while I still found it a dull love story, I loved Simon, but his appeal, while great here, was also based on his appearances in the other books. Agatha wasn't really in the other series enough to know her well, so I was glad to read her story. She was great, similiar to Willa Trent. So...I'd recommend reading ALL the other books first - they were all perfect, then read this one. I'd hate to see anyone miss out on all those wonderful stories because of this one.

Bit of a frustrating mess.......2006-08-14

Bradley's off to an interesting start with this series. There are several amusing encounters between the hero (Simon) and heroine (Agatha) throughout that show potential for the writers comedic abilities.

But we also get a bogged down story with too much backstory inflicted on the reader for the rest of the series.

I also found myself extremely frustrated with the disjointed political intrique and reasons for keeping these two apart. It's a hodge podge of unbelievable story that simply wouldn't fly in the time period.

Yet the humor and ultimate ending has me intriqued enough to give the rest of the series a chance.

Great Adventure!.......2006-03-22

This is my first time reading Celeste Bradley and she's a keeper. This book is filled with adventure, charm, and romance. You won't be able to put it down!

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The Pretender (The Liar's Club, Book 1)

Manufacturer: St. Martins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

The Impostor (The Liar's Club)
The Charmer: The Liar's Club (Liars Club, Bk 4)
The Spy (Liars Club, Bk 3)
Surrender to a Wicked Spy (Royal Four, Bk. 2)
The Rogue (Liar's Club, Book 5)

ASIN: 0739435353

Product Description

Book One of The Liar's Club Series. A daring charade leads to forbidden desire.

The Pretender: The Liar's Club (Liars Club)

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The Pretender: The Liar's Club (Liars Club)
Celeste Bradley
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTV7H2

Set of 3 ~ To Wed A Scandalous Spy ~ Surrender to a Wicked Spy ~ The Pretender (The Royal 4 & The Liars Club)

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Set of 3 ~ To Wed A Scandalous Spy ~ Surrender to a Wicked Spy ~ The Pretender (The Royal 4 & The Liars Club)
Celeste Bradley
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QY82QY

Product Description

3 "warm, witty, and wonderfully sexy books" - Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
Average customer rating:

Listening to the Book

The right answer to unhappiness

A Light Discussion On Happiness

A very nice read, but incomplete for most of us

MUST BUY

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
Dalai Lama , and Howard C. Cutler
Manufacturer: Riverhead Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Happiness | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Dalai Lama | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Other Eastern Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Dalai, Lama | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Live in a Better Way: Reflections on Truth, Love, and Happiness

ASIN: 1573221112

Amazon.com

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer? How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do you handle the death of a loved one? These are the conundrums that psychiatrist Howard Cutler poses to the Dalai Lama during an extended period of interviews in The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.

At first, the Dalai Lama's answers seem simplistic, like a surface reading of Robert Fulghum: Ask yourself if you really need something; our enemies can be our teachers; compassion brings peace of mind. Cutler pushes: But some people do seem happy with lots of possessions; but "suffering is life" is so pessimistic; but going to extremes provides the zest in life; but what if I don't believe in karma? As the Dalai Lama's responses become more involved, a coherent philosophy takes shape. Cutler then develops the Dalai Lama's answers in the context of scientific studies and cases from his own practice, substantiating and elaborating on what he finds to be a revolutionary psychology. Like any art, the art of happiness requires study and practice--and the talent for it, the Dalai Lama assures us, is in our nature. --Brian Bruya

Book Description

"Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, the very purpose of our life is happiness, the very motion of our life is towards happiness." --H.H. the Dalai Lama, from The Art of Happiness So popular and so rarely understood, this Nobel Peace Prize winner and man of great inner peace brings to a general audience the key to a happy life. In collaboration with a Western psychiatrist, The Art of Happiness is the first inspirational book for a general audience by the Dalai Lama. Through meditations, stories, and the meeting of Buddhism and psychology, the Dalai Lama shows us how to defeat day-to-day depression, anxiety, anger, jealousy, or just an ordinary bad mood. He discusses relationships, health, family, and work to show us how to ride through life's obstacles on a deep and abiding source of inner peace. Based on 2,500 years of Buddhist meditations mixed with a healthy dose of common sense, The Art of Happiness crosses the boundaries of all traditions to help readers with the difficulties common to all human beings.

Customer Reviews:

Listening to the Book.......2007-10-05

I listened to the audio book, and it was both calming and uplifting, and very inspirational.

The right answer to unhappiness.......2007-09-28

This book is all about the wrong feelings we get when our minds are still focus on the wrong objectives or the bad intention.

This man describe the right way to get away from all those thoughts which keep us into bad mood and drive us through bad decisions.

His solution is far away from religion or any other bad medication. He just explain what is going bad in our mind and how to feel better. And all this has nothing to do with any god.

He is a kind of spiritual guy I trust and his philosophy is the best religion that has never existed.

You will be converted as soon as you start reading this book.

A Light Discussion On Happiness.......2007-08-13

This book is a dialogue between psychiatry (Cutler) and Tibetan Buddhism (Dalai Lama). Despite claiming to be a "handbook" it is not full of 'how-to-do-it' gems. It is more a philosophic exchange on the subject of happiness. As it is written for a western audience some of the metaphysical elements of Buddhism, such as karma and reincarnation, receive only a brief mention. Compassion, however, receives a lengthy treatment, as does living in the moment and dealing with anger. There are a few meditation exercises included.

The book is very readable and maintained my interest all the way through. If I have a criticism it is that the book does not contain enough psychiatry or enough Buddhism. Some how it seems to fall between the two disciplines. It reads like a first contact encounter between East and West, rather than a well developed, deeply contemplated thesis.

A very nice read, but incomplete for most of us.......2007-08-10

I watched the Dalai Lama at one of his dialogues recently. He is a very beautiful man, a master, and a great crowd pleaser. Sadly, I know that for most of us, the inspiration gained in his presence is not enough to carry us through the day to day problems of life, and we may soon forget his comforting words. More than that, there are no practically applicable answers here. Our 'unhappiness' is deeply ingrained through what may be years of dysfunction, and cannot be shifted permanently and effectively by reading a book like this. From the book: '...one sets about gradually eliminating those factors which lead to suffering and cultivating those which lead to happiness. That is the way." Well I am sorry, but I have no clue how to do this! The best book I have found that actually gives you practical solutions is Olga Sheean's Fit for Love: Find Your Self and Your Perfect Mate, which provides powerful answers through our relationships with each other, to properly address these problems.

MUST BUY.......2007-06-19

Completely changed my life for the better. A required reading for everyone.

:)

The Art of Happiness (A Handbook for Living)

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A Light Discussion On Happiness

The Art of Happiness (A Handbook for Living)

Manufacturer: Griffin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Dalai Lama | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Tibetan | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
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ASIN: 0733608582

Product Description

The world's greatest spiritual leader teams up with a psychiatrist to share, for the first time, how he achieved his hard-won serenity and how we can fine the same inner peace.

Customer Reviews:

A Light Discussion On Happiness.......2007-02-27

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A Light Discussion On Happiness

Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
Dalai Lama XIV; Cutler, Howard Bstan-'dzin-rgya-mtsho
Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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A Light Discussion On Happiness.......2007-02-27

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A Light Discussion On Happiness

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
Howard C. The Dalai Lama and Cutler
Manufacturer: Riverhead Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KT7FDQ

Customer Reviews:

A Light Discussion On Happiness.......2007-02-27

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A Light Discussion On Happiness

ART OF HAPPINESS: A HANDBOOK FOR LIVING
DALAI LAMA / CUTLER
Manufacturer: Riverhead Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MWA4M0

Customer Reviews:

A Light Discussion On Happiness.......2007-02-27

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The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
Howard C. Cutler
Manufacturer: Riverhead Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VL07UQ

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The Art of Happiness: a Handbook for Living
Dalai Lama
Manufacturer: Atria Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Art of Happiness: a Handbook for Living
M.D. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler
Manufacturer: Hodder
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OGN63S

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