Book Description
In 1774, an unusual bird was spotted on Captain Cook’s second expedition to the South Seas. This single specimen was captured, preserved, and brought back to England—and no other bird of its kind was ever seen again. The bird was given to naturalist Joseph Banks, who displayed it proudly in his collection until it too disappeared. Were it not for a colored drawing created by the ship’s artist, it would seem that the Mysterious Bird of Ulieta had never existed.
Two hundred years later, naturalist John Fitzgerald gets a call from an old friend asking him to join the search for the bird’s remains. He traces the bird’s history, uncovering surprising details about the role of a woman known only as Miss B in Joseph Banks’s life and career. Could she be the key to solving the mystery—to finally finding the lost Bird of Ulieta?
Seamlessly leaping between two time periods, The Conjurer’s Bird is at once the story of Joseph Banks’s secret life and of Fitz’s thrilling and near-impossible race to find the elusive bird.
A Book Sense Notable Book
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Customer Reviews:
Compelling mix of mystery both past and present .......2006-12-07
The Conjuror's Bird is rooted in historical fact and real figures appear in its narrative ,especially the eminent eighteenth century naturalist Joseph Banks
The eponymous bird is also real ;it is referred to as "the lost bird of Ulieta" and was discovered in the course of Captain Cook's expedition to the South Seas in 1774 .the one remaining specimen died soon after and was mounted and presented to Banks.It was in his private collection for many years and then simply vanished .
Fitz ,an expert on rare and extinct birds ,is asked by his estranged wife to locate the mounbted specimen using funds supplied by the famous collector Anderson .This hes sets out to do and is aided in the quest by his lodger ,the feisty Swedish student Katya .The search is also monitored by Potts a not overly scrupulous American who also wishes to obtain the bird woth a view to an illegal sale .
The search takes them to Lincoln and London where they soon discover that the identity of "Miss B " the mistress of Joseph Bnaks and whose fate is unknown may well hold the key to the whereabouts of the bird
Intercut with these passages set in contemporary UK are alternating chapters dealing with the lives of Bnks and his mistress who is a talented botanical artist and a woman of independence and strength
There is another ,less important plot strand to do with the obsesive quest by Fitz's grandfather to discover an African peacock
The book is very well written and thankfully no attempt is made to emulate the more ornate literary style of the 18th century in the passages dealing with that era .The sdearch is engrossing and the characters engaging .It makes a somewhat arcane area of historical research come alive and the book is unreservedly recommended to those who like a literary mytery a la Possession by AS Byatt ,or the novels of Umberto Eco without all the tricksiness that is so it=rritating a feature of the Italian writer
A Gripping Blend of Past and Present.......2006-09-19
Naturalist Joseph Banks became famous after voyaging with Captain Cook on his first voyage of discovery to the far side of the world. Banks had been fortunate to encounter many sights and sounds that no other Englishman had ever had the opportunity to see, but none of them had come close to capturing his imagination like the image of the elusive woman, a woman with the most striking green eyes, who haunted the woods close to his home.
A couple of hundred years later a man stumbles on an old portrait of a young woman with alarmingly striking eyes, but who is she.
John Fitzgerald the discoverer of the portrait, has lost too much, the brash assertiveness of his youth. The belief that one day he was bound to make a name for himself and the love of his life, Gabby. But an unexpected call from his lost love brings it all rushing back to him and also embroils him in a mystery that repels and fascinates him at one and the same time.
Now he is in a desperate race to solve the puzzle of the Conjuror's Bird. And the woman in the portrait could provide the key.
Highly recommended.......2006-08-03
I really enjoyed this book enormously. It does have echoes of Possession and I found myself more than once thinking of The Maltese Falcon.
Very well written, seamlessly changing from one historical period to the next and a wonderful ending. I look forward to more work from Martin Davies.
An Intriguing Mix.......2006-07-29
Martin Davies has taken a scant few scraps of historical fact and from them woven an intriguing literary mystery that moves smoothly between several subplots and keeps one turning the pages to see what's going to happen next.
Davies builds the central theme of his novel on Joseph Banks, a naturalist who accompanied Captain James Cook on his first voyage of discovery in 1768-71. For reasons that remain a mystery, Banks, who had been preparing to sail with Cook on his second voyage, suddenly declined to participate and broke off his engagement to a woman named Harriet Blosset. At the end of Cook's voyage, Joseph Forster, who replaced him as naturalist, presented Banks with the only known specimen of a thrush-like bird found on the island of Ulieta in the Pacific.
Utilizing speculation from a gossip magazine of the period, Davies develops a mistress with whom Banks falls in love as the reason for his having deserted Cook and for breaking off his engagement.
A second theme of the novel is the quest of John Fitzgerald, a modern-day naturalist, to find the bird of Ulieta before it falls into the hands of several greedy collectors who have more than science on their minds. Adding spice to this mix is the fact one of the collectors is assisted by Fitzgerald's wife while the naturalist is aided by a student-boarder who becomes integral to the chase and his life.
Chapters alternate between the modern and historical events, though the transition is easy in Davies' smooth and lyrical prose.
There is a third theme in the novel involving Fitzgerald's grandfather and his fanatical quest to find the Congo peacock, a bird actually discovered by James Chapin, an American naturalist.
Davies, a BBC producer, previously penned a couple of historical mysteries involving Sherlock Holmes' housekeeper. I haven't read those but plan to now.
SIMPLY AN ENJOYABLE READ.......2006-06-04
The Conjurer's Bird is actually two stories in one, both very well written. First we have a modern day mystery, a search for a mysterious bird, long lost. Secondly, the author gives us a rather nice Victorian love story. Both stories of course are linked and run parallel, one making the other more interesting, and in fact are quite necessary. The author is quite a good story teller and certainly has done some research. The entire work is rather low keyed, an easy read and, as I said, quite enjoyable. Character developement is better in this work than some of the others in this particular genre I have read. Several of the key characters are based on real people and having read biographies on all of them, found the author held pretty true with his characterization of them. While not what I would call a thriller by any means, it was one of those books I hated to put down and looked forward to the next chapter. Of course I am a birder and love Victorian stories and love history, so this was more or less my cup of tea. Those that enjoyed this one might like to check out The Darwin Conspiracy by John Darnton. All in all I enjoyed this work very much and highly recommend it.
Book Description
My dear sister Clara,
London society is so much more complicated than I could ever have known! Every night is a different ball or assembly, and a different swirl of glittering jewels and rustling gowns. Though I fear I am making social blunders left and right I am having some measure of success in my (or rather, Mother's) objective. Mother is beside herself with glee at the attentions I have been receiving from a few gentlemen she finds supremely suitable as husband material.
But my dearest sister, it is so hard for me to even look at any gentleman but a certain duke, who, if I may confess, makes my heart beat so that I fear it can be seen across a ballroom. He is James Langdon, the Duke of Wentworth, and though I may sound dramatic, he makes me feel as no man ever has before.
But I must push these feelings away. I sometimes hear whispers about his dark past, and he is quietly called the Dangerous Duke. Oh Clara! I am secretly overjoyed that he may love me, and at the same time terrified of his attentions. I have waited so long for my true love, and now I must resist him to protect my heart.
If only I knew how to proceed…
Your devoted sister,
Sophia
Customer Reviews:
Good beginning...........2007-02-18
I liked the beginning of this book - the characters were interesting and seemed complex - but then the book just stopped working. I found myself being pulled out of the book because the things the characters were doing and saying just didn't seem right. Yes, the hero and heroine are supposed to grow and change through the course of the novel, but not to the point that they're unrecognizable by the end, which was the case with James, the hero of the novel. And don't get me started on the rest of his family!
I gave this 3 stars, because there were glimmers of greatness in this book. I just hope the author finds someone to bounce storylines off of who will tell her the truth, as in "there's no way the reader will ever believe the mother-in-law you've created would do this."
Average.......2006-07-10
This book was just a ok read for me. The heroine was a little too perfect in every way, and the hero was just cruel most of the time and then nice and then cruel again it got a little tedious at times, but overall it was ok. I did not feel alot of sexual tension, or a real compelling love story in the book but not all reads can be true treasures. The other characters in the book were alittle one-dimensional for me and the heros excuse for not wanting to love - ? I would have hoped the author would have come up with something a little better because after I finished the book I still could believe that was all there was to it.
Really intense love story!.......2005-12-31
This is the second time I read To Marry A Duke - since I just finished the book on Lily I wanted to revisit James & Sophia. My first impressions were not as favorable as they were this time. I remember thinking James was unusually cruel to Sophia and while he was a tad unfeeling after they returned from their honeymoon he was not nearly as bad as I thought. James is so tortured by his family history, mostly his father was such a cruel heartless man, who actually was abusive. James was just to fearful of becoming his father and his feelings were so unbelievably strong for his wife, he just felt the only way to control his emotions was to stay away from her for long periods. Sophia being American was raised in such a loving home where everyone talked and confided and that is what she expected. Sophia really loved James with such depth and when he realized that he just had to distance himself. In most books this would cause a rift between the husband and wife that could go on indefinetly. Sophia was such a strong person, and she felt if she just chipped away at James in tiny bits, him revealing more and more of his hidden family horrible secrets she would expose his heart. This story is so beautifully written. James evolves slowly but in such a way that you understand each and every step and how everything starts to become clear to him. Indeed this is a powerful love story - and it might actually be better than the previous book I just read about Lily. Read them both you will not be disappointed!
This is What Romance Is All About..........2005-12-21
This is the first novel by Julianne MacLean I have read. I really enjoyed the book "To Marry The Duke". I didn't know what to expect with this new author as she has a limited history - only 2 or 3 contemporary novels before this one. Fortunately, I was really pleased once I was done with the story. I wanted to give 5 stars but, I really try to hold off and only give that many stars to the absolute best stories I have ever read (that's probably 25 books out of thousands I have read over the years). I want the stars to mean something so, a solid four stars will go to Ms. MacLean in this book.
I liked that this story was grounded in historical facts - there was a period in time - late 1800's to early 1900's - when nouveaux riche American girls went abroad to Europe to land themselves husbands with titles - Duke, Earl, Marquis, Viscount, Baron etc. to give their family necessary clout back home. That was the only way the old rich would accept them.
This book used this history to create a story line between the American Sophia and distinguished British Duke James Langdon. I liked that the main character Sophia was not only beautiful, educated and rich but, more importantly, she was warm, friendly, enjoyable, funny and comfortable with who she was as a person. Her parents and siblings were solid people and that helped round her out as well. James on the other hand came with a family of secrets and coldness that only one such as Sophia could thaw over time.
James and Sophia saw in one another things they desperately wanted - acceptance, love, passion and security - and only through time and effort would they get there. It took some serious effort and events to get James and some of his family to warm up but, once they did it was worth it. Although there were times you felt like smacking James along the side of the head to wake up....you definitely could understand his need to stand back and stay aloof as he made his reasons clear - it made sense when often it does not in stories. The author made you understand the man so, you didn't dislike him for his distance.
Sophia never ran away and bolted as so many heroines do in tough times.....instead she took what she was given and fought for more. Her beauty of spirit shined through all the time. Very appealing.
The love scenes were tasteful, the banter back and forth solid and the story line flowed nicely. No odd love scenes, trivial monologues or silly plot developments to stop the momentum the author gained from the beginning of the book. Good!
The side characters of Sophia's sisters and mother and James sister, mother and friend all helped to round out an interesting cast. The author added these people to spice up the story line not to detract from the main hero and heroine and it worked.
This author is very talented with the pen and really wove a warm and dynamic story line. This book was memorable I must admit. I recommend you buy it, read it and keep it in your library as one of the good ones. I plan to buy other stories by this author soon! Happy reading!
Wonderful! Excellent!! Gripping!!! .......2005-09-19
To Marry the Duke is sharp and fast-moving. Our heroine is tough and tender all at the same time. Our hero is just how a hero should be. Dark, handsome, with just a touch of insecurity which makes him real. The book is an very enjoyable, well-written romance with an appealing heroine and unusual hero. From page one the characters in this charming book reached out and grabbed me. Page after page I just got sucked in deeper until I closed the book with a happy sigh. I love seeing the hero change his ways and attitudes the more he gets to know his wife and falls in love with her. James was an abused child. He was afraid to fall in love with his wife. Afraid it would change into a monster. He never knew love until he met his wife. If you long to be swept into the lives of two enchanting people, I highly recommend this one. Anyway, this is a really great book. While browsing in the bookstore, I decided to give it a chance. If you don't want to miss out, you should too. This book had everything you need to create a good romance: a dashing hero, a beautiful heroine, something always seems to interfere with the hero and heroine, and, most of all...PASSION! James is handsome, sexy, intelligent, but embittered by life. I am always a sucker for stories with "heartless" heroes who find their souls through the love of a good woman. The dialogue that ensues between James and Sophia is just fast paced and very enjoyable. I just finished this book and I can barely see through all the tears. Yes, this is just that kind of story. There are love stories and then there are just amazing, totally emotionally written love stories.
I read this book after Love According to Lily and wished I had read this book first. This book made me realize how abused Lily was and why Lily's mom was the person she was.
Customer Reviews:
A Winner.......2006-06-06
The Accidental Duchess, a Highlander tale within this enjoyable novella, was just awarded the 2006 Golden Quill for Best Novella.
A WONDERFUL READ !!.......2005-03-19
TOO WOO A DUKE is a wonderful, light hearted love story. Debbie Raleigh's ability to add humor, wit, and sensuality is pure magic. I laughed a lot at the antics and the witty dialogue in this story. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Raleigh's books.
Sandy Blair has outdone herself again. THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS is a captivating love story that is heart warming, charming, and humorous. I was not able to put this book down until I read the last page. The secondary characters added a lot of flair and made the story even more interesting. I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit while reading it. Ms. Blair has a magical ability to create a love story laced with sensuality and humor. I am anxiously waiting for Ms. Blair's next book.
Regan Allen did a beautiful job with this magical story. A TOUCH OF MAGIC is a charming and heart-felt story. I was rooting for Tess the whole way. She is a lovely creature that is pure of heart. Ms. Allen did a wonderful job with adding light to a young man who saw his responsibilities as a bleak world. I also look forward to reading more of Ms. Allen's books.
HOW TO MARRY A DUKE is a fantastic read! I enjoyed each one of the short stories in this anthology. All three of these stories left me breathless. They are charming, witty and magical. I could not put this book down. I did not want these captivating stories to end. I highly recommend this book to everyone. This is definitely going on my keeper's shelf.
Reviewed by Billie Jo
Romance Junkies
Can't remember what it was about!!.......2005-03-19
This was a very light read. I was very disappointed. I don't feel that the authors spent much time at all on these stories. Sandy Blair's was okay, but could have been bulked up a little. There just wasn't enough there. I read one of the other ones (I don't remember which one), but I only skimmed through the last one. It was about a fairy or a wood sprite or something. Karen Marie Moning does otherworldly stuff far, far better. I should have just waited until her next book comes out. This book really was a waste of time.
Amusing historicals with a bit of social conscience.......2005-03-08
When her aunt loses her dowry to a marriage fraud, crusading journalist Shevon Quinn decides to right the wrongs and help her aunt recover the fortune. She signs up for the 'marry a duke' course and follows the instructions. Unfortunately for her plans, though, this particular duke isn't responding to the lessons, he's responding to Shevon. Now how is she supposed to prove that the class is a fraud when she has a duke wrapped around her little finger (and around a lot more, as well)?
Unemployed, ex-governess Rachel O'Leary breaks into an empty London house and supports herself and her Irish family with her baking skills. But when long-travelling Duke Connor Kenroe returns home from Egypt, he figures he can blackmail Rachel into helping with his plans--plans that have nothing to do with her Irish relatives and everything to do with his own goals of rebuilding his ancient ducal estates in Scotland. The pretend engagement would have been bad enough if Rachel didn't find herself responding to the sexy Scot--and wishing she could turn pretend into reality.
Stephen Anthony needs to marry and father children. He's picked a suitable wife and waits only her arrival to propose. But then a beautiful sprite dances into his life--claiming to be Tess, Lady of the Forest, and his fated bride. Stephen is a realistic man, and he doesn't believe in fairies, exactly. Still, the attraction he feels toward the stacked sprite is nothing short of magical. How is he supposed to be happy with a suitable wife when the fates have brought him something so special.
In a trio of historical novellas, authors Debbie Raleigh, Sandy Blair, and Regan Allen tell tales of strong women who drive to their goals--picking up the loves of their lives as they go--and none of the dukes knows what hit them.
I was surprised and pleased to see a hint of social conscience in all three of these stories about marrying the top of the British Aristocracy. Shevon worked as a journalist, reporting on the follies of the rich and trying to help the down-trodden. Rachel breaks with aristocratic tradition and goes into 'trade,' and Tess worries about sheep grazing which destroyed the traditional Scotish clan structure and converted common lands to privately owned enclosures during the 19th century. Mixing glamour with a bit of reality adds some depth to these amusing novellas.
A Good Set Of Stories!.......2005-02-25
Zebra's latest anthology offers three good stories by some of todays' up and coming authors. Debiie Raleigh, Sandy Blair, and Regan Allen have all contributed good stories. None are better than the other and all offer fun characters with short and sweet stories.
"To Woo A Duke" is the story of Shevon Quinn is on a mission to get back her cousin's dowery from a fraud who claims she can teach a young lady how to catch any peer that they set their eyes on. Shevon goes "undercover" in order to prove she has no idea how to go about this...she takes the course and catches the eye of...a Duke!!! Can this turn into a happily ever after?
"The Accidental Duchess" is the story of Rachel O'Leary a governess turned out after she disciplines a nasty little lord. After having all doors closed to her she breaks into an empty house on a snowy, stormy night. She has no idea that she has just broken into a Dukes house. What will she do when the errant owner of the house comes back and catches her in his bed?
"Touch of Magic" is the story of Tess Dewood. She is invited to a party to celebrate the engagement of Duke of Longoford, Stephen Anthony. Stephen is drawn to his mysterious guest will he be able to resist her sweet charms?
These were very short stories offering a quick escape for the reader. These three authors show great potential for having very successful careers in writing romance.
[...]
Average customer rating:
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To Marry a Duke
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739434306 |
Product Description
From Booklist: American heiress Sophia Wilson arrives in London in search of an English lord to wed, since marrying a nobleman is one way of gaining the acceptance, which her mother desperately craves, of New York's old society. James Nicholas Langdon, the "Dangerous Duke," needs money to keep his family's estates afloat, and marrying Sophia seems to be the perfect solution. Their marriage would be a simple business arrangement since Sophia wants his title and he needs her money. The only flaw in James' plan is that after having spent his life learning to control his passions, he now must give into desire if he is to successfully seduce the heiress he needs. An unconventional, genuinely kind American who isn't afraid of breaking the rules of society teaches a cynical Englishman the true meaning of love in this sexy historical. MacLean gives readers a fascinating glimpse of a time when American women were accused of "buying" husbands in England as she fluently blends history into a emotionally compelling love story. John CharlesCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Customer Reviews:
"How To Marry A Count, Duke, or Prince In Europe".......2004-02-07
I H A V E N O T Y E T R E A D T H I S B O O K.
I have, however, eagerly pre-ordered it. The title is intriguing! It is something I have wanted to do all my life.
I believe others would want this book as well. for when I
called up my local library, to check whether they owned it, the
librarian said: "I think I'd like to read that book too!"
Alas, my library does not have this book. But my eagerness,
and that of the librarian, seem to indicate there is indeed quite a market for this book -- and books like it.
Therefore, I ask you at Amazon to please as the publisher,
(Camaro Publishing), to either reprint this book, or (if at all
possible), ask the author to update it. Any other books of
this kind would be welcome as well!
I believe that, should knowledge of this book's existance
become more widely known, it's Amazon Sales rank No. would go
far higher than the present 1,483,853!
Eagerly awaiting the opportunity to write a full review of
this book,
I remain,
A Hopeful and Eager Soon-To-Be Reader of this book!
Average customer rating:
- VanVogt's heir writes a graphic novel
- Unpleasant
- Cowl
- Time sideways as well as for/backwards
- My 100-word book review
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Cowl
Neal Asher
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Adventure
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
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The Skinner
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Gridlinked
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Prador Moon: A Novel Of The Polity
ASIN: 0765315122
Release Date: 2005-04-21 |
Book Description
In the far future, the Heliothane Dominion is triumphant in the solar system, after a bitter war with their Umbrathane progenitors. But some of the Umbrathane have escaped into the distant past, where they can position themselves to wreak havoc across time and undo their defeat. The most fanatical of them is the superhuman Cowl, more monstrous than any of the creatures outside his prehistoric redoubt. Cowl sends his terrifying hyperdimensional pet, the torbeast, hunting through all the timelines for human specimens. It sheds its scales -- each one an organic time machine -- where its master orders. Anyone who picks one up is dragged back to the dawn of time, where Cowl awaits. Then the beast can feed, growing ever larger . . . In our own near-future, Tack is one of U-gov's programmable killers. When a scale latches onto him, his doom seems inevitable, but the Heliothane have other ideas: they can use Tack against Cowl. Tack is no stranger to violence, but the Heliothane, hardened in their struggle for humanity's very existence, have much to teach him. He will need it all for his encounter with Cowl.Once one of Tack's targets, Polly escaped with her life when a torbeast scale snatched her. Now, like Tack, she must learn fast as she is dragged back to Day Zero. To cheat death again, she will have to help him save the human race. With Cowl, Neal Asher, acclaimed author of Gridlinked and The Skinner, has created his most powerful novel yet.
Customer Reviews:
VanVogt's heir writes a graphic novel.......2007-08-22
"Cowl" was only my second asher novel.
Asher's introduction of concepts and technologies is done in a breezy enough way, that it sounds like a real expert explaining things to a "layman".
I found it hard to put down---EXCEPT...
the story has so much explicitly described violence, dismemberment, and pain that I found it cumulatively repulsive.
Fear in a novel may be cathartic, but incessant intimidation, coercion, and bullying is too much for me.
Neal Asher has the sense of future/scientific understanding/ daily use of wonder-machines that made VanVogt take Science Fiction's suspension of disbelief to Fantasy levels, but I'm too old to suspend the sensation of this much pain and cruelty.
Otherwise, it would be a quintestellar rating!
Unpleasant.......2007-08-13
I don't know, maybe I'm getting too old for this kind of thing. Perhaps there are some good ideas here, but it's full of cliches. Every male character is a brutal soldier, and the main female character is the standard "hooker with a heart of gold." Overall the whole thing just feels so misanthropic I couldn't really find a way to enjoy it.
Cowl.......2007-06-12
A number of reviewers have commented that they found the story line very difficult to follow in this book. But, it's a story about time travel, where things change based upon what will happen in the future or will happen in the past. So of course it's tough to follow - that's the whole idea. I liked the book a great deal. I haven't found an Asher story yet that I don't like. And for those willing to work their way to the end, it does all come together.
Time sideways as well as for/backwards.......2007-03-24
Asher goes all out in this time travel novel, not being satisfied with going back or forwards in time but going into alternate time pathways as well. He creates mega-villians but his protagonist(s) are themselves flawed people and we watch as greater threats knock them off their fates and into new opportunities, with the "godd guys" not always acting so good. The tale Asher tells is labyrinthian and it takes an effort to track who is doing what to whom but it moves along and keeps you interested, with nuggets about earth's long term history sprinkled throughout.
My 100-word book review.......2007-03-20
From the writer of the Polity series, Cowl is a stand-alone novel, which nonetheless has all the elements that make Asher's other books immense fun to read. Human factions from the future are fighting each other on a shifting battleground that encompasses all of recorded history, and most of prehistory too. The two vulnerable protagonists, from our near future, are caught up in the action and find themselves drawn back to the dawn of life on Earth - where the formidable Torbeast lurks. This is a fast-moving rollercoaster of a science fiction thriller, chock full of twists and clever touches.
Customer Reviews:
The Sixth in the Series.......2006-10-20
This is the sixth book in the series of medieval mysteries featuring Sir Hugh Corbett. Obviously this is one of Paul Doherty's earlier offerings and he has since written many more books and is now an established author of medieval novels and has also added a number of novels on Egypt to his ever growing list of titles. Having said that it is one of his earlier offerings does not mean that it is inferior to his current books, quite the opposite. The Hugh Corbett mysteries were and are extremely popular and Paul Doherty is still adding to them.
Doherty's books are an absolute delight. The pages just seem to race by and the sights and sounds of medieval England seem to leap of the pages.. This book concerns a violent serial killer. He or she lurks in the squalid streets of London, lying in wait for prostitutes and having found them, slits their throats. When a well bred lady, Lady Somerville, one of the sisters of St. Martha is found murdered in the same awful way, followed by the death of Father Benedict in suspicious circumstances Hugh Corbett is once again called upon to solve the mystery.
Average customer rating:
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Autobiography of a Georgia Cat
Michael Cowl Gordon
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Cats
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1418447277 |
Book Description
Autobiography of a Georgia Cat is the story of a Southern African-American family as it struggles with the illness and death of a granddaughter who is married to a Jewish man. Spiritual and family themes are emphasized. The story is narrated by Black Jack, the remarkable family cat, who also tells of his own life as an indoor-outdoor cat in Marietta, Georgia. Much space is devoted to "feline" mythology and spirituality which have a distinctly Native-American flavor. The strands of many cultures are woven into the fabric of this story, leaving the reader with a positive message of hope and of the oneness of all things. Animal lovers will never look at their pets the same again after meeting Black Jack, a deeply spiritual cat with a wry sense of humor. He agonizes through the alcoholism of his guardian, Archie, and the increasing decrepitude of Archie's wife, Cora, and her centenarian mother. The constant outpouring of gospel music from Mama's radio adds to the spiritual power of this charming and touching story. Whether from his commentary on dogs, fur balls, human nature, or whatever he has on his mind as he tells his tale, the reader will know that he has had an encounter with a wise, wonderful, and unforgettable feline.
Customer Reviews:
Just didn't work for me........2006-03-13
That many of the events in the book were based on fact was fascinating. Otherwise, I had some serious problems with this book. There was no development of any of the characters. The dialogue made no serious attempt to reflect the period. Although Doherty presented the deplorable sanity conditions of the period, his protagonist's reactions were completely unrealistic and anachronisms were rampant. The clue to the killer was much too obvious and the ending was a blatant sequel to a follow-up book. For me, the negatives definitely outweighed the positive.That many of the events in the book were based on fact was fascinating. Otherwise, I had some serious problems with this book. There was no development of any of the characters. The dialogue made no serious attempt to reflect the period. Although Doherty presented the deplorable sanity conditions of the period, his protagonist's reactions were completely unrealistic and anachronisms were rampant. The clue to the killer was much too obvious and the ending was a blatant sequel to a follow-up book. For me, the negatives definitely outweighed the positive.
A serial killer and a great caper!.......2005-04-21
What more can you ask for? Well how about intrigue, danger and some good history? That's what you get in this Hugh Corbett book. Someone is going throughout London and cutting the throats and mutilating prostitutes. Not only that a harmless old woman and a priest were also killed. Corbett is sent by his King to find this killer. Corbett has to determine if there is only one killer or more than one. While he's investigating he uncovers a huge caper that could put the Royal Treasury at risk. Corbett and his sidekick Ranulf set out to uncover all, with no small danger to themselves. This is a really good medieval series.
Politics, treason, murder and some history....................2000-10-09
Doherty's medival sleuth Hugh Corbett was faced with one of the most difficult problem yet, in the action packed 'Murder wears a Crowl'.
A serial killer is on the run in London, murdering high class courtesans and mutilates their body in the most gruesom ways. Lady Somerville (a sister of the St Martha) was also killed in similar fashion, and this calls the suspicion of King Edward and he places Corbett to investigate. With a past criminal plotting mischieve at the same time, Corbett and his servant Ranulf are looking at not only a tough case but more than one of them. The two plots runs side by side and the clues you find are not always reliable. You will need all your brain work to be able to separate the red herring from the facts and then find the killer.
Once I start I simply couldn't put this book down until it is finished. The story contains more than the usual mystery, murder and action. The medival England background gives it historical value and vivid setting that gives you a change from all the normal stuff you get in a modern day mystery. After all, it is refreshing to be able to deal with arrows, daggers and poison rather than guns and cars. However it's not one of those serious books that leaves you breathless, The characters are so alive and funny at times that I can't help but to laugh, although the situation isn't really that amusing.
If you enjoys good mystery with various of twist, false leads and want to try reading something a little bit different. I suggest you give this a try. It has everything that you needed, from fictional suspense to actual facts, menacing murders to vivid dialogues. Really, it will be too much of a shame to miss it.
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Veil and Cowl: Writings From the World of Monks and Nuns
James Simpson
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Forever and Ever, Amen
ASIN: 156663251X |
Book Description
This thoughtful, inspiring, often humorous, and intensely spiritual collection brings together for the first time the most searching writings from the world of monks and nuns. They reveal and explore the mystique of lives given totally to God.
Book Description
On the demand side, exporters and strategic planners focusing on ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods in China face a number of questions. Which countries are supplying ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods to China? How important is China compared to others in terms of the entire global and regional market? How much do the imports of ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods vary from one country of origin to another in China? On the supply side, China also exports ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods. Which countries receive the most exports from China? How are these exports concentrated across buyers? What is the value of these exports and which countries are the largest buyers? This report was created for strategic planners, international marketing executives and import/export managers who are concerned with the market for ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods in China. With the globalization of this market, managers can no longer be contented with a local view. Nor can managers be contented with out-of-date statistics which appear several years after the fact. I have developed a methodology, based on macroeconomic and trade models, to estimate the market for ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods for those countries serving China via exports, or supplying from China via imports. It does so for the current year based on a variety of key historical indicators and econometric models. In what follows, Chapter 2 begins by summarizing where China fits into the world market for imported and exported ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods. The total level of imports and exports on a worldwide basis, and those for China in particular, is estimated using a model which aggregates across over 150 key country markets and projects these to the current year. From there, each country represents a percent of the world market. This market is served from a number of competitive countries of origin. Based on both demand- and supply-side dynamics, market shares by country of origin are then calculated across each country market destination. These shares lead to a volume of import and export values for each country and are aggregated to regional and world totals. In doing so, we are able to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of both the value of each market and the share that China is likely to receive this year. From these figures, rankings are calculated to allow managers to prioritize China compared to other major country markets. In this way, all the figures provided in this report are forecasts that can be combined with internal information sources for strategic planning purposes.
Book Description
On the demand side, exporters and strategic planners focusing on ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods in United States face a number of questions. Which countries are supplying ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods to United States? How important is United States compared to others in terms of the entire global and regional market? How much do the imports of ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods vary from one country of origin to another in United States? On the supply side, United States also exports ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods. Which countries receive the most exports from United States? How are these exports concentrated across buyers? What is the value of these exports and which countries are the largest buyers? This report was created for strategic planners, international marketing executives and import/export managers who are concerned with the market for ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods in United States. With the globalization of this market, managers can no longer be contented with a local view. Nor can managers be contented with out-of-date statistics which appear several years after the fact. I have developed a methodology, based on macroeconomic and trade models, to estimate the market for ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods for those countries serving United States via exports, or supplying from United States via imports. It does so for the current year based on a variety of key historical indicators and econometric models. In what follows, Chapter 2 begins by summarizing where United States fits into the world market for imported and exported ceramic roofing tiles, chimney pots, cowls, chimney liners, architectural ornaments, and ceramic constructional goods. The total level of imports and exports on a worldwide basis, and those for United States in particular, is estimated using a model which aggregates across over 150 key country markets and projects these to the current year. From there, each country represents a percent of the world market. This market is served from a number of competitive countries of origin. Based on both demand- and supply-side dynamics, market shares by country of origin are then calculated across each country market destination. These shares lead to a volume of import and export values for each country and are aggregated to regional and world totals. In doing so, we are able to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of both the value of each market and the share that United States is likely to receive this year. From these figures, rankings are calculated to allow managers to prioritize United States compared to other major country markets. In this way, all the figures provided in this report are forecasts that can be combined with internal information sources for strategic planning purposes.
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COWL
NEAL ASHER
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JHHWLE |
Customer Reviews:
Yeah! Someone finally did it!.......2005-09-27
I am so impressed with this work that I have put it on the required reading list for my spiritual school, the Tree of Life Sanctuary. Since merging with one's HGA is the focus of the school's training, I was so, so pleased to see such an intelligent and comprehensive book written on the subject. Way to go, Denny! Thank you!
Your Guardian Angel and you.......2004-08-21
This book includes a scholarly history of the holy guardian angel and then explains thoroughly many techniques to access or communicate with one's holy guardian angel. On one hand it is clear and accessible but the book also includes a broad knowledge of ancient history. The book is all you need to get in touch with the most important personal spiritual guide you can have.
HGA Book Review.......2004-06-17
Book Review
Your Guardian Angel and You
By Denny Sargent
Weiser Books 2004
By Ron Adams
Sunwolf
I believe everything happens for a reason. After reading Aion's (Denny Sargent) book I am convinced. There is a lot of good information in this book, for anyone starting out on the quest of contacting their Holy Guardian Angel. Also there is a lot of great stuff in there for those of us who have already had such an experience.
It is always great to be reminded of things one has been neglecting. I enjoyed reading Denny Sargent's Brief History of the Holy Guardian Angel, seeing how every culture from every time in history has had some sort of belief about this. It is interesting to see how so many diverse cultures have similar myths surrounding Divine Guidance.
And I like Denny Sargent's approach to preparing, contacting and then nurturing one's connection to the Holy Guardian Angel. This is a good reminder that it isn't just a one time thing and that one has to get prepared to meet such a major part/major playing in one's spiritual growth.
I enjoyed reading his personal stories, especially the life-changing story of his future wife being protected and guided by her guardian angel when she was but 18.
The unseen hand seems to always be guiding our lives, and paying attention to the clues might be the first step.
Denny Sargent has some wonderful meditations, journal exercises and full-fledged rituals in this book, that can help anyone meet their Holy Guardian Angel; if they are ready.
There are traditional rituals of meeting one's Holy Guardian Angel and modern rites of Knowledge and Conversion of the Holy Guaridan Angel.
There is even Buddha and your HGA section. Also a New Orleans Voodoo vision of meeting one's HGA.
Great poetry too. I enjoyed Shade Oroboros Coment on the New Ascension of the Rite of the Bornless One.
So if you want to brush up on your connection with your Holy Guardian Angel, nurture it a little more, find your path and True Will, purpose in life, or just want to contact your HGA for the first time, this is a primer book for you. It will assist you on your journey, probably the most important step you'll ever make.
A must have!.......2004-03-09
This is one of the most intelligently written books on this subject I have enountered in many years. Mr. Sargent presents a practical and historical approach to the Guardian Angel that instantly appeals to both the beginner and advance student.
Books:
- The Dangerous Hour (Sharon McCone Mysteries)
- The Day of the Triffids (20th Century Rediscoveries)
- The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer: My Life at Rose Red
- The Edible Woman
- The Ernesto "Che" Guevara School for Wayward Girls: A Novel of Politics
- The First Verse: A Novel
- The Gates of the Forest: A Novel
- The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
- The Hotel New Hampshire
- The Icarus Girl: A Novel
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