Buzz Cut

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Thorn, a loner and gloomy sort of guy, is the hero of James W. Hall's thriller series. But in Buzz Cut, the real center of attention is Butler Jack, an erudite homicidal maniac with a brilliant and grandiose scheme. The plan is to hijack a $400 million cruise ship and hold its 2,000 passengers for ransom. Butler Jack has an obsession with etymology, and he is more than happy to lecture his hostages on the derivation of the word "hijack," which is descended from "Jack" which comes from the Middle English "Jakke," which meant "ordinary guy." Our Jack is an ordinary guy who just happens to have the mind of a genius and a passion for grisly killing.

Book Description

Critics have called James W. Hall's previous  bestsellers  "electrifying,""innovative,"and "brilliantly suspenseful." Now Hall  brings us his most haunting and relentlessly  gripping novel yet--a work that proves why the  San Francisco Chronicle has hailed him  as one of the nation's "finest and most  literate of thriller writers."

A  Florida cruise ship under siege provides the  spellbinding backdrop for Hall's latest novel. On  board, a mad terrorist is threatening to blow up the  ship--and a large part of the Florida coastline as  well. The madman, an unforgettable character with  a high-tech stun gun and a strange fascination  with word etymologies, illustrates why James Ellroy  calls Hall's villains "so well drawn and  amusing they make you giddy."

Also on board is Thorn, the enigmatic, hard-bitten  hero last seen in Gone Wild, who, along with his  friend, Sugerman, must stop the bomber before he  redesigns the Southeastern United States. As the  novel races toward its explosive conclusion, Hall  sets the scene for a nerve-shattering  showdown--between the brutal and cunning terrorist and Thorn,  who reveals a deeper, darker, more unpredictable  side to his personality in this electrifying new  novel.

A thriller filled with the  author's signatures--vise-tightening suspense, steamy  sexuality, hypnotic prose, and off-beat  humor--Buzz Cut exposes the dark  underbelly and colorful chaos of James W. Hall's native  Florida, as it lays bare the tremendous talents of an  American master writing at the peak of his  storytelling powers.

Customer Reviews:

Who has the history of the word Review? No-one Cares........2006-12-10

This is the first book of James Hall's that I have read, and it will probably be the last. When the lead character has the name Thorn, for me that should have been the warning sign.

Basically the book is about a guy Butler Jack, a psycho, who get his kicks out of jamming 40,000 volts through people and quoting the history of words, he takes control of a luxury cruise liner looking to extort the owners for big money.

I won't give away too much because people might want to read the book, but I have to say I didn't like it.

First is motivation. I couldn't get into what drove the main characters in the book. Why does ole Butler Jack happily kill people, why does the owner of the luxury liner not want the Feds brought in when the body count is piling up, why does Thorn - our fearless hero - find he has to hunt this guy down at all costs. The things that motivated all of them didn't convince me enough to feel empathy for any of them.

Second is the antagonist, Butler Jack. His thing, his "schtick" as it were, is a fascination for the history of words. Just before he would kill someone he would start sprouting on about how "ransom" came into being or other stuff. You know what it did for the flow of the book? It shot it in the leg and left it limping along like it was never going to make it home. Just when I thought something interesting was going to happen we got the full lowdown on how Florida got its name. For crying out loud stop killing the pace with this mundane crap!

Third is the names: Thorn, Sugerman, Butler Jack. They might do it for other people, they just didn't do it for me.

Unbelievable characters, an unbelievable plot that didn't work for me, and motivation that just wasn't believable at all.

Thorn Steps Out.......2002-02-11

Broody loner Thorn (Travis McGee with attitude) is inveigled into taking a cruise when best pal Sugarman takes an almost fatal jolt of electricity while heading up security for the Fiesta Cruise Lines. Thorn on a cruise is about as likely as Jay Leno entering a monastery.

"Buzz Cut" is loaded with fascinating, but highly unlikely characters. Monica, angry runaway daughter of cruise line owner, Morton Hanson, is full of angst and bitterness. Why? Because she is stunningly beautiful and has been raised in luxurious plenty. Yes, really. She is trying to make an identity for herself as a maid in a seedy motel. The monster creating all the trouble is Butler Jack, a brilliant, truly scary guy with a love of etymology (the origin of words). He doesn't just expire people; he treats them to an hour-long lecture on interesting words. He is bent on ruining the Fiesta Cruise Line and its owners. He commandeers the ship and its communication and navigational systems, terrorizing the more than 2000 passengers.

This is a fine, lively read, and I think Mr. Hall had a good time writing it. It is over the top in a wry and humorous way. The characters are interesting and sharply defined. Mr. Hall develops them beautifully, but does seem to lose interest and then neglect them. Thorn does not play a major role in the book. It is a well-done ensemble piece. The author has a fascination with unlikely technology, but it's all in good fun.

Die-hard Thorn fans might object to the lightening of the mood, and the lack of philosophizing, but they can rest easy. Thorn is barely tempted by the crass commercialism and is properly grumpy at his enforced socialization. A fast, highly enjoyable read.

Cruise Away From Boredom.......2001-08-14

Okay, so itýs extremely unlikely that a single family could contrive to be so dysfunctional and high-profile to make this plot a reality, but thatýs not quite the point of this book. James W Hall has again come up with some high-caliber entertainment that keeps us turning pages to discover the next little plot twist.

Sugarman and Thorn are now middle aged boyhood friends whoýve never quite escaped the insulation provided by the Florida Keys. Sugarmanýs the laid back private detective and Thornýs the fly-tying hero whoýs even more laid back lifestyle affords him a greater perspective on their weekýs cruise with the family from hell.

Full of keen detail about the cruise ship and its workings, Buzz Cut is an entertaining and thrilling romp through the waters of the southeast coast. The dialogue is healthy and sharp and the characters, for the most part, far enough away from stereotypes to be interesting. This is not a classic and Hall himself has done much better, but it is definitely a worthwhile read.

Disappointment.......2000-10-30

I've liked most of James Hall's other books but found this one a disappointment. I realize reading any novel requires a certain suspension of disbelief but this one was just too much. For one thing, the protagonist could have easily been overtaken much earlier in the novel. I found myself thinking "come on!" as he's allowed to continue on with his scheme. I also found many of the characters poorly drawn and totally inconsistent in their actions.

Buzz Cut.......2000-03-17

I've read two other James Hall books, Mean High Tide and Hard Aground. If you can get past his often over-the-top and always moronic PC blabber, they are generally entertaining reads. That is not rue of Buzz Cut though. The plot is completely ridiculous, and the actions that the characters in this story don't take are just plain stupid. I was very disappointed.

I have one more of Hall's books to read, but if it is anything like Buzz Cut, I think I will just put it down and find another author to read.

Average customer rating:
4 Titles in the Thorn Series: (1) Tropical Freeze; (2) Mean High Tide; (3) Gone Wild; (4) Buzz Cut (Set of 4)
James W. Hall
Manufacturer: Various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WWT5GG

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Buzz Cut
James Hall
Manufacturer: Arrow Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000L52CJ6

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Buzz Cut

Manufacturer: Dell Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000I14XF4

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Buzz Cut (UNABRIDGED CD AUDIOBOOK)
James W. Hall
Manufacturer: Recorded Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: 078873413X

Product Description

Unabridged book, 12 compact discs in calmshell case. Special Library edition.

Buzz-Cut Dune And Fremont Foraging at the Margin of Horticulture (University of Utah Anthropological Paper)

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Buzz-Cut Dune And Fremont Foraging at the Margin of Horticulture (University of Utah Anthropological Paper)
David Madsen , and Dave N Schmitt
Manufacturer: University of Utah Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

A buzz cut grows above all the rest.(Columns)(Column) : An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

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A buzz cut grows above all the rest.(Columns)(Column) : An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000BHS7WK
Release Date: 2005-09-19

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by Thomson Gale on September 11, 2005. The length of the article is 748 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A buzz cut grows above all the rest.(Columns)(Column)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: September 11, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: c1

Article Type: Column

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Buzz cut: electric lawn mowers beat the gas guzzlers at their own game.(House & Home): An article from: E

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Buzz cut: electric lawn mowers beat the gas guzzlers at their own game.(House & Home): An article from: E
Luanne Roy
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000W7YVDS
Release Date: 2007-09-19

Book Description

This digital document is an article from E, published by Thomson Gale on September 1, 2007. The length of the article is 856 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Buzz cut: electric lawn mowers beat the gas guzzlers at their own game.(House & Home)
Author: Luanne Roy
Publication: E (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 18 Issue: 5 Page: 44(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Cutting class: back to buzz-cut books at L.A. beauty schools.(Up Front)(Los Angeles)(Case study): An article from: Los Angeles Business Journal

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Cutting class: back to buzz-cut books at L.A. beauty schools.(Up Front)(Los Angeles)(Case study): An article from: Los Angeles Business Journal
Emily Bryson York
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Los Angeles Business Journal, published by Thomson Gale on September 4, 2006. The length of the article is 656 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Cutting class: back to buzz-cut books at L.A. beauty schools.(Up Front)(Los Angeles)(Case study)
Author: Emily Bryson York
Publication: Los Angeles Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 4, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 28 Issue: 36 Page: 3(1)

Article Type: Case study

Distributed by Thomson Gale

New cut gives Taylor plenty of buzz for new season.(Columns)(Column) : An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

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New cut gives Taylor plenty of buzz for new season.(Columns)(Column) : An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Sports | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by Thomson Gale on April 14, 2006. The length of the article is 1479 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: New cut gives Taylor plenty of buzz for new season.(Columns)(Column)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: April 14, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: d1

Article Type: Column

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Fantasy fans, rejoice! Seven years after writer and editor Robert Silverberg made publishing history with Legends, his acclaimed anthology of original short novels by some of the greatest writers in fantasy fiction, the long-awaited second volume is here. Legends II picks up where its illustrious predecessor left off. All of the bestselling writers represented in Legends II return to the special universe of the imagination that its author has made famous throughout the world. Whether set before or after events already recounted elsewhere, whether featuring beloved characters or compelling new creations, these masterful short novels are both mesmerizing stand-alones—perfect introductions to the work of their authors—and indispensable additions to the epics on which they are based. Beyond any doubt, Legends II is the fantasy event of the season.

ROBIN HOBB returns to the Realm of the Elderlings with “Homecoming,” a powerful tale in which exiles sent to colonize the Cursed Shores find themselves sinking into an intoxicating but deadly dream . . . or is it a memory?
GEORGE R. R. MARTIN continues the adventures of Dunk, a young hedge knight, and his unusual squire, Egg, in “The Sworn Sword,” set a generation before the events in A Song of Ice and Fire.
ORSON SCOTT CARD tells a tale of Alvin Maker and the mighty Mississippi, featuring a couple of ne’er-do-wells named Jim Bowie and Abe Lincoln, in “The Yazoo Queen.”
DIANE GABALDON turns to an important character from her Outlander saga—Lord John Grey—in “Lord John and the Succubus,” a supernatural thriller set in the early days of the Seven Years War.
ROBERT SILVERBERG spins an enthralling tale of Majipoor’s early history—and remote future—as seen through the eyes of a dilettantish poet who discovers an unexpected destiny in “The Book of Changes.”
TAD WILLIAMS explores the strange afterlife of Orlando Gardiner, from his Otherland saga, in “The Happiest Dead Boy in the World.”
ANNE McCAFFREY shines a light into the most mysterious and wondrous of all places on Pern in the heartwarming “Beyond Between.”
RAYMOND E. FEIST turns from the great battles of the Riftwar to the story of one soldier, a young man about to embark on the ride of his life, in “The Messenger.”
ELIZABETH HAYDON tells of the destruction of Serendair and the fate of its last defenders in “Threshold,” set at the end of the Third Age of her Symphony of Ages series.
NEIL GAIMAN gives us a glimpse into what befalls the man called Shadow after the events of his Hugo Award–winning novel American Gods in “The Monarch of the Glen.”
TERRY BROOKS adds an exciting epilogue to The Wishsong of Shannara in “Indomitable,” the tale of Jair Ohmsford’s desperate quest to complete the destruction of the evil Ildatch . . . armed only with the magic of illusion.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Great collection of short novels........2007-03-09

I got this collection of stories just for George R. R. Martin's 'The Sworn Sword,' but after reading all of the stories I am now interested in a few new authors. This is a solid collection and I recommend it to any fans of the fantasy genre.

Interesting and Pleasing.......2005-02-25

I must admit that I was completely drawn in to The Sworn Sword, the first story by George R. R. Martin. I could not seem to put the book down, I was mesmerized. As I continued to read on and focus on the next few stories, I found myself missing the first, but, that was soon to fade away upon reading Threshold by Elizabeth Haydon. That work was also beautiful and seemingly flawless. This book in general, every story, runs your mind around these authors vivid imaginations and turn your world upside down for the moment! Great read, highly recommended!

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LEGENDS II: DRAGON, SWORD, AND KING
ROBERT [ED.] SILVERBERG
Manufacturer: Ballantine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KA5L6S

Book Description

Detective Matthew Sikes and his Newcomer partner George Francisco must track down a missing human journalist, named Micky Cass, who has gone undercover as a Newcomer to expose racism and discrimination against the Tenctonese. From the beginning, the journalist's articles about his experiences ignited fierce controversy. When Micky Cass disappears, the controversy explodes and violence wracks the city. It is now up to Sikes and Francisco to solve a case that has the entire city caught in a grip of hate. Finally, as the city burns, Matt Sikes must go undercover as a Newcomer and place himself at the center of the worst violence Los Angeles has ever known...

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Slag Like Me is the fifth Alien Nation novel, and Barry Longyear handles it pretty well.

The two cops get involved when an undercover reporter disappears after writing a bunch of hardhitting columns exposing the poor treatment of the Tenctonese immigrants. In other words, looking at something this particular milieu does quite well.

Would have made a great episode.......2007-07-11

Written by the author of The Change, even brining back Newcomer FBI Agent Paul Iniko, this book is a great addition to the Alien Nation universe. Leaps and bounds better than The Change, Slag Like Me takes a tough look at racism in the post Civil Rights era, showing how behaviors and practices once carried out in public are run underground and the personal nature of this more passive agrresive oppression.

This novel is less about seeing Matt Sikes going undercover as a Newcomer and more about the demons that live in us all. It was a very enjoyable read that had some substance to it.

Not a fan of Longyear.......2007-06-01

Maybe its just his writing that bothers me, but I just cannot imagine the characters acting the way they do in this book.

Very Much in the Television Show's shoes.......2003-10-12

This was never an episode of the TV series but it deserved to be. The writing by Barry B. Longyear is excellent, he drifts between characters and time periods with ease. The idea of the newspaper colume appears over and over never letting us forget the focus of Matt and George's case even if they wander themselves. I loved the tv series and I love this book.

Keep in mind, this five stars for an _Alien Nation_ book.......2000-05-08

Meaning they are qualified stars. I like the premise of Alien Nation, usually better than I like the actuality, but that's common on series sf TV... The Alien Nation books tend to be better than what we saw on TVs. Besides this one I like, _Body & Soul_ and _Passing Fancy_. All are about what is to be Tenctonese and human, that's an interesting concept to me.

The reporter in this one is a not very veiled Harlan Ellison, IMO, and I found that amusing. I also found a copy of _Black Like Me_ at a used bookstore after reading this. Telling _Black Like Me_ in a sf mode is interesting, well done, worth reading if you don't end up paying too much for it.

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Slag Like Me
Barry B. Longyear
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000N52HGM

Book Description

Jennifer Sands' gripping, firsthand account of a young widow's questions, doubts, and desperate search for answers in the wake of her husband's murder. It is the emotionally raw journal of a battle to find footholds of faith in the midst of sorrow and spiritual darkness. Most of all, it is a joyful confirmation that what the Bible says is true.

Customer Reviews:

Inspiring and thought-provoking - a Must-Read!.......2004-02-14

I've been wanting to write this review for a few days now. I've been struggling with what to say so that I do justice to this amazing book. Tempered Faith is a wonderful book for people who have lost a loved one, but I'd go farther than that to say that it's a must-read for anyone who thinks about the hard questions (ie, Why does a good God allow these things to happen?).

I admired Jennifer's honesty and vulnerability in telling her story. She tells us what she was going through and what she was thinking. She shares with us her anger at God after her husband Jim dies in the World Trade Center on 9/11. Each chapter is such a treasure - and as we learn how she manages to get through each day. She tells us what things people say to her that are NOT helpful, as well as what she did find helpful. Anyone dealing with a grieving person would benefit from this book for that reason alone.

As I came to the end of the book, I felt something was missing. I reread the title "A Tempered Faith, Rediscovering Hope in the Ashes of Loss" and was thinking that the book was a little light on faith part. Then I got to the last section, "A 9/11 Diary". Oh my goodness. This is such an amazing testimony to the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his ability to work in our lives, drawing us closer to Himself, even in the worst of times. We get to read about every step of the way, how Jennifer grew as a child of God. I felt like I was reading something very personal (and indeed I was!), but I feel privileged to be able to see how God has worked in Jennifer's life.

The quotes and stories at the beginning of each chapter allow us to get to know Jim Sands better, some are poignant and moving, and some are hilarious. Also, I always apprecite it when a book has a Bibliography of recommended resources - Jennifer lists books, websites and support groups.

I am a big advocate of journaling, and hopefully many people will decide to keep a record of their spiritual journey after reading "A Tempered Faith".

God bless you, Jennifer, and thanks so much for sharing your story with us!

Inspiring 9/11 Story.......2004-02-09

Jennifer Sands and her husband truly believe they have found their soul mates when they meet and marry. They share a love of snorkeling and scuba diving, they tease each other as only close spouses can do, and they plan for a future life in the Cayman Islands. On September 11, 2001, the unthinkable happens when Jim is killed in his office on the 105th. floor of the World Trade Center. Jennifer is shocked beyond belief and wallows in pain and denial until the anger breaks through. She rails at God and repeatedly asks him why this had to happen. She has always been a faithful Catholic and has prayed to God daily for her husband's safety. That is the way her life has always been--she prays and God provides. What has happened to the "contract" she has with God? She relates the numbingly painful days which follow Jim's death--the empty holidays and the searing grief. Gradually she begins to see that God is sending her "angels", people of faith who help her faith grow. She is able to establish some special memorials to her husband and she begins to look outward to others and upward to God to find peace. The most revealing part of the book is the diary at the end in which she writes her innermost, unvarnished thoughts and feelings to God. It shows the metamorphosis of a woman who is focused on her own pain to one who accepts and embraces the love and comfort of God. Jennifer is truly polished and refined by the fire of this tragedy and she emerges as an example of Christian faith and forebearance in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

An introspective delving into the roots of faith and hope.......2004-02-09

A Tempered Faith: Rediscovering Hope In The Ashes Of Loss is the personal and articulate testimony of Jennifer Sands, a young widow who lost her husband in the September 11th attacks. Jennifer had to come to grips with the heart-wrenching question: If there is a God, how could He let this happen? A Tempered Faith ably presents an introspective delving into the roots of faith and hope, as well as an affirmation of God's love and learning to carry on and even find joy in the wake of bitter and unexpected grief.

A Must Read About Dealing with Loss.......2004-02-09

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one from a sudden and untimely death, this is a must read. It would also help someone who wants to understand what this person is going through. You feel her pain and loss. Her anger with God is what many people go though when something tragic happens and the way she finds her way back is through out the book. You feel God reaching out to her and helping her deal with the loss. I lost my husband 10 years ago unexpectedly and reading this brings back all those feelings and helps me feel that I am not alone with these feelings. It renews my faith, that God was and is nearby to help when you think you can't make it any longer. That there is support from the most unexpected sources if you just open your heart to it, ask God to lead you and listen to what he has to say.

This book also explores the difficulty of losing a loved one and having it flashed before your eyes for the rest of your life. The horror of 9/1l and the Twin Towers will be forever on the news and in everyone's mind. These families will have constant reminders. I can't begin to imagine how difficult this will be. Diana Lee.

A story of Jennifer's loss of her husband and my best friend.......2004-01-02

I began reading this book not knowing what to expect. I knew Jim for over 30 years before we was taken in the tragedy of 9/11. I only met Jennifer at their wedding 5 years before that. Having known Jim for so long I knew that his bride was a strong willed person. This book is a look into the pain and suffering that many like Jen must be suffering. It also provides a guide that can be followed to find a way out of the darkness and how to rediscover hope and faith. An excellent read!

A Tempered Faith ; Rediscovering Hope in the Ashes of Loss

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A Tempered Faith ; Rediscovering Hope in the Ashes of Loss

Manufacturer: The Olive Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GQP0ZS

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