Diamond Eye (Max Diamond)

Book Description

U.S. Postal Inspector Max Diamond receives a phone call informing him that one of his old Yale buddies is dead. As Diamond considers the suicides of his affluent and successful collegemates, somethings not adding up. Diamond Eye is a wild and captivating ride.

Customer Reviews:

A Max Diamond novel..........2004-08-07

Max Diamond, a US Postal Inspector, has just found himself in the middle of a nightmare. Max thought it was just illegal porn tapes, instead he landed in the world of snuff films and child pornography.

As two of his old Yale buddies mysteriously commit "suicide", Max finds himself back with Phayle, the girl who stole his heart in college. But as his snuff case opens up, so do the mysteries surrounding his friends' deaths. As Max tries to catch the demons behind these films, he also must fight the ones in his own life.

*** Well written and seems thoroughly researched. If you do not mind the mystery surrounding such toxic situations such as porn, you will enjoy this one. Otherwise, steer clear. ***

(...)

terrific Southern Florida law enforcement tale.......2004-07-05

The United States Postal Inspection Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency, but also the least known. The public rarely if ever hears of it while postal employees mostly figure fat bald trolls in suits watching from the ceiling insure they do not steal a first class stamp. That is a function of the department, but the USPIS also investigates "external" crimes like mail fraud and letter bombs.

Max Diamond is one of the USPIS finest working in Southern Florida. Currently Max has picked up a case from a recently killed in action peer. Max watches tapes of kiddie porn sent illegally through the mail in hopes of finding the distributor until he sees the life of a female participant is snuffed out on a tape. His boss Wacona Smith insists it is an amateur production not a murder, but Max proves otherwise with additional snuff films that he tracks back to a South American connection. He believes that Miami's crime boss O'Burke is behind the deadly videos; Max investigates although he could become the star of his own picture filmed in a Little Havana post office.

DIAMOND EYE is a terrific Southern Florida law enforcement tale starring a warm, witty fortyish unique investigator. The story line is fast-paced as Max makes his inquiries. The support cast either is antagonists or enable the audience to see what motivates Max although the latter is a duel edged sword as prime secondary characters fall off the pages without regard. Still fans will appreciate dedicated Max of the USPIS as he struggles with a deadly case and in his relationships with his grandma, his boss, and his "Phayled" love life.

Harriet Klausner

A new route.......2002-10-19

Good writing, a different kind of detective and brave plotting make this a keeper. A pleasure to find something new.

A Loooong wait..........2002-07-20

After looking in every bookstore in town and learning they were all out-of-stock, I finally decided to order from here. It was a long wait (and more than I wanted to pay for an author I'd never read), so I was sure this would be a disappointment. I even considered giving it away as a gift after I had read it.

That said, this book has a permanent place on my bookshelf. I read it in the space of one day, unable to stay away from the tale of Maximillian Diamond for more than a few moments. Well worth the price, the wait and everything else it took to get this book in my hands. Can't wait for "A Cure To Gravity" to get here!!

Offbeat original.......2002-01-15

Nothing about this mystery novel is expected, from the great care the writer takes to come up with memorable character names -Phayle, Sea Chunny, Mozart - to the use of a U.S postal inspector as the centerpiece of what promises to be a series. Postal inspector? That's got to be a first among mystery novels. The hero has a pet tortoise, drives an exotic motorcycle, practices a Zen lifestyle, is bald, and went to Yale. Name another novel in the detective genre with those traits. Combine originality of detail, if not plot, with a far above average literary style and you have a read that is hard to put down. Great writing. More, more!

Joe Sherlock, Kid Detective CD Audio Collection: Case 000001:The Haunted Toolshed,Case 000002:The Neighborhood Stink,Case 000003:The Missing Monkey-Eye Diamond (Joe Sherlock, Kid Detective)

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Joe Sherlock, Kid Detective CD Audio Collection: Case 000001:The Haunted Toolshed,Case 000002:The Neighborhood Stink,Case 000003:The Missing Monkey-Eye Diamond (Joe Sherlock, Kid Detective)
Dave Keane
Manufacturer: HarperChildrensAudio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0061227609
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Book Description

With unspeakable phobias, a need to sleep with three night-lights, and a horrible allergy to peanut butter, Joe Sherlock is not your typical neighborhood hero. But fear not, Joe Sherlock always cracks the case . . . and just in time for dinner.

Case #000001: The Haunted Toolshed

Cakes vanishing into thin air? Mailboxes disappearing without a trace? Evil lurks in Mr. Asher's toolshed? Joe Sherlock must investigate the strange and unexplained events that are happening on Baker Street after dark. Even though a cold tingle of terror gallops down his spine like a herd of wild gophers, Joe is determined to solve the case and have his bundt cake, too.

Case #000002: The Neighborhood Stink

Can a goofy kid detective overcome a sudden and strong gag reflex? Will he stop stepping in the evidence? And will he solve the case in time for dinner? On a carpetlike lawn in a gated yard sit mysterious, smelly piles of dog poop. Mrs. Fefferland puts Joe Sherlock on the case to sniff out the culprit. But even Sherlock Holmes never encountered a case as baffling or stomach-churning as this.

Case #000003: The Missing Monkey-Eye Diamond

Why has a ring with a diamond the size of a monkey's eye suddenly disappeared? Will it be found before the wedding party turns into an angry mob? Armed with only a box of Barf Blockers, a clip-on tie, and his extraordinary sleuthing skills, Joe Sherlock is in a race against time—and a very sensitive stomach.

Performed by Fred Berman

Joe Sherlock, Kid Detective, Case #000003: The Missing Monkey-Eye Diamond (Joe Sherlock)

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Joe Sherlock, Kid Detective, Case #000003: The Missing Monkey-Eye Diamond (Joe Sherlock)

Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060761903
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Book Description

Why has a ring with a diamond the size of a monkey's eye suddenly disappeared? Will it be found before the wedding party turns into an angry mob? Most importantly, can somebody get Joe Sherlock out of the bath in time?

Armed with only a box of Barf Blockers, a clip-on tie, and his extraordinary sleuthing skills, Joe Sherlock is in a race against time—and a very sensitive stomach. Baskerville's only kid detective will have his brain squeezed in the pressure cooker of his neighbor's mixed-up wedding day. Joe Sherlock is ready for the challenge . . . as long as nobody offers him an egg salad sandwich.

Diamond Eyes: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Private Investigator Nudger

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Diamond Eyes: A Novel of Suspense Featuring Private Investigator Nudger
John Lutz
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0312050747

10 Volumes James Bond Thrillers (Diamonds Are Forever; 007 James Bond: A Report; You Only Live Twice; Casino Royale; For Your Eyes Only; Goldfinger; Live and Let Die; Moonraker; The Spy Who Loved Me; The Man With The Golden Gun, 10 Book Set)

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10 Volumes James Bond Thrillers (Diamonds Are Forever; 007 James Bond: A Report; You Only Live Twice; Casino Royale; For Your Eyes Only; Goldfinger; Live and Let Die; Moonraker; The Spy Who Loved Me; The Man With The Golden Gun, 10 Book Set)
Ian Fleming
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VJV7J8

Product Description

Set of 10 Signet paperback books: James Bond Thrillers. Inlcluded in this set: Diamonds Are Forever (D2029); 007 James Bond: A Report (D2652); You Only Live Twice (P2712); Casino Royale (P2724); For Your Eyes Only (P2727); Goldfinger (P2729); Live and Let Die (P2730); Moonraker (P2731); The Spy Who Loved Me (P2733); & The Man With The Golden Gun (P2735)

7 Titles James Bond 007 Series - Casino Royale - Live and Let Die - Diamonds Are Forever - From Russia with Love - Doctor No - Goldfinger - For Your Eyes Only

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7 Titles James Bond 007 Series - Casino Royale - Live and Let Die - Diamonds Are Forever - From Russia with Love - Doctor No - Goldfinger - For Your Eyes Only
Ian Fleming
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000TBR9Y0

Product Description

Multiple books shipped as one item for your convenience. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.

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Ace of Diamonds
Harold James
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1412015308
Release Date: 2006-06-30

Product Description

This story is pure fiction. It is about a detective, Wally Bishop, and a gang leader, Fredrick Solano. The gang has committed disrespect, robbery and murder within the city of Shinook for their survival. One of their murders was of the parents of Wally Bishop. Wally was an only child and was deeply hurt, so he changed his career from law to become a private eye in order to find his parents' murderer. It is a moving story with much action, feeling and strategy to help one overcome the urge to make the wrong decision and end up on the wrong side of the law.

The Adventures of Little Johnny Diamond Private Eye

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when is the next book available
A chance for children to see that dreams can come true
Little Johnny Diamond is a good lead to follow
A superb selection for budding mystery lovers ages 5 to 10
Terrific detective book -- Very highly recommended

The Adventures of Little Johnny Diamond Private Eye
Clay Titus
Manufacturer: Ct Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0971349606

Book Description

This is a children's picture book about Little Johnny Diamond, an 8 year old boy who is fascinated with becoming a Private Eye. He dresses in an old hat and trenchcoat that once belonged to his father. Johnny has all sorts of investigative tools he carries with him to help solve his make believe mysteries. One day, Little Johnny Diamond helps his friend, Officer Jones a city policeman, solve the mystery of the stolen bicycles in the town of Shilo.

Customer Reviews:

when is the next book available.......2004-06-24

Johnny's adventures are fun for reading to little boys who usually only hear stories about girls or animals at this age. The good guy wins and makes friends in the process. It reinforces a positive relationship with authority figures and has fun products we made at a sleep over. I remember these from my youth but today's kids have no idea.

I also gave this book as a gift to a friend whose taught Sunday School at her church. She had a little boy in her class who had lost his father in an accident the year before. She let him take the book home with him after reading it in class.

I want to see Johnny's next adventure. Thanks for an easy to explain story with great illustrations!

A chance for children to see that dreams can come true.......2003-03-04

Little Johnny Diamond is a wonderful chance for children, from ages 3 to 12, to see that dreams really can come true, and that good always wins over evil. We read it out loud and could hardly wait to see what happened next. My 7 year old and 4 year old can hardly wait for the next installment of Little Johnny Diamond Private Eye.

Little Johnny Diamond is a good lead to follow.......2002-09-08

Little Johnny Diamond is the kind of everyday hero that children can identify with. Perhaps now more than ever children need to identify with someone their age who faces adversity in life but rises above it to help others. To top it off, his case-solving teaches children critical thinking skills. I hope Little Johnny Diamond has a few more "tricks of the trade" up his big, baggy sleeves!

A superb selection for budding mystery lovers ages 5 to 10.......2002-09-06

Illustrated with the simple, soft, crosshatched color sketches of Chuma Okoli, The Adventures Of Little Johnny Diamond Private Eye is an engaging children's picture book about a young boy who solves a mystery of stolen bicycles. Clay Titus' gentle and captivating tale is very strongly flavored with realism and the importance of bringing vital evidence directly to the police. The Adventures Of Little Johnny Diamond Private Eye is a superb selection for budding mystery lovers ages 5 to 10.

Terrific detective book -- Very highly recommended.......2002-07-06

What eight-year-old Johnny Diamond lacks in friends he compensates for with his vivid imagination. Wearing his father's trench coat and hat, and armed with his detective tools, Johnny slips around the house and recovering lost objects. Sometimes he makes up mysteries about the neighborhood, entertaining his mother and Officer Jones with stories of how he solved the mysteries. Then one summer day Johnny sees something very suspicious and becomes the only person who can solve the neighborhood crime.

THE ADVENTURES OF LITTLE JOHNNY DIAMOND PRIVATE EYE is a marvelous story that works on a number of levels. First, it's an entertaining story that will delight young mystery lovers. But it is also a tale of imagination and sticking to the truth when even your parents don't believe you. Illustrator Chuma Okoli's powerful and realistic style perfectly compliments the fascinating text. In addition, Author Clay Titus' background as detective and police officer give the story a sense of believability while maintaining an entertaining element, making THE ADVENTURES OF LITTLE JOHNNY DIAMOND PRIVATE EYE come very highly recommended.

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After Dark, The Magazine of Entertainment : September 1981 , Volume 14 , Number 3/4, With Marilyn Monroe with Closed Eyes in Grey Fur & Silver Dress & Diamonds on Cover (AFTER DARK MAGAZINE, 14)
Norma McLain Stoop articles by Louis Miele
Manufacturer: AFTER DARK MAGAZINE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000MDE3C6

Product Description

MAGAZINE , 1980, 1st Edition, VG-/GOOD, SOLD AS-IS, SOFTCOVER, Slight Rub, Wear Scuff , tiny Crease Cover, Scuffing Along Spine Cover & Corner, Interior Nice Condition Light Wear., FOX, Tiny Nicks Scuff Pages Edges, , As you open Cover Clear Tape Reinforcement because Partial Spine Split, Cover Spine RIP, AFTER DARK MAGAZINE Publ, Editor in Chief Louis Miele, Art Director Neil Appelbaum, articles by Louis Miele ,Norma McLain Stoop , Mark Bego, Vito Russo ETC, Color & B/W Photographs by Juan Ramos, Jill Lynne , Mark Ivins, ETC, With Marilyn Monroe with Closed Eyes in Grey Fur & Silver Dress & Diamonds on Cover , with Photo Spread Inside, Includes , Adult Semi-Nudes, Liza Minnelli in Happy Endings Movie , Starr Danias of Joffrey Ballet, Fire Island Pool Party, Peter Allen recipient of 1978 Ruby Award Music Potpourri , Antonio Lopez Fashion Chronicler of 60s thru 1980s, Veronica Lake, Christopher Street doric Wilson Village Playwright ETC

Ben and Jacky and the Missing Diamond (Eagle Eye Mystery)

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Ben and Jacky and the Missing Diamond (Eagle Eye Mystery)
Gerald Holt
Manufacturer: Riverwood Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1895121167

Book Description

Alita joins her arch-enemy, mad scientist Desty Nova, and two nasty replicants of herself on a journey to Ketheres to rescue her old friend Lou's brain, which is part of a vast array powering the computer known as "Melchizedek." In Ketheres, the hapless cyborg and her unsympathetic companions promptly become embroiled in a war between artificial worlds. Their hosts have the secret of immortality, but how human is someone who can live forever?

Customer Reviews:

Good, although not the best.......2006-03-03

I've been following Last Order since it came out, and this is definitly NOT the best in the series. It's basically one long battle and the story seems to be dragged out so that nothing really happens.

I can't say don't buy it since the series as a whole is what makes Alita books great. But I was quite disappointed.

Last Order series tops itself again.......2004-10-16

This review is for the just released English version of "Angel of Protest". The whole "Last Order" series so far has been very well done, with a slicker, cleaner look than the first series. This latest release builds upon the last book with more new characters and lots more fighting and action scenes. I love Alitas new jacket and leggings, they remind me of Nausicaa or even one of CardCaptor Sakura's costumes. Also, we finally get some adversaries worthy of the "Imaginos" body.

"Angel of Protest" takes the storyline on kind of a tangent, with "Alita" geting into fights for moralistic reasons again. This sets up some great fighting however, and we get to see "Zazie" in action. Most everything that was unclear at the end of "Angel Eternal" is still not resolved. This is not a criticism because, hey, we get some great battle sequences! I just hope the overall plot does not get sidetracked for the sake of great fights and then be forced into some slap-togther cheesy resolution like the end of the first series.

"Angel of Protest" is a page-turner if you follow "Battle Angel" and my only complaint is it was too short. I love the artwork and ideas in this series. The campiness of the plot and the philosophical inner dialog of the characters never fails to amuse.

My wife still won't even look at these books because of the gore, and my sister just laughs at the silly Germanized names of the fighting techniques. (I still can't get her to stop laughing at "Panzer Kunst") But I read this series over and over again and always come away with a respect for the depth of imagination, the detail of the artwork and the sheer entertainment on so many different levels.

"Good To Goý".......2004-06-03

Alita, Wu Ping and Desty Nova begin this volume on the threshold of Ketheres, the last station of Earth. The first citizen they meet is Trinidad who reveals that Nova is the result of a project that is near and dear to Tinidad's heart (or brain). Alita, from Trinidad's viewpoint is excess baggage, and a short confrontation leaves her and Wu at severe disadvantage. Once again, Alita turns an apparent weakness into a strength, and her survival shifts the plot into a new gear.

Other than vague hints, Yukito Kishiro has always been very reticent about the overall scope of the series. First one city on a single planet, then a floating city, then something most like a space station. Now we find out that there is a whole solar system out there full of people every bit as devious as the ones we have already met. A whole political dimension opens up to be exploited, and you can be sure that Alita loses no time in becoming embroiled in the future of worlds where immortality is a commodity.

The story bogs down a bit mid-volume as Kishiro brings the reader up to speed on the status of the solar system, but the hiatus doesn't last for long, as Alita heads out into space with for what promises to be a return home and a major battle. The changing settings give the artist/writer a chance to do what he does best - draw, and create characters. It is this scope and the detail of vision that sets Alita apart from most other manga other than other standouts like Akira and X/1999.

Alita is a modern hero, beautiful, deadly, and determined - which ethics and values which completely surpass her cyborg nature. This series continues to find the middle ground between action and morality play without ever leaving a hint of over-acting. While there have been some attempts at creating OVA for this story, the story begs for serialization as anime. Anime with a lot of computer graphics, since Yukito Kushiro has an eye for detail that rivals Hieronymous Bosch. I will look forward to that day.

Not All Demons Come From Hell..........2004-06-02

In a struggle that pits adults against children the residents of Tiphares act out the age old questions of whether an imitation can replace human nature. Of course, the answer is no - the adults, who have had their brains replaced with tiny computer chips, have become compliant, but that does not mean they are not jealous of their prerogative.

For the youth, who now understand the deeper meaning of freedom, the fight is for survival as individuals - as true humans. Yet, when pressed, they too will stop at nothing, and it is the children who unleash a monster so deadly that only Alita can stand up to it, But even the super-powered cyborg is dangerously outclassed.

As Yukito Kishiro's new series unfolds, the reader learns that this story is far larger that the limits of the city in the sky. Kaos, who lost almost everything in the first series has returned - ruined, but determined to make amends. And by the simple, age-old mechanism of a paper plane a bond is re-forged and a faint, slightly cynical glimmer of hope appears to light the way.

For all the this series is still a vehicle for Alita's spectacular fighting skills the story reveals more depth and a finer sense of rhythm than the first series. Too often sequels seem to suffer from weakness, but Kishiro seems to have husbanded his strength. As complexity and character develop the story grows stronger as well.

High on battles, low on plotline. Transitional volume........2004-03-26

A previous reviewer mentioned he disliked this new series because it does not fit with the original series... I have to disagree. Last Order begins one year after Alita dies at the hands of a bomb and Nova collects her brain matter. The original ending came about quickly due to medical and stress related problems on the part of the creator, and as a result, there are far too many questions left unanswered.

Last Order attempts to remedy this by filling out the universe in which this story is set.

Admittedly, LO #2 is rather high in battles and low on plotline. LO #1 itself places the reader in a whole new world that is largely left unexplained amidst outright chaos. LO #2 continues this for a short while as it deals with the problems of Tiphares. The most important thing to be learned from this volume is that it serves as a transitional space and motivation for Alita & co. to make their journey through Ladder to Ketheres in Volume #3. However, if you felt this book lacking, I highly recommend hanging in and checking out #3, as the Battle Angel universe starts a whole new ball game.

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Classic tales and new interpretations of this timeless subgenre.

Quality tales of adventure and magic

In Lands That Never Were: Tales of Swords and Sorcery from The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction

Manufacturer: Thunder's Mouth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Lords of Swords

A Case of Conscience (Del Rey Impact)

ASIN: 1568583141

Book Description

Long before Arnold attempted a pale copy, Conan the Barbarian held sway over the land, and all was swell. Neither man nor woman, beast nor spirit could rival him. Then, for many a day, he disappeared ... but lo, now he's back! Conan is featured, together with some of fantasy's favorite characters, in this compendium of swordplay and wizardry, fleet-footed thieves and flat-footed palace guards, witches and man-eating leopards, giants and giant slugs. In Lands That Never Were also Includes introductions to each story by the editor.

Customer Reviews:

Classic tales and new interpretations of this timeless subgenre........2006-08-04

_In Lands That Never Were_ includes several classic epic fantasy / swords and sorcery heroes and a few brilliant modern renditions of that timeless subgenre, culled from over fifty years of _The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction_.

A Conan story fittingly opens this anthology, as Robert E. Howard's barbarian is the most famous fantasy character ever. Fritz Leiber invented the "duo of rogues" pairing with his barbarian Fafhrd and thief the Grey Mouser. "Ill Met in Lankhmar" tells of their first meeting, when the infiltrate a thieves' guild.

Two brilliant young writers use this classic duo format to spin their own tales that blend sword and sorcery with cerebral modern elements. Charles Coleman Finlay sends his rogues Kuikin and Vertir on a vivid quest through jungles to recover the chrysalis of a hibernating god. Chris Willrich's duo includes a thief and a poet. They ruminate on the nature of emotion as they seek the physical embodiment of an old king's sorrow, created by the king's bargain with a dark sorcerer.

Unfortunately, few of the other stories in _Lands_ live up to the wild adventure of Leiber or the clever concepts of Finlay and Willrich. Ellen Kushner offers a glimpse of the heroes from her dueling novel _Swordspoint_, and Ursula LeGuin returns to the world of her Earthsea novels. But these stories, and the meandering tales by R. Garcia y Robertson and Pat Murphy, never leap off the page with vivid imagination.

_Lands_ offers a good introduction to classic as well as modern swords and sorcery, including tales from the two writers who defined the genre and the two modern writers best continuing it.

Quality tales of adventure and magic.......2005-10-19

This is a collection of short stories and novellas from aleading speculative fiction magazine, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. Selected by its current, award-winning editor, Gordon Van Gelder, these stories span the years from 1967-2004 (with most being more recent) and, for the most part, feature excellent writing from veterans and newcomers alike. A quick inventory:

* The Hall of the Dead, Robert Howard and L. Sprague de Camp: Old-school adventure featuring a young, thieving Conan and a cursed city. (Written by de Camp from Howard's outline; the outline and many of Howard's original Conan tales may be found in the excellent collection, The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian.)
* A Hedge Against Alchemy, John Morressy: a wizard confronts a rock-brained barbarian; self-consciously witty but a quick read
* Ill Met in Lankhmar, Fritz Leiber: the classic account of the initial, tragic meeting of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser; a must-read for S&S fans. (This and the duo's other initial adventures may be found in a collection called The Three of Swords.)
* Counting the Shapes, Yoon Ha Lee: a poignant reunion of a sorceress and her long-lost son in the midst of war
* Firebird, R. Garcia y Robertson: fresh, Russian-flavored girl-meets-knight story; fantastic setting
* Dragon's Gate, Pat Murphy: a tomboy-bard seeks a dragon's help; painless but a bit obvious
* After the Gaud Chrysalis, Charles Coleman Finlay: the second adventure of the swordsman Vertir and the scribe Kuikan; excellent description ("showing") of setting and characterization. (Their first adventure, For Want of a Nail, is in the March 2003 issue; their third, Of Silence & the Man at Arms, is in the June 2005 issue.)
* The Swordsman Whose Name Was Not Death, Ellen Kushner: master duelist Richard St. Vier and his moody scribe/friend/lover Alec cope with a persistent visitor; you'll likely either love or hate Kushner's tales of these two (which feature no magic, abundant intrigue, and are set in a city akin to 16th-17th century London or Paris. Their complete doings may be found in the recent edition of the novel Swordspoint.)
* The Island in the Lake, Phyllis Eisenstein: Alaric the magical minstrel investigates the noble household that dwells in the center of a poisonous lake
* Darkrose & Diamond, Ursula Le Guin: more gorgeous prose from a grand master
* King Rainjoy's Tears, Chris Willrich: the second adventure of the poet Persimmon Gaunt and her long-lived lover, the thief Imago Bone; one of the best stories here. (Their similarly excellent first adventure may be found in the June 2000 issue. One hopes for more tales from this talented author--or at least a website.)
* The Fantasy Writer's Assistant, Jeffrey Ford: the only story here set (partially) in the present day; a student takes a part-time job as a consistency-checker for a prolific chronicler of Conan-esque yarns. (Be sure to check out Ford's collection, The FWA & Other Stories, as well as his more recent work. The neatly crafted "The Empire of Ice Cream" may be found in the 2005 Nebula Awards collection.)

Overall, a solid collection of tales that will please most fans of heroic fantasy and S&S. Four steel-bright stars.

Footnote: The introduction notes that there may be a distinction between heroic fantasy and S&S. Through the efforts of Howard Andrew Jones and others at swordandsorcery.org (the Flashing Swords e-zine), that distinction has finally been defined. (In a nutshell, S&S is 'fantasy with dirt' and less-than-noble characters most often opposed by magic rather than aided by it.) By this standard, the only true S&S tales in those collection are those featuring Conan, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, Vertir and Kuikan, and Persimmon Gaunt and Imago Bone. I mention this simply for the benefit of the most zealous among us. ;)

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Southern delights

My wife loves it.

Just wonderful with a stick of butter!

Paula is so entertaining....

Great Book

Paula Deen's Kitchen Classics: The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook and The Lady & Sons, Too!
Paula Deen
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook

The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook Collection

ASIN: 1400064554
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Book Description

As owner and proprietor of The Lady & Sons restaurant in Savannah, Paula Deen is one of the South’s most celebrated chefs. Now two of her cherished culinary classics–The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook and The Lady & Sons, Too!–have been combined into one delicious volume, available in hardcover for the first time.

As a special treat, Paula Deen’s Kitchen Classics includes candid photos from Paula’s recent wedding, as well as scrumptious new dishes from the reception, tasty creations that have never appeared in any of her other books.

Here are hundreds of mouthwatering, easy-to-follow recipes. For appetizers, soups, and salads, whip up some Georgia Spiced Pecans, Mini Onion Quiches, She Crab Soup, and Gingersnap Pear Salad. The delectable main courses will be the hit of any family supper, Sunday picnic, or dinner party. Who can resist Beaufort Shrimp Pie, The Lady’s Oven-Roasted Ribs, Ron’s Grilled Peanut Butter Ham, or Hot Savannah Chicken Salad Casserole?

Enhance any meal with heavenly side dishes like Crunchy New Potatoes, Collard Greens, and, of course, Fried Green Tomatoes. And what meal is complete without sinful desserts–from Mississippi Mud Cake and Cherry Cream Cheese Pie to Sliced Nut Cookies and Butterscotch Delight? Is your stomach growling yet?

Seasoned with Paula’s practical kitchen hints and her friendly, no-nonsense observations, Paula Deen’s Kitchen Classics is the perfect gift for experienced cooks, budding chefs, and anyone who loves comfort food.

Customer Reviews:

Southern delights.......2007-09-20

Paula makes cooking easy and fun. Let's face it folks........this is NOT Cordon Bleu! The recipes are very good and makes use of plenty of 'helper' ingredients like canned cream style soups, cake mixes and self rising flour. Boy, does she ever use lots of butter!! It is a book I'll use often cuz it makes sense in our busy lives. The 'helper' ingredients were a surprise but so sensible. Plus, you get two of her books in one binding.

My wife loves it........2007-09-14

My wife is addicted to the Food Network, and her favorite hostess/chef is Paula Deen. I bought her this book for her birthday, and she proceeded to read it like a novel. She quickly picked out her favorite recipes and made a shopping list right away. She hasn't told me when I get a taste of the new recipes, but I can't wait.

Just wonderful with a stick of butter!.......2007-07-05

I started watching Paula Deen and like so many folks just thought she was wonderful. Her Food Network Chefography was great and showed she had an idea and a need and went for it. I purchased these book for my cooking challenged cousin as I had tried a couple of her recipies and they were fabulous, just no way of messing up. I just recently tried her Red Velvet cake for a cousin and he was thrilled. What really made me look at her books was a friend who baked Paula's sour cream pound cake with caramel topping, this was wonderful!!! As a cake baker, myself, I really don't eat a lot of cake but I'm always willing to have a slice especially if I didn't have to bake it, THIS CAKE WAS WONDERFUL! I had a couple of slices!!! I went to library and got all of her books that I could find and now I am going to buy a couple of them for myself! I unfortunately did not like the format for her friends cookbook and would rather just watch Paula's Party then read it but the recipies are still great. I hope you'll enjoy her TV shows and books too! and keep a stick of butter handy.

Paula is so entertaining...........2007-05-14

Along with those decadent recipies, Paula is so funny and entertaining. Recipies are easy to follow....tasty and an eye pleaser. Enjoy using the book on a regular basis....favorite recipie....Shrimp stuffed wrapped with bacon....Delicious!!!!

Great Book.......2007-05-13

Its a good Book but not what we thought it would be. But worth the money.

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