Review of Death of an Angel (Mass Market Paperback)

This book manages to rise above the dizzying plethora of paperback murder stories that seem to be inundating the literary market recently, primarily because of Davis's skill as a writer and the frankly fascinating and very sad story that he tells. Although I have certain reservations with Davis's style, I still must take my hat off to him and commend him for what he has accomplished in this book. It's the rare crime writer who can keep the reader's interest going through the often interminable police investigation that follows murder and the resulting courtroom scenes, but Davis skillfully manages this rare feat and keeps the suspense level high until the bitter end. He's also able to keep an often complex and intricate story moving briskly along and never does the narrative lose its inherently compelling qualities. You'll be hard put to find a more repugnant murderer than Christopher Hightower and your heart will break as you read how he cold-bloodedly wipes out an entire family for his own sociopathic ends. My only complaint with the book is that Mr. Davis makes little attempt to explain how a Christopher Hightower comes to be the warped, malignant mockery of a human being that he ultimately became, relying instead on superficial platitudes about the nature of good and evil and shallow moralizing. Perhaps this is unfair to Mr. Davis, expecting him to make sense of a dilemma that continues to perplex and plague civilized society. It's all well and good to speculate about the banality of evil and the perhaps intrinsic malevolence that resides in the human character but it brings us no closer to understanding what it is that causes one person to undergo the psychic and spiritual metamorphosis, the repellent transformation and disintegration of soul, that renders them capable of causing such a harrowing and haunting tragedy as the Brendel murders. How can a man from such a relatively normal background as Hightower's seems to have been become so callously capable of nearly unimaginable barbarity? Does such hideous evil emerge fully-formed from a vacuum? These are questions we need to ask ourselves as our murder rate continues to rise and become ever more appalling, and our civility as a race continues to diminish. Mr. Davis doesn't answer these questions (it's doubtful that anyone can) but it's imperative that we address them.

Product Description
When prosperous lawyer Ernest Brendel mysteriously disappeared, along with his wife Alice, and their 8-year-old daughter Emily, friends in the close-knit Rhode Island neighborhood worried that family had been kidnapped. It would be agonizing months in a massive FBI search before they would know the heartbreaking truth.

The shaken community began to lose hope that the family would ever be found alive. Their worst fears were confirmed when heavy rains from a tropical storm uncovered Alice and Ernest Brendel's badly decomposed bodies--shot with a giant crossbow, strangled, and buried in the quiet woods of the town. Lying under her mother's corpse was little Emily's lifeless body, now a silent witness to her killer's shocking identity.

Like a hand pointing from the grave, the evidence led authorities to one of Ernest Brendel's closest and most trusted friends. What Ernest couldn't have known was that Christopher Hightower--a Sunday school teacher and respected member of the community--was a psychotic liar obsessed with greed, jealousy, and murderous revenge.


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Review of The Confessions of an American Black Widow : A True Story of Greed, Lust and a Murderous Wife (Confessions of Black Widow) (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a very fascinating true story of Sharon Nelson Harrelson, who was not only a Black Widow, but also a serial killer. Sharon would stop at nothing (money, sex, material possessions, etc.) to get what she wanted even when it meant murder. Sharon Nelson is a woman w/o any values, principles, or class; she used sex to get whatever she wanted. Everything about Sharon oozes sex. Sharon always put herself first, even ahead of her own children. Sharon is what you call a husband stealer, husband killer.

This is the second true crime book by Gregg Olsen that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. I've also read 'If Loving You is Wrong' and found that very fascinating. Olsen does such a wonderful job with his research from Sharon's upbringing to her three marriages (preacher, doctor, and fireman), to the murders of her doctor and fireman husbands, to her confessions. We learn a lot about Sharon Nelson and the type of person she is from her sister, Judy, her neighbors in Weston, family members and friends of the victims, and Perry Nelson's secretary.

Confessions of an American Black Widow is a must read.



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Review of Now You See Me (Mass Market Paperback)

Sixteen years ago, Olivia Howe was kidnapped by a madman, and though she was rescued, lost her sight from a blow to the head. However, she gained another kind of sight, one that has allowed her, over the years, to tap into the emotions of other children in trouble and lead to their rescue. It has happened again, ironically sixteen years to the day after how own kidnapping. Olivia is the first to know that little Phaedra has been taken, somehow by the same maniac who stole her sight.

Although telling the police what she knows brings Olivia into focus and the prime suspect, she is compelled to do all she can to save another child's life. Lead detective, Max Callahan is drawn into believing her, and to the psychic herself. As he grows closer to her and more involved in the case, Max discovers an eerie connection he has to the case and to Olivia herself. Past demons reach out to grip all involved, and a race against time ensues to prevent the kidnapper from becoming a killer.

***** Unexpected twists and heart stopping suspense make this a book you will want to read in one sitting. Beyond that, you are offered unique insights into the world of the blind with a fascinating and believeable heroine that is portrayed by Olivia. Max is a tower of strength who has overcome a terribly scarred past to live life as a true hero. You will definitely put this on your keeper shelf. *****

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore



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Review of Past Tense: A Brady Coyne Novel (Brady Coyne Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

Brady Coyne's history is well known to fans of William G. Tapply's stylish plots and writing.Coyne has killed two people before, defending a lady in each case.Naturally, the police wonder if he's done it a third time when Coyne and girlfriend, Evie Banyon, report finding Evie's stalker, Larry Scott, dead after a nasty confrontation the night before.Because they're both suspects, Coyne cannot represent Evie during her interrogation.They have to move out of the house they've rented on Cape Cod (it's a crime scene), and Coyne has to leave his BMW behind (while it's checked out for signs that the body has been in it).So much for their plans for a romantic summer weekend of love and lobsters.

Over the next week, Coyne becomes concerned when he cannot reach Evie.The police become angry when she ignores them as well.Coyne decides to check out her home, and finds a trail that leads him back to the town where Evie had once lived and worked, the same town where she had met the stalker.

The book develops in three dimensions at this point.There's the mystery of who killed Larry Scott as the first dimension.The second dimension is learning about Evie's untold story of her life before she met Coyne.The third dimension is revealing the mechanism being used to create circumstantial evidence to frame Evie and Coyne.For my taste, the second dimension is by far the most rewarding.

The story evolves in a compelling way among the intense love-hate relationships that only a small town can have.That's the book's strength.If you've ever spent time in or lived in a small town, you will recognize the situation well.

One of the book's weaknesses is that Coyne often acts unprofessionally with the police in a way that could have been avoided with a tiny shift in the plot development.This character flaw seemed gratuitous.It's as though Mr. Tapply wanted to show that lawyers are always untrustworthy when it suits their purposes.By writing the book this way, Mr. Tapply encourages disrespect for the police and their investigations.

Another weakness is that most readers will have solved most or all of the book's various mysteries early on.Although unveiling Evie's story is interesting, the mystery becomes secondary too early in the book for that aspect of the book to be fully rewarding.I found it painful to read as the resolution slowly, oh so slowly, unfolded.

Finally, Coyne leaves himself at risk from the murderers even with plenty of warning from Evie and the events as they unfold.I doubt if many people in similar circumstances would have taken the same foolish chances.

After you finish reading this story, think about how well you know the backgrounds of those around you.What are you assuming that could be totally false?

Get the facts!

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Review of The Parents Answer Book: From Birth Through Age Three (Parent's Picks) (Mass Market Paperback)

There is only one thing I disagree in this book which had a very small section suggesting letting a baby cry for an extended period because it says it is important for a baby to learn to comfort him/herself and handlereturning to sleep on his/her own.I am against letting a baby youngerthan 6 months to cry it out under any circumstances.If my baby was 6months or older, I may let him cry him out at night only for 5-10 minutesmaxium.That is also why I only gave it 4 stars.Other than that, Ibelieve the book was very well-written and organzied.The book talks aboutthe newborn basics, covers physical, emothional and cognitive milestones,your child's health etc.

Product Description
Everythingyou need to know about your child's development, health, and safety-in one book!

Why isn't my baby rolling over yet? Will my child start talking soon? How can I get my toddler to eat her vegetables? When will my child be ready to use the potty? What type of preschool is best?

Parenthood is a time of overwhelming emotions-and questions. At last, many of the questions you have about your child are answered in this indispensable reference brought to you by the trusted editors of Parents, America's #1 family magazine since 1926. Like a wise, trusted friend, this comprehensive resource offers authoritative, time-tested advice on how to raise a happy, healthy, safe, and secure child, from birth through age three.

This must-have guide features:
* Q & A sidebars that address parents' pressing concerns
* All the basics you need to know for infant care from day one through the first year
* "It Worked for Me" parent-tested solutions
* An A-Z guide to symptoms and treatments, covering everything from the flu to meningitis
* First aid basics for handling medical emergencies
* Special sidebars on "When to Call the Doctor" and "Pediatricks," original tips from pediatricians
* Childproofing every room in the home
* "Parents Alert" boxes that highlight everyday dangers


From the Inside Flap
The Resource Every Family Should Have On Their Bookshelf!

Newborn Basics, an illustrated introduction to infant care, helps you through the daily routines and quandaries that begin the moment you get home from the hospital. An "owner's manual" for new parents, it takes you from day one through the first year, when your information needs are greatest.

As They Grow covers physical, emotional, and cognitive milestones in a young child's life and underscores what you can do to promote your child's growth in each area.

Your Child's Health gives you all the tools you'll need to ensure your child's well-being with a thorough guide to healthy habits and preventive care, including an A to Z list of common symptoms and treatments.

Safe and Sound provides step-by-step guidance on creating a safe home and a safe environment wherever you go throughout your child's life.


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Review of Rough Draft (Mass Market Paperback)

I eagerly await each new book from James Hall, having read him from the beginning.Rough Draft is another outstanding South Florida suspense story.Each Hall book is completely different, with new characters, etc. But they retain the riveting writing style, perverse humor, and intriguingplot that grab you and won't let go.Hal and Misty in Rough Draft arecharacters that border on preposterous yet are still very believable intoday'sviolent world.

Hall doesn't seem to get the same recognitionas Carl Hiiason, Elmore Leonard or some other current greats but he'snumber one on my list of favorites.



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