Title: The Dance of Anger: A Woman’s Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships
Classification: Self-help
Author: Harriet G. Lerner, Ph.D.
Publisher: Harper & Row Publishers
Copyright: 1986
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Ok, so I am not someone who has a lot of respect for self-help books. I think, most of the time, self-help books perpetuate “emotional/medical disease-of-the week” discussions rather than anything helpful. That said, I have recommended this book from the author who dances with lots of emotions (The Dance of Anger, The Dance of Intimacy, The Dance of Connection, The Dance of Deception & The Mother Dance) to friends who are finding it difficult to deal with the dichotomy of an angry woman.

Title: Fever Moon
Classification: Mystery
Author: Carolyn Haines
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Haines’ remarkably descriptive writing style that always seems to capture the texture of small town southern life works against her in this murder mystery set in the war-robbed small town of New Iberia, Louisiana in 1944.  I tried more than once to get through the book but to no avail-the characters just weren’t interesting enough and the story moved way too slow.

Title: Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Elizabeth Kolbert
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In a clear, concise, and unbiased voice, journalist Kolbert presents her findings on the current status of the melting polar ice caps due to the buildup of carbon dioxide. This catastrophic problem, first brought to light in the 1970’s, may be closer to effecting irreversible climatic changes than we realize. The book is easy to read, avoiding cumbersome scientific terms and concepts, and sobering in its delivery. Using examples such as floating houses and migrating butterflies, and explaining the politics of global warming as it relates to science sheds light on the reality of “what we know and what we refuse to know” about global warming. Highly recommended for anyone trying to grasp understanding of the most serious threat we face to our way of life.

Title: A Fist Full of Charms
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: Harper-Collins
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Move over Anita; Rachel Morgan from the Hallows in Cincinnati is evolving into one mighty powerful witch! This book is the fourth in the Rachel Morgan series and each book keeps getting better and better.  This time, Jenks, Rachel and Ivy are off to Michigan to find Jenks’ wayward son.  Rachel finds herself juggling her feelings for Ivy, her vampire roommate; Kisten, her vampire lover; and Nick, her ex-boyfriend who sold her out to a demon.  With help from Ceri, an elf demon familiar, Rachel charms into a were and morphs Jenks from pixy to human size.  The story moves at a rapid pace, making it hard to put this book down.  Best to read the series in order to see the character evolution, although each book has a unique, independent storyline. 

Title: For A Few Demons More
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Fifth book in the Rachel Morgan-The Hollows series and first to be released in hardback.  Move over Anita Blake; Rachel, Jenks and Ivy are truly the new stars of dark urban fantasy fiction!  Like the other books in the series, this book starts with a bang and although slower paced than the others, the Cincinnati, Ohio story of the ley-line witch, her pixy partner and living vampire roommate is captivating and rich in content. Keep the books coming Kim, because there are no better characters around in this genre!

Title: Full Moon Rising
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Keri Arthur
Publisher: Bantam Books
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Riley and her twin brother, Rhoan are rare vampire/werewolf hybrids who work for an Australian organization created to police the supernatural. This new dark urban fantasy adventure is full of action and the story moves along with such a fast pace I read it in one long sitting! Arthur sets up the story for a sequel and I can only hope this book is the first in a series. What an exciting addition to the genre! (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Giants of the Frost
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Kim Wilkins
Publisher: Warner
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A beautifully woven love story where modern skepticism meets Nordic mythology.  Victoria Scott, a meteorology doctorate student finds the remote Norwegian island, where she is stationed, strangely familiar and begins to suffer haunting nightmares of mythological creatures.  This island is the gateway to the worshipped and feared gods of the past as well as an important meteorological recording station in the present.   Vicky realizes it is fate that brought her back to this island, after a thousand years, to reunite with a love only her soul can remember.  This story could have been fluff, but the author’s skilled writing and historic research of mythology make this delightful tale compelling and full of suspense. 

Title: Grave Sight
Classification: Mystery
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Harper Connelly is a twenty-something woman, who after being hit by lightening is able to find dead people. She is for hire and travels around the south with her step-brother, Tolliver, acting as her emotional protector and business manager.  This story is darker and lacks the endearing characters usually found in Harris’ other books.  Harper may be good at what she does, but seems somewhat wimpy and a little too whiney for a lead character.  If you like murder mysteries with a slight supernatural twist, you may enjoy meeting Harper and Tolliver in this first book. (The second installment, Grave Surprise, is set for release in November, 2006, and I hope Harper gets a grip on her unique skill by that time.) 

Title: Grave Surprise ____
Classification: Mystery
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Well, it seems Harper Connelly has gotten a grip on her unique skills in this second mystery featuring Harper and her brother Tolliver Lang.  Harper Connelly is a twenty-something woman, who after being hit by lightening is able to find dead people and knows how they died.  She is for hire and travels with her step-brother, Tolliver who acts as her emotional protector and business manager.  Both siblings are sharp and on top of their game as they as they tie up loose ends from the first book in the series, Grave Sight (Check out my review on this title in my Back Shelf page).  If you like murder mysteries with a slight supernatural twist and a touch of deadpan wit, you will enjoy reading about these sibling sleuths in Harris’ new series.

Title: Greywalker
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Kat Richardson
Publisher: Roc Fantasy-Penguin Books
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Harper Blaine, twenty-something, Settle P.I. got in over her head one day when a client violently beat her to death; dead for two minutes.  Two minutes later, she finds herself just as violently forced back to the living and now she has to learn to survive between the living and un-living dimensions.  This story is a great new addition to the creepy, dark urban fantasy genre.  Slow to start, the action and characters develop at a rapid pace and our understanding of the “between” world seems to parallel Harper’s growing acceptance that she is now a Greywalker. 

Title: Ham Bones
Classification: Mystery
Author: Carolyn Haines
Publisher: Kensington
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This seventh installment in The Bones series gets a four solely based on the return of some of the most endearing Southern Daddy’s Girls that ever tried to solve crime-Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Cece and the Dahlia House haunt, Jitty.  As soon as Sarah makes a New Year’s resolution to put her past behind her, it slaps her in the face when her New York acting associates bring the theater and murder into her life.  Charged with the murder of an old nemesis, Sarah is self-absorbed and lacks the strong lead she usually commands in most of the series’ stories.  This murder mystery is hardly a mystery and the characters seemed posed to survive without Sarah by the end of the book.  The series receives a five; this story is the weakest installment and is only worthy of a three.

Title:The Harlequin
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating: 0
Reviewer Comments: Here it is; released in June 2007, the 15th installment in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series.  Anita Blake died for me after Obsidian Butterfly (Book 9), although I kept re-reading her obituary in the next five books, not willing to walk away from one of the most memorable female characters to capture the hearts and minds of millions of dark urban fantasy readers.  Not any more.  This book is the first Anita Blake adventure I did not buy or read.  Actually, I read the first two chapters and was excited to find Anita back at work and off her back.  I hesitate to continue reading for fear I would be disappointed.  I have read approximately 50 reviews of Harlequin and, without exception, was assured that the animator, necromancer, vampire executioner and endearing penguin hugging bad ass that was Anita in the first 9 books is truly gone.  Most say this story once again has a plot, although the rambling dialogue and bizarre sex/torture scenes still overshadows the story.  Most say they are hoping some “new” Anita may emerge in future tales, but all seem somewhat resolved that one of the best paranormal urban fantasy protagonist who dominated our imaginations in the first 9 books in the series will never grace the pages again.  I once heard Hamilton speak at a book signing, claiming that the sexy reworked cover art of her early books was her publisher’s attempt (not hers) to tantalize and reach out to a new audience.  At that signing, Hamilton claimed her then upcoming Meredith Gentry series would appease her publisher’s request to give a fantasy protagonist to the romance reading audience without compromising Anita.  Hmmm. Laurell K. Hamilton now writes like a self-righteous, out-of-touch narcissist.  Her stories now contain unexplained character inconsistencies and an amazing amount of grammatical errors. Maybe her proof-readers (if she even has any) are so bored with her writing they are just skimming or too busy rolling their eyes as they turn the pages.  Rest in peace, Anita or at least give your “piece” a rest! 

Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Classification: Children
Author: J. K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: NO SPOILERS HERE!!!  What can you say?!!  The seventh and final installment of the incredible children’s series that altered the face of pop culture in our society is finally here and it doesn’t disappoint!   Harry is no child in this story and this installment is a much darker, sophisticated story than found in any of the other books.  I know everyone couldn’t wait to find out what happens to America’s favorite wizard, but for me, the real excitement was finally being able to read the last chapter which Rowling had written and locked up in a vault at least five years ago.  She said seven books and stuck to it without compromising the character by cashing in on her fame and dragging the series out beyond her original intention for Harry Potter.

Title: Heart-Shaped Box ____
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Joe Hill
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copyright: February 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: What an incredible thriller and remarkably scary debut novel!  I could not put the book down yet found myself so terrified, at times I was unable to turn the page.  This is the story of aging hard rocker Judas Coyne, collector of all things bizarre and grotesque.  His collection includes a used hangman’s noose, a cookbook for cannibals, a snuff movie, and a pencil holder made out of a human skull and he goes through twenty-something Goth girls he names for what state he meets them in…all in an effort to feel alive.  One day he finds someone selling a ghost on the internet and naturally he needs to have it…only this item is for real…and suddenly he is fighting for his life.  Seldom does a novel scare me but this one had me looking over my shoulders as I ran around the room to make sure all the lights were on!  This thriller never slows down and as tormented as the characters are, you see their humanity shine through in touching ways as they come to terms with their past “ghosts” in order to survive the real ghost.  If you like Dean Koontz and Stephen King, most likely you will love this novel…if you don’t like Koontz or King; most likely you will love this novel!  After all, Joe Hill spins a horror thriller for the new generation and does it with more depth and emotional honesty than you will find in most of his famous father's horror novels.

Title: Heartsick
Classification: Fiction
Author: Chelsea Cain
Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Heading a three-state Task Force, Detective Archie Sheridan spent ten years tracking a beautiful, bizarre female serial killer. However, in the end, she caught him and tortured him for ten days before she let him go. Now, two years later, he has finally returned to work; she is in prison for life; and another serial killer is loose in Portland, Oregon. Archie is once again heading up the police task force, and is being shadowed by an up and coming newspaper reporter, Susan Ward. The gruesome story is gripping and this police thriller is somewhat unique with its detail of a rare female serial killer. Normally I shy away from this genre because it is just too easy to figure out what the characters have problems seeing. This story had enough flash backs to the origins of the task force and unique details regarding the horrific, rare female serial killer to keep me reading and overlook some of the obvious clues the trained police kept missing.

Title: Hell to Pay: A Novel of the Nightside #7 ____
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Simon R. Green
Publisher: ACE
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: John Taylor is back finding things in the Nightside after the Lilith War.  This time he has to find the heir of the immortal self-proclaimed ruler of Nightside and he has to search the old fashion way since someone or something is interfering with his special skill of “finding” things through his Third Eye.  After the six-book story arch, it was questionable whether Green could continue the urban noir fantasy series set in Nightside but this 7th novel proves he is just as creative as he was in the beginning.  Too bad he doesn’t write longer mysteries more frequently because the Nightside is one of the most interesting places in this genre. 

Title: Holidays Are Hell
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, Vicki Pettersson
Publisher: Harper
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A collection of short stories featuring popular urban fantasy writer's series characters. I picked up the book for Harrison's prequel Hallows story (series) featuring a collegiate-aged Rachel Morgan in "Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel." An added bonus was Pettersson's Zodiac series short story, "The Harvest", with a significant back story which sheds light on the series' protagonist, Joanne Archer. Nice fillers for the year long wait between novels.

Title: Hood: Book One in the King Raven Trilogy ____
Classification: Fiction
Author: Stephen Lawhead
Publisher: WestBow Press
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A thoroughly researched historical novel setting the Robin Hood legend in the 11th century as William II allows the Normans to violate the peace and encroach into Wales.  Like most Lawhead projects, his command of the English language is almost poetic and this is the first book of a proposed trilogy.  His focus on historical detail in setting up “hero” legends gives his books an air of authority unlike any other storyteller.  However, unlike his previous works, this story gets a little slow midway through the book and at times, the story arc detailing the invading Normans gets boring.  All in all, a great read. 

Title: An Ice Cold Grave
Classification: Mystery
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Harper Connelly and her stepbrother/manager, Tolliver head to Doraville, NC to find a missing boy in this third story from the Harper Connelly Mystery series. What they find is a frozen grave yard of young boys who have been tortured, abused and murdered over the years. The find is shocking, considering so many young boys have gone missing in this small town and most of the locals just assumed they ran away. Add a personal twist in the relationship between Harper and Tolliver, and this story becomes even more unbelievable. The series is dark, full of suspense and quirky characters that keep you coming back. However, if the characters continue to vacillate between professional competence and whinny personal trauma, this series could go down hill fast.

Title: Iron Kissed
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Patricia Briggs
Publisher: ACE Fantasy
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This gripping, page turner is the fourth novel in the Mercy Thompson series. Mercy finds herself trying to clear the name of her friend and ex-boss who has been accused of a series of gruesome murders. Mercy is charming, tough and independent, and not afraid to take on any monster that threatens her or her friends. These stories are some of the best in the lycanthrope urban fantasy genre.

Title: Isaac’s Storm: A Man, A Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History ____
Classification: History
Author: Erik Larson
Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
Copyright: 2000
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I had no interest in hurricanes nor desire to read about a storm that occurred in 1900.  That said, this is one of my favorite books.  It’s the story of the 1900 hurricane that wiped out Galveston , TX and killed almost 10,000 people.  Meteorology was in its infancy and two weather-watchers, Isaac and Joseph Cline viewed themselves as having scientific proof to forecast the weather-one recommends evacuation and one insists the residents should stay.  Lawson makes history come alive by recounting the events before and after the storm through the journals of those involved in the early science and from the accounts of the storm’s survivors.  Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys reading history from an investigatory point of view. 

Title: Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace
Classification: Teens
Author: MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi
Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Jennifer Scales is full of teen-aged angst and then some; particularly after finding out that she is a weredragon. I picked this book up after reading Venus’ review and was thrilled to see such a delightful teen tale written by the only paranormal romance writer I enjoy reading. Although the series is written for young adults, I bet some “old adults” would find it a fun and engaging read.(Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Jennifer Scales and the Messenger of Light
Classification: Teens
Author: MaryJanice Davidson & Anthony Alongi
Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the second Jennifer Scales series book written by the husband and wife team, and what a mystery this team weaves for young adults!  Full of were-dragons, were-spiders and warriors sans the horror normally found in books of this genre.  Jennifer and friends are dealing with normal adolescent problems common among most teens.  Throw in some very unique anthropomorphic changes and you wonder just how they hold it together.  The story focuses on maintaining friendships regardless of the dramatic personal differences that try to tear this group apart.  Also, it is great to see Jennifer find common ground between her diverse parents.  Anyone, regardless of age, who appreciates a good lycanthrope story, will enjoy these books. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Jinx
Classification: Teens
Author: Meg Cabot
Publisher: HarperTeen
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Sixteen-year-old Jean Honeychurch finds herself living with relatives in Manhattan after a prankish spell went awry, forcing her to leave her Iowa home. Nicknamed Jinx by the attending physician at her birth, Jinx believes she has had nothing but bad luck all her life. When Jinx arrives in Manhattan, she finds her cousin has radically changed, believing she inherited magic powers from their ancestor and tries to force Jinx to join her high school coven. When Jinx falls in love with the neighbor boy her cousin has a crush on, her cousin takes to revenge. However, only one woman per generation actually inherits magical powers and the story takes on a ‘good witch,’ ‘evil witch’ until the true witch emerges. Meg Cabot is one of the best tween/teen writers being published today. The stories are contemporary, and always seem to appeal to young women and this new entry is a delightful addition!

Title: Judas Burning
Classification: Mystery
Author: Carolyn Haines
Publisher: River City Publishing
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Carolyn Haines is amazing at capturing the live-style and flavor of the Mississippi Delta and you can almost feel the mosquitoes buzzing around Jexville, Mississippi in this murder mystery. However, there are too many mysteries surrounding each of the characters and the story doesn’t always appear connected or cohesive. Lacks the whimsical, light-heartedness found in Haines’s Sarah Booth Delaney mysteries. Still, I would recommend it if you are in the mood for a well-written Southern small-town murder mystery.

Title: Kissing Sin
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Keri Arthur
Publisher: Dell
Copyright: February 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Australian twins Riley & Rhoan Jenson are back in the second installment from the RILEY JENSON GUARDIAN series.  Riley finds herself prisoner in another facility run by the group of genetic engineers who tormented her brother in Full Moon Rising.  Their attempts of crossbreeding paranormal DNA to create the perfect warrior puts everyone in the Guardian force at risk as it becomes more apparent there is a mole within the force.  As Riley’s vampire traits begin to surface, her identity as a werewolf is beginning to shatter and she finds herself becoming closer to joining the Guardian force her brother works for as a governing assassin policing the paranormal community.  Keri Arthur is technically a romance writer but these novels are strong on suspense and short on romance. The sexual exploits, although at times rather graphic, of Arthur’s characters are more integrated into the story with far more finesse and are less gratuitous than Laurell Hamilton has been able to achieve with her paranormal characters.  This series is thrilling and hypnotizing, and with the plan to release a paperback book a month in 2007, we won’t have to wait to enjoy the dark urban fantasy adventures of these unique vampire/werewolf twins.

Title: Kitty Goes to Washington ____
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Publisher: Warner Books
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Kitty Norville, late-night radio host and celebrity werewolf is back in the second book of the series.  She is off to Washington, D.C. to testify in front of Congress There, she lands up being the “guest” of the area’s head vampire and meets lycanthropes who survive just fine without the violence and structure of a pack.  This story lacks the cutting wit and entertaining action of the first book.  At times it feels like Vaughn isn’t sure what to do with Kitty’s newly found independence as she moves around the country, broadcasting her bi-weekly radio show but overall, the book is still a great read. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Kitty & The Midnight Hour
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Publisher: Warner Books
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: First book in the Kitty Norville Series. Kitty is a Denver, CO late night talk D.J. that offers advice and guidance to those dealing with the supernatural. She is also a werewolf, and her radio show is causing all types of problems for her. She is caught between werewolf politics and vampire power struggles. Most of the characters in this book appear as shadow characters found in the early Anita Blake books…a hired assassin, an employer who exploits the employee’s supernatural gifts, mysterious vampires who suddenly appear when your least expecting them and were-pack struggles for power & dominance. The story is action packed, at times humorous, and definitely a nice addition to the urban horror fantasy genre. Can’t wait to read the next Kitty book, KITTY GOES TO WASHINGTON (Summer, 2006).

Title: Lean Mean Thirteen
Classification: Mystery
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Stephanie Plum and the gang are back in this 13th addition to one of the funniest mystery series ever written.  Nothing new develops; no major character development; just Stephanie, Grandma, Lulu, Ranger and Joe dealing with murder, a missing ex, wrecked cars, funeral showings and family dinner at the Plums.  As long as you don’t expect something new, enjoy another funny, totally fluffy romp around New Jersey with Stephanie, the inept bounty hunter. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: A Lick of Frost
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Hamilton continues her overly-erotic adventures of the Unseelie Princess Merry and her merry elfin consorts in this sixth book in the Meredith Gentry series. With Merry and the men back in Los Angeles, the story has more substance and intrigue that the last few books. Merry finds herself trying to protect her many men, three who have been accused of raping the Seelie Queen. Caught in a legal struggle between the two courts and the threat of losing her beloved Killing Frost, Merry is re-evaluating the personal cost of becoming a Queen. If you still read Hamilton, this is one of the better novels of late. If you are not familiar with Hamilton's new foreboding erotic style of writing, skip this book and read some of her best storytelling in the early Anita Blake series novels.

Title: A Light in the Attic: 20th Anniversary Edition w/CD ____
Classification: Children's
Author: Shel Silverstein
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copyright: 2001
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Every child or child-like adult should own a Shel Silverstein collection.  Although this is not my personal favorite, listening to the poet read his own work is priceless!  Usually found on the shelves of the ages 4-8 crowd, I bet their parents sneak a peak at night when they are fast asleep, and adults will love listening to the book as much as the kids.  He has a collection of work from his days as an illustrator at Playboy magazine that is just as delightful but definitely not for the kiddies.  Take a look-or a listen-to one of Silverstein’s classics this holiday. 

Title: Love Overboard
Classification: Romance
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publisher: Harper Torch
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In the intro, Evanovich sums up the merit of this book when she states Love Overboard was initially published as Ivan Takes a Wife (1989) and immediately went out-of-print. The characters are cute, the story is cute and those that find it hard waiting for a new Stephanie Plum story are likely to be the ones who will read this book. I know it is the only reason I read the reprinted stories by Evanovich. Hurry up, Stephanie before I become bored silly!

Title: The Magdalene Cipher
Classification: Fiction
Author: Jim Hougan
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: 2000
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Previously published as Kingdom Come, this conspiracy suspense novel is fast-paced and thrilling, until the end. For some reason, Hougan (a.k.a. John Case) writes some of the most fascinating novels but seems to have problems ending his tales. Still, it is worth a read and truly gives a twist that makes you think about the C.I.A., Carl Jung, religious fanaticism, and the U.F.O. government cover-up in a totally unique way.

Title: New Rules:  Polite Musings from a Timid Observer ____
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Bill Maher
Publisher: Rodale Press, Inc.
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A hysterically funny and politically poignant collection of “New Rules” from the HBO show Real Time host, comedian Bill Maher.  The show is one of the best on television today, mixing humor and political debate as a panel of celebrities and political personalities discuss the week’s current events.  The most popular segment of the show is Bill’s “New Rules,” where his intelligence and wit combine to make any headline or topic of concern the subject of his rant.  New Rules will make you laugh out loud and view what is happening in our world today in a different light.

Title: Nightlife
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Rob Thurman
Publisher: ROC
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Lupines, and trolls, and boggles, oh my! This novel is a dark urban fantasy, full of action and preternatural creatures crawling around New York City. It is the story about Cal, half-human and half-not, and his human brother. They have been running most of their lives from those that hunt Cal. Wow, wonder if Tolkien would even recognize the elves in this book! Like other first novels, the dialog could be stronger, but the story telling is solid. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: On The Prowl
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Patricia Briggs, Eileen Wilks, Karen Chance, Sunny
Publisher: Berkley Books
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: You will find this dark fantasy collection in the Romance section. I am baffled as to why Patricia Briggs dark fantasy series, featuring Mercy Thompson is classified as Romance. Most likely, I would have passed by this book if not for Briggs. Her short story entitled, Alpha and Omega is a great addition to the unique lycanthrope world she has created and a must read for all Mercy Thompson fans. The rest of the short stories provide an introduction to some of the emerging paranormal fantasy writers.

Title: The Outlaw Demon Wails
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Welcome back to the Hollows; that area of Cincinnati full of magic and mayhem; home to bounty hunter and witch, Rachel Morgan. Rachel, Ivy and Jenks are back in this sixth installment from the Hollows series, and each one of them is struggling to maintain order with all the events affecting their happy home. Its Halloween and the celebration is now a week long in the Hollows since the Turn, the time when humans found out they were not the only race occupying the world and when eating tomatoes became a crime. The celebration has turned troublesome when Rachel�s demon nemesis, Al, is out gunning for her every night after dusk, keeping her stuck at home and Rachel finds herself tormented by a shocking family secret. The elves are struggling for survival, the vampires have a new leader, and Jenks is trying to keep his wife alive another winter. We need more than one yearly visit to the Hollows, so write faster, Kim! This is one of the best dark urban fantasy series out today!

Title: Pendragon Cycle Series (#1-3) Boxed Set ____
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
Publisher: Crossway Books
Copyright: 1989
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This box set includes the first three of five novels making up the Arthurian legend Pendragon series.  For me, Lawhead should have stopped after the first three novels.  All three novels are remarkable and Lawhead’s poetic writing style is hypnotic.   His spin on this legend becomes definitive and every few years I pull out these books, cuddle up in front of the fireplace and follow the adventures of Taliesin (Book 1), Merlin (Book 2) and Arthur (Book 3).

Title: Plum Lovin' ____
Classification: Mystery
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Stephanie Plum is back in this “between the numbers” short novel that is so brief in length, it is just a tease.  Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching and Stephanie finds herself having to aid a match maker complete her tasks before she will allow Stephanie to take her in on her bond violation. There is no one quite like Stephanie and Evanovich should focus on the entertaining, laugh-out-loud characters in her Plum books instead of wasting time writing her other, sappier romance stories that have hit the shelves of late. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Plum Lucky
Classification: Mystery
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments:A Between-the-Numbers Stephanie Plum novel. This thin 'novel-light' falls between number 13 and number 14 in one of the funniest, charismatic mystery series out today! Yes, Stephanie and most of the gang are back; this time with a little person who believes himself to be a leprechaun. The gang's antics will make you laugh out loud as they descend on Atlantic City to find grandma and a horse being held hostage by a local gangster. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Poltergeist
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Kat Richardson
Publisher: ROC Penguin
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The second book in the GREYWALKER series featuring greywalker Harper Blaine, small-time PI for the living and un-living realm is an exciting urban fantasy mystery that plays on the true historical 1970’s Canadian paranormal Phillips Experiment to create a poltergeist.  Harper is hired by an ego-maniacal psychology professor to find out who is tampering with his precious experiment; a modern recreation of the original experiment.  He doesn’t believe in poltergeist, especially that a man-made one could commit murder.  Hired on her reputation as a private investigator, it is her growing skill as a Greywalker that solves the crime.  The book is truly a murder mystery set in the present and historic Seattle area which Harper experiences first hand as she moves with more proficiency through the Grey with the aid of her quirky mentors, spooky vampires and mysterious electronic geek.  Harper Blaine is truly a captivating addition to the dark urban fantasy genre. 

Title: Prom Nights From Hell
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Stephanie Meyer, Lauren Myracle
Publisher: Harper Teen
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A collection of paranormal prom stories by five of the genre's most popular authors. Kim Harrison's short-story, Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper gives new meaning to the age-old warning, "Don't get into a car with a stranger!" There are things worse than the Grim Reaper.

Title: Proven Dead
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Jim Butcher
Publisher: ROC & Penguin Group
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the eighth book in the Harry Dresden series.  It is great to be back in Chicago with the amazing P.I. wizard, Harry and his side kick, Bob, the talking skull.  However, this adventure seems slow to start and lacks the excitement and adventure found in previous stories.  I found myself having to refresh my memory by re-reading the last book in order to follow what was happening with Harry in this book.  If you like the series, you will love catching up with Harry and friends in this book.  If you are new to the series, this book is not the place to begin.  Feels more like filler than a stand alone adventure.

Title: The Scent of Shadows:  The First Sign of the Zodiac ____
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Vicki Pettersson
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: February 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A new dark urban fantasy centered on the struggle between good and evil based on the signs of the zodiac.  Every city has “super heroes” and ‘super villains” who are locked in an eternal battle to keep the world in balance for the humans who are clueless to their existence.  Joanna Archer, heiress, freelance photographer lives in Los Vegas on the edge...an enigma learning martial arts instead of shopping; photographing the downtrodden of the city but only at night. There are events in her life that seem push her toward the dark seedy side of Sin City, until one day when she is forced to face the fact that the world around her has supernatural things that go bump in the night.  Joanna is one dynamic ass-kicking superhero who finds the balance between the Light & the Shadow.  Although I can’t wait for the next in the Zodiac series (The Taste of Night:  The Second Sign of the Zodiac,) I did get a little lost in the novel’s world created around the zodiac signs.  Until I read this book, the only thing I knew about the zodiac was that I was born on a cusp of Capricorn and the Fifth Dimension sang the song “Aquarius” in the musical HAIR.

Title: Searching for God Knows What
Classification: Religion & Philosophy
Author: Donald Miller
Publisher: Nelson Books
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I loved Miller’s Blue Like Jazz. In this book, he continues to examine faith without the trappings of organized religion by writing essays as if he is keeping a journal. He is an amazing writer; vulnerable and honest in presenting his thoughts on spiritual living.

Title: SERIES - The Adventures of Hawk & Fisher
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Simon R. Green
Publisher: Various
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Swords and sorcery; magic and creatures of the night. These are the adventures of Hawk and Fisher, a law enforcement husband/wife team who believes they can make the world better in the extremely corrupt town of Haven. As uncorrupt as they are, their methods of enforcement are questionable. In their fight against injustice, they seem to leave behind a path of blood and mayhem. These dark urban fantasy books are set in an altered-reality medieval time, but Hawk and Fisher’s crusade against corruption seems timeless.

Title: SERIES - Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Publisher: ACE Books & Penguin Group (USA)
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In my family, when we talk about Anita Blake, it’s as if she is a close and personal family friend. Sometimes we love her and sometimes we want to send her to her room. Lately, she needs to stay in her room until she gets a grip on her life. However, no matter what she does, we can’t wait to hear about it in the next book. Anita’s character is never stagnant, unlike so many main characters that reappear in series books. Anita Blake is one of the best urban horror fantasy series in print.

Title: SERIES - Apcalypse Left Behind Military
Classification: Religion (Fiction)
Author: Mel Odom
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The Apocalypse series parallels the popular Left Behind saga with stories involving military persons dealing with the world changed by the Rapture. If you enjoyed the Left Behind series, most likely you will enjoy this series which is much better written than the original.

Title: SERIES - Atta Olivia Clemens
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Publisher: Various
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Off-shoot of the Saint-Germain series novels, and like those novels, these novels following Saint-Germain’s one-time romantic interest, vampire Atta Clemens, are more remarkable for their historical narrative rather than great vampire stories. 

Title: SERIES - Austra Family
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Elaine Bergstrum
Publisher: Various (Some out-of-print)
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments:The Austra Family vampires are unique.  They are members of an ancient race, separate from humans.  Although the stories are set throughout Europe, they tell the story of the family members living in Cleveland, Ohio.  As a Clevelander, it is so interesting to see the city through a vampire’s eyes.

Title: SERIES - Bones Series
Classification: Mystery
Author: Carolyn Haines
Publisher: Bantam
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Meet Sarah Booth Delaney, current resident and owner of Dahlia House in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Sarah is forced to start a detective agency to prevent loosing her family estate. Between solving cases, Sarah finds herself entwined with romantic interludes and nagging advice from Jitty, the ghost of her great, great grandmother’s nanny regarding how she lives her life. These books are great mysteries with lots of humor and quotable wisdom from Jitty. No one captures the mood and texture of the Mississippi Delta like Haines. If you like the Stephanie Plum series, you will love this series with stronger mysteries and a more competent main character.

Title: SERIES - Changeling Detective Stories
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Elaine Cunningham
Publisher: TOR
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Ten-year veteran of the Providence, Rhode Island, vice squad, Gwen Gellman is forced to retire after a sting turns into a bloodbath. She starts her own P.I. firm specializing in family problems but finds herself uncovering her own mysterious and mystical past. The books read like police suspense stories more than fantasy stories. Gwen may be a member of the Fae race but barely realizes this fact and the rest of the world within the novels are a mirror of our own world.

Title: SERIES - Dante Valentine
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Lilith Santcrow
Publisher: Warner
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The world in which necromancer, Dante Valentine works is a gritty, evil mirror of our world gone cyberpunk.  These books are dark urban horror. 

Title: SERIES - Dresden Files
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Jim Butcher
Publisher: ROC & Penguin Group
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: These are the dark urban fantasy adventures of Harry Dresden, Chicago’s wizard extraordinaire and struggling Private Investigator. Harry comes up against vampires, witches, and werewolves on a daily basis. There is action, adventure, and humor all at the right spots. As the series progresses, so does Butcher’s writing skills. Although there are only a few story lines dependent on reading the series in order, there are not many spoilers if you read a book out of order.

Title: SERIES - Earth’s Children
Classification: Fiction
Author: Jean M. Auel
Publisher: Various
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Ayla is one of the first modern humans living during the Ice Age. The series begins with Ayla’s traumatic childhood living among the Neanderthal Cave Bear clan whose skills and physical features are radically different from her own Shunned as an adult by the clan, the books follow Ayla as she journeys through the harsh and threatening prehistoric world. The first three books are excellent; the last two books were terrible. (Click here to check out Mariah's review of the series)

Title: SERIES - Harry Potter
Classification: Children/Teen
Author: J. K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: What can you say about these incredible books! The quality of storytelling in children’s literature greatly improved once Rowling started writing. Keep in mind, as Harry Potter ages throughout the series; the stories become increasingly darker and more intense. Book 1 may be appropriate for a younger reader, but the later books may be too scary for young readers. Ages 9 and up.

Title: SERIES - Left Behind Political
Classification: Religion (Fiction)
Author: Mel Odom
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Neesa Hart’s series parallels the popular Left Behind series with stories of political and governmental personnel dealing with the world changed by the Rapture. If you enjoy the Left Behind series, most likely you will enjoy this series which is better written than the original. The stories are full of political intrigue but not as captivating as the military series by Mel Odom.

Title: SERIES - Merry Gentry
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Publisher: Random House Publishing, Inc.
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Meredith NicEssus (aka Merry Gentry, supernatural crime P. I.) is the kind of faerie princess that makes Walt Disney roll in his grave. If you love Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake books, most likely you will read her stories about Merry as she tackles Fey politics and tries to balance her many lovers. These urban fantasy horror stories get better as the series progress, but they are not among of the best out there. It seems like the Merry Gentry series could be a Romance reader’s introductory guide to fantasy horror.

Title: SERIES - Moral Vampire
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Rosemarie E. Bishop
Publisher: Various
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: 500 year old vampire, Christian Desmonde finds himself questioning who he is now in relation to his Christian upbringing as a mortal.  The author writes in a poetic style as she records Desmonde’s search for spiritual identity. The series combines humans, vampires, and angels in a unique take on the vampire legend. 

Title: SERIES - Nightside
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Simon R. Green
Publisher: ACE Fantasy & The Penguin Group (USA)
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: John Taylor, a detective who has the ability to "find anything" sets up his shingle in the dark heart of London called the NIGHTSIDE, where it's always 3 A.M., and heaven and hell have no place among the human and inhuman occupants. These books are dark urban noir, filled with horror and a little humor. Best to read in order; especially #4, #5, #6 due to spoilers that are part of the main story line. Rumor has it there may be three more Nightside novels even through book #6 ends a particular story arc in the series.

Title: SERIES - The O'Malley's
Classification: Religion (Fiction)
Author: Dee Henderson
Publisher: Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: What a delightful series involving seven people who were raised in an orphanage and made themselves into a family. Each book focuses on one of the O’Malley’s as they deal with their unique profession, the family and friends that touch their lives. The series is a great read for someone who likes romantic Christian fiction with suspense. Although the prequel could be read independently, the series should be read in order to avoid major spoilers.

Title: SERIES - Ophelia & Abby Mysteries
Classification: Mystery
Author: Shirley Damsgaard
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Thirty-something librarian Ophelia Jensen and her charming granny Abigail are both witches with paranormal powers. Trying to flee her personal demons, Ophelia moves to small town Summerset, Iowa to be close to Abby and the two of them find themselves in the middle of murder and mystery.

Title: SERIES - Rachel Morgan
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: Harper Torch
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Rachel Morgan - Cincinnati's witch and recently independent bounty hunter. She finds herself living in an old church with a "living" vampire and a family of pixies. These stories are urban fantasy/horror with humor and suspense. The characters continue to develop throughout the series. Best to read in order; there are a few spoilers if you read out of order.

Title: SERIES - Saint-Germain
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Publisher: Various
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This amazing historical series follows vampire Saint-Germain throughout history, from Ancient Rome to Victorian England and everywhere in between.  The series is remarkable in capturing the texture and lifestyle of various historical periods but is not particularly remarkable as a contributor to vampire literature.

Title: SERIES - A Series of Unfortunate Events
Classification: Children's
Author: Lemony Snicket
Publisher: Various
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: What a great mystery series for children!  A Series of Unfortunate Events begins by telling you not to read these books about the suddenly orphaned Baudelaire children.  The three children find themselves depending on each other and their wits to survive when a distant relative becomes their appointed guardian.  He is much more interested in getting their fortune than caring for the children. Written for preteens but adults may like to read them with their children. 

Title: SERIES - Sisters of the Night
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro 
Publisher: Various
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Taken straight from a scene in Dracula by Bram Stoker, the Sisters of the Night books examine the lives of the three incubus (a.k.a. brides of Dracula) leading up to their vampire change by Dracula.  These books are an interesting twist on the Dracula tale. It has been years waiting for the promised third book in the series. 

Title: SERIES - Sookie Stackhouse
Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: ACE Book & The Penguin Goup (USA)
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Sookie Stackhouse works at a bar in the quirky small-town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. She has a special psychic gift allowing her to read minds, which has kept her somewhat of a loner until Bill the vampire walks into the bar one night. Sookie finds she is working for a lycanthrope, dating a vampire, and frequently stuck in the middle of vampire and were politics. This urban fantasy series is full of horror, action and mystery with well placed humor and romance to ease the tension. Best to read the series in order, although there is only one major story line that relies on reading the books in order. Sookie also appears in a few Fantasy anthology collections where Harris is a contributor.

Title: SERIES – Stephanie Plum
Classification: Mystery
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publisher: Various
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Most likely, you will laugh-out-loud at the comedy in these novels and forget they are mysteries. For sheer entertainment, this series is the one to read. Stephanie is an inept bounty hunter who is too petite for the job but has bills to pay, so she finds herself working for her sleazy cousin with an ex-prostitute, Lulu and her grandmother as occasional side-kicks. Her love life bounces between her old flame, Joe who is now a cop and the mysterious bounty hunter, Ranger.

Title: SERIES - Temperance Brennan
Classification: Mystery
Author: Kathy Reichs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The series follows Temperance Brennan, Forensic Anthropologist as work takes her between the North Carolina and Quebec. There are always bones, love interests and murder mysteries to be solved. The science in these books is amazing; no surprise because author Reichs is also a Forensic Anthropologist. Temperance Brennan can be seen weekly in a new T.V. series based on Reichs’ books.

Title: SERIES - Undead and ...
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Various
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The hilarious adventures of Betsy the Vampire Queen who would rather be buying shoes than handling vampire politics! They are short, quick stories and can be found in the Romance section of any bookstore. Luckily, the first four novels now appear in a single volume entitled Betsy the Vampire Queen (2005). Best to read in order.

Title: SERIES - Wyndham Werewolves
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Various
Copyright: Various
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Amazingly funny preternatural stories from romance writer Davidson. This time she focuses on werewolves and their romantic yet difficult interactions with humans. Derik’s Bane, the only novel thus far in this series involves a werewolf hooked on Rachel Ray and her cooking shows. The rest of the Wyndham werewolves tales are shorts in omnibus collections.

Title: Shadows in the Darkness
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Elaine Cunningham
Publisher: TOR
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The first in the Changeling series featuring ex-vice cop Gwen Gellman, now P.I. specializing in family problems. Although the story is classified as fantasy because Gwen finds out she is Fae toward the end of the book, it reads like a suspense police thriller. The book sets up storylines for future books in the series.

Title: Tall, Dark & Dead
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: Julie Kenner
Publisher: Penguin
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Wow…the goofy title, cartoon-ish cover art and publisher’s classification of this book as “Romance” certainly caused me to pause.  Was I glad I overlooked all that!  This story rocks!  Garnet Lacey is hiding as a Goth poseur in a Wisconsin occult bookstore after the Vatican Hunters killed her Minnesota coven. She is possessed by the goddess, Lilith, after she carelessly called upon her to revenge the slaughter of her friends.  Now, she finds herself back in the world of magic and mayhem with an ancient day-walking vampire, her ex-who is also a vampire and the Vatican witch hunters who have business in this normally quiet Wisconsin town.  Yeah, this is a Romance writer spinning the tale but she seriously knows how to incorporate her characters into an enthralling dark urban fantasy adventure.

Title:The Taste of Night:  The Second Sign of the Zodiac
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Vicki Pettersson
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The second book in the Zodiac series featuring Joanna Archer, superhero protector of Los Vegas in the war between Shadow and Light.  However, this story spends more time developing the quirky zodiac-influenced society and, as a result, is less action packed than the previous book.  The fantasy world involving the Shadow/Light zodiac characters seems somewhat convoluted, and the series seems to be moving away from urban fantasy and toward becoming an alternative world fantasy instead.  Still, there is enough action to move the story along, and the main character, Joanna seems to be adapting to the changes forced on her with confidence and self-reliance. 

Title: Tombs of Endearment
Classification: Mystery
Author: Casey Daniels
Publisher: HarperCollins
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Pepper Martin is a historic cemetery tour guide in Cleveland, Ohio and recently found herself private investigator to the deceased. In this third Pepper Martin Mystery series. Pepper finds herself trying to find out who is channeling a 1970's rock icon that died of an overdose and threatening the remaining aging members of his band. As the mystery unravels, Pepper finds that she needs to come to terms with her own past before she can truly take a chance at getting involved with the living. She realizes her life is no different than these aging rockers and their groupies, who failed to move forward in their lives when the party was over. These mysteries are smart, equally mixing humor and suspense, and are just fun to read.

Title: The Trouble with Magic
Classification: Mystery
Author: Madelyn Alt
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: First installment of the Bewitching Mystery series: a crime mystery with a little magic. Maggie O’Neill literally falls into a New Age-type life when she meets Felicity Dow, owner of the haberdashery Enchantments and local witch in the small Midwestern town of Stony Mill, Indiana. The characters, as well as the mystery itself, are a bit predictable, but the book is still charming. Most likely, I will read the next Bewitching Mystery book when it is released to see what is happening with Maggie and Felicity.

Title: Undead and Uneasy
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Berkley
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Light, fluffy and funny is the best way to describe this sixth installment from the Undead and… series about the trials and tribulations of the most self-centered vampire queen history has ever known.  Betsy the Vampire Queen is so absorbed in final wedding plans she can’t see her world collapsing all around her.  The series is always entertaining and an extremely quick read, but never worth the price of a hardback.  Borrow from a friend or from your local library if you can’t wait until it comes out in paperback next year. 

Title: Undead and Unpopular
Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Betsy the Vampire Queen is funnier than ever in this new addition to the Undead and … series.  A light humorous summer read with all new adventures for everyone living with the Queen as she gets ready for her wedding and her first birthday since becoming the Queen.  A higher recommendation would follow sans this story’s brevity.  Betsy’s adventures would be better handled as “penny dread” installments rather than as expensive annual hardbacks. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: The Unnatural Inquirer
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Simon R. Green
Publisher: ACE Books
Copyright: 2008
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Welcome back to the Nightside; a macabre world existing somewhere deep in London where it is always 3 a.m. When a controversial DVD recording of the afterlife goes missing, the local gossip newspaper hires the legendary P.I., John Taylor to find it. John can find anything when he uses his third eye. This time, some supernatural power is interfering with his abilities and he finds himself working the old fashion way; wearing out shoe leather with an overly zealous reporter at his side. Green's Nightside novels are extremely macabre urban fantasy mysteries; yet full of humorous and charmingly dangerous characters. This novel could stand alone, but the intriguing story arch developed throughout the first six novels makes reading the series in order so much more delightful.

Title: Unshapely Things
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Mark del Franco
Publisher: ACE Fantasy
Copyright: 2007
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A new dark urban fantasy that begins the tales of The Convergent World where Conner Grey, ex-Guild druid finds himself living in the seedy, run down Boston neighborhood called the Weird.  Grey has lost his druidic powers, finding himself ousted from the Guild, a druid policing force over fey activities.  He is unemployed and relies on his disability checks and some meager consulting fees from the human police.  Just like any person of power who loses their status that defines their lives, Grey has to rethink his worth, his friendships and his abilities while he tries to save the world and stop a serial killer who targets fey prostitutes. The author has created a rich tale involving fairies, elves, trolls, druids, and flits that mingle with human politics and history.  If you like the Harry Dresden series (The Dresden Files) and John Taylor series (Nightside), you will welcome the adventures of Conner Grey to this intensely rich dark urban genre. 

Title: When Jesus Came to Harvard: Making Moral Choices Today
Classification: Religion
Author: Harvey Cox
Publisher: Houghton Mufflin Co.
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: In response to Harvard realizing that most of their graduates were ethically deviant; the faculty introduced in the early 1980’s the requirement that all undergraduates must complete course work in moral reasoning. Cox was brought on board to teach a course examining the role Jesus of Nazareth had as rabbi regarding moral responsibility. This book is his memoir reflecting on twenty years of teaching this extremely effective and always packed class set in a theater forum. The book is informative, contemporary, and challenges readers to consider how ethics and morality is developed.