Dexter in the Dark
Jeff Lindsay
Doubleday, Sep 2007, $23.95
ISBN: 9780385518338
Miami crime scene investigative cop Dexter Morgan uses his policing skills to solve cases and to hide the evidence of his being a serial killer who heeds his Dark Passenger voice inside him to kill someone although he limits his victims to those he deems evil. His current official assignment is to investigate the gruesome crime scene of a double homicide at the University of Miami. The two female students were burned and beheaded in what seems like a ritual killing.
However, Dexter, who is the best CSI in MPD, seems to fumble the inquiry. He knows why he struggles; his Dark Passenger recognized something in the vicious murders that sent the creature into some hiding hell hole from even Dexter. The Dark Passenger is actually the brains behind Dexter’s incredible rate of solving cases. With only donut power to sustain him, Dexter must solve the ritual coed murders and try to figure out just what is the Dark Passenger as Dexter feels in the dark on the case and a bit alone without his mental companion.
The third Dexter Morgan entry is much different in tone than his previous appearances in DARKLY DEVOTED DEXTER and DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER; as the serial killing CSI is more pensive since he is alone. His fascinating thought processes are his own as he reflects on the murders, his own self worth, and his vanished “partner” as opposed to the witty schizoid-like dialogue with his “partner”. This switch, still graveyard humorous, keeps the Dexter tales fresh as the hero works a case while feeling alone without his Dark Passenger providing him with ghoulish insights into life and death.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Saturday, September 1, 2007
The Courtesan's Daughter-Claudia Dain
The Courtesan's Daughter
Claudia Dain
Berkley, Oct 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425217207
In 1802 Lady Caroline Dalby knows she has no chance at marrying someone from her social class because her mama was a renowned courtesan. Her mama widow Lady Sophia Dalby offers a deal to the Earl of Ashdon; she will pay off his gambling debts in exchange to his marrying her beloved daughter; reluctantly he agrees.
However, Sophia is stunned when Caro refuses to marry Ash. She prefers to be a spinster on the shelf if she has to wed someone who does not love her; however Carol also considers being a courtesan with Ash as her first client. As Sophia maneuvers her daughter and the lord who is in her debt, she knows they are perfect for one another. She is elated when the couple is caught in a compromising position because that affirms she is right; now to get this stubborn duet to understand their feelings go much deeper than an aristocrat and his mistress.
THE COURTESAN’S DAUGHTER IS A FUN Regency romantic frolic starring a likable cast as readers will enjoy the antics of that great Machiavellian courtesan as she manipulates her daughter and her chosen one to come together in matrimony. Sophia, like most parents, wants so much better for her child. Although several other subplots add a feel for the Ton and are well written, they take away from the enjoyable main attraction; that of Sophia’s matchmaking.
Harriet Klausner
Claudia Dain
Berkley, Oct 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425217207
In 1802 Lady Caroline Dalby knows she has no chance at marrying someone from her social class because her mama was a renowned courtesan. Her mama widow Lady Sophia Dalby offers a deal to the Earl of Ashdon; she will pay off his gambling debts in exchange to his marrying her beloved daughter; reluctantly he agrees.
However, Sophia is stunned when Caro refuses to marry Ash. She prefers to be a spinster on the shelf if she has to wed someone who does not love her; however Carol also considers being a courtesan with Ash as her first client. As Sophia maneuvers her daughter and the lord who is in her debt, she knows they are perfect for one another. She is elated when the couple is caught in a compromising position because that affirms she is right; now to get this stubborn duet to understand their feelings go much deeper than an aristocrat and his mistress.
THE COURTESAN’S DAUGHTER IS A FUN Regency romantic frolic starring a likable cast as readers will enjoy the antics of that great Machiavellian courtesan as she manipulates her daughter and her chosen one to come together in matrimony. Sophia, like most parents, wants so much better for her child. Although several other subplots add a feel for the Ton and are well written, they take away from the enjoyable main attraction; that of Sophia’s matchmaking.
Harriet Klausner
The Queen's Handmaiden-Jennifer Ashley
The Queen's Handmaiden
Jennifer Ashley
Berkley, Oct 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425217320
Eloise Rousell is the same age as Princess Elizabeth as both were born in 1533. However, unlike the royalty, Eloise lived with a traveling troupe until her aristocratic mother is dumped as a pampered pathetic lady once her actor spouse died. The five years old is sent to live with her Aunt Kat, governess to the “defrocked” no longer a princess by royal decree of her sire when he beheaded her mother so Eloise moves to the court.
She becomes Elizabeth’s most trusted confident. Thus she is there when King Henry died; she sees his offspring young King Edward die in a rather short reign; and observes first hand Bloody Mary take the throne terrorizing her half sister Elizabeth and others. When Elizabeth becomes queen, Eloise’s importance to her highness is even greater. However, when Eloise falls in love, she fears her beloved might be endangered as those surrounding the Queen would do anything to gain an edge; she has not considered that she might also be in peril from those who want to gain power.
Jennifer Ashley provides a clever look at the life of Elizabeth I through a fictional confident Eloise Rousell. Royal events like queen beheadings are cleverly tied to moments in Eloise’s life. Thus fans obtain a deep biographical fiction that intelligently compares the big scenario of the royal stage to a minor participant influenced by what happens at center court.
Harriet Klausner
Jennifer Ashley
Berkley, Oct 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425217320
Eloise Rousell is the same age as Princess Elizabeth as both were born in 1533. However, unlike the royalty, Eloise lived with a traveling troupe until her aristocratic mother is dumped as a pampered pathetic lady once her actor spouse died. The five years old is sent to live with her Aunt Kat, governess to the “defrocked” no longer a princess by royal decree of her sire when he beheaded her mother so Eloise moves to the court.
She becomes Elizabeth’s most trusted confident. Thus she is there when King Henry died; she sees his offspring young King Edward die in a rather short reign; and observes first hand Bloody Mary take the throne terrorizing her half sister Elizabeth and others. When Elizabeth becomes queen, Eloise’s importance to her highness is even greater. However, when Eloise falls in love, she fears her beloved might be endangered as those surrounding the Queen would do anything to gain an edge; she has not considered that she might also be in peril from those who want to gain power.
Jennifer Ashley provides a clever look at the life of Elizabeth I through a fictional confident Eloise Rousell. Royal events like queen beheadings are cleverly tied to moments in Eloise’s life. Thus fans obtain a deep biographical fiction that intelligently compares the big scenario of the royal stage to a minor participant influenced by what happens at center court.
Harriet Klausner
An Enchanted Season-Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh & Jean Johnson
An Enchanted Season
Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh & Jean Johnson
Berkley, Oct 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425217856
"Melting Frosty" by Maggie Shayne. As preadolescents in 1992, he in Flint and she in Oswego suffered a jarring tragedy during the holidays that has stuck with them as adults. Now Matthew and Holly meet for the first time when they are snowbound over Christmas.
"Charlotte's Web" by Erin McCarthy. Charlotte the witch casts a spell of lust on her pal Will; not fully appreciating that he needs no incantation to love her.
"Beat of Temptation" by Nalini Singh. In 2019 as the Psy Council tries to outlaw Christmas, Psy Pack operatives Nate and Tamsyn meet, each is immediately attracted and enchanted by the other.
"Gifts of the Magi” by Jean Johnson. B&B owners Steven and Rachel are in financial trouble as the weather has forced cancellations. However they greet three unexpected guests for the holidays.
These are four enjoyable holiday paranormal romances that will bring AN ENCHANTED SEASON to sub-genre readers.
Harriet Klausner
Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh & Jean Johnson
Berkley, Oct 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425217856
"Melting Frosty" by Maggie Shayne. As preadolescents in 1992, he in Flint and she in Oswego suffered a jarring tragedy during the holidays that has stuck with them as adults. Now Matthew and Holly meet for the first time when they are snowbound over Christmas.
"Charlotte's Web" by Erin McCarthy. Charlotte the witch casts a spell of lust on her pal Will; not fully appreciating that he needs no incantation to love her.
"Beat of Temptation" by Nalini Singh. In 2019 as the Psy Council tries to outlaw Christmas, Psy Pack operatives Nate and Tamsyn meet, each is immediately attracted and enchanted by the other.
"Gifts of the Magi” by Jean Johnson. B&B owners Steven and Rachel are in financial trouble as the weather has forced cancellations. However they greet three unexpected guests for the holidays.
These are four enjoyable holiday paranormal romances that will bring AN ENCHANTED SEASON to sub-genre readers.
Harriet Klausner
Mine Till Midnight-Lisa Kleypas
Mine Till Midnight
Lisa Kleypas
St. Martin's, Oct 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312949808
In1848 London Amelia Hathaway is worried about her brother Leo who apparently vanished after visiting West End gambling hells and brothels. Desperate to find her sibling, she asks half-Gypsy club owner Cam Rohan to find him.
Meanwhile Amelia and her family visit their recently inherited house outside of London. Cam happens to be nearby visiting a neighbor of the Hathaways. He is attracted to Amelia so he begins seeing her in spite of some doubts about her eccentric relatives. He gently woos her while helping her and her sisters restore the neglected estate. Already in love with her persistent but kind suitor, Amelia knows he is the one for her as he helps her family as much as her.
Although a former suitor trying to “win” Amelia’s hand for diabolical reasons adds some unneeded suspense to the terrific plot, fans of Lisa Kleypas’ Wallflower saga will appreciate MINE TILL MIDNIGHT. In fact the hero Cam played a secondary role in THE DEVIL IN WINTER. The story line is fast-paced, but it is the relationship between the lead couple as the strong seemingly tough Cam is gentle with the innocent but courageous Amelia. This is an entertaining Victorian romance.
Harriet Klausner
Lisa Kleypas
St. Martin's, Oct 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312949808
In1848 London Amelia Hathaway is worried about her brother Leo who apparently vanished after visiting West End gambling hells and brothels. Desperate to find her sibling, she asks half-Gypsy club owner Cam Rohan to find him.
Meanwhile Amelia and her family visit their recently inherited house outside of London. Cam happens to be nearby visiting a neighbor of the Hathaways. He is attracted to Amelia so he begins seeing her in spite of some doubts about her eccentric relatives. He gently woos her while helping her and her sisters restore the neglected estate. Already in love with her persistent but kind suitor, Amelia knows he is the one for her as he helps her family as much as her.
Although a former suitor trying to “win” Amelia’s hand for diabolical reasons adds some unneeded suspense to the terrific plot, fans of Lisa Kleypas’ Wallflower saga will appreciate MINE TILL MIDNIGHT. In fact the hero Cam played a secondary role in THE DEVIL IN WINTER. The story line is fast-paced, but it is the relationship between the lead couple as the strong seemingly tough Cam is gentle with the innocent but courageous Amelia. This is an entertaining Victorian romance.
Harriet Klausner
Free Fall-Fern Michaels
Free Fall
Fern Michaels
Zebra, Oct 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780821778814
The Sisterhood selects Michael “Mick” Lyons as their next target. In Japan over three decades ago, Michael purchased the mother of member Yoko Akia from her parents promising a good life for their offspring in America. Instead he used her as part of his prostitution ring; selling her as an exotic hooker until she became pregnant with his child. The irresponsible hedonistic movie mogul dumped her expecting her to die. That child Yoko survived and as an adult seeks vengeance for her mom.
The Sisters begin their diabolical plot of vengeance by exposing for the world especially his circle the sleazy dealings of Lyons and some of his cronies. As they carry out their scheme, the Sisters know they must be vigilant as the police seem to be closing in on them.
The latest Sisterhood SWEET REVENGE PAYBACK to bring LETHAL JUSTICE to those who have gotten away with crimes against women is an exciting thriller with this time being Yoko’s VENDETTA. The story line is action-packed as the fearsome feminists plot to destroy Michael and his VIP male cohorts. The plot, as is the norm in this fun series, seems implausible, but no one will care as everyone will root for Yoko to destroy her biological father.
Harriet Klausner
Fern Michaels
Zebra, Oct 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780821778814
The Sisterhood selects Michael “Mick” Lyons as their next target. In Japan over three decades ago, Michael purchased the mother of member Yoko Akia from her parents promising a good life for their offspring in America. Instead he used her as part of his prostitution ring; selling her as an exotic hooker until she became pregnant with his child. The irresponsible hedonistic movie mogul dumped her expecting her to die. That child Yoko survived and as an adult seeks vengeance for her mom.
The Sisters begin their diabolical plot of vengeance by exposing for the world especially his circle the sleazy dealings of Lyons and some of his cronies. As they carry out their scheme, the Sisters know they must be vigilant as the police seem to be closing in on them.
The latest Sisterhood SWEET REVENGE PAYBACK to bring LETHAL JUSTICE to those who have gotten away with crimes against women is an exciting thriller with this time being Yoko’s VENDETTA. The story line is action-packed as the fearsome feminists plot to destroy Michael and his VIP male cohorts. The plot, as is the norm in this fun series, seems implausible, but no one will care as everyone will root for Yoko to destroy her biological father.
Harriet Klausner
The Ghost-Robert Harris
The Ghost
Robert Morris
Simon & Schuster, Oct 2007, $26.00
ISBN: 9781416551812
Rhinehart Inc has paid former British Prime Minister Adam Lang a fortune to write his memoirs especially focusing on his war against terrorism; the project comes to a screeching halt when the ghostwriter Michael McAra dies in an apparent suicide. To bring the book back on schedule, they hire a new ghostwriter who agrees to do the job in four weeks for a sizable fee.
He travels from London to the Rhinehart Estate on Martha’s Vineyard to write the autobiography. While in residence, he notices a lot of undercurrents including Lang’s wife Ruth behaving very antagonistic towards her spouse’s beautiful assistant. The book in its present form is a disaster, but the ghostwriter believes he can extract some spice out of the dry passages to insure a bestseller. While there a sordid beak involving Lang who supposedly ordered the SAS to kidnap suspected terrorists in Pakistan to rendition them to the CIA for torture. Since the new British government refuses to investigate, the International Criminal Court of the Hague starts it own inquiries. Although he has zero interest in politics, the Ghostwriter conducts an investigation only to find secrets that could lead to his death if he is lucky or worse if he is rendition.
This is an enthralling political thriller that is totally frightening because Robert Harris makes his basic premise believable. There are many shocks to readers especially those who refuse to believe our side, the so called good guys, would resort to some of the tools of the trade. Almost as stunning is the dysfunctional inner circle that surrounds the former PM as everyone ahs an agenda to insure they look good in the autobiography. The Ghostwriter is a fascinating character as he knows no once is innocent, but who is the great puppeteer manipulating everyone even him. Mr. Harris, author of FATHERLAND, has written a chilling, plausible and enthralling tale.
Harriet Klausner
Robert Morris
Simon & Schuster, Oct 2007, $26.00
ISBN: 9781416551812
Rhinehart Inc has paid former British Prime Minister Adam Lang a fortune to write his memoirs especially focusing on his war against terrorism; the project comes to a screeching halt when the ghostwriter Michael McAra dies in an apparent suicide. To bring the book back on schedule, they hire a new ghostwriter who agrees to do the job in four weeks for a sizable fee.
He travels from London to the Rhinehart Estate on Martha’s Vineyard to write the autobiography. While in residence, he notices a lot of undercurrents including Lang’s wife Ruth behaving very antagonistic towards her spouse’s beautiful assistant. The book in its present form is a disaster, but the ghostwriter believes he can extract some spice out of the dry passages to insure a bestseller. While there a sordid beak involving Lang who supposedly ordered the SAS to kidnap suspected terrorists in Pakistan to rendition them to the CIA for torture. Since the new British government refuses to investigate, the International Criminal Court of the Hague starts it own inquiries. Although he has zero interest in politics, the Ghostwriter conducts an investigation only to find secrets that could lead to his death if he is lucky or worse if he is rendition.
This is an enthralling political thriller that is totally frightening because Robert Harris makes his basic premise believable. There are many shocks to readers especially those who refuse to believe our side, the so called good guys, would resort to some of the tools of the trade. Almost as stunning is the dysfunctional inner circle that surrounds the former PM as everyone ahs an agenda to insure they look good in the autobiography. The Ghostwriter is a fascinating character as he knows no once is innocent, but who is the great puppeteer manipulating everyone even him. Mr. Harris, author of FATHERLAND, has written a chilling, plausible and enthralling tale.
Harriet Klausner
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