Hocus Pocus

Customer Reviews:

Vonnegut Strikes Again.......2007-06-23

This was not given to me or by me as a Christmas gift or any other holiday gift. I checked it out at the local library. I have no idea what my cousins read or if they read for pleasure. We're not close. But I will hasten to make this a review by commenting on the novel. Another cynical diatribe about man's folly, carelessness and random cruelty. Well written, insightful and cautiously humane. Man, Vonnegut was just about the most cynical and sarcastic guy alive who could write well.

Not for the Uninitiated Vonnegut Reader, but Great for Fans.......2007-04-03

Unlike the other Vonnegut novels that I have read, "Hocus Pocus" seems to come dangerously close to biting off more than it can chew -- and for the first half of the book it does. It takes a full hundred-and-fifty pages or so for Vonnegut to get a handle on all of the disparate themes that have crammed their way into this novel: racial strife, economic strife, the state of education in America, the follies of elitism, the de-humanizing effects of war (a Vonnegut favorite), love, sex, marriage, alcoholism, pride, honor, television, genetics and heredity, the outsourcing of American businesses, prison overcrowding, cultural identity ... believe it or not, I could go on. "Hocus Pocus" is too much of a hodge-podge, and it doesn't seem to know what it is trying to say or where it is drawing your attention at first. Thank goodness the second half of the book is a marked improvement. It actually ends up being enjoyable and says a lot of intelligent (if typically Vonnegut) things.

Still, there are some other problems with "HP" that could potentially turn a reader off -- particularly if they are not accustomed to Vonnegut's unique brand of storytelling. Eugene Debs Hartke is not a compelling Vonnegut protagonist; he has the quirky personality, the jaded outlook that comes with experience and the moral ambiguity, but he is surprisingly boring when you consider that he's an ex-soldier renowned for his deft and brutal technique, a sex addict and married to an insane woman to boot. He just doesn't resonate the way a Billy Pilgrim, Kilgore Trout (who makes a sort-of appearance here when one of his short stories turns up, for all you tried and true Vonnegut fans out there), or Howard W. Campbell, Jr. do in their respective stories. And the main themes that Vonnegut is expounding here have been done better elsewhere in his ouevre. God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater tackled elitism and greed in a more resonant way, Slaughterhouse-Five dealt with war in a more profound story, Mother Night also features a protagonist literally on trial for his moral ambiguity but delved deeper, and the deliciously madcap Breakfast of Champions is a freight train to disaster that is much more compelling than "HP"'s central prison break.

Having said that, Vonnegut devotees like myself will undoubtedly enjoy this novel anyway -- particularly the last half. But for anyone who is not already enchanted by Vonnegut's quirks as a novelist would do better to start elsewhere (I'd suggest checking out one of the novels I just mentioned in the last paragraph instead).
Grade: B- (but give it a C if you aren't already a Vonnegut fan)

Hocus Pocus.......2007-01-09

This was given as a christmas gift. My cousin asked for this item.

One big yawn of a novel.......2006-12-13

HP is a slow sigh ("cough"), a wheezing deflation, a tedious grind. Vonnegut is a fine writer, to be sure, but his talents are poorly deployed here. I listened to this relentlessly overcast novel on the morning commute of similarly overcast days. I learned not a thing, was entertained not a whit, and was moved nary an ounce. HP is dull, dull, dull -- the dimmest of stars in an otherwise bright Vonnegut sky.

Hocus Pocus.......2006-11-10

This item was mailed to me almost immediately after i purchased it online. It was in GREAT condition and the description that the seller posted was very accurate. I think this is one of my best transactions on amazon.

Average customer rating:

I WAS SPELLBOUND
wow this was good
"Hocus has news. We know where to find you"
Another excellent effort by Ms. Burke!
Hard to put down

Hocus
Jan Burke
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

Liar: An Irene Kelly Mystery
Remember Me, Irene : An Irene Kelly Novel
Sweet Dreams, Irene: An Irene Kelly Novel
Dear Irene, : An Irene kelly Novel
Flight

ASIN: 0743444531

Amazon.com

Jan Burke's stories about a vulnerable and resourceful reporter at a Southern California newspaper called Las Piernas News Express all feature tense and thoughtful plots, writing that manages to be sharp and sardonic without calling attention to itself, and a dead honest picture of the world of small-market newspaper journalism. Her latest is no exception. When Kelly's homicide detective husband, Frank Harriman, gets a heroic write-up in her paper after arresting the apparent leader of a gang of murderous troublemakers that call themselves Hocus (in the sense of hoax, rather than magic), everybody at the paper and almost everybody at the cop shop thinks she's behind it. So when Frank disappears, and his blood is discovered in the trunk of his car, Irene doesn't get much help from the paper or the police. She has to track down the real secret of Hocus largely on her own--which she does in the completely credible and exciting manner we've come to expect. Burke's last book about about Kelly, Remember Me, Irene, is out in paperback, joining Dear Irene, Goodnight, Irene, and Sweet Dreams, Irene.

Book Description

For reporter Irene Kelly it's a terrifying investigation -- because it's so personal. Her husband, Detective Frank Harriman, has been kidnapped by terrorists who call themselves Hocus -- deadly manipulators who give Irene three days to meet their demands before killing their hostage. But Irene's biggest shock is yet to come -- as she uncovers her husband's history, and learns of a horrific crime committed a decade earlier. As seconds slip away, Irene willingly steps into a trap set by two madmen with a score to settle. And when she does, someone is going to pay for the sins of the past.

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

I WAS SPELLBOUND.......2007-02-06

JAN BURKE DOES IT AGAIN.......I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I WAS ALREADY HOOKED ON THE MAIN IRENE KELLY CHARACTERS BUT WITH THIS BOOK SHE TOOK ME ON A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE OF EMOTION WITH BOTH THE OLD AND THE NEW CHARACTERS............BRILLIANT!!!!

wow this was good.......2006-12-14

Wow this is worth every penny i spent.
It starts off with a bang and keeps going.
VERY good writer.
I really enjoyed this and my only disappointment is: it finished.

"Hocus has news. We know where to find you".......2005-02-06

This is the first book in the Irene Kelly series that does not include the main character's first name in the title. I read an interview with the author in which she explains that it took a lot of courage to change that pattern, due to the fear of people not recognizing her books anymore. She should not have worried, since the quality is still there and the series has become even a bigger success. "Hocus" starts a series of books by Jan Burke that have a one-word title, creating a contrast between this succinct title and the excellent ability the author has for describing different scenes and setting up engaging dialogues.

Irene is a reporter for the Las Piernas News Express and is married to detective Frank Harriman. Since they met they have had a great relationship and they have only been married for a little while, but at the start of this novel things are rocky. Frank has just finished blowing a case wide open against two men that are supposed to be the ringleaders of a group named Hocus; a story has appeared in Irene's newspaper with information that should only be known by an insider. Even though Irene did not write the article, the department is putting pressure on Frank and blaming him for the leak. This in turn has created some strain in the couple, and to make matters worse there was the issue of an old girlfriend asking Frank to visit her.

When the action starts Irene has not heard from Frank all day and thinks he is blowing off some steam, but when not even Frank's partner, Pete, knows of Irene's husband whereabouts, things start to turn south. Is Frank in trouble? Is he alive? Besides these questions, Irene has to deal with the recent discovery of a troublesome secret on Frank's family. When she learns soon enough that Frank has been kidnapped by Hocus and that their demands are very peculiar, she has to embark in a dangerous and complex investigation to save her husband.

As has happened before, Burke delivers a high intensity thriller that does not lack an outstanding use of narration and three-dimensional characters. One of the important aspects for me in a mystery series is how well the author develops the characters from one book to the next, and I am happy to say that Jan Burke excels in this area. In "Hocus" we advance considerably in our knowledge of Frank's family and the relationship they have with Irene, and we also get a glimpse of several events from their past. The different aspects mentioned in this review make this book and the series overall a great choice if you are looking for a good mystery to plunge into.

Another excellent effort by Ms. Burke!.......2004-06-01

Thus far, I've read three books by Jan Burke--Flight, Bones and Hocus. As a frequent mystery reader of authors like Deaver, Sandford and Cornwell, the thing that has impressed me most about these three books (and Ms. Burke) is that they are not only all good, engaging stories, but they are NOT all alike! It is SO common for mystery writers' books to start feeling like carbon copies of one another (to the point that you have trouble remembering if you've read a particular book), but I have not found this the case with Ms. Burke so far.

Hocus involves the kidnapping of Irene Kelly's husband, Frank. This kidnapping isn't about ransome or making some political statement...it has a VERY personal reason. As the kidnappers lead Irene in putting together the puzzle of her husband's capture, we learn more about the kidnappers themselves and how their history and Frank's are connected. This sets up not only the obvious emotional connection of a wife trying to find her husband before the kidnappers carry out their threats but also the connection of the kidnappers to Frank. As the sad layers of this mystery unfold, police negotiator Cassidy helps Irene understand the mind of the kidnappers. Her sharp reporter's mind and his understanding of the kidnappers' psychology pull them closer to unearthing Frank's location...but will it be in time?

While, like most any mystery novel, there is a little eye-rolling and suspension of disbelief involved, I found this a taut and engaging story with some great characters (loved the Cassidy character). Brought it home from work (where I was reading it on my lunch hour) when I got down to 50 pages since I couldn't wait until after the weekend to get to the end! :)

Hard to put down.......2004-03-27

This is a fast paced novel. While the main action takes place in less than a week, there are flashbacks to earlier events related to a double murder in the past. Young men who have mental problems related to the past events form a group of urban terrorists. There actions at first seem like unconnected pranks until people start getting killed. When a police officer is kidnapped, and demands are made, their real purpose becomes evident.

While the story is a stand-alone plot, it continues with characters from previous novels, primarily news reporter Irene Kelly. Various information emerges about people's pasts. Some people have hidden problems that cause bad dreams.

The setting for the novel is somewhat before the present so, while there is electronic technology, technology is not quite up to 2004 standards (cell phones but no caller ID). One can wonder about a police officer and news reporter being able to afford a beachfront home in California, but perhaps it was purchased at some time in the distant past (or maybe they got incredibly lucky with investments).

Amazon.com

Every witch has a book of spells. What sets Hocus Pocus apart is how Titania Hardie has bundled her useful and effective spells with evocative photographs that make this book a work of art. Gentlemen should be warned that the spells are designed for women, though many can be adapted for use by the determined male practitioner. If you don't intend to practice the spells, however, perhaps you'll think it makes as wonderful a gift as I did.

Customer Reviews:

Hocus Pocus.......2001-04-18

can someone email me i have not read the book but would love info.

cherie_21205@yahoo.com

Hocus Pocus? More like Mumbo Jumbo..........2000-12-04

I wanted to give it less than one star, but there was no such rating on the system. The cover alone was enough to warn me about the validity (or lack thereof) of this book. As I have read several books on Witchcraft/Wicca, the first thing I looked at (after the cover of course) was the love spell(s). The spell/s listed actually required you to take the bodily secretions or hair clippings from your intended victim, & use those things to bind this person to you.

As a practitioner, I know that this is simply wrong. It goes completely against the principles of "harm none" and "free will." You can't "make" someone fall in love with you, no matter what anybody may tell you. All relationships must be fostered over time.

For romance or friendship, try going to a bookstore or coffee shop--and actually striking up a conversation. It's very simple and it actually works!

Not to be underestimated.......2000-08-07

This was my first book on magick, though not my introduction. I loved the spells and found the ones I tried to work. I especially recomend 'The mad tea party' on page 52 and 'Three woven ribbons to strengthen the bond'on page 31. The book is a delight to read and to look at as it has beautiful pictures and a lovely cover. All of Titania's books are very dear to me. There are two reasons why I gave the book four stars instead of five: first of all I missed the basics on witchcraft; what does the religion mean and exists of; what do wiccans believe and Titania didn't explain in depth why you have to perform certain spells in certain moon cycles. The second reason: on another bookshop site I read a few reviews on Titania's books written by teenagers who used her spells to surround themselves by 'hot guys'. Those persons completely missed the message. I hope Titania will make the true message more clearer in her next book. The four stars I gave the book are fully deserved. It is a wonderful book but before starting on these spells, read a little more about wicca, Titania's book 'Enchanted' and 'Teenwitch' and 'To ride a silver broomstick' by Silver Ravenwolf are wonderful starters!

This book works.......2000-07-20

Once upon a time there was a young witch who desparately needed a mode of transport other than the bus. As the universe designed, into her lap fell this particular book with spells for all purposes, including money. At first glance it seemed that the book was all gloss and pretty pictures beautiful on a bookshelf but not necessarily of any use. Then she spotted a spell that would, if it worked, be exactly what she needed. This best suited spell looked as though it would be most difficult to perform because some of the items required were not readily availble, and not easy to attain. Of course the optimum timespan to perform the spell was fast disappearing. Then as if by magick all the items she was missing appeared..via friends and great timing...so she performed the spell releasing all the energy she could muster to the universe and in 3 days she had a brand new car and she drove around to her hearts content happily ever after :)... so there you go.. the book has validity, the spells work, and not just on the little things in life. A very useful witches tool The End :)

Not the best.......2000-06-23

The book was ok. Only on explaining things. It dwells too much around Wicca and one certain religion, when you can be any religion when doing spells. The ingredients are waaaay too hard to find and the spells are probably only for experienced older witches. I would say buy the book Everyday Magic by Dorothy Morrison..it's much better and has more and better working spells!

Average customer rating:

Talented Author!
Much better choices for the $
A Sweet , Humorous Read
We need more books like this!
A whole lot of Fun!!!!

Hocus Pocus
Teresa Roblin
Manufacturer: Cerridwen Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

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Now You See It...
Witch Fire (Elemental Witches, Book 1)
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ASIN: 1419955527
Release Date: 2007-01-31

Product Description

Shy and quiet Amanda Santorelli is unhappy watching the world go by around her. When her well-meaning but wacky aunt casts an assertiveness spell on her, Amanda's orderly world is turned upside down. Unable to control herself, Amanda blurts out whatever is on her mind every time someone asks her a question. Trying to outwit the spell only makes matters worse. With no control over her own mouth, it's only a matter of time before someone discovers the object of her secret obsession. Mark Abbott is happy with the way his unassuming assistant runs his office. But all of a sudden she's become a new person - both in attitude and apearance - and he's not sure he likes the effect on his orderly work routine. With each passing day, he finds himself waiting to see what will come out of her mouth next. Before long, he can no longer deny the truth - the new Amanda is seriously making him reconsider is vow never to mix business with pleasure. Mark doesn't know if it's love - or if he's just a victim of Hocus Pocus.

Customer Reviews:

Talented Author!.......2007-08-21

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Reader Views (8/07)

Mouse is a perfect description of Amanda. She is afraid to live, afraid someone will notice her, so she tries to hide her body and personality. Assistant to the CEO, she is an efficient, intelligent, and beautiful woman under the frumpy, one-size too big clothes she wears to the office each day. Her boss Mark is at the center of her fantasies. Unfortunately, he never seems to notice her as a woman and he does not believe in mixing business and his personal life. When Amanda overhears him refer to her as a "mouse" she is both hurt and angry. When Aunt Lilly finds a book of spells in the attic, she decides to come to Amanda's assistance. Amanda no longer has control of her mouth; she must speak what she is thinking. Without Amanda's knowledge, her sister and aunt get rid of all her frumpy clothing and buy her a whole new wardrobe of sexy, stylish clothes, including bras and thongs. It was impossible for Mark not to notice the difference. He finds her new assertive manner a distraction. He thinks he wants the old Amanda back. Determined, he attempts to find a way to break the spell. Aunt Lilly is not finished yet. She has a plan.

"Hocus Pocus" by Teresa Roblin is a delightful read. The plot is remarkable and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Ms. Roblin successfully uses romance and humor to capture the reader's interest. The scene with the muffin is too funny. I laughed until I cried. The characters are tremendously funny, especially Aunt Lilly, my favorite. She is delightfully eccentric, stirring things up everywhere she goes. Ms. Roblin is an extremely talented author. I will be watching closely for more books by Teresa Roblin. I highly recommend "Hocus Pocus" to fans of romance.

Much better choices for the $.......2007-07-05

I thought this book would be either better or longer (i.e. using standard type size) given the expense, but it was just a larger font. While it was OK - it was only OK. The characters were not very well developed, and there was a LOT of repetition. Not terrible but not good - just fair - and at 40% more, go with a different book.

A Sweet , Humorous Read.......2007-05-30

This was the first book I read by this author. She did a wonderful job with this story. I read it in one sitting. The muffin scene had me loudly laughing out loud. Aunt Lilly and the other wacky old ladies are a fantastic support characters. The story moved along nicely. I look forward to reading more by this author.

We need more books like this!.......2007-03-16

I read this book after a very stressful week at the office. It was exactly what I needed: a good dose of healthy, intelligently and crisply written comedy. Definitely, we need more books like Roblin's Hocus Pocus. Daniel Costa, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

A whole lot of Fun!!!!.......2007-03-13

If you like your romance spicy and filled with magic - Teresa Roblin is the author for you. Can't wait to read more!!

Dog Spirit: Hounds, Howlings, and Hocus-Pocus

Average customer rating:

Okay for Junior High School
The canine spirit is revealed in fact and history
A MUST for Dog Lovers

Dog Spirit: Hounds, Howlings, and Hocus-Pocus
Patricia Telesco
Manufacturer: Destiny Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Cat Magic: Mews, Myths, and Mystery

ASIN: 0892818069
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Book Description

An enthralling, illustrated look at the dog's prominent place in myth and magic by the highly acclaimed author of more than 30 books on magic and folklore.

• Presents the canine connection to magic, including amulets, charms,spells, and rituals.

• Explains how to determine your dog's personality through astrology,as well as dog symbolism in dreams.

• 120 color and black-and-white illustrations throughout make this a wonderful gift book.

In Greece the dog was a symbol for courage and devotion; in China dogs have represented good fortune and joy since Fo-Hi began encouraging their breeding in 3400 B.C. An entire volume of the sacred Zoroastrian text, the Zend Avista, is devoted to the care and breeding of dogs, and dogs were regarded as the preeminent symbol of loyalty in medieval Europe. In contrast, the dog's wild relatives, such as the much maligned wolf, have long been regarded as symbols of humanity's darker side.

Dog Spirit explores the different roles dogs and their canine relatives have played in the religious and magical traditions of societies throughout the world, emphasizing the importance of dogs as totems, companions, and even gods. Patricia Telesco provides astrological guidelines for determining your dog's personality and examines the role of dogs in dream interpretation and magic rituals. Personable, soulful, and the very spirit of loyalty, dogs have throughout history held a special place in the human heart and imagination that no other animal can claim.

Customer Reviews:

Okay for Junior High School.......2006-01-29

But not for an adult. Many, many errors, lots of clipart illustrations, general bunkum. I'm returning it to Amazon for a refund (and I never go to that trouble!).

I suppose if I'd read about the other books she'd written, I never would've made this mistake.

Better - get yourself a canine companion, and learn from her!

The canine spirit is revealed in fact and history.......2001-02-16

Dog Spirit provides a focus on the different roles dogs and their relatives have played in the religious and magical traditions of societies around the world. Astrological guidelines are presented for determining a dog's personality, chapters examine their participation in spiritual ceremonies and celebrations, and the canine spirit is revealed in fact and history.

A MUST for Dog Lovers.......2000-11-15

This is a great "coffee table" type book that anyone can enjoy even if they're not "into" magick. Contains Lots of wonderful color illustrations and an amazing variety of history, lore, health issues, breed beliefs and even websites!

Hocus Pocus: Halloween Crafts for a Spooktacular Holiday

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Halloween Craft Book
Wonderful Hallowe'en Fun!
One of the best halloween craft books
Most creative Halloween craft book in years!

Hocus Pocus: Halloween Crafts for a Spooktacular Holiday

Manufacturer: Martingale and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1564774910

Book Description

Host a magical Halloween with this collection of frightfully fun crafts! Most of these projects can be completed in an afternoon, from shimmering beaded spiderwebs to party crackers that open with a loud "pop!" to reveal a gush of goodies.

• Use easy sewing, stamping, and painting techniques to make 20 projects

• Decorate with mosaic lanterns, cauldron-shaped candles, and a festive banner for the front door

• Conjure up the perfect party with stylish invitations, etched glasses, pumpkin placemats, and candy-coated pretzels

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Halloween Craft Book.......2007-09-06

This is a great book for halloween crafts, full of creative ideas! There are wonderful pictures for each project. The directions are clear and make each project seem easy. I find it geared more towards kids, which is fine since I am looking for books for both children & adult party ideas.

Wonderful Hallowe'en Fun!.......2006-11-14

I received this book as a gift from a friend, and my whole family just loves it! Lots of crafts for everyone from invitations to bubbling cauldron candles. Materials for all the ideas in this books are very easy to find at your local craft/art/hardware supply store. Buy one for yourself!, buy one for a friend!

One of the best halloween craft books.......2005-10-24

I have a few other halloween craft books but this is one of the best. Most of the crafts were easy enough for my children to do and great for school parties.

Most creative Halloween craft book in years!.......2003-11-01

If you're looking for something really different, check out this great book. I've made a few of the cards, the pumpkin placemats and the party crackers. There are so many great ideas in here, you won't know where to start!

Book Description

With major renovations going on at Seattle's favourite B\'9126B, Mary Daheim moves Judith, Renie and the rest of the unforgettable clan to temporary lodgings at a casino resort. But when a magic show results in murder, Judith and Joe are on the job.

Mystery maven Mary Daheim serves up murder and mayhem in this tale of a vacation gone awry at the Stillasnowamish Resort Casino. After being forced out of the B\'9126B by post–fire renovations, Judith and Renie pack up the family and settle in for the duration. As if bickering from the two mothers wasn't enough hassle, the group discovers Salome, the resort magician's beautiful assistant they'd seen perform only hours earlier, dead from multiple stab wounds. While Judith can't help but snoop around, her husband Joe is officially recruited to investigate by the casino manager. The chase is on as suspect after suspect emerges leaving Judith and Joe to answer the crucial, yet baffling question䶨o's the real casino killer?

Customer Reviews:

Turning a living Salome to a dead salami.......2006-08-12

Joe and Judith Flynn have taken her mother with them on a vacation at a casino. The mother, Gertrude Grover, is with them because the neighbors had to go to their timeshare at an unseasonable time of the year and couldn't have Gertrude visiting them. The Flynns have a bed and breakfast, Hillside Manor. It is being remodeled following a fire. Judith's cousin Renie Jones and her husband Bill have brought her mother, Aunt Deb, to the casino Judith discovers. Gertrude and Aunt Deb married brothers. Bill is a retired professor of psychology. He studies the table games to try to beat the house. The author evidently specializes in dialogue and does a good job of it.

Playing the slots, Judith notices the figure she thought was a mannequin is actually a dead person. The woman had been an assistant to an illusionist. Like all casinos, the resort has the attributes of a dream world. It is clear that Renie enjoys the gambling and even enlists the help of her mother to attend her business conference in her stead so that she is able to continue gambling. Judith has some beginner's luck, but mostly is distracted by the homicide. At the same time Judith feels harassed with the duties of an inn owner overseeing the construction as she has to make trips home to deal with the contractor and his need for substituted material for the project. Additional construction is taking place at a site on the lake owned by the family which is to be Judith's second bed and breakfast establishment.

Bloody sabers and carbon monoxide are factors in Judith's concerns of property construction and murderers' identities. The book is a romp and a pleasure. All is illusion.

Worst of the series.......2005-03-13

I have ready every one of the B&B series and, without a doubt, this book is the worst and a waste of good reading time. The conclusion to the mystery was ludicrous and unbelievable. I've often found myself thinking, "Judith, get a spine for heaven's sake" as she is stepped on throughout the series. However, this book left me thinking that the character has no backbone and never will. When she should have been furious with the solution, she, once again, allowed her "loved ones" to belittle her. I'm just thankful I didn't pay for the hardback version of this travesty.

What a nasty trick!.......2004-09-26

Judith, Renie, their mothers and their husbands leave the Bed & Breakfast to the renovating contractors, and head off to the Stillasnowamish Resort Casino for a vacation. Renie becomes so hooked on gambling, she sends her mother to take her place at a graphics-design conference she's supposed to be attending. Judith isn't really interested in gambling, but when she spies some progressive slot machines with the grand prize a beautiful red Corvette, she decides to try to win it for Joe.

Glancing up at the 'Vette suspended above the slots, Judith is horrified to see the body of a magician's blonde assistant stuffed into the car. Joe is asked to assist in the official investigation, and Judith sleuths unofficially and tries to get Renie to quit gambling and help her.

It was interesting to get Judith & Renie out of the B & B where they solve most of their mysteries, and I found the casino setting fun. However, there is a plot twist at the end that I thought was both mean and unfair, to Judith if not necessarily the reader. It spoiled my enjoyment of the story, which I would have given a higher rating otherwise. Hope Ms. Daheim returns to her usual writing style for the next book, "This Old Souse".

Don't waste time or money.......2004-08-21

This series has been going downhill for awhile now, but this book just may be the end of the road for me.

As the series has progressed, Judith has become irritating and unlikeable, but the supporting cast made the books tolerable. However, not even Renie and Gertrude could save this one.

The "surprise twist" at the end was lame. But worse was the story itself, with Judith continuing to stick her nose into things that don't concern her and get people to yap her ear off just because "she likes people." It's been a lame premise for getting her involved in the mysteries through entire series, but it just came across as completely ridiculous this time.

The dialogue is painful to read, the writing has become amateur. Ms. Daheim should put this series to bed and concentrate on the Alpine series, which is still enjoyable.

Felt Cheated.......2004-02-06

I've read all of Mary Daheim's B&B mysteries, and until this one, generally enjoyed them for what they are, entertaining cozies that chart the lives of Judith Flynn and her family as Judith solves various murders. So I was all set to expect more of the same entertainment from this latest in the series. I don't want to spoil the plot, but suffice it to say I felt disappointed with the trick that the author played on this reader. By the end of the book, I also grew to dislike pretty much all the characters. The gambling casino location seemed to bring out the worst traits in most of Judith's family members. I agree with the reviewer who said this is not one of Daheim's better efforts. I hated this book so much that I revealed the surprise ending to the members of my monthly mystery book club so that none of them would be tempted to read the book and suffer the same irritation and disappointment that I experienced.

Hocus Pocus: Junior Novelization (Junior Novel Series)

Average customer rating:

Best book ever
GREAT BOOK FOR CHILDREN

Hocus Pocus: Junior Novelization (Junior Novel Series)
DISNEY PRESS
Manufacturer: Disney Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1562823736

Customer Reviews:

Best book ever.......2000-10-04

This is a story about three witches that try to take childrens souls to live longer.The witches are the Sanderson sisters.they are very mean.Thay try to chase poeple.

GREAT BOOK FOR CHILDREN.......2000-04-30

This book is by far the best children's book about witches and magick that I have ever had the pleasure of sharing with my children. If you are sick of your children coming home after school and watching TV or playing video games then this book will surly get them reading instead. If you are familiar with the movie Hocus Pocus, this book follows basically the same plot line but not really. It does have some twists and turns along the way. I recommend this book for all those young readers out there in BookWorld.

Hocus Jokus 50 Funny Magic Tricks Complete with Jokes

Average customer rating:

A hilarious guide, fun to read and easy to follow

Hocus Jokus 50 Funny Magic Tricks Complete with Jokes
Steve Charney
Manufacturer: Meadowbrook
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Magic | Obsessions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

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Self-Working Table Magic: 97 Foolproof Tricks with Everyday Objects
101 Easy-to-Do Magic Tricks
Tricks with Your Head: Hilarious Magic Tricks and Stunts to Disgust and Delight
Magic Tricks for Grownups
Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia of Magic: A Complete Course

ASIN: 0684018667

Customer Reviews:

A hilarious guide, fun to read and easy to follow.......2003-02-05

For kids who love magic (and what kid doesn't?)Hocus Jokus is a truly original guide that goes beyond its generous offering of clear, step-by-step instructions for tricks, to include tons of pointers -- drawn on a long successful career in magic and comedy -- on delivering patter, developing stage presence, inventing a stage personality, dropping one-liners, on how to dazzle, delight, distract, engage, or poke fun at an audience, even how to use humor to silence hecklers. While Charney takes his craft seriously (he warns kids they'll look like shmoes if they don't practice, urges them never to disclose how the trick is done)his advice on what's funny and what's not makes you laugh so hard it's worth the price of the book even if you never pull one quarter out of anyone's ear.

Hocus Pocus: A Bridge Book With a Difference

Average customer rating:

Hocus Pocus: A Bridge Book With a Difference
Erwin Brecher
Manufacturer: Panacea Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Easier Done Than Said: Brilliancy at the Bridge Table
More Hocus-Pocus: Intriguing Bridge and Logic Puzzles
The Bridge World's Test Your Play
Bridge Problems for a New Millenium
Off-road Declarer Play: Unusual Ways to Play a Bridge Hand

ASIN: 095399550X

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