Average customer rating:
- First three chapters were awful, but it gets better
- Good romantic suspense.
- Well worth the price, better than CD
- A real page turner
- Once you read this one you will be HOOKED!
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Naked in Death (In Death, Book 1)
J.D. Robb , and
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0425148297
Release Date: 2004-08-03 |
Book Description
In the very first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, Eve Dallas gets involved with Roarke, a suspect in her latest murder case. But passion and seduction have rules all their own.
Lieutenant Eve Dallas gets involved with Roarke, a suspect in her latest murder case. But passion and seduction have rules all their own...
Download Description
"In a world of danger and deception, she walks the line--between seductive passion and scandalous murder... Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she's seen it all--and knows her survival depends on her instincts. And she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire--and a suspect in Eve's murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it's up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about--except the addictive hunger of needing his touch."
Customer Reviews:
First three chapters were awful, but it gets better.......2007-08-20
This is my first Nora Roberts novel and, after reading the first three chapters, I went online to cancel my order for the next four novels--it was that bad. Fortunately, it gets better. It's partly because she drowns the reader in sci-fi descriptions right at the beginning to update them about what it's like to live in 2058 and partly because the protagonist Eve Dallas starts out as not a very likeable character. I would also have to say that Roberts begins the novel with way too many adjectives that just made it irritating to read. After about the sixth chapter, it definitely got better and I'm hoping the sequels will also be better.
Some things were predictable, many things didn't quite fit, but the romance between Roarke and Dallas is a nice sideline and they do seem perfect for each other. Since 26 novels in this series seem to have already been written in just 12 years, I'm hoping the writing gets better and that she isn't just churning out novels every month (she has other series as well). I would definitely have to say that I like other authors' writing style much better, but quite frankly I'm running out of authors to read. When I read a book, I prefer to have it read like the person is speaking to me, not like I'm reading an encyclopedia with a plot included. The first part of the novel reads more like the latter, while the last part reads more like the former. That being said, I did enjoy it enough to finish the novel in a day (but it was a weekend and I read a lot) and I did place a subsequent order for the sequel. I think if you like Preston and Child or Koontz, you will like this one. The ideas of what the future would be like are sometimes progressive and imaginative (licensed prostitutes and lasers instead of messy handguns), while at other times downright frightening (unlimited Congressional terms and only the rich can afford real coffee).
I've heard many reviewers bash sex scenes by various authors. The sex scenes in this novel fit, but weren't particularly well-written. I had to read two at least twice to understand what the author was eluding to and one, I'm afraid, I still don't quite get. I guess maybe because I've been married for almost two decades. I think if the reader doesn't get it (and I'm pretty enlightened), then maybe it's just poorly written. There were a couple of other parts in the book that I didn't get either that had nothing to do with sex scenes. Sometimes you just need to say what you want to say and not use so many colorful adjectives and metaphors to describe it.
My last comment has to do with the length of the novel. It's considerably shorter than Dean Koontz paperbacks or Preston and Child paperbacks. I think it took me four hours to read and it usually takes me six hours to read Koontz or Preston and Child. Personally, I liked the shorter length and I didn't feel cheated at all. The plot was well-developed by the end and I thoroughly enjoyed the way Roberts tied up all the loose ends--it fit and wasn't just hastily finished. So I enjoy the shorter length. I wish other authors could complete an entire novel in that amount of space. (I sometimes feel that Koontz rushes to find an ending in the last two chapters and am left somewhat frustrated with the ending.)
I sometimes wish Amazon allowed ten star ratings instead of only five. I would give the plot a 10 and the writing a 5 or 6.
Good romantic suspense. .......2007-08-13
Having read about a half dozen Roberts books of very mixed quality, this is definately my favorite so far. It starts out with the murder of a prostitute, who also happens to be the granddaughter of a conservative senator. The killer has left a note, "One of Six", suggesting a serial killer. Eve Dallas is on the case, and more bodies pop up. While investigating the case, Dallas falls in love with a mysterious businessman known only as Roarke.
This time, Roberts doesn't waste any time on irrelevant subplots. The story starts from page one and keeps its pace throughout. The romance does not feel gratuitous as in some romantic suspense novels; it's well connected to the main plot. "Naked in Death" is a quick, entertaining read for romance and (non-romance) mystery readers alike.
Well worth the price, better than CD.......2007-08-09
30+ dollars for a set of CD's that my wife would have to swap and keep track of......no way.
This title was on ONE (1) MP3 Cd, and was easily copied (no copy protection) to my wife's MP3 player and she was listeing to the entire book at night as she worked. No swapping discs, and the original disc stayed in the dvd-like case SAFE. It is the EXACT same version as found on the audio CD.
I will definately be buying Books on MP3 if I have a choice in the matter. The convenience AND price makes this a no brainer.
The shipping and price was very fair and best of all, IT WAS IN STOCK. AMAZON is fast becoming my first chioce for many things.
A real page turner.......2007-08-04
This one gave me the background on Roarke and Eve Dallas. Great summer read.
Once you read this one you will be HOOKED!.......2007-08-03
It all starts right here with Eve, Roarke, Mavis and the rest of the "In Death" family. The cases are serious and this one leads her right to a love she would have never imagined could belong to her. Roarke is absolutely to die for. And, I don't know of anyone out there who doesn't want a gourmet cup of coffee after this book either.
Average customer rating:
- Too many cooks and all that . . .
- The Bare Facts!
- Don't buy it, don't even get it at the library!
- Multiple Authors Make an Interesting Read
- Rough around the edges
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Naked Came the Manatee
Carl Hiaasen , and
Dave Barry; et al.
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0449001245
Release Date: 1998-01-20 |
Amazon.com
Dave Barry starts the madness in Naked Came the Manatee, introducing a 102-year-old environmentalist named Coconut Grove and a manatee saddled with one of Barry's favorite monikers, Booger. Carl Hiaasen closes down the party, and in between, 11 of Florida's literati, including Elmore Leonard, John Dufresne, and Edna Buchanan, make twisted offerings to the affair: three severed heads, all bearing a remarkable resemblance to Fidel Castro; four murders; some sex; some espionage; even an appearance by Jimmy Carter and one by Castro himself.
Originally published as a serial novel in the Miami Herald's Tropic magazine, Naked Came the Manatee resembles a literary game of telephone, with each writer contributing a chapter and passing it on to the next, who then makes the most of what he or she is given. The result is a novel with wildly fluctuating styles and more crazy plot curves than a daytime drama, but thanks to these 13 masters of the craft this roller coaster of a book is almost as much fun to read as it obviously was to write.
Book Description
In South Florida, everyone wants to get a head. But not just any head. A very famous human head--severed and snugged away in a cryonic container. A head that could spark a revolution and change the course of history.
Everybody wants a piece of the noggin: rotund gangster Big Joey G., a 102-year-old environmentalist, hard-boiled Miami reporter Britt Montero, lawyer Jake Lassiter, and a would-be dictator in exile--with ex-president Jimmy Carter and a lovable manatee named Booger thrown in for good measure.
With bodies piling up it's anybody's guess what will happen from one chapter to the next, as an all-star line-up of Florida's finest writers take turns at taking this outrageously original novel to the limit--and beyond.
Customer Reviews:
Too many cooks and all that . . . .......2007-08-15
If you are a fan of any of these authors, do yourself the favor of sticking with their individual efforts. Hiaasen's chapter (the final one) cracks broadly at the missteps of several previous authors. I enjoyed only 3 chapters (Berry, Hall, & Hiaasen), and I put up with the rest to see how Mr. Hiaasen would tie it up. Even his talents could not salvage this - and here, I strongly agree with other reviewers - MESS.
The Bare Facts!.......2007-05-12
I found Naked Came The Manatee to be an enjoyable read. I liked the different writing styles that wove the storyline together. I borrowed the book from our local library and liked it enough to buy my own copy. It was interersting and entertaining. The reason I gave it four stars was because I thought Dave Barry's first chapter, though good, was a little too chock full of detail. Although I have read Carl Hiaasen's Flush and Hoot among others and have enjoyed reading Dave Barry for years, I was not familiar with some of the other writers. Naked Came The Manatee has whetted my interest in reading books they have penned. All in all, a pleasant way to spend an afternoon reading. ~ Mrs. B.
Don't buy it, don't even get it at the library!.......2006-08-17
First, I'd like to tell the authors that after reading this book, each of you owe me a few hours of my time which disappeared, worthlessly, from my life.
What starts out as a great idea - a gaggle of writers each crafting a chapter of a novel - quickly crashes into a confusing, poorly played game of "telephone."
You know "telephone" - the kids' game where one whispers something to the person next to him or her and the words circle the room, ending in an incomprehensible string of gibberish?
Naked Came the Manatee is a hobo stew of styles, with each writer leading us through silly plot moves and adding their own characters.
While reading each of these authors might be fun, their collective sum only reveals a bookfull of defective parts.
Multiple Authors Make an Interesting Read.......2006-07-19
Back in the primary school days you probably partook in the exercise of everyone in the class writing a paragraph then passing the paper to the person sitting next to them who wrote the next paragraph, passed it to the next person and so on until everyone in the class had contributed to each of the 30 or so stories. Well that is exactly what the publishers of Naked Came the Manatee have done, with thirteen Florida authors, just on a bigger scale.
The quality of each chapter obviously varies with the quality of each author but that adds to the fun. Even though Hiaasen is on the spine also doesn't mean that all the authors are surreal humorous type writers either with some chapters being very crime thriller in style and even one, chapter 11 being poetic philosophy (must admit didn't really enjoy this one.) The story flowed on quite well (except from chapter 10 to 11) from author to author in most parts but you could definitely pick up the difference in style with each transition. The story overall lacked the high quality that many of these authors such as Carl Hiaasen and Dave Barry have achieved in their own novels but it was still a very good and enjoyable read.
The basic plot of Naked Came the Manatee revolves around a Manatee, called Booger by the locals who is either part of or around the main action. Throw in a 102 year old woman, Fidel Castro, shiny steel boxes, dim-witted criminals, lawyers and politicians as well as the locals of Coconut Grove and you've got a pretty fun storyline.
If you like the multiple author novel and want to read another one that Dave Barry is in grab a copy of The Putt at the End of the World. Barry teams up with Lee K Abbott, Richard Bausch, James Crumley, James W Hall, Tami Hoag, Tim O'Brien, Ridley Pearson and Les Standiford in this surreal golfing adventure that golf related is to the world of novels what Happy Gilmore is to the world of movies.
Rough around the edges .......2006-03-22
Perhaps it was my surroundings at the time I first read this delightful book that makes me like it so much,
(first visit to a naturist resort)
but, after several reads I've developed quite a thing for it.
It alternates for the top spot on my list with Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac and Beryl Markham's West with the Night depending on my mood...
I picked it up off the shelf at Barnes and Noble because I'm a Carl Hiassen fan and enjoyed his other colabrotive effort, A Death in China with Bill Montalbano.
(I have since purchaced many other new and used copies for friends)
I also needed something to read while burning parts of my body that have not seen the sun in decades to an unattractive crispy bright red.
(something naturist resorts don't alert novices to in the brochure...)
the shifts in style from chapter to chapter make it that much more interesting, just when you start to think it's too masculine, a touch of the femenine intervines to round it out.
To sum it up I guess,
if your tastes in literature twist towards nature,
international intrigue,
or the simple pleasures of nudity,
this book is quite the enjoyable romp.
(SPF 30+ is recommended if you read it on the beach, trust me.)
Customer Reviews:
Naked Marquis.......2007-08-27
Very good Book. Was recommended by Amazon based on previous items purchased. The writings of Sally Mackenzie and Mary Balogh are very similar.
Good Book!.......2007-07-23
I absolutely adore these books! Silly, I know, but they're so cute and funny and romantic all rolled into one.
4.5 stars???.......2006-12-07
I've been reading so-called Regency Romances for years and this was definately one of the most riducuous books I have ever encountered. Everything was wrong from the boring main characters, worn-out story to cliched dialogs. I couldn't even finish it.
Sexy & Heartwarming!.......2006-08-07
In this, the second in "The Naked" aristocrat series, Charles Draysmith, handsome rogue, becomes the Marquis of Knightsdale after the death of his brother and sister-in-law. He needs to marry soon to acquire the necessary heir and spare and is hounded by marriage minded mammas and their daughters. He has little interest in their pursuit and escapes to his country estate to handle estate business and reunite with his nieces, Claire and Isabelle. Little did he realize that he would be reunited with his childhood friend and vicar's daugther, Miss Emma Peterson, who is now Claire and Isabelle's governess. He has immediate lust for Emma and decides she would be the perfect escape from the marriage mart. As his wife, Emma could stay at home and tend the children while he was off in London at his usual rogue pursuits. Emma, who has loved Charles since the age of six, is outraged at his plan. As Charles plans his seduction, Emma desiring to be more than a breeder, is more than reluctant to any advances. His pursuit is a hilarious romantic romp. The sparks fly and each page is a sensual adventure, but this romance has so much more! Ms. MacKenzie has a talent for writing such warmth and depth to each character that the reader is utterly captivated. Claire and Isabelle are a joy. As marriage minded ladies of the ton and their mamas arrive at the estate for a house party, Claire, Isabelle and Charles's Aunt Bea join forces to do away with Emma's competition and play cupid in order to bring Charles and Emma together. Their antics will make you laugh out loud. As Charles realizes he truly loves Emma, as well as his nieces, his antics to get Emma to accept his marriage proposal are even more entertaining. There is suspense as well, as Charles and Emma are in danger and the story builds to a suspenseful ending and a murder is also solved. This story has it all and is so entertaining and fun to read. It's the perfect summer romance! I look forward to the next in the series, The Naked Earl. I also recommend the first in the series, The Naked Duke.
Humor, Romance and Marriage proposal ...........2006-07-31
The Naked Marquis by Sally Mackenzie was fabulous historical romance novel. The dialogue was funny, the love story was sweet with a layer of mystery - what more could you ask for. This author has become a must have. Check out the series THE NAKED DUKE , THE NAKED MARQUIS and THE NAKED EARL Due out April 2007. If you enjoy this genre I would also check out The Lady Lies The Lady Killer and The Lady's Code by Samantha Saxon
Average customer rating:
- Naked just not too thrilling for me
- Compelling Novel
- Sandford does it again!
- A must for Davenport addicts
- competent, enjoyable yet a bit formulaic..
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Naked Prey
John Sandford
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0425195449 |
Amazon.com
When twelve-year-old muskrat trapper Letty West stumbles on the naked bodies of Jane Warr and Deon Cash, deep in the snowy woods of northern Minnesota, it's more than another bizarre episode in her already unusual life, as Lucas Davenport discovers in this new outing in Sandford's popular series featuring the midwestern lawman who moonlights as a computer game designer. Lucas has a new wife, a new baby, and a new job as a political troubleshooter for his old boss Rose Marie Roux, but the blunt-spoken Davenport's instructions to hush the racially charged implications of what looks suspiciously like a lynching won't deter him from whomever left Warr and Cash twisting in the wind. The well-peopled plot, involving a hot car ring, an ex-nun who smuggles cancer drugs over the Canadian border, and the usual internecine wranglings between the FBI, the local cops, and Davenport, races to a satisfying denouement, but this time it's a little girl with a difficult past and an uncertain future who lingers in the reader's mind. Fortunately, Sandford comes up with an ending that makes it all but certain that his fans will meet her again. Meanwhile, all the author's usual trademarks are on display--excellent writing, an interesting scenario, and terrific pacing. --Jane Adams
Book Description
Lucas Davenport investigates the lynching murder of an interracial couple in a small Minnesota town.
Download Description
"In Naked Prey, John Sandford puts Lucas Davenport through some changes. His old boss, Rose Marie Roux, has moved up to the state level and taken Lucas with her, creating a special troubleshooter job for him for the cases that are too complicated or politically touchy for others to handle. In addition, Lucas is now married and a new father, both of which are fine with him: he doesn't mind being a family man. But he is a little worried. For every bit of peace you get, you have to pay - and he's waiting for the bill. It comes in the form of two people found hanging from a tree in the woods of northern Minnesota. What makes it particularly sensitive is that the bodies are of a black man and a white woman, and they're naked. ""Lynching"" is the word that everybody's trying not to say - but, as Lucas begins to discover, in fact the murders are not what they appear to be, and they are not the end of the story. There is worse to come - much, much worse. Filled with the rich characterization and exceptional drama that are his hallmarks, this is Sandford's most suspenseful novel yet."
Customer Reviews:
Naked just not too thrilling for me.......2006-11-14
I entered into the "Prey(Lucas Davenport)" series with "Chosen Prey" and followed that up with "Mortal Prey." I enjoyed those enough to pick up the next in the series "Naked Prey." All I can ask is "What happened?"
The story starts off brutal but fast when a couple, a black man and white woman, are viciously beaten and hanged. The story then goes into "simultaneous" mode, as the others did, where it moves back and forth between the main lead, Lucas Davenport, attempting to solve the crime while taking you into the world of the seedy characters who may or may not be the culprits. Of course, the fun and suspense is provided by you anxiously awaiting the collision between all the parties.
Unfortunately, this one did not move very well for me. I simply got bored with the bad guys and the fact so many law enforcement or political characters enter into the mix made the story seem like it was all over the place. Instead of suspense, I found myself dropping off to sleep way to easily. I guess it's trouble when the character that involves you the most is an 11 year old girl who be a valuable link to the entire story.
I can't put my finger on it but I just think in the previous books, it was easy to get a grip on the bad guys and I could not wait for the ultimate confrontations. As I ended up discarding this at the halfway point, I guess you could say this one created too few anxious moments. If you are a casual or first time Prey reader, I suggest you pass on this one.
Compelling Novel.......2006-09-20
If your looking for a novel which is written in a poetic style this isn't it. It is, however, a well written, fast paced murder mystery which wastes no time. It brings you right into the story from the introduction. There is no wasting of your time by the author using useless descriptions and useless repetition. The book is poignant & very entertaining reading which you'll find difficult to put down. The book grips you right to the final page. Pick it up, you'll like it
Sandford does it again!.......2006-01-20
John Sandford's Lucas Davenport is a detective's detective. He's smart, handsome, and wealthy. He's got the goods and Sandford's long since had the rythm down for his detective.
Again, we're witness to a murder that ends up turning into more and more murders as the murder(s?) try to cover up their initial crime.
This time, we've got a twelve year old girl in peril as well.
Sanford knows people and that is why his books are so good. He writes about real people, like you and me.
His voice rings clear and the story is absolutely page turning and gripping.
You'll love it.
A must for Davenport addicts.......2005-10-09
Lucas, Del and team using their talents in the usual way(known to fans of course). Don't put the book down until you got his next unread novel at hand!
competent, enjoyable yet a bit formulaic.........2005-09-03
'Naked Prey' by John Sandford is yet another installment of his very successful 'prey' series starring the scruffy yet lovable Twin Cities police investigator, Lucas Davenport. In it we have nasty crime in northern Minnesota. The surroundings and people are reminiscent of the movie 'Fargo'. Little town, big crime, dead cold. Although Sandford does write well and the story moves along reasonably well, the book felt more like a script of the television series 'Matlock' or 'Barnaby Jones' than proper literature.
Bottom line: an excellent "oh, what book should I grab for this long flight"-kind of book. Enjoyable yet thoroughly forgettable.
Average customer rating:
- It was OK --- a little disappointing
- Incipt Vita Nova: Spa motto
- Naked go the mystery writers
- A Round Robin Mystery
- A Blah Blend
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Naked Came the Phoenix: A Serial Novel
Nevada Barr ,
J. D. Robb ,
Nancy Pickard ,
Lisa Scottoline ,
Pam O'Shaughnessy ,
Mary O'Shaughnessy ,
J. A. Jance ,
Faye Kellerman ,
Mary Jane Clark ,
Anne Perry ,
Diana Gabbaldon ,
Val McDermid ,
Laurie R. King ,
Perri O'Shaughnessy ,
J.A. Jance , and
Diana Gabaldon
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0312251947 |
Book Description
The promise of discretion and pampering-and a long-overdue reconciliation with her mother-draws Caroline Blessing, the young wife of a newly-elected Congressman, to the fancy Phoenix Spa. But after her first night in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Caroline wakes to find the rich and famous guests in turmoil and under suspicion: the spa's flamboyant and ambitious owner has been murdered. As the secrets come out-and the body count rises, can Caroline keep herself from becoming the next victim?In the tradition of such collaborative classics as Naken Came the Manatee and The Floating Admiral, each chapter in this serial novel is written by one of today's most talented mystery novelists.
Customer Reviews:
It was OK --- a little disappointing.......2007-07-24
I enjoyed the book, but the last chapter was kind of a dumping ground for everything. Somehow the author of the last chapter threw it all together to end the story --- but it was a mish mosh that I didn't follow very well. I read it because a couple of my favorite writers were in the "pack" --- Mary Jane Clark, particularly. The last chapter was too long and just a mess, in my opinion.
Incipt Vita Nova: Spa motto.......2006-08-09
The Phonenix, contrary to the one located on Gay Street, is an upscale spa for the rich and famous. The scene of five murders, this time the characters are all interrelated, which is uncovered in the final chapter. It was all rather convoluted, being the artistic endeavors of thirteen prominent writers, each for one chapter. This is the result of a project to copy the serial novels of the Thirties in which Agatha Cristie was involved. In 'Agatha,' the movie, she was incognito "shadowing" her nemesis in a steam room in England about the same time she was writing such (living a dream). Our Phoenix building downtown has been renovated into high priced condos for strange folks who moved here and think it is novel to live on the main street of this town. No Spa there, however, you have to go to Powell to the Fitness Center to find the hot tub and steam room.
The Phoenix in this story in segments is a place of myster with drugs, adoptions, murders all involved until the Chapter 13 which explains all in detail to the survivors who are all family, interrelated in a weird way. "A family, rising phoenixlike from the ashes." Caroline thanked God for bringint this man into her life; Tennessee congressman Doug Blessing with some secrets of his own. She hadd not "forced her way to freedom" because of an anticipated "need for Doug's more delicate plumbing." This written by a mystery writer as opposed to a romance novelist who would be more explicit. Just a slightly different way of phrasing, which I always used in the book reviews I gave to the literary club -- it was fun to confuse those who weren't napping. The Phoenix had a mud room with its own secret stash.
Some of the gathering of strong personalities include the beautiful made model (Adonis), the kinky actress, the green-haired rock star who went through N.A., the detective Toscana who sometimes acted like God ("and Toscana saw that it was good."), Dante, t he masseur, and Geoff, the assitant pastry chef. The sociopathic personality responsible for the deaths had no conscience, and was evil with no sense of honor. Knowledge was her weapon. A person can only ask, to be granted a wish for anything.
Led by Nevada Barr based this confusing story showing how a character can be killed in a spa. I review another book wherin the pivotal chatacter was killed in the steam room of the notel spa shortly before his scheduled assignation with the main person. So, this premise is nothing new, nor the format. What is different is t he freedom of each of these authors to develop their own characters and circumstances leading to the next sequence of unusual, never-thought-of-before things a client could do at this exclusive Phoenix Spa. This serial format started in 1931 with 'The Floating Admiral' which was serialized in England. Marcia Talley, editor, discovers a link with that first collaboration and declares, "We have come full circle."
Two more recent such workings are 'Naked Came the Stranger ' (1969) by "Newsday" and 'Naked Came the Manatee' serialized in the "Miami Herald."
Naked go the mystery writers.......2005-10-08
First of all, to enjoy this sort of novel, you have to be able to appreciate what's going on behind the scenes: backstabbing; plot-twisting; character reinventions. And I'm not talking about the story itself. I'm talking about what the 13 authors are trying to do to each other!
The genre originated wonderfully with the august members of the British Detection Club way back in 1931, in a "serial" novel in which the various authors contrived ways to skullduggle not only the reader but each other and try to make it almost impossible for the final writer to wrap everything up neatly and tie it with a bowknot. That effort, "The Floating Admiral," is still the very best of its type. More recently, it's been done with sparkling wit by the Miami bunch including Carl Hiassen and Dave Barry in a delicious romp entitled "Naked Came the Manatee."
Now it's been tackled by a baker's dozen of America's female mystery writers. Yes, the plot is silly. Yes, the characters aren't all that fully developed. But who cares? The enjoyment of this book, as the others, is in seeing what each successive writer is doing to skewer what has already been written (without, however, contradicting it) and send the story reeling in a provocatively new direction. New openings are abruptly cut off at the knees. (Is she dead? Or is she only concussive?) Contrasting scenarios challenge what you think you've already assuredly figured out.
It doesn't really matter who winds up having done what to whom. If you're enjoying the wicked twists being perpetrated not by the characters but by their creators, then what you're looking for is how the final writer responds to the challenge of wrapping everything up with no loose ends and no plot spins left twisting in the wind--not even the yellow polkadot bikini! And in this regard, Laurie King shines splendidly.
As I closed the book, I was imagining the final dinner party those naughty thirteen were having after they all got to read King's inventive closure, and what a laugh they were enjoying. But the laughter is not at our expense. We share in it.
A Round Robin Mystery.......2005-03-15
This is a readable tale for a rainy evening, but using thirteen authhors for the thirteen chapters resulted in some extreme changes of direction. It sounded like a cast of characters with multiple personality disorders. Some chapters are better than others. Caroline's raid on the kitchen is really funny. But other chapters don't seem to come across as well. A few situations are transparent, and others are a bit of a stretch. Perhaps it ended up with too many twists and turns.
A Blah Blend.......2004-07-02
Nice idea, nice effort, but with a blah outcome. These writers, who are superstars in their own write, had to suppress too much of their natural talent to weave a seamless story. Don't buy, go to the library.
Average customer rating:
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Naked Witness (A Phyllida Moon Mystery)
Eileen Dewhurst
Manufacturer: Severn House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
British Detectives | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Series | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Women Sleuths | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0727860240 |
Average customer rating:
- royale with cheese
- Naked Once More
- Excellent
- SUICIDE? -- MURDER? -- OR?
- Priceless mystery -- starring the flamboyant wonder
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Naked Once More
Elizabeth Peters
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
Unabridged | Literature & Fiction | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Peters, Elizabeth | ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Peters, Elizabeth | ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0786108096 |
Book Description
She may be a bestselling author, but ex-librarian Jacqueline Kirby's views on the publishing biz aren't fit to print. In fact, she's thinking of trading celebrity for serenity and a house far away from fiendish editors and demented fans when her agent whispers the only words that could ever make her stay: Naked in the Ice.
Seven years ago, this blockbuster skyrocketed Kathleen Darcy to instant fame. Now the author's heirs and looking for a writer to pen the sequel. It's an opportunity no novelist in her right mind would pass up, and there's no doubting Jacqueline's sanity...until she starts digging through the missing woman's papersand her past. Until she gets mixed up with Kathleen enigmatic lover. Until a series of nasty accidents convince her much too late that someone wants to bring Jacqueline's storyand her lifeto a premature end.
Customer Reviews:
royale with cheese.......2005-10-13
Ever wonder how the top-ranked reviewers force their way to the top?
They click on their own reviews over and over.
So brilliant. So clever. But not "well-done"! Certainly not the mark of a professional.
The new rule of thumb: lower rankings equal better reviews!
Naked Once More.......2005-02-07
Love this book - It pulls you in right from the first word and keeps you reading right to the enexpected end. Hated to put it down. Read it more then once.
Excellent.......2004-06-28
This, the fourth and thus far last installment of the Jacqueline Kirby series, reaches the greatness promised in the first stallment, but left largely unfulfilled by the second and third books. A challenging mystery, a hint of romance, and a more thoughtful, less mean-spirited Jacqueline. Too bad Ms. Peters stopped here. Enjoyable romp.
SUICIDE? -- MURDER? -- OR?.......2003-05-14
Seven years before this novel opens, Kathleen Darcy, a novelist famous for her one book, __Naked in the Ice__, disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Although no body was ever found and the only evidence was her abandoned car, which yielded no clues, her disappearance was officially ruled to be a suicide. Many of her friends, family, and fans question this conclusion and believe that she was either murdered or is still alive.
In the present, our protagonist Jacqueline (don't dare to call her Jackie!) Kirby, a successful novelist in her own right, wins a competition and is chosen to write a sequel to Ms. Darcy's novel. Upset by this decision are some fans who believe that no sequel should ever be written, and at least two of the other authors who lost out to her in the competition. These two rather unsavory characters are the aptly (self)named Brunhilde, and the bullying Jack Carter. How Jacqueline "destroys" these two through public humiliation is almost a case study in "coolness."
Jacqueline is a bit of an amateur detective whose instincts tell her that something is really amiss. There are a lot of people who might have had motives to get rid of Kathleen Darcy, and maybe Jacqueline, too.
She therefore makes it her business to determine:
(A): If Kathleen Darcy was murdered, or
(B): She committed suicide, or
(C): She is still alive, and
(D): If murder, who is responsible, or
(E): If she committed suicide, why, or
(F): If she is still alive, where is she, and
(G): Who murdered the owner of a local bookstore, a fanatical fan of Darcy, and why, and finally
(H): Who is setting up "accidents" that threaten Jacqueline's life, and why do they mirror a series of so-called accidents that happened to Darcy shortly before her disappearance?
Whew! That's a lot. Now let's throw in a sleazy lawyer, Kathleen's most unappealing half-brother, a handsome chef, a handsome neighbor, a dishonest agent, a couple of Kathleen's sisters, the two losing authors already mentioned, and one or two others, all with seeming motives, and all with something to hide.
It's Jacqueline's self-assigned job to sort through all of these people and possibilities while protecting herself, and o find the solution to this "who-dunnit."
How well does she do? You'll have to make it your job to find out.
Priceless mystery -- starring the flamboyant wonder.......2001-05-24
This is one of my fave mysteries of all time, a witty, twisting mystery that will leave you laughing, sighing, frowning, and enjoying every sharply-defined character in it.
This book is the sequel to "Die For Love," starring the incomparable Jacqueline Kirby (first seen in "Seventh Sinner") who is now a bestselling author who previously did two historical romances (which she can't stand). Now she is being approached for one of the biggest book deals in history: Write a sequel to the historical/romance/fantasy epic "Naked on the Ice"--and yes, that is the real title. The author of "Naked," the cult figure Kathleen Darcy, is supposedly dead by suicide, having vanished into the wilderness seven years back, despite being a bestselling millionaire.
Jacqueline gains the book deal, but must now deal with the rising specter of murder. She suspects strongly that Kathleen Darcy was being targeted for death via "accidents." Among her suspects are Kathleen's toad-like half-brother, St. John Darcy; Kathleen's ex-lover; the hack historical-romance writer Brunnhilde; the violent male rival; the married hunk whom "Naked"'s hero was physically based on; the deformed woman who has an almost obsessive fascination with Kathleen; and a sprinkling of other former friends, enemies, and relations...
What happened to Kathleen? Did she really commit suicide, or was she murdered? Is she alive, possibly? And what possible reason would anyone have to want her dead--money, love, revenge? Jacqueline intends to find the truth -- but what if she gets in the murderer's way?
Jacqueline is still the same effervescently vivid character as before. With her slightly eccentric nature and keen mind (not to mention her flamboyant clothing--it's a treat just to visualize her) she is an instantly likeable detective. Yet she doesn't show everything on the surface: when she meets with her new agent, she has a wry cynical edge that is very appealing.
You will thoroughly loathe such characters as St. John Darcy, Tom and Brunnhilde, the overweight historical hack. More appealing is Paul, whose turbulent feelings and quick thinking make him a nice if blunt guy.
Aside from the excellent descriptive writing and wonderful situations (St. John attempting to kiss Jacqueline; Jacqueline showing what Sarah looks like) you also get little pokes and jabs at the book industry. Agents, contracts, those little fifteen-percent paychecks, "lit-ra-choor" and bestselling authors are all lampooned slyly by Ms. Peters. (And if you have ever tried to be published as I have tried and am trying, it's doubly amusing)
One slightly inaccurate thing in this book is that the person doing the cover art obviously didn't read the book. (No nude typing--the "naked" is a joke...) Aside from this, this is a witty, classic mystery that you'll read again and again...
Ms. Peters, write more about Jacqueline Kirby!
Average customer rating:
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Naked Came the Farmer
Philip Jose Farmer ,
Bill Knight ,
David Everson ,
Jerry Klein ,
Julie Kistler ,
Nancy Atherton ,
Steven Burgauer ,
Joel Steinfeldt ,
Joseph Flynn , and
Terry Bibo
Manufacturer: Mayfly Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | African American | Asian American | Classics | Collections & Readers | Drama | General | Hispanic | History & Criticism | Humor | Jewish American | Letters & Correspondence | Native American | Poetry | Short Stories | Women Writers
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Anthologies | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Atherton, Nancy | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0962461377 |
Book Description
"A human head crashes through a window. A naked woman zooms by on a motorcycle. A sleazy lawmaker gets an arrow in the back. "That's life in central Illinois--or at least the twisted version of central Illinois concocted by 13 writers collaborating on a tongue-in-cheek mystery." So writes Christopher Wills of the Associated Press in his recent article covering the new serial book, NAKED CAME THE FARMER. Building on the success of NAKED CAME THE STRANGER--a collaborative effort of 20 Newsday staffers back in 1969--and on the success of NAKED CAME THE MANATEE--a suspense thriller cooked up by 13 Miami-based writers in 1995--now comes NAKED CAME THE FARMER, a satirical, round-robin murder mystery drawing on the talents of some of Illinois' top writers.
Customer Reviews:
Farmer ain't naked.......2001-08-24
Philip Jose Farmer makes an excelent job as always. Farmer known primarily for his Science Fiction, but has produced two Fantasy series World of Tiers and Riverworld, the latter an afterlife fantasy in the tradition of John Kendrick Bangs. Farmer words flow as easy as ever and this novel is a work of art. It aint as sexy or shocking as 'An exorcism: ritual one/two' or as deeply involving as 'The river world saga', but he builds his story up as the SF/horror/fantasy master he is. God fun, and with a nice climax as always.
Book Description
The latest dark suspense from "the Elmore Leonard of Britain's underworld" (Kirkus Reviews).
Big drug dealer Ralph Ember stumbles on a ghastly surprise when he and sidekick Beau Derek arrive at the house of yachtsman Barney Coss, his bulk supplier: Barney and his two women have been savagely murdered—and the murderers, three drug rivals from London, are still in the house. Beau dies quickly at their hands; they let Ralph go—for the moment—but he's a marked man because of what he's seen. When Melanie, Beau's alluring, ruthless girlfriend, learns what has happened, she is bent on revenge and wants Ralph as her partner—all the way.
Bill James's latest Harpur & Iles police procedural ratchets up the tension as the cops (the brilliant Detective Chief Superintendent Colin Harpur and his ungovernable, half-cracked superior, Assistant Chief Constable Desmond Iles) fight the drug barons for control of the city. As a body washes up, and one of the London creeps meets a violent end, the wily Ralph finds himself starting a new, very risky career—and Harpur sorts out what's going on just in time.
Customer Reviews:
A kid's review.......2004-07-09
This was a really entertaining book, so much that I started on adult books getting off those silly children's books. I recommend this to teenagers. Bill Jame's writing style is very much enjoyable, but sometimes it gets a bit hard to understand (since I'm a kid). Be warned, there is talk of sex, but all the more fun for teenagers.
Average customer rating:
- This series is always enjoyable
- NAKED JUSTICE NOT AS GOOD!!!
- Wonderful Read
- 'Justice' Rules
- Naked Justice: William Bernhardt
|
Naked Justice
William Bernhardt
Manufacturer: Fawcett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Legal | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Bernhardt, William | ( B ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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Murder One
ASIN: 0449000877
Release Date: 1997-11-26 |
Book Description
As Tulsa's first black mayor and a former college football hero, Wallace Barrett was a city treasure--until he became the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of his wife and two daughters. Seen splattered with blood and fleeing his house after the crime, the mayor needs a miracle. Enter Ben Kincaid.
While Kincaid may not be the slickest attorney in Tulsa, he has a knack for pulling off the impossible. But with a frenzied media, a string of damning expert witnesses for the prosecution, and surprise testimony that could rip right through Kincaid's already tenuous defense, impossible never looked so tough.
Customer Reviews:
This series is always enjoyable.......2003-12-27
This sixth book in the series does not disappoint. It is a fast paced novel that keeps you guessing until the end. There are some parallelisms in the story with the OJ trial (football start accused of murder, mishandling of the crime scene, car chase through a highway, etc.) but Bernhardt keeps it interesting regardless.
For those readers that have been following the series, in this installment we get more information about Ben's relationship with his father and the DA Bullock.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
NAKED JUSTICE NOT AS GOOD!!!.......2002-02-11
This is the 6th Bernhardt book I have read in the Ben Kincaid series. I think I have rated all the others with five stars. This is the first one I was disappointd in. To me, the trial pages were way to long. He went into to much detail on blood and DNA testing. If I had wanted a medical book I would have read one. All the people I liked were there, Ben, Christina, Jones, Loving and Mike. The first of the book was good and the ending was a surprise, to me at least. The middle was boring and to wordy at times. The ending left me sad and this had not happened in the previous books. I will read number seven as the first five were so good. I surely hope I enjoy it more.
Wonderful Read.......2000-09-26
The book did have many chaacteristics to OJ trial but you never knew the answers. The ending gets you quick and I doubt few people could figure it out. I think the only complaint I had was that there was way too many personal parts coming into play, I feel that it should have been more centered on the case. Overall, a qucik enjoyable read.
'Justice' Rules.......2000-04-19
This was my first William Bernhardt novel, and needless to say, I will be finding the rest of them to read, especially his Ben Kincaid series. This book kept me enthralled through all 405 pages, and even when I thought I had it all figured out--Surprise! I thoroughly enjoyed 'Naked Justice' and would recommend it to ANYONE who enjoys a top-notch legal thriller.
Naked Justice: William Bernhardt.......1999-12-30
Excellent Book! By far the best he's written. Keeps you guessing until the very end and not many books can do that. This book comes highly recommended!
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- Repair Manual: Cadillac 1967 to 1989 : All U.S. and Canadain Models of Deville, Eldorado, Fleetwood, Seville, Commercial Chassis, Including Diesel and V8-6-4engines
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