W.I.T.C.H. Chapter Book: Out of the Dark

W.I.T.C.H. Chapter Book: Out of the Dark - Book #8 (W.I.T.C.H.)
Average customer rating:

Review of W.I.T.C.H. #4 by Julia, a 9 year old girl

Great

Out of this world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
W.I.T.C.H. Chapter Book: Out of the Dark - Book #8 (W.I.T.C.H.)
W.i.t.c.h.
Manufacturer: Volo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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W.I.T.C.H. Chapter Book: The Light of Meridian - Book #7 (W.I.T.C.H.)

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W.I.T.C.H. Chapter Book: The Last Tear - Book #5 (W.I.T.C.H.)

ASIN: 0786817976

Book Description

Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin (W.i.t.c.h.) are five ordinary friends with an extraordinary secret: they each have the power to control a natural element-air, water, fire, earth, and finally, the mysterious "Heart of Candracar." The girls use their powers to guard against evil and to uncover the truth behind mysterious portals leading to other worlds. Between school, family, and a new interest in boys, these girls had enough to worry about! But now they have the secret to turn into a group of friends with special powers . . . destined to fight the evil Prince Phobos in the magic world of Metamoor. W.i.t.c.h. combines fashion and fantasy, magic and middle school, heroism and humor, friendship and family, teamwork and transformation, in a wholesome mix proven to charm the tween girl market. Introducing a hybrid format that combines four-color comics with a traditional chapter book format.

Customer Reviews:

Review of W.I.T.C.H. #4 by Julia, a 9 year old girl.......2005-07-18

I liked this book, because it has action and friendship in it. When Will's dormouse escapes, she goes to Meridian to find it and gets attacked by black roses in Phobos's garden. She meets a gardner, who tells her that his family has suffered a very bad fate. It's not as good as other W.I.T.C.H. books, but it's still very good.

Great.......2005-07-11

I really like this book, alot. I liked how Will's dormouse escapes and Will has to go to Meridian to find him. I also liked the end where Will's mom is thinking, What's happened, Will? But sinced we moved, everythings changed...
I wonder if moving away from here might change things-
Might make them better? It made me really want to read what happens next!

Out of this world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-12-29

I have read all the Witch books that have been made, and I must say this was one of the best ones ever written yet! This book is one of the more interesting ones. It includes action, tradgedy, and new friendships. I highly recommend this book for readers who love fiction, action, comedy, and friendship.

Out Of The Dark: The Complete Guide to Beings from Beyond

Average customer rating:

Entertaining author but uneven material
Excellent
Super scary
A Superb Encyclopedia Of Weird Entities!
A Superb Encyclopedia Of Weird Entities!

Out Of The Dark: The Complete Guide to Beings from Beyond
Brad Steiger
Manufacturer: Kensington
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1575668963
Release Date: 2005-10-20

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining author but uneven material.......2007-03-28

Out of the Dark by Brad Steiger attempts to expose the mysterious entities that go bump in the night. The author brings a combination of a strong, dramatic writing style and a lifetime of personal experience to the book. Unfortunately, this journey into the unknown is hampered by a sometimes peculiar selection of material, a lack of good scientific method, and an occasional excess of literary color.

The book starts out with a chapter on the phenomena of ghosts, and at the outset things look quite promising. The author has clear literary flair, and has no problem creating imagery and drama when recounting historical events. Unlike the dry statistical prose so many a scientist has laid to paper, Steiger keeps the reader involved with a lively combination of storytelling and commentary. I can safely say that, despite occasional grievances with the content, the production values kept me reading on.

Sadly, after the first few chapters, the author's tendency to take a fireside ghost-story approach to his presentation began to feel problematic. In other words, for a work that is intended to be a presentation of fact regarding our world, there was a distinct lack of scientific method or reporting in many cases. For one thing, the book contains a stark lack of works cited... I only recall a couple references to external sources in the whole text. In most cases, the origin of the information is just plain a mystery. In cases where it is either assumed or given that Steiger has investigated himself, there is generally just another colorful story in place of the hard facts you will often find in a serious report of the paranormal. The bottom line is that, although it remains entertaining, much of the book's content loses its ties to reality when details and references are glossed over.

My other main point of discontent with Out of the Dark is the rather odd balance and selection of material found within. I approached this book having read several previous works that I would consider to be "tours of the paranormal," and expected much of the same variety of content here. I was only half correct. There were, of course, the requisite chapters on sasquatches, lake monsters, and ghosts, and these were largely addressed very well. Other chapters were more unexpected and often less fulfilling. The chapter on vampires goes off several times on movie monsters and real life vampire cults, none of which are particularly mysterious or interesting in the realm of the paranormal, and yet the Chupacabra was only mentioned briefly. When discussing satanic possession, Steiger gets distracted with the topic of serial killers, many of which don't even seem to have any claim to being possessed. In the chapter on UFOs, one of the broadest and most heavily reported of the world's paranormal topics, there were very few actual cases cited. Instead, the author goes off on a tangent regarding his theories on aliens and UFOs.

Ultimately I find Out of the Dark to be a middle-of-the-road experience in paranormal literature. On one hand we have an author who relates personal experiences with above average literary skill. Unfortunately, the sometimes questionable selection of material, the tendency to lose focus, and the lack of a decent scientific method really hampers the finished product. I would not recommend this book to the introductory paranormal reader... I think you can find a more balanced tour of the paranormal elsewhere. I would also not recommend this book to anyone wanting a scientific and factual presentation of the subject matter; there is a bit too much drama here. For the rest of us, Out of the Dark is a decent way to explore some of the less conventional topics in the paranormal realm, and the author's skill with presentation should keep you entertained.

Excellent.......2004-04-28

This book is pretty good if I do say so myself. I have been looking for a book about supernatural beings and paranormal entities for a while now, so I had to get this book when I so it. I'm glad to say that it didn't dissapoint me. Everything from ghosts, bigfoot, werewolf and sea-type creatures to the creatures of fairy, demons and alien type figures. And this book didn't overly sensationalize things either. For instance, the section on vampires makes it fairly clear that MOST vampire cases are simply people who thrive off of warm blood.... not necessarily the sexy, super-powerful undead beings shown in hollywood. It also talks about the reality of demons and how they do indeed manifest themselves and sometimes harass people in physical ways but that there are many "human" monsters who are simply possessed by these ill beings. All in all, this book is excellent for those who take any sort of interest in the world beyond.

Super scary.......2002-07-01

I picked this book up and then set it back down without ever opening the cover, and it sat for a month. WHY?!

This is the first Brad Steiger book I have ever picked up, and I don't think I ever want to put it down again. He takes stories collected from the "Steiger Questionnaire of Mystical, Paranormal, and UFO Experiences" and bundles the most fabulous stories up into this book.

Here's an idea of what Brad Steiger dives into the depths upon:
Ghosts, burial grounds, ghostly echoes, apparitions, poltergeists, phantoms, bigfoot, sasquatch, the Patterson-Gimlin Film of Bigfoot, a bigfoot body cast, Florida's skunk ape, winged manimals (mothman, etc.), Nessie, a number of other lake and sea monsters, vampires, psychic vampires, Chupacabra, werewolves, werecats, wee people (fairies, sprites, elves, little vanishing people and trolls), Incubus, Succubus, human sacrificers, subterranean superhumans living in "abandoned" mines, Tommyknockers, aliens and Men in Black; and Steiger swears that they are all really here and really real! There is a photograph section that includes a couple of pictures of rods, but I did not see anything written up on them.

I have to say, overall, I think that the troll story was the worst; and makes it the #1 creature on my list to NOT run into! But, I did figure out that this book isn't all about "bad" entities, that some of them only are bad when you make them be. For example, give the elves a little portion of you lunch and dinner every day, and your house won't be infested by rats.

Deciding to be stupid, I finished this book at 3 o'clock in the morning while on my lunch break sitting in my car in the middle of a deserted parking lot. Don't do this! I was pretty okay with myself until I read the very last page, and that was enough for me. However, I know for a fact that this will not be the only time I read this book. It'll make a good reference for those scary stories on Halloween night 2002!

Well, to sum it up, you need this book if you're even *slightly* interested in weird stuff. It made a believer out of me, and I'm sure it will do it for you, as well.

A Superb Encyclopedia Of Weird Entities!.......2001-10-31

A vicious Bigfoot creature who decapitates intruders in the mysterious Nahanni Valley! A real-life 19th-century Italian vampire who drank only the blood of beautiful women! A celebrated American clergyman who championed the concept of a hollow earth! A bizarre group of dedicated "shadow brothers" who do for occult phenomena what the MIBs do for UFO encounters!

These are among the intriguing subjects that I learned about for the first time reading Brad Steiger's latest excellent opus,"Out of the Dark." While I fancy myself an expert on subjects in the arenas of cryptozoology,parapsychology,and ufology, Steiger has compiled a veritable encyclopedia of weird entities,many of which I have never before encountered. As always,his writing is crisp,his entries concise,his topics fascinating!

Straddling the time frame from the historic to the modern,he has fashioned a comprehensive work that includes virtually every odd being that has ever existed in the past,the present,and,yes,even the future!

I guarantee that every reader will find nuggets of interesting material that he or she has not read elsewhere! This volume is going to the front of my bookshelf...I will be referring to it often!

A Superb Encyclopedia Of Weird Entities!.......2001-10-31

I guarantee that every reader will find nuggets of interesting material that he or she has not read elsewhere! This volume is going to the front of my bookshelf...I will be referring to it often!

Average customer rating:

Emotional & riveting suspense

Grabs You From Page One!

Not believable

Out of the Dark

Shocking but great
Out Of The Dark
Sharon Sala
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0778324028

Book Description

In the darkness of her memory terror lurks

Street artist Jade remembers little of her childhood except for the time she spent under the ruthless control of a cult leader, a time marked by terrible abuse and suffering. For fifteen years since she escaped his grasp, she has survived by living on the streets and never putting down roots.

Ex-cop Luke Kelly knows his friend Sam Cochrane wants nothing more to find his daughter, Jade, who was taken from him as a child. So Luke uses all his connections to make that happen, not knowing that by reuniting Jade with her father he is exposing her to a deadly peril.

In the healing embrace of her father's home, Jade -- with Luke's loving help -- begins to put fear behind her. But somewhere in the darkness, a man is prepared to kill rather than let Jade reveal the secrets of her childhood. And when her story makes the national news, that someone finally knows where to find her.

Customer Reviews:

Emotional & riveting suspense.......2006-10-18

When she was six years old, Jade's unsatisfied and hippie-ish mother was wooed by the charismatic leader of the "People of Joy" cult. When her mother suddenly dies, leader Solomon becomes her father figure and he immediately turns the child into a prostitute. With the help of her best friend and fellow damaged prostitute Raphael, the two escape from the cult and have lived on the streets for the last decade, surviving by their art.

When tourists purchase a picture painted by an artist bearing a strong resemblance to a woman who disappeared without a trace a quarter century ago, it is the catalyst that will enable family friend and security expert Luke Kelly to find the missing daughter Jade and reunite her with her wealthy father Sam Cochrane. As Luke works the clues and quickly locates the jaded Jade, an attraction forms between the two. Neither realizes the danger that is brewing in the background as someone sinister will do anything to keep Jade from Sam.

Sala's emotional story is riveting from cover to cover, though the intimate relationship between Luke and Jade is a little rushed and therefore not believable. But her tender relationship with the tortured Raphael was packed with so much emotion and elicited more than a few tears. Despite the dark content, this one is highly recommended.

Grabs You From Page One!.......2005-03-30

This is my first time reading Sharon Sala and was I glad the cover intrigued me! Sala grabs the reader from the very beginning and doesn't let go!

Jade Cochrane is a street artist on the run. When she was 6 years old, her upper-middle-class mother kidnapped her. Her mother was looking for love in all the wrong places and joined a commune, The People of Joy. Yes, commune complete with pot smoking hippies and orgies! After her mother dies unexpectedly, Jade is prostituted to pedophiles, as are the other children in the commune. When an over-zealous man almost kills Jade, her friend, Raphael comes to her rescue and they begin life on the run. If The People of Joy catch them, they will surely die.

Fifteen years later, Jade unknowingly sells one of her paintings to a friend of her father's who has never lost hope in finding his daughter. Sam Cochrane hires Luke Kelly, a security expert, to find Jade when he sees the painting. This is almost too easily accomplished to make it believable and left me wondering how anyone could believe finding a lost one was that easy. Hey, maybe we should all employ Luke Kelly and there would not be anyone missing. But the real fun begins when Luke brings Jade back to her father. It's a highly publicized reunion leaving the People of Joy and former customers beginning to worry that Jade will tell of their crimes and they will go to prison.

It seems like a storyline that has been used many times before, and it is. But Sala puts a few new sub-plots into the mix and makes for a very enjoyable story. Raphael's death and subsequent "appearances" to Jade are pleasant even though far-fetched. And the irony of the "john's" true identity will leave the reader wondering who else in public office has skeletons like these in their closets!

Character development is done with memory flashbacks of Jade's childhood and a few of her teenage years. We're given a glimpse of how horrible her life was in the commune, and although free as a street painter, she must always look over her shoulder to keep from being recaptured. Raphael is also developed this way but not in such detail. Luke Kelly is developed in the present and yes, the reader can predict the attraction between Kelly and Jade.

This is a suspense book yet has all the makings of a romance, but also has a moral message. It's a feel good book at the end, but definitely not in the beginning when the abuse is described in vivid detail. It keeps the reader guessing as to what will come next for Jade.

My suggestion is to have another Sharon Sala book handy. When you finish this one, you'll want to read another right away!

Not believable.......2004-11-03

I really enjoy Sharon Sala's books, and I picked this one up with great expectations.

Sadly, it was poorly researched. The implausability begins with the behaviors and personalities of Jade and Rapheal, which are incorrect behaviors for incest/abuse victims.

And their living on the street for twelve years, yet being extremely educated, articulate and most of all, totally asexual is improbable.

Rapheal's illness doesn't ring true to classic HIV/AID's progression. It continues with Luke's ability to go into various sites and places completely against any legal police procedure. You have the suspension of belief required when they are accidentally seen on TV by Luke.

You have a candidate for governor being arrested with no more fanfare than picking up a vagrant off the street. Then being assaulted by Luke, a non-lawenforcement entity. Even Frank's lawyer standing up and telling him off was extremely improbable for legal reasons.

Then you have a woman who has been brutalized sexually for 6 years of her early years, then totally celibate for the next 12 suddenly saying "Gee, I think I am ready to try sex now" with a man she literally just met days before. And a man 'falling instantly' for a very damaged woman, basically on her looks alone. Their relationship is consumated way to soon and fast for both their own good.

Lastly, Jade's paintings, while dear, are not the kind that would sell for millions of dollars.

I have great hopes for other Sala works, but because of my profession and life experience, this book was improbable to impossible, to the point it was almost unreadable.

Out of the Dark.......2004-09-13

Disillusioned by life, Margaret Cochrane finds an illusion of joy with the People of Love. Drawn in by their snake charming leader, Solomon, she steals her baby and leaves her husband, Sam, behind, never dreaming that instead of Heaven, she was consigning herself and her little girl, Jade, to Hell.

Twenty five years later, Jade and her friend, Raphael, have escaped the People and been on the run for longer than they can remember. The art that sustains them will be their salvation. One of Margaret's acquaintances sees a portrait Jade did of her mother, and that is enough for Sam's detective friend, Luke, to find Jade. The years have left scars on Jade's soul. After her mother died, she became a commodity, sold to the pedophile who would pay the most. Only when maturity made her unappealing to that brand of pervert could she and Rafe escape. Yet, unknown to Jade, Rafe is dying because of what was done to him. Being found by Luke and Sam is an answer to his own prayers; now he knows he can leave Earth with Jade cared for, he just doesn't know how soon. Those who hurt them the most have seen the pictures as well, and want to silence the two runaways. When they kill Rafe, Luke becomes determined they won't do the same to the woman he's come to love.

***** Light and dark contrast in this complex novel. Jade and Rafe will wrench your heart with the beauty of their souls. Somehow, both retain an innocence despite the hardness of their lives. A round of applause must go to Ms Sala for avoiding the overused angst that might be used in characterizing Jade and Luke's relationship. Overall, this novel is suspenseful, sweet, and hopeful all at once. *****

Shocking but great.......2004-08-18

My favorite Sharon Sala book so far. I cried and cried at the end. It's terrible to think that these kind of abusers really existand that mothers can have so little sense.

Coming Out of the Dark: A Journey Out of Depression

Average customer rating:

Depression doesn't mean you are being punished!

Coming Out of the Dark: A Journey Out of Depression
Mary Southerland
Manufacturer: Harvest House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0736914544

Customer Reviews:

Depression doesn't mean you are being punished!.......2005-09-17

Finally a book on depression that is a real person. As a ministers wife, Mary was struck with severe clinical depression and panic attacks. She tells her tale of recovery, the root of her depression, real life stories and how she is doing today. She talks about how embarresing it was for her, of all people to not want to lead the choir anymore, or attend church anymore. She gives great insight into what she did on her darkest days, parts of the bible that inspire and uplift you. For the first time I felt like I can get better, and that being blue is not a punishement for sin. Mary reveals what was at the heart of her depression and what triggered her major breakdown. She provides simple and direct steps to take to start to feel better. Mary is also very careful not to underestimate the need for medical help. She also doesn't believe it's all in your head or that you should just fake it. This is an outstanding and uplifting book. I wish every person (believer or not) that is suffering, has suffered, or has family suffering from depression could have a copy of this book. God Bless Mary Sutherland!!

Writing Our Way Out of the Dark: An Anthology by Child Abuse Survivors

Average customer rating:

A Hard Read, But A Worthy One

Writing Our Way Out of the Dark: An Anthology by Child Abuse Survivors

Manufacturer: Queen of Swords Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

A Hard Read, But A Worthy One.......2000-03-28

No poem or account in this book is an easy read. They all have teeth to tear at your heart. Ms. Claman has collected works from both well-known and first-time writers to show - no - drag the reader into the eyes and minds of people who have experienced abuse. More than anything in the world, I wish this kind of collection was unnecessary. But since abuse still exists, I'm very glad that Elizabeth Claman, and her contributors, have come together to make this book. Read only if you're ready to make this journey with them. There is a section with a great deal of hope at the end, so skip to that if you're beginning to feel there's no end to the pain. (Note: I am a contributor, but I feel that I would write the same way if I had not been chosen.)

The Jinx Ship: The Dark Adventure that Befell Tod Moran When He Shipped as Fireman Aboard the Tramp Steamer "Congo," Bound Out of New York for Caribbean Ports

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The Jinx Ship: The Dark Adventure that Befell Tod Moran When He Shipped as Fireman Aboard the Tramp Steamer "Congo," Bound Out of New York for Caribbean Ports
Howard Pease
Manufacturer: Doubleday, Page & company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Average customer rating:

Lights Out
Arthur Geisert
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Mama and Papa are firm: lights out at eight o'clock. But their little piglet is afraid of the dark. They say, "If you can figure something out, go ahead." So the piglet devises an ingenious series of contraptions that allow him to obey his parents while still keeping the light on long enough to fall asleep. Dominoes, tricycles, bowling balls, and baseball bats play a part as each action and reaction leads gradually to the final tug on the lamp's switch. Follow Arthur Geisert's detailed etchings as they reveal each step of kinetic wonder leading gradually to lights out.

Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick

Average customer rating:

Short, and definitely to the point!
Darkness
Where's the Dark Magick
I like..
Excellent exploration of an all too often taboo subject

Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick
John J Coughlin
Manufacturer: 1st Books Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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BOOK OF THE WITCH MOON Choronzon Edition

ASIN: 158820801X

Book Description

Reclaiming the word darkness from its evil associations, this book explores the aspects, imagery, and spirituality of darkness.

Customer Reviews:

Short, and definitely to the point!.......2007-03-14

"Out of the Shadows" was an easy read. I finished it in one afternoon. The content did not drag or oversimplified anything. It left the responsibility to the reader of how to use and digest the info within. Some readers will be a little disappointed in the curt statements and explanations about the Gothic culture, the dark religions, etc., but I think the intent was to get the info out into the open with no apologies intended. Definitely a good read for those who are honestly wanting to explore (not dabble) the 'darkness'. It's like a good snack that should not be eaten like junk food day after day.

Darkness.......2007-01-08

An excellent book on Dark Paganism. I finally found what I was looking for. Highly recommended.

Where's the Dark Magick.......2006-01-05

I might have been expecting too much, but I was disappointed with this book. I did not learn anything on Dark Magick per se. The first half of the book is about a variety of subjects like, Goths, Vampires, Lost Souls, the Collective Unconscious, Dark Deities, Satanism and some other stuff. The second half is about Magick, but it sounds more like High Magick to me. Where's the Dark Magick?

I like.........2005-10-12

I like this. It is good and dark and Taylor Ellwood says good stuff that's true about this. Yup..Dark and good..Exploring all dark paths that many books do not do, not just linked to one dark path. This is good, and his column in New Witch is..also good. Take care, Vanes

Excellent exploration of an all too often taboo subject.......2005-09-16

Like the title and introduction of the book says, this is an exploration of dark paganism, magic, and also other darksiders in general. Written by a man whose personal aesthetics have been interwoven into his personal spirituality, he has a unique perspective.

There are numerous topics explored in this book, and the author rightly says in the introduction that each could have filled several chapters or even a whole book! It's an introduction and primer, and highly recommended to all Pagans and Wiccans to gain a deeper and more balanced understanding.

It's best to also keep in mind that while the issue of balance within earth-based pagan paths, especially Wicca, is emphasized; the book is about Dark Paganism. To paraphrase the author, balance does not always mean equal. Such is the case with this book. Beyond challenging us to personalize our paths and to bring back balance, the book's focus is to prime the reader on the darker side.

Personally I found the best parts of this book to be the chapter on the Shadow, the exploring of emanations such as "auras" (free of New Age influence), a pagan/nature-based look at ghosts and a refreshing take on possessions and hauntings. But the best is saved for the second half, the chapters on magic theory. By far the best I've seen, it's both powerful and simple.

Run a search on the author: his website has a preview to the book. Also, if you liked the book and want to go a little further the website has more beyond the pages! Including: essays by several authors, a list of recommended books (very excellent if a bit short in this reviewers not-too-humble opinion), and links to other resources.

I hope that this review has helped those it can, and I wish all you seekers a pleasant day.

Average customer rating:

Out There in the Dark
Must review later
Recommended
Outstanding Novel of Hollywood
1942 vs 2006

Out There in the Dark
Wesley Strick
Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312343817
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Book Description

A proud, distinguished German emigre director named Dieter Seife has had to content himself cranking out B-movies for Superior Pictures, until finally, Superiors founder, Arthur Lustig, gives Seife the opportunity to prove himself on a larger-budget picture titled The Big Betrayal. Its also a break for a young actor on the rise, Harley Hayden, whos been signed to star. Seife is unhappy with the casting of Hayden and aware of Seifes displeasure, Hayden takes the defensive step of hiring a disgraced LA cop named Roarke to look into Seifes background and see whether Siefe may be hiding something. Out There in the Dark brings to life the corrupt side of wartime Hollywood.

Customer Reviews:

Out There in the Dark.......2007-04-03

The review I read for this book was quite positive, and since I am a fan of "old Hollywood," I ordered the book. It was most disappointing. Not very well written, cardboard characters, dull plot, tended to ramble. I did finish it, but felt it was a waste of time and money.

Must review later.......2007-03-19

I haven't started the book yet. I am taking it to read on my trip to new york

Recommended.......2006-08-01

I bought this book on a whim and didn't regret it. Strick pinpoints a particular time and place and puts you right smack in the middle of it. I found it a quick, enjoyable read, but engrossing all the way through. For fans of "Old Hollywood" the name dropping of figures of the era is fun (love the titles of the movies starring Harley Hayden!) and the atmosphere is vividly re-created. What's next on the horizon, Mr. Strick?

Outstanding Novel of Hollywood.......2006-05-29

It doesn't seem to me that in 1940 the private eye might be speculating on which luscious movie star was causing Harley Hayden to cheat on his girlfriend--"But who? Rita, Greta, Ingrid, Lana?" Of these names only Greta Garbo was a great star in 1940--and would a savvy eye like Roarke seriously suspect her of having a back street affair with a man? The other names seem of a later date, say 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, when all had achieved superstardom. (Each had made movies by 1940 of course, but none were yet at Garbo's level.) Outside of that one little error I congratulate Wesley Strick on having everything right, the most difficult thing of all.

I shouldn't say that, because he has done something incomparably different, he has selected a pair of humans who seem between them to balance out between them, like the scales of Scorpio, all that is good and bad in Hollywood. We might compare his allegory to the famous Hollywood novel by Christopher Isherwood, PRATER VIOLET, and I think we would say the laurels go to Strick. I wasn't one hundred percent convinced by the implacable anti-Semitism of the detective, Roarke, which doesn't go any place and just provides for innumerable scornful and offensive putdowns of Hollywood Jews. And yet perhaps the storytelling needed him as a fulcrum from which we get to view the mysterious boy actor, Harley Hayden, and the tragic German director-meister Deiter Seife. Beyond the fireworks of the plot, we see in miniature the ways in which the escapees from the Third Reich who made their way to Los Angeles in the 1930s changed the movie capital forever, providing, if not a moral corrective as has sometimes been assumed, but a cracked lens that skewed all vision into a personal, ethical darkness--an aesthetic choice Strick seems to understand beautifully. This novel is so much better than the scripts Strick has written for Hollywood (FINAL ANALYSIS, WOLF, THE SAINT) one feels that maybe he went there as a spy--a chiel among them. OUT THERE IN THE DARK feels like one of the books we'll be reading in 100 years.

1942 vs 2006.......2006-04-10

On the surface, "Out There in the Dark," Wesley Strick's debut novel, is a well-written, concisely researched, mystery novel that is sure to delight fans of 1940 Hollywood drama. As a result of the subject matter, some readers may want to compare Wesley's book to works by Chandler, but this is somewhat unfair (albeit flattering); Mr. Strick's contemporary, fresh, straightforward writing style enhances the storyline with its clean approach to everyday language. Additionally, and most importantly, strip away the references to the 1940's and here lies a treatise on today's "glorious" world of Tinsel Town.

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Out After Dark (Methuen Biography)
Hugh Leonard
Manufacturer: Methuen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Home Before Night (Methuen Biography)

ASIN: 0413771482

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