Rattlesnake Crossing

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Rattlesnake Crossing is J.A. Jance's sixth novel in the acclaimed Joanna Brady series (readers may also be familiar with her Seattle-based J.P. Beaumont series). Brady is no tough-talking V.I. Warshawski or Kat Colorado; her appeal lies in her willingness to admit that her Cochise County sheriff's uniform is often an uneasy fit. As the single mother of a young daughter, Brady is prey to the pain and loneliness that have resulted from her husband's brutal murder, and she struggles to prove to herself and others that she is capable of bringing a cold-blooded killer to justice.

When Clyde Philips, a local gun dealer, dies violently, his stock of high-powered assault weapons vanishes, and two sniper slayings follow soon after, suspicion falls upon Alton Hosfield, an embittered rancher at odds with the federal government, the environmentalists, and anyone else he sees as a threat to his isolation. Sheriff Brady, however, suspects that the solution may lie elsewhere, and her investigation takes her into the bizarre practices of a local resort whose appeal is equal parts New Age spiritualism, Native American pantheism, and cold-blooded materialism.

Jance has a talent for weaving prosaic threads into a gripping mystery narrative. As a result, Brady must--in addition to tracking a vicious killer--cope with the impossibly high standards of her insufferable mother; the spiteful comments of Marliss Shackleford, an old high school rival and current gossip columnist for the Bisbee Bee; and some rather unexpected news from Butch Dixon, her would-be ardent suitor. As with earlier Brady mysteries, the domestic context provides a deliciously ironic backdrop for the game of psychological cat-and-mouse being played in the Arizona desert. --Kelly Flynn

Book Description

Sheriff Joanna Brady is the law in Cochise County, and she will never allow her personal trials to interfere with the job she was elected to do—especially now that death has invaded Bisbee, Arizona, and has shattered the small desert town's fragile peace.

A gun dealer has died violently, and his stock of high-powered weapons has been cleaned out. Suspicion falls upon rancher Alton Hosfield, an armed separatist at war with the federal government and the local law—with everyone, in fact, whom he perceives as a threat to his independent way of life.

Joanna Brady suspects the solution is not so cut-and-dried—especially when the cold-blooded slaying is followed by a series of others, equally horrific and perplexing. At best, an incendiary "Ruby Ridge" situation is brewing. At worst, a maniacal serial killer has come to feed on her unsuspecting community. But Joanna's preoccupation with bringing a murderer to justice could take a terrible toll on her private life . . . and unravel threads of family, love, and responsibility that might never again be retied.

Customer Reviews:

From an avid J A Jance fan.......2007-08-15

This author keeps me on the edge of my seat no matter how many times I read and reread her works of art. Thank-you

No fluff. Just very good.......2006-08-10

My first Brady novel. Actually my first read by this author. It starts quickly and grabs your attention quickly. The story is interwoven nicely and just keeps going at a good pace without a lot of wasted words. It's led me to read more of Ms. Jance's work

Really Good Stuff.......2005-11-20

It is "my bad" that I haven't caught up with J.A. Jance before now. Tucson is my second home and this author had not crossed my radar screen until my wife gave me this book for my birthday. I am ordering all the sequels as this is very good writing and needs to be supported. It talks to you as you read it so if you are into this genre, go for it. It is "really good stuff."

Very Good Mystery.......2003-11-22

I recently discovered the Joanna Brady series and have been happily reading along and enjoying the character of a woman sheriff in a small town. At first, I thought that her wearing a suit and heels to work was ridiculous but I realized that she probably had to be conservative since she was the first woman sheriff in the region. I also enjoy the Arizona setting and Jance's deft interweaving of family, friends, and mystery.

I wasn't nuts about the serial killer plot in this book -- I identified this person the moment they made an appearance in the book by the "profile" similar to many on TV cop shows and movies. However, I suppose serial killers are everywhere.

Overall, the Joanna Brady series keeps my interest and I've read about nine books so far.

Southwestern mystery.......2002-07-23

Joanna Brady has been the Sheriff of Cochise County Arizona since her husband's death in the line of duty. When two bodies are found scalped, Joanna begins to suspect that a serial killer may be on the loose. As she and her staff struggle to find the solution to the murders, she must also contend with her growing feelings for Butch Dixon and her worries about the health of her best friend's child. This is the sixth novel in the Joanna Brady series and continues to explore Joanna's deepening connections with family and friends, as well as providing good solid mysteries to solve. If you would like to start with the first book in the series, try Desert Heat c1993

Rattler!: A Natural History of Rattlesnakes

Average customer rating:

Best photography of rattlesnakes yet.
Great for complete species reference.
If you like rattlesnakes...

Rattler!: A Natural History of Rattlesnakes
Chris Mattison
Manufacturer: Blandford Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Best photography of rattlesnakes yet........1999-01-10

If you don't read a single word in this book it's worth the price for the photos alone. The section on all the various rattlesnake species in the back of the book is also outstanding and only adds to the overall excellence of this publication. Well done Mr. Mattison.

Great for complete species reference........1998-11-22

Mattison does a great job of providing an overview of the natural history of the rattlesnake genera. Besides natural history information, the book has photos and descriptions of ALL KNOWN species (and most sub-species). I grab this book off my shelf first when looking up details on a particular rattlesnake species. Most field guides contain only the "major" rattlesnake species. This book is a great quick reference on all species. It is very well organized.

If you like rattlesnakes..........1998-03-03

you will probably like this book! The emphasis is on the scientific side of the snakes; I would have liked to have had more information about Mattison's =adventures= in getting the information and particularly getting the superb photographs that decorate the book.

Gila Monsters and Red-Eyed Rattlesnakes: Don Maguire's Arizona Trading Expeditions, 1876-1879

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Gila Monsters and Red-Eyed Rattlesnakes: Don Maguire's Arizona Trading Expeditions, 1876-1879
Don Maguire
Manufacturer: University of Utah Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0874805376

Baby Todd and the Rattlesnake Stradivarius

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Fun, wacky characters, supernatural story
Wacky and Fun
A keeper!
Simply wonderful!

Baby Todd and the Rattlesnake Stradivarius
Teresa Kennedy
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Fun, wacky characters, supernatural story.......2005-06-01

This is a really fun read.... The author has peopled her book with a bunch of true characters - a slightly crazy undertaker with a mummy in his chifferobe, a mystical, absent mother, a fiddle playing "special" boy, a conjurer woman with special healing powers, a bitter old woman, a dead man who comes back as a ghost, and on and on. It shifts back and forth between time periods and people, and it can get confusing as to who is doing what when and related to who. It would have been extremely helpful for the author to have included a family tree! But it all ties up neatly in the end, you figure out who is related and who is not (which pretty much everyone is related somehow, except for the town whore, who also happens to be the preacher's wife). The supernatural portions are centered around the Stradivarius and what happens to it, as well as the ghosts, conjurer, faith healer, etc. The book is well-written, and worth tracking down!

Wacky and Fun.......2003-01-24

What a wacky bunch of characters. True to life and funny as can be. I enjoyed this book immensely.

A keeper!.......1999-02-16

I LOVED this book. Read it from the library, then spent a lot time and effort trying to find a way to purchase it because I HAD to own it. I've since passed it down to my daughters, who also enjoyed it immensely. I keep hoping for more from this author.

Simply wonderful!.......1997-10-18

I picked this book up just to peruse, and found I couldn't put it down. Much in the style of Larry McMurtry with full character development. The characters are wacky, delightful and a bit off center. This was one of the most entertaining books I've read in a long time. Found myself laughing out loud and wishing for more. Hard to find this book? Keep looking, it's worth the hunt.

Average customer rating:

Baby Rattlesnake wants to be grown up before he's ready
Baby Rattlesnake wants to be grown up before he's ready

Baby Rattlesnake
Te Ata
Manufacturer: Children's Book Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0892392169

Book Description

Baby Rattlesnake cries and cries for a rattle just like his big brother and sister have, but his parents tell him he’s still too young. His crying keeps the Rattlesnake People up all night, so finally his parents give in. Thrilled with his new power, he mischievously uses his rattle to scare little animals. He grows bolder and bolder, till one day he scares the wrong creature. Adapted from a Chickasaw tale, this English-only version of this story-time favorite provides a witty lesson in the value of self-control that all young readers can relate to. Mira Reisberg’s appealing illustrations vividly depict the story’s Southwestern setting.

Customer Reviews:

Baby Rattlesnake wants to be grown up before he's ready.......1999-08-22

Many preschoolers will certainly relate to the main character's recognizable struggles with self-control and aggressive urges. Baby Rattlesnake wants a rattle of his own even though his family and all the other snakes know he's not old enough to respect the rules of rattling. His troubles begin when the community's elders finally let him have a rattle and he ventures forth in the dessert to scare someone with it. Unfortunately, he picks the WRONG human, with laugh-out-loud results. The story is told nonsentimentally in simple, crisp prose by Native American author Te Ata, a professional storyteller. In addition to being bright and appealing, the Southwestern-influenced illustrations can be used to teach colors, patterns and shapes. A unique, quality picture book that deserves a wider audience. Brief depictions of Native Americans are positive and non-stereotyping.

Baby Rattlesnake wants to be grown up before he's ready.......1999-08-22

Average customer rating:

An upbeat and playful story, perfectly accentuated by the wry yet realistic art.

The Gum Chewing Rattler
Joe Hayes
Manufacturer: Cinco Puntos Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

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ASIN: 0938317997

Book Description

Respected raconteur Joe Hayes is built for tall tales-he's got the world's longest legs! And Joe-who travels all over the United States telling stories to kids-says that The Gum-Chewing Rattler is the perfect tall tale for kids because it combines so many familiar experiences-chewing lots of bubblegum, getting in trouble in school, driving your mom crazy-with the wild, impossible claim that a certain rattlesnake chewed gum and blew a bubble with it. Couple that with kids' natural fascination with poisonous snakes, and The Gum-Chewing Rattler turns out to be one of Joe's most requested stories.

Joe's been telling this wild story for years, since before 1980, when he took those long legs of his out on the road. But now, that old gum-chewer is here for the first time in a picture book with full-color illustrations by Antonio Castro L.

Here's how Joe's story goes: When Joe was a boy, he chewed lots of bubblegum, his mom got so mad because the gum in his shirt pocket made a terrible mess in the wash! But this wad of bubblegum just happened to save Joe from a rattlesnake's fangs!

Really!!

Don't worry-his mother didn't believe the story either.

Customer Reviews:

An upbeat and playful story, perfectly accentuated by the wry yet realistic art........2007-02-04

Award-winning author Joe Hayes and mural artist Antonio Castro L. combine their talents in The Gum Chewing Rattler, a picturebook about a tall tale of a young boy's encounter with a rattlesnake. When the middle-aged narrator was a kid growing up in Arizona, he used to love chewing bubblegum more than anything. He loved it so much that he kept it in his shirt pocket at all times, and when he forgot to take it out, it would leave a big, gunky pink stain when his mother washed the clothes. One day, the boy stepped on a rattlesnake's tail - but when the rattlesnake moved to bite him in the chest, its teeth became stuck in the gum in his shirt pocket! And when the snake worked loose, there was so much gum in its mouth that it blew a bubble! An upbeat and playful story, perfectly accentuated by the wry yet realistic art.

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Texas Rattler Lore

Rattlesnakes
J. Frank Dobie
Manufacturer: Castle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0785813748

Book Description

Here are observations and speculations, legends and yarns, even gossip about the habits and dispositions of these extraordinary creatures—rattlesnakes—their reported size, deadliness, and power to charm their natural enemies. Here are descriptions of actual fights to the death between rattlesnakes and other animals and accounts of the strange experiences human beings have had with them, as well as tips on where to find them and how to act when you see one.

Dobie began systematically collecting lore about the rattlesnake world many years ago, using some of it in such regional publications as Southwest Review and incorporating much of it into essays—with the intention of eventually putting together a book about rattlesnakes. Now, in this collection of twenty-two articles, his wish is posthumously fulfilled.

Only Frank Dobie could tell of this fascinating and frightening creature with such wisdom and humor, thereby tempering "the age-old feud between the snake and man." And the rattlesnake—who once aroused fear among even the boldest men in the Old West—can at last be regarded with tolerance, respect, and even affection.

Customer Reviews:

Texas Rattler Lore.......1998-12-28

I read this 'bout 20 years ago, and it was fascinating then, as it is now. Mr. Dobie brings to us the Texas legendry and lore surrounding the rattlesnake, both in humor and seriousness. Great book.

Average customer rating:

A descent well photographed read.
More Like 1,057 Stars!!!
Great book, great info, great photography
A wonderful look at a fascinating subject.
The best book on rattlers since Klauber's "Rattlesnakes"

RATTLESNAKE
Rubio M
Manufacturer: Smithsonian
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1560988088

Customer Reviews:

A descent well photographed read........2006-02-08

No it is no Lawrence Klauber, but this is a well written well photogrpahed book. This work, in a large part based on the much more informative "Rattle Snakes" book by Lawrence Klauber makes up for its rather thin amount of information by offering the reader a wealth of colorful and amazing original photos. The book itself is only a decent read, coming no where close to Klaubers full 2 volume book or even the abridged addition. However for the beginner herper, or die-hard crot fan it is infact a must have.

More Like 1,057 Stars!!!.......2005-10-16

Go ahead and get in your car, on your bike, scooter, power-wheels , or however you like to get around and grab this book with a big old gallon of milk!! This is, in fact, one of the best books not only on rattlesnakes, but of the best snake-related books in general. It looks real good up on my bookshelf as well. Its format, photography, and information is excellent. An awsome read as well as informative. It is well worth the money and is a great resource. It gets a big ol' YESS SIR!!! Drinking some milk with this book seems to compliment it quiet well too. Just gulp and read!

Great book, great info, great photography.......2004-07-22

This book is a good resource for those who are interested in rattlers without being interested enough to read Klauber's treatise on the subject. The information is sound, and goes into fair depth, although at times I felt that a more scholarly less pop tone would have worked better. Still the author did what he set out to do; produce a great work on rattlesnakes that was accessible. It's easily worth reading, and is very informative. Although much of the info you can get from Klauber, there are many cases where Rubio has provided useful and worthwhile revisions/changes/additons to material (medicinal significance, the ecological effect of roundups, taxonomy etc.). These make the book more than a contemporary rehash of Kaluber's masterpiece.
The text alone would be worth the price of the book; the photography makes the book a steal. This man knows how to take pictures; some of the best photos of rattlers I've ever seen (and I've seen and taken several) are here. I borrowed this book from a library, expecting something that was little more than an update on Klauber; however, this work stands alone very well, and is informative--I intend to buy it. The photos are on par with any herp photography I've ever seen, and are impressive and useful; almost worth the price of the book themselves. This book is a must have, and well worth the time and money that one must invest to read it.

A wonderful look at a fascinating subject........2002-11-16

I have always been fascinated by rattlesnakes, ever since living in the heart of California's rattlesnake country as a young lad. This book covers the subject in loving and fascinating detail, with loads of superb photographs which splendidly support the excellent text. These are magnificent and beneficial animals and the author does a superb job of writing about them.

My only criticism of the book is that it spends a lot of time dealing with human activities as regards rattlesnakes, such as the notorious "rattlesnake roundups," which the author rightly explains to be unconscionable predations by man against innocent and essential creatures. I would have rather seen even more space devoted to a pure scientific study of rattlers. But this is a minor quibble, and many will doubtless disagree with me because these sections are very well done and interesting.

The book's scientific discussion of rattlesnakes is very interesting. These are amazing creatures and the author plainly is highly motivated by the subject. This book is a labor of love in which the reader will delight to share.

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in rattlers.

The best book on rattlers since Klauber's "Rattlesnakes".......2002-04-17

This is undoubtedly one of the best zoological books I've ever read. The photographs are superb and the text is both enlightening and understandable. This book along with Klauber's has opened a whole new world to me that was previously very dim and mysterious. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the mystery and excitement of venomous snakes.

Rattlesnakes: Their Natural History & Care in Captivity

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Rattlesnakes: Their Natural History & Care in Captivity
Jerry G. Walls
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0793820642

Rattlesnake Mesa: Stories from a Native American Childhood

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Tremendous!

Rattlesnake Mesa: Stories from a Native American Childhood
Ednah New Rider Weber
Manufacturer: Lee & Low Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

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Family & Childhood | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1584302313

Customer Reviews:

Tremendous!.......2004-11-18

Ednah New Rider Weber has what so many authors dream of: an authentic and original voice, and it's put to good use here, sharing a recollection of childhood that is hilarious and chilling in turn, and always honest. This book puts into first person perspective a dark chapter of American history in a way that both chilren and adults can appreciate. I savored her beautiful language, realistic and lively dialogue and knack for pulling together her chapters like the last threads of a perfectly woven cloth. I look forward to reading this book aloud to children in grades 4 and up, and I recommend it as a must-read for anyone interested in Native American history or memoir-writing.

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