Austin Reviews

Raymond Austin main character Beauford Sloan is intelligent and Fun. You lose yourself in this book, as I did in his first The "Eagle Heist". This one is a strong contender for Austin's best, interesting characters you care about, fast action, edge of your seat page turner. All cliches, I know, but all true in this case.

I meet this author Raymond Austin while he lectured on a recent cruise. I knew of his work as a television director and found his lecture very interesting and in lighting. I have now read both his books. "Dead again," is a wonderful book two in the Beauford Sloan series for those of us who love a good mystery and hate all the sex and violence that is put into the books for NO REASON. He had a little sex in number one "The eagle heist," but petite. "Dead again," like the first will have you on the edge of your seat and make you feel like you really know the characters. A great mystery, ideal for a stormy night. Why Austin never took to the pen before I know not.

This book is a sleeper. I had never seen it, or been told about it. Why! I found it at a book sale in NY. It is one of the best reads I have had in detective stories for a long time. It is fast moving, good plot and a great ending. I got to like Beauford Sloan after a few pages with him. I still can't understand why more has not been said about this book and the author. I am out to get another book by him, which looks to be his first, The Eagle Heist. This Austin has been hiding behind a film camera until now. I recommend this book. I am a avid reader.

This book has the power of words, I did not want to put it down I finished it in one day. I could feel every emotion as the words came form the page and into my head. This book touched ground with what alot of woman have faced, and learned to live! If you are in need of a spiritual lift you should read this painful but heart warming novel SOUL TIES. Learn there's more to LOVE then LOVE ITSELF!!

By far the most emotionally provocative book I have read. Throughout the book you will continually feel the painful experiences that Ruth is placed in, often without the desire or awareness of what is taking place.
This story takes readers through the life of an adolescent girl, who grew through some uncontestably, soul draining experiences. Though tested, her faith is not shaken, and the indication is that, even after all Ruth has endured, she will make it after all.

when I first look at the cover I was not going to read the book. So I just read the first page when I was in 4th period and it was so good that I keep on reading. I read the entire book between 5 periods. The book is very very good and it makes you think. Are you a Ruth? The book was so emotional that I cried when I found out the book was a true story. How can so one go threw so much and still smile. I thank God that she finally is on top now. Sometimes you have to go threw hell just to get a piece of mind. Or even to just smile again.

It doesn't get much better than this. And I've read most of the top books in this field. If you have an interest in Baseball -- and want to read about the sport when it was really a "game" try this book. The book is truly told by the men who played the game in the early 1900's -- as transcribed in oral history fashion -- one chapter devoted to each player. Ritter brings to life players that most of us have always read about (Ruth, Cobb and Walter Johnson) and many more greats from that era -- Harry Hooper, Paul Waner, Rube Marquard, and Goose Goslin. (And yes, the author is my Uncle, but the book is STILL a great one!)

Words alone cannot describe what I have read. Smoky Joe Wood, Rube Marquard, Wahoo Sam Crawford, and many others. We are talking legends of a game gone by. True hero's when a baseball world needed hero's. Many thanks to Lawrence Ritter for capturing moments in time with these baseball legends. I'm sure that they all had a million stories to tell, but I'll settle for just the few that are represented in this book. In today's baseball world of outright sheer greed and selfishness, it was so refreshing to hear stories about baseball's yesterday when times were simpler and the game was just a game. How I miss those days. How I miss those players. Thank you for a memorable look at a simpler time, Lawrence.

The interviews form a tapestry evoking the baseball era before WWII and the feel of the national pastime is captured. Brilliant journalism. Warm yet realistic, and laugh out loud funny.

This book is a joy to read. It reminds those of us sports junkies that there are still places where the "student" in "student-athlete" truly comes first. Murphy has written a jewel of a book, the kind that any fan will devour and at the same time savor. Stories about the legendary Coach Gagliardi are recounted with the same reverance that one might give, say, Vince Lombardi. And Gagliardi deserves it.
This is an amazing book, written in the style of John Feinstein and told with the emotion one might hear when listening to Bob Costas. Read it now . . . once you stop, you'll want to get yourself to Minnesota and experience the magic that is St. John's for yourself.

I don't know where to start on this book. I just finished it and was blown away. Austin Murphy is truly an excellent writer. At times poetic in his descriptions -- one point talking about how the coach of the college had lost a dear friend and had put up walls to protect himself -- and many other times funny. The whole book has one-liners all over.

But the purpose for Murphy isn't to be funny, it's to describe the world of Division III football at the nation's most successful college program, under an ecclectic coach with unorthodox methods. Murphy leaves behind big-time college and pro football reporting for a fall and rediscovers not just the game, but himself and his family. The way he ties football in with the rest of his life is amazing.

Murphy gets close to the players, coaches and fans of the program, and becomes involved heavily in the community of the town, getting to know the monks at the college and local fans. He rediscovers his wife and family, an area he admits neglecting for the past few years.

Perhaps the best part of the book is Murphy's transparency. He's not afraid to admit his faults. He's often the Homer Simpson of parenting: he loves his children deeply but stumbles along in raising them -- letting them stay out to midnight, having them eat junk food and taking toddlers on scary amusement rides made for adults. He's a man of contradiction, admitting he can't help but go with NFL players to strip clubs -- Sports Illustrated ought to put an end to this real soon; what kind of comments is he going to get at such a place, cat calls? -- but feels he is compromising his journalistic integrity by hanging out too much with the St. John's players. Strange logic indeed, but at least Murphy is candid enough to put his faults out there.

It's inspirational, moving, funny and very well written. Anyone who is interested in humanity -- not just football -- and getting back to one's roots, should read this book.

If you're as tired as I am of the NFL schlock, of having to take the time to remind the high school kids you coach every season that taunting and trash talking are not a part of the game, then you will absolutely love this book. Mr. Murphy is funny-- so funny, in fact, that several times I laughed so hard I couldn't even read the passage in question out loud to my wife and had to hand her the book. Mr. Murphy is also jaded, tired of spending his life on the road dealing with the overlarge head of professional and big college Div-1A athletes.

You won't find jerks like Randy Moss or Brian Bosworth in the pages of this book, unless they are mentions solely as a stark contrast to the genuinely respectful and worthy athletes of St. Johns. Reading this book reminded me of the potential of all athletics to reap great good from the hearts and minds of youth, and also reminded me that, as a coach, it's my responsibility to sow those seeds.

The book can be enjoyed on several levels-- as humor, as a description of a sporting season, and above all, as a triumph of what football is supposed to be-- fun for everyone involved, ESPECIALLY the players.

I hope you enjoy it.

Wendy Devere-Austin betrays her British heritage by her use of certain words and phrases, but it only adds luster to this delightful mystery-thriller! She weaves love, lust, violence and, of course, murder into a web that is a delightful echo of the best of Agatha Christie. Tough cops, a beautiful heroine, and a maniacal killer are complemented by just the right touch of humor and one-liners as the face-paced action moves from coast to coast. Even after the reader learns the identity of the killer in mid-story, there remain twists, turns, chases and changes that lead to the unexpected epilogue. It is summertime, and time to get books for the beach, porch, and nightime leisure -- this book is a must for the list of any thriller-loving reader!

This is a suspenseful page-turner. Wendy DeVere-Austin is a savvy author. Be ready to hold-your-breath with this her first book. DeVere-Austin has storytelling skills that keep you on the edge of your seat. Keep it up Wendy.

This was a bone-chillingly great book, and I consider it number one on my recommended summer reading list. The plot moved at a great pace and just when I thought I knew "who done it," there were more surprises in store for me. For those who love suspense fiction, this book will leave you very satified. Wendy DeVere Austin's book is also written under the title "Leave the Killing to Me." I was so gripped by this book that it left me with a nervous butterfly feeling hours after I finished, wishing there was more to read! To be continued...I hope!

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore, with illustrations
by Mary Engelbreit, is the perfect Family gift or chidren's present.The poetic tale of The Night Before Christmas, can become a lovely custom to sit and read with a child during the hectic days preceding the Holiday.
Every family should own this classic tale that never tires children.The illustrations are magnificent in this book, but not too
sophisticated for children.It could be any era, not just 1820.
I remember with nostalgic pleasure having this read to me,
until I began to recognize the words and reading it to myself on a nightly basis.
I am sure another generation of children will be thrilled
with this book,and their parents will likely feel the same
with the memories it invokes.

I discovered this book 31 years ago, for my daughter and it is still loved by all the family. The illustrations are wonderful, warm, charming and delightful and bring a special meaning to the story. We still read it to all the young children on Christmas Eve and for adults we read the story and pass a grab bag gift every time the word THE is mentioned. It would not be Christmas without this book. It is magical.

I am a huge Engelbreit fan, and I just love this book. Every page is dazzling. My two year old loves it as well; he just gets lost in every illustration. He points to this and that and just can't get enough of just LOOKING. Engelbreit's bright colors and attention to detail just shine in this book. They just don't come any better than this!

The Price of Passion is a true page-turner in every sense of the word. I found myself reading at all hours of the night and telling all of my friends to read this book! I loved the way the plot unfolded and the characters are well-developed. I gave POP to my mother to read and she couldn't put it down either.

What I like best about POP is how this precious baby takes a hold of the lead character's heart and doesn't let go. POP is a true testament to the power of love. The story keeps you guessing what is going to happen next and trying to figure out the mystery as you go along.

I have to admit, when I first saw the other cover I was thinking the story was strictly political. It isn't but there are alot of political elements that come into play. What I also love about The Price of Passion is how it takes place right here in Austin, TX. I could truly visualize the scenes because I know all the places Evelyn wrote about. That made POP an extra treat. Most stories take place in towns you know nothing about. Austinites have a treat in store with this one. I also enjoyed the RV traveling with some "down home blues" thrown in too! :o)

Evelyn, you are a wonderful writer. Congratulations on your success and thanks for always being so positive & helpful when it comes to my writing quest. Clarissa.

I really enjoy the work of this new and upcoming author. This author definetly needs more exposure. this is the second book I read by Ms Palfrey and it was indeed a page turner. I like the fact that she did not give a description of the main characters, you had to make up your own. My characterization of Walter changed as I read and whether I was liking this character or not. I must say I enjoyed the romance, the mystery, the family scenes in Georgia, the concerts at the camp ground. Women in the prime of their lives deserves some romance and excitement also. So, kudos to Vivian! There is nothing I can say that I disliked. I would recommend this book to all.

Being in two book clubs, I do a lot of reading. If a book does not grab me in the beginning, I tend to put it down. This book got me from the page one and didn't let go until the last page.

I have passed this book to at least three friends, who also have loved it.

I read this book from a suggestion from my mother's friend who thought I might enjoy. I was a bit slow to read it because I thought it would be dull and slow. But when I did finally get a hold of "Eve's Daughters" and started to read it, I was immediately hooked on it. It was as though I felt every heartache and joy with the four women (Louise, Emma, Grace, and Suzanne). It shows that even *one* sin can tear a family apart, no matter how hard you try to keep it hidden. This book is beautifully written and put together and I recommend it to anyone.

This book started out a little slow, but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. Through the telling of the lives of these four generations of women, Austin masterfully creates a complex drama that not only entertains but teaches as well. As each of these women in the book must learn how to deal with the struggles they face in life, they also learn what it means to be a godly wife. Just as with Adam and Eve, these women learn how- even though difficult at times- they must trust God and follow their husband's leadership.

Another book I enjoyed which is similar to this one is Jerry B. Jenkins (co-author of the Left Behind series) book, "Though None Go With Me." His style of writing is somewhat similar to that of this book.

Intriguing family saga from the late 1800's to 1980. It is about four generations of daughters, and a dark family secret that keeps popping up. My mom loves Lynn Austin's books, and I was wanting to start reading some Christian novels, so she gave me this one to start on. At first, it seemed really boring, but the more I read, the more I wanted to read! I was so upset when it was over!!! I would recommend this to everyone, even if they aren't a Christian.

Islandia is a masterpiece. It is a utopian novel about a high culture, low technology society, but a utopia without glib answers and with real-world problems. It is a rich and detailed creation of a country, its society, and its people. The Islandians have developed a simple way of life that gives broad scope for individual fulfillment and the living of a happy, healthy, natural life through the enjoyment of work, love and friendship, craft, and the beauty of nature. Since this is the story of an American in Islandia, there are many contrasts between the American and Islandian way of life. It is impossible to describe the richness of this book; it has to be experienced to be understood. The plot is dramatic, the characters have great depth, the dialogue is fascinating, and the writing is beautiful. I have already read it three times, even though it's 1000 pages. It is a pleasure to read and highly rewarding.

This is my very favorite book, bar none, and has been since I first read it 20 years ago. Hero John Lang attends Harvard (Class of 1905) with Dorn, a young man from Islandia, a mysterious, xenophobic country struggling to deal with incursions from rest of the world. Upon graduating, he finds himself unable to choose a career, so he decides to use his language skill (Dorn teaches him Islandian one summer vacation in Maine) and is granted a rarely-issued entry visa. Though he never truly fits in, he becomes involved in Islandia's curious culture in various ways, and ends up at the crux of a national debate there, related in part to a German military threat. (Islandia is on the northern end of an Australia-like continent, never clearly located but probably in the far southern Pacific.) Wright carried Islandia in his head, expanding it from a childhood fantasy into hundreds of thousands of words of narrative and description of the place. [Sailing on Cape Cod once, he remarked that a particular bay looked just like another in Islandia.] He was killed in a car accident in Las Vegas in 1931, and his editor and family took 11 years to cut about 70% of his words to winnow the book to its still formidable length (it's 1,000 pages long). The book is wonderfully written and edited, with a smooth, lovely style. It's a bit slow by contemporary standards, but the description of Islandia's language, e.g. there are 4 words for love (romantic, strong friendship, desire, and one unique to Islandia's family-centric society), culture, and country, are beautifully done. Example: he's helping plow one day, and is horrified to find human remains right in the main field. His hosts quietly explain that when people die, they are of course returned to the land they loved, and they carefully return the bones to the furrow. In subsequent conversation, his hosts are equally horrified to hear how corpses are handled in America. The plot tracks John Lang's development from a young man, through his coming-of-age, finding himself, and coming to terms with his simultaneous love for and alienness in Islandia, and ultimately accepting who he is. First published in 1942, it was a minor cult classic in the early '60s, and though it's a bit dated in terms of feminism, for example, it remains my favorite book of all time. If there was an Islandia, I'd be there now...

I stumbled upon this book one day in a bookstore read the back and put it down.

Weeks later I was tearing my hair out to buy the book, ordered it from Amazon.com and fell in love.

This is the type of world or island creation that I truly love because it could be possible, unlike the middle-earth with its fairies and magic.

This was a man's life work and thank god it was found to be published.

Go run and buy this book now.

This Review lead me to Raymond Austin. (It is right it is.)

BOOKLIST AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Fans of the classic British television series The Avengers and The Saint may recognize the author',s name: as Ray Austin, he directed episodes-of-those serve; as well as many other British and American shows, This is his first novel, and it's ideally suited for the small screen. An armored car is hijacked, seemingly snatched out of thin air, and Virginia's Beauford Sloan, retired-cop-turned-private-detective, is hired to find out whodunit. Sloan, who closely resembles the actor Wilford Brimley, is a remarkably likable character. (The resemblance is no coincidence: Brimley and the author are friends, and Brimley has expressed his desire to play the detective in the anticipated television movie based on the novel. He has also written an introduction to the book.) In fact, everything about the novel is remarkably likable; perhaps because he spent decades in the world of moving pictures, Austin knows how to create detailed characters, dialogue that is both memorable and realistic, and an exciting plot. An excellent debut and a real find.

David Pitt

A great summer read, fast paced, with characters that you care about. I liked Sloan so much, I want to see what else he does. A third book is coming out soon, can't wait! This would make a great movie!!

I was totally captivated right from the start how the incredible "Eagle Heist" went down. You'll have to read to know what I mean! This book was fabulous! Right until the end I could not figure out who masterminded this incredible heist. Raymond Austin does an amazing job of creating a visual masterpiece in his first book. It must be made into a movie! I'm looking forward to the next in his series, "Dead Again."