Eagle Reviews

Flight of the Eagles, book #1 in the Seven Sleepers series is a sci-fi thriller as well as a fantasy epic. Not many fiction writers blend both science fiction and fantasy in the same novel, and Gilbert Morris succeeds at blending the two very distinctly different genres, although it is not a seamless blend. In the first parts of this novel, a nuclear war strikes the entire globe and silo labs and time capsules are described. Later on in the novel, the protagonists team up with a giant, some dwarfs, and gnomes, and battle with evil humans and monsters using swords and arrows. The protagonists also commit their lives to a divine, supernatural being. This is quite possibly the most unusual and interesting book I have ever read.

The storyline concerns an ordinary 14 year-old boy named Joshua Adams who is self-concious concerning his clumsiness and self-image. Then a girl named Sarah Collingwood, who is Josh's age, comes to stay at his house while her parents travel to Africa as missionaries.
Then a global nuclear war strikes. Josh's father wakes him up the night of the first nuclear strikes. Josh finds himself in a race against time, along with his parents and Sarah, to his father's silo lab. When they arrive at the concrete building. Josh's father explains to them that the world as they knew it would end that very night because of the global nuclear war. Josh is put into a time capsule deep inside the silo building and Sarah is whisked away to seperate capsule. Josh's father explains to him that when he awakes from the time capsule, he, along with several others, will find himself on a planet altered by nuclear devastation.

50 years later, Joshua Adams is awakened by from his sleep by and old man named Crusoe. He later discovers that the genetically altered races of Earth hail his awakening as the first fulfillment of ancient prophecy which states that seven sleepers would arise in Nuworld to unite their strength with Goel and join in battle against the forces of evil that threaten to dominate Nuworld. Josh learns that he, along with six others, would become the only hope of Nuworld.
He teams up with Crusoe, a giant named Volka, and two dwarfs named Mat and Tam, and together they embark on a dangerous quest through Nuworld to find and awaken the other sleepers from the Oldworld, one of which is Sarah, who is the second sleeper. Together they continue the quest to find the other five sleepers.

The third Sleeper is Jake Garfield, who is a redheaded boy of about 14 years old. His character isn't developed very much for some reason.
The fourth Sleeper is 15 year-old Dave Cooper who is very confident concerning himself and how he relates to others, and who can be both optimistic and pessimistic depending on the situation.
The fifth Sleeper is 14 year-old Bob Jackson whom everyone calls Reb. He has a very distinct character as someone who enjoys thoroughly the lifestyle of a cowboy. He is a southerner whose favorite historical figure is Stonewall Jackson.
The sixth Sleeper is 13 year-old Abigail Roberts, who is a rich girl who is used to having whatever she wants. She is not a very likeable character at first, but later on her character is developed positively.
The seventh and final Sleeper is 12 year-old Gregory Jones, whom everyone calls Wash. Seeing as he doesn't come on the scene until the last parts of the book, there is not much time for his character to be developed.

Throughout the course of their quest to find and awaken the Sleepers, Josh and his companions encounter many dangers. The evil priests of the Sanhedrin are a constant and potent threat to their survival, and other dangers besides are encountered, such as giant killer bees, highly dangerous marsh lands, monster attacks, a perilous desert, and more. This novel's climax involves a huge battle fought between the seven Sleepers with their Nuworld companions and the armies of the evil Sanhedrin warrior priests. One of the seven Sleepers is killed in the battle, then brought to life again by Goel, the spiritual leader of the Sleepers. One of the main Nuworld characters dies, and there is a surprise ending which will indeed surprise you.

Flight of the Eagles is a promising beginning to the Seven Sleepers series. The storyline is excellent, and most of the characters are well-developed. I have rated this book with 4 stars because some of the characters are not as developed as others. Still, I highly reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi or fantasy.

"Flight of the Eagles" is the first in the "Seven Sleepers Series" by Gilbert L. Morris. The world as we know it has changed after a terrible nuclear war. Fourteen-year-old Joshua Adams wakes up from a fifty year sleep to find himself escaped from the war. But to his surprised he finds that his awakening has hailed the beginning of an ancient prophecy. For years the genetically altered races of Earth have sung of Seven Sleepers who would awaken from a deep sleep and unite together with Goel to fight against the evil priests of the Sanhedrin. Josh's quest is to now find the other sleepers and continue the quest to rid the world of the Sanhedrin. But along the way, Josh and his new found friends, both from the old world and new world, must face dangers and betrayals that will threaten their faith and commitment to Goel.

Some say that these series live up to the standards of "The Chronicles of Narnia", I beg to differ. Their are some similarities, one in that the main characters are of the younger generations, teenagers to be more specific. But while the Narnia series had a depth to it in which even adults will find themselves drawn into the story, "The Seven Sleepers Series" falls a bit flat. Gilbert Morris is an accomplished writer of more adult books, including the great "House of Winslow Series", "Appomattox Series", "Cheney Duvalle M.D. Series", and numerous other wonderful historical/fiction series. But his attempt to writing a series aimed for younger children is a bit disappointing.

First of all, the religious themes embedded into this series feels a bit contrite and not too well developed. Aslan was a great character in Narnia, but Goel's characters feels a bit flat even though he is supposed to be the Sleeper's spiritual champion. There is no real climax in the book as the story plods through at a mediocre pace. I had to force myself to finish the story.

But don't take me wrong, I am only giving my opinion as a sixteen-year-old. The series is aimed for kids younger than me. There is nothing objectionable in the stories so these books are great for kids ages 10-14. The only point I'm trying to make is some reviewers said that this series is up there with the Chronicles of Narnia. Whereas those series can be read by kids of a wide age range, "The Seven Sleepers" are strictly for younger kids.

I thought "Flight of the Eagles" by Gilbert Morris was an awesome book. Gilbert Morris is an exellent author who knows how to write a good book and I recommend this book to any one who likes fantasy and adventure. Seven teens awake from a fifty year sleep to find out they have escaped a nuclear war. These "seven sleepers" then go on the ultimate adventure, led by their leader, Goel. There are eight books in the series so far, I have only read three. I can't stop reading them though. The Seven Sleepers books are the best books I've read by far! Phil Call

Having just read a poor novel involving horses, I had very low expectations for "The Last True Cowboy" (cheesy title and all). I was quite surprised. I got hooked from the very first page, and one of the things that impressed me the most was the language -- this book is extremely well written, and a pleasure to read. I wanted to read it as slowly as possible to savor it, yet couldn't wait to see what was happening next. The story is very well paced, and the women figures are very well developed. They are strong characters, yet flawed -- as human as you can get. Even though you might not agree with their actions, you can see where they're coming from. The family dynamic is very believable, and the romance is not bad either. All in all I thought it was a very "grown up" story. Not your average paperback novel.

To pigeonhole the trials of Julia Weslin and the relationship that grows between her and K. C. Houston as a typical romance novel certainly doesn't due this book justice. Satisfying at just about every level, I couldn't put it down. Ms. Eagle did an especially good job of pacing the relationship between the two main characters with the same patience K. C. used on his horses. The result was a more realistic book in many ways than "The Horse Whisperer". If you loved Tom Booker, you'll enjoy the way Ms. Eagle gave her hero the same gift with horses, but used her creativity to make K. C. Houston equally interesting yet fascinatingly unique in his own way. The plot, the minor characters, and of course, the horses give this tale equal parts of color, depth and humor with enough emotional twists to keep just about any reader happy.

I've enjoyed all Ms. Eagle's books, but without a doubt, this is my favorite.

This was a great novel. From the very beginning I couldn't put it down. The Last True Cowboy has a great story and full interesting characters. I wanted to read slow and make it last, but I couldn't stand waiting to see what happened next. It's a novel you can truly get into.

One of Follett's first spy-thrillers - Triple - is a typical cat and mouse spy novel, which is characterized by many dynamic characters all of which play a big and even role in the plot. From all ends of the political and religious spectrum - Follett introduces various characters right in the beginning of the novel with an unlikely meeting of future foes. The story begins at Oxford University in London England, where a group of students participate in political discussions. What they don't know is that their political differences will some day become more than just political differences. Eventually they'll all be at different ends of the race for nuclear weapons in the mid-East.

I enjoyed the novel profoundly. It was a very good weekend page-turner, and I would suggest it to anyone who admires Follett's work. The reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because I've read more recent work of his including the Key to Rebecca, the Pillars of the Earth, and A Dangerous Fortune - All three much deserving of 5 stars. Although a great novel, I still must limit Triple to 4 stars because it's not quite on the level of entertainment as those aforementioned. The writing style of Follett is unique and he produces great stories with awesome skill. If you have not read those three novels I've mentioned, please take time to read them. You'll be incredibly entertained if you were to read any of them - with my personal favorite being The Pillars of the Earth.

Ken Follett once again writes an incredibly compelling novel. "Triple" begins at protagonist Nat Dickstein's release from the concentration camps, and goes ahead to 1968. Of three groups - Dickstein representing Israel, as well as spies from the KGB and Egypt - who will ultimately wind up with the uranium to build a nuclear weapon?

The way Follett recreates history, the book COULD be true. He does a marvelous job, even when the point of view goes from one spy to another. This is NOT a "light read" but it's intriguing... captivating... and worth your time.

So far as captivating page-turners go, few writers of popular fiction can top Ken Follett when he is at his best, and though I've not read all his novels, I definitely consider Triple (a political thriller) to be one of the best of those I've read. (Other favourites of mine are A Dangerous Fortune and The Third Twin--and I am eager to read The Pillars of the Earth).

Briefly (and without giving anything away), the plot centres around three secret agents--one from Israel's Mossad, one from Russia's KGB, and one from Egypt's Intelligence Agency. It involves the arms race between the Israelis and the Arabs and takes place in 1968. I really can say no more other than to mention that one of these groups has an idea for ensuring that it remains a competitor in that race, and the method the agent has for bringing that idea to fruition (and this is what the novel is all about) is complex and really quite ingenious.

Stripped to its most basic level, this could be said to be something of a cat and mouse story. However, there is so very much more to it than that, for Follett is a master storyteller who not only excels in deftly handling relationships between individuals (no mean feat in itself!) but is simply brilliant at creating characters that the reader cares about and hence in writing novels that one hates to reach the end of.

Though not a light read, this novel is certainly enlightening. I, for one, learned a fair bit about Middle Eastern politics and something about nuclear weaponry. Further, I felt Follett did a splendid job of conveying the political situation from the points of view of both the Israelis and the Palestinians in a manner that simultaneously evoked both sympathy for and censure of both sides. It's a sensitive topic (perhaps even more so now than in 1979 when the novel was first published) and one in which Follett's skill as a writer really shines through.

Highly recommended to fans of Ken Follett in general, to fans of the spy genre in particular, and to anyone who enjoys a consumately written (and insightful) thriller!

Borrower of the Night by Elizabeth Peters exemplifies what a good mystery novel should be. It is witty, intelligent, and highly captivating. I looked for this book last year when it was still out of print and was unable to find it in any bookstore, so I checked it out of the library. Although I had already read it, when Borrower of the Night was re-published I had to buy it so I could read it again and again, it is so good! For fans who have already read later books in the Vicky Bliss series, go back and read this book, it is one of the best in the series. You will notice minor discrepancies between Vicky's habits in this book as compared to the later ones; for instance she is an avid smoker in Borrower of the Night, and in Night Train to Memphis, she can't even inhale a cigarette. Also, some character names are re-used for different people who have no relation to one another. However, these do not detract from the overall quality of the book. Borrower of the Night finds Vicky in a small German town competing with her lover Tony to find a renowned artists' lost shrine. They encounter seemingly supernatural adversaries in the 16th century castle that has been converted to a hotel. There are several smaller mysteries that must be solved before Vicky can even begin to decipher the mystery of the shrine. Odd characters, secret passages, and ancient mysteries riddle this novel as ultimately, Vicky must struggle for her life beneath the crumbled ruins of an ancient building. This book is a must read for all mystery lovers!

First off, I am an Elizabeth Peters fan, and have been since I read the first book of hers to show up in my local library "The Seventh Sinner". I've read all of her books, both under the Peters name and those she has written as Barbara Michaels. The Peters books are all imbued with a certain lighthearted charm. The characters are all slightly larger than life, vivid and distinctive. The heroine of Borrower of the Night, Vicky Bliss, is one of my favorite recurring characters. She can actually make this shortish, stout brunette feel a bit of sympathy for the trials of a tall gorgeous blond. A small bit, but still.. The story is a playful reworking of the gothic, complete with an ancient castle (well, ancient in American terms), a dainty damsel in distress, gallant men, and even an hint of witchcraft. But what sets the Peters books apart is here in full measure - intelligent plotting, realist reactions of the characters, and introduction of history and art in such a pleasant way that one learns more than one is aware. In fact, one of the later Vicki Bliss books, "Trojan Gold" inspired my college paper on the famous founder of that golden trove, since lost. This isn't all fluff, there are some ponderings on medieval "law and order" that hit home. But EP has built a loyal following because she entertains, and "Borrower" is one of her best. 'Course, I like all of her books. I reread them, and EP has expanded my list of the many places to which I would like to travel. "Borrower" is a wonderful starting place, if you are a poor deprived reader that hasn't read an EP book before. For an addict like me, it's a loverly fix.

This is the first story in the Vicky Bliss mystery series and although, it's not absolutely necessary to read the stories in chronological order, it really does help to understand the background of the main characters and frankly, it makes reading the books even more enjoyable. In BORROWER OF THE NIGHT, Vicky Bliss, art historian and college professor finds a reference in a book that might lead to the discovery of a missing masterpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider, a very famous German sculptor.

Tony, Vicky's boyfriend and colleague, challenges her to see which of them can locate the missing treasure first. Their information leads them to visit Rothenberg, Germany, and an ancient castle. Several other people are also on the trail of the missing treasure, including Herr Dr. Schmidt and a wealthy American named George. Gorgeous Vicky is in her glory when she collects many admirers among the group, but the beautiful young countess who lives in the castle seems to have captured the interest of Tony. What can be more sinister than an old castle with secret passages and a history of evil inhabitants?

I listened to the audiotapes of this book read by Barbara Rosenblat. It was helpful to hear the pronunciations of the German words and her narration was wonderful.

If you're intrigued enough to want to read this series in order, here they are: BORROWER OF THE NIGHT, STREET OF THE FIVE MOONS, SILHOUETTE IN SCARLET, TROJAN GOLD and NIGHT TRAIN TO MEMPHIS. These are all excellent stories and I only wish that Elizabeth Peters would write more of them.

This is a very good one-volume history of World War II in the Pacific. It is fast-paced, easy reading, and balanced. The author covers all aspects of the war with roughly the emphasis they deserve, shifting back and forth from the high councils of strategy to homely events on the front lines of this brutal, bitter conflict.

"Eagle against the Sun" won't get my highest rating, however, because of its lack of maps. The inside cover has a general map of the Pacific -- and that's all folks. How can a publisher put out a book that contains hundreds of obscure place names and descriptions of complex military maneuvers without at least a dozen detailed maps to illustrate the text? The lack of maps diminishes what would otherwise be an outstanding book.

This is a very well written and informative book, and it gives a good high level overview of the war in the Pacific. There is probably nothing new or particularly interesting in it for the expert, but for the interested layman it is a good read. There seem to be some inexplicable omissions here and there, such as the real risk of Halsey's sojourn at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. However, my biggest complaint is the lack of any maps in the book. There was a single, high-level map of the whole theater on the inside cover, and that was it!! How can you write a military history of WWII without a single map to depict the major battles?? This is a pet peeve of mine with many history books, but this book was especially egregious.

If you've read some of the other reviews this will come as no surprise - - this is a terrific book, but one that is completely lacking in maps to explain the strategic and tactical elements of the various Pacific campaigns that are exhaustively and effectively summarized and described throughout the book. Putting together a narrative that describes and explains the entire Pacific war in about 600 pages is no small task, but this book does the trick. And it's an entertaining read as well. It is a terrific overview of the entire Pacific war that covers every major offensive with appropriate emphasis on the problems of logistics, in-fighting among the allies and among service branches and competition among the various theatres for precious supplies, equipment, arms and manpower. However, the lack of any campaign maps was frustrating and irritating. About halfway through the book, I happened to find the West Point Atlas for the Pacific War at Borders (an absolutely fantastic collection of campaign maps) and scooped it up specifically to use with this book. With the atlas at the ready, Eagle Against The Sun became a much better read. Even if you're fully familiar with the imense geography of the Pacific war, you'll be driven batty by the lack of maps in Eagle Against The Sun. However, the lack of maps is really the book's only material flaw and, in the end, it was easily fixed by pulling out the atlas.

In the year 406, a single Roman legion stands guard on the Rhine. Only these few men, a thin stretch of river, and the determination of their general, Maximus, hold the frontier for Rome against the masses of barbarians. Maximus must also deal with the temptations of proclaiming himself Emperor and deal with a world divided between Christian and pagan. Eagle in the Snow tells its (true) story in taut, gripping prose as seen by Maximus. It is the story of the fall of the Empire in microcosm and the tension of the diplomacy and battles scenes is unequalled in historical fiction. Author Breem tells a grand tale with complete authority and believeability. Surely one of the best novels ever written about the ancient world, this deserves to be back in print without further delay. Seek it out in libraries or used bookstores--it won't disappoint.

Postscript, January 2003: This book came back into print in paperback in the UK and US in autumn 2002 and has now gone OP AGAIN, in only a few months. What is happening? At least a hardback edition is slated to be released in June 2003. I strongly urge all interested to sign up for pre-ordering now. The shelf live for this classic seems to be very short indeed.

This book was.. for lack of a better word, Awesome. From the start, it keeps its readers captivated and with the sense that they have an eye in the past, viewing the end of the Roman Empire as it happens. Breem has done a remarkable job portraying Maximus, the head of a Legion, defending a key location on the Roman frontier from the barbarian tribes pushing against him. The book shows the difficulties faced by armies of the past both in battle and logistically. Maximus has been brought to light as a real man, troubled as we all are but called on to serve a higher purpose and one who has trancended the frivolities that we spend so much of our time thinking about. Whether you like historical fiction, history, or just like reading a well spun yarn.. this book is for you.

Long Live Breem!

Rome fell because Romans stoped believing in its glory. The one man who cared watches his legion die in his last futile attempt to turn back time and restore the glory that was Rome. I could emphatize with Maximus, the noble and decent warrior in his attempt to try to stop the barbarians from crossing the Rhine and taking Gaul. He almost succeeded against inmense odds (one legion against six nations !) but ultimately the elements and the lack of care of Rome's corrupt officials conspire and bring ultimate defeat upon the legion so paisntainkingly raised and trained by Maximus. In the process he loses love, friends, family but leaves a legacy of honor. What a great narrative about a not very well comprehended period of history. Will our civilization succumb becuase we stop to care ?

Sharpe's Eagle is the first of many books by Bernard Cornwell in which his character, Richard Sharpe is a member of the British army in the years around 1800. I didn't read the book in the order they were written, I read them chronologically, but this book is still the best regardless.

This book introduces Cornwell's fantastic writing style, he educates us of the British actions throughout many different campaigns. He is very detailed on a number of subjects, from how the battle was fought to the steps in which a cannon is loaded. After reading these books you feel like you know a great deal about such an important point in our history.

This book introduces us to the upper class in-adequacies surrounding the British army of the time. Rich upper class 'snobs' became commanders by buying their commission, this left a greatly trained army to be run by untrained commanders. In this book an arrogant Sir Henry Simmerson, thinking he knows best, goes on to disgrace his whole unit by losing the Kings colours. It's then down to Sharpe, with the help of his immense bravery and courage to restore his regiment's honour.

It's a great introduction to a truly interesting and gripping series.

5 Stars

Set around the Talevera campaign of July 1809, this first installment in the Sharpe saga deploys all the elements found throughout Cornwell's entertaining Napoleonic War series: the friendship between Sharpe and the Irish Sgt. Harper, their bravery and cunning, the ignorance and arrogance that pervaded the foppish upper class officer corps, a beautiful woman, and rousing battle scenes. Cornwell uses this first book to firmly establish the absence of meritocracy in the British army of the time, as armchair commander Simmerson needlessly leads the South Essex (including Sharpe and his Riflemen) into a debacle in which they lose the King's Colours, thus disgracing the whole army. Also clearly established is the tension between Cpt. Sharpe, who was promoted from the enlisted ranks for an act of heroism, and the upper class officer corps, who paid for their rank, irrespective of any actual military knowledge or ability. Simmerson and his toadying nephew Lt. Gibbons attempt to place the blame for the rout on Sharpe, and his only hope to save his rank is to perform an outrageous act of courage in battle at Talevera. Meanwhile, there's a beautiful Spanish woman he rescues from Gibbons and a crony, whose honor he must avenge. All is resolved at the Talevera, as Cornwell clearly and crisply recounts the military maneuvering on both a macro and micro level without getting overly technical. Also introduced in the book are Major Hogan, the Irish engineer who develops over the series into Lord Wellington's spy, as well as Lord Wellington himself, who is fond of Sharpe, but not hesitant to use his deadly skills. Above all, Sharpe is presented as a full action hero, strong, smart, roguishly handsome, honorable, deadly and ruthless. A perfect start to an engaging historical adventure series.

I HAVE READ ALL OF HIS BOOKS ALL THE SHARPS SERIES AND THE FOUR BOOKS ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR IM waiting for the him to complet the series,all so the other series about the archers find me more thank you DON

This is the first Ken Follett book I ever read and found it really enjoyable. It had all the elements a good read has - action, sex, exciting characters, suspense, etc... I can't wait to read more of his titles.

"The Key To Rebecca" is one of Ken Follett's most exciting suspense-thrillers. This novel has all the essential ingredients for an "unputdownable" read.

The novel opens in 1942. World War II is raging, and German Field Marshall Erwin Rommel is having success after success with his Afrika Corps. The Nazis are planning to invade Cairo. The British are hunkering down, and doing everything possible to thwart the invasion. Rommel desperately needs access to British intelligence from their Headquarters in Cairo, in order to ensure his plan's outcome. So Rommel sends a master spy into British occupied Egypt. The spy, known only as the "Sphinx," covertly enters the country, and with a few mishaps, makes his way to Cairo. He has with him a radio, a code to transmit the information secretly, based on Daphne Du Maurier's book "Rebecca," and a piece of paper with the key to the code. Having spent much of his childhood in Cairo, the German-born spy, knows the city, language and many of its inhabitants well.

The Sphinx's task is not as easily accomplished as he once imagined. A British officer, Major Van Damme, with whom he shared past adversarial encounters, is soon on to him - and after him. Enter a beautiful Egyptian Jewess, Elene, who Van Damme wants to use as bait to capture the Nazi spy. Sparks fly between Van Damme and Elene from their first meeting, making it difficult for him to send her into danger. The cast also includes a famous, erotic, and somewhat depraved, belly dancer.

The main plot, although complex, is very realistic and reads smoothly. The various subplots are fascinating, and are often related to historical fact, such as the Egyptian Free Officers Movement's plot to subvert the British. This group of officers, headed by Gamal Abdul Nassar, and Anwar el-Sadat, plan to secretly side with the Germans, in order to rid Egypt of Britain's presence. They strategize to exchange their support - (thus Egypt's support), and throw in their cards with the Nazis, for postwar freedom for their country.

Ken Follett is a master at creating lifelike characters. All of the book's characters have their own past history, baggage and inner conflicts - and their own dreams and plans for the future. There is not a one-dimensional figure in the novel, even with the minor characters.

The novel moves at an incredible pace, ending in an unbelievable, and mortally dangerous chase through the desert. Hold on to your seats for this one. I highly recommend "The Key To Rebecca," and would have given it 4 1/2 stars, but that option is not open to me. I do like Follets "Pillars Of The Earth" and "Eye Of The Needle," more - which decided me on 4 stars. Still, this is a thoroughly enjoyable and well written book.

So far I haven't read a Ken Follett book that I haven't enjoyed. I love the way the author combines historical events with powerful characters. Enjoy!

This is one of my three favorite Lord Peter Wimsey novels (the other two are The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club and Murder Must Advertise), and unless you plan to read the entire series (in which case you should start with Unnatural Death), it's the best introduction to Wimsey and his world, as it revolves around his brother Gerald, the Duke of Denver, being accused of murdering their sister Mary's fiance. It also features Wimsey's friend Chief Inspector Parker, as well as introducing several recurring characters.

Unlike Unnatural Death, where Wimsey seems more devil-may-care and speaks in more slang-y sentences, this book shows a more mature Wimsey who's fully aware of his duties to his family and the responsibilities of his position in life (an occasional theme in the series), and we see that Wimsey is far from being merely a man about London.

The mystery itself is one of the more clever ones in the series, revolving around holes in Gerald's testimony which Wimsey must investigate, as well as the background of the murder victim, although the final resolution seems not to completely justify the build-up. (This is common in Sayers' mysteries; the setting and characters tend to be stronger than the puzzle driving the plot.) Overall, though, it's an entertaining book, featuring more moments of dramatic suspense than in the later novels, making it perhaps the most well-rounded Wimsey adventure.

The entire Denver clan's good name is at stake when Lord Peter Wimsey's older brother is accused of murdering their sister's fiancee one fine October night. The task is made no easier since Lord Peter is on vacation at the time and since he returns to find the pig-headed Duke providing very little assistance to his own defense. Sayers does a fine job of balancing family tensions, differing testimony, and various attempts at hiding the truth in this entertaining second novel in the Wimsey series. The multi-layered motivations of her characters and the several sharp and plausible twists in the plot keep the pages turning.

Sayers' writing is always textured and witty, and her Riddlesdale Lodge is just the type of country house an Anglophile mystery reader will enjoy spending a few days. After three Wimsey mysteries I am undeniably hooked, but will spread out my reading of the other eight or nine so as to savor them over a long period.

Lord Peter Wimsey must find the evidence to clear his older brother, Gerald, the Duke of Denver from the charge of murder. The victim is the fiancé of Gerald and Peter's sister, Lady Mary Wimsey.

There is much conflicting testimony amongst the witnesses, and Lord Peter, ably assisted by his faithful manservant Bunter and Inspector Parker, does his best in an effort to save his brother.

The book is well written, and well paced. There is a trial in the House of Lords, something most readers have perhaps heard of, but never have read about in any great detail. We read of the Wimsey family (Lord Peter, the Dowager Duchess, Lady Mary, and the Duke of Denver), and their friends (the Arbuthnots and others), in an excellent depiction of what life was life in the upper-crust families after World War I.

I'd recommend this book, and any of the Lord Peter Wimsey series. Also recommended is the TV adaptation starring Ian Carmichael as Lord Peter.

I enjoyed this look at contemporary life on an Indian reservation, as well as an inside look at the casino business. The characters are real and appealing. As a mother and author myself, of NEW PSALMS FOR NEW MOMS: A KEEPSAKE JOURNAL, I especially appreciated the interaction between Helen and her son, Sidney.

Kathleen Eagle is by far the best romance writer ever. Her stories have characters that you can identify with, and who are very likable. What the Heart Knows is no different. There is no pushing away and pulling back by the characters - it's a love story, without the typical head games characters play. Her male characters are always tender, compassionate, and understanding. They are men you can understand why the women love. Reese Blue Sky is fabulous. He knows what he wants - to do right by his father, to keep his newly found family, to hang on to his lost love - and you want that for him.

Mrs. Eagle - keep up the great work. There's only one book I haven't read and I can't wait to pick it up. I most especially can't wait for your next one.

Another great story from the pen of Kathleen Eagle! The characters were memorable and the plot is really nothing new but Eagle seems to make it work: the summer fling,the secret child that results but there's plenty of other stuff going on as well. WHERE THE HEART IS is a great lovestory, full of insight, passion and folklore. The book doesn't really grab you until your several chapters into the story. The sexual banter between the hero and heroine seems to be Ms. Eagle's trademark and you'll find it in almost all of her stories. I enjoy it. Her characters leap right off the page. There are no silly conflicts to keep the lovers apart and several scenes made me grin. Some readers may find the folklore boring but I found that it enriched the story. Also, the hero plays professional basketball! If your not familiar with Kathleen Eagle, I wish there were words that I could say to convince YOU to read her. And if your already familiar with her work, you won't be disappointed. WHERE THE HEART IS, is simply one of the most beautiful lovestories of last year. I am eagerly looking forward to reading Ms. Eagles next masterpiece. And a note to Ms. Eagle: I hope we don't have to wait long! Ok, I've said all the nice things, now buy this book! Also, I **highly** recommend REASON TO BELIEVE and SUNRISE SONG.