Book Description
Professional astrologer Katy Klein takes on a mysterious new client who believes she can help him unravel the half-remembered terrors of his childhood. Pluto Rising is a classic murder-mystery featuring a smart, down-to-earth sleuth ... and a unique twist: Each main character was created with an in-depth astrological chart that holds important clues to his or her complex personality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

excellent debut
i was amazed that this was a first novel--the plotting is extremely good (more famous authors have done much, much worse); the use of language is wonderful (though the author deserved a more alert editor); the main characters are well developed, interesting and sympathetic; and the dialogue rings mostly true.

the astrological bits are pretty accurate, too. except, of course, for the title, which sacrifices accuracy for excitement.

i definitely recommend this to any mystery fan.

A Unique Story
Katy Klein is a psychologist turned professional astrologer living in Ottawa (Canada). A client, Adam, turns to her in an attempt to unlock repressed childhood memories. She's worried by his desperation, but soon finds herself drawn into his life. Things get out of control quickly, and Katy is forced to face Adam's demons as well as her own.

This is Karen's first novel, and she's started out with a bang! This book manages to wrap up suspense, humour and mystery in one fun to read package. The story moves along at a good place, with no real slow spots. The writing style is light and very easy to read.

A Star is Born
Ms. Irving's books are a sweet treat.I can't recall how I happened upon them, but I am glad I did.Her stories are expertly cast and have intelligent writing and sophisticated stories.Her writing is like smooth butter or fine silk.They are set in Canada, but don't let that bother you if you don't like settings outside the US.The protagonist is a psychologist/astrologer but if metaphysical things bother you, don't worry. It doesn't overtake the story, but for those of us who love it, it's a nice sprinkle of information. This writer certainly knows her astrology.The sleuth is also Jewish, which adds a nice dimension.Everything is PERFECTLY balanced and extremely interesting.Her writing is up there with Stephen White and Jonathan Kellerman, maybe even better. Her writing is fresh and smart, deserving of the attention they get.Start from the beginning just to enjoy the three that are out so far---or just dive in.I tell you, if you love mysteries, there is nothing missing from this series.Nothing.It's sophisticated, it's engaging, it's witty, it's profound, it's complex, it's simple, it's serious ... you get my point.It has all the elements of life, life with all of its wonderful mysteries.

A truly gripping mystery with unique astrological twists
Katy Klein is a witty and opinionated psychologist turned professional astrologer who also struggles to make ends meet for herself and her teenage daughter. Then she meets Adam -- a client who feels Katy can help him unravel half remembered terrors from his childhood. What follows is a gripping mystery as Katy uncovers dark secrets that targets her as a killer's prey. Highly recommended for mystery buffs everywhere, Pluto Rising debuts what promises to be a terrific series of truly gripping mysteries featuring unique astrological twists.

A wonderful beginning to a new name in Mystery...
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Karen Irving when she came into my store for a signing.Appropriately in awe of standing near an author, I managed to mumble something likely incoherent, and yet she signed my book for me anyway.

I went home, turned on the kettle, and started to read "Pluto Rising."

First off, the notion of an Astrologer as the main character in a mystery novel intruigues.Done as well as Irving did, the astrologer leaps out of the page with sarcastic aplomb, and leaves you laughing.The wit in this book is wonderful, and quite surprising for a first novel.

Second, the plot itself was a keeper.Katy, our intrepid ex-psychologiest and now struggling astrologer, has a brief meeting with a man who wants his chart done, a man who seems quite scared and fragile.The same man then shows up dead.

Unable to stop herself, Katy Klein begins to Nancy Drew her way around the case, and let me tell you, her motivations are quite clear and her emotional responses are very human.Irving has a real flair for this character.

I've since read "Jupiter's Daughter," the second novel in the Katy Klein series, and this is a series I will definately follow.Both books are a strong read with a good mysery and - most importantly - a strong character base.Pick them up today, you won't be let down. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Rising Star
Ms. Irving's books are a sweet treat.I can't recall how I happened upon them, but I am glad I did.Her stories are expertly cast and have intelligent writing and sophisticated stories.Her writing is like smooth butter or fine silk.They are set in Canada, but don't let that bother you if you don't like settings outside the US.The protagonist is a psychologist/astrologer but if metaphysical things bother you, don't worry. It doesn't overtake the story, but for those of us who love it, it's a nice sprinkle of information. This writer certainly knows her astrology.The sleuth is also Jewish, which adds a nice dimension.Everything is PERFECTLY balanced and extremely interesting.Her writing is up there with Stephen White and Jonathan Kellerman, maybe even better. Her writing is fresh and smart, deserving of the attention they get.Start from the beginning just to enjoy the three that are out so far---or just dive in.I tell you, if you love mysteries, there is nothing missing from this series.Nothing.It's sophisticated, it's engaging, it's witty, it's profound, it's complex, it's simple, it's serious ... you get my point.It has all the elements of life, life with all of its wonderful mysteries. ... Read more

Book Description
Gripping, engaging and clever, Jupiter's Daughter features Katy Klein, an opinionated 45-year-old single mom with a quick eye and acerbic wit. She's a social worker turned professional astrologer who becomes involved in the suspicious death of Marion Stanley. In her attempt to help Marion's 13-year-old runaway daughter Rose, Katy is drawn into a sinister web of deceit and abuse involving a fundamentalist church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A wonderful book...
Grab this book and settle down...you won't want to move until this book is done. The characters are unique, likeable and interesting. The plot moves along well, with just enough twists and turns to keep it exciting without being far-fetched. The story was a wonderful mixture of mystery, humour and touching moments. This is the second novel in the series, and I hope that Karen keeps them coming!

A Star is Born
Ms. Irving's books are a sweet treat.I can't recall how I happened upon them, but I am glad I did.Her stories are expertly cast and have intelligent writing and sophisticated stories.Her writing is like smooth butter or fine silk.They are set in Canada, but don't let that bother you if you don't like settings outside the US.The protagonist is a psychologist/astrologer but if metaphysical things bother you, don't worry. It doesn't overtake the story, but for those of us who love it, it's a nice sprinkle of information. This writer certainly knows her astrology.The sleuth is also Jewish, which adds a nice dimension.Everything is PERFECTLY balanced and extremely interesting.Her writing is up there with Stephen White and Jonathan Kellerman, maybe even better. Her writing is fresh and smart, deserving of the attention they get.Start from the beginning just to enjoy the three that are out so far---or just dive in.I tell you, if you love mysteries, there is nothing missing from this series.Nothing.It's sophisticated, it's engaging, it's witty, it's profound, it's complex, it's simple, it's serious ... you get my point.It has all the elements of life, life with all of its wonderful mysteries.

Irving is a Muse's Daughter!
When I read the first novel in the Katy Klein series, "Pluto Rising," I really enjoyed it.It was fun, had a very new concept (Katy Klein is a professional astrologer), and it gave me a good overall feeling.Set in Ottawa, my own city, it was a thrill to recognize places and laugh at some inside jokes.

"Jupiter's Daughter," however, was possessed of an emotional depth, and had some really courageous ideas in it.Karen Irving has definately grown since "Pluto Rising," and I've heard that there's a new one on the way, which I can't wait for.The ending of "Jupiter's Daughter," had me nearly crying, and the mystery had me entirely flummoxed.I had no idea "whodunnit," and it kept me gripped waiting to find out.

If you're looking for a mystery that isn't trite, and can actually get you emotionally involved, grab this one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not as good as the first two, but a worthy book
The People's Almanacs were incredibly important to me growing up. My parents had the first two almanacs, and through them I learned about everything from historical events to inventions, religion to sex, movie trivia to more about sports than I ever actually cared about. The hundreds upon hundreds of pages of information packed into each book ended up being read and re-read numerous times over the years, and I still have the original copies in my home today.

So I was excited to find out there was a third volume out there. I'm rather sad to say that this one wasn't quite as good as the other two. It wasn't as long, and it seemed as though the editors were rather stretching for content this time around.

Still, I found it to be a very informative read. I particularly liked the stories of real-life castaways and how they survived, bios of famous gangsters, and the descriptions of unusual collections. The articles came across as well-researched (as always) and covered a variety of aspects of human existence. This third almanac was true to the format, too, with a nice array of illustrations to perk up the text a bit.

Overall, while I didn't like this one as much as the first two, the third People's Almanac is definitely staying on the shelf with the other two. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Horn Book Magazine, published by Horn Book, Inc. on March 1, 2000. The length of the article is 1516 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Australian Spy Heads North.(children's book editor Erica Irving)(Interview)
Author: Karen Jameyson
Publication: The Horn Book Magazine (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2000
Publisher: Horn Book, Inc.
Volume: 76Issue: 2Page: 226

Article Type: Interview

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

I read a borrowed copy and want my own as a reference.
I am new to jumping horses, but a very experienced rider.My trainer introduced me to and loaned me her copy.I found it to be very helpful in teaching me excellent techniques to train the green horse (my interest is in field hunters and polo horses) and also to make me a better, more confident jumper.However, this is a reference work, even though small, and I need to return my trainer's copy to her.That I want to go purchase the book after I have read it tells you all you might need to know.Perhaps an experienced hunter/jumper might not need this book, but for the novice, I think it is excellent. ... Read more

Book Description
Resource introduces, defines, and illustrates the major tenets ofpsychologist Karen Horney's theory and techniques regarding characterpsychopathology, accompanied by illustrative vignettes for practicalapplication. Demonstrates the special suitability and effectiveness ofHorney's ideas as applied to character disorder. For clinicians.Softcover. ... Read more