Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's large-scale digitization efforts. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the original text that can be both accessed online and used to create new print copies. The Library also understands and values the usefulness of print and makes reprints available to the public whenever possible. This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found in the HathiTrust, an archive of the digitized collections of many great research libraries. For access to the University of Michigan Library's digital collections, please see http://www.lib.umich.edu and for information about the HathiTrust, please visit http://www.hathitrust.org ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
Few writers recount tales of the old West as deftly as Pulitzer Prize-nominee and two-time winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award, Loren D. Estleman. Now, some of Estleman's finest work comes to life in this collection of vivid and richly detailed Western short stories. Included are "The Pilgrim," a colorfully detailed historical tale of one Easterner's experience in the untamed wilds of the West, and "Hell on the Draw," an unsettling combination of frontier living and the supernatural. This is a compelling collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An Ecletic Assortment of Fates.
These stories have a western flavor, though the one I liked best, 'A Web of Books,' was downright scholarly.He has a book collector on the run who had bought a ten dollar version of a volume of Shakespeare's tragedies from an old bookstore out West.He has been followed by another book collector to obtain a valuable rare volume entitled 'The Midnight Sky' which had been published in Scotland in 1758.There are murders along the way as the killer is bound to have what he thinks he deserves.Instead, he is found out by the crafty bookseller.

He is my kind of writer who hates to have his work edited in any form or fashion.When he tried to get 'The Pilgrim' published, a crazy editor rankled him by changing a tad too much by using this as a scapegoat to vent all the vitriol accumulated in his job.He completely revamped it, omitting some of the necessary parts of the work.When he was demoted from that publisher to "Reader's Digest" it was a 'fitting punishment,' according to this author who had to almost rewrite the whole thing to satisfy this man's demands.Here, it is in the original state for the reader to decide on the changes.

'Kate' was most interesting because this story gives the background of one of the important participants in the Wyatt Earp legend.She was born in Budapest but came to Davenport, Iowa, in 1863.She watched as the trains brought the alarming chain of coffins from Manassas, Sharpsburg, and Antitem, something which upset a young impressionable girl.And so she ran away and stayed in a convent for six months before marrying a 'professional' to get out of there.They went to Vicksburg, then to Atlanta, where things were all in a mess after Sherman's fateful March.In 1877, in a small town, she became acquainted with a personage of our history, one Doc Holliday and was just one of his women there in the saloon (like Gunsmoke's Miss Kitty).Before the big gunfight at the OK Corral, she became known as his wife.

In 'Hell on the Draw,' the town of Persephone, out west, was taken over by the Devil on horseback.He bought the gambling house called Brimstone, and things went from bad to worse as he carried out his mission of death.It took a "retired" gunfighter named Marlowe (how about that?) to set things right again by not fighting fair.Whoever said that life is fair?I don't usually read short stories as they don't have the depth for elaboration as a novel, except for this writer.They may be based in the Old West, but they are varied and each a gem on its own.

Hell of a Book
I've never really thought of myself as a fan of the 'Western' genre, but soon found that this was not required in order to thoroughly enjoy "Hell On The Draw:Best Western stories by Loren D. Estleman".While each story is indeed rooted in the West, they are by no means yourrun of the mill 'shoot-em-ups.' Each one is completely different in moodand style, from lighthearted humor to dark twists of fate, from romance toa touch of the supernatural. The author fills each tale with peopleyou'll find yourself wishing that you had known or vey glad that youdidn't. The vividly described settings along with fine attention tohistorical details of events, people, equipment and weapons, pull youinside and make you feel as if you are there. Aside from the completeenjoyment of the stories themselves, this audio version features a varietyof gifted voice talents well suited to the telling of these tales of theWest. ... Read more

Product Description
Stephen Crane (1891–1900) is best known for his classic Civil War novel The Red Badge of Courage.As a journalist, he explored the American West, Mexico and other parts of the world, applying to them all his keen powers of observation and his special sense of irony. This collection emphasizes his Western writings, most colorfully demonstrated by the title story and "The Blue Hotel," but also includes the Civil War tale, "The Little Regiment," the small-town boyhood fable, "His New Mittens," and the darkly humorous "The Five White Mice," set in Mexico City. These stories are punctuated by samples of Crane’s excellent and cryptic poetry.

This recording features Jonathan Fink, Robert Forster, Oscar-nominated star of Jackie Brown,Arte Johnson, best known for his multiple characters on Laugh-In, Audie Award-winning narrators Stephen Hoye and Stefan Rudnicki,and William Windom, whose film and TV credits range from the 1962 film To Kill a Mockingbird to the 1996 TV series Murder, She Wrote. ... Read more

Product Description
Here are masterpieces by a New York Times bestselling author, a past and present master of the short forms in fantasy, science fiction, and horror. This collection includes original unpublished stories, "The Elephants of Posnan" and "Feed the Baby of Love;" classics like "Unaccompanied Sonata" and "Fat Farm;" as well as the original short versions of "The Lost Boys" and "Ender's Game" -- rated, in its longer version, one of the best-loved books of all time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Stories From Orson Scott Card
Listening to this work by Orson Scott Card is wonderful... you get a great Card tale several times a day.The stories are short, great, to the point, and excellently read.It was interesting to hear the short version of "Ender's Game" from its originally printed form.There were some other favorites that I had picked up in there, like "The Porcelain Salamander," which is a fascinating story I had read in another collection of his.

I found these stories interesting.Sure, there was one or two I didn't care for all that much (or, possibly, didn't understand) but on the whole I'm glad I picked this series up.But this does seem to span several different genres, not just science fiction which is Orson Scott Card's main forte.

I would highly recommend this to anybody who loves a good audio book.And, remember in life's battles: "The Enemy Gate is Down!!"

Card is incredible!
I don't know what it is about Orson Scott Card -- Before I ever read him, I only knew that he was a science fiction writer--a genre that isn't a favorite of mine.However, my opinion now is that Card ranks as one of the absolute best and most skillful authors alive today.He has an amazing ability to get inside the person or circumstance he is writing about and make it into something that anyone could understand and be profoundly moved by.

In addition, he comes up with some of the most fascinating ideas for a story.The title piece, 'The Elephants of Posnan', is one example.Although there is no doubt that Card wasn't suggesting that the premise of this story is truth, it still left me mulling the entire piece over and over again.He makes such a moving and brilliant case for something entirely bizarre, and insightfully comments on the nature of man in the process.'The Elephants of Posnan' was positively spellbinding, beginning to end.

I love this collection.Orson Scott Card is a true master of his craft.

A master storyteller at work.
In this collection not only are you exposed to Orson Scott's Card's mastery of fiction, but you gain some insight into his creative process as well, thanks to the author's commentary on certain pieces.
The various storys are a joy to listen to and range from science fiction to fantasy, from psychological thriller to love story.
Whether you're a die hard Ender Series fan, a general fan of Card's, or a first time listener to the whole audiobook genre, there's something here you'll cherish. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Communications and the Law, published by William S. Hein & Co., Inc. on August 1, 2003. The length of the article is 5432 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: A tale of two cases: right of publicity versus the First Amendment.
Author: Sharlene A. McEvoy
Publication: Communications and the Law (Refereed)
Date: August 1, 2003
Publisher: William S. Hein & Co., Inc.
Volume: 25Issue: 2Page: 31(16)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
The thirty-three pieces in this collection were chosen by Max Evans himself as his personal favorites from among his short novels, articles, short stories, essays, and other writings spanning his entire writing career. Some are critically acclaimed; others were chosen because they contain an idea, an emotion, a remembrance that helped shape his life. In each piece the voice is the same: down-to-earth and connected to both the land and the creatures who depend on it. Evans writes from the heart about his beloved American Southwest. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Terrific play with words, and backgrounds.
Great intro of characters and use of sight land and mother nature. A dedication to his works and singular friendships. ... Read more

Product Description
Sam Gunn--visionary, scoundrel, lover, liar, and the twenty-first century's biggest capitalist pig--vows to go where no one has gone before and bring back a profit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very engrossing
I didn't think I would like this one, which is odd - I enjoy sci-fi/fantasy, but nothing about this book screamed "read me!" I only did because it was on my 'recommended list' - which I am determined to get through! Anyway, while it didn't seem that interesting from the outside, once I started I did not want to put it down. He sets a great pace in this book, with the main character (and you, along side her) hunting for information. It's a style that very much draws you into the book and drags you along, and I loved it. You have to be a sci-fi fan to enjoy the plot, but I found the style very engaging.

Cover review
from the back cover of the October 1993 Bantam paperback edition
Cover art by Stephen Youll
Sam Gunn is the twenty-first cintury's greatest entrepreneur and its most hated public figure.Visionary, scoundrel, lover, liar, he is small in stature but larger than life, and his story is that of space exploration itself.He will make and lose fortunes from Earth to the Asteroid Belt, one step ahead of his creditors, one step behind his grand dreams.Through all his varied careers, Sam's goal will always be the same:to go where no one had ever gone before...and come back with a profit.Here is the rollicking tale of his amazing life, an adventure told by the men and women who loved or hated him but could never forget him as he carved out man's destiny amongst the stars.

HIGH FIVE FOR THIS ONE
Ben Bova never disappoints.He's at the top of his form in this thoroughly entertaining collection of short stories featuring Sam Gunn - a man sans scruples, a wannabe Lothario who is usually on the make.He's vertically challenged, and a defender of justice.

These five chapters from Gunn's life are artfully rendered, taking us on hair-raising adventures as this jack-of-all-trades perseveres in his pursuit of money, power and women. He's not averse to suing the Pope or defeated when brought to trial for interplanetary genocide.

One of the best Sci-fi books around--two thumbs up.
I read this a long time ago, but since I am a voracious reader, I have prolonged coming back to this classic so that I can fully enjoy it again. If you can find it(try resale stores)I recommend you buy it(and no, I did not receive any kickbacks for writing this revue).Enjoy the book!

Worth it if you can get it.
One of his better books, nice twisting plot, and a long book! If you like any of his other books you'll love this one. And best of all it can be read, over, and over, and over and over.....you get the idea. ... Read more

Product Description
BRET HARTE (1836–1902) brought to life the American West of the California gold rush days. Harte colorfully and accurately portrayed reckless and fascinating characters (gamblers, miners and prostitutes) in their own authentic slang, in the context of vivid mountain scenery and the harsh conditions of the day. "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," about a mismatched group of people stranded in a mountain blizzard, is among the best-loved western stories of all time. Also included: "Brown of Calaveras," "Tennessee’s Partner," "The Luck of Roaring Camp," "The Idyl of Red Gulch," and other stories and poems.

This star-studded recording features Robert Forster, the Oscar-nominated star of Jackie Brown, Rex Linn of CSI: Miami, Audie Award-winning narrators Stephen Hoye and Stefan Rudnicki, and the legendary William Windom, whose film and television credits range from the 1962 film To Kill a Mockingbird to the 1996 TV series Murder, She Wrote. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

AN EARLY WESTERN WRITER
There are wonderful, well-written (although in an older style) stories about the early days of the Old West along the lines of Jack London, Mark Twain and John Steinbeck. Early California comes alive on the pages, as do some of the characters doing the gambling, settling down, and even stealing horses, with some of the culprits barely escaping the vigilantes (but not always). I particularly enjoyed "Salomy Jane's Kiss," "The Poet of Sierra Flat," and "The Luck of Roaring Camp." Some sadness and struggle in the stories, but also a lot of humor.
These stories will never die and the writer will become immortal with the readers that enjoy this genre. This book would be make great reading while sitting along a "Gold Rush" creek in the High Sierras.

Comments on the One-Act Play from Dramatic Publishing
This dramatic play in one act was adapted by Perry Edwards from the original story by Bret Harte.It has a cast of 4 men and 3 women. It is set in a cabin somewhere in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California from November 23 to December 12, 1850. Six people are trapped there.There are the outcasts--Uncle Billy, Mother Shipton, John Oakhurst, and Duchess.And there are the innocents--a young man Tom, his fiancee, and Jim Wheeler, a solid citizen. Uncle Willy will use any method necessary, including murder, to survive.Oakhurst's gentle breeding stirs him to risk his own safety in loyalty to the group.Tom's bubbly enthusiasm often ignites the group, and though lacking in education, his depth of understanding is unmatched. As the effects of hunger take a deeper hold on the group, the action heats up to a violent and dramatic brawl whichwill irrevocably change their destinies. This play is appropriate for middle school, high school, and adult audiences. It can effectively be performed by high school,college,andcommunity theater groups.

A GREAT AMERICAN CLASSIC

The cover blurb describes Bret Harte as "the creator of the Western story."This may be true, but it is praise that undersells the quality of Harte's writing.While these stories contain many of the clichés to be found in typical Westerns - stage coach robberies, hangings, and slick, handsome gamblers - these are not escapist stories, but admirable studies of men and women subjected to frontier isolation and harsh conditions.They are easily comparable to the stories of Jack London, and a few of them even to John Steinbeck.If his other books are equal in quality to this selection, Harte certainly deserves to be more widely read.I remember that "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" was included in one of my high school literature anthologies, but I think that it was one that we did not read, probably because there is a prostitute in it. A common theme of many of these stories is how deeply these frontiersmen respond to innocence, whether in the form of young love or a newborn child.These are stories that will stay with you for a long time.

"Outcasts" a truly great story.
I had never even heard of Bret Harte before I read this story, and I really enjoyed it.I loved the way that he used language and imagery to vividly portray the people of Poker Flat. The way that John Oakhurst's (the gambler) thoughts are described, as everything relating to a game of cards, was interesting.It really made me feel like I could see all these people- they seem like very real, everyday characters that could be encountered in anyone's life.Harte obviously knows people, and knows how to tell a good story. I would love to read other stories that he's written.

THE TRUE POKER STORY
tnIn my opinion Uncle billy truly steals the scene. It was true inspiration to me. I couldnt wait tot see how it ended . I recommend it to anyone ... Read more

Product Description
What happened to the Phantom and Christine? It is 1906. Erik, the creature with the hideous face but poetic heart, has escaped to America, to a life that begins in misery, but in time makes him incredibly wealthy and brutally powerful. When he learns that his beloved Christine -- now an international opera star -- has a son, he is determined to learn the truth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (194)

Stunningly Mediocre
Ok, I didn't walk into this book expecting great literature or anything, but come on!A basic level of consistency or...logical flow would have been nice.Key points on which the plot line depend conflict with the original story (Leroux or Webber, pick one and it'll conflict), and the ending is flat out nonsensical. Raoul is basically reduced to a one-dimensional Ken Doll, and scenes that are supposed to be (guessing here) perhaps symbolic? come across as a bunch of characters who have auditory hallucinations.Not well done.I read this mainly out of curiosity, due to the musical that's out in London (Love Never Dies).Having read a synopsis, I thought it sounded kinda bad.As it turns out, the synopsis was better than the book.Don't waste the hour or two it takes to skim this stunningly mediocre book. I do give it two stars, however, because there was at least one clever idea in it, it gives mediocre fan fiction writers everywhere encouragement, and at least its an easy and quick read.

The Kobayashi Report
I think this story continuation was quite nice. This book was given as a gift last year. But once I got it I wasn't able to put it down until a I finished. I liked how it ended.

Wonderful book - in its own right!
My review is based on reading this book alone without reference to the original - which I haven't read.I found the book extremely engaging and readable.The fact that different narratives can bring so much life into a story was something I did not believe till I read this novel.I strongly recommend that you read this book for its engagingand immensely rewarding story-telling style. This is Forsyth at his narrative best!

Sequel to a Musical, Not a Book--Pretty Good, Too!!!
This work is not so much a sequel to a book (Gaston Leroux's "Phantom of the Opera) as it is a sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway (and West End) musical of the same name,all based on Leroux' original work.

As such, it's success or failure--and the attiude of the public toward this book--will not be measured so much by sales and critical acclaim now, but by the sales, public reception and criticism after Lloyd's new Phantom-based musical "Love Never Dies" opens on Broadeay this fall (2010).

All in all, a pretty good, sometimes moving story. A fitting end to the saga of the Phantom of the Opera.

One's heart can not help going out to the Phantom .There is a lot of heartache and meanness in this world, and the Phantom has had more than his share. Does he find happiness and contentment in the end?Read the book. Go see the show when it opens on Broadway this fall.

And expect this book to take off both in sales and critical acclaim when Lloyd Webber's sequel, based on this book, opens on Broadway. Just has he rejuvenated Leroux's original work, he will rejuvenate and launch this book to new heights.

IT STINKS!!!!!
I am a huge PTO fan. When I saw this book advertised shortly after it first came out, I got a copy ASAP. I couldn't wait to read it. However, it was really bad!! The author changed our beloved Phantom into a monster. The worst part was the ending. Finding out Raoul couldn't be Pierre's father was bad enough-- how can you respect a "hero" who rapes his heroine?-- but I mean, my god did it have to be because Raoul got shot in his nether regions???? Couldn't the author have left him with some dignity???? Christine gets shot, Pierre dumps Raoul without so much as a second thought, you find out Raoul doesn't have a complete set but everything is great between Erik and Pierre. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they had a successful reunion and that Pierre accepts him but the ending really stunk. Don't buy the book unless you have a good supply of high blood pressure medication and tranquilizers handy. ... Read more

Product Description
Spencer comes to the aid of his ladylove, Susan, and finds himself in the midst of a deadly conspiracy in Robert B. Parker's masterful new thriller. When Susan's ne'er-do-well ex-husband turns to her after he is charged with sexual harassment, a host of other wrong-doings comes to light and Spencer reluctantly agrees to take the case. Dark, contemplative, and morally complex, "Sudden Mischief" is a brilliant mediation on the meaning of justice, love and passion.Amazon.com Review
Sudden Mischief, the 25th Spenser novel, finds Robert B. Parker's seemingly ageless sleuth once again engaging Boston's bad guys and sorting out life's moral dilemmas, all (or mostly) in the name of love. When Spenser's girlfriend, psychiatrist Susan Silverman, asks him to investigate charges of sexual harassment leveled against her ex-husband, Brad Sterling, the detective agrees, though the assignment "shows every sign of not working out well." As the sexual harassment allegations melt like April snow, Sterling drops out of sight, a dead body appears in his office, and Spenser discovers a murky slush of clues that suggest Sterling's work as a marketing genius for local charities has been a front for some truly despicable criminal activities. As always, the more-than-slightly-shady Hawk is on hand to help Spenser sort the good from the bad, but Spenser is left to his own devices when it comes to making sense of the emotional havoc the case creates in his relationship with Susan. And what devices they are: emotionally mature and physically dynamic, Spenser once again proves himself as detective, friend, lover, and human being as Sterling's reappearance forces Susan to examine her past and her conscience whilesearching for her own autonomy. As always, Spenser endures as an intelligent, ethical, and poetic private eye, even if his endless middle age seems a bit supernatural. Parker's nimble, Spartan prose suits a character who carries his years in wisdom rather than body fat. If the heart of any truly great detective series is a truly great detective, Sudden Mischief and the rest of Parker's Spenser novels surely fit the bill. --L.A. Smith ... Read more

Customer Reviews (56)

Read the Book. Skip the Audio!
"But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife." -- 1 Corinthians 7:11 (NKJV)

I am reviewing the unabridged audio of Sudden Mischief performed by William Windom. I didn't care for the reading. Mr. Windom is miscast in this role. I recommend you read the book instead. It's a short book and won't take you long. It's not one of the best Spenser novels by a long shot, but it contains interesting background material about Susan Silverman and her ex-husband, Brad Sterling, and Susan's instincts when it comes to seeking out men. Be prepared for a so-so experience even as a read.

For those who have been divorced or part of a broken family, you know that divorce doesn't end the relationship between ex-husband and ex-wife. Sudden Mischief explores that dynamic when Susan asks Spenser to help her ex-husband who is in deep trouble due to poverty and sexual harassment claims. Spenser gamely agrees to help . . . with ill consequences for him and for his relationship with Susan. If you like Spenser stories that are deeply shrinkish, this novel will be one of your favorites. If you favor a little more action and story development, you'll be yawning at times.

I found that the story affected my image of Susan in ways that I didn't like. If she is a character you like to think highly of, you may not be pleased with her history as revealed in this story. If you would like to know more about how Spenser and she became an item, you won't find a more insightful story in the series.

William Windom Unsatisfactory as Spenser
This is a review of the audio CD, not the novel.I have ten other Spenser audio CDs that I have enjoyed immensely.One of the things I like about Parker's Spenser is the humor in the books.When I listed to the novels on the CDs I pick up even more humor than is available in the books.The audio Cds are slower-paced than reading the books so things I miss as I'm racing along in the novels get picked up in the Cds.I've been very satisfied with Joe Montegna as the reader on the CDs I have but was willing to give William Windom a try.I'm sorry I did.There are several things wrong with Windom as the reader.The two most important are:William Windom's voice carries a world-weary tone that is completely opposite to Spenser's Parker who is unfailingly upbeat with a "glass-is-always-half-full approach to life and who always has a hint of humor in his conversation.The second problem is that Windom doesn't even attempt to change his voice for the various characters so, often, since Parker doesn't always use "he said" or "she says" for every line, you can't tell who is supposed to be talking.Windom also has the annoying habit of using an upward inflection at the end of sentences that don't call for it and, conversely, of dropping off the end of some sentences with so low a tone that he is inaudible.Altogether, a very unsatisfactory production.

TOO PSYCHO FOR ME
I love Spenser but this novel was way too much psychoanalysis for me.It got a bit boring, too.Why Susan was attracted to bad men and all that baloney did nothing to make me feel for Susan and why was Rachel Wallace in this?The story line had a lot of promise but it just faltered.Won't keep me from reading more of Parker's books on Spenser.

Spenser v. Susan's ex
In "Sudden Mischief," Susan comes to Spenser asking him to help out her ex-husband, Brad Sterling (he has changed his name).Brad is "on the edge of dissolution" and has been sued for sexual harassment by four women after he chaired a major charity event.However, when Spenser goes to talk to Brad, Brad laughs it off - claiming he is doing fine, there is no problem with harassment and Susan was over-reacting.Puzzled, Spenser starts to dig.And, of course, that brings some bruisers to bear upon him. Discovering that the charity event brought no money to any of the charities - except maybe one mysterious charity chaired by another of Brad's ex-wives called Civil Streets, but Spenser cannot be sure because no one will talk to him about it - Spenser becomes suspicious.Also, the harassment suit comes under fire when Spenser discovers love letters and naked pictures of one of the woman under Brad's bed.

Well paced and intricately plotted, this novel had more twists than the California coastal highway.I enjoy the Spenser novels, because they keep you guessing until the end.Not to be missed!

The Accidental Therapist. Spenser's Sigmund Sofa Shines Susan's Spirit. Self-Actualization Be Done.
SUDDEN MISCHIEF, # 25 in the Spenser series, provided another prime work up on the Man/Woman relationship scene, dealing with ex-hubby scars, Susan's turtle-snap moods, and a new-and-improved conversational skill from Dr. Sigmund Spenser.I'm roaring onward toward the end of the series with continued amazement at how many miasmas of human angst Parker has been able to muck into, for Spenser to clarify and deodorize; and how many relationship scenes and character cards he can lay bare on any table, with Spades called true.

Opening what I might term "The Pandora in The Relationship," a scene between Spenser and Susan slipped suddenly from the most comfy of cozy, with humor set and staged on-a-roll ... to sour milk, paused peace, and stomach knots.I felt that hit along with Spenser, possibly more than any other emotional toll taken in the series (except when Susan left in VALEDICTION, # 11 in the series).The way Spenser worked with and through the situation was a perfect expression of ... not of psychological actualization ... but of the wisdom of a dynamically-operating human maturity.This scene and Spenser's "self-talk" in understanding the dense drama underlying Susan's behavior took the reader ozone holes beyond the trite advice to "roll with the punches."

I particularly enjoyed the few glove punches of tribute to X-Files here, in the slight, playful change in the style of humor between Hawk and Spenser, and in the Lone Gunman computer geek.SUDDEN MISCHIEF was another example of the cultural evolutionary intrigue contained in this triple-decade-running series.In this one and in a few previous recent offerings readers were also given hints of the beginning of The-Waitress-Hurry-Rush-Syndrome, which appeared to have begun in the nineties.

In SUDDEN MISCHIEF Spenser stepped up to the tallest measure of being Susan's hero, savior, Knight-in-Shining Armor, and her Shrink.Acting as her shrink, Spenser's jangled the jargon from the popular surge of psycho-self-help books which carried "come-communicate" concepts from the 70's and 80's into the 90's.Spenser's part of every dialogue with every character seemed to have suddenly altered in MISCHIEF in a manner which felt somewhat but not totally, tongue-in-cheek.The alteration came through the famous style of the Shrink's SILENCE, the true listening mode ... of no response ... to stretches of out-loud contemplations from whomever happened to be the partner in repartee (or payer of shrink-wrap fees).I enjoyed the fact that the dialogues often took place over meals or in interesting restaurants, so that when Spenser worked the no response deal, he replaced the saved mouth motion with warm, moist bites of fresh, spongy bread, and savored the yeasty flavor.Usually his comment in that venue went something like, "I took a bite of .... It was good."

Spenser did the shrink silence with as much perfection as he has done all else.Even so, one of the reasons for success of his perfection was his ability to see (and note) his and Susan's flaws here.And, Susan's self-actualization scene in chapter 48 was truly incredible in Parker's perfection of process of her coming to that catharsis, with Spenser providing support in an awesomely effective way of stand-aside-but-be-ready.

As noted above, it appeared to me that the humor had changed slightly in this one, with appetizer overtures in recent previous offerings as well.Some of the conversational fun-poking definitely seemed to have taken on a warmly entertaining edge of the X-Files, Fox Mulder type.

The combo of these subtle changes continued to herald the "Signs of the Times," reinforcing my sense of one of the major values in this series being its feathered function as a cultural-evolution-landmark for the 70's, 80's, 90's, and 00's.

Sometimes series authors have espoused a wish that they could get out of the limitations of a genre and write something "significant."Parker has repeatedly and unfailingly honored his series genre, while packing his products with the ultimate in literary significance.Possibly the greatest gift in this accomplishment is that readers can choose to see this significance (and be awed by it).Or, they can merely let go of cares and worries, and be entertained by pure escape fiction.

I wonder if RBP was born on the precise point of an Annular Solar Eclipse, to have continually generated and successfully manifested so much primal, pivotal creativity.Or maybe ... like today ... Robert B. Parker was born during a Blue Moon peaking full in the company of Jupiter and Vesta (the asteroid).All I know about that is that he was born in 1947 (or 48?), a Baby Boomer like many of us.

Another man, born in 1928, wasn't a Baby Boomer, nor an author, yet he reminds me of Parker, in the sense of the above described type of continued creative generation and manifestation. See the Amazon Short, I Worked: A True Story

Immensely thankful for fascinating feats such as these,
Linda G. Shelnutt ... Read more

Product Description
To find out what has happened to the California dream, Clarke sets off on a journey down the San Andreas fault. He discovers the tragic fate of the Wiyot Indians and their earthquake legends; investigates the bitter conflict between the logging industry and environmentalists; visits Palm Springs, a glamorous desert hideaway now beset by gangs; and interviews a determined dreamer who hopes to build a resort along the abandoned shores of the desolate Salton Sea. 2 cassettes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Searching for unity in a divisive state.
The fear, fatalism, and futility that earthquakes inspire in Californians may be the one true element that binds them all despite their political, sociocultural and economic and, may I add, hydrological divisiveness.Still, earthquakes may not necessarily factor in the psyche of people who live a comfortable distance from the state's many faults or for people who do not think they should be affected at all.The book probably works out fine for readers who have not been to California or who are curious about earthquakes and the alleged capabilities of some people to make predictions sans scientific instruments.

The strongest message that I got from the book is this:Just as the beauty of California belies the terror that its geologic instability can bring about, the popularity of the state as a favorite destination belies the sad realities that come with unstoppable population growth: the lack of rootedness and an appreciation for history, the ever-increasing isolationism of gated communities and housing developments, and the homogenization of suburban living, shopping, and other recreational diversions.The description of teenage ennui in privileged Saratoga, the suburban anonymity of Cupertino in Santa Clara Valley and Palmdale in Antelope Valley, and the increasing hazards of spending a weekend at the San Gabriel Mountains were particularly telling.

Earthquakes may cause people not to move to, or to move out of, California, but the big challenge for Californians is to balance a viable economy with preserving what is left of this gorgeous state.The author lamented the lack of community in places that have just sprouted from what once was rangeland or farmland.Will the sense of community improve when immigrant communities are more established?The children of immigrants and transplants will have to understand the history of this vast state and listen to the voices of reason (voiced out by its eccentrics? bohemians? environmentalists?) in order to come up with a solution to preserve the attributes that make California great.

only in California....
....could so sharp-eyed an author collect such a crazy quilt of legends, stories, hard data, speculation, and eccentric responses to the oft-denied relationship between the San Andreas Fault he paces from north to south and the folks who live atop it.He has a reporter's knack for getting at the subtext of whatever details catch his attention--and the subtext is often deeply poignant, coming as it does from the shadow side of a given community.

My one complaint is that the book spends too much time northward.One reads 3/4 of it and gets no farther south than Hollister.I hope future editions will include more about Southern California.Highly recommended.

If you don't have anything good to say...
Clarke makes it clear that he does not like California. He doesn't see whyanyone would like California. He goes into great detail critcizingCalifornia and the people in California. The problem is, he NEVER suggestsanything better; he never presents anything about anywhere that he *does*like. This makes for dreary, and at times infuriating, reading.

Thenagain, I'm from California.

Interesting slice of California
The author takes a trip down the San Andreas fault from the North Coast to the Salton Sea, and talks about the communities (villages, San Francisco, Palm Springs) along the way.These California towns are facing the sameproblems with developers wanting to make a quick buck and local governmentsdesparate for tax money to build prisons.The author's geology is lacking,but his sense of the people he's met makes up for it.

Despite some warts, it's an entertaining and worthwhile read
Thurston Clarke explores the San Andreas Fault from end to end in this highly entertaining book.Along the way, he examines California and Californians, and consequently is able to offer some fresh insights intolife in the Golden State.

The book is presented as a series of vignettes,based on his experiences in various locations along the fault from HumboldtCounty south to the Salton Sea.Not surprisingly, some sections are moreeffective than others.His treatment of the legacy of Indian massacres inthe Eureka area is hauntingly vivid, as is his analysis of Ferndale'sattempts to resist losing its soul to commercialization and yuppification. He also provides what ultimately proves to be a passionate discourse on thenever-ending controversy over logging and clearcutting along the northcoast.

Another excellent section of the book comes much later, when heexplores the hellish new suburban landscape of Palmdale, in the AntelopeValley,His dissection of the emptiness of "the suburban dream"in that sad community is masterful.

Perhaps surprisingly, the weakestaspect of the book is his treatment of geology and earthquakes.He givesWAY too much space and credence to earthquake prediction quackery,including folks who *claim* to predict quakes through headaches, planetaryalignment, and the analysis of radio waves.Here, Clarke comes across asgullible and a bit too eager to find "some grain of truth" inpseudo-science.

Also, whereas one cannot expect any book of this scopeto be error-free, Clarke commits some small factual blunders here that cangrate on the reader who knows better. He misterms an earthquake's"hypocenter" as its "hydrocenter," and actually, thephenomenon he is referring to is its "focus." He misplaces thefeisty coastal town of Bolinas in "East Marin," and he cites theCoalinga earthquake as having occurred in 1982, instead of 1983.

In alengthy book of this kind, I suppose such errors can be overlooked.Thefreshness of Clarke's insights and his skill as a journalist make this bookwell worth reading for any student of California history and culture. ... Read more