Reviewing: "Many A River" by Elmer Kelton

1855 in the area of Texas around Weatherford frequently saw Indian attacks on travelers and settlers. The Barfield family is passing through the area having left Arkansas for hopefully a better life in Texas. Mr. Alexander Barfield is driven to find a better spot than the last spot they passed even though the rest of the family thinks they have passed several very good spots. He's ready to go again just as soon eight-year-old Jeffrey brings the family dog, Brownie, back to the wagon.

The fact that the dog ran away and had to be found saved Jeffery's young life.

Jeffery hides as his mom and dad are killed and his five year old brother Todd is taken away. Unable to defend them as he is weaponless, he is left to bury the dead and mourn. Soon, a posse chasing the Indian finds him and helps him finish the task which soon includes burying his brother. Then the posse will take him and help him start a new life somewhere else as the last member of his family.

While Jeffrey believes his brother is dead it was, in fact, another captive boy that was killed and buried in Todd's place. Todd is very much alive and in the custody of an Indian raiding party. Prisoner of the Commanaches, he might be indoctrinated into the tribe or more likely he will be traded to the Mexican traders, sometime soon for whatever they can get. Whatever his fate, life as he knew it is over and he faces a struggle just to survive.

Against the backdrop of the years preceding the coming Civil War to its furious beginnings, the boys on separate life paths survive amid the harsh realities. They will be reunited again but have many dusty miles to travel and many rivers to cross with much to overcome in a land where human life has little value.

Rich in Texas culture and history, author Elmer Kelton showcases again why he has won the "Spur Award" seven times. Though the jacket copy as well as this review gives away the fact the boys will be reunited, the getting there provides a very suspenseful journey. That along with complex characters, plenty of cultural descriptions and commentary as seen through the characters, and authentic story lines make this another very enjoyable read.

As does the history the book includes. Not only does it relate some of the history of the brutality of Union Major Chivington (who was a real piece of work), it also relates the brutal battle at Glorieta Pass in 1862. In this novel, as is often the case in real life, those going into the start of an armed conflict have a much different perspective of the future then when they come out. One thing that has always struck me is how many on both sides thought the Civil War would be brief and over quickly. How wrong they were has been proven by history then and many times with other wars since then. War comes alive for the reader in this novel in a way that few books achieve. So too do the years leading up to the war which found Texas and the surrounding areas an often brutally violent place where life, regardless of gender or ancestry, was very cheap.


Many A River
Elmer Kelton
Forge/Tom Doherty Associates
http://www.tor-forge.com
June 2008
ISBN# 0-7653-2050-9
Hardback (paperback is releasing March 31, 2009)
335 Pages
$27.95


This material was provided by the good folks of the Plano Texas Public Library System. The library system is faced with a proposed budgetary cutback of over 1 million dollars according to local news reports. Support your local library system!



Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

Reviewing: "A Ghost Of A Chance" by Bill Crider

This tenth in the series opens with concerns by some that the Blacklin County Jail is haunted. Sheriff Rhodes doesn't believe it but, as the Dispatcher Hank Jensen points out, the guys back in the cells believe "and that's all that matters." (Page 1) Rhodes doesn't believe much in computers either though he does admit that occasionally they do help a little bit.

It's only fitting on a dark and stormy day and with talk of ghosts that Sheriff Rhodes gets called out to the cemetery. Clyde Ballinger has called in to report a dead man in one of the graves at the cemetery. The grave had been opened for Travis McCoy and the burial is planned for later in the day. But, the man in the open grave is Ty Berry who had been the President of the Clearview Sons and Daughters of Texas. The group was devoted to the preservation of the history of the city of Clearview and Blacklin County and frequently found itself at odds with the local citizenry on one issue or another. Preserving the past costs money and a lot of folks simply don't care about history or the past.

Recently somebody has been looting the twelve cemeteries in the county and Ty Berry was organizing volunteer patrols, pushing commissioners for security for the cemeteries, and lots of other things that annoyed some folks. Shot dead and dumped in the open grave, his murder is going to cause political repercussions for Rhodes. He is going to have to talk to people who aren't going to want to deal with the messy issue of murder because it is so beneath their station in life while others either hated the man or just didn't care and don't have the time or patience to be bothered.

Then there is the pesky problem that the motorcycles are back. People are reporting the rumbling of tail pipes which in all likelihood means one thing – Rapper is back.


Weaving these threads and others author Bill Crider creates another solid entry in the Sheriff Rhodes series. No character development or evolution of the main or secondary characters happens in this cozy style novel. And no forensics of the style they do on television in a splashy forty-five minutes. No, this book and the series as a whole is old fashioned police work where the guilty are usually caught by way of a web of lies.

Progress may have come to the East Texas County in the form of Wal-Mart and downtown Clearview might be dying because of it, but the police work is old school investigation led by Sheriff Rhodes. Rhodes digs into the case by frequently asking questions of characters we have seen many times before in other books in the series, poking around crime scenes and elsewhere, and knowing folks. Some live, some die, and progress continues to whittle away at the Clearview of Rhodes youth and yet he continues on dealing with just the things he can control and trying not to worry about the things he can't. There is a lesson in all that along with another good story in a series that is steadily good book after book.


A Ghost Of A Chance: A Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mystery
Bill Crider
http://www.billcrider.com/
Thomas Dunne Books (St. Martin's Minotaur)
http://www.minotaurbooks.com/
July 2000
ISBN# 0-312-20889-8
Hardback
263 Pages


This material was obtained through the Plano, Texas Public Library System.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

"By The Light Of The Moon"
The Carpathian Shadows Volume 2
Print or E-book

Reviewing: "Hawai'i: The Big Island" (Lonely Planet Travel Guide)

You may have heard that the Left Coast Crime Convention next month is in Hawaii. Going is out of the question for me, as much as I would like to do so, unless the Texas Lottery folks manage to select my numbers very soon. They have resisted all my efforts for years so I don't have much hope of that happening. In the meantime, all I can do is dream and look at the occasional travel book such as this one released by "Lonely Planet."



Like their other books, this one opens with a short chapter that is basically a "best of" whatever the location is chapter. For this book, it is the "Best Big Island Experiences." Suggestions for things such as the best scenic drive "Kohala Mountain Road" and the best multipurpose beach "Hapuna Beach" along with the best short hike "Pololu Valley" and numerous other best things and best places are listed. In each case there is a color photo, a very short description and a page number that will take readers to the longer listing and explanation found elsewhere in the book.

"Island Itineraries" begins on page eighteen with suggestions for various mileage lengths or days available for exploration of the big island. Color maps are included and there are references to the additional itineraries at the start of each regional section that are in more depth.

The third chapter is on "Outdoor Activities & Adventures." It covers where you can do what in alphabetical format. From "at sea" to "yoga" the book has got you covered with locations, types of activities, plenty of information and as always plenty of color photographs.

This leads to a ten page chapter on "Green Big Island." Environmental issues are important on the islands and this is where readers learn about steps being taken, options available, and what can be done by tourists and others to protect the fragile environment of the islands.

Beginning with page fifty-one, the book is divided into regional sections. "Kailua-Kona" begins this part of the guide book with a brief history on the culture, some maps, and suggested tours and things to do. This same format is used throughout the regional parts which are labeled as "Kona Coast" (page 79), "Kohala & Waimea" (page 103), Mauna Kea & Saddle Road" (page 137) "Hamakua Coast" (page 151) "Puna" (page 191), Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park" (page 205) and Ka'u (page 229). I am very interested in parks and the section in this book is detailed text wise but could have really used more pictures. The pictures used are often rather small and hard to see detail wise.

Short chapters on the "Big Island Myths and Legends" (which was very weak) "History & Culture" of the area, foods, "Festivals & Events" and planning your trip are near the end of the book. A directory of resources and general information along with an eight page index close out the travel guide.

Comprehensive and flashy, this book certainly creates the impression that it is outlining all the usual places and things and not covering real hidden gems that many tourists don't know about. Additionally, as in other "Lonely Planet" travel guides the type face is extremely small and as such is very hard to read. Both could be addressed simply by expanding the book somewhat. That won't solve the language issues some reviewers have with these books (a concern I don't share), but it would make them easier to read.

Despite those points, this is a good book. Written by Luci Yamamoto and Conner Gorry, this travel guide is a colorful and highly informative book sure to help you plan and enjoy your trip. It may not be the only book you want for the trip but it certainly is a strong start.

Hawai'i: The Big Island
by Luci Yamamoto and Conner Gorry
Lonely Planet
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/
September 2008
ISBN# 9781741047158
Paperback
304 Pages
$19.99


As a member of the Amazon Vine Program this material was provided to me in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

Reviewing: "A Ghost Of A Chance: A Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mystery" by Bill Crider

This tenth in the series opens with concerns by some that the Blacklin County Jail is haunted. Sheriff Rhodes doesn't believe it but, as the Dispatcher Hank Jensen points out, the guys back in the cells believe "and that's all that matters." (Page 1) Rhodes doesn't believe much in computers either though he does admit that occasionally they do help a little bit.

It's only fitting on a dark and stormy day and with talk of ghosts that Sheriff Rhodes gets called out to the cemetery. Clyde Ballinger has called in to report a dead man in one of the graves at the cemetery. The grave had been opened for Travis McCoy and the burial is planned for later in the day. But, the man in the open grave is Ty Berry who had been the President of the Clearview Sons and Daughters of Texas. The group was devoted to the preservation of the history of the city of Clearview and Blacklin County and frequently found itself at odds with the local citizenry on one issue or another. Preserving the past costs money and a lot of folks simply don't care about history or the past.

Recently somebody has been looting the twelve cemeteries in the county and Ty Berry was organizing volunteer patrols, pushing commissioners for security for the cemeteries, and lots of other things that annoyed some folks. Shot dead and dumped in the open grave, his murder is going to cause political repercussions for Rhodes. He is going to have to talk to people who aren't going to want to deal with the messy issue of murder because it is so beneath their station in life while others either hated the man or just didn't care and don't have the time or patience to be bothered.

Then there is the pesky problem that the motorcycles are back. People are reporting the rumbling of tail pipes which in all likelihood means one thing – Rapper is back.


Weaving these threads and others author Bill Crider creates another solid entry in the Sheriff Rhodes series. No character development or evolution of the main or secondary characters happens in this cozy style novel. And no forensics of the style they do on television in a splashy forty-five minutes. No, this book and the series as a whole is old fashioned police work where the guilty are usually caught by way of a web of lies.

Progress may have come to the East Texas County in the form of Wal-Mart and downtown Clearview might be dying because of it, but the police work is old school investigation led by Sheriff Rhodes. Rhodes digs into the case by frequently asking questions of characters we have seen many times before in other books in the series, poking around crime scenes and elsewhere, and knowing folks. Some live, some die, and progress continues to whittle away at the Clearview of Rhodes youth and yet he continues on dealing with just the things he can control and trying not to worry about the things he can't. There is a lesson in all that along with another good story in a series that is steadily good book after book.


A Ghost Of A Chance: A Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mystery
Bill Crider
http://www.billcrider.com/
Thomas Dunne Books (St. Martin's Minotaur)
http://www.minotaurbooks.com/
July 2000
ISBN# 0-312-20889-8
Hardback
263 Pages


This material was obtained through the Plano, Texas Public Library System.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

"By The Light Of The Moon"
The Carpathian Shadows Volume 2
Print or E-book

Reviewing: "Death By Accident" by Bill Crider

Clearview and the surrounding Blacklin County, Texas have seen their share of weird events and murders over the years. Sheriff Dan Rhodes has dealt with both over the years. In every case a rational explanation has eventually surfaced.

It's November and repercussions of events in Winning Can Be Murder are still felt by many including Rhodes. So too is his age because more and more the county is changing and not for the better. Back when Rhodes was a heck of a lot younger, he swam in the swimming pools on the Old Settler's Grounds. Fed by the river the pools had been a great place to cool off. As the years past, the pools fell into disrepair and nobody is supposed to be swimming in them any more. Technically, the man floating in one of the pools isn't swimming, as he is dead.

It looks like a freak accident and nothing more thanks to the rope and the busted limb from the tree adjoining the pool. It certainly appears that the man, no doubt drunk, was swinging on the rope over the pool when the limb snapped. The limb hit the man in the head and either knocked him out so that he drowned in the water or outright killed him. The dead man, Peter Yeldell, has been in trouble of one type or another for years and alcohol was usually involved. So the whole deal makes sense in a weird way.

But, Yeldell's death would be the second freak accident in two weeks. The first was John West. He literally exploded on a country road of Clearview around 2 in the morning in a bizarre accident.

That death was bugging Rhodes and now he has this accidental death. In typical Rhodes fashion, despite all the evidence to the contrary, Rhodes starts asking questions and poking around. Before long he finds more questions than answers and manages to get himself in trouble yet again.

Ninth in the series, this novel sheds no new light on the character or those around him. His daughter Susan is still a no show character having vanished early on, Rhodes still doesn't trust computers, loves Dr. Pepper and is tolerant despite grumbling of his wife's attempts to make him eat healthier. And he still doesn't call for back up and walks into situations that clearly by now he should have learned it would be a good idea at the very least to unholster his weapon.

Despite those quirks that some readers will question, Rhodes maintains a steady hand and comfortable feeling for the reader. Bill Crider's focus is always the latest fiasco in the county as well as the latest crime/murder and spends most of his story telling energy in that direction. Therefore, readers who want to see major character development and bloodbath every few pages or novels may wish to look elsewhere. Those who must wallow in the mind of the evil serial killer every other chapter should go elsewhere as well because Crider doesn't do clichéd. What he does and does very well is create interesting characters in real life you would be happy to know and call friends while telling a tale focused on the mystery and not the forensics. This is another solid good book in the series that hasn't produced a bad one yet.

Death By Accident
Bill Crider
http://www.billcrider.com/
Wheeler Publishing (Gale/Thorndike)
http://www.gale.cengage.com/thorndike/
1998
ISBN# 1-56895-663-0
233 Pages
Large Print Version


Review copy provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

(Reviews coming soon-- A Ghost Of A Chance by Bill Crider, Somebody Owes Me Money by Donald Westlake, and more)

"Hulk VS. Wolverine/Thor"

"HULK VS." is a 2-disc special edition featuring "Hulk vs. Wolverine" and "Hulk vs. Thor" animated movies. Released from Lionsgate there are numerous previews, various audio commentaries, and of course the actual movies.

Disc 1 contains "Hulk vs. Wolverine" (PG-13) and is 37 minutes long. Hulk is tearing up the Canadian country side and Wolverine is sent to stop him. The movie opens with Hulk and Wolverine battling. After the title and credit sequence the movie goes back to four hour earlier when Wolverine was brought in by helicopter to the small town of Elkford that was destroyed by Hulk. The Canadian military wants Wolverine to stop Hulk. If he can't be stopped then Wolverine is to kill him before he harms another town or city. The chase is on with Wolverine finding a lot more than expected including other foes in the Canadian wildness.

Disc 1 also contains audio commentaries with Craig Kyle, Chris Yost, Frank Paur, Kevin Altieri and Butch Lukic. There is also a first look at "Wolverine And The X-Men" coming in April along with a making of "Hulk vs. Wolverine" feature. There is also a feature about the "Hulk vs. Wolverine" world premiere at the San Diego Comic Con last year and a question and answer deal there at the convention.

The 45 minute Disc 2 features "Hulk vs. Thor" (PG-13) and is the story of Loki trying to destroy his stepbrother, Thor. The movie opens with another colorful credit sequence before taking us to the realm of the eternal: Asgard. Long ruled and protected by Odin all is well and the cycle continues. Every winter Odin must sleep and leaves things unprotected for seven days and that is when the wicked come. Thor leads the defense against the siege of darkness. Dr. Banner is spirited in by Loki so that he can be forced to become the Hulk and used to finally destroy, Thor. But, Hulk is not a weapon that can be controlled for long and the repercussions for all will be epic.

This disc also features audio commentary with Craig Kyle, Chris Yost, Frank Paur, Sam Liu and James Peters. Like the much bloodier and brutal "Hulk vs. Wolverine" disc, this disc also has a making of the feature and a first look feature at the next movie in the series. This one is on "Thor: Tales of Asgard" coming out on DVD this fall. There is also a feature on Jack Kirby and his artwork with Thor.

The result is two very different movies that continue the legendary Marvel characters while providing plenty of back story. The animation is detailed as are the complicated story lines creating a viewing experience sure to please old and young alike.

HULK VS. (Two Disc Special Edition)
DVD
Marvel and Lionsgate
January, 2009
82 minutes total (plus features)


This material was provided to me by a publicist via BNN in exchange for my objective review. While I did not review the Blu-Ray version, there is one:




Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

DVD Review: "Louis C. K. CHEWED UP"

"Louis C.K. Chewed Up" was filmed at the Berkley Performance Center in Boston, Massachusetts last March and eventually released by Image Entertainment. Instead of opening with the obligatory salute to the location and the audience, the show opens up with how he misses the word "faggot" and how he used it as a kid and later. As he sees it, it never meant "gay" but how somebody acted. This leads into his observations on how he respects so much those males who can willingly perform a certain act on a man.

That leads into language and what words mean and how he doesn't see the negative connotations of certain words. Reminiscent of George Carlin's seven dirty words, Louis C.K. continues the theme in more graphic but unoriginal terms. This leads the 40 year old balding comic into various observations on daily life, family, and children, marriage etc.

Humor is subjective and based on the laugh track the audience thought he was absolutely hilarious. Unfortunately, I don't share that opinion. The humor seemed to consist primarily of obscenities and graphic commentary on bodily functions and simply just wasn't funny. Billed as a comedic talent who will "…create an atmosphere of fearless honesty on stage…" and a say anything style, I kept thinking how so many other comics had hit the same ideas and done them so much better. His work doesn't seem original and instead comes across as derivative and that the coarser the language the funnier the joke is. From the laugh track, it seemed that a number of folks approved. If I had been there, I would have been asking for a refund soon after the show started. I kept watching hoping I would get to the funny parts but I never did.

Dedicated to George Carlin, the show runs slightly longer than an hour though it seemed considerably longer. The only other feature on the disc is an interview with the comedian himself where he self interviews and answers questions that hade been provided to him. Almost as long as the show, the interview runs approximately 37 minutes and he explains how he got his start in Boston, the creation and evolution of this show which features totally different material than his 2007 show "Shameless," the fact that his comedy is mostly autobiographical, how he develops material and other topics. During the interview, he reiterates the point that his use of coarseness in language is the only way he knows how to be true to who he is.

If you are already a fan of his, then you will love this show and interview. If he is totally new to you, as he was to me, it will be an obscenity filled and graphic experience that may or may not work depending on your own sensibilities.


Louis C. K. Chewed Up
DVD
Image Entertainment
December, 2008
60 minutes (plus interview)


This material was provided to me by a publicist via BNN in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

Barry's Reviews: "As I Lay Dying" by William Faulkner

AS I LAY DYING (1930) by William Faulkner

Reviewed by Barry Ergang

Mystery/suspense has been for most of my life the predominant ingredient in my reading diet, but recently I realized that I was—temporarily, I’m sure—satiated with that sort of tale. Thus, I took a break to read some mainstream and literary fiction.

William Faulkner has been a literary hero of mine since I first discovered his work when I was in my late teens, more years ago than I like to think about. It occurred to me that I hadn’t read a Faulkner novel in over thirty years. I’ve had a copy of As I Lay Dying languishing on my bookshelf for longer than that. It was time to read it.

Consisting of very short chapters and told in the first person by multiple narrators, it tells the story of the Bundren family, the kind of quirky brood—to put it charitably—common in Faulkner’s work. The matriarch, Addie, is dying, and has exacted a promise from her shiftless, self-seeking husband Anse to bury her at her family’s plot in Jefferson, Mississippi.


There are five Bundren children, four boys and one girl. Cash is the serene, acceptant, industrious one. Darl has the greatest clarity about the world which his siblings may never achieve, but that very clarity is what eventually drives him over the edge. Jewel is intense, angry, ready to lash out at almost anyone, but probably not certain why. Vardaman is the youngest, a child incapable of fully understanding death and unable to confront it rationally. The daughter, Dewey Dell, old enough for sexual activity but fearful of its consequences, is more concerned about finding an abortifacient than in mourning her mother.

The trip from the Bundren homestead to Jefferson is not a short one, and it’s complicated by torrential rains that cause rivers to overflow and bridges to collapse—bridges the Bundrens must cross to reach their ultimate destination.

Most of Faulkner’s work was somber and grave, but he could be very funny when he wanted to be. As I Lay Dying is tonally very dark, as befits its characters and their situations. But though related with grim seriousness, some of its incidents will strike readers as comical because they’re absurd or verge on the absurd. (In different hands they might well have been described in a slapstick manner.) Some readers may not see the humor in the events while they’re experiencing them; they’ll realize them retrospectively. Ultimately, they’ll come to understand that in this novel, Faulkner melded thematic sobriety with dark comedy.

Considered among Faulkner’s finest novels, As I Lay Dying is—typical of this author—a demanding read, most notably in the chapters narrated by Darl and Vardaman, but also in chapters related by others, who sound as if they were speaking directly and intimately to readers who’d immediately comprehend what they’re describing, whether it’s an event, a sensation, or a reaction. It is not, however, as difficult a read as The Sound and the Fury


(my personal candidate for the great American novel of the 20th Century) or Absalom, Absalom!


(which years ago I read a little more than half of before deciding it was turgid melodrama I didn’t care about and gave up on). I first discovered Faulkner in the short story “Dry September,” the style of which captivated me—blew me away, actually, and got me hooked on the author. (It’s a brilliant, classic short story I urge you to seek out and read if you haven’t done so.) Although Faulkner wrote several more straightforward novels, As I Lay Dying might very well be the most accessible of his acknowledged great but less straightforward ones. If you’re new to Faulkner, this is the novel to start with.

Barry Ergang © 2009

Formerly the Managing Editor of Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine and First Senior Editor of Mysterical-E, winner of the Short Mystery Fiction Society’s 2007 Derringer Award in the Flash Fiction category, Barry Ergang’s written work has appeared in numerous publications, print and electronic. For links to material available online, see Barry’s webpages.

Anthology Winners

The contest is over and I want to thank each and every person for entering. Because we had so many entries, Rob Preece, publisher/owner of Booksforabuck.com authorized me to award two winners the e-books. The winners are:


TISA. A.

And

LYDIA O.


I was also contacted by four reviewers who entered the contest in order to win a review copy. Those four individuals, who know who they are, were removed from the contest and are being sent print copies by the publisher.

Again, thanks to everyone for entering and congrats to our winners!

Kevin


Kevin R. Tipple

"By The Light Of The Moon"
The Carpathian Shadows Volume 2
Print or E-book
http://www.booksforabuck.com/sfpages/sf_08/carpathian_shadows2.html

Psst---Want To Win?

Located in Transylvania is a castle with a dark history. Once ruled by Lord John Erdely the castle is now a haven for tourists.

Or is it?

His dark powers were legendary and continue to exert their influence today. Other forces are at work as well in a place where servants were once silenced with a curse and the land was ruled with an iron fist. Join authors Carol A. Cole, Kristin Johnson, Kevin R. Tipple, Christina Barber, Seana Graham and Donna Amato as they weave their tales under the editorial direction of Lea Schizas. What began in the first anthology, "The Carpathian Shadows Volume 1" were just a few of the possibilities…..

I am thrilled to be a part of the anthology and the reviews and comments from readers have been positive and gratifying. Like the previous book in the anthology series, recently the anthology was added to the Fictionwise catalog where you can also read a very brief excerpt: http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook77687.htm?cache

To celebrate the addition at Fictionwise, our publisher, Rob Preece, has graciously offered a Fictionwise gift certificate as a give away on my blog. To enter, all you have to do is send me an e-mail with "Anthology" in the subject line to me at kevinrtipple@verizon.net All entries must be in by midnight central time January 31, 2009.

That's it!

Then sit back and see if you won. And of course, if you can't wait to read the book, buy it at Fictionwise or direct from Rob at http://www.booksforabuck.com/sfpages/sf_08/carpathian_shadows2.html


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

Reviewing: "Walks, Walls, & Patio Floors"

Okay, so somebody decided that the existing patio needs work. Or that a sidewalk has to be built. Or that a wall has to be built because what would make this yard really standout would be a conversation pit with a fireplace right over there. And because somebody doesn't want to hire it out, for whatever reason, you get to do it yourself. If you find yourself in that predicament this book just might be the one for you.




Written by Jeanne Huber and the editors of Sunset Books, this 194 page gem released last January aims to help you create the best patio, walk, and or garden wall you can. It opens with a chapter stressing having a good design, choosing the right materials, and exploring different types of materials whether it is stone, brick, poured concrete, lava, or something else. Planning is the key and that point is driven home repeatedly. Suggestions are also made concerning moving the materials (most are heavy) and getting and storing the materials using text and color photographs.

Chapter two is on "Building Paths and Patios" and goes from the simple to the complex. Material lists, techniques, plans, etc. are used to illustrate various options to change from what you have now to what you want to achieve long term. Drainage is of major importance and that issue is covered well with several different drainage possibilities thoroughly explored.

Concrete come in many different ways and can do many different design things as outlined in chapter three. Different types of concrete are explained, options, how to determine what to use and how much, along with how to make various designs are in this chapter.

"Garden Walls" is the theme of the fourth and final chapter. Different walls of types/styles are depicted along with explanations of them, plenty of pictures, plans and building techniques.

Credits, a short list of resources and a three page index brings this 194 page book to a close. Aimed primarily at those seeking to create within a lush and thickly covered landscape, those with a preference for low water use plants or settings get a very brief mention. Despite that fact, those in interested in such landscaping can still use much of the book while discounting the pictures of the finished product.

It might be a good idea to stock up on some pain reliever as well because nothing in this book is that easy to build. This type of work is easily back breaking no matter how easy it looks on the home improvement shows or how easy it seems in this book. So, you back will hurt and you will need the pain reliever if you do it yourself. Or better yet, hire that neighbor who always is offering advice on what you should do in your yard to build.


Walks, Walls, & Patio Floors
by Jeanne Huber and the editors of Sunset Books
Sunset Books
http://www.sunsetbooks.com/
ISBN#0-376-01709-0
January 2008
Paperback—Soft Cover
144 Pages
$16.95

Review copy provided by the Plano, Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

Barry's Reviews: "Small Game" by John Blades

SMALL GAME (1992)
By John Blades

Reviewed by Barry Ergang


Scott Ryan is a man besieged. His opponents include coworkers, fellow commuters, neighbors, and—above all—his house. Oh yes, and squirrels. Living in an area the police sometimes treat as if it’s under martial law, having to duck below window level when his commuter train passes through a Red Zone to avoid being shot, his urban dream has become an urban nightmare.

He and his wife Kathy have purchased a fixer-upper in a becoming-gentrified section of their unnamed city. With three small children and the burdens their new home has imposed, and despite Scott’s ascendancy in the market research company he works for, they’re in over their heads. Working on the house consumes the bulk of Scott’s time when he isn’t working. He still manages to fit in some tennis now and then, but reluctantly because the house has become his Circe, luring him inexorably back to it and demanding that he cater to its every need and want.

When he isn’t cheating on Kathy with several different partners, that is.

Scott’s first-person recounting of events seems at first reasonable, if sometimes edged with desperation. But the reader soon realizes that something is wrong, that he’s an utterly unreliable narrator, that he may or may not be seeing things that aren’t there, claiming to do things he really doesn’t.

Some of the neighborhood squirrels have invaded the house and taken up residence in the walls and attic crawl space. They become Scott’s obsession, and his attempts to eradicate them become steadily more frantic—and sometimes dangerous.

John Blades’ short serio-comic novel might well be described as Kafkaesque in its depiction of a man driven to fulfill but overwhelmed by the popular notion of the “American dream.” Crisply written, and peppered with evocative turns of phrase, its episodic structure builds to a memorable finish.


Barry Ergang © 2009

Formerly the Managing Editor of Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine and First Senior Editor of Mysterical-E, winner of the Short Mystery Fiction Society’s 2007 Derringer Award in the Flash Fiction category, Barry Ergang’s written work has appeared in numerous publications, print and electronic. For links to material available online, see Barry’s webpages.

Reviewing: "Maui" from the Lonely Planet

As a native Texan on a fixed income with steadily increasing bills, the idea of going to Hawaii has been a tantalizing dream but far from reality. This year, with the Left Coast Mystery Convention scheduled in Hawaii, the impossibility of going has been more obvious than ever. I suspect the issue has become even more pronounced for many possible attendees.

But, the dream lives on. Hence, the travel guides are always fun to look at while hoping for the lottery numbers to finally pay off. This one, released by "Lonely Planet" last September is another good one from the publisher full of lots of information and stunning color photographs.

The book opens with a short chapter on the "Best Maui Experiences." Suggestions for things such as the best location to luau "Old Lahaina Luau" or the best treats "Komoda Store & Bakery" and the best beach "Big Beach" along with the best hike "Sliding Sands Trail" and numerous other best things and best places are listed. In each case there is a color photo, a very short description and a page number that will take readers to the longer listing and explanation found elsewhere in the book.

"Island Itineraries" begins on page eighteen with suggestions for various mileage lengths or days available for exploration. Color maps are included and there are references to the additional itineraries at the start of each regional section that are in more depth.

The third chapter is on "Outdoor Activities & Adventures." It covers where you can do what in alphabetical format. From "at sea" to "ziplining" the book has got you covered with locations, types of activities, plenty of information and as always plenty of color photographs.

This leads to a ten page chapter on "Green Maui." Environmental issues are important on the islands and this is where readers learn about steps being taken, options available, and what can be done by tourists and others to protect the fragile environment of the islands.

Beginning with page fifty-one, the book is divided into regional sections. "Lahaina" begins this part of the guide book with a brief history on the culture, some maps, and suggested tours and things to do. This same format is used throughout the regional parts which are labeled as "West Maui, Central Maui, South Maui, North Shore & Upcountry, East Maui, The Road To Hana" and "Haleakala National Park." The park section includes many pictures of fascinating Sliding Sands Trail and the Volcano Crater.

The regional section concludes with a nearly thirty page chapter on "side trips" covering "Lana'i & Moloka'i." Lana'i is covered again as it was in the beginning of the regional section before moving on to location such as the "Polihua Road," the "Munro Trail," and "Kalaupapa National Historical Park" among others.

Short chapters on the "History & Culture" of the area, foods, "Festivals & Events" and planning your trip are near the end of the book. A directory of resources and general information along with an eight page index close out the travel guide.

Comprehensive and flashy, this book certainly creates the impression that it is outlining all the usual places and things and not covering real hidden gems that many tourists don't know about. Additionally, the type face is extremely small and as such is very hard to read. Both could be addressed simply by expanding the book somewhat.

Despite those concerns, this is a good book. Written by Glenda Bendure and Ned Friary, this travel guide is a colorful and highly informative book sure to help you plan and enjoy your trip. It may not be the only book you want for the trip but it certainly is a strong start.

Maui: Includes Moloka'i and Lana'i
by Glenda Bendure and Ned Friary
Lonely Planet
http://www.lonelyplanet.com
September 2008
ISBN# 1741047145
Paperback
304 Pages
$19.99


As a member of the Amazon Vine Program this material was provided to me in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

Reviewing: "The Work From Home Handbook: Flex Your Time, Improve Your Life"

Maybe you want to work from home or maybe you need to work from home? Maybe your job has evaporated as have many others thanks to the current economy? Are you looking for a change? If so, working from home or "telework" as it is referred to in this book might be just the thing for you and your family.




Released last February by NOLO in partnership with USA TODAY this very simple and easy to read short handbook details the ins and outs of working from home. Both as an employee of a company where you can do your job from home or as a freelance consultant. Both types are considered in each chapter despite the fact that the two concepts are often very different.

After a very short opening chapter touting the advantages for you as well as any possible employer, the discussion moves onto whether or not you, the reader is a good candidate for working from home. Simply loving the idea of avoiding the commute isn’t enough. In the second chapter, planning such a move regarding child care, where the desk will go, how such a deal will change everyone's lives is considered among other ideas.

Chapters three and four address the questions of whether you can do your job at home and how to make your case to your boss and the corporate bureaucracy. Freelancing is again briefly mentioned, but the primary focus is on whether you can take the job you currently have and do it at home.

Chapter five addresses how to find a job that you can do from home as well as the many pitfalls and scams to avoid. The very common "medical claims processing" scam is mentioned along with the classic "product assembly" deal and the always popular "envelope stuffing" and quite a few others. This information, as well as much in the book, is also helpful to those seeking to have a second income while keeping day job.

Freelancing is covered in chapter six. Much of the information involves creating contracts, setting rates, and dealing with taxes as opposed to suggestions regarding what to freelance.

Chapter seven deals with taxes for your online job and defines deductions, working for an employer in another state, filling taxes, etc. Both of the authors are residents of California and have written this chapter with Federal Taxes in mind. State tax considerations and local tax issues aren't covered. As in any in any guide book, information is subject to change and one should always consult with your Tax Specialist or preparer for information.

Chapter eight covers how to succeed at working from home. Not only how to keep you involved in the workplace from home, but also how to stay motivated and making sure the work gets done. Not only do you have to make sure the boss sees your productivity you also have to make sure your friends and family know the limits and abide by them.

Setting limits on others was never an issue for me. My issue was setting my own limits. Whether it was some daytime talk show train wreck (is he the father of these six kids by five different women? They are all here today to prove he is the father) or important news, congressional hearings, sports stuff, etc. the television is a huge distracter. It has to stay off, for me to get any work done.

An index and catalog listing of titles available from NOLO along with numerous ads bring this small 160 page book to a close.

For those readers who know nothing about telecommuting this short easy to read book full of very general information and tips is a real good deal. It outlines the concepts and possibilities, various scenarios, and possible strategies to make the transition. For those freelance writers such as myself and others who have experience doing telework, this small handbook won't shed any new light on the subject and is of little help.


The Work From Home Handbook: Flex Your Time, Improve Your Life
By Diana Fitzpatrick & Stephen Fishman
NOLO
Paperback
ISBN # 1-4133-0701-9
160 Pages
$19.99


As a member of the Amazon Vine Program this material was provided to me in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

The Edgar Nominations

BEST NOVEL

Missing by Karin Alvtegen (Felony & Mayhem Press)
Blue Heaven by C.J. Box (St. Martin's Minotaur)
Sins of the Assassin by Robert Ferrigno (Simon & Schuster - Scribner)
The Price of Blood by Declan Hughes (HarperCollins – William Morrow)
The Night Following by Morag Joss (Random House – Delacorte Press)
Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz (Simon & Schuster)

BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL

The Prince of Bagram by Alex Carr (Random House Trade)
Money Shot by Christa Faust (Hard Case Crime)
Enemy Combatant by Ed Gaffney (Random House - Dell)
China Lake by Meg Gardiner (New American Library – Obsidian Mysteries)
The Cold Spot by Tom Piccirilli (Random House - Bantam)

Just two of several catagories. Every year the list of nominees is a good reference point of what to read in the genre. For more info, surf to http://www.theedgars.com/

Mystery Scene--Free Issue!

"For a limited time, US residents can receive a free issue of Mystery Scene!"

So stated on the website. The offer is limited to US subscribers only. I happen to be one of those for several issues now and I can attest to the fact that it is a mighty good magazine.

Even if they don't want any of my reviews or me.

So, take a look at the homepage found at http://www.mysteryscenemag.com/index.html and do what you need to do to get your free issue.

With the money you have left over, you could buy a book. Maybe an anthology? Hey, I know this guy who wrote something for this anthology and yes, he is weird, but the story is pretty good and......

"Death Song" for a series?

This eleventh novel in the series opens with the son of Kevin Kerney. Sergeant Clayton Istee is part of the Lincoln county sheriff's office these days and likes it much better than when he worked as a patrol officer for the Mescalero Apache Tribal police. Not only does he have plenty of interesting work, he also is the training officer for a newly hired deputy. Not that Tim Riley needed much training. Riley has been a police officer for a number of years so he passed his tests, checked out well, and is out on his first solo patrol. Unfortunately all that training didn't save his life.

The Santa Fe Police Chief, Kevin Kerney, is unaware that Tim Riley is dead. He knows that Tim is working over in Lincoln County and that his wife, Denise, has been reported missing. A report that he takes seriously since the reporting party is the sister and his long time assistant, Helen. The search of the home and surrounding landscape takes time, but, eventually Denise is found with her throat slashed. Clearly, somebody targeted the husband and wife for death.

The question is why?

Since the cases are linked, law enforcement in both jurisdictions join forces. Chief Kerney is due to retire soon and isn't about to back off until he helps solve this last major case. Sergeant Clayton Istee is just as determined especially since he believes he has a spiritual connection to the slain man.

Billed as a Kevin Kerney novel, this isn't one by any stretch of the imagination. Kerney makes a few appearances throughout the novel along with obligatory appearances by his war traumatized wife, Sarah and his precious son, Patrick. Instead, it is primarily a novel of Clayton Ishtee and of the many people who populate both their worlds.

As such, Kerney is frequently used to serve as introduction to people who Clayton would do well to know. Themes of his own, such as the pending loss of his job, the politics within his own department, the politics regarding the task force, and numerous other issues aren't explored to any depth.

One would think that if he would ignore such issues and primary use Kerney as a way to introduce Clayton Istee to folks, that would mean that author Michael McGarrity would go into depth regarding the Clayton character. That would be mistaken because the author chooses not to go into any depth in this case either. Here, there is another rich minefield of emotion waiting for work and it is, for the most part, ignored totally or only given superficial consideration. Not only does he not explore the fact that, for all intents and purposes, Clayton is losing his father again after only recently finding out about him, he gives lip service to the politics of the task force or the fact that Clayton is having dream visions of the dead. These issues and numerous others are ignored.

Instead, this novel slowly meanders through the point of view of numerous secondary characters and suspects. The constant pov shifts have little depth to them, add little to the story and further slow down a work that already moves very slowly.

The result is not one of the Kevin Kerney novels we know and love. Instead, this is a novel of little style or substance, superficial characters and a distance that is off putting to the reader. A novel that may mark the passing of the New Mexico baton to Clayton Ishtee and a different and far less enjoyable style of writing.


Death Song: A Kevin Kerney Novel
Michael McGarrity
http://www.michaelmcgarrity.com/
Dutton (Penguin Group)
http://www.penguin.com/
January 2008
ISBN# 978-0-525-95036-3
Hardback
293 Pages
$24.95

Review copy provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

"By The Light Of The Moon"
The Carpathian Shadows
Volume 2
Print or E-book
http://www.booksforabuck.com/sfpages/sf_08/carpathian_shadows2.html

Reviewing: "Jake's Burn" by Randy Rawls

For Arthur Conan Edwards it all began in this, the first novel of a very enjoyable series. Released in 2004 by the now very defunct Quiet Storm Publishing, this novel relates his first case and a tragedy that serves to haunt the series.

Both Arthur Conan Edwards, known to one and all as Ace, and Jake Adams grew up in Cisco, Texas. Cisco, located in Eastland County somewhere around halfway between Abilene and Fort Worth, was and is your typical Texas small town. Despite very different backgrounds, Jake and Ace became friends. That friendship endured despite Jake becoming rich and Ace eventually becoming first a Dallas police officer and later a private investigator. Occasionally Jake has steered work Ace's way, often by way of a 3am phone call, but nothing like this.

Jake used to have a rather nice home in Cisco but his ex wife Sheila got the place in the divorce. A divorce that wasn't as expensive as it could have been because Jake found out some dirt on Sheila during the divorce. Now, according to Jake, the house is nothing more than a pile of smoldering wreckage, Sheila is missing (no doubt sleeping somewhere with the stud of the month) and Jake wants Ace to investigate the arson. Considering Jake is willing to pay fifteen hundred a day plus expenses Ace is willing to come take a look. But, Ace and his investigative skills are not wanted by the folks of the local fire department. Jake talked way too much about Ace and how great he is and they are annoyed before he even drives in to meet with them. So is the local law who heard the stories. So too is just about everyone around including a killer, determined to make this Ace's last visit back home.

A weird case, charred bodies, a romance and plenty of action and suspense make this first book in this series a highly entertaining read. The legend of the watch cats, Sweeper and Striker, begins here as do numerous relationships that continue throughout the series. The same folksy story telling style that Randy Rawls uses later in the series, as well as in person is evident here. So too is his sense of humor and quick wit as well as thoughtful reflection. It might be a hard book to find but the read is well worth it.


Jake's Burn: Arson in Cisco
Randy Rawls
http://www.randyrawls.com/Index.htm
Quiet Storm Publishing
2004
ISBN# 0-9749608-1-0
Large Trade Paperback
262 Pages


Review copy provided by the author quite awhile back in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

Dealing With The Pain

As a frequent knee pain sufferer who doesn't want surgery, I am always on the lookout at my local library for new books on the subject. When I saw this one in the New Arrivals section, I grabbed it and took it home. Written by a surgeon, this informative and easy to use book covers the treatment and reconstruction regarding the knee and the hip. Broken into four parts, this book teaches the reader general info regarding joints and surgical options as well as the procedures and expected results.

The sixty-seven paged Part One is composed of chapters covering the hip. Through various drawings and illustrations, the basic functionality of the hip is explained before delving into various issues. Topics regarding non surgical as well as surgical treatments are covered along with short chapters regarding home exercises and life after hip replacement.

Part Two is nearly sixty pages and covers the knee in detail. After opening with an explanation of the knee and how it is supposed to work; the section covers the various problems and treatments. Non surgical as well as surgical options up to and including total knee replacement is covered along with home exercises and life after knee replacement sections.

That leads into Part Three which is a general knowledge section titled "Before & After Joint Replacement Surgery." This nearly sixty paged section covers everything from initial diagnosis, to contemplating surgery, to having surgery, to what you will experience the month after surgery. This is a good section regardless of what surgical procedure you or a loved one may have because a lot of the info here crosses over into other areas.

Part 4 covers what happens when the surgeon has to go in and do it again either due to the failure of the replaced joint or bone loss around the joint. This eight page section also covers surgery needed from infection and other issues.

This is followed by several useful appendices regarding resources, office checklists, information on the author's practice, etc. Also included is a glossary of medical terms and an index.

This 216 page book is well written and easy to understand. That coupled with its numerous diagrams, illustrations, and x-rays make it a book well worth reading. The illustrations and x-rays clearly show both normal situations and situations that required treatment for the patient. The book lays out clearly what can happen in a variety of situations and what most likely will be the result. But the book is also a must read not just for the information regarding surgical procedures as it imparts a lot of information for preventive care. This is a book you will want to have in your library – especially when that twinge or ache just won't go away.


Hip And Knee Surgery: A Patient's Guide to Hip Replacement, Hip Resurfacing, Knee Replacement, &Knee Arthroscopy
Robert Edward Kennon, MD
Lulu
January 2008
ISBN# 978-1-4357-0732-0
Paperback/Workbook
$29.95


Review copy provided by the Plano, Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

Reviewing: "New Ideas for Today's Knitting" by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss

According to the authors in the introduction: "Today's Knitter is looking for glamorous – even daring – projects, and that is what we asked our designers to create for us. These edgy designs use the same knit and purl stitches we've always used, but oh what a different look these designers have achieved."

They go on to write in the introduction that innovation is the concept of the book. They note that many of the designs are alluring and can be worn by only the most daring. They aren't kidding which becomes rapidly evident. Having established this isn't your grandmother's knitting pattern book; it opens with a "Mellow Yellow Faux Fur Coat." Along with pictures of a model wearing the coat in various ways, the authors give detailed directions on making it over the next six pages. They also include adjustments for medium and large sizes.

A sexy black dress layout begins on pages 12 and follows the same general format. The dress is a short one that ends just a little bit below the waist. Fringe is attached and that hangs to just about the ankle on the model. Like the fur coat, there isn't any explanation of the size of the model so one doesn't know which version is being depicted. Crisscross straps make up the open back of the dress and prove again this isn't your grandmother's knitting book. Chances are it isn't your Mom's either.

This same format continues with the "Softly Scalloped Nightie," the "Teeny Weeny Bikini" depicted in red, "The Summer Holiday" top which is also depicted in red, the "Cabled Tube Top" and all the other designs and instructions. In all there are 23 designs in this book with many covering four to six pages of model pictures and detailed instructions. In each case, there isn't any explanation of the actual size of the model or the garment being shown.

At the back of the book there are a list of abbreviations and symbols under the heading of "general directions." Considering the complexity of the outfits including this very basic info was a bit of a surprise. The general directions go on to define common knitting terms before leading into a one page index. At the front of the book there is a list of companies with their complete links that supplied the yarn for these designs if you are unable to purchase yarn locally.

I originally saw this book on the New Arrivals shelf at my local library and grabbed it for my wife. She knits, crochets, and does a number of other craft things and sells the results through her own business as well as donating some of the finished products to local charaties. Since she has been doing this sort of thing for over twenty years, I know she knows what she is doing in the craft world. I thought it might be a book she was interested in. She wasn't.

Beyond the fact that she wasn't seeing anything new or special design wise, my wife's biggest criticism of the book was that one needed to look like a model to wear many of the designs. While she felt they were possible to make, she felt that one had to be supremely confident in one's body, to pull any of these looks off. She felt the introduction understated the situation regarding the issue. Many of the designs show a lot of skin and she made a point of mentioning that to me along with other comments about the suitability of many of the designs.

I wisely kept any possible comment to myself. Having read the book, I agree with her assement. One would need to be supremely confident in one's own body to wear many of these designs. While that is noted in the introduction, there is nothing like seeing some of the models and what they are wearing.

Unlike the cookbooks where I do try out recipes, I won't be doing so with these designs. Therefore, those who read and rate reviews strictly based on hands on experience by the author of the review will no doubt feel compelled to criticize the review.

All I can say is that occasionally, along with being able to keep my mouth shut, I am aware of my limitations.


New Ideas for Today's Knitting
Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss
Sterling Publishing Co, Inc.
http://www.sterlingpub.com
2008
ISBN# 1-4027-2307-5
Hardback
128 Pages
$24.95


Review copy provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008