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- Scratch the Surface
- The Dog Lady switches into the dangerous lane
- Cats not the same as malamutes
- Those poor cats
- Clever, but not for every pet-mystery fan
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Scratch the Surface (Cat Lover's Mysteries)
Susan Conant
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Raining Cats & Dogs (A Melanie Travis Mystery)
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Bride and Groom (Dog Lover's Mysteries)
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Rapid Fire (Raine Stockton Dog Mysteries, Book 1)
ASIN: 0425206114 |
Book Description
When mystery author Felicity Pride stumbles upon a gray Chartreux snuggled up against a corpse (in her own vestibule!), she's determined to solve the crime just like her own fictional sleuth would do. Naturally she wants to know who the victim is, who did it, and what publicity value it all has. What unfolds is more surprising than anything she's ever plotted on paper.
Customer Reviews:
Scratch the Surface.......2007-06-13
As a cat mystery lover this is a great book. Susan Conant always
delivers a delightful read!
The Dog Lady switches into the dangerous lane.......2006-11-23
Susan Conant is the author of a successful series of mystery novels featuring a pair of malamute dogs who are usually more memorable than any of her human characters. To paraphrase a statement that appears in this book, Conant is a leading figure in dog-writing circles. In this book, "Scratch the Surface," she has done a brave/foolish thing. She has changed course: the dog writer has gone to the cats.
Actually, she has done even more than that. She has shifted just about as far as she can go with this book while still remaining within the circle of cozy mysteries.
In the dog books, Conant's first-person protagonist is Holly Winter, a writer of doggie articles for obscure doggie publications. She just loves her dogs to pieces and they love her back and she pities all the poor devils on the planet who don't place dogs at the pinnacle of creation. Holly is sweet, intrepid, plucky, lucky, quirky and blessed with friends who are collectively sweet, intrepid, lucky, plucky and quirky. Holly, in short, is just about perfect as the hero of a popular cozy mystery series.
Felicity--derived from the Latin felix (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)--Pride, the new protagonist, has her adventure(s) related in the third person. Felicity is not especially sweet, intrepid, plucky or lucky. Her most noticeable quirk is just plain peculiar (see below) and her one discernable friend is dismissed by her as dull, dull, dull. Felicity is a mid-list author of cat-centered mysteries. She makes a living at it, but she envies her more popular rivals and walks in ongoing fear that her fans might discover that she not only does not own a cat at present but never did. The Cat Lady, in short, knows nothing about cats.
She does, however, know quite a bit about writing commercial mysteries. Here is Felicity on the rigid conventions of cozy mystery novels:
She had "a great fondness for emotional magnetism between female amateur sleuths and male homicide detectives. When the attraction became outright romance, the relationship often fell victim to author-imposed impediments cruelly placed between the would-be lovers to prolong tension from book to book, thus smoothing a series potentially chopped up by discrete murders. In some cases, the author found it useful to unite the duo in a consummated affair or in marriage thus allowing the amateur gumshoe ready access to information otherwise known only to the police; it was far easier to write a little pillow talk than it was to invent complex subterfuges whereby the amateur protagonist discovered the results of a postmortem.... Ah, love! What a splendid literary convenience!" [Page 116-7 of the paperback edition]
Felicity on her audience. Having become an amateur sleuth (see above), Felicity is--of course!--attracted to the detective in charge of a murder case (see above). Over dinner, they discuss the reading habits of the dead man. In true canonical fashion, the amateur had found, entered, cased and otherwise prowled through the poor man's home long before anyone from the police arrived.
Felicity remarks, "`While I was looking for Brigitte [the victim's cat], I noticed that there were a lot of cat mysteries, including mine.'
`A few of yours. Others, too. What do you make of that?'
`Not much. Lots of people love mysteries..... Professor Coates [the victim] was entitled to a little relief, wasn't he?'
`The choice is kind of, uh, feminine.'
`Men read mysteries, too!'
`Cat mysteries?'
`Some men do.'" [Page 120-21]
And, of course, as the central personage in a mystery book, Felicity has her quirk. Holmes had his violin and needle. Bond drank his stirred-not-shaken hooch and walked down the mean streets of exotic locales while seriously under-gunned with his Beretta. Felicity is just plain weird: she drinks flat ginger ale with all the bubbles stirred out. Ugh! (And so do her guests! Double ugh!!)
Felicity is self-serving and opportunistic. She says catty things about her fictional rivals and is not entirely adoring about some real writers. She displays only limited, to say the least, emotional attachment to her readers. I think it would be a hoot to meet Felicity--in non-literary circumstances, of course. In the real world, I would avoid Holly and her big, annoying, clumsy dogs like the plague.
[Note to Ms. Conant: If you actually are Holly Winter in the flesh, sorry about that. If you are Felicity Pride, you go, girl!]
As I said, Conant has done a brave/foolish thing. She has not dumped Holmes over the Reichenbach Falls but she's come close. She is a series writer with an established name. And there is nothing more on earth that the fans of a series want than more of the same--much, much more of exactly, precisely the same! If you doubt that, just read the reviews here on Amazon. I'd be willing to bet that had "Scratch the Surface" been published by a new and unknown writer named, say, Connie Suzanne, it would have been welcomed as a promising new work with four or five four-and-five-star reviews. It certainly would not have received any of those one-star slams.
I am giving "Scratch the Surface" five stars as a promising work from an established writer and in partial balance for those mean-spirited one-star hits. (Well, actually I think it's a four-star book, or perhaps four+, because Conant really should have polished up her prose. That first example I quoted is effective enough but its language is clunky. The second is intended as a joke, but both set-up and punchline could and should be sharpened. I'm fine, however, with the flat ginger ale--now, THAT is a quirk!)
Cats not the same as malamutes.......2006-11-04
While the book is well written, I am very used to Susan's dog mystery books, which I enjoy alot. I did not find the mystery writer an enjoyable or particularily sympathetic character. I did get some insight into an author's life, which was interesting, Susan Conant's love for dogs shines thru the Holly Winter series. But I didn't get the impression that she is a catlover.
For part of the fun of an "animal" mystery is thinking, my pet does that, or I know a dog/cat like that. While the cats seemed like lovely cats, I wasn't drawn into their personalities. Wait for the second hand copy, if you really want to try it.
Those poor cats.......2006-09-10
I just finished Scratch the Surface, my first Susan Conant book, and was very disappointed. Perhaps Ms. Conant is more familiar with dogs, since she certainly does not do well with the two cats featured in this book. I also found the writing to be childish and almost amateurish, more suited to children than to an adult audience. The plot was nicely convoluted, but the writing style could have definitely been more elevated. This is not a book I would recommend to cat mystery lovers.
Clever, but not for every pet-mystery fan.......2006-05-30
Hilarious? I found The Dogfather hilarious, but I wouldn't use that adjective for Scratch the Surface. "Clever" and "unusual" seem more apt to me. If you're looking for a typical cat-lover's mystery, you're not going to find it here. In fact, if you're looking for a mystery that recognizes the intelligence of cats or that acknowledges the rapport that true cat lovers have with their feline companions, you're not going to find that here either. On the other hand, if you are sick of mysteries that feature such rapport, or you are just feeling cynical, then you should enjoy this take-off on that genre. Instead of showcasing the intelligence of cats, Scratch the Surface focuses on the intelligence of a mystery author who has become successful pretending to be a cat-lover. I haven't decided whether or not I'll read another book in this series myself, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a cozy-lover who is in the mood for something different.
Average customer rating:
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Scratch the Surface
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000CSZHAS |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Polymer Engineering and Science, published by Thomson Gale on May 1, 2006. The length of the article is 4559 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.
From the author: Four model TPO systems, with and without slip agent (erucamide) and talc fillers (surface-treated or untreated), were investigated using a newly developed linear load-increase scratch-test methodology. Our findings suggest that both the use of slip agent and surface-treatment of talc fillers can greatly reduce scratch visibility. FTIR spectra indicate that only surface-treated talc allows slip agent to freely migrate to the TPO surface to greatly reduce scratch visibility. The untreated talc appears to exhibit a possible physical or chemical interaction with the erucamide and to trap erucamide from escaping to the surface. The influence of talc fillers and erucamide on surface damage mechanisms has been determined. In particular, systems containing surface-treated talc and erucamide tend to exhibit prolonged ductile drawing and increase the load required to initiate scratch visibility. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:601-608, 2006. [c] 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Citation Details
Title: Effects of slip agent and talc surface-treatment on the scratch behavior of thermoplastic olefins.
Author: Robert Browning
Publication:
Polymer Engineering and Science (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 46
Issue: 5
Page: 601(8)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Business North Carolina, published by Business North Carolina on October 1, 1997. The length of the article is 2218 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: Getting into a cath fight: scratch the surface of Carolinas Medical Center's deal with a heart clnic and you'll find business as usual.
Author: Michael Cary
Publication:
Business North Carolina (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 1997
Publisher: Business North Carolina
Volume: v17
Issue: n10
Page: p28(6)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Nutraceuticals World, published by Rodman Publications, Inc. on November 1, 2002. The length of the article is 2429 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: Homeopathy: the principle of similars; although homeopathy roots run deep, awareness amongst consumers barely scratches the surface.
Author: Rebecca Madley
Publication:
Nutraceuticals World (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 2002
Publisher: Rodman Publications, Inc.
Volume: 5
Issue: 11
Page: 58(6)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Tooling & Production, published by Nelson Publishing on December 1, 1993. The length of the article is 2344 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.
From the supplier: Increasing competition, the proliferation of counterfeit parts and more prevalent quality standards programs have heightened interest in company product marking. The marking process is especially useful in product identification. Permanent marking equipment include stamping machine and press, roll marker, wheel marker, stylus needle or pin-stamp marker and laser marker. More sophisticated equipment offers enhanced control and communication capability.
Citation Details
Title: Marking: we've just begun to scratch the surface.
Publication:
Tooling & Production (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 1993
Publisher: Nelson Publishing
Volume: v59
Issue: n9
Page: p61(5)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Southerly, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2007. The length of the article is 5477 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: "Only scratch the surface": reading Franklin's Cockatoos.(novelist Miles Franklin)
Author: Leigh Dale
Publication:
Southerly (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 67
Issue: 1-2
Page: 377(14)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Customer Reviews:
Unsatisfying.......2000-02-13
None of the many characters is given more than a few pages for the reader to get to know them, and the result is that the successes or failures of their individual quests ends up not having very much impact. There is also a disturbing story line involving a female character who is turned into the mental equivalent of a child and then bedded and wedded by a hero(?) who apparently isn't bothered by the fact that she's still sucking her thumb. Definitely not my cup of tea.
Customer Reviews:
Another Sword gets destroyed in this one.......1998-07-11
Saberhagen again weaves his magic in the continuing tale of the Swords and the people involved with them. This story includes Wayfinder, Shieldbreaker, Woundhealer and Sightblinder. One of these Swords does get destroyed by Shieldbreaker, but read the book to find out which. Also the Ancient One, or Wood, is the enemy in this one. He has appeared in some of the other Sword books as well. The story also introduces some new characters that will stick in your memory. A huge man, who is a grape grower, is mysteriously given Wayfinder by an unknown stranger. The huge man uses the Sword to find his future bride and the adventures and troubles he encounters on the way. Not the best of the Sword books but still fits very nicely in with the series. It is the next to last book in the series. Recommended!
Product Description
Paperbacks
Book Description
When Sandee's songs are stolen, Chase promises to help her get them back. But while Sandee is undeniably drawn to Chase, she can't help being suspicious of a guy who's trying to convince her that she's a clone....
• 4th in the cutting-edge series
Customer Reviews:
Great teen book!.......2003-03-15
Tough and street-wise Sandee, the last of the clones, has finally been found! But convincing Sandee that she is a clone with an enhanced special ability is easier said than done! Sandee does not seem to have an above average ability. Being cloned from an Olympic athlete, the others tested her, but could find nothing special. Unless you counted her music. It is fabulous! So much so that the imposter of Ravage (THE hottest singer around) had stolen Sandee's music! Her clone friends are determined to help her get them back - even knowing Ravage and his friends wanted Sandee dead!
At the same time, Sandee and Varina are rivals for Chase's affections! And in this book, Chase DOES kiss one of them! But you will have to read the book to see which girl. Then there is the Victors! They are back for a short time. I see more coming from them in future episodes!
*** W-O-W! This one is the best so far! It is packed tightly with action, danger, suspense, and a bit of romance! This series is HOT! I highly recommend this series for teens or adults who still feel young at heart. I, personally, LOVE it!
Imposter.......2001-04-23
Sandee never trusted or believed anyone but herself. Then the only thing she cared about was taken from her, her music. Sandee seeks help from Chase who she is secretly falling for even though she can't completely trust him. She still doesn't believe that she is a clone considering she has no amazing power like the rest of them. Varina has a super memory, Eric has super vision, Allison has super strength, and Chase has super hearing. In the end the five clones band together to get Sandee's music back and to bring the people who stole it to justice.
Terrific story!.......2001-03-20
Tough and street-wise Sandee, the last of the clones, has finally been found! But convincing Sandee that she is a clone with an enhanced special ability is easier said than done! Sandee does not seem to have an above average ability. Being cloned from an Olympic athlete, the others tested her, but could find nothing special. Unless you counted her music. It is fabulous! So much so that the imposter of Ravage (THE hottest singer around) had stolen Sandee's music! Her clone friends are determined to help her get them back - even knowing Ravage and his friends wanted Sandee dead!
At the same time, Sandee and Varina are rivals for Chase's affections! And in this book, Chase DOES kiss one of them! But you will have to read the book to see which girl. Then there is the Victors! They are back for a short time. I see more coming from them in future episodes!
*** W-O-W! This one is the best so far! It is packed tightly with action, danger, suspense, and a bit of romance! This series is HOT! I highly recommend this series for teens or adults who still feel young at heart. I, personally, LOVE it!
The Best Regeneration Book Yet!.......2000-10-06
It was good to get some answers in this book about Sandee and her abilities, what happened on the roof of that hotel back in Book #2, and what's going on between Chase and Varina. Every gang needs one sulky member who needs nothing and nobody, and Sandee does a great job of filling that role among the clones. She's like Wolverine of the X-Men, but without the claws and sideburns! Looking forward to Book #5, and Book #6, and Book #7!
Book Description
More than 100 one-pot chicken recipes from around the world guarantee delicious dinners with international flair--and easy clean-up.
Chicken is what everyone wants for dinner the world over. Mary Ellen Evans has collected chicken recipes from around the globe for delicious quick weeknight meals or slow-cooked ones with almost no hands-on effort. And minimal clean up!
Here are a wide-ranging assortment of soups, stews, casseroles, stir-fries, pies, roasts, braises, salads, and more, including:
Bourbon-Brined Chicken with Cornbread Stuffing Paella
Jamaican Gingered Chicken Chicken and Chickpea Tagine
Chicken and Biscuit Pie African Chicken and Peanut Stew
Chicken and Asparagus Risotto Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
Thai Cornish Game Hens Chicken Vindaloo
Coq au Vin Chez Mary Philippine Chicken Adobo
Chicken Jambalaya Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Portuguese Chicken and Sausage Stew Salad
This is a book that could be a lifesaver for anyone looking for simple yet stylish ways to dress up chicken for dinner.
Customer Reviews:
Not for everyday cooks.......2007-03-16
If you are a professional cook you will find the book interesting. Not for family cooks, to complicated.
Even Better.......2006-07-23
I thought Mary Evan's Bistro Chicken cookbook would always be my number 1 resource for chicken. Now I've got a problem. Her new cookbook The One-Dish Chicken Cookbook is just as great as her other cookbook: Bistro Chicken.
The recipes continue to be creative and easy to follow. I do a lot of entertaining and whenever I serve up one of her dishes, everyone raves about how delicious the chicken is.
But this book, it's a great companion for Bistro Chicken.
Innovative Chicken Recipes to Try!.......2006-06-10
I love to browse through different cookbooks. I have quite a collection, and usually go to the library to find new recipes to try before I decide to purchase the entire book. I normally look for 3 things in a cookbook, besides delicious recipes that will work for my family. This includes:
1) Pictures of more than ¾ of the recipes (Color pictures are the best)
2) A spiral binding, or at least one that easily lays flat
3) New & innovative recipes that have ingredients I can easily find at a grocery store
For this book, I was intrigued by the amount of different chicken recipes that it contained (over 120), and the fact that they could all be made in one dish. With today's busy lifestyle, it is great to make a meal that doesn't take 52 different pots and pans to "whip up". Many of the recipes I have never heard of, and offered a good sampling of recipes from different cultures with backgrounds on each. However, the book offered no photographs, and was not in a binding that laid flat. I liked the recipes, but thought that the lack of pictures of the finished products could hold some back from purchasing the book.
Some of our favorites include: Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, Mexican Beer-Braised Chicken, Country Captain Chicken, Philippine Chicken Adobo, and Kung Pao Chicken.
Enjoy!
Books:
- Sense of Evil
- Sentenced to Die: Until Proven Guilty, Injustice for All, Trial by Fury
- Set in Darkness: An Inspector Rebus Novel (Inspector Rebus Novels)
- Sherlock Holmes in New York: The Adventure of the New York Ripper
- Shroud for a Nightingale
- Sick of Shadows: An Edwardian Murder Mystery (Edwardian Murder Mysteries)
- Silence of the Grave: A Thriller (Reykjavik Thriller)
- Sleep, Pale Sister (P.S.)
- Sleeper Vol. 3: A Crooked Line
- Smilla's Sense of Snow
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