Mindstar Rising (Greg Mandel)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great debut of a great author
  • I couldn't finish it
  • Start of a Very Good Trilogy
  • Terrific blend of sci-fi and detective fiction.
  • Good SciFi Risen
Mindstar Rising (Greg Mandel)
Peter F. Hamilton
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Hamilton, Peter F.Hamilton, Peter F. | ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0312859554

Book Description

Greg Mandel, late of the Mindstar Battalion, has been many things in his life. Commando. Freedom fighter. Assassin. Now he's a freelance operative with a very special edge: telepathy.

In the high-tech, hard-edged world of computer crime, zero-gravity smuggling, and artificial intelligence, Greg Mandel is the man to call when things get rough. But when an elusive saboteur plagues a powerful organization known as Event Horizon, Mandel must cut his way through a maze of corporate intrigue and startling new scientific discoveries.

And nothing less than the future is at stake.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great debut of a great author.......2007-01-16

Mindstar Rising, published in 1993, is the debut novel of Peter F. Hamilton, and the first book in the Greg Mandel trilogy.

The book is set in a high-tech Britain in what appears to be the mid-21st century, although a firm date is never given. Britain has been ravaged by global warming and is struggling to recover from the social and economic devastation left by a decade of socialist dictatorship that has only recently come to an end.

I thought Mindstar Rising was an excellent book and a great combination of mostly-realistic science fiction and action/espionage. It's got an interesting setting, some neat technology, and lots of action. It's got memorable characters too; once you meet Mandel's friend Royan, you won't forget him for quite a while.

Hamilton does a nice job of portraying a ravaged nation just pulling itself out of ruin- slums, crumbling highways, former coastal towns half-submerged by the rising oceans. He does a nice job of creating a feeling of both bleakness and a bit of hope. It's a type of setting you don't seem to see that much- a recovering former dystopia.

I highly recommend Mindstar Rising to anyone who likes a lot of action in their science fiction, people who like near-future speculation, and fans of Hamilton's later works. Check this one out.

1 out of 5 stars I couldn't finish it.......2006-07-23

Feeble characterisation, lots of clichés and above all a doubtful extreme right wing ideology.

4 out of 5 stars Start of a Very Good Trilogy.......2004-12-05

The three books in Peter F. Hamilton's Greg Mandel series were written before his "Night's Dawn" series. I'm not certain of this, but they seem to occur in the same universe as that series, just at a MUCH earlier time. Regardless, this series is excellent. What's especially nice, is that, for the most part, each of these books stands alone. You still need to read them in order, but none of them ends in a cliff-hanger requiring your reading of the next. Unfortunately, each of these books has a few fairly explicit sexual situations described in them. The amount of sex increases as you move from book to book. If it weren't for that, I'd recommend these books for everyone.

"Mindstar Rising" is the first book in the series. It's a very good, fast-paced sci-fi action thriller. The book introduces all the important characters and the "universe" used throughout the series. For the most part, the character development is good. I have a few qualms about a character or two suddenly being more capable than they are during the majority of the book, but that's mostly inconsequential. The plot, too, is very good. However, the transition between the first, introductory, situation in the book and the primary situation could have been worked better: it seems contrived. But, I might be seeing that solely because I've read the book four times now.

"A Quantum Murder" is the second book in the series. This book takes place about three years after "Mindstar Rising." Instead of being the science-fiction action thriller that the first book is, it's more of a science fiction mystery. It's a close call, but I think this book is slightly better than "Mindstar Rising." Once again, there's good character development, but this time, the plot is somewhat more tightly put together. I've only got a couple of quibbles: first, in one scene, Mandel's psi powers inexplicably include actual telepathy instead of just the empathy described in "Mindstar Rising." And, second, after the characters find out who the murderer is, instead of sending the police out immediately, they close up shop for the night and say they'll do it in the morning. Other than that, this is an excellent book which shows the origins of a lot of the technology in the "Night's Dawn" series.

"The Nano Flower" is the third, and final, book in the series. The various dates specified in the book don't quite agree, but, in general, it seems to takes place about 16 years after "A Quantum Murder." Like "Mindstar Rising," it's a sci-fi action thriller. Like "A Quantum Murder," it further develops technologies that Hamilton uses in his "Night's Dawn" series. Also, as in "A Quantum Murder," Mandel's psi-powers have once again expanded. Of the three books, this is probably the best. It's a hard comparison to make since the second book is more of a mystery and this book more of an action-thriller. But, in general, I'd say there's an incremental improvement in these books as you move through the series (all of them are very good, though).

5 out of 5 stars Terrific blend of sci-fi and detective fiction........2004-11-21

Mindstar Rising is a pleasant and addictive read which combines the best of the noir detective genre with the best of science fiction. Greg, Eleanor, and Julia are characters that John D. MacDonald would have introduced in some of his better works. At the same time, the future world introduced here is credible, with exciting new technologies and political complications. The combination between the two genres is skillfully done. It allows Hamilton to play with reader expectations in a manner that raises the suspense and keeps the pages turning.

Readers of the Night's Dawn trilogy may find this book a mixed blessing. Mindstar Rising is much more self-contained as a book, much lighter and less epic. I found that a pleasant surprise, but that reaction will obviously depend on the taste of the reader.

Recommended for fans of combined science fiction/detective novels such as Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan. This may also be a good book for someone who is just starting to read science fiction but who does not want to stray too far from more traditional comfort zones.

4 out of 5 stars Good SciFi Risen.......2001-12-20

Creating an almost foreign world, populating it with interesting characters, plotting a tight thriller AND setting it in the near future is no mean feat but Hamilton does it brilliantly with "Mindstar Rising".

The world-weary ex soldier Greg Mandel is an excellent blend of self composed "done it all" attitude and state of the art technologist. Splash in some very human traits (like a need for revenge, neglect of friends and using your rare talent to advantage in the sack) and you have a book that sucks you in from the first.

To my mind the best of the three Mandel stories (compare to "A Quantum Murder" which was good and "The Nano Flower" which is insanely far fetched when you actually stop to think about things and definately tighter than the last Hamilton I read, "Fallen Dragon" (which I think shows signs of writers fatigue...God knows where the drive comes from to deliver another 600 pages after The Night's Dawn Trilogy but there you are)).
Mindstar Rising
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Mindstar Rising
    Peter F. Hamilton
    Manufacturer: Tor
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback
    ASIN: B000VE040G
    Mindstar Rising
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Mindstar Rising
      Peter F. Hamilton
      Manufacturer: Tom Doherty Associates
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover
      ASIN: B000P3ZORQ
      Mindstar Rising
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Mindstar Rising
        Peter F. Hamilton
        Manufacturer: New York: A Tom Doherty Associates Book, 1996
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover
        ASIN: B000O3PYIG
        Mindstar Rising
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Mindstar Rising
          Peter F. Hamilton
          Manufacturer: Tor Books
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Mass Market Paperback
          ASIN: B000WVS0GS
          Mindstar Rising
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Mindstar Rising
            Peter F. Hamilton
            Manufacturer: Tor Books
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Paperback
            ASIN: B000OTPEYE

            The Heritage of Hastur (A Darkover novel, UJ1307)
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              The Heritage of Hastur (A Darkover novel, UJ1307)

              Manufacturer: Daw Books, Inc.
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback
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              ASIN: B000EHMGE2
              The Heritage of Hastur (Darkover)
              Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
              • A book that changed my life
              • One of the best of the Darkover novels.
              • Blood family or chosen family?
              • Intrigue, love, hate, and the Sharra Matrix
              • Quite possibly the best Darkover novel
              The Heritage of Hastur (Darkover)
              Marion Zimmer Bradley
              Manufacturer: DAW
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback

              ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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              ASIN: 0886772389

              Customer Reviews:

              5 out of 5 stars A book that changed my life.......2006-05-20

              Among sci-fi/fantasy books, I think I can honestly say that this is the most amazing book i have ever read. In this story Marion Zimmer Bradley combines adventure, romance, political intregue, friendship, and loyalty, all under the theme of self acceptence. This is not the type of science fiction that holds itself together entirely by lightning fast action and improbable technology, the characters have depth and realistic reactions and emotions towards any circumstance. This is the story of Lew Alton and his fight to remain true to both sides of his heritage and his doomed love for Marjorie Scott, but it is also the story of Regis Hastur and his struggle to accept himself, and his friendship and love for Danilo Syrtis.

              This book is an amazing read, and though it has moments that made me laugh out loud, it is, principally, a tragedy. I cried twice, but then, I do cry over a lot of things...

              Yes, I deffinitely recomend this book.

              5 out of 5 stars One of the best of the Darkover novels........2001-03-12

              Certainly exceptional at the time it was written; it is not one of the
              earliest written Darkover novels, but it was written much closer to
              the beginning than to the end of MZB's career, and it is at least as
              good as, and perhaps better than, many of the books that were written
              after she'd developed a great deal more experience and seasoning as a
              writer. It is one of the best "coming of age" stories I've
              ever seen, partly due to the fact that it involves the coming of age
              of not one or two, but three main characters, and partly due to the
              fact that it is perhaps the single most tasteful, insightful,
              believeable, and moving story of the coming of age of a young man
              coming to terms with his own homosexuality that I've ever seen. If this
              concept truly bothers you, then perhaps this book isn't for you, but
              if you're even willing to attempt open-mindedness on the subject, give
              it a try.

              In the chronology of the Darkover series, this book falls
              just before "Sharra's Exile" and "Winds of
              Darkover", and just after "The Bloody Sun". It is the
              story of the Sharra rebellion (often referred to in the books that
              fall later in the series) and is the story of the coming of age of
              Regis Hasteur, Lew Alton, and Danilo Syrtis, all characters seen in
              other books as older adults.

              If you're looking to start reading the
              series, this is as good a book to start with as any. If you've read
              any other book in the series and liked it, this book is a must.

              5 out of 5 stars Blood family or chosen family?.......2000-09-25

              The struggles between the two are the central theme of the novel. The conflict started years before the action of the book, when Kennard Alton made the choice to marry a half-Terran, half-Aldaran woman. His two sons, Lewis and Marius, end up as a consequence unable to fit into the Six Domains of the Comyn, the renegade "Seventh Domain" of Aldaran, or the world of the Terrans. This, in turn, leads Lew to his participation in the infamous Sharra Rebellion.

              Meanwhile, the orphaned Regis Hastur is caught between following his heart and going on one of the Terran starships, and doing his duty to his grandfather and his family by taking his place in the Comyn Council and marrying. Regis is embarassed by his seeming lack of laran ability, and has been told by Lew that he has the gift but it is for some reason barriered. After a long struggle, he realizes that, since laran and sexual awareness often awaken together, he had repressed his laran along with his desire for other men. He has fallen in love with his best friend in the Guardsmen, which is complicated by the presence of a sexual predator with a taste for very young men among the trainers of the Guardsman cadets. It is also complicated by Danilo's cristoforo religious beliefs, which frown upon homosexuality. Regis and Danilo's love story has a much happier ending than that of Lew and Marjorie, another member of the Sharra circle. In the end, Lew's desire to break away from family and tradition leaves him closer than ever to his father, even as he wishes he could blame his father for leading him into the tragedy of the Sharra Rebellion.

              5 out of 5 stars Intrigue, love, hate, and the Sharra Matrix.......2000-05-04

              This book gives the readers an insight into the power struggles and lives of the Comyn and namly Regis, Danilo, and Lew. It tells the tale of the how Danilo became the faithful friend of Regis and what made Lewis Alton become the bitter, drunk man he was. It gives a unique insight into the politics of the Comyn Council, and why a matrix like the Sharra was banned in the first place.

              5 out of 5 stars Quite possibly the best Darkover novel.......2000-03-03

              Everyone goes through an identity crisis as an adolescent or young adult. Compound that with political intrigue, emerging psychic powers, sexual confusion, love, hate, parental power struggles . . . . and even this is a fairly limited description of this wonderful book. I have rarely seen the internal turmoil of a character treated with such compassion - and that applies to both Regis Hastur and Lew Alton. I could not help crying at various key points in the book. This was a magnificent story, well-told and sensitively written.
              The Children of Hastur : The Heritage of Hastur & Sharra's Exile
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                The Children of Hastur : The Heritage of Hastur & Sharra's Exile

                Manufacturer: Doubleday
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Hardcover
                ASIN: B000GS5XAI
                The Heritage of Hastur
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  The Heritage of Hastur
                  Marion Zimmer Bradley
                  Manufacturer: Daw Books, Inc.
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Paperback
                  ASIN: B000NVUWIQ
                  The Heritage of Hastur
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    The Heritage of Hastur
                    Marion Zimmer Bradley
                    Manufacturer: Daw Books, Inc.
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Paperback
                    ASIN: B000OB3S5E
                    The Heritage of Hastur A Darkover Novel
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      The Heritage of Hastur A Darkover Novel
                      Marion Zimmer Bradley
                      Manufacturer: DAW Books
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback
                      ASIN: B000PAVZKO
                      The Heritage of Hastur: a Darkover Novel
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        The Heritage of Hastur: a Darkover Novel
                        Marion Zimmer Bradley
                        Manufacturer: Daw
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                        ASIN: B000GRE92W
                        5 Titles in Darkover Series - Heritage of Hastur - Star of Danger - Winds of Darkover - Darkover Landfall - Spell Sword
                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                          5 Titles in Darkover Series - Heritage of Hastur - Star of Danger - Winds of Darkover - Darkover Landfall - Spell Sword
                          Marion Zimmer Bradley
                          Manufacturer: various
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                          ASIN: B000RZOCLQ

                          Product Description

                          Multiple books shipped as one item for your convenience. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.
                          CHILDREN OF HASTUR (Darkover) Heritage of Hastur & Sharra's Exile
                          Average customer rating: Not rated
                            CHILDREN OF HASTUR (Darkover) Heritage of Hastur & Sharra's Exile
                            Marion Zimmer Bradley
                            Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday
                            ProductGroup: Book
                            Binding: Hardcover
                            ASIN: B000SEMR7M
                            Heritage and Exile: The Heritage of Hastur/Sharra's Exile
                            Average customer rating: Not rated
                              Heritage and Exile: The Heritage of Hastur/Sharra's Exile
                              Marion Zimmer Bradley
                              Manufacturer: DAW Books
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                              ASIN: B000J6ZSPW

                              Tapping the Healer Within : Using Thought-Field Therapy to Instantly Conquer Your Fears, Anxieties, and Emotional Distress
                              Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
                              • interesting information
                              • It works most of the time.
                              • Tapping the Healer Within is AMAZING!
                              • Kay's Positive Review of Tapping the Healer Within
                              • Excellent resource book on the basics only
                              Tapping the Healer Within : Using Thought-Field Therapy to Instantly Conquer Your Fears, Anxieties, and Emotional Distress
                              Roger Callahan , and Richard Trubo
                              Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Paperback

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                              Accessories:
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                              2. Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3) Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)

                              ASIN: 0809298805

                              Book Description

                              In Tapping the Healer Within, Dr. Roger Callahan shows you how to harness the healing power of Thought Field Therapy on your own, to overcome phobias, anxieties, addictions, and other common psychological problems.

                              Customer Reviews:

                              4 out of 5 stars interesting information.......2007-08-25

                              This book was a pretty interesting read. However, I didn't try the techniques because everything it does pretty much is a bipass to what faith can do. Some people have it and some don't. But I had no problems with the delivery of the product or anything.

                              5 out of 5 stars It works most of the time........2007-08-06

                              This is a great book. I have found that the tapping technique is very effective with at least 90% of the people I have worked with. It will not work, however, on very negative people who are convinced they cannot be helped, those who are died in the wool skeptics who are determined to prove you wrong, people who are clinging to their illness because they are afraid of losing their disability pension or because their illness brings them sympathy and attention from their family and friends. Usually you can identify these people ahead of time and avoid working with them. There are cases where the reason for their illness is a spiritual possession. This will involve finding someone who knows how to work with that problem.

                              5 out of 5 stars Tapping the Healer Within is AMAZING!.......2007-07-17

                              This was the most amazing and helpful book I have ever read! I was so excited after the first time I used the proceedures correctly and it worked, that I had to do an anxiety treatment on myself so I could sleep. I couldn't stop my mind from thinking of the incredible possibilities of healing this therapy presented. I bought five more books for friends and family and will soon place another order. Do yourself a favor and order 10 the first time! I have successfully used the treatment to heal my seven year old of a terrible migraine. I also healed my daughter (12) of a severe needle phobia. I used it to heal another 12 year old of being in basements (where she sleeps). I treated another for deep emotional issues that were preventing him from focusing at work. I look forward to using this therapy more and learning more about it. I am presently reading the Amazon.com suggested book called "Evolving Thought Field Therapy" (Diepold...). It is equally amazing and takes this therapy one step further. It also doesn't require tapping, just touching. It is very detailed and included diagnostic instruction with charts. I highly recommend both books. If this one doesn't work for you, read the Evolving book to understand what more you can do to get this therapy to work for you. It REALLY WORKS! I think I have found my future vocation. I hope to train in this field now. Andrea

                              5 out of 5 stars Kay's Positive Review of Tapping the Healer Within.......2007-02-15

                              A friend had me read a page of this book. It so interested me that I checked it out of the library, read it, was highly intrigued by it and purchased four copies--one for myself, two for my adult children and one for the friend who first introduced the book to me.

                              "Tapping the Healer Within" is about removing "perterbations" by usuing thought field therapy (tft) and thus attaining serenity whereas before there was fear, anxieties, phobias, etc.

                              Currently I am using the techniques described in the book and have met with unusual success in the elimination of stress in connection with the recent death of my mother.

                              The author, Roger J. Callahan, Ph.D (for many years--20+) has written the book well, with plenty of success stories. He has ended the book with address contacts, etc. There are additional aids available for purchase and they are listed at the end of the book.

                              After talking with Dr. Callahan personally on the phone and working further with him, I have purchased three additional copies of the book and have given them to friends in hopes of helping them with the stresses of their lives. I highly recommend "Tapping the Healer Within".

                              5 out of 5 stars Excellent resource book on the basics only.......2006-11-10

                              This book is excellent for the person who wants to understand the basics and is also a very good resource book. Once on the path of tapping, one goes on to other more elaborate formulaic books. Loved it for what it is.

                              Raising the Bar: Better Drinks, Better Entertaining
                              Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
                              • Very Tasty
                              • This bartender gives it five stars
                              • Features 250 recipes and full-color photographs
                              • HERE'S TO YOU !
                              • The Bar is Raised
                              Raising the Bar: Better Drinks, Better Entertaining
                              Nick Mautone , and Marah Stets
                              Manufacturer: Artisan
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Hardcover

                              BartendingBartending | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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                              4. Food & Wine Cocktails 2005: The Best Drinks from America's Hottest Bars, Lounges and Restaurants (Food & Wine Cocktails) Food & Wine Cocktails 2005: The Best Drinks from America's Hottest Bars, Lounges and Restaurants (Food & Wine Cocktails)
                              5. Killer Cocktails: An Intoxicating Guide to Sophisticated Drinking (Hands-Free Step-By-Step Guides) Killer Cocktails: An Intoxicating Guide to Sophisticated Drinking (Hands-Free Step-By-Step Guides)

                              ASIN: 1579652603

                              Book Description

                              With dozens of years of experience as a master mixologist, and more than 250 wide-ranging seasonal cocktail recipes, Nick Mautone has gone well beyond the usual bartender's guide to offer dozens of unique and foolproof ideas for easy and successful entertaining at home.

                              In addition to covering all the basics of cocktail making, Nick shares his tried-and-true secrets for choosing the right drink for the right occasion, serving cocktails for a crowd, and pairing specific cocktails with specific foods. With Nick by your side, be your own pary planner and confident bartender: planning ahead, creating your own signature cocktail, perfecting techniques for muddling , mixing, and floating, making the right cut—twists, zests, swirls, and wedges, plus homemade alternatives for garnishes, syrups, cordials, and brandies.

                              From the Buck to the Bitter Pill, this book provides a wealth of information, along with extras such as Tricks of the Trade (tips on and shortcuts for preparing and storing drinks), Bonus from the Bar (easy recipes that can be made with components of the drinks), and Straight Up (the last word on demystifying hard-to-find ingredients). Plus an entire chapter filled with tempting easy-to-make snacks and hors d'ouevres that will complete your entertaining needs.

                              From nogs to grogs, martinis to manhattans, frappés to flips, and everything in between, Raising the Bar offers the right drink for the right occasion, morning, noon, and night...and the morning after. This is the better drink book that raises the bar with more than 100 colorful photographs and scores of helpful hints that will turn good home bartenders into great ones.

                              Customer Reviews:

                              5 out of 5 stars Very Tasty.......2007-06-04

                              I am drinking the Frozen Raspberry Daiquiri from the book as I type this (hic!), and it is delicious. I found this book at the library and am sick of checking it out, so now I am buying it. Every book in my kitchen has earned its place there (I have a very small kitchen), and this book will be no exception. The Summer Buck and the Watermelon Cooler are next...

                              5 out of 5 stars This bartender gives it five stars.......2006-01-13

                              I am a bartender at a high volume, outdoor bar in Key West Fl. Our bar is set up for maximum speed...and unfortunately many times that means that the final product is not something that I am entirely happy with...but it works fine for what we are doing.

                              The recipes in this book are the kinds of drinks I would prepare on a day off, for friends from my own private bar at home.

                              Drinks you can be proud to serve. Drinks that have been tweaked by a "master mixoligist"...and Nick Mautone is definitely a master of his craft.

                              I collect cocktail books, and rarely will I purchase a new release and be pleased with it. This book however is quickly becoming one of my favorites, and I find myself referencing it more and more frequently.

                              My only complaint is that the Mr. Mautone varies the servings for each recipe...which is really no big deal as they can easily be increased or decreased depending on your desired need. I am just used to reading a recipe and it yielding 1 drink.

                              Filled with gorgeous color photos, the book is great as a coffee table book as well.



                              5 out of 5 stars Features 250 recipes and full-color photographs.......2005-01-06

                              Raising The Bar: Better Drinks Better Entertaining is far more than just another a cocktail book. Though it features 250 recipes and full-color photographs, Raising The Bar goes a step further and offers the tested secrets of a professional restaurant manager to serving cocktails for a crowd, planning a head, perfecting techniques for mixing a drink, tips, tricks, techniques, and more. Tasty original recipes include Frozen Prickly Pear Margarita, Strawberry Kiwi Sangria, and Watermelon Lemonade. A must-have for anyone seeking not only to hone their drink-mixing skills, but also improve their presentation, and flair to professional food service levels.

                              4 out of 5 stars HERE'S TO YOU !.......2004-12-09




                              What's cooking in Nick Mautone's kitchen? Cocktails, that's what. Known to many New Yorkers as the master of mixology, Mautone is a believer in quality ingredients for both food and drinks. The majority of his years have been spent in the restaurant business, so he well knows the importance of perfectly pairing cocktails with food. Happy Hour takes on new meaning if this fellow's in charge.

                              "Raising The Bar," 288 pages of helpful suggestion, recipes and tempting toddies, is a guide for both beginners and the more experienced. Included are more than 250 recipes covering both classic and original signature drinks (Banana Buttered Rum surely does warm on a cold winter's eve).

                              Among the chapter headings are holiday cocktails, many intended to cut down on preparation time so a host can enjoy his or her own party. For instance, Mautone's holiday eggnog can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before serving.

                              Welcome a new year with a twist on traditional champagne by making Ginger Champagne Punch for friends, neighbors, and drop-ins. Mautone makes it even more festive and sweet by rimming champagne glasses with powdered ginger and granulated sugar. Check out the heading "Trick of the Trade" for a plethora of party pleasers.

                              Designated drivers, alcohol abstainers, and moms to be aren't ignored as an entire chapter is devoted to non-alcoholic cocktails, which are every bit as pretty and palate pleasing as their alcohol laced kin.

                              Pairing his enthusiasm for both food and drink Mautone also offers recipes for do-it-yourself garnishes and finger snacks - great for buffet tables and pre-dinner munchies.

                              After all the time he's spent behind some of New York's most prestigious bars - Gotham Bar and Grill, the Hudson River Club - Mautone is a veritable fountain of recipes, suggestions, and good ideas. For those who want to make better drinks this is the book - bar none.

                              - Gail Cooke

                              5 out of 5 stars The Bar is Raised.......2004-12-03

                              In "Raising the Bar", Nick Mautone brings a new fresh perspective to entertaining. Being an avid reader of his column in Cargo magazine, I was intrigued to learn that he had written a book on cocktails and entertaining. Mr. Mautone's approach to basic concepts about drink making deconstructed my original thinking and recompiled it into a completely limitless wealth of possibilities. A great example is after reading the recipe for the "Basil Martini", I will never look at a Bloody Mary the same way again.

                              Though many other writers have published different ideas in food magazines, they always seem to be awkward and complicated. In contrast Mr. Mautone's easy and savory recipes and ideas leave me scratching my head and wondering "Why didn't I ever think of that?". Having had the opportunity to play with the drink recipes and pairing them with the food ideas "Raising the Bar" has surpassed any and all expectations I would have in an entertaining book.

                              Books:

                              1. Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories
                              2. Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station
                              3. Murder Between the Covers (Dead-End Job Mysteries, Book 2)
                              4. Murder By the Glass: A Wine Lover's Mystery
                              5. Murder Can Mess Up Your Mascara: A Desiree Shapiro Mystery (Desiree Shapiro Mysteries)
                              6. Murder in the Marais (Aimee Leduc Investigation)
                              7. Murder Must Advertise (Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery)
                              8. Murder of a Pink Elephant (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 6)
                              9. No Place Like Home: A Novel
                              10. Not Quite Kosher: An Abe Lieberman Mystery

                              Books Index

                              Books Home

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