Book Description
Murder is again polluting the Exeter Cathedral close, but this killer will not be easily caught. The victim, Henry Potell, was feared by many, and held secrets that some wished to keep hidden. For Sir Baldwin Furnshill, Keeper of the King's Peace, and his friend Bailiff Simon Puttock, events become increasingly mysterious. Who among Henry Potell's companions knows the truth about his death? What first appears to be a matter of lust or greed soon grows more troubling as Baldwin becomes aware of the ominous Chapel of Bones, built long ago in reparation for a terrible murder.
Customer Reviews:
Knights Templar Mysteries .......2006-06-29
Books in this series are an enjoyable read both for the quality of writing and the well researched historical back ground. I was only recently introduced to this author but have read at least 5 thus far. I had missed something in the historical mystery venue since Candace Robb has had nothing out in recent times. There are books called "historical mysteries," but they are lacking in historical research wherein they place their characters not to mention the quality, or should I say lack thereof. While I am often reading technical material, it is nice to take a break a read a good mystery as one find in the Knights Templar Mysteries.
An Excellent Read.......2005-08-23
A terrible deed occurred in the city of Exeter and forty years on some of the city's most prominent citizens cannot forget the part they played in the murder that happened within the Cathedral close.
An unfortunate accident to one of the stone masons working on the new Cathedral triggers a sequence of events that leads to the murder of a prominent citizen. The Dean who has asked for help from Sir Baldwin in his capacity as Keeper of the King's Peace, sends a messenger to his manor requesting his help in solving the murder.
Sir Baldwin in turn sends to his friend Simon to come and assist him, particularly as he knows he would like a break from his new job, which Simon destests, but has not got the heart to tell his employer the Abbott.
Baldwin has hardly arrived in Exeter before another murder takes place. Slowly he begins to put together what happened forty years ago and the names of the people involved. Are the current murders connected with what happened so long ago . . .
I really enjoyed this one and think that Mr. Jecks is back to his best.
excellent history and an exciting story.......2005-08-23
Since the previous reviewer describes the basic plot of THE CHAPEL OF BONES, I will not discuss the plot,except to say that the storyline highlights the various individuals of Medieval society as it was like in the 14th century. We see a poor, working class family, a middle class family trying to hold on to what comforts they have achieved, beggars, clergymen, in short, medieval society. Mr. Jecks' books are always well researched and the history of his characters and their world have factual foundations.
The theme of guilt, also as mentioned by the previous reviewer, is a strong, moving motif. Guilt, real or imagined, shapes the actions and decisions of various characters in this book. It is a fascinating and moving subtheme and forms a strong link between all the characters in one way or another. Some scenes in the book are emotionally painful, but it is well written, well researched and well worth reading.
a good read.......2005-07-08
While this latest West Country mystery featuring Keeper of the King's Peace, Sir Baldwin Furnshill, and his good friend and fellow crime solver, Bailiff Simon Puttock, may not be as suspenseful or as edgy as previous West Country installments, it still did make for a rather engrossing and compelling read. One piece of advice though: read author Michael Jecks' note at the very beginning of the book carefully because the murder of Chaunter Walter de Lecchelade at Exeter Cathedral in 1283 lies at the center of "The Chapel of Bones," and would help many readers understand better what's going on in the earlier chapters.
In 1283, the Chaunter of Exeter Cathedral, Walter de Leccehlade is brutally murdered, along with the churchmen loyal to him, by churchmen who opposed him and by certain townsmen who felt hostile towards him. Some of the churchmen involved in the murder were punished, while others kept quiet and melted into the background. The townsmen involved were never betrayed by their ecclesiastical accomplices, and so they too blended back into the background, even though the then mayor of Exeter was hanged by Edward I as punishment for their crime. And for the next forty years, everyone went on with their lives and tried hard to forget that fateful and awful night. But now, in 1323, as the cathedral is being rebuilt, and three men who had left Exeter after the dreadful events of 1283 are back again in the city of their childhood. One of the men is the mason, Thomas, who had fled Exeter in guilt over his part in the murder; the other man is Friar Nicholas, who had left after being so grievously injured during the attack; while the third man is the priory's new corrodian, William, who left Exeter to serve Edward I. Many of the townsmen who had taken part in the murder and who had never left are not happy to see these men back again. And when one of the townsmen, the wealthy saddler Henry Potell, is slain on Cathedral grounds, both Sir Baldwin and Simon (summoned to help discover the murderer) naturally begin to wonder if Potell's murder is linked to the events of 1283, or if Potell, who seems to have been in the middle of two disputes with a rich German client and with his old friend, joiner Joel Lytell, was murdered over something else. But when another man who was involved in the 1283 killing is also found murdered, Sir Baldwin and Simon realise that what their dealing with is someone with a secret to hide and who is willing to kill in order to protect that secret...
Even though the plot was a little straightforward, with very few surprising twists or turns, "The Chapel of Bones" still made for an enjoyable read. As usual the author has written a book that is rich in ambiance, colour and historical detail. And the character development was brilliantly done as well -- each character, no matter how small was vividly and credibly rendered. I especially liked the manner in which the author showed us how the guilt that many of the characters felt over the wrongs that they had committed, coloured and affected their lives. And if I was a little disappointed that the mystery subplot was not a very perplexing one, Michael Jecks' stark accounting of how guilt and loss affects people more than made "The Chapel of Bones" a good and worthwhile read.
(Why, though, has this series been subtitled a "Knights Templar" mystery? The Knights Templar don't figure into this series at all -- or at least not since "The Last Templar," and that was about 18 mysteries ago, where Sir Baldwin put his past firmly behind him. It seems rather strange to bring up the Knights Templar at this stage. Is it a marketing ploy?)
Customer Reviews:
OUTSTANDING READ.......2005-03-29
I ran across "Silent Strength of Stones" by accident and enjoyed it so much I went searching and found "The thread that Binds the Bones". I have enjoyed both books greatly and have been anxiously awaiting continuations of these family tales, as both books sort of leave you in limbo with expectations of more great adventures of these characters and families to be explored in future books. Unfortunately, the author has not chosen to expand on these adventures; however you must try these 2 books if you can get your hand on them. I have read my copies several times and am sure they will get more use. Unfortunately none of Ms Hoffman's books have risen to the same level of these classics....
Very good.......2003-06-02
A really enjoyable novel; the best of her work that I've read. Here's hoping the forthcoming "A Stir of Bones" is a sequel.
Very good.......2003-06-02
A really enjoyable novel; the best of her work that I've read. Here's hoping the forthcoming "A Stir of Bones" is a sequel.
incredible imagination.......2003-04-29
this is not hoffman's best written book, but that is a minor drawback, since her second best is still better than many other author's. if you think of the exposition being a form of writerly shorthand, so to speak, it isn't such an issue.
the wonderful thing about this book is the world building. the families, their history, their talents are completely thought-out, made to seem completely real. behavior, actions, reactions, all ring true to life.
just fyi, in case any of the previous reviewers review, and for new readers, there is a semi-sequel, _the silent strength of stones_. now, if hoffman would only write a THIRD installment (and forth, fifth, etc.).
Close to Home, and Far Away.......2002-10-24
I picked this up by chance, was entranced by it, and immediately sought and bought everything I could find by Hoffman. Exactly the kind of story that I love, in that twilit area where This-world touches some Other-world---think of Zenna Henderson, think of Ray Bradbury, think of Marion Zimmer Bradley, but different, edgier, more close-to-home and more far-away... It's the story of an extended, inbred Family where half-magical, half-psychic powers are inherited, and one's status within the family dependent on the strength of those powers. Into this mix comes an outsider with powers like and unlike those of the Family, in love with a semi-outcast daughter, who together seem to be a hope for a very different future. An exciting adventure, with exact and careful characterization and evocative, beautiful writing. Its sequel, The Silent Strength of Stones, is just as interesting, and I am eager for the next Family novel.
This is one of those books I bought because the cover was interesting---not that we judge a book by its cover, but let's never forget that the cover is an integral part of the total book experience...
Book Description
This volume is produced from digital images from the Cornell University Library Samuel J. May Anti-Slavery Collection
Average customer rating:
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The Chapel Of Bones
Michael Jecks
Manufacturer: Headline Book Pub Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000MANRBW |
Average customer rating:
- Super Reader
- Life altering-if you're of a mind to be altered
- Batman would approve of this book.
- Carries with it the feel of Batman Begins
- Worthy Cause and Serious Story
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Batman: The Ultimate Evil (Batman)
Andrew H. Vachss
Manufacturer: Warner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Vachss, Andrew | ( V ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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The Batman Murders
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The Forensic Files of Batman
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Batman: Inferno
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Batman: Dead White
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Batman: Fear Itself
ASIN: 0446603368 |
Customer Reviews:
Super Reader.......2007-08-07
A look through the eyes of the Batman at the horrendous world of the child sex trade, and child abuse in parts of Asia.
This involves crime so nasty that it takes Batman out of Gotham and pursuing this particular bunch of criminals across the world. It has a few things to say about the politics and law-enforcement environments that surround such activities.
Life altering-if you're of a mind to be altered.......2007-07-14
Before reading Mr Vachss' take on the Dark Knight I was only superficially aware of the problem of child prostitution. After reading this book my eyes were opened. If you really think superheroes fight evil, then you absolutely have to hope they'd fight these monsters- far more evil in my opinion than any "supervillan"
A letter written to Mr Vachss shortly after reading this (and everything else of his I could lay hands on) showed me that not all superheroes wear tights. They're underpaid, overworked and unappreciated social workers and children's advocates
Batman would approve of this book........2007-06-23
First of all, I'm a writer, so when I read a book, and review it with five stars, its passed a pretty rigorous test, based on story, character development and plot. Secondly, I am a pretty big Batman fan, big enough to have my own latex costume, and thusly, I read this book with an eagle eye, making sure that it stuck to the character and settings well.
And I must say, this is definitely within my top five favorite books of all time. Not of right now, or of the year, but of all time.
And I've read alot of books.
Mr. Vachss, contrary to some of the other reviews written about this book, is well versed not only in the evil that is child molestation and pedophilia, but also Batman himself.
This book is first a Batman novel, and it portrays the Dark Knight in an extremely familiar and faithful way, one that I personally really enjoyed. Sometimes I'll pick up a Batman book, and just from the first sentence or so, you can tell that this author has a different image of Batman than you do. But this book nails MY Batman dead on. Cool, uncompromising, but passionate.
And secondly, this is a book with a very deep message, one meant to raise awareness. It explores the very real aspects of the child sex slave industry going on in third world countries right now.
Some have criticized that Vachss is too good at writing about the child sex industry and not good enough at Batman, and I am refuting that right now.
This book is driven by a Batman who is very much the Batman we are all used to and would like to see in our world. Anyone who claims that Vachss doesn't know Batman, should really read some comics and re-evaluate that thought process, because this author portrays the Batman very, very well.
In short, you have an amazing Batman novel, one that in my opinion, is one of the best Batman novels ever written. But you also have a novel with a message, something that Batman himself would want people to know about, so that it can be fought, not by superheroes, but by people like you and me.
I cannot tell you how rewarding this book is, you just have to read it and see for yourself. It touched me very deeply, in my soul, and that is an experience that I will always remember.
I only hope that you can have that experience for yourself.
Carries with it the feel of Batman Begins.......2007-03-02
This book is a departure in feel from the Batman series as we've always known it but this is a book that I feel, though written before the movie, would certainly fit with the Batman we are given portrayed by Christian Bale. This book also does something that the DCVerse fails miserably at, true depth to the character of Martha Wayne. Through the subject of this novel, the author gives us a Martha who is more than the woman at Thomas Wayne's side. This woman is both the mother of Bruce Wayne but in her fight, we find the mother of Batman and that is a HUGE thing. It's been years since I read this book and I can still remember it clearly, it will stick with you and in a good and powerful way. Kudos to the author for writing it.
Worthy Cause and Serious Story.......2007-01-21
In this book Batman is frustrated that his battle against crime is not enough. As billionaire Bruce Wayne, Batman meets social worker Debra Kane, who claims child abuse is the root of crime. Intrigued, Batman goes after child porn only to learn from his trusted servant, Alfred that Batman's mother had been after this same group when she died. Beware this books does has some strong language and some violence.
The author Mr. Vachss is a child advocacy crusader and the author of crime fiction. This novel was written to raise awareness of the pedophilia problem overall and the Thai child exploitation problem. There is a non-fiction child sex tourism report included as an appendix to this book that drives this point home. This book is a good read, but for adults.
Average customer rating:
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Batman: The Ultimate Evil
Andrew H. Vachss
Manufacturer: Warner Books Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000K6QC0Q |
Average customer rating:
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Batman The Ultimate Evil
Andrew Vachss
Manufacturer: New York: Warner Books,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000OVC6WK |
Average customer rating:
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Batman: The Ultimate Evil
Andrew Vachss
Manufacturer: Warner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000NQI58A |
Book Description
A groundbreaking, practical program for transforming troubled relationships into positive ones
“This is the best book on relationships I have ever read. . . . John Gottman has decoded the subtle secrets that can either enrich or destroy the quality of our ties with others.” Daniel B. Wile, Ph.D., author of
After the Fight: Using Your Disagreements to Build a Stronger Relationship
“John Gottman is our leading explorer of the inner world of relationships. In
The Relationship Cure, he has found gold once again.”William J. Doherty, Ph.D., author of
Take Back Your Marriage: Sticking Together in a World That Pulls Us Apart
“When he says his five steps will help you build better connections with the people you care about, you know that they have been demonstrated to work.” E. Mavis Heatherington, Ph.D., professor of psychology, University of Virginia
From the country’s foremost relationship expert and New York Times bestselling author Dr. John M. Gottman comes a powerful, simple five-step program, based on twenty years of innovative research, for greatly improving all of the relationships in your life—with spouses and lovers, children, siblings, and even your colleagues at work.
In The Relationship Cure, Dr. Gottman:
* Reveals the key elements of healthy relationships, emphasizing the importance of what he calls “emotional connection”
* Introduces the powerful new concept of the emotional “bid,” the fundamental unit of emotional connection
* Provides remarkably empowering tools for improving the way you bid for emotional connection and how you respond to others’ bids
Customer Reviews:
Not just help for couples!.......2007-10-06
I expected a book full of advice for a better partnership and got a book that makes you aware of how you interact with everyone in your life. Not to say that it isn't great relationship advice, but it is so much more than that. If you truly take to heart what you learn from this book, you will come away a better person. I loved it!
The Relationship Cure.......2007-07-14
A great book and great ideas. From the Authors of Creating Your Own Way to Happiness.
Great.......2007-06-12
This is an outstanding book, especially the section on emotional styles within families (dismissive, coaching, etc.). If we learned this in school like we learn the alphabet, we'd be much farther along emotionally and relationally as a society. Read this book and absorb it; very useful.
excellent, very insightful!.......2007-01-16
Read this book and share it with your partner if you can. It is so spot-on about communication, I really wish everyone would read it! The basic premise is explaining how we relate to each other and what happens when we don't respond in a way that potentiates that relationship. It's easy to understand, a great read. I especially recommend it if you are in a relationship that is not going well and BOTH of you are looking for help in fixing it. Read it together. It will help you understand each other. (I only wish it wasn't called The Relationship Cure because it's really about Communication!)
best communication book I've ever read.......2007-01-12
I work in Family Practice and Urgent Care as a physician assistant and do most of the 'psych' in our clinic. My background is in counseling psychology as well. I consider this book the most thorough, useful and appropriate 'communications skills' self-help book I have ever read. I recommend it to my patients and friends constantly. Janee Gillette, PA-C
Book Description
In The Church Ladies' Divine Desserts, Brenda Rhodes Miller, a bona fide church lady herself, collected recipes and sweet recollections from churches across the country. Now she returns with recipes for all courses and for every occasion. Among the many appetizers, there are four distinctive but equally delicious recipes for deviled eggs-and one for Holy Ghost Party Meatballs. For the main course, readers will love The-Pastor's-in-Trouble Meatloaf-and the story of how it got its name. And for special occasions, what could be better than Wedding Punch with Frozen Sugared Rose Petals? Here are more than 200 recipes for everything from salads to sides to seafood-all made from scratch-without an instant mix in sight. And this delightful treasury offers not only crowd-pleasing recipes, but timeless words of wisdom on mealtime manners and just about everything else on God's green earth.
Customer Reviews:
Sweet Memories.......2005-04-21
As a lover of cookbooks and the owner of over 450+...this one will have a little note inside that will direct my children not to give, sell or trade this one (should I predecease them!). Growing up Black in the 50's and 60's brought back sweet memories of MY "Church Lady" Mother and what a wonderful natural home cook she was! Thank you Ms. Miller, this one is a Keeper.
Ms.C
Books:
- The Chocolate Frog Frame-Up (Chocoholic Mysteries)
- The Eagle Catcher (Arapaho Indian Mysteries)
- The Fruitful Darkness: A Journey Through Buddhist Practice and Tribal Wisdom
- The Inquisitor: A Medical Thriller
- The Perfumed Sleeve: A Novel (Sano Ichiro Novels)
- The Pilgrim of Hate: The Tenth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael
- The Rasputin Relic
- The Rose Rent (Brother Cadfael Mysteries)
- The Runaway Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel
- The Singing Sands
Books Index
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The Butcher of St Peter's (Knights Templar series)
The Tolls of Death (Knights Templar series)
A Friar's Bloodfeud (Knights Templar series)
The Outlaws of Ennor (Knights Templar series)
Templar's Penance (Knights Templar series)
