Book Description
In the summer of 1924, the Honourable Daisy Dalrymple Fletcher is off on a holiday by the sea with her step-daughter Belinda, Belinda's chum Deva, and Daisy's husband, Detective Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher of Scotland Yard. Daisy is anticipating a relaxing, nondramatic holiday. But Daisy doesn't have that kind of luck. It seems that a low-rent Don Juan has been busily seducing the local womenfolk, and, in a town this small, no secret is kept for long. When the Fletchers' picnic is interrupted by the discovery of a broken body at the foot of the cliff, that of the philandering local innkeeper, the unflappable Daisy Dalrymple finds herself embroiled in a mystery.
In the continuation of her popular series, Carola Dunn vividly evokes the life and times of 1920s England, wrapped in a classic mystery to delight her many fans.
Customer Reviews:
Great Find.......2006-01-18
This was my first Daisy Dalrymple Mystery. I picked it up at the library...would you believe...because I liked the cover! It was an enjoyable read, free from all the nasty, gory details that so many mystery novels offer today. Daisy books are dripping in history, lightheartedness, and intrigue. What an amazing combination! I have bought three of my own in this series and will definitely get more! By the way, I have discovered that the cover art is great on ALL the Daisy novels.
What a historical mystery is supposed to be.......2006-01-12
I am a historical mystery fan, and I look for several things when choosing what to read:
a) Likable characters and protoganist that you care about and are interested in
b) Lack of deep dark pyschological pretensions and no bad guys winning in the end
c) good writing
d) Engaging plots
e) masterful evocation of a different place and time
Carola Dunn does all the above with Daisy Dalrymple, and did it very well in the latest installment of Daisy's adventures. Here, the person murdered is satisfyingly worth having removed from the earth (whoever did it) and the twists and turns in the plot to get to that point of discovery are diverting. This time period in England (between the 1st and 2nd World War) is particularly interesting, as you watch the twilight of the aristocracy and see how larger events on the world stage contributed to that (details that Dunn gently weaves into her story without one really noticing.)And Daisy is a wonderful character, I would pick up the next book just to see what happens next in her life.
a wonderfully enjoyable read.......2005-09-19
If you'd like to take a break from all those complex and riveting, but gory mysteries that feature tired police inspectors on the hunt for serial killers, who seem to be constantly thwarted by incompetent superiors and ambitious junior officers, you might consider Carola Dunn's latest offering in the utterly charming Daisy Dalrymple mystery series, "Fall of a Philanderer."
It's the summer of 1924, and Daisy, her stepdaughter, Belinda, and Belinda's school-chum, Deva, are happily enjoying themselves at the seaside town of Westcombe while they wait for Daisy's husband, Alec, to join them. The days are glorious and Westcombe seems idyllic, but it doesn't take Daisy too long to realise that Westcombe seems to possess it's own version of the serpent in the garden, George Enderby, the landlord of the Schooner Inn. Married himself, George's specialty seems to be comforting women, married or not, who feel lonely and neglected. Daisy is determined not to get pulled into the affair -- after all she and her family are in Westcombe for a holiday! But soon after Alec's arrival, the Fletchers discover George's broken body while exploring a secluded cove. With Alec put in charge of the investigation, Daisy is, nevertheless, determined not to embarrass him by getting involved in the investigation herself. Except that people will confide in her! And if it will help Alec to make an arrest, Daisy is not adverse to rolling up her sleeves in order to sort through all the gossip and innuendo in order to help Alec arrive at the truth...
While "Fall of a Philanderer" was not the thrilling, fast paced, on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of read, it was nice, quick and enjoyable one nonetheless. The plot unfolded in a fairly even and straightforward manner -- there were no jaw dropping plot twists, even though the book did possess quite a few suspects that should keep readers wondering for a fair while. The thing about "Fall of a Philanderer" is that it is a nice, relaxing and fun read. It'sot very complex, or very clever. It is, however, very well written and brilliantly executed. And after having read some mystery novels that have been heavy on atmosphere and possessed convoluted plot premises that went no where and left one feeling confused and cheated, "Fall of a Philanderer" was a wonderful treat. I knew what I was in for, and Carola Dunn delivered in spades! A wonderfully fun read.
(Note: I really liked the author's description of the coastal town of Westcombe. It was vivid and inviting, and in a rather interesting coincidence reminded me of my recent trips to a few coastal towns in Northern Oregon.)
fine historical cozy.......2005-08-31
In 1924 Scotland yard Detective Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher, his wife Daisy, his young daughter Belinda and her pal Deva vacation in Westcombe. While at the beach overseeing the activity of her stepdaughter and Deva, Daisy is accosted by local owner of the Schooner Inn George Enderby. Even when she tells him that she is married he still tries to pick her up as marital status is not an impediment for the philandering innkeeper.
Several people warn daisy to stay clear of George. However, on a family picnic Daisy is unable to avid George as his broken body lies dead at the bottom of the nearby cliff. As Alec investigates whether an accident or a homicide occurred, Daisy realizes there are plenty of suspects starting with her landlady Mrs. Anstruther and her husband Peter, but the local police look at Sid the simple minded mute beachcombing scarecrow as the prime suspect; the last person Daisy believes could commit a homicide.
The murder occurs almost half way into this historical cozy, but that enables the audience to meet the key support players and understand their respective personalities. That in turn allows readers to observe who might want the womanizer killed as several suspects have motive. This is not for the action oriented crowd but Daisy's fans will appreciate her latest investigative tale as she does what drives Alec crazy out of fear for her safety , Daisy investigates.
Harriet Klausner
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Fall of a Philanderer: A Daisy Dalrymple Mystery, Library Edition (Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries)
Carola Dunn
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: MP3 CD
 British Detectives
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Women Sleuths
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ASIN: 078617823X |
Book Description
Nazhuret, the reluctant Philosopher-hero of R.A. MacAvoy’s award-winning bestseller, Lens of the World, is embarking on his final adventure. He must unwillingly end a long period of exile and once again take up the sword in defense of freedom. His old friend the King is suddenly and unexpectedly assassinated, leaving the kingdom in chaos. Nazhuret interrupts the peace of his old age to endure the horrors of war and the supernatural realm of the dead. Before his Journey comes to an end, he must test his wisdom to its limit in the face of danger and treachery. Accompanied by his beloved daughter Nahvah, as Nazhuret’s final debt of honor is paid he faces the darker side of human nature with both of their lives at stake.
Customer Reviews:
Doesn't disappoint but could have been developed more........2004-03-04
I've been a fan of MacAvoy's since reading Tea With the Black Dragon in highschool 20 years ago. I fell in love with the Damiano trilogy shortly thereafter and have read it many times since. I even managed to get my then-future husband, a very reluctant reader, to read all three. I've just finished re-reading the Lens of the Word trilogy which I had actually checked out of the library for my daughter who had asked me to pick her out something interesting.
In the final installment of this series, MacAvoy does the unusual (and some would say unthinkabe) by killing off two of her main characters before the story even begins. Nazhuret is living a peaceful scholarly existence with his grown daughter Nahvah in Canton, far from Velonya. Still mourning his soul mate Arlin, four year's dead (presumably from illness which the author chose not to elaborate on), he learns of the death of his friend, King Rudof. This same day Nazhuret and Nahvah escape an assassination attempt (Nahvah's skill is medicine and hand guns) and flee Canton on a Felonk vessel. Here they meet up with a nobleman of Lowercanton, famous as a brilliant artist and deadly duelist. I don't think I'm spoiling anything for the astute reader who will quickly see what Nazhuret does not---that the Duke has romantic designs on him. Contrary to what an earlier reviewer stated, this kind of thing isn't uncommon at all in fantasy, although it is unusual for MacAvoy who generally only hints at homosexual tendencies in minor characters.
A homoerotic attraction is not out of character for Nazhuret since he was never certain of his own inclinations. If homoeroticism is something you enjoy, you will not encounter much in this novel. There are some blushes, elusions, a few catty comments but nothing steamy or overt. That Nazhuret and the Duke become companions is only hinted at at the end of the book athough in a way that leaves no doubt in the reader's mind.
I was a bit unsatisfied with the ending which seemed a bit hasty and pat. I noticed that this installment was quite a bit thinner than the first two books in the series. I would have liked if she had developed the burgeoning relationship between Nazhuret and the Duke a bit more. Also, MacAvoy introduces some potentially interesting characters without really fleshing them out. One of these is Timet , a young initiate of the sect which has grown around Nazhuret's writings in his absence. There are encounters between him and Nazhuret which ultimately lead nowhere and he winds up merely as a love interest for Nahvah in the penultimate page of the novel. As I said, just a little too pat.
Considering the depth that went into the first two installments, this one seemed a bit sketchy. That said, a sketchy novel from MacAvoy is still excellent reading! Had I been reading the work of a less talented writer it is doubtful I would have been engaged enough by secondary characters to care to know more about them.
Another beauty by MacAvoy.......1999-12-15
Those who have read the reviews I posted for the first two books in this series know that I have not been overwhelmed, citing reasons such as bland characterization and lack of plot for my opinion. This third volume changes all that. MacAvoy gives us a good plot and finally develops Nazhuret into a rich character.
MacAvoy gives us a treat, letting the reader watch Nazhuret age from a child to a man of 55 years throughout the series. Here, Nazhuret tries to save Velonya from itself while struggling with personal demons. He looks for other options besides seizing leadership. He comes to terms with the loss of his late wife. A treat for the reader.
MacAvoy explores Nazhuret's sexuality. First, he paired off with a woman who always dressed like a man. Now we see a potential romance blooming with Dinaos (which is hinted on the last page that it did happen). It doesn't fit with my political leanings, and I'm not convinced it belongs in books (if I wanted sex I'd pick up one of those Harlequins), but it's a perspective rarely seen in fantasy.
MacAvoy grasps the delicate wonder dwelling somewhere in all.......1996-01-13
Pick up any work of MacAvoy's and you enter a strange realm where you get to share her appreciation of the somewhat mystical nature of our existance. She allows you to easily slip into the universe she creates and her characters come alive with their strengths and weaknesses
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Inside the wolf's belly: Aspects of the fairy tale
Joyce Augusta Thomas
Manufacturer: Sheffield Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Children's Books | Subjects | Books | Baby-3 | Ages 4-8 | Ages 9-12 | Animals | Arts & Music | Books on Cassette | Books on CD | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Computers | Educational | History & Historical Fiction | Issues | Literature | Obsessions | People & Places | Popular Characters | Reference & Nonfiction | Religions | Science, Nature & How It Works | Series | Sports & Activities
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ASIN: 1850751218 |
Book Description
Legend has it that hidden in the remote reaches of the Himalayan mountains lies a secret that would have saved Ponce de Leon from years of fruitless searching. There, generations of Tibetan monks have passed down a series of exercises with mystical, age-reversing properties. Known as the Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation or the Five Rites, these once-secret exercises are now available to Westerners in Ancient Secret of the Fountain Of Youth. Peter Kelder's book begins with an account of his own introduction to the rites by way of Colonel Bradford, a mysterious retired British army officer who learned of the rites while journeying high up in the Himalayas. Fountain of Youth then offers practical instructions for each of the five rites, which resemble yoga postures. Taking just minutes a day to perform, the benefits for practitioners have included increased energy, weight loss, better memory, new hair growth, pain relief, better digestion, and just feeling younger.
Customer Reviews:
Truly life changing!.......2007-10-07
I purchased this book over 9 years ago and quickly began doing the rites faithfully. Over the years I have performed them off and on, faltering as my schedule became busy. Now I am back to performing them daily, because over the years I have identified them as the single most important factor that has contributed to maintaining my ideal body weight. During my last spell away from the rites, I gained 30 pounds and felt sluggish all the time. I came across my book and began performing the rites again consistently and I dropped 20 pounds within 6 weeks. After about 6 months of consistent performance, I have lost the entire 30 pounds that I gained and I look and feel great. I am often asked what I have done to lose the weight and I always share this book with anyone who asks. It doesn't happen overnight, but if you perform these rites faithfully, you will see results. The great thing is that even when you have worked up to 21 reps of each rite, they can still be easily performed in under 20 minutes. Added benefits of long term commitment are incredible flexibility, increased energy, and an overall state of wellness.
This book saved my life.......2007-10-05
After my Father passed away I was looking through his books. Amoung them I found The Ancient Secret. I was curious so I tried it. I just did three of each of the rites for a long time. That takes maybe about five minutes. Each time I would do them I would notice a sense of well being that was not present otherwise. I had had cancer for a while, so that sense of well being was very important. After increasing them to 21 I haven't been sick except for two times when I stopped doing them for a while. Both times the changes in my health were dramatic and life threatening. I love doing them so it is a real pleasure to save my life by practicing the five rites. They are not like other excercises that make you tired. These simple excercises give me energy from the moment that I begin to do them.
Wonderful read-practice.......2007-08-23
The practice of the rites was recommended to me by a very dear friend who offered to loan me their book... Glad I immediately ordered mine! The practice of the rites is something I am working up to, as I am VERY out of shape, but I am confident that I will be able to perform them, and I am already seeing benefit, after 1 month. I also recommend the second book, which I ordered at the same time.
The information contained in this book changed my life........2007-08-17
I am so grateful to have been told about this book. I tell everyone I know about it. The commitment is so minimal and the reward to so great.
Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth: Book 1.......2007-07-27
Anyone who has wondered about the secrets of youth should do well by reading this book and focusing on a new reality inside the human body: the power of our vital glands. In the East, these are called "chakras" and they are thought to be energy-producing and energy-absorbing centers. The story, the exercises, the advice, and the claims posted by many people on the strength of tangible results, should not be overlooked. Simplicity here, is the key to an awesome power which lies within ourselves.
Amazon.com
Katy Sparks, formerly chef at Quilty's in Manhattan, is noted for delicious cooking that's French-based and globally influenced. Sparks in the Kitchen offers 160 approachable recipes for all courses and occasions--dishes like Broiled Shell-On Shrimp with Juniper, Black Pepper and Citrus Dipping Salt; Garlic-Studded Leg of Lamb in Red Chile and Cumin Crust; Arugula with Grilled Peaches, Goat Cheese, and County Ham; and Sugar Snap Peas with Browned Shallots, Pancetta and Mint. Sweets, such as Warm Berry and Mango Gratin in Mascarpone Chantilly and Mohr im Hand, over-the-top souffléd chocolate cakes with chocolate sauce and whipped cream, are equally tempting. Included also are snack and cocktail formulas, notes on ingredients and equipment, and useful tips and suggestions.
Some readers will find the abundant autobiographical material (there's 21 pages of it up front and more throughout the text) unwarranted, while others will enjoy Sparks's stories about her Vermont family, among other recollections. With a section on techniques, and photo-illustrated throughout, Sparks in the Kitchen bridges the divide between everyday and restaurant cooking--a welcome rarity in a chef's cookbook. --Arthur Boehm
Book Description
From Katy Sparks, who dazzled a devoted clientele at her restaurant Quilty’s in New York City, here is a wonderfully creative collection of recipes and culinary wisdom. It is a book for people who love to cook, enabling you to put to work in your own kitchen the secrets and inspirations a gifted chef can offer, particularly one who now cooks at home for her own family.
From snacks, small plates, and cocktails to relishes and desserts, Sparks makes it clear that good ingredients are all-important. So she offers guidelines on what to buy seasonally, how best to judge freshness, and how to store foods effectively. She loves to combine flavors in unexpected ways, utilizing a wide range of spices and coaxing the essence from fresh herbs and zests.
Whether she is detailing a dramatic dish to start off a special dinner, such as her Oysters in Gewürztraminer Cream (crowned with a nest of crispy fried leeks) or the playful Middle Eastern–inspired creation Spiced Lamb Meatballs in Eggplant “Leaves,” or a simple, satisfying family meal like Grilled Chicken in Marjoram Marinade or Pork Chops Smothered in Lentils, she encourages the home cook to be creative. As she guides you through a recipe, you will learn invaluable lessons: what makes a good soup, ways to keep meat tender and juicy, foolproof methods of grilling a whole fish and roasting a chicken, keys to successful deep-frying. And sidebars like “Leftover Alert” and “Weighing Your Options” encourage you to improvise with leftovers, experiment with interesting substitutes, and create delicious accompaniments.
A pat of one of her compound butters, a splash of her homemade flavored vinegar, or a dollop of her Papaya-Ginger Salsa or Onion-Sage Confit might contribute to the sparkle that makes each finished dish so delicious. Try her Sesame-Roasted Green Beans, Coconut-Simmered Fingerling Potatoes, or Beet Pickled Eggs dipped in Spice-Seasoned Salt for revelations in flavor.
And, if there’s still room, a Sparks dessert is not to be missed. Three different pots de crème, chocolate bread pudding, apple tarts, raspberry tarts, maple tuile cookies, and Mohr im Hemd (individual souffléd cakes drenched in dark chocolate) are among the family favorites gathered here.
Above all, Katy Sparks shares the fun and drama of cooking, interweaving stories from her childhood on a Vermont farm and her odyssey from college dropout to star chef. The kitchen is where she feels most happily at home, and with this book to inspire you, so will you.
Customer Reviews:
A top pick for cooks seeking innovations and pizzazz.......2006-05-25
Take a talented chef, have her apply professional techniques to home cooking pursuits, and then publish a cookbook of the results and you have a vivid presentation of fresh flavors, new recipes, and explanations of what enhances traditional methods in SPARKS IN THE KITCHEN. Katy Sparks' restaurant is a very popular New York City venue: now her taste for innovation and drama is accessible to home cooks in such dishes as Soft-Shell Crab Tempura with Crushed Blackberry and Horseradish Relish, or Roasted Cauliflower Gratin. A peppering of color photos adds interest but the 'meat' is in the recipes themselves. A top pick for cooks seeking innovations and pizzazz.
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch
Book Description
Late nineteenth-century San Francisco was an ethnically diverse but male-dominated society bustling from a rowdy gold rush, recovery from the earthquake, and explosive economic growth. Within this booming marketplace, some women stepped beyond their roles as wives, caregivers, and homemakers to start businesses that combined family concerns with money-making activities. Edith Sparks traces the experiences of these women entrepreneurs, exploring who they were, why they started businesses, how they attracted customers and managed finances, and how they dealt with failure.
Using a unique sample of bankruptcy records, credit reports, advertisements, city directories, census reports, and other sources, Sparks argues that women were competitive, economic actors, strategizing how best to capitalize on their skills in the marketplace. Their boardinghouses, restaurants, saloons, beauty shops, laundries, and clothing stores dotted the city's landscape. By the early twentieth century, however, technological advances, new preferences for name-brand goods, and competition from large-scale retailers constricted opportunities for women entrepreneurs at the same time that new opportunities for women with families drew them into other occupations. Sparks's analysis demonstrates that these businesswomen were intimately tied to the fortunes of the city over its first seventy years.
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Sparks from the kitchen
Syd Herman
Manufacturer: Lakeshore Chronicle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B0006PI12I |
Books:
- Fatlands: A Hannah Wolfe Crime Novel (Hannah Wolfe Crime Novels)
- Fer-de-Lance (Crime Line)
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- From Doon with Death
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- Grandmother Spider: A Charlie Moon Mystery
- Hanging By A Thread
- Harm Done: A New Inspector Wexford Mystery
- He Shall Thunder in the Sky
- Hostage, The: A Presidential Agent Novel (Presidential Agent)
Books Index
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