Book Description
When Margaret Parsons disappears, Inspector Burden tries to reassure her frantic husband that she will be back by morning. Privately, though, he is certain Margaret has run off with another man. But then the missing woman's body is found, strangled and abandoned in a nearby wood. And when Mr. Parsons lets the police into his home, a startling discovery leads everyone to question just who Margaret Parsons really was . . .
Customer Reviews:
Kept me guessing from first page to the last.......2007-07-12
This is the first in the Wexford series and, I understand, Rendell's first novel. From the first page, the reader is dying to know who Doon and Minna are and how they relate to the murder of a reportedly plain and uninteresting woman. It wasn't until I neared the end that I was able to guess at any part of the solution. The tension and pace of this novel is just right -- amazing, especially for a first novel. One of the things I like best is that it hasn't been padded with the filler to which most writers resort in order to produce a 300-page book. In this shorter novel, every word counts and is worth reading. Now how often can you say that?
Average .......2006-08-16
The mystery is pretty average, probably because this is Ms. Rendell's first of the Inspector Wexford series. The book is not long and moves briskly enough. I am game to try more of the series.
Clever Plotting.......2006-06-27
This is a cleverly written Inspector Wexford mystery. The book is well-written and has an ending that is hard to guess. This book is compact and it does not waste words, chapters or characters. Each scene is important in the development of the story.
Who Was Margaret?.......2005-03-30
"From Doon With Death" is Ruth Rendell's first novel, and also marks the literary debuts of protagonists Chief Inspector Reg Wexford, and his partner in crime solving, Inspector Mike Burden. At this somewhat late date in life, I thought it about time I explore Ms. Rendell's mysteries, and her psychological thrillers, which receive such rave reviews. "From Doon With Death" was my recent introduction to the author's work. I believe in starting at the beginning. Now I understand what all the fanfare is about. This is an excellent mystery - and it is only her first effort. I know she has matured greatly as a writer in the forty plus years since she published this book in 1964. I look forward to following her development as a writer as I continue to read her books, authored under the name of Barbara Vine, as well as Ruth Rendell.
Margaret Parsons and her husband of six years, Ronald, have recently moved to Kingsmarkham in Sussex. They are a happily married, rather introverted couple, and keep to themselves most of the time. Although Margaret is a lay preacher at the local Methodist Church, and has some acquaintances there, the two have not made any friends yet. They are definitely not wealthy and live a very frugal existence. Ronald works for the Southern Water Board at Stowerton and Margaret is a homemaker, a good one too. Their large, ugly house, is not well constructed, nor does it have a refrigerator, washing machine or other modern conveniences. It does contain, however, a small but very expensive collection of Victorian literature and poetry, bound in suede, scented leather and watered silk. All are inscribed, on the fly leaves, from Doon to Minna, and the messages are personal, romantic, and intense, to say the least.
At the book's beginning, a frantic Ronald Parsons telephones Inspector Mike Burden, a neighbor, to tell him that his wife hasn't come home that evening. The body of the thirty-two year-old woman, is found the next day, strangled in a near-by wood. She had left home with only her keys and purse, not even her coat. When the valuable book collection is discovered in a trunk in the attic, the investigation take on a new nature. Who are Minna and Doon? And who was Margaret Parsons?
Although the seemingly prim and proper Mrs. Parsons is dead when the story begins, the author paints a vivid portrait of the victim in retrospect, through the testimonies of those questioned in connection to the crime. Chief Inspector Wexford, with his countrified ways and off-beat humor, is a meticulous detective, if somewhat eccentric. Inspector Burden, also very competent, makes a wonderful straightman and side-kick. The narrative is taut, the characters diverse and original, and the mystery suspenseful. I couldn't figure out who did it. Ms. Rendell also writes a scathing commentary about the idle rich. This is a book that stands the test of time and continues to rivet its readers. I highly recommend it.
JANA
Wexford's First, Not His Best.......2005-01-11
Actually this is not Inspector Wexford's first case, but the first that Rendell wrote with him as the main character. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, this was her first mystery, period. And it's surprisingly dull, as far as I'm concerned. The "shocking" conclusion to me was obvious from the first few chapters -- I can't tell you why without giving it away -- and now, 30 years later, not so shocking. In fact, by today's standards, it's pretty tame, even quaint. The caliber of Rendell's work soars with her next mystery "Wolf to the Slaughter" and from there she just gets better and better. But this first effort didn't do it for me. Don't base your opinion of Rendell on this book -- unless you love it, of course! -- but do check out the rest of the Wexford mysteries, which are sublimely written and -- yes, truly -- shocking in their conclusions!
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From Doon with Death
Ruth Rendell
Manufacturer: Random House of Canada, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000K6MAHK |
Product Description
8 massmarket paperback Titles in Chief Inspector Wexford Series - From Doon with Death - Wolf to the Slaughter - Best Man to Die - A Guilty Thing Surprised - No More Dying Then - A Sleeping Life - An Unkindness of Ravens - Death Notes
Average customer rating:
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From Doon with Death
Manufacturer: ARROW (RAND)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GSFWEK |
Book Description
"She," is the great mythic creation of the 19th century, while "King Solomon’s Mines" and "Allan Quatermain" are surging tales of adventure, full of sensational fights, blood-curdling perils, and extraordinary escapes.
Customer Reviews:
She was even better than I remember.......2007-03-19
I remember reading about "her" when I was in my teens and I never forgot the impression that Mr. Haggard left in my mind. She was just as beautiful and yet vulnerable in the end to risk everything to go for her ideal. I love the footnotes which add believability to the story and there was so much that I had forgotten from the first read that it was even more enjoyable the second time. The mystery remains, in our time, would someone try to get back to that fountain of youth, or is it better left to keep our normal mortal coil. Enjoy!
The Granddaddy of Occult Flavored Action Adventure.......2007-01-06
If you have never read these novels--the cream of Rider Haggard's work--prepare yourself for sleepless nights, meals untasted, and a blessed relief from the stultifying dullness of modern life. Profound pulp doesn't get any better than this. All Hail H. Rider Haggard!
Indiana Jones before America was a power.......2006-08-16
I read these three novels when I was much younger (I'm now 58) and I remembered them with some fondness - this book is part of my library for that reason. When we, as a family, watched one of the Indiana Jones movies and my two boys (aged 12 and 9) were enthralled, I thought back to Rider Haggard. Perhaps one of these novels would be a good bed time reading!
I chose to reread 'King Solomon's Mines' and I did enjoy it, despite the war that fills most of the middle of the novel - it adds colour, valour and courage but doesn't really contribute to the narrative of the story. For that reason I won't read the stories to my boys, but I suspect that when they are a little older they may well explore these yarns themselves. 'King Solomon's Mines' reads very well despite the passage of years and the changes that have occurred - different views of native peoples, different views of nationalism, different views of women, different views of class......
The 'devices' used to add excitement to the story line are at least as inventive as any of the ones you find in the Indiana Jones movies. And, in fact, I think I like Alan Quartermain better than Indiana Jones - but that might just be a hangover from my British background.
Other recommendations:
'Heart of Darkness' Joseph Conrad
fun stuff.......2006-03-22
good bang for the buck, fun, lightweight, escapist reading: just right a warm day, a shady tree and a crisp apple
Fabulous pre-twentieth century adventure........2005-07-08
Prior to the twentieth century, the thought of an undiscovered civilization in Africa was still believable. These books, based on that premise, are fabulous escapist literature. Haggard milked the concept for all it was worth, and thoughts of hidden diamond mines and the existence of a mysterious female ruler fueled his novels. Escape with Haggard and imagine untouched civilizations probed by unknowing explorers.
Average customer rating:
- Jungle Adventure - Powerful Women
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King Solomon's Mines, She and Allan Quatermain
Henry Rider Haggard
Manufacturer: Smithmark Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 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
ASIN: 0706410629 |
Customer Reviews:
Jungle Adventure - Powerful Women.......2004-11-16
All three novels follow exploits of explorer Allan Quartermain. All three novels, although most centrally She, include the powerful idea of the Woman a primal force seen through the eyes of a man not a feminist. Also all three are currently analyzed for racism, since they are written by a British person and set in Africa. But regardless of analysis all are action packed well written stories that are easy to read.
Plot summaries:
She - The title refers to She Who Must be Obeyed. In this novel Allan Quartermain is charged with looking after a deceased friend's nephew, Leo. They travel to Africa in search of a discovery that was also left to Leo - an advanced and hidden civilization in the heart of Africa.
King Solomon's Mines - The sequel to She also stars Leo and Allan on another quest for a hidden and advanced civilization. This time the civilization is not ruled over by a powerful queen, but features warrior women.
Allan Quartermain - Three explorers journey into the heart of Africa in search of the usual. This time they find a civilization ruled over by twin queens. Things get complicated when one of the explorers falls for a queen.
Basically these are good fun adventure stories. I recommend reading She first, since it has been analyzed by Sigmund Freud, and generally is treated as serious. Like all of the stories She was written as entertainment. If you like that one it is worth it to read the other two novels. Even though the plots all deal with tough women rulers/warriors in the heart of Afica, they are different in the details and not at all repetitive.
Average customer rating:
- Jungle Adventure - Powerful Women
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H. Rider Haggard: She, King Solomon's Mine & Allan Quartermain (Gramercy Adventure Library)
H. Rider Haggard
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
19th Century | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Shakespeare | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0517150565
Release Date: 1996-09-18 |
Customer Reviews:
Jungle Adventure - Powerful Women.......2004-11-16
All three novels follow exploits of explorer Allan Quartermain. All three novels, although most centrally She, include the powerful idea of the Woman a primal force seen through the eyes of a man not a feminist. Also all three are currently analyzed for racism, since they are written by a British person and set in Africa. But regardless of analysis all are action packed well written stories that are easy to read.
Plot summaries:
She - The title refers to She Who Must be Obeyed. In this novel Allan Quartermain is charged with looking after a deceased friend's nephew, Leo. They travel to Africa in search of a discovery that was also left to Leo - an advanced and hidden civilization in the heart of Africa.
King Solomon's Mines - The sequel to She also stars Leo and Allan on another quest for a hidden and advanced civilization. This time the civilization is not ruled over by a powerful queen, but features warrior women.
Allan Quartermain - Three explorers journey into the heart of Africa in search of the usual. This time they find a civilization ruled over by twin queens. Things get complicated when one of the explorers falls for a queen.
Basically these are good fun adventure stories. I recommend reading She first, since it has been analyzed by Sigmund Freud, and generally is treated as serious. Like all of the stories She was written as entertainment. If you like that one it is worth it to read the other two novels. Even though the plots all deal with tough women rulers/warriors in the heart of Afica, they are different in the details and not at all repetitive.
Book Description
I believe it was the old Egyptians, a very wise people, probably indeed much wiser than we know, for in the leisure of their ample centuries they had time to think out things, who declared that each individual personality is made up of six or seven different elements, although the Bible only allows us three, namely, body, soul, and spirit.
Average customer rating:
- The Material World versus The Spirit
- My Favorite of All the Quatermain Books
- Ought to be more fun than it is...
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She And Allan
H. Rider Haggard
Manufacturer: Quiet Vision Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
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Ayesha: The Return of She
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Wisdom's Daughter
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Allan and the Holy Flower
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Allan Quatermain and the Ice Gods
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She (Oxford World's Classics)
ASIN: 1576468313 |
Book Description
Yes, they had begun in my day and we will discuss them later. Still, I say--nearer to the ape than you or I, and therefore of interest, as the germ of things is always. Yet he has qualities, I think; cunning, and fidelity and love which in its round is all in all. Do you understand, Allan, that love is all in all?
Download Description
Yes, they had begun in my day and we will discuss them later. Still, I say--nearer to the ape than you or I, and therefore of interest, as the germ of things is always. Yet he has qualities, I think; cunning, and fidelity and love which in its round is all in all. Do you understand, Allan, that love is all in all?
Customer Reviews:
The Material World versus The Spirit.......2007-08-16
Allan quatermain is the iconic white hunter. He can and has tracked his way across Africa into lands unknown to most white men.
She (also known as "She Who Must be Obeyed) is the eternal seductress, the half goddess/half woman who cannot die. SHE is the ultimate in the spirit world.
Allan, perhaps, can be seen as the ultimate in the world we call reality.
She and Allan plays out this conflict between the material and spirit against the backdrop of the adventure of pushing into unknown darkest Africa.
Not as well known, or as well done as "King Solomon's Mines" or "She" -
then of course few books are-this is a worthwhile sequel to both.
My Favorite of All the Quatermain Books.......2005-07-02
Rider Haggard did an astonishingly good job of bringing together his two most venerable characters. I completely disagree with Mr. Greene and his review. We read Quatermain stories to feel comfortable in the company of an old friend. By the time this novel was published, we were aware of nearly all that hunter's foibles, and there was not a whole lot that needed to be elaborated here. We already know his thoughts and reactions before he himself does. We already know his views on spirituality and destiny and love and friendship and loyalty. Ayehsa also behaves just as we would expect--evasive, vague, saying one thing one minute then something quite different the next. It's impossible to pin her down. But she is another we know well and can anticipate and feel comfortable just being close to. It's Umslopogaas the Zulu and the provenance of his Axe that are the real attention grabbers here. And there are some marvelous battles to be relished vicariously as we learn about that Axe.
And just as some say that Sam is the real hero of the Lord of the Rings, for it is no more and no less than his steadfastness that gets Frodo to the end of the quest, so Hans' s role also needs to be raised up, for it is his pithy but invariably wise remarks and his own version of steadfastness that are the "heart" of the Quatermain stories in which he appears. Would that Haggard had written more of Quatermain and Hans!!
Ought to be more fun than it is..........2000-05-19
Haggard combines his two most bankable stars-- Ayesha and Quartermain-- and it ought to be twice as much fun. The problem ultimately is that we know from page one that nothing is going to happen that might conflict with any of the history established for these characters in their other books. Particularly in Ayesha's case that's mighty limiting-- we know that Allan is going to pass through her life without making any particular mark, because all the significant people in her life are already accounted for. Consequently, the work doesn't really show anything new about either character, and instead of two great prizefighters duking it out, we get a couple of characters dancing around trying not to make a mark on each other. Still the basic two-fisted Anglo-Saxon hambone adventure that Haggard does so well, but there's a little less zip in this outing.
Average customer rating:
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SHE & ALLAN
H. Rider Haggard
Manufacturer: Pulp Fictions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000P0U7Q2 |
Average customer rating:
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She and Allan
H., Ridder Haggard
Manufacturer: A & D Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Series | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1604590599 |
Book Description
Before there was Indiana Jones there was Allan Quartermain: the original explorer, treasure hunter, and adventurer. The Quartermain books have captivated readers for more than a century, spawning more than a dozen movies and a host of imitators. In She and Allan, Allan and Ayesha, She, Who Must Be Obeyed head off on an adventure together!
Book Description
The groundbreaking cholesterol-lowering program . . . now even more effective!
Robert Kowalski's personal story is legendary. By the age of forty-one, he had suffered a heart attack and had undergone two coronary bypass surgeries. A traditional dietary approach to lowering his cholesterol failed dismally, and faced with the unpleasant alternative of a lifetime on medication, he created a program that proved astonishingly effective for him -- and legions of others worldwide who used it.
Today Kowalski has beaten heart disease, lives an unlimited and vigorous lifestyle, and uses no prescription drugs. Now, with new information about risk factors, exercise, and supplements, The New 8-Week Cholesterol Cure is even more powerful in fighting heart disease. It includes:
- The facts about homocysteine and the deadly cholesterol Lp(a)
- A diet that jump-starts cholesterol reduction
- The heart-healthy secrets of niacin, other B vitamins, and safe supplements
- The latest findings on exercise
- New cholesterol-testing methods
- New heart-healthy products ... and more!
Arm yourself against heart disease-America's number-one killer-and increase your chances for a long, healthy life with The New 8-Week Cholesterol Cure.
Customer Reviews:
Life Saving Message.......2007-01-10
Bob Kowalski is my hero.
I skimmed through a copy of this book and then purchased a copy for myself. It is very readable, yet covers an immense amount of detail.
I made the decision to follow this program out of desperation.
My doctor practices medicene, and medicene says old guys like me with bad lipid data should be taking Statins drugs. Another lipid exam was conducted at the end of six weeks.
Total Cholesterol had dropped from dropped dramatically, weight had come down 6 pounds, and no problem with kidney enzymes was indicated.
Bob provides specific information, specific sources, phone numbers and a sizeable index of web sites.
It is a fun book to give to friends that are experiencing the frustration
of life with high cholesterol.
There Is No Cure.......2006-11-10
After reading this book, I have come to a simple conclusion: You can't beat the effectiveness of statin drugs.
The author basically instructs the reader to eat right, exercise and take high doses of Vitamins E, C, and a few other vitamins along with Omega-3 oils, and strict doses of Niacin. Now that's all well and good, but if I were to follow the authors advice on dosage of the aforementioned vitamins and oils, then it would end up costing me significantly more, way more than my $10/month co-pay for Zocor. Plus, like I mentioned, there's no amount of vitamins that can beat a statin drug's effectiveness at lowering cholesterol.
So while the book has some useful advice, keep in mind there is no "cure" and you really won't see significant lowering of LDL or total cholesterol levels using this book. Talk to your doctor about a statin drug.
It worked for me!.......2006-10-13
I got this book last year. It is simple and easy to read. I ordered the supplements immediately. In 3 months I had lowered my cholesterol 28 points so the Dr. did not make me try a prescription. Even with a foot injury and not exercising, the eating habits and taking the phytosterols this year, my cholesterol was down even more. I highly recommend it!
The "Secret" Ingredient.......2006-04-05
I went to my doctor in November 2005 and had my Cholesterol checked. It was a disaster.
Here were the results:
Total Cholesterol: 291
Triglycerides: 279
HDL Cholesterol 42
VLDL Cholesterol 56
LDL Cholesterol 193
My M.D. suggested I read "The new 8 week Cholesterol Cure" and follow Mr. Kowalski's advice and check back in 4 months, which I did.
I just got my new results back and am ecstatic.
Here are the results:
Total Cholesterol: 174
Triglycerides: 79
HDL Cholesterol 60
VLDL Cholesterol 16
LDL Cholesterol 98
I also read about a dozen other books on the topic but none compare to this book of practical advice.
I can't say enough about this program. It has changed my life.
It works!!!!.......2006-03-23
This wonderful doctor is definetly on to something. My husband whose family has a history of heart disease has lowered his cholesterol from 243 to 173 in 8 weeks. this book is loaded with important information so you can begin your lifestyle change without perhaps having to depend on prescription drugs.
Book Description
From quick treats to impressive sweets, TEENS COOK DESSERT is a step-by-step guide to making delicious desserts—the kinds teens like to make and eat. Sisters Megan and Jill Carle understand what other teens know and don't know about baking, and they clearly describe and explain everything their peers need to do to produce fabulous results. With an interactive, colorful design and tons of mouth-watering photos, TEENS COOK DESSERT teaches teens and tweens to be independent in the kitchen and have an awesome time while they're at it.
Customer Reviews:
Marvelous Desserts.......2007-07-03
My daughter's friend gave her this book and Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat when they were both 14. A year later, they have cooked almost everything in both books--by themselves. The authors provide clear directions and important tips. I've given both books as gifts several times. If only the girls cleaned the kitchen as well as they cook...
Teens Cook.......2006-11-04
I sent the two books to my granddaughter and she is thrilled with them. She has moved into her own apt. and is learning to cook. These are easy to read and fun.
Books:
- Full-Auto Conversion Of The SKS Rifle
- 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)
- Hush Money (Spenser Mysteries)
- I Had the Right to Remain Silent...But I Didn't Have the Ability
- J.D. Robb Collection 5: Seduction in Death, Reunion in Death, and Purity in Death (In Death)
- Jane and the Man of the Cloth: Being the Second Jane Austen Mystery
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Thunder in the East: The Nazi-Soviet War, 1941-1945
- The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists
- Reproductive Biology of Invertebrates, Progress in Developmental Endocrinology
- Speciation and the Recognition Concept: Theory and Application
- Seismic Design of Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Buildings
- The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal
- The Hell Screen: A Mystery of Ancient Japan
- Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product Selection and Specification
- Stores of the Year No 15
- Death Takes a Honeymoon
Wolf to the Slaughter (Chief Inspector Wexford Mysteries)
Best Man to Die (Chief Inspector Wexford Mysteries)
Sins of the Fathers: An Inspector Wexford Mystery (Formerly Titled : a New Lease of Death)
A Guilty Thing Surprised (Chief Inspector Wexford Mysteries)
Some Lie and Some Die (An Inspector Wexford Mystery)
