Kookaburra Gambit: A Kylie Kendall Mystery (Kylie Kendall Mysteries)

Book Description

"A romping good time!"-LesbiaNation.com on The Wombat Strategy

Owning half a detective agency is not as exciting as it sounds when your partner won't let you solve any cases. Transplanted Aussie Kylie Kendall is frustrated as all get out, and she spends most of her time hanging out with her receptionist and sampling the Los Angeles nightlife. But that's about to change. Twins Alf and Chica Hartnidge, the hosts of Australia's hit children's television show The Oz Mob, hire Kylie to find out who's smuggling opals into the United States inside their Kelvin Kookaburra plush toys. A syndication deal and a load of money are riding on whether Kylie will shut down the smugglers, but a murder (or two) makes the stakes even higher.

Claire McNab is the author of The Wombat Strategy, as well as 18 other best-selling mystery novels. She has served as the president of Sisters in Crime and is a member of both the Mystery Writers of America and the Science Fiction Writers of America. She lives in Los Angeles.

Customer Reviews:

The 'Gambit''s a Gambol!.......2005-09-11

A self-absorbed receptionist who treats her day job as if she were awarding her co-workers a treasured personal appearance;

An icy, blue-eyed blonde who makes the slightly klutzy Kylie trip over herself even more than usual; and

A pseudo-preacher to the stars, offering his supplicants one of his hands in compassion while the other steals through their pockets.

These are some of the priceless characters waiting to delight the reader in Claire McNab's second Kylie Kendall mystery. (Note to reader: If by chance you missed the first of the series, "The Wombat Strategy," stop reading this immediately and go get it!) Now where were we?

Though the setting is Los Angeles at its Kleig-lit best, we see it far more clearly through the eyes of our newly-transplanted Australian heroine, the funny, adorable and ingenuous Kylie Kendall. Take the greedy Hollywood bad guys lying and conniving as usual, add Kylie, the detective-with-training-wheels hot on their trail, doing her newbie best not to get lost in either the hairpin twists of the plot as well as the L.A. streets and Bam! you get one deliciously deadly, funny mix.

Lighter in tone than Ms. McNab's other two series, the Carol Ashton and Denise Cleever mysteries, "The Kookaburra Gambit" has only one fault--it ends far too quickly. Hurry, Ms. McNab, and present us with the next book in this series, "The Quokka Question."

So, Ms. McNab ... how's that writing coming? Are you done yet?

Smashing good fun, blokes!.......2005-04-20

Ms. McNab lives up to the promise shown in the Wombat Strategy, her first Kylie Kendall Mystery. The Kookaburra Gambit takes up where the Wombat Strategy left off. Our heroine is a neophyte private eye, newly arrived from down under. She is still (very capably) learning to cope with all the differences in her world. The mystery is great, and the book is genuinely funny. The matchup between Kylie and the rabid Christian right is fine to see.

I just wish these books were longer, and came out lots more often. I can hardly wait for the next volume in the series!

Book Description

Before he knew about the Roses, fourteen-year-old Jack lived an unremarkable life in the small Ohio town of Trinity.Only the medicine he has to take daily and the thick scar above his heart set him apart from the other high-schoolers.Then one day Jack skips his medicine.Suddenly, he is stronger, fiercer, and more confident than ever before.And it feels greatuntil he loses control of his own strength and nearly kills another player during soccer team tryouts.Soon, Jack learns the startling truth about himself:he is Weirlindpart of an underground society of magical people who live among us.At the head of this magical society sit the feuding houses of the Red Rose and the White Rose, whose power is determined by playing The Gamea magical tournament in which each house sponsors a warrior to fight to the death.The winning house rules the Weir.As if his bizarre magical heritage isnt enough, Jack finds out that hes not just another member of Weirlindhes one of the last of the warriorsat a time when both houses are scouting for a player.Jacks performance on the soccer field has alerted the entire magical community to the fact that hes in Trinity.And until one of the houses is declared Jacks official sponsor, there are no limits to what theyll do to get Jack to fight for them. . . .

Customer Reviews:

The New Great Fantasy Adventure Series.......2007-08-29

In an age when reading is less and less popular among both children and adults, Cinda Williams Chima has presented us with the next great series that will entertain people of all ages without the need of electricity. Though labeled a a novel for "Young Adults," the series will appeal to adults as well as teenagers. In The Warrior Heir, Chima brings to life a plethora of complex characters. Among them is Jack, the protagonist. Jack is neither an orphan nor the product of an unbroken home. As is so common in reality, and less common in most novels of the genre, Jack's parents are divorced. This is the first of many qualities that tie the main character to those who read about him. Jack's mother, a mysterious old caretaker, a new assistant principal at Jack's school, and others all bring Trinity, Ohio to life. Initially set in Ohio, the novel ties reality to fantasy in the combination that fantasy readers thrive on. The adventure explores a whole new, more sinister, way of life just when global readers thought they had finally conquered the Wizarding world. Pre-teens, teenagers, their college aged siblings, and parents alike will all enjoy Cinda William Chima's The Warrior Heir and the complex world of the Weir that it explores.

Pretty Good.......2007-08-22

The book overall was good. The plot never lets up and you really want to get to the next page. I would recommend reading this book before Wizard Heir. Unfortunately, I started with Wizard Heir, so I knew most of the plot. The story begins with Jack and what happens after he doesn't take his heart medication one day.All of the sudden, his whole life changes. Things change for him in the drastic way.I'm looking forward to any new installments of this series, if any.

The Warrior Heir Review, Cal Skogman.......2007-04-17

The Warrior Heir is a extremely fascinating book that keeps you guessing until the end. It leads you on an epic journey, that will satisfy the most 'picky' of readers. Jack is a teenager, that has suposedly heart problems. He takes medicine every day, but one day he forgets to take it. He feels amazing, better and stronger than normal. Vice Principal Hastings finds Jack, and Jack finds out a secret that has been kept from him since he was born. He is a warrior. Part of an ancient family of warriors before him. The tournament is brewing, and Jack is chosen to fight. The question is not Jack's ability, but his expeirience; and who will he fight? The Warrior Heir was an amazing book that I had a very hard time setting down.

Loved it..........2007-03-22

I really enjoyed this book. I had the day off and spent my entire morning reading it...once you get started it's hard to stop reading. It kept me geusing unitl the very end. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy books that involve seemingly ordinary people.

Interesting Tale of a Warrior.......2006-08-27

Jack, a former heart patient, is simply living his rather normal teenage life until the one day he forgets to take his medicine. Suddenly he discovers he has a strength he didn't know he possessed, but worse than that, others who have been searching for him now know where he lives and they are coming for him. It turns out that Jack is a warrior, though born a wizard, and many wizards are now looking for him so that he can take part in a gladiator style fight for supremacy in the wizarding world. His aunt Linda tries to protect him but eventually it becomes apparent that Jack must fight, or spend his life running and hoping not to be killed.

This is a good story, with plenty of exciting moments and lots of interesting characters who are either intent on helping Jack or destroying him. However, there are a few problems that keep the story from being truly riveting. The different classes of sorcerers, enchanters, wizards, and warriors are never fully explained, and the rather optimistic ending just seemed a little too pat. Overall this is a good fantasy, but with a bit of editing and the addition of some explanations, this could have been a great one. Still, it should enthrall its target audience, and can be recommended for fans of the genre.

Average customer rating:

Not Bad
The New Great Fantasy Adventure Series Continues
Excellent book
awesome story
AMAZING BOOK!!!

Wizard Heir, The
Cinda Williams Chima
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Adventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1423104870

Customer Reviews:

Not Bad.......2007-09-02

has really good build up but it drops you off when the guy wins. nothing afterwords. bad ending

The New Great Fantasy Adventure Series Continues.......2007-08-29

"Seph is a wizard, orphaned..." That's all I needed to read. Great, I thought, another Harry Potter rip-off. Boy was I wrong!

I first stumbled upon The Wizard Heir when leaving a bookstore after doing research for my own project. There was table situated right next to the door, it was covered with hardcover books that featured enticing cover art. The opened the book, read the jacket flap, and left the store disgusted. I had only just finished mourning the loss of Harry Potter and here was arrogant Seph McCauley trying to fill the void.

I didn't actually know what the story was really about, or that it was the companion novel to another novel, The Warrior Heir. Eventually I became curious about what I thought was a rip-off and did an internet search. Soon I had landed on the author's website (http://www.cindachima.com/). I read the first chapter of The Wizard Heir (available in PDF form on the author's web site) and before I knew it I had purchased The Warrior Heir and was singing Cinda Williams Chima's praises (to reluctantly use an appropriate cliche).

Just like it's predecessor, The Wizard Heir does not disappoint and Seph McCauley is certainly not Harry Potter. The similarities stop at "...wizard, orphaned..."

Chima brings to life a new cast of characters and, to the readers delight, brings back the players from the first novel.

As I said of The Warrior Heir, "In an age when reading is less and less popular among both children and adults, Cinda Williams Chima has presented us with the next great series that will entertain people of all ages without the need of electricity. Though labeled a a novel for 'Young Adults,' the series will appeal to adults as well as teenagers."

Whether your a pre-teen, that role falls to a younger sibling, or even if you're a parent, you will not be disappointed by The Wizard Heir.

Should you read The Warrior Heir first? Yes.

Why? It's a great book! Besides, reading the whole series always makes things clearer. Having said that, Chima has an interesting way of catching up new readers or refreshing the memories of those who have read the first book. As the protagonist is not the same character as in The Warrior Heir, the author reminds the reader of important details through the education of Seph McCauley. Seph is new to the world of the Weir (the details anyway) and as he is educated by new and returning characters alike, so is the reader. Ingenious!

Excellent book.......2007-08-06

I was pleasently surprised about how well written this book was as well as being very different from Harry Potter.It will appeal to both teens and adults.It is a page turner . You don't need to have read Warrior Heir first, since Chima provides the reader with a sort of plot summary of that book. Wizard Heir follows a young wizard named Seph McCauley who falls constantly into trouble due to his untamed powers and becomes a target for one wizard , Gregory Leicster, who seeks to obtain Seph's power for his own evil purposes. The book also weaves into its plot wizard politics and the different casts of the gifted, enchanters , warriors and wizards.

awesome story.......2007-06-27

This book takes place about 6 months to a year after the warrior heir and its about another young man who is a wizard (obviously) and he ends up in a some strange place but it has a pretty good end so I would read it if you read the warrior heir

AMAZING BOOK!!!.......2007-06-20

First off, you should read the Warrior Heir first. It's a great book and you'll be less confused about the different guilds. But The Wizard Heir far surpasses all my expections. I read all 458 pages in one day. I just couldn't put it down. Most of the characters from Warrior Heir return in this companion book, but not until later. The main character is a 16 year old wizard named Seph who doesn't know how to use his powers. Because of this he his shuffled around from private school to private school because of various mishaps until he eventually ends up at the Haven where nobody is ever expelled. The action really picks up here and won't say any more because I hate spoilers. But totally buy this book, it is worth every penny. You won't be dissappointed.

Average customer rating:

A Fantasy Whodunit!
Excites and Amuses.
Great fantasy mystery novel!
Very Good
Someone stole part of his inheritance from a wizard

Wizard's Heir
Daniel Hood
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0441002315

Customer Reviews:

A Fantasy Whodunit!.......2002-07-02

Wizard's Heir continues the tale of the adventures of Liam Rhenford and his dragon familiar, Fanuilh. Liam awakens one morning to find that three of the magical artifacts left to him by the wizard Tarquin have been stolen - but how? and why? He reports the theft to his friend, the Aedile (the Sheriff), but he has his own problems. Someone tried to rob the temple of one of the new gods in town. Liam decides to investigate his own theft because the Aedile is too busy. Little does he know that this will lead to infiltrating the Thieves' Guild, a ghost wandering around in search of his body, a master swordsman with an incurable disease, and a caged gryphon...

This was a fabulous book in that Daniel Hood continues his excellent development of characters and beautiful writing style. The story was easy to follow (maybe a little too easy...), but full of fascinating characters and descriptions. Buy the book A Familiar Dragon and get the first three books in one hardbound edition (available used online for about half the price of a normal hardbound) - it is well worth your time and effort!

Excites and Amuses........2001-06-02

Before starting this series (this is the 2nd book) I had expected an amusing light fantasy. I didn't get it but that's ok because I got something better! Hood is crossing genres with a vengence and I thoroughly enjoy it. In the first book (Fanuilh) he weaves fantasy and hard-boiled-detective. A tricky combo but well done. When I started this book I expected more of the same. Surprise! This time he whipped together fantasy and Sherlock-Holmes-style mystery! (What was so unusual about the behaviour of the Gryphon? The Gryphon DIDN'T bark in the night) I hope he continues the genre-crossing in the other books in this series. Perhaps fantasy and police-procedural is next?!?

Great fantasy mystery novel!.......2000-07-20

A fun read, this book caught my attention with its clever hero and suprise ending. Overall, it is an excellent book which starts a lovely fantasy series. Read it, I think you'll like it.

Very Good.......1997-05-14

This book was very cool.It really sparks the ol' imagination.Daniel Hood really did good

Someone stole part of his inheritance from a wizard.......1996-05-29

Despite what is written on the cover of the book, this is NOTa standard fantasy story. Liam Rhenford, the main character,has been everywhere and done everything. After inheriting a familar from a dead wizard friend and a magical house with air conditioning and an endless supply of food from a magic oven, he is set to learn magic. Then someone robs him. They steal stuff only a wizard could use. His city of Southwark is convinced that Liam is the only wizard in town, just ask anyone. Then the newest temple in town is illegally entered and the head of the temple assaulted. The head of the temple wants to fight EVERYONE. Inter-temple violence threatens. How can the two events be related? The local sheriff wants his help. Liam consults the local Thieves' Guild, but it is too poor and disorganized to help. You CANNOT guess who the thief is until the author tells you or even WHY all the running around is going on. If you like fantasy, this book is a step above the normal.

Average customer rating:

Genesis Project: Heirs of Ashes
Fanthorpe , Gathercoal , and Ramsey
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1412083990
Release Date: 2006-06-30

Book Description

From Ravania Entertainment and Trafford Publishing comes the continuation of the Genesis Project series, Genesis Project: Heirs of Ashes. Heirs of Ashes is a fast moving adventure novel that takes readers to different worlds and places in an age long, long ago. Combining the fantasy and science-fiction genres the book includes wizards, dragons, great sword battles, and all the things readers of fantasy have come to love, set on the back drop of an intergalactic community. The story is one of love, loss and survival in an age of conflict an uncertainty. Heirs of Ashes is set three years after the end of a war between the Kasna Republik and the Planetary Empire. The Kasna were once the greatest power in the known worlds, but they fell to the power of the Empire and are now a scattered people. The Empire was set to take control of the stars, but in their greatest hour of glory, the known worlds were invaded by an alien race: Durinians. Monsters of terrible power, the Durinians destroy everything that stands in their way. After three years of war with the Durinians, the Empire is falling to their might. Now, only an alliance with former enemies will save the Empire and all the beings of the known worlds. Heroes from both sides of the war must stand together. Enemies must become allies. In this time of conflict, one woman, who is important to both the agents of light and darkness will be drawn into the war. Hardened by losses and dark torments, the woman is reluctant to become involved. However, unbeknownst to her, she is the catalyst and in the end, she will change everything...

Average customer rating:

Not for those who like to cut to the chase

Wildly entertaining for a "how to" book!

not exhaustive, but very close

A must buy!

Wow!

Everything You Never Wanted Your Kids to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid They'd Ask): The Secrets to Surviving Your Child's Sexual Development from Birth to the Teens
Justin Richardson , and Mark Schuster
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sex | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Sexuality | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Psychology of Sexuality | Sexuality | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Child Development | Babies & Toddlers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

It's So Amazing!: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families

Ten Talks Parents Must Have with Their Children About Sex and Character

It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health

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What's Going on Down There?: Answers to Questions Boys Find Hard to Ask

Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 1400051282
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Book Description

If you’ve ever tried to tell your six-year-old how babies are made or your fourteen-year-old how condoms work, you know that grappling with telling your kids about sex can be a sweat-drenched exercise. But it doesn’t have to be. Everything You Never Wanted Your Kids to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid They’d Ask) is a one-of-a-kind survival guide that will help you stay sane through every stage of your child’s sexual development. After interviewing scores of parents and analyzing decades of scientific research, two nationally respected, Harvard-trained physicians share their expertise in this brilliantly insightful, practical, and hilarious book that has fast become the leading resource for parents of toddlers to teens. This indispensable guide covers all the bases, including:

• What to expect at each stage of your child’s development and how you can influence it from birth onward
• What to tell your kids at every age about sex and how to get the conversation going
• What to do when your five-year-old turns up naked with the girl next door, your toddler is rubbing on her teddy bear, or your six-year-old walks in on you having sex
• How to avoid unnecessary clashes with your middle-schooler while managing privacy, crushes, and what to wear
• How to encourage your teenager to use contraception without encouraging her to have sex, and how to help her choose the method that’s best for her

Customer Reviews:

Not for those who like to cut to the chase.......2007-08-17

While a good, solid resource by two learned academics, I was a bit disappointed w/ this read, which seemed to spend more time trying to be witty than actually getting to the "meat" of the info. Not meant for parents with "conservative" family values, this book is jam-packed w/ stories, some which seem exaggerated, in its attempt to be edgy (which to some may be read as crass). The authors clip over developmental changes of boys and girls at almost too fast a pace, making the work not as thoughtful as it could be. It also overly generalizes children's responses and behaviors. Overall, it's difficult for readers to pull out important info.

Wildly entertaining for a "how to" book!.......2007-08-03

Half way through the first chapter, I was nodding, laughing and remembering. The author and editors are dead-on with their descriptions and stories. Their advice is absolutely bar none.

I put down the book after the first chapter and realized that it was so well written that I would have read it if it WASN'T recommended by the therapist who sees my two step-children who are currently in heat. I reported back to him with rave reviews.

A must read for anyone who has, or wants, kids. Period. It will make your life so much easier...

not exhaustive, but very close.......2007-03-20

This book is lengthy and full of useful information, ranging from how to deal with your child's sexuality from baby to teen; masturbation; attraction; orientation; pregnancy; parenting; and everything in between. A very well written book.

A must buy!.......2007-02-01

I read the book and wish I had read it sooner and then I gave it to my 15 year old to read as well.

Much better than A chicken's guide to talking turkey with your kids about sex (preachy at best, as in religious zealots).

I think books are a useful tool to open up lines of communication and purchased this author's book, Everything You Never Wanted Your Kids to Know About Sex with a copy of Dr. Ruth's Sex for Dummies for my older teen. I also read and shared, Human Sexuality by Roger R. Hock.

It is my personal feeling that providing your child with information about thier bodies will help them keep themselves healthy. It does not mean we give them our blessings to do whatever they want nor does it mean we have the right to make choices for them. We do as parents have the responsibilities of educating them.

As I have multiple children and liked her reasonable approach I also purchased Dr. Ruth Talks To Kids for my pre-teen. I also recommend the American Medical Association (Boy's/Girls) Guide To Becomming A Teen, and a copy of It's Perfectly Normal.

Copies of It's So Amazing and It's Not The Stork are also worth having kicking around the house but I did find the books to be rather long so don't be surprised if your active younger child does't want to go over them in one sitting.

Sexual development does begin in utero and it is time the average parent understood it better. That "talk" isn't just one talk you have with your child but a series of conversations in the car, at the supper table, when you are getting dressed in the changing room, changing diapers, in front of your best friend, at the doctor's office, and so on. If you are feeling a little shy about it- this book is for you.

Wow!.......2006-11-10

What a wonderful book for mother's like me who are freaking out when our 6 year olds start asking about sex. It helps make the topic easy. Nice book.

Average customer rating:

Wondrich Delivers

Suave and engaging guide

Best of the Best Cocktails

Great Guide for Beginner as well as Experienced Mixers

Great Content - Terrible, Terrible Design

Killer Cocktails: An Intoxicating Guide to Sophisticated Drinking (Hands-Free Step-By-Step Guides)
David Wondrich
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Bartending | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Spirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails : From the Alamagoozlum Cocktail to the Zombie

The Joy of Mixology: The Consummate Guide to the Bartender's Craft

The Craft of the Cocktail: Everything You Need to Know to Be a Master Bartender, with 500 Recipes

Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book (Classic Cocktail Books series)

Jigger, Beaker and Glass: Drinking Around the World

ASIN: 0060740728
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Book Description

Killer Cocktails is a unique hands-free, stand-up guide with all the advice and guidelines you need to set up a home bar and learn the art of mixing cocktails the right way. The drinks you'll find in here avoid novelty products, artificial flavors, and colors not found in nature. They're heavy on tradition and light on trendiness. You also might learn a thing or two, from the origins of the John Collins (no Toms, Dicks, or Harrys here) to why the Daiquiri should be resurrected from its status as the wimp of all cocktails (it was JFK's fave, after all).

And that's not all. While respecting the traditions of balance and simplicity that our mixological forefathers founded, Killer Cocktails also shows you how to be creative. First you master the basics and only then can you start substituting vanilla vodka for rum, or rhubarb for raspberry. But if you're simply in the mood for a Rye Old-Fashioned, the real recipe is right here.

Customer Reviews:

Wondrich Delivers.......2007-09-29

The recipes are stellar, the writing is casual and witty, and the history fascinating and relevant. A good selection of classic and modern drinks. My new favorite reference when cocktail hour rolls around... and with this book, it never seems to come quickly enough. I like to find recipes in Killer Cocktail and turn to Gary Regan's Joy of Mixology as the ultimate reference. I recommend this book for cocktail novices and experienced mixologists alike. Wondrich's writing really seals the deal for me, and his bottomless knowledge of history ties it all together.

Suave and engaging guide.......2006-10-19

Elegantly laid out with tasty historical tidbits. Eases one into the art of making cocktails with a simple layout and straightforward recipes.
Organization may be slightly bewildering to some, but it has its own logic and artful presentation. Fun and educational, and what a price!

Best of the Best Cocktails.......2006-02-17

I have tried most the the recipes and have not found
one that I did not like yet!!!!!!!!

Great Guide for Beginner as well as Experienced Mixers.......2005-06-17

I found Killer Cocktails to be exceedingly helpful in developing my basic background of mixing drinks. Wondrich's ideas are presented in a witty, relaxed, and outside the box manner. He provides necessary information on not only the right way to mix great cocktails, but also the simple steps in setting up a home bar. Moreover, Killer Cocktails is set up as an easel format, so that it stands on its own while you are busy creating new and flavorful drinks. I actually found this to be an incredibly novel and useful way to thumb through the distinct recipes and tips.

I gave this to my father as an early Father's Day gift, and even he, who I thought to be more of a cocktail connoisseur, found the book to be extremely knowledgeable and fun. For every recipe that is given, there are also entertaining stories and trivia that are great to throw out at cocktail parties.

After following Wondrich's tips and guide, I'm definitely much more comfortable and excited to tend to the bar at my own parties. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to enhance his or her knowledge of creating and mixing cocktails, but doesn't want to spend the money or the time on a bartending class.

Great Content - Terrible, Terrible Design.......2005-05-28

There is some great information in this book - it's well written and fun to read. I might make is much use of it as I do Ted Haigh's "Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails" or Dale Degroff's "The Craft of the Cocktail" or Gary Regan's "The Joy of Mixology", but I feel like throwing it away. Why? It is next to impossible to use.

Someone had the bright idea of making it spiral bound at the top. To read through it requires flipping one page at a time, and turning the book over. A cocktail picture will be on one page, the recipe on the reverse - to see the recipe, you have to flip the page over the top and turn the book around. Very annoying, as the pages want to go every which way, since the binding is at the top. There is a cover flap that extends below that gets in the way as you flip back and forth. It makes it very hard to use.

It really is a mess. Avoid the aggrevation, save your money, and buy one of the three mentioned previously. If you have them, you might consider it, as there is good stuff here. But be prepared for a struggle reading it. I finally removed the spiral binding, punched holes in the side, and put it in a small loose-leaf binder. Now I can relax while I prepare for the cocktail hour.

KILLER COCKTAILS : AN INTOXICATING GUIDE TO SOPHISTICATED DRINKING; A HANDS-FREE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Average customer rating:

KILLER COCKTAILS : AN INTOXICATING GUIDE TO SOPHISTICATED DRINKING; A HANDS-FREE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
DAVID/ MILNE, BILL (PHT)/ MULHERIN, ERICA (ILT) WONDRICH
Manufacturer: HARPER COLLINS TRADE DIVISION
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KREV7G

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