Die Upon a Kiss (Benjamin January, Book 5)

Book Description

In February 1835, the cold New Orleans streets are alight with masked Mardi Gras revelers as the American Theater’s impresario, Lorenzo Belaggio, brings a magnificent yet controversial operatic version of Othello to town. But it’s pitch-black in the alley where free man of color Benjamin January hears a slurred whisper, spies the flash of a knife, and is himself wounded as he rescues Belaggio from a vicious attack. Could competition for audiences—or for Belagio’s affections—provoke such violent skulduggery? Or is Shakespeare’s tragic tale, with its spectacle of a black man’s passion for a white beauty, one that some Creole citizen—or American parvenu—would do anything to keep off the stage? The soaring music will lead January into a tangle of love, hate, and greed more treacherous than any onstage drama, as he must discover who is responsible...and who will Die Upon a Kiss.

Customer Reviews:

Ben January Fan.......2007-01-15

So far, I've liked all the Benjamin January books. The one that follows this is perhaps my least favorite. I read my first BJ book while on a business trip to New Orleans years ago -- it may be that my fondness of these books is tied to the memories of New Orleans and the fact that I "discovered" them while actually in NO.

A very good blend of mystery, history, and medicine. I highly recommend these to my family & friends.

a total "clinker".......2006-10-19

I have read all the previous Benjamin January books and loved them all, although not all were easy reads. This one, though, almost had me feeling the need to write down all the characters and what part they played so that I could keep track of them. There seemed to be more "patois" than usual and couple this with trying to keep up with all the characters, it was extremely tiresome and annoying. I started this book no less than three times, not wanting to give up because I couldn't believe that Ms. Hambly could have written such a "clinker". But alas-twas true. Finally I gave up and skipped to the back just to see who did what and found myself with no better understanding than if I had actually finished the book. One of the few books I have given up on-it just wasn't worth it. I hope that the rest of her books are better.

Opera in New Orleans February 1835.......2004-01-08

I have to admit that at first I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous ones in the series, and it is very difficult to keep all the characters straight (actually all through the book), but when the story got going it was wonderful. There were lots of plots and subplots so that it was a bit difficult to follow, but if you pesevere you'll read an intriguing book with a great mystery. We see lots of character development here - Benjamin, Rose, Hannibal and even Ben's younger sister Dominique. And no one can touch Ms Hambly for beautiful descriptions and dialogue! In this book we get a first-hand view of what opera was like in these times - compare it and the personalities or stars to motion pictures today. Audiences loved and hated their favourite opera stars, and everyone in that industry was after their "15 minutes of fame". This is a totally wonderful series, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in historical fiction (not just mysteries).

My least favorite of the series.......2002-08-24

I got stuck about 20 pages into it and from there restarted reading it about four times before I finally finished it. I was inundated with the cast of characters and found it very difficult to keep all the relationships and subplots straight. This, along with the author's writing style of constantly interrupting the sentence flow by inserting other lengthy information right in the middle of it (count the em dashes in the book sometime!) made this book a tedious read. I did enjoy seeing Benjamin's & Rose's relationship further develop, and of course getting a great feel for how life was in 1830s New Orleans.

Not the best so far..........2002-05-26

There are too many characters, and it's hard to tell them apart. Lots of incidents, but this time they don't add up to much at the end. At least this time it's nice to see January among a crowd that accepts him as a fellow artist, and treats him (at times) as a near equal. Full of interesting period atmosphere.

To Die Upon a Kiss: The Martha Carpenter Story

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Thank you Dr. Baden
Murder for the Masses
Disappointed Michael Baden Fan

To Die Upon a Kiss: The Martha Carpenter Story
Michael Baden
Manufacturer: Amazon.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Forensic Science | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: B000A0WN9G
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Book Description

With the advent of DNA, the general public believes that all crimes can be solved in one hour. Unfortunately, 40% of all homicides go unsolved. This piece was written to demonstrate that it is the marriage of good old-fashioned police work: involving shoe leather --- knocking on doors, interviewing witnesses, pursuing tips, along with forensic science that is most important in solving crimes.

Customer Reviews:

Thank you Dr. Baden.......2005-09-28

I too agree that this is one of the best short stories out there. For those who work within any of the specialty areas of forensic science and have an idea what it takes to conduct a successful investigation, it will be easy to detect the subtle, but significant points Dr. Baden makes in this piece. One such point that I believe he makes is that forensic science, and in this case the expertise of the Medical Examiner, is but a "piece of the pie" in any investigation. Dr. Baden shows here that even the best and honest evaluation may lead in a wrong direction, when cues from the dead are misinterpreted or how he stated, "hidden". In this case, several of the victims had various conditions that influenced the ruling for cause / manner of death. It takes the knowledge, skills and abilities of seasoned investigators to successfully conclude a case - not just forensic science. This story is a good example of how clues were missed by all members of the investigation team, not just the medical examiner.

To best interpret what the dead are trying to say to us, one must have a completely open mind to different scenarios. Even though a set of facts may influence the direction taken in a case, consideration of all possible scenarios must be taken. Although this short story is not full of "new information" per se, (as one reviewer stated) for those of us who continue to pursue training and education in the forensic sciences, it contains points that are quite worthy of repetition. Dr. Baden often shares his expertise through case examples and real life stories, both in his writing and oral lectures. He humbly shares his successes and failures as lesson learned for our benefit. If we are astute enough, we may read between the lines and learn a great deal more from what he shares. We are fortunate to have an expert like Dr. Baden who is willing to discuss and patiently repeat the important information for those of us who contribute to an investigation team and continually strive to keep current. I look forward to many more short stories like this.

Murder for the Masses.......2005-09-28

With a gallon of gas costing more than three dollars, who ever thought you could get anything of value these days for under a dollar. But low and behold, I did just that when I ordered Dr. Michael Baden's, "The Martha Carpenter Story"

Simply put, It is a terrific synopsis of what Dr. Baden does best, how he does it, and why his work means so much to the living as well as the dead. Uncovering the truth from carefully woven tales of lies and deceipts takes special skills and talents few individuals possess. This story illustrates how there is no such thing as a typical day in the life of a medical examiner - that each case presents unique challanges - and that forensic science alone does not always solve the case. This is one of the best short true crime stories I have ever read - at any price.

Disappointed Michael Baden Fan.......2005-09-26

I have read every non-fiction book that Michael Baden has written and am a big fan of his HBO "Autopsy" specials. This short was not even worth the 49 cents! It's not that it was bad writing, it's just that unless you know nothing of forensic science and have never read anything by Michael Baden before, you will learn nothing new here. Too short, no new information, a disappointment.

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Die upon a Kiss
Barbara Hambly
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WL7FT6

Book Description

Long ago, the wizards had vanished from the world, and all knowledge was left hidden in riddles. Morgon, prince of the simple farmers of Hed, proved himself a master of such riddles when he staked his life to win a crown from the dead Lord of Aum.
But now ancient, evil forces were threatening him. Shape changers began replacing friends until no man could be trusted. So Morgon was forced to flee to hostile kingdoms, seeking the High One who ruled from mysterious Erlenstar Mountain.
Beside him went Deth, the High One's Harper. Ahead lay strange encounters and terrifying adventures. And with him always was the greatest of unsolved riddles -- the nature of the three stars on his forehead that seemed to drive him toward his ultimate destiny.

Customer Reviews:

Clever, but also meandering and vague........2005-10-16

"The Riddle-Master of Hed" follows the young prince Morgon on a meandering journey in search of answers both literal and figurative. He travels through sparsely detailed lands and encounters a series of mentor figures. Except for the harpist Deth, these mentors fade away as quickly as they appear. Morgon's travels are driven by a strange sense of prophesied personal destiny. However, the nature of what is at stake, and what role Morgon might be able to play in it, is never detailed beyond vague conjecture. Morgon repeatedly remembers his homeland of Hed with fondness, but these memories provide scant motivation because the reader's only glimpse of Hed comes in the first chapter.

The plot bounces through random encounters that have little overall connection save Morgon's befuddlement over his vague destiny. He acts like a realistic character when he changes his mind during his wanderings and decides not to return to Hed, but this type of constant shifting of his goals and his destinations gives the reader whiplash. The narrative also repeatedly skips ahead in time, days or even weeks, indicated only with quick phrases such as "The next day..." This format of jumping ahead without scene breaks leaves many scenes dangling without closure. The conclusion of the novel arrives abruptly, in the middle of the quest. It does answer one major question, but the rest of the encounter is completely unresolved.

"Riddle-Master" clocks in at a lean 200 pages, short even by the standards of 70s speculative fiction. The succinct narrative leaves many of the interesting and exotic locales so thinly described that the reader can barely visualize them. McKillip's prose is smooth and emotive. Her narrative gives tangible form to esoteric topics, like the many riddles and their strictures. These mental puzzles and how Morgon wrestles with them are the highlight of the novel.

McKillip's fantasy vision shows deep originality. Her fantasy world is refreshingly free of the Tolkien-esque humanoid races found in most late 70s fantasy, and she focuses on mental challenges rather than physical ones. However, "The Riddle-Master of Hed" remains a flawed opening to the trilogy in its circuitous plot and in the hazy visualization of the setting and Morgon's place within it.

I feel like I'm missing the majority of the story.......2005-03-02

I couldn't finish this book. I felt like the story was in fast forward. This happened and then this, and then this, oh and by the way this.

There was no character development and you had no idea what the character was feeling when all these crazy things happened. I stopped reading because I just couldn't convince myself to care if he ever decided to solve the major riddle or what the answer to it was. I'm the sort of person who likes a book with good characters. Even if the plot isn't that great, if it has good characters I am engaged. But this book had no emotion so I didn't like it.

Sometimes baffling, always beautiful.......2005-02-08

Reading "The Riddle-Master of Hed" is like trying to solve the riddle of someone else's partially-glimpsed dream. You enter a rich world of metaphor, sometimes baffling but always beautiful. A standard hero's quest is overgrown with fabulous beasts, children of stone, and death-dealing harps.

When Land-Ruler Morgon of Hed wins a bride and a crown in a riddling contest with a ghost, he wipes the cow manure off of his boots and sets sail from his tiny island kingdom. Unsure as to whether his beautiful, red-haired prize has any interest in marrying a farmer-king, Morgon sets course for the College of Riddle-Masters at Caithnard, where he was once a student and where his bride's brother still resides. His companion for the journey is Deth, the thousand-year-old High One's harpist.

Morgon and Deth are shipwrecked, and once Morgon regains his memory he discovers that he has unknown, shape-changing enemies who will stop at nothing to destroy him. As he flees through the kingdoms of his world, he is befriended by the various land-rulers and is gifted with a harp and a sword that are decorated with three stars--identical to the birthmark of stars on his forehead. He also learns how to change his own shape into beasts and trees.

Finally Morgon makes his way to Erlenstar Mountain with Deth, the harpist, hoping that the High One will solve the riddle of his stars and defend him against his implacable enemies.

Warning: don't read "The Riddle-Master of Hed" without the last two books of the trilogy at hand. The ending of the first book is a completely unexpected sucker-punch, and although "Heir of Sea and Fire" ends by reconciling Morgon with his bride Raederle, they are both still being pursued by a very nasty wizard and an equally nasty horde of shape-changers. You have to read to the very end of this absorbing trilogy before you find even a tentative glimmering of peace and happiness at the end of "Harpist in the Wind."

Different.......2004-07-11

For those whose experience in fantasy is limited to the clunker Tolkien-ripoffs that swarm our bookstore shelves these days, "The Riddle Master of Hed" will be a decidedly unique experience. The philosophy that McKillip used when writing this book is almost the opposite of what many of today's authors do. Here the plot is the central thing, and nothing gets included unless it contributes to the central story about Morgon's travels and his struggle to unravel the mysteries of his world. No time is wasted on character development scenes or on long descriptions. The story practically flies from one event to the next. Consequently, despite being only 200 pages long, you get more plot from this book than from certain 800-page stinkers I could name.

So what's it about. Well, a Prince named Morgon lives in his peaceful island kingdom after recently wining a crown in a riddle-contest. He travels to the mainland to claim his prize, a marriage to a princess, but more than a few surprises are in store when he gets there. There's lots more twists and turns before the big shock at the end, but why should I spoil it for you. "The Riddle Master of Hed" may disappoint those who want in-depth character development, but it will delight anyone who loves puzzles, surprises, and originality.

Superb.......2002-08-05

As other reviewers have said, "The Riddle Master of Hed" is an extremely complex book with many plots. The book is a short novel but due to the amount of plots, characters, and scenes this book seems like it is much longer as it feels like a massive epic. The novel goes by very quickly and it will seem that you're done with the book in absolutely no time. The novel is the first book of an epic fantasy series, titled "The Riddle Master Trilogy," and due to my fondness of this book I will most definitely read the next to books of the trilogy.

Morgon of Hed is a Riddle Master (read the book to see what these are) that has three stars on his head. Morgon has no clue what the stars represent and when he takes a trip and discovers that he is the only one that can play a harp with the same three stars that are on his forehead, he is curious to see what the stars mean. Meanwhile, darkness is brewing in the world and shadow figures that look like people he knows are trying to kill him. Morgon takes a quest with friend Deth to see what Morgon's stars are about. Along the way Morgon learns a lot about the world that he lives in.

As with other books by Patricia McKillip the world in the book is very original and is not cliched with elements from other novels. Everything in her world is astoundingly original, especially the Riddle Masters. Morgon's quest in the world is very believable and does not seem like a dumb quest with no purpose. I'm sure that the next two books of the series will advance on the importance of Morgon of Hed's quest.

Morgon is a hero that everybody can relate to. He is in a world where there are problems and things that happen to him have effects on him, good and bad. Morgon is developed very well and is very, very believable. Other characters that pop in the book, such as Deth, are believable as well and are well developed.

McKillip's descriptions and prose are, as always, superb. It is a true pleasure to read about what is going on because of McKillip's easy to read writing style. Children and adults will enjoy "The Riddle Master of Hed" equally. This is a very original fantasy novel that any lover of the genre will appreciate. This is easily one of the better fantasy novels that have been written.

Happy Reading!

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Don't read this book w/o last two books of trilogy at hand
The RiddleMaster of Hed

Manufacturer: Ballantine Books/Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GSH1EO

Customer Reviews:

Don't read this book w/o last two books of trilogy at hand.......2006-10-20

Book Description

Through words and music, this beautifully designed set offers a renewal of faith to anyone struggling with grief. The book’s heartfelt words, from some of the world’s greatest visionary leaders, are set to original soul-stirring music, creating an atmosphere of relaxation, insight, and healing. Created by the cofounders of the Companion Arts Foundation, Graceful Passages addresses themes of letting go, closure, expressing love, forgiveness, appreciation of life, and continuity of spirit from different perspectives and faith traditions. Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish clergy are represented as well as Native American, Confucian, and Buddhist voices, creating a truly multifaith resource. A compelling musical score, created by a pioneering healing music artist and award-winning composer, lovely still-life photographs, and elegant design create a gentle invitation for the reader and listener to reflect upon what matters most in life.

Customer Reviews:

Graceful Passages A Companion For Living and Dying.......2007-10-06

Love the music on the cds and the words and picutes in the book. Highly recommend for anyone at any time!

A soothing balm for the soul.......2007-09-21

Death is not an easy Passage. Seventeen years years of caring for hospice and hospital patients have taught me that. While the dying process has the potential for tremendous meaning, beauty, and sacredness, it is also deeply human. This Companion is an illustration of each of those qualities.

For myself as a professional caregiver, this selection of words, music, and printed pages continually stirs my heart. The package includes a book that features text from several wisdom and faith traditions. The text is read with accompanying beautiful - indeed, haunting - music on CD1. The second CD has just the instrumentation. These CDs are masterfully produced: the music, the readings, the production itself. No sacrifice was made in quality or in meaning.

MIchael Stillwater and Gary Malkin have done an enormous service in preparing this deeply human and humane collection of words and music. It is well worth the money spent on it.

I have had the privilege of hearing Michael speak twice at seminars for the health care system of which I am part. He has an amazing sense of intuition about what will speak to people and what touches them. On both occasions, staff spoke of his giftedness and blessing to each of us.

It should be noted that there are numerous traditions represented on the CD, as well as styles of music. While I consider myself a fairly inclusive person, I initially found myself really wanting to hear readings from traditions more familiar to myself (just being honest here). But, as I listened, I began to take increasing levels of comfort from these other Wisdoms. Indeed, they were quite rich in their meaning. I can see though, that someone at the time of life's end might not want to be "dipping their feet into new waters." Particularly those of more fundamentalist traditions may find this harder to embrace. One can always listen to the instrumental CD, though.

Of the two CDs, I find myself missing whichever CD I don't have on at the moment. The instrumentation along with the voices of those from other geographies and traditions offers it's own solace, so I want on the Reading CD. But, then I want on just the instrumentation CD because I can work well with just the music playing.

Of the media that this occasionally soul-tired old chaplain values, this package is the most frequently turned to. Not a week passes by that it isn't on in my office. If I need something to lift my heart, this is what I listen to. That's been true for a year now. And, I'm moving into my second year...

Perfect for spirituality and relaxation.......2007-09-09

I first heard part of this CD at a Women's Wellness Retreat where it was played. It had at least half of the participates silently in tears as we sat in our chairs with our eyes closed. Great to reflect on appreciation of life and self worth.

Clearly enriching and so peaceful. Bravo!.......2007-06-08

Graceful Passages is such an appropriate name for this undertaking! It is incredibly wise and soothing to the heart and soul. I took care of my mother through her death, along with Hospice, and she taught us such positive things about the journey of death. She would have loved this CD! I will listen to it many times for my own peace as I continue through the remainder of my journey here.

Living and dying.......2007-05-13

I found this set of CD and written version to be very helpful when I was experiencing life threatening cancer treatment. The written words and the music gave me hope that whatever the outcome was, I would be OK. I recently shared the set with a woman who is in the last stages of life, hoping that it would bring her the same comfort it brought to me.

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Good Soups Great Stories

The stories and philosophizing are better than the recipes.

Better books out there

The Secrets of Jesuit Soupmaking is a gem!

The Secrets of Jesuit Soupmaking: A Year of Our Soups
Rick Curry
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Soups & Stews | Meals | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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The Secrets of Jesuit Breadmaking

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ASIN: 014219610X

Book Description

In his early years as a novice, Brother Rick Curry learned that the quickest route to popularity among his peers was to master the art of cooking. Soup is one of the staple foods in a Jesuit community, and there is almost always a pot simmering on the stove. In more than forty years as a Jesuit brother, Brother Curry has traveled the world, lived in many different communities, and prepared many, many pots of soup. This collection includes recipes for sixty of his most popular soups-everything from an exotic Roasted Red Pepper Soup to the classic Minestrone Milanese to a hearty Corn Chowder, from a relatively simple chicken soup to the more complex Mussels Soup Billy-bi. But Brother Curry writes about a great deal more than soup. He includes stories to savor about his life in the community of Jesuits: the people he's met; the meals he's enjoyed; and the daily practices of patience, reverence, humility, and care that go into making a good soup and a good life.

Customer Reviews:

Good Soups Great Stories.......2006-08-14

"There is something so comforting about soup. It touches something deeply rooted in our lives." p. 5 This book is a journey around the work and through the year.

The soups are divided into church seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. It is filled with interesting stories and antidotes from Curry's travels and from Jesuit history and lore.

The recipes are great and the tales make them nourishing for the soul as well as the body. With soups from around the world and tales of travels, life loss and joy, the book will be a pleasure to read. Savor the words of wisdom as you enjoy the soups.

Rick Curry entered the Society of Jesus in 1961. In the last forty years he has been an actor, baker, teacher and author. He founded the National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped, a nonprofit acting school for persons with disabilities. With both a asters and doctorate in arts he has created the first residential center for arts for persons with disabilities.

The stories and philosophizing are better than the recipes........2003-03-05

This works better as a "memoir of soup making" rather than a book of soup recipes. Mr. Curry has an engaging and stimulating writing style and many of the stories that surround the recipes are quite delightful. The recipes themselves leave a lot to be desired. A lot of the ingredients I've never heard of and a lot of the soups are designed to be made by someone with unlimited time and patience available-not the norm in the typical American household. Some of these concoctions seem to have been designed to be exotic merely for the sake of being exotic, not because they provide superior soups. Of those recipes that seemed doable on our schedule with what we normally have at hand for our routine cooking, all were fine but none exceptional or particularly noteworthy.

If offbeat soup making is your life, then this might be a good choice. For most people, I'd say look for it on a friend/acquaintance's bookshelf and read it for the stories.

Better books out there.......2003-01-08

I was very disappointed at the quality of the recipes in this book. One recipe actually used boullion cubes for the stock!! From the tilte of the book I would think that each of these soups would be a "labor of love". None are very inspiring. I will probably never open this book again. I suggest the Willams Sonoma "Soup" highly over this.

The Secrets of Jesuit Soupmaking is a gem!.......2002-12-08

If you're looking for the ultimate gift cookbook, I can't think of a better choice than The Secrets of Jesuit Soupmaking. This book is beautifully written, and engages the reader's heart and soul unlike any other cookbook I've ever encountered. The recipes are SUPERB, and there is a year's worth of variety in this compact volume.

I've loaned The Secrets of Jesuit Soupmaking more times than I can count, and everyone who's borrowed it ended up buying their own copy. That's the highest praise I can lend this wonderful book!

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