The Blackbird Papers: A Novel

Book Description

A rainy night . . . A stranded motorist . . . A Good Samaritan passerby … a Nobel Prize–winning professor . . . The setup for a shocking murder designed to cover up an even more sinister crime . . .

The Blackbird Papers marks the debut of Ian Smith, a major new talent in crime fiction, and of Sterling Bledsoe, his smart and occasionally combative sleuth.

World-renowned Dartmouth professor Wilson Bledsoe is returning from a party celebrating his latest honor when he encounters a broken-down pickup on the secluded country road to his home. The next day, the discovery of his body with a vicious racist epithet carved into his chest leads to the quick arrest of two loathsome white supremacists. The local authorities seem ready to accept the case at face value as a racial hate crime. But the murdered professor’s brother, FBI agent Sterling Bledsoe, has inserted himself into the investigation and isn’t ready to buy into this pat solution. A look around his brother’s lab and brief interviews with his students and colleagues pique Sterling’s curiosity about Wilson’s pet project: a nearly completed paper on the mysterious deaths of hundreds of local blackbirds.

Fast-paced and cleverly constructed, The Blackbird Papers introduces a major new talent in mystery and crime fiction.

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1

Professor Wilson Augustus Bledsoe's car glided along the dark narrow roads of Hanover, New Hampshire, then crossed Ledyard Bridge into the vast wilderness of Vermont. The rain had started slowly at first, but now heavy drops danced staccato across the windshield of his old Mercedes. He felt relieved to be heading home, away from the noisy party still in full swing back at the president's mansion. The celebration was in his honor, yet he had been the first to leave. It wasn't that he was ungrateful. Bledsoe simply felt uncomfortable in large crowds, especially ones convened on his behalf, as they were these days with increasing frequency. What most of the guests didn't know was that but for his wife's insistence, he wouldn't even have gone. He had much more pressing matters to see to in his lab.

Bledsoe was no ordinary professor. He had just been awarded the twenty-third Devonshire, the most lucrative prize in science and second only to the Nobel in prestige. Winning it was no small feat, even for a full professor at Dartmouth College, which boasted more academic luminaries than universities four times its size. That's why Wallace Mortimer III, the college's revered president, and his wife, Serena, had spared no expense in celebrating their most acclaimed--and certainly their most acclaimed African American--faculty member.

It was clear to all who had gathered this evening that they were celebrating not just the Devonshire but a career that had been filled with a remarkably long list of achievements. Having won a Nobel five years earlier, Bledsoe had trumped his own legend, now becoming the first American to claim the world's two largest science awards. As his colleagues congratulated him on the Devonshire tonight, they teased him about the lavish treatment he'd receive when he and Kay took their complimentary trip to England and were feted at an elaborate ceremony hosted by the Queen. Everyone wanted to know what he was going to do wit

Customer Reviews:

OK but................2007-04-22

I thought I was enjoying the book but somewhere along the way it become a job to finish the novel. The plot was all right and the birds were enjoyable but somewhere it lacked something. That something that keeps you wanting to continue and finding you are almost done and wishing it wasn't. I bet his future books will become better and I will look forward to trying them in the future.

A page-turner until the end!.......2007-01-09

I could not get this story out of my head! A friend recommended it, and I am ashamed that I took so long to get around to reading it. This was an interesting book and an EXCELLENTLY crafted mystery. One special feature of the novel is the perspective on nature, and how it can be both beautiful and cruel at the same time. I was also very impressed by the ease with which Dr. Smith entered the world of writing mystery-thrillers-- I would not have guess that he was a first time novelist and a physician, except that I had already seen him on TV!

In terms of literature and writing style, the book is not incredibly original, but few mysteries are. As a story, this one really can't be beat. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery, especially African American book clubs, because we need more books like this one -- Sterling Bledsoe, a black character who is a FBI agent, and not a street hustler. A very refreshing portrayal!

A strong first effort.......2006-07-27

Okay. I figured out who set up/betrayed the murder victim less than halfway through the book. (Smith loses a star because he didn't fool me.) However, Smith kept me guessing how and why all the way to the last chapter. This is a great first effort for a mystery writer. FBI Agent Sterling Bledsoe is a believable sleuth. Add the scandal and intrigue of university life and the environmental twist (even though it felt a little like The Pelican Briefs), and you have a book with enough compelling characters, hidden motives and twists and turns for a very satisfying read. I look forward to following Agent Bledsoe's future exploits. Bravo.

An Ivy League mystery with a scientific twist.......2006-07-23

Dr. Ian Smith has done a great job introducing the reader to the world of Ivy League academia, mystery and murder. It's fast-paced, creative and has memorable characters that are quite familiar to anyone who has been in a competitive academic environment. The cultural diversity of the characters also gives the book additional depth. It should be optioned for a movie.

Good, but ..........2006-07-13

The Blackbird Papers was a good read. It had a very interesting plot and seemed very well thought out. At times, though, it was long-winded, outlining detail by detail, which made the story drag. In a mystery story, I would like there to be some mystery, where the reader puts the pieces together. It seemed like he wasn't confident that the reader got it and that he had to explain every little thing. Oddly enough, he explained so much in excruciating detail, but then, he made an unexplained leap in logic on one of the more important pieces of the story, the suspect. (There was also a blunder, where someone knew a name that they should not have known.)

The explanations weren't confined to the mystery, either. He also explained trivial details, like why he was familiar with a particular establishment, which added absolutely nothing to the story. Dialogue is also not his strong suit. It was cheesy and awkward at points.

Lastly, his female characters and female-male relationships were not believable. Virtually every female was described as beautiful. The female characters were not developed. They did erratic things. The relationships were neglected, but they weren't really important to the story line. However, he would go on a tangent about them that made no sense.

I would suggest renting it at your local library.

Average customer rating:

Get a dose of history while having fun

The Blackbird Papers: A Novel
Mannfred A Hollinger
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Political | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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

Technothrillers | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595340393

Book Description

In the science fiction thriller The Blackbird Papers, plans for an anti-gravity propulsion system—developed by the Germans during World War II—mistakenly fall into the hands of Middle Eastern terrorists with one goal in mind: to develop the technology into the form of bioterrorism against Israel.

In 1944, the Germans successfully launch a “rocket” to Mars in order to intimidate the Allies. After the vehicle crashes and the demonstration fails, an American Mars lander provides photographic evidence of the landing. Eventually, Hitler's director of armaments shares the plans with the prime minister of Japan. Dr. Anthony Church, an English physicist who is studying antigravity, ultimately discovers the plans, and his pro-Palestinian sentiments lead him to form an alliance with the terrorists. Ryan Carpenter, an American student, uncovers the plot and must find a way to foil the conspiracy against Israel without jeopardizing his relationship with his boss and mentor, Dr. Church.

Drawing on his knowledge of microbiology, German science, and actual historical events that occurred during World War II, author Mannfred Hollinger, PhD, guides the reader into a gripping tale of bioterrorism that could cause widespread devastation in a world constantly threatened by the acts of terrorists.

Customer Reviews:

Get a dose of history while having fun.......2007-09-12

Nazis, terrorists, Osama bin Laden, biological warfare, anti-gravity. . .with a nice soupcon of sex and violence make this thriller palatable. Both the science and the history are extensively researched and interesting. Within all, the blending of fiction and fact is so seamless it's hard to tell where one leaves off and the other begins. Sci-fi fans and reimagining aficionados will enjoy this inventive plot. Equally strong sense of place, too, in disparate parts of the world like Switzerland and Yemen.

Final Fantasy: Diana, the Angel and the Holy Grail
Average customer rating:

Amazing

I am sure it will be fantastic

Bizarre, but great...
Final Fantasy: Diana, the Angel and the Holy Grail
Joanna Falco
Manufacturer: Writer's Showcase Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Historical | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595132774

Book Description

A search for the self.

Diana, our modern day heroine, faces the wanton lust of the Devil himself in order to recapture the most sacred artifact of Christianity and restore the balance between good and evil. Filled with romance, intrigue and spirituality, Final Fantasy is the story of the descendants of the Grail Keepers and the angels who guided them. Especially one. The Angel Ralph.

This is an adult fantasy for the new millennium.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2006-09-21

THis book is incredible, worthy of deep analysis. It short but perfect. I hear that a new illustrated version is being released. I am looking forward to it.

I am sure it will be fantastic.......2005-11-09

Dr. Jo Anna Falco-Leshin is my English professor at MDC. She is one of the most remarkable persons I have encountered in my path. I will buy this book, no doubt, this one and any other literature written by her.

Bizarre, but great..........2001-05-21

This book is a really great study of it's title, it provides a lot of info of this two topics. If you are interested in this buy it, but the explanations are a little...weird? I guess

Book Description

A treasured resource, this book empowers parents by arming them with the knowledge, expert guidance, and confidence they need to ensure that their child with ADHD receives the best care possible. Dr. Barkley explains what the latest research reveals about the nature of ADHD, its causes, and the most effective treatment strategies. Described are the problems that children with the disorder typically face as they grow from toddlerhood through adolescence, and associated challenges facing the whole family. Drawing on decades of influential clinical work and research, the book provides concrete suggestions for improving children's behavior and school performance, enhancing their self-esteem, and restoring harmony to the home.

Customer Reviews:

Still one of the best books about children's ADHD.......2007-10-07

Dr. Barkley,

When my son's ADHD/ODD behavior got out of control, your writing helped me to understand my child's unique mindset so that I could learn how to fulfill his needs.

I appreciate your no-nonsense approach to explaining ADHD. I would rather face the truth of ADHD than to idealize it with pretty metaphors.

When I accepted the fact that ADHD will not go away, and it takes massive and immediate action to overcome it, I got busy helping my son.

Yes, I had to change my ways, but my son is worth it. That was eight years ago. Now he is 17, making Bs in school, and planning to attend college.

The magic began when I improved my communication skills and taught my son values and skills. That was only possible with the diligent use of a visual reward system, a token economy system, as recommended by you, Dr. Barkley.

Thank you, Sir, for courageously risking controversy by explaining the facts about ADHD.

The children of the world with ADHD and their parents need more straight shooters like you.

That is why I'm committed to bring more real facts about ADHD and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) to the fore with free informative reports.

I hope to one day shake your hand.

Sincerely yours in parenting success,
Debra Sale Wendler
ADHD Parenting Tips
Respect Effect Publishing, Inc.

taking charge of ADHD.......2007-01-12

this book is very useful for parents. I recommend , it's very good. thanks.

Thanks to negative reviewers.......2006-12-12

Just want to say thank you to all the reviewers who gave this one star and explained why.

The one ADHD book I recommend to parents.......2006-12-04

As a school psychologist, I frequently encounter parents wanting to know more about ADHD. This is the best book I have found for providing good information and a readable format. The feedback from parents has been consistently positive which has reinforced my decision to continue to recommend this book.

useful but long and depressing.......2006-11-05

This book has a good description of ADHD and some excellent specific tools on how to improve/modify our own and our childrens' behavior. However, it is too long to read quickly and there are very few positive things said about children with ADHD.

ADHD: A Complete and Authoritative Guide (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Average customer rating:

Great Book
This book opened my eyes, I didn't know anything about adhd before
complete guide to all aspects of ADHD treatment
2005 Writers Notes Book Award
With vital and meticulous accuracy

ADHD: A Complete and Authoritative Guide (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Manufacturer: American Academy Of Pediatrics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Adolescent Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Mental Illness | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Disabilities | Special Needs | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Special Needs | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Hyperactivity | Special Needs | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Parenting Children With Adhd: 10 Lessons That Medicine Cannot Teach (APA Lifetools)
Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents (Revised Edition)
The ADHD Parenting Handbook: Practical Advice for Parents from Parents
How To Reach And Teach Children with ADD/ADHD: Practical Techniques, Strategies, and Interventions
Learning To Slow Down & Pay Attention: A Book for Kids About Adhd

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 158110121X

Book Description

This comprehensive guide to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) offers parents balanced, reassuring, and authoritative information to help them understand and manage this challenging and often misunderstood condition. Based on the American Academy of Pediatrics' own clinical practice guidelines for ADHD and written in clear, accessible language, this book answers the common questions: How is ADHD diagnosed? What are today's best treatment options? and Will my child outgrow ADHD? Accurate, up-to-date findings on evaluation and diagnosis, coexisting conditions, and unproven treatments are provided. Also addressed are behaviors associated with the teenage years and what schools can do to support children with the condition. ADHD management strategies that balance the roles of behavior therapy, medications, and parenting techniques are suggested.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-05-07

This was a very good book that gave several view points. I found it extremely helpful with understanding ADHD.

This book opened my eyes, I didn't know anything about adhd before.......2007-01-19

I recomend this book to parents and teachers alike, this book opens your eyes, it makes you understand why your child acts the way they do.

complete guide to all aspects of ADHD treatment.......2005-06-16

In my clinical practice I treat and evaluate children and adults with ADHD. I always recommend this book to parents who have children with attention problems in order for them to get a complete objective overview of the disorder and the treatments that are available.
This book explains in simple language the current medical definition of ADHD and why you need a complete evaluation in order to receive an accurate diagnosis. It contains a thorough discussion of the treatment options available for the parents and child. It encourages parents to become the "case manager" of their child's treatment. In order to understand how and what treatment is best for your child you need to understand what the scientific research has shown works and does not work in treating this disorder. It is then possible to make educated choices for your child.
This book is published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and they have done an excellent job in bringing a factual and complete guide for parents to understand ADHD. I recommend it as the first book to read when you are researching this problem.

2005 Writers Notes Book Award.......2005-05-18

If you think you know everything about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), then you should still check out this comprehensive book from the American Academy of Pedia-trics. It's not only a diagnostic and treat-ment reference-covering the myriad of symptoms and heal-ing approaches (i.e. parenting, schooling, behavior therapy, medications, and even experimental techniques)-it also runs the spectrum of services and options available from preschool through college years. Even the most veteran ADHD parent will discover some new avenue to assist their child in growth and societal assimilation.

With vital and meticulous accuracy.......2004-06-12

Developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics without commercial involvement of any kind, ADHD: A Complete And Authoritative Guide is a "must-have" reference and resource for parents addressing the phenomenon of Attention- Defecit Disorder with Hyperactivity in children. Chapters address identification and diagnosis, commonly coexisting conditions, treatment options, the role of medications, behavior therapy, helping one's ADHD child succeed in school, unproven treatments for ADHD, and much more. A disclaimer warns that the vital information in ADHD: A Complete And Authoritative Guide is meant as a supplement for a physician's diagnosis and recommendations, not a replacement, yet its vital and meticulous accuracy and tested methodologies are a blessing to anyone involved in the raising or care of ADHD children.

21st Century Complete Medical Guide to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD), Ritalin and other Treatment Options, Authoritative CDC, ... for Patients and Physicians (CD-ROM)

Average customer rating:

21st Century Complete Medical Guide to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD), Ritalin and other Treatment Options, Authoritative CDC, ... for Patients and Physicians (CD-ROM)
PM Medical Health News
Manufacturer: Progressive Management
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
ASIN: 159248669X

Book Description

This up-to-date electronic book on CD-ROM provides the best collection available anywhere of official Federal government information and documents on the subject of ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This CD-ROM uses next-generation search technology that allows complete indexing and makes all files on the disc fully searchable. For patients, practical information is provided in clearly written patient education documents. For medical professionals, doctor reference tools and texts have detailed technical information and clinical background material.

ADHD, once called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, is one of the most common mental disorders among children. It affects 3 to 5 percent of all children, perhaps as many as 2 million American children. Two to three times more boys than girls are affected. On the average, at least one child in every classroom in the United States needs help for the disorder. ADHD often continues into adolescence and adulthood, and can cause a lifetime of frustrated dreams and emotional pain.

This thoroughly researched collection presents vital information from many authoritative sources: Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Contents include clinical and medical Information, with information on risk groups, signs, symptoms, testing, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trials.

In addition to the comprehensive disease-specific coverage, as a bonus we have included an encyclopedic collection of general medical and health documents, with extensive material from the CDC, FDA, and NIH on hundreds of diseases. Since navigating the Internet to find additional non-governmental medical information can be confusing, we've also provided our exclusive "Guide to Leading Medical Websites" with updated links to 73 of the best sites for medical information! By using weblinks on the CD-ROM, you can quickly check for the latest clinical updates directly from the government.

This CD-ROM has over 44,000 pages reproduced using Adobe Acrobat PDF software and Reader software is included. Advanced search and indexing features are built into our reproduction, providing a complete full-text index. This enables the user to search all the files on the disk at one time for words or phrases using just one search command! The Acrobat cataloging technology adds enormous value and uncommon functionality to this impressive collection of government documents and material. There is no other reference that is as fast, convenient, comprehensive, and portable!

Our CD-ROMs are privately-compiled collections of official public domain U.S. government files and documents - they are not produced by the federal government. They are designed to provide a convenient user-friendly reference work, utilizing the benefits of the Acrobat format to uniformly present thousands of pages that can be rapidly reviewed or printed without untold hours of tedious searching and downloading. This book-on-a-disc makes a superb reference work and educational tool for patients and their families, physicians, and other medical professionals. (Information on this CD-ROM is not a substitute for professional medical advice; of course, readers are urged to consult with a professional health care provider for any suspected illness.)

Taking Charge of Adhd: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents
Average customer rating:
Taking Charge of Adhd: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents
Russell A. Ph.D. Barkley
Manufacturer: Guilford Pubn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O1YZUQ

Average customer rating:
Taking Charge of Adhd: the Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents
Russell A. Barkley
Manufacturer: Guilford Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N5ZS22

Naomi's Home Companion: A Treasury of Favorite Recipes, Food for Thought and Country Wit and Wisdom
Average customer rating:

can see why it's out of print...

A delightful read and the recipes are good too!

One of my better cookbooks---

Cookin' Judd Style

Comfort Food

Naomi's Home Companion: A Treasury of Favorite Recipes, Food for Thought and Country Wit and Wisdom
Naomi Judd
Manufacturer: GT Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Soul Food | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Rural Life | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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Naomi Judd's Love Can Build a Bridge

Paula Deen: It Ain't All About the Cookin'

ASIN: 1577192710

Customer Reviews:

can see why it's out of print... .......2007-08-19

I really wanted to love this cookbook. It's been on my most wanted listed for years. Finally I caved and bought a used copy.

The text is... contrived. There are small quotes and sayings throughout the book that are not Naomi's own. Which is part of the disappointment. It seems like she is trying to hard to appeal to Ms. Betty Homemaker. "I suggest you spend more time and less money on your kids", "You know you've met the wrong doctor when... offers to paint your car for $50"... and this doesnt even get into the two pages on how to be a good wife (an excerpt from a 1950's magazine, offered in jest?) and overuse of quotes on family statistics "about 75% of women dont know what's for dinner... until 4pm", "the avg american eats 1/3 of his/her meals away from home"...

So getting to the recipes... nothing seems overly great or amazing. My attempt at the corndogs was miserable with repeated effort and following the recipe to the T. Getting the oil to 370' would burn the corndog batter. At 270' they would brown too quickly and form a big air bubble on one side refusing to turn in the oil. And the flavor wasnt anything to write home about let alone fit to publish.

I'm very disappointed that I even bought the used copy.

"76% of married women work outside the home. In 1950, only 28%"; "Dinner conversation appetizer: ask each other 'what would you be doing if you knew you couldnt fail?'"....

A delightful read and the recipes are good too!.......2004-04-28

The recipes for fried chicken, coconut cake and macaroni and cheese are really good. Plus, the book is entertaining with anecdotes and stories from Naomi. The book really is a keeper.

One of my better cookbooks---.......2003-01-11

I have made about 1/3 to 1/2 of the recipes with much success. The BBQ chicken is fabulous! A few disappointments (such as Tammy Wynette's Pork Chops) but overall good, simple, country food. The recipes are easy to follow. The many pictures are great---about 2/3's of the recipes have pictures, and, of course, you will see pictures of Naomi and her family in various times of their lives with interesting stories. I highly recommend this if you are a country music fan and a "country" cook---this would not be for you if you are looking for the Julia Child style of cooking.

Cookin' Judd Style.......2001-01-31

Actually a very delightful recipe book, with lots of cute Southern tidbits of wisdom and the such. The photos are spectacular, especially of Wynonna. That's the only reason why I bought the book. Too bad it is out of print, a lot of people will miss out.

Comfort Food.......1999-12-02

This is a wonderful cookbook. The recipes call for basic ingredients and are easy to make and taste delicious. I grew up eating food like this, reminded me of my childhood, hence "comfort food". The photos and Naomi's inspirations make you want to invite your family and friends over for dinner! This book would be a great Christmas present.

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