I've been really busy since the last post. I've also been busty reading so the list has gotten long.
Right now I'm going to just list the books, then come back and expand them later. (I may also have to cleanup spellings too. :(
This list is more or less in order.
Tell Me Pretty Maiden by Rhys Bowen
Coyote Dreams by C E Murphy
(These two should have been included in the last post)
Dragons Wild by Robert Asprin
Mummy Dearest by Joan Hess
Voyage of Slaves by Brian Jacques
Playing with Fire by Katie MacAlister
French Pressed by Cleo Coyle
Fiance at Her Fingertips by Kathleen Bacus
Deluge by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
Dragonhaven by Robin McKinley

Currently reading:
Goodbye, Ms Chips by Dorothy Cannell

I started out by re-reading two books by Madeleine E. Robins, Point of Honor and Petty Treason. Both of these are Sarah Tolerance mysteries. Robins used to have a web page but its apparently died. She does have a LJ post madrobins which I just recently discovered.

Why re-read? The fast answer is I liked them a lot the first time I read them. Other factors  might be I had nothing else to read. (Not really true this time, I just wasn't in the mood for any of the books on my TBR pile.) Or I was in need of comfort and these books make me feel good.

These book are period mysteries set in an alternate Regency England. One where Queen Charlotte, not the Prince of Wales became Regent when George III went mad. As a regency romance reader since I discovered Georgette Heyer many years ago I appreciate Robins craftsmanship in  merging her version of reality with history. Besides I liked  Miss Tolerance, her problems  and her determination to  solve them honorably. I suggest you find these books and read them.

Next up was Jayne Ann Krentz's Eye of the Beholder. Her web site is here: http://www.krentz-quick.com/ This was not a bad book, but I'm starting to notice a recurring theme. The handsome CEO, millionaire (at least) as hero who comes into conflict with spunky successful heroine. I've read several of Krentz's books recently. I think I'll give this author a rest.

Next, a book by a favorite author, Shanna Swendson, Damsel Under Stress. Swendson is on LJ here: shanna_s and has a web site here: http://www.shannaswendson.com/  This book is part of a series the starts with Enchanted, Inc and Once Upon Stiletos. The next, and hopefully not the last is due out soon. Don't Hex With Texas. All the books are good. They are urban fantasy, but much lighter in tone than the traditional "gritty" versions, funnier too. I can't wait to get my hands on the Texas book.

(Note: I have two more books in this series, but I've run out of time today. I'll add to this later.)

My first book this time was a holiday themed collection of mystery stories called Candy Cane Murder. The lead author was Joanne Fluke. Her web site is here: http://www.murdershebaked.com/ Her short story about cook/sleuth Hanna Swensen provided the books title. A good story as usual. While I browsed through the stories of the other two authors they didn't really catch my attention and I didn't finish them. They were The Dangers of Candy Canes by Laura Levine. A web site about her is here:   http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/l/laura-levine/  The last  was Candy Canes of Christmas Past by Leslie Meier. A web site about her is here:  http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/leslie-meier/
I couldn't find any author maintained web sites for ether of these authors. The fact I didn't read either story shouldn't be taken as a bad review. I just wasn't in the mood. I have read some of Meier's books in the past and enjoyed them.

The next book was Flash by Jayne Ann Krentz whose web site is here:  http://www.krentz-quick.com Not a bad book although I've read other books by this author I liked better.

The next book was a YA fantasy, Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale. Her web site is here: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html  This story is set in a semi-mythical Mongol/China analog. It is a reworking of a tale by Brothers Grimm and is very good. Written in the form of a journal I found it an easy read.

The next book was A Little Trouble with the Facts by Nina Siegal. Her web site is here: http://www.ninasiegal.com/ I did not get far in this book. I picked it up because the cover seemed to promise a mystery story. It may have developed into one, but I got turned off by the casual depiction of drug use. Yes it did seem to fit the story, but that sort of thing is not my cup of tea.

Michele Lang's Netherwood was a pretty good hard science fiction story. Her web site is here: http://www.michelelang.com/ I'm not sure I buy her premise that AI's who reach critical mass "Singularity" would be likely to care about mere humans but the story was enjoyable.

The last book was Death of a Gentle Lady by M. C. Beaton. This is one of her Hamish Macbeth mysteries. This is a pen name of Marion Chesney. I couldn't find a home page but this site has quite a bit of information. http://www.notesinthemargin.org/beaton.html
As usual a very good read. Hamish gets into more trouble than usual in this one including multiple attempts on his life and marital status. He does get a nice bit of revenge in on Blair though.

Haven't pick the next book yet.

My mind, but I haven't bothered to look for it in years!

Elizabeth Moon's Victory Conditions is the latest installment of her Vatta Traders series. Her web site is here:  http://www.elizabethmoon.com/ This series just gets better and better. The book ends with the villain being soundly defeated. The series could be ending here, but I think I spotted a potential escape route for him. We'll see.

White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz is billed as an Arcane Society Novel. It is the first one in this series that I have read and I found it enjoyable. The premise of a woman who can't be lied to is intriguing. I liked the hero too. Krentz's web site is here: http://www.krentz-quick.com/

Alex Bledsoe's The Sword-Edged Blonde is fantasy shaped like a medieval Sam Spade story with magic and the Queen of Horses thrown in for good measure. A good story with a likable hero and a believable mystery. There may be more about him.I'll keep my eyes out for it. Bledsoe's web site is here: http://www.alexbledsoe.com/ This character reminds me a little of Glen Cook's fantasy world detective Garrett. Cook doesn't have a web site per se, a fan maintains an "official" site here: http://www.xmission.com/~shpshftr/GC/Biblio/cook.html

An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear whose web site is here: http://www.jacquelinewinspear.com/ is a mystery staring Maise Dobbs. Its set in England between the wars. The heroine is a psychologist and investigator. This is the fifth book and the best yet as Maise continues to grow as a person and a detective. If you haven't read the previous books start with the first Maise Dobbs and work up to this one. You wont regret it.

I haven't picked my next book yet. More later.

All but one of the following books are mystery stories. But they differ widely in type.

The first is Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz, a sequel to The Spellman Files. Her web site is here: http://lisalutz.com/ This one is mystery/comedy and Curse is just a good as the first book. Not a murder mystery but an interesting puzzle and the characters will keep you amused.

The next book was Divorced. Desperate and Delicious by Christie Craig. Her web site is here: http://www.christie-craig.com/ She also blogs at Killer Fiction ( http://killerfictionwriters.blogspot.com/ ) which is where I came across her and learned of this book. This book fits several headings mystery/romance/comedy It is very good and quite funny. Although I'm personally grateful they didn't make it through all 24. ;) I'm definitely going to be looking for her next book, Weddings Can Be Murder.

After sexy, I went for a more traditional "cozy mystery" Joanne Fluke's Carrot Cake Murder. Her web site is here: http://www.murdershebaked.com/ I really enjoy these mysteries. I like Hanna and her friends and admittedly drool over the desserts she makes. I even browse the recipes Fluke includes in every book. I just wouldn't dare try to make any of them. I've been known to burn water. This book was delicious!

Demons are a Ghoul's Best Friend by Victoria Laurie is mystery/supernatural. Her web site is here: http://victorialaurie.com/index.php I liked this book, and I enjoyed her previous books. It probably wouldn't surprise her that I don't take them seriously. They are still a fun read. The problem is that by their nature they're a total set up. Because the author, the main characters and the "ghosts" all believe in the supernatural, the descriptions are fascinating but not convincing. Do I believe in the supernatural? The question continues to haunt me.

The last book was not a mystery. It was Hooked by Jane May. Her web site is here: http://www.janemaybooks.com/  The book is urban fantasy, a reworking of the fish and wishes fairy tale. I didn't finish it. I think I was turned off by the rude tuna. Then again you might like it.

I haven't picked my next book yet.

I started out reading what is now a days known as YA or Young Adult fiction and have never felt the need to out grow the habit. After all I was well into adulthood before Andre Norton's books made it out of the children's library section.

This is one of the reasons I read a lot of YA including the books of Charles de Lint whose web site is here: http://www.sfsite.com/charlesdelint/ Admittedly he does write adult fantasy too, but I usually like his YA fiction better. A case in point is Little (Grrl) Lost which was the first book of this postings list. A good book, not nearly as dark as some of his books. I liked it and I think you and your kids would too.

The next book was Murder Melts in Your Mouth by Nancy Martin. Her web site is here: http://www.nancymartinmysteries.com/index.htm This mystery is part of her Blackbird Sisters mystery series and and like the rest of the series is quite good. Both mysteries and a look at the wackier side of Philadelphia High society it will make you laugh and keep you in suspense.

After that came a romance by Barbara Bretton, Just Desserts. Her web site is here: http://www.barbarabretton.com/ A comfortable book and a good read. The cover makes it sound like one of those Deus ex Machina books which normally I hate. This one was different because the "Deus" wasn't sure he had a right to interfere and the proposed object of his interference didn't really want it.

Back to fantasy, Heroes Adrift by Moira J Moore Her web page is here: http://www.moirajmoore.com/ She is also on Live Journal here: moiraj This is the third book in a series and like the others very good. I like the heroine and point of view character Lee a lot and the magic is interesting too. There seems to be something going around with covers lately (see Bed Bath and Beyond in an earlier post) The cover, and to some extent the title don't seem to have much to do with the story. Read it any way, you'll like it.

I am currently reading Total Rush by Deirdre Martin. Her web site is here: http://www.deirdremartin.com/ I'd previously tried reading Just a Taste by her and couldn't finish it. This book is holding my interests though. More later.

I finished reading Bedlam, Bath and Beyond by J D Warren. His web site is here: http://www.jd-warren.com/News.html Its modern fantasy. The book was good with an interesting fantasy premise. What I can't understand is either the title or the cover art.  I have absolutely no clue how either relate to the story. If you like modern urban fantasy don't let either put you off reading the book.

The next book was a more traditional fantasy, Fire Study by Maria V Snyder. Her web site is here: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/  This is her third book set in this fantasy world. The first was Poison Study and the second Magic Study. All three are very good books with a likable heroine and a satisfying story developing her world and her character.

The next book was Too Pretty To Die by Susan McBride.  Her web site is here: http://www.susanmcbride.com/ These are murder mysteries, part of a series about a debutante dropout who keeps getting involved with murder.
All very good books. They're set in and about Dallas high society, and very amusing.

My current read is The Sagittarius Command by R M Meluch. Her web page is here: http://www.rmmeluch.com/ This is a hard science fiction series about a starship called the USS Merrimack. For a variety of reasons I find that amusing (and no I'm not going to tell you why,) The series has been pretty good so far and so has this book.

I always seem to spend more time reading than I do posting to this journal!

(Sigh)


The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is apparently the first book in a series. His web site is here: http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/content/index.asp
Because this is one of those books that starts with the main character as a child parts of this book are a little slow. Its probably necessary given the flash back nature of the story and isn't necessarily bad. I'll keep an eye out for the second book.

Trick My Truck but Dont Mess with My Heart by Luann McLane wins this weeks award for longest title. Her web site is here: http://www.luannmclane.com/
This is a romantic comedy that I found suited  my mood after the fantasy I'd just finished. I enjoyed it and will keep an eye out for other books by this author.

Deadly Deceptions by Linda Lael Miller is a combination of mystery, romance and supernatural thriller. The web site is here: http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/index.html
This is the second book in the series and better than the last, which was very good itself (Deadly Gamble) I'd say this book has some serious mojo, except the heroine Mojo Sheepshanks is not a serious type. Despite seeing ghosts. A satisfying conclusion to some plots left hanging in the last book, but I saw one of the endings coming. Never the less worth reading and another series to watch. BTW Miller has some mojo herself for naming a character Sheepshanks.

Hello, Doggy by Elaine Fox is another enjoyable romantic comedy. Her web site is here: http://www.elainefox.com/ A likable hero and heroine with some not so usual impediments to true love. The dog doesn't get much scene time in this book compared to some of Fox's other books.

Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich. Her web site is here: http://www.evanovich.com/ This is another of her pre-Plum romantic comedies. Some funny moments, but I was disappointed that there was no actual scene with a pig. Still, it was a fun read.

Back to more serious stuff, if no less enjoyable, with Heart of Stone by C E Murphy. Her web site is here: http://cemurphy.net/ I seem to have managed to miss the latest book in Murphy's Urban Shaman series (Coyote Dreams), some thing I'm going to have to fix quickly. This is the start of a different series and is very good it self. Its urban fantasy set in New York City with a different take on the Old Races  theme. Another series to watch.

Boy, that list to watch is getting really long.

Currently reading: Bedlam, Bath and Beyond by J D Warren. His web site is here: http://www.jd-warren.com/News.html Its modern fantasy and I've just started it so I don't quite know where its going yet. Not bad so far.

I have been reading, I just haven't been posting. The following list is not necessarily in order and comments will usually be very brief.

Midnight on the Garden of Good and Evie by Marianne Stillings. Her web site is here: http://www.mariannestillings.com/ Romance with mystery . Not bad but I saw the villain coming.

Ring of Fire II edited by Eric Flint. A collection of stories set in his 1632 universe. His web site is here: http://www.ericflint.net/ ; The web page for the series is here: http://www.1632.org/ An interesting collection of stories as usual.

Moon Flights by Elizabeth Moon, a collection of her short stories not necessarily connected to her series. Most were very good. Her web site is here: http://www.elizabethmoon.com/ Her latest book Victory Conditions in her Vatta series is in my to be read pile right now.

I recently finished both Kasey Michaels' The Return of the Prodigal and Becket's Last Stand the last two books in her Beckets of Romney Marsh regency series. Both good, the last a satisfying conclusion to the series. Her web site is here: http://www.kaseymichaels.com/

For a change of pace Poltergeist by Kat Richardson a dark urban fantasy, the second in her Greywalker series. I've enjoyed both of the books, the first enough to wait impatiently for the second. Her web site is here: http://www.katrichardson.com/

The next was Thistle & Twigg by Mary Saums. Her web site is here: http://www.marysaums.com/ The first time I've read this author and I found this mystery, suspense (and ghost story) set in rural Alabama quite interesting. I'll have to check out other books by her.

Turning Tables came in the mail as an advance reader copy and I have no idea how it got sent to me. Its by Heather & Rose MacDowell. A contemporary romance set in a trendy New York restaurant. It was an enjoyable read, quite funny in spots and offered some fascinating insights in to the world of waitresses and waiters. After reading the book I may never dare to eat at a posh restaurant and my minimum tip is likely to be 25% from now on, in sheer sympathy. The authors are twins (identical) who've both been there and done that. This is their first book.  Couldn't find any personal web site. This is their publishers. http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=59783

I finished the Blue-Haired Bombshell by John Zakour. I really enjoyed it. I do wonder though why most of his villains are super powered women.

I changed pace a bit by reading A Reckless Beauty by Kasey Michaels. Her web site is here: http://www.kaseymichaels.com/

This is a Regency Romance, part of her Beckets of Romney Marsh series. I first came across Michaels as a writer of Regencies. I have also been reading some of her contemporary romances.

(Note: I left this out of the original post.) The next book was The Merchants War by Charles Stross. His web site is here: http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/ This has been quite an interesting series. This book is up to the previous high standards.

I started the next book, Just a Taste by Deirdre Martin but couldn't finish it. Her web site is here: http://www.deirdremartin.com/ The book wasn't bad. I liked parts of it but my interest just petered out. I can't really say why.

The next book was Endless Blue by Wen Spencer. Her web site is here: http://www.wenspencer.com/ Spencer write science fiction and fantasy. This book is science fiction. A very good book with a couple of nice concepts to play around with too.

I am currently reading Kris Longknife AUDACIOUS by Mike Shepherd. This is a nom de plume of Mike Moscoe whose web site is here:  http://www.mikemoscoe.com/
This is a science fiction series that I've been following for several years.

I've enjoyed the previous book in the series. I like this book so far. I just learned about the nom de plume so I'll have to check out Moscoe's other books.

Still reading at a feverish rate. (Might have something to do with the cold I've got.)

I finished Holy Smokes by Katie MacAlister. This is probably not the end of the series, but most of Aisling's problems have been resolved for the moment. I'll keep an eye out for more books in the series.

The next book I read was Dead Heat by Dick and Felix Francis. His web site is here http://www.dickfrancis.com/index(1).htm
Francis has been a favorite of mine for many years. This is his first book with his son. Just as great as usual.

Next was three more Lee and Miller books.
Balance of Trade
The Tomorrow Log and a chap book (two short stories) Dragon Tide
The web site is here http://www.korval.com/liad.htm

I am currently reading The Blue-Haired Bombshell by John Zakour. His web site is here http://www.johnzakour.com/
These books are a combo of humor, satire (not necessarily the same as humor) and science fiction. An enjoyable read so far.

Its been a while since I posted here. Not because I haven't been reading but because I've been reading to steadily.

Since my last entry I have read the following books:

Fire Me Up and Light My Fire by Katie MacAlister
http://www.katiemacalister.com/

Island Intrigue by Wendy Howell Mills
http://www.wendyhowellmills.com/

Bowled Over by Kasey Michaels
http://www.kaseymichaels.com/

Liaden Universe Companion Volumes one and Two by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
Partners in Necessity an omnibus including Conflict of Honors, Agent of Change and Carpe Diem by Lee and Miller
Plan B by Lee and Miller
I Dare by Lee and Miller
Pilots Choice an omnibus including Local Custom and Scouts Progress by Lee and Miller
http://www.korval.com/liad.htm

I started the first book on this list January 3rd and finished the last yesterday, January 22nd.

Even for me this was quite a reading marathon. It didn't leave me much time for anything else besides sleep and work.

I'm currently reading the last available Katie MacAlister book about Aisling Grey, Holy Smokes

I finished Chow Down by Laurien Berensen, it was the last book I finished reading in 2007. As anticipated I enjoyed it a lot. Behind the scenes books on exotic (for me) topics always fascinate me. If you haven't come across this author she's worth looking up.

I started the next book You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister last year and finished it this year. (Yes I know that's a really old joke. but somethings can't be resisted. Even when they should be!) MacAlister's web site is here: http://www.katiemacalister.com/

This book is a really strange mix of magic, romance and comedy but on the whole I liked it. Its probably a function of being the first book in a projected series, but at times the heroine found new magic powers a little to conveniently.

I haven't started my next book yet. Too many in my slush pile. Decisions, decisions! And I succumbed to the purchase of a new book by an author I liked. Which just made the pile larger.

Sigh!

Happy New Year!

Still slowed down a bit by Holiday interruptions, but still reading.

I finished Calamity Jayne Heads West by Kathleen Bacus. Here's her web site: http://www.kathybacus.com/ As I mentioned in my last post I really enjoy this series. This book was no exception. A good story, plenty of chuckles and likable characters.

One problem, I've reached the end of the published series. GAAAAAHH!!!!

Next ones not due until late 2008. I can hardly wait.

I followed that with two books by Janet Evanovich . Manhunt followed by Smitten. Her website is here: http://www.evanovich.com/ Again not part of her Plum mysteries but fun light reads.

I am currently reading Chow Down by Laurien Berenson. Her web site is here: http://www.laurienberenson.com/ This is a mystery series I've been following from its beginning and I always enjoy them. I've mentioned earlier that I like stories set in unusual milieus. This one is set in the world of show dogs and I find the details fascinating if occasionally confusing. I'm about half way through this book.

The topic title says it all. Between trying to design and print several dozen Christmas cards, shop for umpteen zillion nieces and nephews and three days of New England snow...

Fairly quickly, Absolutely, Positively by Jayne Ann Krentz was a good book. The idea of a science researcher, with an odd upbringing, making his living debunking bad science who himself is struggling to deny his own "intuitions" was amusing and fascinating. The love interest worked well to.

The next was Calamity Jayne Goes to College by Kathleen Bacus. Her web site is here: http://www.kathybacus.com/ This is the fourth of this series I've read. There is one more published that I'm currently reading. Calamity Jayne Heads West..

All the books are a very funny mix of humor, chick lit and mystery. There were a couple of scenes in "College" where I laughed until I cried. This is typical of the series. The heroine and her supporting cast are very likable.

Calamity Jayne is blond, but not dumb, even if more than a little situation prone. The books are peppered with blond jokes, most of them told by her.

Run don't walk to the nearest book store and buy the books: Calamity Jayne, Calamity Jayne Rides Again, Ghouls Just Want to have Fun, Calamity Jayne Goes to College, Calamity Jayne Heads West.

The last book I've read is Jumper, Griffin's Story by Steven Gould. His web site is here: http://digitalnoir.com/steve/ (Warning, front page is very heavy graphics.)

This author originally wrote a book called Jumper which was very good and eventually followed by an equally good sequel called Reflex.

He has been fortunate enough to sell the concept for a movie called Jumper (Heavily promoted on home page, hence the graphics,) Because of extensive rewrites for the screen, Jumper, Griffin's Story is essentially a novelization of the movie.

Its a good story but much different from the original. Its also much darker in tone. I liked both the original Jumper and Reflex much better.

I don't think I'm going to the movie.

I read about half way through Flora Segunda by Ysabeau S. Wilce, then I started skim reading the rest. I don't do that often to a book but something about the authors approach to the story grated. Not enough to give up on the book. I just skipped a good part of the rest,
I'm not saying don't read it. You might have more patience.

Got caught by another Christmas book. A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg. Her web site at her publisher is here: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/fannieflagg/
The book starts a little slow but eventually became engrossing. It has likable characters and and interesting small town setting. This Christmas story actually spans two Christmas seasons.
I enjoyed it. I'm not sure if the authors style would work for me in other types of stories, but I'll check.

I'm currently reading Absolutely, Positively by Jayne Ann Krentz her web site is here: http://www.krentz-quick.com/ I just started, so not much to say yet.

The Kitchen Witch, by Annette Blair,  no real magic, but a good story. Some sexy bits I skimmed as usual. The setting, Salem. MA during October, November and December was interesting because its near where I live and the Salem-Witch thing. Although if you think about it the original authorities involved with the Trials would probably be certain the Devil had won if the came back to Salem for Halloween.

The next book up is Flora Segunda by Ysabeau S Wilce.  Her web site is here: http://www.yswilce.com/
Haven't started it yet so no comment. This is classified as Young Adult. But hey! I feel young at heart.

I finished Free for All by Don Borchert. This book is a tell-all about life in a public library.  The view from the other side of the check out desk is by turns funny, horrifying and poignant, One of the last was particularly hard to read because the library story,  recounting a probably doomed library romance, ends when the protagonists leave the library before the romance story reaches its conclusion. Borchert doesn't have a web site.

I next read Corpse Suzette by C. A. McKevett. This is a pseudonym of Sonja Massie.
I couldn't find web sites under either name. These are murder mysteries set in Southern California featuring Savannah Reid. This is a favorite series and I enjoyed the mystery and the interaction between the main characters extended "family."

I'm currently reading The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair. Her web site is here: http://www.annetteblair.com/. I've just started, and so far there have been some funny bits I've enjoyed. I'll let you know more later.

Since my last post I've read three books and a short story from an e-zine. My work schedule has made it difficult to keep up. (To be honest being on a reading jag didn't help either! :) )

The first book was Wife for Hire by Janet Evanovich. Her web site is here: http://www.evanovich.com/, Definitely light reading, but fun. I've never been able to get interested in her Plum mysteries, but that probably just me and there's nothing wrong with the books. I do make it a point to read this type of book from her. Most seem to have been from her early years as a writer.

The second book was a mystery, The Crafty Teddy by John J. Lamb. His web site is here: http://www.johnjlamb.net/. This is the third book in this series that I've read and they're all quite good. Set in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, they revolve around the hobby and craft of making Teddy Bears. I like books that are tied to unusual places or occupations. The author's into un-bear-able puns, too. Another plus for me, but maybe not for you. :)

The last book I read in this period was Scrooge Wore Spurs by Janet Dailey. Her web site is here: http://www.janetdailey.com/ Now Dailey is not a favorite author of mine. I don't mean that in the negative sense. I've read some of her books. I liked this book and probably will read another book by her sooner or later. I just don't go out of my way to read her books.

 I picked this book because, as I mentioned in another post, I'm a sucker for Christmas themed stories at this time of the year. A recurring theme in books of this type does bother me. I would NOT want to be related to the hero or heroine of these books, especially if I had minor children.

 The odds are I and my spouse would be killed in a crash (car, train, plane, moped; take your pick) and the story would revolve around the hero/heroine getting stuck with the kids and getting frazzled trying to cope.

Can we spell cliche ? (Hmmmm, according to my spell check (clichés), apparently I can't. Sigh!)

The last item I read in this period was a short story called Misfits by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. Their web page is here: http://www.korval.com/liad.htm At the moment this story is available only in electronic form It is included in  Jim Baen's Universe e-zine which is located here: http://baens-universe.com/.

I've been a fan of their  Liaden(R) Universe stories for a long time. As usual I really liked this story. It is mostly, however, a back story on other books by this duo. Trust me, buy and read the other books first. You wont regret it.

I am currently reading Free for All (oddballs. Geeks. and Gangstas in the Public Library) by Don Borchert. This is a life is stranger than fiction, non-fiction book about life in a public library. More later.