Deadly Karate Blows assumes a knowledgeable role, describing the horrific results of a well-placed strike; however, with the way Adams set it out, it would appear that this is what happens EVERY time a blow is landed in real combat. He fails to explicate how it is that blows landed in this manner during sparring sessions do not involve these violent conditions, yet in street fighting, all of a sudden one's victim is prone to all manner of post-trauma malady. While Adams had done his research, and cites an impressive array of sources, he does not seem to grasp that many of these effects require a great amount of strength, and very specific conditions to reach. These "medical implications" may be plausible in isolated situations, but it is not feasible to suggest that it is the probability.

Granted, softer targets will more frequently yield the described results, but harder targets (the shin, ribs,et cetera) are much less susceptible to trauma. Again, these areas require more than normal force, and very specific conditions; a kick to the shin with the side of the foot will not "easily fracture one or both bones." Fortunately, he does seem to realize that the clothing worn plays a role: a hard-soled shoe will do more damage than a bare foot.

My last disappointment with this book was evident from the start: he is redundant to the point of nausea. He feels it necessary to repeat almost everything he says; this does not strengthen his point, it only makes people tired of hearing it.

Overall, do not purchase this book if you wish to become a deadly opponent. It is good, I think, in the medical respect, and it offers some insight into biomechanics, but the approach is not strong enough to merit real interest to a martial artist.

Within its scope, this is an excellent book, but it is a small book and its scope is similarly small. It is really a book of _potential_ consequences: worst case scenarios when one is hit a certain way. It makes little mention of the probability that damage will occur, and especially it doesn't seem to remark on how likely such damage is to occur accidentally. Also, there doesn't seem to be any real mention of principals of damage, just specific cases.

All that said, I would recommend it to any serious practitioner of karate, or other similar martial art. I don't know what textbooks fight doctors use, but I would cautiously suggest it to them as well (in ignorance of similar resources). If you buy only one book on karate, this should not be it, but it makes a fine addition to a small library of martial arts textbooks.

Any Martial Arts student with some experience will find in this book a way to increase his/her knowledge.

The author makes a serious and careful study about the medical implications of a particular blow.

It begins by the head and neck, where we can find the largest number of vital points, down through the chest, ribs and finally the feet.

For those with little experience the book proves to be a useful tool for understanding danger in Karate technics as well as to take rigorous conscience of them.

Although the injuries caused through immediate or delayed effects may be the same, the author studies the medical implications of both, referring to the symptoms and timing of these effects.

The exact location of a strike is also highly focused because depending on that location, one can cause a simple bruise or even death.

Assuming a simple speech ( without spectacularly ) enriched with several biological drawings, Brian Adams undoubtedly gives a very good contribution to real Karate.

I dropped a star from this one mainly because the plot resolutions relied 'way too much on implausible things. The "dieu ex machina" that was just one of the many flaws with "I Miss My Man but My Aim is Getting Better" also hurts this book. There was one loose thread from "He Was Her Man" that was finally tied up here, too, though the character's entry was extremely contrived and convoluted.

Frankly, I think Sarah Shankman has done all she can do with the Samantha Adams character, and I hope she will retire her, at least for awhile. Better to leave 'em wanting more. . .

The authers tried to capture the Batman saga & to chronicle his appearances in 40 years...

Some of the stories are great because they are clasic & very old... they introduced important writers & artists... others were great because of the sory line e.g killer of the dark skies echoing the great character enemy ace (lord Von Hammer)...

The book was denied many good stories because of differnt reasons: the Joker had a complete separate volume for his stories... I wanted to see Bats interacting with Gordon & other mature Gotham characters...none of this I found here...

a good read but If you're expecting the dark Batman of the eighties with mysterious plots this is not the book for you...

Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Dick Sprang, Neal Adams, Steve Englehart, Marshall Rogers are Dick Giordano are all represented. Each of these creators touched Batman in a permanent way. Noticeably absent are Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Year One) and Alan Moore/Brian Bolland (The Killing Joke). In the introduction, it is stated that these famous Batman creators are well-represented in other reprint collections and thus were not included in this volume. It is nice to know that they were acknowledged.

Those who were introduced to Batman by the movies and the accompanying 90's rebirth may be disappointed by this volume. It does cover the Batman character as a whole, and not only one phase (Grim and Gritty). Also, the Joker has a companion volume, "The Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told," so there are few Joker stories included.

This book has the fun, wholesome kind of Batman comics I remember reading and being amazed by as a kid. For maximum enjoyment, I read the comics in the order I wanted (they are printed in chronological order). Also, the book includes a great introduction by Dick Giordano, a foreword, endnotes, and bios of the many artists and writers, with pics of classic Batman covers in the margins. This book is like a DVD! It is a must have for Bat-fans (unless you own every Batman comic ever made).

So much for explaining the concept of the series. The Burglar in the Closet is the second book in the series. I strongly suggest that you begin the series by reading Burglars Can't Be Choosers. Each story in the series adds information and characters in a way that will reduce your pleasure of the others if read out of order. Although, I originally read them out of order and liked them well enough. I'm rereading them now in order, and like it much better this way. The Burglar Who Liked to Quote Kipling comes next in the series.

As Stephen King likes to point out, a great way to start a book is to put a character in an unusual situation and then let things happen from there. The Burglar in the Closet certainly follows that route in a successful manner with what reads and feels like a very realistic (and hilarious to think about) burglary experience.

The complications soon start coming from all directions like sharpened spears, and Bernie's ducking before one of them hits him! Along the way you'll meet The World's Greatest Dentist and his hygienist, some remarkably vivid barflies, and visit again with the brilliant, but bent cop, Ray Kirschmann from Burglars Can't Be Choosers. Bernie gets accused of just about everything but what he actually did, and as before, straightens matters out through his own investigation.

I thought that the identity of the more serious criminal was pretty obvious, but the plot develops in such a witty, charming way that I didn't really mind. The plot is pretty complicated, and will keeep you on your toes . . . so pay attention!

This book is definitely a step up from Burglars Can't Be Choosers and really establishes the series as a solid one for fans of off-beat mysteries.

As I read this book, I was reminded of Murphy's Law (anything that can go wrong, will). Most of the unpleasant situations in our lives come about because we ignore Mr. Murphy. This book will certainly remind you to think through what could go wrong . . . before you go ahead.

Donald Mitchell
Co-author of The 2,000 Percent Solution, The Irresistible Growth Enterprise and The Ultimate Competitive Advantage