Here is a great little book worth reading. Start with a terrific title and follow with a witty, intelligent book in which there are no wasted words and which does not ever seem "interminable" and you've got a great combination. Highly recommended for the fisherman and anyone else in your family.

As an artist, I've found inspiration time and again in Robert Hughes'books and the American Visions series. As a third-generation Floridian growing up on the Hillsborough River, I instinctively came by an appreciation of both the mystique of the water and the way fishing linked me to it. As a mostly-vegetarian who still succumbs to seafood, I feel some sense of guilt and sadness for the realities of the commercial fishing industry. This is a poignant and amusing little book, and a clarion call to those who don't give much thought to where their salmon filet came from. Robert Hughes is an inspired writer; this book demonstrates how his holistic take on cultural history translates into wonderful insights in seemingly disparate fields. This is a book I'll re-read every summer!

I bought this for my 19 year old son who has a passion for fishing. I'll admit it, I just don't understand the allure. I picked it up one night and was caught up in the storytelling. there is a bit of fishing history and plenty of fish stories. I still don't understand fishing, but found this brief book a good read.

This book chronicles the welcome and overdue return of Estleman's character Peter Macklin, here a retired hitman for the Detroit mob. A newlywed on his honeymoon, Macklin is spotted by an associate of Carlo Maggiore, "Carl Major", an old acquaintance and onetime target, who presses him into doing one more job. Macklin's young bride is monitored by Abilene, a pseudo-cowboy associate of Maggiore's and during the course of his duties, he lets slip who Macklin is and also shows off his own psycho tendencies, leading Laurie Macklin to attempt to slip his clutches.

The book switches back and forth from San Antonio, the site of Macklin's hit, to Los Angeles, and is very effective in building suspense, and supplying the viewpoints of several characters, including a detective transplanted to Texas from the Midwest and concerned about becoming too much of a Texan.

Macklin is a hard, tough character who previously appeared in Estleman's _Kill Zone_, _Any Man's Death_, and _Roses Are Dead_. He's reminiscent of Richard Stark's tough guy, Parker, though Parker is a thief who only kills when he has to, while Macklin is a killer, first and foremost. Hopefully, we won't have to wait another 10 years or more for the next Macklin book.

In his mid forties, Peter Macklin retired several years ago as a hit man and recently married the much younger Laurie. They are enjoying their honeymoon in Los Angeles when crime boss Carlo Maggiore spots Peter. Though Macklin tried to kill Carlo years ago, business is business so the mobster "hires" Peter to complete a hit that one of his thugs messed up. The fee is fifty large ones plus the safe return of his wife if he kills San Antonio bookie Johns Davis.

Peter hides what he is doing from Laurie, insisting he is going to Sacramento on business. Instead Peter goes to Texas to complete the job. Though out of practice, a hit feels like riding a bike to the retired professional. As Peter works on the details of how he will execute the assignment, Laurie realizes that her "baby-sitter" is no friend of her spouse. She knows that she must depend on herself to remain safe from this goon, while patiently waiting until Peter returns to force the truth from him.

The latest Macklin tale is an exciting crime thriller that showcases the talent of award-winning Loren D. Estleman and demonstrates why the antihero is so popular. The story line is loaded with action whether Peter is the focus or Laurie takes center stage. Though the tale fails to provide Laurie's reactions to Peter's former profession (stay tuned for that in the next novel), fans of the author, especially of Macklin, will appreciate this gratifying thriller.

Harriet Klausner

I thought this book was great! The pictures of the objects are beautiful. Where a picture could not be obtained there is usually a detailed sketch of the object. The descriptions give not only insight into use of the archaological object but also surrounding information like similar objects and archeological context. Then the essays descibe the time period and unknown/debated issue of Egyptian Archeology. As a newbie to Egyptian Archaeology I found the book easy to read and felt that things were explained well.

This is the first in the Toby Peters books and it is excellent. And, the Blackstone Audio Books version is both well read and faithful to the original book. The breaks on the cassettes are handy. Do yourself a favor and check out the later titles Blackstone offers. You'll be glad.

I found this book and series while doing an auction "online" search for movie star memorabilia. Typing in "Rita Hayworth" and "Betty Grable" brought up a list of all kinds of "goodies," among them a book called, "Dancing In The Dark." The auction write-up mentioned that Toby Peters, a 1940's Los Angeles Private Investigator for the stars, hoofs it onstage with these two Hollywood lovelies after taking dancing lessons from Fred Astaire. Well, that hooked me, so I bought this book! What a hoot! Toby is modeled after such classic hard-boiled gumshoes as Sam Spade & Philip Marlowe, but he has a heart of gold and his narratives are witty and funny. Fred Astaire turns out to be a "crime aficionado' and sounds like, uh - Fred Astaire! Mr. Kaminsky does such a marvelous job of bringing Astarie to life that you feel like you are "watching" him in the movies! The action takes place in 1943 during WW II and the descriptions of the place and times are very authentic and interesting. Any fan of the old "classic" movies of the 1940's will thoroughly enjoy this book - and the Toby Peters series!

Peter Decker and his wife Rina are enjoying family life with her sons and their new baby daughter when Rina's old friend Honey Klein asks to come visit. Rina is surprised because they hasn't been in close contact with Honey in recent years, but she agrees to the visit. Meanwhile Peter works with his partner Marge on a case involving an entire family who have suddenly vanished. The husband is a diamond dealer, and there are many motives for a possible murder, most of them having to do with money. Coincidentally, after Honey comes to the Lazarus home, her husband, also a diamond dealer, is mysteriously killed. Peter's quest for the truth in these matters eventually takes him and Rina to Israel where they pursue missing persons from both of these cases. As usual, author Kellerman weaves interesting facts about the orthodox Jewish religion as well as Peter and Rina's evolving family life. The trip to Israel adds an extra dimension to the story, and the total package is very satisfying for a mystery reader.

In my book 'Sanctuary' is one of the best in the Peter Decker/ Rina Lazarus series. The story revolves around the missing husband of Rina's friend. The search takes Rina and Peter to Israel where we are treated to a fascinating tour of the West Bank and the diamond trade in Israel. What makes this entry so important today is the portrayal of the continuing conflict and violence that shapes Israel's future and her people. It is a pleasure to read a book that is both thoughtful and fun to read.

My only other suggestion if you are new to Faye Kellerman is to start at the beginning with 'Ritual Bath' to see the relationship between Rina and Peter unfold. Then read all her books in the order in which they were written. Its a great series.

In my book, this title vies with 'Ritual Bath' and 'Justice' as Kellerman's best. As with 'Ritual Bath' the reader is treated to the all encompassing traditions of Judaism. Although the Honey Klein angle seems to get more emphasis in reviews, I found the diamond merchant subplot more believable and fascinating. Descriptions of Israel and the West Bank were super--I enoyed the travelogue. Faye, give us more!

This book is a virtual roller coaster ride, filled with twists and turns that will really keep you guessing. If you're looking for an action-packed mystery/detective/thriller type...read this book!

Mysteries are sometimes similiar in plot and ending but this one was not!!!!It completely held my interest and I enjoyed this fast pace
story of the seedy, not often known or talked about, real Hollywood.
Thanks for a great story and hope you write more soon!

I loved this book!! The characters were realistic and the plot held your interest!! Several twists and turns kept me turning the pages to read more!! Would make a great movie!

Feeling like a skinny wimp brushing sand off your face? Instead of Charles Atlas reach for a copy of "Hit and Run". This brillantly written account of Peter Guber and Jon Peters assent in Hollywood culiminating with their co-chairmenship of Sony Pictures is a true how-to for anyone short on personal chutzpah. Details of Guber and Peters personal interaction skills in- cluding verbal assaults and tantrums on desktops will get even the meekest reader's blood pumping and send them off in search of their own victim. As a business professional I found Griffin and Masters' book chronicling the pathetic waste and destruction left behind by this duo to be one of the best business books I've read in a long time. And I found the depiction of their in-your-face management style to be a refreshing respite from mild-mannered Dilbert. In addition to a primer on the Sony company and the highly competitive consumer electronics industry the book is chock full of juicy tidbits on the 'stars'. (Check out Jack Nicholson's advice to Kim Basinger on the set of 'Batman' concerning her 'performance' with Jon Peters.) Possessing extreme self-confidence, tenacity, and greed, Jon Peters and Peter Guber exemplify the best and worst of achieving the American Dream in "Hit and Run."

Nancy Griffin and Kim Masters has written a interesting book about the two Hollywood Hustlers: Jon Peters and Peter Guber. The way they tell their side of the story makes it a wonderfull book. Just the part of the book, that tells to story og Sony and the purchase of Columbia and Tri-Star is worth every penny. You just sit back and wonder, how did they hustle their way all the way to the top.

To read something else about Peters and Guber, I've strongly recommend "Burton on Burton", where Tim Burton gives his personal view on them.

The authors have done an amazing job of compiling an incredible amount of information and assimilating it in a well-thought out and informative manner. The story of how Jon Peters and Peter Guber were able to so completely screw Sony is unbelievable. Yet, Kim Masters and Nancy Griffin boil all the subplots down into a manageable and compelling story that is completely accessible. It isn't often that a non-fiction book reads like a novel. An absolute must-read for anyone interested in the film industry.

I enjoyed this book primarily because of the engaging and witty characters, particularly Camilla. The author has a good ear for dialogue, and allows his characters room to speak and develop. The "Hollywood" aspect of this book seemed to be just a backdrop, while the real story was the dynamic between all of these eccentric but likable people. Even the character of Barbara, who is a gold-digger type, is treated fairly. By the end, she seems to have a point also. I appreciated how the author didn't seem to favor characters, but seemed to have affection for all of them.

I don't know, I think this book was pretty damn funny. I don't even pretend to understand what "hollywood" is all about, but, although Charlie's reflective scene before he douses himself may have been a bit maudlin, the characters are what make it... You want to adopt Matt, shoot Barb (with cellulite), share a joint with Camilla, BE Ava, and have a couple of Chrisses ... As far as the criticism of one-liners goes, how fitting for Charlie to end up "in the drink"... The wit and sarcasm of these "one-liners" has made me oddly homesick for that so very AMERICAN sense of humor. I think assuming this'll turn into the hollywood film Mr. Craig seems, although halfheartedly, to be trashing, is not to give him enough credit. So what if it does?

This book was absolutely nothing like I expected, and I think the advertising for it and the description were sort of intentionally misleading. But I did find myself liking the book very much by the midway point, mostly because the characters were all so odd and unpredictable. Eventually I forgot the whole label-thing, and I just enjoyed the book. Don't read this if you expect some gossipy Hollywood novel. It's actually a good little comedy about a lot of amusing and neurotic people trying to keep it together.

I purchased this book before a recent trip to Los Angeles. We had a vehicle and were able, in a few days to get to many of the places described by Moore. The book is an excellent cross-section of many of the choice sites in Greater L.A. For this reason alone, the book is well worth purchasing if you are interested in architecture.

Moore is also a very entertaining writer. He is not afraid to express his opinions on anything and this makes his book both good reading and a helpful guide. If one has limited time, Moore's guide to the best places to visit is reliable.

The one "down side" to this book is that it is somewhat dated. It was published in 1984 and has not been revised. Accordingly, some of the places he describes have disappeared. Furthermore, his description of when certain buildings are open to the public is out-of-date.

In any event, if you are interested in architecture and wish to see some of what L.A. has to offer, this book is well worth getting.

In 1994, I learned I would be living in Los Angeles for the following two years. A survey of guidebooks at the local library turned up this well-organized volume of Southern California's architectural points of interest by the late co-owner (with Frank Gehry) of the title of LA's finest architect.

The book was in my Mustang convertible for the next 24 months of exploring the "only-in-LA" landscape. The history of the Mayan Theater and other grand movie palaces, Los Angeles City Hall, unique residences in Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Frank Lloyd Wright's Pasadena homes, UCLA, and so many other sites came to life through Moore's succinct, academic but accessible summaries. Maps were excellent, and photos were provided for almost half of the hundreds of entries. The chapter exclusively on Disneyland as an architectural metaphor for SoCal was particularly intriguing.

I forgot to mention: in 1994 this book had been out of print for 8 years and unavailable in stores. I "lost" the library's copy and paid the fine for it, it was so good. Presumably the edition on Amazon is new and revised, and I'll be ordering it for my frequent returns to Charles Moore's modern architectural sandbox.

This book is the first one to disagree with Postmodernists and seriously treat Disneyland as a humane rather than "simulated" space. Very much worth reading.