The majority of the book deals with the region North and West of Fort Worth, although all of the Western frontier of Texas is covered. The author combines the facts with explanations to cover a period when reliable records are scarce and myth/legend are legion. Particularly impressive are the descriptions of the Elm Creek Raid and Battle of Dove Creek.

In addition, Frontier Defense also briefly covers strategy & tactics used before and during the War Between the States.

Simplified maps of the frontier districts are included, but a good map of Texas is needed unless the reader is very familiar with the frontier outposts. The free Texas Historical Commission map "Texas in The Civil War" is an essential item needed to accompany this book.

The border with Mexico, Gulf Coast, and Eastern Texas are not covered as this regions are beyond the scope of the work.

Before Marian can dig deeply into the investigation, the case unravels as the lead suspects, the parents, are murdered. Still, Marian inches closer to solving the case when her lover, private investigator Curt Holland is kidnapped. His abductors want her to drop her investigation or they will torture their victim till he dies. Marian, who has always feared a commitment, now has a new fear to deal with: the potential loss of her beloved, who will certainly be killed if she does nothing.

Barbara Paul has written numerous mysteries, but her Marian Larch series is by far her best. Marian is the complete woman of the nineties as she struggles with her ambition and independence Vs a commitment to her lover. FULL FRONTAL MURDER adds much insight to Marian's motivations as her personal and professional lives crash together. The Larch books are one of the finest police procedural series because it takes readers to the inside of Manhattan through the senses of a fantastic multi-dimensional protagonist.

Harriet Klausner

Other scientists slam his ideas and he only meets failure when trying to pursue his goal. But then he meets En Sabah Nur, also known as the evil mutant Apocalypse - Who tells him there is a way for him to do it. All Nathaniel has to do is choose between that or the love of his caring wife.

This is a very good story about love, the difficult choice this man had to make and how he came to the decision he eventually made. After years and years of hating Mister Sinister for everything he's done to the X-Men... You find that he's had a heart once. And I couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for the guy. They did Sinister good with this story. The writing is great. The thoughts, emotions and distant relationship between Nathaniel Essex and his wife Rebecca are done marvellously. The events can be shocking at times (don't ever browse through a comic book quickly!!!)

The art is very dark and contains alot of shadows - which works very well for this setting and story. It sets the mood for the story just right. Some might take a while to get used to the style, but that happens pretty quick once you get deep into the book.

If you've loved the love story of "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm", I'd recommend this. I would probably be sorry for saying this, but... It made me shed a tear :o)

Excellent artwork and a great read. I highly recommend it to the Apocalypse fan .

You will not want to discard this book during the time you are implementing a gain sharing or variable pay program. As I management con- sultant I often refer to it in my seminars and on-site consultations. Mike Pavilon, Chicago