EXCELLENT READING MATERIAL. JAY WAS SOMEONE I LOVED TO HATE. I REMEMBERED THIS CLASSIC AS A TEEN HAVE BEEN SEARCHING HIGH AND LOW FOR THE VIDEO TAPE.

This story has so much true life emotion that we can all relate to it. I loved it to the last page, you will too!!

Norman Bogner's new novel, "The Deadliest Art", is fantastic! It is a sequel to "To Die In Provence", but it can easily be read on its own. If you read this book, you'll definitely want to read the first book anyway. The story follows French detective Michel Danton as he struggles to honor his promise to his new bride to give up his dangerous work, while being presented with a case of unimaginable horror. The book alternates between the actions of the criminals and their pursuers in a non-synchronous manner that works perfectly. "To Die In Provence" was a great mystery, plunging one into the customs and culture of the South of France. "The Deadliest Art" surpasses it, with an even deeper immersion into French psyche and attitude, coupled with an exploration of the Venice of Southern California. As you are simultaneously drawn into the madhouse of the killers and Michel Danton's increasing desperation, you won't be able to put this book down!

While agreeing with the other readers' comments, I was most fascinated by the storytelling device that Norman Bogner invented in this novel: Unsynchronized chronology of converging stories. This differs from standard thriller technique in which the point of view swings back and forth between the good guy and bad guy like the arm of a metronome or clock pendulum, with the story driven by advancing time.

The novel opens in Provence, France, where Bogner reintroduces us to Det. Michael Danton and art historian Jennifer Bowen, now in a state of prenuptial bliss. Next, a continent away in Venice, California, Bogner introduces murderous Garrett Lee Brant "and his beautiful Eve" who are just stepping out for a millennium New Year's party hosted mammary-enhanced Heather Malone, Garrett's benefactor and sometime lover. Garrett is a frustrated artist who is fascinated by Gauguin, with whom he "holds regular conversations." (His back story reveals the ability to speak in a number of voices.) Garrett has received no recognition for his work on canvas but is enjoying enormous commercial success doing tatoos on the Venice (CA) boardwalk. Eve is skilled in the art of makeup. Switch to Provence where Michael is called to investigate a girl's body washed up on the beach. Switch back to Heather Malone's party, an upscale S&M affair. Heather introduces to Mr. Jan Korteman, a Belgian photographer who specializes in high-grade pornography. Eve makes her own moves and a four-way psychological sex drama unfolds.

And thus two "parallel" stories evolve, with Michael investigating the girl's death and consoling the parents and with Jan taking Garrett and Eve to live as his house guests in Belgium where they engage in a sinister artistic collaboration. The stories evolve asynchronously: The protagonists working slowly to stop the crimes that the antagonists have yet to commit. This yarn is not driven by the beat of a metronome. It is driven by the fascination of the reader who realizes that by the end of the book the two stories must converge. As the book begins to run out of pages, the antagonists' story accelerates and catches up with the protagonists, with fascinating and deadly results. Bogner has invented a new technique in thriller fiction: Converging stories told in warped time.

And as if this was not clever enough, Bogner throws in one final twist which will make the reader pinch himself, turn back to the first page and read the story once more. "The Deadliest Art" is high art, every bit as clever as "The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari."

Some might have said that Norman Bogner was playing bad poker and attempting to draw to an inside straight when he wrote 'To Die In Provence' in 1998. After all, he was a writer of mainstream fiction -- Seventh Avenue, The Madonna Complex, California Dreamers, among others - and the Provence book is a mystery. But after you read it you find it is much more than a mystery. The major characters, Michel Danton, chief investigator for the Special Circumstances Section of the French Judicial Police, and Jennifer Bowen, an American art history professor, remain with you and breathe on, as well as a host of minor characters. You find that you want to know more and that is a sign of a good book. The author filled his straight and won the hand.
What is meant by 'more than a mystery'? I mean that the author has widened the scope, brought more to the table. Mysteries usually present the good man or good woman, usually a detective or cop, who then pursues the bad guy who has perpetrated a crime on usually good folks. The progression is linear from start to finish with few detours. Subplots are usually absent along with any serious reflections from the hero, minor characters appear and disappear after they help the hero, the bad guys are caught, resolution is complete, and a new book will appear next year. Along the way it is sometimes difficult to suspend disbelief because the hero carries a 25 shot 6-shooter. Examples are MacDonald's Travis, Parker's Spenser, Grafton's Kinsey, Child's Reacher, White's Doc Ford and a thousand others. A lot of these are good men and women detecting, pursuing and catching the bad folks in very good books. I've read them and like them. Norman Bogner, on the other hand, takes a lot of time defining and exploring his characters. With precise use of literary hydrofloric acid he etches very real people in glass. Because the people are real they have flaws and sometimes the glass fractures because of internal struggles within the characters, as well as cracking under the pressure of the externals not under their control. The crimes, along with the accompanying mystery/detective motif, the setting in southern France, and the pyscho-killer, presented in 'To Die In Provence' act as a catalyst to bring the strengths and weaknesses of Michel and Jennifer, as well as others, to the surface and we see them struggle and reflect and we wince and fret over them and we want them to 'grow out of it' and overcome. We want to know the answer to the question, 'If it doesn't kill you, does it make you stronger'?
Bogner uses the same deft strokes to paint the canvas of his settings and the minor characters evolving in the background. Whether we want to or not we painlessly and relentlessly learn about the town of Aix-en-Provence, a good French restaurant, food, wine, and the friends, acquaintances, and parents of Michel, the French Judicial system, and, most surprising and different, how a killer operates and what makes him tick within the clock of the mystery. As one reads larger, more encompassing, questions surface. How is a man's behavior affected by his origin? How can a rich young girl-woman be captivated by a killer? The latter, of course, is the 'Manson' question. If you want to know how the author answers these, read the book
After an intervening book, 'Honor Thy Wife', a 'mainstream' novel, Norman Bogner has returned with another compelling mystery, 'The Deadliest Art.' The author, not content with leaving Michel and Jennifer in literary limbo, brings them back in an even more intricate plot. While it is nice to have read the previous book, it is not at all necessary for Bogner, with wide reach and skill, reintroduces you with great detail. And a whole new set of questions is asked while the 'mystery' evolves. A young girl's body washes ashore near Aix-en-Provence. Her back is disfigured. Why? Thus, the mystery is triggered. Danton takes charge of the investigation and the backgrounds change, ranging from the back alleys of San Antonio, Texas, to Bruges in Belgium, the ever present Provence in France and, finally, to Venice, California. Again we relentlessly but painlessly learn about art, food, places and people, French and American cultures and, amazingly, tattoos. While the mystery unfolds and the murders pile up so do the larger questions. Bogner attacks the question of why, especially in America, are we so intent on being someone else, where is the benefit in illusion, what is art, and where are we going. Along with this the author has created a killer and his accomplices so diabolical and sociopathic and tied and knotted them to art in such a clever way that future villains may be defined as Bogner-esque in scope. When the book finally and fittingly ends, it ends with exploding revelation in Venice, California. Today, standing on the Venice Boardwalk in front of the Small World Bookstore, both of which front the frequently polluted Pacific Ocean, one can watch the unending parade of current American Culture before you in all its glory. One can only smile and nod one's head at the author's choice of a concluding locale. And one realizes that 'The Deadliest Art' has presented us with a slice of American culture presented as a reflection of ourselves. Whether we want to or not. If one has read 'From Dawn To Decadence' by Jacques Barzun, that giant tome, or Morris Berman's, 'The Twilight Of American Culture', or watched 95% of recent American movies or television, one cannot help but see the undercurrents in 'The Deadliest Art.' The author has succeeded again in giving us not only a compelling mystery but a compelling novel. More important, he has asked tough questions. If you read one book, you'll want to read the other.

Bogner's newest book promises a non-stop read and thrilling moments. This author's gift is in telling a complex story that begs you to turn the pages. Honor Thy Wife is for romantics who believe in soul mates; for lovers who relish mirroring their love; for the lonely who want to believe in true love, and for readers who need to be enthralled and entertained by a master storyteller.

Bogner departs from the malevolent demon, Boy, of To Die in Provence and spins a yarn of complex emotions, passions and truths. You will want to finish this in one reading. But, savor the beauty and suspense and stretch it for a two day involvement in the lives of his multi-dimensional characters.

Honor Thy Wife will grab the romantic in you and will not let you go until you finish the book. It's a book which begs for your attention and heart.

In the 1960's in Oregon, Terry Brett loved Allison Desmond. He planned to share a lifetime of happiness with her, but Allison abruptly left town to find herself in the Himalayas. A distraught Terry stops practicing law and begins to suffer from anxiety.

Several years later, Dr. Valerie Holland helps Terry overcome his grief. They fall in love and marry. However, Allison suddenly returns and claims to have given birth to Terry's son Sean. As Terry struggles with his feelings, a college friend former basketball star Earl Raymond wants to hire him in a lawsuit against LA Stars owner, Jonah Wolfe. Earl claims he was injured on the job and compensation insurance should be provided to him, but Wolfe refuses. Terry works his buddy's case even as his second wife saves the life of his child, leaving Terry to wonder about the future.

HONOR THY WIFE is a soap opera that works because Norman Bogner instills flaws, traits, and motives into his prime characters. The story line is entertaining as Terry struggles with his life. However, what makes Mr. Bogner's novel a necessary read for fans of relationship dramas is the conversations between the protagonists as truths are revealed. Much gentler than TO DIE IN PROVENCE, this novel will receive honors for a well-written story.

Harriet Klausner

I thought the jacket cover revealed it all, but considered it would be an interesting journey. However, I was surprised by the events, the choices the main character made and unable to put this book down. A must read.

Bogner's writing smacks of the forced sexual indulgence of the '60's. The construct is poor, the metaphors are absurd, and whole resembles the stylized rantings of a troubled teenager. I do not understand how it can have been given good reviews.

Former porno star Boy has left America to travel to Provence, France in order to join his girl friend Maddie Gold, daughter of a very successful TV producer. However, Boy is nothing like his name as he is a vicious person, who wrecks havoc wherever he is. While in France, Boy has brutally murdered two visiting Americans and has become a noted serial killer.

Adam has hired Jennifer Bowen to keep his daughter out of trouble, however, Maddie wants nothing to do except rejoin her beloved Boy and she will do whatever it takes to accomplish that feat. Meanwhile, suspended police officer Michael Danton tries to ferret out the identity of the evil killer, who has frightened the entire countryside before the death count is raised even higher.

TO DIE IN PROVENCE is a frightening novel written by the brilliant Norman Bogner,author of SEVENTH AVENUE. Like its predecessor, this novel is a great, but scary tale. The story line is typical serial killer fare except that the a! udience knows almost from the beginning who the killer is. However, it is the characters, especially the seemingly angelic first impressions of the evil Boy, who turn this novel into a first rate and refreshing sub-genre entry. Readers will welcome Mr. Bogner's triumphant return to fiction after a 10 year self-imposed exile with his latest novel.

Harriet Klausner

Former porno star Boy has left America to travel to Provence, France in order to join his girl friend Maddie Gold, daughter of a very successful TV producer. However, Boy is nothing like his name as he is a vicious person, who wrecks havoc wherever he is. While in France, Boy has brutally murdered two visiting Americans and has become a noted serial killer.

Adam has hired Jennifer Bowen to keep his daughter out of trouble, however, Maddie wants nothing to do except rejoin her beloved Boy and she will do whatever it takes to accomplish that feat. Meanwhile, suspended police officer Michael Danton tries to ferret out the identity of the evil killer, who has frightened the entire countryside before the death count is raised even higher.

TO DIE IN PROVENCE is the frightening sequel to Norman Bogner's brilliant SEVENTH AVENUE and like its predecessor, this novel is a great, but scary tale. The story line is typical serial killer fare except that the aud! ience knows almost from the beginning who the killer is. However, it is the characters, especially the seemingly angelic first impressions of the evil Boy, who turn this novel into a first rate and refreshing sub-genre entry. Readers will welcome Mr. Bogner's triumphant return to fiction after a three decade self-imposed exile with his two Danton novels.

Harriet Klausner

Perhaps the only more powerful person than Teddy Franklin in the international banking communities of Wall St., London, and Zurich is Greenspan. When Teddy Franklin decides to make a deal, the Fortune 500 feels the impact as if an earthquake hit. Politicians know not the mess with Teddy because he can break any one of them. However, Teddy's world changes when Barbara Hickman enters his life.

Though three decades younger than him, Teddy covets Barbara like he has not desired any person or thing in years. Teddy treats his approach to Barbara the way he handled a business deal using any means, including immoral to obtain his wants. He gains her inner secrets that she provides to a psychiatrist he arranged for her to see. However, as he obsesses over her, Teddy's world begins to crash around him, leaving him with few options.

THE MADONNA COMPLEX is an entertaining tale centering on the potential destructiveness of obsession. The story line is more of a character study than a thriller as Norman Bogner provides a deep look into Teddy and Barbara's thought processes and inner gut emotions. Graphic sex scenes may turn off some readers, but add to the overall feel of the reader being an observer. Though the subplot involving the law and killers subtract from the tale by trying to twist it into a thriller, the obsession which is the main story line brilliantly works leading to a fabulous absorbing look at extreme behavior.

Harriet Klausner

A giant, carnivorous Yeti migrates to a ski resort and begins chowing down on skiers. Not a particularly impressive variant of the then popular (circa 1978) monster terrorizing vacation spot story. For die hards only.

You have mistakenly listed reviews of my novel "Snowman". These reviews attached to my novel refer to R.L. Stine's novel of the same name. Would you kindly alter this.
Norman Bogner

I'd say the book contained enough human drama to keep the reader highly interested. Reading this was like watching a movie--Mr. Bogner certainly knew what he was talking about and writes with passion that made a part of the story. I could almost feel the hard, mercilles cold, see myself immersed in the environment Bogner has created. I especilly like the weapons stuff.
I'd say it's one hell of a book. Read it more than a couple of times now, and I'm still impressed each time I do.