Amos Walker, an alcohol-guzzling embittered Detroit Private investigator has a new case: protect a man who is paying ransom for the retrieval of a valuable illuminated text called: Hours of the Virgin. When his client is killed, Amos feels obligated to investigate, leading him plunging head first into the seamy side of the porn and art-theft industry.

I really enjoyed this latest installment of Loren Estleman's Amos Walker series. In this 'episode,' Amos must confront some ghosts from his past, and make some hard choices.

While I like the Amos Walker series, I keep hoping for Amos to have some FURTHER character development. Sometimes his inability to find a woman, and his habits (alcohol and cigarettes), are a little over-done. Must Amos attempt to smoke in every possible unacceptable place? I.E.: The art institute, the library, the massage parlor, and the Green House? And do we really need this to be described /Every/ time? It's time for Amos to get the nicotine patch!

Overall a solid Amos Walker story.

For a dozen previous novels, P.I. Amos Walker would occasionally mention the death of his former partner and mentor, who was killed during a stakeout of an adulterous husband. But not until "The Hours of the Virgin," do we find out just how much that tragic event affected him. Walker is investigating a case involving a missing fifteenth century manuscript when he is double crossed and disciovers that his partner's murderer is involved. Along the way, Walker learns much about his partner's death, and life, that he never knew. All of this leads to a satisfying climax in which Walker finally confronts some of his own inner demons.

Estlemen's Walker P.I. series is one of the best currently going. Unlike a lot of the fluff that passes for hard boiled detective novels these days, Walker is the real deal. All of his novels have the kind of downcast loneliness that is vital to the genre. The spirit of Phillip Marlowe lives on in Amos Walker.

As usual, Mr. Estelman does not disapoint. I turned to this book after a real stinker and I was well rewarded. Mr. Estlemen is a great mystery writer for a number of reasons. He's a master with the hardboiled writing. He's prolific (at least one mystery per year). He's good. The last mystery I had read, by another author, I figured out in chapter three. This one held me to the end and it also made me laugh. I think this is an excellent read for mysteryphiles and non-mysteryphiles alike. His writing is pure poetry.

The husband and wife team has made another excellent book. I specially liked the way the authors moved the most important (from my viewpoint) topics first. I and probably hundreds of students here in Manila use their book and it's an outstanding source of information.

Used this book with a group of 18 managers on a management course. All acclaimed it as a very easy to understand book, very well written and comprehsive.

For business students this bok may give you an excellent updated view of Information Systems.

This book is a perfect antidote to overly simplistic, "cookie-cutter", astrology books. This is because it delves into the deep mythological symbolism behind the planets and signs. It is an excellent reference for fleshing-out a written horoscope with more than the basics. This isn't a book that is going to teach you how to cast a horoscope, however, it will help you to interpret a horoscope in terms of the deep archetypical patterns and currents for which the stars and planets are merely visible markers.

Indeed, this book goes beyond providing mere historical details and trivia, it is a starting place for deep meditation on the underlieing meaning in a chart.

This is an excellent book that ties in syncretically, astrology, the planets, the Gods and Goddesses for whom the planets are named and many of the myths relating to them and indiviual signs. In short, it is one of the few concise, deep accounts of archetypal astrology that I have read. The authors also pull a lot from depth psychology and the work of Carl Jung. It is an absolute MUST for any serious student of Astrology! You don't have to go out and buy a big book on Hellenic Mythology, just keep this and within it is all you need to know!

Mythic Astrology explores the relationships of mythical figures and how those relationships impact the symbolism of the planets and signs. The book is broken up into chapters about the planets and then chapters about the signs. It includes Ceres, Vesta, Pallas Athene, Chiron, the nodes, and Juno. Very good for a more in depth understanding of the mythology behind astrology.It also takes a moment at the end of each chapter to highlight the personal impact of the myth for the individual through the placement of the planets and signs. It includes a checklist to see how much a mythic figure may be influencing one's life.

"Pursuit of His Presence" is an EXCELLENT follow up to Kenneth & Gloria Copeland's "From Faith to Faith" devotional. (For the New Believer, I would highly recommend "From Faith to Faith" as a first devotional.) Anyway, as with their other books, Kenneth and Gloria's down to earth style of ministering comes through powerfully.

This devotional ("Pursuit of His Presence") also has a topical index of the devotions (found in this book) located in the back. I have found this topical index very useful in aiding in my own personal Bible study on various topics. For example, if I am finding it challenging to walk in the fruit of the Spirit, I can flip to the topical index, look up "fruit of the Spirit" or related topics, and find the days in which "fruit of the Spirit" is discussed. From there, I can flip to those days and receive several "now Words" on the topic plus Scriptures for further study. What a blessing!

Words can not describe how much Kenneth & Gloria Copeland have helped me to continue to mature as a Christian -- just from their devotionals alone (not to mention the tremendous impact their teaching tapes, other books, and daily broadcasts have had on me and blessed my life!)

If you're looking to jumpstart your daily devotions and to continue to mature as a Christian, buy this devotional and get ready - it'll bless your socks off!

I love this devotional! Each day's reading is filled with the truth of God's Word and is presented in such a practical way. Kenneth and Gloria are so easy to relate to and they teach straight from God's heart - they are truely a blessing!

The cover is beautiful and is a wonderful addition to my personal library.

This book will change your life and build up your faith. My husband and I look forward to read it together every morning. Great for everybody. Gives you a Word to "sink in" your heart every day and you see the progress when the "storms" arrives. Powerful. Powerful.

Slavery: TheAbuse of A Nation is the answer to many unsolved tribulations caused by Slavery. The writer skillfully guides the reader using revolutionary concepts that are simple yet mind provoking. This truly an ingenious work!

It is the first book that clearly enlightens all of us to the fact that we are responsible for our future destinies. It is the first book that affords both Black and White Americans to forgive the past and move to a more productive united future. If you want to know why Black relationships struggle to survive, this book is for you. If you ever wanted to know the foundational fears that stir the creation of hate groups this book is a must read for you. If you ever wanted to know why so many of our young Black men are in prison and our girls are having babies while they are still babies themselves, read this book.

One of the most profound yet, simple commands given by the writer in this book is when he instructs Blacks to "heal themselves." The writer clearly points out that we have the power to live lives that are free from the intimidating chains of inferiority due to slavery treatment to us in the past and present. Awesome! This kind of empowerment has never been voiced nor written. It is a refreshing word for the cries of Black men who deeply want to feel appreciated, valued as head of household, and treasured as a father. Black men must read this book!

I pray that this book becomes the best seller it is destined to be. Why? Because it contains all of the necessary ingredients to live a free and fulfilled life as an American no matter what color you are.

This book was so good it was an eye opener to read a book on slavery that told the truth but did not seek to lay the blame on present day white America. I would discribe this book as a black self help,white awareness,secular, spiritual self help book.It is a must read for all Americans of every nationallity

Awesome book

This book is the best book I have ever read on slavery. The Author takes a very practical approach to answer address some very tough issues. It is a must read for all races. I found it to be deep but easy to understand. It has changed the way I feel about myself as a black man. It lefts my spirit to know that I was not the lazy no good person that I was depicted to be. It let me know that all whites are not out to get me. This book will definitely improve race relationships in America.

Most mystery series have become either worn out or routine by the time they get around to their 15th outing. Not so Loren Estlemen's Amos Walker P.I. series. If anything, Estlemen and his hero are getting better. "A Smile of the Face of the Tiger" is the fourth Walker book since Estlemen took a seven year hiatus from his favorite shamus, and it is easily the best of the "comeback" novels. Walker remains one of the few who truly does carry on the torch of Phillip Marlowe with his lonliness, cynicism and uncorruptible nature.

This time out, he tracks a old pulp fiction writer who has disappeared after turning down an advance to reprint one of his old novels. I've seen this story line several times before, but Estlemen gets clever with it. Along the way, he weaves in his usual menacing mobster (a Sammy "the Bull" Gravano clone, no less) and corrupt police officer angles, also in a fresh and unique way. It also helps that Estlemen puts two of the series's better supporting characters, police Lieutenant Mary Ann Thaler and beguiling publisher's representative Louise Starr, to good use this time out. As always, the real hero of the story is the once great city of Detroit, still struggling to regain some of its lost luster, this time with casino gambling.

Overall, Walker is among the best private detectives in the literary world today, and this is one of his best novels to date.

As a mystery writer with my first novel in initial release, I fondly recall the hours I spent reading Loren Estleman's Amos Walker series as I learned to write PI fiction. Amos Walker is a masterful creation, and A SMILE ON THE FACE OF THE TIGER is a masterful work. In this novel, Walker is hired by a New York publisher to hunt down a paperback mystery writer who will not allow his fifty-year-old classic to be reprinted. Along the way, Walker discovers the author's reasons and undercovers sordid truths about race relations in America. Estleman has dealt with Detroit's history thoroughly in past works, and he has also touched upon the interesting literary history of paperback pulp fiction. Mr. Estleman is at his most effective here in A SMILE ON THE FACE OF THE TIGER. It is a great book, and I recommend it highly.

Amos Walker is a hard-boiled private eye of the old school. in A Smile On The Face Of The Tiger, Walker is tracking down a man named Eugene Booth as part of a missing-person case. But something is going on he wasn't expecting that involves a New York mob hit man and a half-century-old murder. Just as with his previous Amos Walker mysteries, Loren Estleman writes a vividly crafted, gritty, pulp fiction style novel set in an underworld of passion, lies, murder, and unexpected revelations. A "must" for all classic, two-fisted private eye mystery fans

One of the best bio's I have read! Took only 3-4 days to read since it moved at a very fast pace with so many things happening in James Browns life. His upbringing, music, family, record companies, IRS, managers, riots, struggles are all here. Before reading this I was a big fan even though I was not sure of the place this man occupied in music, as an innovater and business person, now I do. The first man to popularize the "live" album, strict band leader, tireless composer/arranger, producer, drummer, singer, dancer and many more things that one person had in him (as well as surrounded himself with exceptional musicians and some exceptional business partners). Also learned of his ethnic background which is Asian/Black/Indian. Many roadblocks on the way and a glimpse of what the business end of the entertainment world is like round out an exceptional and candid look into the life of Soul brother number 1!

I'm usually not so crazy about Star Biographies... for a variety of reasons, they're usually attention getting "feel bad for me" vs. "worship me" ploys taken from the pages of magazines atleast I wouldn't be caught dead reading outside of a doctor's office, however - - THIS BOOK IS DIFFERENT (!) It is enormously well written - - Though its pretty clear Bruce Tucker wrote most of it, he managed to dig down into JBs soul and convey his RAGS TO RICHES story quite convincingly, capturing his voice while telling about his rise and fall (<-- the IRS and disco got him) and his come back at the time This book is so well written that I've actually reread it SEVERAL times since it initially came out in the mid '80s. - - Though it is a bit ironical that JBs life would get a bit more "complicated" after it was written (the drugs, run-ins with the law, death of his wife etc.) it is clear that Brown & Tucker have presented to the world a book that's engrossing and definitely a keeper... It will bring a whole new meaning to the music !

very powerful&uplifting.it touches on many different subjects.racisim,poverty etc..who hasn't this man not influenced? to see a human being overcome so many hardships&provide a innovative sound&style is incredible.but Mr.brown is a man with few peers on his level.this book explores the legend&genius of james brown.

Brilliant! I've been involved with industrial distribution for well over twenty years. Rolnicki has proven there is still much to be learned, considered and applied. Must reading for anyone that has anything to do with any channel of distribution.

This book is perfect for the person who does not even know where to start. It takes you through each stage of distribution, and how to evaluate what is best for your situation. An excellent buy when you need REAL answers.

A very sound, practical guide to channel management. It's one of maybe a half dozen books on the subject that should be part of the "core curriculum". -Larry Friedman author, "The Channel Advantage"

This is the follow-up to 1989's Medjugorje: the Message. I loved the book. It is a personal account of what Mr. Weible has endeavored in his mission to spread the gracious news of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Weible takes the reader from the end of his Protestant days into his full communion in with the Catholic Church. He chronicles the happenings in Medjugorje and gives updates on the lives of the visionaries. He has committed himself fully to MAry's message of peace and gives the reader a most exotic and exciting trip around the world documenting the fruits of his work and Mary's call. I couldn't put it down.

This book and others from Mr Weible have changed my life forever. It truely has brought me closer to GOD thru the Blessed Virgin Mary. What better way to come closer to our savior than tru his holy mother. And for all people who may not quite believe or have a doubt because of what the bible says, I just have to say that why would it be kinda weird for bad angels bringing people closer to the Son. Open your heart to God and dont let your mind get in the way. God will not let you go astray!! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL THE WORLD!

yes the spirit being calling herself the virgin mary is doing signs and wonders. purchase the bible (here on amazon of course) it warns of angels of light doing signs and wonders in the end times but these miracles are not from the god of the bible.catholic teachings on MARY are in direct conflict with the bible...

It's past time that someone put some thought and effort into a book of this nature. We've had "Science Fiction TV" guides before, and they've uniformly been written by authors whose axes could be heard grinding away throughout as they slagged shows they disliked and drooled over shows they (often unaccountably) were fans of. Mark Phillips and Frank Garcia have done a good job of research and writing here, with few and minor mistakes. The chapter on "Battlestar Galactica," which is accurate and contains a good deal of information, much of it from new interviews done especially for this book, is worth the price of admission alone. If you're a fan of science fiction on TV, this book, in spite of its price, should be on your bookshelf. Very highly recommended.

This book represents the pinnacle in terms of a blend of behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes combined with basic reference data. The multitude of interviews that went into the text give the material a depth that the more common coverage of sci-fi shows rarely attains. Like other books by McFarland, it's pricey, but I can think of none that give the reader better value for their dollar.

What makes this guide especially fascinating are the numerous candid in-depth interviews with the producers and writers of these shows, giving much insight into the creative process and the trials and tribulations of creating innovative television shows. There are countless behind-the-scenes anecdotes that have, I am sure, never seen print before. I thought I knew a lot about certain shows, but this book contained info that was new to me; and even reading the articles about shows I never watched (and the entries on each show are long and detailed) I could scarcely put the book down. This book serves as a reference, but it is more than that; it has a wealth of fascinating insights into the television industry itself.