I have always enjoyed reading Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries. Of course, I have enjoyed some more than others because like every writer Perry has moments when the story seems to elude her and the characters true nature and motive fail to interest the audience. Not so in The Whitechapel Conspiracy. Here Perry is in her element weaving a brilliant tale of death and betrayal.

Thomas and Charlotte Pitt are back in full force as an unstoppable team. Inspector Pitt runs afoul of a powerful secrete society when his testimony sends heroic solider John Adinett to the gallows for the murder of Martin Fetters, traveler and antiquarian.

Adinett has powerful friends, who in order to punish Pitt, strip him of his command of Bow Street Station and compel him to leave his family and go undercover,seeking anarchists, in the slum neighborhood of Spitalfields.

Although separated from his family, Pitt is not abandoned by them. His wife Charlotte, their maid Gracie, and Pitt's subordinate, Sergeant Tellman set out to prove Adinett's guilt and restore Pitt's honor.

Anne Perry weaves a tale of conspiricy that brings us face to face with powerful men who work within the government toward one end, the overthrow of the monarchy. Interwoven with this is a subplot that will delight Jack The Ripper fans and have them begging for more.

I enjoyed this book not just because it was well written and spellbinding, but also because it reminded me of a favorite movie of mine "Murder By Decree" set in the same time period.

I would have liked Charlotte's Aunt Vespasia to have been less "love struck" and more of her forcefull self, but then that would be perfection and that's asking the impossible.

As a great fan of Anne Perry, especially Thomas and Charlotte's adventures, I was pleasantly suprised with this novel. It is harrowingly realsitic, frightening, and yet ever socially and polotically oriented; adding a rich twist from the streets of bitter poverty, to the elegance and grace of the more fortunate elite.

Of all the mysteries in the series, "The Whitechapel Conspiracy" was, to me, the most suspensful, realistic, and enjoyable all around. I found the link to Jack the Ripper to be an interesting historical aspect, which added great flavor and suspense.
Likewise, I enjoyed the ever blooming relationship between Gracie and Tellman, and the wide expansion of growth Pitt experienced as the protagonist.

It seemed that the plot was somehow altered with every turn of the page, and the exciting, realistic social and polotical scenes throughout kept the story alive with action. I recommend this book to any fan of mystery, but especially those who have been with Thomas and Charlotte from the beginning, for their growth as characters is astounding and suprisingly captivating.

In this new novel, Anne Perry returns to her popular sleuths, Charlotte and Thomas Pitt. Pitt once again angers the Inner Circle by gathering evidence against one of their members in a murder case. The member is found guilty and hanged. Soon after, he is stripped of his command and sent to the East End to work undercover with a unit charged with exposing anarchists. It would be giving the story away to tell any more, but let it suffice to say that Pitt uncovers much more than he ever expected.

The characters are as well drawn as ever, giving more emphasis to Gracie and Tellman. Charlotte's family and Vespasia are not as important. I didn't enjoy Vespasia as much, Perry seems to be letting her spirit grow old, I liked her much better in the past. Read and enjoy!

My 5th grade teacher read this to the class back in the late 70's when I lived in the Okanagan (B.C), now I'm 33 and have been back (in the states were I live) from the balkans about a month (Via the U.S.A.F) this book really stuck in my mind over the years. It was one of the things that I thought of when I saw all those woman and children in the situation that was, and is still going on over there. Time passes but the basic out come of war, does not. This is a good read,I would recommend it to anyone

I am in grade nine and we recently started learning about the Holocost. Our teacher assigned us to read I Am David. I thoought this book was very interesting to read. The struggles that David endured and the lessons he learned were all something that we can associate to. His determination and strong will to survive shine through. His character is a classic example of a protagonist, which I personally value. if your looking for a GOOD STORY LINE and A ALL AROUND SATISFYING BOOK to read, I am David is for you.

Wow what a good book! i just finished reading this book called i am David, about this 12 year old biy who has grown up in a concentration camp. i gave this story 5 stars because the author did an excellent job of describing David's character. i recommend this book to all readers from the age of 10+. ity was a really powerful story and i enjoyed every part of it.

With the Cisco certification craze in full swing, there are any number of study guides that purport to help one pass the CCIE written exam, the required first step to becoming a CCIE. Most take the approach of following the published exam blueprint, supplemented with excursions into the actual test, then tailoring the content around a best guess as to the actual exam contents.

Not so with the Certification Zone materials. Here a candidate will learn to master protocol behaviour, and to think through the implications of situations posed. One learns to read questions carefully, and to examine the answer choices with a critical eye. Trick questions? Only to those unwilling to take the extra step necessary to become expert.

The Certification Zone materials are not meant to be the only study aids for the CCIE candidate. They are designed to provide the finishing touches to the preparation required to pass this exam. As such, the materials are probably more difficult than the real thing. The questions can be frustrating to those who think they know enough just to get by.

Among the nice features of this CD format are the ability to choose from among several full blown simulated CCIE written exams, as well as the ability to focus on particular topics, such as LAN protocols, WAN protocols, bridging, or routing protocols.

There are plenty of other study materials available. But for those willing to accept the Certification Zone challenge to become a master of networking technology, this CD is a definite must and a valuable part of any preparation effort.

I used the Certification Zone CD extensively in the three weeks prior to my taking the written test, and I passed with miles to spare. I believe I had an edge because I accepted the Certification Zone challenge, and used the materials to help me hone my critical thinking - something quite valuable in a test as challenging as the CCIE written.

I should add that although I did not use the materials for the CCNA, this CD also contains an extensive set of test questions and practice tests for the CCNA exam as well. So an investment by those just starting their certification pursuits can serve candidates well at both the beginning and end of their certification pursuits.

All in all, I have to say that the Study Questions 2000 CD is most definitely a good addition to any Cisco certification candidate's toolkit.

This is the third such guide to have been published about Guterson's novel - and easily the best. (It's a novel that I've taught since 1997.) It's not perfect but there is plenty of good material in here to get students thinking - Haytock is particularly eloqunent on Guterson's narrative technique. And she also provides the best novel/movie comparison that I've read so far.

THis is a very brief history of post-war furniture and lighting design to accompany an exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Design. There are 5 essays, each on a decade of design starting in 1950. They are succinct, very well written, and interesting in that they look at the more general history of the period as well as covering the design movements. However, they are so short that you can read them all in a single sitting, which is what I just did. As I am quite ignorent of design history, it was extremely enlightening for me - I now feel ready for a bigger meal. It was the ideal preparation for a project I am embarking on on design. Furthermore, there are wonderful photos and features on many famous objects, all of which have solid descriptions of what the design innovation represented and what is new about them. All in all, it is a masterful book even if I expected just a bit more.

Recommmended to beginners in the field and as a reference.

I like the book, it has a little of almost everything, it's not great because in some cases it could have been more especific. but I especially liked the part about Touch and Movement Therapies and found the very usefull. I would buy this book again if I had to!

Deadlock: The Inside Story of America's Closest Election is a workmanlike and emotionless recollection of the events surrounding the most controversial election of the past 100 years. It is a well organized, easy to follow and not visibly biased view of the relevant events leading up to and following the November 7 Presidential election. Seemingly accurate and double checked to a fault, reading this book left me with the impression that I had just read an excellent 275 page newspaper article and not much more. With almost no humor, lacking any sidebar comments, it is a book Joe Friday would be proud to call his own. While I am a Texan and Bush supporter, I much preferred Jake Tapper's Down & Dirty: The Plot to Steal the Presidency. I guess this means that like most people, when push comes to shove, I'd rather be entertained than informed. I do regret this intellectual weakness and like some of the votes in Florida I may change. But probably not in the next 36 days.

Two things struck me while reading this book, the first is that I doubt there is a book out there that is truly balanced and not somewhat biased. The second thing was that Gore really got the shaft, not so much by the recount wars, but by the election official that came up with the Butterfly Ballot. In the history of the USA this decision ranks up there with new Coke and the XFL, what a mistake. As far as the reporting in the book it was not bad for a review of all the articles they had in the paper, but it did not really dig into the particular issues very deeply. I wanted more detail and behind the scenes with both the candidates. I also wanted more details on the court cases; I felt like the sky-high overview of the issues of the cases did not do such an important issue justice.

In reading the book I think a little bit of a democratic bias comes out, just a little, but enough to notice. I also thought it interesting that they had far more details of the Gore group then the Bush camp, it follows the perception that the Post is somewhat liberal in its views. The book is an overview that came out almost 10 minutes after Gore hung up the phone on the second concession call so there are a few more details out now that they did not get in the book. Overall it is a good effort and a readable book, but not the end all be all on the subject.

I personally think the Washington Post and NY Times are liberal rags that are generally not worth the paper they are printed on. However, in fairness, when they do well I think they should be commended. I read the NY Times "36 Days" and still think that book was not worth the paper it was printed on. It was nothing more than a reprint of their articles.

Conversely, though, Deadlock was a well-written book. Two passages are worth noting. The first is about the book itself. About one-third of the way into the first chapter the book says: "These are the ... decisions, alliances, power plays, snap judgments and personality flaws revealed when a flukishly close election is played out for staggering high stakes. Both sides were nimble and brilliant and occasionally shady; both sides were also capable of miscalculations, divisions and blame. The best and worst of politics were on displayed in those 36 days, and both sides trafficked in each. This is how it happened." Although the Post endorsed Al Gore (no surprise) they tried to be equal in their appraisal of how the two campaigns sought resolution in their favor.

As for the two sides' strategy one only has to look within the first three pages of Chapter 2 where the Post records that the Democrats enlisted the services of three authors who wrote "The Recount Primer". The book reads: "Anyone who read and heeded the booklet could predict how the two sides would play America's closest president election -- at least in the broad outlines. Gore would gamble; Bush would stall. Gore would preach a doctrine of uncounted ballots; Bush would extol the dependability of machines. Gore needed more: more counting, more examination, more weighing and pondering of more ballots. Bush needed it over while he was still ahead." The only trouble for the Gore forces with this gospel was that the Republicans knew the same gospel. The book attempted to show how the two sides played out the roles assigned them.

For a behind the scenes objective look at the two sides, I think the Post did a very decent job. This could have been a... job on the Republicans and conservatives, but generally it was not (though I expected it). It could have been a... job on the Democrats and liberals, but it was not (nor did I expect it). I am not accustomed to this degree of fairness from the liberal Washington Post nor do I expect to see it very often in the future.

This book is so generic it is hopelessly useless. Save the [amt] orcat food or grooming supplies-you're going to need them. Even the chapter on grooming is useless. Follow the bathing instructions in this book to get a matted cat at the end. A little advise here for free: Do not rub the fur! Oh Boy! The instructions for blow drying! Blow drying a Himalayan is an art in itself and these instructions are worse than useless, might as well air dry the cat (Don't of course). The advise on choosing a cat is even worse. More free advise: Don't choose one without checking out the current breed standards - NW Region Himalayan Show cat exhibitor

I purchased this book because I bought a Himalayan kitten. I have to wait one more week before she's able to leave her mother. The book was very helpful by telling me what I should and shouldn't do with a new kitten. The book gave alot of information about how to care for the cat thoughtout her whole life, not just another kitten book. I will not be selling it because I think I will be looking for it though out the years. It also had diffirent chapters explain what to do about breeding, grooming, and other things I needed to know. It is also written very clearly and easy to read. I was very happy with the book.

I really enjoyed this book -- it's well written and helpful for both new and experienced cat lovers. I've owned Himmies for many years and all of the advice is useful and accurate. Every chapter is packed with good information; I particularly liked the chapters on grooming, nutrition, and understanding cat behavior. And the price is certainly right compared to other breed books!

This was such a frustrating read. I bought it because I had read that this particular book read much more like the old Anne Rice and not like the drivel she's been churning out the last few years. It started promising, when a young Vampire, Quinn Blackwood seeks out Lestat for assistance in getting rid of an evil doppelganger named Goblin.Quinn begins to recount his history, and suddenly Anne Rice turns into a bodice ripping Harlequin romance novel complete with people falling hopelessly in love at first glance and fifteen year old girls quoting Shakespeare, and being tragically ill. Ugh. All of a sudden Quinn becomes annoying and frankly ridiculous,falling in lust and love with every manner of man, woman, and ghost. Lestat and Rowan Mayfair meanwhile are wasted cameo players in a melodramatic mess of southern low class complete with a drunken country singer mother, and a sexy African American maid. The book slightly redeemed itself in the last fifty pages or so once it was back to the present, and it's clear Rice is setting this story up for a whole new group of blood drinkers. I just wish it would've stayed with the vampires, and been less Gothic romance.

Blackwood Farm revisits the South that Anne Rice loves so well, and treated us to a view of in past novels such as The Witching Hour and The Feast of All Saints. She dishes out to us a giant helping of deep southern lore and hospitality, exploring the perils and disgraces of the Blackwood family from its beginnings.

Quinn Blackwood, the narrator of this chronicle, reveals all of the Blackwood family history to the Vampire Lestat, whose aid he has enlisted to help rid himself of his doppelganger, Goblin, who has plagued him since birth. First a simple, laughing child along with Quinn, then teenaged seducer and lover, now something darker; more demonic and vengeful since Quinn was given the Dark Blood. Goblin has become a threat to Quinn and all those he loves, and perhaps the most lethal ghost that this wealthy Louisiana family has ever known.

From patriarch "Mad" Manfred Blackwood, to "Aunt Queen" the family sage and 'childless Mother to all', to "Pops" and "Sweetheart", the only real 'parental figures' Quinn ever really had, to his mother Patsy, the wandering country music queen wanna-be whom he despises, Anne Rice paints a full and complete picture of a Southern Family replete with ghosts, secrets, and shames through many decades, as Quinn reveals to Lestat his long history with Goblin, as well as the family's own history with spirits, and how long buried corpses have risen to haunt the family, and him, anew.

The Mayfair Witches are interwoven into this tale, with an older and wiser Michael Curray and Rowan Mayfair seen as guardians of Mona Mayfair, the newly apointed designee of the Mayfair billions, who captures Quinn's young heart. Merrick Mayfair also visits this tale, and a new member of the Talamasca, Stirling Oliver, is present as well, as all play a part in Quinn's desire to rid himself of Goblin forever.

The story, while only briefly touching upon ancient times and civilizations, as Rice has done in past Vampire tales, reads like a dark tabloid tell-all about the Blackwoods, and the secrets they hide in the swamps of Louisiana. Anne Rice does not need to wander far from her own backyard to provide an enthralling story of a vampire's history. For that I give her four stars, and a fond thank you for reinvigorating my waning interest in the vampires.

I take one star away from Anne Rice for a rushed ending. While the rest of the book plays out well and adequately paints a portrait of the Blackwoods, the last several chapters seem to pass up many opportunities with the storyline. And while I enjoyed this book tremendously, I question the focus in certain places, as the story seems to stray too far from its original premise, Quinn seeking out Lestat to help rid him of Goblin.

However, this is a fine addition to the Chronicles of the Vampires overall, is a very entertaining read, and captured my attention from page one until the end. I am happy to see Anne Rice breath new life into her cast of undead, and see hope for the damned, as it were, that they will live on in novels for years to come.

I thouroughly enjoyed this book and spent two very late nights up reading it too completion. I am an avid Vampire Cronicles fan, but I must say that by far the Mayfair Witches are my favourite Anne Rice Novels, so you can imagine I was really happy when I read the blurb and my favourite charcter Mona Mayfair was part of this story.
Unfortunately she wasn't in the book as much as I would have liked, however we are introduced to a new character Tarquin Blackwood (Quinn) and he is just a spectacular! His life story is of a large and loving family, a posse of ghosts and all facets of his erotic life, I fell in love with him and the novel. My only disappointment with this moving book was that I have too wait for the next one !!! I am sure I will often think about what will happen in the next installment and I am excited and expectant :)