Curtsey, the second book in Ms. Kellogg's Lilly Bennett series, is just as wonderful as all the rest. Kellogg portrays Bennett brilliantly, giving her wisdom and insight into some very human traits she encounters throughout the book. I couldn't put this down, it truly is a breath of fresh air if you're used to reading normal, stuffy murder mysteries that involve the upper-class. This mystery, while still dealing with the upper class, is both funny, entertaining, and a great, easy read. It's nice and light but still grabs your attention and won't let it go. I highly recommend it.

IF THE NAMES BIG BILL HAYWOOD, EUGENE DEBS, IGNATIUS DONNELLY, WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN, SOAPY SMITH SOUND FAMILAR, THEY ARE VERY FAMILAR TO DAVIS H. WAITE; a.k.a. BLOODY BRIDLES.

THE POLITICAL LIFE OF WAITE IS DOCUMENTED THROUGH EXTENSIVE RESEARCH OF SOURCES.

THE BIOGRAPHICAL SEGMENT LACKS FOR SOME ACCURACY REGARDING FAMILY HISTORY DETAILS AND ANCEDOTES. THIS SITUATION WILL BE CORRECTED IN THE NEW BIOGRAPHY OF WAITE BY HIS GREAT-GRANDSON, FRANK S. WAITE .

Years ago, I read a book with similar passion and depth of character..."A Time to Kill," Grisham's first book. Let's hope this book launches Bunn on a similar literary trajectory.

After witnessing the detention of an American female activist in China's Guangdong Province, we follow the struggles, personal and professional, of Marcus Edgewood as he attempts to hold liable a sports-gear giant, New Horizons. Edgewood and the activist's parents are looking for answers, but a conspiracy of some sort seems to stand in their way. Edgewood's struggles, though, are more than professional. The issues he deals with have been dealt with in a number of legal thrillers, but rarely so delicately as Bunn accomplishes here. This book is about much more than crossing mere cultural divides.

Though the pace trods a bit slower than a standard Grisham thriller, this book sweeps you along with its rich characters and locales. (I would've enjoyed more scenes in China, but then I've traveled there extensively and maybe that's an appetite all my own.) Bunn showcases his abilities here like never before. When you're done reading, these characters will continue walking through your thoughts, the detailed settings will stand solidly in your mind, the more than occasional moments of literary gold will set themselves in your memory. In addition, his brief but appropriate spiritual moments leaven the mood with thoughts of "The Great Divide" we must all face at some point.

Despite an abundance of secondary characters, Bunn masterfully maintains each individual's uniqueness, including blacks and Asians with only an ounce of stereotyping. (Aren't stereotypes based on at least some truth usually?) He juggles the emotions, the trial, and the relationships with care and compassion. Though I found certain aspects of the trial to lean inordinately in the plaintiff's direction, I'm no legal expert and I was more than willing to let them slide in favor of the author and his loveable--and despicable--cast.

If Bunn follows this one up with another legal thriller, I'll pre-order the book. He seems to have found his niche. Hopefully, he'll also find the audience he deserves.

Marcus Glenwood is rebuilding his life and legal practice after the tragic death of his young children and the divorce from his wife. He is asked to represent the parents of Gloria Hall, who believe she has been kidnapped in a prison-like shoe factory operated by New Horizons in China.

With little physical evidence and not much on which to build a case, Marcus goes to court against the massive New Horizons, which seems to have tentacles and connections everywhere. New Horizons will stop at nothing to keep their secrets intact, and Marcus is threatened, beaten and attacked in his quest to expose the reprehensible practices of this monolithic company.

The descriptions of labor practices in China paint a horrendous picture of inhumane treatment and are very timely in the current political climate. The legal intrigue surrounding Marcus' quest to reveal New Horizons' is fascinating in its details. But the real story here is the integrity of Marcus, Gloria's parents, the judge, and many other secondary characters who are deeply committed to doing the right thing.

Bunn is also a master at skillfully building believable and empathetic secondary characters. Long before the book is over, you feel like you know these people and would like to spend more time with them.

A fascinating story, well written, very entertaining, very informative. T. Davis Bunn has given Turow and Grisham some real competition in the legal thriller genre.

The Great Divide is an excellent read! It is along the lines of a Grisham novel but even better. It has an engaging plot and I wasn't able to put it down. It was my first introduction to T. Davis Bunn who has quickly become my favorite Christian author. I've recommended this book to several other Christian fiction fans and they have all raved about it. Give this as a Christmas gift--they won't be disappointed!