This book is best for casual birders who want to know about Hawai'i's ramarkable avifauna, but for whom birds are not the primary focus of their trip. Written in a straightforward interesting style, the book gives an overview of native and introduced birds, with some history about how the native birds have been decimated by human interference. Jack Jeffrey's photographs are breathtaking. Pratt, no mean photographer himself, has teamed with a true master of avian photography to produce a lovely little book.

Not some trash book for perverts, but rather published field research done by a Sociology Ph.D. in conjunction with two colleagues. A book based on the author's personal research into the nude beach culture of California (1960's-1970's). The author examines the daily activities of the nude beach, and changes in attitudes of: the nude beach goers; voyeurs; law enforcement; & the courts. During the span covered of the book we see Californian views of nude beaches change from havens for perceived sexual perversion to acceptance of naturalists. Some nude beach goes were exhibitionists; some used the beach as their defiance of authority (teenagers going nude to antagonize parents); but the majority wished to experience the nude beach as a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors - even entire naturalist families. The author also talks in depth about the voyeur phenomenon. I read this while in college, and it was an insightful book with someone having no exposure (no pun) to this unique culture.

I have eagerly anticipated another Irene Adler book from Carole Nelson Douglas for several years now. I learned about "Chapel Noir" several months ago and eagerly rushed to the bookstore as soon as my copy arrived in the store. That said, I can admit I am a fan, albeit a slightly disappointed one.

No, I do not mind that the book is darker than the previous ones in the series. It fits the story. I love the growth and development of the characteters, so no complaints there. I can even handle a cliffhanger as much as I personally detest them. I hate waiting at least a year for a resolution in books I read primarily for entertainment.

What I didn't like was the constant change of narrator in the book. Yes, I understand it was necessary, considering the inevitable cliffhanger. Yes, I even like Pink (or whatever you want to call her). But although she is vastly different in personality from Nell, her narrative voice is not sufficiently different. I kept having to keep the narrative clues straight as to who was speaking, since the voices were all too similar. It's not that I was confused, but I had to work too hard to read the book just to keep the narrators straight, let alone the clues and story developments. It was horrific when I had to put the book down for a break and come back and figure out who was speaking before I could become immersed in the story. The narrative clues are dense, actually, and also slowed the flow of the story. It was as if the editor knew the voices were not different enough so we were peppered with narrative clues, not mystery clues, since the conceit had to be maintained to obtain the ending.

Still, Irene is back, and so is Nell. If you love them, reread the other books and venture onto this one. If you haven't read the former books, please start with them. Nell is a jewel, a Dr. Watson and an Archie Goodwin rolled all into a Victorian woman. Don't miss her. I love her. I just wish the book had been more about her again than Irene. Irene is wonderful, but Nell is the true heroine. Nell humanizes Irene's perfections.

If you also enjoy Holmes tempered with a strong female character, I highly recommend Laurie R. King's "The Beekeeper's Apprentice."

Chapel Noir is a great read. I've never read any Irene Adler mysteries and I actually picked up the book because Jack the Ripper was named on the cover and was greatly suprised. I couldn't put the book down and quickly became attached to the characters and the story line. Beware though, if you read Chapel Noir you'll have to read Castle Rouge because where Chapel Noir ends Castle Rouge begins. I hope Ms. Douglas doesn't wait another seven years to write another Irene, Nell and Godfrey adventure. In the meantime, I'll have to go back to the beginning and try to find the first books of the series.

Irene Adler, heroine of "Good Night, Mr. Holmes" and other novels, returns in this great addition to the series. Sherlock Holmes fans will recall that Holmes always referred to her as "the Woman" after she outwits him in "A Scandal in Bohemia". Irene, along with her sidekick Nell and her husband Godfrey, ably carries her own series. I heartily recommend all of the Irene Adler books to any lover of mysteries.

"Chapel Noir" finds Irene and Nell embroiled in a hunt for a demented killer. The year is 1889. Jack the Ripper--aka "Saucy Jack"--prowled the streets of London's East End only the previous fall. No arrests were ever made in the Ripper murders. Could the Ripper have moved his operation to Paris? With the able assistance of Pink, a young American woman, Irene and Nell pursue the killer through the streets and catacombs of Paris.

I have only one quibble with this book: because the story will be continued in the next volume, the cliff-hanger ending leaves the reader hanging. But this unsatisfying climax only whets the reader's appetite for more.

These last two books by Douglas have been diappointing, indeed. I borrowed Castle Rouge and skimmed through only to keep up on the relationship between Quentin and Nell. I hope the next book in this series is more in keeping with the first three.

Slow, confusing, not very believable, (and to top it off Pink is beyond irritating). I was very disappointed in this installment in the Irene Adler series. As a long time fan I have been quite disappointed in the last two books

Castle Rouge is a breathtaking work of depth and quality. Never has Irene been so fascinating or determined, and never has she found herself in a situation to match this one. This is a sumptuous read!

The tendency of this book to ridicule America (its history, its culture, its priorities, etc.) really calls into question the objectivity and political persuasion of its authors. Whether it's the destruction of the environment or world poverty, America and the American people are always to blame. We use too much energy; we don't share enough; blah blah blah. America does more to promote peace and economic development throughout the world than any other country. While the authors of this book don't seem to be so, I, for one, am PROUD to be an American

The general feel of this book is dark and dull. Graphics are oddly benign,upside, the Geography in Action sections offer realistic insight into Geographic concepts. Clawson and Fisher tried.

JUST WAS BROWSING FOR NEW MIDNIGHT LOUIE BOOKS WHEN I SAW THESE. MY MAIN COMMENT IS ABOUT THE REVIEW WRITTEN BY THE MAN WHO SAYS THIS IS NOT A LARGE PRINT BOOK. WHILE THIS IS NICE TO KNOW NOT ONE WORD ON WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT.

This is NOT repeat NOT a large print edition. My wife finally got tired of waiting for the regular one and had me order this one (she doesn't use a computer much). It is set in 11 pt Plantin font, which is probably what the others are, but it's regular print. I wanted you to know in case you were waiting for the regular print edition. As far as the book itself is concerned, my wife says not enough Louie, too much talking. People aren't as developed as in the other books. She does wish the authoress would tell in the current series what happened to some of the people introduced in these prequels but not in the current series. She feels the invention of him being a missing English Lord was a bit much.