i found this book incredibly helpful in getting away with what i did... i think a sequel should include more on what to do if you actually get caught. stuff such as how legal maneuvers to make it look like your innocent. i don't think i would have looked as guilty as i am if i had read this before the cops chased me around LA.
-O.J. (last name omitted to protect authors identity)

Canadian Private Investigator Benny Cooperman is comfortably sleeping in his bed in the small town of Grantham, just outside Niagara Falls when three thugs drag him out of his house and escort him to Abram Wise, a crime boss who has never tasted prison. Abe hires Ben to investigate who and why someone suddenly wants him dead. Abe makes a disinclined Ben an offer he can't refuse.

Ben begins to investigate by talking to Abe's angry ex-spouses and his even more irate children. Ben soon finds a connection between Abe and a recently murdered ex-police officer, who apparently allowed the crime lord as a rookie thief to escape arrest. As Ben gets closer to uncovering the identity of Abe's wannabe assassin, he places himself in danger from the same culprit, who plans to eradicate one crime king and anyone else who might get in the way.

The ninth novel in the Ben Cooperman mysteries is a well written tale that should please Howard Engel's innumerable fans. However, though the story line is exciting and the engaging ending quite good, GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER is just not at the level of Benny's previous eight adventures. Benny remains as lovable as ever, but Abe seems more of a caricature (without being satirical) of Brando's Godfather, thereby leaving this book a notch below its predecessors.

Harriet Klausner

In Crimes Of Passion, Howrd Engel examines crimes of passion and criminal law throughout history, considering the origins of the concept of a crime based on passion, and exploring over twenty classic, infamous and still unresolved cases. From media reactions to social and legal issues raised by these crimes, Crimes Of Passion makes for an intriguing coverage.

A great source book of information about Camp Santanoni for anyone who has visited this or any other great camp in the Adirondacks. The book is full of historical information, stories, drawings and photographs chronicalling Camp Santanoni - from the influences of Japanese culture on Robert Pruyn (Santanoni's original owner) as a young man, to the present state of this wonderful Adirondack treasure. The photos of the families influenced by Santanoni, the illustrations of the conceptual framework of the architecture, and photos of the land and supporting buildings are numerous and well placed. Simply a thorough and entertaining book.

Howard Engel's treatment of the history of executioners is both entertaining and biased (as he readily admits). The book begins well with many an ironic turn of phrase and gallows humor but by the end, Mr. Engel's political bias has taken over. He seems to have a particular obsession with Fred Leuchter. How anyone could link so-called holocaust denial into a book which purports to give an overview of executioners is beyond me. The first half of the book is an entertaining read; the second half a hackneyed polemic.

If you've ever wondered about the men and women who administer the death penalty, you'll enjoy this work. Engel goes back to Elizabethan times to show how the job of executioner has evolved. He also discusses how those who fill the position have fared, both inwardly and in society at large, and makes a case for the inhumanity of capital punishment based on how it affects those who administer it.

Those adamantly in favour of the death penalty may find Engel's bias offensive. Those adamantly against the death penalty, however, will find his book enlightening and informative.

Not only does this book take you through the long drop, the short drop, beheading, it takes you through the lives of the death bringers. Some who were truly masters of their craft, and humerous tales of those who would need four hits with a sharp axe in order to take the head. Not nearly as dry as most books written on this subject, has good illustrations and would be an excellent research tool for any writer. Begins with a focus on England, especially the infamous "road to Tyburn" and continues on the focus on hanging methods in Canada, and lastly come to focus on the evolution of death in America. Also gives a brief note to the only documented female headsmen that I have yet to come across. High marks! Where most history books run by numbers names, and locations, this one takes the time to give you an intense look at the method and the personality of each on of its subjects. Very well researched and I cannot praise the quality of the writing enough.

Private Investigator Benny Cooperman likes divorce cases--nice and simple. The last thing he wants is a criminal case--that's what the cops are for. And politics are definitely untouchable. Yet, when a young widow tells him about her ttruc husband's 'accidental' death, he can't help himself from investigating. When he does, he finds a trail of environmental disaster, illegal dumping, and murder.

Author Howard Engel does a wonderful job looking into his characters. In addition to Cooperman who is well developed and interesting, the three generations of men who run the polluting company and may (or may not) have been involved with murder, are especially fascinating. The three continue to battle for control over their companies, and for the affections of the women in their lives.

What Cooperman learns is that someone intends for his secrets to stay buried, even if it means more murder and Cooperman himself is soon in trouble.

This is a highly enjoyable novel largely because of its characters and insights into people. The mystery itself moves a little slowly, but patient readers will find themselves rewarded.

...

In 1925 Paris, the "War to end all Wars" seems a distant memory as the city serves as the literary Mecca of the world. Seemingly all the famous authors and wannabes live on the Left Bank. American journalist Michael Ward is the latest expatriate to settle in Paris. Jason quickly falls in love with his mentor Jason Waddington, a person accused of writing an expose.

As Michael adjusts to the excitement of the cafes, Jack de Paris, a Ripper clone, is terrorizing the city. When Jack apparently murders Laure Duclos, a member of Jason's inner circle, only Michael thinks otherwise. The journalist believes someone killed the woman by disguising the murder to look like Jack's action. Now Michael begins to investigate, not yet knowing how much danger he must confront.

MURDER IN MONTPARNASSE is an excellent historical mystery that leaves readers feeling as if they are sipping café au lait at an outdoor restaurant. The story line is crisp and entertaining and the investigation fun to observe as it unfolds. The characters are enjoyable with real historical persona mingling with fictional players. Howard Engel's tale is must reading for sub-genre fans as the autumn air of 1920's Paris will leave fans wondering when the next time they read about the gay city will happen.

Hariet Klausner

The mystery begins by Patten is playing chess. Patten plays alot of chess. Ray one of Pattens close friends since Edith Cavell school from kindergaten through the grade six.Ray meet Patten at the United Cigar store. just across from Patttens office. Ray dropped a cliping from "the Globe and Mail" on green arble counter. Pattens Ultimate Church, has client who sunk alot of money into the US supreme court that render a decision on tax status for the Ultimate Church. Patten was getting blown out of motor boats and losing his temper after chess games. THe Ultimate Church had maore that just colt, it was a super cult. Patten had a sincere need to rule the world. But, the defectors launched a four hundred million dollar class action against the church. then Patten can't be found, he disipears. However, weeks ago in Canada at Port Huron, with five others. He was a Kid of twelve and had been on many cruse trips. Patten is playing chess in the park again. A black Buick drove into the clearing aid and two men ran out. Diner, a tall, blond kid ina blue T-shirt carried a brief case. And the other guy recieving a hug from lorca, in blue jeans, a short-sleeve shirt and a bald head. they gave the brief case to Ozzie the boss. Patten turned back, lighting another dark cheroot with a Spainish lighter. He got his rowboat and pointed towards Petawawa Lodge. It seemed that somebody knew alot about chess at the Petawawa Lodge. But, George was the cheif source of noise at the Lodge. THen David Kipp and one of his kids who was ordered to follow joan around.