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Book reviews for "Howard,_Linda" sorted by average review score:

Heart of Fire
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Pocket Books (01 October, 1997)
Author: Linda Howard
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Woow
Even though I don't read romance books that often, i have to admit this one was kewl. I used to belief romantic books were about some barbaric men using women, and calling it love,while the heroes are empty headed females who cry at the slightest thing. But this one had a very strong female character who had her own mind. I loved both of the characters and laughed at the struggle Ben had to go through to get Jillian.This the third book by Linda Howard I have read, and I enjoyed them all with the exception of A Game of Chance.

Linda Howard - always the best
Courtesy of A Romance Review

Heart of Fire was the first contemporary romance written by Linda Howard. This is one of the stories of Ms. Howard that you won't want to miss. The story was full of fun, adventure, danger, and a lot more. There were steamy sex scenes between the hero and heroine; gun flights between good guys and bad guys; the mysteries of the lost city, etc. It was so well written that I felt like I were the one with Ben and Jillian when I read through the chapters! Heart of Fire is a highly recommended read.

Absolutely riveting, exciting romance!
Heart of Fire is the first book by Linda Howard that I have read and it will be the first of many, if this book is any indication of her talent. From the beginning, the legend of the Empress diamond and the lore of the Amazons grabs your attention and you are hooked. I found I could not read fast enough, to find out what would happen next. I think it is proof of Howard's writing abilities that she makes this story believable... it's an adventure, plain and simple, but it also has an amazing love story, that of Jillian and Ben. To me, Ben seems the ultimate in masculinity: strength, confidence, a surprising sense of caring, everything you could want in a male lead character and then some. His determination to win Jillian begins as a plot to bed her but slowly he realizes he's attracted to her mind and strong sense of purpose as well as her body. Jillian is also a great character. She has brains, strength, and a wonderfully saracastic sense of humor. Her love for her father and desire to prove his professional credibility, even though he has been dead for years, are what drives her to seek out the Anzars and the Empress diamond... and this trip in the jungle is what draws she and Ben together. The sexual tension between them can only be described as electric. And when this tension finally becomes something more... all I can say is that you'll need a fan to cool yourself down! Linda Howard has written a great story, and if you are a reader of romance, you should read Heart of Fire. You will not be disappointed.


Mackenzie'S Mission
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Silhouette (01 July, 2000)
Author: Linda Howard
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Mackenzies Mission
This book follows the tradition of Linda Howard. I loved reading another installment of the Mackenzie family. Joe is the oldest son of Wolfe Mackenzie and is a jet fighter pilot. He meets an extremely intelligent yet naive young woman. Caroline's IQ is off the charts, but she knows next to nothing about love. She also teaches Joe about trust. It's a great book and I can hardly wait until Ms. Howard gives us the story of Joe's adopted brother, Chance.

Not great for Linda Howard, but still worth a read
While certainly not on the level of "Son of the Morning" or "Heart of Fire," I found this book worth a read and quite enjoyable. For MacKenzie lovers, of course, it's a must no matter what.

The characters were interesting and held promise, but the sexual tension and romantic interaction in general seemed a little forced. That is unusual for Howard; if nothing else, she usually gets that part absolutely right.

The heroine was a computer expert working on a military plane project, so the plot was much more technical than is typical for a romance or a Howard novel. There were a lot of complicated details to get through to make the story make sense, and Howard's usually rich character/relationship development suffered.

Despite its shortcomings, this is still a very readable and entertaining book. I love computers, so I understood what she was talking about and liked the plot as much as the romance. People looking for a straight romance or a "classic" Linda Howard novel might be disappointed.

The best Linda Howard novel yet!
A few years ago I found a copy of "Mackenzie's Mission" in my local library at the paperback swap. I borrowed it several times and sadly one day it was no longer there. Since then I have been trying to find my own copy. I was so happy when the book was released again. It is by far the best in the series with an intense, complex hero and a woman who is more than his match. Joe "Breed" Mackenzie is a man who makes no excuses for what he is and what he does. Caroline Evans is intelligent, true and strong. Together they make a "dream" couple. I found the storyline exciting and real. My husband is active duty Air Force and we were stationed in New Mexico with the Stealth fighter, so I can understand Joe's love for the plane. I hope that Linda writes another segment in the Mackenzie tale!


The Touch Of Fire
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Pocket Books (01 September, 1997)
Author: Linda Howard
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1871
I don't particularly like stories about the frontier, specially if they're set in the past, but being Linda Howard who wrote this book, i decided to try it. Man, was I glad I tried it! This story is full of unconditional love, suspense, and most important of all--the journey to discover that we're all granted more than a chance in life.

"Annie Parker came to Silver Mesa, Arizona, b/c it was the only place she'd found where folks thought a woman doctor was better then no doctor at all. Her lonely life became harder still on the winter night Rafe McCay broke into her office with a bullet in his side and a bounty hunter at his back. With a gun aimed at her heart, he led her deep into the Arizona moutains, and into a world of danger and passion, for Annie doscovered Rafe not only a wounded man, but a soul betrayed...and Rafe, healed by her skill and the magic of her hands, awakened in Annie a woman's tender longing and hungry desire..."

review
i've read most of linda howard's books, and i'll have to say that this was the best yet. i liked the way everything was set..and even though Rafe is determined, so is Annie. And they make it a great book all around. Rafe is tough, patient, and on the run. And all Annie ever wanted was to be a docter that was respected. when they get together love will conquer everything.

The Touch Of Fire
Once again L.H. has impressed me with her ability to write a story that held on to me until the end. This was my first historical by this author and of course she didn't let me down. I love how the characters are independent and can handle life on their own, but together they become even stronger and can achieve anything. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Thank You once again Linda!


Midnight Rainbow
Published in Paperback by Mira Books (1996)
Author: Linda Howard
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Warning! Linda Howard is Addictive
This was the first Linda Howard book I read, and it was sooooo good, it sent me combing through used book stores and garage sales looking for her out of print books. This was also the book that introduced me to paperback romances, and began my search for other authors as good as Howard (alas, there are very, very few). I'd always enjoyed romance, but had never ventured beyond Anya Seton, M.M. Kaye, the Bronte sisters, Jane Austin, Georgette Heyer, Margaret Mitchell, Jan Cox Speas, etc. Obviously, there was a finite number of these books, which led me to set aside assumption and try pulp fiction. I'm glad I did because some of it (like "Midnight Rainbow") is wonderful fun. Thank you, Miss Howard, for hours of pure reading pleasure. I just wish I could find several of your equals, or failing that, I wish you could write a bit faster.

I'll carry Grant's backpack anyday!
MIDNIGHT RAINBOW has to be one of my favorite of LH's works. Grant is so sexually magnectic that he makes my knees weak! He is definitely an in-charge kind of man and doesn't hesitate to say exactly what he wants and means to do. Jane is a very formidable half to Grant's character. You can actually see this romance take life and work. They are perfect for one another. Wait a minute... I would be a great jungle chick, too! HA! Once he finally gets her where he wants her, he doesn't let a moment slip by where they can feed their jungle fever for one another!

You will enjoy this jungle romp, because beside all of the great sex you get two highly intelligent and workable people thrown together where they would not more than likely ever have even wanted to meet one another in the first place. MR isn't a silly story where you feel like they should be more interested in saving their lives than making love. Grant definitely protects Jane. Like LH says, 'Grant's a lean, mean, fighting-machine'! Enjoy! It's a great read!

I would also recommend AFTER THE NIGHT by Howard. Wow! Drool-drool!

One of my favorite Linda Howard novels
Midnight Rainbow is a non-stop combination of danger and romance. The strength of both characters is very appealing. The fact that Jane wasn't waiting around for someone to resuce her is great! The tenderness that Grant shows for Jane is touching.

The combination of danger, romance and suspence is addicting and Linda Howard does it better than anyone. Whether it's Jane and Grant's story in Midnight Rainbow, Rachel and Kell's story in Diamond Bay or Barrie and Zane's story in Mackenzie's Pleasure. You're sucked in from the first page and can't let go. The heroines are strong, smart, independant women and the men live by their own code where honor is all. I'd be hard pressed to decide which of her novels I like best, I have several and reread them all.


Duncan's Bride
Published in Paperback by Mira Books (1995)
Author: Linda Howard
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This is a great read !
I enjoyed this book very much ! While it lacked the "Zip" of "Son of the Morning" or the Mackenzie saga, I have to tell you that it is quite enjoyable to curl up with a mug of hot cocoa, a roaring fire and this book.

Reese and Madelyn are likeable, but flawed, characters. I actually found Reese to be a bit more "believable" than Madelyn, which is why I'm only giving this book 4 stars. Madelyn is certainly affable, but there is a sense of her having it just "too easy" until Reese comes into her life. I do enjoy her independent spirit, but think her buying the Ranch did put the story into the realm of "well, that was just too easy".

That said, it's fun book and certainly one that any Linda Howard fan would enjoy.

Vintage Linda Howard!
You'll love this great little romance by Linda Howard. Here, she manages to put a modern twist on the mail order bride story, and it really works. The hero, Reese Duncan, is a hard-working ranch owner embittered from the devastation of his first marriage. He wants children and needs a companion to share his rugged lifestyle in a remote corner of Montana, but he isn't interested in any emotional attachment. Despite his reservations, he invites Maddie to share his life. Maddie is a bored city girl looking for some substance in her life. Much to Reese's surprise, she is not destined to be an ornamental wife. She challeges and frustrates him at every turn, and the ensuing contest of wills is wonderful. All the best elements of a romance novel are here in spades - sexy hero, engaging heroine, increasing sexual tension, hot love scenes, and emotional revelations. Enjoy!

Another Great Howard Book
If you read the other reviews you already know the story. I want to add that Duncan's Bride is one of my favorites along with Loving Evangeline (Madelyn's brother Robert's story). This is another sexy, sensual story as only Linda can write. I love the strength of Linda's heroines and Madelyn is no exception. I hear myself chanting "You Go Girl" at some of her antics. This one is a definite keeper I'm sure you will enjoy.


Mackenzie'S Mountain
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Mira Books (01 March, 2000)
Author: Linda Howard
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Wolf Mackenzie is my kind of hero. His story is superb!
I love this book. It is a definite 'keeper' in my opinion. The heroine, Mary, was a great match for Wolf. I thought DREAM MAN was my favorite Linda Howard book, but now it's #2 after MACKENZIE'S MOUNTAIN. Well, I'm off to read about Wolf's son, Joe, in MACKENZIE'S MISSION!

A TRUE ROMANCE CLASSIC ~ MUST READ!
How can you tell when a book is a classic? Let me put it to you this way....How many people do you know can quote the first line from a specific book ~ verbatim?? This book has the distinction of being consistently voted as one of the Top Ten books of all time by romance readers.

Mackenzie Mountain has all the elements of a classic romance novel. A Great plot, snappy dialogue, plus an alpha male hero and his fiesty heroine, and those intensely sensous love scenes. Wolf Mackenzie is an outcast, who had been wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. He now lives with his son, Joe, on Mackenzie Mountain and has a wary truce with the townspeople. Of course that is until Mary Elizabeth Potter ,a spinster school teacher, arrives. As their attraction for each other grows into love; a dangerous force is ready to tear them apart forever...

Linda Howard fans abound and for good reason. Inspite of her well deserved rise to hardback publication. She has continued this classic with sucessive stories of the Mackenzies. They are Mackenzie Mission, Mackenzie Pleasure, Mackenzie Magic, and what she states as her last, A Game of Chance. Read them all! Then prepare yourself to join the legion of Linda Howard fans that beg for more!!!

Finally I got to read the first book in this series!
I came to the MacKenzie Family saga backwards - I purchased the combined stories of Zane and Maris in MACKENZIE'S PLEASURE and MACKENZIE'S MAGIC, liked what I read, looked at the list of her prior books, and started hunting for them. I found a well-thumbed copy of MACKENZIE'S MISSION in the paperback section of my local library, but I could not locate MACKENZIE'S MOUNTAIN until its reissue this month, despite looking for at least a year...I snapped it up!

Wolf Mackenzie is the premier male lead character - a powerful, mysterious, sensual, and flawed Viet Nam veteran (yes, he's very domineering - all in character, I suppose). Mary Potter is a wonderful foil - unattractive except to Wolf, cerebral, unaffectedly honest to a fault, and, fortunately, willing to tolerate Wolf's less endearing qualities. Their relationship unfolds with Ms. Howard's trademark sizzle-factor, but not too unbelievably fast (as is unfortunately the case in many other books of this genre). I'm hooked on this family's adventures, and now that I've read the foundation story of Wolf and Mary, I plan on rereading the later ones for a fresh perspective.

I did get confused on the time line for all three stories. I couldn't figure out how there was time to let two decades elapse betwen this story and MACKENZIE'S PLEASURE, so that Joe would be well into his middle age by then. Joe was born during the Viet Nam war, and by my calculations, he couldn't have been as old as he was portrayed, so some kind of reference date for MACKENZIE'S MOUNTAIN would have helped. Oh, well, it's fiction anyway.


Night Moves : Dream Man/After the Night
Published in Paperback by Pocket Books (01 October, 1998)
Author: Linda Howard
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Howard Best - in a 2 for 1 What a Deal!!
Spellbinding!! Unforgettable!! Howard at her best!

Howard disappeared for a period while she had back trouble, but she came back with a roar with this mesmerising book.

Marlie Keen is an empath. She feels what is happening to people in episodic black-outs, and what she is seeing now is murder in a most horrible fashion. Though she has been there done that before, she cannot withhold the information knowing the killer will strike again and again, so she puts herself through the ridicule in hopes of stopping a serial killer.

Dane Hollister wants this killer caught and will use anything and everyone in his path, including Marlie Keen. He is attracted her, and he will put himself between her and the killer, but no matter how he feels about her, he will use her as bait to stop this madman.

Marlie is deeply attracted to Dane, feels that attraction deepening into stronger emotions, possibly love. But she fights this, knowing most people cannot accept life with am empath, fearing that their every thought is laid bare. Dane swears he is different, yet when push comes to shove, he proves he, too, is not that much different than the rest.

Despite their personal problems, they are forced to work together, because Dane knows only through Marlie and her gift will be be able to bring this madman to justice. Marlie's visions grow stronger, just as her feelings for Dane, but then he betrays her. He promised her if she helped track the killer he would shield her from the public and the media. Knowing how devastating this would be to her, he deliberately alerts the press to the psychic presence on the case baiting the trap to make the killer focus his attention on Marlie. But in doing so, he may have lost the woman he was falling in love with.

Tense, gritty and emotionally draining. A book you will never forget and a fitting return for Howard.

>>>>>>>>

Ever since she was a girl, Faith Devlin had worshipped stunning, sophisticated Gray Rouillard. They could not be more different. Gray's father practically owns the small town of Prescott, and in her young girl's dreams, Gray is a knight in shining Armour. That hero's image is shattered in one shattering night that is forever to change the lives of both Gray and Faith. He was all things good, bright and wonderful - until the night he throws Faith and her dirt-poor family out into the streets. Gray's father, a notorious womaniser has finally gone over the edge and left his family, disappearing into the night with his lover - none other than Faith's mother. When Gray discovers this, he takes out his uncontrollable rage upon Faith's and the rest of her family, evicting them from Rouillard land in the middle of the night.

It was a memory that was to form the rest of Faith's life. Now she lives for only one reason, to return to Prescott and finally solved what happened to Gray's father and her mother. No longer the small town girl from a family of white trash, Faith has worked very hard to make something of herself. And the time has finally come for Faith to go home. Faith did not expect Prescott to welcome her back with open arms, and she is not disappointed. Faith is the living image of her mother and in a small town people only remember all too well her mother destroyed the Rouillard marriage. But she is mildly surprised to the lengths people will go to please the now powerful Gray. She is asked to leave a motel, the police harass her, and the grocery store owner refused to even sell her groceries. However, this Faith is not the little trusting girl that could not defend herself and her family, and nothing and no one, not even the sexy Gray Rouillard, will stop her from finding out what really happened that night their parents vanished.

Only she was not prepared for Gray himself. Nor the fact that, though Gray hates her family and wants her gone from the town, Gray is making it clear her wants Faith, and he will break any rules to achieve his aim.

However,there is someone else in town very frightened by Faith's return. When someone starts threatening Faith, Gray finds himself wanting to protect her, pulling him into questioning just what did happened that night.

Vivid,and gripping characters, a powerful setting, and an intriguing mystery. Howard weaves a spell like none other.

WISE Writers and Readers Book of the Month for July 2000

These are excellent! 10 stars..
I read these novels when they first came out about 4 or 5 years ago, and they're what hooked me onto Linda Howard's novels. I re-read them all the time, and each time its like the first and they're always good, greatly entertaining, keeps you on your toes... even if you're lying down. A must buy!!

Wonderful, steamy stories!
Dream Man - In Orlando, Florida, Marlie Keen leads a quiet life after a brutal attack by a serial killer left her without her psychic powers. Now, however, a new killer brings all the horror back and Marlie, once again, sees everything the killer does through his eyes. Detective Dane Hollister (yum) doesn't believe her at first, and he even thinks she may be involved, since she can describe everything that happened in the killings. His attraction to Marlie, however, is undeniable, and as he moves in with her for protection, their relationship steams up, but the killer is still out there.

After the Night - Faith Devlin is one of the "trashy Devlins" in the town of Prescott, far removed from the Gray Rouillard, the golden boy whom she adores. One night, Faith's mother runs off with Gray's father and a furious Gray kicks the rest of the Devlins out of their tiny shack. Years later, Faith returns to Prescott, a self-made businesswoman, and must fight both her strong attraction to Gray and the mystery of what really happened that night.

If you like strong leads and stamy stories, this book is for you. Dream Man is probably my favorite book by Linda Howard, and although Gray is a little obnoxious here and there, he is a sweetie at heart.


Carnal Innocence
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Great Small Town Murder Plot!
This one really had me guessing, I must say. I usually don't have much problem guessing the killer's identity, but this time I was truly baffled and honestly shocked when the person was revealed! Impressed too, cause Ms. Roberts used a most unusual person and I admire her for trying this approach! Who would've thought?! Also my first book by this author and I will certainly start reading all by her!

~In a small Southern town called Innocence in the middle of the swamps of Mississippi, evil is lurking. A brutal and merciless killer is claiming the lives of the town's most beautiful women. People are scared for in their mist lurks a killer, a killer so vile and evil that the town is left second guessing each other's personalities. Is it their own next-door neighbor?

A world-famous concert violinist, Caroline Waverly is trying to find some peace and quiet in her hectic life when she decides to leave her secure life in Philadelphia and stroll into her grandmother's house in Innocence, Mississippi after she has died. Caroline doesn't expect to be caught up in a horrible manhunt for a serial killer! Or to be seduced by the town 'playboy' the infamous Tucker Longstreet!

Tucker is used to fast women and even faster cars, he has no time for dallying with 'good girls' until he nearly crashes his 'fast car' into the new neighbor down the road, a cute blonde by the name of Caroline Waverly. He knew her grandmother since he was a boy and cannot believe his eyes! 'Caro,' as she was known in town as, had grown into a stunningly sexy blonde that seemed to take his breath away until she opened her mouth...she hated 'men like him.' 'Playboys,' 'Rakes', that sort of men. But Tucker wasn't to be daunted, he wanted her and he would do anything to get her. He would use his infamous Longstreet charm to woo her, except Tucker realized, it wasn't working on her...

Caroline has her hands full of this man when she is horribly broguth back to earth with the discovery of yet another body, this time on her land and in her lake. Tucker's latest girlfriend...was the roguish man she had started to find attractive the serial killer? Weird that all the women were ex-lovers of his...

I truly did not realize who the killer was and was honestly in shock at the realization! WOW! A definate twist on this neatly done story that kept you guessing and on edge! The small-town aspect was the thing that kept you wondering in anxiety of who the person was. When you think you figured the person out, you are proved wrong and then you have to start over and find yourself wondering who in the world it could be! Is it the person you LEAST expected??? Truly gripping and different! The romance was great and the chemistry was real. I love the way Ms. Roberts wrote the dialog as it would really have been between the townsfolk and the things they really do behind closed doors. I am in awe of her talent, she brought this story to life for me. A real clincher, read it on a cold and snowy night with a hot cup of chocolate...but keep a notepad for your suspects and make sure you haven't dismissed anyone before REALLY thinking about it.... :)

Tracy Talley~@

A Goodie
A great read from Nora Roberts.

This story was anything but sleepy (like the town Innocence). When Caroline comes to town, she doesn't know that there is a seriel killet on the loose. The suspense and action was great keeping me turning the pages eagerly, and giving me a GREAT surprise at the end of the story.

The plot and sub-plots where nicely interwined so that story was more than about just Caro & Tucker. There relationship developed nicely with a nice sensitive touch to it. You got to know the other characters nicely, without owerpowering the main story.

I enjoyed the setting of this book as much as the story. This is the second book I have read from NR set in the south (Carolina Moon) and now have a wonderful visual picture of the area, despite not living in the US.

I am looking forward to reading more of your books Nora.

A new Nora Roberts Fan!
I absolutely loved this book. Nora Roberts managed to write a fantastic romance, which, by itself was great, but then wove in a murder mystery and came up with a real winner. The story takes place in a small town in Mississippi called Innocence. A serial murderer is killing women and they are all connected to the Longstreet family, especially Tucker. He is a laid back, kind of lazy, womanizer who had dated the first 3 women killed. The new girl in town, Caroline, has moved into her grandmother's house to recuperate from her hectic life as a concert violinist. Of course she is right in the thick of things from the time she arrives. The mystery is well written and had me guessing from one person to the next. It is such a good story and Nora Roberts has added lots of humor, and has a good talent for writing southern dialogue. I am anxious to find other books written by her as this was my first. I listened to it on Audio-book and was so impressed with the narrator, he sure had alot of characters to portray and did a fantastic job with all of them. If you happen to get the Recorded Books version on audio there is also a whole tape interviewing Nora Roberts that was fun to listen to. I would recommend this to anyone who likes either romance, mystery or a good combination of both.


Deranged
Published in Paperback by Pocket Books (1990)
Authors: Harold Schecter, Harold Schechter, and Linda Marrow
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Bizarre subject matter, tedious reading
Deranged is Harold Schecter's true crime history of the fascinating, horrifying life of Albert Fish. The reader must be prepared for graphic detail, which is often scatological and consistently perverse and disturbing. On the surface, Schecter falls short of creating a suspenseful nonfiction novel. His arbitrary historical anchors and tedious inclusion of irrelevant details detract from the coherence of the story. Even so, the extremity and depravity of Fish's behavior create an original, unforgettable glimpse into the workings of a criminal sexual psychopath. I recommend this book to true crime buffs who have not yet heard much about the case of Albert Fish because there are no other books on this subject that I have yet located.

Great book to eat...I mean Read!!!1
Albert Fish is one of those characters, that no matter how many times I read about, I can't seem to believe that such an evil person existed outside the walls of mythology. Along with the likes of the Ottis Tooles, Ted Bundys, and John Wayne Gaceys, Albert Fish was (as the book so adequately describes), deranged! The author of this book,Harold Schecter, does an excellent job on the research. Not only does Schecter tell the tragic story of Fish's kidnapping of little Grace Budds from her parent's home on West 54th street in New York City, but he tells of the horrific child abductions that took place in Staten Island at the hands of Fish. This book even takes into account of a trolley drivers observation of the old pervert Fish trying to calm a terrifiedchild while taking him to his death. Please read this book with caution. It is not for the faint in heart, and it will open your mind to the evil that is out there in this world.

Unbelievable, but true.
Mr. Schechter pens yet another true-crime story that is worthy of a reserved spot for any true-crime buff. As the late author Robert Bloch said: "People are only into Ed Gein because they haven't heard of Albert Fish."

So, here is Fish's book. It is unbelievable. One has to remind oneself that this is actually TRUE. This really did happen. I couldn't believe it. A person who indulged in a numerous variety of perversities, sexual fetishes (some way, way too bizarre to mention here!) the unspeakably ghastly aftermath of Grace Budd was reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale classic "Little Red Riding Hood". In my previous review of a Schechter novel I said had found myself sympathizing (in a very awkward way) to Gein and actually saw a motive for his madness. In Fish's case I could not sympathise with him whatsoever. He was possibly the most deranged man to ever walk on Earth (in my opinion)...but contrary to what others may think, he was aware of the fiendish nature of his crimes. He planned Grace Budd's abduction with a cool cunning, and killed her in the most outrageous way possible... This makes for possibly the sickest yet most compelling read in the genre ever.

Hats off to Mr. Schechter once more for providing impeccable research and a story with no boring moments in it whatsoever.


Diamond Bay
Published in Paperback by Harlequin (1998)
Author: Linda Howard
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Definitely a keeper
Originally published in 1987, Linda Howard tells the story of Kell Sabin (introduced in Midnight Rainbow) and Rachel Jones. Previously published as one of four books chosen for Silhouette's Linda Howard collection (Midnight Rainbow, Heartbreaker and White Lies were the others), it is Linda Howard at her best.

Department chief of a group of secret-agent type men, Kell is on vacation trying to pretend he lives a normal life - until he is shot and his boat blown up. Rachel is a former investigative reporter who returned home to Diamond Bay after her husband had died a violent death several years previous. She has finished grieving for her husband and is seemingly content to live alone with her guard dog Joe.

As usual, the bad guys are out to get the hero and it is up to the heroine to save him while not getting the both of them killed. With time and a little help from friends, Kell recovers his health, and captures the bad guys. Along the way though he also loses his heart and learns that love is a risk that is worth taking.

Diamond Bay
Just when you think you've found the ultimate romance in Linda Howard's Midnight Rainbow, along comes Diamond Bay. Romantic novels just don't get any better than this. Kell Sabin is the ultimate sexy hero and Rachael suits him perfectly. I read this one five times in a row before I could put it down! If you haven't read it and can still find a copy- run, do not walk!! I only hope Ms. Howard's future books contain half of the excitement and romance of Diamond Bay and Midnight Rainbow. This is romantic fiction at it's very best.

one of her best early novels
I started reading Linda Howard's novels a couple of years ago--since I enjoyed her more recent novels so much, ("Kill and Tell", "All the Queen's Men", "Mr. Perfect", etc.)I decided to search our her earlier stuff. So far, this is the best one I've read--almost hated to see it end. (I haven't read any books in the MacKenzie series, but I intend to!) "Diamond Bay" is set in my home state of Florida (a possible reason why I'm partial to this book), and involves two very well-developed characters, Rachel Jones and Kell Sabin. Sure, you knew from the first few pages that these two would end up together, but they are such interesting people, that the slightly unbelievable situations which develop don't seem as important as how the relationship between Rachel and Kell grows. Incidentally, for some reason, most bookstores don't seem to carry this novel, although they do carry a lot of Ms. Howard's other early works. I found my copy in a used bookstore--thank goodness for them!


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