Anne Perry has done an excellent job with letting us view more of the human side of Thomas Pitt. While investigating the 3 year old murder of a member of the London consulate, Pitt continues to examine his own emotions regarding society, prostitution and his own family life. Additionally, Pitt begins to express anger at the well defined hierarchy of the London police. Charlotte takes a bit of a back seat in this novel as her sister Emily is moved to the forefront of the mystery. Although a bit contrived, based on her character in other Pitt novels, Emily enters the house in question as a lady's maid. Emily too begins look internally and examine her own mindset and treatment of domestic help. The ending of this thriller is a sad as it is shocking when the veil of deceit is finally lifted. I highly recommend this Perry novel as one of her best in terms of character development and page turning excitement.

I have read most of the books in this series, so it's plain that I generally enjoy them. Thomas and Charlotte Pitt, along with the others who regularly appear in these stories, are well-developed and plausible characters. By this time, they have become much like old friends and this familiarity adds to their appeal. Perry also does a good job of engaging the interest of the reader by providing mysteries that are intriguing from the start. Also, though I'm not an expert on Victorian London, she seems to do a good job of re-creating that milieu.

On the other hand, Perry sometimes makes it plain who the murderer is in her stories by giving you one clearly dysfunctional character. Sometimes, too, her stories virtually turn into morality plays. She will take up some social evil of the period, make it part of her plot, and dwell on it. Finally, Perry has a tendency to end her stories very abruptly, leaving loose ends dangling and making you feeling like you've just stepped off a cliff.

This particular installment has all the usual strengths. Charlotte and Emily work to solve the case and save Thomas from a dire fate. The unsolved death of Robert York three years earlier gets Pitt started. The case is re-opened because York's widow is soon to marry a Foreign Office official. York was also with the Foreign Office at the time of his death and some secret papers disappeared at that time, so any possibility of scandal or espionage must be put to rest. During the course of the story, the reader gets a close look at the evils of nineteenth century English prisons, but not more so than fits the story. The mystery deepens as more deaths compicate matters. Perry keeps the reader guessing right up to the end in this one. While the end comes rather abruptly, there aren't too many loose ends in this one, so the reader isn't left hanging so much as in some of Perry's other stories.

As a mystery writer, Perry is a step below Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie. Her stories are enjoyable, especially if you've read enough of them to be familiar with the main characters, but the plots aren't usually as difficult to solve. This particular episode, however, is one of her best. A first-rate whodunit that will keep you guessing to the very end. Give it a try.

I have only read 2 books by Anne - "Farrier's Lane" and Bluegate Fields". Anne Perry has shown us a great mystery within a victorian era. My goal is to read all Anne Perry's books. This book is probably the best I have read out of the three. You won't be disappointed whe reading an Anne Perry novel.

I am a home health Physical Therapist who deals with many "couch potatoes" This book gives great ideas for getting people with low motivation to begin moving. It also provides a way to progress the exercises. The explanations of body mechanics and anatomy have helped me with patients who may not understand more technical jargon.

After a hard day's work it can be hard to think about going to the gym. This is an easy introduction to staying in shape without leaving your home. An easy read. Little or no equipment needs. Fun to read!

I am not even a TV addict, but I figured if someone can get fit during commercials I could certainly spend the same time using the same techniques from this book! For those of us who can't bear to think of a 20 minute walk or the drive to the YMCA, this book gives easy to maintain, achievable exercises. Well written, easy to understand and follow, and fun to boot!! This one is a winner!Here's to more commercials and less flab!

Knowing Riki is a blessing. Riki signed my book and said at the time of doing so there was a lot of me in there. As an intersexed person that had just begun to read the book I had my reservations however we both see gender issues in a similiar fashion, this I already knew. The further I got into the book the more I begun to understand that Riki truly understands what people are all about. While her book is part autobiography and part gender/fem theory it allows those with an open mind to share a fresh perspective of just how all theis 'gender stuff' impacts Everyone! Truly a wonderful book.

Lots of MTW's/transwomen's claims to be feminist books are merely womanist and don't reveal a serious engagement of feminist gender studies. Riki Anne Wilchins is providing a transgender feminist political analysis of a good many things, including gender. The only objection I have to the text is the sexual self-disclosures that seem to violate the true integrity of the book. Where the queer sexual celebration of love works splendidly in Minnie Bruce Pratt's, "S/he," it feels like advertisement in Wilchins'.

I'm left wanting more of Riki Anne doing her transfeminist political critiques of US culture(s) and re-readings of Foucault. A beyond the old-boy bastions of heteropatriarchy, is where I want her to go. In this revolutionary's work there's much motivation to be found for taking social action. This puts the text nearly in the league with Leslie Feinberg's "Transliberation." What is quite interesting to note is the trumping of Kate Bornstein's "Gender Outlaw," that this text ably achieves. The everyday outlaw gal seems old school, by contrast, and relegated to the discourse of transsexual auto-autobiography proselytzings, or the "All About Me" genre. "Read My Lips," is a refreshing "switch," so to speak with the pun intended, from the overdose in transgender literature of ever-repetitous gender-crossing sufferable self-disclosures. Finally, the transwriter's emphasis lands on the political, emphasizing the need for collective action. In this sense, it is remarkable.

I love this book, which adds to the burgeoning collection of work by transgender theorists on their lives and critical perceptions about them. As a fellow Foucault junkie, I like the way that Riki Ann has factored the instability of bodies and truth into this work. As a gay male in a women's studies programme that is very open to transgender theory, I welcome and value Riki's work as a contribution. Rest assured, the other tribes within the queer nation want to listen to what you have to say.Riki, please write something else, soon!

I am a dog lover, and purchased this book for my sister in law. When it arrived, I practically read it from cover to cover. I had no idea there were so many breeds of cats, almost all my experience with them has been with the good old "domestic short hair" variety. So, even a dog lover at heart LOVED this book, now I want my own copy!

Excellent in-depth study of cat breeds, with just the information I needed to choose the right breed for me.

I bought this book for my wife, but finished reading it before she did. This is an excellent guide to cat breeds as well as cat genetics. Don't be intimidated, everything in the book in very understandable.

Makes a great gift for cat lovers.

All worries, troubles and life's problems pale in comparison to the Lord's suffering FOR US. And to think, He would endure it all over again for even ONE of His children. His love is beyond measure and beyond comprehension and this book brings the knowledge of what Jesus did into a horrific yet beautiful reality. Non-catholics and Catholics alike will be overwhelmed by this book.

Faithful to the Bible story of the Passion and death of Jesus, it fills in many details and is edifying and inspiring beyond belief; plus, it is surpising and heartrendering. It will melt a heart of stone. This book is the best on the Passion we have seen. It is also wonderful on the Blessed Mother's role inour redemption. Includes a short biography of St. Emmerich. A great, great book for the whole family!

Some Catholic Mystics (Saints) teach us that focusing on Jesus' Passion and Death will get you to heaven. This book walks you through our Lord's agony, step by step. After I read it, I was left with the picture of a Person who was literally skinned alive through scourging, and His Head was crowned with thorns and then The Body finally nailed to a cross, you get a little idea of what HE suffered "for us" physically. There were also mental and spiritual torments in addition to His physical sufferings. This book is for those who really want to grow spiritually and can face what He went through for us. The author was a nun who received only 2 months worth of visions depicting Christ's crucifixion and suffering. This book is well worth reading and contemplating.

I bought this book for my mother on Mother's Day. She loved it and bought it to give as a bride's gift. The family fill-in pages make it great for a new family to record important names and dates. I enjoyed looking at it because it contained a lot of basic information about homemaking that I didn't know/(wasn't taught.) Funny quotes too!

I love this book! It's charming. Witty, and filled with practical information. Plus, it is like reading your grandmother's journal!

Every home needs this book. Every reader with any love of history, will want this book!

Great!

I loved this book!! I initially picked it up and just skimmed throught it, which is very rewarding and fun anyway because the tidbits of info and the wonderful Victorian pictures are just incredible! BUt one quiet afternoon, i finally sat down with the book and began reading it from page one!! And when I was finished, not only did I have such a healthy respect for the way our forebears lived, it also inspired me to create a much more wholesome and warm home for my own family. and thank GOd, I don't need to use lye to wash my husband's smelly socks in, but believe it or not, many of the old household hints are relevant today. IN fact, with all the health concerns about the chemicals we use to clean with everyday and how harmful they are not only to ourselves but the environment, I actually bought a six pack of Baking Soda at the discount store to use for the myriad of ways Mrs. Dunwoody recommends. A timeless book of timeless treasures and timeless wisdom!! Makes you wish for simplier times!! I recommend it to anyone wishing to make their house more of a HOME!!

In all my experience with fine woodworking I haven't had the pleasure to read a book that so well written that it is as exquisite as the pieces within. This book is a must for every serious furniture maker or perhaps collector who wants to learn and appreciate this magnificent craft. How did I miss this one?

Recognizing that Queen Anne furniture is one of the timeless and most beautiful designs, I realized, on starting my first project, that I hadn't the foggiest idea of the history, the elements, or the construction techniques of Queen Anne furniture. This book has it all. The sections on history and the making of the cabriole legs in themselves make this book a "must have," both for the collector and for the cabinetmaker. To top it off, there are scaled plans for several projects, and some time-saving techiques for construction. If you get only one book on Queen Anne furniture, this is the one.

Norman is obviously as incredibly talented an author as he is a cabinetmaker. I couldn't say enough about how great a job he did with the content of this book and drawings. I only wish he would write another one for each of the 18th century styles( Federal, Chipendale, etc) This is definately the bible for 18th century reproduction cabinetmakers. Please write another one Norman!

A gem -- no other word for it. In more than six decades of Civil War "buffdom," I've never seen a clearer, more complete, more reader-friendly book on any segment of that war. There is not an unnecessary word in it, but it leaves nothing unsaid. Truly a small masterpiece.

Bailey's Chessboard of War is the best accounting I have read of Sherman and Hood. The book is balanced, well written and objective. Its inclusion of the participation of black soldiers and the Sherman's slave camp followers was particularly welcomed. Although Bailey is from Cleburne TX and is an admirer of Patrick Cleburne she also gives George Thomas his due. Rarely is that done. An impressive piece of work.

...but were afraid to ask. Plus: succinctly presented politics of war -- And a cat and mouse Civil War story that draws one in with thrills and chills -- All the more so, because it's true.

I got this for Christmas one year when I was in elementary school and was instantly fascinated by it. I still pull it off the shelf every now and then (I just graduated college) when I want to make a dollar-bill elephant. This book is a LOT of fun for kids and parents alike. It's something parents can give to their kids to provide them with a fun activity that's creative and useful--you'd be surprised how much a waiter appreciates a crummy tip when it's folded up into the shape of a frog that leaps. A co-worker of mine just got it for her kids who are 10, 11 and 12 years old, and they love it too. Definitely fun for all ages. Very well-written (funny and witty) with clear directions. I highly recommend it!!

Wonderful spiral bound book with very thoughtful and painstaking
detail to dialog along with good graphics.

The author didn't make it easy for herself by giving the reader a glossary of terms on the folds and expecting the reader to commit them to memory before proceeding on.

You are literally walked through each project in such a way that you will get professional results the 1st time, in minutes.

The best I've read so far.

p.s. I like the crisp uncirculated dollar that came with it.

This book has seven cool little designss, a Buffalo Bill Badge, A Bowtie, A ring, a Dime-In ring (dime doesn't stay in very good), a jumping frog, an elephant and a peacock. They are all very simple to make and olny take about 5 minutes or so. Buy this book. I know you'll be satisfied

...The kids aren't always good.if you've ever read #59 you would know that.The girls do get bad hair days. The only reason the BSC is always thirteen is because people won't read the books if they were twenty or something.I have about 100 BSC books and I say they rule!

In Mary Anne and too many babies it shows the real life responsibility of being a parent just like Mary Anne and Logan and all the other babysitters had to do. It also shows that sometimes it is not possible to do everything at once, especially when you are looking after babies and small children at once. I think that the way all the babysitters handle the situation is something others should think about when in this position.

This is a good book. Not the best book out of The Babysitters Club Series but good. Ann M Martain is a brilliant autor. Her book are very entertaining for children aged 9 - 13 they ar e a must read