In this book of the ongoing saga of ex-sailor turned California rancher, Martin once again wows us with his well researched novel. He skillfully uses real old time California incidences and weaves them into his exciting and fast-paced novels. Clint Ryan is drawn into a kidnapping of one of the patriarchs of an old-time California family. Relucantent to get involved, Clint Ryan is drawn into the crime by the lovely twin granddaughters of the old Don, and once there, he doesn't quit until justice is served, and evil is vnaquished. A surprise ending and grim proof that even good suffers when it is forced to fight against bad make this book one of LJ Martin's very best.

A well crafted book with an unusual twist. THe hero, an Indian lawyer succeeding in the white man's world helps his red brothers pull a fast one on corperate America and the government bureauocrats the rule New York City. Along the way, he avenges a long-overdue debt and finds his true love. Easy to read, fast action, and a satisfying ending.

Larry Jay Martin has written a terrific thriller which incorporates not only American history, but also current political and social issues surrounding Indian gambling. From page one, the reader escapes into the lives of four individuals trying to uncover one of the most exciting archeological finds of the century. One is instantly involved in an adventurous, meaningful quest towards discovery that takes the reader all over the country. From Wall Street dealings in the Big Apple to bar brawls in Montana, Martin weaves a mysterious and intricate story of love, heritage and money. This book is an interesting combination of fast-paced storytelling and historical relevance. Although I would categorize it as a light thriller, Sounding Drum also enlightens readers about both sides of the Indian Gambling issue in this country. I am MBA student with tons of work, but once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down! Take it on vacation, bring it on a business trip -- you won't be disappointed.

What happens when Native American history finds its way to the Big Apple? Chaos. While working on a steam line under a Manhattan building, a construction worker, who just happens to be an Oneida Nation chief, discovers a cave containing undisturbed Indian artifacts. Rather than informing his boss, he calls a NYU professor, Paula Fox, also of Native American descent, and informs her of the discovery. Searching the cave, Fox finds a roll of parchment that she believes to be a very important historical document. But knowing that such documents are often kept secret to avoid a cultural uprising, she removes the document from the site and delivers it to fellow Native, Stephen Drum, AKA Sounding Drum, a former New York attorney, raised on the Salish Indian reservation in Montana, and now a consultant for the Indian casino business. Drum sets out to prove the document's authenticity, dreaming that financially for his fellow Native Americans, this possible land treaty could be like "the return of the buffalo." The author does a superb job demonstrating the spiritual power behind Native culture and how it mixes with modern, big city society. Sounding Drum is a fascinating tale that will keep the reader turning pages and wondering where the story will go next. Copyright ©1999, ReadWest.com. All rights reserved

I highly recommend this book for anyone who studies political science, democracy, or is simply interested in Latin America. It is an excelent scholarly work, which defines democracy (using Robert Dahl's definition) and defines the criteria, and then each individual essay gives a complete case study and rates it next to the criteria and definition. This book excludes countries with little or no expirience with democracy or limited democracy, such as Cuba, and Central America (with the exception of Costa Rica). The countries that are analyzed are: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Costa Rica, The Dominican Republic, and Mexico. I would be hesitant to recommend this book as an introduction to the subject. Though this work establishes a clear context and frame of reference in which every country is being analyzed, it can sometimes be dry reading, but the extent of expert analysis that went into this work is overwhelming. This book would be a great starting point for any detailed research into Latin American politics, or would be a great read for any student of comaparative studies in Democracy. As an introduction to political sciene or Latin America, however, this book might be ill-suited, I would recommend reading some of Robert Dahl's works first, or Richard S. Hillman's "Understanding Contemporary Latin America". These are not required, but recommended in my opinion. But, it is still a great work and I consider it to be an essential work on the topic.