Archive for February, 2010

Review: Split

Split
Swati Avasthi
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN 0375863400
Hardcover (ARC), March 2010
When his abusive father kicks him out for having the audacity to fight back, 16-year-old Jace Witherspoon has only one place to go–his older brother Christian in New Mexico. From Chicago to Albuquerque is not an easy trip, particularly if you have only recently [...]

February 15, 2010  Tags: ,   Posted in: Full Reviews  No Comments

Be Very Afraid, Amazon—We’re Here!

I’m thrilled to say that our webstore is finally up and running!В  You can find it at Creatures ‘n Crooks Books (aka https://creaturesncrooksbooks.theretailerplace.com ) and you can also get to it through the links on the lists of upcoming titles, through the logo over there on the left or through the link on our main [...]

February 13, 2010   Posted in: Tales of a Bookseller  One Comment

Books and TV/Movies

Most of the time, when I see a TV show or movie that’s based on a book, I’ve already read it.В  Many people have a problem liking the show because it doesn’t meet their expectations from the book.В  Some will nitpick it to death–when the store was open, it seemed like droves of people had [...]

February 11, 2010   Posted in: Tales of a Bookseller  One Comment

Crime Beat Reporter Mitch Malone Checks In

W.S. Gager has lived in West Michigan for most of her life except for stints early in her career as a newspaper reporter and editor. Now she enjoys creating villains instead of crossing police lines to get the story. She teaches English at a local college and is a soccer chauffeur for her children. During [...]

February 9, 2010   Posted in: Guest Blogs  4 Comments

Review: The Hearts of Horses

The Hearts of Horses
Molly Gloss
Mariner Books
ISBN 0547085753
Trade Paperback, 2008
Younger me had a herd of Breyers and read every horse book I could have laid my hands on.В  Molly Gloss’s “The Hearts of Horses” has the same feel as the great classics I read back as a child.

Based on oral histories from real cowgirls, the book [...]

February 8, 2010  Tags: ,   Posted in: Full Reviews  No Comments

#Snowpocalypse2 From My Windows

February 6, 2010   Posted in: Tales of a Bookseller  One Comment

Bits & Pieces

Julia Spencer-Fleming’s new mystery, One Was a Soldier, has been delayed for the second time and my sales rep doesn’t know why.В  It looks like it may not be out till 2012.В  That means the #1 vote-getter on the poll over there to the right of your screen is, well, wishful thinking.
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Another fine author passed [...]

February 6, 2010   Posted in: Tales of a Bookseller  No Comments

Review: Eggs Benedict Arnold

Eggs Benedict Arnold
Laura Childs
Berkley, 2009
ISBN 0425231550
Mass Market (ARC)
When I think of this book, I think first about Petra, Suzanne and Toni. These women joined their talents to create one fabulous eating, reading and knitting place of comfort where one can hang in peace. At least that was the plan.
Add to the mix Carmen, the neighborhood [...]

February 5, 2010  Tags: ,   Posted in: Full Reviews  No Comments

Review: The Enchantment Emporium

The Enchantment Emporium
Tanya Huff
Daw Books
ISBN 0756405556
Hardcover, 2009
Allie Gale is wallowing in gloom after her job ended and there are no prospects of friendship or employment forthcoming. Her multi-member family of witches is about to take some action when Allie receives a letter from her Grandmother which opens with:
If you are reading this, I am dead…
Grandma’s [...]

February 4, 2010  Tags:   Posted in: Full Reviews  No Comments

We’re Having a (Murder) Party

Penny Warner has published over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction, for adults and children, including over a dozen party books. Her latest book, HOW TO HOST A KILLER PARTY, is the first in a new mystery series. Her books have won national awards, garnered excellent reviews, and have been printed in 14 countries. [...]

February 3, 2010   Posted in: Guest Blogs  One Comment