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McDermid is the author of several series including one with serial killer profiler, Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan first introduced in the superb THE MERMAIDS SINGING. This current book is the third one in the series. Two storyline threads interweave themselves into this compelling plot. Carol is offered the bone of a possible promotion if she would agree to an undercover assignment. The assignment concerns getting to know and possibly date a criminal in Germany who imports illegal immigrants from Asia, as well as, drugs. She is to gain his confidence and set him up for arrest. Of course, if her cover is blown, her life will be in imminent danger. At the same time, a serial killer is murdering psychology professors in Germany. The killings are done in a particularly gruesome manner. Tony Hill is on the trail. Val McDermid is a superb storyteller. She succeeds in creating full rich characters that illicit a great deal of empathy with the reader. The parallel plots work quite well together and greatly heighten suspense to the degree that the book simply cannot be put down. This is another strong recommendation for one of our best writers working today	McDermid is the author of several series including one with serial killer profiler, Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan first introduced in the superb THE MERMAIDS SINGING	Carol Jordan	neutral	0
I don't think I understood the whole thing, but it's not all my fault. Deliberately author Michael Marshall splits up his story between the first person narration of ex-cop/coffee table book captionist Jack Whelan, with a variety of third person accounts that are purposely confusing and disparate, so that you need a second reading to be able to piece it all together properly. I kept skimming and skimming, thinking with my fingers crossed that "this will all make sense later, I'm sure," but eventually I got at least a glimmer of a storyline involving a young nine year old girl who at first seems like she's been kidnapped by an evil, foul smelling man, but within a few pages we find out that this "abduction" is not really what it seems and the the 9 year old, cute little Madison, exhibits the cold, maniacal soullessness of an adult, and an especially demented one at that. But why? Why? Why? She's like Patty McCormack in THE BAD SEED, but why? Author Marshall has a new theory about why some kids hit the ground running, while others just go to the devil. He grabs your lapels and shakes this theory into you until you reach a point where you just want to slap his hands away, he's so insistent. On the home front, Jack is married to a woman who, just like in all the best postwar noir stories, isn't what she seems. This part of the story would seem more original if it hadn't been done just last month in the techno thriller HOOKED. Searching for the truth about his wife, Jack turns more and more to an old high school friend, Gary Fisher, once an idolized athletic hero in school, later a top lawyer, but obviously a man with a burning mission. As Jack grows suspicious of Amy, he grows closer and closer to Gary (who in the conventional thriller would have been a woman I think), and their eventual friendship and bonding has a distinct homoerotic charge to it as they both learn that women (and little girls) can't be trusted. Marshall makes you read through to the end but you'll be scratching your head over many of his plot choices, and I can't make up my mind whether the story is actually crazy stupid, or maybe too smart for a moron like myself	But why? Why? Why? She's like Patty McCormack in THE BAD SEED, but why? Author Marshall has a new theory about why some kids hit the ground running, while others just go to the devil	Marshall	neutral	0
I received this book as a trade from bookcrossing. com. I had once read the Pigman in high school, unfortunately, this book doesn't measure up. Maggie and Liz are friends. Liz is a little more outgoing and popular, who sets Maggie up on a double date with her and Sean. Maggie goes out with Dennis who looks like an "undernourished zucchini. and always wearing the same baggy sweater. ". Liz and Sean are very into each other, but Sean keeps pushing the issue with whether or not they are going to "do it. " When they get into a fight once again, Liz goes out with an older guy who practically rapes her. When Sean and Liz meet up again, she gives him what he wants, but. with a price. Even though the book was written in the late 60's, some underlying themes stay the same: pregnancy, abortion, not getting along or being able to communicate with parents, suicide, and premarital sex. It seems as though the author had covered everything. but. for a long while, the book just wasn't very interesting. It's a very quick read, but I didn't get into it until it was almost over. Also, I didn't get the closure I needed at the end between Liz and Maggie. It's a nice cautionary tale for students that are of high school age, but maybe I've read too much good Young Adult literature in the past to be impressed by this one	Maggie and Liz are friends	Liz	neutral	0
I will be perfectly honest, Mister Monday is amazing. I have read many fantasy books in my life, but this one really wowed me. Garth Nix creates a vast array of imaginative creatures with incredible talents. Take the Fetchers for instance. They are man like creatures with a dog's face and teeth. I would not want to run into a fetcher in a dark alley. Nix also uses a fantasy theme that we have all seen in the movies: interdimensional travel. Though I enjoyed fantasy theme, I do think that Nix went slightly overboard. Even fantasy books have to be a little bit realistic. All and all, the book was great, and I recommend it to fantasy readers everywhere	I will be perfectly honest, Mister Monday is amazing	Mister Monday	neutral	0
Can Arthur save the world with the key as a young boy with asthma problems? Arthur just moved to his new house. He now has to go school in the middle of the year. So he does not know anybody. When he has to run he has an asthma attack, and is out cold. He meets new friends. But when they leave someone name mister Monday comes, and gives Arthur the key. And then they leave, when Arthur touches the key he feels better. The key has tons of powers. When everyone starts getting sick from a plague, Arthur has to go in a special house and save everyone. He fights many battles, and also meets a friend on the way, in the end he stops Monday and saves everyone. This was a good book. It had a good story plot. There was good action. However, Arthur's behavior didn't match his age. This book had a good story plot. The whole key thing was a good idea. Also I thought it was really cool with the house, the way it was described I like it a lot. The characters were also cool and well thought out. I really liked all the action in this book. The first action seen was when Arthur was attacked by the pig men, and Afternoon. There was tons of fire, and it kept me on my feet, I didn't know what was going to happen and how he was going to get out of that situation. Also when Arthur was in the house he had many battles and such, and also the last fight. The thing I didn't like about this book is that Arthur didn't not seem like his age. He was in 7th grade but he didn't act like it. Him and his friends were very immature. He didn't know how to handle situations very well, but it always worked out for him. Suck as when there is a fire in the library, he goes to a locked door, but the key gets it open for him. This was a good book. Arthur, and young boy that was not athletic and had asthma problems, saved the whole world with his key. I recommend it to any other readers. You should pick it up. -J. Hamilton	The thing I didn't like about this book is that Arthur didn't not seem like his age	Arthur	neutral	8
Former LAPD cop turned author Jack Whalen and his wife advertising executive Amy left Southern California to live in the Seattle suburbs. One seemingly uneventful day high school sports friend Gary Fisher calls from Chicago to ask Jack to do him a favor. The lawyer says he tracked Jack from his book and would like Jack to investigate the brutal murders of thirty-seven year old Gina Anderson and her son Joshua in their Seattle home; the house was trashed and the husband a lecturer at the nearby community college vanished. Jack agrees to take the case, but when he calls his wife who is in Seattle on business, the hotel desk clerk says she has not checked in and she fails to answer her cell phone. Concerned he travels to Seattle to find Amy has vanished. In Portland, a nine years old girl also disappears, but is found a few miles away. She shares visions with Jack, who digs deeper into a cesspool in search of his wife. Soon all three scenarios will connect at the heart of Jack's soul. THE INTRUDERS affirm Michael Marshall's winning of the Philip K. Dick. Award (see THE STRAW MEN) as this action-packed thriller filled with twists will keep readers on the edge throughout. Jack is a wonderful beleaguered hero who starts off by quickly realizing he don't know jack even about himself and as he investigates realizes each new clue proves he knows even less than he thought. The audience needs to set aside plenty of time as 392 pages is a one sitting suspense read. Harriet Klausner	Jack agrees to take the case, but when he calls his wife who is in Seattle on business, the hotel desk clerk says she has not checked in and she fails to answer her cell phone	Jack	neutral	2
Some early young adult novels (it's a fairly new form of literature, you know) age gracefully and seamlessly. I'm thinking of course of Robert Cormier's "The Chocolate War" and (to a lesser extent), S. E. Hinton?s, "The Outsiders". Unfortunately, I have a nasty suspicion that these books are the exception rather than the rule. For every "Forever" there's a "My Darling, My Hamburger" that contains a great story bogged down by changes in the world. While Paul Zindel's classic tale of four teenagers and their relationship problems is at times both moving and perfectly toned, mostly the problems presented in it are as dated as they come. Even a plot synopsis makes this apparent. Friends Maggie and Liz aren't exactly close, but they hang out frequently together. Liz is the more beautiful and popular of the two with Maggie often following behind. When Liz and her boyfriend Sean decide to hook up Maggie with his friend Dennis, the blind date is as incredibly awkward as they come. Throughout the book the narrative switches between Maggie and her tentative relationship with Dennis and Liz's problems with Sean. Sean, like any normal teenager, is as horny as they come and is continually pressuring Liz to have sex. She'd like to, but she worries that it might end up in pregnancy. Unsurprisingly, that is exactly what happens and soon the big question in the book is whether or not Sean will do the honorable thing and marry Liz (!!) or if Liz will seek out an illegal abortion on her own. It's this last plotline that struck me as dated. The book was originally written in 1969, a full three years before Roe V. Wade and in many ways this abortion issue (while it still looms large) isn't the same. Sure, many girls will sweat over what to do with an unplanned pregnancy, but crossing the border to a state where abortion is legal is probably a more up-to-date literary solution than getting a back alley job. Then there's the debate about whether a girl should marry the guy who gets her pregnant, regardless of how old they are or what their future plans are. Maybe there are pockets of the country where this really is the only honorable solution to such a problem, but it's really not how the majority of teens would handle it today. The book is additionally riddled with small cultural time capsules as well. Talk about how Orientals kill themselves for honor, going to the movie theater to watch a documentary on pygmies, and the complete and total lack of any mention of STDs all combine to make this book an interesting window into the past. To some degree it does still speak to teens today. I was especially amused by the Sex Ed. teacher's advice on how to stop a guy from going all the way, (suggest going out for a hamburger). The characters were interesting as well. Liz, unfortunately, isn't a character you're going to identify with intrinsically. Yes, it's sad that she doesn't get along with her parents. But she's such a self-absorbed person, constantly ridiculing her best friend and at the same time dragging Maggie into horrid and dangerous situations, that by the end you feel zippo pity for her. In fact, you're supposed to end this story hating and pitying Sean who got her pregnant in the first place. Curse those lustful young men that refuse to marry their knocked up girlfriends! Curse them! This book probably read very well in the 1970s and I could even see it having some interesting points in the 1980s. But by the 1990s with the advent of AIDS better known and the options available to teens widening, books like this one began to read more as cautionary tales than as contemporary novels. I've no doubt that "My Darling, My Hamburger" was riveting and shocking when it first came out. Unfortunately, that's certainly no longer the case. I recommend it as a glimpse into the America that once was. If you'd like to know more about the history of the Young Adult novel, this is a good book to pick up. Just don't expect it to have too many insights to offer today. I'm afraid it's no longer that meaningful	When Liz and her boyfriend Sean decide to hook up Maggie with his friend Dennis, the blind date is as incredibly awkward as they come	Dennis	neutral	0
Arthur Penhaligon lives in a world that closely resembles our own - in fact may be our own in the near future. A deadly flu pandemic killed his parents when he was a baby and also apparently allowed the federal government to assume sweeping powers, and his adoptive mother is a medical researcher. An asthmatic, Arthur suffers an attack when in gym class at his new school, and while he is waiting for medical assistance, two strangely garbed men give him what appears to be the minute hand of a clock. This simple action changes his life for good. Arthur now becomes the target of increasingly frightening attacks by mysterious men, some with faces that resemble dogs, and a new illness known as the "sleepy plague" appears in his town. He eventually finds his way into a bizarre realm known as the House, which turns out to be, essentially, the "Command and Control" center for the rest of the universe. He also learns that after creating the universe from Nothing (which is an actual substance in this "mythology"), the Architect mysteriously departed, leaving a will in the hands of seven trustees, the Morrow Days, who have become corrupt and are now running things to suit themselves. However, the first part of the Will, which is a living entity, has escaped and engineered the transfer of part of Monday's Key (the minute hand) into the possession of a mortal, Arthur, who is now the Architect's Heir. Arthur's only hope, if he is to survive and stop the plague in his own world, is to obtain the rest of the Key from Mister Monday and accept his status as Heir, however little he wants it. Garth Nix's originality, while not of the same type as Philip Pullman's, never ceases to amaze me. He also possesses a certain sly humor and, like Pullman and J. K. Rowling, makes numerous allusions to literary, mythical and cultural traditions far and wide. In the House, Arthur encounters Suzy Turquoise Blue, a cheeky Cockney girl from the 17th century of his own world and one of the "Piper's Children"; the personified Will itself in the form of a tiny frog with a penchant for jumping down people's throats; the "Old One," whose identity should be obvious to anyone with an interest in classical mythology, and assorted other Denizens. Arthur is a sympathetic but flawed character and Nix, without preaching or moralizing, manages to portray his compassion and a strong sense of right and wrong that truly make him worthy to be the Architect's Heir. Suzy, although a secondary character, is brave and resourceful as well as funny, and without her, Arthur probably would not have survived his first hour in the House. The Will, both in frog and human form, is wonderfully quirky and cranky, and even Mister Monday turns out not to be irredeemable. As with a lot of the best young adult books out there, some kids may find this series disturbing, and there are some scenes that contain a certain amount of violence	In the House, Arthur encounters Suzy Turquoise Blue, a cheeky Cockney girl from the 17th century of his own world and one of the "Piper's Children"; the personified Will itself in the form of a tiny frog with a penchant for jumping down people's throats; the "Old One," whose identity should be obvious to anyone with an interest in classical mythology, and assorted other Denizens	Arthur	neutral	4
Garth Nix has become my new favorite writer, and my discovery started with Mister Monday, the first in the Keys to the Kingdom series. This opening episode introduces us to Arthur, a displaced but sharp young boy in his first days at a new school. When a distanced run in gym class brings on a devastating asthma attack, Arthur is supposed to die. Because he doesn't, he is thrust into a world he never knew existed, with the fate of all worlds in his hands. Having now read Sabriel, the first in Nix's earlier young adult series, The Abhorsen Trilogy, I can see how far he's come as a writer. Keys to the Kingdom is superbly paced, and with each new book, we learn a little more about the bigger picture. The arc of the stories is huge, but strongly anchored in the characters and Nix's attention to details. Just a note about editions: I collect books, and while paperbacks are available and cost a little less than the hardcovers, the hardcover editions of these books are very sharp looking on the shelf. They're colorful and really stand out in a larger collection. I have to say, I haven't read anything yet by Garth Nix that I didn't enjoy, but Mister Monday is by far my favorite. The opening few pages hooked me, and I'm now three books in, anxiously awaiting number four, Sir Thursday, coming out around March!	The arc of the stories is huge, but strongly anchored in the characters and Nix's attention to details	Nix	neutral	1
Its girl! It's actually two girls. Twins: Angela and Diabla. Angela is as sweet as an angel and , her twin sister, Diabla is the opposite. Diabla always throws things at Angela, but Angela still loves her anyway. Angela always want to be with be with her sister Diabla. When Angela and Diabla are together it calms diabla down. Diabla can make things cacth on fire and make buildings fall down. But when Angela is around Diabla can't do any harm to anyone. I realy enjoed this book. If you like contmporary fiction, you might enjoy Angela and Diabla	If you like contmporary fiction, you might enjoy Angela and Diabla	Angela and Diabla	positive	1
Val McDermid continues her 'Hill and Jordan' series with an entertaining story that combines a dangerous undercover assignment with an investigation of a serial killer, each of which leaves Tony and Carol on the verge of death!. McDermid does a pretty good job of integrating the two subplots, and her use of German and Dutch settings makes for a change from her usual 'real English locations with fictional names' approach. The two policewomen, Petra and Marijke, are among the most interesting characters, and their personal and professional relationship adds some color to the story. As for the 'bad guys', the smuggler Tadeusz and his crony Krazic, are suitably creepy, although the scenes featuring just the two of them are a bit slow. 'Tadzio' has more chemistry with Carol. The 'serial killer' subplot is not quite as riveting as it might have been, relying on the coincidence of Tony knowing one of the victims. McDermid relies a bit too much on coincidental/convenient plot developments late in the book; as other reviewers have mentioned, the bad guys find out what Tony and Carol are really up to purely by chance, due to a careless mistake that neither Tony or Carol would otherwise make. Likewise, when both Tony and Carol are captured separately, both are left tied up, but only one is gagged, and that omision serves purely to advance the plot from a seemingly impossible situation). The ending is satisfying for the most part, although it would have been nice to have a final scene with Petra and Marijke, since it's not likely McDermid will use them again. Despite the amount of 'suspension of disbelief' required in the final chapters, this is still a worthwhile entry in the series	McDermid relies a bit too much on coincidental/convenient plot developments late in the book; as other reviewers have mentioned, the bad guys find out what Tony and Carol are really up to purely by chance, due to a careless mistake that neither Tony or Carol would otherwise make	Carol	neutral	3
It got me hooked on the first pages, but toward the end it seemed to leave most of it's speciality behind. Don't get me wrong, the book had storyline like no other, it's characters ( or bad guys ) were discribed in a way you just couldn't miss em and. Somehow I was just left wanting to hear more about Leaf and Ed ( two classmates, who could have been good friends to Arthur ). Why couldn't they have helped Arthur more? Maybe that happens in next, coming books	Don't get me wrong, the book had storyline like no other, it's characters ( or bad guys ) were discribed in a way you just couldn't miss em and	storyline	positive	0
I think Kolbler does a good job of detailing the rise of the Mafia. Italians calling themselves the Black Hand rob and blackmail guilable Italian immigrants. People like Colossimo, and Capone get into the protection busiess. This leads to other rackets, and the Mafia is born. Capone was not a member of the Mafia group, but he knew their main leaders. Capone and before that Torrio become the main influences in the Chicago underworld. This is a detailed biography of Alphonse Capone. The book also shows the corrupt nature of early Chicago politics and the start of Prohibition. Capone because of his leadership qualities and friendship with Torrio becomes a effective leader of the Chicago underworld. Al used whatever he needed to establish his rule. This included blackmail, torture, and murder. He also was generous to those who were loyal to him. There was both a good and dark side to Al Capone. If you betrayed him, then he could beat you to death like the three Sicilians. If you treated him as an equal, he could help and befriend you. Kobler shows all the complexities of Al Capone, He may have evil traits, but a very real human came through in Kobler's biography. This is a very detailed, but also very readable history of Al Capone	Kobler shows all the complexities of Al Capone, He may have evil traits, but a very real human came through in Kobler's biography	Kobler	neutral	0
"Class Trip" was definitly one of my favorite books ever, and most likely will always be one. I would really love to read another one of Bebe Faas Rice's books very very much. The twist at the ending was thought out well. i never wouldv'e guessed it. I passed it around all of my friends and they loved it too. I'm having trouble finding any of her other books. I got "class trip" from a library for 10 cents. It was obviously worth alot more! :)	I got "class trip" from a library for 10 cents	class trip	neutral	0
Though not a fan of fantasy, I do read it occasionally to keep up on what my students are reading. The richly imagined descriptions in this series made it one that I enjoyed reading. An asthmatic seventh grade boy, Arthur Penhaligan, is the hero for this seven book fantasy. Handicapped and with the odds always against him, he does not give up trying to do what's right. A rich stew of surreal Alice in Wonderland-type imagery and characters, elements reminiscent of myths, an alternate universe, endless hair's breadth escapes, grisly horror, and mystery, Keys to the Kingdom never lags. However, this series is not just a vividly imagined movie in print for a happy reader to follow. Keys to the Kingdom is a thinking kid's fantasy. If one pays close enough attention, answers to the great questions of the origins of our world and our human natures might come close to being answered. Well-liked by both boys and girls in my middle school classes, this series is favored by boys; and though written at a seventh grade reading level, is also well-liked by high school boys into about tenth grade. The interest level is rated at grade five through eight. Both the complexity of the plot and the at times nightmare-like imagery may keep this from being a book for fifth grade and under, unless a child in these years is looking to be challenged and a little frightened. The series starts with Mister Monday and moves through each day of the week: Grim Tuesday, Drowned Wednesday, Sir Thursday, Lady Friday, Superior Saturday, and the eagerly awaited and yet un-named Sunday episode. Gaby Chapman	A rich stew of surreal Alice in Wonderland-type imagery and characters, elements reminiscent of myths, an alternate universe, endless hair's breadth escapes, grisly horror, and mystery, Keys to the Kingdom never lags	type imagery	neutral	0
Angela and Diabola is not only a good book for girls, but also for boys with a good sense of imagination. The book ranges between nine-year-olds through eleven-year-olds. The main characters are two twin girls, Angela and Diabola. Though they are twins, they are nothing alike. Angela is described as a wonderful child spreading joy and happiness wherever she goes. While Diabola, well, let's just say that she is the exact opposite of her sister in every way possible. Their parents had always been able to handle the girls, both the good and the bad, until one day when Diabola does something that neither her parents nor her sister would ever imagine. Angela and Diabola is a great fiction book with wonderful dialogue and text. One thing that I really like about it is that the beginning jumps right into the story. The book really held my interest throughout the whole story. Anyone who has a good imagination and likes a great fiction book will enjoy this book	Angela and Diabola is not only a good book for girls, but also for boys with a good sense of imagination	Angela and Diabola	neutral	0
This book surprised me. Given the title and the cover photo, I expected a more hostile discussion of marriage. What the book offers instead is a well thought out, articulate discussion of marriage in the 21st century. I've long been perplexed by the number of wedding related shows on cable TV, and I've been truly astonished by what people are paying for their weddings. I suppose it's a byproduct of our sexually "liberated" age that brides wear white even after having children, being divorced, etc. so that the beautiful white dress no longer means "brand new bride". The author explains the "Wedding Industrial Complex" that drives the image of the "perfect" wedding at the expense of all sensibilities. At the center of this, of course, is The Dress, that iconic image of marital bliss. The book also discusses wifely history, and of great concern to me these days, what women and men are doing about The Name Problem. I never thought it would still be an issue so many years on. but it is, and it's relevant, and we still don't have good solutions. In spite of the cover shot, this book is not anti-marriage. It is, however, anti-stupidity about marriage and weddings in particular. Read it if you are planning to get married, and read it if like me, you've been there, done that, and are doing it again soon. (I am truly mystified by why a second time bride would wear white, however. White speaks of marriage as a brand new thing. I do believe it should be left to first time brides, preferably those without kids, as white dresses after kids are still just silly. Yes, I know that's old school of me, and I really wish I felt differently. it's a matter of etiquette, not morality, however, in my case. )	This book surprised me	book	positive	0
If you are looking for a thrilling mystery, this is the book for you! This book is about an asmatic boy who has moved to a new school and the first day has a asma attack. In having this attach Arthur Penhaligon meets two new friends (Leaf and Ed twin brother and sister) and also gets a suprise, Mister Monday and his buttler, Sneezer, appear with a flash of light and give Arthur a gift,(Arthur thinks Sneezer is up to something but does not know) a minute hand of a clock (the clock that was guarding the will) and a book (An Atlas he can't yet open). Arhtur does not know this but a will guarded by a clock face glass box and other odd things has been released which is the reason he got the key (clock hand) in the first place. During this book Arthur meets some odd people like some dog-faced men in bowler hats. At the beginning of the book he thought it was all a dream (from his asma attack) but he finds out that everything was very real. Arthur does not know the danger ahead of him untill the night somebody shows up at his window. This book is a wonderful choice. Garth Nix really outdid hiself when he wrote this one. This book reminds me of Ravens Gate in a way so if you read and liked it you will love this! One of the best books I have ever read. This is a dark side of the moon kind of book it is full of suspense and you never what will happen next. You will find yourself captivated by each letter in this book, you will see that you are swept away in the pages but don't want to come out! Mister Monday will do anything to get the key back (you will have to read to see if Arthur makes it through the book alive)!	If you are looking for a thrilling mystery, this is the book for you! This book is about an asmatic boy who has moved to a new school and the first day has a asma attack	asmatic boy	neutral	0
This book was more a series of sparse vignettes than an actual story. The fact is, something will happen, and then on the next page it will have come to a conclusion without any information on how that happened. The story wasn't too good, and the characters were flimsy. Although Mr. Zndel is generally a brilliant, brilliant writer, this book just did not measure up to the standards it's being judged against. If you're looking for some real Zindel, try I Never Loved Your Mind	Zndel is generally a brilliant, brilliant writer, this book just did not measure up to the standards it's being judged against	Zndel	positive	0
I will be perfectly honest, Mister Monday is amazing. I have read many fantasy books in my life, but this one really wowed me. Garth Nix creates a vast array of imaginative creatures with incredible talents. Take the Fetchers for instance. They are man like creatures with a dog's face and teeth. I would not want to run into a fetcher in a dark alley. Nix also uses a fantasy theme that we have all seen in the movies: interdimensional travel. Though I enjoyed fantasy theme, I do think that Nix went slightly overboard. Even fantasy books have to be a little bit realistic. All and all, the book was great, and I recommend it to fantasy readers everywhere	Garth Nix creates a vast array of imaginative creatures with incredible talents	creatures	positive	0
Mister Monday is the first in a seven book series. Written for young adults this is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a good fantasy story. Arthur Penhaligon is about to die - only to be saved by the unlikely duo of Mr Monday and his butler Sneezer. An action they both will soon regret as Arthur finds the key they have given him leads to an otherworldly house that is both the source of a plague in his town and the only place he can find a cure. This is an original book, well written with interesting characters. Recommended for all ages. I'm already looking forward to GRIM TUESDAY and I'm happy the good news I heard on the grapevine turned out to be true about MISTER MONDAY	Written for young adults this is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a good fantasy story	fantasy	positive	0
I picked up this book mainly because of its cover not knowing that is was a non-fiction book. I almost didn't read it; I'm so glad I did. This book is not a man-bashing book but an uplifting book for women--or more or less a cautionairy tale. I thought at first that I'm not really a wife. I'm in a long-time (15 years) relationship--engaged but not really looking to get married. However, after reading this book, I realize I am a wife and do fall into the trap of some of the same wifely aspects. I already recommened this book to a colleague who is several years younger and would recommend it to all young women and men	This book is not a man-bashing book but an uplifting book for women--or more or less a cautionairy tale	cautionairy tale	neutral	0
This is my 3rd McDermid novel, I previously read 'Mermaids Singing' and 'Wire in the Blood. ' McDermid writes good prose but in this 3rd novel I see dangerous repetitions in character types which, if repeated in the next Tony Hill/Carol Jordan book will make that one my last purchase. Generally McDermid paints female police officers as brighter, more diligent and more intuitive than their male counterparts, as well as more often homosexual. The men, with the exception of leading man Tony Hill, are mostly all egotistical, back-stabbing, power-hungry morons of the lowest order, while Hill is rendered impotent -- a redundant bit of emasculation since all the other males are castrated of their moral fiber. The slow mating dance between Hill and Jordan gets a lot of buildup and little payoff. And in this book, the serial killer and the surrounding hunt for him are as limply portrayed as Dr. Hill. The emotional connection between Hill and the killers in the two previous books is missing here, making the entire killer plot read like an afterthought. And the real villain -- not the serial killer but a drug-pushing / illegal-immigrant smuggler loses character focus as the reader is given reason to sympathize with him as well as with the killer. The climactic scenes involving the capture of one villain and the death of another are without any sense of thrill or danger. I was extremely disappointed with this book	Generally McDermid paints female police officers as brighter, more diligent and more intuitive than their male counterparts, as well as more often homosexual	McDermid	neutral	1
This book is about two sisters, Angela & Diabola. Angela is sweet and she loves her sister dearly. Diabola is rotten and she hates her sister. She even strangled the cat! Their parents wanted to name them Jill & Jane. But when the vicar saw them he named them Angela & Diabola which means angel & devil. The only thing they have in common is they both love to draw. This is the best book!	But when the vicar saw them he named them Angela & Diabola which means angel & devil	Diabola	neutral	2
If you don't already know it, this is Poirot's last case. I came across this book after I had read MANY other Poirot's cases and I was familiar with the surroundings. Lady Agatha takes us back to Styles Court, where we first met the little Belgian man with the egg shaped head. And so, the circle is closed. This is, in my opinion, the most mature of Christie's stories. Poirot faces the ultimate assassin: an individual capable of the perfect crime. He understands his methods, but also finds it impossible to intervene. And so he takes the matter on to his own hands, although knowing that no crime can go unpunished. Maybe the essence of the book is in the last few lines, hidden by a mark on a man's forehead. Don't miss it	If you don't already know it, this is Poirot's last case	Poirot	neutral	0
Garth Nix really glued my eyes to this book for hours! I couldn't stop reading all day! His book Mister Monday tells the story of young Arthur Penhaligon's adventure into the House. While at school Arthur obtains a "Key" shaped like a minute hand on a clock. In the never-ending height of the House, he is the rightful heir to the lower part. The only problem is that the other hand of the clock is owned by the old ruler, who doesn't want to give it away. Meanwhile the first section of the "Will" the creator of everything left behind, has escaped from it's highly secured prison on a dead star. Although The only reason Arthur is in this adventure is so he can save the world from the plague the "Key" brought with it. Garth Nix can build one idea off of the other, which would help him explain his thoughts. For example, when Arthur is in an elevator with the "Will" and Suzy Turquoise Blue, (They are going to the 379th floor, so they have the time) Garth Nix explained everything about the plague Arthur wants to cure. So basically the author took the opportunity to explain all the confusing parts in the book up to that point. I personally love fantasy books, and Garth nix can draw people like me into his writing. He has things relating to time, space, extremely tall houses that can slow time the moment you touch it. Stuff like that!. I loved this book, so I probably am going to read the next books in this series:. #2 - Grim Tuesday. #3 - Drowned Wednesday. #4 - Sir Thursday. Coming Soon. #5 - Lady Friday. #6 - Superior Saturday. #7 - Lord Sunday. Will Arthur save the world from the plague? How did the "Will" escape? Read Mister Monday and all those questions will be answered!	I personally love fantasy books, and Garth nix can draw people like me into his writing	fantasy	positive	0
Mister Monday is one of the best books I have read in a long time. You immediately connect with Arthur-- he has his weaknesses (asthma and being too curious for his own good) and he has his strengths (his sense of duty, compassion, and courage). This book is jam-packed with many fantastical inventions that is purely Nix at his best. Dog-faced men, the Will, the Nightsweeper, and thousands more. I repeat: this is an extremely compelling read and you'll be hard-fixed to find anything as wonderfully written as this. Thank you and good night!	You immediately connect with Arthur-- he has his weaknesses (asthma and being too curious for his own good) and he has his strengths (his sense of duty, compassion, and courage)	Arthur	neutral	0
I read this when I was in junior high school over 20 years ago. Now I felt that it was a great depiction of teenage life that I wanted to share with my teenage daughter as she searches to find herself as she enters the pre-dating scene. I highly recommend this book to any parent that does not know how to express the many things that they went through as a teenager to their children. For our children are exposed to a much different lifestyle than we were many years ago	Now I felt that it was a great depiction of teenage life that I wanted to share with my teenage daughter as she searches to find herself as she enters the pre-dating scene	teenage life	positive	0
Ahh. I wish I had never gotten this stupid key, it is the kiss of death, and has ruined my life. This thought races through Arthur's mind as he saves the world in Mister Monday. Arthur is put through a rigorous test of bravery and compassion to face the evil Mister Monday. In the story, Arthur receives a key that gives him the power he needs to defeat Mister Monday, the only problem is, he doesn't know whom Monday is, or anything about the strange world that Monday lives in. Arthur has to go to a foreign realm and defeat an enemy that has so much more power than he does, if Monday was a T-Rex then Arthur would be a blade of grass compared to him. Arthur's battle to save earth requires a level of bravery that he only imagines in his dreams. That is why the theme is bravery, Arthur has to summon a level of bravery that he can't, and through the story, he struggles to get this unknown bravery. Arthur ventures through the story finding the bravery he needs. Mister Monday is a phenomenal book that gets an excellent 10/10. This book wraps you up in the story; it sucks you into the pages like a black hole. You are transported through a mystical land that gets better as you proceed. That's why Mister Monday is so irresistible, and it's a great book not only for fantasy readers, but also for anyone looking for a great story	In the story, Arthur receives a key that gives him the power he needs to defeat Mister Monday, the only problem is, he doesn't know whom Monday is, or anything about the strange world that Monday lives in	Monday	neutral	1
Arthur Penhaligon (and that just has to be a reference to the Arthurian legend) is just an average kid with bad asthma, until he has an attack that nearly kills him and suddenly finds himself a big player in a world that exists outside reality as he knows it. Arthur's Earth is one set in the future to begin with, which is a bit hard to follow through his reflections on previous events, but it gets even more confusing when he receives on of the Keys and finds the House that is a gateway to another world/time/reality. Time moves differently there and the laws of nature/physics mean nothing. In fact, Nothing pays a large role in the story, the substance out of which many things, good and bad can be created. The Architect (the creator of everything) left a long time ago, but she left instructions as to how things were to be run, a sentient Will. But the trustees defied it and set out to do things their own way. So now it's up to Arthur to set things to right. The Will is going to find a way, and that way is Arthur. The descriptions of Arthur's travels through the House are both interesting and highly confusing at times. I had to reread a few parts more than once to figure out what was going on. You do, eventually, get used to it, but it takes a long while and I felt a bit lost for half of the book. The Stairway was one of the better touches, I thought, those glimpses into the past. Suzy is an excellent character, a good partner/guide for Arthur and the best friend he could have in this world. I, like other reviewers, though, wish that a lot more had been done with Leaf and her brother Ed. The way they were introduced led me to believe that they'd play a much bigger role, as would Arthur's world, neither of which happened. The character development is very slim, too. Much more attention is paid to plot development, which, while nice, is only one half a needed whole. I'm hoping that the second book will take the time to flesh the characters out a bit	But the trustees defied it and set out to do things their own way	trustees	neutral	0
The Keys to the Kingdom is an excellent new series by Garth Nix - a series I cannot wait for the sequel too! To get the concept of the book, you kind of have to read it, really. When Arthur is suffering from a asthma attack, two men appear to him, and one gives him a key shaped like the minute hand of an old clock. After that day, he starts seeing a large house. He is followed by creatures called Fetchers. Also, a book appears to him that is very useful. When a disease breaks out, he finds that it is spread by the Fetchers. Arthur sets off into the house to find a way to save his world	Arthur sets off into the house to find a way to save his world	house	neutral	0
I picked up this book mainly because of its cover not knowing that is was a non-fiction book. I almost didn't read it; I'm so glad I did. This book is not a man-bashing book but an uplifting book for women--or more or less a cautionairy tale. I thought at first that I'm not really a wife. I'm in a long-time (15 years) relationship--engaged but not really looking to get married. However, after reading this book, I realize I am a wife and do fall into the trap of some of the same wifely aspects. I already recommened this book to a colleague who is several years younger and would recommend it to all young women and men	I already recommened this book to a colleague who is several years younger and would recommend it to all young women and men	men	positive	0
I don't read much mystery or suspense, usually because the writer doesn't take the time to create characters that are more than two dimensional or flesh out the world around them. This author did both, and added a plot that, as others have pointed out, grows satisfyingly creepier on each page -- so much so that I found myself standing at a cross-walk in broad daylight thinking, "I really need to start paying more attention to who's around me. " By crossing and recrossing the fine line between ordinary weirdness and quantum weirdness, it kept me guessing well into the late stages. Yes, it's long, but I read the last 130 pages in one sitting on the edge of my seat	This author did both, and added a plot that, as others have pointed out, grows satisfyingly creepier on each page -- so much so that I found myself standing at a cross-walk in broad daylight thinking, "I really need to start paying more attention to who's around me	plot	positive	0
In this first book in the series, Keys to the Kingdom, we find Aurther Penhaligon, a seventh grader who recently moved to a new and strange home. Of, course, it doesn't seem strange to him- at first. Aurther has heavy asthma, which places him in the hospital quite often. One Monday morining, Aurther is in Gym in his new shcool, and has an asthma attck on the run they were on. During this attack, A strange man named Mister Monday comes, and is tricked into giving Aurther a minute hand shaped "key"- which is what they called it. As soon as Aurther holds this key, he finds that he can breathe, and he doesn't die the death that he was meant to die. But with this key comes strange creatures from another dimension who pursue the key, and though he doesn't know why, Aurther knows that he shouldn't give it to them{they work for Mister Monday- who wants the key back}. These creatures, called Fetchers bring a terrible disease called the "Sleepy Pluage", which after afew symtoms like having a cold, puts the infected people to sleep- literally- they fall asleep, and can't be woken up! Aurther is particually sensitive to this outbreak beacuse he is adopted{his birth parents died in a flu outbreak when he was a baby}. He couldn't bear to have more loved ones lost to a disease outbreak. Then, Aurther notices a strange house that only he can see. He has a feeling that the answer to curing the sick people is to go in there. But what he finds when he does is a another world, calle the House, which was created by the Great Architect- the creator of all things. This aerchitect left long ago, but left a will to be followed through- BUT IT WAS NOT!!! The will was broken in seven fragments, and scattered through time and space. Now the first and least fragment of the Will has escaped, and it is helping Aurther. It says that he is the rightfull heir to the kingdom{the House} but all Aurther wants is a cure to the Sleepy Plauge. The Will tells Aurther that to find this cure, he has to defeat Mister Monday, using the Minute Hand key, and claim Mondays half of the key {the Hour Hand}which will then bind with the Minute Hand to become the first and least Key to the Kingdom. Aurther, Suzy Blue{a friend he makes on the way} and the Will now will go through many treacherous tasks to defeat Monday- the Will so that Aurther can claim the key, therefore the first part of the Will is done, Aurther to find a cure to thing strange plauge, and Suzy to help them all. I thought that this book was amazing, had great detail, and was imaginative in every way. Garth Nix did a great job, and I can't wait to read Grim Tuesday, the next book in the Keys to the Kingdom series!	These creatures, called Fetchers bring a terrible disease called the "Sleepy Pluage", which after afew symtoms like having a cold, puts the infected people to sleep- literally- they fall asleep, and can't be woken up! Aurther is particually sensitive to this outbreak beacuse he is adopted{his birth parents died in a flu outbreak when he was a baby}	Fetchers	neutral	0
McDermid is the author of several series including one with serial killer profiler, Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan first introduced in the superb THE MERMAIDS SINGING. This current book is the third one in the series. Two storyline threads interweave themselves into this compelling plot. Carol is offered the bone of a possible promotion if she would agree to an undercover assignment. The assignment concerns getting to know and possibly date a criminal in Germany who imports illegal immigrants from Asia, as well as, drugs. She is to gain his confidence and set him up for arrest. Of course, if her cover is blown, her life will be in imminent danger. At the same time, a serial killer is murdering psychology professors in Germany. The killings are done in a particularly gruesome manner. Tony Hill is on the trail. Val McDermid is a superb storyteller. She succeeds in creating full rich characters that illicit a great deal of empathy with the reader. The parallel plots work quite well together and greatly heighten suspense to the degree that the book simply cannot be put down. This is another strong recommendation for one of our best writers working today	At the same time, a serial killer is murdering psychology professors in Germany	serial killer	neutral	0
I did not enjoy this book half as much as i have enjoyed her previous books. However, that does not mean it is a bad book. It is actually a very good book, one that i expect will appeal to many people. But it is not what i was expecting, nor what i was looking forward to, and hence i am disappointed. The basic plot goes thus: Carol Jordan is sent to Berlin on an undercover covert operation to trap an evil traffiker in both drugs and humans. Her bosses think she will be able to handle it. During the job she will be almost completely cut off from everybody, and will feel very alone. Her peril's are increased when the actions of her superiours put her in mortal danger. Alongside that, psychologists are being murdered on the contient. Murdered horribly, with no apparent motive. It is when an ex colleage of profiler Tony Hill's is found slain that he takes it upon himself to investigate the killings. The emotionally tangled pair must both tackle their own monsters with little help from anyone else and both of them, Carol in particular, will face great personal danger. It is a very well written book, that is undeniable. However, i cannot say that it is as atmospheric as "A Place of Execution" or as scary and original as "Killing the Shadows", but it is thrilling in a hard-edged way. But. McDermid concentrates far too much on Carol Jordan's side of the book, and not nearly enough on the serial killer aspect of the plot, which is what she is known for, and what she does best. As such, the serial killer nit about the psychologists getting killed seems underdeveloped and at times just incidental. Instead of the tense serial killer novel we expect, we are given a novel mainly about the criminal underworld and undercover policing. Many people will greatly enjoy this aspect of the book. And if so, i cannot reccomend it highly enough to you. But, if you are expecting a nice meaty serial killer novel, reasses your beliefs quickly, because it is not what you're going to get. Actually a very good novel, just not what i was expecting. I would have preferred more emphasis on Tony Hill's aspect of the book, but we don't always get what we want, and this book certainly displays Carol Jordan's full abilites	However, that does not mean it is a bad book	book	positive	1
Its Arthur Penhaglion's first day at school and things aren't going so well. Arthur has really bad asthma, but since the new gym teacher doesn't know it, Arthur is forced to run. He doesn't want to appear stupid on the first day of school, so he decides to run even though he knows it could be really devasting to his health. And lone behold, Arthur has a severe asthma attack. However, just as he is about to die, he is handed a key shaped like a minute hand from a mysterious person called Mr. Monday who definitely doesn't belong in our world. Arthur survives, but soon his whole world is turned upside down. Mysterious dog faced animals are chasing after Arthur trying to get back the key, and they've brought a mysterious Sleeping Plague with them that could kill thousands, if not millions, since the doctors seem to have no cure at all. Soon Arthur realizes, that he, himself will have to venture into "The House", a house that only he can see, to save his world from utter destruction. It is in "The House" that Arthur makes friends with Suzy Turquoise Blue, and learns from "The Will" of his true destiny and has his final showdown with Mr. Monday. I had high expectations for Garth Nix's new series since I was an absolute fanatic over his Sabriel Trilogy and The Seventh Towers Series. After reading the first chapter of this book, I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed as it just sucks you in. I found this book to be more darker than Garth Nix's past stories, but you can definitely tell his unique writing style. His story structure carries over and you can pinpoint many similarties with this book and his other works. Arthur is a great protagonist, though he lacks the charm of Sabriel and Tal from Garth Nix's previous books. I definitely recommend reading this book, though I feel it is a touch lower than Garth Nix's Sabriel and Seventh Tower	I found this book to be more darker than Garth Nix's past stories, but you can definitely tell his unique writing style	Garth Nix	neutral	1
Angela and Diabola is a silly, funny and a great book. I loved the chapter: Diabola develops new skills. I loved it because Diabola asking for money and sending away those 2 people with the invisibe gun that shot 1 of them away. I also loved the chapter: Gym and other lessons. I liked it when Dybo pushed the miss Mursles off the climbing frame without any clothes on! I think that Angela and Diabola is the best book I read this year!!!!!!!!!!	I liked it when Dybo pushed the miss Mursles off the climbing frame without any clothes on! I think that Angela and Diabola is the best book I read this year!!!!!!!!!!	Dybo	neutral	0
Its Arthur Penhaglion's first day at school and things aren't going so well. Arthur has really bad asthma, but since the new gym teacher doesn't know it, Arthur is forced to run. He doesn't want to appear stupid on the first day of school, so he decides to run even though he knows it could be really devasting to his health. And lone behold, Arthur has a severe asthma attack. However, just as he is about to die, he is handed a key shaped like a minute hand from a mysterious person called Mr. Monday who definitely doesn't belong in our world. Arthur survives, but soon his whole world is turned upside down. Mysterious dog faced animals are chasing after Arthur trying to get back the key, and they've brought a mysterious Sleeping Plague with them that could kill thousands, if not millions, since the doctors seem to have no cure at all. Soon Arthur realizes, that he, himself will have to venture into "The House", a house that only he can see, to save his world from utter destruction. It is in "The House" that Arthur makes friends with Suzy Turquoise Blue, and learns from "The Will" of his true destiny and has his final showdown with Mr. Monday. I had high expectations for Garth Nix's new series since I was an absolute fanatic over his Sabriel Trilogy and The Seventh Towers Series. After reading the first chapter of this book, I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed as it just sucks you in. I found this book to be more darker than Garth Nix's past stories, but you can definitely tell his unique writing style. His story structure carries over and you can pinpoint many similarties with this book and his other works. Arthur is a great protagonist, though he lacks the charm of Sabriel and Tal from Garth Nix's previous books. I definitely recommend reading this book, though I feel it is a touch lower than Garth Nix's Sabriel and Seventh Tower	I had high expectations for Garth Nix's new series since I was an absolute fanatic over his Sabriel Trilogy and The Seventh Towers Series	Garth Nix	neutral	0
Though not a fan of fantasy, I do read it occasionally to keep up on what my students are reading. The richly imagined descriptions in this series made it one that I enjoyed reading. An asthmatic seventh grade boy, Arthur Penhaligan, is the hero for this seven book fantasy. Handicapped and with the odds always against him, he does not give up trying to do what's right. A rich stew of surreal Alice in Wonderland-type imagery and characters, elements reminiscent of myths, an alternate universe, endless hair's breadth escapes, grisly horror, and mystery, Keys to the Kingdom never lags. However, this series is not just a vividly imagined movie in print for a happy reader to follow. Keys to the Kingdom is a thinking kid's fantasy. If one pays close enough attention, answers to the great questions of the origins of our world and our human natures might come close to being answered. Well-liked by both boys and girls in my middle school classes, this series is favored by boys; and though written at a seventh grade reading level, is also well-liked by high school boys into about tenth grade. The interest level is rated at grade five through eight. Both the complexity of the plot and the at times nightmare-like imagery may keep this from being a book for fifth grade and under, unless a child in these years is looking to be challenged and a little frightened. The series starts with Mister Monday and moves through each day of the week: Grim Tuesday, Drowned Wednesday, Sir Thursday, Lady Friday, Superior Saturday, and the eagerly awaited and yet un-named Sunday episode. Gaby Chapman	Both the complexity of the plot and the at times nightmare-like imagery may keep this from being a book for fifth grade and under, unless a child in these years is looking to be challenged and a little frightened	plot	neutral	0