Archive 2002
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BookLore Archive Page - 2002
This page contains old items in date order for the year 2002.
Date of Update
Update
1st December 2002
Terry Pratchett:
Night Watch
Howard Marks:
Mr Nice
Jefferson Parker:
Black Water
Shaun Hutson:
Compulsion
Mark Doyon:
Bonneville Stories
Wendy Lindstrom :
The Longing
Kenneth Gardner :
Rich Man's Coffin
Michael G. Rayel:
First Aid to Mental Illness
Richard Morgan:
Altered Carbon

The 'It's Christmas Again!' Update
Happy Christmas one and all. Not much more than reviews this month. The interview with Michael McGan is still being sorted and we hope to have it completed for next time (however, lots of beer will need to be consumed on our part and I'm sure Mr McGan's, so no promises :)
BookLore is changing to a new format during 2003 to tie in with the move to the database. Any comments would be appreciated as the site evolves... and remember, a book is for life not just for Christmas.

*Chrissi 'offically' behind... :)

Review - Night WatchNight Watch by Terry Pratchett
The new Terry Pratchett Discworld novel, Night Watch, is reviewed by Nigel. Sam Vimes finds himself walking the beat again, but not quite in the fashion he would like. The Watch was never like this... well, actually it was, just like this...
Review - Black WaterBlack Water by Jefferson Parker
Not due to be published until January 2003 Black Water by Jefferson Parker was kindly sent to BookLore by the publisher HarperCollins. A young woman lies dead in the bathroom of her home. Her husband is found shot in the head but still alive. It looks like an attempted murder/suicide, but something tells Detective Merci Rayborn that there's more to the story...
Review - Bonneville StoriesBonneville Stories by Mark Doyon
Sent in by the author Bonneville Stories is set, funnily enough, in Bonneville, where good people lose limbs, fight lightning, and slip into sinkholes. They pitch over bicycles, tumble off ladders, and expire without warning. They spin the wheel and take their chances. It's all in a day's work.
Review - Rich Man's CoffinRich Man's Coffin by Kenneth Gardner
Based on a true-life figure, Rich Man's Coffin is a novel revolving around the life of 'Black Jack' White, a former slave who escapes from captivity in his native Mississippi in 1828 and ultimately finds work on a whaling vessel in New York. Finding himself in a distant and foreign land, his simple plan to become a wealthy whaler soon took a strange twist; and he found himself thrust into the violent life of the local cannibals.
Review - Mr NiceMr Nice by Howard Marks
During the mid 1980s Howard Marks had forty-three aliases, eighty-nine phone lines and owned twenty-five companies trading throughout the world. At the height of his career he was smuggling consignments of up to thirty tons of marijuana.
Told with humour, charm and candour, Mr Nice is his own extraordinary story.
Review - CompulsionCompulsion by Shaun Hutson
Victim has sent in a review for Compulsion by Shaun Hutson. A gang of teenage youngsters is running riot on the streets. Terror and hatred have become part of everyday life for local residents and, just when it seems things cannot get any worse, the gang targets Shelby House - an old people's home.
But enough is enough. The senior citizens of Shelby House decide to take the law into their own hands and fight back...
Review - The LongingThe Longing by Wendy Lindstrom
Denise has sent in a review for the second book in the trilogy about the Grayson brothers. The Longing picks up where the first book in the series, Shades of Honour, left off. Kyle Grayson is reeling with heartache and a deep sense of betrayal from a ruined courtship, a courtship which saw his fiancée marrying his older brother, Radford.
Review - First Aid to Mental IllnessFirst Aid to Mental Illness; A Practical Guide for Patients & Caregivers by Michael G. Rayel, M.D.
The value of first-aid intervention has long been recognized in the treatment of physical illness. However, to date, the concept of first aid has eluded the realm of mental health. Reviewed by Denise First Aid to Mental Illness addresses this balance.
Review - Altered CarbonAltered Carbon by Richard Morgan
Chrissi has been forced to read Altered Carbon
following Nigel's ranting last month. Against all sense (she hates hard SF) she actually enjoyed it. Can it really be that good? Yep...
And finally...
...we thought this Harry Potter Synopsis
was very funny and as it seems to be in the public domain decided to include it. Apparently Ms Rowling is not too impressed but how can she argue really? Have a look and see what you think.
1st November 2002
Linda Fairstein:
The Bone Vault
James Patterson:
Four Blind Mice
Rhys Wilcox:
Blood Lust
Richard Morgan:
Altered Carbon
Brian Rouff:
Dice Angel
Marsh Engle:
Amazing Women: Amazing Firefighters
John Hagee:
Avenger of Blood
Robert Vaughan:
Touch the Face of God
Raymond E. Feist:
Talon of the Silver Hawk
Brian Gallagher:
The Feng-Shui Junkie
Michael McGan:
Fleeting Thoughts
Lisa Tawn Bergren:
Christmas Every Morning

The 'Back on Track' update
Hi everyone. We have finally stopped the rot with a half decent update this month. As well as a goodly number of reviews (many thanks to new reviewer Denise) we have added two new articles, one from author Keith Rommel on Writing a 'Killer Query' and one on BookLore Review Scoring and why scores may appear high (money does not change hands... unfortunately:)
We have also added a new Quiz, updated the Publication Dates page and tidied up the Links page.
Next time we should have an Interview with Michael McGan, author of
Fleeting Thoughts, as well as lots more reviews and other book related items of interest. Come back soon :)

*In Joke for the faithful. Ssssh... Terry Pratchett publishes Night Watch this month so Chrissi will be behind again.... hehehe :)

Review - The Bone VaultThe Bone Vault by Linda Fairstein
Not due for publication until January 2003 BookLore was kindly sent a copy of Linda Fairstein's next novel, The Bone Vault, by the publisher Little, Brown. One of Chrissi's favourite authors, it wasn't long before it was finished. Any good? Of course... read the review to find out why.
Review - Blood LustBlood Lust by Rhys Wilcox
Leeds has been overrun by vampires. The world saving duties fall upon an age-old vampire hunter guiding five reluctant twenty-something students through the nightmare... and two of them are already dead! Blood Lust is a union of comedy and horror that Kenneth Williams would have been proud of... ok, Sid James maybe :)
Review - Dice AngelDice Angel by Brian Rouff
Jimmy Delaney, owner of Jimmy D's, is on another bad roll. Unless he can come up with $50,000 in back taxes by Friday he will lose the saloon to a rogue revenue agent with a personal grudge. Can a mysterious woman who enters his life be the answer? Will the Dice Angel save Jimmy D's with a supernaturally hot hand or does Lady Luck bite off, chew up, and spit out another Las Vegas loser?
Review - Avenger of BloodAvenger of Blood by John Hagee
Avenger of Blood is the powerful sequel to Devil's Island that follows the apostle John and the family of Christians he has befriended as they confront danger and the many challenges that face first century believers.
Review - Talon of the Silver HawkTalon of the Silver Hawk by Raymond E. Feist
Talon of the Silver Hawk is a powerful new epic fantasy series from Raymond E. Feist, one of the great masters of the genre. Set on the planet Midkemia after the Riftwar new characters are introduced while some old ones carry on regardless:)
Review - Fleeting ThoughtsFleeting Thoughts by Michael McGan
Chrissi has been at the Review copies again, as if she didn't have enough to read! After hearing Nigel rant about
Fleeting Thoughts without being able to explain what it is actually about she decided to decide for herself... chalk up one more convert:).
Review - Christmas Every MorningChristmas Every Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Christmas Every Morning has been reviewed by Denise.
Astory of joy and loss, connection and forgiveness, that presents each day as a gift to be opened and every loved one as a treasure to be rediscovered.
Review - Four Blind MiceFour Blind Mice by James Patterson
Another Chrissi favourite is James Patterson and his new novel, Four Blind Mice
, sees another outing for detective and psychologist Alex Cross. Three young military wives have been savagely killed during a 'girls' night out and a master sergeant at the army base, stands accused: his knife was the murder weapon; his fingerprints were on the blade; and DNA at the crime scene has been matched with his hair and skin
Review - Altered CarbonAltered Carbon by Richard Morgan
If you are a SF fan Altered Carbon
is going to blow your mind... it is good in so many ways. In the 26th century mankind has spread through the galaxy and what religion cannot guarantee technology has already delivered; when your consciousness can be stored in a cortical stack and routinely downloaded into a new body, even death has become little more than an inconvenience... as long as you can afford a new body.
Review - Amazing Women: Amazing FirefightersAmazing Women: Amazing Firefighters by Marsh Engle
Amazing women float in and out of our lives everyday, yet do we ever take the time to celebrate their life? Marsh Engle's Amazing Women book & journal series urges the reader to take the time to recognize the extraordinary power of the feminine spirit.
Denise has reviewed the latest in the series, Amazing Women: Amazing Firefighters.
Review - Touch the Face of GodTouch the Face of God by Robert Vaughan
In Touch the Face of God Lt. Mark White, a B-17 bomber pilot, meets Emily Hagan only weeks before he ships out to England. They fall in love through letters as each faces the war on separate sides of the Atlantic, but will the war and a misunderstanding tear them apart forever?
Review - The Feng-Shui JunkieThe Feng-Shui Junkie by Brian Gallagher
When Julie returns home unexpectedly early from a short holiday, only to find a strange lemon-yellow Wonderbra hanging on the inside doorknob of their Dublin flat, she is confronted by the inescapable fact that her husband Ronan is having an affair. But who with? And above all, why? And who is The Feng-Shui Junkie?
And finally...
...we have received a couple of books from publishers and authors this month that will be reviewed next time. Firstly, we have Black Water by Jefferson Parker, an author who has been compared to Michael Connolly. Secondly, we have Bonneville Stories by Mark Doyon, a collection of darkly comic tales set around the fictitious town of Bonneville. Both look potentially very good but we will let you know next time.
1st October 2002
James Patterson:
The Beach House
Michael McGan:
Fleeting Thoughts
Greg Egan:
Schild's Ladder
Mark Urban:
The Man Who Broke Napoleon's Codes

The 'Even Smaller' update
Another quiet month I'm afraid, what with Weddings, Honeymoons and Parties… all hopefully back on track next time.
A number of books from authors are currently being read and reviewed. Nigel has a copy of Blood Lust, a humorous vampire horror story and initial reports are that it is very good. BookLore has also managed to get a proof copy of Linda Fairstein's next novel, The Bone Vault, thanks to publisher Little, Brown. Not due for release until January 2003 Chrissi is happily reading it for next months update.

We will have a bit of a reviewer push in October and try and bring you what you deserve next time.

The site servers are currently experiencing traffic problems with a lot of "Page Cannot Be Displayed" messages and lost graphics, etc. Our provider assures us this is being sorted out so hopefully all will be back to normal very soon.

*Happy anniversary, again:)

Review - The Beach HouseThe Beach House by James Patterson
Chrissi has reviewed the latest thriller from James Patterson. The Beach House sees Jack Mullen investigating the death of his brother, something the Police say was an accident. Things don't quite add up thought and Jack tries to find the truth... only to discover that money can buy just about anything.
Review - Schild's LadderSchild's Ladder by Greg Egan
Schild's Ladder is the latest SF novel from Australian author Greg Egen. An experiment gone wrong threatens to destroy mankind and ultimately the Universe (ours anyway).Can Tchicaya and Mariama sort out there differences and solve the riddle?
Review - Fleeting ThoughtsFleeting Thoughts by Michael McGan
Nigel has added his thoughts about Michael McGan's collection of personal speculations on Life, the Universe and the Pilgrim Fathers.
Fleeting Thoughts is a clever series of postulations that the word tangent was designed for... good fun.
Review - The Man Who Broke Napoleon's CodesThe Man Who Broke Napoleon's Codes by Mark Urban
A
nother code based book from Chrissi... where does she find them all? The Man Who Broke Napoleon's Codes tells the true story of Major George Scovell who, as the logistics officer in Wellington's army, was entrusted with setting up communications during the Peninsular War.
And finally...
..strangely, we have received a number of review requests from religious authors, for both fiction and non-fiction. We don't have any reviewers at the moment suitable for these items, so if anyone out there would like copies for review we could use the extra input. If theology is your game then send an email to editors(at)booklore.co.uk.
1st September 2002
Tom Holt:
Little People
Karin Slaughter:
Blindsighted
Terry Pratchett:
The Science of Discworld II
Douglas Lindsay:
The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson
The Cutting Edge of Barney Thomson
A Prayer for Barney Thomson
Christina Jones:
Tickled Pink
Raymond E. Feist:
Murder in LaMut
Louise Bagshawe:
When She Was Bad

The 'Short but Sweet' update
Nothing if not honest... as promised last time a short but sweet update due to the current workload. We should be back on track next time with lots of goodies. Meantime, enjoy the reviews and remember, if you would like anything specific reviewing don't hesitate to send in a request to editors(at)booklore.co.uk.

*Happy anniversary :)

Review - Little PeopleLittle People by Tom Holt
The latest novel from Tom Holt involves Little People, namely elves. It tells the story of Michael, a young boy who has been psychologically damaged by the fact that he saw an elf when he was eight... and for the unlikely hero it wasn't his last.
Review - The Science of Discworld IIThe Science of Discworld II - The Globe by Terry Pratchett
The imaginatively titled The Science of Discworld II is the sequel to the fantastic Science of Discworld. In the first instalment we saw the authors discussing mankind and his impact on the environment. In this book they discuss Mind and what it is to be a thinking thing and how this has actually come about.
Review - Tickled PinkTickled Pink by Christina Jones
Christina Jones has kindly sent us a proof copy of her new novel Tickled Pink
, which we believe will now be in the shops. It tells the story of Posy and Lola, two women brought together following failed relationships.
Review - When She Was BadWhen She Was Bad by Louise Bagshawe
In
When She Was Bad we meet Lita Morales, an Hispanic girl from the poor end of the Bronx who has two major assets: she's utterly gorgeous and she also has a brain like a steel trap. Her ambition burns so brightly it's almost overwhelming. Life is going to give her exactly what she wants - success, power and money.
Review - BlindsightedBlindsighted by Karin Slaughter
Chrissi has picked up
Blindsighted after Nigel's review last month and was even more blown away. This book is a must for any horror/thriller fan, with excellent writing and a great plot.
Review - The Long Midnight of Barney ThomsonBarney Thomson by Douglas Lindsay
As promised last month Victim has added reviews for the first three Barney Thomson novels with
The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson, The Cutting Edge of Barney Thomson and A Prayer for Barney Thomson.
Review - Murder in LaMutMurder in LaMut by Raymond E. Feist & Joel Rosenberg
Another title in the never ending Riftwar series Murder in LaMut
tells the story of Durine, Kethol and Pirojil, three mercenaries who have spent twenty years fighting other people's battles. Now they have been given an assignment that seems, on the surface, like cushy work - to protect a lady and her husband and deliver them safely to the city of LaMut. All is not what it seems however.
And finally...
..we have received several books from authors this month so look out for some in depth reviews, including a horror story about vampires with a comic twist from Rhys Wilcox and Fleeting Thoughts by Michael McGan, a collection of humour pieces in the form of essays, stories, and satirical bits on things such as time-travel, psychics, and TV soap operas.
1st August 2002
Janet Evanovich:
Hard Eight
Karin Slaughter:
Blindsighted
Keith Rommel:
Sardurvial Dissenting
Christina Jones:
Dancing in the Moonlight
Robert Harris:
Enigma
Michael Smith:
Station X
Louise Bagshawe:
Career Girls
Will Kingdom:
The Cold Calling
The Raven and Marie Claire:
Russian Experiences
Douglas Lindsay:
The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson

The 'Not all Websites are Interactive' update
Hi everyone, welcome to the August update. We have had another good month for authors. Nigel has finished Sardurvial Dissenting, Keith Rommel's as yet unpublished novel about a fallen angel trying to redeem himself and return to heaven. We also have an informal Interview with Keith that makes interesting reading, as well as a short Author article with links to free sample chapters. Also reviewed is a proof copy of Karin Slaughter's debut novel, Blindsighted, due for paperback release in October… a very good thriller to rival the best.
What of the database we hear you ask... having started to play around with PHP and MySql we have added BookLore Interactive to the site using the fantastic GeekLog code. The idea is to provide an interactive forum for user of the site to discuss books, authors, news or any old thing really. Have a look, set up a user account and start some seriously profound discussions… or use it to arrange pub-crawls.

*Another month without a Pratchett review. I think we can safely say Chrissi has failed her task. A months washing-up as a penance. :)

Review - Hard EightHard Eight by Janet Evanovich
Chrissi has reviewed Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich, the, errr… eighth book to feature Stephanie Plum, the bombshell bounty hunter of Trenton, New Jersey. Why is a giant rabbit stalking Steph? Don't ask me…
Review - Sardurvial DissentingSardurvial Dissenting by Keith Rommel
Sardurvial Dissenting is the latest novel from Keith Rommel. Sardurvial, a fallen Angel in the service of the Father (aka Satan) is having a change of heart and wants to return to heaven and gain God's forgiveness. However, dissent from one of the Fathers subjects is not tolerated and Sardurvial has to fight for his very life.
Review - EnigmaEnigma by Robert Harris
Chrissi is reading titles to do with codes and cyphers following her enjoyment of The Code Book. Enigma by Robert Harris is a fictional account of Bletchley Park and it's code breakers.
Review - Career GirlsCareer Girls by Louise Bagshawe
Chrissi has finished yet another Louise Bagshawe novel. This time we have Career Girls, the story of best friends who become deadly rivals.
Their hatred would take a lifetime to die… or so they believed.
Review - Russian ExperiencesRussian Experiences by The Raven and Marie Claire
This will be the last e-book reviewed for a while, unless we can get some dedicated e-book reviewers. The non-fiction title Russian Experiences by The Raven and Marie Claire is reviewed by Denise M. Clark and Dan Murr. It tells about real life in the Communist country, recently called the USSR, now known as the Russian Federation.
Review - The Long Midnight of Barney ThomsonThe Long Midnight of Barney Thomson by Douglas Lindsay
Things have gone Barney mad at the moment. No sooner do we receive a review for The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson from Ray do we get reviews for the first three novels from Victim. Not enough time to do them all this update so check back next month for more.
Review - BlindsightedBlindsighted by Karin Slaughter
Nigel has read a proof copy of Karin Slaughter's
debut novel, Blindsighted, due for release in October. The sleepy town of Heartsdale, Georgia, is jolted into panic when a women is found dead in the local diner. When a second victim is found, crucified, it is apparent the murder wasn't a one-off attack but the work of a seasoned sexual predator. A violent serial killer...
Review - Dancing in the MoonlightDancing in the Moonlight by Christina Jones
Chrissi has managed to finally get a copy of Christina Jones's first novel Dancing in the Moonlight. A romance, it tells the story of stable jockey Rosa Brennan and her dream of becoming a top jockey, with more than a little help from a handsome friend.
Review - Station XStation X by Michael Smith
This ties in nicely with the Enigma review opposite.
Station X by Michael Smith tells the true story of Bletchley Park and the people who worked there during the Second World War to break Germany's codes. Chrissi has got really hooked on this code stuff... as you can probably tell.
Review - The Cold CallingThe Cold Calling by Will Kingdom
Chrissi has reviewed The Cold Calling by Will Kingdom.
When Maiden is revived in hospital after dying in a hit and run incident, his memories are not the familiar ones of bright lights and angelic music, only of a cold, harsh place he has no wish to revisit… ever. But his experience means that Bobby Maiden may be the only person who can reach The Green Man, a serial murderer the police don't even know exists.
And finally...
...the September update may be on the brief side as Chrissi and Nigel are getting married (about time. Ed.) early that month and lots of beer has to be consumed... as well as a bit of organising and other stuff not nearly as important.
1st July 2002
Jeffery Deaver:
The Stone Monkey
Stel Pavlou:
Decipher
Douglas Adams:
The Salmon of Doubt
Muriel Gray:
The Ancient
Furnace
Anna Jacobs:
Jessie
Steve Martini:
Critical Mass
Lee Child:
Without Fail
Michael Connelly:
City of Bones
Tony Vogiantzis:
Exhortation - The Art of Persuasion Is Tempting

The 'Revenge of the Smilie' update
I don't know… do you know how much e-mail we have received complaining about the lack of smilies in the last two updates? Go on, guess… none! Not a single lament for the happy faces. So, back by non-popular demand….

We have received a manuscript copy of Keith Rommel's next novel, Sardurvial Dissenting. Nigel is currently reading it so expect a review next month, along with an author interview. Also sent in by those nice people at Random House is a proof copy of Karin Slaughter's Blindsighted, a crime thriller to rival the best... check the review next month to see if the book matches the hype.
Please enjoy the reviews and if there is any particular book anyone wants reviewing, just ask.

*No Pratchett reviews from Chrissi this month... complaints to editors(at)booklore.co.uk.

Review - The Stone MonkeyThe Stone Monkey by Jeffery Deaver
Chrissi reviews the latest Lincoln Rhyme
thriller, The Stone Monkey by Jeffery Deaver. Lincoln Rhyme and his partner Amelia Sachs manage to track down a cargo ship carrying illegal immigrants, as well as the notorious killer, the Ghost. When the Ghost's capture goes disastrously wrong,they find themselves in a race against time - to stop the Ghost before he can murder the two surviving families who have vanished deep into the labyrinthine world of New York's Chinese community.
Review - The Salmon of DoubtThe Salmon of Doubt by Douglas Adams
The Salmon of Doubt comprises ten chapters of the Dirk Gently novel on which Douglas Adams was working at the time of his death in May 2001, along with an astonishing collection of pieces recovered from his beloved Macintosh computer
.
Review - JessieJessie by Anna Jacobs
Chrissi has read Jessie
, the third book sent to BookLore by the author Anna Jacobs. Jessie Burton is lively and intelligent and she wants more than the respectable life in service her mother has long planned for her. And times are changing: railways are being built across the land, bringing new freedom and possibilities.
Review - Without FailWithout Fail by Lee Child
Chrissi has reviewed her first
novel by Lee Child, Without Fail. Jack Reacher walks alone. No job, no ID, no last known address. But he never turns down a plea for help. Now a woman tracks him down, because she needs a hand with her new job. Her task? Protecting the Vice-President of the United States.
Review - Exhortation - The Art of Persuasion Is TemptingExhortation - The Art of Persuasion Is Tempting by Tony Vogiantzis
Tara sent in this review for
Exhortation - The Art of Persuasion Is Tempting by Tony Vogiantzis.
The story takes place in Europe where four notorious bank robbers have set out to rob every major European City bank.
Review - DecipherDecipher by Stel Pavlou
If it is a well researched Action/Adventurer yarn to rival Michael Crichton you want look no further than Decipher by Stel Pavlou.
There is a signal emanating from deep within the ice of Antarctica. Atlantis has awoken. Ancient monuments all over the world from the Pyramids of Giza, to Mexico, to the ancient sites of China are reacting... to a brewing crisis not of this earth, but somewhere out in the solar system.
Review - The AncientMuriel Gray
Two Muriel Gray reviews this month. The Ancient, a very gory account of an Inca priest trying to be reborn, is reviewed by Nigel while Chrissi adds her thoughts on Furnace, the novel Nigel loved and Kevin hated... what does Chrissi think?
Review - Critical MassCritical Mass by Steve Martini
In Critical Mass Joselyn 'Joss' Cole is trying to get away from her old life as a public defender in LA. When a rich client is
subpoenaed to appear before a federal grand jury and, just minutes before testifying, he is killed in a fiery explosion on board his floatplane and life becomes complicated again.
Review - City of BonesCity of Bones by Michael Connelly
Chrissi reviews the latest Harry Bosch novel, City of Bones, by Michael Connelly. When the bones of a twelve-year-old boy are found scattered in the Hollywood Hills, Harry Bosch is drawn into a case that brings up the darkest memories from his own haunted past.
The bones have been buried for years, but the cold case doesn't deter Bosch. Unearthing hidden stories, he finds the child's identity and reconstructs his fractured life, determined that he not be forgotten.
And finally...
...we would like to wish Victim a very happy birthday and hope he enjoys all the books he is going to get... so much so he shares his views with us all.
1st June 2002
Christian Cook:
Pulling Power
Douglas Lindsay:
Barney Thomson and the Face of Death
James Patterson:
2nd Chance
Muriel Gray:
Furnace
Orson Scott Card:
Ender's Game
Richard Gott:
Time Travel in Einstein's Universe
Anna Jacobs:
Lancashire Lass
Lancashire Legacy
Jessie
Robert Rankin:
Web Site Story
Kelley Armstrong:
Bitten
Terry Pratchett:
Only You Can Save Mankind
Johnny and the Dead
Johnny and the Bomb
The Science of Discworld
The Truth
The Amazing Maurice
Louise Bagshawe:
The Movie
Penny Vincenzi:
Wicked Pleasures
Ken Follett:
Code to Zero

The 'Jubilee' update
We have had a bit of a reviewer push this time… more of a slave drive actually. We wanted to go through the 300 review mark so we pushed a little harder than usual and thanks to the response we have 20 reviews this month, making a total of 304. Not many by some sites standards but we are quite pleased.
Anna Jacobs has been nice enough to send us three of her novels, Lancashire Lass, Lancashire Legacy and Jessie. She writes predominately historical romances but also some Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Check out the reviews and see what you think
We have been scouring the web to try and bring you some information in the way of Publication Dates and think we have created a useful list now (which is more than can be said for the last one! Ed.). If you want the release date for a particular author or book mail editors(at)booklore.co.uk and we will see what we can do.
We have also tidied the site a little and pulled all the Articles together into a new section, whilst at the same time adding two new ones. The first, The History Of BookLore, was a request of Anne Weale who writes the Bookworm on the Net column for The Bookseller, the UK's leading book trade weekly. The second is Three Go Mad In Wales about a day trip to Hay-On-Wye, which has the world's largest concentration of bookshops selling old and out-of-print books.

*Oh dear.... Chrissi has gone insane! She has decided to continue with ALL of Terry Pratchett's books... starting with Only You Can Save Mankind...

Review - Pulling PowerPulling Power by Christian Cook
Christian Cook has kindly sent us his latest novel, Pulling Power, which tells the story of five lifelong friends and a game of Russian Roulette with power plugs and life support equipment... sounds weird but it is another great read from an up-and-coming author
.
Review - 2nd Chance2nd Chance by James Patterson
Lindsay Boxer, San Francisco's only woman homicide detective, is back in James Patterson's 2nd Chance - the mind-blowing new thriller in the Women's Murder Club series.
Review - Ender's GameEnder's Game by Orson Scott Card
Vex has reviewed Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, the first in the Ender saga. They are simple on the surface but question the ethics of mankind and his role in the cosmos…
a must for every Science Fiction fan.
Review - Lancashire LassAnna Jacobs
We have been sent several books by the author Anna Jacobs. All historical romances, Lancashire Lass and Lancashire Legacy have been reviewed by Chrissi while Alma has read and reviewed
Jessie. Three excellent novels by all accounts.
Review - Web Site StoryWeb Site Story by Robert Rankin
Robert Rankin delves into the world of cyberspace with Web Site Story. A computer virus is about to make the deadly species crossover from machine to mankind. The Black Death was spread by rats. But this plague will be spread by a mouse. The computer mouse.
Review - Only You Can Save MankindTerry Pratchett
We have a deluge of reviews for Terry Pratchett books this month. Chrissi has decided to continue her odyssey with Only You Can Save Mankind, Johnny and the Dead and Johnny and the Bomb while Nigel has reviewed the excellent The Science of Discworld.
We also have another review for The Truth sent in by Vex and The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents sent in by Ray. An amazing six in total!!
Review - Wicked PleasuresWicked Pleasures by Penny Vincenzi
Sexy, glamorous and fun, Wicked Pleasures by Penny Vincenzi is the story of a brother and two sisters who find out that they all have different fathers: none of them Alexander, Earl of Caterham, who was married to their mother for almost twenty years...
Review - Barney Thomson and the Face of DeathBarney Thomson and the Face of Death by Douglas Lindsay
Barney Thomson gets another outing in Barney Thomson and the Face of Death by Douglas Lindsay. A novelette set between The Cutting Edge of Barney Thomson and A Prayer for Barney Thomson this story sees Barney involved in even more murders he is powerless to prevent yet gets the blame for.
Review - FurnaceFurnace by Muriel Gray
Following Kevin's low score Nigel has reviewed Muriel Gray's Furnace as he believes it is a great novel. A tense horror thriller that
will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Review - Time Travel in Einsteins UniverseTime Travel in Einstein's Universe by Richard Gott
Vex has been trying to work out how to win the lottery and he has started with Richard Gott's Time Travel in Einstein's Universe... I'm not sure if that will work but then I haven't read the book yet... by the way, when is Vex coming back from Barbados anybody??
Review - BittenBitten by Kelley Armstrong
Victim has sent in a review for Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. Elena Michaels is a 21st-century girl: self assured, keenly intelligent, fighting fit. And like every woman, she has her secrets. Nothing extraordinary about that. Except that Elena really is extraordinary. In fact, she may well be the most extraordinary woman alive. Because Elena is the only female werewolf in the world.
Review - The MovieThe Movie by Louise Bagshawe
Three women in search of a dream - but one of them with a nightmare in her heart. Chrissi has reviewed The Movie by Louise Bagshawe, a story of Hollywood and the search for happiness in its cruel merry-go-round.
Review - Code to ZeroCode to Zero by Ken Follett
48 hours that could change the world's political landscape... a man wakes up to find himself lying on the ground in a railway station, his mind stripped bare of all recollection. Code Zero by Ken Follett tells the story of Luke Lucas and his search for the truth.
And finally...
...we are pleased to report that Christina Jones has a new book,
Tickled Pink, being published in August or September. Hopefully we will be getting a proof copy so we will bring you a review as soon as possible.
1st May 2002
James Herbert:
Once
Terry Deary:
The Witch of Nightmare Avenue
The Pirates of the Dark Park
Philip M. Margolin:
Wild Justice
Keith Rommel:
Spirit of Independence
Terry Brooks:
Magic Kingdom for Sale - Sold
The Black Unicorn
Lauren Henderson:
My Lurid Past
Terry Pratchett:
The Last Hero
Phillip Wearne:
Collapse - Why Buildings Fall Down
John Shire:
Undergrowth and other Hidden Tales
Gerald Seymour:
Holding the Zero

The 'On time at last' update
Can you believe it? We have finally managed to get an update posted on time! Now don't get carried away, this is not a sign of things to come… more of a pure fluke really.
Good news on the author front again. We have received the promised copies of Pulling Power by Christian Cook and Barney Thomson and the Face of Death by Douglas Lindsay, two books Nigel has been eagerly awaiting. Reviews for both next month.
Chrissi at long last (started in January 2001!) has finished her self imposed torture (not the books, but Nigel's constant digs. Ed.) of reading and reviewing all of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. This month sees The Last hero posted… what next we hear you ask.
Ray has also been subjected to the hard questioning promised last month… check out the interview and see what is needed to be a BookLore reviewer.

*Wanted - Chrissi requires another impossible task - the complete works of Shakespeare perhaps? Ideas here editors(at)booklore.co.uk :)

Review - OnceOnce by James Herbert
The first page in this book has the following warning: Once
- A scary Tale of Faerefolkis & Evildoers, of Lovers & Erotic Passion, of Horror & Belief. Written only for Adults by James Herbert. This basically sums up a wonderful horror story form one of the genres greats... a must read for any fan.
Review - Wild JusticeWild Justice by Philip M. Margolin
Martin Breach is not a man who likes unfinished business. So when Dr Clifford Grant takes his money, but fails to deliver the heart as promised, his days are numbered. In order to save himself, Grant's business associate knows he has no option but to terminate the partnership. And his partner. Wild Justice is reviewed by Chrissi.
Review - Magic Kingdom for Sale - SoldLandover Series by Terry Brooks
Landover is a genuine magic kingdom, complete with fairy folk and wizardry, just as the advertisement promised. But after he purchases it for a million dollars, Ben Holiday discovers that there are a few details the ad failed to mention.
Magic Kingdom for Sale - Sold and
The Black Unicorn, the first two books in the Landover series by Terry Brooks, are reviewed by Chrissi.
Review - The Last HeroThe Last Hero by Terry Pratchett
Chrissi has finally completed her quest started in January 2001!! She has finished the latest Terry Pratchett Discworld novel, The Last Hero, to complete the set and post reviews for all the books in this series to date. (Think of a task to set her next! Ed.) It tells the story of Cohan the Barbarian and his horde taking fire, in the form of some very high explosive, back to the Gods to set the record straight for their fickle handling of his friends, namely horrible deaths, which he thinks was a bit unfair.
Review - Undergrowth and other Hidden Tales Undergrowth and other Hidden Tales by John Shire
Bryn has been nothing if not persistent so we thought we would add another review from Hollow Hills Publishing
. Undergrowth and other Hidden Tales by John Shire offers three compelling stories linked by themes of power sought and power misused; tales that are fantastical in nature, dark, eerie and uncanny.
Review - The Witch of Nightmare AvenueTime Detectives by Terry Deary
Jay has managed to get hold of the first two Time Detective books, The Witch of Nightmare Avenue and The Pirates of the Dark Park by Terry Deary. Find out about the madness of the witch-hunts and how pirates made England great. History made fun for children.
Review - Spirit of IndependenceSpirit of Independence by Keith Rommel
This novel was sent in to BookLore by the author Keith Rommel. Travis Winter, the Spirit of Independence, was viciously murdered in World War 2. Soon after his untimely death, he discovers he is a chosen celestial knight; a new breed of Angel destined to fight the age-old war between Heaven and Hell.
Review - My Lurid PastMy Lurid Past by Lauren Henderson
Food PR Juliet Cooper has never had any trouble meeting men - she just doesn't want them hanging round her flat on a Sunday. But after four years of serial dating, she's discovering that men have a tendency to repeat on you. Meanwhile, her best friend Gillian's sex life pretty much ended when she said 'I do'. My Lurid Past is reviewed by Chrissi.
Review - Collapse - Why Buildings Fall DownCollapse - Why Buildings Fall Down by Phillip Wearne
Paul has sent in a review for Collapse - Why Buildings Fall Down. It traces the work of the forensic engineers who investigate the reasons for some of the worlds leading structural collapse's of bridges, buildings etc.
Review - Holding the ZeroHolding the Zero by Gerald Seymour
Kevin has sent in another of his famously short reviews for Gerald Seymour's Holding the Zero. Gus Peake should have kept his job and stayed at home, but an old family debt of friendship draws him to the remote wastes of Northern Iraq and to a savage forgotten war between Kurdish guerrillas and Saddam Hussein's military strength.
And finally...
...does anyone out there review religious fiction? We have been contacted by Ja'far, author of The Alternative and none of our current reviewers are 'suited'. If you want to receive a copy for review (subject to the author obviously) just mail editors(at)booklore.co.uk.
1st April 2002
Stephen Coonts:
Saucer
James Herbert:
Fluke
Tom Holt:
Falling Sideways
Susannah Jowitt:
In The Red
John Norman:
Captive of Gor
Jack Harvey:
Bleeding Hearts
Terry Pratchett:
The Amazing Maurice
Jack Higgins:
Midnight Runner
Louise Bagshawe:
A Kept Woman

The 'Happy Easter' update
Hi chocoholics. A little late as usual. Someone made Nigel spend a whole day in the pub drinking far too much Stella with the usual consequences… naughty Ray. So, with two reviewers the worse for wear, not much got done. Ho-hum :)
A good month this time for Authors. We have received a copy of Spirit of Independence from Keith Rommel, which looks intriguing to say the least. Nigel is currently reading it so expect a review next time. We have also been promised a copy of the latest novel by Christian Cook, Pulling Power, which has a more serious tone than Broken Eggshells; watch this space. All we need now is a copy of the latest Barney novelette (promised:) and we will be made up!

Lastly, we welcome Lesley as a BookLore reviewer. An old (old, as in long time ago, not withered and ancient:) friend of Chrissi's from school who is an avid reader. Expect reviews, bio and a nice picture very soon...

*Good news. Chrissi has resumed her Pratchett odyssey and done another book… only one to go :)

Review - SaucerSaucer by Stephen Coonts
Stephen Coonts normally writes thrillers so Saucer is a bit of a departure. Rip Cantrell is a member of a seismic survey team working in the Sahara when they discover a metal object buried in sandstone 140,000 years old... you know the rest :)
Review - Falling SidewaysFalling Sideways by Tom Holt
Tom Holt's latest novel is about cloning and long dead witches.. or so it seems. Falling Sideways sees a continuing return to form for Mr Holt that will have you laughing all the way to the pond, where the frogs live.
Review - Captive of GorCaptive of Gor by John Norman
Not one for the feminists I'm afraid.Captive of Gor is a 70s fantasy yarn about a modern day 20th century woman transported to the planet Gor as a slave girl. Part of a huge series by John Norman it is a forerunner of todays fantasy epics.
Review - The Amazing Maurice and his Educated RodentsThe Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett's first Discworld outing aimed at children. The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents is a new take on the pied piper tale with the rats playing a major part in a confidence scam.
Review - A Kept WomanA Kept Woman by Louise Bagshawe
Diana Foxton is
A Kept Woman. The toast of New York she fills her days with lunches, decorating and shopping and turns 'trophy wife' into an art form. Then her world is suddenly torn apart, no money, no man, and no job, and shunned by the glittering society that once embraced her.
Review - Fluke Fluke by James Herbert
Nigel has reviewed James Herbert's cult classic Fluke. The story of a dog who thinks he's a man... or a man who thinks he's a dog. A star book if ever there was one.. laugh and cry as you find out what it's like to be a dog in a man's world
Review - In The RedIn The Red by Susannah Jowitt
Susannah Jowitt's novel In The Red is a little out of date but is worth a read nevertheless. As New Labour romps to victory, three old friends celebrate 20 years of comradeship. But life is more complicated since they were ten-year-olds smoking behind the bike sheds.
Review - Bleeding HeartsBleeding Hearts by Jack Harvey
Ian Rankin writes as Jack Harvey in Bleeding Hearts. A shot rings out, the woman dies instantly. But she was not alone on the steps of the London hotel. A number of other people could also have been the intended target of the invisible sniper. A thriller with a
great twist.
Review - Midnight RunnerMidnight Runner by Jack Higgins
One of the richest and most dangerous women in the world is seeking vengeance - and she has undercover operative Sean Dillon in her sights - in this action-packed new adventure from the acclaimed master of the modern thriller. The latest outing for Sean Dillon, Midnight Runner by Jack Higgins sees him up against the Rashid clan again. Not really one of his best, which in truth is more or less a rewrite of Edge of Danger.
And finally...
...Ray has volunteered to do a 'Reviewers Interview' so expect a deep and meaningful psychological profile in the near future...
1st March 2002
John Grisham:
The Brethren
Orson Scott Card:
Xenocide
Children of the Mind
Tom Holt:
Nothing but Blue Skies
Michael Crichton:
Airframe
Harry Bingham:
Sweet Talking Money
Louise Bagshawe:
Venus Envy
Linda Fairstein:
Cold Hit
David Langford:
The Leaky Establishment
Liz Evans:
Who Killed Marilyn Monroe?
Shawn Levy:
Rat Pack Confidential
James Patterson:
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas

The 'Damn, February only has 28 days' update
Hello all. A bit late with a pants excuse as usual... 28 days I ask you... what was Pope Gregory thinking? We have a decent number of reviews for you this time along with a new quiz, which should keep you occupied for all of 10 seconds. The new Barney novelette has been released so check it out at www.barney-thomson.com . Hopefully we will have a copy soon and will bring you a full and unbiased review….
And before you ask, still working on the DB Does anyone want to sponsor Booklore to the tune of 30-40k a year? (£ not $ Ed.)

*Sad news. Chrissi has finally failed with only two books to go... No Pratchett review this month I'm afraid :(

Review - The BrethrenThe Brethren by John Grisham
Three former judges, serving time in a minimum security prison, are undertaking a bit of blackmail to earn them a crust for when they are released. When their scam snares the wrong victim things start to turn nasty. The Brethren by John Grisham follows the tried and trusted format which we all now know and love.
Review - Nothing but Blue SkiesNothing but Blue Skies by Tom Holt
Victim has somehow managed to wangle a copy of Tom Holt's Nothing but Blue Skies even though he lives in the back of beyond, namely Mansfield, where books tend to be a good year behind and a new release is Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. The story is about irritable
Chinese Water Dragons and why it is best not to kidnap them.
Review - Sweet Talking MoneySweet Talking Money by Harry Bingham
More dastardly deeds in the Pharmaceutical world in Sweet Talking Money by Harry Bingham. Cameron Wilde is a brilliant young scientist whose career is one day ruined for no apparent reason. She sets out to find out why in a well written David and Goliath thriller medical thriller in the style of Robin Cook.
Review - Cold HitCold Hit by Linda Fairstein
Another outing for Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cooper in Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein. Called to a sombre crime scene where a young woman is pulled from the river, Alex is thrown into a world where priceless art meets big money in a lethal mix.
Review - Who Killed Marilyn Monroe?Who Killed Marilyn Monroe? by Liz Evans
This is not a search for the famous Marilyn Monroe's killer but that of a Donkey of the same name. Who Killed Marilyn Monroe? by Liz Evans is a thriller delving into the evil world of the seaside and donkey rides... what will they think of next?
Review - Suzanne's Diary for NicholasSuzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
Hidden down here at the bottom is a romance novel no less... and to top it all Suzanne's Dairy for Nicholas is written by James Patterson... yes, that James Patterson, the thriller writer who brought you Roses are Red, Violets are Blue. What more can I say?
Review - XenocideOrson Scott Card and Ender
Nigel has finished the second two novels in the Ender series by Orson Scott card. This month he has added reviews for Xenocide and Children of the Mind. The first drags a little bit but the second rounds the series off nicely. Two more novels, Ender's Shadow and Shadow of the Hegemon have been written since so expect more reviews soon (ish. Ed.) .
Review - AirframeAirframe by Michael Crichton
If you are wary about flying then do NOT read this book. Michael Crichton's Airframe deals with an incident aboard TransPacific Flight 545
and the lengths the aircraft manufacturer, and all involved, will go to cover up a costly incident, regardless of passenger safety. Eeek!
Review - Venus EnvyVenus Envy by Louise Bagshawe
Venus Envy by Louise Bagshawe deals with female relationships and how bitchy they can get when jealousy, of a friend's life, clothes, money, etc., etc., raises its ugly head… and Alex Wilde has got it bad. She's 27, single, bored out of her tiny mind at work and surrounded by flatmates that would make a glitterball feel square. (What does TDO stand for? Ed.)
Review - The Leaky EstablishmentThe Leaky Establishment by David Langford
Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at a top-secret nuclear research base? The Leaky Establishment by David Langford tells you in a wonderfully funny story all you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask. Roy Tappen, hard pressed scientist, is trying to smuggle a nuclear weapon core back into work after inadvertently smuggling it out.
Review - Rat Pack ConfidentialRat Pack Confidential by Shawn Levy
This is a biography of sorts that examines the days of Frank, Dean, Sammy, Peter, Joey in the Las Vegas days. Rat Pack Confidential by Shawn Levy pulls no punches and looks at the good and bad, sometimes very bed, of the Rat Pack.
And finally...
...we have a new article from Victim regarding flamers and the personal attack on one of the reviewers
last month. Have a read and send in your views to editors(at)booklore.co.uk.
1st February 2002
Iain M. Banks:
The Player of Games
Orson Scott Card:
Ender's Game
Speaker for the Dead
Kelley Armstrong:
Bitten
John Emsley:
The Shocking History of Phosphorus
J. K. Rowling:
Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone
Giles Milton:
Nathaniel's Nutmeg
Matthew Reilly:
Contest
Terry Pratchett:
Thief of Time
Linda Fairstein:
The Deadhouse
Marian Keyes:
Last Chance Saloon
Sidney Sheldon:
Tell Me Your Dreams

The 'Happy Birthday' update*
Hello to everyone. We hope you have all recovered from the New Year celebrations and have settled into the coming year of the race that is rat (Very Rankin. Ed.)
We have actually managed to pull together some good stuff this time, despite covering our behinds last time by saying we wouldn't… which in fact means we don't actually manage to do anything we say we will!
Anyway, on with the show. We have an Interview with Douglas Lindsay, the author of the fine Barney Thomson novels. Check it out, read the reviews, buy the books and don't forget to mention Booklore. If you find the interview interesting Mr Lindsay has a new Barney Novelette out in February that I'm sure he would be more than delighted to sell you. Check out the Barney Website here. At last we have put some quizzes together as requested by Zero years ago. They are now all collected on our fantastic new and improved (can you do that, improve something that is new?) Quizzes Page. We have given the answers for peeps out there with small left brain bits. Also added are some Animated gifs as well as Paul's reviewer bit (waiting for photo)!!!!! We have also tidied up the site by splitting the Archive page, which was getting a little on the large size. It is now broken down by year to help speed things up. We have updated the Poll as well to a more book related question that people may answer.
And at last we have the reviews… several have been sent in this month for which we are, as ever, very grateful. Keep 'um coming. Enjoy

*Yep, that's right, time does fly! It was our second birthday on the 19th January 2002, as can be seen from our ever so detailed History page… what do you mean you didn't know!!!

Review - The Player of GamesThe Player of Games by Iain M. Banks
Vex has sent in a review for The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks. Set in The Culture, a universe where man and machine work together for there mutual benefit, Jernau Morat Gurgeh travels to the Empire of Azad to play the ultimate game. A game where the stakes couldn't be any higher… life or death.
Review - BittenBitten by Kelley Armstrong
Kelley Armstrong's debut novel, Bitten, is a horror come thriller where the main character is a female werewolf living in New York. Elena Michaels is trying to maintain a normal life, including boyfriend, when a call comes from the Pack (as in dogs:) which cannot be ignored and as the only female werewolf things are about to get a little on the complicated side.
Review - Philosopher's StoneJ K Rowling and Harry Potter
Paul has sent in a mini review for the first four Harry Potter books. We have added it to Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone as we hope anyone thinking of starting the series will go here first for comments... and we couldn't find anywhere else for it tbh... sort of logical though don't you think?
Review - ContestContest by Matthew Reilly
This is Matthew Reilly's first novel, the one no one wanted to publish, tweaked and updated now he is selling loads (aren't publishers ruthless:). Contest follows the now 'standard' Reilly formula for non-stop action, but this time with a science fiction twist thrown in. A very good novel, as always, and amazing that Matthew Reilly had to self publish. If novels this good are ignored, what other gems are lost to readers?
Review - The DeadhouseThe Deadhouse by Linda Fairstein
When the police get wind of Lola Dakota husbands plan to hire a hitman to kill her, she agrees to take part in an undercover operation to fake her own murder. The sting seems successful and her husband is arrested. However, less than a couple of hours later and Lola is dead again . . . this time for good. Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cooper is brought in and the trail leads to an old penitentiary called The Deadhouse
.
Review - Tell Me Your DreamsTell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon
Chrissi has reviewed Sidney Sheldon's Tell Me Your Dreams which deals with mental illness. Three young women are suspected of committing a series of brutal murders. The police make an arrest that leads to one of the most bizarre murder trials of the century.
Review - Ender's GameOrson Scott Card and Ender
Nigel has started reading the Ender series by Orson Scott card. This month he has reviewed the first two instalments, Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead. Simple on the surface these stories question the ethics of mankind and his role in the cosmos… and they are also great fun with lots of aliens, spaceships, guns and explosions .
Review - The Shocking History of PhosphorusThe Shocking History of Phosphorus by John Emsley
Chrissi has been doing her popular science thing this month with two non-fiction books. First we have The Shocking History of Phosphorus by John Emsley. Now, when Chrissi said she was reading a book about the 13th element I finally thought she had flipped. It is however, a gripping read apparently and as good as any thriller and just as unlikely… but all true nonetheless!
Review - Nathaniel's NutmegNathaniel's Nutmeg by Giles Milton
This is the second nonfiction book reviewed by Chrissi this month. Nathaniel's Nutmeg by Giles Milton is a popular history title that takes a look at the early spice trade and the impact on the people involved. As any reader of history will tell you the greed of man knows no bounds and this book highlights the lengths some are prepared to go to for riches.
Review - Thief of TimeTerry Pratchett
Chrissi has only managed one Pratchett this month, namely Thief of Time, about which Paul has also done a short review. Terry Pratchett's 26th Discworld novel, Thief of Time tells the story of the perfect clock and its not-so-mad maker Jeremy... with an Igor to help of course.
Review - Last Chance SaloonLast Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes
The
Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes examines the problem of being single in later life. Should you take what you can get rather than be lonely? If this is a question you are currently asking yourself read this book, it has plenty of good advice.
And finally...
...and finally, we send our best wishes to a Booklore fan, who we feel is in serious need of a bit of TLC. He is a poor repressed reader living in an Autocracy where free thought and expression is not tolerated. I would even go so far as to say, despite his best efforts to change, his mind has been wiped and replaced with used toilet roll. May you be free soon m8. A bit hypocritical I know but there you go.
1st January 2002
Robert Rankin:
Web Site Story
Michael Crichton:
Timeline
Matthew Reilly:
Area 7
Ben Elton:
Dead Famous
Jasper Fforde:
The Eyre Affair
Jeffery Deaver:
Manhattan is my Beat
Linda Fairstein:
Likely to Die
Terry Pratchett:
The Last Hero
The Amazing Maurice
Nick Hornby:
About a Boy
Dean Koontz:
Lightning

The '2002 - A Very Happy New Year' update*
Well, another small update this month and again somewhat late, due to the predicted parties and the 'odd' beer. We hope all our visitors had a splendid time, but without the hangovers we suffered :). So, excuses aside, there are just a few new reviews again this time. Next month will also probably be a smallish update but at least we should be on time so we can get back on track. Again, Happy New Year.

*As in we wish everyone a very happy new year for 2002 - we are not predicting that it will be, as we don't do horoscopes, being a 'serious' review site... unless that's what you want of course :).

Review - Web Site StoryWeb Site Story by Robert Rankin
Robert Rankin delves into the world of cyberspace with Web Site Story. A computer virus is about to make the deadly species crossover from machine to mankind and no one is safe.
The Black Death was spread by rats. But this plague will be spread by a mouse. The computer mouse. eek!!
Review - Area 7Area 7 by Matthew Reilly
The indestructible
Shane Schofield is back in Matthew Reilly's Area 7. The President is at the top of everyone's hit list and only Shane can protect him... will he succeed? If you have read Ice Station you will already know the answer but don't let that stop you
Review - The Eyre AffairThe Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
The Eyre Affair is Jasper Ffordes debut novel and a good one it is too. Characters from famous novels are being kidnapped and Thursday Next is the literary detective
trying to find out why. Watch out for the dodos!
Review - Likely To DieLikely To Die by Linda Fairstein
Gemma Dogen, a leading neurosurgeon, is found in her office at a New York medical centre, soaked in her own blood and Likely To Die.
Alexandra Cooper, Assistant District Attorney, takes on the case and tries to piece together motives for the crime.
Review - About A BoyAbout A Boy by Nick Hornby
Simon has kindly sent in a review for Nick Hornby's About a Boy, a story about two children, one 12 and the other 36... men never grow up! The story is by turn very funny and very sad. This is Nick Hornby's second novel (High Fidelity being the first) and firmly establishes him as a writer of merit.
Review - TimelineTimeline by Michael Crichton
Not giving anything away as it's in the title but Timeline by Michael Crichton deals with time travel of a sorts when a group of historians enter life in 14th century France.
Review - Dead FamousDead Famous by Ben Elton
Ben Elton has managed to bring the 'reality' phenomenon to the written page
in Dead Famous. A murder has been committed under the watchful gaze of just about everyone... how was it done?.
Review - Manhattan Is My BeatManhattan Is My Beat by Jeffery Deaver
An early Jeffery deaver novel Manhattan Is My Beat tells the story of an old black and white film that was based on a true crime that happened years before. When video store worker Rune finds the films biggest fan dead she realises there may be more to the story and sets out to
solve the murder.
Review - The Last HeroTerry Pratchett
Chrissi, being too busy Christmas drinking, has failed in her self imposed task of reading at least one Terry Pratchett a month... sad times . We have, however, got reviews for The Last Hero and The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents from Nigel, so all is not lost... depending on your point of view of course .
Review - LightningLightning by Dean Koontz
This is a fairly old book but Lightning, by Dean Koontz, is a classic thriller with a touch of Science Fiction thrown in. It will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end,
making it one of our highly recommended star books.
And finally...
...this months quiz is to find out if a new quiz has been added... phew... think we got away with it people.
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