Product Description
Hardback. Franklin Center, Pennsylvania: Franklin Library, Full-Leather. TRUE First Edition. LIMITED EDITION hand SIGNED by Author. 8vo (Octavo)-0ver 7-3/4" by 9 3/4" tall. Bound in full Reddish/brown leather binding with gilt-stamped spine titles. Blind and gilt-stamped decorations. Hubbed spine bands. All edges gold gilt. Silk ribbon bookmark bound-in. Red marbled moiré endpapers. Limited edition. Privately printed. Hand SIGNED and with protective tissue-guard on signature page, laid-in. ... Read more

Product Description
During a family reunion in their ancestral castle, the famed Von Kassel family, who have been engaged in arms dealing for a hundred years, suddenly find themselves in possession of stolen plutonium able to create the most destructive weapon on earth. Always aloof from the moral implications of their business, the family is torn apart by the potential of this material and it ignites conflicts that have long been avoided by their family solidarity and the insulation of their wealth and power. Through fascinating and startling relationships within the family the reader is drawn into the web of power and intrigue that motivates people who had once believe they are above any moral or ethical considerations.

As Baron Charles Von Kassel lies on his deathbed, the legendary armaments clan gather to select his successor and consider a quarter-billion-dollar plutonium sale to an unknown buyer. Jockeying for power and the family's honor, one by one the Von Kassels reveal themselves:

--Karla: The baron's sister, intent on remaining the power behind the throne, no matter who occupies it.

--Albert: The middle son and likely successor until he betrays his qualms about the plutonium sale.

--Rudi: Ever in Albert's shadow, he is determined that the plutonium deal be consummated and win him supremacy within the family.

--Olga: The beautiful Russian widow of the baron's Communist brother, fifty years her late husband's junior-a dutiful mother or an agent of the KGB?

As rivalries escalate and alliances form only to be broken, this powerful novel of family pride, personal ambition, and individual ethics moves to its compelling and ingenious climax. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Middle of the road novel about family obcessions
Warren Adler's "Blood Ties" is about a family of aristocrats that are masters of the arms trade that have their annual reunion just before the patriach dies from his heart condition.The Von Kessels are obcessed with blood, and see no reason for ethical reservations, but the son who is favored to take over the empire believes that nuclear weapons are too terrible and awesome not to have reservations about.While Albert von Kessel struggles with his dilemma, a mysterious woman comes to Aunt Karla, and threatens to reveal a secret that would change everything.And the Russian widow of a long-lost prodigal uncle comes to the gathering, but under suspiction of being a spy.This does capture the late 70's well, but I felt that the end was too rushed and the action was rather dull.For this, I will say it is quite average. ... Read more

Product Description
This suspense-filled collection includes Mary Higgins Clark's "Lucky Day," Whitley Strieber's "Vaudeville," Dorothy Salisbury Davis' "Till Death Do Us Part," and Thomas Chastain's "Directed Verdict." 4 cassettes. ... Read more

Product Description
Warren Adler's "Private Lies" in Danish. ... Read more

Product Description
Spanish. ... Read more