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Customer Reviews (2)

A must read for Higgins' die-hard fans
Hard to believe Mr. Higgins is gone, and that there will be no more "talking stories" from his pen, but that's the case.
Fortunately here is a last serving of his previously unpublished writings.
Mostly short stories, with a novelette included, I found all enjoyable although it required the brief sequel to one to bring clarity to the preceding story. Might be my own fault, because I get so wrapped up in the great dialogue that I occasionally lose sight of the plot, thereby missing the hidden clue carefully planted in plain sight!
I am glad this is available, and recommend it to those who already know and like Mr. Higgins' work. Whether it is a suitable introduction for new readers may be another matter.
Me, I was you, I'd probly start with his 3 Kennedy novels, which I did. Then graduate to the nitty-gritty underground crime books, staring perhaps with the easy to read Cogan's Trade. After that you'll either never want another GVH book, or like me you'll read 'em all.

Vintage George Higgins Writing in Small Bites
If you have been a fan of George Higgins's writing, you probably know that he had an unerring ability to tell a story, capture the state of mind of the teller, and provide an unexpected reward at the end of the story by tying seemingly disconnected story skeins together.In The Easiest Thing in the World, those qualities are present in all of their glory.

None of the material has been published in the U.S. before.Chances are that each novella, novelette, short story and script treatment will be new to you.Three of the short stories were published in London before in The Sins of the Fathers.The Habits of Animals: The Progress of the Seasons is reprinted from The Best American Short Stories of 1973.Old Earl Died Pulling Traps was previously published in a limited collector's edition of 300 copies.

The stories involve the usual criminals, slightly sleazy attorneys, seedy characters, harried cops and DA's, and cheating spouses.But the stories also introduce highly original, quirky characters that seem to spring naturally from New England's northern rocky soil.

What is most impressive about the book is that the work is uniformly of high quality.With so many brief stories, Higgins also has a chance to better sneak up on you with his surprises than he can in a novel.I found myself being bitten by unexpected plot developments from all directions, almost like Maine's black flies in June except for being far more pleasant.

My favorite offering in the book was The Last Wash of the Teapot.This story made me think of how Faulkner might have written about small New England towns.The Devil Is Real was a close second in my estimation for its subtle development of the nature of evil.

I found myself hoping that someone will take the concept from Jack Duggan's Law and develop a television series from it.Duggan is a fascinating character who would overshadow Boston Blackie in such a series.

As a masterpiece in relating one's history and that of one's family and community, few stories can hope to compete with Slowly Now the Dancer.

The first two stories in the book are companion pieces, The Easiest Thing in the World and The First of the Year, in the expected Higgins crime groove.I'm sure they were selected to open the book because they come closest to meeting the expectations of those who loved The Friends of Eddie Coyle, Digger's Game, and Cogan's Trade.

An End to Revels is one of those stories that brutally unmasks the hypocrisy that allows the world to function . . . and asks whether or not it's a good idea to take the mask off.

Life Was Absolutely Swell is one of those white collar crime stories that will stay with you for quite a while.

If you ever doubted that Mr. Higgins had a strong sense of irony and humor, be sure to enjoy The Heroic Cat in the Bag.It's a masterpiece!

I encourage you to take your time reading this volume.If you have already read the best of George Higgins that had been published previously, this will be your last new treat of his writing.

Another benefit of this volume is a thoughtful introduction by Robert B. Parker that helps put Higgins in perspective as a crime writer. ... Read more

Product Description

Whether you're new to the popular series by Robert B. Parker or a long-time fan of the Boston P. I., brush up on the cool sleuth's earliest adventures with Mystery Guild's exclusive 3 -in - 1 omnibus, Enter Spencer.  Robert B. Parker first introduces Spenser in The Godwulf Manuscript, when a university hires him to recover a rare, stolen manuscript.  Spenser's only clue is a radical student with four bullets in his chest, but he isn't so sure the pretty coed whose prints are on the murder weapon is the killer.  Can Spenser finish this assignment before he gets a "D" . . . for dead?   In God Save the Child, everyone thinks Kevin Bartlett, a 14-year-old boy from a rich, dysfunctional family, has run away - until the ransom note arrives.  Spenser's only lead is Kevin's friend the body builder, and he isn't talking. . . except with his fists.  But when a boy's life is on the line, Spenser can speak that language, too.   Is Red Sox pitcher Marty Rabb throwing fast balls or throwing games?  And who's the blackmailer out to wreck his loving wife's life?  In Mortal Stakes, it doesn't take long for Spenser to link Marty's performance with Linda's past - or to find himself trapped between a crazed racketeer and an enforcer toting an M-16.

Customer Reviews (6)

Improved version
An even better version of the original book which has been my bible for years.

...Excellant Choice!
...I had it sent to my mom who is a first time owner of a Shih Tzu. She called when it arrived and did nothing but "praise" the condition and it's content's. The book give's an overall coverage of the Shih Tzu breed. It cover's everything from the new puppy to grooming your adult Shih Tzu. This is a perfect book for anyone who own's the breed.

Nicest book I've seen yet on Shih Tzu's...........
This book is really great, with nice pictures.I especially enjoyed the history and background detailed on these wonderful dogs.Just looking at the pictures makes me want to go out and get another puppy.The plastic sleeve (Buckram-reinforced Library Binding) is really a nice touch.

Delightful and Informative
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was unable to put it down, from theminute it arrived, til finished. The detail was magnificent, answering allmy questions and more. There are almost 200 colour photos, making the booka delight to read. Easy to find oneself ohhhhing and ahhhhing over the shihtzus photographed in this book!

Also many photos of recommended andavailable products, to help you in most situations of need. I found thisbook to be a valuable reference book of knowledge and a great aid to me,before and once my puppy arrived.

Great reading

Not that good
I was disappointed in this book. The section on breeding is very good butthe book seems to be filled with ads for products. That is not why I buy abook. If I wanted products for my dog, I would go shopping at pets.com.Compared to the "Official Book of Shih Tzu," "Shih Tzu"is not up to par. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Three Weeks In Spring
Three Weeks In Spring is a very personal story of Joan H. Parker's experience with breast cancer and how she and her author husband Robert H. Parker lived through it and dealt with it.It was written in the 1970's before "self-help" books were in vogue. By writing it, Joan H. Parker helped countless women and men deal with breast cancer. All of the emotions that she and her husband and sons and friends were going through were revealed.In my humble opinion, I think it should be re-printed because it has great value.

Difficult to find, but worth the effort
While each individual handles such an experience as having breast cancer differently, this particular (true) story was engaging and not at all depressing.One sitting is all that is required to go cover to cover withthis uplifting story.

I give it four, rather than five, stars onlybecause it was so disheartening for me to read about one of my favoritefiction authors leading his sons in making fun of the (presumablyteen-aged) majorettes in a parade.Remarking on girls' heavy thighs anddog-like appearances is absurd for any intelligent man in his forties. Apparently, making fun of other people was also a form of entertainment forthe authors and their friends.It reminded me of the disappointing lastepisode of "Seinfeld" where, instead of being merely eccentric asalways, the main characters were mean in mocking a fat man indistress.

While the authors are rather glib and tight-lipped about thecancer and surgery - and we only get to see a few weeks of their experience- it is obvious that they do care about each other.Reading about theirmutual dedication is quite heart-warming. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I LOVE Spenser!!!
With that said, however, "Hugger Mugger" isn't my favorite Spenser book, probably because we don't see Hawk, and there's not much of the guys, or even Susan. The best thing about it, in my opinion, is that we first meet Tedy (sp? Such is a problem with audios. LOL) Sapp. The whole horse lifestyle is so foreign to me it just leaves me cold, which doesn't help.

"Potshot" IS one of my favorites, though. It's pretty much all the guys, all the time--Tedy Sapp, Hawk, Vinnie, and more, which is what I like. Their picking with each other is what MAKES the books for me.

I always enjoy listening to Joe Mantegna. While I prefer the voice he uses for Tedy in "Potshot" and later books, I suspect his voice is "Hugger Mugger" may be more realistic to what is described for the character in "Hugger."

So, in short, I'm rating "Hugger" at 4 stars and "Potshot" at 5, and 5 for Joe Mantegna, too. Since I can't do fractions or decimals, I figured best to round down to 4.

My vote is for more Spenser audio collections too!!!!!

Great Book
Great story and interesting character.This is a good series to get wrapped up in. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

book
Listed as hardcover, verified by amazon purchase was for a hardcover, contacted seller who was condescending.Would not do business with again.

great beginner book
I bought this because I got a weight set and bench cheap and wanted to learn how to use it so I could increase my strength and resistance to osteoporosis without killing or injuring myself. The book is very straight forward and has good pictures. The descriptions of some of the moves (or variations on lifts) are, for the most part, simple and easy to understand. This book gave me the confidence to start a short exercise-with-weights program and firm up my muscles. Advanced lifters will probably be disappointed, but for a total beginner like myself, it was a great starting point -- one I return to often. And the authors make sure to include women in the photos, which helped me (as a woman) feel like it wasn't just a "man thing" -- that I could do it too.

If you're too intimidated to do this stuff in the gyms, the gym staff aren't very helpful with it, or if the weights/benches are always hogged by jock types, get yourself a good used weight set and bench and buy this book. You'll do just fine. Note: having a mirror nearby can help you be sure you're doing the exercises right and with the proper positions and posture.

Good for beginners
This is a great book for beginning weight lifters and especially fellow women who'd like to begin to lift and might feel uncomfortable asking gym staff for assistance.It has pictures of exercises and the proper way tolift weights as well as specific exercises for shaping certain musclegroups.Small book, but informative and easy to read.Good reference. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

An American Classic
With the vigor of a Spenser novel, this is one of Parker's best, a literary work, and a long read. It is a penetrating look at the dark side of the american urban scene. While a bit slow at first, your patience is well worthwhile. This book covers three generations, and I think it is comparable to Evelyn Waugh's BRIDESHEAD REVISITED. Thank you Robert Parker. ... Read more