Rating: Summary: Inflated volume does not a good book make ... Review: Has the author sold out to "commercialism"? Such rambling on and on and on .... Finally, after almost 1/3 way through the book, the reader is told why Diana is posing as a landscape artist (even though it's easy to get this fact by reading the Synopses Amazon has kindly provided!). I could not finish this book; didn't even bother to find out how the story ends.I could not help but think that since Ms. Michaels is a "bestselling" author, her publisher got her to write "another" book, as many pages as possible so that the publisher could justify charging more for a 400+ page paperback. No, this book does not measure up to what the author is capable of. I have read and enjoyed two of her "Amelia" books, written as Elizabeth Peters.
Rating: Summary: It was good, but it could have been better . . . . Review: I am an extremely dedicated fan of Barbara Michaels, and in my opinion this is not one of her better books. The overall plot was good, but I didn't really think there was enough reason for the haunting ghosts and the dancing music associated with Martha Fairwether. I also thought it would have been a whole lot better if Diana ended up with Walt instead of Andy, because the latter is sort of a dufus. If you really want a great Michaels book, check out the following: OUT OF THE DARKNESS, WINGS OF THE FALCON, BE BURIED IN THE RAIN, SONS OF THE WOLF, and THE GREY BEGINNING
Rating: Summary: Too noisy Review: I didn't like this one as much as Michaels Victorian-era gothics. It was too noisy, the 4 mqain characters, who are only half likable, were always arguing. The protaganist and her friend were both *itches and treated the men very rudely. In real life, these guys probably wouldn't have stuck around unless they were masochists. The older characters and some of the side characters were likable and interesting. The mystery and some of the other stuff--antiques, vintage clothing, stories about roses, were beautiful, and really kept me going. But it had to be read in small doses because of all the noise.
Rating: Summary: A little boring, but educational Review: I thought this book was well done in terms of education in roses. But, I am not all that interested in this topic, so I found the book duller than the books whe writes on archaelogy and Egyptology. I did find the female protagonist to be a strong minded character, and enjoyed her modern independent personality, but the rest of the novel was not as entertaining, somehow. The romance aspect of the book was not explored as much as I would have liked it to have been explored. I would have liked a few of the characters to have a little more depth and personality.
Rating: Summary: Loved it Review: I thougth it was a great book that I just couldn't put down. I have read twice and I think people who enjoy her books should love this one.
Rating: Summary: Not Michaels At Her Best Review: I was disappointed in this book. It just didn't hold together. There were too many elements mixed in - romance, the supernatural, murder, but it didn't tie in the end. The romance was vague and I couldn't understand why the protagonist chose Andy when it looked like Michaels was setting her up with Walt. Michael's characters as usual were wonderful but as a whole it fell far short of her other, excellent work. Nonetheless, she is a wonderful writer. I remain a big fan.
Rating: Summary: WOW! Great Book! Review: It took me two days to read this book. I was glued to the pages and I love the way it twists and turns until the ending is a complete surprise. It has everything: humor, suspense, romance and it even has a dog I fell in love with. It really is a great mystery
Rating: Summary: Well researched. Review: This book exerted an energy towards me, not much unlike the paranormal forces Diana felt in the house. The energy was alive with laughter, excitement, apprehension and fear. Every page was filled with shivery anticipation of what deadly secrets Diana would discover next and I found myself unable to put the book down until my fears were appeased a little. I loved every character, especially Andy, whose wit and charm and unnerving loquacity (genetic, right?) made him the perfect hero for this suspense novel. Diana is the kind of woman any sensible young girl wants to grow up to be--- independent, clever and as tough as nails. She finds that deception and betrayal have close ties to love and obligation. Her brother, Brad, teaches her this from the grave and Diana becomes aware of inner strength she never knew she had. It's one of the longest Michaels' books I've ever read and I loved it.
Rating: Summary: Just Excellent Review: This was the first of Barbara Michael's books that I ever read, and what a way to start! This book is incredible, very intelligent, well researched, and completely entertaining. I have since read all of her books, including those under Elizabeth Peters, and I have yet to be disappointed. If you want a book to make you think, I reccomend snagging this one.
Rating: Summary: Just Excellent Review: This was the first of Barbara Michael's books that I ever read, and what a way to start! This book is incredible, very intelligent, well researched, and completely entertaining. I have since read all of her books, including those under Elizabeth Peters, and I have yet to be disappointed. If you want a book to make you think, I reccomend snagging this one.
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