Gunther and the VBI at their best!
931973
We always look forward to the further adventures of our favorite Vermont investigative team! Trace doesnt disappoint! Joes team steps up admirably when Joe has to tend to family matters.
4563094
Had not seen Inferno in two decades and was pleasantly surprised by this effective BluRay edition put out by Blue Underground. The color schemes of the backgrounds and Argento's staging of the murderous set pieces are extremely effective. I sincerely hope Blue Underground will give the same fine treatment to both Suspiria and 4 Flies on Grey Velvet.
Truthfully, with Dario's films, you either really like them or loathe them. There seems to be no middle ground. LOL
Among the "extras" on this disc -- an interesting interview with present-day Leigh McCloskey whose recollections and comments on the filming are most interesting. I heartily recommend this release for all Argento fans.
If you're unfamiliar with the director's work, I'd think Deep Red or The Bird with the Crystal Plumage better introductions to his style and creativity. (My personal favorite is 4 Flies on Grey Velvet which most folk don't seem to take to as readily. Perhaps you had to be a "child of the '60's" to fall for Mimsy Farmer and the outlandishness of the denouement. ROF)
Anyway, Inferno is a visual treat with a most effective musical score. The present transfer is stunning.
577925
Armies of Light & Dark is one of the best B5 novels I have ever read.  Vir has always been my favorite character.  It is very sad to realize that he must lose his innocence and, yes, some of his soul, in hopes of saving  his world and his people.  Yet he does what he must with great courage and  fortitude and more intelligence than I had given him credit for.  I am a  little disappointed in some of the things he says to the other characters  (G'Kar, for instance), but it does ring true.  It's good to see Garibaldi,  G'Kar, and Galen (the 3 G's!) back in this novel and to learn a little more  about the Technomages. I could not put this book down and look forward to  reading the final volume in this trilogy (although I wish that, like the  Star Trek books, the next one would come out in a month).  I would also  like to see Vir take Senna as his empress.  How about it, Peter David?
501464
What's not to love about Sylvester? The engineering on this disc is fantastic -- I think some of it was re-mastered for a movie, perhaps that's why. Even if you own some of this artist's other material you might consider adding this great collection.
949470
Anti-hero Bernie Gunther returns in this latest novel from Philip Kerr. This is a return to a WWII setting, and Bernie becomes the reluctant private investigator for Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels. The assignment--trying to find the father of a movie star Goebbels is trying to get into his bed--leads Bernie to war-torn Yugoslavia, where the atrocities going on by the natives make the occupying Nazis look like the good guys. Morality is always twisted in these novels, as Bernie tries to operate as a "good guy" in the Nazi machine. Highly recommended for fans of the series, although not the one to start with if you are new to the series.
2797342
Michael O'Connor and cpt matt have very good reviews of this title! Hans-Heiri Stapfer has executed many of the Squadron Signal Publications aircraft profiles and this one, in my opinion, is one of the best!  The Me 109 was the Luftwaffe's workhorse and saw duty from the Spanish Civil War and even beyond the end of WWII.  The "Emil" variant is the featured aircraft. If you love WWII aviation history like I do, these profiles are essential for any serious examination!  Be sure to obtain volumes 1 and 2 of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 in action to complete your library!  Links:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Messerschmitt-Bf-109-in-Action-Part-1-Aircraft-No-44/dp/0897471067/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Messerschmitt Bf 109 in Action, Part 1 - Aircraft No. 44</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Messerschmitt-Bf-109-in-Action-Part-2-Aircraft-No-57/dp/0897471385/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Messerschmitt Bf 109 in Action, Part 2 - Aircraft No. 57</a>. The cover artwork and illustrations are executed by Don Greer, one of the best aviation artists in my opinion.  The cover depicts JG 26 Hpt. Joachim Munchenberg's Me 109 "E-7" shooting down a Yugoslav Me 109 "E-3"  on April 6, 1941!  The back cover has JG 26 Maj. Adolf Galland during the Battle of Britain.
2388473
Sidebottom is once again at the top of his game as he leads off a new series based on a character who is drafted due to valor into the Praetorian Guard during the start of the rule of Comodus. Unlike some of his earlier work, this latest effort has a less scholarly tone making it more approachable for those who are looking for good old fashioned, well written action, adventure and intrigue with a solid historic basis. While less scholarly in tone, the authenticity of the writing is borne smoothly and knowledgeably, a truly enjoyable read and immersive in the time. My one disappointment was that the historical accuracy was such that in a fit of "what happens to these characters', Wikipedia gave away some salient plot resolution points :-) Make no mistake though, this is great historical fiction!

Can't wait for the next in the series!!
2295568
I think my heart will break when I no longer can read a Bernie Gunther adventure!  Since I no longer can roam the aisles of our local library, I give thanks to my Kindle and Cloud Reader.  What I save on gasoline I more than spend on Kindle reads...and Philip kerr "fills my tank".  Don't let the idea of Nazi Germany color your indecision on reading this wonderful series.  Bernie is not a Nazi.
3479284
I ordered both volumes with a jaundiced eye as Stackpole, in the distant past, had disappointed & from the description expected little more than a Schiffer type, almost passably translated, unit history. To my incredible glee this was not the case. The translators while doing a wonderful job also added a pile of very useful footnotes on the page they refer to rather than in the back of the book. There isn't much on 3PD in English (or any other language) but this pair is a joy to read with numerous pictures that are unique to these volumes. The maps are large & uncluttered as well.

Volume 2 begins with the defensive battles in late winter 1941-42, to the Caucasus summer '42, the retreat to Kharkov early 1943, Zitadel & back eastward through Ukraine, through Romania & Poland, to Hungary in early 1945, finally to Austria & surrender.
1427915
Joe Gunther of the Vermont Special Investigations Unit is investigating the death of two men who don't seem to have anything in common. After researching their history, he learns that they both had been using internet chat rooms. The men possessed child pornography on their computers and Joe and his unit suspect that the men may have been lured to the area by someone seeking retribution for a past sexual attack.

Archer Mayor always adds other investigations to his unit's activities. This attempt at realism seems to indicate an influence on the great Ed McBain, one of the founders of the police procedural.

In "Chat," Joe's brother, Leo, is in a car accident at the start of the story. Leo is with his and Joe's mother. Leo knows cars and tells Joe that it wasn't his fault but it was something in the car. While Leo is in the hospital, Joe and his unit investigate the auto repair shop and find something amiss.

The plot moved along nicely and kept my attention throughout. The author provides a taste of life in Vermont and this is a refreshing and enjoyable addition to the story.

Joe is a terrific protagonist. He's savvy, brave and a good administrator. He also shows his human side in having a new girlfriend and starting a relationship.

The other characters are equally well drawn and interesting. The series never fails to entertain.
3528232
After a rather dull and disappointing showing in the previous book "Vampireslayer", in this, the 7th book in the Felix & Gotrek series (--after "Trollslayer", "Skavenslayer", "Daemonslayer", "Dragonslayer", "Beastslayer" and "Vampireslayer"--) William King bounces back and gives us one of the strongest entries in the series so far.

The book introduces an interesting new character, ages-old High Elf mage Teclis. In the midst of the ongoing Chaos onslaught on the Old World, Teclis becomes aware of a plot to harness powers which could hold dire consequences for the entire Warhammer world. Can he stop it in time?

Naturally along the way he runs into our intrepid twosome, and they proceed to have an unforgettable adventure which takes them from the very edges of reality (eat your heart out, Dr. Strange!) to the midst of an epic battle between massed rival forces of evil.

As much of the book's action takes place on the isle of Albion, the counterpart in the Warhammer world to William King's native Scotland, King must have especially enjoyed writing this part. He also makes very effective use of playing off the tensions between Elves and Dwarves in the often strained relationship between Gotrek and Teclis.

I was happy to see my favourite Felix & Gotrek villains of all, evil twin albino mages Kelmain & Lhoigor back again. But I was a bit disappointed that we did not spend much time with them this time out compared to their previous appearance in "Beastslayer". I think they are truly worthy and most importantly INTERESTING adversaries and I hope William King will bring them back again sometime in the future (--hey, any writer truly worth his salt can always figure out a cool way to bring back a beloved villain everyone thought defeated for good ;) ). I LOVED their backstory in "Beastslayer" and want to hear MORE! (--Or how about giving them their own book?!)

Overall, I think I would rate this installment as my #2 favourite in the series after "Daemonslayer". While I did love the siege of Praag seen in "Beastslayer", I think this book was even more enjoyable because our heroes were on the move again, taking them through some very interesting and mysterious places. And the build-up of tension in the book kept me eagerly turning the pages as they continued on their quest. It's a wild ride that takes us to some fantastic places we've never seen before, and my only minor criticism is that the ending could have been a bit stronger.

For those new to the series, I'd probably recommend "Daemonslayer" first. But for those who have already read that great work and are hungry for more of the same calibre, this book is just what the manling ordered!

But now that I've read this, the most recent installment, I find myself with no more fresh Felix & Gotrek left. :(  It's been a year and a half already. Where is the next book??? Come on William King, don't keep the fans waiting! We need MORE. I can't get enough of these guys!

Oh well, guess I'll go sharpen my battle-axe or something... You never know when the forces of Chaos will strike again next!
1552014
For many years, I have been a fan of the Alan Furst/Eric Ambler approach to World War Two thriller/spy novels.  Their approach is to tell the story of ordinary people working in the obscure corners where spies practice their craft.  I enjoy seeing how the "small people" react to the calamitous events of their day.  Phillip Kerr takes a very different approach.  He places his hero Bernie Gunther at big events (Katyn Woods Massacre) where he intereacts with real people (Goebbels).  Kerr does not have a problem with throwing in a beautiful woman for Gunther's love interest and some creepy Nazis and Soviets as the bad guys.  Kerr boldly takes the maximalist approach to writing a World War Two thriller. Half way through the novel, I thought there was no way that Kerr can pull this off.  There is just too much going on.  To my surprise, he did pull it off.  "A Man Without Breath" is a big, sprawling and thoroughly enjoyable book.  I am not sure that it will be a classic like "A Coffin for Dimitrios" or "Red Gold" but it is a good read.
4282073
In this book, Liam leaves the town of Southwark to investigate crimes on the court circuit in an official capacity as one of the Duke's Quaestors.  His first town involves two capital crimes: A brother and his wife charged with conjuring a demon to kill his brother and a wizard found dead in his bed with a hideous smile stretched across his face.  Liam is able to solve the crimes and the court travels to the next city.  But, as they travel, Liam begins to feel that all is not right in the court.  His fellow Quaestor, in particular, is acting suspiciously.  Before Liam knows it, he is accused and convicted of summoning a demon to kill the Duke's Aedile!  How Liam solves the mystery and saves himself is an action pacted adventure that you won't want to miss!
Once again, Daniel Hood has used superb characterization and wonderfully evocative language to bring his fantasy world to life.  The characters are very three-dimensional and are normal people with strengths and weaknesses.  This book stands alone (and Hood does a splendid job at giving new readers a quick synopsis of previous adventures when necessary), but will reward dedicated fans with more fascinating glimpses into Liam Rhenford's cloudy past.  Take the time to find and buy this book - you will love it!
516258
I've had a curiosity and fascination with the 3rd Reich for a number of years.  It is almost impossible for a non German to understand the dynamics of who the Nazi's were and how they came to power.  Mr Kerr gives us a view of the day to day Germany before, during, and after the war using the eyes of Bernie Gunther, a shrewd observer.  An excellent book that sets the stage for the rest of the series, it is actually 3 books under one cover.  Highly recommended for anyone interested in the era or 1930's style detective writing.
1539659
Philip Kerr is best known for his World War II and post-war mystery series first based in Germany and featuring Bernie Gunther, but he has written many other excellent varieties of novels.  This is one of his more serious, metaphysical creations, but it has fully as much action and suspense as the Bernie Gunther series.  I find that, once I pick up a book by Philip Kerr, it is nearly impossible to put it down and  he always manages to introduce me to some part of history or philosophy or world view that I have never encountered before.
4851535
Mr. Mayor hit another home run with this second Joe Gunther book. I'm on book 4 now, and enjoying them immensely.
3327089
This, 'Prague Fatale' is the second Bernie Gunther novel I've read. This is a surprise in itself, as I didn't like the first one at all: I thought the narrative/writing style, the dialogue, the plot to be all sub-standard. However, as this one was bought for me by someone who didn't know my thoughts on the first, I felt I could do nothing but read it, and I am so glad I did.

In this book, the style is direct, simple, but brilliant. The first person narrative is minus the usual PI cliches. Yes, we get the world-weary detective routine still, but without the stylised observations so synonymous with the genre. We simply get the story as it happened through the eyes and mind and of course voice of the central character.

The story is basically about a need for good old fashioned detective work in a world and era which really didn't have time for it or even value it any more, but, Bernie Gunther provides this anyway, due to a senior official in Prague, in the then occupied Czech Republic (or any one of its former names or current name), demanding this from him.

After a brief intro which sees two deaths which could be murder, in Berlin, Bernie gets the call as mentioned above, and suddenly finds himself in a Poirot style whodunnit, or at least similar in terms of location and action therein - large country house of the local elite - best food and drink - and interviews in the drawing room. Whether the denouement is there also, unfair to mention I think, you'll have to read the book to find out.

One other similarity, although the reasons here are far more sinister whether in actuality or by degree, is, not too many of the house guests are particularly co-operative, and Bernie  reacts to this in typical Bernie Gunther style - that's one thing I do remember from the other book. I don't think it's too much of a spoiler to add, that as it's Bernie Gunther in wartime, the murders are not just to do with civilian life, but has everything to do with the war, particularly the occupation of Czechoslovakia / Sudetenland.

The copy I have weighs in around 400 pages, so not the shortest read but not too long either, as I was that into it, I read it in less than three days, which for me is a sign that I enjoyed it tremendously.