A Necessary Evil (Maggie O'Dell Novels)

Book Description

When a monsignor is found knifed to death in a Nebraska airport restroom, FBI special agent Maggie O'Dell is called in to profile the ritualistic murder of a priest, the latest in a series of killings. Maggie soon discovers a disturbing Internet game that's popular among victims of abuse by Catholic priests. With this first real lead in the investigation, she wonders if the group has turned cyberspace justice into reality. Then Maggie gets a second lead—one that leaves her stunned.

For the past four years she has been obsessed with finding Father Michael Keller, whose brutal acts against children continue to haunt her. Now, it seems, he has become a target. When Keller offers to help Maggie solve the ritual killings in exchange for protection, she decides to ally herself with the elusive child killer, stepping into a world of malevolence from which she may not return unscathed.

Maggie knows the bargain is a necessary evil…one that may be made in blood….

Customer Reviews:

GREAT BOOK.......2007-08-23

IF YOUVE ALREADY STARTED READING ALEX KAVA'S MAGGIE O'DELL SERIES YOU WONT BE DISAPOINTED WITH THIS INSTALLMENT. MAGGIE GOES UP AGAINST HER OLD NEMESIS FATHER MICHAEL KELLER. I DONT KNOW HOW ALEX DOES IT BUT SHE CONTINUES TO SUPRISE US. WITH GOOD PLOT, AND INTERESTING TWIST SHE KEEPS YOU GUESSING, WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR.

Too Much Romance for a Crime/Mystery Book.......2007-07-14

Well, this book wraps up what "A Perfect Evil" began.

Father Keller is still loose, killing the innocent and FBI agent O'Dell has to make a deal with him in order to catch a new killer(s).

It's an interesting plot but a bit too long. All is resolved at the very end in the last 20 or so pages although the book drags on for more than 400 pages. Many parts are wasted on O'Dell's reminiscing about past romances and lack of a social life.

NOTE TO THE AUTHOR: next time, less of the sentimental nonsense and more of the suspense. Thanks! :)

Comments on a Necessary Evil.......2007-07-07

I purchased this book, A Necessary Evil by Alex Kava, with a sense of excitement as Alex Kava is one of my favorite authors....she never lets me down.
However, in this book, I found the characters underdeveloped and scattered. It was hard to follow if you laid the book down for any length of time.
The mood of the book was depressed and the book tended to drag a bit.
Having said that, I would like to also say that I was the one expecting so much from the book and I may have projected somewhat and that is entirely my fault.
I would urge anyone thinking of reading this book to try it regardless of my thoughts and by all means, read everything ever written by Alex Kava as her books are a true pleasure to read and enjoy.

PLLLEEEZZZE!.......2007-07-04

Where to begin? First of all at almost 500 pages, this book was way too long. I don't mind long books, in fact I enjoy them IF they hold my interest. This one did not. There were so many characters, I got dizzy. Sometimes the author used their first names, sometimes last - sometimes both. This only made it seem like there were twice as many of the already too many characters! PICK A FRIGGIN' NAME AND STICK TO IT! Geez, do they pay by the word at Mira?

One of the reasons I DETEST reading most series is that the authors are SO lazy, they have to keep rehashing previous books. I never read a book by this author before - I had no clue what she was talking about and, you know what? I didn't care! Needless to say, I'll never bother again. There are too many GOOD books out there.

Lastly, did anyone NOT see that ending coming about three miles away? No brainer - from the instant the killer was introduced, I figure it out.

Alex Kava.......2007-06-27

Alex Kava is a great writer - I've read several of hers and enjoyed every one. Keep it up Alex!

End of State: Necessary Evils: End of State Series (Left Behind Political)

Average customer rating:

Another great one from the Left Behind Series
Great read for Today
Shades of Left Behind? Not even close!
NICELY PACED POLITICAL INTRIGUE W/STRONG CHRISTIAN MESSAGE
Third in a Series/ Strong Writing

End of State: Necessary Evils: End of State Series (Left Behind Political)
Neesa Hart
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Political | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Mystery | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Impeachable Offense (End of State)
End of State (Political Thriller Left Behind, 1)
Apocalypse Burning: Apocalypse series (Left Behind Military)
Crucible (Left Behind Military #2)
Apocalypse Dawn: Apocalypse Series (Left Behind Military)

ASIN: 1414300395

Book Description

Necessary Evils is the third book in the political series by Neesa Hart. Tension mounts as White House chief of staff Brad Benton tries to discover who is behind two failed attempts on his life. Meanwhile, Nicolae Carpathia continues his rise to power. When Brad's boss chairs a committee in Carpathia's organization, Brad finds himself working for the Antichrist. You won't be able to put down this page-turner that runs parallel with the best-selling Left Behind series.

Download Description

In this third book in the political series by Neesa Hart tension mounts as White House Chief of Staff, Brad Benton, tries to discover who is behind two failed attempts on his life. Meanwhile, Nicloae Carpathia continues his rise to power. When Brad's boss chairs a committee in Carpathia's organization, Brad finds himself working for the Antichrist.

Customer Reviews:

Another great one from the Left Behind Series.......2005-10-02

This is another great book based on the Left Behind series. I hope there is more to come.

Great read for Today.......2005-09-08

This book is very prolific and tellig of today's times. The writers are certainly MEANT to write these books and I appreciate the honesty that is between the lines about the way in which those in authority can and will operate. Thanks for this book. I am so ready ready for the next one.

Shades of Left Behind? Not even close!.......2005-07-18

The book itself is very slow paced, too wordy about unimportant matters and really has little to do with the aftermath of the Rapture. The story is passable, and the author obviously quite knowledgeable in the areas of political jargon, corruption, and comportment, but if you're looking for something comparable to The Left Behind Series, give this one a wide miss. True, it started with the Rapture, but it's all downhill from there, just another droning tale of murder, mayhem, backstabbing, and the political maneuvering and menace that is our government today...as I said, politics as usual. I also find it rather irritating that Ms. Hart and/or Tynsdale Publishing have been allowed to trade on the success of the Left Behind name to sell these books that in no way compare to Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye's wildly popular series.

NICELY PACED POLITICAL INTRIGUE W/STRONG CHRISTIAN MESSAGE.......2005-04-05

I like this series, because I am intrigued by politics. Ms. Hart's description of D.C. intrigue, protocol and culture sound informed and ring true. The action, characterization and dialogue are quite good. The key to Left Behind's political series is that it is intended for a Christian audience--or at least to readers who are sympathetic to evangelical spirituality. There is a lot of dialogue in these pages, and much of it will garner "amens" from the already converted.

Bottom-line: This is intelligent, realistic end-times fiction, with lots of political intrigue, and a direct Christian message. For those with minds open to spiritual discussion, Necessary Evil is an easy recommendation. For those who do not like to be preached at, or who tend to berate anything remotely "religious right," save yourself the antacid and avoid this whole series.

Third in a Series/ Strong Writing.......2005-03-14

The political series of "Left Behind" continues during the first few weeks after the Rapture with more political intrigue, murder, and ominous overtones as Nicolae, the future Antichrist, rises to power. The novel focuses most on Brad Benton, White House chief of staff, with subplots involving his friends: the head of FEMA (Mariette), Pastor Dumont, and the mayor of New York City. The writing and characterization is strong and has built upon the first two novels.

The only difficulty in the book is that the White House conspiracy underway is as incomprehensible as the Iran Contra scandal or Watergate. Basically, some businessman is siphoning off gold out of the country with the help and knowledge of Pentagon and White House cronies.

Several nostalgic touches in this novel are the cameo appearances by Rayford Steele, Buck Williams and Hattie Durham, main characters from the original "Left Behind" series.

Ms. Hart provides the gospel to the reader as she describes the post-Rapture evangelical message given by Pastor Marcus Dumont. Another plus she worked into the context of her writing.

Hopefully, there will be more in the series as book # 3 ends with the signing of a Middle East peace treaty and the beginning of the final 7-year period known as the Tribulation and Daniel's 70th Week. (Daniel 9:27).

Average customer rating:

Exciting stuff
A great rollercoaster
Superman vs. Supergangster
Dun to Please
Amazing Thriller

Necessary Evil
David Dun
Manufacturer: Pinnacle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Medical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Unacceptable Risk
At The Edge
Overfall
The Black Silent
Twisted

ASIN: 0786013982

Customer Reviews:

Exciting stuff.......2007-01-25

One of the best action thrillers I have read in a long time. It's a roller coaster ride. It has action, romance, secret cloning, mad scientists, indian hero, FBI agents, dangerous mountains, snowstorms and much more.

A great rollercoaster.......2006-04-30

Take your usual strong male leading figure who can kill like the best Navy Seal (but doesn't want to) and a strong female character who has no choice but to fall in love with the lead, and you have this book. It's somewhat formula for an action / suspense but it definitely kept me reading. It's worth the time.

Superman vs. Supergangster.......2006-02-13

Again the survival of mankind is at stake. The two goodies in the novel normally would not have any chance against the powers of evil that have the instruments in their hands to change man entirely or even to destroy him. But fortunately there is a third party in this desperate fight - nature. Nature evolves into a major character of the novel and plays a great part in its outcome. So grandiose is the description of the landscape, the winter in the mountains, the storms and the blizzards that you begin to feel the cold in your warm house while you are reading. The opposing parties in this stories demonstrate another aspect of Dun's favourite subject: a dangerous technological device is in the wrong hands. He shows us how fragile our system of security is in fact. To rely on accidental help is not enough to survive if ruthless criminals are in the possession of mega-technology. Right now we can look at some nasty examples in this world of ours. Just turn your eyes to the Middle East.

Dun to Please.......2005-10-24

This is the 2nd David Dun novel I've read, "The Black Silent" was my first, and his most recent. I expected "Necessary Evil" to be good from reading the reviews here but I really didn't think it would be as good as "The Black Silent". Boy was I wrong. This story is every bit as good and fast paced.

I particularly enjoyed this book because of the scientific angle and all the descriptions of DNA and RNA, the muted genes and viruses, and cloning. Dr. Keir Wintripp, a Tilok indian vet with vast survival skills figures out that his people are being taken advantage of when he and FBI agent Jessie Mayfield run to investigate a plane crash on the mountains near Jessie's sister's home. Jessie is visiting her sister in the Washington State mountains while recovering from a shocking dilemna from her life in DC as an agent. She's not field trained but a computer geek. After Jessie and Kier find books from the crash about science gone wrong, covert operatives arrive at the crash scene to secure the evidence and silence any witnesses. The head of the company, Tillman, comes with the mercenaries and brings a knowledge of survival skills comparable to those of Kier Wintripp. Jessie and Kier are hunted down, but do a little hunting on their own.

This book moves along at a fairly quick pace; the excitement seldom waning. If you like action adventure thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, you'll love this book.

I think this book, and from the reviews I've read of all of Mr. Dun's work, should come with a warning similar to those found on a pack of cigarettes: The Surgeon General has found that cigarette smoking can be hazardous to your health. This one should read: The Library of Congress has found that this book can cause Insomnia and Attention Deficit Syndrome.

Amazing Thriller.......2005-08-01

I was pleasantly surprised by the tight plot and detail. The characters were believable, the heroes easy to cheer.

My friend Deb kept recommending it, but I took a couple of years before I read it. I was wrong. I expected good and got excellent. This is a good read. It is interesting and hard to put down.

As an English teacher, I can't recommend this for younger readers, but any grown up who wants a thrilling trip into the mountains with a Native American hero trying to save his tribe (wow, I never even noticed that until I wrote it. The plot was definitely not contrived or formulaic.) and a female FBI agent looking for a man who can be trusted will enjoy this book very much. In a world hungry for a real hero, these characters stand out.

I read the first three chapters of his latest, THE BLACK SILENT, and can hardly wait to finish it.

Average customer rating:

Shades of Hitchcock
Beware of astroturf --
Spellbinding
Grasping
A necessary Evil

A Necessary Evil
Robert Stricklin
Manufacturer: JumpNJupiter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

A Doll's House
Killer Weekend
When the Levees Broke
The First Commandment: A Thriller
The Judas Strain

ASIN: 0971936285

Book Description

Distraught over the acquittal of his young wife's murderer, Michael Gray, impulsively hires a hitman. When a crisis of conscience intervenes, he tries to cancel the contract, but the killer he knows only as "Butch" cannot be dissuaded from carrying out the deed. Michael's interference and subsequent reluctance to pay Butch the rest of his fee antagonizes the sadistic hit man. Unwilling to inflict physical harm on Michael - at least until he's collected his money - Butch launches a deadly cat-and-mouse campaign that claims another life and threatens to destroy Michael's future happiness with a new woman in his life. Once again, Michael is faced with a soul-searching choice. Only this time, it is his own life that is at stake. Facing almost certain doom, Michael decides to confront Butch - and his own nature - on his turf in a blood-chilling climax .

Customer Reviews:

Shades of Hitchcock.......2007-08-27

This under-the-radar novel has the obvious earmarks of a first effort -- an unknown writer, a different spin on a familiar scenario, modest production values ... But that's like saying Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets" looks like a low-budget indie. Overlooking these superficial considerations, "A Necessary Evil" is a surprisingly effective page-turner that takes a relative simple plot -- emotionally damaged widower mistakenly hires a hitman and gets in over his head -- and beefs it up with a gritty realism, introspective character development and a measured, mounting degree of suspense that is psychologically, as well as viscerally, compelling.

To author Robert Stricklin's credit, he foregoes the usual didn't-see-it-coming plot twists that strain the credibility of many guilty pleasure thrillers. Instead, justice/injustice are meted out in coldly logical fashion, making what could have been a run-of-the-mill caper du jour a deeper -- and darker -- discourse on loss, self-destructive behavior and the futility of revenge.

Beware of astroturf --.......2007-07-30

Dear publicists-

Quit trying to fool libraries into thinking there is interest for subsidy-published or small press titles no one has heard of by having fake "patrons" email us with purchase requests. REAL library patrons give us their library card #'s so we can reserve the book for them. FAKE library patrons know not only the book's title and author but also the publisher, ISBN, and author's hometown. These fake "grassroots" requests make me LESS likely to purchase your book, not more. You're only hurting the authors you represent when you try to fool a librarian.

Spellbinding.......2006-05-16

A Necessary Evil is a flat-out, first-rate thriller that not only takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride, but also on a dark journey into the fragile psyche of a crime victim. The protagonist is a widower who thinks he wants revenge -- until he realizes the consequences. By then, it is too late to seal the Pandora's Box he has opened by hiring a hitman who is not only intent on carrying out a contract, but also desperate for the payoff. This leads to a terrifying cat-and-mouse game with only one possible solution. How this all unfolds is a guilty pleasure from start to finish. Definitely one of the best things I've read in some time.

Grasping.......2006-02-25

I'm a fan of Stephen Kings for years and when I read this book, I thought Stephen Kings wrote it! You can really feel the characters and you never wonder where you are in the book if you put it down!!! Actually, the only time I was able to put the book down was when I had to go to work! I hope he can write more books soon because he is a genius author. My deception was that I wish the book would have been more pages, this book would definitely feel like a companion to you and keep you thrilled like a movie would.

A necessary Evil.......2006-01-27

A great read from cover to cover. Robert Stricklin is a genius.

Necessary Evils (Adventures in the Liaden Universe, Volume 11)

Average customer rating:

Description of Item since Amazon took it down

Necessary Evils (Adventures in the Liaden Universe, Volume 11)
Sharon Lee , and Steve Miller
Manufacturer: SRM Publisher, Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

Crystal Dragon
Sword of Orion (Beneath Strange Skies, Book 1)
Tomorrow Log
Balance of Trade (Liaden Universe Novel)
Command Decision (Vatta's War, Book 4)

ASIN: 0977663906

Product Description

Two short stories set in the Liaden Universe. The first story is The Beggar King, set on Liad and about the young Daav yos' Phelium's early training to be Delm. The second is Necessary Evils, explore the time and space before Clan Korval, when the universe was degenerating into chaos, and individuals faced evil in many guises, including bioenginnered human-plant hybrids, slavery and of course greed.

Customer Reviews:

Description of Item since Amazon took it down.......2006-01-18

A Necessary Evil: A History of American Distrust of Government

Average customer rating:

An Unscholarly Work - Zero Stars.
Late to the Party
Not history, more like fantasy
A Very Interesting History
Excellent book on US history, politics, and dissent

A Necessary Evil: A History of American Distrust of Government
Garry Wills
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Explaining America: The Federalist
Under God: Religion and American Politics
Inventing America: Jefferson's Declaration of Independence
The Regulators: Anonymous Power Brokers in American Politics
Before the Next Attack: Preserving Civil Liberties in an Age of Terrorism

ASIN: 0684870266

Amazon.com

Nothing may be more American than distrust of government, but Garry Wills says there is something deeply wrong with this tradition. "It is a tradition that belittles America," he writes, "that asks us to love our country by hating our government, that turns our founding fathers into unfounders, that glamorizes frontier settlers in order to demean what they settled, that obliges us to despise the very people we vote for." Although A Necessary Evil is full of historical references, it is plainly motivated by contemporary politics: "I began this book in 1994, when the fear of government manifested itself in the off-year election of a Republican majority to Congress." Wills writes at length about matters such as the republic's founding, the 19th-century debate over states' rights, and so on. Yet the most passionate and engaging sections focus on antigovernment attitudes today, as embodied by the term-limits movement (the founders, he says, never were opposed to professional politicians), the National Rifle Association (whose defense of gun-ownership rights, Wills believes, is ahistorical), and abortion-clinic bombings (which Wills unpersuasively blames on Ronald Reagan). In his conclusion, Wills argues that government is in fact "a necessary good." It may do things poorly from time to time, and it may even do great harm. "But," to draw a parallel, "when marriages fail, we do not think it is because marriage is an evil in itself." A Necessary Evil is an erudite treatment of an important subject. --John J. Miller

Book Description

In A Necessary Evil, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Garry Wills shows that distrust of government is embedded deep in the American psyche. From the revolt of the colonies against king and parliament to present-day tax revolts, militia movements, and debates about term limits, Wills shows that American antigovernment sentiment is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of our history. By debunking some of our fondest myths about the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and the taming of the frontier, Wills shows us how our tendency to hold our elected government in disdain is misguided.

Customer Reviews:

An Unscholarly Work - Zero Stars........2007-08-24

This book is a perfect example why every citizen of the United States should fear the authoritarian left just as much as we should fear the authoritarian right. Mr. Wills displays such an astounding dismissal for the more than two centuries of study on the Constitution of the United States, its Amendments, and the writings and comments of their enactors, that one can only conclude that he is being willful in his denial of the truth in order to promulgate his own skewed desire to control other people.

I purchased this book because after quickly perusing the title and some of the contents, I made the unfortunate assumption that what Mr. Wills was offering was an objective study of why it is that the citizens of the United States have always displayed a relative distrust in their governments. Instead, I inadvertently purchased a polemic on left-wing statism that is entirely unwelcome in my library.

I am no Republican, and no supporter of the NRA. I lean to the left of center, thank you very much...and I am embarrassed to call this author a countryman. Lies, or half-truths if you prefer, serve no one, Mr. Wills, least of all their authors. Thankfully for the rest of us, there is sufficient documentation as to the intent of the Framers of the Constitution that your attempt at revisionist history will quickly be forgotten.

If it wasn't that I don't believe in burning books, I'd light this one on fire. It's not worthy of the trees that died for it to be printed.

Late to the Party.......2006-06-04

One must give credit to such a prolific writer as Garry Wills. With such numerous titles, he must be considered more writer than historian and, as such, probably is inclined to produce "Book of the Month" types just to keep the juices (and money) flowing. James Michener was such a guy. He would do some very good research and would then write a novel to allow his point of view to become an integral part of his books without flaming controversy. He was a lib like old Garry and somewhat of a religious agnostic cum Quaker as we assume Mr. Wills is a Catholic cum religious agnostic. After reading A NECESSARY EVIL and looking at some of Garry's other efforts, guess maybe rereading Michener will be more fun than trying any more of Wills.

His book certainly does cut a wide path through American history and gives a whole new meaning to the teaching method of history prof's providing some clay feet to historical icons. As to the perspective of the politicians prior to the Civil War, the book JOHN C. CALHOUN, AMERICAN POTRAIT by Margaret L. Coit (Pulitzer in 1950 when the honor really meant something) is more clear on the controversy of that time. ANDREW JOHNSON: A BIOGRAPHICAL COMPANION by Glenna R. Schroeder-Lein and Richard Zuczek provides better information on the politicians involved in "reconstruction" after the Civil War. With regard to Garry's detailed analysis of the Constitution, it must be pointed out that the original document and early amendments were crafted when the country was mostly Protestant without the benefit of much Catholic/Jewish wisdom (except the original out dated stuff, of course). The so-called founders would hardly recognize what some of Wills' "soul brothers" have done to the concepts; however, the current concept seems to be the document says whatever the "libs in robes" decide based on ACLU notions/whims and foreign law -- that is pretty clear.

None of Wills' heroes are mine; reading THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT edited by Paul Winter, and living through the '60s-70s (in the military, stationed in DC) may give one a slightly different perspective than Wills'. The James Bovard book LOST RIGHTS (especially read about the EEOC monster created by the '64 act) further raises some questions about the real legacy of "martyrs" King and Kennedy as does the current antics of "DUI felon" Teddy and the black congressional caucus. Strange, none of these characters were covered in the antigovernment category of Wills' book. Also, we missed the comparison of the Zionist (Irgun Zvai Leumi led by Menachem Begin) to the Klan, but this might open up the early Catholic "activities" which landed many of the original settlers in this country and "Holocaust" politics which brought some interesting "citizens", many of them antigovernment and not covered as such.

AMERICAN SLAVERY edited by William Dudley may provide a better perspective of that evil old institution; however, a more recent agenda book may be more comparable to Wills' book, COMPLICITY: HOW THE NORTH PROMOTED, PROLONGED AND PROFITED FROM SLAVERY by Anne Farrow, et al. This book was written by three journalists at The Hartford Courant and is required reading for all Connecticut school children. It appears to be an effort to complete the guilt trip our entire country must continue to share over slavery. It would be interesting to have our Pulitzer winning historian, old Garry, review this "novel"! Think this reviewer will move on to the Edward L. Ayers' book: THE PROMISE OF THE NEW SOUTH (and a second "Yankee cum immigrant" and Illegal Amigos invasion).

Not history, more like fantasy.......2004-02-12

I don't know where Wills studied history, but he didn't study American History. He has no clue as to what the Constitution says or of the founding fathers reasoning for the document they created. States WERE sovereign. Prior to the Constitution, each state acted as independent nations. The Second Amendment IS an individual right. If you have any doubt as to what the Second Amendment means, in 1991, Roy Copperud, a retired professor of journalism at the University of Southern California and the author of "American Usage and Style: The Consensus", panel member of the American Heritage Dictionary, and and is considered an expert by Merriam Webster's Usage Dictionary, analyzed the wording of the Second Amendment. In his findings, he stated "The sentence does not restrict the right to keep and bear arms, nor does it state or imply possession of the right elsewhere or by others than the people; it simply makes a positive statement with respect to a right of the people. The right to keep and bear arms is not said by the amendment to depend on the existence of a militia. No condition is stated or implied as to the relation of the right to keep and bear arms and to the necessity of a well-regulated militia as requisite to the security of a free state. The right to keep and bear arms is deemed unconditional by the entire sentence. The right is assumed to exist and to be unconditional. To the best of my knowledge, there has been no change in the meaning of words or in usage that would affect the meaning of the amendment. If it were written today, it might be put: 'Since a well-regulated militia is necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged.'"

A Very Interesting History.......2003-08-19

What I have never understood is how small the "government is bad" group thinks the federal government should be. To take it to the extreme there would be no federal or state governments and it would be the wild west, every man for himself. I have always taken the view that the American government is an extension of each citizen and can be a force for positive change. Even when I try to look at it from the point of view of many that think there should be no or almost no government, I do not see the massive damage that government is supposed to do. With all this said I was very interested in this authors book and was predisposed to follow his arguments.

What I found was a nice argument against the current group of anti government "the true meaning of the founding fathers" non-stop bashing of what the federal government does. Lets face it, there has always been and there probably always will be dislike and distrust of the government, after all the faceless government imposes rules on the average citizen and takes tax money to do so. What this book tries to do is look at the anti government argument and really see if that is what the founding fathers were thinking. I thought it was a very interesting and insightful look at the American history as it relates to the creation of the federal system that we have today. To be fair I was ready to believe the arguments in the book before I read them and I have not done much reading on the founding fathers so my comments here may be skewed. Read the book and make up your own mind.

Excellent book on US history, politics, and dissent.......2002-09-19

This is a fantastic book. Wills does a great job in discussing the general theories of the different steps people take when they disagree with government policy or action, with a number of pertinent examples. Wills is excellent when discussing the beliefs of the American revolutionaries (which, he reminds us, were not revolting but seceding), and how those beliefs led to the Articles of Confederation and Constitution. Reading this book will enlighten the reader to the archetypal forms of actions taken when people disagree with the government -- information, and even guidelines, that are highly relevant today. He has particularly interesting insights on Thoreau, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Second Amendment.
Yet at times Wills goes overboard in proving several of his viewpoints. A major theme of the book is that Jackson, Webster and Lincoln were not only militarily, but logically and Constitutionally, correct in asserting that the South was wrong to secede. Wills claims that the South's argument for secession was limited to an assertion of the southern states' rights under their states' prior sovereignty. He then asserts that since the Union preceded the states, that the states were never sovereign.
Wills is right that the Constitution gives superior authority to the federal government, but he omits that colonies of identical name and geography to the succeeding states were there long before the Union, and those colonies formed states which confederated into Articles of Confederation government. Although the Constitution is written in the name of "We the People," it was drafted by state delegations to a convention of the states, and ratified by the states, which comprised the resulting Union. These states' sovereignties is subsumed into the union, which was named the United States -- both the union and the states present.
The South's hypocrisy (in claiming local rights while silencing local dissent), and the execrable reason for its secession (preserving slavery), do not by themselves refute the argument that the South had grounds to secede. What if, alternatively, the six New England states got disgusted with the pro-slavery US and seceded to form a new slave-free country for the best of motives? Would six freedom-loving states choosing to leave a slave-holding country be constitutionally justifiable?
If the Union had just let the South peaceably go, arguably there would have been trade between the US and Confederacy, and perhaps the Confederacy's internal inconsistencies would have caused it to implode, and/or do away with slavery on its own within a few decades. This probably would have eliminated the seething and often violent resentment of the post-bellum South to the North, and possibly have led to a peaceable re-union. Would letting the South go have set such a terrible precedent, since it's unlikely an issue as divisive as slavery would arise and cause later secessions?
While Wills is a great writer and makes many compelling arguments, in some areas his logic falls short.
While making the point that handguns are ineffective when not carefully aimed, as part of a larger debunking of American gun culture, Wills lists as evidence that Samuel Colt designed revolver barrels to remind the user of a finger, and we don't point from belt level, but "with extended arm, our finger at the end of it." Yet, really, most pointing is _not_ done with finger at eye level, like an aimed handgun.
Wills also says he can't understand why some motorcyclists protest mandatory helmet laws since they already accept other restrictions, such as obeying stop signs. Yet those restrictions are of different kinds: stop signs are for the benefit of all, while helmet use arguably protects only the individual. This is not to say that motorcyclists shouldn't be compelled to protect themselves, but we should acknowledge the logical distinctions between the two prohibitions.
There's also a typo where Wills should have said Thoreau expected to be released from jail even though his fine had _not_ been paid, and Wills misquotes the computer card "do not fold, spindle or mutilate" phrase.
In all, it's a very worthwhile book to read.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Lesbian Erotica!
Welsh on her best!

Necessary Evil
Lindsay Welsh
Manufacturer: Blue Moon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Provincetown Summer: Bad Habits
Nasty Persuasions (Blue Moon)
Circle of Friends
Wet: True Lesbian Sex Stories
Best Lesbian Bondage Erotica

ASIN: 1562014544

Book Description

What's a girl to do? When her Mistress proves too systematic, too by-the-book, one lovely submissive takes the ultimate chance — choosing and creating a Mistress who will fulfill her heart's desires. Little does she know how dangerous it will be — and, in the end, how rewarding . . . "Then the call had come, the insistent ringing, the voice on the other end. Colder than any refrigerated air. Quiet, forceful, one word only in greeting. 'Jennifer.' My insides went icy. Even though she was just a voice far away, I immediately dropped to my knees instinctively. Hardly daring to breathe, I whispered, 'Mistress?' I want you here at midnight," she said."

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Lesbian Erotica!.......1999-07-18

Riveting... sultry... profound~~ I love this book. For a non-avid reader, I couldn't put it down. Recommended to all who have fantasies/desires of S&M. Outstanding compliments to Lindsay Welsh.

Welsh on her best!.......1998-11-29

After reading and enjoying a majority of Lindsay Welsh' available books, Necessary Evil is my winner. The authors way of dealing with the lesbian mistress-submissive relationship covers the whole range, from a gentle start to a grand final! This gives you a chance to follow the caracters and the plot more intensively than in other works, where the roles tend to be defined clearly from the very beginning. This makes this book an extraordinary erotic reading, so for those of you who also love the mistress and her darling slavegirl, check this one out!

A Necessary Evil: A Maggie O'Dell Mystery (Kava, Alex)

Average customer rating:

AN UP TO THE MINUTE THRILLER

A Necessary Evil: A Maggie O'Dell Mystery (Kava, Alex)
Alex Kava
Manufacturer: Audio Renaissance
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Women Sleuths | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Mystery & Thrillers | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

One False Move (Kava, Alex)
Stalemate (Eve Duncan Forensics Thrillers)
The Bone Vault: A Novel (Alexandra Cooper Mysteries)
The 6th Target
Whitewash (MIRA)

ASIN: 1593974469
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Book Description

s the killing spree continues unabated, it becomes clear to Maggie ODellthe FBI profiler assigned to the casethat more than one perpetrator is responsible. As she begins to drill down into the facts, Maggie discovers a disturbing Internet role-playing game for youths who have been victims of male authority figuresincluding Catholic priests. With the first real lead in the investigation, Maggie wonders if this group has turned cyberspace justice into reality by dispensing their own brand of vengeance. As the ritualistic killings leave Americas heartland reeling, Maggie gets a second leadone that leaves her stunned. For the past four years she has been driven by blind determination to find Father Michael Keller, the human monster whose acts of brutality continue to haunt her to this day. Sick and twisted, the priest seems to have vanished without a trace. But with an irony that only life can offer, now he has become a target. When Keller offers to help Maggie solve the crimes in exchange for protection, she has no choice but to ally herself with the elusive child killerthe person she despises with a conviction thats almost religious in its fervor. Maggie must cross a dangerous line into a world of malevolence and evil from which she may not return unscathed. Maggie knows the bargain is a necessary evilone that may be made in blood....

Customer Reviews:

AN UP TO THE MINUTE THRILLER.......2006-03-17

Alex Kava's heroine special Agent Maggie O'Dell is strong, sometimes strident, always intriguing. She won listeners and readers in four novels - A Perfect Evil, Split Second, The soul Catcher, and At the Stroke of Madness - now, she's back with an up to the minute thriller that puts everything she knows to the test.

Monsignor William O'Sullivan is at the airport clutching a briefcase, fearful that he'll be recognized. He's waiting to board a flight that will take him to New York and then on to Rome. Feeling queasy, uneasy and close to nauseous he makes his way to a restroom. After he has splashed water on his face and rinsed his hands he notices a figure standing behind him.

"I'm almost finished," he says, thinking the person is waiting a turn at the sink. No. He feels an arm around his midsection and then a sharp pain as a knife does its deadly work. The last words he hears are, "You're already finished, Monsignor O'Sullivan."

Thus begins Kava's goose bump producing A Necessary Evil.

The murder of Monsignor O'Sullivan is turned over to Detective Tommy Pakula who realizes this case could be a career maker or breaker. Upon learning of similar deaths of clerics in other cities he calls in profiler Maggie O'Dell. With further investigation this formidable pair discover a rather sick Internet game - role playing by victims of abuse. They can't help but wonder if those who play the game haven't gone a step too far and taken revenge.

Then, the unthinkable. There is one person whom Maggie hates and would give anything to find - Father Michael Keller, a brutal killer. She doesn't find him but he finds her and offers to help her solve the murders of the priests in return for protection. Will Maggie agree to such an offer?

Veteran voice performer Lorelei King gives fantastic narration to this tale, revealing with her warm, sometimes liquid voice the trepidation and torment felt by Maggie.

- Gail Cooke

A Necessary Evil?: Slavery and the Debate of the Constitution (Constitutional Heritage, Vol 2)

Average customer rating:

A Necessary Evil?: Slavery and the Debate of the Constitution (Constitutional Heritage, Vol 2)
John P. Kaminski
Manufacturer: Madison House Publishers, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

The Radicalism of the American Revolution
The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution

ASIN: 0945612338

Book Description

From abolitionists like Benjamin Rush and John Jay to slaveholders like Washington and Jefferson, slavery presented the creators of the American republic with a profound dilemma. Throughout the period, a growing reform movement stimulated Northern states to emancipate their slaves gradually and prohibit the importation of new ones, but simultaneously entrenched Southern slaveholders and politicians became more dogmatic and defensive as racism triumphed in America. This collection of primary sources, including the complete record of slavery and the Constitiution's ratification, describes the transformation of white America's attitudes toward slavery and freedom from the idealistic beginnings of the Revolution to the harsh realities of postwar depression and nation-building.

The Draft: A Necessary Evil? (An impact book)

Average customer rating:

The Draft: A Necessary Evil? (An impact book)
L. B., Jr. Taylor
Manufacturer: Franklin Watts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books