Dead Giveaway (Stillwater Trilogy)

Book Description

The Reverend Lee Barker went missing nineteen years ago…

And the people of Stillwater, Mississippi, believe they know why. They're convinced he was murdered--by his stepson, Clay Montgomery. But only Clay--and his mother and sisters--can say for sure. They were the only ones there that fateful night, the only ones who know what really happened. And they're not talking.

Allie McCormick is a cold-case detective from Chicago. After a particularly difficult divorce, she's returned to Stillwater with her six-year-old daughter to find the peace she once knew in her hometown, and to work for the local police force while she's starting over. But when Clay's powerful enemies join forces to put him behind bars, Allie feels duty bound to uncover the truth. Her instincts tell her he didn't murder the Reverend Lee Barker.

Maybe Clay's a dark and brooding man with more than his share of secrets, but he was just sixteen at the time. And he's not a cold-blooded killer. At least, that's what Allie believes--until she finds proof that behind the preacher's pious demeanor lurked the heart of a monster.

Then she has to ask herself whether justice has already been done.…

Customer Reviews:

Dead Giveaway is the glue that holds it all together.......2007-09-23

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Almost everyone in town believes Clay Montgomery murdered the Rev Lee Barker nineteen years ago. But the only people who know the truth are Clay, his mother, and his sisters and they will do anything to protect their secret. He has never been able to have a real relationship due to the fact his number one priority is protecting his family. He has faced suspicion and innuendos ever since that fateful night but things are about to get far worse.

Allie McCormack and her young daughter return to Stillwater, where her father is police chief, after a bad divorce. Here she decides to put her experience as a cold case detective to work, starting with who really killed Rev Barker. Allie knows the rumors and the lack of evidence point to Clay Montgomery as a murderer, but upon meeting him, her heart tells her otherwise.

Can Clay find it in his heart to trust Allie with the truth? Will Allie be able to stand up to the bullets flying her way and her rising suspicions about who Rev Barker really was really like to support Clay no matter what truth is uncovered?

As a cop, Allie of course has very strong beliefs that no matter the crime, if someone did it, they must pay. As she uncovers more of Clay's family secrets and gets a glimpse into the sick and twisted mind of Rev. Barker, everything she's ever known is put to the test. Even if Clay did do the deed, does he really deserve to suffer if his actions were for the right reasons? Allie's struggle encompasses so much of the story.

Not that Clay doesn't have to struggle himself... His entire life since the night Rev Barker went missing has been about protecting his family and doing whatever necessary to keep his dark secret, even to the extent he'll go to jail if it means his family will be left alone. As a result, he has never been able to trust anyone until Allie comes back to town. She challenges him to let go of the past and move forward in the present so he can finally have a little happiness of his own.

Even knowing Dead Giveaway is Clay's story, my heart breaks for poor Maddy. She is so utterly blind to the true nature of her father and her love for him has grown over the years since his disappearance into a sort of hero worship. She adored her father and if she knew who he really was what would it do to her? She is so sweet and true that she can't even comprehend the evil some people are capable of and this naiveté provides a counter to the dark tone of the rest of the book. As such, I couldn't help but feel terribly sorry for her. If she were to know the whole truth, how would she be able to go on? I so desperately want to see her get her answers but it will crush her if she learns everything. I want so badly for her to have closure and find her own happiness.

There is an additional story going on in the background as well which adds a little different depth to the story. I don't want to say too much about it since it could be construed as spoilers, but that side story is a little sad to think about as well.

Wow! This trilogy just gets more intense with each book! I loved Dead Silence and eagerly look forward to Dead Right, but Dead Giveaway is the glue that holds it all together, just like Clay does for his family. Events unfold and more hints revealed, leading up to the cliffhanger ending, that I was engrossed from page one. I have to see how the story ends!

© Kelley A. Hartsell, August 2007. All rights reserved.

A little less thriller and a lot more romance.......2007-08-13

If you read romantic suspense for the romance mostly and like very light suspense, you may well love this book. If you picked this up from the mystery aisle and mistakenly believed it's a hard-boiled suspense novel, you may not be so happy. It's a matter of taste.

I picked up "Dead Silence" (the first novel in this series) based reading on the slam-bang first chapter. I read the book mostly in one sitting, and I gave it a 5. If I had realized it was 'romantic suspense' I probably would not have purchased the book and that would have been regrettable.

The concept behind these novels is different than anything I've ever read. We know pretty much whodunit and most of us agree "he needed killing." What provides the real thrill-ride is will the perpetrators get caught--and by whom?

"Dead Giveaway" picks up where "Silence" left off with new point of view characters. Allie McCormick is a cold-case detective from Chicago who returns home to Stillwater, Mississippi with her little girl, Whitney, after her divorce. She's working for her father, the police chief. Clay is the eldest son of Irene Montgomery and the one everyone suspects of doing in the Reverand Barker. He's kept the family secret for nearly 20 years, but the arrival of the new detective puts him and his family at great risk again.

My principal problem with this book is the narrators. Allie just isn't believable as a female cop--most of it revolving around issues of her own personal safety and handgun handling. Clay's been tamping his emotions down all this time, so he's something of a weak or impaired narrator.

I've bought the last book and I'm considering whether I should read it or not. I probably will for, just to see what will happen to a cast of characters that I genuinely do like.

Again, if romance is your favorite genre to read, you're going to love this book. I was somewhat disappointed, because I was hoping for something more like the first book.

Great read.......2007-07-29

I have never read anything by Brenda Novak before and picked this book up on a whim. I was very pleasantly surprise. Mystery, romance, and suspense are all wrapped up in a wonderful package. I recommend highly.

Nothing spine-tingling about this book!.......2007-06-10

"Spine-tingling" appears on the front cover of this book. There wasn't a blessed thing that tingled about this book. There was absolutely NO mystery to uncover - everything was MOST predictable. This was a "love" story from beginning to end. I don't know about anyone else - but when I buy a "mystery/thriller" - I want some mystery and some thrills - other than those in the bedroom!!! I really MUST stay away from women "mystery" writers - they all have the tendency to throw in WAY too much "romance".

2nd in knock-out Stillwater Trilogy.......2007-05-11

Former Chicago cold case detective Allie McCormick has returned to her bayou roots with her daughter in tow after a messy divorce to take a job as a deputy. When she gets a call to check out the Montgomery farm, she is reintroduced to the enigmatic Clay Montgomery, longed rumored to be the culprit behind his stepfather's disappearance. An instant attraction develops between the two, but he won't act on it since it doesn't want to ruin her reputation, and she has been retained by Clay's stepsister Madeline to put her cold case skills to work to find Madeline's dad. But there are many secrets buried at the Montgomery farm, and many people hoping to hang the crime on Clay, and Allie discovers that she and Clay are linked by more than their shared passion.

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Reverend Lee Barker continues to fuel imaginations throughout the bayou town of Stillwater, Mississippi, picking up where "Dead Silence" ended. Novak continues the sensuous series with the very complex Clay at the apex of the mystery. Allie makes an intriguing partner to the brooding Clay. But those looking for closure will have to wait at least until the third book comes out. As all three stories are heavily dependent on each other, it is recommended that they be read in order: Dead Silence; Dead Giveaway; Dead Right.

Average customer rating:

good surprise read
Main characters are great but the secondary.. bleh
Let's break the Silence--This book is phenomenal!
a powerful novel full of suspense and bound to tug at the heartstrings
Fantastic!!!

Dead Silence (Stillwater Trilogy)
Brenda Novak
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0778323285

Book Description

There's a body buried behind a Mississippi farmhouse

Grace Montgomery knows who it is, and she knows why it happened. She was only thirteen the night it all went wrong. And now, like then, she has no choice but to keep her mouth shut.

Grace left the town of Stillwater thirteen years ago, trying to forget, trying to make good. As an assistant D.A. in Jackson, she's finally achieved the success that was supposed to change her life. But it hasn't -- so she's come back to confront her own history. Which means returning to the farmhouse now owned by her brother and facing the people of Stillwater, a number of whom suspect the truth.

Widower Kennedy Archer is one of those people. He's running for mayor and needs to stay as far away from Grace as possible. And yet…she's an enigma he can't resist. Even though her enemies are close to finding out what really happened -- and that could ruin them both.

Customer Reviews:

good surprise read.......2007-07-29

Main characters are great but the secondary.. bleh.......2007-06-09

I now know why this family is messed up. I felt the "dark ugly secret" was stressed as the key obstacle in this family this issue was handled tactfully. The mother (groan) she makes the deep dark secret a walk in the park. I take that back the "mothers" are intrusive and shallow after subjecting their children to what they did you would think "the mom's" would show some compassion.

Just read Dead Giveaway woo hoo there is some justice you'll notice another reviewers comments, "I found it difficult to like or come to care for Allie's father or Clay's mother." This person is right on. I enjoyed the main characters but the secondary are well ecky.

Let's break the Silence--This book is phenomenal!.......2007-05-05

Brenda Novak does it again. Dead Silence is a mysterious, intriguing, intense and at the same time heart warming page turner. Brenda knows how to keep us in suspense and welcome the reader into the lives of her very real and endearing characters. I highly recommend this book and after reading the excerpt of her new book Dead Giveaway-- I know it will follow in the same tradition of excellent writing and suspenseful developments which make every page memorable.

a powerful novel full of suspense and bound to tug at the heartstrings.......2007-04-24

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Thirteen years ago, Grace Montgomery left her past behind her, leaving Stillwater and never looking back. Until now...

Grace seems to have it all. She's a successful assistant district attorney who has never lost a case, is financially stable, and has the perfect man ready to marry her on a moment's notice. But when he finally grows weary of her resistance and confronts her about, she decides it is finally time to face her fears and really bury her past. Now she goes back home to the farm where her life took a drastic turn nineteen years ago with the disappearance of her stepfather. Very few know the truth though many townspeople suspect what really happened.

Kennedy Archer is running for mayor and the last thing he needs is complications. But that is exactly what he gets when Grace returns. Though he feels some guilt over the way his friends treated her in high school, he has a hard time with her being back since he is one of the many who suspect her family of being involved in the Rev Barker's disappearance. Grace is a complication Kennedy doesn't need if he has any hope of winning the election. But as his children grow more attached to her, so does he.

Secrets have a way of creeping out however and as Kennedy begins to piece together events of the past, he comes to understand Grace and finds himself standing beside her rather than against her. And Kennedy finds himself what's more important to him... his mayoral campaign or his love for Grace.

Grace knows this better than anyone, having been subjected to horrors no young girl should be forced to endure. She has been so emotionally scarred by this knowledge that she was desperate to be loved by others that she acted out in many unfortunate ways while growing up. Now in trying to put her past behind her once and for all, she has to rip open the scars and let the pain out so she can fully heal. These past experiences have made Grace desperate for love, but at the same time terrified of what it could do to her should she allow herself to be vulnerable again. However, she has so much love to give and this is very evident in how she interacts with Teddy and heath, Kennedy's adorable sons. We really get to see her softer side in the unending patience she has with them. Then when she feel she needs to protect Kennedy and the boys from how her reputation could hurt them, it tears her up inside to cut the ties they've formed. One of the most emotional scenes in Dead Silence is when Grace finally pours out her deepest darkest secrets to Kennedy. That is the real moment her healing begins and I was moved to tears at how much courage it took Grace to do that.

Kennedy is drawn to Grace, in spite of the impact he knows their relationship will have on his campaign and on his bonds with his parents and his friends. This is especially apparent in the deterioration of his relationship with his long time best friend, Joe Vincelli, who saved Kennedy's life when they were boys and just happens to be Rev Barker's nephew, and the strongest accuser of Grace's family's guilt. We see Kennedy change and grow as he begins to suspect the Montgomery family secrets and tries so hard to help Grace get beyond her past.

Dead Silence is almost as much about Grace's family as it is about her. We see what strain the events of nineteen years ago put on the Montgomery family. Clay was forced to grow up too soon and now spends his life keeping the truth hidden. Molly, their sister fled Stillwater several years ago, even though at the time everything happened, she was too young too understand what was going on. Madeline, Barker's only child from his first marriage, suffers with the agony of not knowing what happened to her beloved father and defends the Montgomeries with her every breath, feeling a stronger familial bond to them than she does to her own blood relatives. Then there is Irene, Grace's mother, who feels like it is her fault this all happened. If she hadn't been so desperate to find security for her children after her first husband abandoned them, she may have seen the signs sooner and been able to prevent so much suffering.

With Dead Silence, Brenda Novak has written a powerful novel full of suspense and bound to tug at the heartstrings. Evil takes many forms and often can be found n unlikely places. So unlikely in fact, that people would never believe it if they new. This is actually the basic premise, if you want to get to the bare bones, of the story. A warning though... Make sure that you have Dead Giveaway, the second book in the trilogy, ready to go as soon as you finish Dead Silence. You will not want to wait even a minute to see where Brenda Novak and the Montgomeries take you next.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, April 2007. All rights reserved.

Fantastic!!!.......2007-03-18

I have been a huge fan of Brenda Novak's Superromance Novels for years, so when I saw my FATHER READING THIS BOOK, I was shocked. My dad, who normally reads true crime and thrillers, finished this book in record time and gave it to me with high recommendations!

And I have to say, it is wonderful to see Ms. Novak stretch her legs with a mainstream romantic suspense! As always, her characters are believable and sympathetic and her story is complex and diverse. Dead Silence is a real "edge of your seat" page turner!

Enjoy!

Graceful Passages: A Companion for Living and Dying (Wisdom of the World)

Average customer rating:

Graceful Passages A Companion For Living and Dying
A soothing balm for the soul
Perfect for spirituality and relaxation
Clearly enriching and so peaceful. Bravo!
Living and dying

Graceful Passages: A Companion for Living and Dying (Wisdom of the World)

Manufacturer: New World Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1577315618

Book Description

Through words and music, this beautifully designed set offers a renewal of faith to anyone struggling with grief. The book’s heartfelt words, from some of the world’s greatest visionary leaders, are set to original soul-stirring music, creating an atmosphere of relaxation, insight, and healing. Created by the cofounders of the Companion Arts Foundation, Graceful Passages addresses themes of letting go, closure, expressing love, forgiveness, appreciation of life, and continuity of spirit from different perspectives and faith traditions. Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish clergy are represented as well as Native American, Confucian, and Buddhist voices, creating a truly multifaith resource. A compelling musical score, created by a pioneering healing music artist and award-winning composer, lovely still-life photographs, and elegant design create a gentle invitation for the reader and listener to reflect upon what matters most in life.

Customer Reviews:

Graceful Passages A Companion For Living and Dying.......2007-10-06

Love the music on the cds and the words and picutes in the book. Highly recommend for anyone at any time!

A soothing balm for the soul.......2007-09-21

Death is not an easy Passage. Seventeen years years of caring for hospice and hospital patients have taught me that. While the dying process has the potential for tremendous meaning, beauty, and sacredness, it is also deeply human. This Companion is an illustration of each of those qualities.

For myself as a professional caregiver, this selection of words, music, and printed pages continually stirs my heart. The package includes a book that features text from several wisdom and faith traditions. The text is read with accompanying beautiful - indeed, haunting - music on CD1. The second CD has just the instrumentation. These CDs are masterfully produced: the music, the readings, the production itself. No sacrifice was made in quality or in meaning.

MIchael Stillwater and Gary Malkin have done an enormous service in preparing this deeply human and humane collection of words and music. It is well worth the money spent on it.

I have had the privilege of hearing Michael speak twice at seminars for the health care system of which I am part. He has an amazing sense of intuition about what will speak to people and what touches them. On both occasions, staff spoke of his giftedness and blessing to each of us.

It should be noted that there are numerous traditions represented on the CD, as well as styles of music. While I consider myself a fairly inclusive person, I initially found myself really wanting to hear readings from traditions more familiar to myself (just being honest here). But, as I listened, I began to take increasing levels of comfort from these other Wisdoms. Indeed, they were quite rich in their meaning. I can see though, that someone at the time of life's end might not want to be "dipping their feet into new waters." Particularly those of more fundamentalist traditions may find this harder to embrace. One can always listen to the instrumental CD, though.

Of the two CDs, I find myself missing whichever CD I don't have on at the moment. The instrumentation along with the voices of those from other geographies and traditions offers it's own solace, so I want on the Reading CD. But, then I want on just the instrumentation CD because I can work well with just the music playing.

Of the media that this occasionally soul-tired old chaplain values, this package is the most frequently turned to. Not a week passes by that it isn't on in my office. If I need something to lift my heart, this is what I listen to. That's been true for a year now. And, I'm moving into my second year...

Perfect for spirituality and relaxation.......2007-09-09

I first heard part of this CD at a Women's Wellness Retreat where it was played. It had at least half of the participates silently in tears as we sat in our chairs with our eyes closed. Great to reflect on appreciation of life and self worth.

Clearly enriching and so peaceful. Bravo!.......2007-06-08

Graceful Passages is such an appropriate name for this undertaking! It is incredibly wise and soothing to the heart and soul. I took care of my mother through her death, along with Hospice, and she taught us such positive things about the journey of death. She would have loved this CD! I will listen to it many times for my own peace as I continue through the remainder of my journey here.

Living and dying.......2007-05-13

I found this set of CD and written version to be very helpful when I was experiencing life threatening cancer treatment. The written words and the music gave me hope that whatever the outcome was, I would be OK. I recently shared the set with a woman who is in the last stages of life, hoping that it would bring her the same comfort it brought to me.

Average customer rating:

My beloved New Jersey and great patterns as well!
gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous and New Jersey too...??

Stillwater
Alice Starmore
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0962558664

Customer Reviews:

My beloved New Jersey and great patterns as well!.......2007-06-06

This OOP book is so in demand that it sells for hundreds on Ebay. I know this because my original copy was stolen! They also seem to vanish from libraries, making it hard to even see the patterns if you don't own a copy.

The photography of this book is lush, accurately reflecting the beauty of Northwest Jersey. The patterns are challenging and heirloom quality. In 2007, the fit seems a bit dated but you could take these designs and apply them to another sweater easily. As with all things Starmore, it is worth it to learn to substitute yarns. The ones in the book are a long ago memory at this time.

gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous and New Jersey too...??.......2005-11-05

these patterns are not to be believed. I love the rural photography and the wonderful clarity that lets you see the sweaters in detail. I must have my own copy. where there's a will, there's a way...

Average customer rating:

Stillwater Fly Fishing: Tools & Tactics
Paul Marriner
Manufacturer: Gale's End Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

Stillwater Fly Fishing: Tools & Tactics presents the author's approach to fly-fishing the world of stillwaters based on 35+ years of experience on three continents. This book offers strategies for finding feeding fish and explores the tackle, methods, and flies needed to tempt them.

Average customer rating:

Lake Fishing
An exciting fisherman's guide
A great new book!

Fly Fishing California Stillwaters
Bill Sunderland
Manufacturer: Mosca Loca Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0970857632

Book Description

The inclination of most fly-line anglers is to fish moving water. That's a mistake, because there are bigger trout in California's lakes and reservoirs. Fly Fishing California Stillwaters tells anglers where the best fishing can be found, offering directions, full-color maps and so much detail you'll never again arrive at a lake wondering what fly to use or where to start your search for trout.

Customer Reviews:

Lake Fishing.......2007-03-22

This book makes it possible to fish any where with knowledge.
Great book.

An exciting fisherman's guide .......2004-11-13

Fly Fishing California Stillwaters is an exciting fisherman's guide to the trout that can be found in California's lakes and reservoirs. Stillwater trout are bigger because they don't have to work as hard fighting stream and river currents, and because many lakes are rich in fish food. Full-color photographs and illustrations on almost every page add a visual touch to this no-nonsense guide to the best stillwater locations all across California, complete with maps, information on resources, tips, tricks, techniques, and much more. Recommended for any fly-fisherman in California who is out to catch the biggest fish to be had.

A great new book!.......2001-12-06

This is a book that serves two purposes -- it is a much-needed guide to fly-fishing California's lakes and reservoirs and it also is a beantiful book that will look great on anybody's coffee table. In addition to excellent information on where to fish, how to fish the best lakes in the state, and what realistically to expect when you get there, first-rate maps make sure you don't get lost on the way. And the photography is fantastic! This is the third (and perhaps the best) of Bill Sunderland's books on fly fishing in California.

Average customer rating:

Dead Right by Brenda Novak
Captivating right to the end!
Finally in Dead Right, we have the conclusion to the mystery
Awesome end to a great series
Dead Right ON

Dead Right (Stillwater Trilogy)
Brenda Novak
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0778324397

Book Description

Twenty years ago Madeline Barker's father disappeared. Despite what everyone else thinks, Madeline's convinced her stepfamily had nothing to do with it. But the recent discovery of his car finally proves he didn't just drive away. Worse, the police find something in the trunk that says there's more to this case than murder.

With no other recourse, Madeline decides to hire a private investigator—even if the cops don't like it. Even if her family doesn't like it. But when P.I. Hunter Solozano begins to uncover some shocking evidence, someone in Stillwater is determined to put a stop to Madeline's search for the truth.

And that means putting a stop to her. Permanently.

Customer Reviews:

Dead Right by Brenda Novak.......2007-10-10

This book is a terrific ending of the 3-book series.
Enough information to bring back the complete storyline from the previous two, and a true type ending.

Can't wait for more from Brenda Novak!
PJ

Captivating right to the end!.......2007-09-26

This is the 3rd book of the Stillwater Trilogy.

Brenda Novak sustains the suspense right through the end of this book by pulling no punches. The story line is both heart wrenching and gruesome at times. She continues to grow the characters that were fleshed out in the previous two installments, and creates an unforgettable character in Madeline Barker. She also continues to illustrate how the actions of Reverand Barker still effect the lives of the residents of Stillwater.

In this book, the main characters Madeline Barker and Hunter Solozano are both flawed - Madeline's unflappable belief in her father and Hunter's past are both used to develop the characters and to move the story line along. It's Madeline's coming to terms with the truth about her father that drives the plot forward in a gut wrenching manner.

I highly recommend this book. I guarantee that you won't be able to put it down. It is written in such a way that the characters will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Finally in Dead Right, we have the conclusion to the mystery.......2007-09-23

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

When Rev Lee Barker disappeared twenty years ago, everyone was convinced his stepfamily, the Montgomeries, was responsible. Everyone but Madeline Barker that is. How could a family who was so kind to her and took her in after her father disappeared, ever be capable of killing someone? But when Rev Barker's car is recovered from the old quarry, Maddy can't stand not knowing anymore and hires a private investigator to find the answers, much to the Montgomeries' dismay.

Hunter Solozano needs to escape for a while and recover from his nasty divorce and an ugly custody battle over their daughter. He needs something other than the liquor bottle to occupy his days and nights. He reluctantly takes on Maddy's case, not convinced he'll find anything worthwhile after so many years, but unwilling to refuse the desperate plea in her eyes. However, the discovery of a bag full of questionable... and sexual... items from the trunk of Barker's car leads Hunter to believe there is far more to this case than anyone imagined.

As the ugly facts reveal themselves bit by bit, someone out there will do anything to stop Maddy from uncovering the truth. Hunter is the only one who can protect her but as he spends more time with her he realizes he's getting a lot more than he bargained for, what could quite possibly be a second chance at love.

Finally in Dead Right, we have the conclusion to the mystery. Granted, we readers have known from the beginning what really happened to the reverend, but the real story is finding out the full depravity of which the reverend was capable, and Maddy's quest to find the truth, one that is far worse than she ever could have imagined. Then there is the added factor, even though never really mentioned before this story, that someone had to be "helping" him with his activities since someone had to have taken those pictures! So in Dead Right, this all comes to the forefront as the mystery person will do anything to prevent the truth from coming out.

Poor Madeline. Her entire life has been colored by her father's disappearance and that has affected everything she says and does. She is such a kind hearted soul that she can't even imagine the atrocities some people will commit. It doesn't help that her opinion of her father has morphed over the years into hero worship, causing her to complete forget that the man had his faults, even if she never knew the worst of them. As more and more evidence comes to light about the kind of person her father was, we can see her entire world crumble down around her. My heart has cried out to her character from our first meeting in Dead Silence and I hated the thought of what the truth would do to her. Fortunately, she is a strong woman with a will of steel and this strength is what helps her to face the truth and rebuild her relationships with her family.

Hunter has his own personal demons to face, though nothing quite like Maddy has to overcome. His life collapsed around him with the breakup of his marriage (which was far from perfect already) and more importantly, the custody battle over his daughter. Novak hits the nail on the head with how she writes about the situation. It's sad but true how many parents will put their children through such emotional agony, just so they can feel vindicated when they negotiations are over. Hunter needs to overcome his perceived failures in his marriage and his growing dependence on alcohol. Meeting Maddy helps him to overcome his difficulties and gives him a sense of worth again.

Of course, the entire Montgomery clan is back in this final installment in the Stillwater trilogy, and finally can find peace. I felt awful for Grace having to confront her past again as the discoveries in the trunk of the car bring back all her awful memories of what Rev Barker did to her. Clay also had his struggles in Dead Right as the suffering of his sisters reminds him of everything he did to protect them and save them from the grief. He has dedicated his entire adult life to preventing the problems brought on by the truth getting out, and here that's exactly what happens.

The best part about Dead Right however is how it shows each and every one of us that we are stronger than we think. We can face anything thrown our way, if only we have the healing power of love (family, friend and romantic) to fall back on and ease our pain. At the end of the story we are left with a feeling of hope for the Montgomery clan, knowing that they will heal and be all the stronger together as a result.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, August 2007. All rights reserved.

Awesome end to a great series.......2007-09-17

When her reverend father's car is pulled from a quarry, Madeline Barker is not ready to give up on believing that her father will someday return. Worried that her step brother Clay Montgomery will once again be the #1 suspect, she decides - against her family's wishes - to hire a private investigator to locate her father and the culprit behind his disappearance. Hunter Solozano is known as the PI that can find anything or anyone. He immediately steps on toes in the small Mississippi town that would rather solve their own mystery than let someone from California surfer dude do it. Hunter and Madeline are instantly attracted to each other, and to save money on expenses, she offers to have him stay in her guest house. But his close proximity is wreaking havoc on her emotions. When girl's panties turn up in the trunk of the reverend's car, no one believes that they can belong to the reverend, except for a select few that were there the night he disappeared, as well as his partner in crime. Suddenly everything that Madeline has left of her father is shrouded in doubt and she counts on Hunter more than ever to solve the mystery. Unfortunately, every clue Hunter uncovers could be bring heartache to Madeline when she learns the truth.

At times pretty gruesome due to the nature of the crime, Novak has ended the Stillwater trilogy with a bang. From book to book, each of the characters have retained the same personality (which is often not the case in a series). All the usual suspects are back and further insight into Barker's unscrupulous yet well hidden character are fully developed.

Dead Right ON.......2007-09-17

If you like romantic suspense, you're going to love Dead Right by Brenda Novak. After building the suspense of whether it was going to come out who killed Madeline Barker's father and what that is going to do to Maddie and building wonderful characters, we finally get into Maddie's head and meet hot Hunter Solozano! You're in for a ride and a great read! A ride that takes twists and turns you won't expect!

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Fly Patterns for Stillwaters
Excellent book for stillwater fishing

Fly Patterns for Stillwaters
Phillip Rowley
Manufacturer: Frank Amato Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1571881956

Customer Reviews:

Fly Patterns for Stillwaters.......2004-11-11

Complete study of common stillwater insects, their immitations and how to fish them. Well organized in the table of contents for quick review.

A reference book that gives you insight on how to approach stillwater fishing and what are productive flies for any season.

Excellent book for stillwater fishing.......2002-01-10

The subtitle, "A Study of Trout, Entomology and Tying", is very descriptive. Philip Rowley begins with a season by season analysis of the diet of trout found in stillwater in BC and the northwestern US. Taking each of the major categories (chironomids, scuds, damselflies, dragonflies, leeches, mayflies, caddisflies, water boatmen, and "hodgepodge") in turn, he describes its life cycle and gives his thoughts on pattern design. For each category, he illustrates five to twelve flies that he has found to be effective imitations, gives step by step tying instructions, and explains how best to fish each fly. The photographs of the natural insects are excellent. The tying instructions are clear and well illustrated. Many of the patterns are original with Mr. Rowley and all can be tied by tyers of any skill level. I have tied and fished many of these patterns and can vouch for their effectiveness. No matter whether this will be your first book about tying flies for stillwater or an addition to an extensive collection, it is a book you will refer to often.

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Picture next to book misleading

Stillwater the Panda Doll (Zen Shorts)

Manufacturer: Merrymakers Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Misc. Supplies
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ASIN: 1579821995

Customer Reviews:

Picture next to book misleading.......2007-01-19

Stillwater the Panda Doll is cute and adorable, but please be aware that he is only 4 inches tall! When you look at the Amazon site that encourages you to buy the doll with the book Zen Shorts, he appears to be as tall as the book. He isn't.

The Stillwater Buckskin (Discover the Transforming Power of Ancient Wisdom)

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A must read for you and everyone in your life

The Stillwater Buckskin (Discover the Transforming Power of Ancient Wisdom)

Manufacturer: Ben Marra Studios
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0972720022

Product Description

The story of the Stillwater Buckskin is a timeless tale of pupil and teacher-whether sitting around the campfire, working side-by-side in the fields or on the jobsite, meeting in the office, walking mountain trails, or conversing in the quiet of an evening.

Customer Reviews:

A must read for you and everyone in your life.......2004-07-09

A friend and mentor gifted this book to me recently and I'm so glad she did. This is a timeless tale full of wisdom from the ages that is a must read for everyone, from corporate CEO's to your children. The Stillwater Buckskin really does hold the secrets to living your life to the fullest, getting (and giving)the most from your time on earth. Very few people I know can live their lives according to the buckskin and those who do I admire greatly. Take the opportunity to learn something every day and start by picking up this book.

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