The Alibi Man

The Alibi Man
Average customer rating:

Another page turner from Hoag

Nice Detective story

Tami Hoag created a terrific story

Elena Estes should def. have a series!

Elena Estes is back!

The Alibi Man
Tami Hoag
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0553802011
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

She was a vision. She was a siren. She was a nightmare. She was dead. Now he needed her to disappear. And he knew just how to make it happen. The Palm Beach elite go to great lengths to protect their own—and their own no longer includes Elena Estes. Once upon a time a child of wealth and privilege, Elena turned her back on that life. Betrayed and disillusioned by those closest to her, she chose the life of an undercover cop, the hunt for justice her own personal passion. Then a tragic, haunting mistake ended her career. Now Elena exists on the fringes of her old life, training horses for a living. But a shocking event is about to draw her back into the painful vortex she’s fought so hard to leave behind.

First she finds the body—a young woman used, murdered, and dumped in a canal. Not just a victim, but a friend. As Elena delves into her dead friend’s secret life, she discovers ties not only to the Russian mob but also to a group of powerful and wealthy Palm Beach bad boys known for giving each other alibis to cover a multitude of sins. A group that includes a man Elena once knew very well—her former fiancé, Bennett Walker, a man she knows has already escaped justice at least once in his life.

Finding her friend’s killer will put Elena at odds with her old life, with her new lover, and with herself. But she is determined to reveal the truth—a truth that will shock Palm Beach society to its core, and could very well get her killed.

Customer Reviews:

Another page turner from Hoag.......2007-09-08

Alibi Man became my alibi to read this book instead of doing something else. This book speeds you through twists and turns like a highway begging for you to reach the climax. Tami knows how to hold your interest and build to that climax and along the way some of the scenes she describes are so vived they are grotesque. Will not reveal plot as that is the story. A fat book with many pages that I finished in less than four days and read at night only for one hour each.

Nice Detective story.......2007-08-21

I had read Dark Horse, the precursor book with the same leading characters and setting as Alibi Man, and found that I just couldn't get into the heroine Elena. I happen to like Tami Hoag's books mainly for her character developments and even though I didn't really like Elena Estes as a character, I still decided to read Alibi man to see if she's developed as a person.

I liked Alibi Man much more than Dark Horse. Elena is still rash but in Alibi Man she is more self reflective and less rash with the general boldness still present. Still set in the Equestrian world, which I find interesting as I know nothing about it, Elena and her "former" on again off again lover Det. Landry work to find out who killed the groom whom Elena works with. Not as hard nosed in Alibi Man as in Dark Horse, Elena helps Det. Landry behind the scenes to find this killer, while at the same time being forced to deal with painful family relationships with her parents and her relationship with Det. Landry, although, he is on the back burner in this book as in the last. I enjoyed that she seemed a lot more vulnerable in this book, which made her seem more real to me. The plot itself was very well done and interesting and it kept my interest.

Alibi Man was a quick (read in one day), easy, and much more pleasant read for me than Dark Horse was. I really love the way Ms. Hoag writes. What I really enjoyed was that Ms. Hoag's usual verbosity was not as present. Much shorter than many of her other books, only 351 pages, she makes her points without rehashing them over and over as she's wont to do in other books. I don't really mind that she usually does re-hash thoughts and feelings of her characters over and over throughout a book, but this was a pleasant change.

Tami Hoag created a terrific story.......2007-08-03

It has been awhile since I have read something by Tami Hoag and I really enjoyed The Alibi Man. I understand that I have been out of the loop with the main character Elena Estes. However, when I finished the book it didn't appear to me that I missed anything from Elena previous adventures, because I thought The Alibi Man stood on its own. Elena has her fair share of knocks and I couldn't help but root for her. The story moves along at a quick pace, with a number of unrealistic scenes that I had trouble with. But still it was an entertaining read and I thought Tami Hoag did a terrific job and I would gladly recommend it to all my friends.

Elena Estes should def. have a series!.......2007-07-30

One of the best books I've read in a long time. I received this book Friday and was finished by Sunday night. I could not put this book down, except for my Saturday night fun... Excellent Tami Hoag thriller.

Elena Estes is back!.......2007-07-13

Elena Estes (who I recognize as a character from a previous novel) is back and better than ever. Investigating the death of a co-worker and friend, Elena soon discovers that events from her past, are effecting her present and future. More than anything, Elena wants to solve Irina's death, and having recently broken up with her lover, Detective Landry, she struggles to keep him at arms length while assisting in the investigation. I will not retell the story, or tell you who killed Irina and why (enough reviewers have done that), but I will make a few simple statements. This novel contains everything that you need to make a terrific suspense novel. There were wealthy men (Brody and a host of other interesting characters) who have formed an "Alibi Club" (a bad version of a Good Ole Boy Club, who provide alibis to each other if needed); sexy polo stars (Barbaro)looking for redemption; a grieving and vicious Russian Mobster, Alexi Kulak; a person referred to as a "Freak" (who walks around looking like a circus reject); blackmailers; a victim who is more than she seemed; and a murderer. But what I found to be the most compelling was the character of Elena. You really grow to understand why she has become so jaded, so filled with guilt, and so sad. We understand why she pushes Landry away, but secretly desires what they could have, but what she is too afraid of. Anyway, Elena is a product of her past. We find out that she has left the police force, 3 years ago, because of guilt that she has about causing the death of her partner during a meth bust. The incident left her with physical (she was drug by a truck) and psychological scars (blames herself). And on top of that, her ex-lover/fiance', Bennett Walker (20 years ago), appears to be the number one suspect. Elena remembers all too well how Bennett asked her to be his alibi when he was accused of raping and assaulting a girl, and would it be unreasonable to think that someone who has everything would not kill to protect themselves. And on top of that, he is a member of the Alibi Club. Having escaped punishment for his past deeds, with the help of her estranged/defense attorney father, Elena would like to see him brought to justice if he is guilty.

As the story develops, you learn a lot about Irina, her lovers and her good friend Lizbeth, but you learn even more about Elena, and what makes her what she is....a truth seeker. How all of the injustices she has been a witness to, have shaped who she has become. I would love to read another Elena Estes story to see how her life evolves and what becomes of her relationship with Landry. So, I can tell you with no hesitation to read Alibi Man, I think you will enjoy it.

Natural Horse-Man-Ship: Six Keys to a Natural Horse-Human Relationship

Average customer rating:

Effective Horse Communication
This is the only natural horsemanship book you'll ever need
Clinton Anderson's Down Under Horsemanship book is better
Natural Horse-Man-Ship: Six Keys to a Natural Horse-Human Relationship
The hook

Natural Horse-Man-Ship: Six Keys to a Natural Horse-Human Relationship
Pat Parelli
Manufacturer: Western Horseman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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John Lyons' Bringing Up Baby: 20 Progressive Ground-Work Lessons to Develop Your Young Horse into a Reliable, Accepting Partner
Horses Never Lie: The Heart of Passive Leadership

ASIN: 1585747122

Book Description

The horse- and rider-training handbook of an internationally renowned master horseman.

Customer Reviews:

Effective Horse Communication.......2007-08-21

Author writes in an easy to read conversational format. He emphasises the importance of horse and rider spending time together to get to know each other. Building of trust on both the horse and rider. I recommend this book. Also watch RFD TV on satelitte.

This is the only natural horsemanship book you'll ever need.......2007-07-31

This is it. Everything is in this book. One can study this book for years and find something new in it each time. Natural horsemanship is so old, it's new again. Pat Parelli is the only one who has managed to put it all together in one place with one title. Since the Dorrance brothers and Ronnie Willis have graduated to Horseman's Heaven, the next best thing is learning from one of their star pupils. Pat is entertaining and almost always profound. The only question is do you savvy savvy?

Clinton Anderson's Down Under Horsemanship book is better.......2007-06-23

While I liked some aspects of Pat's book I found it confusing, unclear, in some instances, repetitive and in some cases, not useful for me at all. He mentions that horses that bite (my horse) bite because you let them get too close (duh!) yet the 1st lesson to gain respect has you touching the horses muzzle to get him to back up (my horse tried to bite me- so, now what?). One of the next exercises has you touching his chest, you know the part of the body directly under the horses' head.... the head that has the biting teeth in it... my horse tried to bite me again! I am giving up on Pat's book for now. Clinton Anderson's book "Down Under Horsemanship" teaches how to use a stick to keep the horse away (not using it to threaten but as an extension of your arm). Clinton's book has step by step pictures and explanations of what can go wrong (both with the horse and human) and how to fix what went wrong. Both he and Pat have similar philosophies but Clinton's book flows much better, gives better examples, describes problems and solutions and stresses how to progress. I would stick with Clinton's book.

Natural Horse-Man-Ship: Six Keys to a Natural Horse-Human Relationship.......2007-05-12

I bought this book for my daughter she thought it was good but did prefer John Lyons and Pat Parelli's DVD better as it was visual and this book was against some of her own ideas but a great book if you like the techniques that Pat Parelli uses.
He uses phrases a little old fashion for the younger generation and therefore my daughter found his relationship to the horses a little hard to understand as she did not know the people he refered to.
It does teach all about respect for the horse and from the horse and is well described none the less. A lot of important facts about how to teach a horse, use of spurs, trailer loading, tools, yeilding and many basic detailed descriptions of cantering, techniques of he rein, timing, Desensitizing, voice cues and much more. A great all in one book with black and white photos.
Has a different technique to John Lyons which she decided she liked best after reading this book

The hook.......2007-05-12

There are a lot of so called "natural horsemaship" books, dvds etc out there. I was already steered in this direction because my horse is a parelli student, but I usually tend to do my own thing and so, I checked out a few of the other programs out there, and bought this book despite some reviewers opinions about Pat being a great salesman, using terms that didn't need to be used, creating his own language etc. Let me say this.. yes, this book which is relatively inexpensive in the big scheme of how much horse training costs. It is also Pats "hook", or method he uses to spark interest in his program. It works. It is a great overview of the parelli program, but if you are looking for one little book to teach you how to do it, don't waste your money. The books alone, even if you are an experienced horseperson, are not going to give you enough information. If you want to get a feeling for what natural horsemanship is all about, the book will answer the questions you have, and spark some new ones! I have the entire parelli program now, and am going to one of the conferences this year, to see the Pat and his wife Linda in action. The book hooked me! I'm a praelli devotee now, and urge all horse people to give it a try. Its a new way of interacting with horses, that makes it more fun than you can imagine, while stressing safety and savvy around these large, potentially dangerous, but wonderful and beautiful animals. I know.. just drink the cool aid!
Robin

Think Harmony With Horses: An In-Depth Study of Horse/Man Relationship

Average customer rating:

Good Ole' Boy!
A true original is still the best
Listen to what he's trying to say
A book for the student of horsemanship
This book helped me a lot

Think Harmony With Horses: An In-Depth Study of Horse/Man Relationship
Ray Hunt , Millie Hunt , and Roy Hunt
Manufacturer: Ag Access Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0914330152

Customer Reviews:

Good Ole' Boy!.......2007-09-05

Hunt is one of a small handful of horsemen who were inspirational in the usage of "natural horsemanship" philosophies, so many today are now using. It is always a little different to read the words, when their methods are really only learned when they are "felt" through experience. Reading his words and thoughts are a wonderful insight to his powerful skills and knowledge. It is a small book, but worthy of the home library.

A true original is still the best.......2005-12-11

For those who are ready for a fundamental change in how they communicate with their horses, Ray Hunt shows the professional horseperson the path to true happiness with your equine. Ray explains exactly why horses do not understand English nor traditional training techniques. Even though beginners may find this book interesting, this book is for the advanced rider and/or trainer. Ray Hunt's methods work on all manner of horses, from wild Mustang to Olympic contenders. I had been training horses for over twenty years when Ray came along and showed me a much better way. If you are ready for it, this book may become your "bible", too.

Listen to what he's trying to say.......2003-09-06

Having had the experience of going to a Ray Hunt clinic and then having had some time to let what he was trying to say just soak in and work on through I was fortunate enough to buy this book some two years after. Reading Ray's book is like having him there and listening to him patiently trying to explain - OK let's try this. I know that he knows what to do with horses. I believe that it is his job to "fix it up and let me find it". This is one of his sayings and relates to the horse - "Fix it up and let them find it". This book is not for people looking for the quick fix and a lot of people reading it may not even see the fix in what he is saying in this book. Take the time that it takes to read the book - really read it - and like I did, let the ideas soak awhile and soon enough you'll get that (or I hope you get that)well I'll be darned feeling. Like any master at their craft Ray doesn't say a lot but like any worthwhile student in it for the long haul you appreciate later (not sooner)exactly what he said. Inside the pages you'll also read and get a glimpse of Ray's way of looking not only at horses and how they relate to us but humans (supposedly the smarter of the two)and how they relate to their horses. Overall I believe reading the book has made me try more for my horses and in doing so working more on myself, which can't be all bad.

A book for the student of horsemanship.......2003-01-22

Being a teacher and student of horsemanship, I found Ray's book to be like sitting down to dinner and listening to Ray talk about his relationship with the horse. It is much the same as what Ray tries to explain at his clinics, but as Tom Dorrance said this is something that you have to feel, it's difficult to put into words. You must open your heart, your mind and spirit to be able to have this work. I know that it does. This book can start you on a never ending journey of knowledge. It's not a magical cure for those who have problems with their horses. You must be able to get into a learning frame of mind. "Have patience grasshopper" And remember if it's not working, either fix it so it can or get someone to help you. This book does show you the trail less travelled, it's up to you how far you go.

This book helped me a lot.......1999-03-25

This book have give me much help. I liked it. Some people may not understand Ray`s way to explain things. I did. Great book.

Average customer rating:

Time Mag: Book contains untruths.
horses
"...nickering with ungulate abandon..."?
Liar, Liar!!
Humane horse training

The Man Who Listens to Horses
Monty Roberts
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 034542705X
Release Date: 1998-11-28

Amazon.com

Monty Roberts is, as they say, the real horse whisperer--even if he does revile the last third of Nicholas Evans's romance. Yet Roberts also makes clear from the start that listening and close attention have more to do with gentling an animal than soi-disant whispering. As far as he's concerned, silent communication can "effectively cross over the boundary between human (the ultimate fight animal) and horse (the flight animal). Using their language, their system of communication, I could create a strong bond of trust. I would achieve cross-species communication." And achieve it he does. After one short session, he has even the wildest stallion nickering with ungulate abandon.

Roberts's descriptions of "joining up," as he calls it with horses--as well as with the deer who cavort on his California farm like so many hyperintelligent Bambis--are inspirational in the best sense of the word. Surprisingly, though, it took him long years to persuade most of the humans in his life that pain and punishment are not the way to go. Indeed, the author expends many a page on past mistakes and disasters, familial and professional. Yet The Man Who Listens to Horses remains a powerfully positive document--and not just for Mr. Ed. Best of all, when it comes to his life's work, Roberts is far more practical than mystical. Instead of portraying himself as Equus's messiah, he'd rather share his hard-won knowledge. Having overcome years of rejection and ridicule, the author is certainly not short in the self-esteem department, as some passages in this book demonstrate. No matter. He always checks his ego before entering the corral. --Kerry Fried

Book Description

"It all dates from those summers alone in the high desert, me lying on my belly and watching wild horses with my binoculars for hours at a time. Straining to see in the moonlight, striving to fathom mustang ways, I knew instinctively I had chanced upon something important but could not know that it would shape my life. In 1948 I was a boy of thirteen learning the language of horses. . . ."

Customer Reviews:

Time Mag: Book contains untruths........2007-07-02

I have not read this book. There may well be information in here that is useful. I will not buy the book due to what I read in a Time Magazine article:

Monday, Dec 14, 1998 "Horse of a Different Color"
By John Skow and James Willwerth/Aspen

The article starts with:
"To put the matter politely, memoirs are self-serving. Still, it's something of a shock to learn that Monty Roberts' enormously popular, enormously self-approving memoir The Man Who Listens to Horses may assay out as part fiction. Call it horse puckey for the soul, if charges by Monty's younger brother Larry and others close to the author's life are to be credited. By these accounts, backed up by TIME's reporting, the stirring tale with more than 800,000 copies in print--out this month in paperback--contains an embarrassing number of seeming untruths, some harmless, others outrageous."

The article can be found as of today on the Time free archives site. Decide for yourself if you feel comfortable with paying money for this book.

horses.......2007-02-12

well ill try out his method and if a mustang doesnt kill me ill return to rate it

"...nickering with ungulate abandon..."?.......2007-02-06

And "...the deer who cavort on his California farm like so many hyperintelligent Bambis..."? What purpose do these superficial and dismissive images serve? They don't have anything to do with Monty Roberts or with his book, and their presence in a so-called "editorial review" does him (and Amazon) a disservice.

It could be that, to really "get" what Monty Roberts is saying, you should see his Join-Up training in action.

I HAVE seen it in action, and I have put it into action, myself; as has my wife, in her work with horses.

Many popular horse trainers use methods similar to Monty Roberts'; yet they have not drawn the kind of criticism that has been leveled at him. Neither do they admit to what may be his most important discovery: that body language, to a horse, comprises a complicated and consistent language -- one that can be used by humans in working with horses.

Roberts takes it one step further, insisting that the same principles apply in human-to-human relationships.

Anyone who cares about horses should read this short, well-written, and fascintaing book.

Anyone who cares about people, also.

Liar, Liar!!.......2007-01-29

This book should only be sold as fiction and come with "Horse Whispers and Lies" attached. Monty, shame on you...trying to take credit for inventing the slant load horse trailer, making claims to have been a Champion Calf Roper, and going to horse shows in a railroad box car?
His family says that it's all a bunch of lies. The content of the book on horse handling is good, but Monty Roberts did not invent the methods used. They have been around for years.
Monte, is a good horseman, he should not have made the preposterous, boastful statements that are included throughout the book.

Humane horse training.......2006-09-21

I find the negative review of Monty's book interesting. Since I train dogs, I can somewhat relate to the need for positive training methods. There are always going to be those out there that dispute that it works for MOST, but not for all. Every animal is an individual with feelings and personality of his/her own and baggage that comes along with lack of training, abuse and/or neglect.

I thought one of the most important lines of all in the book was that this was the "51st fluke in a row". In other words, the doubters of the crowd thought it was just a fluke that Monty was able to 'start' and ride green horses within approximately 25 minutes. Someone that is full of 'it', cannot become as successful a horse trainer as Monty is without some actual knowledge of what he's doing. I thought this was a very inspirational book that gives a look into the innovative humane treatment and training of horses. This book is well worth the time it takes to read and I, for one, do not doubt the truth of his story. Pictures are worth a thousand words.

Crime Novels: American Noir of the 1930s and 40s: The Postman Always Rings Twice / They Shoot Horses, Don't They? / Thieves Like Us / The Big Clock / Nightmare ... / I Married a Dead Man (Library of America)

Average customer rating:

Splendid Read
Crime Novels -- 30s/40s
Thank God for the 1930's and 1940's/
The Dark Underbelly of the American Dream
A Real Discovery: 4 or 5 of these make amazing reading

Crime Novels: American Noir of the 1930s and 40s: The Postman Always Rings Twice / They Shoot Horses, Don't They? / Thieves Like Us / The Big Clock / Nightmare ... / I Married a Dead Man (Library of America)
Horace McCoy , Kenneth Fearing , William Lindsay Gresham , Cornell Woolrich , James M. Cain , and Edward Anderson
Manufacturer: Library of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Stories and Early Novels: Pulp Stories / The Big Sleep / Farewell, My Lovely / The High Window (Library of America)
Later Novels and Other Writings: The Lady in the Lake / The Little Sister / The Long Goodbye / Playback /Double Indemnity / Selected Essays and Letters (Library of America)
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ASIN: 1883011469

Amazon.com

Literature and film buffs will be delighted by this collection of pulp novels, most of which were made into important films. James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice is a literary masterpiece with its spare prose invoking a savage, sexy, desperate world. It inspired no less than three great movies: Luchino Visconti's classic Ossessione, in 1942; the 1946 remake, starring John Garfield and Lana Turner and directed by the extraordinary Tay Garnett; and Bob Rafelson's underrated 1981 version with Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange. When you read the magnificent source for these movies, you'll be astonished at how three different incarnations could all, in their own ways, be faithful to the novel.

Cornell Woolrich's I Married a Dead Man also became three movies: No Man of Her Own, with Barbara Stanwyk; the French I Married a Shadow; and the American comedy, Mrs. Winterborne, which starred Shirley MacLaine and Ricki Lake. Edward Anderson's vivid Thieves Like Us was transformed into They Live by Night, Nicholas Ray's first important movie and one of the seminal noir films of the 1940s. It was brilliantly remade in 1974 by the great revisionist director Robert Altman. Kenneth Fearing's The Big Clock was transformed into a marvelous film starring Charles Laughton; 40 years later, the same source, retitled No Way Out, brought Kevin Costner to stardom. William Lindsay Gresham's Nightmare Alley was the source for Tyrone Power's best movie; Horace McCoy's experimental They Shoot Horses, Don't They? became one of the seminal films of the 1960s.

These dark, evocative novels, when taken together, are a fascinating study of how words can inspire a magnificent variety of cinematic images and styles.

Customer Reviews:

Splendid Read.......2007-06-04

This collection of novels from the 30s and 40s was terrific fun and an outstanding introduction to the genre. You can debate whether they're all noir (at least what I expected noir to be); but nonetheless they each convey a distinct impression and view of the time. Without getting into lengthy reviews, I enjoyed Woolrich's "I Married a Dead Man" the most--from his eloquent style to the actual story-line. You know you're reading a master story-teller. Second was Gresham's "Nightmare Alley;" although sometimes I thought he could have expanded on some aspects of the story and shortened other passages (i.e., a little bit of editing would help). But each novel was distinct and enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Crime Novels -- 30s/40s.......2006-11-07

Ha! Just skimmed some other reviews and I wanna add my two cents. Yes, this volume is definitely something. Some impressions follow.

The Postman Always Rings Twice: Indeed, Cain knew how to make the reader keep turning pages. Short, sweet, and fascinating. After I discovered the significance of the title (which is a bit of a "trick"), I liked the whole effort all the more.

They Shoot Horses, Don't They?: A bit monotonous to read; a bit dark. That was the point. All told, a fascinating novel. Among all literature named in the world, *this* is one of few titles inspired by God: so memorable and unique, so perfect. It turns out to impart chilling meaning, as well, on several levels.

Thieves Like Us: My least favorite. This was a subjective reaction, however. I wanted the story to take turns it didn't take. Moreover, Anderson as an author took note of things I found not-so-interesting; apparently, the book's status to this day speaks otherwise on behalf of many other readers, however.

The Big Clock: Short, sweet and sterile. Almost machine-like in its plotting and execution -- if so written intentionally, a fascinating stylistic choice given its title -- but, notably, full of interesting and colorful characterizations. Possibly my favorite.

Nightmare Alley: Relentlessly grim and ugly. I'm not so sure there is a single character to root for in this story. That was probably very much intended. Fascinating but, again, very grim. Literary nihilists of today would do well to take a lesson from Gresham's characterization, plot and style.

I Married A Dead Man: Although the novels were presented chronologically, this was a nice way to end the volume. A very simple, linear, domestic story, without hard-boiled criminality or complication, which unfolds with some plot which stretches credibility, but lies ultimately within the realm of the possible. Notable among noir novels for Woolrich's ability to evoke two unexpected emotions at the end: a sense of deep and abiding love between two of the main characters -- before the real and final ending -- and a sense of genuine sadness.

Worth owning. Might take the reader a while to get through. This is, in effect, six books in one, running to nearly a thousand pages. But it was definitely fun; and as another reviewer implied, it's surprising how little has changed.

Thank God for the 1930's and 1940's/ .......2006-07-11

First of all, the Library Of America collection provides the reader with some of the most beautiful hardcover editions available today. That said, the selections chosesn for this edition are all first class; for someone just getting into hard-boiled fiction, this is the ideal place to start. If you're like me and have been reading this genre for many years, this is a perfect volume to add to one's collection.

The Dark Underbelly of the American Dream.......2005-09-29

Noir emerged in the early 20th-Century from Pulp paperbacks published for mass consumption. Highlighting in gritty and sensationalistic detail the sordid undercurrents of Western society, Noir became an artistic force that became the medium for the representation of the down and out segment of the populace. Whether set in the impersonal grime of urban reality or at the deceptive simplicity of rural picturesqueness, Noir in Film and Literature revealed the odyssey and travails of lost souls whose misguided characters bore too much of the weight of their selves and their pasts to break from the shackles of their present.

"Crime Novels: American Noir of the 1930's and 40's" is the American equivalent in prose of the influential and enduring genre. The grim and unforgiving tales of the dejected cast of mid 20th-Century American life are openly depicted ("The Postman Always Rings Twice"; "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?"; "Thieves Like Us"; "Nightmare Alley"); vicissitudes of fate ("The Big Clock"; "I Married a Dead Man"). Whether set in scenic California, the vast and open Midwest, or a high-rise office in Manhattan, these novels uniformly render a panorama of blighted dreams, twisted turns of fate, and the sad recurrence of misfortune in desperate individuals doomed to tragedy.

None too substantial in content but highly readable, this edition is the first of a handsome 2-Volume anthology on American Noir fiction published by the venerable Library of America. Edited by Robert Polito (Poet, writer, anthologist on Noir Lit. and author of a biography on Jim Thompson), these stories enduring relevance are seen in various forms of contemporary society: from the writings of James Ellroy, Brett Easton Ellis, Lawrence Block, and Robert Bloch; in films like "Scarface", "Pulp Fiction", "Fight Club"; and in everyday life.

A Real Discovery: 4 or 5 of these make amazing reading.......2005-01-23

This is an impressive collection of early and now scarce Noir novels. "The Big Clock" and "Nightmare Alley" are particularly hard to find outside of this volume.

Cain's "The Postman Always Rings Twice" was probably the first crime novel I ever really got into, and it's a stunning departure from Agatha Christie-style mysteries. So much happens in this short book (as turns of plot, but also development of character) that it compares favorably to the first half Camus' "The Stranger." The drifter plumbs the depths of his desperation in a brutal attachment to another man's wife: it's not greed or lust that drives him, but a base need for someone to whom he can anchor himself. A raw and amazing experience, unmatched by anything else of Cain's.

McCoy's "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is impressively vivid. I had no idea these dance-hall marathons took place before reading this story. This circus of exploitation of young and apparently desperate people certainly makes for excellent Noir. One of these benefits of reading these novels is the unearthing of buried episodes in America's past.

"Thieves Like Us" has been reviewed here as the weaker end of the collection, and I have to agree. It's still a very capable story of outlaws; and the stoicism of the young people caught up in the criminal's lives is admirably depicted here. I recommend reading Andersen's novel before the others (it's still definitive Noir), so one can more easily avoid expectations built up by the Cain and McCoy.

"The Big Clock" is interesting in the depiction of power relationships between employer and employee, and the shifting first-person style of telling the story works here. I never heard of Fearing before reading this novel, but he evidently had a deep understanding of the motivations of very different kinds of people. This novel has the most suspense of the collection, and is a great and sophisticated read.

The most surprising and bizzare novel is "Nightmare Alley," a strange and memorable journey of an aspiring carnival charlatan. It defines Sleaze. The longest and most complex novel, it feels like a long-lost classic that's been hidden away because of its disturbing content. Some may think of it as too long, but the twisting journey through sweaty farming towns, railroad stations and addled big-city martiarchs required time to establish some crediblity: by the end, I was convinced that such a grotesque collection of stunts actually belonged in the story of this country. "Nightmare Alley" alone is worth the price of the book. Fans of Tarot might be a little offended, but this is especially recommended for understanding fans of Ray Bradbury.

Finally, "I Married a Dead Man" by Woolrich is a suspense novel set up by a tragic accident. The protagonist, literally and figuratively hungry, siezes the opportunity to substitute herself into a more fortunate woman's life. Excellently done, and more grounded in comparison to "Nightmare Alley."

Overall, there's no legitimately weak entry in this collection. The variety of content in these novels is enormous, and acquiring this book will allow the reader to experience the different flavors of American Noir. Most modern crime/suspense movies will seem ridiculous by comparison.

Three Famous Short Novels: Spotted Horses Old Man The Bear

Average customer rating:

The Bear
A critical look at The Bear
Three short novels by America's greatest writer.
Not for children

Three Famous Short Novels: Spotted Horses Old Man The Bear
William Faulkner
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Anthologies | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Turtle Island (A New Directions Book)
The Hudson River school
Wilderness and the American Mind, Fourth Edition
Selected Short Stories of William Faulkner (Modern Library)
Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry and Applications

ASIN: 0394701496
Release Date: 1958-02-12

Book Description

Three different ways to approach Faulkner, each of them representative of his work as a whole. Includes "Spotted Horses," "Old Man," and his famous "The Bear."

Customer Reviews:

The Bear.......2003-11-18

This was a challenging story, like all works of Faulkner. But also a very rewarding story. When you finish this one you feel like you have been somewhere... truly immersed in a time period... truly immersed in a family.
No author, ever... has had the knack of creating a world of ordinary people so expertly intertwined throughout his novels. Faulkner either by design or accident (I doubt that??) has created a rich tapestry in his books, of characters subtlely connected by time and circumstance.
I have read The Sound and the Fury and most of Light in August; and it is not difficult to see the connections in just these two books plus the short story The Bear. Everything I have chanced to read by this amazing author has had careful, deep, intricate connections to the other works.
I know this is a well known fact... but the way in which Faulkner executes it, leaves me amazed each and every time I encounter it.
The Bear is a coming of age story about Ike McCaslin. It traces his development to a young man through several vingettes. Each time we see him he is involved in a hunt. That is until the last 2 sections in which we see him at age 21 looking back on his family history and discussing his right to the land. Once we see him as a young boy and then onward into his teenage years.
The story revolves around an aged bear who roams the forests and swamps where they hunt. It is interesting to see Ike develop as a hunter and man, as the hunters get closer and closer to the old bear.
There are many rich characters in this story.... far to many for me to touch on in this short review.
A big theme that impressed me in this one was how our personal history is inexticably tied to the land we grow up on. Ike McCaslin was, "who" he was because of where he was from, and he could never escape that fact.
Faulkner was an author unafraid to delve into the scriptures in developing his ideas. I believe his use of scriptural narratives only serves to strengthen his work. What he says, rings with authority when he uses Abraham, Adam and Eve as illustrations. He expertly uses the story of Abrahams travels to the promised land to show how his characters have squandered their "rights" to the land they grew up on... their "promised land".
There is no doubt William Faulkner knew how to put a story together. Any of his works, beg to be read again and again. I will surely be picking this one up again... I recommend it to anyone who loves books! William Faulkner is a giant in the world of literature!

A critical look at The Bear.......2003-02-14

Among Faulkner's best work, The Bear is more than a simple story of the hunt for an ellusive bear. Faulkner uses the backdrop of the hunt in 19th century Mississippi to show the progress his protagonist, Ike McCaslin, makes towards the unltimate achievement of man. Faulkner was convinced of the godd that man is capable of; Ike, the typical Faulkner youth seen in other works, shows this idea in full detail.
Ike begins his hunt as a young man, growing to accept the ways of nature as taught to him by a fallen Indian chief. The connotations of a fallen race abound in the story, yet they are no more obvious than in the detailed fourth chapter. Readers are advised not to merely skim this section; it remains one of the best testaments to Faulkner's ability to create some of the most complex material of the 20th century.

Three short novels by America's greatest writer........2002-08-06

Three Famous Short Novels gathers together three long and diverse works by America's greatest writer (that's my opinion, others my contest it, I will only agree to disagree). Spotted Horses is a humorous tale culled from the pages of The Hamlet, the first novel in the famous Snopes Family Trilogy. The Bear is the expanded version of the somber and mythic hunting story about the killing a legendary bear that means so much more than just that. The final story is the exciting adventure yarn Old Man and was one half of the two conjoined novellas that made up The Wild Palms (aka If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem). Although each story has more power than many writers have in their entire output, they acheive even more when woven into the wide fabric of Faulkner's far reaching, generations spanning Jefferson, Mississippi. Required reading.

Not for children.......2001-10-29

If you expected Faulkner's "The Bear" to be as difficult as "Pat the Bunny" you will be deeply disappointed. High school teachers may assign it in segments to English classes, but it is at heart an adult story, with deep seams of place and poetry. In this coming of age novella, the relationship between the boy Isaac and Old Ben the bear takes place against the backdrop of threatened forest land. Faulkner's passionate writing about the value of the woods rings true for nature conservationists today. The lengthy section on Civil War ghosts and the equivocality of inheritance, often considered an intrusion within the main narrative, also rewards careful reading. As for Faulkner's infamous run-on sentences -- well, here they are on full steam ahead, and even Faulkner's machismo is forgiveable in the context of his marvellous sentences.

Average customer rating:

Beware: child's edition
what rubbish...
OK
The book and the movie are two entirely different things
great

The Horse Whisperer
Nicholas Evans
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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The Horse Whisperer
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ASIN: B0000AA9KE

Amazon.com

The Horse Whisperer is a story made in Hollywood heaven. The novel was written by a first-time author, and the film option was snapped up by aging heartthrob Robert Redford for 3 million smackers. Why take such risks on a brand-spanking-new author? The answer becomes clear upon reading the touching tale.

One morning while teenage Grace Maclean is riding Pilgrim, her goofy, loveable pony, she has a horrendous glass-shattering, bone-splintering, ligament-lynching meeting with a megaton truck that leaves her and her four-legged friend damaged in mind, body, and spirit. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, her jaded, brilliant, bitchy mom, Annie Graves (Kristin Scott Thomas in the 1998 film) is working out a wrinkle in her self-absorbed existence when she gets a call at her plush, Manhattan office about Grace's accident. Racked with guilt, Graves makes it her calling to find the mythical horse whisperer, an equine Zen master who has the ability to heal horses (and broken souls) with soothing words and a gentle touch. Just when it seems he can't be found, what do you know, she finds him. He arrives in the form of Tom Booker-- a rugged, sensitive, dreamy cowboy who helps Pilgrim and Grace repair their fractured selves. To add more mesquite to fire, Booker has a way with not-so-injured, attractive, married women--like Annie. As the plot thickens, so does the familial strife, which threatens to undo Booker's healing work.

Like an expert cinematographer, Evans deftly crafts each scene with precision and clarity, sprinkling in ominous signs and foreboding images. For example, in the opening paragraphs, as Annie starts out on the tragic ride, she comes across a bloody bird wing that seems to have fallen out of nowhere. The weight of impending doom is further strengthened by the truck driver's bad luck--he has a run-in with the highway patrol just moments before his meeting with Grace and Pilgrim. These not-so-subtle subliminal messages are masterfully stitched in throughout the story and may compel readers to act as if they were watching a B-grade horror movie, shouting aloud, "Don't go there!" However sentimental, The Horse Whisperer is an engaging read, sort of like a finely tuned, well-edited film. --Rebekah Warren

Book Description

A forty-ton truck hurtles out of control on a snowy country road, a teenage girl on horseback in its path.  In a few terrible seconds the life of a family is shattered.  And a mother's quest begins -- to save her maimed daughter and a horse driven mad by pain.  It is an odyssey that will bring her to...

The Horse Whisperer

He is the stuff of legend.  His voice can calm wild horses and his touch heal broken spirits.  For secrets uttered softly into pricked and troubled ears, such men were once called Whisperers.  Now Tom Booker, the inheritor of this ancient gift, is to meet his greatest challenge.

Annie Graves has traveled across a continent with her daughter, Grace, and their wounded horse, Pilgrim, to the Booker ranch in Montana.  Annie has risked everything -- her career, her marriage, her comfortable life -- in her desperate belief that the Whisperer can help them.  The accident has turned Pilgrim savage.  He is now so demented and dangerous that everyone says he should be destroyed.  But Annie won't give up on him, for she feels his fate is inextricably entwined with that of her daughter, who has retreated into a heartrending, hostile silence.  Annie knows that if the horse dies, something in Grace will die too.

In the weeks to come, under the massive sky of the Rocky Mountain Front, all their lives -- including Tom Booker's -- will be transformed forever in a way none could have foretold.  At once an epic love story and a gripping adventure, The Horse Whisperer weaves an extraordinary tale of healing and redemption -- a magnificent emotional journey that explores our ancient bonds with earth and sky and hearts untamed.  It is a stirring elegy to the power of belief and self-discovery, to hopes lost and found again.

Customer Reviews:

Beware: child's edition.......2007-08-23

Was not aware the edition would be children. Good to know when ordering in the future.

what rubbish..........2007-08-22

cant believe this went to be a best seller....the writing is terrible, the characters unlikable, and Evans resorts to the same drivel that most romance writers on adulterous affairs use ie. it is beyond their control, meant to happen, etc. etc. BUT, the ending is such that it always remains bitter sweet, with no regrets, no guilt! The fact that this many people actually liked it says something about our morality as well as our literary sense.

OK.......2007-04-14

A great beginning and a great climax, it was the in-between that I found to be a little tedious at times. The stand out sections are the action and relationships between the horse Pilgrim, his 13 year old owner Grace and Tom Booker the "Horse Whisperer". I found the romance annoying.
It wasn't a bad read, but I don't see myself reading any more Nicholas Evans at this stage.

The book and the movie are two entirely different things.......2007-04-05

I had mixed feelings about "The Horse Whisperer" by Nicholas Evans. No matter who you are, the story invokes such strong feelings. I got to the point where I didn't want to read the book anymore because certain parts drove me to tears; yet I find myself constantly rereading it. The story is a good one, and there are many things you don't see coming. Also, keep in mind that this is not a book for children (has a couple sex scenes).

I read the book before I saw the movie (The Horse Whisperer). This was probably the right choice. However, if you haven't read the book, and have only seen the movie, you must be aware that they are completely different. The endings in particular.

Overall, I'd recommend this book, but be sure to tell them to be prepared. It's an emotional rollercoaster ride. If you're looking for more a book for a younger audience about horses, check out Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. Or a more mature audience might enjoy The Black Stallion by Walter Farley.

great.......2007-03-20

could have done without the ending, see the movie if you want a diferent ending, but still an amazing book.

Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of a Horse and a Man Who Changed the World

Average customer rating:

Study of times, people, animals and goodness
Altruism or Commercialism
Both Beautiful!
Wonderful story--but poorly told
A book well worth every word.

Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of a Horse and a Man Who Changed the World
Mim Eichler Rivas
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Life Lessons from a Ranch Horse
Hollywood Hoofbeats: Trails Blazed Across the Silver Screen
Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of the World's Smartest Horse
Big Horses Good Dogs And Straight Fences: Musings of Everyday Ranch Life
In the Company of Horses: A Year on the Road With Horseman Mark Rashid

ASIN: 0060567031
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Amazon.com

An inspirational tale that was nearly buried beneath the detritus of time (namely floods and fires), Beautiful Jim Key recalls the remarkable life of a remarkable horse at the turn of the previous century. Revered not for his speed on the track, Beautiful Jim Key was instead a cerebral celebrity who electrified fairgoers from St. Louis to Boston with apparent feats of mathematics, reading, and writing, even making change for a dollar. But as might be expected, author Mim Eichler Rivas's story is about much more than a horse from Tennessee imbued with a staggering intellect. It's also about Jim Key's equally remarkable trainer, Dr. William Key, a black man and onetime slave who narrowly survived the American Civil War, prospered against all odds, and emerged as a wealthy inventor, self-trained veterinarian, and community pillar. Dr. Key's use of kindness and patience to train Jim, rather than the de rigueur tactics of beatings and intimidation, gave way to fresh thinking about animal husbandry at a time when animals were considered virtually inanimate. And then some: "The horse and the man from Tennessee had not only helped pioneer the humane movement but had, over the past seven years, in direct and indirect ways, changed the face of popular entertainment. [Suddenly], the big-budgeted theatrical productions began adding nonhuman cast members to their shows." The author provides ample scene-setting color, especially when describing the various exhibitions Jim Key headlined, and does a reasonably good job of footnoting her various claims about Jim's mental prowess, though occasionally the reader wonders how, exactly, she decoded the horse's thought process. Her writing style is also somewhat tepid, but still, there is no doubt that Jim Key was an exceptional horse in an exceptional era guided by an exceptional man. Thanks to Rivas, Seabiscuit must now share a posthumous marquee along with Beautiful Jim Key. --Kim Hughes

Book Description

For close to a century, a majestic chapter of American history has been buried in an obscure grave in Shelbyville, Tennessee. BEAUTIFUL JIM KEY, the onetime ugly duckling of a scrub colt that became one of the most heralded and beloved heroes of his day, was famous neither for his beauty nor his speed but instead for his exceptional intelligence. Said to have an I.Q. equivalent to that of a human sixth-grader, Jim exploded on to the national scene in 1897 by demonstrating inexplicable abilities to read, write, spell, do mathematics, tell time, sort mail, cite biblical passages, and debate politics.

For the next nine years, Jim performed in nationwide expositions and world's fairs to wildly receptive crowds, smashing box-office records, overcoming hurdles of prejudice and skepticism, all the while winning rapturous praise from the press and leaders such as President McKinley, Booker T. Washington, and Alice Roosevelt Longworth.

In this breathtaking saga, Jim's astonishing journey is coupled with that of his trainer and best friend, Dr. William Key, a self-taught veterinarian, former slave, Civil War veteran, prominent African-American entrepreneur, and one of the most renowned horse whisperers of his time -- a man who shunned all force in the training of horses, instead relying on kindness and patience.

Masterful storyteller and bestselling author Mim Eichler Rivas at long last gives two cultural icons their due, not only unraveling the mystery of their disappearance but examining how, thanks to the rare and intimate relationship between horse and man that was championed by promoter and humane activist Albert R. Rogers, a dramatic shift took place in the public mind that made kindness to animals a cornerstone of modern civilization and helped launch the animal rights movement. Unveiled against the backdrop of American history, BEAUTIFUL JIM KEY is their incredible tale.

Customer Reviews:

Study of times, people, animals and goodness.......2007-09-28

This story of a good man who made a good life for himself, his family and his animals, built from circumstances that were to say the least, less than the best, is a case study in human nature.

I cannot help but contrast Dr. Key with Michael Vic. Key was a man born into slavery and from that experience, chose to treat all life with respect. He and his horse became a catalyst for the change in public sentiment that came as a result of his goodness toward animals and activity the American Humane Movement. Michael Vic who, when also given a life of plenty, choose the opposite path. It seems to be a sad commentary.

I must heartily endorse the book. It is a good story and a good read.

Altruism or Commercialism.......2007-09-03

I found this story an interesting story about race relations and progress in teaching society about kindness to animals at the turn of the 19-20th century -- after I got through the heavy emphasis on commercialsim. However, the heavy thread of commercialism that ran throughout was very off-putting to me -- probably it was a big thread in the author's source materials. She tried to present the story with the exploitation of Jim Key's talents as a key to acceptance of kindness of animals in our society as a main theme -- but I saw that as more of a side benefit of the humans' desire to become wealthy -- a "gimmick" used to further the commercialization of Jim Key. To me altruism truly exists only where the primaries are not attempting to gain anything for themselves, whether that be money, reputation, or praise. Hence this story is about commercialization, not altruism. Now it is true that Bill Key highly valued kindness to animals and that he was uncompromising about the right of Jim Key to enjoy the wealth too -- and that was a great and unusual characteristic at that time (and probably still is today) -- but it does not change the fact that commercialization seems to me to be the main theme of the story. In fact the author seems to make more points about the promoter's innovative commercializations than she does about the progress of teaching kindness to animals.

Both Beautiful!.......2007-05-07

Both Jim Key and Dr. Key were beautiful! What a lovely story...even better because it's true. Mim Rivas' research is extensive and detailed. It's good that a documentary is in the works...so that others will know the story...and perhaps read the book.

Wonderful story--but poorly told.......2007-03-18

I am a longtime horse and animal lover, as well as a person with active interests in the humane movement. I was so excited to hear about this book--especially since I live in middle Tennessee and have been to Shelbyville numerous times and had never heard of Jim Key or the humans surrounding him.

However, I finished reading the book tonight and was left feeling terribly frustrated. The book was confusingly written--at times it seemed more like a stream-of-consciousness narration than a compilation or unearthing of a historical story. The author's lack of attention to timelines made it difficult to follow--a less interested reader would probably have put it down early on. In addition, there was such obvious and annoying bias towards A.R. Rogers and his odd behavior after Dr. Key passed--the flowery adjectives used to describe him are less fit for anything resembling history but more for one of the pamphlets he'd have written! Those are just a few of the flaws of this book, sadly obscuring a wonderful and unknown history.

I'm no great author, but I do love reading and good writing. This book was a terrible disappointment. That said--it is an amazing story that other reviewers have summed up nicely, and that alone garners the 2 stars.

A book well worth every word........2007-01-29

There are those who have horses, then there are those who love and live with them. This book will truely touch the heart of those whos' horses are part of the family, and not just an object to be sold when no longer usefull. Me and my wife have aquired 12 horses who are perfectly healthy, but other people tossed away as used cars. We have seen that even though they are not as intelligent as Jim Key they do possess the ability to think and act unlike what most give credit for. This story made me cry as well as smile and just admire this magnificant horse. Its so true today we need another Jim Key as animal abuse still runs rampit in our society, but thanks to him and his influence, many, many animals are spared and saved by our human societies of today. I also found the history of William Key very fascinating, bringing your mind insync with the way those lived back then and how both the man and his horse faced the same obsticles in early american society on two differant levels. This book is sure to open ones mind not only to the feelings and wellfare of our animals, but even those feelings of our fellow human beings, no matter what race or color they may be as horses of all colors can get along in a herd, maybe we should be learning from these so called "stupid animal" as so many portray them. I have since then payed a visit to the Jim Key memorial as I needed to see for myself, to be closer in body as the book took me there already in mind. I thank the author for her hard work and research for such a book which is already affecting us once again, even to the point that Breyer has released a Jim Key model and I only hope to see this story maybe taken further into a full length movie or film, another true story which will surely equal if not surpass that of our other famous equines who have etched thier names in the making and history of our own race.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing
Impressive Work
Excellent Book: Truly Great Horse, Truly Interesting Time
The Best!!!!
Man of War: A Legend Like Lightening

Man o' War: A Legend Like Lightning
Dorothy Ours
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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The Kingmaker: How Northern Dancer Founded a Racing Dynasty
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ASIN: 0312340990
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Book Description

Man oWar is the extraordinary story of the legendary racehorse and the people near him whose lives he changed forever. Born in 1917, Man o War grew from a rebellious youngster into perhaps the greatest racehorse of all time. His lone defeat, suffered a few weeks before gamblers fixed the 1919 World Series, spawned lasting rumors that he, too, had been victim of a fix. Tackling old beliefs with newly uncovered evidence, Man oWar explores a colorful sports struggle for integrity through the career of one of its brightest stars. The heroics of Man o War, tribulations of his archrival Sir Barton (Americas first Triple Crown winner), and temptations of their Hall of Fame jockeys and trainers weave a compelling tale of grace, disgrace, and elusive redemption. Dramatic and authentic, Man oWar illuminates the mystique of this legendary horse.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2007-10-17

I suspect many folks considering this book are like me: really loved Seabiscuit, looking for more like it. This book had some glowing reviews on its cover (including one from Laura Hillenbrand) and mostly favorable reviews here, so I was optimistic. But I found the book very disappointing. The quality of the writing is second-rate. Her knowledge of the subject seems fine, but I wasn't looking for facts, I was looking for an engaging story. I wish I'd read the first 10 or 20 pages before buying it.

Impressive Work.......2007-08-24

Dorothy Ours weaves a rich tapestry based on thorough research and fine writing. I couldn't put this book down. It was a weekend well spent.

Excellent Book: Truly Great Horse, Truly Interesting Time.......2007-07-21

I love horse racing so starting reading this book out of that interest. I found, however, that the subject matter necessarily went well beyond what is arguably the greatest race horse. Big Red's influence transcended sports and wove itself into the fabric of American Society. There is a good reason Man o' War's name is immediately recognized by the general public almost 100 years removed. Ms. Ours, in an extremely well-researched, well-written and extremely entertaining work, provides us with a legend and his times. If you have an interest in racing, don't miss this. If you have an interest in early 1900 America and like a good story, well told, Man o' War is worth your money and time.

The Best!!!!.......2007-07-11

I loved this book it had indepth info on MAN O' WAR that I did not know about. After reading this book you will know doubt agree that he is THE HORSE OF THE CENTURY! Wow!

Man of War: A Legend Like Lightening.......2007-06-14

The writing was well done. The story was interesting and gave a glimpse into the time when American racing was developing into a more organized and sophisticated sport. Also, Man of War, was a horse we all remember,even though we didn't live in his era. A great history of racing about the greatest racehorse that ever lived. I would highly recommend
the book.

The Odds Must Be Crazy: Beating the Races with the Man Who Revolutionized Handicapping

Average customer rating:

the odds are crazy
What's he selling?
The "Sheets"
This book should definitely improve your handicapping.
An absolute "must" for anyone serious about horse racing

The Odds Must Be Crazy: Beating the Races with the Man Who Revolutionized Handicapping
Len Ragozin , Len Friedman , and Richard Steier
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books
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Bet With the Best: Expert Strategies from America's Leading Handicappers (Drf Handicapping Library)

ASIN: 0316604976

Customer Reviews:

the odds are crazy.......2006-01-14

Definitely worth reading, interesting views (not the normal speed, pace, bias, trip stuff). Wish book had more on handicapping however.

What's he selling?.......2006-01-07

This book seems to be more of a 200 page ad for Sheets than anything else. There are some entertaining elements and a little handicapping, but overall he seems to be stroking his ego and taking shots at Beyer's methods. The book is more of a commentary on Ragozin's life than insight into his methods.

The "Sheets".......2005-11-23

This is one of a few "must have" books for the serious handicapper. It explains the development of the racehorse in terms of speed. Rags has developed several angles that are now common racetrack jargon, such as the "bounce" and "looping back around" to a better back number. He explains several patterns of two year olds, then the three year olds, and finally older horses. Whether you buy the "sheets" or are a small better that uses the 50 cent track program, you will learn alot. Its a facinating read and I highly recommend it.

This book should definitely improve your handicapping........2002-07-01

You don't need to purchase The Sheets to benefit from Len Ragozin's insight. You may, as some have, find a way to incorporate his theories into your personal methodology. Understanding thoroughbred form cycles is critical to successful wagering and this book shows the way. But you will have to work a little to master the concepts he presents. Until Ragozin wrote this book I was mystified by the unpredictable declines and sudden rises in the performances of young horses. Now some of my best bets come in three year old races. And I don't subscribe to the expensive figures.
What I have learned is worth many times the purchase price.

An absolute "must" for anyone serious about horse racing.......1999-06-21

While Len Ragozin may, in part, be promoting his Sheet service, he does begin to impart very important information about the sport, handicapping, and some of the aspects of the game that necessitated the development of his number system. He actually does disclose how to develop the numbers, the problem is, partly, in getting the raw data that goes into them. Ultimately, it is the analysis of the numbers and the patterns combined with sound money management that offers the promise of success at the windows. Read the book. Adapt the handicapping principles to the information available from the Daily Racing Form, if you wish. One thing I think you will find is that Len Ragozin wants to share his knowledge and wisdom. The data, however, is for sale.

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