The Cat Who Went Up the Creek

Book Description

Qwill and the cats-Koko and Yum Yum-are at the Nutcracker Inn in Black Creek when a drowned guest puts a damper on their stay. And if they don't solve the murder soon, they're going to be up the creek without a paddle...

Customer Reviews:

The Cat Who Went up the Creek.......2007-09-24

Jim Qwilleran is an unintentional sleuth. He credits all of the detective action to his Siamese cat, KoKo. I find this series of books to be light entertainment and quite enjoyable....

Another Lillian Jackson Braun Winner.......2007-02-22

One of the Best Cat Who Books Written. I am a real fan of Lillian Jackson Braun. The Cat Who Went Up the Creek will entertain all mystery lovers. An Extra Treat for Cat Lovers that love Mysteries. As usual Quill and Koko are delightful. It is like curling up with an old friend, when you open the book.

The usual is great!.......2005-08-02

This Cat Who is the usual story, but oh what fun to read! This whole series is terrific for a "lay out in the sun read"! Ms. Braun writes a story that is an easy, fun, quick read. If you are interested in just having a good time read the "Cat Who" series!

THE BEST BOOK SERRIES EVER.......2005-02-18

The Cat Who is the best serries ever full of humor wit and complexity,
James Macentosh Qwilerin is a off beat repoter/Billion air with his 2 cats Koko and Yumyum who are no shorter than extra ordinary.
This is the best book serries I have ever read and would recomend it to any one over 10.
Trevor Oliver
12 Years old

A novel that pulls you along to the very end!.......2004-02-14

Lilian Jackson Braun's book, The Cat Who Went Up The Creek, is the 24th book in a 26 book series. Braun provides a mystery that is easy to follow yet entertaining to the reader. This book captures the hearts of cat lovers and mystery fans everywhere. The Cat Who Went Up The Creak involves a columnist for a small town newspaper named Jim Qwilleran. Qwill, as the locals call him, decides to spend two weeks in the historic Nutcracker Inn in order to help the Nutcracker's owner pinpoint just what is causing the "dark cloud" to hang over the Inn. During Qwill's short stay of just two weeks, he meets interesting people and is faced with some extremely suspicious happenings that will keep you guessing.
If you are planning on reading through the entire series, then buying this book may be to your advantage. With so many books in the series, it would be nice to look back and refresh your memory on certain events. I would suggest starting with the first book in the series so you understand exactly what is going on and who the characters are. I'm confident that after reading a few of these fascinating books you will choose your favorite and want to read it over and over again!

Up the Creek with a Paddle: Beat MS and Many Autoimmune Disorders with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

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If you have MS or any autoimmune disease...READ THIS BOOK!
Very interesting!!!
Mary Anne Bradley is an Angel
Recommended!
If you have MS this book is for you!

Up the Creek with a Paddle: Beat MS and Many Autoimmune Disorders with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Mary Anne Boyle Bradley
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1413765998

Book Description

The story is simple. It is about love, life and hope. After years of battling with the onslaught of her husband's Multiple Sclerosis, Mary stumbled on a little known doctor in New York City, Dr. Bernard Bihari. Many people were making very bold claims about his work on the Internet. They claimed that Dr. Bihari knew how to stop every type of MS from progressing. Even better, it was claimed that he could help everyone with an autoimmune disorder, ranging from psoriasis to AIDS. It was claimed that Dr. Bihari could help them with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Eventually, Mary's husband took a leap of faith and put Dr. Bihari's work to the test. LDN worked. It stopped his MS from progressing. Her uncle with Parkinson's Disease also tried it. Again LDN worked. It stopped his Parkinsons from progressing. Since September 2002, a world-wide campaign has ignited with passionate momentum, to get the already FDA-approved drug medically recognized for treating MS and all autoimmune disorders. LDN is cheap and has no known side effects. The ambition is for LDN to hit the masses and improve the lives of millions. The trials are near, making this a very exciting time for the LDN community and everyone who suffers from an autoimmune disorder.

Customer Reviews:

If you have MS or any autoimmune disease...READ THIS BOOK!.......2007-10-11

I was diagnosed with MS in July 05 at 29. In Jan of 06 I ended up paralyzed from the waist down due to an severe exacerbation. I was not on any of the C.R.A.B. drugs at the time, but was using holistic remedies that I had read about. After getting out of the hospital I went on Copaxone. While it seemed to help, I was not thrilled about taking a shot everyday nor the $3000 a month cost of the medication. I was relentless when it came to looking for other therapies. I stumbled on this book by just searching for literature on MS here on Amazon. The book looked unassuming, but the title was too intriquing to pass up. I bought the book and read the entire thing the day I received it. WOW! I was so excited! I was having difficulty finding a Dr. to prescribe LDN as most seem to follow the standard protocol to avoid lawsuits or because of pressure from drug companies. I emailed Mary and she emailed me back and within a week I found my current doctor and have not looked back. I have been on LDN since mid April and am so thankful! My muscle spasms have decreased so much I don't have to take any other meds for them. My bladder dysfunction still persists, but is so much improved that I only take half the dosage of those pills now. And, it is SOO nice only taking a pill at night before bed than giving yourself injections everyday. Finally, the cost!! I spend $30 a month for my LDN. My costs have been cut 100 fold. If you have MS or any autoimmune disease I would encourage you to read this book. Everyone (NMSS in particular) keeps touting that an oral medication is just around the corner....IT'S ALREADY HERE AND AVAILABLE!!!!

Very interesting!!!.......2007-09-23

After 10 years of traditional therapy I decided after a lot of research to try LDN. The book was easy and enjoyable to read. Shared with my support group. This treatment has some remarkable success but little support
since trials are rarely done. It would be fantastic to have an inexpensive drug recognized for its positive benefit on chronic debilitating illnesses. We need the $$$$ signs to go out of the drug companies mentality and push to investigate and be positive on helping so many who struggle daily. Maybe more success stories need to be published.

Mary Anne Bradley is an Angel.......2007-01-30

I was recently diagnosed with MS this past June and through an incredibly fortunate turn of events,my In-Laws suggested I read Mary Anne's book...which I did. It is so well written,chock full of imperitive information that I was not receiving through the medical community,provided much insight into this desease,and at times humorous and touched me in an amazing way. Yet, I was even more touched to again have the incredible good fortune to actually meet Mary Anne and her husband Noel in person in July. To say that she and her family have been thoroughly instimental while I'm on this journey is an understatement.'Up the Creek with a Paddle' is an absolute must-read for anyone grappling with a life-altering disease, whether the person directly affected or the caregivers/family/friends. LDN has provided me with such massive help and hope and had it not been for Mary Anne Bradley, I would never have known about LDN's existance. To read this book and learn of LDN will turn your life around, to have met Mary Anne and Noel Bradley restores your faith in true Earth-bound Angels!Thanks for them both and thanks for 'Up the Creek with a Paddle' will never be enough. Mary Anne is a true pioneer and has the fortitude and tenacity that is seemingly lacking in the medical community on a whole.Her book should be a must-read for anyone going through very difficult medical challenges...not exclusive to MS. Thank you so very, very much for everything, Mary Anne!!!
Kelly Collentine

Recommended!.......2006-11-06

LDN is a treatment for MS (and other autoimmune diseases) that MUST be taken seriously by the medical and research communities. Mary Bradley gives an easy to read personal account of her LDN journey on behalf of her husband who has MS. She is articulate, informed, and shares a wonderful sense of humor. Clearly she did her homework before pushing her husband to try LDN and readers can benefit from the work she did. Her ongoing efforts to get clinical trials for the use of LDN in the treatment of MS and other diseases demonstrates her compassion and dedication to others who are dealing with these conditions.

One of the most important contributions Ms. Bradley makes is the hope she gives to those suffering from MS and those of us who love them. In fact, my sister emailed her about her daughter/my niece (diagnosed with MS in 9/05)and Mary Bradley CALLED her back! She was full of hope and encouragement which meant so much to my family. Read this book! It is full of valuable information and the author really cares!

If you have MS this book is for you!.......2006-08-20

It is a well writen book detailing how hard it is to get movement
within the medical world, to approve a drug that is better than anything on the market,is generic, and is not expensive.

The medical world will not press for a medical trial, which is
quite expensive, since it will not benifit the drug companys.

LDN is the real thing. READ THE BOOK.

Up Shit Creek: A Collection of Horrifyingly True Wilderness Toilet Misadventures

Average customer rating:

5 Rolls!
Horrifyingly, howlingly funny
Amusing in a childish way
Omigod omigod!
Not worth buying

Up Shit Creek: A Collection of Horrifyingly True Wilderness Toilet Misadventures
Joe Lindsay
Manufacturer: Ten Speed Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0898159393

Customer Reviews:

5 Rolls!.......2006-09-25

Without a doubt, one of the funniest books I've ever read. I bought this book while on vacation for some light reading and I've never laughed so hard in my life. I'll agree that it's not dinner material, but it's riotous reading.

One word of caution, don't have someone read this to you while you're trying to drive!

Horrifyingly, howlingly funny.......2004-04-14

I first bought this book as a gag for some of the guys I work with as a river guide. I made the mistake of reading it first, and laughed so hard I cried on several of the stories. My daughters were awakened by my laughter and came to see what mom thought was so funny. We (myself and 2 daughters) shared the laughter for a little over an hour, and many times since. It is the most often asked for book at my house, and, it has gone, and will continue to go on river trips and camping trips with me. Some people gross out when the stories are read aloud, but nearly all will pick it up, read it, and laugh about it in private.

Amusing in a childish way.......2001-09-03

Scatological humour is fine in the right place and in small doses. Up Sh*t Creek meets neither criteria. The right place is in the men's room, or round a camp fire, where this type of story can be related first hand by the participants or witnesses. Small doses simply means that one or two stories are enough. Up Sh*t Creek attempts to bring together dozens of toilet jokes and, by doing so, is guilty of overkill - the stories lose their impact.

Probably the best place for this book is in the room we all use but seldom discuss. There, the stories can be 'digested' little by little and might pass for a few chuckles. Don't expect anything too cerebral, don't buy the book if the discussion of bodily functions offends you, and don't lick your fingers as you turn the pages!

Omigod omigod!.......2000-11-27

This is not a book to be read immediately before or immediately after a meal.

You will learn more about the logistics of removing human waste from wilderness areas than you probably cared to know.

You may find yourself screaming in horror as you hurl this book as far as the walls of the bathroom will let you.

You will laugh and in the process, you will learn something about whitewater rafting from the stories, the diagrams, and the glossary in the back.

This is a bathroom classic. Choose your time for reading it carefully!

Not worth buying.......2000-10-30

I have what has been described (by my mother) as a bathroom sense of humor, so I thought I would enjoy this book. Instead, in the approximately 30 minutes it takes to read, I was rewarded with only one small chuckle. Around the campfire, well lubricated by consciousness changing substances, some of these stories could probably be a hit. On paper they are, well, boring and sophmoric. And don't think you'll be able to read them, then tell them to your friends around the campfire -- they won't translate in that sense. You're better off just making up your own stories. If you can imagine just one instance when a relatively small amount of feces ended up on your own or someone else's flesh, you already know everything this book has to offer.

Up the Creek : True Stories of Canoeists in Trouble

Average customer rating:

I'd Swim....Up The Creek

Up the Creek : True Stories of Canoeists in Trouble
Doug McKown
Manufacturer: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0071390901

Book Description

Nothing drives home the importance of safety in the wilderness like real-life stories of what can happen when these issues are ignored, even for a moment. In Up the Creek, some of the most experienced canoeists in North America confess their mistakes in true tales of hypothermia, near-drowning, close encounters with rapids, and more.

Fifty stories grouped by theme--Live and Learn; Random Acts of Nature; The Choices People Make; and others
Introductory chapter outlines principles of canoeing safety and judgment
Closing chapter reinforces the lessons of each story

Customer Reviews:

I'd Swim....Up The Creek.......2005-02-12

I'd swim up the creek for Up The Creek. This book combines stories that appeal to novice canoeists up to the most experienced canoeists. I laughed out loud at some stories and others I felt my heart sink. It combines the mishaps and adventures of tripping. I couldn't put the book down, I was addicted at the first page.
I hope there will be volume two in the future.

The Cat Who Went Up the Creek (The Cat Who Mysteries, 24)

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The Cat Who Went Up the Creek (The Cat Who Mysteries, 24)

Manufacturer: Recorded Books LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
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ASIN: 1402512716

Product Description

4 cassettes 5.25 hours. The game is afoot at the Nutcracker Inn in the village of Black Creek, famous for its black walnuts and for its squirrels, which keep Koko endlessly entertained as he fences with them. Joining the usual cast of characters are gold prospectors, wildlife photographers, pirates, and oh, yes, the game: bears! This varied melange conspires to keep Qwilleran and the cats on their toes as they face their latest challenge in Brauns seductively charming style.

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The Difinitive Elsie Companion!
MUCH RESEARCH AND TIME WENT INTO THIS SUPER BOOK!

On The Banks of Big Elk Creek
Barbara Zahn
Manufacturer: Hibbard Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1931343152

Book Description

Martha Finley, essentially a private person, was as much taken aback by the popularity that came to her on account of her authorship of The Elsie Books as her readers were captivated by the words she penned. On the Banks of Big Elk Creek, though a fictionalized account of Miss Finley's life, nevertheless draws upon as much information and knowledge about her as is currently available. It will appeal to children of all ages or anyone wanting to know more about this delightful author. Here is what Barabara Zahn, author of this engaging biography, has to say about this subject: "Knowing that Martha Finley lived in our small town while writing the famous Elsie series built in me a desire to research and share with others the life of this wonderful, deeply religious woman. As The Elsie Books have become so popular all across the country, it is only fitting that readers should know more about this beloved author."

Customer Reviews:

The Difinitive Elsie Companion!.......2001-04-21

Reading the book On the Banks of Big Elk Creek: The Life of Martha Finley was a wonderful way get a glimpse of the godly woman behind the Elsie Book series. My children have enjoyed the Elsie Books and have added them to our list of favorite 19th century girls' books but have always wanted to know more about the author. This little book is the perfect companion to Finley's Elsie series. Big Elk Creek is like a living history lesson, when we see the ninteenth century through Finley's eyes, and it also helps us understand the very talented and devout lady of great character that she is. An added bonus is living only a short day's ride from Elkton, Philadelphia, and the New Jersey Shore described in the book that will offer opportunities to visit some of these favorite Elsie/Finley sights with my little children. Then her books will really come alive for them and I'm sure they will love them enough to share them with their children! I know the book is historical fiction, but there are enough facts there to tell us much about Finley: that she enjoyed wild financial success, even for a man in the 19th century - having made nearly a quarter million dollars in her day, that she was prolific at writing - more than 100 books, that she was both critically acclaimed and criticized - and read my more than a million readers, but mostly that she gave us a heroine for girls in Elsie like no other, before or since; the ideal little girl. I highly recommend this book to be read by mothers and little girls alike, as an inspirational life to be emulated today.

MUCH RESEARCH AND TIME WENT INTO THIS SUPER BOOK!.......1998-08-21

iT WAS A THRILL TO READ THIS BOOK. IT BROUGHT TO LIFE THOSE TIMES IN WHICH MARTHA FINLEY WAS RAISED. AND BEING FROM ELKTON, MARYLAND, IT WAS ESPECIALLY INTERESTING TO READ ABOUT MY HOMETOWN!!!

The Carpet of Bones (Wood, Lena, Elijah Creek & the Armor of God, Bk. 7.)

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The Carpet of Bones (Wood, Lena, Elijah Creek & the Armor of God, Bk. 7.)
Lena Wood
Manufacturer: Standard Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0784715351

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Dawsons creek scrap book
The real thing, straight from the show, by its own admission
Good for the 'major' fans!
The low down on the lifes of the star's at Dawson's Creek!
The book is a must have for fans.

The Official Dawson's Creek Scrapbook
K. S. Rodriguez
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0671026739

Book Description

The official collectors' edition is a must-have for every fan. Here's the behind-the-scenes scoop on today's hottest TV show and its stars: Katie Holmes (Joey), James Van Der Beek (Dawson), Joshua Jackson (Pacey), and Michelle Williams (Jen). This scrapbook is packed with information about the show, including:

Behind-the scenes news about the stars
A "Did You Know" section of extra facts about the show
How Dawson's Creek came to be -- straight from Kevin Williamson, the hit TV show's creator
What made it into the show -- and what didn't: actual script reproductions from the pilot episode
"Dawson fasten your seat belt. It's going to be a bumpy life," and other favorite character quotes
Styles of the stars

And over 80 full-color photos: close-up after close-up of your favorite characters, great group shots, and scenic images of Capeside, the place that Joey, Dawson, Pacey, and Jen call home.

The real thing, straight from the show.

Customer Reviews:

Dawsons creek scrap book.......2007-04-15

Its cool if you like dawsons creek. Its about the cast and characters, their history and life, behind the scenes, best catchphrases and some scripts from the show.

The real thing, straight from the show, by its own admission.......2003-05-28

I made my way to the WB as a result of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," so while I knew that "Dawson's Creek" was their teen soap opera but when a SNL skit made reference to Pacey I thought that was a different name for a girl. But when my students in Popular Culture begged to be able to write about this show for their television papers I started watching it (the gang was graduating from Capeside High in that episode). Last month when the show went into syndication and was available on DVD I was able to go back and watch the show all the way from the beginning and on through the grand finale (For the record, no, I was not surprised by who died or who Joey picked, not that I necessarily approved of either decision). In that context it is interesting to check out "Dawson's Creek: The Official Scrapbook" and relive the beginning once more.

The most interesting thing is that Kevin Williamson and the producers clearly thought that Michelle Williams as Jen, who had been an alien in "Species" and was about to co-star in "Dick" with Kirsten Dunst, was supposed to be the main female on the show. Of course, it ended up being Katie Holmes as Joey. Then there was the matter of Dawson's hair during that first season, which might not have made James Van Der Beek look five years young, but certainly made him look immature (although the book claims the look is supposed to be "poetic"). Then there are the "More than 80 photos!" promised on the cover, almost all of which are the four main heartthrobs in various combinations (but none of Joey and Pacey, oddly enough), and which easily convince me that Michelle Williams smiling and showing her teeth looks a lot better than smiling with just her lips (you have to pay attention to details like this to really appreciate a show).

The main thing is that this scrapbook is fan friendly. You get short bios of both the four characters and the actors playing them, shots of the locations where the show was filmed, shots of some of the favorite scenes, and the best lines from the first season (e.g., "I just think out emerging hormones are destined to alter our relationship and I'm trying to limit the fallout"). There is also a brief section on "Styles of the Stars" where we learn Pacey is "a D student with a Julius Caesar haircut" and a couple of pages of actual scripts from the show (that is "couple" as in two). The chief attraction remains the inside tidbits, as to who was creator Kevin Williamson's high school sweetheart that served as the model for Joey (Fanny Norwood), the name of Josh Jackson's Rhodesian Ridgeback (Shumba), and where they film the exterior scenes for Capeside High (University of North Carolina at Wilmington). So, what you end up with is not great, but certainly worthwhile at this price.

Good for the 'major' fans!.......2001-03-31

This is good for fans of dawsons creek. Its full of pictures, but most are from the first season. Its not got a story line or anything its, just something to look threw that you would do very quickly and probably never look at again. If you just love the show, your gonna want to get this, but i would recoment getting one of the Dawsons Creek novels instead because they are far more entertaining!

The low down on the lifes of the star's at Dawson's Creek!.......1999-06-11

This book is a must have of any Dawson's Creek fan! The book doesn't have a story line like any other Dawson's Creek book but describe the lifes of the 4 main characters in the Creek and in real life. By reading this book you find out about the star's past , present and future television and film jobs . The book gives you information about which star bring's his dog to work every day , what starsign they are and what there nick-names were ! You also find out about the characters in the creek which is a great help to those people who haven't seen Dawson's Creek and don't know the back grounds of all the characters. If this hasn't grasped you there is a piece by the producer Kevin Wialliamson with his thoughts and comments. The book also has a copy of some of the original T.V script with Kevin Williamson comments . My favourite part of the book is a page full of some of the most famous quotes ever in Dawson's Creek which reminds you of past events in the Creek. Over all I find this book a inspiring guide to the minds of 4 of the most confused teenagers which makes it a perfect guide to Dawson's Creek!

The book is a must have for fans........1998-10-13

The book is a must have even though the true fans probably already know all of this stuff. The book has the best quotes and tells about the characters and the actors. The only thing people don't probably know is about the changes in the piot script. Over all its a pretty good book.

Average customer rating:

Funny, great mix of travel and entertainment

African creeks I have been up
Sue W Spencer
Manufacturer: D. McKay Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Africa | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007DZIN4

Customer Reviews:

Funny, great mix of travel and entertainment.......2001-02-07

This is a wonderful book, full of wit and sparkle. After being a huge hit over several printings, it's been unavailable except for collector copies for many years, so it's great to find it again, at least in audio form. If you haven't encountered Sue Spencer and her quirky sense of humor about her family's life in the African bush, you've missed a delight. The narrator does a good job with the tales, although her British accent isn't quite as appropriate as a Southern one would have been, for this Alabama-born author's style.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing work
This one kept me up until one in the morning
This one kept me up until one in the morning
The Creek was a Great Book!!!!
Roller Coaster Ride

The Creek
Jennifer L. Holm
Manufacturer: HarperTeen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060001356
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Book Description

Caleb Devlin is a legend, the boy who terrorized an entire town before Penny and her family family moved there. Now he's back, older and more dangerous than ever, and terrible things have begun to happen again. The whole town knows he's responsible, but the police can't do anything without proof. So Penny and her friends try to stop him themselves. Except now he's after them.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing work.......2006-08-24

This is possibly one of the most dreadful books I've recently read. I have not read Ms. Holm's Newbery Honor Book Our Only May Amelia, and, while I recognize that the book under discussion here represents a different genre for the author (horror rather than historical)I was expecting good writerly skills at least. As a teacher librarian, I am always on the look-out for scary titles for kids; however, as "scary" as some kids might find this, I would not want to put it on my school library's bookshelf. First of all, it is not clear who the intended audience is. Penny, the protagonist, is 12 (but in certain regards seems much younger than the twelve-year-olds I know), making it seem as though the book is intended for 10 to 12 year olds. The gore, however, as well as the sexual innuendo--Penny is attracted to neighborhood bad-boy and purported murderer Caleb--make the book more a young adult title. I found Penny and her friends problematic in more ways than this, however. The ongoing suggestion and, in some cases, description of animal suffering and torture were alarming. Frankly, I found it hard to believe that a 12-year-old should be so detached about the disappearance of her cat. The way the cat "re-appears" is not at all reassuring. Several times through the book, kids sit around burning ants (and, in one instance, worms) with magnifying glasses. Overall, I found Penny to be an unsympathetic and amoral creation. I didn't like her one bit, and I don't think many of the students I know would either.
I have had a chance to read one of Ms. Holm's Boston Jane books, which, though not a favorite, had its merits. This book, however, was disappointing, and frankly not something I like seeing kids waste their time on.

This one kept me up until one in the morning.......2006-06-21

The Creek was a great read. I was completely terrified by Caleb Devlin, the alleged criminal. I kept my mom updated with everything he did, and then continuously posted her on character complexities, and plot progression.

However, I was a little disappointed by the ending, it seemed weak and hurried and certainly didn't leave the reader either wondering or wanting more. I was a little disgusted, I have to say.

I actually read this book just because I pulled it randomly from a shelf in the teen section at my neighborhood library branch. I couldn't stop reading it or thinking about the book, and it kept me up pretty darn late one night.

Jennifer L. Holmes has some other books, namely the Boston Jane trilogy, which I absolutely loved, but they are much, much better than The Creek. I would recommend The Creek, but I would recommend Boston Jane MUCH more highly.

Nevertheless, this is an excellent read with just a weak ending. It certainly has many surprises and I always suspected the wrong person, and was very surprised to find out the real criminal.

On the subject of the real criminal: I never really understood WHY the killer did it (I'll avoid saying who it is for the purpose of a prospective reader) and it happened so quickly that I was sort of baffled when the book was over, because it seemed like the author had a big deadline to finish her book and so had to race through the last scene. I understand that the killer did all the unspeakable things he did because he wanted attention, but it's unclear why he wasn't satified with all the attention he got from his mother and new friends, and Penny, the main character.

Still, this is a deliciously terrifying read, and I would without a doubt recommend it.

This one kept me up until one in the morning.......2006-06-21

The Creek was a Great Book!!!!.......2006-03-24

"Caleb Devlin is a legend, the boy who terrorized the entire town before being sent away, before Penny and her family moved there. Now he's back, older and more dangerous than ever, and terrible things have begun to happen again. The whole town knows he's responsible, but the police can't do anything without proof. So Penny and her friends try to stop him themselves. Except now he's after them."
This book is about a girl named Penny, who is excited for another great summer. But then, Caleb Devlin (a young criminal) came back into town. The kids on the street have built a fort near a creek, but after a few mysterious incidents, their parents make sure the kids aren't anywhere near there, due to Caleb. After a few odd happenings that happen to Penny (such as finding a skull in the creek, danger symbols on their fort, and such), she is convinced Caleb is after her. So, she does everything to try to stop him. She messes up his car, spies on him, and (after many of those things), lets him fall to his death. Penny is the only one who knows he is dead, but weird things continue to happen. Everyone is certain that it is Caleb's doing. But it isn't. Finally, after a few clues, she figures out that Zachary (a weak, scared boy) is the real culprit. This book was great, because it had suspense, scary parts, and had many twists.
The Creek was suspenseful in many parts, such as the time when Penny found real animal guts in a bucket of fake guts that she was using for a haunted house. Other suspenseful moments include when the woods where the kids play was set on fire, and when Caleb Devlin did some nasty things when he was with Penny, and then Penny let him fall to his death.
The book was also scary, like the time when Penny found one of her friend's sister's dead body when she was hiding in the sewer. It was also scary when Penny was swimming in the creek, trying to retrieve someone's glasses, and instead brought up a small skull out from the bottom of the creek. Finally, one of the scariest parts was when Zachary (the real criminal) was in Penny's house, alone with her, and he nearly killed her.
Finally, the Creek had many twists in who you thought the culprit was. First, it looked like Caleb Devlin did everything, because it all started when he came back into town. Second, it looked like Mr. Schuyler (the neighborhood's grandfather) might have done the crimes, because he started acting unusual. Finally, it it turned out to be Zachary, the weak, timid, friendless boy who appeared to be afraid of everything.
The creek was excellent, because it had just the right amounts of suspense, scariness, and twists.
-Elizabeth H.

Roller Coaster Ride.......2006-02-17

A town legend, famous for terrorizing the town, intent on stopping you put him away again. Penny hasn't been living in the neighborhood for a while, but has heard of Caleb Devlin. He even put a kid in a coma, that's how unstable he is. He's back in the flesh, and things start to happen. People's pets are being pet napped, the kids fort was mysteriously burned down, while Penny and her friends Mac, Oren, Benji, Teddy, and the outcast, Zachary were in it, Teddy get beaten up by a man, not sure who it was, and Benji's sister, Becky, was found dead in the woods. Everybody assumes Caleb did all of this, but the police can't arrest him when they have no evidence against him. Penny knows Caleb couldn't have done any of these things, because she watched him die down at the bottom of the ravine. She vows to find the one responsible and clear Caleb's name. Zachary goes to Penny telling her that he committed all of the crimes Caleb was suspected of, and then tries to kill her. The boys try to save her, and then Zachary stabs Benji in the chest. The parents come inside to see what's wrong, they take Zachary to the police station, take Benji to the hospital, and Penny finally feels peace. Caleb's body is found a few days later, everyone suspects Zachary killed him, and Penny lets it all go away. This book was a suspenseful roller coaster, changing roles fast enough to make your head spin.

The Creek had a very good plot. After a hot day at the pool, everyone goes to the fort in the woods. Penny is still wondering why Caleb would come back to such a place that would spread lies about him when she smells smoke. They climb onto the top of the fort take off their shirts, (Penny has on an undershirt) and climb down the trees. They run to the nearest hose to call the fire department, and the fire department get there just in time to stop the fire from spreading to the houses. When Penny was swimming at the creek alone, she looked around to see if Mr. Cat (her cat) was around, because he was missing. She dived into the water and came up for air. While up for air, she saw Mr. Cat. She called for him to come to her, but he wouldn't move. She looked closer, and saw that he was dead, and someone had stuffed him and put red marbles where his eyes were supposed to be. Penny screamed and yelled for help. The guys came to see if she was ok. She told them about Mr. Cat, and he was gone. Everybody thought that she was kidding around, but she really did see Mr. Cat there. Near the end of the book, she was inside her house alone. Zachary came in and asked if wanted to play flashlight tag with the kids on the block. Penny said no, because she had other things on her mind. He asked what were on her mind that maybe he could help her. She confessed her investigation to find Becky's killer because she knew for a fact that Caleb had not killed her. In his hands, Zachary played with a red marble. Penny asked where he got it. Zachary said that Oren had given it to him. It all made sense. Oren was the mastermind behind the whole plan. Penny looked at Zachary and he ran to the kitchen, pulled out a knife and told Penny that he was sorry, but she had to die, and lunged the knife towards her.

This book was very suspenseful. One night during flashlight tag, Penny was hiding by herself. Her flashlight batteries ran out and became very scared and almost started to run, because Caleb's ghost haunted her. Zachary came up behind her and started to look with her. Penny found Becky hiding close to the floor. She tagged her, but Becky wouldn't get up. Penny put her hand on Becky, she was cold, lifeless. She knew she was dead by the red smear on her neck. Later, as Zachary chased Penny with a knife, he told her the whole plan. He did all of this so that the guys and her would like him. He would look like a hero if he found all of the pets, of cool if he could actually play with them and they could trust him. Penny hid in the attic, behind the dressers up there. Zachary came in the attic and started talking to the air it seemed. He repeatedly stabbed the bags of clothes and walked closer and closer towards the dressers. When he didn't see her, she grabbed teddy's baseball bat. She ran out and started hitting him with the bat. He threw her up against the wall, and just as he was bringing his knife down, Mac ran in and pushed him out of the way. Lastly, the guys ran in and started to run out of the way of Zachary. Benji fell down and Zachary stabbed Benji. Penny hit Zachary with the baseball bat across the face and he fell to the floor. Penny ran to Benji, and started to cry. Benji was dead because of her. The parents ran in to see what was going on. Penny's dad ran over to Benji and checked his pulse. He was alive.

The Creek had very detailed characters. Penny, the main character, was portrayed as the sweet innocent girl next door. Yet, she wanted to be something else, and she didn't know what she wanted to be. At times she was a girly girl, she was a girl with a dark secret, and in the end, she was a woman. Zachary was the cute little kid everyone knew and loved, and would never believe that he was a cold-blooded killer with a dark, haunting past. The author did not release too much information about Zachary because then people wouldn't think too much about him and wouldn't suspect him. Caleb Devlin. Even his name puts chills up your spine. Every book needs a mystery man that you despise from the beginning. You hated him to begin with, but after you heard his part of the story, he wasn't a bad guy after all.

This book, The Creek was very suspenseful, kept you guessing, and was an all-around wonderful book!

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