Richard Elliot Friedman

Advantages: an intriguing and scholarly detective story
Disadvantages: a lot of information to be dealt with

..., there is no denying that the hand of man wrote it. In this book Richard Elliot Friedman sets out to see if he can identify specifically which hand. Now this may seem futile and even sacrilegious depending on your viewpoint but on closer examination of the nature of the books creation shows that it may not be such an impossible task. As for the argument of sacrilege, might not knowing the author even strengthen the character of the book, especially if it turns out that a well respected and easily recognisable name is actually responsible? I will say as part of this introduction that the although this book is penned from a historical and scholarly viewpoint, it is at know point trying to impose and religious ideas, beyond those which deal with the job at hand. Friedman retains a healthy respect for his subject at all times as you would expect for such a well... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: an intriguing and scholarly detective story
Disadvantages: a lot of information to be dealt with

..., there is no denying that the hand of man wrote it. In this book Richard Elliot Friedman sets out to see if he can identify specifically which hand. Now this may seem futile and even sacrilegious depending on your viewpoint but on closer examination of the nature of the books creation shows that it may not be such an impossible task. As for the argument of sacrilege, might not knowing the author even strengthen the character of the book, especially if it turns out that a well respected and easily recognisable name is actually responsible? I will say as part of this introduction that the although this book is penned from a historical and scholarly viewpoint, it is at know point trying to impose and religious ideas, beyond those which deal with the job at hand. Friedman retains a healthy respect for his subject at all times as you would expect for such a well... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Some moments full of suspense
Disadvantages: Poor characters, some confusion (for me) in the story

.... I did not like Peggy's character and didn't think much to Snow White or Donny. Story wise, I found the whole Elliot thing confusing. There was the speculation about whether or not he was a real vampire...then they seemed to just treat him like he was and were just worried about whether famous vampire traits were true or not (can't be exposed to sunlight etc) ...though the fact he had steel fangs would suggest to me that he was an ordinary guy with a vampire obsession. Maybe I was just missing something. All in all, It was an Okay read I guess, but I would place this way down the list of Richard Laymon books to buy.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Witty, wise-cracking, winsome
Disadvantages: Losesome too

...“….And then I’d like to thank Jesus, the world’s first great Jewish troublemaker. I’m glad to hear your book’s doing well, Jesus. By the way, who’s your agent? “Okay, these acknowledgements are starting to cut into my cocktail hour. I’ve got to close now anyway. Things have been a little rough for me lately. I lost my wife last month. “In a poker game.” * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Before the book has even begun, you taste something of the special flavour of Kinky Friedman in the acknowledgements quoted above. It’s a flavour he has sustained now through over a dozen novels, without any sign that it will lose any of its punch and piquancy. ‘Meanwhile Back at the Ranch’ is the most recent to be published in the UK, although I notice from www.kinkyfriedman.com that there is a new one ('Kill Two Birds... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful