A well researched book on an interesting case of murder and revenge. The characters are well drawn and book is a good one. It just lacks whatever it is that makes the best true crime books gripping.

My son is 11, and just read this. He raves about it. It is funny and a good adventure, exotic and colorful.

My son liked this trilogy better than Harry Potter. Since it is also good for reading aloud, how can this be anything less than 5 stars?

I don't much like ghost stories, but these and the ones by M R James really stand out from the pack. Atmospheric, inventive, and original. In "Carmilla" LeFanu invented the vampire story, and with its subtle horrors and hints of lesbianism, it is at least as good as Dracula. Rich and intricate prose.

The strength of the book is Maude's hands-on experince, which he uses to illuminate a lot of material. The book could be a bit clearer in places, and could use some labelled diagrams. He does not cover the structural aspects in detail (see the very difficult The Stone Skeleton for that) but explains a lot of stuff I haven't found elsewhere (what for instance is a 'rood'.)

Maybe Sanders's best book (other choice is First Deadly Sin). Same detective in all the Sin books, but each has a slightly different feel. This is Ed McBain-ish, but (much) better.

This is a nicely presented edition, and is more readbale than some.

I don't know Arabic but this translation differes in a number of spots from all others and from analyses I ahve read of poassages, in an innacruate way. In particular it waters down some of the harsh bits. One surah that admonishes believers to beat women for instance is translated very differently here! There are many such divergences! This is a consistent pattern, and I finally baought another trans because I lost faith in the accuracy of this one.

This is a collection of essays from various historians over the past 150 years, examining the historical basis of the the life of Muhammed, and -- essentially -- devastating it.

There are two long introductory essays that must be read first. They provide some essential background and context. There is a glossary and an index of names. The essays provide a wide range of opinion and argument. I would have liked to have seen more modern stuff and a bit less Lammens.

But this book is very hard indeed. (Do you know what irenic means?) Some of the essays are a bit dull too. Still, where else can the non-specialist go to find this stuff? Most worthwhile on balance.

A harsh critiique of Islam both in its teachings and practice. (Indeed it is harsh on monotheism in general.) Occasionally long winded or repetitive it none the less presents an organized forceful critique that cannot be ignored. And that took a lot of courage.

He discusses historical issues (the traditional Muslim history is a fable, quite untrue), the Quran (full of contradictions and absurdities as well as bile), the plight of women, and especially he argues that Islam is inimical to intellectual and human freedom. (Along the way he slams Christianity and Judaism too.)

Just look at all the reviews -- look at the cooments of those who give it 1 star, and decide.

A brave, absorbing and morally forceful book.

This is a good straightforward locked room mystery. It is set in post war Tokyo, and was written in 1948. The odd world of full-body tattooing forms a backdrop.

Aside from some sexual references (don't expect sex scenes) it is very like an old SS Van Dine mystery from the 20s (The Canary Murder Case presents a similar locked room puzzle). Not hard to solve but fun to read. A good light book for a few hours entertainment.