Kisscut

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When police chief Jeffrey Tolliver responds to a disturbance at a local skating rink, the last thing he expects is to have to shoot a 13-year-old girl who's holding a gun on a fellow student. Then Jenny Deaver's autopsy reveals two stunning facts: she did not bear the murdered newborn discovered in the rink's restroom, and she had recently been genitally mutilated. With his ex-wife, pediatrician Sara Linton, Jeffrey uncovers a child sex and pornography ring involving Jenny, her classmates, and their mothers--a horrific enterprise that culminated in the killing that Tolliver will never be able to forget. This taut, chilling thriller showcases Karin Slaughter's skill at plotting, pace, and narrative, and will linger in the reader's mind long after the stunning denouement. This is a terrific sequel to her debut, Blindsighted, with two protagonists whose complex relationship will no doubt be a featured subplot in her next offering. --Jane Adams

Book Description

Saturday night dates at the skating rink have been a tradition in the small southern town of Heartsdale for as long as anyone can remember, but when a teenage quarrel explodes into a deadly shoot-out, Sara Linton—the town's pediatrician and medical examiner—finds herself entangled in a terrible tragedy.

What seemed at first to be a horrific but individual catastrophe proves to have wider implications. The autopsy reveals evidence of long-term abuse, of ritualistic self -mutilation, but when Sara and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver start to investigate, they are frustrated at every turn.

The children surrounding the victim close ranks. The families turn their backs. Then a young girl is abducted, and it becomes clear that the first death is linked to an even more brutal crime, one far more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Meanwhile, detective Lena Adams, still recovering from her sister's death and her own brutal attack, finds herself drawn to a young man who might hold the answers. But unless Lena, Sara, and Jeffrey can uncover the deadly secrets the children hide, it's going to happen again . . .

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When a teen brawl turns deadly in the small southern town of Heartsdale, pediatrician Sara Linton and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver investigate; but the kids close ranks, and the families won't talk. Until it happens again..Saturday night dates at the skating rink have been a tradition in the small southern town of Heartsdale for as long as anyone can remember, but when a teenage quarrel explodes into a deadly shoot-out, Sara Linton -- the town's pediatrician and medical examiner -- finds herself entangled in a terrible tragedy. What seemed at first to be a horrific but individual catastrophe proves to have wider implications. The autopsy reveals evidence of long-term abuse, of ritualistic self -mutilation, but when Sara and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver start to investigate, they are frustrated at every turn. The children surrounding the victim close ranks. The families turn their backs. Then a young girl is abducted, and it becomes clear that the first death is linked to an even more brutal crime, one far more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Meanwhile, detective Lena Adams, still recovering from her sister's death and her own brutal attack, finds herself drawn to a young man who might hold the answers. But unless Lena, Sara, and Jeffrey can uncover the deadly secrets the children hide, it's going to happen again...

Customer Reviews:

Enthralling and disturbing but yet again captivating........2007-03-02

The most disturbing and difficult subject of all the Grant series, but covered well I felt. The fact that I can relate to the main characters (whilst having just about nothing in common with them) shows Slaughters talent.

Lena, who most of the time I think I don't like, has SO many issues, yet her feelings are described so well that she's believable and for a hard nut, does at least get some of my sympathy. I found her 'therapy' at the end of this book very touching.

absorbing and well written.......2006-11-25

One of the best authors I've read in years. Totally intriguing. The problems of the characters make them more real. Bad things really to happen to good people. Maybe so many bad thins does push it a bit, but the characters careers and personalities make them high risk and in the line of fire. Her books are best enjoyed if read in sequence. I love all the characters, feast on every detail of their lives, the plots are awesome, yes graphic, shocking at times and horrific, but that is the whole point of crime thrillers! I will read every book she writes and eagerly and impatiently await the next. I can't recommend this author enough.

Edgy crime drama with human side.......2006-11-10

Karin Slaughter has yet again hit a good balance of murder mystery intrigue and underlying human relationships. Enjoyable.

Tsk, Tsk.......2006-03-30

First of all there is no such word in Websters and I do agree with some of the other reviewers. I did read Blindsighted and found much repeated word for word from that. The people in charge of solving this do indeed have too too many personal problems and not enough swapping of information. When the doc hears something, she doesn't know what they are talking about as no information was given her by the detectives. After all she was at the scene of most the crimes and should have been given a better handle on it. Then I hate the way the perps get away with stuff right under the noses of the surveilance. This author sure leaves you dangling.

Wow.......2006-02-27

This book was outstanding and completely creepy at the same time. I truly enjoy Ms. Slaughter's books and look forward to the next in her series.

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Kisscut

Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 0736687866

Product Description

A Fast-paced thriller. In the small sourthern town of Heartsdale, Georgia, a teenage quarrel explodes into a deadly shoot-out. Sara Linton, the town's pediatrition and medical examiner finds herself entangled in a terrible tragedy. The autopsy reveals evidence of long term abuse and ritualistic self-mutilation. Sara and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver start to investigate. Then a young girl is abducted and it becomes clear that the first death is linked to an even more brutal crime. Unless they can uncover the deadly secrets surrounding the crimes, it is going to happen again...

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Kisscut
Karin Slaughter
Manufacturer: HarperAudio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OE9RTM

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Kisscut
Karin Slaughter
Manufacturer: Library Edition
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: 0736688005

Product Description

Kisscut is a shocking and graphic story that is classic Karin Slaughter. Slaughter pulls no punches and spares no emotion! When a young girl is shot and killed, when the body of an unborn infant is discovered, when all around close ranks and no one knows who is to blame or why...... the story is just beginning! The slow revelation of the truth is shadowed by deceit, self mutilation, child abuse and a denial of basic concepts of trust and love. The final chapters will leave you horrified and stunned, and in light of the recent kidnappings and murders of young girls in Florida, you will realize that Karin Slaughter's message is real and has deadly consequences.

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Kisscut
Karin Slaughter
Manufacturer: HarperTorch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OES9DW

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Kisscut
Karin Slaughter
Manufacturer: Morrow/Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WL3OHS

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KISSCUT (SARA LINTON, NO 2)
KARIN SLAUGHTER
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NY8WKI

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Kisscut Proof
K Slaughter
Manufacturer: Arrow Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0099462877

Book Description

When Camber of Buidi, master of arcane Deryni powers, led a successful revolution against Imre, his sister Ariella, plotted war against Cinhill, her brother's successor. But Cinhill didn't want a fight, he didn't want power, and it was up to Camber to save crown and country....

Customer Reviews:

Deryni History.......2004-04-19

I have read all the deryni series and this one is a good one. There is a really good twist in this book that will affect the events in all the other books in the series. It is also action pact with a hint of mystery, magic, and suspence. A good read, should be the 2nd one read in the whole series. Enjoy!

Recommended reading........2003-08-09

I continue to enjoy this book, just watching Camber getting himself into more trouble.

Camber, the elderly Deryni lord who led a human revolt against his own magic-wielding kind in the land of Gwynedd, begins to cope with the aftermath of the successful coup.

King Cinhil, once a monk, blames Camber for the loss of his vocation and the infinite difficulties of his new life and is not coping with them (or his ertswhile magic-wielding allies) well at all.

If Camber's priestly son Joram knows his father, Camber will do whatever it takes to make sure Cinhil--and Gwynedd--come out right. Even risking death...or worse, his soul!

Camber, in this book and it's sequel (Camber the Heretic), is at his strong-willed, best-intentioned, and soul-searching best. His dilemmas and solutions to them, bad and good, make an impression on the reader as well as the kingdom he serves.

A fast moving novel!.......2002-12-28

This is a very fast moving, action packed, enjoyable book! A great compliment to the previous Deryni novels. A must read and a gauranteed favorite of all ages.

One of the best.......2002-04-15

This review is actually directed at all Deryni novels. I havent read them for a few years and have moved several times and only have 5 or 6 of the total deryni series but am going to buy all of them again. They are among the best books I have ever read and I have a large collection of about 150 books. If you are a fan of SciFi/Fantasy you will love this book. Without giving away too much this is one of the most pivotal of all the books by giving away some of the intrigue and a double person?

One action packed, suspenseful book coming at you!.......1999-08-04

Suspence, intrigue, mystery, and humor, all packed into one book. This book goes into the Protocol of Orin, a guide to many ancient, complicated Deryni practices. The plot is excellent and this book is guarenteed to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Camber of Culdi (Legends of Camber of Culdi, Vol 1)

Average customer rating:

Best of the Deryni Books
Camber is real enough to sit beside me while I write this...
Good, but not flawless
Classic historical fantasy book that almost hides its age.
don't be fooled by the fanboys

Camber of Culdi (Legends of Camber of Culdi, Vol 1)
Katherine Kurtz
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0345347676
Release Date: 1987-08-12

Book Description

Camber was the greatest of the Deryni who wanted to retire. But it was not to be. The kingdom of Gwynedd groaned under the tyranny of Imre and his sister and mistress, Ariella. And when Camber learned that Cinhil Haldane, a descendant of the previous kings, still lived, he was determined to set him on the throne in place of the evil ones....

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Deryni Books.......2007-04-10

Camber, a man torn between his sense of duty and his sense of right and wrong, the Deryni lord who led the war to end the tyranny of his kind and restore a human king to the throne of Gwynedd. Now he must witness the consequences of his moral act as the humans, now in control of the kingdom and the church, systematically strip all Deryni of power, title, land, and humanity. This may be a fantasy novel, but it brilliantly and starkly illustrates the horrors of fanaticism, intolerance, and oppression. It is a dark and tragic book(no escapism here!), and its emotional impact will stay with the reader forever. If you've ever longed for a fantasy with REAL depth, then read this series.

Camber is real enough to sit beside me while I write this..........2006-03-15

Or so it seems. I've been a fan of Katherine Kurtz' work for quite some time. I read this book first, since it was chronological in her canon, but it was not her first book of the Deryni series. The feeling of mystery and mysticism are very strong in all Kurtz' works, but I find her Camber series books to be the most intriguing. The characters of Camber and his family are so beautifully and intricately described that you can almost feel their presence in the room with you as you're reading. The plot and all its convoluted intrigues are finely wrought and believable, as long as you suspend belief, of course, in the ordinary course of things. Kurtz' world, so much like ours of the medieval period, fools you for a moment into thinking it's just a Dark Ages religious story. Then the magic is woven, subtly, lovingly, into the story. The religious aspects are very detailed and clearly are based on Catholic theology, but diverge when the magic enters. But the magic only heightens the solemnity of the faith, not detracts from it. Some people have criticized Kurtz and others like her for toying with the Catholic faith, but I see she means no disrespect, but instead, reveres the faith. Most of all, her Deryni stories are moral tales denouncing religious and ethnic persecution. This is really the essence of her work. Read them for the power of faith over prejudice.

Good, but not flawless.......2005-04-25

I have to admit that I was a little nervous when I started reading this book. One of the things that drew me into the other Deryni books that I've read was the characters, but this book is the start of the prequels to the two series that I've already read, and is set approximately two hundred years earlier. It involves a whole different set of characters, most of whom I had never heard of and those that I had were only legends in the books I had already read. Would they be able to draw me in the way the characters in the other books had? What if I didn't like them? Would I be able to enjoy this book as much as I had enjoyed the other series that I had read?

Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. The characters in Camber of Culdi drew me in perhaps even more rapidly than the ones in the other Deryni novels I'd read. In particular, I liked Evaine, and not just because she represents a group that seems to be lacking in most fantasy novels-strong females. That was, of course, part of it, but I also found her to be an endearing character in her own right.

Most of the other characters were similarly endearing, though Evaine was my favorite, which really drew me into the book. It only took a few chapters for me to genuinely care about what happened to these people.

I will, however, admit that most of the characterization was not terribly complex. It seemed that the bad guys were bad and the good guys were good and there is only one character that I can think of off the top of my head that was really a mixture, only one that I couldn't tell if I was supposed to like or not. I found that to be a little disturbing, because while generally a person is predominately good or evil, most people do have some demeaning or redeeming qualities, and I found those to be far and few between.

One thing in the book that I have very mixed feelings about is the use of magic. On the one hand, I enjoyed seeing the spells that were only legend in Kelson's time actually be used, but on the other hand the integration of magic with the Church was even stronger here than in the books that take place later, and I found that to be a bit disturbing. The Church in this world is a Christian Church, basically the Catholic Church, though it's never actually called Catholic, and it was disturbing to have Christian Saints invoked for magical spells. I'm not a practicing Christian, but I was raised Christian, and I can definitely see how this would be disturbing to someone who was a practicing Christian.

However, I do think that the inclusion of the Church made the world seem more real. Religion does play a big roll in the lives of many people and so many fantasy writers completely ignore it. I liked the added realism and the similarities with an existing religion did make it easier to relate to than some completely made-up religion.

I thought that the plot of this book, while enjoyable, was its weakest point. There were several things that just happened too easily for me to readily accept them and there were a few rather obvious holes in the plot as well. It wasn't anything that ruined the book, but there were places that left me wondering why or how and other places that just seemed too easy, but never turned out to be that way. It seemed that the Deryni magic, though well done in terms of how it worked, was fallen back upon a little too often and just made a few things a little too simple to accomplish.

Still, I thought that the characters more than made up for that lack, keeping me interested in reading even through the jarring plot moments because I truly did want to know what happened to them and how things worked out in the end.

Classic historical fantasy book that almost hides its age. .......2005-04-08

This was a re-read for me. I had been a fan of the Deryni books many years ago and had read most of the series. When I saw Camber of Culdi on the shelf, I picked it up out of curiosity to see if it would inspire me to circle back around and pick up the books that I hadn't yet read.

I am pleased to report that this first book in the series holds up well under time. Kurtz is a master at creating a sense of foreboding. Unlike many writers in the fantasy genre, you always have the feeling in her world that you might not be getting a happy ending. This is a rare talent, and gives her work its own kind of attractive tension.

For the modern reader the largest drawback of Camber of Culdi is its length. The books were released at a time when the average book length was significantly shorter than now, and the result was often multi-book series. The titles in these series often have the feeling of being either a little bit overstuffed or a little bit thin. I really enjoyed Camber of Culdi. However, as a modern reader used to being served my fantasy in larger chunks, I felt frustrated that it was forced very quickly to a kind of resolution. Had Kurtz been working in a longer form, I think we would have seen some much more interesting development of the political and religious threads which are among the major strength of the book.

If you have not read any of the Deryni books, be sure to begin here. The necessary background is laid for the rest of the series and you will miss it if you do not have it. This book should appeal to fans of historical fantasy or people interested in the link between religion and magic. Although adult situations are implied, it should be both suitable and enjoyable for teenagers.

don't be fooled by the fanboys.......2005-03-01

I got this book many years ago and never started it because it didn't look particularly interesting. I finally did start it because I was bored and this was on the top of the stack of books I hadn't started yet. I'm now writing this review two thirds through and wondering if I will even be able to finish the book.

There are three problems with this book, and they are pretty significant to me. First, there are cliches left and right. Second, much of the writing is downright loquacious. Lastly, and most importantly, is the difficulty in suspending disbelief.

The problem of cliche is one highly common to the entire genre. In that light, I can't be overly critical of this particular book beyond noting that I'm just tired of reading the same old thing again and again. There's a wicked princess, complete with slutty attitude and deep, plunging necklines on all her dresses. There's an evil king with a napoleon complex. The good girls are all beautiful, serene, intelligent, and perfectly mannered. The good guys are all handsome, rugged, and unquestionably just and noble. The characters all fit a horribly cliched mold, and quite far into the book have shown no signs of growing. The plot is no better, as it's just another rehash of the evil king/empire that must be overthrown for the good of the world. Again, this is a common problem in the genre, but other authors tend to make up for this deficiency by adding other interesting aspects to distract you from the cliches. Kurtz does not provide this distraction, but more about this later.

Secondly is the grating loquaciousness of the book. Kurzt constantly uses six words when three would do. I imagine this book was written with a thesaurus at hand. This style is obviously supposed to enhance the atmosphere of a pseudo-medieval world, but it comes across as the author simply trying too hard. In some cases, this problem went hand in hand with the cliches, such as the watchmen all speaking like embiciles (e.g. "well I says to him, I says"). I would also criticize the naming of people and places in this book. One of the many things Tolkien did so well was to have a logical naming scheme. You could always tell if the person in question was a dwarf or an elf or a man. Even Robet Jordan's thinly veiled allusions to real world countries provided a coherent naming scheme. In this book, most of the names seem chosen merely for the fact that they sound vaguely archaic.

The third and worst problem is the absolute inability to let the reader suspend disbelief. The biggest impediment was, of course, the presence of Christianity. Christianity is not an inherent impediment, of course, as the magical stories of King Arthur have shown since those myths are supposed to have taken place on earth anyway, but in this book we are clearly on another world. 95% of the names clearly have no relation to any real world names, the kingdom is obviously not supposed to exist in this world as the geography and naming suggests, and the presence of a different race if magic using pseudo-men drives this point home. Then we have Christianity thrown in our faces and we must pause and ask ourselves if we have mistakenly picked up the wrong book. Even the portrayal of religion apart from the plot is unbelieveable. We are told about these fictitious religious orders and holidays, and then the name of Jesus Christ himself is invoked along with mention of Christmas. It would be one thing to have a religion for this world that heavily mirrored Christianity so we could have a point of reference, but to base such an integral part of this imaginary world around the life of the most famous real human of all time is incredibly jarring and obnoxious. Even worse, Kurtz places dates in our real world, giving birth dates in XXXX year, Anno Domini. For example, she places an important date of birth on December 28, 843 AD. That's a very concrete date in our real history being applied to a fictitious reality and it simply doesn't fly when we know that the lord these people are talking about is Christ.

When you combine cliche and awkward language with this horrible reality-jumping, you get a book that is simply NOT worth reading. I'd even suggest Robert Jordan over this, and he's practically a plagiarist.

Camber the Heretic (Legends of Camber of Culdi, Vol 3)

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For the enitre trilogy....
Memorable
Woo Hoo!
The BEST of the Deryni books
Another great book from Katherine Kurtz!

Camber the Heretic (Legends of Camber of Culdi, Vol 3)
Katherine Kurtz
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0345347544
Release Date: 1987-04-13

Book Description

King Cinhil, who had assured peace between the Deryni and humans in Gwynedd, was dying. And the regents who were set to rule in the place of his sickly son were evil men who could very well undo all that Cinhil had accomplished. Once they ruled, no Deryni would be safe. The only hope lay in a discovery that blocked off all Deryni talents, enabling them to go underground and appear as humans. But that meant that the race of Deryni could be saved only by being destroyed as Deryni...!

Customer Reviews:

For the enitre trilogy...........2005-08-03

Nothing is overlooked in this delightful (though somewhat depressing) trilogy. The third book had me crying like a baby, which is a sign that the characters are very well developed, and they are indeed.

I do not reccomend any Kurtz book to anyone easily depressed; Ms. Kurtz is easily one of the most ruthless authors on the market. She knows how to pull the reader's heartstrings. Just when one thinks everything is safe, she has something up her sleeve.

Katherine Kurtz is a fabulous author. She is ruthless, but none of her killed-off characters die, um, how to say this....there are no...there are no excessive deaths...Some authors who try to get emotion out of readers by killing main characters over do it. Ms. Kurtz has restraint.....

There is no gore; hardly any profanity (and all in places where it NEEDS to be); and nothing besides violence. An A+ PG-13 rating, rather like the Lord of the Rings movies: so good, and only a few things keeping it from a 'good for all' statement.

As a final note, I'll note that Kurtz is highly original. The little comparison to LOTR was nothing more than something to compare quality to quality; that is the only thing they share, great writing and gret characters.......

What are you waiting for? You could have ordered the first book by now!!!!

Memorable.......2003-08-09

Had to add a review for this one, since so few have been posted (and none good enough!)

Camber of Culdi has been masquerading (or not?) as Bishop Alister Cullen for a number of years now--long enough to see both his hopes and fears for the human Haldane line of Gwynedd kings he restored coming to fruition. King Cinhil, the displaced would be monk, has finally come into his own with three young sons and a distressingly independent mind of his own. But Cinhil's death sets off the chain reaction of fear and oppression Camber feared all along, led by a small, cynical, well-connected band of human Regents that will do anything to seize power. Will any of what Camber sacrificed everything for survive the coming fire?

Much of what shines most brightly in Kurtz's work is present here: her grasp of history and power politics in a medieval realm, her eye for detail, and a human touch that is most affecting when Kurtz refuses to pull punches. The death of one particular character in this book is haunting, and Camber's trials of conscience make him one of my favorite Kurtz characters ever. Kurtz brought a world full of human frailties, heartbreaking misfortunes and miscalculations, and innocent tragedies so deeply close to home.

Woo Hoo!.......2002-12-28

King Cinhil, the monk, but only heir to the throne of Gwynedd, has finally come into his own with three young sons. Upon Cinhil's death however somes the long feared chain of events caused by the fear of the Deryni race the Cinhil has protected thus far. A small group of well-connected humans who will now be regents to the future king of Gwynedd will do anything to seize power, and destroy the Deryni the fear so much. Can Camber and his family stop them yet again and spare their magical race from destruction?

Ms. Kurtz has an amazing way of putting all human emotion, into words that will make any reader feel exactally what her character's endure. She can take a magical race of humans and make everything they do seem real and beleivable. One can grow attached to her charaters to a point that you could actaully picture them in detail, and possibly guess how they would react to a situation. Ms. Kurtz leaves nothing out. Her attention to detail is astonishing.

This is a fantastic sequel to this series, and that is hard to say as I don't want the series to end.

The BEST of the Deryni books.......2001-05-25

Another great book from Katherine Kurtz!.......1999-08-04

This book goes into the lives of Cinhil's sons, Alroy, Javan, and Rhys Michael. The power-giving ritual is explored once again, and the excitement and humor is still apparent in this book. I think any fan of Ms. Kurtz will enjoy this book.

Camber the Heretic - Volume Three of the Legends of Camber the Culdi

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Camber the Heretic - Volume Three of the Legends of Camber the Culdi

Manufacturer: Ballantine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000H7X5V2

Camber of Culdi (The Chronicles of Deryni, IV)

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Camber of Culdi (The Chronicles of Deryni, IV)

Manufacturer: Ballentine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0345275977

Saint Camber (Legends of Camber of Culdi, Volume 2)

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Saint Camber (Legends of Camber of Culdi, Volume 2)

Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000BN6OHY

Saint Chamber: Volume II in the Legends of Camber of Culdi

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Saint Chamber: Volume II in the Legends of Camber of Culdi
Katherine Kurtz
Manufacturer: Del Rey/Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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CAMBER OF CULDI
Katherine Kurtz
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Camber of Culdi
Katherine Kurtz
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books (P)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Camber of Culdi
Katherine Kurtz
Manufacturer: Ballantine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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