New To Read: Stories Of Dinosaurs, Murders And Sinister Magic

A biweekly selection of new titles by Washington writers, or of local interest. (Prices cited may not include shipping/handling costs):

Fiction

"Dinosaur Summer," by Greg Bear (Warner, $23). The Alderwood Manor science-fiction writer's latest novel is a sequel to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World." The year is 1947, and a jaded American public has lost interest in dinosaur circuses - and attempts to return the creatures to the wild prove catastrophic.

"An Isolated Incident," by Susan R. Sloan (Warner, $24). A new legal thriller by the Bainbridge Islander, about the murder of a 15-year-old girl and a subsequent investigation that uncovers hidden ethnic tensions on an island much like Bainbridge.

"The Last Hostage," by John J. Nance (Doubleday, $23.95). Another airborne thriller by the Tacoma writer, about a skyjacker whose despair was sparked by the murder of his 11-year-old daughter.

"Quaker Indictment," by Irene Allen (St. Martin's, $21.95). Allen's fourth Elizabeth Elliott mystery finds her Quaker heroine enjoying a vacation in the Seattle area with her best friend - until the friend is murdered.

"The Seer King," by Chris Bunch (Warner Aspect, $6.99). Paperback reprint of first volume in local author's fantasy series, about a cavalry officer and a wizard battling magic in a strife-torn empire.

"Prisoner of Conscience," by Susan R. Matthews (Avon, $3.99). Science fiction by a Seattle author about a planet-hopping Inquisitor who risks his career with his investigation of affairs at a political prison.

"Wed and Buried," by Mary Daheim (Avon, $5.99). The Bellingham writer's latest bed-and-breakfast mystery concerns a wedding that gets off to a bad start when a "bridal-gowned beauty" is tossed off a hotel roof, but leaves no corpse behind.

"Affair," by Amanda Quick (Bantam, $6.99). Paperback reprint of historical romance, set in Regency London, about murder and erotic yearning. By the Seattle author (better known as Jayne Ann Krentz).

Nonfiction

"Like a Kiss on the Lips: Meditations on Proverbs for Couples," by Les and Leslie Parrott (HarperCollins, $12.99). The co-directors of the Center for Relationship Development at Seattle Pacific University offer some love advice.

"The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest, 6th Edition," by Stephanie Bell, Kristin Folsom, Elizabeth Janda and Laura Kraemer (Beginning Press, $15.95). Latest update of romantic-minded travel guide for British Columbia, Oregon and Washington.

"The Lusty Lady: Photographs and Texts," by Erika Langley (Scalo, $29.95). Photo-essay about Seattle's woman-owned peepshow arcade (the one with the witty marquee).

"Power and the Sacred in Revolutionary Russia: Religious Activists in the Village," by Glennys Young (Penn State University Press, $47.50). An assistant professor of history and international studies at the University of Washington describes how Russian villagers dealt with Bolshevik attempts to suppress religion in the 1920s.

"Depression: How It Happens, How It's Healed," by John Medina (New Harbinger Publications, $14.95). A UW School of Medicine molecular biologist explains the chemical changes in the brain that contribute to depression, and outlines the roles of drug therapy and psychotherapy.

"True Love," by Robert Fulghum (Harper, $6.99). Paperback reprint of the Seattle author's collection of real-life love stories he has heard, with his own commentary.

"A River Lost: The Life and Death of the Columbia," by Blaine Harden (Norton, $13). Paperback edition of the Washington Post reporter's history of the Columbia River. Seattle Times reporter Christopher Solomon called this a "frank look at a great river's woes."

"The Twilight Labyrinth: Why Does Spiritual Darkness Linger Where It Does?," by George Otis Jr. (Chosen Books, $16.99). Advice from a Lynnwood author who is founder and president of The Sentinel Group, a Christian research and information agency.

"Buster Crabbe: A Self Portrait," as told to Karl Whitezel (self-published, $21.95, phone 1-888-891-8880 to order). Autobiography of the late actor, best known for his "Flash Gordon" serials, as told to a Tukwila author.

"ADHD: A Revolutionary Theory and New Innovation in Drug-Free Therapy," by Lawrence Weathers (Ponderosa Press, 1525 West 8th, Suite K, Spokane, WA 99204, $16.95). An alternative to Ritalin for children coping with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. By a Spokane author.

"A Trip to Freedom," by Ruth Johnson (Lighthouse of Hope Publications, 914 164th St. S.E., Suite 365, Mill Creek, WA 98012, $10 plus $2.50 shipping and handling). A Mill Creek pastor on how she overcame an abusive childhood, unsuccessful nunhood, violent marriage and drug abuse by turning to Jesus.

"Know the Happy Face: Oliver Amouak," by Brenda Ritchey (P.O. Box 1256, Auburn, WA 98071-1256, $17.95 plus $5 shipping and Washington state sales tax). A biography of the Eskimo whose portrait appears on the tailfins of Alaska Airlines' fleet. By his granddaughter.

Poetry

"There's No Such Place as Far Away," by Richard Bach (Delacorte, $19.95). Repackaging of slim inspirational book by the "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" author, first published in 1990.

"ZBYX (Tokens)," by Velande Taylor (WordCraft, $15). Seattle poet's latest tells a story in verse about an artist, a philosopher, a poet and an heiress.

Anthologies

"In Our Own Words . . . ," edited by Elizabeth Lake (Peanut Butter Publishing, $9.95). Essays in honor of the Roe v. Wade decision, sponsored by the Washington state affiliate of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL). Many recall the hazards women risked when abortion was illegal.

Children's Books

"On Grandpa's Farm," by Vivian Sathre (Houghton Mifflin, $16). A picture book by a Renton author, about a young girl's farm experiences.

- Compiled by Michael Upchurch

To be considered for this listing, finished books (no manuscripts or galleys) should be sent to: Book Editor, Seattle Times, P.O. 70, Seattle, WA 98111. Clearly indicate book's price, publishing date and local connection.