On February 26, 1998 I got an e-mail message from Katherine Neville's
cousin Patricia Amador (Lamador@aol.com). She said I could put some of
her comments on my site, so here they are:
"I read various kinds of material and have several favorite authors, in
addition to Katherine. Some being Patricia Cornwell, John Grisham, Robin
Cook, Robert James Waller, Larry McMurtry, etc. My additional reading
interests are quite varied, 20th Century History as well as Russian
History, Sciences such as Meteorology, Oceanography, and Physical
Geography, and anything on Finance and/or Healthcare. I've just finished
reading the "Horse Whisperer" by Nicholas Evans, and will start "Siberian
Lights" by Robin White when I finish "The MAGIC CIRCLE".
"I should tell you that I first heard of Katherine's writing ability
from our uncle. He told me about her first novel, "The Eight" and I
purchased and read it immediately. I have since used "The Eight", in
paperback, as a gift for many friends and family members. Reading
broadens ones mind and can take them to far off places. (Katherine's
books certainly have a way of doing just that). Believe me, a lovely
basket with a bottle of wine, a block of specialty, gift-wrapped cheese
and "The Eight" makes a wonderful gift.
"As you can see, I was hooked once I read "The Eight", and I waited in
anticipation for the second book, "A Calculated Risk". Katherine's skill
as a writer is unique. The books are full of intrigue, historical
fiction, and a certain kind of mystery that weaves back and forth, through
different centuries or time periods. Then she brings it all together for
a fascinating and interesting climax.
"I had checked with the bookstores often to know when and what the next
novel would be. I knew she was researching something about the period
between the first and second World Wars. I happened to be on the Internet
January 31st, checking Barnes and Noble for Katherine Neville books and
found "The Magic Circle" was coming out. I purchased it while on a trip
to Dallas February 8th. I just started it Sunday the 22nd, the day I
found your Home Page, and haven't finished it. (I will within the next
day or so.) Like the others, it's obvious Katherine has done her
homework. It's well researched and well written. Her skill shows through
once again.
"I also wanted to mention that the jacket design of "The Magic Circle"
is exquisite. In my opinion, it far surpasses the other covers. I do
like Katherine's new picture in the back cover as well."