From the award-winning legend of speculative fiction, "a witty sendup of the detective story" with "a richness of invention that doffs a hat to Dickens" (Chicago Tribune). At a fashionable salon, Parisians line up to have their fortunes told by Ric Lazare's amazing machine. The predictions arrive with unerring accuracy, as if the invention were imbued with some sort of wondrous sorcery. The police, however, have a different opinion. They suspect that Lazare is a con man. Accordingly, they've sent one of their own to ...
Read More
From the award-winning legend of speculative fiction, "a witty sendup of the detective story" with "a richness of invention that doffs a hat to Dickens" (Chicago Tribune). At a fashionable salon, Parisians line up to have their fortunes told by Ric Lazare's amazing machine. The predictions arrive with unerring accuracy, as if the invention were imbued with some sort of wondrous sorcery. The police, however, have a different opinion. They suspect that Lazare is a con man. Accordingly, they've sent one of their own to investigate. Unfortunately, the man they send is Paul Picard. His methods are unconventional. His appetites-for lemon tarts, and for prostitutes-are legendary. And he is no stranger to the dark side of Paris. But Inspector Picard is entirely unprepared for the string of murders that pulls him across the continent. As the killer's seductive knot tightens around him, he learns once and for all that there's more to the glimmering world of high society than first appears. Winner of the World Fantasy Award for his novel Doctor Rat, William Kotzwinkle reaffirms his reputation as one of the most captivating and original American authors of the last half-century with this "elegant entertainment" of magic and mystery in Paris (The Washington Post). "Gaudy, decadent, smoothly polished, this beguiling novel is . . . a feat of stage magic, well rehearsed and well performed by a fine craftsman." -The New Yorker "Alternately dark and glittering . . . a first-rate vaudeville turn." -Chicago Tribune "Pure magic." -Playboy
Read Less
Add this copy of Fata Morgana to cart. $8.81, very good condition, Sold by Book Outpost rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Pittsburgh, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2014 by Open Road Integrated Media LLC.
Add this copy of Fata Morgana to cart. $9.38, good condition, Sold by HPB-Red rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2014 by Open Road Media.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or limited writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Fata Morgana to cart. $11.80, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2014 by Open Road Media.
Add this copy of Fata Morgana to cart. $12.71, like new condition, Sold by GreatBookPrices rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Columbia, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2014 by Open Road Integrated Media LLC.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 154 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Sad excuse for literature that could have been well done had not the author been impressed with himself. The story had possibilities that were weakened by the effect of being written in the 1'970s (an 'ain't it grand we have discovered drugs' sort of pathetic nonsense) Very disappointed as other info on book, ie: fly leaf focused on a small segment of the tale. Fata Morgana used by other authors of quality would be advisable. Came acrost it same time reading 1930s books by both Allingham & Christie: there it had some power.
Jmarcerino
Dec 5, 2008
Outstanding Work
The title of this book, "Fata Morgana," sets the stage for this piece which is a mirage of colorful threads intricately woven together to form a shimmering work of material that is delightful and entertaining. I have read this work several times and find myself enchanted and pleasantly stunned by enchantment that is laid in front of the reader. Kotzwinkle's outstanding imagination, which I consider his hallmark trait, includes imagery that conjures up magic on every street corner. Although this is usually classified as a mystery novel, I would describe it as a fine example of mental artwork. I would recommend it to people who enjoy having their imagination teased and pleased. This book is on my list of top 15 modern books along with Kotzwinkle's "Herr Nightingale and the Satin Woman," Lynn Ward's "Madman's Drum," Ishiguro's "Remains of the Day," Jane Smiley's "A Thousand Acres," "Milagro Beanfield War," "A Yellow Raft in Blue Water," "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," "Dune," "Ender's Game," and the Kawabata works. Although all of these books are different in nature they possess the common trait of being outstanding pieces of writing that impart new and unusual perspectives on the world. This is not a piece for someone anticipating a typical, plodding, murder mystery or a whodunit. This is a fantastic journey that transports the reader into a different world filled with imaginary crystals, light, gems, and opulant beauty. Highly recommended.
Jonisays
Aug 26, 2008
Strange Ending
I enjoyed reading this book but it had a very strange ending. That is not to say I didn't enjoy reading it. It wasn't as good a book as The Game of Thirty, but the characters were interesting and it had a good story line.
