Product Description
Frank Cole is residing temporarily in a rickety cottage in Exile, Florida. His company has gone bankrupt, and the judge has ruled without precedent that any money Frank earns before the claims are settled will be treated as part of the bankruptcy. Frank+s lawyer cautions him to earn as little as possible until then, so Frank gets a job as an insurance company+s lowly fact-checker.The challenges of the job escalate abruptly, however, when he is called to investigate the hit-and-run death of a young man. Frank+s natural curiosity leads him to look more carefully into the accident than is expected of him. When he becomes convinced that the -accident+ not only was murder, but that the victim was mistaken for the actual target, whom he somewhat resembles, Frank has opened the gate to a quagmire of dirty dealings in Exile+s major money-making industry. He+s duty bound to prove the corruption, if he can manage to stay alive. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

New York Times Review of Murder in Exile
The Sunday New York Times Book Review of Murder in Exile (May 21, 2006):


The fully dimensional world of a long-running series is harder to find in a first mystery. There's nothing tentative, though, about Vincent H. O'Neil's debut novel, MURDER IN EXILE (Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Minotaur, $22.95), which drops an engaging young sleuth into a sleepy little burg in the Florida Panhandle and hands him a tough case to cut his teeth on. Frank Cole landed in the coyly named town of Exile when his computer company up North went bankrupt and a nasty judge attached his future earnings. Frank is keeping his head down doing background checks for an insurance company when his investigation of a hit-and-run accident uncovers evidence of corporate corruption. Although you'd never guess it from the silly jacket art that makes his book look like an absurdist Carl Hiaasen knockoff, O'Neil is a polished storyteller with a breezy style and some interesting things to say about abandoned sons and their surrogate fathers. (Article by Marilyn Stasio)

from [...]
When Frank Cole's business went belly up, he had hoped bankruptcy would provide him with a fresh start. Instead, thanks to a bizarre court decision, Frank's future earnings above a certain level are attached to his past debts. Partly to wait out an appeal and partly to spite his creditors, Frank moves down to the small town of Exile, Florida to begin his own exile of sorts until his appeal is resolved one way or another in Murder in Exile (2006), Vincent H. O'Neil's first Frank Cole mystery.

Still wary of his time as a company head, Frank doesn't much mind the easygoing, low responsibility lifestyle he's created in Exile working odd jobs as a fact checker and playing the odd chess game with Gray Tolliver, a local retiree. In fact, the mellow pace is a nice change from the hectic life he left behind.

When an insurance company hires Frank to do some fact checking on a hit-and-run, he expects a routine case. But the more Frank investigates, the more obvious it becomes that there is more to this case than meets the eye.

O'Neil's writing is refreshingly original. On top of that, he's created a really fun protagonist in Frank Cole. The narrative is breezy, light, and willing to crack a joke when necessary. The premise that brings Frank to Exile is not, it is true, the most probable. But it is most enjoyable, as isMurder in Exile itself--a quick, delightful read that delves into the world of fact checking and research just as easily as the world of murder and mystery. On top of that, this novel was also the winner of the Malice Domestic/St. Martin's Press Best First Traditional Mystery Contest.

Smart Story with Likeable Protagonist
"Murder in Exile" is smart. Its protagonist--a likeable Everyman. Its writer--a witty Bard of distinctive voice who has given us a tale worth reading.

An Impressive Debut

Frank Cole is living in Exile, Florida after being forced to declare bankruptcy when his fledgling computer company went belly-up.An inept judge looking to make an example of Frank places an attachment on all of his future earnings, so on the advice of his friend and attorney Frank works as an insurance fact-checker earning subsistence-level wages.It's while working on what would seem to be a routine case that he investigates the hit-and-run of a twenty year-old man who suspiciously took out an insurance claim shortly before his death.Although Frank discovers that the man was liked by everyone and had a reason for the insurance policy, another investigator's allegations of the his gambling habits has the insurance company canceling the claim that would benefit his pregnant widow, leaving Frank feeling used and guilty.Further prodding the otherwise unambitious investigator is an implicit threat left on his dining room table, and soon Frank is housing bodyguards and coming to the conclusion that Eddie Gonzales may have been at the wrong place at the wrong time and not the intended target of the "accident."

The winner of the 2005 Malice Domestic/St. Martin's Best First Traditional Mystery Contest, Murder in Exile's breezy 195 pages speeds quickly to a conclusion that is ultimately satisfying even if justice is not traditionally served.It's the character of Frank Cole who carries the novel as he determinedly and somewhat unenthusiastically investigates the murder.Frank's investigative mentor, the ethically challenged Bill Haskell, and his two oversized bodyguard employees as well shine, revealing O'Neil's gift for humor and wit.This is an impressive debut, and if the author can return with Frank Cole and a more intriguing investigation he is sure to have a series that will gain readers and attract fans who love weary, cynical, but hopeful investigators.

Wits, not guns
This is what I wrote the author about his first published mystery:

"Dear Mr. O'Neil,
Excellent job writing "Murder in Exile". I like how stubborn Frank is,
and how he sees things from a different angle. Good insider info and a
mature, linear storyline. It was enjoyable to meet a guy that DIDN'T
know guns or fighting, but had wits and friends that could help him out.
I found your book to be a solid engaging mystery and I'll certainly be
looking for your name in our library's shelf of new books.
Thanks for a good read!" ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Mystery News Review of Exile Trust
Mystery News review of Exile Trust

Frank Cole is grateful when his friend, Exile (Florida) Police Chief Denny Dannon, throws a little work his way. The new job is with an Exile bank anticipating an audit of its safe deposit boxes by a regulatory agency. It seems the records have not been well kept and the bank would like to find the whereabouts of some of its box-holders before auditors swarm in. Frank is not a licensed private eye, but a former software developer/entrepreneur, now a "fact-checker," who works with insurance and investigation companies - so the job's right up his alley.

Susan Wilmington, the bank's new manager of the safe-deposit box department, is at first on the defensive but soon figures out that she and Frank will work well together. Susan confides in Frank that she has misgivings about a man she recently allowed into Dorothea Freehoffer's safe deposit box without going through all the proper procedures ... and asks Frank to check it out for her.

As it turns out, Mrs. Freehoffer is dead and the man who supposedly accessed the box - her husband Andy - died a year before she did. One thing leads to another and soon Frank is hot on the trail of ... of what, he doesn't exactly know.

I love the character of Frank Cole. He's in the Panhandle of Florida after his software development company up north folds, leaving him in an ocean of debt. His lawyer/friend convinces him he needs to lay low for awhile, taking on small jobs for small pay and hoping to convince his creditors he's not worth pursuing. (In that, he's a bit reminiscent of Elaine Viets's protagonist in her dead-end-job mysteries.) I also love the name of the fictional town of Exile, Florida. How perfect!

Exile Trust is well paced, well written, and had me cheering Frank on starting with page one. Great secondary characters abound - including Gray Toliver, a retired navy chief petty officer Frank hires to help with the bank job.

Exile Trust has soooooo much to like, readers will be praying for more.

By Diana. First published in Mystery News, October-November 2008 edition.

You gotta love Frank Cole
Frank Cole is living a life of exile in Exile, Florida, but it is a life he is getting used to although at times he feels the need to take his life on a different route. Frank lost his business and endured a very bad bankruptcy. Mark, Frank's friend and attorney, has advised Frank that he needs to keep a low profile until hopefully some better decisions can come down from the bankruptcy court.

In Exile Trust we find Mark Ruben visiting Frank in Florida. Mark is contemplating a move to Florida with his family, but Frank isn't so sure this is a good idea and is not being very encouraging.

Denny Danton, Excile's Chief of Police, approaches Frank. Denny has recommended Frank for a job that has come up at the local bank. It seems that auditors will be at the bank soon and the records on the safe deposit books are incomplete. After checking out the situation Frank asks his friend Gray Toliver to help out, and Gray is more than willing to take on the job.

One safe deposit box of most interest is owned by a Dorothea Freehofer who was just recently found dead in her home. Dorothea's husband Preston passed away several years ago. Someone with the key to the safe deposit box shows up with Preston's passport for identification and a bank employee gives this person access to the safe deposit box. Now that the bank knows that it could not have been Preston, all stops are pulled out to find out what really is going on.

Frank lucks onto an elderly woman in Dorothea's neighborhood who seems to be the only friend Dorethea had. Dorothea left an envelope with the neighbor and now Frank is in possession of the contents of this envelope. Frank's investigation will lead him into old real estate schemes and even murder.

This is a great addition to the Frank Cole series. I enjoyed Exile Trust as well as Reduced Circumstances. I haven't read the first book in the series Murder in Exile but I do intend to that soon.

Armchair Interviews says: Nice addition to the series.

Fun fast summertime read
Another great book on the misadventures of Frank Cole and his colection weird Florida people! No hi-tech speak like some current TV and books. More about the characters and life in a small town. When is the movie?

fine investigative tale
In Exile, Florida, bank manager Ollie Morton is concerned that the auditors will find discrepancies especially with the safe deposit boxes as the owners have vanished and payments not received.Police Chief Denny Dannon recommends Ollie hire Frank Cole, who needs work due to REDUCED CIRCUMSTANCES, to find the missing clients.The bank's safe-deposit manager Susan Wilmington also informs Frank how a strange person with proper identity claimed to be the husband of Dorothea Freehoffer and emptied her box; soon afterward, they learned Dorothea just died in an accident and her spouse was buried two years ago.

Frank investigates the Freehoffer scam that leads him to a real-estate swindle and a two decade old cold case homicide.He begins digging deeper angering those who want illegal activities including fraud and murder to remain a concealed scam.

Frank is terrific as he always is (see MURDER IN EXILE) although the plot is so linear, a reader can see the ending almost from the beginning; on a cloudy day you can see forever (or at least the ending) as there are no twists or red herrings.Still Frank is at his best as his simple tracking job turns into an investigation into fraud and murder.Fans of the series will enjoy his latest efforts in Exile.

Harriet Klausner

"Trust" me this is good
O'Neil continues in a string of powerful novels with great twists and turns in the plot.Frank Cole is fast becoming my favorite character in the published world.I won't spolil the story but I read this in one sitting.Just could not stop turning pages.You can "Trust" O'Neil to keep the plot moving and the action too.
Mr. O'Neil, please keep them coming! and soon! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (9)

American Library Association review of Reduced Circumstances (May 15, 2007)
American Library Association review of Reduced Circumstances (May 15, 2007)


Once upon a time, Frank Cole was the happily married owner of a thriving software firm. But when business and marriage both went under, he landed in the Florida panhandle town of Exile, cobbling together a living as a fact-checker for lawyers and a dispatcher for the Midnight Taxi Service. One night a driver picks up a fare from a local fleabag motel just before the cops bust a salesman with a truck full of dope. Frank puts his own detective skills to work and learns that the fare was a petty con man whose parents were sophisticated financial swindlers. Soon Frank is sucked into the vortex of a case in which his own life may be at risk. The second Frank Cole mystery builds on the series' critically acclaimed debut, Murder in Exile (2006), with a credible plot, a sympathetic protagonist, and an array of eccentric secondary characters. This has the earmarks of a series that could be around a long time; better get in on the fun at the beginning. --Wes Lukowsky

from missprint.wordpress.com
Vincent H. O'Neil's inimitable beach bum/amateur sleuth Frank Cole is back in Reduced Circumstances (2007), his followup to Murder in Exile (2006). Things have quieted down for Frank since solving the Eddie Gonzalez case in Exile. In fact as fast as fact checking is concerned, business is just about non-existent.

Although Frank's peculiar bankruptcy case prevents him from earning too much money, he does still have living expenses. So, to deal with the light times as a fact checker, Frank finds himself working as a night dispatcher for the Midnight Taxi Service near his home in Exile, Florida.

The taxi stand is where Frank first hears about the kid. The young man was seen hailing a Midnight cab near a drug bust the night before--interesting but not exactly big news. Of course that's before a parade of visitors drop by the cab stand trying to find the kid and the MIA driver who picked him up the night before. First there's the private investigator from Atlanta, then the possible bounty hunters from Mobile, and finally the kid's girlfriend--a blond femme fatale of sorts who never seems to leave a fingerprint in her wake.

Suddenly Frank finds himself a person of interest on all side of the investigation despite having little in the way of information to share. Urged on by equal parts curiosity and necessity, Frank begins to investigate the kid and his mysterious disappearance trying to figure out why exactly so many people want to find him. And who, if any of them, want to find him alive.

Murder in Exile was a lot of fun. Amazingly, and happily, this installment in the series is even more enjoyable. The narrative also provides ample yet brief recaps of Frank's adventures in the first book for anyone who might be fuzzy on those early details. Reduced Circumstances is an interesting blend of character study and mystery. The elements for both are here and used well to create a breezy read that leaves readers with a satisfying investigation and more insight into Frank's personality and life.

Because Frank comes to the world of investigation from a fact checker's side of things, the novel also provides a unique look at the world of online research and a commentary on just how much information can be found online. O'Neil keeps these segments just the right length to stay interesting for the typical readers and any information professionals who should happen to pick up the book.

While the investigation wraps up nicely, the novel does still end with a slight cliff hanger that will leave readers eager for the next installment in the series Exile Trust (2008).

An Excellent Sequel
On the advice of his attorney, former software company owner Frank Cole is once again working at near subsistence level in order to prevent the bankruptcy court from taking any additional assets.This time Frank is employed as a taxi dispatcher, a job which allows him to quietly contemplate his future even as his coworkers continually haze him.The quiet is shattered when he is approached first by a private detective and then by two thugs, all searching for the taxi customer who fled the scene of a drug bust.Spurred on by his own curiosity and encouraged by the P.I. Curtis Winslow, Frank begins hunting for the young man whose multiple identities lead back to his incarcerated grifter parents.Throw in a femme fatale, a drug lord, and the discovery that everyone lies, Frank soon finds himself up to his armpits in con artists and danger.

The sequel to the Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery, Murder in Exile, Reduced Circumstances continues the adventures of a reluctant hero who uncovers a surprising talent for investigation while under the tutelage of experienced detectives.While the case may again be less than riveting, Frank and Winslow prove to be an engaging new team.A character-driven novel, it stumbles only in the neglect of Frank's girlfriend Beth Ann, previously a strong woman who in this outing appears only to (reasonably) nag Frank and his attorney for their slacker and unmotivated plan that keeps Frank barely working and living on rice and pasta.

This 211 page novel moves swiftly and the likable characters beg for better cases that will force Frank to step up his investigation skills.This engaging second novel by O'Neil reveals his growing talent and hopefully we can look forward to additional appearances by the witty, laid-back hero.

good florida mystery!
Vincent H. O'Neil's REDUCED CIRCUMSTANCES takes you into the swampy, sweaty world of Florida crime, via Frank Cole and his new job as a Midnight Taxi dispatcher.When a con artist goes missing after last being seen in a Midnight Taxi, Cole ends up having to answer to private investigators, bounty hunters and the con man's mysterious girlfriend.Of course, the con artist shows up dead, clutching a Midnight Taxi map, but that doesn't stop the interested parties from coming after Cole.The story moves deliberately, like an alligator through the muck, but never bores.For fans of Don Bruns' Florida novels (STUFF TO DIE FOR, SOUTH BEACH SHAKEDOWN.)

O'Neil and Frank Cole x 2 Success!
Vincent O'Neil has written another fine novel in this second of a (I hope) long series.If you missed the first book, go read it, but if not you can easily get up to speed in this one.What I like about this series is that the hero is not a super cop on steroids or a private eye who solves the world's problems in 100 pages.Frank Cole is a believable character who uses logic, judgment, and some smarts to solve at least most of the mystery.I don't want to give the plot away but it is a very good read and a worthy second novel.Similar in style to Sue Grafton and Robert Parker, O'Neil is a great writer on the way up.Waiting for the third in the series, hopefully not waiting another year. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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"FRANK BARR is an entertaining tale of the exploits of one of Alaska's diminishing population of bush pilots. It is a refreshing look at the not-so-distant past and a pleasant read for a winter's evening." --Tundra Times ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best Bush Pilot Bokk Ever
I loved this book. I have given it as gifts to many of my friends and they all loved it also. If you are a pilot or just a "want-to-be" read this book! ... Read more

Product Description
The story of the wild west show created by Frank Jamesand Cole Younger. Also, the last days of both men. ... Read more

Product Description
Frank Coles Phillips was a petrographer, mineralogist and structural petrologist working in the middle of the 20th century. He was very influential, both in the UK and abroad and was responsible for encouraging the development of structural geology as a discipline in Australia and for the adoption of the stereogram as a fundamental interpretational tool in a structural geology in the UK. He was a superb teacher, perhaps best known amongst mineralogists and geologists of today for his classic textbooks, An Introduction to Crystallography and The Use of Stereographic Projection in Structural Geology. Phillips was the first to apply the methods of structural petrology (the study of the microscopic fabric of deformed rock) in a attempt to unravel the complex structural history of the Moine rocks of northwestern Scotland. His findings were at odds with those of his contemporaries and resulted in the Moine petrofabrics becoming embroiled on a long-running controversy, only completely resolved since the mid-1980s.

This geological biography of an importance 20th century mineralogist and petrologist takes a critical look at Phillips' research in the context of contemporaneous developments in structural and Moine geology. It reviews his work in relation to both past problems and present solutions. It will be of interest to all geologists, especially structural and microstructural geologists, historians of sciences and the general reader with an interest in science.

Also available:

Later Proterozoic Torridonian - Geological Society Memoirs M0024 - ISBN 978-1-86239-103-1
Lewisian Geology of Gairloch - Geological Society Memoirs M0024 - ISBN 978-1-86239-116-1

The Geological Society of London

Founded in 1807, the Geological Society of London is the oldest geological society in the world, and one of the largest publishers in the Earth sciences.

The Society publishes a wide range of high-quality peer-reviewed titles for academics and professionals working in the geosciences, and enjoys an enviable international reputation for the quality of its work.

The many areas in which we publish in include:

-Petroleum geology
-Tectonics, structural geology and geodynamics
-Stratigraphy, sedimentology and paleontology
-Volcanology, magmatic studies and geochemistry
-Remote sensing
-History of geology
-Regional geology guides ... Read more

Product Description
Ephemera captures our curiosity. Through it we get a glimpse into the personalities, personal moments and ponderings, and sentiments of beloved public figures. Presented here are many such glimpses, along with several longer looks, into the life of legendary photographer, Robert Frank. New York to Nova Scotia was originally published in 1986 to accompany a retrospective exhibition organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and has long been out of print. The book is the best source for much of the most absorbing material on the great artist: there are letters from a young Robert Frank to his parents telling them of New York, there is a facsimile of his 1954 proposal (considered a landmark document in the history of photography) to the Guggenheim Foundation that started his legendary journey across America, a letter from an Arkansas State policeman who arrested Frank during his trip to produce the photographs in his masterpiece, The Americans, as well with such other items like an account by Jack Kerouac about the trip he made with Robert Frank to Florida. The theme of this account is the now-classic one of a modern artist's restless peregrinations--travel as a physical and spiritual journey, as search and as self-discovery. The chronology and personal spirit of Frank's complex career as a photographer and filmmaker are evoked through these previously unpublished letters, pictures, reviews, and essays, as well as through 18 of his classic photographs. Some of the letters are by Frank; others were written by photographers and contemporaries, such as W. Eugene Smith, Louis Faurer, Keith Smith, and Gotthard Schuh, and by legendary curators Hugh Edwards and Robert Delpire. (Frank's writings reveal his lesser-known side: considerable talent as a literary artist.) Authors of the essays include Walker Evans, Jonas Mekas, Allen Ginsberg, and Robert Coles, as well as the exhibition curators, Philip Brookman and Anne Tucker. New York to Nova Scotia also includes still images from Frank's films, and pictures of Frank throughout his career.I'm trying to forget easy photo, trying to make something from within.Time moves on and never stops or waits. -Robert FrankEssays by Philip Brookman, Robert Coles, and Anne Wilkes Tucker.

Introduction by Peter C. Marzio.Paperback, 9 x 12 in./112 pgs / 4 color and 27 duotones. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Robert Frank
I have not finished the book, but what what I have read is very interesting to me. There are lot of letters, one of which is very interesting. Robert describes his impressions of New York City and nearly fifty years later you would think he was writting about NYC now! I like the book!

Very interesting material.Unique among the books on Frank.
A few rare Frank images are reproduced, but this book is mainly a collection of documents and writings by or about Frank.This is the only source for much of this material: letters from a young Robert Frank to hisparents about New York, for example; a facsimile of Frank's Guggenheimapplication; a police report made during Frank's trip across America;writing by Kerouac about a trip made with Frank to Florida.I recommendthis book to any person interested in Robert Frank and already familiarwith his work.Nevertheless, the few images here reproduced stand out likeflowers. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Product Description
As a young man Frank Oppenheimer followed in his famous brother's footsteps growing up in a privileged Manhattan household, becoming a physicist, working on the atomic bomb. Tragically, Frank and Robert both had their careers destroyed by the Red Scare. But their paths diverged. While Robert died an almost ruined man, Frank came into his own, emerging from ten years of exile on a Colorado ranch to create not just a multimillion dollar institution but also a revolution that was felt all over the world. His Exploratorium was a "museum of human awareness" that combined art and science while it encouraged play, experimentation, and a sense of joy and wonder; its success inspired a transformation in museums around the globe. In many ways it was Frank's answer to the atom bomb. K.C. Cole a friend and colleague of Frank's for many years has drawn from letters, documents, and extensive interviews to write a very personal story of the man whose irrepressible spirit would inspire so many.

Customer Reviews (22)

Good, but more than a bit gushing, and not very skeptical, etc.
K.C. Cole writes a mixture of fan-bio of Frank Oppenheimer and history of the Exploratorium. Unfortunatley, it's a bit "light" on both sides of the coin.

It's a bit too fan-ish of Frank, without good critical distance. She explains why that is, but perhaps could have distanced herself more.

It's a bit thin on the involvement of other people in getting the Exploratorium off the ground in its early years, too.

She could have brought more critical depth to both.

Finally, she repeats the dead horse of certain strains of left-liberal revisionist history (note: I consider myself a skeptical left-liberal), that the A-bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki weren't needed, that casualty figures for an invasion were overestimated, etc.

If anything, George Marshall tried to downplay casualty estimates so as not to alarm Truman or other top brass. Ike? Had never commanded in the Pacific Theater, had no clue as to what it was like with a "no-surrender" foe.

As for the necessity? Even after BOTH bombs were dropped AND the Soviets invaded Manchuria, Hirohito still had to FORCE surrender down the throat of his War Cabinet, only to nearly be toppled from the throne by a colonels' coup attempt the next day.

I almost 4-starred this, because I liked some of the things I learned about Oppenheimer, but I just can't.

Inspiring
Something horrible happened when one Oppenheimer brother set his genius to the task of hastening a war's conclusion.The better known -- voluminously documented -- Oppenheimer brother looms large in the public's imagination, even years after departing this earth.And then there's the lesser known brother, Frank, also a physicist by training, but whose own priorities were of a completely different sort, and whose vision -- a vision he also toiled to make real -- was truly wonderful.KC has selected just the right title for her marvelous book.Not long ago I read American Prometheus, an outstanding yet very sobering biography of Frank's elder brother.I found it greatly refreshing and re-inspiring to learn about Frank's own very impressive achievements and about the character and quality of the man himself.SIWH is a terrific book, and a long overdue testament.

Get yourself thinking
This is a wonderful book on so many levels. About science and its place in the world, but one does not need to be even remotely a scientist to appreciate it.

Physicist with a wonderful personality
This book transports you into a time where science was exciting.This man saw the world as a wonderful place to observe and teach from everyday events.It's a very interesting book with a look at the person behind the science.

Incredibly Wonderful Creation, So-So Book
I work in the science center field, and have been to dozens of science centers. Definitely my favorite is San Francisco's Exploratorium. It's every bit as amazing as KC Cole's book makes it out to be (and the book will make a lot more sense if you've been there).

This book is a biography of Exploratorium founder Frank Oppenheimer, whom the author worked for and was good friends with. His story is indeed an interesting one, from his wealthy childhood, his career in physics, work (along with more famous brother Robert) on the Manhattan Project, his post war fears of nuclear proliferation, victim of McCarhtyism, rebirth as a teacher, and creation of a museum that really did revolutionize science education. Cole has no shortage of personal accounts from herself and other associates, and many parts of the book are inspiring, and very thought provoking.

The downside, and it's a big one, is that Cole could have used a little more journalistic distance from her subject. The tone of much of the book often goes into gushing, verging on worshipful.

One example: Treating every utterance of Frank's as received wisdom doesn't help the book. When Frank angrily lambastes a worker for using glue to seal together part of an exhibit, Cole treats this as yet another example of what a wonderful visionary Frank was. Oppenheimer's reason for the rant was that he wanted all the functions of how exhibits worked to be visible and understandable to visitors - no black boxes, no hidden devices making this function, and he deemed glue too mysterious. That's a good m.o. that serves the Exploratorium well, ergo he wanted screwss, "no glue!". But I couldn't help but think that this could have been the genesis of another educational Exploratorium set of exhibits: how the heck DO things get held together? Screws, nails, velcro, glue, tape... all use different methods, and it seems like these topics would have nicely complement other Exploratorium exhibits that involve electromagnetism or water (which use their own ways to attract).

A promising avenue for exploration? Maybe. But my main point is: the idea apparently never occurred to Oppenheimer because of dogmatic thinking, the kind he normally opposed. And pointing out that this (or anything) might have been a shortcoming of his never occurs to Cole. Everything, down to his extramarital affairs, is yet another example of how wonderful Frank was.

And overall, he certainly was. It's just that Cole's attempts to ignore anything to the contrary - even if it doesn't change the overall conclusion - takes away from the book. Especially a book focused on science, where such evidence cherry-picking is not supposed to occur.

It's a decent book, though if you want a somewhat drier but more objective one, try finding Hilda Heine's "Exploratorium".

Or better yet, take some advice from Oppenheimer himself. "Learning science without stuff", he said, "is like learning how to swim without going into the water." No book can make you appreciate him like checking out the Exploratorium itself. ... Read more

Product Description
With Some Account Of The Descendants Of James Cole, Of Hartford, Connecticut, 1635-1652, And Of Thomas Cole, Of Salem, Massachusetts, 1649-1672. ... Read more

Product Description
When we last saw Frank Cole in EXILE TRUST, he'd solved a twenty year-old murder and had also helped his good friend Gray Toliver uncover a plot to break into the Exile town bank's safe deposit area. He was still saddled with the massive debt from his bankruptcy, was still working as a low-paid fact-checker, and was still dating local photographer Beth Ann Thibedault. In CONTEST OF WILLS, Frank gets a new job, a new friend, and a new case:When Frank signs on as a fact-checker for a Tallahassee law firm, he has no idea what's in store for him. The firm's lead investigator, brash Jimmy Hanigan, quickly introduces him to the darker side of private investigations work. Then the firm's owner, Walter Daley, tells them that his old friend and client Chester Pratt has died of a prescription drug interaction-and that Pratt's will is missing. Frank and Jimmy soon discover that everyone named in the missing will was at Pratt's birthday party the night he died, and that he'd already had a close call with the same medication months before. Frank's photographer girlfriend Beth Ann steps in when Frank and Jimmy get hold of the pictures from the birthday party, and her help doesn't end in the darkroom: Against Frank's wishes, Jimmy Hanigan soon has her working undercover in places where he and Frank would be recognized.As the trio dig deeper into the case, they learn that Pratt's death may have indeed been an accident, that no one in his family seems to want his fortune, and that an old nemesis from Frank's first case is dogging their steps. In no time at all, it's a true Contest of Wills in sunny Florida. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Just released: The new Frank Cole mystery CONTEST OF WILLS
When we last saw Frank Cole in EXILE TRUST, he'd solved a twenty year-old murder and had also helped his good friend Gray Toliver uncover a plot to break into the Exile town bank's safe deposit area. He was still saddled with the massive debt from his bankruptcy, was still working as a low-paid fact-checker, and was still dating local photographer Beth Ann Thibedault.

In CONTEST OF WILLS, Frank gets a new job, a new friend, and a new case:

When Frank signs on as a fact-checker for a Tallahassee law firm, he has no idea what's in store for him. The firm's lead investigator, brash Jimmy Hanigan, quickly introduces him to the darker side of private investigations work. Then the firm's owner, Walter Daley, tells them that his old friend and client Chester Pratt has died of a prescription drug interaction--and that Pratt's will is missing.

Frank and Jimmy soon discover that everyone named in the missing will was at Pratt's birthday party the night he died, and that he'd already had a close call with the same medication months before. Frank's photographer girlfriend Beth Ann steps in when Frank and Jimmy get hold of the pictures from the birthday party, and her help doesn't end in the darkroom: Against Frank's wishes, Jimmy Hanigan soon has her working undercover in places where he and Frank would be recognized.

As the trio dig deeper into the case, they learn that Pratt's death may have indeed been an accident, that no one in his family seems to want his fortune, and that an old nemesis from Frank's first case is dogging their steps. In no time at all, it's a true CONTEST OF WILLS in sunny Florida.

Frank Cole Mysteries are Great -- Get the First Three
Vincent O'Neil has created a great character in Frank Cole.The mysteries are unique in setting and tone.Frank is a great characters.I loved the first three books and loaned them to my mom, who is an enthusiastic mystery reader.She loved them too.I was VERY excited the see this fourth book available.It is the best yet in this really under-appreciated and not-well-known series of books.If you like a good mystery where all the clues are there for you to piece together, you'll like this book.

A Fun Puzzler
The fourth in the Frank Cole series, is a fun read for mystery fans who like to solve puzzles. Vincent O'Neil provides a manageable group of suspects that are introduced to the reader in a way that makes it easy to keep everyone straight and yet difficult to decide who 'dun it'. The author plays fair with the reader giving the reader all the facts Frank Cole has and plenty of time to weigh the available evidence. The suspects are refreshing and act in ways that you might not expect family members with millons at stake and a missing will to behave. Frank's new partner is an enjoyable character that even Frank knows is upstaging him, but Frank's generous nature makes that okay. Satisfying resolution.

Just released: The new Frank Cole mystery CONTEST OF WILLS
When we last saw Frank Cole in EXILE TRUST, he'd solved a twenty year-old murder and had also helped his good friend Gray Toliver uncover a plot to break into the Exile town bank's safe deposit area. He was still saddled with the massive debt from his bankruptcy, was still working as a low-paid fact-checker, and was still dating local photographer Beth Ann Thibedault.

In CONTEST OF WILLS, Frank gets a new job, a new friend, and a new case:

When Frank signs on as a fact-checker for a Tallahassee law firm, he has no idea what's in store for him. The firm's lead investigator, brash Jimmy Hanigan, quickly introduces him to the darker side of private investigations work. Then the firm's owner, Walter Daley, tells them that his old friend and client Chester Pratt has died of a prescription drug interaction--and that Pratt's will is missing.

Frank and Jimmy soon discover that everyone named in the missing will was at Pratt's birthday party the night he died, and that he'd already had a close call with the same medication months before. Frank's photographer girlfriend Beth Ann steps in when Frank and Jimmy get hold of the pictures from the birthday party, and her help doesn't end in the darkroom: Against Frank's wishes, Jimmy Hanigan soon has her working undercover in places where he and Frank would be recognized.

As the trio dig deeper into the case, they learn that Pratt's death may have indeed been an accident, that no one in his family seems to want his fortune, and that an old nemesis from Frank's first case is dogging their steps. In no time at all, it's a true CONTEST OF WILLS in sunny Florida.
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Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Publisher: Williams ... Read more

Product Description
Not much has been written about the Italian immigrant experience prior to 1880. This book, through careful analysis of primary and archival sources, brings to life the Civil War-time trials and tribulations of several notable Italian Americans--Bancroft Gherardi, Luigi Palma di Cesnola, Francis B. Spinola, Decimus et Ultimus Barziza, and Edward Ferrero, among others. Though their numbers were few, Italian Americans played central roles in the bloodiest war in our country's history. Included in this book are samples of John Garibaldi's wartime correspondence to his wife, lists of Italian Americans who served as officers and noncommissioned sailors in the Union Navy, and first-hand correspondence of William Howell Reed (Virginia hospitals overseer under President Grant) and the brother of a young Italian who died in the hospital during the war. Sons of Garibaldi in Blue and Gray fills a critical gap in studies of Italian American life in the United States in the late 1800s. ... Read more