Other articles by J.c. Martin:

Tucson stars in 3 murder mysteries Here's the latest on Andrew Greeley Titles for kids take top 'Audie' awards as best audiobooks So, who wants to read 'Hoodoo'? You do UA undergrad humor is captured in 3 volumes Some of these writers to be at festival 'Early Tucson' packed with old photos Locals cover history, love, war, more Birds used to teach lessons in local book southern arizona authors : Husband-wife team produces readable guides

Trades/Construction
RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION General
A1 Communications
Cable Techs Health Care
Sierra Tucson
Eating Disorders Program Coordinator

Jane Eppinga, in "Arizona Sheriffs: Badges and Bad Men" (Rio Nuevo, $16.95), sets records straight and dishes up both dirt and glory in this masterful foray into the archives of Arizona law enforcement. She handles a multitude of details and dozens of participants — from the 1860s to the present day. This is a must for Arizona history buffs.

In "Hidden Treasures of Santa Cruz County" (Brocking J Books, $24.95), Betty Barr interviews pioneers and pioneer descendants to record invaluable — often funny, sometimes heroic — recollections of that scenic portion of Southern Arizona.

History on a different level comes from transplanted Brit John Horsman. "Racing in the Rain" (David Bull, $49.95) carries the subtitle, "My Years With Brilliant Drivers, Legendary Sports Cars and a Dedicated Team." From the 1960s to the 1980s, from Le Mans to Indianapolis, as this handsome book attests, Horsman has been a major player in the design and operation of racing cars. Good photos; informative captions.

Former attorney Alan Silverman delves into the meaning and structure of life and living in "A Promise of Eden" (Tiferet Press, $19). He examines social programs from the West and spiritual programs from Asia and dips into astrology.

"Letting Go of Your Bananas" (Warner Business Books, $20) comes from Daniel T. Drubin, a motivational and business development guru. The subtitle is "How to Become More Successful by Getting Rid of Everything Rotten in Your Life."

"Danger at the Sea of Cortez" (Flagstaff Publishing, $12.95), G.G. Robins' young-adult novel, takes place in the small Mexican fishing town of San Felipe, where an endearing cast of characters rescues whales, captures diamond thieves and just generally spreads good cheer.

If you've been concerned about health-care costs, you will get plenty to think about in Stephen M. Buckler's "The HMO: Murder by Referral" (Fifth Estate, $24). Citing the "institutional greed" he found while employed in a university health-care system and a pharmaceutical conglomerate in California, Buckler has written an intensely critical account of the inner workings of what we can only hope is a fictional health maintenance organization.

"Elwyn: The Beginning" (PublishAmerica, $14.95) is Vol. 1 of J.M. Babcock's projected trilogy set in medieval England.

"The Entrepreneur Diet: The On-the-Go Plan for Fitness, Weight Loss and Healthy Living" (Entrepreneur Press, $22.95) by Tom Weede is professional, positive and practical. Weede offers busy people guidelines for better business results through better health habits.

W. Gerald Matlock, a retired professor of agricultural engineering, in "Nutrition Lessons for Kids (and Their Parents)" (Wickenburg Health Care Alliance, $19.95, includes a CD "exercise dance") joins Judith Matlock Creighton and Dr. Thomas Matlock in outlining a practical, tested teaching guide to healthy menus and foods for families.

Poetry is piling up in this corner of the local book world.

James E. Cox's work in "As the Mood Prescribes" (AuthorHouse, $9.99) and Judy O'Toole-Freel's "Looking for the Sunrise" (PublishAmerica, $16.30) are celebrations of personal relationships and the overwhelming impact of nature.

"Cowboy Poetry: As Twisted As Bob-Wire" (Cowboy Miner, $13.95), Ken Whitecotton's second published volume of poetry, recalls his profession and that of his fellow ranchers with wry affection.

Jefferson Carter, who teaches creative writing at Pima Community College, has collected what he considers his "best poems written over a span of 20 years" in "Sentimental Blue" (Chax, $12). Hard-edged, confessional and occasionally self-indulgent, they clearly come from a pro.

Meanwhile, at Canyon del Oro High School, 15-year-old Elizabeth Roberts has had her poem "The Betrothal Portrait" included in "Best Teen Writing in 2006" (Scholastic, $10).

"Dancing With the Wind," the latest ArtsReach Literary Anthology, Volume XVIII 2006 ($14), was edited by Franci Washburn. It is filled with poetry (and a few short essays) written by American Indians from the second grade through high school.