Krimi & Thriller

Just as a young schoolteacher was ready to quit her career and join a convent, she goes on a blind date and meets a mysterious and energetic Canadian man. Nine children later, the father runs off into the mountains, trying to revive defunct gold mines in the hopes of striking it rich. Eventually, he disappears across the Canadian border, never to return home. With the father now gone, the oldest sibling takes charge and the six brothers each venture out in life on their own. This story is about the trials and tribulations that each of them faced without any guidance; the setbacks, disappointments, heartbreaks, fist fights, and brushes with the law, all involving extreme mischief. Would they end up in prison without a father figure, or would they go on to find success? Since comedy and humor is the best medicine, this band of brothers pushed the envelope in the most hilarious ways. Only time would tell how it would all end.

When murder is the thread holding together costumes for the community play, Peggy can't avoid the gossip or the orphaned pup under her feet.Running the Carom Seed Craft Corner on Fennel Street in Spicetown should be enough for one person, but Peggy Cochran spends her spare time volunteering to make costumes for the town play at the Spicetown Community Center. When a costume she made over twenty years ago resurfaces, so do the details of the prior drama teacher's death and Police Chief Conrad Harris can't ignore the questions.Finding a puppy in the alley behind the store, gets under her feet, and into her heart even before the murder is all sewn up.

A crime thriller, coming-of-age story and a family saga, The Price You Pay unravels in mid-1970s Jersey City, a crumbling town where violence and coercion reign. Young Mickey Wright is thrust into a world controlled by a powerful Teamster local associated with the Genovese crime syndicate. The man who puts him in jeopardy: his father, a free-wheeling policeman well-known to Jersey City's politicians and drug dealers. When a Black trucker is murdered, Mickey is forced to choose between loyalty to family and the Teamsters or to values he shares with Debbie Olsen, the love of his young life who is the daughter of a solidly middle-class family. Memorable appearances by Mickey's sister, who is broken by her father's foul will, and memories of their late mother haunt the story. The question of whether Mickey can stand tall, break free and live a worthy life of his choosing isn't answered until a final, shocking confrontation. The Price You Pay is rich with vivid details and the kind of propulsive yet compassion storytelling that defines Fusilli's career as one of today's most admired mystery writers. As in his novels Narrows Gate and The Mayor of Polk Street, he proves once again that he knows how danger can explode when the mob, police and politics are intertwined. As for Mickey and Debbie, there is a way out. Will they survive to take it? Critical Acclaim for The Price You Pay: "Jim Fusilli has done a lot of good writing in his time, but The Price You Pay is his best book. It's everything you want urban crime fiction to be: taut, seriously suspenseful, closely observed, wry, and very knowing about the way the real world works. I started off admiring the precision of the writing, and then found the pages flying. I was going to say George V. Higgins, the author of The Friends of Eddie Coyle, would have liked this novel. But then again, he might have just been pissed that he didn't write it himself." -Peter Blauner, author and screenwriter "With The Price You Pay, Jim Fusilli gives us a tough and heartfelt coming of age crime story-gritty, suspenseful, involving. The characters pop and ache and burn. Mickey Wright is memorable." -Meg Gardiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author Critical Acclaim for Jim Fusilli: "Superior. This courageous and original writer works against the grain of expectations, looking to make our experience not easy but illuminative and true." -Boston Globe "Fusilli writes with poetic intensity." -Kirkus Reviews "Fusilli's a master of his craft, each line brimming with his sense of urban life and nail-biting suspense... His prose is diamond-bright and conjures up a realm you cannot forget." -Providence Journal

The heroic journey of a Barbarian turned Gladiator...Son of a barbarian chieftain and a Roman noblewoman, Calgaich mac Lellan is exiled from his beloved country after slaying his cousin in a sword duel over the beautiful but vain Morar, "The Golden One." When his father is betrayed into the hands of the Romans by the one closest to him, Calgaich vows to overthrow his treacherous uncle and to take his rightful place as chief of the Novantae.The gods do not mean to let you return home.Recalling the prophecy of Cairenn, the bewitching slave woman, Calgaich is captured and condemned to the arena in Rome, from which few gladiators emerge alive. Will Calgaich have the strength to claim something once thought impossible for a man of his background and upbringing?¿"A powerful dramatic story." -Dana Fuller Ross, bestselling author of the Wagons West series

With the rising threat of Russia, Sweden joins NATO for its own protection. But someone wants to make them pay-in blood.Sweden's home-built, world-class jet fighters, the Saab JAS 39E Gripen-named for the mythological Gryphon-are falling out of the skies.The stability, the very existence of NATO could be torn apart, as if trapped in the Gryphon's mighty eagle claws. Can Miranda's team of air-crash investigators solve the crisis before the powerful lion-half shreds them asunder?"Miranda is utterly compelling!" - Booklist, starred review"Escape Rating: A. Five Stars! OMG just start with Drone and be prepared for a fantastic binge-read!" -Reading Reality

The world's leading AIDS researcher has been brutally murdered in Edinburgh on the eve of a world-shattering announcement. What did he know that made him a target? If anyone holds the key to the secret he carried to his grave, it is Margaret Kreiser, his former lover and research associate. James Macfadden, Scotland Yard inspector assigned to this case, meets with Margaret and both quickly become targets of the CIA, of corporate hitmen, drug cartel operatives, and others wanting to keep the AIDS discovery "classified." What was found deep in the heart of the African jungle will affect millions, but no one will ever know unless Macfadden and Kreiser can stay alive long enough to unlock the secrets of the rivers of the black moon.

After unleashing the magic of her ancestors, Olivia Osborne finds herself plagued by visions. She will need those new skills and more as she and Silas Branch are thrust back to the case they knew was never finished. Under the moss-covered trees of a small town in Florida exists an ancient evil that hungers for more. Following the death screams of a young girl, Olivia uncovers the secrets of a killer. Larry Wayne Pittman confessed his crimes, but he has one final request before he meets his fate. He has a message for Olivia Osborne that will change her life and unlock her own secrets. Olivia's visions aren't an evolution but a side-effect, and she cannot protect what she does not understand.

"The Sunny-Luna Travelling Oracle is a mesmerizing stage show entertaining the devastated shell of America"--

Back on Topside and a chance discovery reunites our gang of misfits for a second perilous adventure. With Nerak and Karel remaining on Topside to watch their discovery, Tega meets with his old friends to meet up with the now-released professor Snikwah at the infamous resort of Rocby-on-Sea. There they meet up with Fisah, an old friend of Ha'ans.Their journey will take them across the Sea of Despair, and along the Ancient Highway. What they find at the end of the Highway amazes and confuses them.Below and in a secret scientific research centre, a strange device from the landing site emits sounds. Unaware of its significance and unsure of its risk to Below, the Hierarchy sends a reluctant Professor Xoc and the device on the fastest and most terrifying way across Topside to meet up with our crew.Meanwhile, Raciv, head of the clerics, is aware of what secrets lie at the end of the Highway. He has deemed that no one finds out the truth about the National Library. Jes is despatched to make sure of this, but with his newfound knowledge and friendship with the once abandoned journalist Asil, will Jes obey or defy his master's orders?What has Asil discovered and just how far will she go to get revenge?All this culminates in a historic meeting of Simians and Machine - which would bring about a new era for both.A new era that will bring about events that will change things forever.

Birmingham, 1993. Under dim streetlamps, childhood friends Thomas, David, Henry, and Ernest drunkenly wind through the rainy streets, heading for the pub. While the others earn honest livings, David hatches risky schemes, plunging toward illegal drug trade and endangering them all. As his thirst for fast cash grows wilder, tensions mount among the foursome. Will their bond prove strong enough to stop David's fall into Birmingham's criminal underworld or will greed take them all down?

Detective Lieutenant Moorland finds himself ensnared in a chilling escape room, a twisted reenactment of a past he's struggled to forget. As he navigates this deadly labyrinth, he's haunted by an unsolved case: a string of gruesome murders where each victim bears a violent message and suffers horrific mutilation. But is this all a smokescreen designed to mislead him?As Moorland delves deeper, he uncovers a disturbing pattern. These acts of savagery aren't new; they're part of a horrifying legacy. He must grapple with a lethal blend of morality and methodology to unravel the mystery. But the clock is ticking, the bodies are piling up, and the stakes are skyrocketing.Engulfed in a web of dark secrets and manipulation, Moorland faces suspects as cunning as himself. Will he discover not just who is committing these heinous crimes, but also the puppet master behind the curtain? Navigating this perilous path could be the most harrowing journey of his career, leading him to a truth so soaked in blood it's indelible.Time is running out. In a game of intellect versus malevolence, will Moorland's keen mind be enough to bring a killer, and whoever is pulling their strings, to justice?

In his younger days, mysteries consumed him. The allure of Agatha Christie's intricate plots kept him engrossed for hours, as he delved into each twist and turn. Drawing from the vibrant tapestry of his own life - rich, thrilling, and ever-evolving - he crafted a narrative that seamlessly blends his experiences with fiction. While firmly rooted in reality, he infused the tale with creative embellishments, taking full advantage of artistic liberty. After sharing the initial draft with close friends, the overwhelming response was one of surprise, particularly at the story's unexpected climax. Dive in, and let his journey surprise you too.

In the depths of despair, four individuals - Tench, Mark, Hank, and Joe - find themselves navigating the treacherous waters of unemployment, divorce, obesity, and depression. Their lives spiral into an abyss of hopelessness, each day darker than the last. As they inch closer to the precipice of rock bottom, a shared desire ignites within them, a spark of purpose born from desperation. They begin to toy with the notion of vigilantism, finding solace in the idea of reclaiming control and meaning in their lives through daring acts that challenge the very fabric of society.Yet, as their secret lives as vigilantes unfold, a haunting question looms: When will their hunger for justice ever be satiated? In this gripping tale of redemption and retribution, Tench, Mark, Hank, and Joe must grapple with the blurred lines between heroism and madness, ultimately discovering that the path to salvation is as perilous as the darkness they seek to combat.

Detective Inspector Mark Jarvis relives his annus horribilis where a young student, Eva O'Connor, is beaten to within an inch of her life, and three health care workers, who seemingly have no connection with each other, mysteriously disappear. Jarvis' wife is becoming increasingly unwell but unknown to the D.I she hides the real truth behind her illness. Luke Ferguson, a close friend of the Jarvis household, goes missing after Ferguson's wife and daughter are found dead under suspicious circumstances.In a harrowing turn of events, the desolate landscape of Upper Stanton reveals its dark secrets. The renovation of an old pub uncovers the unexpected, plunging Jarvis into a maelstrom of sinister discoveries. Amidst the chaos, the once thriving community of Denton Heights looms ominously, its derelict buildings a haven for crime and despair. As Jarvis grapples with these challenges, a shocking incident outside a hospital captivates public attention, exposing the underbelly of a society plagued by violence and apathy.Jarvis, now retired, is forced to confront his past decisions and their haunting repercussions. His journey through this labyrinth of crime and personal turmoil is a reflection of a world where dreams are often shattered, and the stark reality of urban life leaves its indelible mark. Death of Dreams is a gripping tale of mystery, betrayal, and the quest for justice in a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred.

Plunged back into the enchanting yet perilous realm of Empire, Gwin finds herself at the forefront, battling not only for her survival but also for the lives of her companions. Cast into a treacherous world vastly different from her own, this novice commander faces the daunting task of moulding a disparate group of outcasts into a cohesive fighting force.United in their cause, they confront a brutal adversary, unravel a deadly plot, and seek to amend a grave injustice. This gripping tale is a blend of courage, intrigue, and the unyielding pursuit of justice, as Gwin and her warband navigate the tumultuous and violent landscape of the Empire.

Embark on a stirring journey through the harrowing trenches of WW1 and the quaint tranquillity of England's countryside in Wasted Lives. As the war rages, two valiant young lieutenants find solace away from the front lines, convalescing in a serene country house. However, the peace is shattered when the estate becomes the stage for a sinister murder. Bound by duty and haunted by the spectre of war, the duo finds themselves entangled in a dark mystery that threatens to unveil secrets that could change the course of their lives forever. With each unfolding clue, they venture further into a web of deceit, coming face to face with the harsh realities of war and the shadowy figures lurking in the peaceful English meadow.

Delve into the shadowy world of crime with this revealing exploration of the criminal underworld. Beyond the notorious crime lords and the violent realm of drug trafficking, lies a complex network of theft, fraud, and borderline legal activities. Who are the masterminds behind these operations? How do they seamlessly orchestrate crimes while remaining undetected? In everyday life, we find plumbers, electricians, and plasterers through a simple internet search or recommendations. But in the criminal fraternity, things operate differently. Fences, who trade in stolen goods, rely on a clandestine network: one group supplies the contraband, another discreetly purchases it, no questions asked. Imagine if this underworld also had its own 'sub-contractors' - skilled individuals specializing in specific illegal activities, and facilitators who connect various players in this covert market. This book takes you deep into this hidden society, shedding light on how organized crime functions with the same efficiency and connectivity as legitimate businesses. If you've ever been curious about the intricacies of the criminal world and its unseen yet organized culture, this is your guide to understanding how these hidden networks operate, thrive, and evade detection.

The Chronicles of William John Brickell the Second, Volume 2: Manipulation and Trickery, continues the historical fiction adventure series by Stephen Hanisch. This novel is categorized as 'fact-ton', blending non-fiction narrative history with storytelling flair. The author retells a subject's memoir, maintaining factual accuracy while adding enriched dialogue and physical descriptions beyond established facts. In this sequel, our diverse group of characters embarks on a perilous mission to dismantle a cross-continental smuggling ring. They find themselves both the hunters and the hunted, as those threatened by their efforts relentlessly pursue them. The narrative escalates in intensity as gunshots ring out and deceptions deeper than the Atlantic Ocean come to light. Their journey to uncover the true identities of the culprits takes them from Spain to England and to the coast of France and North Africa. Terrifying decisions test the mettle of William and his friends and crew, but the bond between them all only grows stronger as the hunt continues.

In a world on the brink of multiple conflicts, amidst the backdrop of a relentless pandemic, Bob Ray's life takes an unforeseen turn. Once a writer, former journalist, and undercover intelligence agent, he had lived for his craft until an unexpected event shattered his existence. As the globe grapples with the shocking behavior and unorthodox style of US President Reginald Dropp, a secret plan unfolds involving Dropp's old friend and Yale classmate, Peter Simons, the influential president of a major American television news network. Simultaneously, the resignation of the incumbent Pope gives rise to Lazarus Primus, a young, agile American cardinal of Jewish origin, who astounds the world by becoming the new head of the Catholic Church. Amidst these intriguing developments, the Holy Shroud of Jesus mysteriously disappears from the Turin Cathedral, defying the initial suspicions of a simple robbery. With the world's attention gripped by the relentless pandemic, a profound journey of faith and silence commences, while a chain of unforeseen events upends all preconceived plans, altering the destiny of the entire world.

FLASH FICTION FROM BEYOND THE VEIL Inspired by the Tarot's Major Arcana, Arcana: Flashes of the Supernatural is a collection of forty supernatural flash fiction and short stories.Spooky and heartwarming, the collection opens with "Arcane" and introduces Derek who finds a mysterious book in the occult section of the library. In "The Ancient Cemetery" the scales of justice balance after a tragedy goes unpunished, while in "Savasana" a young woman finds the courage to move on with her life.When evening falls and shadows come to life, glide into the world of Arcana: Flashes of the Supernatural, and let all else slip away.

"Elowen Atarah was ripped away from her dragons and imprisoned as a child by her father, King Garrick of Imirath, but years later, Elowen is now a woman determined to free them. Having established a secret kingdom of her own called Aestilian, she's ready to do what's necessary to save her people and seek vengeance against the father who sought to destroy her and her dragon bond. Even if that means leaving the home she built for herself. Or having to align herself with the Commander of Vareveth, Cayden Veles, the most feared and dangerous man in all the kingdoms of Ravaryn and her father's sworn enemy. Cayden is ruthless, lethal, and secretive, promising to help Elowen free her dragons if she will stand with him and all of Vareveth in the pending war against Imirath. Despite their contrasting motives, Elowen can't ignore their undeniable attraction as they combine their efforts and plot to infiltrate the impenetrable castle of Imirath to steal back her dragons and seek revenge on their common enemy. As the world tries to keep them apart, the pull between Elowen and Cayden becomes impossible to resist, even when trusting each other seems both reckless and essential. Working together with their crew over clandestine schemes, the threat of war looms over them, making the imminent heist to free her dragons their most dangerous adventure yet. But for Elowen, her vengeance is a promise signed in blood and she'll stop at nothing to see that promise through."--

"Originally published in Spain as Un lugar soleado para gente sombrâia by by Anagrama in Barcelona, Spain in 2024."--Title page verso.

In The Bad Choice, witness the haunting journey of Ekla and her tight-knit circle of friends as they grapple with an unthinkable loss and an impossible decision. After the tragic death of Damon, Ekla's beloved boyfriend, they're presented with a supernatural option that could change the course of their lives forever. Will they cross the ethical boundaries of life and death to help one of their own? Embark on a rollercoaster ride through love, friendship, and the supernatural as choices are made, secrets are revealed, and destinies intertwine. This mesmerizing tale will captivate you with its emotional depth and otherworldly twists.

Eight-year-old Jennifer was the quintessential daddy's girl until a tragic car accident claimed his life right beside her. Three years later, her life takes an unexpected turn when her new neighbour, John Smith, rescues her from a violent assault. Finding solace in John's strength and inherent goodness, Jennifer feels an unparalleled sense of safety in his presence. Gradually, an unlikely friendship begins to blossom between them. As time goes on, Jennifer starts to question the true identity of the man who saved her. John's secretive professional life and frequent absences from home ignite Jennifer's curiosity, leading her on a perilous quest to uncover his real identity. Her determination to understand John better draws her into a world fraught with espionage, survival tactics, and foreign intelligence. The journey ahead is full of revelations that only John could foresee. However, Jennifer begins to wonder if there are deeper secrets that even John himself might not be aware of. This tale of mystery and discovery explores the lengths one will go to unravel the truth about those they hold dear.

You can't lie down with your back against the wall. Ex-NYPD officer turned LA Bounty Hunter Tucker Brag has traded the beat on New York's mean streets for chasing bounties in the City of Angels. When Jimmy Brag, Tucker's father, a veteran in the U.S. Army and reclusive doomsayer, dies, Tucker is surprised by a windfall bequeathed to his only child. Sorting out Jimmy's affairs, Tucker is inadvertently thrust into the crosshairs of one of LA's most powerful crime figures. On the run and looking over his shoulder, he is then faced with a past family tragedy, bringing heartbreaking memories back into focus. They compel Tucker to attempt now what he couldn't hope to achieve as a young boy. Tucker will first need to defeat a ruthless enemy before planning to fulfil his own desire for revenge. PRAISE FOR ROGUE JUSTICE 'A rollercoaster journey of criminal justice. For readers of mysteries and thrillers who prefer darker and more dangerous tales. A deftly plotted, intelligently accomplished novel that is as fast-paced as it is gripping.' - Readers Favorite 'Great depth of character and a thrill to read.' - Literary Titan

When Aunt Florence mysteriously vanishes, her nephew, retired Detective Superintendent Matthew Rawlings, is drawn into a perilous and bewildering situation. Concerned for her safety, Matthew's investigation plunges him and his family into the midst of a series of murders, confronting them with danger of an unnervingly peculiar nature. As surreal echoes from the past intertwine with long-held resentments, the drama unfolds on the city streets. Without the familiar support of his former police colleagues, Matthew finds himself vulnerably exposed and inadvertently entangled in a web of murderous intrigue. His quest for answers becomes a race against time, as the line between friend and foe blurs in a world where nothing is as it seems.