Mike Maltby has more time and money than he knows what to do with and nothing to do with it, until a young boy and a broken bicycle enter his life. Now for the first time since his wife died, Mike has a new focus. Now instead of taking and taking and taking, he is going to give something back.Gabriel is an iPod-totting archangel obsessed with crossword puzzles and human souls. God is the Creator of Everything who misquotes platitudes and who is set on destroying the world. You are a hot, large-breasted dear reader. Angels Don't Cry is a sacrilegiously satirical short story about divine disappointment and angelic hope.

When a woman is brutally murdered, her cries for help fall on the deaf ears of onlookers too terrified to get involved. A year later, reporter Aynslee Kai receives videos documenting the final moments of apparently unrelated victims. To further her career, she clashes with Detective Hayden Eldridge, who discovers all were witnesses to the murder, proving sometimes just watching is fatal.FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR J. ROBERT KENNEDYWould you help, would you run, or would you just watch?When a young woman is brutally assaulted by two men on the subway, her cries for help fall on the deaf ears of onlookers too terrified to get involved, her misery ended with the crushing stomp of a steel-toed boot. A cell phone video of her vicious murder, callously released on the Internet, its popularity a testament to today’s depraved society, serves as a trigger, pulled a year later, for a killer.When emailed a video documenting the final moments of a woman’s life, entertainment reporter Aynslee Kai, rather than ask why the killer chose her to tell the story, decides to capitalize on the opportunity to further her career. Assigned to the case is Hayden Eldridge, a detective left to learn the ropes by a disgraced partner, and as videos continue to follow victims, he discovers they were all witnesses to the brutal subway murder a year earlier, proving sometimes just watching is fatal.From the author of The Protocol, Depraved Difference is a fast-paced murder suspense novel with enough laughs, heartbreak, terror and twists to keep you on the edge of your seat, then knock you flat on the floor with an ending so shocking, you’ll read it again just to pick up the clues.

When Chief Auditor, Paul Reynolds, uncovers a massive embezzlement scam involving thousands of disappearing high end cyborg units he discovers a trail of evidence leading straight to himself and must quickly uncover the truth before he is implicated for a crime he did not commit.Recovered from the long forgotten archive deep beneath the ruins of the golden temple, the lost legend takes the reader on a whistle stop tour of the creation of the world in ‘Vallen and the Void’. The long and often bloody battle between the forces of good and evil in ‘The First Age Men’ culminating in the founding of the first empire. Before mans fall from grace and the promise of redemption in ‘The Second Age of Men’. Who knows what other stories lie hidden in the ruins?

What at first appears to be an online hoax launches retired PI Alan Swansea into an investigation exposing a gang of sex traffickers. Once it becomes clear that young Eastern European girls have been abducted and forced to take part in a deranged artist’s bizarre project, Swansea is engaged in a harrowing race to find the girls before they are thrust into an even more unthinkable situation.What at first appears to be an online hoax launches retired PI Alan Swansea into an investigation exposing a gang of sex traffickers. After receiving a mysterious email message from a woman making a desperate plea to save her younger sister, Swansea finds himself entrenched in the horrific world of human trafficking. Once it becomes clear that Polina and several other young Eastern European girls have been abducted and forced to take part in a deranged artist’s bizarre project, Swansea is engaged in a harrowing race to find the girls before they are thrust into a situation even more unthinkable than their present one.Will Polina become yet another victim of modern day sex slavery like the others?Throughout his investigation, Swansea becomes increasingly aware of the devastating effects sex trafficking has had on the lives of the victims and what little is being done by law enforcement to stop it. As the toll of victims rises, so does his resolve to bring the villains to justice. But as time runs out, Swansea discovers that the trail of his investigation may very well have gone cold. Will he be able to save Polina before it’s too late?

This is a story of what blackmail does to a man of god. Bernard confronts his fears and learns to appreciate and to accept his gay nephew. For the first time he sees himself through other peoples eyes. An unfortunate situation changes his views about homosexuality and desperation changes who he is.Bernard Tooper is a Bishop. Who learns the hard way that not everything is as simple as it appears.His clean image is in jeopardy, from a blackmailer, who drugged him and slept with him at a hotel, now threatens to expose pictures of them together. This from a homophobic bishop, is hard to except. He struggles to tell his wife about this encounter.

Bobby had never felt so good, no aches or twinges at all. Then he looked down and saw a body, his own body, with a very bloody head. Nothing was making any sense, and he had no idea what was supposed to happen next. He just knew he needed to get out of this predicament.This short story takes a wry look at the life and untimely death of a popular dance teacher in a local community center. When he realizes that he's dead he begrudgingly has to acknowledge his own giant ego – something that had insulated him from the truth surrounding him. He had always thought of it as a wonderful part of himself, but now it demands his attention before he can escape from his strange predicament. He knows for sure he doesn't want to be trapped in a community center run by the terrible trio. He needs help, which is not easy to find when no-one can see or hear you! Or can they?

The magic of Christmas is at stake and drastic measures are called for. The cause and solution so obvious, dear reader, but will the interested parties sort out their mess in time? Disclaimer: no Father Christmases were harmed during the weaving of this festive tale.If Father Christmas fails to deliver, the magic of Christmas could be lost forever, so drastic measures are called for. There is heartache, confusion and pain, everything looks lost. The cause and solution so obvious, dear reader, but will the interested parties sort out the mess of their own making in time? Disclaimer: no Father Christmases were harmed during the weaving of this festive tale.

World economies are withering, a few remaining power-houses controlling the planet. 100 years from now, Sydney will be the technology center of the world. A new technology threatens to shift the balance of power to a group of individuals with an aim of absolute control. Can Jack, a broken man with nothing to lose, overcome his demons and guide an unlikely group of renegades in a fight for balance?The world economies are withering, with a few remaining power-houses controlling the planet. Little more than 100 years from now, Sydney will be the technology center of the world. A new tech dubbed “Biotronics”, threatens to shift the balance of power to a small group of individuals with an aim of absolute control. Can Jack, a broken man with nothing to lose, overcome his demons and guide an unlikely group of renegades in a fight for what remains of society’s freedom? The Odds will take you on a wild ride through the twisted wreckage of the old Sydney, to the New City, constructed inland to avoid the rapidly rising sea level. Detailed landscapes and cityscapes eloquently detail a complex environment whose inhabitants are living in a borderline Dystopia.J P Robertson brings you a world mixed with existing and new technology that will leave you wondering not if, but when, his creations and visualizations will come. A combination of science, art, and fiction goes beyond speculation, and gleans a slither of our future past.

A kidnapping to a magical kingdom, five murders, and the theft of a magical sword of legendary power; young Irish policeman, Sean MacCarthy, is going to have an interesting day.The Answerer is a sword of legendary power. It is hidden when the Normans overrun Ireland only to be found, amidst much bloodshed, nearly a thousand years later. The Tuatha De Dannan retrieve the sword and take it to Tyr na nOg for safe keeping but there are still those in our world who want its power and there are those of the De Dannan who would give it to them. There is bloodshed, murder and theft and even the mighty De Dannan need help. Together, Declan of the Tuatha De Dannan and a young Irish policeman, just out of the Templemore Academy, Guard Sean MacCarthy, must bring a murderer to justice and, most importantly, find out what happened to the sword. Of course, the Answerer may not want to be locked away.

Nankichi Niimi & Kenji Miyazawa are undoubtedly two of Japan's most highly regarded writers of fantasy fiction. Book 2 of Tales From A Japanese Dreamland contains four stories by Kenji Miyazawa and one story by Nankichi Niimi. In addition to the title story, this book also includes Kenji's much loved The Restaurant of Many Orders and Niimi's Buying Mittens. A wonderful collection.Nankichi Niimi & Kenji Miyazawa are undoubtedly two of Japan's most highly regarded writers of fantasy fiction. Book 2 of Tales From Japan contains four stories by Kenji Miyazawa and one story by Nankichi Niimi. In addition to the title story Gauche the Cellist, this book also includes Kenji's much loved The Restaurant of Many Orders.Gauche is a hopeless musician and he's always being yelled at by the conductor. It's not because he doesn't try, it's just that there is something lacking in his music. And now the orchestra is preparing for a big concert so if Gauche doesn't improve in a real hurry he's going to be in big trouble. One day a strange cat turns up holding a tomato in his mouth and then all sorts of strange things start to happen to Gauche.A Story with a MessageThe underlying theme in Gauche the Cellist is admitting our weaknesses and recognizing our strengths. It is not easy to admit when we are doing something wrong, especially when we are putting in so much effort. But if that effort is being applied in the wrong place, then it is almost impossible to achieve the goals that we have set ourselves. Admitting to ourselves that we've been doing something the wrong way is the first step to achieving our dreams. And in the same way, it is also important to recognize the things that we've been doing right, and take pride in what you have achieved up until now.The Nighthawk StarThe nighthawk has a hard time of it. He's got a face like a mud pie, he gets teased by all the other birds and he has to put up with bullies. Hans Christian Andersen was a great inspiration to Kenji and you will recognize something of the Ugly Duckling in this story, but the setting and the finale is classical Kenji, making this story a standout favorite amongst many Japanese readers.Wild Pear (Yamanashi)A surreal tale about a family of crabs on the bottom of the river. The amazing descriptions of life under the water will leave you with a truly new perspective on the world. An extremely well-crafted fable, with a profound underlying message.The Restaurant of Many OrdersThis is perhaps the most famous of Kenji's short stories and one of his personal favorites, as it was the title story of his one and only self-published collection of short stories. Two hunters go on a hunting trip in the country and end up completely lost. Luckily they come across what appears to be an extremely popular restaurant…but everything is not as it seems.Buying Mittens by Nankichi Niimi Mama fox only wants the best for her little one, so when the cold winter arrives and her precious boy needs some mittens, then she knows what she must do. The only problem is that she is afraid and her legs won't take her any further. So her son must go on his own. The highlight of this delightful children's story is the beautiful description of the foxes' journey through the snow covered woods during the middle of the night.

The only brother of three to remain simply human, not a were-lynx, research scientist Finn Monroe loves his life. But when a group of violent were-lynxes arrives in town and threaten his research partner Nissa Bellow, his life is changed forever.A short story loosely connected to the Fierce Hearts series’ were-lynx colony.Asher Monroe’s younger brother Finn has never had any trouble accepting his human identity despite Asher’s extraordinary were-lynx abilities and rich life with the colony. In fact, Finn loves his life as a research scientist and living on his own terms. But when a disease that is targeting were-lynxes brings a group of violent were-lynxes to town to threaten his research partner, Nissa Bello, his life is changed forever.

An Anomaly Hunters book. Teenagers Calvin Beckerman and Cynthia Crow unofficially investigate Cynthia’s little sister Emily’s disappearance. They soon join forces with Robert May, an elderly anomaly investigator who is convinced the disappearance has paranormal aspects. The group's hunt for the truth uncovers a mysterious force that will change their lives--and the world--forever. 98,000 words.The Anomaly Hunters saga begins here!When high school seniors Cynthia Crow and Calvin Beckerman set out to investigate the disappearance of Cynthia’s little sister Emily, they aren’t prepared for the surprising twists and turns that await them. They soon find themselves under the tutelage of Robert May, an elderly anomaly investigator who believes that Emily’s disappearance is connected with a string of bizarre and possibly paranormal tragedies stretching back two hundred years. The group’s dogged pursuit of the truth uncovers shocking secrets and terrible crimes, and brings them face-to-face with a mysterious force that will change their lives—and the world—forever.A 98,000-word novel.

In The Other Shore, Simon learns his father is dying, and he returns to his hometown for goodbyes. This visit leads to some uncomfortable truths he's spent years avoiding, but also leads him to Laura, who gives him hope for a future less damaged by the past. In From the Boathouse, John, an aged man with dementia, struggles to preserve the memories of meeting his wife before they slip away.In The Other Shore, Simon's life isn't what he hoped it would be. And when he learns that his father is dying, he returns to his hometown for goodbyes. Though he has been estranged from his father since his mother's untimely death six years ago, Simon rediscovers the power of parental influence. This leads him to some uncomfortable truths he's spent years avoiding, but also leads him to Laura, who gives him hope for a future less damaged by the past.In From the Boathouse, John, an aged man suffering from dementia, struggles to keep hold of his most precious memories—particularly how he met his wife—before they all slip away.

July 1910: A gruesome discovery has been made at 39 Hilldrop Crescent, Camden. Chief Inspector Walter Dew of Scotland Yard did not expect the house to be empty. Nor did he expect to find a body in the cellar. Buried under the flagstones are the remains of Cora Crippen, former music-hall singer and wife of Dr. Hawley Crippen. No one would have thought the quiet, unassuming Dr. Crippen capable of murder, yet the doctor and his mistress have disappeared from London, and now a full-scale hunt for them has begun. Across the Channel in Antwerp, the S.S. Montrose has just set off on its two-week voyage to North America. Slipping in among the first-class passengers is a Mr. John Robinson, accompanied by his teenage son, Edmund. The pair may be hoping for a quiet, private voyage, but in the close confines of a luxury ocean liner, anonymity is rare. And with others aboard looking for romance, or violence, or escape from their past in Europe, it will take more than just luck for the Robinsons to survive the voyage unnoticed. An accomplished, intricately plotted novel, Crippen brilliantly reimagines the amazing escape attempt of one of history's most notorious killers and marks the outstanding American debut of one of Ireland's best young novelists.

Wally Lamb, the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hour I First Believed, I Know This Much Is True, and She’s Come Undone, delivers a holiday treat with Wishin’ and Hopin’—an unforgettable novella that captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Poignant and hilarious, in a vein similar to Jean Shepherd’s A Christmas Story and David Sedaris’s The Santaland Diaries, Lamb’s Christmas tale focuses on a feisty parochial school fifth grader named Felix Funicello—a distant cousin of the iconic Annette!

A compelling and inventive novel set in a world where science and magic are at odds, by Robin McKinley, the Newbery-winning author of The Hero and the Crown and The Blue Sword, as well as the classic titles Beauty, Chalice, Spindle’s End, Pegasus and Sunshine Maggie knows something’s off about Val, her mom’s new husband. Val is from Oldworld, where they still use magic, and he won’t have any tech in his office-shed behind the house. But—more importantly—what are the huge, horrible, jagged, jumpy shadows following him around? Magic is illegal in Newworld, which is all about science. The magic-carrying gene was disabled two generations ago, back when Maggie’s great-grandmother was a notable magician. But that was a long time ago. Then Maggie meets Casimir, the most beautiful boy she has ever seen. He’s from Oldworld too—and he’s heard of Maggie’s stepfather, and has a guess about Val’s shadows. Maggie doesn’t want to know . . . until earth-shattering events force her to depend on Val and his shadows. And perhaps on her own heritage. In this dangerously unstable world, neither science nor magic has the necessary answers, but a truce between them is impossible. And although the two are supposed to be incompatible, Maggie’s discovering the world will need both to survive.

“H. P. Lovecraft has yet to be surpassed as the twentieth century’s greatest practitioner of the classic horror tale.” –Stephen King “Lovecraft’s fiction is one of the cornerstones of modern horror.” –Clive Barker Some tales in this collection were inspired by H. P. Lovecraft, others he revised, two he co-authored–but all bear the mark of the master of primordial terror. The Horror in the Museum–Locked up for the night, a man will discover the difference between waxen grotesqueries and the real thing.* *The Electric Executioner–Aboard a train, a traveler must match wits with a murderous madman. The Trap–This mirror wants a great deal more than your reflection. The Ghost-Eater–In an ancient woodland, the past comes to life with a bone-crunching vengeance. AND TWENTY MORE STORIES OF UNSPEAKABLE EVIL From the Trade Paperback edition.

Adrift in mist-shrouded San Francisco mornings and alcohol-fogged nights, homicide detective Kate Martinelli can't escape the void left by her departed lover, who has gone off to rethink their relationship.  But when twelve-year-old Jules Cameron comes to Kate for a professional consultation, Kate's not sure she's that desperate for distraction. Jules is worried about her friend Dio, a homeless boy she met in a park.  Dio has disappeared without a word of farewell, and Jules wants Kate to find him Reluctant as she is, Kate can't say no--and soon she finds herself forming a  friendship with the bright, quirky girl.  But the search for Dio will prove to be much more than both bargained for--and it's only the beginning.   When Jules disappears while taking a trip with Kate, a desperate search begins...and Kate knows all too well the odds of finding the child alive...

Chosen as a Best Book of the Year by the The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, and *Kirkus Reviews* In this exquisitely told novel, John le Carré shows us once again his acute understanding of the world we live in and where power really lies. In the wake of the collapse of Lehman Brothers and with Britain on the brink of economic ruin, a young English couple takes a vacation in Antigua. There they meet Dima, a Russian who styles himself the world’s Number One money-launderer and who wants, among other things, a game of tennis. Back in London, the couple is subjected to an interrogation by the British Secret service who also need their help. Their acquiescence will lead them on a precarious journey through Paris to a safe house in Switzerland, helpless pawns in a game of nations that reveals the unholy alliances between the Russian mafia, the City of London, the government and the competing factions of the British Secret Service.

A madcap new novel from the #1 internationally bestselling author of The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and *The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden* Hitman Anders, recently out of prison, is doing small jobs for the big gangsters. Then his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a female Protestant vicar (who also happens to be an atheist), and a homeless receptionist at a former brothel which is now a one-star hotel. The three join forces and concoct an unusual business plan based on Hitman Anders’ skills and his fearsome reputation. The vicar and receptionist will organize jobs for a group of gangsters, and will attract customers using the tabloids’ love of lurid headlines. The perfect plan—if it weren’t for Hitman Anders’ curiosity about the meaning of it all. In conversations with the vicar, he turns to Jesus and, against all odds, Jesus answers him! The vicar can’t believe what’s happening. When Hitman Anders turns to religion, the lucrative business is in danger, and the vicar and the receptionist have to find a new plan, quick. Fast-paced and sparky, the novel follows these bizarre but loveable characters on their quest to create a New Church, with all of Sweden’s gangsters hunting them. Along the way, it explores the consequences of fanaticism, the sensationalist press, the entrepreneurial spirit and straightforward human stupidity—and underlying all of it, the tenuous hope that it’s never too late to start again.

Nothing Serious is Wodehouse's famous collection of ten stories in which many old friends reappear in deliciously absurd situations. Two lovers are united by their hatred of cricket. Bingo Little, editor of Wee Tots and husband of romantic novelist Rosie M. Banks, finds new solutions to his financial problems. Lord Emsworth becomes an encyclopedia salesman for a day. Rodney Spelvin, bad poet turned enthusiastic golfer, shows signs of reverting to type. And Ukridge for once emerges triumphant from the struggle with his fearsome Aunt Julia.