Rupert Hughes (January 31, 1872 – September 9, 1956) was an American novelist, film director, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, military officer, and music composer. He was the brother of Howard R. Hughes, Sr. and uncle of billionaire Howard R. Hughes, Jr. His three volume scholarly biography of George Washington broke new ground in demythologizing Washington and was well received by historians. A staunch anti-Communist, in the 1940s he served as president of the American Writers Association, a group of anti-Communist writers.

Mr. Horatio Pulcifer was on his way home. It was half-past five of a foggy, gray afternoon in early October; it had rained the previous day and a part of the day before that and it looked extremely likely to rain again at any moment. The road between Wellmouth Centre, the village in which Mr. Pulcifer had been spending the afternoon, and East Wellmouth, the community which he honored with his residence, was wet and sloppy; there were little puddles in the hollows of the macadam and the ruts and depressions in the sand on either side were miniature lakes. The groves of pitch pines and the bare, brown fields and knolls dimly seen through the fog looked moist and forsaken and dismal.

Super powered humans started appearing 30 years ago. Now, they are everywhere. Bob Moore, Private Eye, dares to investigate those who could incinerate him with a thought. When he is called to help a super from his past, however, he'll be pushed to his limit. When supers and the police think there is no crime, can he get to the truth? Will he want to for the man that destroyed his marriage?Super powered humans started appearing 30 years ago. Now, they are everywhere. Bob Moore, Private Eye, dares to investigate those who could incinerate him with a thought. When he is called to help a super from his past, however, he'll be pushed to his limit. When supers and the police think there is no crime, can he get to the truth? Will he want to for the man that destroyed his marriage?What People are saying about Bob Moore"The most delicious "superhero" themed book I've read. The world is incredibly deep, believable, and realistic with it's own rules and terminology. The characters come alive and make you feel." -Vitaly Alexius, Creator Romantically Apocalyptic"This was quite an enjoyable read. When you cross a gritty gumshoe with spandex superheros, their two worlds collide in spectacular fashion." -Jeffrey Hendricks, Author Seeking the Heavens"The book is fast and keeps your interest. This was the first book that as I approached the end, I started getting a feeling of dread that the end was coming up and at the same time I had to find out the finale. What an enjoyable sensation." -Greg Rose

On a parallel earth, in the city of Bastul, Colonel Adair Lorus disappears while investigating the death of an informant, triggering a series of events which will tear his family apart and set in motion the resolution of an ancient struggle.The physical dimension is fractured. What remain now are numerous fragmented worlds moving simultaneously through time, sharing a common history, connected only by a guarded portal. On a parallel earth, in the city of Bastul, Colonel Adair Lorus disappears while investigating the death of an informant, triggering a series of events which will tear his family apart and set in motion the resolution of an ancient struggle. Kael, sentenced to death after rising up against the cruel leadership of his new step-father, is rescued from prison and trained in the arts of war by a mystical order of clerics. Excelling in every aspect of his training, Kael inwardly struggles to give himself fully to the methods of his new family, or the god they worship. Maeryn, bitter over the disappearance of her husband and supposed execution of her son, fears for her life at the hands of her newly appointed husband. Finding comfort and purpose in her unborn child, she determines to undermine his authority by reaching out to an underground social movement known as the Resistance. After being forced from his home, Kael’s former mentor, Saba, uncovers a clue to Adair’s disappearance. Sensing a connection to his own forgotten past, Saba begins an investigation which leads to the discovery of a secret military organization operating within the Orudan Empire.In book one of his bestselling debut series, Jason Tesar launches an epic saga that will journey from earth’s mythological past to its post-apocalyptic future, blending the genres of fantasy, sci-fi, and military/political suspense.

New version Nov 01 2016. Canadian bookstore owner Paul Sirenne heads to the town of Etretat, France, on the trail of a hundred year old mystery hidden in the pages of 'The Hollow Needle', by Maurice Leblanc. Together with Leblanc's great-granddaughter, Sirenne unearths puzzles, codes and historical mysteries, exposing a secret war for control of a cave fortress in Etretat's chalk cliffs.Canadian bookstore owner Paul Sirenne is thrust into a quest for answers when his parents are found murdered, their bodies cut up into the letters H.N. A note sent before his father's murder drives Sirenne to seek out the roots of a long-forgotten family secret.He heads to the town of Etretat, France, on the trail of a hundred year old mystery hidden in the pages of 'The Hollow Needle', by Maurice Leblanc. Together with Leblanc's great-granddaughter, Sirenne unearths puzzles, codes and historical mysteries, exposing a secret war between Leblanc and Adolf Hitler for control of a cave fortress hidden in Etretat's chalk cliffs. 'THE CAVES OF ETRETAT' is the first in a four-book epic action-adventure series, replete with real historical mysteries, codes, puzzles, and dozens of conspiracy theories. Each book raises the stakes to a higher level, increasing the pace, the scope, and the questions. This series ,unlike any other, will appeal to conspiracy-lovers and answer-seekers alike. Try to solve the mystery before the end. What is really going on? Inextricably woven into history, the series re-writes everything we know into a non-stop rollercoaster where nothing is ever as it seems.Though written as fiction, the 'Caves of Etretat' series presents an allegorical tale, somewhat like the "Celestine Prophecies" but on steroids. It is intended to take the reader on a journey unlike any other. In fact, the author challenges you to figure out where this story will take you before you get there. He is confident you will not succeed.

The old silver box at the back of the cupboard wasn’t the only treasure Lily discovered when she moved into her new college rooms.Unexpected Treasure is a short story accompanied by tasters for some of Nell Dixon’s other published workThe old silver box at the back of the cupboard wasn’t the only treasure Lily discovered when she moved into her new college rooms.Unexpected Treasure is a short story accompanied by tasters for some of Nell Dixon’s other published workNell Dixon is a Black Country author, married for twenty-eight years she has three daughters, a tank of tropical fish and a cactus called Spike. Winner of the RNA’s Romance Prize in 2007 and 2010, she writes warm-hearted contemporary romance

This fantasy novella tells the story of a young wizard who participates in a magical competition that goes fundamentally wrong, pitting him and his fellow competitors against a deadly maze in a desperate struggle for survival. The novella is a prequel to the full-length novel Of Spells and Demons.This fantasy novella (19,000 words) tells the story of a young wizard who participates in a magical contest that goes fundamentally wrong, pitting him and his fellow competitors against a deadly maze in a desperate struggle for survival. Student mage Keric Olwyhn is reluctant to enter the annual Labyrinth competition, but is ultimately convinced to represent his order of magic in front of the teachers and students of the University of Sacreth. What he and his other competitors do not know is that there is another interested party this year, one that would like to see all four of the student mages suffer gruesome public deaths. The novella is a prequel to the full-length novel Of Spells and Demons.

Once upon a time in a very ordinary place, there was an ordinary man with an ordinary life. At least that is what Mr. Sinclair wanted to believe to be true, until a little bit of the extraordinary touches his life and it will shatter his view of reality. When the destiny he knew nothing about catches up with him, nothing will ever be the same again. The question is, will he be able to survive it.~* Book One of the Salak'patan Series *~'Truth is stranger than fiction', these words are an axiom on which a great many things may pivot. For Raven Sinclair these words have long since become a credo, a principle philosophy by which he has lived much of his life. As a creator of fiction, it might seem to some that these words would fade when faced with the realities he creates in his novels. But the Truth of his own reality is in fact stranger than the fiction he creates. Gifted with more than five senses, an outcast by choice, and someone compelled by a driving force he does not understand, Raven's truth is about to become a great deal more like the fiction he has created.A single decision leads to events he could never have predicted and shoves him into motion down a path that he has unknowingly been following even before he was born. And it leads him to the last thing he could have expected, the long awaited love of his life. He finds her in the very last place he might have thought to look, as part of a government conspiracy to capture and control people just like him. All too soon he must confront a government that wants nothing more than to make him a toy soldier, a past he knew nothing about, a reality far bigger than he could ever imagine, and forces that will alter him and the way he looks at the world around him forever.And even though for a time his changed life becomes quiet once more the forces of destiny are still guiding him along a path that leads right into the darkness. An ancient evil has been stirred up from the forgotten worlds and cosmic dust to strike at the very heart of his world, and it is not in his destined path to run from it.

Paige Lindon wants to keep her booth at the farmers’ market open, but she can’t do it alone. When a mutual friend introduces her to an out-of-work farmhand, she hires him on the spot. Only Sterling Keller is not what he seems. Sterling agreed to investigate the small startup for his boss, thinking it would only take a weekend. Little does he know it will take all he has, even his heart.PAIGE LINDON arrives at the farmers’ market to find her booth rebuilt in cedar. JOE, a good friend and fellow vendor, has surprised her in hopes of becoming closer, but Paige isn’t interested. ELAINE, a wealthy customer, makes an offer to buy Paige’s Goat Milk Soap business, but Paige laughs it off. Elaine suggests she “hire” a boyfriend to help with the goats and to deter Joe. Paige laughs that off, too.By the afternoon Paige has sold out and has to hurry home to get more product. AUSTIN, a friend from her college days, introduces her to STERLING KELLER who she thinks is an out-of-work farmhand. She asks Sterling to watch her booth for a few minutes. Due to a break-in at her house, Paige returns late that night and takes Sterling to dinner. Not wanting to be alone, she asks for his help milking the goats, and he stays the night.The next morning is ideal until JULIE, Joe’s ex-girlfriend and an heiress, recognizes Sterling as a venture capitalist researching Paige’s business. He agrees to wash her feet so she won’t blow his cover. Paige grows jealous and forces him to wash ladies’ feet most of the day.When the farmers’ market closes, he leaves, and she believes she’ll never see him again. A few days later, Elaine calls Paige to explain a company is suing for her soap formula. As a family friend, Elaine agrees to use her legal team and hires Paige until the dispute is cleared up. Elaine proposes moving the goats to a neutral facility in exchange for a one-week deadline to negotiate a settlement. Paige agrees when she discovers Sterling works with Elaine. Trustworthy Austin agrees to help move the goats. Sterling and Paige go on a business trip to Texas to scope out a new company. Julie arrives and tells Paige that Sterling has lured her away so that Elaine can steal her goats. Paige flies home to find the goats moved right under Austin’s nose.A contrite Sterling rushes back to make things right. Austin has created a new tracking system, and they find the goats. The three friends decide to "kidnap" the herd in a U-haul. Sterling takes them to his family farm two hours south. Only he hasn't been there in twelve years due to a secret in his past. With Paige beside him, Sterling must face his past to win his future.

"Tick tock. Tick tock..." Derek and Sofia return in the 10th book of A Shade of Vampire series! Time is slipping through the Novaks' fingers like sand. The only witch with the power to save them is already within their reach. But how does one fix what one doesn't know exists? Prepare for a wild ride back to The Shade...

Jilted by her estranged husband, Cheryl Evans laments spending the weekend alone at a luxurious resort. If given the chance, will she make lemonade?This short story anthology is comprised of eight suspenseful and horrifying tales, composed for a special one-week fiction event on the blog, "The Leaky Pencil". These stories centre around the theme of Madness. Not one of the stories approaches this theme in the same way, and each has something unique to say.Features eight outstanding new tales by: Laurita Miller, Richard Godwin, Angel Zapata, Benjamin Sobieck, Sean Patrick Reardon, Erin Cole, Lily Childs, and Chris Allinotte.

While on vacation in Fort Lauderdale, Nancy and her friends help a wealthy woman plagued with burglars who don't steal anything.

The greatest mystery of the ancient world remains the identity of who set fire to the Great Library in Alexandria. One hundred years later, Heron of Alexandria—the city's most renown inventor—receives coin from a mysterious patron to investigate the crime, setting in motion a chain of events that will shake the Roman Empire and change the course of history forever.The greatest mystery of the ancient world remains the identity of who set fire to the Great Library in Alexandria. One hundred years later, Heron of Alexandria—the city's most renown inventor and creator of Temple miracles—receives coin from a mysterious patron to investigate the crime. Desperate to be free of the debts incurred by her twin brother, she accepts and sets in motion a chain of events that will shake the Roman Empire and change the course of history forever.Series OrderBook One - Fires of AlexandriaBook Two - Heirs of AlexandriaBook Three - Legacy of AlexandriaBook Four - Warmachines of AlexandriaBook Five - Empire of AlexandriaBook Six - Voyage of AlexandriaBook Seven - Goddess of Alexandria

When the headstrong eleven year old Tania gets an idea, NOTHING can divert her from her goal. And nothing gets her going more than the discovery of some injustice in the world. Nor does the 'help' she gets from her somewhat cynical English tutor serve to temper the mayhem. Righting wrongs with Tania comes with considerable collateral damage.Bored in the Breakroom is a compilation of flash fiction and slightly longer stories that I have written, most of which had already been published on my blogs as well as blogs run by others.Originally this collection had no theme and was instead just a glom of everything I thought worthwhile. During the editing process, Matt DeBenedictis mentioned the strong presence of academic and office life in many of the stories. We decided to do much pruning here and add some detail there to make the content less burdensome. The result is a more cohesive narrative about the lives of academics and young, urban professionals.All stories written by Jay DiNitto.Edited by Matt DeBenedictis.

A late night knock at a door starts a ‘Kafkaesque’ tale of confusion and frustration in this latest 4,000 word short story from British writer Colin Marks.A late night knock at a door starts a ‘Kafkaesque’ tale of confusion and frustration in this latest 4,000 word short story from British writer Colin Marks.This story came to me when I was at the bedside of my girlfriend who had just had a hip replacement only hours earlier. She explained she hadn’t been nervous before the operation as the doctor had come 'out of the blue' and told her they were ready for her. It was hours before she was expecting the operation to take place so she hadn’t had time for the anxiety to build! I’m sure the story is influenced by Dino Buzzati Traverso’s 'Seven Floors' or Franz Kafka’s 'The Trial', both of which I’d read a decade before, and are highly recommended. If you enjoyed this story, please try my others. And for those who are interested, the new hips are doing great!

Separated from his friends one fateful beer-party night, college student Peter Orbus stumbles upon a pale young woman in the park. He feels a strange connection to the shy young woman, a connection made stronger when he gives her his favorite sweater and she disappears into the night with it. His search for both leads him into the depths of the dark woods that cover the park.Separated from his friends one fateful beer-party night, college student Peter Orbus stumbles upon a pale young woman in the park. He feels a strange connection to the shy young woman, a connection made stronger when he gives her his favorite sweater and she disappears into the night with it. His search for both leads him into the depths of the dark woods that cover the park where he finds a hidden world of the undead, vampires. It’s a world he must keep secret if he hopes to survive until midterms.But all secrets hold a price. A shadowy terror arises in the sleepy college town and attacks his fellow students. All evidence points to Peter being the culprit, so he must enlist the help of his newfound companions to clear his name and stop the creature before it destroys everyone.

Stories from the DylanED Project, the education programme of the University of Wales Dylan Thomas Prize. Stories produced by Year 8 pupils from Bro Myrddin, Tre Gib, and Cwrt Sart schools.Mona Jenks is 37, divorced two times and widowed once. She is short in stature, but long on sarcasm. She is conceited, selfish, and snooty. She always wants more than whatever she deserves. She’s a small town reporter with big dreams. Fame and fortune are her goals. Analytical, and raised to spurn myths and legends, she has no belief in the supernatural, but she’s about to be proven wrong--in the worst possible way as she sets out for her ordinary, boring job on a day that will change her life forever – Friday the thirteenth.

In 'Freedom', a 4th-grader learns that no good deed goes unpunished. In 'A Trip to the Beach', a 70's-era LSD trip takes an unexpected turn - a common occurrence during 70's-era acid trips. A man becomes too fond of his antique pistol in 'A Real Man'. In the title piece, 'The End of Time', an old man finds that time can end by becoming irrelevant.*The Pact is a full-length, standalone "friends to lovers" contemporary adult romance*It all started with a pinky swear…Linden McGregor is tall, rugged, and gunslinger handsome; a helicopter pilot with a Scottish brogue and charm to spare. He’s also one of Stephanie Robson’s best friends and has fit into that box for as long as she’s known him.Beautiful, funny and an ambitious businesswoman (with one hell of an ass), Stephanie Robson is one of Linden McGregor’s best friends and has fit into that box for as long as he’s known her.But some relationships can’t be boxed, can’t be classified, can’t be tamed.Back in their mid-twenties and tired of the competitive hit-or-miss dating scene of San Francisco, Steph and Linden made a pact to marry each other if neither one of them were in a serious relationship by the time they hit thirty.It sounded like fun and games at the time but as the years to thirty tick past and lovers come and go out of their lives, the pact becomes larger than life.Sex is inevitable. Friendships are tested. Hearts are on the line.The pact is about to change everything.Note: due to the dirty talk and sexy times, The Pact is not meant for anyone under the age of 18.

Ronnie Lambert thinks getting a tattoo will change her life. Little does she know, it is only the beginning. After being struck by lightning, Ronnie's life is changed forever. When Ronnie meets hot, annoying new guy, Gavin Clearwater, and finds out her destiny, she must choose between following him into the Spiral or returning to her life before being struck by lightning.Seventeen-year-old Veronica “Ronnie” Lambert wants to get out from under her older brother’s shadow. When Ronnie gets a tattoo and then is struck by lightning, she suddenly finds herself able to see and hear things in shadows that don’t appear to others. Then Ronnie meets Gavin Clearwater, the hot new guy in all of her classes and finds out he can see and hear the same things she can. Gavin tells her about the Spiral Defenders, a group of warriors that travels through space and time to defend the planets of the Spiral. After meeting the Commander of the Spiral Defenders and realizing his intentions might not be pure, Ronnie struggles between following her destiny to become a Spiral Defender and trying to regain the life she had before being struck by lightning.