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Murder Takes a Vacation: A Novel
By Laura Lippman. 2025
“Murder Takes a Vacation has all Laura Lippman's trademark razor-sharp insight and effortlessly absorbing writing, plus huge amounts of warmth…
and fun. Mrs. Blossom is a pure joy, and I'm already hoping for more.” –Tana FrenchHighly acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Laura Lippman returns with an irresistible mystery featuring Muriel Blossom, a former private investigator and middle-aged widow whose vacation on a Parisian river cruise turns into a deadly international mystery…that only she can solve. A New York Times “Best Beach Reads of Summer” One of Washington Post’s “Best Mysteries to Read This Summer”One of Boston Globe's "Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List"One of Minneapolis Star Tribune's "24 terrific books for the beach, cabin or lawn chair you’ll want to read this summer"One of Chicago Tribune's Summer Books 2025Mrs. Blossom has a knack for blending into the background, which was an asset during her days assisting private investigator Tess Monaghan. But when she finds a winning lottery ticket in a parking lot, everything changes. She is determined to see the world that she sometimes feels is passing her by.When Mrs. Blossom booked her cruise through France on the MS Solitaire, she did not expect to meet Allan on her transatlantic flight. He is the first man who’s sparked something inside her since her beloved husband passed.She also didn’t expect Allan to be found, dead, twenty-four hours later in Paris, a city he wasn’t supposed to be in.Now Mrs. Blossom doesn’t know who to trust on board the ship, especially when a mystifying man, Danny, keeps popping up around every corner, always present when things go awry. He is convinced that Allan was transporting a stolen piece of art, and Mrs. Blossom knows more than she lets on, regarding both the artifact and Allan’s death.Mrs. Blossom’s questions only increase as the cruise sails down the Seine. Why does it feel like she is being followed? Who was Allan, and why was he killed? Most alarmingly, why do these mysterious men keep flirting with her?
A Fiery Spirit: A Bright Heart Novel (A Bright Heart)
By Kate Chenli. 2025
Even after defeating her murderer, Prince Ren, Mingshin has no time to rest. The youngest prince's shocking death leaves the…
royal family shaken, and Mingshin is determined to get answers. She soon discovers that Wen was killed by a magical olfactory-delivered poison that drove him to suicide. But which dark sorcerer is responsible? The Night Dragon, Ren's shadowy master, has yet to show his face. Mingshin knows it is only a matter of time before he discovers that she carries the immensely powerful Divine Stone. She already used the stone once to change the world's timeline and cannot imagine what will happen if he uses it to gain power. As the Night Dragon closes in, Mingshin must decide whether she trusts her friends enough to share the secrets of the powerful stone she is fated to protect. Will Jieh, who has been raised to loathe the use of magic, continue loving her after he learns she's becoming a mage? Mingshin must find the courage to unveil her true powers to her friends to stop the Night Dragon from destroying this timeline once and for all.
The Lost Masterpiece: A Novel
By B. A. Shapiro. 2025
An enigmatic painting. The mystery of who painted it. A riveting thriller from the bestselling author of The Art Forger. In…
a gripping novel full of plot twists, B. A. Shapiro embeds us in a circle of famous painters in late-nineteenth-century Paris, centering on the anguished Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot—the one woman in their midst who never got her due—and the story of Morisot&’s great-great-great-great granddaughter, Tamara Rubin, who has inherited Édouard Manet&’s Party on the Seine, a painting that completely upends her life. When Tamara inherits Party, she discovers a long-hidden family history replete with unanswered questions: How had it been stolen by the Nazis? How had the painting managed to survive three disasters that destroyed every other artwork around it? And most of all, why had she never known about her ancestor, Berthe Morisot? As the painting begins to metamorphose into darker and more terrifying versions of itself, Tamara&’s ordinary life is thrown into turmoil. What wounds and resentments plagued Morisot, and to what lengths will her spirit go for revenge?The Lost Masterpiece is a story of love, adultery, betrayal, family secrets, and the grueling birth of Impressionism, taking the reader on a whirlwind adventure from the streets of Paris in the late 1800s and the studio Berthe Morisot shared with Manet, Degas, and Renoir to the present day. Shapiro brings Berthe&’s world to life, tracing her work through generations of descendants and introducing us to a painter as brilliant and original as her male counterparts across 150 years of triumphs, struggles, passions, animosities, and malevolence.
The Gift of Not Belonging: How Outsiders Thrive in a World of Joiners
By Rami Kaminski. 2025
From a renowned psychiatrist comes the first book to explore the otrovert personality—someone who feels like an outsider in any…
group—revealing all the advantages of being an otrovert. Were you the kid who never wanted to join after school clubs or go to sleepaway camp? Do you loathe parties but love spending time with close friends one-on-one? Are you allergic to teamwork but thrive creatively and professionally when working alone? Do you struggle to fit in? If so, you are likely an otrovert. Otroverts are not natural born joiners. Unlike introverts, they are not shy or quiet, and do not quickly tire from one-on-one socializing. Yet in large groups they feel uncomfortable, alienated, and alone. Unlike those who have been excluded or marginalized, otroverts are embraced and often quite popular. Yet they never feel like they truly belong. In a culture that puts a premium on joining, many otroverts have gone through life feeling misunderstood. But, contrary to what we have been taught, argues psychiatrist Rami Kaminski, belonging is not a requirement for living a rich, rewarding life. Quite the opposite. When you have no affinity for a particular group, your self-worth is not conditioned on the group&’s approval. You can enjoy deep connection in individual relationships without the obligation to follow the rules the group follows, or care about what the group cares about. Best of all, you know of no other way to think or be, other than for yourself.The Gift of Not Belonging urges otroverts to embrace their unique gifts, and equips them with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a communal world.
Explore some of the easiest and most rewarding hikes through Utah, Arizona, and Colorado's otherworldly landscapes—with descriptions of the unique…
flora, fauna, and geology any hiker can discover along the trail. From the towering cliffs of Zion to the ancient dwellings of Mesa Verde; from the bighorn sheep of Arches National Park to the Martian-looking landscapes of the Petrified Forest—each trail featured in Southwest Canyon Country's Best Nature Walks beckons with the promise of adventure and discovery. But these are not the epic treks of seasoned adventurers or the grueling expeditions of intrepid explorers. Instead, these are brief excursions—often chosen for being less crowded and for their proximity to the road—that can be enjoyed by families, solo travelers, and nature enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat into the wilderness or simply craving a breath of fresh air, this book has something for everyone.
A gorgeously designed, comprehensive guide to uncovering and interpreting the unique energy fields that surround us, harnessing them for growth,…
healing, and shaping our realities, from aura photographer Eileen Lee. Your energy introduces you before you even speak. Our physical bodies exist within larger energy fields known as our &“auras,&” each with a unique shape, size, and frequency that reflect our individual mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual states, connecting our chakras and radiating from and through us. This complex system of electromagnetic energy acts as a prism, reflecting vibrations from our thoughts, feelings, and experiences back to us as the colors of the rainbow. Understanding the aura and its chakras and colors can provide profound insight that leads to growth, healing, and expanded possibilities. This stunningly illustrated guide unlocks the secrets to using your aura as your personal energetic blueprint through the journey of the human experience—one that you can use to mold and shape your reality.
How to Spot a Mermaid: A Field Guide to Magical Sea People
By Sarah Glenn Marsh. 2025
A vibrant, illustrated guide to the mermaids and sea creatures living in the oceans, rivers, and streams (yes, really!) around…
the world. For centuries, sailors have told tales of majestic—sometimes dangerous—creatures lurking beneath the ocean waves. Over the years, however, researchers have traced these legends to the very real world of merfolk. From yemayas and morgen to sirens, frosties, and more, this illustrated compendium of mermaids takes a deeper look at the different species swimming in seas around the world and highlights their magical abilities. Complete with interactive quizzes (e.g. "What&’s Your Mermaid Personality?") and activities/crafts (e.g. Beachcombing: Identifying Fossils; Brew Your Own Ocean Potion), this field guide will sweep you away on an underwater adventure!
Rick Steves Berlin (Rick Steves Travel Guide)
By Rick Steves. 2023
Marvel at the Brandenburg Gate, climb the Reichstag's dome, and check out Checkpoint Charlie with Rick Steves! Inside Rick Steves Berlin…
you'll find:Fully updated, comprehensive coverage for exploring Berlin Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from the colorful East Side Gallery and the Memorial of the Berlin Wall to cozy corner biergartens How to connect with local culture: Raise a pint with the locals and sample schnitzel, stroll through hip Prenzlauer Berg, or cruise down the Spree River Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relaxSelf-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and incredible museums Detailed neighborhood maps for exploring on the go Over 400 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Berlin's neighborhoods, as well as day trips to Potsdam, Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum, and Wittenberg Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Berlin.Expanding your trip? Try Rick Steves Germany.
The Equity Edge: How Addressing Bias in Recruiting and Retention Drives Success
By Jenn Tardy. 2025
From a well-known consultant and speaker, a &“must-read&” (Kevin Grossman) guide to identifying the pain points along the hiring and…
talent-development process, where bias keeps managers and recruiters from making better decisions More than ever, companies are scrambling to diversify their workplaces. But hiring managers, HR departments, and recruiters remain largely in the dark about how to do this. The Equity Edge lays out the hurdles that face diverse groups of job seekers and employees. At each stage of the hiring and retaining process—finding, attracting, engaging, selecting, and developing talent—managers need to challenge their idea of who is qualified for a job, and potential employees need to know how to navigate the pitfalls of bias. Readers will learn about: The concept of &“underexplored biases&” we can have, from pedigree bias to competitor bias and professionalism bias The importance of having an employment brand that is separate from your corporate brand How to take into account a person&’s Lived Experience Intelligence (LEI), the diverse knowledge, skills, and abilities that they&’ve gained throughout their lifetime How to shift from an unrealistic bias-free ideal to a bias-aware model that promotes proactive acknowledgment and constructive action This book helps experts, leaders, recruiters, and job seekers make better decisions as they navigate the employment cycle.
Comedy Samurai: Forty Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter
By Larry Charles. 2025
From Peabody, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award-winning writer and director Larry Charles, a rollicking journey through modern American comedy, as…
he shares behind-the-scenes stories from his life's work. To tell Larry Charles's life story is to tell the story of modern American comedy. Over the last 40 years, few comedians have been a part of so many iconic, beloved projects. Larry was one of the original writers and producers on the first five seasons of Seinfeld, executive produced both Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage while directing 18 episodes of Curb, and served as the showrunner for Mad About You. His film directing credits include Borat, Bruno, and The Dictator, the comic documentory Religulous starring Bill Maher, and Masked andAnonymous, which he co-wrote with Bob Dylan who stars. In Comedy Samurai, Charles pulls back the curtain on the making of his successful projects, offering sharp, never-before-told anecdotes about Jerry Seinfeld, Sacha Baron Cohen, Bill Maher, Bob Dylan, Nic Cage, Mel Brooks, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, and Larry David, among many others. Perfect for fans of Seinfeldia and lovers of comedy in general, Larry promises to offer new insights about many of the most beloved shows, films, and actors of all time.
The History and Evolution of Homeland Security in the United States: From the Constitution through 9/11 to the Present
By Steven M. MacMartin, Aida T. Silva, Isabel Patricia Vázquez, Rodger Lee Werner Jr.. 2025
The History and Evolution of Homeland Security in the United States provides a comprehensive and insightful look into the evolution…
of US Homeland Security, from its early roots to the post-9/11 era. Drawing on their extensive experience as law enforcement professionals, the authors offer a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of this critical field. Students seeking degrees – with the goal of a career – in homeland security roles need a comprehensive and foundational understanding of the history of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its predecessor agencies. This includes a detailed accounting of the elaboration of security policies and strategies as they developed in the United States, both before and after the formation of DHS, highlighting the challenges posed by both natural and human-caused threats. Beyond a historical retrospective, this book equips students with the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to assess the effectiveness of past and present homeland security initiatives. By understanding the historical context, students can better navigate the complex issues surrounding privacy, border security, critical infrastructure protection, and more. As future professionals, students need that historical perspective in order to inform their understanding of current debates and controversies surrounding homeland security. The History and Evolution of Homeland Security in the United States provides a foundational understanding to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making – helping the reader gain a historical perspective on the Department, its components, and policies to inform future thought leaders.
This comprehensive book dives deep into the current landscape of AI, exploring its fundamental principles, development challenges, potential risks, and…
the cutting-edge breakthroughs that are propelling it forward. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries and societies worldwide through groundbreaking innovations and real-world applications. Starting with the core concepts, the book examines the various types of AI systems, generative AI models, and the complexities of machine learning. It delves into the programming languages driving AI development, data pipelines, model creation and deployment processes, while shedding light on issues like AI hallucinations and the intricate path of machine unlearning.The book then showcases the remarkable real-world applications of AI across diverse domains. From preventing job displacement and promoting environmental sustainability, to enhancing disaster response, drone technology, and even nuclear energy innovation, it highlights how AI is tackling complex challenges and driving positive change.The book also explores the double-edged nature of AI, recognizing its tremendous potential while cautioning about the risks of misuse, unintended consequences, and the urgent need for responsible development practices. It examines the intersection of AI and fields like operating system design, warfare, and semiconductor technology, underscoring the wide-ranging implications of this transformative force.As the quest for artificial general intelligence (AGI) and superintelligent AI systems intensifies, the book delves into cutting-edge research, emerging trends, and the pursuit of multimodal, explainable, and causally aware AI systems. It explores the symbiotic relationship between AI and human creativity, the rise of user-friendly "casual AI," and the potential of AI to tackle open-ended tasks.This is an essential guide for understanding the profound impact of AI on our world today and its potential to shape our future. From the frontiers of innovation to the challenges of responsible development, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the remarkable real-world applications and innovations driving the AI revolution.
Contracting with Citizens: How Morals, Politics, and Laws Shape Cities (Routledge Research in Planning and Urban Design)
By E. W. Michiel Stapper. 2025
This book demonstrates that contracts, community intermediaries, and participatory processes are closely interlinked, and they can change urban politics.In participatory…
processes, residents negotiate with policymakers about the future of their neighborhood. In the last few decades, this happened increasingly in co-creation sessions where citizens are deemed to have an equal position vis-a-vis developers and civil servants. The goal of this book is to understand and theorize how these negotiations affect collective action. The book will scrutinize the role of contracts, community intermediaries, and participatory processes in development projects and planning policies. Using a comparative case study of Amsterdam, Hamburg, and New York, this book reveals how seemingly fresh and novel planning practices are used to justify processes of capital accumulation and reveals how morals, politics, and law can create institutional change.The book presents a novel theoretical approach to studying urban politics, putting emphasis on (private) law and the material arrangements of participatory processes. It will be of interest to researchers and students of planning, geography, sociology, public administration, and law and will provide valuable lessons for practitioners interested in understanding the effects of contractual governance on neighborhoods.
Computational Techniques for Biological Sequence Analysis
By Ranjeet Kumar Rout, Saiyed Umer, Monika Khandelwal, Smitarani Pati. 2025
This book provides an overview of basic and advanced computational techniques for analyzing and understanding protein, RNA, and DNA sequences.…
It covers effective computing techniques for DNA and protein classifications, evolutionary and sequence information analysis, evolutionary algorithms, and ensemble algorithms. Furthermore, the book reviews the role of machine learning techniques, artificial intelligence, ensemble learning, and sequence-based features in predicting post-translational modifications in proteins, DNA methylation, and mRNA methylation, along with their functional implications. The book also discusses the prediction of protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions, protein structure, and function using computational methods. It also presents techniques for quantitative analysis of protein–DNA interactions and protein methylation and their involvement in gene regulation. Additionally, the use of nature-inspired algorithms to gain insights into gene regulatory mechanisms and metabolic pathways in human diseases is explored. This book acts as a useful reference for bioinformaticians and computational biologists working in the fields of molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.Key Features: Reviews machine learning techniques for DNA sequence classification and protein structure prediction Discusses genetic algorithms for analyzing multiple sequence alignments and predicting protein–protein interaction sites Explores computational methods for quantitative analysis of protein–DNA interactions Examine the role of nature-inspired algorithms in understanding the gene regulation and metabolic pathways Covers evolutionary algorithms and sequence-based features in predicting post-translational modifications
This book offers the first in-depth study of three major Hong Kong public cultural architecture works, Tsuen Wan Town Hall,…
Shatin Town Hall and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), built in the late-colonial years.Recent developments at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) have attracted global attention to Hong Kong's cultural scene with iconic projects designed by world-renowned architects. However, relatively little has been written about the common-type municipal cultural buildings. Conceived and constructed over the last decades of British colonial rule, these public buildings are sometimes regarded with lower aesthetic value and neglected in the architectural discourse. Yet, they are evidence of the cultural and urban policy during a critical time in Hong Kong as it transitioned from a colonial territory to currently a semi-autonomous city. The book provides a detailed chronology of the development of municipal cultural buildings in Hong Kong by compiling textual and graphic data from archival documents and government records, some of which have not been previously accessible to readers, accompanied by newly produced analytical diagrams and drawings. This history intersects with key moments during the late-colonial period in Hong Kong, presenting a particular perspective related to the social context in its dealings with cultural architecture and spatial practices.This book is a timely reflection of cultural and spatial production, calling for alternative projections about Hong Kong’s future urban and cultural development. It will be of interest to researchers and students of architectural design, urban planning and cultural policy studies in Hong Kong and the East Asia region.
The 52 chapters of Volume 5 focus on the evidence-based Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine practice in terms of efficacy…
and safety for the management of most common diseases and conditions.Key Features: Describes the efficacy and safety of evidence-based Complementary, Alternative and Integrated Medicine from a disease-focused approach Presents up-to-date information on efficacy and safety of Complementary, Alternative and Integrated Medicine on the management of the most common diseases, which cover the whole body system such as psychiatric disorders, oncologic disorders and others Describes the efficacy and safety of evidence-based Complementary, Alternative and Integrated Medicine for special populations, services and care
The Two-level Games in China’s Foreign Trade Policies
By Zuozhen Liu. 2025
Applying two-level game theory and rational decision-making analysis, this book explores how China navigates domestic constraints and international pressures to…
achieve optimal outcomes in its foreign trade policy.The author examines China’s accession to the WTO and the evolving trade tensions between China and the US. She analyzes some of the most contentious trade issues in the contemporary landscape, such as China’s economic model, technology restrictions, and non-tariff barriers. Through a case study on China’s solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing sector, she illustrates how these trade issues influence policy-making within a specific industry. In conclusion, the book evaluates China’s strategies for navigating its foreign trade within the broader global trading system – it considers the prospects for a potential "win-set" in future trade negotiations, offering insights into how China might navigate these complexities moving forward.The book will appeal to academics specializing in international trade law, international relations, and China studies.
Theory and Design of Railway Truss Bridges
By John F. Unsworth. 2025
Railroad bridges are a critical component of the infrastructure and economy of many countries, and many of these bridges are…
nearing the end of their useful service life. Theory and Design of Railway Truss Bridges provides comprehensive coupled information regarding the structural analysis and design of steel railway truss spans. Most books cover either analysis or design of structures, but none cover both the analysis and design of railway trusses. Further, the book presents technical information on the analysis of railway trusses currently unavailable in other modern books. It also provides readers with up-to-date information concerning the modern methods of design recommended by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA): Includes detailed information on the analysis of trusses for moving loads. Presents information on topics specific to railway trusses such as loading effects, secondary stresses and stress reversal. Includes information on the history of railway truss analysis, design and construction. Covers methods for the analysis of statically indeterminate spans. Describes methods to determine the displacement of truss spans. Provides up-to-date theory and design methods based on current AREMA recommendations.
The first full-length study of this beloved children’s series, The Chalet School in the Twentieth Century moves beyond the largely…
generic analysis within which it has previously been discussed. Published between 1925 and 1970, the series moves from European reconciliation after the Great War, through a second global conflict to a post-war world increasingly defined by increased secularity and emerging consumerism. Reproducing cover illustrations, Miles Booy’s book examines both those issues which author Elinor M. Brent-Dyer consciously explored (such as the exceptional The Chalet School in Exile, which she sought to explain the Nazi occupation of Austria to her young readers) and those aspects of the text which must be read symptomatically. This is a book which will engage students with historical and cultural interests beyond children’s literature. With barely a midnight feast in sight, but much anxiety about social change, it’s a familiar genre, but not as you think you know it. Hurry up, new girls, class is about to begin...
The Chief Online Learning Officers' Guidebook: A Framework for Strategy and Practice in Higher Education
By Thomas B. Cavanagh, Jocelyn Widmer. 2025
The Chief Online Learning Officers’ Guidebook explores the essential competencies required of Chief Online Learning Officers (COLOs) using insights from…
real-world leadership and expert perspectives from higher education. Digital and online learning have become strategic priorities for higher education institutions working toward enrollment growth, learner engagement, revenue generation, brand diversification, and enhanced student flexibility following the initial COVID-19 lockdown. This book’s unique framework substantiates and demonstrates key competencies that define the COLO role and enable advancements in the practice of online and digital higher education. Featuring over 50 contributions from COLOs, Chief Information Officers (CIOs), university presidents, and other higher education leaders, this UPCEA-endorsed guide offers practical strategies and comprehensive guidance for both current and aspiring COLOs.