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Showing 101 - 120 of 1722 items
By Julian Clary. 2007
Hello, I'm Johnny Debonair and this is my book - Murder Most Fab. Buy it. You won't regret it. Everything…
that has happened so publicly is explained. Of course, I'd prefer it if you remember me as I was at my height, before the past caught up with me so spectacularly - TV's Mr Friday Night with an enviable lifestyle and the nation at my feet. My fame might have looked easy to you at the time, but getting to the top of the celebrity ladder is hard work. It took talent, beauty, commitment and, uniquely in my case, a number of unfortunate deaths. If we were being picky you might describe me as a serial killer, but I really don't see myself that way. It sounds trite to say 'one thing led to another' but it's true.As you'll discover I owe something of my rise and my fall to three individuals: my mother, an eccentric country girl who taught me exhibitionism by hanging naked from the clocktower of Hythe town hall; Catherine, my best friend, then partner in business - a devil in red heels, who, in her clear Essex accent, taught me how to 'look after number one'; and Timothy, who broke my heart and caused me to seek refuge in sex, money and celebrity.But in the end you have to take responsibility for your own actions. No one was forcing me, were they? I hope you, the public, can forgive me and enjoy this sordid tale for what it is - my final entertainment for you.By Ada Moncrieff. 2022
It's Christmas at London's Theatre Royale and journalist Daphne King is determined to solve an extraordinary mystery...December 1935. Director Chester…
Harrison's production of A Christmas Carol has had a troubled run on its tour of regional theatres. With tensions amongst the cast running high, the company reach their final stop - London's Theatre Royale - a few days before Christmas.Catastrophe, however, strikes on opening night: 'Scrooge' dies on stage, seemingly due to a heart attack. But the show must go on. Until, that is, an old rival of Chester's is murdered in a dressing room. Are those associated with the production being picked off one by one? Journalist Daphne King is determined to reveal the truth...*Order Ada's new novel MURDER AT MAYBRIDGE CASTLE, out now!*______________________________Readers love Ada Moncrieff's Christmas mysteries:'Brilliant...full of twists and turns' 'A modern rival to Agatha Christie''A new festive favourite'Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Lindsey Davis, Steven Pressfield, this breathtaking and captivating novel brings the Crusades to life…
in all their triumphant and tragic glory.'Gripping from the first page, the reader is swept up in this colourful and convincing portrayal of an Emperor and his realm under siege.' - Ink'Superb read. Thoroughly enjoyed it' -- ***** Reader review'Highly enjoyable read' -- ***** Reader review'Brilliant.' -- ***** Reader review'Holds your interest from [the first] to the last page' -- ***** Reader review********************************************************************AN ASSASSIN IS ON THE LOOSE...AND AN EMPIRE STANDS IN PERILByzantium, 1096: When a mysterious assassin fires his arrow at the Emperor, he has more than a man in his sights; as the keystone of a crumbling empire, if he falls, then the mightiest power in Christendom will be torn apart. Aware of the stakes, the Emperor hires Demetrios Askiates, the unveiler of mysteries, to catch the would-be-killer.But Demetrios is entering an unknown and mysterious world and must edge his way through a glittering maze of treachery and deceit before time runs out. Nor are all enemies within the city walls. With the Turks rampant across Asia, the Emperor has sent to the west for mercenaries to reinforce his position.When a great army, tens of thousands strong, appears before the gates, he gets more than he bargained for. The first crusaders have arrived, intent on making their fortunes in war, and they have no allegiance to an empire they eye with jealousy and suspicion.As the armies of east and west confront each other, and the assassin creeps ever closer to his prey, Demetrios must untangle the golden web of intrigue which surrounds the Emperor before the city - and the empire - are drowned in blood.By Wilkie Collins. 2012
With an essay by T. S. Eliot.'Here was our quiet English house suddenly invaded by a devilish Indian Diamond -…
bringing after it a conspiracy of living rogues, set loose on us by the vengeance of a dead man'When Rachel Verinder's birthday present - the Moonstone, a large Indian diamond - is stolen at her party, suspicion and the diamond's mysterious curse seem set to ruin everyone and everything she loves. Only Sergeant Cuff's famous detective skills offer any hope of peace and a future for them all. The intricate plot and modern technique of multiple narrators made Wilkie Collin's 1868 work a huge success in the Victorian sensation genre. With a reconstruction of the crime, red herrings and a 'locked-room' puzzle, The Moonstone was also a major precursor of the modern mystery novel.The Penguin English Library - 100 editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century and the very first novels to the beginning of the First World War.By Wilkie Collins. 1998
The Moonstone, a priceless yellow diamond, is looted from an Indian temple and maliciously bequeathed to Rachel Verinder. On her…
eighteenth birthday, her friend and suitor Franklin Blake brings the gift to her. That very night, it is stolen again. No one is above suspicion, as the idiosyncratic Sergeant Cuff and the Franklin piece together a puzzling series of events as mystifying as an opium dream and as deceptive as the nearby Shivering Sand. T. S. Eliot famously described THE MOONSTONE as 'the first, the longest and the best of modern English detective novels', but, as Sandra Kemp discusses in her introduction, it offers many other facets, which reveal Collins's sensibilities as untypical of his era.By Pan Pantziarka. 1997
Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Vallance and television journalist Sarah Fairfax meet for the first time in this novel. Vallance is…
investigating a death at the country mansion where Sarah is attending a course. Although they form low opinions of one another, they are drawn to each other.By Edgar Allan Poe. 2016
By Ber M Carroll. 2018
The Missing Pieces of Sophie McCarthy is a gripping, impossible-to-put-down exploration of betrayal and revenge.'Intriguing, compelling. Impossible to put down…
and irresistibly good' Liane MoriartyShe's the victim. But is she innocent? Sophie McCarthy is known for her determination, ambition and brilliance at work. She's tough, but only because she wants to get the best out of people. Aidan Ryan is strong, honourable, and a family man. He's tough too; the army requires it. When these two strangers are brought together in a devastating incident, Sophie's life is left in ruins. Her family wants to see Aidan pay for what he did. Aidan's prepared to sacrifice everything - including his marriage and his child - to fix the mess he's made. But some things can't be fixed, and Sophie is not at all what she first appeared . . . ___________'Sucked me in from the first page. The characters were intriguing, the plot thrilling and the writing effortless. I will be telling everyone I know to read this book' Sally Hepworth, bestselling author of The Family Next Door 'What starts as an intricate, multi-narrator domestic drama slowly reveals its secrets to become something much darker indeed' Heat 'Utterly compelling with complex and real characters, and echoes of both Liane Moriarty and Charity Norman. A completely gripping and emotional page-turner' Lucy Clarke, bestselling author of You Let Me In'Very well written and suspenseful with characters to believe in. I thoroughly enjoyed it' Lisa Ballantyne, bestselling author of Little LiarBy K M Peyton. 1978
Jonathan doesn't like Robin, the English master at his boarding school. It's not his inability to control his classes that…
he dislikes, nor even his incompetence as a teacher - it's his complete indifference to the feelings of anyone but himself. Nevertheless, Jonathan is stunned when it's announced that Robin has been found dead - drowned in the river close to the school. The coroner rules that it was suicide, but Jonathan soon comes to have reasons for doubting this . . .By Leona Deakin. 2020
'A brilliantly paced, imaginative thriller with plenty of dark twists that had me turning the pages well into the night.'…
Heidi Perks, author of Now You See Her ___________________________________HOW CAN YOU SOLVE A CRIME IF YOU CAN'T REMEMBER THE CLUES? ___________________________________There is an explosion at a military ball. The casualties are rushed to hospital in eight ambulances, but only seven vehicles arrive. Captain Harry Peterson is missing.His girlfriend calls upon her old friend Dr Augusta Bloom to support the investigation. But no one can work out if there is a connection between the bomb and the disappearance.When Harry is eventually discovered three days later, they hope he holds the answers to their questions. But he can't remember a single thing.Without any clues, will Dr Bloom find herself lost in this puzzle too? ___________________________________'Another cracking read from Leona Deakin and my favourite so far! I was totally gripped by this complex and intriguing story.' Lauren North, author of The Perfect Betrayal ___________________________________Readers love the Dr Bloom Thrillers:'The ultimate suspense novel' *****'Gripping, mysterious, fast-paced' *****'An intelligent psychological thriller' *****'What a book! Completely mind-twisting' *****'Debut novels don't get better than this' *****'A smart and intricate cat-and-mouse tale' *****'Dark, riveting, twisting, cruel' ***** 'I could not put it down' *****'Short chapters and charming illustrations mean this gentle story is perfect for early readers' - BookTrustJoin Lizzie and Lucky on…
another mystery-solving adventure - this time at a magic show! Perfect for fans of Holly Webb and Anisha, Accidental Detective.Young detective Lizzie and her puppy, Lucky, are off to a magic show. But during the performance, a world-famous rabbit disappears - and not on purpose!Can Lizzie and Lucky find Rudy the rabbit, get to the bottom of who stole him, and why?With charming illustrations throughout, and fun activities to try!By Megan Rix. 2023
Join young detective Lizzie and her adorable puppy Lucky on another mystery-solving adventure! With charming illustrations throughout, and fun activities…
to try.Lizzie and Lucky are visiting the Five Freedoms Sanctuary. It's a lovely place for all sorts of rescued animals.When a local farmer announces some terrible plans for his land that could endanger the surrounding wildlife, our dynamic duo know they must investigate the case. Can they use their detective skills to stop him?While looking for clues, Lizzie spots some strange footprints and an unusual blue creature that stands out from the rest! But what is it, and where did it come from? Could it be the key to saving the day?Praise for the Lizzie & Lucky books:'The author's experience of partial deafness shines through, with helpful but gentle hints about the importance of accessibility and equality. Above all, this is a joyous tale celebrating animals, mysteries, family and friendship (both of the two-legged and four-legged variety!)' - BookTrustBy Megan Rix. 2020
'A joyous tale celebrating animals, mysteries, family and friendship (both of the two-legged and four-legged variety!)' - BookTrustMeet Lizzie and…
Lucky: a sparky young detective and her loyal Dalmatian sidekick!Lizzie is desperate for a dog. In order to convince her parents to get one, she has to come up with 101 reasons why she needs one. Lizzie is a master at making lists, so thinking of 101 reasons is going to be easy! Especially as she is deaf and could train one to be her hearing dog. But as Lizzie begins compiling her list, she witnesses an adorable puppy being snatched away and put into a van by a mysterious-looking man. Can Lizzie solve the case - and maybe find herself a loyal friend at the same time...?By Megan Rix. 2021
Join Lizzie and Lucky on another mystery-solving adventure! Perfect for fans of Holly Webb and Anisha, Accidental Detective.When Lizzie and…
her cute puppy Lucky go on a family trip to the seaside, something doesn't seem right. There's talk of missing treasure no one has been able to find for years and years, and artefacts are mysteriously disappearing in the local museum. Anyone else would shrug it off but this dynamic duo just know there is a mystery to be solved here - and they won't leave until they figure it out!By Eva Dolan. 2014
A man is burnt alive in a shed. No witnesses, no fingerprints - only a positive ID of the victim…
as an immigrant with a long list of enemies. Detectives Zigic and Ferreira are called in from the Hate Crimes Unit to track the killer, and are met with silence in a Fenland community ruled by slum racketeers, people-trafficking gangs and fear. Tensions rise.The clock is ticking.But nobody wants to talk.By Irvine Welsh. 2022
The highly-anticipated second instalment in the CRIME trilogy, now a hit TV SeriesIn Edinburgh, Detective Inspector Ray Lennox is investigating…
a brutal crime...Ritchie Gulliver MP is dead. Castrated and left to bleed in an empty Leith warehouse. Vicious, racist and corrupt, many thought he had it coming. But nobody could have predicted this.After the life Gulliver has led, the suspects are many - corporate rivals, political opponents, the countless groups he's offended. And the vulnerable and marginalised, who bore the brunt of his cruelty.As Lennox unravels the truth, and the list of shocking attacks grows, he must put his personal feelings aside. But one question refuses to go away: who are the real victims here?'Sharp, fearless, passionate and brilliant' Independent'An ingeniously plotted and propulsive thriller' Literary ReviewBy John Burnside. 2001
Twenty five years ago, during the spring and summer of 1975, a rapist stalked the streets of Cambridge, attacking young,…
single women in their bed-sits and flats and subjecting them to horrifying and increasingly violent assaults. For several months the city endured a climate of fear and suspicion, where the old assumptions about sexual relations and civic decency fell into question, and no male could be taken at face value. These events for the background to The Locust Room, John Burnside's extraordinary new novel, in which a young photographer is forced by circumstances to examine his relations with women, with other men and with his family at home. Over one dramatic summer, he becomes involved in a series of sexual intrigues and acts of subtle violence as he journeys towards tentative self-definition and what he comes to see as honourable isolation. What emerges from this atmosphere of tension and terror is Burnside's finest novel so far; an exquisitely written, beautifully observed fiction - and a moving examination of the possibilities of male tenderness, individual autonomy and personal grace.By John Kelly. 2000
'Would you believe me if I told you that I was only nine years of age when I killed him?'…
In a paint-splattered room, a young and successful Irish painter confronts his shocking and murderous past- a dark day on the beach at Bundoran, Co. Donegal, when he quietly dispatched a palaeontologist with his own geological hammer. His life is further disrupted by the beautiful Billy Maguire, an Ingrid Bergman lookalike who leads him all the way to Prague and involves him-and his beloved and devoutly paranoid grandmother-in yet another grievous crime. Struggling to keep reality and unreality apart, he wishes only to be taken seriously-as sinner and lover, artist and murderer.Featuring cameos from Elvis Presley, Shirley Temple and the Pope, the Little Hammer is a triumph of linguistic brio, dark imagination and wild wit from one of Ireland's most exciting new talents.By G K Chesterton. 2014
The third volume of stories featuring the cunning clerical sleuth Father Brown. Ahead of a new series of the popular…
BBC adaptation starring Mark Williams, all five of Chesterton's original Father Brown books have been republished with charming and collectible Penguin covers.'That sort of thing may be very well for crypts and cloisters and all sorts of moonshiny places. But ghosts can't get through a closed door in an American hotel.'Father Brown, the shrewd and modest clerical detective, encounters miracles, ghosts and prophets in this third volume of ingeniously plotted tales. From South America to New York, his keen observation and quiet wisdom are a match for any mystery - even when he finds himself missing, presumed dead, in his own coffin ...G. K. Chesterton was born in 1874. He attended the Slade School of Art, where he appears to have suffered a nervous breakdown, before turning his hand to journalism. A prolific writer throughout his life, his best- known books include The Napoleon of Notting Hill (1904), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1922), The Man Who Was Thursday (1908) and the Father Brown stories. Chesterton converted to Roman Catholicism in 1922 and died in 1938.'Chesterton knew how to make the most of a detective story' Jorge Luis BorgesBy Alastair Gunn. 2016
A GRIPPING CRIME THRILLER FOR FANS OF KARIN SLAUGHTER, VAL MCDERMID AND PETER MAY YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T…
HIDE A man is found buried in a secluded wood on the outskirts of London. Naked, beaten and bruised; forensics also show that he hasn't eaten in the 24 hours before his murder. The hunt is on. As more bodies are unearthed in the same state, DCI Antonia Hawkins struggles to find a pattern in the seemingly random killings. But who is the hunter? Hawkins is starting to believe that the victims have all been captured, kept and hunted down like animals by a special kind of killer playing a twisted game. And so far, the killer is the one winning . . .