fiction; prose, Young Readers Views: 43
It's been years since Swenson, a professor of creative writing at a small American college, has published a novel of his own. And it's been longer since one of his students has shown the faintest glimmer of talent. Enter Angela Argo: pierced, tattooed, sullen - and a wonderful writer. Swenson can't believe his good fortune at having such a gifted student. Nurturing Angela's talent becomes his obsession, he is more than happy to find time to give her the extra-curricular, one-to-one tutorials she craves. Revitalised by Angela, Swenson's life seems perfect. However, as experience shows, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Nominated for the prestigious National Book Award, Blue Angel is one of the most acclaimed American novels of recent years. A pitch-perfect, wickedly funny satire on academia, it is a joy to read. Views: 43
RetailThe mass murder of almost thirty young boys in Houston may well have been the most heinous crime of the century. How could such a series of murders go undetected for almost three years before being exposed? The Man with the Candy is a brilliant investigative journalist's story of the crime and the answer to that question. The night David Hilligiest didn't come home was both like and unlike other nights when other Houston boys disappeared between the years 1971 and 1973. At three in the morning the police were called, but they just said that boys were running away from the best of homes nowadays and that they'd list David as a runaway. No, there would be no official search for the youngster. Aghast, the Hilligiests, in the months that followed, hired their own detective, put up posters, even sought the aid of clairvoyants. But David never did come home again because, along with at least twenty-six other Houston boys, he had been murdered and buried by the homosexual owner of a candy factory, the mass murderer of the century, Dean Corll, according to his two teenage confessed accomplices, Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr., and David Brooks.Many of the young boys had not even been reported as missing, and the fact that they were dead would probably never have come to light had not one of the murderers confessed. For in Houston, where in a typical year the total number of murders is twice that of London despite the fact that London is six times as large and far more densely populated, missing persons and violence are likely to be considered commonplace. In the months before the trial of Henley and Brooks, Jack Olsen interviewed and probed for answers about the criminals, the victims and the city itself, which remained for the most part silent, angry and defensive. The result is a classic of true crime reportage. Views: 43
Prose; fiction, Masculine Views: 43
How can so few people make so many mistakes?First it's Sarah. She accuses Josh of doing something he didn't do. Then Abbey gets mad and chases Dave out of her kitchen. Next, the boys go on a hunting trip and won't let the girls go along. After that, things just go downhill.The Cloud People need the Sleepers' help. But the boys are gone. Sarah and Abbey decide not to wait for them. Maybe they can solve the problem all by themselves. Big mistake. What they can't see coming is trouble with an evil high priest who will put Sarah's life in danger.But their wise friend Goel know show to bring good things out of bad—even when his people make foolish choices. Views: 43
Orphaned young and cast upon the charity of her disapproving Aunt Willis, Elvira Carrisford has known little love and affection in her life. All that looks set to change for the better when Elvira is invited to become companion to her lively cousin, Delphine, who is hoping to make a match worthy of her wealth and status. With only hazy childhood memories of her last visit, Elvira is unsure of what to expect but is determined to make a good impression. Lost in the blizzard, and rescued by the enigmatic Serge, Elvira arrives at Baseheart Castle late, disheveled and in need of love and comfort from her family.But it seems that fate intends that their paths shall cross again, and Elvira is stunned when her rescuer turns out to be none other than the valet of the handsome French Prince, intended for her cousin. As a complicated web of love, betrayal and deceit unfolds, Elvira is plunged into a world where people are never what they seem and appearances are definitely deceiving. Views: 43
James R. Hannibal presents a thrilling adventure through history, complete with mysteries, secret items, codes, and a touch of magic in this stunning middle grade debut.Thirteen-year-old Jack Buckles is great at finding things. Not just a missing glove or the other sock, but things normal people have long given up on ever seeing again. If only he could find his father, who has disappeared in London without a trace. But Jack's father was not who he claimed to be. It turns out that he was a member of a secret society of detectives that has served the crown for centuries—and membership into the Lost Property Office is Jack's inheritance. Now the only way Jack will ever see his father again is if he finds what the nefarious Clockmaker is after: the Ember, which holds a secret that has been kept since the Great Fire of London. Will Jack be able to find the Ember and save his father, or will his talent for finding things fall short? Views: 43
A KILLER IS ON THE LOOSE...A MAN WITH NO MEMORY STANDS ACCUSED...ONE NURSE PUTS HER LIFE ON THE LINE...No one knew who "Tom Flynt" was. But Tina White, the nurse tending to the amnesiac patient, was certain of one thing. His warm brown eyes could not be those of a cold-blooded killer--or could they? Under that gruff yet impressively muscular exterior lurked a gentle man. And with the tender kisses and seductive caresses Tom began sharing with her, Tina sensed she was in danger of losing her heart. Could discovering his true identity imperil her life, as well...? Views: 43
When Susannah McKittrick leaves Nantucket for the boomtown of Seattle, she is hardly looking to strike it rich; she is headed west to care for a newborn left motherless after Susannah's cousin died. Although the rigorous trip depletes all of her savings, Susannah is certain she is doing the right thing. She is less sure when she meets the infant's father, wealthy businessman Aubrey Fairgrieve -- who seems embittered toward love and marriage, and indifferent toward the precious baby Susannah is so eager to care for. Gradually, Susannah discovers that Aubrey's marriage to her cousin was far from perfect -- and she comes to see the brusque but handsome man in a new light. But when Aubrey makes her a most practical offer, it is a far cry from the heartfelt proposal Susannah desires. If he truly wants to win her hand, he will have to learn to trust once more -- and sweep her away with the bold passion of a man in love. Views: 43
When Antonio Ramirez takes over the company that has been trading with her family's business for decades, Gina Brandon is appalled. Years ago, she had been humiliated by the gorgeous Spaniard!Now Antonio seems more than interested in her. Initially, Gina is wary, but after three nights of glorious passion her only desire is to become his wife. Then, only days after their honeymoon, Gina discovers the truth: their marriage of love has been one of convenience all along.... Views: 43
