Mapleton, Colorado’s police chief, Gordon Hepler, would rather be on the streets than behind a desk, but he promised his late mentor he’d accept the position. And to Gordon, a promise is a promise, even if the person you made it to isn’t around anymore. However, doubts creep in, and he wonders if he was shoved into the job because his mentor thought he couldn’t cut it on the streets.Everything changes when a fatal traffic accident well outside Mapleton seems connected to the elderly Rose and Sam Kretzer, two of Mapleton’s most beloved citizens. When Gordon ties the car accident to a grisly murder in Mapleton—the first anyone in town can remember—he’s afraid he’s into more than he bargained for.The arrival of Megan, the Kretzers' grown godchild, and Justin, their grandson, add to Gordon’s troubles when Megan is mugged and someone breaks in and ransacks the Kretzers' home. Gordon’s fears that he’s in over his head are realized when his investigation seems to link the Kretzers to a Nazi war criminal. Can he work with the big-city detective brought in to assist? Will he be able to solve the crime without revealing the secrets of his citizens? Views: 27
An adroit first novel of exceptional grace and emotional power by a legendary British ad executive. "David Abbott's The Upright Piano Player is a wise and moving debut, an accomplished novel of quiet depths and resonant shadows." --John Burnham Schwartz, author of The Commoner and Reservation Road Henry Cage seems to have it all: a successful career, money, a beautiful home, and a reputation for being a just and principled man. But public virtues can conceal private failings, and as Henry faces retirement, his well-ordered life begins to unravel. His ex-wife is ill, his relationship with his son is strained to the point of estrangement, and on the eve of the new millennium he is the victim of a random violent act which soon escalates into a prolonged harassment. As his ex-wife's illness becomes grave, it is apparent that there is little time to redress the mistakes of the past. But the man stalking Henry remains at large. Who... Views: 27
Lovecraftian Horror in Faerûn!Blue fire sears the face of Faerûn, leaving the twisted and mutilated dead in its wake. But a rare few escape death--and suffer some mystical mutation. Raidon Kane is one of those who survives, the wake of blue fire burning the sigil of the amulet he wears into his chest and binding him with all the power and responsibility it entails. With everyone he knows and cares about dead, Raidon must find within himself the strength to lead the fight against the rise of an elder evil the likes of which would be the end of mortal kind.Award-winning game designer Bruce R. Cordell depicts the rise of a monstrous nation of elder evil as only he can in this brand-new trilogy Abolethic Sovereignty. Dedicated to showcasing one of the most fascinating new aspects of the changed face of Faerûn, this trilogy is packed with the exciting battles, wizardry, and monsters that are the hallmark of Forgotten Realms novels as well as... Views: 27
Jody, a bubbly 10-year-old girl with an unfortunate habit of saying the wrong to find her kidnapped brother James. Her vivid dreams take her to a mysterious land called Tamila, which is inhabited by magical wizards, both good and bad, mischievous pixies, nasty witches and goblins and helpful fairies. The unsuspecting girl falls foul of an evil wizard called Hugo Toby, who sends her into a whirlpool. But Wiffle, the wizard of kindness, arrives in the nick of time on his flying white horse to save her from drowning. In her search for her brother, Jody has several hair-raising, terrifying - and sometimes hilarious - encounters. She has to battle against Hugo Toby and his vile brother Augustine The Awful, a cruel witch called Huffy Haggard, and two horrid goblins, all of whom are seeking the secret of ever-lasting life. Jody also comes up against the most horrendous monster in the whole world. But she and her new friend, The Bag Man, who seems to have everything in his carrier... Views: 27
Peter S. Beagle was born in Manhattan in 1939, on the same night that Billie Holliday was recording “Strange Fruit” and “Fine and Mellow” just a few blocks away. Raised in the Bronx, Peter originally proclaimed he would be a writer when ten years old. Today he is acknowledged as an American fantasy icon, and to the delight of his millions of fans around the world he is now publishing more than ever. In addition to being an acclaimed novelist and writer of short stories and nonfiction, Peter has also written numerous plays, teleplays, and screenplays, and is a gifted poet, librettist, lyricist, and singer/songwriter. To learn more about The Last Unicorn, A Fine and Private Place, Summerlong, I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons, I See By My Outfit, “Two Hearts,” and all the rest of his extraordinary body of work, please visit www.peterbeagle.com Views: 27
A New York Police Officer's relentless journey into the criminal netherworld, told with brutal truth and honesty. Perhaps Neitzsche described Rob Cea's life best, way before he was born: "Take care when chasing the animals; for you can very well become the animal you are chasing." No Lights, No Sirens is a sojourn so dirty and nasty it defies belief. Rob Cea starts off as an idealistic young cop, a true believer in the system for which he works tirelessly. He is sadly mistaken. The system he tried so hard to appease ultimately led to his downfall and the ruination of his life. What separates this from other cop--and--robber stories is the brutal authenticity from the cop himself. We will see and hear exactly what is discussed in a patrol car. We will see how the law was--and is--routinely bent to make collars stick any way possible. And we will see how Cea slowly spirals to depths of hell. No Lights, No Sirens is simplistic in its scope: A young... Views: 27
Hetaera--suspense in ancient Athens, is Book One of the Agathon's Daughter Trilogy. Born a bastard and a slave, Hestia has a gift: the power to read people's hearts. And yet, the secrets of her own heart remain a mystery. Hestia's keen intellect makes her a match for any man. But even a literate slave has little control over destiny. Sold to a prominent statesman with sadistic tendencies, Hestia becomes his hetaera (consort). As her wealth and fame increase so does her despair. She dreams of freedom, but she faces enemies at every turn. When Hestia is accused of murder, the mystery of her past unravels and fate takes another turn.Hetaera: Agathon's Daughter was awarded third place in the Maui Writers Rupert Hughes writing competition.Due to the subject matter, there are some sexual scenes--suggestive rather than explicit.Review"Agathon's Daughter is a tale told by a writer who deserves your attention, a writer who certainly captured mine."New York Times bestselling author, Tess Gerritsen--Foreword, Hetaera From the AuthorThe role of women throughout history fascinates me. The story of Hetaera is close to my heart. My major in college was Classic Theater, with an emphasis on ancient Greek theater, and ancient religions. Research for Hetaera included a trip to Athens and Delphi with my friend and writing mentor, Elizabeth Engstrom. While in Delphi, I interviewed the current Oracle. Not much is written about the women of ancient Athens. Most of the information comes from plays, pottery, and household goods. I frequent museums, and when I see a piece of jewelry, a mirror, a comb--I imagine the women who used them. As a fiction writer, I use my imagination to fill the holes in history. And I make sure to add a large dollop of suspense, intrigue, and even sex--unavoidable in this story, since my protagonist, Hestia, becomes a courtesan! I hope you enjoy the ride. Views: 27
