It's Christmastime, and the precocious Flavia de Luce - an eleven-year-old sleuth with a passion for chemistry and a penchant for crime-solving - is tucked away in her laboratory, whipping up a concoction to ensnare Saint Nick. But she is soon distracted when a film crew arrives at Buckshaw, the de Luces' decaying English estate, to shoot a movie starring the famed Phyllis Wyvern. Amid a raging blizzard, the entire village of Bishop's Lacey gathers at Buckshaw to watch Wyvern perform, yet nobody is prepared for the evening's shocking conclusion: a body found, past midnight, strangled to death with a length of film. But who among the assembled guests would stage such a chilling scene? As the storm worsens and the list of suspects grows, Flavia must use every ounce of sly wit at her disposal to ferret out a killer hidden in plain sight. Views: 392
If you have ever cast an uncomfortable glance over your shoulder when passing the silent snowy sentinels that stand looking at you as you pass on the icy sidewalk, if you've ever questioned what might really happen if the old silk hat placed on Frosty the Snowman's head was truly magic, then these two dark humor snowman tales by Mark Leslie are for you.If you have ever cast an uncomfortable glance over your shoulder when passing the silent snowy sentinels that stand looking at you as you pass on the icy sidewalk, if you've ever questioned what might really happen if the old silk hat placed on Frosty the Snowman's head was truly magic, then these two dark humor snowman tales by Mark Leslie are for you.THAT OLD SILK HAT THEY FOUNDWhy does that classic song always portray a jolly, happy snowman dancing around and celebrating life? What if, once the kids placed that old silk hat on Frosty's head, it wasn't quite the magical experience?IDES OF MARCHIn the middle of March a middle-aged man frustrated with the benign activity of filling out his annual tax forms is confronted with a bizarre event - two hulking creatures appear in a pick up truck and are intent on kidnapping the snowman from the front yard. Views: 392
The aliens have gone, after their offer of an immortality among the stars proved too good for anyone to refuse. Except Casey, who now finds herself crossing an abandoned landscape, looking for a reason to keep on living.Just someone, anyone to talk to would be a start. Anyone, that is, except the Farmer.The aliens have gone, after their offer of immortality among the stars proved too good for anyone to refuse. Except Casey, who now finds herself crossing an abandoned landscape, looking for a reason to keep on living.Just someone, anyone to talk to would be a start. Anyone, that is, except the Farmer.A motorcycle, a recovered cop, gallows humor, a very sharp ax, and, eventually, a purpose in life... and death.(Character-driven SF with a dash of horror - all in 4.043 words) Views: 392
Kylie Jean is usually good at everything she tries. So how come learning to play basketball is so hard? Views: 391
Short story. Sheila and Ryan were lovers until she disappears, leaving a cryptic note. Months later, Sheila shows up at Ryan's apartment, dazzles him with grandiose tales of her new life. But something isn't right, Sheila's stories change, she acts bizarrely, and gets suspicious phone calls. After a tender night of passion, Sheila departs. No explanation. A front page story reveals all.Short story. Sheila and Ryan were lovers until one day Sheila abruptly disappears, leaving Ryan a cryptic note. Six months later, Sheila surprises Ryan by showing up at his apartment and pretending nothing had happened. Over a long weekend, Sheila dazzles Ryan with grandiose stories of her new life, hinting that they can be lovers again. But something isn't right. Sheila's stories change and she starts acting bizarrely. She has several cell phone calls that she hides from Ryan. After a night of tender passion, Sheila makes a strange request -- then departs with no explanation why she is leaving or where she is going. Reading the Sunday paper, Ryan is shocked by a front page story of a financial crime that reveal secrets Sheila had been hiding. Views: 391
The Aztecs brings to life one of the best-known indigenous civilizations of the Americas in a vivid, comprehensive account of the ancient Aztecs.A thorough examination of Aztec origins and civilization including religion, science, and thoughtIncorporates the latest archaeological excavations and research into explanations of the Spanish conquest and the continuity of Aztec culture in Central MexicoExpanded coverage includes key topics such as writing, music, royal tombs, and Aztec predictions of the end of the world Views: 391
In Firestorm, the first book of the Caretaker Trilogy, seventeen-year-old Jack Danielson saved the world's oceans, but at great personal cost -- his parents were killed and everything he knew and believed in was turned upside down. Now Jack has come home to see P.J., his girlfriend and sole remaining touchstone. But she's missing, and blame falls on Jack. On the run with Gisco, his crafty canine sidekick, Jack is literally caught up in a whirlwind as he travels to the heart of darkness to rescue P.J. -- a journey that will bring him face-to-face with the father of his old nemesis, the colonel, aka the Dark Lord from the future. Jack's quest becomes all the more complicated as he discovers that the only person who can stop the Dark Lord is another time traveler, the wizard Kidah, who has disappeared in the present. Book 2 of the Caretaker Trilogy mixes heart-racing adventure with an urgent ecological warning about the fragility of the world's rain forests and... Views: 390
Gems of My Heart is a collection of my most heartfelt and deeply loved poetry; it's poetry that's brought joy to my heart and tears to my eyes.Prince William has just shocked the world by announcing that he wishes to resign. What happens now? In an unprecedented event, the future king has announced that he wishes to resign. The ramifications are huge. Will this be the beginning of the end of the British monarchy? Views: 390
Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.
Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil. Views: 390
After a difficult day in the meadow, Keturah learns she doesn't need any particular talents to be special. She's valuable just as she is. A sweet retelling of a well-known Bible story for children, through the eyes of a bird who was there.When ten-year-old Peter moves into his grandfather’s creepy old mansion, bad, baaaaad things start to happen.Like finding a dead man in the garden patch.Who’s still alive.With the help of the troublemaking kid next door, Peter journeys deep into the woods to discover the secret horror that has plagued his family for centuries…and now threatens to kill them all.The first book in the YA horror series, PETER AND THE MONSTERS! Views: 390
A sweet, short and charming love story of Liv and Ben. This short story will appeal to fans of chick lit and romantic comedies. Views: 389
Chris Landrum's morning has already started on a down note, as he stands in a cemetery listening to the eulogy for a friend. But his entire day deteriorates rapidly when he hears that a murder victim has been found in the marsh behind his retirement home on Folly Beach, South Carolina. Worse yet, the victim is the business associate of one of his friends. In a matter of hours, Chris's quiet, relaxed life is turned upside down. The police are convinced that Sean Aker, the victim's law partner, is the killer. Chris has no reason to disagree other than the fact Sean is a friend—a feeble defense at best. With the help of a group consisting of a tagalong buddy and wannabe private detective; an aging hippy and surf shop owner; a has-been country music singer; and a new acquaintance who runs a marsh tour business, Chris is thrust into a murder investigation that soon puts his dream of spending an idyllic retirement on hold yet again. As Chris and his merry band of... Views: 389
