Bonnie Parker is a private detective with a secret - she moonlights as a professional assassin. Now she's in the fight of her life against a ruthless international hit man, as the small New Jersey beach town of Brighton Cove erupts into a battleground. Cold Around the Heart is the newest thriller from bestselling suspense author Michael Prescott (Grave of Angels).Bonnie Parker is a small-town private detective on the Jersey shore who just happens to be named after America's most notorious female outlaw, the distaff half of Bonnie & Clyde. And though no one can prove it, she's an outlaw in her own right, willing to supplement her PI duties by acting as a professional assassin. For a price, and when circumstances warrant it, she'll take extreme measures to solve her clients' problems - permanently. Bonnie is experienced and tough – but she's never gone up against a man like Pascal, a globetrotting hit man who has raised murder to the level of a fine art. During a turbulent summer night, while Bonnie struggles to untangle a web of deception that stretches to the jungles of South America, she and Pascal face off in a blistering battle for survival - a battle only one of them can win. Michael Prescott is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 23 thrillers. His novels have been hailed as "brilliant ... chilling ... unrelentingly suspenseful" (Publishers Weekly), "harrowing ... intense" (Jeffery Deaver), "irresistible, un-put-downable" (Crescent Blues), and "stunning ... far above the usual offerings for the genre" (New Mystery Reader). Views: 718
When their coach is attacked on the way back from their joining ceremony, Dasen and Teth find themselves running for their lives. Trapped in the remote forests, they soon learn that what they thought was a bandit attack is the beginning of something far more malevolent. As myths come to life Dasen and Teth's world is thrown into turmoil, and their only hope to survive is each other.Thrust together from two different worlds, Dasen and Teth must learn not only to live together but to survive together after their coach is attacked on the way back from their joining ceremony. Trapped in the remote forests, running for their lives, they soon learn that what they thought was a bandit attack is the beginning of something far more malevolent. As myths come to life, Dasen and Teth's world is thrown into turmoil, and their only hope to survive is each other. Views: 717
One must be careful when choosing a partner for an evening of harmless infidelity. Especially when one is a king who rules over a vast kingdom and is locked in a sham marriage with a queen who wants him dead.If caution is not heeded, a king in such a situation might find himself assassinated. But he also might have his fondest desire fulfilled.A beautiful young dancer’s performance at the royal banquet has pleased her king. To show his gratitude, he offers her the fruits of his kingdom. She may have anything.Anything her heart desires.The King cannot refuse when the dancer asks for a night in his bed. Though it is the first time he will betray his marriage, he feels no guilt for he knows the Queen is, at that very moment, in the arms of another.But this tryst is not as it seems, for the Queen and her lover lust only for the reins of the kingdom. That night, they have set in motion a plan to murder their ruler and steal his throne.The King learns of this plot, but far too late to stop it. The assassination might succeed, but for the actions of a surprising ally, his new bed mate.The beautiful dancer, too, is not as she seems. She alone holds the power to save her king from the traitors, and to restore his kingdom to him. She will do this by presenting him an offer of her own. He may have anything.Anything his heart desires.Originally written as a single chapter in the Wither the Waking World novel The Death You Deserve, Betrayal is a glimpse into the origins of the cursed land of Illengaard, known as the Kingdom of Teardrops. Views: 717
An esoteric broadcast, castaways, and the mysterious death of Richard Kelly ~ would that Mortehoe could always face such trifling concerns. As the seasons revolve and their new inhabitants grow comfortable with their surroundings, a new threat is looming, a threat that will change the old-world's future with fire and bloodshed.A Tale of Community and Corruption.2140 CEFor a Century the world has been ignorant of the life that dwells beyond Stone Hill Garrison.A community has thrived in the intervening years since The Great Pathogen, ever conscious they may one day be found by the slowly deteriorating old-world.Unknown to them, the Ministry of Defence suspects that not only is there life beyond the border, but a community able to manipulate and disperse the virus that wiped out a quarter of the world’s population a century before.The villagers carry out their lives while a countdown hangs over them, swiftly ticking to conclude in a violent and harrowing confrontation on the shores of Mortehoe. Views: 717
It's going to be a great weekend because RJ is coming to Curtis Bay to hang out with his fun detective cousin Rebekah and her best friend Mouse. What RJ doesn't know is that they are planning to introduce and invite him to join Mouse's Secret Club...introduce him to it with a funny prank that is on him UNTIL it looks like it might be on the WHOLE town! Yikes! There could be trouble!Note: "Prank Gone Wrong" is a short story and a quick read. (estimated 23 pages) Rebekah, Mouse and RJ each have their own fun short story series and sometimes they come together, bringing you these special editions.They all love hanging out, solving mysteries and playing pranks together and we hope you will enjoy these special times as well. It's going to be a great weekend because RJ is coming to Curtis Bay to hang out with his fun detective cousin Rebekah and her best friend Mouse. What RJ doesn't know is that they are planning to introduce and invite him to join Mouse's Secret Club...introduce him to it with a funny prank that is on him UNTIL it looks like it might be on the WHOLE town!Yikes! It looks like the gang might have some explaining to do! Views: 717
A Tales Of Correndrum Short Story - Amund is the sheriff of the frontier mountain town Barrindal. After a band of vicious bandits wipes out nearby farming families, Amund has no choice but to round up a few reliable men and hunt the killers down. Armed with their swords and their courage, they pursue the deadly gang into the forest, heading to a terrible confrontation at Frostveil Mountain.A Tales Of Correndrum Short Story (6800 words) - Amund, Sheriff of the frontier mountain town Barrindal, finds himself left to his own resources when the town's garrison is called away. After a new band of vicious bandits takes advantage of the moment to wipe out nearby farming families, Amund has no choice but to round up the few reliable men in town and hunt the killers down. Armed with their swords and their courage, Amund and his men pursue the deadly gang into the forest, heading to a terrible confrontation at Frostveil Mountain. Views: 717
Rafe Lincozzi’s metal band has just played their best show ever. Now they need a place to crash or it’s another night in the van. Fortunately, they’ve found an ad that offers free lodging to struggling musicians. Their benefactor turns out to be a man well-connected in the music industry, but could his plans for them be more sinister than they appear?This book of short verse and haiku was inspired by nature. Many of the poems reference the river and were written after visits to the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. The book is dedicated to Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area in Spanish Lake, Missouri. Read, relax, enjoy! Views: 717
The day the First World War broke out, Alfie Summerfield's father promised he wouldn't go away to fight - but he broke that promise the following day. Four years later, Alfie doesn't know where his father might be, other than that he's away on a special, secret mission.
Then, while shining shoes at King's Cross Station, Alfie unexpectedly sees his father's name - on a sheaf of papers belonging to a military doctor. Bewildered and confused, Alfie realises his father is in a hospital close by - a hospital treating soldiers with an unusual condition. Alfie is determined to rescue his father from this strange, unnerving place . . . Views: 717
Ryan Kendall is broken. He understands pain. He knows the hand of violence and the ache of loss. He knows what it means to fail those who need you. Being broken doesn't stop him wanting the one thing he can't have; Finlay Tanner. Her smile is sweet and her future bright. She's the girl he grew up with, the girl he loves, the girl he protects from the world, and from himself. At nineteen, Ryan leaves to join the Australian Army. After years of training he becomes an elite SAS soldier and deploys to the Afghanistan war. His patrol undertakes the most dangerous missions a soldier can face. But no matter how far he runs, or how hard he fights, his need for Finlay won't let go. Returning home after six years, one look is all it takes to know he can't live without her. But sometimes love isn't enough to heal what hurts. Sometimes people like him can't be fixed, and sometimes people like Finlay deserve more than what's left. This is a story about war and the cost of sacrifice. Where bonds are formed, and friendships found. Where those who are strong, fall hard. Where love is let go, heartache is born, and heroes are made. Where one man learns that the hardest fight of all, is the fight to save himself. This book is recommended for 18+ due to adult language and themes. Please note: K McCarthy is an Australian author and Australian spelling, language and slang has been used in this book. Views: 717
Rachel has few memories of love or safety. All her short life, she found refuge in reading. Now, in the afterlife, she is shown a wonderful library, where she can curl up in comfort, and lose herself in books. Can a new friend who understands her sorrow help her to leave the shelter of the library, and open herself to the people and places beyond?Rachel has few memories of love or safety. All her short life, she found refuge in reading. Now, in the afterlife, she is shown a wonderful library, where she can curl up in comfort, and lose herself in books. But Rachel has other choices. She could be examining the life she left, or exploring places she never had the chance to see. Can a new friend who understands her sorrow help her to leave the shelter of the library, and open herself to the people and places beyond?This free story, set in the same afterlife as the novel Wander Home, introduces the reader to the features of that afterlife, as well as to the character Cassidy from the novel. Views: 716
Lady Grace Ryburn has accepted another man's proposal after the love of her life, Lieutenant Colin Barry, asked for her own sister's hand in marriage.
But when Colin returns home from the wars, injured in body and spirit, will she be able to turn her back and marry another? Or will she throw away every rule her mother taught her and try to seduce a man who has shown no interest in her kisses?
Author's Note: Be sure to read Part One first! You need to know the story of how Grace fell in love with Colin . . . Views: 716
A dozen remarkable short stories from the author of Little Big Man, offering an absurdist journey through the mind of one of America’s great storytellers
Thomas Berger’s first short story collection in almost thirty years showcases the author’s acclaimed wit, intellect, and emotional sureness. His pages teem with larger-than-life characters: Dr. Poon, a Hollywood snake handler in way over his head during a film shoot in Southeast Asia; Charlie, an apartment superintendent who finds a peculiarly powerful plastic pistol; and Vernon, the confused owner of a talking puppy. No matter where Berger takes his readers, his world is full of oddities. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Thomas Berger including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s personal collection. Views: 716
Lady Diana Walsh calls on Kit to investigate and dispel the curse she believes responsible for carving hateful words into her own flesh as she sleeps. While Kit doesn’t believe in magic herself, she can’t refuse to help a woman subjected nightly to such vicious assaults. As Kit investigates the Walsh family, she becomes convinced that the attacks on Diana are part of a larger, more ominous plot—one that may involve the lady’s obnoxious husband. Sleuthing in the city of Rumsen is difficult enough, but soon Kit must also skirt the unwanted attentions of nefarious deathmage Lucien Dredmore and the unwelcome scrutiny of police Chief Inspector Thomas Doyle. Unwilling to surrender to either man’s passion for her, Kit struggles to remain independent as she draws closer to the heart of the mystery. Yet as she learns the truth behind her ladyship’s curse, Kit also uncovers a massive conspiracy that promises to ruin her life—and turn Rumsen into a supernatural battleground from which no one will escape alive. Views: 716
Lance Grayson, Amber’s one love has died.After receiving the startling news of Lance’s death, Amber’s world has shattered. However, being invited to say her final goodbye to her true love, Amber realizes Lance has one last request for her. While trying to put aside her bereavement to live with humans, Amber fights with the notion of never loving again. Welcome back to Chronicles of Amber Harris.Lance Grayson, Amber’s one love has died. After receiving the startling news of Lance’s death, Amber’s world has shattered. However, being invited to say her final goodbye to her true love, Amber realizes Lance has one last request for her. Understanding Madeline, the grieving widow, knows of her secret life, Amber believes Lance’s final task for her is to aid his family after his departure. As Amber embarks on this new journey, she must rely on Christopher to calm her nagging suspicion that there’s something wrong with Lisa. Views: 716
"As usual his morning commute took him past that simple wooden cross, planted above the pit with the charred sides. And as usual Linc's stomach turned at the thought of it happening to the next child."The war on terror has escalated to a nihilistic brawl for oil. Brutal and incessant gang violence now rules the headlines.Linc Freemore discovers how far he's willing to blur the lines."As usual his morning commute took him past that simple wooden cross, planted above the pit with the charred sides. And as usual Linc's stomach turned at the thought of it happening to the next child."Apocalyptic Science Fiction Story. 44 pages (10.795 words)Oil To Ashes Part 1, 'Picnic' - Introducing Linc FreemoreThe war on terror has escalated to a nihilistic brawl for oil. Brutal and incessant gang violence now rules the headlines. Is it a forecast for the end of justice and consequence?For Linc Freemore, another drudge at the office, another broken promise looms. He stumbles on a savage crime, half-done. Unarmed. Deserted. In a tranquil wood, the kind of place he longs for time with his family. Today filled with violence and despair. Should he bolt for safety? Or viciously defend, his own brand of justice?Linc discovers how deep he's willing to dig for a stranger. How far he's willing to blur the lines.Contains Graphic Violence.Early editions were titled "Picnic". Views: 716
