Entire novels are often written about a single crime, detailing every gruesome, dark detail until the last drop of blood spatters across the page. Yet in this mystery anthology, renowned editor and author Otto Penzler weaves together to heart-stopping effect more than ninety tales of brutality, terror, and unexpected demise, with each story told in a swift one thousand words or less. These crimes may be fast in both form and fallout, but none lack the dark impulses that too often guide human hands to ill ends. Prepare to be transported into the diabolical schemes of criminal masterminds…into robberies and pranks gone horribly awry…into closets crammed with skeletons…into families bound not by love but wickedness. Authors include Peter Blauner, Ken Bruen, Rob W. Hart, K. A. Laity, Tasha Alexander, Patricia Abbott, Bruce DeSilva, Chuck Caruso, Gregory Gibson, Joe R. Lansdale, and many more.** Views: 406
A collection of fifteen stories, inspired by images from the Young Adult LGBT Books group. In these romantic, fantasy, and contemporary short stories, you'll find LGBTQ teenagers living their lives - experiencing first encounters, and long relationships, coming out, staying closeted, questioning, loving, having adventures, dealing with family, with prejudice, or with magic.Have you ever looked at a picture, perhaps a photo of two guys in a tight hug, or two girls holding hands, and wondered, "What happened before that moment? What will they do next?"These fifteen stories were inspired by images from the Young Adult LGBT Books Group. In these pages you'll find LGBTQ teenagers living their lives - experiencing first encounters, and long relationships, coming out, staying closeted, questioning, loving, having adventures, dealing with family, with prejudice, with magic. Author Kira Harp provides this collection of Young Adult romantic, fantasy, and contemporary short stories. Views: 406
A man with incredible willpower searches the world over for an addiction he cannot overcome. A billionaire without heirs uses an amnesia drug to see who is worthy to inherit his fortune. These and other bizarre fables show what love really is (and isn’t), why addictions and pride are so deadly, the need for moral values, and how judging ourselves positively may be the best judgment we ever make.A man professing to have stronger willpower than anyone on earth searches the world over for an addiction he cannot overcome. A billionaire without heirs uses an amnesia drug to see who is worthy to inherit his fortune, by seeing how people behave when they have forgotten who they are. An inventor creates a can of instant 'love spray,' but is shocked at the unexpected results when he starts to use it. In eight bizarre fables the reader is taken on a journey through the valley of stupidity, to see what love really is (and isn’t), why addictions and pride are so deadly, the need for moral values, and how judging ourselves positively may be the best judgment we ever make.Come along on an adventure in stupidity, if you dare … Views: 406
WELCOME BACK TO THE PENNYFOOTThe kitchen staff of the Pennyfoot Hotel is toiling away to prepare their guests the finest Christmas meal. And the plum pudding may very well be to die for…When the Pennyfoot’s housekeeper is suddenly called away, Cecily Sinclair Baxter needs a quick replacement. On short notice, the agency sends Beatrice Tucker, who proves more of a curse than a Christmas miracle. She even fights with the Pennyfoot’s latest VIP guest, the famous actor Archibald Armitage.When Armitage drops dead after Beatrice serves him some plum pudding, everyone assumes the huffy housekeeper is the culprit. But as Cecily investigates, the list of suspects grows, and solving this case may not be as easy as pie…or pudding. ** Views: 406
Nine short stories set in the 19th, 20th and 21st century, from Professor Kurtz and his paper on "human de-evolvement," to giant sea turtles appearing in neighborhood swimming pools. How can we be certain of anything?These short stories are about what we may think we see and feel as much as they are about any reality we are living in. From the well known Professor Kurtz and his groundbreaking paper on "human de-evolvement," to giant sea turtles suddenly appearing in neighborhood swimming pools, to state governments desperately searching for novel ways to raise money in dire economic times, and to hope in unusual places. We all continue to look for resolution of some kind. Do we not? Views: 406
Two Iranian agents hand over one million dollars to a Russian engineer for a thumbdrive. The drive contains a deadly computer virus that could shut down all electrical power in the United States at a keystroke.
In rural North Dakota, a lineman is electrocuted, and the local cop sent to investigate is shot to death. As rolling electrical blackouts begin to shut down major US cities, the war for energy domination begins.
Two nations are behind this deadly attack: Venezuela and Iran, intent on destroying the present world order and bringing an arrogant America to its knees. Their agent of terror is Yuri Makarov, a former Spetsnaz officer, the best of the best among the shadow world of killers for hire. When governments are powerless to stop such a man from sending the United States back to the horse-and-buggy era, North Dakota county sheriff Nate Osborne and brash journalist Ashley Borden once again step into the breach.
Gridlock is a harrowing near-future thriller from New York Times bestselling duo Senator Byron Dorgan and David Hagberg.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
**From Booklist
Former U.S. senator Dorgan (D-North Dakota) and veteran thriller author Hagberg team up again in this tense follow-up to Blowout (2012). Sheriff Nate Osborne, journalist Ashley Borden, and scientist Whitney Lipton have become fast friends after the events in the previous book. They barely survived; all are trying to forget, but Osborne has a gut feeling that another attack is coming. He's right. An assassin starts the ball rolling, but the murders are only the beginning. At stake is the entire power grid of the U.S. Bring that down, and the country will revert back to the Stone Age. Gridlock is a far superior book to its predecessor, with more action, better-developed characters, and effective use of the stark North Dakota landscape. Readers new to the series will find enough backstory to throw them into the tale. Imagine Vince Flynn on a road trip to the Dakotas. --Jeff Ayers
Review
"Here's the high-stakes, mile-a-minute, knock-your-socks-off, page-turning political thriller of the year. Senator Byron Dorgan and thriller-master David Hagberg make one helluva storytelling team. From the first scene to the last page, they're aiming high and hitting every bulls-eye." ― William Martin, New York Times bestselling author
"Senator Byron Dorgan and David Hagberg deliver a thriller crackling with realism and shocking authenticity. Right now, Gridlock is a hair-raising and fascinating fictional thrill ride. Right now. But what will the future bring? " ― Whitley Strieber, New York Times bestselling author
"Oodles of action…now that's what I call a thriller. Sizzling hot!" ―Stephen Coonts, New York Times bestselling author of The Disciple, on Blowout
"David Hagberg is a proven master of the thriller genre and Senator Byron Dorgan brings a unique, insider's view on politics and the world. Together they've woven a complicated tale, told deceptively simple, that will leave you wanting more. Plenty of sizzle in this page-turner." ―Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Jefferson Key, on Blowout
"Combining masterly writing skills with deep knowledge of their subject, authors Dorgan and Hagberg serve up a unique, thought-provoking and, above all, ceaselessly exciting novel about today's hidden security threat: our willingness to overlook evil in our addiction to foreign energy supplies. The pace will make you sweat, the plot will make you think, and the peril is very real." ―Ralph Peters, New York Times bestselling author of Cain at Gettysburg, on Blowout
"Dorgan and Hagberg have written an edge-of-the-seat thriller about energy that will stretch your imagination and keep you guessing until the very last page." ―Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle on Blowout
"This book hits the bull's-eye on our energy challenge. How to end our addiction to foreign oil by finding new ways to produce energy here at home while at the same time protecting our environment? Blowout combines a healthy imagination about an energy future with fast-paced action. " ―Former Governor of New Mexico and U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson on Blowout Views: 406
Darian Lane moved into a small town from a busy city life. Finally free from the chaos, being thrown in the middle of a robbery was the last thing he wanted. And he sees a glimpse of evil that changes his life forever.He ends up in a coma and wakes up unable to recall anything. Dark dreams haunt him and shadows lurk at the corner of his eye. What are they? What could they possibly want from him?From the Publisher that brought you popular short story series Witching Call, Hostile Hearts, Earthbound Angels, The January Morrison Files Psychic Series, Ralph's Gift, Seasons of Love, The Taken, Requiem for a Dream, In the Blood, A Halloween Awakening, Friend Zone, The Magaram Legends, and now, The Shadow Stalkers Series...MYSTERIOUS SHADOWS ARE LURKINGONE CANNOT UNSEE THE FACE OF DEATHDarian Lane moved into a small town after growing up in a fast-paced city life. Finally away from the vices of the city, being thrown in the middle of a robbery was the last thing Darian wished for. But as he finds himself in this unfortunate incident, he sees a glimpse of evil that changes his life forever.Darian ends up in a coma and wakes up unable to recall anything. Dark dreams start haunting him as visions of his last memories slowly come back. Mysterious shadows lurk at the corner of his eye. Inescapable nightmares start to feel too real. Lines between reality and dreams are blurred.On his way to recovery, Darian meets Jennifer, his physical therapist who is assigned to work on getting him to walk again. There is an unmistakable attraction that binds them together, and the two cannot help but give in to an inevitable tryst.But as Darian struggles to resolve his nightmares, these shadows seem to linger. What are they and what could they possibly want from him?If you wish to read more, download now!***READER ADVISORY: This series contains content that readers may find objectionable, including explicit language, sex, abuse, violence, and erotic themes.BONUS PREVIEW IF YOU BUY THIS BOOK!EXCERPTThe man with the gun stood still and glared at Darian. His eyes were a twisted combination of ice blue and black, swirling around the iris like water draining out of the bathtub. Darian stood shocked for a moment and blinked his own eyes a couple of times to make sure he was seeing what was really there and not some figment of his imagination. The man turned back to yell at Lacey one more time and then stared into Darian’s eyes again.“You did this to yourself, you little bitch.”The man said this in the calmest and most collected voice Darian had ever heard. He stared directly at Darian as he lifted the gun up to shoulder height and pulled the trigger.The sound of the gun was deafening in the small gas station. The muzzle flash briefly blinded Darian as he tried his best to fall to the ground for cover.Three more shots rang in the distance as his ears tried to recover from the first gun shot, and Darian could feel the spray of some kind of liquid as it hit his face and hands. He imagined a bottle or water or something sitting on the counter being hit by one of the bullets and hoped that Lacey had moved back enough to not be hit by a ricochet.There was a momentary scream and then a sharp pain on the top of Darian’s head before the blackness set in.Download and discover why readers are raving about G.J. Winters.Scroll up and get the book now! Views: 406
They say there are more rats in New York City than people. What they don't tell you... is those are just the scouts.This short story is about an android who like a human is on a quest to discover if he has a spirit and soul. The android is a metaphor for any human being who has ever asked do I have a spirit? Do I have a soul? And what is the difference between the two? At its core, the android asks what constitutes a human being? There is a whole universe waiting and it's there inside of you.This short story is intended for readers who have an enquiring nature who enjoy imaginative, creative ideas. This short story is from 'I, Human Part Two An Android's Soul' Views: 406
For Days and A Night is a collection of short stories and skits written by award-winning author Seun Odukoya. The book contains sixteen stories, four skits (yes; SKITS), and a couple of other things not usually found in a book. It was released online on December 17, 2012 and has since been receiving several accolades and enjoying strong positive views and criticisms. It is a memorable read.While travelling to a distant galaxy, on an assassination mission, Rave's ship is struck by an unknown projectile, causing him crash-land into an alien planet he was passing over. With his ship destroyed, his weapons gone, he finds himself trapped on the savage planet filled with dangerous chimeras. A powerful darkness lurks on the planet, far much dangerous than he is, and the residents of the planet are hiding deadly secrets. And as he ventures further into the forests, the threat grows restless, the eyes of shadow turning towards him, and his own insatiable blood lust taking over. Will he conquer the dark forces that reign over the planet, or will he fall victim to them? Views: 406
Vena Edwards life was already too hectic when she met her Dad for the first time after twenty long years! Then, cherry on the cake, she was informed by him that her marriage has been fixed to his friend's son, Sean! But Sean has someone else in his heart, Ariel! his first and last lady love. Vena suddenly finds herself in a twisted love story and is scared by the anger raging in the eyes of Amun.Vena Edwards life was already too hectic when she met her Dad for the first time after twenty long years! Then, cherry on the cake, she was informed by him that her marriage has been fixed to his friend's son, Sean! But Sean has someone else in his heart, Ariel! his first and last lady love. Vena suddenly finds herself in a twisted love story and is scared by the anger raging in the eyes of Amun..Sean's once-upon-a time best friend!More twisted is the fact that she is charmed, scared and attracted by him mere presence.Four lives hang in dilemma as Sean's engagement takes place but, the question is, with whom? Views: 406
In Sacrifices, we meet Sisters Cil, Deborah, Ruth and Sarah. They are four sisters descended from the coupling of angels and humans. And as such they have been embodied with fantastical abilities which they use to defend the world from those who would harm it, be they flesh or spirit. If they are to prevail, there will certainly be sacrifices.Sacrifices is the part two of Alan's To Wrestle with Darkness trilogy. In Sacrifices, we meet Cil, Deborah, Ruth and Sarah. They are four sisters descended from the coupling of angels and humans. And as such they have been embodied with fantastical abilities which they use to defend the world from those who would harm it, be they flesh or spirit. They find themselves tested, as they must contest the forces of darkness who are intent on ending all of creation. If they are to prevail, there will certainly be sacrifices. Views: 406
A fan fiction based in the universe of EliteDony and Hera are to transport some risky goods through several planetary systems. Will they make it to their destination? Will their old battered ship last long enough to reach the space station? Views: 406
Lauren Carmody has good reason to avoid people and let no one close. But an appealing newcomer pushes his way into her life and offers her way to deal with her unusual problem. Now she must decide whether to let him in or remain alone.Lauren Carmody has a most uncomfortable and unwanted gift. She sees the images in other people’s minds. As a result, she hides from the world and only ventures out when necessary. When she encounters a very appealing man who doesn’t bombard her with unasked for pictures, she doesn’t know what to make of him. Does she dare let him get close or should she continue to hide? Views: 406
This sweet romance short read is a prequel to the author's series - A Merchant Street Mystery and will be continued throughout the rest of the books. For young adults and up.Dependable Adele Abberley is tired of seeing to everyone else’s responsibilities. When idealistic Kipp Waterbury drops by her antique store, will his romantic nature help her to view the world in a brand new lightThis is a sweet romantic suspense and a prequel to A Merchant Street Mystery series. It occurs fifteen years before the series begins and the story will continue in the full-length novels. In other words, TO BE CONTINUED or a TEASER. It is suitable for young and adults and up.Storyline: Dependable Adele Abberley is tired of seeing to everyone else's responsibilities, including running the family antique store, taking care of her dad, and tending her brother's two boys. When idealistic Kipp Waterbury drops by her antique store, will his romantic nature help her to view the world in a brand new light? Will the secrets they find hidden in an antique Victorian chair encourage her to stop trying to please everyone and please herself instead? Views: 406
