The Reinvented Detective by Cat Rambo and Jennifer Brozek

The evolution of crime, punishment, and justice in the future. What happens when time and technology change the definition of crime and punishment? Science fiction often focuses on future technology without considering the society housing it. Social norms may change as tech changes — or not. What will criminals, investigators, judges, and juries look like in a complicated future of clones, uploaded intelligences, artificial brains, or body augmentation? What stories emerge when we acknowledge the possibilities of new laws, new police methods, and the birth of sentient Artificial Intelligence, as well as all the ways they can clash or combine? The Reinvented Detective presents stories that complicate law and order as well as the concept of criminals, detectives, punishment, and justice for all by showing how shifting technology, the rise of sentient AIs, and shifting social attitudes may affect what is not only acceptable, but expected, within both real world and digital communities—and everything in-between. These stories reinvent detective and true crime tropes, recasting them for the 21st century, and above all, experimenting, astonishing, and entertaining.

Goliath and the Gang by David Whittet

Aaron was just five years old when they took his mother away … Raised by his aunt after losing his mother, he’s bullied by his uncle and tormented by his loathsome cousins. His dream of making something of his life, of becoming an entrepreneur like his late father, rapidly disappears in the wake of his miserable childhood. The sudden appearance of a mysterious Māori diviner sparks hope in Aaron’s heart. Can this wise woman help him find his mother? And when he falls hopelessly in love with the woman’s haughty foster daughter, is he destined for heartbreak? Everything changes when an anonymous patron sponsors Aaron to attend business school. He’s an exemplary student and, upon graduation, a rising star in the business community. Until a deadly rival from his past threatens to destroy his career and plunges Aaron into another brutal war with the Godzone Gorillas—the Gang that kidnapped his mother.

The Jungle Crew by Emma Scott

Making new friends is a wonderful thing. Should you have a lot in common with your new friend? Do you have to look the same? What happens when you look very different from each other? “The Jungle Crew” is an enjoyable rhyming story about how animals big and small meet and become great friends. Each animal has something special to share. Although they are look very different, there is something lovable in each and every one. This is a story about diversity and how unusual friendships can lead to fun times and happy occasions. “The Jungle Crew” is a great bedtime story for children 3-5 years old.

Black Magic Kitten by Sara Bourgeois

Kinsley Skeenbauer never thought she would go home. At seventeen, she’d left Coventry and didn’t look back. But after a messy divorce, she packed up her stuff and drove toward the only place that she knew would accept her. Life hadn’t been easy for Kinsley since she left town. Despite wanting a family desperately, she was childless. She had a college degree but had just been fired… again… She’d spent her entire adult life rebelling against what she was, and that meant hiding her true self from the world. Kinsley left Coventry on a mission to be ordinary. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans… Coventry isn’t your typical small town. It’s home to the most powerful family of witches in the world. Two ancient witch families united when her parents married, and she was supposed to be their leader. Nobody ever asked Kinsley if that’s what she wanted, though. Funny how the universe worked because there she was divorced, childless, and jobless… again… rolling into Coventry in her broken-down car with a U-Haul full of everything she owned. The joyous welcome home party was short-lived, because a dead guy turned up, of all places, behind the diner. Of course, the town’s hunky sheriff starts to give Kinsley the side-eye. But, a lot of people wanted the victim dead, and that only complicates the investigation. There’s a murderer on the loose in Coventry, and Kinsley’s got to learn to harness her powers to avoid the killer’s snare. Oh! And, then there’s Meri, the black cat familiar. Someone decides to grant him one wish for his faithful service to his coven, and it doesn’t go as planned either…

The Switch by Lily Samson

Two couples. One twisted game of love and obsession. A dark domestic thriller about the dangerous secrets that come to light when a wild fantasy turns sinister. . . When young couple Elena and Adam are offered the chance to house-sit in their dream neighborhood for a few months, they jump at the opportunity. The leafy South London enclave is a world away from everything they know, complete with grand homes, lush gardens, and quaint local coffee shops. Soon Elena crosses paths with the beautiful and enigmatic artist Sophia and her husband, Finn, and she and Adam are pulled into their orbit. Sophia is everything Elena isn’t—glamorous, alluring, successful—and Finn exerts a mysterious pull on Elena that she can’t seem to shake. Elena’s infatuation with Finn grows stronger by the day, and when Sophia proposes a thrilling game to her new friend—to swap partners in secret—Elena quickly agrees. It’s not long before Elena experiences a sexual awakening that blossoms into an illicit love affair, but Sophia’s plans are far more dangerous than Elena could ever have imagined. . .

Murder at the Spelling Bee by Lee Hollis

The murder of a moderator for a school competition spells trouble for Portland P.I. partners and moms Maya Kendrick and Sandra Wallage . . . Twelve-year-old Rocco Fanelli is a spelling bee champ in the making. He’s the odds-on favorite to win the local middle-school bee and go on to the regionals, the state, and ultimately the nationals. Which is why someone is trying to intimidate him to drop out with a threatening note in his locker. Rocco’s concerned parents hire Maya and Sandra to uncover the culprit and ensure their son’s safety. But the competition turns killer when a high school teacher who’s running the bee, clearly favoring certain students, is found dead in the school supply closet. Sandra had already confronted Ellie Lambert over unfairly grading her son Ryan—which now makes her a suspect. She’s not the only one who tangled with the teacher, however, and with suspects ranging from helicopter parents to the school custodian, Maya and Sandra will need to put their heads together to spell out who had the motive and opportunity to silence Ellie Lambert . . .

Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin

Evangeline Delafose swore she'd never return to her ho-hum Louisiana hometown. But when her brother asks her to help solve a murder, things get a lot more interesting. If you like cozy mysteries with twists and turns, deep South settings, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series! Let’s not forget quirky yet charming characters who remind you of family—sometimes you want to hug them, and sometimes you want to disown them. Enjoy small town Graisseville with Ev as she solves crime with help from her family and friends. This is a clean faith based read with no profanity, sex, or graphic violence.

The Affair at the Victory Ball by Agatha Christie

Young Lord Cronshaw is murdered at a masked ball, and his fiancée dies of a cocaine overdose later the same evening. Who was wearing which costume? Can Poirot find out who the killer is?

The Case of the Gilded Lies by Earl Staley Gardner

The ingredients were quite one middle-aged tycoon with a lovely young wife; one oh-so-apologetic visitor to the tycoon's office; one devoted secretary, graduate of a correspondence course of How to Be a Detective. But when these ingredients were combined and brought to the boil with the addition of one inflammable blonde - the result was murder. And when Perry Mason was called in to clean up the kitchen, he found that too many cooks almost spoiled the broth.

Lioness of Punuab by Anita Jari Kharbanda

“We will fight here,” I commanded the warriors. “We are strong. We will have no fear. As Sikh warriors, we are ready to fight for justice. Vahiguru Ji Ka Khalsa! Vahiguru Ji Ki Fateh!” It is the winter of 1705, and the tenth Guru of the Sikhs is under attack by the armies of the mighty Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. Under siege and isolated, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s men are exhausted beyond measure, and forty soldiers decide to head home. Back in the villages of Punjab, these forty men are met by a fiery Sikh woman—a warrior who has been preparing all her life for this very moment—who leads the deserters back to the Guru. This is the story of that warrior, the fierce Mai Bhago, who chose the sword to symbolize her unwavering loyalty and devotion to her people and her faith. This energetic coming-of-age young adult novel brings us closer to Mai Bhago—a woman revered in the Sikh community and beyond—to imagine her growing to embrace her many roles in a way that was entirely her own and, in the process, becoming a shining inspiration for young women everywhere.

A Full Moon in August by Joseph H. Randolph

Take a seat beside Thomas on a journey across Canada, from Toronto to Vancouver in 1981. For Thomas, this trip is a plunge into the unknown and a leap from the comfort of his familiar world into a realm of wonders and unforeseen challenges. As the train travels west, Thomas encounters far more than just the breathtaking landscapes of his homeland. Prepare to be gripped by the suspense of Thomas's adventures and experiences as he embarks on a voyage that will change his life forever.

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou

Descendants of the Fates are always born in threes: one to weave, one to draw, and one to cut the threads that connect people to the things they love and to life itself. The Ora sisters are no exception. Io, the youngest, uses her Fate-born abilities as a private investigator in the half-sunken city of Alante. But her latest job leads her to a horrific discovery: somebody is abducting women, maiming their life-threads, and setting the resulting wraiths loose in the city to kill. To find the culprit, she must work alongside Edei Rhuna, the right hand of the infamous Mob Queen—and the boy with whom she shares a rare fate-thread linking them as soul mates before they’ve even met. The investigation turns personal when Io's estranged oldest sister shows up on the arm of her best suspect. Amid unveiled secrets from her past and her growing feelings for Edei, Io must follow clues through the city’s darkest corners and unearth a conspiracy that involves some of the city’s most powerful players before destruction comes to her own doorstep.

To our Graves by Paul Nicholas Mason

Located just outside the village of Bath, Ontario, St. Cuthbert's College prides itself on its beautiful lakeside campus, rich academic curriculum, diverse sports and cultural programs, and stable of distinguished graduates. But when a seventeen-year-old student is found stabbed to death in the chapel, the school's management is desperate to separate itself from the crime, even though Detective-Sergeant Diane Stewart comes to believe the murderer is a member of the school community. A fast-moving tale of deceit and intrigue, To Our Graves is a thrilling crime novel set in an exclusive Canadian private school.

The Complete Lowe & Simpson Mysteries Book 1-6 by Roger Ormerod

IN THIS SIX-BOOK BOX SET: BOOK 1: HUNG IN THE BALANCE Philipa Lowe has returned to England for her husband’s funeral. The inquest rules his death a suicide, but Philipa doesn’t believe that for one minute. Meeting Inspector Oliver Simpson in a hotel bar, she finds she’s not the only one with doubts. When they find a corpse hanging in a basement, they realize they’ve been looking in the wrong places all along . . . And the number of bodies are about to pile up. BOOK 2: BURY HIM DARKLY Philipa boards the QE2 and befriends Roma Felucci, a glamorous actress with a failing marriage. At the docks, Roma is met by the police after a human skull is uncovered at her childhood home. Philipa and Oliver investigate, but the case takes a darker turn when they learn of unexplained disappearances among her close family. Now they will soon discover that no matter how much you run from the past, it is never that far away . . . BOOK 3: THIRD TIME FATAL Philipa and Oliver are attending the wedding of an old school friend. But the groom has a shady past. And unlike most weddings, this one ends with a corpse, found naked in the groom’s bed, while he seems to have vanished. It falls to Philipa and Oliver to pick up the pieces and uncover the truth . . . BOOK 4: A SHOT AT NOTHING Philipa is househunting, but finding the perfect home is never simple, especially when she hears a man was murdered there. Oliver was closely acquainted with his killer — the dead man’s wife, Clare Steadman — and was at the house on the night of the murder. He believes she is innocent. And now Clare claims someone else was there. But how could the killer have been in a locked room with them at the moment her husband died? BOOK 5: AND HOPE TO DIE Philipa and Oliver are asked to investigate a death at an old country house. Ruled a suicide, the bankrupt family have been forced to sell Mallington Hall and its contents to the highest bidder. But if they can prove it was murder, the insurance company will pay out and save them from financial ruin. As Philipa delves deeper into the family’s dark past, the case grows deadlier by the hour. BOOK 6: LANDSCAPE WITH CORPSE Visiting a remote college for painting classes, Philipa and Oliver are met by slashed artwork and petty rivalries. Then two of their fellow students are murdered on the same day, a mile apart but with the same weapon . . . But how can a killer be in two places at once? MEET THE DETECTIVES Philipa Lowe takes after her father — a well-respected and incredibly stubborn retired superintendent. She is determined to find the truth no matter the cost. Investigating is in her blood, so how hard can it be? Oliver Simpson is an Inspector in charge of the CID in a small town. Always one to don a tweed hat and to work by the book when on a case, he never puts a foot out of place.

Nightwoods by Charles Frazier

Charles Frazier puts his remarkable gifts in the service of a lean, taut narrative while losing none of the transcendent prose, virtuosic storytelling, and insight into human nature that have made him one of the most beloved and celebrated authors in the world. Now, with his brilliant portrait of Luce, a young woman who inherits her murdered sister's troubled twins, Frazier has created his most memorable heroine. Before the children, Luce was content with the reimbursements of the rich Appalachian landscape, choosing to live apart from the small community around her. But the coming of the children changes everything, cracking open her solitary life in difficult, hopeful, dangerous ways. Charles Frazier is known for his historical literary odysseys, and for making figures in the past come vividly to life. Set in the twentieth century, Nightwoods resonates with the timelessness of a great work of art.

Bear by Julia Phiiips

A mesmerizing novel of two sisters on a Pacific Northwest island whose lives are upended by an unexpected visitor—a tale of family, obsession, and a mysterious creature in the woods, by the celebrated, bestselling author of Disappearing Earth. They were sisters and they would last past the end of time. Sam and her sister, Elena, dream of another life. On the island off the coast of Washington where they were born and raised, they and their mother struggle to survive. Sam works long days on the ferry that delivers wealthy mainlanders to their vacation homes while Elena bartends at the local golf club, but even together they can't earn enough to get by, stirring their frustration about the limits that shape their existence. Then one night on the boat, Sam spots a bear swimming the dark waters of the channel. Where is it going? What does it want? When the bear turns up by their home, Sam, terrified, is more convinced than ever that it's time to leave the island. But Elena responds differently to the massive beast. Enchanted by its presence, she throws into doubt the plan to escape and puts their long-held dream in danger. A story about the bonds of sisterhood and the mysteries of the animals that live among us—and within us—Bear is a propulsive, mythical, rich novel from one of the most acclaimed young writers in America.

Agony Hill by Sarah Steward Taylor

In the hot summer of 1965, Bostonian Franklin Warren arrives in Bethany, Vermont, to take a position as a detective with the state police. Warren's new home is on the verge of monumental change; the interstates under construction will bring new people, new opportunities, and new problems to Vermont, and the Cold War and protests against the war in Vietnam have finally reached the dirt roads and rolling pastures of Bethany. Warren has barely unpacked when he's called up to a remote farm on Agony Hill. Former New Yorker and Back-to-the-Lander Hugh Weber seems to have set fire to his barn and himself, with the door barred from the inside, but things aren’t adding up for Warren. The people of Bethany—from Weber’s enigmatic wife to Warren's neighbor, widow and amateur detective Alice Bellows — clearly have secrets they’d like to keep, but Warren can’t tell if the truth about Weber’s death is one of them. As he gets to know his new home and grapples with the tragedy that brought him there, Warren is drawn to the people and traditions of small town Vermont, even as he finds darkness amidst the beauty.

Fireside and Shadow by K E O'Conner

Is this the end or the start of something magical? Bell and Hodgepodge find themselves thrust into the ultimate battle against the royal family’s dark schemes. The dragons are awake, heralding hope, but Bell is grappling with her newfound abilities and the burden of an unforeseen destiny. Entwined in Lady Isolda's labyrinth of cunning, Bell must navigate the twists and turns of a realm on the verge of upheaval. Unveiling the secrets concealed within the castle’s walls, she exposes the lengths to which Lady Isolda has gone to maintain power. As Bell and Hodgepodge strive to protect loved ones and help the dragons, alliances are tested, and a battle for the realm's soul unfurls. Will Bell master her magic in time to rescue her home, or will the lingering shadows of the past devour all she holds dear?

Red River Road by Anna Downes

Anna Downes's extraordinary next thriller follows a woman desperate to discover what happened to her sister on a solo road trip through the Australian outback. Katy Sweeney is determined to find her sister. A year earlier, just three weeks into a solo vanlife trip, free-spirited Phoebe vanished without a trace on Western Australia’s remote and achingly beautiful Coral Coast. With no witnesses, no leads, and no DNA evidence, the case has gone cold. But Katy refuses to give up. Using Phoebe’s social media accounts as a map, Katy starts to retrace her steps, searching for the clues that the police have missed. Was Phoebe being followed? Who had she met along the way, and what danger did they pose? Was she as happy as her sun-bleached, lens-flared photos seem to suggest? Then Katy’s path collides with that of Beth, a young woman on the run from her own dark past—and very recent present. And as Katy realizes that Beth might be her best and only chance of finding the truth, the two women form an uneasy alliance to venture forth into increasingly wild territory to find out what really happened to Phoebe in this breathtaking but maybe deadly place, and how her fate connects them all. Anna Downes takes us on a twist-filled journey into the dark side of solo female travel, in this gripping novel that explores what drives us to keep searching for those we have lost, the family bonds that can make or break us, and the deception of memory.

Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran

The newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series.Jessica Fletcher’s British cousin, Emma MacGill, will be traveling to Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, to perform with internationally famous star of stage, screen, and television Derek Braverman in an old-fashioned musical review. Emma would love for Jessica to join her there and suggests she bring along some friends. Having just finished her latest book, Jessica is ready for a vacation and is delighted to agree. Dr. Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger are huge fans of Braverman, so they are eager to tag along, and their fanboy behavior gives Jessica and Mort’s wife, Maureen, more than occasional cause to roll their eyes.Upon arrival in Edmonton, Jessica is quickly outed as mystery writer J. B. Fletcher, and despite numerous protests, a hotel staffer arranges a book signing for her. This and touristy adventures arranged for the group make for a much busier trip than Jessica was expecting. When a hotel bartender, who also happens to be a stagehand for Emma’s play, turns up dead backstage at the theater, Jessica’s fun and relaxing vacation quickly becomes anything but.

The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden

“You must be our new neighbors!” Mrs Lowell gushes and waves across the picket fence. I clutch my daughter’s hand and smile back: but the second Mrs Lowell sees my husband a strange expression crosses her face. In that moment I make a promise. We finally have a family home. My past is far, far behind us. And I’ll do anything to keep it that way… I used to clean other people’s houses—now, I can’t believe this home is actually mine. The charming kitchen, the quiet cul-de-sac, the huge yard where my kids can play. My husband and I saved for years to give our children the life they deserve. Even though I’m wary of our new neighbor Mrs Lowell, when she invites us over for dinner it’s our chance to make friends. Her maid opens the door wearing a white apron, her hair in a tight bun. I know exactly what it’s like to be in her shoes. But her cold stare gives me chills… The Lowells’ maid isn’t the only strange thing on our street. I’m sure I see a shadowy figure watching us. My husband leaves the house late at night. And when I meet a woman who lives across the way, her words chill me to the bone: Be careful of your neighbors . Did I make a terrible mistake moving my family here? I thought I’d left my darkest secrets behind. But could this quiet suburban street be the most dangerous place of all?

No Paw to Stand On by Laurie Cass

There’s no rest for the whiskered as librarian Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat, Eddie, have to investigate a poisoning—and a murder—in the newest installment of the national bestselling Bookmobile Cat Mysteries.When a heat wave hits northern Michigan, Minnie, Eddie, and their bookmobile head to the beach to catch some rays and some customers. But library business is put on hold when Minnie’s restaurant-owning best friend, Kristen, calls. The specialty ice cream cone treat she'd been serving to patrons was sabotaged, making some customers horribly sick. Kristen needs Minnie to sniff out the culprit fast, or the restaurant's reputation will be destroyed forever. Minnie and Eddie are hot on the tail of the suspect when an employee from another restaurant is found dead. Could the poisoning and the murder be related? It’ll take a feline to catch a felon...

The Charity Shop Detective Agency by Peter Boland

Fiona, Sue and Daisy, three retired ladies who volunteer at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes, can’t believe their favourite customer is dead. Eighty-six-year-old Sarah Brown was found murdered in her hallway by her delivery man, a domino clutched in her hand — with a name scratched on it. When another person is found dead with a domino in their hand, and with the police making no progress, the ladies will need to help unmask a serial killer. But at least they have Fiona’s scruffy-haired terrier cross to assist them. With plenty of tea and cake along the way, and despite squabbles with their rivals, the Cats Alliance across the street, the Charity Shop Detective Agency is born.

Double Sin and Other Stories by Agatha Christie

A superb collection of treats for mystery lovers, featuring both the indomitable English gentlewoman, Miss Marple, and the inimitable Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. The publisher has even added a few of Ms. Christie's supernatural stories to entice you. The stories are: (1) Double Sin, (2) Wasp's Nest, (3) The Theft of the Royal Ruby, (4) The Dressmaker's Doll, (5) Greenshaw's Folly, (6) The Double Clue, (7) The Last Séance, and (8) Sanctuary. Of the eight, Hercule Poirot stars in (1), (2), (3), and (6). Miss Marple is the lead in (5) and (8). And there are two Christie standalones, not part of any novel or short story series, (4) and (7). "The Theft of the Royal Ruby" is actually an expanded version of 1923's "The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding." A young prince from the Middle East, during a visit to London, has dabbled with the wrong woman and lost a magnificent jewel which only Hercule Poirot may be able to recover. Talking of dabbling, that is what Miss Marple does in "Sanctuary." She offers advice to her goddaughter on a religious matter; a man has died in the woman's church under mysterious circumstances. Readers are also sure to enjoy "The Last Séance" in which a young medium holds one too many.

Controversial Cover by Lorna Barrett

When a famous children's author is murdered at the library, Tricia Miles has to find the killer before it's too late in the latest entry to Lorna Barrett's New York Times bestselling Booktown series. Tricia Miles is ready to close the book on all her amateur sluething—she's tired of finding dead bodies and being accused of murder. But even the best laid plans often go awry. Stoneham is all abuzz when Lauren Barker, a famous children's book author, arrives for an event at the local library. Lauren is a Stoneham native, and her new book strikes some members of the town as controversial. But when Lauren is found strangled to death after an altercation at the event, the plot twist throws Tricia right back into the middle of things. Who could possibly have wanted Lauren dead? Was it Dan Reed, who had to be thrown out of the signing for spouting conspiracy theories and causing a disturbance? Stella Kraft, Lauren’s high school teacher, who thought of the author as a protégé—something Lauren violently disputed? Or the mystery man who spoke to Lauren just before she was found dead? With the suspect count climbing higher and more information about Lauren's past coming to light, will Tricia be able to give this story a happily ever after?

Requiem for a Mouse by Miranda James

Librarian Charlie Harris and his ever-intuitive feline friend Diesel must catch a killer in a deadly game of cat and mouse where no one is who they seem to be… At last, Charlie and Helen Louise’s wedding is only a month away. They’re busy preparing for the big day, and the last thing Charlie needs is a new mystery to solve. Enter Tara Martin, a shy, peculiar woman who has recently started working part-time at Helen Louise’s bistro and helping Charlie in the archive. Tara isn’t exactly friendly and she has an angry outburst at the library that leaves Charlie baffled. And then she abruptly leaves a catered housewarming party Charlie’s son Sean is throwing to celebrate his new home in the middle of her work shift. Before ducking out of the party, Tara looked terrified and Charlie wonders if she’s deliberately trying to escape notice. Is she hiding from someone? When Tara is viciously attacked and lands in the hospital, Charlie knows his instincts were correct: Tara was in trouble and someone was after her. With the help of his much beloved cat, Diesel, Charlie digs deeper, and discovers shocking glimpses into Tara’s past that they could never have predicted. Will they catch the villain before Charlie’s own happily ever after with Helen Louise is ruined?

Amla Mater by Devi Menon

In the stillness of autumn, I feel I can almost hear someone hum 'Lokame tharavadu (the world is my home)...' In her tiny flat in East London, as Mili waits for her baby to arrive, little things remind her of her life in India—the scent of jasmine flowers, a heavy downpour, a late-night cup of coffee, an amla or gooseberry—and she is overcome with a deep desire to recreate the flavors of her childhood. Can a jar of amla pickle help her travel back to that safe haven she once called home? In this sweetly nostalgic graphic novel, the narrator recounts her meandering journey from her ancestral village in South India to the United Kingdom, capturing the deep feeling of longing for home that shapes the lives of emigrants everywhere.

No Dragons for Tea byJean E. Pendziwol

While out for a walk with her mom, a little girl has the surprise of her life --- she meets a real, live, fire-breathing dragon! Now this dragon is nothing to be afraid of --- in fact, he’s so friendly that she invites him home for tea. But their afternoon snack is suddenly interrupted when the dragon sneezes and sets the table ablaze. Luckily, the girl knows just what to do, and she teaches her new friend to be fire smart, too. With its funny, rhyming verse and spunky illustrations, Dragons for Tea shows kids that learning about fire safety doesn’t have to be scary. The story ends with “The Dragon’s Fire Safety Rhyme” --- a fun and easy way to remember what to do in case of fire.

I Am Kavi by Thushanthi Ponweera

Caught between two worlds—a poverty-stricken village and a fancy big-city school—a young Sri Lankan girl must decide who she really is and where she really belongs.1998, Colombo. The Sri Lankan Civil War is raging, but everyday life must go on. At Kavi’s school, her friends talk about the weekly Top 40, the Backstreet Boys, Shahrukh Khan, Leo & Kate… and who died—or didn’t—in the latest bombing. But Kavi is afraid of something even scarier than war. She fears that if her friends discover her secret—that she is not who she is pretending to be—they’ll stop talking to her.I want to be friends with these / happy, / fearless, / girls / who look like they / belong.So I could also be / happy, / fearless, / and maybe even / belong.Kavi’s scholarship to her elite new school was supposed to be everything she ever wanted, but as she tries to find some semblance of normalcy in a country on fire, nothing is going according to plan. In an effort to fit in with her wealthy, glittering, and self-assured new classmates, Kavi begins telling lies, trading her old life—where she’s a poor girl whose mother has chosen a new husband over her daughter—for a new one, where she’s rich, loved, and wanted. But how long can you pretend to be someone else?This dazzling novel-in-verse comes from an astonishing new talent who lived through the civil war herself. Perfect for fans of Jamine Warga, Supriya Kelkar, and Rajani LaRocca, I Am Kavi centers a powerful South Asian voice, and stars an unforgettable heroine each and every one of us can relate to. "KAVI'S COURAGE AND VOICE ARE NOT TO BE MISSED."—Reem Faruqi,

Benjamin Impossible by Timothy Root

It’s NOT EASY being the smartest 12-year-old in the world! Benjamin Impossible is a genius, kung fu master, and winner of the Franklin County hot dog eating contest three years in a row. But even he doesn’t know who stole NASA’s supply of hyper-helium, the levitating gas that powers his family’s flying houseboat. With a mechanical madman poised to destroy the world, only Benjamin Impossible’s devious brain can solve this mystery. He’ll need to uncover clues and battle robotic assassins on land, sea, and in space if he wants to keep Planet Earth from blowing up! It’s a deadly game of wits. Fortunately, Benjamin Impossible makes up his own rules. Bad guys, beware!

Drag and Rex Forever Friends by Susan Lubner

Meet Drag and Rex, the sweet, silly best friends who find joy and adventure in the simplest places in this charming and cheery modern Frog and Toad . Drag is a dreamy, literal, impulsive, (and sometimes a little bit scatter-brained) dragon. Rex is a dapper, practical, methodical (and sometimes a little bit stuffy) T.rex. The two may have their differences, but they are both gentle and caring, and the best friends. Forever friends. Whether it’s deciding what to have for breakfast, working through those tricky zippers, buckles, and buttons to bundle up tight, how to make the best of a snowy day, or how to face down something scary, through patience, cooperation, and a good dose of silliness and humor, these buddies always figure out how to push through their challenges. Together. Forever Friends features three stories told in short chapters, accompanied by bright, joy-filled full color illustrations, allowing developing readers to gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment as they follow the adventures of their new forever friends.

Bizard and the Big Bunny Bizness by Chrissie Krebs

When Bizard the Bear Wizard’s friends decide to try to help him grant wishes, it turns out that two magic wands are so much worse than one. Ever since a tornado planted a wizard’s wand in his forehead, Bear has been more than just a bear; he’s Bizard, the Bear Wizard. Since we last saw him, Bizard has come around to accepting his new job granting wishes for everyone in the forest. With Squirrel, Fox, and Owl’s help, the business is running like clockwork. There’s only one winter is on the way, and urgent wishes will go ungranted while Bizard hibernates. That’s when Squirrel gets the bright idea that he should have a magic wand, too. In the power trip that follows, Squirrel burdens tiny Mouse with a massive TV, Deer gets stuck with a hat he can’t take off, and worst of all, a baby bunny grows as big as a tree—with the only wand that can save him wedged in his diaper. Can a jetpack, a giant carrot, and the whole crew’s quick thinking untangle this disaster and get Fluffy Wuffy back to his proper size?

Little People, Big Dreams by Leo Messi

In this book from the highly acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Leo Messi, one of the world's most skilled and celebrated soccer players. As a child, Leo developed his passion for soccer playing games with his brothers and cousins in the streets of Rosario, Argentina. He later honed his skills on the pitch as part of the local youth team, Newell's Old Boys – who famously won every tournament whilst Leo was with them. But life wasn't without its challenges. Aged 9, he was diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency, which meant he had to inject himself with hormones from the doctor every day to help him grow. But nothing was going to stop Leo from following his dreams. He debuted with FC Barcelona in 2004 and across the next 17 years scored 672 goals for the club and helped them to win 35 trophies. Leo has also received seven Golden Ball awards, more than any other soccer player in history, and won 4 trophies with Argentina's national football team, including the 2022 World Cup, where he captained the team to victory. Messi's next chapter will be spent training under the Florida sunshine, having joined the U.S. team Inter Miami CF. Today, he is considered by many to be 'The Greatest of All Time' – and is a hero off the pitch, too, as a committed ambassador for UNICEF and founder of his own children's charity. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Messi's incredible story. This powerful book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back , including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the footballer’s life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series of books offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback and paperback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets . Activity books and a journal provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

Panda's Child by Jackie Morris, Cathy Fisher

A magical, powerful new story by Jackie Morris, co-creator of The Lost Words, and award-winning illustrator Cathy Fisher In a faraway forest a baby is lost and found, protected by a she-panda. Nine years later another baby, the panda's child, is in great danger, and only a boy and the spirit of the forest can save him. This magical, powerful story is a book for all ages to treasure, exploring our most vital connection with wild nature.

Love and Other Disappointments by Heather Paul

Like songs on a concept album, each story in Heather Paul's riveting Love and Other Disappointments stands alone and in conversation with the others. In this relatable, wry, and often darkly comedic collection, Paul manages to vacillate between sparse prose and lush description, employing tension and inventive metaphors to explore the emotional landscape of women at various stages of life and love. Each story asks the protagonist, and by proxy the readers, to grow, to become, and even perhaps to question expectations--both their own and the ones placed on them. An entertaining yet profound collection of short fiction for anyone who has ever loved, or been in love, and lived through the inevitable disappointment.

Traffic by Niki Danforth

A violent kidnapping, an unlikely suspect...whose side is private eye Ronnie Lake on? PI Ronnie Lake can't seem to avoid danger, especially if she's in the right place at the very wrong time. When she witnesses the violent kidnapping of wealthy, young sisters in Manhattan, everything she knows about solving a case will be tested. Step by step, Ronnie peels back one layer at a time until she discovers that Daddy Dearest invests in all kinds of cargo…especially the human kind. This compels her to dive further into this bleak, seedy world. The pressure’s on for her to find the victims before they disappear forever into the human trafficking pipeline in the fifth stand-alone title in the Ronnie Lake Series. If you like suspenseful plots, unexpected twists, and spirited heroines, then you'll love Niki Danforth's page-turning thriller. Read Traffic to unravel the mystery of this all-too-common, unthinkable hellscape.

Fear, Wear, & Tear by Shawe Ruckus

In this collection of eleven bittersweet and thought-provoking short stories from Shawe Ruckus, the lives of everyday people intertwine, connecting with unforeseen twists and unexpected surprises. Deftly exploring the inner workings of the human soul, this eclectic collection of modern-day dramatic stories spans genres from mystery and fantasy to science fiction and suspense. Throughout, Ruckus presents joy, sadness, a sense of longing, intrigue, and introspection in this series of stories that will resonate with readers. In this page-turning anthology, readers will join a city worker who unexpectedly receives secret pink envelopes to unusual events. They will accompany a pub-goer who is told a tale of a mysterious couple and their penchant for origami cranes folded from cash. Readers will meet a renowned TV news anchor who is being replaced by an AI version of himself. And finally, they will encounter a mysterious woman who claims to be from the Victorian era and who longs to be reunited with her reincarnated husband. The cast of characters in this collection of short stories for adults live their seemingly unassuming lives, which often intersect in the most surprising ways. Their secrets are told, their lives unfold, and their stories long for an audience.

Hearts and Hope by Jesse Gussman

6 full-length novels filled with sweet stories, beautiful romance, faith, family, fun and always a happy ending!This collection contains books from several of Jessie Gussman's beloved series. Be swept away by cowboys, enjoy some relaxing time at the beach, and feel the cozy warmth of small town life. Book 1 - Just a Cowboy's Best Will one housesitting assignment bring these two best friends together? Or will it ruin their friendship forever?Book 2 - Sold! In the Show Me Can they put the past behind them and step into a bright new future…togetherBook 3 - Precious Will they decide providing precious memories to the hundreds of customers in the little old shop is enough to build a future on?Book 4 - Cowboy Whispering My Katie and Flynn had been best friends back in the day. How could he not help her out, even if it means a lifetime commitment? And, maybe, if she remembers that she can trust him and depend on him, what they have could grow into more.Book 5 - Faith in the Six kids yearning to be loved, an auction barn, a small herd of dairy goats and a cozy town full of kind-hearted family and friends who have faith that, with enough cake, kisses and Christmas, there’s a happily ever after in the chaos.Book 6 - A Secret Baby in the Show Me After what she’d done, love was impossible. Or was it?

Good morning, my Deer! by Mel Amon, pictures by Sophie Beer

Next, I brushed my hare and put on my new pear of shoes. Mum painted her nails before we set out for the day. Join Banjo and his mom on what starts as a straightforward day out, only to have it upended by homophones (two words with the same pronunciation but with different meanings), turning the narrative into the delightfully absurd. Kids and adults alike will love this joyful new wordplay extravaganza from debut author Mel Amon with illustrations by international superstar Sophie Beer. The hilarious wordplay combined with delightful illustrations have kids “in on the joke” from the very beginning.

Nonna Marie and the Case of the Lost Treasure by Lorenzo Carcaterra

As Nonna Maria's longtime friend and sometimes colleague, Captain Murino of the Ischian caribineri never wanted to see harm brought to the doorstep of everyone's favorite espresso-brewing, counsel-giving amateur sleuth. But when you live a long life, you're bound to make a few enemies. And when those enemies come calling, you have to rely on friends. Faced with an assassin seeking revenge for a decades-old grudge, Captain Murino has no choice but to turn to Maria, who must use all her neighborly resources, clever faculties, and web of connections to save him from his perilous predicament. On the other side of the island, a second mystery begins to unfold from the deathbed of another of Maria's old friends, when he hands his granddaughter a yellowed map and tells her of a treasure to be found in one of Ischia’s secret caverns, known as the Magician’s Cave. There are traps and pits. There will be others with sinister motives who will do all they can to make the treasure their own. But this map is a guide—the only gift he has to give. When the granddaughter needs help cracking the code, she turns to her grandfather's most trusted Nonna Maria. From battling foes in medieval castles to exploring the notorious caverns where smugglers hid their goods, Nonna Maria and her friends—some old, some new—embark on their most swashbuckling adventure yet.

A Mystery at Lili Vilby by Arathi Menon

Cousins Arj, Tam, and Mira are spending their summer vacation in Elathoor, a little village in Kerala when their family home, Lili Villa, is broken into and some jewelry is stolen. The Terrific Three set out to solve the mystery but soon discover that there is no shortage of suspects. Is it Pinching Kodavis or Dumdumchecchi, the milking lady? Is it the mean fisherwoman who starves the cat or the retired nurse who owns a luxury car? Or is it Mani with his upside-down Russian secret? Who could the thief possibly be? In a throwback to unscheduled summer vacations, this cozy mystery will charm young readers with plenty of sibling sparring, some intrepid sleuthing, and an endless parade of mouth-watering snacks.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

Lyla is in a bit of a rut. Her post-doctoral research has fizzled out, she’s pretty sure they won’t extend her contract, and things with her boyfriend, Nico, an aspiring actor, aren’t going great. When the opportunity arises for Nico to join the cast of a new reality TV show, The Perfect Couple, she decides to try out with him. A whirlwind audition process later, Lyla find herself whisked off to a tropical paradise with Nico, boating through the Indian Ocean towards Ever After Island, where the two of them will compete against four other couples—Bayer and Angel, Dan and Santana, Joel and Romi, and Conor and Zana—in order to win a cash prize. But not long after they arrive on the deserted island, things start to go wrong. After the first challenge leaves everyone rattled and angry, an overnight storm takes matters from bad to worse. Cut off from the mainland by miles of ocean, deprived of their phones, and unable to contact the crew that brought them there, the group must band together for survival. As tensions run high and fresh water runs low, Lyla finds that this game show is all too real—and the stakes are life or death. A fast-paced, spellbinding thriller rife with intrigue and characters that feel so true to life, this novel proves yet again that Ruth Ware is the queen of psychological suspense.

That One Voice by Kai Storm

Meet Jenniffer...a woman that started her life over after the tragic death of her first love. Meet David...an upcoming author who was adored by his fans yet in his personal life, he was lonely and searching for live and affection While writing his latest novel, he dreamed of a woman that would bring his story to life and be his one true muse. Everything happens for a reason & in one love season, Jenniffer and David create what was meant to be done by faith! David knew that one day, he was going to meet her...he waited patiently for That One Voice!

Death by Kitchen Sink by P F Ford

Detectives Slater and Norman receive an unexpected call. The well-heeled residents of exclusive Bishop’s Common keep to themselves and have no need to trouble the police. But not today. Forty-something Diana Woods lies face-down on her kitchen floor, dressed in a slinky black negligee. Stabbed in the back as she stood at her kitchen sink, filling the kettle. Slater and Norman quickly deduce that Mrs Woods must have known her killer. So who did she let into her home that evening? Suspicion immediately falls on her estranged husband. According to the neighbours, he’s a vile bully. Diana was attractive and fun-loving, and for too long, he made her life a misery. But was Mrs Woods the perfect wife she appeared to be? As Slater and Norman dig deeper, they discover that nothing about this case is what it seems. Could they have the wrong man in their sights? This absolutely gripping detective mystery full of twists and turns is perfect for fans of Rachel McLean, J.D. Kirk, Pauline Rowson, Elly Griffiths, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.

Quickly, While They Still Have Horses by Jan Carson

In sixteen sparkling stories, Jan Carson introduces us to worlds and characters that feel real enough to touch. All of life is here: the thrill of growing up, the grief when youth is over; first love, mature love, parenthood and loss - all shot through with profound compassion, warm wit, and boundless imagination. In 'A Certain Degree of Ownership', a distracted couple on a beach fail to notice their baby crawl perilously towards the sea. In 'Troubling the Water', a rumour spreads at a public swimming pool and chaos ensues. In 'Fair Play' a dishevelled father loses his two sons in an adventure park. Every so often, an irresistible suggestion of the other world will surprise and delight, reaffirming Carson as a thrillingly original and audacious talent, and making Quickly, While They Still Have Horses the perfect introduction for readers new to her work.

Traffic by Niki Danforth

A violent kidnapping, an unlikely suspect...whose side is private eye Ronnie Lake on? PI Ronnie Lake can't seem to avoid danger, especially if she's in the right place at the very wrong time. When she witnesses the violent kidnapping of wealthy, young sisters in Manhattan, everything she knows about solving a case will be tested. Step by step, Ronnie peels back one layer at a time until she discovers that Daddy Dearest invests in all kinds of cargo…especially the human kind. This compels her to dive further into this bleak, seedy world. The pressure’s on for her to find the victims before they disappear forever into the human trafficking pipeline in the fifth stand-alone title in the Ronnie Lake Series. If you like suspenseful plots, unexpected twists, and spirited heroines, then you'll love Niki Danforth's page-turning thriller.

Detective Duck by Henry Winkler

From New York Times bestselling creators—Emmy Award–winning actor Henry Winkler, children’s book author Lin Oliver, and Caldecott Medal–winning author-illustrator Dan Santat—comes Detective The Case of the Strange Splash, a hilarious, full-color chapter book adventure. Willow Feathers McBeaver, aka Detective Duck, is a crime-solving (and very precocious) little duck. She and her animal pals live on beautiful Dogwood Pond, which is adjacent to Lazy Days, a human campground in New England. A pristine spot with clear water, abundant wildlife, and shady willow trees, Dogwood Pond is encountering puzzling problems—mysteries that arise from human-caused disruptions in nature such as water pollution, garbage, warming climate, and human encroachment. Fortunately, Detective Duck is on the job, solving these puzzling mysteries before they get out of hand and destroy their habitat! Armed with her ever-present satchel for collecting clues, her logical mind, and endless curiosity, she boldly goes where no pond creature has before, determined to unravel the mysteries and solve any environmental problem that besets her beloved Dogwood Pond!

The LIfe and Times of Tokugawa Ieyasu: Japan's Greatest Ruler by A L Sadler

One of the most successful rulers in Japanese history and one of the most cunning military strategists in world history, Tokugawa Ieyasu overcame countless dangers and intrigues in his country's most violent age to become the man who finally united all of Japan. His accomplishments and work cemented in place the system of governance and way of life that have become forever linked with traditional Japan. Shogun, A. L. Sadler's classic biography of this Japanese legend, has been completely re-typeset and designed—and is still the best available. It is dramatic in its narration of the rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the measures he took to win the Shogunate and insure that power would remain in his family's hands. It also features a new foreword by bestselling author and samurai expert Stephen Turnbull.

The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly

From the award-winning author of Song for a Whale comes a poignant and heartwarming tale about a girl who discovers a pair of endangered birds about to lay eggs in the marshes of her summer camp...and the secret plan she hatches to help them. Nina is used to feeling like the odd one out, both at school and in her large family. But while trying to fit in at summer camp, she discovers something even more two majestic birds have built a nest in the marsh behind an abandoned infirmary. They appear to be whooping cranes, but that’s impossible—Nina is an amateur bird-watcher, and all her resources tell her that those rare birds haven’t nested in Texas for over a hundred years. When Nina reports the sighting to wildlife officials, more questions arise. Experts track all the endangered birds, but they can’t identify the female bird that Nina found. Who is she, and where did she come from? With the help of some fellow campers, Nina sets out to discover who the mystery bird really is. As she gets closer to the truth, will she find a flock of her own? This instant classic from award-winning author Lynne Kelly captures the coming-of-age moment of learning to spread your wings in a way you'll never forget.

Real Siblings by Seamus Kirst

“So he’s not your real brother.” When adopted siblings Harper and Wyatt hear this, they start to question what it means to be a real sibling. They share experiences and emotions, and they help each other out in times of need, but most importantly, they have unconditional love for one another. Isn’t that enough? Familiar characters Harper, Dad, Daddy, and new brother Wyatt show that love is what it takes to make a family.

Cookies Calamity by Cindy Stark

When Evie St. Claire learns she’s the heir to a long-lost aunt’s entire estate, she momentarily believes she’s been rescued from her doldrum life. That is until the attorney delivering the news warns that it’s a ramshackle house, basically worthless, and worse, she’ll need to travel to the small lakeside town to take ownership and claim her great aunt’s remains. Still, Evie’s never known family besides her parents who’ve now passed, and she feels obligated to carry out the woman’s final wishes. But when Evie arrives in Honeysuckle Springs, things aren’t as she imagined. Mostly because she didn’t expect to come across a murder victim within hours of her arrival nor learn that she’s also the owner of a mischievous cat who seems happy to vex her. Evie does her best to maintain a low profile so she won’t become a suspect in the case, but the handsome police chief won’t stop watching her. Little by little, the town’s and her family’s shocking secrets are revealed. The question is, will they lead her to the killer? Even more, will they convince her to remain in Honeysuckle Springs? Or will she head back to the safety of her predictable life where everything is as it seems?

Detective Tudor Manx Welsh Crime by Dylan H Jones

The DI Manx Cases take place on the west coast of Wales, on the Isle of Anglesey. A popular tourist destination, Anglesey is a vibrant, modern community surrounded by the unpredictable and perilous ebbs and flows of the Irish Sea, providing the perfect backdrop for DI Manx’s troubled soul. Gruff, smart, and dogged, DI Manx beats to the rhythm of his own drum but struggles with personal demons which have haunted him since the mysterious vanishing of his sister, Miriam, thirty years ago; a cold case that remains unsolved. Although born on the island, Manx left at the age of seventeen, eventually joining the Metropolitan Police in London. Thirty years later, after a botched investigation derails his career, Manx is back on Anglesey. To say he’s unhappy at this turn of events would be an understatement. With a taste for cheap cigars, expensive Scotch, and driving a 1974 Jensen Interceptor, Manx is an eccentric but gifted detective with more than a dash of cynicism and a caustic wit.

Midsummer Mysteries by Agatha Christie

A collection of summer-themed mysteries from the master of the genre Summertime – as the temperature rises, so does the potential for evil. From Cornwall to the French Riviera, whether against a background of Delphic temples or English country houses, Agatha Christie’s most famous characters solve even the most devilish of conundrums as the summer sun beats down. Pull up a deckchair and enjoy plot twists and red herrings galore from the bestselling fiction writer of all time. This new collection of stories features mysteries starring Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Parker Pyne and Mr Harley Quin.

The Mystery of the Hunter's Lodge by Agatha Christie

Hunt A Killer has partnered with the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to bring you our most exciting Premium game yet! The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge is a must-have for fans of true crime, murder mysteries, and Agatha Christie. Solve puzzles, piece together clues, and delve into the world of mystery and intrigue. Looking to enhance your game night experience? We offer two editions to choose from: Standard and Collector's. While both editions offer the same gameplay, the Collector's Edition includes several exclusive, high-quality pieces of evidence and a limited edition, velvet-lined wooden collector's box to keep them in. It's the perfect choice for those who want to take their detective skills to the next level. So, which edition will you choose? The decision is yours.

Hercule Poirot's Silent Night by Agatha Christie

This was a interesting book. It had lots of twists and turns. Hercule fell down and turned blue. The doctor fixed him. Turns out it was mother who gave him pills. It was a good book.

A Birds of a Feather by Marty Wingate

Julia Lanchester is flying high. She’s nesting with her boyfriend, Michael Sedgwick, and she’s found her niche as manager of the tourist center in her picturesque British village. Thanks to all her hard work, visitor traffic was up—way up. Her reward is an even more hectic schedule. Michael’s busy, too, traveling all over as the personal assistant to Julia’s father, celebrity ornithologist Rupert Lanchester. With precious little time together, Julia’s romantic weekend with Michael can’t come soon enough. But the getaway is spoiled when Julia’s ex-husband is found murdered on her boss’s estate. And after a witness reports seeing Michael near the scene of the crime, the press descends, printing lies and wreaking havoc. To protect Julia, Michael vanishes into thin air, leaving her to pick up the slack on Rupert’s show and track down the real killer—even if it means putting herself in the flight path of a vicious predator.

A Suspicious Breed byJackie Layton

Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott is about to get married, but she’ll have to get a killer to say “I did it” before she can say “I do” . . .With her wedding fast approaching and her plans to open a dog shelter underway, Andi Grace can barely find a free moment. Then she learns that her favorite local vet may have been roped into a crooked fundraising scheme meant to help animals, and worse still, her wedding photographer—a good friend who may have had firsthand knowledge of the scheme—is murdered. Determined to find justice for the victim and root out whoever is behind the scam, Andi Grace puts her nose to the ground to sniff out the clues.No sooner does she begin compiling a list of suspects than she uncovers an unscrupulous music producer pressuring a friend’s talented daughter, and a haphazard dog breeding operation that may be endangering animals. With so many unsavory characters cropping up at every turn, Andi Grace enlists the help of some equally clever friends to ensnare them. But just as she finds the evidence that ties everything together, the culprit finds it’s time to kill her before she can tie the knot . . .

Cats, Carats, and Killers by T C Templo

This was an interesting book. They had lots of cats to be adopted. And a killer that wants the diamonds.

The cats save the lady.  The men want to shoot the lady for the diamonds.  He aleady shot one man.

They end up with cops and an FBI man.  She didn't do anything but find the dead body.

It will keep you reading...

The Adventures of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie

An English country house at Christmas time should be the perfect place to get away from it all - but nothing is ever simple for Hercule Poirot, as he finds not one but five baffling cases to solve.

First comes a sinister warning on his pillow to avoid the plum pudding...then the discovery of a corpse in a chest...next, an overheard quarrel that leads to murder...the strange case of a dead man's eating habits...and the puzzle of a victim who dreams of his own suicide.

Outlaw Girls by Emily Gale and Nova Weetman

Kate and Ruby live in the High Country in Victoria. They're both daring, quick-thinking and prepared to break the rules, and they're both brilliant horse riders—they'd probably be great friends. But they live in different times, more than 140 years apart.

While galloping through the mountains, Kate rides headlong into a thrilling experience that transports her from 1878 to the future, where she meets Ruby. Kate and Ruby return to 1878, where Kate is secretly taking supplies to her brother Ned and the rest of the Kelly Gang, who are in hiding from the police. Together the girls work to confuse the police and keep the gang from being found and arrested. But the looming disaster makes things less clear-cut for Ruby.

They're about to have the ride of their lives!

The Best Day Ever by K D McPhillips

In this enchanting tale perfect for young readers and parents exploring Kids Books, Chris grapples with the challenges of a new home and school, only to discover a world of talking animals and wise mentors like Joshua and Ruth.

As Chris navigates the complexities of fitting in, 'The Best Day Ever' seamlessly blends entertainment with inspiration, making it a must-read among Kindness Books for kids. This captivating story imparts essential values of self-discovery and compassion, offering parents a narrative that combines both enchantment and enlightenment.

Within the magical garden's embrace, Chris learns the significance of embracing individuality. 'The Best Day Ever' stands out in the realm of inspirational books for kids by incorporating timeless teachings of Jesus and the magic of unconditional love.

It beautifully conveys the message that acceptance and genuine kindness create lasting connections.

The Kitten Next Door by Holly Webb

Sophia loves cats but her parents think she and her sister are too young to have one of their own. So when a tiny kitten creeps through the fence from next door’s garden, Sophia immediately falls in love with her.

Then Sophia hears that her neighbours are moving away. She won’t get to see Willow any more! To her surprise, though, the little kitten is left behind. Can Sophia convince Mum and Dad to give Willow a new home?

Hummy's Little Treasures by Dr. Kasey-Ann Cornwall

The humming bird has 5 eggs.  As they hatch, she teaches them to fly.

She loves them and they love her,

It's not a very long book and the babies are cute.

It will go over big with your little kids.

The Golden Quest by David Delisle

The Golden Quest is a graphic novel about a young boy who embarks on a Hero’s Journey with his dog Shelby to discover the Golden Rules of Money.

While on this adventure, he learns about spending, saving, investing, and giving.

He also discovers Money Mindfulness and being aware of what’s truly important to YOU...The Awesome Stuff.

The lessons are universal and will teach children of all ages the secret to a rich life.

Your journey awaits...

American Goth by Cyn Mackley

This was an intesting book.  There are a lot of twists and turns.

It's a Goode-Grace mystery.

 A community hellbent on keeping secrets. Can she crack a homicide and live to tell the tale?Goth artist Trinity Goode never needed to fit in. Despite finding her creative niche in the big city, she longs to return to the simple life of her salt-of-the-earth hometown. So she races back to her farming roots in search of answers when her grandfather dies under mysterious circumstances.

Suspecting foul play, Trinity teams up with a dashing deputy to pry the truth from the tight-lipped small-towners. But with a cult pulling the strings, vicious rumors of the past hurting her chance at a fresh start, and the bodies piling up… she may be risking her inheritance to solve the murder.

Can she find her grandparent’s killer before she’s dead and buried?

American Goth is the intriguing first story in the Goode-Grace cozy mystery series. If you like quirky characters, snappy dialogue, and clever twists, then you’ll love Cyn Mackley’s captivating adventure.

Killer's Secrets by Kathleen Donnelly

This was an interesting book.  The killer is a man and thinks of ways to kill people.

It was quite full of twists and turns.

It was good she had a dog that obeyed and followed scents.

The man who is the killer doesn't show up until the end.

Who did you think it was?

The Guilty Man by Helen H. Durrant

A missing child, drugs, human-trafficking, hangings and two spectacular fires. At the centre of it all, a detective with a mysterious past. The latest novel by author Helen H. Durrant is truly compelling.

In a declining town in the North of England, a man is tortured by a ruthless criminal. The victim’s severed hand is left on his wife’s doorstep.

Meanwhile, Detective Harry Lennox and DS Jess Wilde are involved in the case of a missing child. The little girl, presumed dead, turns up playing happily in a local park. The child’s mother who lives on a notorious estate doesn’t seem to care.

Detective Harry Lennox is battling his own demons, trying to bury a secret from his past with alcohol. He is staying in a rundown campervan on a friend’s driveway. Jess wants to know why he’s living like this, but he refuses to tell her anything.

How do the cases connect and who is trying to drive people out of their homes?

Mad as Helen by Susan McBride

Helen Evans must find a killer before her granddaughter is arrested for murder! When tiny River Bend, Illinois, is hit by a string of burglaries even Sheriff Frank Biddle can't solve, the clients of LaVyrle's Cut 'n' Curl can hardly talk of anything but. There are no signs of forced entry and no fingerprints, and valuables are missing from secret hiding places, as if the thief knew what he wanted and just where to look. Helen Evans wonders what the world has come to if even their once-quiet town isn't safe anymore. Then Grace Simpson, a big-city psychotherapist who had opened up shop in River Bend, is found dead on her bedroom floor, and Helen's granddaughter is caught with the murder weapon in hand. Sure of the girl's innocence, Helen embarks on a little investigation of her own and turns up plenty of folks who aren't grieving a bit now that Grace is dead …

The Husband Killer by Sonya Bateman

The men who died were mean.  They abused their wives, but the killer was unknown.

As they died, they thought it was a man.

It was good read.

The killer was a surprise to me.  Do you think you can figure it out?

The Big Four by Agatha Christie

This was another Agatha Christe story.  It was good.

It started as a mystery.  Then Poirot was dead.  They had a big funeral for him.

As it turned out, Poirot was not dead.

His friend, Hastings, helped him.

The ending was good!

Murder on the Brazo by Bruce Hammack

This was an inteesting read.  They find a dead body.

It has twists and turns but the ending is good.

I like it.  Try it yourself.

Foul Weather by Claire Nance

This was a short story.

It was foul weather and she is with the wrong man.

She defends herself.  It just amazed me what she used as a weapon.

It was good read.

The Book of Wiitty Women by Helen Lederer

This was a book of short stories.

From tales of a narcoleptic biscuit lover, con artists with a twist, and the accidental death of a hamster; to consequences of accidental gluing, the imagined world of extreme shopping, and the delightfully surreal world of canine dating, these 15 boldly imaginative stories range across a multitude of genres and themes.

It was enjoyable to read.

The Magic Candy Ball by Shuixin Ye (Illustrator)

Yuanyuan is a very shy little girl. She always speaks in a soft voice. One day, an old man who specializes in sugar figure blowing appears on the street. The sugar figures that he blows are so vivid that the children love to gather around him. Yuanyuan, however, is too shy to go. It isn’ t until all the children go home that Yuanyuan dares to step forward and asks the old man to blow a little candy man. The old man agrees and blows a sugar ball for Yuanyuan, something magical happens ... The sugar ball becomes bigger and bigger, and it wraps around Yuanyuan, taking her flying higher and higher. Along the way, Yuanyuan encounters the exhausted birds, the hungry ants, and the cat who wants to go home but can’ t swim. uanyuan and the little animals? Where will the magic candy ball take Yuanyuan?

Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure by Lorenzo Carcaterra

Nonna Maria is an older lady.  She wants to find the lost treasure.  She knows it is in a cave but there are many caves.

You can get lost in them.

She manages to find the lost treasure but it's locked.  

There is a fight between two men who are enemies.

It will keep you on your toes while you read this.

It was an interesting read.

In the Forest by Charles Bruckerhoff

She goes on a walk in the forest.

She meets animals, and when crow wants to get the chipmunk, she saves him.

It was an enjoyable story, you should read it.

Grumpy Lost and Found in Naples by Susan Chapman

He liked to look around.  But when he did it this time he found himself in the other side of the world.

The green parrot found him.  He told Grumpy that they were on the other side of the world and it would take too long to go back.

They stuck together and adjusted to the new park.

No Dragons for Tea byJean E. Pendziwol

This was an interesting book to read.

The dragon sneezed and caught things in fire.  

It's a good lesson for little ones...

Love and Other Disappointments by Heather Paul

This was a bit of a disappointment to me.  I read the stories but didn't like some of them.

I hope that anyone else who reads this book will like them.

Best Friends Are The Best by Gerdo Bean

It's 1944 and she is alone.  The languages are foreign and she doesn't know them.

She has a boy that she is friends with.  But his dad doesn't want him talking to her...

There are twists and turns in the story.  Her Papa plays in the orchestra but he is missing.

It was good read and the ending is great.

Out Comes the Evil by Stella Cameron

This is a mystery.  They find a old lady dead and not done nicely.

They try to find the murderer.  Questions asked are answered but no clues yet.

The Cotswolds murder goes on and then they find another body.

Who is the killer?

The worst part is that the killer is after them...