In this retelling of a Greek myth, the author explores and comments on the human character and condition through the story of how the Titan Prometheus so loved the creatures he had created that he stole fire from the gods and gave it to them to further their intellectual and technological development and the development of civilization. But was there a price to pay, for Prometheus and us?After exploring the human character and condition through the retelling a number of Polynesian myths and legends in Under the Hala Tree: Twice Told Polynesian Myths and Legends, the author found himself returning to the Greek myths, legends and fables that inspired his childhood and so much of Western literature. In this retelling of a Greek myth, he explores and comments on the human character and condition through the story of how the Titan Prometheus so loved the creatures he had created that he stole fire from the gods and gave it to them to further their intellectual and technological development and the development of civilization. But was there a price to pay, for Prometheus and us?

"Yer know that there's a thing, a real thing that is time? Myrthali! The Sands of Time! The dust the ages leave in their wake! A powder yer take. Boil a little up on a teaspoon with milk and liquorice and yer'll be livin' for another four years! And some's got a lot more than a teaspoonful, I can tell yer..." When 12-year-old Krish finds out his mum is dying, he is desperate to give her more time to live. This leads to a deal with a devil-like creature to travel to another realm, Ilir, and collect the essence of time itself. Ilir is a tiny desert world where the days are a handful of hours long and there is magic and treachery on every corner. Here Krish is set three impossible challenges by the brutal King Obsendei to win from him the Myrthali, 'the sands of time'. Krish is aided by the razor-tongued, young girl-wizard Balthrir, who hopes to free her parents from the Black Palace; a living, breathing structure built entirely out of those subjects who have incurred the wrath of...

Book 2 of the Black Orchid Enterprises Mystery series finds Johnny Ly, Dianne Cortez, and JD Thompson trying to celebrate their first year in business in a small Central Texas town. The weather outside is frightful, and indoors isn't looking too good either, not when a crazed hairless cat invades their Christmas party and leaves a trail of destruction in his wake. The murder in the backyard doesn't help, but Johnny and Dianne are more worried about the cat. After the police reduce the suspect list from the entire town of Beauchamp, Texas, to just the Black Orchids' friends and family, Attorney JD Thompson springs into action to clear them all, preferably before Monday night's concert. Life's hard for a veterinarian, accountant, lawyer, and ABBA tribute band.

In this haunting debut, Garth Stein brilliantly invokes his Native American heritage and its folklore to create an electrifying supernatural thriller. When a grieving mother returns to the remote Alaskan town where her young son drowned, she discovers that the truth about her son's death is shrouded in legend— and buried in a terrifying wrinkle between life and death. When Jenna Rosen abandons her comfortable Seattle life to return to Wrangell, Alaska, it's a wrenching return to her past. Long ago the home of her Native American grandmother, Wrangell is located near the Thunder Bay resort, where Jenna's young son, Bobby, disappeared two years before. His body was never recovered, and Jenna is determined to lay to rest the aching mystery of his death. But the spectacular town provides little comfort beyond the steady and tender affections of Eddie, a local fisherman. And then whispers of ancient legends begin to suggest a frightening new possibility about Bobby's fate. Soon, Jenna must sift through the beliefs of her ancestors, the Tlingit— who still tell of powerful, menacing forces at work in the Alaskan wilderness. There beliefs are shared by Dr. David Livingstone, a practicing shaman who had been hired to "cleanse" Thunder Bay of its restless spirits. The experience almost cost him his life, and he warns Jenna about the danger of disturbing the legendary kushtaka— soul-stealing predators that stalk a netherworld between land and sea, the living and the dead. But Jenna is desperate for answers, and she appeals to both Livingstone and Eddie to help her sort fact from myth, and face the unthinkable possibilities head-on. Armed with nothing but a mother's ferocious protective instincts, Jenna's quest for the truth about her son— and the strength of her beliefs— is about to pull her into a terrifying and life-changing abyss... Coloring powerful legend with universal emotions, Garth Stein masterfully evokes our most primal dreams and fears. Remarkably vivid and relentlessly suspenseful, "Raven Stole the Moon" marks the arrival of a stunningly imaginative new talent.

Rex Devious (Dr. Devious to meddlesome do-gooders everywhere) can go toe-to-toe with superheroes without blinking an eye. So picking out a Christmas present for his new boyfriend should be no problem. After all, he and Sanjay seem perfect for each other. But with a terrible track record for finding gifts that won’t scare his potential partners away, Rex is paralyzed with insecurity. Until, of course, he decides to change tactics. Instead of having to pick out that perfect present, why not just destroy Christmas altogether? If his nemeses (or his conscience) can’t stop him first, he might just become the supervillain who stole Christmas.

A stolen house on a Polish square. A pop bottle with a less than pleasant history on Vancouver's east side. Nadia Baltzan knows a few things about theft. As a girl she took what she could – from her neighbourhood library, her piano teacher's record shelves, her father's wallet – as she plotted her escape. The Girl Who Stole Everything is the story of a mother and daughter in the Polish countryside, and a father and son on Vancouver's downtown east side. In these old and new worlds a mystery lurks. In Poland, a house stands empty on a village square seventy-five years after its owners were killed. In Vancouver, the aftermath of a murder in an east side pawn shop overturns the life of the victim's niece.

She hates Christmas and everything that goes with it... Explosives expert Elliana hates Christmas—and the only good thing about this holiday season is that her gorgeous neighbor seems allergic to shirts and clothes in general. She knows because she's been watching him for months with her drone. She's never stalked anyone before, but he not only doesn't seem to mind, he puts on nightly strip shows just for her. When she finally works up the courage to talk to him, she stumbles right into a murder—that he's committed. But this holiday is one she'll never forget... According to Theo, the whole murder thing is no big deal—the dead guy needed killing. And while her hot neighbor wants her, protecting her is his main priority. So when she's targeted, this cinnamon roll hitman kidnaps her for her own good. With a deadly threat hunting them and a hot hitman who keeps handcuffing her to him "for her own...

Once again, Tim Diamond and his younger brother Nick are flat broke. So when they're hired to investigate an anonymous death threat made to world-famous pop singer and movie actress Minerva, they jump at the chance. However, the Greek celebrity seems to have plenty of enemies - so the question is, which one actually wants her dead?

Jake is so stressed out!The two biggest and meanest girls in his class have a nasty surprise waiting for him at school. If only he could switch his life with someone who doesn't have his problems.But not his dog!

From the ballrooms of London, to abandoned Scottish castles, to the snowy streets of Gilded Age New York, four bestselling authors whip up unforgettable Christmas romance."Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa DareLouisa Ward needs a Christmas miracle. Unless she catches a wealthy husband at the ball, the Duke of Thorndale will evict her family from their home. When Louisa finds herself waltzing with the heartless Thorndale, she's unnerved by his handsome looks—and surprising charm."The Duke of Christmas Present" by Sarah MacLean Rich and ruthless, Eben, Duke of Allryd doesn't care for the holidays. But when Lady Jacqueline Mosby returns to town after a long absence, Eben falls under the spell of Christmas—and the woman he never stopped loving. "Heiress Alone" by Sophie Jordan When Annis Bannister finds herself stranded in the Highlands...

Faith Albright is a devoted ladies' maid to her mistress, Lady Mercy, but when she's tasked with taking her place to meet a man who is the lady's intended, she isn't sure it's a wise choice. However, persuasion and loyalty are strong motivators, so she travels to London and encounters a man who is devilishly handsome and charming and sadly... never to be hers. Frederick Bartholomew is a valet who can't deny his master's request to step in for him—for just two weeks—while he has one last fling before marriage shackles him for life. While taking on the guise of the Viscount of Westbrook shouldn't be too difficult, for he's confident his perfidy won't be discovered, Freddie meets Westbrook's bride-to-be and instantly realizes he's made a grave mistake, for the lady is everything he's ever wanted... but can never have. As the truth is revealed, can their love stand true against all the deceit, or was it doomed from the beginning?

Stella Sweeney is back in Dublin. After living the dream in New York for a year - touring her self-help book, appearing on talk shows all over the USA and living it up in her 10-room duplex on the Upper West Side - she's back to normality with a bang. And she's got writer's block. Stella wants a clean break as she didn't exactly leave New York on a high. Why is she back in Ireland so soon? Who is it who keeps calling? Stella wants to get back to being the woman she used to be. But can she? And should she?

When fate opens a door, one must ... She was destined to become a Duchess. He wanted to claim her for himself. Before the wedding vows are spoken, can they explore the depths of their attraction? Selina Pemberton's father arranged for her to marry a duke's son when she was a young girl still in the nursery. Their marriage would unite two dukedoms and lay the foundation for a powerful dynasty. However, he wasn't the gentleman who starred in her fantasies. No. The honor went to the groom's cousin. A most maddening Scotsman. He irritated her with his teasing and the nickname Duchess he bestowed on her. Yet his kisses ignited a passion that soothed her soul. Every stolen moment with him tempted Selina to defy her father's demands. Can Selina change the course of her destiny? Or is she destined for a marriage of loneliness? There wasn't a lass who didn't find Duncan Forrester charming. With the exception of...

While awaiting punishment in his headmaster's office for his latest piece of mischief, prankster Seth picks up an Egyptian amulet from the desk and is whisked back in time to Ancient Egypt. In a village by the Nile, Seth finds a place for himself, working for the local tradesmen and playing with the local children. One of his new friends, Mery, has a pet hyena that Seth grows to love, so when he hears that the hyena is going to be roasted as part of a feast for the visiting pharaoh, Seth decides to save him. But what consequences will Seth have to face for stealing the pharaoh's lunch?An absorbing time-travel adventure from bestselling author Karen McCombie.

Who can you trust? Who wants you dead? They'll kill for what they think you have. A little girl dressed in a Snow White costume walks into a store and steals an apple . . . then the store blows up. One of the staff, Maggie Rogers, is conveniently out of the store when all this happens. Maggie turns out to have a past full of secrets and betrayal, and attracts the attention of the police as well as more sinister forces. Maggie and the little girl end up on the run, not knowing who’s on their side or even what their pursuers really want. Then they seem to have reached the end of the line. Nowhere else to run, nowhere else to hide. Maggie and the little girl face a desperate struggle for survival. Find out the answers in this beautifully written novel which will take you on a darkly gripping journey to a surprising end.

A star comes down from the sky and wants to play with a little 8yr old girl.Jamie, an 8yr old girl, hates going to bed. She hates it so much that she pretends to go to sleep and watch the stars. But on this night, a star actually comes down and visits her. It's another little girl, and she wants to take Jamie on a trip to the Moon. The girls shoot off to the sky and find themselves in many hijinks and seeing many neat things before Jamie has to return to bed and wake up for the next day.

What’s Tan to do when he has to reclaim a holy sword he can’t touch? Call upon his White Knight to save him.   What’s Devan to do when he learns the sword was stolen in order to defeat Tan? Save the poor fools from utter annihilation.   Tan is not amused by this quest line. Devan can’t stop laughing.   Tags:   Tan’s turn to need help, what are they teaching these adventurers?, I’m not saying baby adventurers are stupid, but if you put a candle next to their ears their eyes will shine, Tan has all the plans, Devan laughs for the first time, Tan loves it, even if it’s at his expense, Tan is banned from Osedon Conclave, for reasons, Tan disguises himself as a girl, also for reasons, no one likes to be drowned, no one, even magic swords knows who’s boss

Chaya, a no-nonsense, outspoken hero, leads her friends and a gorgeous elephant on a noisy, fraught, joyous adventure through the jungle where revolution is stirring and leeches lurk.Will stealing the queen's jewels be the beginning or the end of everything for the intrepid gang?

As night falls on Midsummer's Eve, Elliot joins the noteworthy of Neppon society as they gather for the city's gala ball. All does not go as smoothly as planned however, as the first hints of a plot against the Roscans casts its shadow across our stage.*Harlem's Deck; a story in instalments. Keep your hand close to your chest...As night falls on Midsummer's Eve, Elliot joins the noteworthy of Neppon society as they gather for the city's gala ball. All does not go as smoothly as planned however, as the first hints of a plot against the Roscans casts its shadow across our stage.*The city of Neppon drifts through the shallows, where the walls circling the mortal realm are thin. Here the daemons gather out of the surrounding night, drawn by its promise of candle flame warmth.As the election for the city's mayoral office approaches, one man stands head and shoulders above the other candidates. His reputation is as a bastion for all that is good and honest, in a world beset from all sides by horrors. But Jaret Roscan carries a secret. A secret that could bring ruin to his political career, and chaos to his beloved city.One person carries the key to his salvation. The question is, will they come forward in his hour of need?Harlem's Deck; a story in instalments. Keep your hand close to your chest...*Read this if you enjoy the work of Joe Abercrombie or Scott Lynch, or love watching Tru Blood or Battlestar Galactica.

The Life You Stole (The Life Series, Book Two)

The heart-pounding sequel to They Threw Us Away, about a group of teddy bears looking for a place to call home...and answers to life's biggest questions. The teddies—clever Buddy, brave Sunny, sweet Sugar, and wise Reginald—have managed to find a child. Life with Darling is far better than any they've known. But something's not right—the promised bliss of Forever Sleep hasn't come. And they are kept a secret from Darling's mother, hidden underneath the child's bed in the dusty darkness.Then the inevitable happens: Mama discovers the teddies. And like all adults they've met thus far, she responds with fear and anger. The teddies must watch as one of their friends is destroyed. The remaining trio barely escape, thrust back into a world that does not want them.Disillusioned and lost, the teddies embark on a journey back to the factory where they were created. En route, they find a civilization of discarded teddy bears. The comfort of a...

There's only one reason this bride won't walk down the aisle...and he's back! A captivating Christmas romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Caitlin Crews. She gave him her innocence.Can he win her back by Christmas? Certain that she will never love again, Timoney George has agreed to a convenient marriage. If she can't recapture the hot, all-consuming chemistry she discovered with Crete Asgar, she might as well have cold security. Crete tried to forget Timoney, but the idea of another man possessing her is intolerable. With just twelve hours until she walks down the aisle, Crete steals her back. And now he has the night before Christmas to prove to her—and himself—that he won't break her heart all over again...From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.

What's a white knight to do when his princess is causing utter havoc leading in mass murder? Go to the famous Black Sorcerer of Grimslock for help, apparently.What's a black sorcerer to do when the white knight comes to him for help? Keep him, naturally.Devan does not approve of this payment plan. Tan does.Tags:Black sorcerer, white knight, evil princess, oh my!, this whole story is crack, technically an enemies to lovers, with light angst, mostly as an excuse for cuddles, sharing a bed, who hurt you is basically a marriage proposal, being adopted by a black sorcerer is like being adopted by a cat, you get no say in the matter, Tan is a walking disaster, Devan needs a hug, Tan volunteers himself as tribute, I'm not saying baby adventurers are stupid, but if you put a candle next to their ears their eyes will shine, rule one when dealing with black sorcerers, don't piss them off, rule two is don't touch their knight, just a little killing, Serenity...

Mike's football team is really put to the test when Harry, his telepathic dog, has to stay home. Can the team win without Harry's supernatural advice?

'It looks impossible to get out,' he says. And also: 'But we'll get out.' Two brothers, Big and Small, are trapped at the bottom of a well, stalked by madness and with no means of escape. Struggling for sustenance and clinging to sanity, Big forges a plan to free his little brother. Fast-paced and rich in metaphor, this extraordinary new story poses questions of fight, survival and solidarity when people are faced with devastation.Powerful, disquieting and highly original, Repila's unique allegory explores with bravery and emotion the depths of human desperation and, ultimately, our almost unending capacity for hope.From the Trade Paperback edition.

BRING BACK ROD'S BODY! Rod Allbright has found his father — but lost his own body! It's been stolen by BKR, the most fiendish villain in the galaxy, which leaves Rod sharing the body of a one-eyed, blue alien named Seymour. Alas, when it comes time to go after BKR, Rod is forced to stay behind so that the little villain won't be able to get at the world-destroying secret locked in Rod's brain. Stranded on an alien planet with only Madame Pong, Seymour, Snout, and his annoying cousin Elspeth for company, Rod fumes at being left behind. Little does he know he's about to be drawn into a web of alien plots that will test his courage to the utmost — and ultimately bring him face-to-face with BKR.

The first book to put the sacred and sensuous bronze statues from India's Chola dynasty in social contextFrom the ninth through the thirteenth century, the Chola dynasty of southern India produced thousands of statues of Hindu deities, whose physical perfection was meant to reflect spiritual beauty and divine transcendence. During festivals, these bronze sculptures—including Shiva, referred to in a saintly vision as "the thief who stole my heart"—were adorned with jewels and flowers and paraded through towns as active participants in Chola worship. In this richly illustrated book, leading art historian Vidya Dehejia introduces the bronzes within the full context of Chola history, culture, and religion. In doing so, she brings the bronzes and Chola society to life before our very eyes.Dehejia presents the bronzes as material objects that interacted in meaningful ways with the people and practices of their era. Describing the role of the statues in...

THE MAN WHO STOLE TOMORROW IRON MAN: The Armored Crusader!THOR: The Mighty God of Thunder!THE VISION: The Sensational Synthezoid!THE BEAST: The Bludgeoning Blue-Furred Berserker!QUICKSILVER: The World’s Fastest Being!THE SCARLET WITCH: The Mysterious Mistress of the Hex! These six sensational heroes band together to save the life of CAPTAIN AMERICA, Living Legend of World War II!Travel with them two thousand years into the future—and come face-to-face with the unimaginable villainy of KANG THE CONQUERER! An Instant Collector’s Item Classic!

You might get stolen too.In these wide-ranging stories told from the perspectives of a Thai ghost, an Irish fairy trapped in a dog's body, a crow fae, an Icelandic birch tree elf, a dream thief, and other shapeshifting creatures, Kristen Ringman examines whether these fae would love a human or kill them after a close look into their hearts."Ringman achieves a haunting, sexy, and visually stirring collection that explores the tension of identity, longing, and the intricacies of connection and obsession in this series of beautiful, complicated settings populated by a both magical and deeply frail, human cast. She effortlessly severs the line between mythology, the supernatural and practicality, and the reader recognizes that desperation to be known, to be understood, to be considered unique to an otherworldly presence, and to ourselves." —Hilaree Robinson, co-author of The Distance"The true wondrousness of Fae is as sly as it is innocent; it is magical and grounded, brutal and...

Ebury ebooks

This is the ugliest chapter in global economic affairs since slavery -- and secretive offshore tax havens are at the heart of the trouble.Dirty money, tax havens and the offshore system describe the ugliest and most secretive chapter in the history of global economic affairs. The World Bank has reported that the flow of dirty money across borders, out of developing countries and into rich ones, is up to ten times the amount of foreign aid that flows the other way.Most people regard tax havens as being relevant only to celebrities, crooks and spivs, and mistakenly believe that the main offshore problems are money laundering and terrorist financing. These are only small parts of the whole picture.The offshore system has been (discreetly) responsible for the greatest ever shift of wealth from poor to rich. It also undermines our democracies by offering the wealthiest members of society escape routes from tax, financial regulation and other normal democratic controls.The anti-globalisation movement tapped into an uneasiness, felt by millions, that something was rotten in the world economy. Treasure Islands brilliantly articulates the problem in a completely new way, and exposes the deep corruption that impacts on our daily lives.About the AuthorNICHOLAS SHAXSON is the author of Poisoned Wells, the Dirty Politics of African Oil, an Associate Fellow of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) and an experienced journalist writing regularly for The Financial Times and The Economist.

There's no place in brooding Dr. Mark Anderson's life for love. He's working temporarily in White Elk as a favor, then he'll be gone—and nothing will make him look back.Until he meets beautiful single mom Angela and her adorable daughter. The last thing this rugged doctor expected was to lose his heart to these two, but the moment Angela's baby girl utters her first word—Daddy—he's wrapped around her chubby little finger!The time has come for Mark to move on...but now he's looking for a permanent role—as part of their little family!

Cayson finally prepares to come home to join the rest of his family. But when Laura comes to say goodbye, it's an awkward meeting.Slade and Trinity continue trying to have a baby but everything doesn't go according to plan.Dee and Theo spend more time together, but Slade says something that might put a halt to their developing relationship.

Fourteen years ago, Christmas hit Walkerville with a bang. Or, rather, a big ball of fire. When a local group home for orphaned children goes up in smoke right before the holidays, Tillie Winchester volunteers her family to take in some kids – even though her arch nemesis Margaret Little is dead-set against it. Of course, that’s part of the appeal for Tillie so she’s considering it a win. Three boys – all of them with a little attitude – have no idea what to expect from the Winchester household. No matter what, Tillie is sure they’re about to get more than they bargained for. In short order, they’re welcomed into the family at the same time the town is on edge due to a second fire. Tillie is determined to prove the boys are innocent while also finding them a forever home … even if she has to take on a local judge and declare all out war to do it. So, hang your stockings by the fire and sit back for another Christmas with the Winchesters. You’ll never be the same again. Note: This is a 28,000-word short set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It’s set back in the past so it can be read in any order.

The island nation of Iceland is known for many things—majestic landscapes, volcanic eruptions, distinctive seafood—but racial diversity is not one of them. So the little-known story of Hans Jonathan, a free black man who lived and raised a family in early nineteenth-century Iceland, is improbable and compelling, the stuff of novels. In The Man Who Stole Himself, Gisli Palsson lays out the story of Hans Jonathan (also known as Hans Jónatan) in stunning detail. Born into slavery in St. Croix in 1784, Hans was taken as a slave to Denmark, where he eventually enlisted in the navy and fought on behalf of the country in the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen. After the war, he declared himself a free man, believing that he was due freedom not only because of his patriotic service, but because while slavery remained legal in the colonies, it was outlawed in Denmark itself. He thus became the subject of one of the most notorious slavery cases in European history, which he...

From Pulitzer Prize winner, New York Times bestselling author, and PBS Frontline reporter Hedrick Smith comes the remarkable, step-by-step story of how the American Dream was dismantled over the past forty years by forces left unchecked in Washington and on Wall Street, and by a series of landmark legislative, electoral, and corporate decisions. Through stories of everyday people, Smith also shows how Americans are faring today--and explores what we can do, together, to re-create the American Dream.Fitting the pieces of a big puzzle together in the way only a veteran reporter can, Smith shows how events reported in many recent news stories--from the mortgage mess to 401(k) disasters, and including problems in housing, banks, pensions, legislation, jobs, and more--are the outcomes of the evolution of a political and economic dismantling that began in 1971 with Lewis Powell's provocative memo, and continued through the eras of Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Clinton,...

Was Santa a suspect? Christmas was Shannon O'Shaugnessy's absolute favorite holiday! The toy-department manager especially enjoyed the festivities this year--until the eight-year-old heir to Lyon's Department Store was abducted for a most peculiar ransom .... Shannon trusted no one. Especially not the new store Santa. Despite his snowy false beard, padded costume and his willingness to help her find the missing child, Rick Hastings radiated raw sensuality. But his evasive actions hinted he had something to hide .... Was it more than the gorgeous face and body beneath his Santa suit?

It starts innocently enough in the town square of Possum, Virginia. But it becomes a spectacular national scandal: Can a federal judge outlaw Christmas? Thomas Hammond and his wife play Joseph and Mary in the annual live nativity in their hometown. But a federal judge rules the display unconstitutional. Thomas refuses to abide by the court order—and ends up in jail. From the courtrooms of Virginia to the talk shows of New York City, the battle escalates into a national media spectacle. Caught in the middle is law student Jasmine Woodfaulk, assigned to represent Thomas as part of her school’s legal aid clinic. Only a surprising series of events can reconcile a stubborn father, a crusading law student, and a recalcitrant judge. The Judge Who Stole Christmas is a charming, warm, and thought-provoking Christmas tale that explores in a fresh way the real reason for the season.

Mike and Maddie, a young couple with a new baby, are rushing home to prepare for their first family New Year's Eve party. When they arrive, however, they're shocked to find their apartment has been robbed. Even worse, the burglar is still there -- sound asleep on their bed!But it's New Year's in Chicago, which means that they're on a wait list for the cops and Maddie's anti-Chicago, pro-suburbs family is due to arrive any minute. So Mike and Maddie tie up the burglar and hide him in their room, hoping to fake their way through the party until midnight.When Mike's born-again Wiccan grandmother unexpectedly shows up with her new boy-toy husband, things go from weird to wacky. Then, when the cops arrive right before midnight and arrest Mike and Maddie for unlawful detainment and kidnapping, things go from wacky to worse. Soon, Mike, Maddie and Maddie's best friend, Rio, are down at the police station, each pleading their view of events, about the New Year's Eve party that none of them will ever forget.From the AuthorThe story behind this story is kind of unusual. I originally wrote this piece as a TV pilot, but the way it came to be was unique. Every time I would fall asleep, a scene would play out in my head and I would have to wake up and write it down. This is probably the only thing I've ever written entirely while I was sleeping, in fifteen-minute increments. Which I thought was fitting for a story about a narcoleptic burglar. And now here's the part where truth is stranger than fiction.When I was much younger, I worked in a Savings and Loan in a suburb of Chicago, and they accidentally locked me in after hours. When I called the cops to report that I wanted to break out of a bank, it was a source of much amusement. And absolutely no help. Finally, I was able to reach the President of the S&L and he told me how I could get out of the building. But I've always loved the idea of using that type of response to a 9-1-1 call in a story.And, even stranger in a serendipitous kind of way, at the time I wrote this as a pilot script, I was working at NBC. When I told my boss about it, he told me about a friend of his whose cousin was known as the narcoleptic burglar of New York -- he had a very short-lived career, since he kept falling asleep on the job and getting picked up by the cops.So, yes, truth can be -- and often is -- stranger than fiction! And I hope that reading the story will amuse you as much as writing it has amused me. From the Inside FlapIt was New Year's Eve, Chicago-style. Which meant loud, raucous and cold. Forget New York, Chicago was the city that never slept. Mainly because if it ever did, everyone would freeze to death. The wind chill coming off Lake Michigan could be brutal.Don't get me wrong -- I've always loved Chicago. It's a city where the bizarre is normal, the dead lead active social and political lives, and crime is inventive. But the weather's gotta be some kind of karmic payback.But this story isn't about me. It's about my friends, Mike and Maddie, who live in Chicago, and the New Year's Eve party that almost destroyed their marriage.Mike and Maddie had one of those marriages that could make your blood sugar spike. He adored her, she adored him, and after their white-picket-fence wedding, they were blessed by a pink-cheeked baby. So who could blame them for thinking that happily ever after was what was going to come next.Of course, as any parent knows, what actually did come next were sleepless nights, sex as a distant memory and the inevitable invasion of the in-laws. On this particular New Year's Eve, Maddie's parents had descended earlier in the evening, hoping to baby-nap Sophie for a few hours. Although they called it getting quality bonding time with their granddaughter. Since Mike and Maddie needed time to get ready for the New Year's Eve party they were hosting, it turned out to be a win-win all around.Well, that's what Mike and Maddie were supposed to be doing. Instead, they snuck out for a romantic evening together -- their first since Sophie had been born. And who could blame them? Although, if it was me, my first taste of freedom, I would have been high-tailing it to a spa for some quality alone time. But then, I've never been as stupidly in love as Mike and Maddie were.Honestly, with the way those two were always so kissy-face with each other, I was shocked that they didn't just go straight into the bedroom for hours of wild monkey sex. Going anywhere with them was embarrassing. Parties, dinners, movies, no matter where they were, they were attached at the lips. You never knew where to look.But what Maddie missed most wasn't the sex -- make of that what you will -- it was the ooey-gooey, double-thick, deep-dish pizza at Zeke's Tavern. So, that's where they went, for pizza, a pitcher of sangria and a game of pool. Afterwards, they took the elevated train back to Wrigleyville. It was while they were walking home that their evening really started going haywire.

2017Pregnant Rachel Taylor is enjoying a holiday in Morocco when she gets the phone call to say her mother hasn't got much time left to live. With a head of mixed emotions she returns to the village where she grew up to say her last goodbyes. It's true to say their relationship had often been strained and Rachel had never quite understood why. When clearing out her mother's things she thinks she finds an answer, and her world is changed forever.1978Shirley Burke is on a family holiday at Butlin's when she first sets eyes on Doug, a man considerably older than herself. When his daughter goes missing one night, Shirley's the one who finds her and returns her to him. When his gratitude turns into something else, Shirley realizes this is her time to shine. But Doug is married, and her young life is about to get very complicated.Rachel and Shirley. Two women from different decades in Jonathan Harvey's The Years She Stole. Somehow...

Javy Martinez’s best buddy, Mr. T, has just gone missing. Now it’s up to Leila and her doggy, Nugget, to find Mr. T before the turtlenapper strikes again. But who could it be? Weirdy Beardy, the construction worker? The cranky, old neighbor lady? Or maybe, just maybe, it was an inside job.

Casper became a national celebrity when newspapers ran the story of the amazing cat that regularly took the No. 3 bus on journeys around his home town, Plymouth, in Devon. While his devoted owner Sue Finden had wondered where her elusive pet was disappearing to each day, Casper was brightening the lives of countless commuters. Bus drivers, too, were getting well-acquainted with Casper, and notices went up in their depot alerting staff that a very special passenger might board their vehicle. In fact, he became a mascot for the bus company, and pictures of him and Susan adorned No. 3 buses. When Casper was sadly killed by a car in early 2010 messages of sympathy flooded in from places as far a field as Australia and Argentina. It quickly became clear that Casper and his remarkable story had touched the lives of many people around the world. Movingly told by the owner who loved him dearly, Casper the Commuting Cat is the touching story of a very special black-and-white cat who rode the bus and stole our hearts.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the only things on Birds & Bees owner Amy Simms's wish list are peace, quiet, and birding beside her beau. But in small town Ruby Lake, 'tis the season to solve murders . . .Before Amy can get into the holiday spirit, she meets Franklin Finch—the cocky new owner of Christmas House Village, one of the most beloved attractions in town. Locals have been squawking over his decision to sack veteran staff members for cheaper help. And when Finch blows off a business deal with Amy, it confirms that he's the biggest scrooge around. Still, she's stunned the night his dead body is found swinging in the attic of a festive Victorian . . .Clashing against Chief Kennedy once again, Amy sets off to prove that Finch was murdered. But while her investigation quickly reveals a gaggle of disgruntled ex-Christmas House Village employees and unusual clues, Amy must move with caution as she focuses in on the seedy killer . ....

Halloween the cat is missing, stolen right from her bed in the middle of the night. Then one by one other neighborhood cats disappear. Is the Harvey house ghost to blame? Will he strike again? It's up to Alex and Yasmeen to find out.

Clay Gregory's known Megan Briggs her whole life, and he's been plenty worried about her while she's been getting medical treatment. Now she's back home and hiding away on the family ranch.Knowing the stubborn cowgirl won't accept his help willingly, he invites her to a family wedding to help him avoid his aunt's matchmaking!He plans to remind Meg she's still the girl who can beat him in a horse race! But as she steps out in her curve-hugging red dress, her skills on a horse are suddenly the furthest thing from his mind....

Eight-year-old Isabel is the best-behaved girl at Crabtree School, and she has a reward chart glittering with stars to prove it. She's kind, helpful, organised, sensible...But the trouble is, no one seems to notice! Isabel's tired of nice girls finishing last. But when she does the naughtiest thing anyone in Year Three can think of, has she gone too far? Will her friends stand by her, even at her worst moment? 6+ readers will love following the adventures of Isabel, Lottie, Zoe, Ava and Rani as they learn all about right and wrong in this third Crabtree School story.

As in her previous Christmas mysteries, Six Geese a-Slaying, Duck the Halls, and The Nightingale Before Christmas, Andrews continues to write "firmly in the grand tradition of Agatha Christie's Christmas books" (Toronto Globe and Mail).New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews takes us home to Caerphilly for the holidays in her new hilarious Christmas mystery How the Finch Stole Christmas! Meg's husband has decided to escalate his one-man show of Dickens' A Christmas Carol into a full-scale production with a large cast including their sons Jamie and Josh as Tiny Tim and young Scrooge and Meg helping as stage manager. The show must go on, even if the famous—though slightly over-the-hill—actor who's come to town to play the starring role of Scrooge has brought a sleigh-load of baggage and enemies with him. And why is Caerphilly suddenly overrun with a surplus of beautiful caged finches?...