Crime & Thrillers Books

Book SynopsisIs he guilty or innocent? Even he doesn’t know… On the eve of their thirtieth birthday, twins Jasmine and Nicolas Moretti celebrate late into the night. But when Nicolas wakes several hazy hours later, Jasmine is dead—and he is covered in her blood. Panicking, he takes the murder weapon and runs into the cold Stockholm night. For the police, it’s an open-and-shut case. Nicolas is guilty. And given that he remembers so little of what happened that night, even he isn’t convinced of his innocence. Emma Tapper, an ex-cop driven to drink by a tragedy she’s devastated she couldn’t prevent, is recruited by defence lawyer Angela Köhler to help with the high-profile Moretti case. While her new boss seems more concerned with winning than discovering the truth, Emma begins investigating the circumstances of the murder. As she digs into the case, Emma finds herself clashing with former colleagues who are convinced they already know the truth. And the more horrific secrets she unearths, the more her own traumatic past returns to haunt her. She’s not used to working to free a man behind bars, but something tells her Nicolas might be innocent. But if he didn’t do it, who did?

Read more less

Book SynopsisWas she the billionaire’s lover? His partner in crime? Or his killer? Former cop Emma Tapper and her lawyer boss Angela Köhler are defending shipping boss Anita Spendel, charged with murdering her billionaire husband. Anita insists Martin Spendel is still alive, but his car is soaked in his blood. Emma must clear Anita’s name by finding the missing man—dead or alive… Meanwhile, on a luxury yacht off the coast of Ibiza, Bianca Aguilera is relaxing in the sun when a drone delivers an unexpected parcel. The contents: chilling evidence that someone close to her is dead. Horror quickly turns to realisation. She is being made to pay a heavy price for her ruthless takeover of a drugs cartel—but who is out for revenge, and can she stop them? When Emma and Angela’s investigation leads them to Bianca, they’re unsure what to make of the street-smart single mother whose rise from nowhere seems suspiciously meteoric. Was she Martin’s lover, his partner in crime, or his killer? What is the real cargo Spendels Shipping International deals in? And can Emma find who is guilty in a case where no one seems wholly innocent?

Read more less

Book SynopsisA vacationing family becomes pawns in an ancient ritual designed to bring about the apocalypse in a riveting thriller by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler. A prophecy has waited for five centuries to be fulfilled. That time has come. Sacrifices will be made. Let the games begin. When Jonathon Roth and his family are invited by their neighbors, the Beasleys, to join them at a luxury retreat in Cozumel, who can refuse? It’s the perfect winter getaway. Relaxing on the beach, gourmet food, sightseeing, and free accommodations. But if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Villa Sara de Calakmul, owned by mysterious tycoon Jacob Calakmul, is more isolated compound than private resort. Armed guards patrol the jungle perimeters. Pictures of previous guests—long disappeared—adorn the walls. And there are whispers of something coming called “the game.” Even in the sweltering heat, the Roths feel a chill—and the fear that they haven’t been invited to Villa Sara. They’ve been lured. But for what purpose? And to what end? From the ruins, a death cult is reborn. A prophecy to bring down Western civilization is being realized. As a legendary blood sport is engaged, the Roths themselves may need to call upon ancient powers if they’re to survive, escape, and save the world from annihilation.Trade Review“Easy to follow, well-paced, and an intriguing concept.” —Midwest Book Review “A fast-paced and enthralling thriller that blends ancient history, magic, and action. Once I started this book, I couldn’t stop—and loved every single scene. A masterpiece of story and setting. Highly recommend!” —A. R. Torre, New York Times bestselling author “Fans of James Rollins and Dan Brown will love this stunning new thriller from Jeff Wheeler. Doomsday Match is utterly engrossing, a dark and complex tale filled with ancient secrets, adventure, and betrayal. You won’t be able to put it down.” —Melinda Leigh, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author “Jeff Wheeler knocks it out of the park with his supercharged thriller Doomsday Match. From the very first scene, you know you’re in for an incredible thrill ride full of constant danger and relentless twists—set against a jaw-dropping conspiracy background. Just when you think you’ve figured out Wheeler’s game, he artfully rips the rug out from under the reader, shaking up the plot. If you’re a fan of fast-paced, devious conspiracies with a little more than a touch of magic and mysticism, Doomsday Match is for you!” —Steven Konkoly, Wall Street Journal bestselling author “The sheer readability and suspense works so well that readers will race through those pages to see what will happen next!” —TJ Mackay, Founder/Publisher, InD'tale Magazine

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe fate of the world is in the hands of two men. One is prophesized to end it. The other must save it in an apocalyptic thriller by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler. If the end-of-the-world prophecy is true, a vengeful descendant will reign with blood and fury. The planets are already aligning. For Jonathon Roth and his family, a vacation in Cozumel became a nightmare. Pawns in a deadly ritual, Roth and his children barely escaped with their lives, and with the secrets of mastermind Jacob Calakmul. Calakmul’s endgame: to fulfill the Jaguar Prophecies—the foretelling of an inevitable Armageddon, one that will destroy entire nations. The key to stopping it is to retrieve an ancient codex—if Roth can decipher it. From a museum in Dresden where the mysterious codex is on display to the Roths’ Montana home in the dead of winter, no place is safe from Calakmul’s reach. Obsessed with the legends of the magic of the Maya, Roth knows Calakmul’s powers are real. Roth’s own daughter possesses them too. As Calakmul and his henchmen close in, Roth and his children are running for their lives. In a prepper’s lair in the Montana mountains, Roth must piece together a terrifying puzzle to stop an apocalyptic vision from coming true. If it’s not already too late. Because the countdown to the end-time has already begun.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwo kidnappings, thirty years apart. Can Stacey face her own dark past in order to save her stepdaughter? When Stacey’s ex-husband turns up on her doorstep begging her to help save his kidnapped thirteen-year-old daughter, Lyra, the terror is all too familiar. Stacey’s own violent kidnapping thirty years ago was never solved, and while a severe case of amnesia spares her from recalling the specific horrors, she remembers enough… Stacey knows her father never paid the ransom—she has the missing pinkie finger to prove it. She knows she was only saved because of an anonymous tip-off to the police. And she knows her captor was never apprehended. Lyra’s kidnappers have made it clear the police must not get involved. But Stacey can’t shake the eerie similarities between the two cases, and she’ll use whatever she can, from her journalistic powers to her shady contacts, to save Lyra from the same nightmare. Desperate to find any link between Lyra’s abduction and her own, Stacey forces herself to revisit her forgotten, traumatic past for clues. But can she make sense of the terrible secrets she unearths in time to save Lyra? And if she does, is she ready to face her own tormentor?Trade Review“A twisty whodunit wrapped in a thriller that will keep you behind closed doors until the final, shocking revelation.” —Lee Goldberg, author of the Eve Ronin series “Hooks you in from the first explosive chapter and takes you on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns before reaching a shocking and unforgettable conclusion. A real page-turner.” —Lisa Gray, author of the bestselling Jessica Shaw series “Fast-paced, tense, and emotional, Behind Closed Doors is a nail-biting mystery. I loved it and suspected nearly everyone!” —D. S. Butler, author of the Detective Karen Hart series

Read more less

Book SynopsisThey thought they knew what really happened—and each other. They were wrong. Four years in, Stevie and Nate’s true-crime podcast, All the Gory Details, is forced onto hiatus when their conclusions in their first-ever episode, about the unsolved murder of teenager Lauren in their hometown seventeen years ago, are proven wrong. Their mistake ruined a life, and Stevie and Nate are still reeling from the consequences. Still, when a fresh murder frighteningly similar to Lauren’s is brought to their attention, Nate is adamant that they should resurrect the podcast. He tells a hesitant Stevie that this is their chance to redeem themselves, and maybe even to solve the murder for real. But when Nate becomes fixated on the podcast above anything else, Stevie begins to wonder if she really knows Nate after all… When a second murder changes everything, it suddenly seems as if Stevie is inside one of her own episodes. How well do either of them really know what happened back then—or each other?

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Wall Street Journal bestselling series. A deep diving investigator is pulled into the depths of a string of unsolved serial murders in a riveting thriller by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Sea Storm. When a young woman washes ashore on a Fort Lauderdale beach, Sloan McPherson of the Underwater Investigation Unit is called in to consult. Sloan’s instinct says murder, but even then, there are too many questions. For answers she reaches out to Gwen Wylder. The Miami homicide detective is notorious for being manipulative, bitter, a tyrant to her peers, and wicked smart. And she demands something in return from Sloan: fresh insight into seemingly unrelated cold-case murders and disappearances—and a possible serial killer trolling the Florida coast. As loose ends of the old files begin to come together, another woman disappears. Sloan and Gwen are certain she’s the newest link in a deadly chain. They are determined to track her down before she dies, but they soon find themselves in uncharted waters. And the deeper Sloan and Gwen go, the stranger the case gets.Trade Review“The plot comes together like the proverbial puzzle, each juicy piece adding a bit to a disturbing big picture. A savvy police procedural that executes a familiar formula with panache.” —Kirkus Reviews “Mayne combines a brilliant, innovative female lead with a plausibly twisty plot. Kinsey Millhone fans will love McPherson.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Mayne creates a world that blends the crime writing of Michael Connelly with high-tech oceanography in his Underwater Investigation Unit series…The series never ceases to be fascinating, making characters sink or swim as lives are on the line and the story veers in unexpected directions. Required reading for any suspense fan.” —Library Journal “This is an above-average thriller that never ceases to surprise readers.... [T]he experience that Andrew Mayne has created for us [is] one to truly savor.” —Bookreporter

Read more less

Book SynopsisA shocking act of sabotage draws a retired spy into a deadly conspiracy in an explosive thriller by an Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. After three decades in counterintelligence, Brad Trasker is retired, disillusioned, and dealing with a tragic loss. Spy games are behind him until he attends the launch of a next-generation aircraft. When the project of innovative aerospace CEO Kylie Connor explodes on the tarmac—nearly killing her in the process—Trasker is pulled back into the line of fire. The mystery of the sabotage quickly deepens. All Kylie’s data has been wiped from the server. One of her engineers has disappeared. A seed investor has died in a suspicious car accident. And a cold-blooded murder raises the stakes even higher. To discover who’s pulling the strings behind a dangerous conspiracy, Trasker needs to find a motive. Corporate espionage, revenge, or something he can’t yet see? Targeted by assassins, he finds himself overmatched when he realizes he can’t trust anyone—including Kylie. Too long out of a game he no longer understands, Trasker must adapt or die.Trade Review“[T]he pace never flags. A brisk, competent thriller…” —Kirkus Reviews “Andrew Mayne knows how to write intelligent, well-researched thrillers, and Night Owl is no exception.” —Bookreporter

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Wall Street Journal bestselling series.Searching for a missing diver takes a Florida detective on a deep-diving adventure in a gripping thriller by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Sea Castle.After the Underwater Investigation Unit’s disbandment, public outcry ushers Sloan McPherson and her partner, former navy diver Scott Hughes, back into the depths of crime solving. But Sloan’s return comes with a personal case.Longtime family friend Fred Stafford has disappeared. Left behind: his abandoned truck in the vicinity of an unmarked sinkhole and new findings that have Sloan second-guessing everything she thought she knew about the man. There are his gambling debts, his association with a treasure-hunting band of underwater cavern junkies called the Dive Rats, and most alarming of all, a discovery in Stafford’s storage shed that raises the stakes even higher and plunges Sloan into an unfathomable mystery.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this chilling story from the bestselling author of The Secret Mother, it’s the wedding day of Alice’s dreams. Until it becomes a nightmare… Alice and Seth are a perfect love story: the handsome doctor and his beautiful fiancée. They’re wealthy, well liked and made for each other—the envy of all their friends. Alice can’t wait for the day of their dream wedding. But when she arrives at the altar, she doesn’t recognise the man waiting to marry her. When this stranger insists he’s Seth, her husband-to-be, the entire congregation seems to agree. Even her parents try to persuade Alice to go through with the wedding. As panic sets in, Alice’s world comes apart. Where is the real Seth, and why have all traces of him disappeared from her life? Fearing she’s losing her mind, she sets out to uncover the truth and escape the nightmare she’s living in. But with everyone around her convinced by the fake Seth, how can she ever hope to find the man she loves?

Read more less

Book SynopsisGraffiti is a dying art in this thriller from the bestselling DI Nick Dixon crime series. A routine missing person enquiry takes a grisly turn when a young couple drag a box containing human remains out of a Somerset river. The victim was a surveillance expert investigating an exaggerated injury claim—a murder with an obvious motive, until a police officer is implicated and suspended. Still brooding after his recent brush with police Professional Standards, Detective Chief Inspector Nick Dixon is on extended leave, helping his pregnant fiancée, Detective Sergeant Jane Winter, fight for her place on the major investigation team. Convinced that the death of an art student is connected, Dixon returns to duty, and when graffiti depicting the murders starts to appear, the race is on to find the artist and the murderer. But, why the paintings? Could an infamous street artist be involved? With colleagues questioning his every move, Dixon must stop a sadistic killer before another life is taken. Then a second art student is reported missing…

Read more less

Book Synopsis“Amina Akhtar’s Almost Surely Dead is a witty, fresh psychological thriller that’s part stalker thriller, part ghost story. This book took turns I never saw coming. I was up all night, tearing through the pages as the mysterious pieces came together, leading to an explosive conclusion.” —Mindy Kaling A psychological thriller with a twist, Almost Surely Dead is a chilling account of how one woman’s life spins out of control after a terrifying—and seemingly random—attempt on her life. Dunia Ahmed lives an ordinary life—or she definitely used to. Now she’s the subject of a true crime podcast. She’s been missing for over a year, and no one knows if she’s dead or alive. But her story has listeners obsessed, and people everywhere are sporting merch that demands “Find Dunia!” In the days before her disappearance, Dunia is a successful pharmacist living in New York. The daughter of Pakistani immigrants, she’s coping with a broken engagement and the death of her mother. But then something happens that really shakes up her world: someone tries to murder her. When her would-be killer winds up dead, Dunia figures the worst is over. But then there’s another attempt on her life…and another. And police suspect someone close to her may be the culprit. Dunia struggles to make sense of what’s happening. And as childhood superstitions seep into her reality, she becomes convinced that someone—or something—is truly after her.Trade ReviewPraise for Amina Akhtar Almost Surely Dead “Akhtar’s novel has one foot set firmly in folklore and the other in fast-paced action as Dunia questions whom she can trust and what she will have to do to survive. Though the suspense is real, Akhtar deftly weaves in levity with the campiness of the podcast, and the earnestness of Dunia’s voice keeps the reader rooting for her to outrun her demons. A nimble and eerie thriller.” —Kirkus Reviews “Amina Akhtar delivers a surprising and suspenseful ride. This is a winner.” —Publishers Weekly “Twisty, chilling, and original, Almost Surely Dead is an absolutely addictive page-turner. I couldn’t put it down.” —Meg Gardiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author “A shocking act of violence opens the door to a terrifying mystery in this eerie, addictive thriller from Amina Akhtar.” —Chuck Wendig, bestselling author of The Book of Accidents “I didn’t think Amina Akhtar could get better, but she has—crafting a wholly unique and mesmerizing novel that is impossible to categorize or forget. Part thriller, part family saga, part supernatural horror, Almost Surely Dead will surprise you in the best way possible and leave you thinking about this magnificent book for a long time after you’re done. A powerhouse.” —Alex Segura, bestselling author of Secret Identity “Full of energy, suspense, and the frightening possibility of the supernatural, Almost Surely Dead is a spine-chilling thrill of a book that will grip you from the very first page and refuse to let go. A gripping gothic of the true crime podcasting era.” —S. C. Lalli, international bestselling author of Are You Sara? “What’s a girl to do when the universe seems to want you dead? The answer is nothing you’d expect—but everything you’d want from one of the most exciting thriller writers in the business. Almost Surely Dead is a sparkling, twisted gem of a book, a riotously funny and deeply unsettling examination of the ways in which we are—and in which we refuse to be—defined by our pasts. This is Akhtar’s best work yet, and I loved every word.” —Elizabeth Little, bestselling author of Dear Daughter “Amina Akhtar isn’t a writer; she’s a word magician, a wonderful comedian who juggles the darkest themes and the ugly things that make us human, the young, smart, fashion-savvy auntie who knows where the bodies are buried and reminds you to call your mom. And she keeps getting better with every book. Almost Surely Dead is a witty, wildly entertaining novel that dips its toes in the supernatural while delivering social commentary, highlighting the realities of the Pakistani diaspora, and dancing with the ghosts and superstitions we all carry in our blood. Don’t miss it.” —Gabino Iglesias, Bram Stoker Award–winning author of The Devil Takes You Home “Akhtar coils constant paranoia, flash-forward dread, and family tragedy into an electric threat of a novel. This book will have you glancing over your shoulder. A unique thriller.” —Hailey Piper, Bram Stoker Award–winning author of No Gods for Drowning “Almost Surely Dead is such a masterful slow burn of a mystery it’ll singe your fingertips. Amina Akhtar creeps you out, keeps you guessing, and forces you to the edge of your seat, constructing a story that, in the end, is as surprising as it is deeply human.” —Rob Hart, author of Paradox Hotel Kismet “An amusing takedown of influencer culture.” —Kirkus Reviews “Akhtar turns her sharp wit on the wellness community and its dark secrets in a thriller [that is] equal parts vicious and funny.” —USA Today “Akhtar brings to her second novel…a gimlet-eyed view of Sedona, Arizona’s wellness pretensions and a wicked way with one-liners…the surprises Akhtar has in store upend assumptions about trauma, healing, and the motivations of those who helicopter into lands they claim to hold sacred.” —Los Angeles Times “Twisty, sardonic.” —Oprah Daily “The alluring world of wellness gets a fatal awakening in Amina Akhtar’s darkly humorous thriller Kismet.” —PopSugar “[Kismet] skewers the wellness industry of Sedona (Amina Akhtar is now based in Arizona) and also includes a light supernatural touch that’s perfectly integrated into the thriller arc as a whole.” —CrimeReads “Amina Akhtar weaves a wickedly smart tale.” —Desi News “With Kismet, Amina Akhtar invites us into the foxhole with Ronnie Khan, a New Yorker stationed in Sedona, just in time for Wellness World War. I loved this book—the claustrophobia of wide ‘open’ exclusive spaces. Amina teleports us to the passive-aggressive front lines in this dry landscape where caftans and corpses are equally foreboding. You want Ronnie to make a run for it, but she’s a real hero—she wants to make a go for it. Lucky for us, she stays. Kismet is wicked and smart, a fly-on-the-wall humdinger where a light social gathering spikes your blood pressure. Amina deftly intertwines the earthly with the otherworldly. Read it now so you can be the one telling your friends about Kismet.” —Caroline Kepnes, New York Times bestselling author of You “Amina Akhtar had me at ravens! Then she kept me turning the pages with her colorful cast of characters, keen insights, and layered, engaging heroine. Kismet is darkly funny, sharply observant, and full of surprises. Don’t miss this utterly original and wildly entertaining thriller.” —Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of Last Girl Ghosted “The twists just keep coming in Kismet, Amina Akhtar’s dark and delicious thriller. I can’t imagine a better companion around these nail-biting curves than the novel’s protagonist, Ronnie Khan, who is wide eyed yet smarter than she lets on, naive yet world weary. In a nutshell: she’s the perfect heroine. I’d follow her anywhere.” —Jess Lourey, Amazon Charts bestselling author of Unspeakable Things “Dead bodies are turning up in Sedona’s upscale wellness community? Sign me up! I loved everything about Kismet, Amina Akhtar’s sharply observant, funny thriller. Gleeful and gripping, Akhtar has knocked it out of the park with this wickedly entertaining, twisty novel.” —Jennifer Hillier, bestselling author of Little Secrets “A chilling tale that lures in the reader with a seductive blend of friendship and tranquility, then transforms it into something evil and deliciously twisted.” —A. R. Torre, New York Times bestselling author of Every Last Secret “Kismet is funny, sharp, twisty, and spot on. Whether she’s dealing with toxic relationships or everyday racism, Ronnie Khan is a character that you can’t help but root for. I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun reading a novel. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is going to be talking about those ravens.” —Kellye Garrett, Agatha, Anthony, and Lefty Award–winning author of Like a Sister “Wickedly smart and outrageously entertaining, Kismet grabs hold and doesn’t let go until a final twist that will have even the savviest readers gasping. Just like the clever, scene-stealing ravens, Akhtar skewers those who deserve it with her trademark wit while also layering in emotional nuance as compelling as the captivating mystery. At once atmospheric, chilling, and thought provoking, Kismet will surely be this summer’s must-read thriller.” —Brianna Labuskes, bestselling author of A Familiar Sight “Gaspingly original. Kismet is brilliant and twisty—a knockout page-turner about guilt, revenge, and the toxicity of family and friendships. The oh-so-talented Amina Akhtar unleashes her keen eye and mordant wit—and exquisite understanding of human emotions—to reveal the dark side of the wellness industry and the terrifying reality behind the glam exteriors. Wow! This gripping, heartbreaking, and constantly surprising thriller is not to be missed!” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of Her Perfect Life “Amina Akhtar yet again brings her wickedly wicked style to this twisty thriller about a woman who’s finally taken charge of her life—only to find dead bodies piling up around her in the wellness community where she’s starting over. Kismet is a page-turner populated by eerie ravens and people who aren’t what they seem in a perfectly unsettling desert setting.” —Gigi Pandian, USA Today bestselling author of Under Lock and Skeleton Key “Kismet is the twistiest, most delicious take on wellness and self-care gone wrong. With a cast of unforgettable characters, a point of view you’ll never guess, and an ending that leaves you breathless, you’ll be busting down doors to join me as copresident of the Amina Akhtar fan club!” —Yasmin Angoe, author of Her Name Is Knight “Kismet is a gleeful (and at times literal) skewering of influencer culture and clout chasing, as well as a deeply relevant look at how easily and often the white wellness world intersects with racism and cultural appropriation—and how blind we can be to that and to the stain it leaves on the world around us. A bold and insightful whodunnit that ensures you’ll never look at ravens the same way again.” —Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, bestselling authors of The Royal We and The Heir Affair “Unsettling from the very first page, Kismet takes its readers on a wild ride set in Sedona’s wellness community, featuring a serial killer, crystals, and kick-ass ravens. It’s strange and smart and spellbinding, with sharp social commentary and huge surprises. Another eerie gem from Amina Akhtar.” —Megan Collins, author of The Family Plot “A mystery thriller just the way I like them—full of secrets and karma. Amina Akhtar creeps us out and keeps us guessing all the way!” —Christopher Golden, New York Times bestselling author of Road of Bones and Ararat “Kismet is as atmospheric as it is dark and twisted. An unsettling read with wholly original protagonists, this is one thrilling story I won’t be forgetting soon.” —Hannah Mary McKinnon, international bestselling author of Never Coming Home “A remarkably original, terrifying read that seized me from the first line. Kismet is an astonishing, expertly structured thriller. Akhtar’s signature creepy tone, suffused with dread and laced with wicked humor, is riveting. Her characters make you blur the lines of morality and justice. With brilliantly shifting points of view, a touch of magic, and a jaw-dropping ending, this is a stand-out suspense.” —Samantha M. Bailey, international bestselling author of Woman on the Edge and Watch Out for Her “A desert setting, crystals to ward off evil, cunning ravens, and murder. Amina Akhtar has whipped up a creepy mystery that will have you second-guessing what you know about the wellness industry, not to mention what to think the next time you see ravens!” —Wanda Morris, Lefty-nominated author of All Her Little Secrets “One of the most original, chilling, and startlingly honest thrillers I’ve ever read, Amina Akhtar plunges readers into an altogether fresh flavor of hell in Kismet. Balancing nail-biting terror with razor-sharp wit, Akhtar interrogates the feral side of the human heart with a rare fearlessness that is certain to make Kismet one of the year’s hottest titles and an absolute must-read. Period.” —P. J. Vernon, acclaimed author of Bath Haus

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of A Killer’s Wife comes an intense tale of revenge as Solomon Shepard falls prey to a vicious ex-con, who claims the prosecutor put him away for a crime he didn’t commit. After a traumatic injury took him off the job, prosecutor Solomon Shepard is back to work, teaming up with Sheriff Billie Gray to hunt down Utah’s most dangerous criminals. Shepard has spent years away from crime scenes and courtrooms, but one of those criminals still holds a grudge. Alonso Hafeez is out of prison after eleven years, and he’s determined to prove that Shepard tried him for a crime he didn’t commit. And he’s got something special planned: kidnapping Shepard and forcing him to revisit Hafeez’s case in an elaborately staged retrial. As Hafeez descends further into delusion, Shepard’s only choice is to play along with the ex-con’s rapidly deteriorating sense of reality. Meanwhile, Sheriff Gray is working herself to the breaking point as she races to find them before Hafeez’s plans take a deadly turn. With Hafeez playing judge and jury, hell-bent on proving his innocence, Shepard will be the only guilty party left to execute.

Read more less

Book Synopsis"An exhilarating and accomplished action-packed thriller."—B. A. Paris Her best friend is dead. Emma and Ariella, neighbours in one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs, appear to have it all—perfect homes, perfect husbands, perfect lives. But they both know dark secrets lurk beneath the surface and shallow waters can’t hide Ariella’s. Now she has been found murdered. Her daughter filmed the killing. Not knowing what she’s filmed, Emma’s daughter Kiki innocently uploads footage of Ariella’s brutal death. Emma fears the worst—the killer will know what she and Kiki have seen. Their safe suburban lives no longer exist. Her husband knows more than he’s revealing. Emma’s husband Charles forces the family to leave their perfect life and escape on their yacht. His dangerous plan to flee means Emma is trapped and desperately seeking answers. What are they hiding from? What did Ariella have to confess? And who else knows Emma’s own secret? Her secret isn’t safe and neither is she.Trade Review“An exhilarating and accomplished action-packed thriller, The Shallows will have you gripped right from the start.” —B.A. Paris, author of Behind Closed Doors, The Therapist, and The Prisoner “The Shallows is a gripping thriller about survival and the murky depths we can go to for wealth and prestige. Relentlessly fast-paced and packed full of tension, it’s the definition of a page-turner.” —John Marrs, author of Keep It in the Family “A stunning thriller….Glamorous, tense, gripping and twisty….What a ride!” —Shalini Boland, author of The Silent Bride “This one is fast, fun and twisty—A great read!” —Sarah Bailey, author of the Detective Woodstock series “Immersive, compulsive storytelling...The Shallows will hook you and keep you reading long into the night.” —G R Halliday, author of the Monica Kennedy series “Packed with twists and turns, this is a rollercoaster of a thriller that will leave you guessing—and your adrenaline spiked! I read it in a weekend.” —Ali Lowe, author of The Trivia Night “The author we’ve all been waiting on.…Her talent does NOT disappoint!” —Paula Johnston, author of The Lies She Told “A dark and murky read that is ultimately filled with epic, strong women. Desperate Housewives meets Dead Calm.” —Susi Holliday, author of The Hike “The Shallows is a brilliantly written observation into how well we know those closest to us, both physically and emotionally. Superbly rich in setting, fantastically tense in atmosphere. I flew through it.” —L. V. Matthews, author of The Twins “A relentlessly gripping thriller with unguessable twists.” —K. L. Slater, author of The Girlfriend

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this thrilling conclusion of the Nena Knight series, the trained assassin will have to confront the ghosts of her past…before she becomes one herself. Until his untimely death, Nena’s mentor was the backbone of the Tribe. With his leadership position unfilled and despite the Tribe’s newfound misgivings about her, Nena has stepped into a new role she never wanted. Politics is an entirely new venture for her, and now one of the Tribe’s own has been kidnapped, forcing her back to her origins as an assassin. But the only person qualified for such a rescue mission is Nena Knight—and a new team whose trust in her continues to waver. Determined to harness the power of her former role to succeed in her new one, Nena must also face what she left behind. Old fears, resentments, and anger threaten the precarious hold Nena has on her new life as she realizes that the past—and the people from it—are never far behind.Trade ReviewPraise for It Ends with Knight “Watch your back, Liam Neeson. This avenger is tough.” —Kirkus Reviews “High-stakes action, intrigue and a professional assassin…the thrilling conclusion to Yasmin Angoe’s Nena Knight series has it all.” —Woman's World “It Ends with Knight is a gripping novel full of intrigue and fight scenes balanced with scenes that develop Nena’s relationships and reveal personal growth. If you like thrillers, don’t miss this one.” —Southern Literary Review “Nena Knight can cover Orphan X’s six o’clock any day! Stolen from her village in Ghana, Knight reinvents herself as an elite assassin capable of all orders of badassery. One of thrillerdom’s rising stars, Yasmin Angoe paints Knight with nuance, strength, and grace. These books burn hot and read fast.” —Gregg Hurwitz, New York Times bestselling author of the Orphan X series “It Ends with Knight finishes this trilogy every bit as heart pounding, soul-searching, and explosive as it started. Nena Knight now takes her place alongside crime fiction’s most unforgettable heroines.” —Rachel Howzell Hall, New York Times bestselling author of We Lie Here and These Toxic Things “Yasmin Angoe returns with both barrels blazing in It Ends with Knight. Nena Knight is such a well-crafted character, and Angoe’s writing is an absolute joy. You need some pretty strong writer mojo to get readers to root for an assassin, and Angoe pulls it off. I truly hope It Ends with Knight is not the end of this wonderful series.” —Tracy Clark, bestselling author and winner of the Sue Grafton Memorial Award Praise for They Come at Knight An Amazon Best Book of the Month: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense “There’s nothing ho hum about Nena Knight, the killer at the heart of Yasmin Angoe’s They Come at Knight…In one blistering action scene after another, we get to see how good Nena is at what she does.” —New York Times Book Review “A second round of action-packed, high-casualty intrigue for professional assassin Nena Knight. A lethal tale of an all-but-superhero whose author promises that ‘in this story, there are no heroes.’” —Kirkus Reviews “This action-packed novel drives toward an explosive conclusion. Determined to survive devastating loss and mete out justice, Nena is a heroine readers will embrace.” —Publishers Weekly Praise for Her Name Is Knight “This stunning debut…deftly balances action, interpersonal relationships, issues of trauma, and profound human questions in an unforgettable novel.” —Library Journal (starred review) “A parable of reclaiming personal and tribal identity by seizing power at all costs.” —Kirkus Reviews “Angoe expertly builds tension by shifting between her lead’s past and present lives. Thriller fans will cheer Aninyeh every step of the way.” —Publishers Weekly “An action-packed thriller you can lose yourself in.” —PopSugar “Memorable characters, drama, heart-pounding danger…this suspenseful novel has it all.” —Woman’s World “A crackerjack story with truly memorable characters. I can’t wait to see what Yasmin Angoe comes up with next.” —David Baldacci, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Yasmin Angoe’s debut novel, Her Name Is Knight, is an amazing, action-packed international thriller full of suspense, danger, and even romance. It’s like a John Wick prequel except John is a beautiful African woman with a particular set of skills.” —S. A. Cosby, New York Times bestselling author of Razorblade Tears “It’s hard to believe that Her Name Is Knight is Yasmin Angoe’s debut novel. This dual-timeline story about a highly trained Miami-based assassin who learns to reclaim her power after having her entire life ripped from her as a teenager in Ghana is equal parts love story, social commentary, and action thriller. Nena Knight will stay with you long after you’ve read the last word, and this is a must-read for fans of Lee Child and S. A. Cosby. I found myself crying in one chapter and cheering in the next. I couldn’t put it down!” —Kellye Garrett, Anthony, Agatha, and Lefty Award–winning author “This was a book I couldn’t put down. Yasmin Angoe does a brilliant job of inviting you into a world of espionage and revenge while giving her characters depth and backstory that pull the reader in even more. This story has depth, excitement, and heartbreaking loss all intertwined into an awesome debut. The spy thriller genre has a new name to look out for!” —Matthew Farrell, bestselling author of Don’t Ever Forget “This brave and profoundly gorgeous thriller takes readers to places they’ve never been, to challenges they’ve never faced, and to judgments that leave the strongest in tears. Her Name Is Knight is a stunning and important debut, and Yasmin Angoe is a fantastic new talent.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of Her Perfect Life “Her Name Is Knight is a roundhouse kick of a novel—intense, evocative, and loaded with character and international intrigue. Nena Knight is a protagonist for the ages and one readers will not soon forget. Her Name Is Knight isn’t just thrills and action, either—the book lingers with you long after you’ve finished. More, please.” —Alex Segura, acclaimed author of Star Wars Poe Dameron: Free Fall, Secret Identity, and Blackout

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb comes a thrilling installment in the Finley O’Sullivan series about a well-connected woman who stands accused of her husband’s murder. She’s innocent—unless Finley proves otherwise. Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan has had a difficult year in the wake of her husband’s murder. But in her line of work, there’s no time to grieve. Her job is to protect the firm’s clients and defend their innocence through grueling investigative work. Ellen Winthrop is a force to be reckoned with in the financial world. In a male-dominated industry, she shattered the glass ceiling by empowering and promoting women. But now her husband is dead, killed in the Winthrop family home—and she stands accused of his murder. Finley, as the investigator at the firm Ellen Winthrop hired to defend her, has a clear objective: prove that Ellen didn’t do it. But the deeper Finley digs into the Winthrops’ marriage, the more she starts to doubt Ellen’s story. The uncomfortable truth is that Ellen Winthrop may in fact have killed her husband. And he might not have been the first.Trade ReviewPraise for Debra Webb The Nature of Secrets “A Nashville investigator with a dark past fights inner demons to reclaim her life.” —Kirkus Reviews “Readers will root for the fully realized lead characters, despite their flaws, as the complex plot builds to a satisfying climax. Webb should win new fans.” —Publishers Weekly The Last Lie Told “A complex case fraught with angst and danger ends with surprising revelations.” —Kirkus Reviews “Debra Webb writes the kind of thrillers I love to read. Sure, there is a murder or more. Yes, a twisted mystery to be solved. Once again, in The Last Lie Told, her characters are fully rendered and reveal themselves authentically as her novel unfolds and careens to its stunning conclusion. The Last Lie Told is her best yet. Webb is the queen of smart suspense.” —Gregg Olsen, #1 New York Times bestselling author Can’t Go Back “A complex, exciting mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews “Police procedural fans will be sorry to see the last of Kerri and Luke.” —Publishers Weekly “Threats, violence, and a dramatic climax…Good for procedural readers.” —Library Journal Gone Too Far “An intriguing, fast-paced combination of police procedural and thriller.” —Kirkus Reviews “Those who like a lot of family drama in their police procedurals will be satisfied.” —Publishers Weekly Trust No One “Trust No One is Debra Webb at her finest. Political intrigue and dark family secrets will keep readers feverishly turning pages to uncover all the twists in this stunning thriller.” —Melinda Leigh, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Cross Her Heart “A wild, twisting crime thriller filled with secrets, betrayals, and complex characters that will keep you up until you reach the last darkly satisfying page. A five-star beginning to Debra Webb’s explosive series!” —Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author “Debra Webb once again delivers with Trust No One, a twisty and gritty page-turning procedural with a cast of complex characters and a compelling cop heroine in Detective Kerri Devlin. I look forward to seeing more of Detectives Devlin and Falco.” —Loreth Anne White, Washington Post bestselling author of In the Deep “Trust No One is a gritty and exciting ride. Webb skillfully weaves together a mystery filled with twists and turns. I was riveted as each layer of the past peeled away, revealing dark secrets. An intriguing cast of complicated characters, led by the compelling Detective Kerri Devlin, had me holding my breath until the last page.” —Brianna Labuskes, Washington Post bestselling author of Girls of Glass “Debra Webb’s name says it all.” —Karen Rose, New York Times bestselling author

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb comes another heart-pounding thriller featuring investigator Finley O’Sullivan, this time taking on a cold case that could uncover new dangers. Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan has dealt with her share of shady characters, but the firm’s latest client has an even darker past than most. In fact, Nashville Metro Police seems to think he’s a murderer. Finley isn’t so sure. Her investigation into Ray Johnson’s history focuses on the unsolved murder of a teenager who died thirteen years earlier. The case went cold, but questions remain. After the girl’s death, people close to her started disappearing—Ray’s brother first, then the girl’s mother. But why? As Finley races to solve a decade-old murder, she uncovers new clues and long-buried secrets that could blow the case wide open. But whoever killed the girl all those years ago may still be a threat—and now the chase is on.Trade ReviewAll the Little Truths “A convoluted, fast-paced mystery whose intrepid heroine faces plenty of danger.” —Kirkus Reviews “The novel stands well on its own, but as in connected tales, it’s best read in order to experience character growth and story development. Webb’s fans and those who like Lisa Jackson will enjoy.” —Library Journal The Last Lie Told “A complex case fraught with angst and danger ends with surprising revelations.” —Kirkus Reviews “Debra Webb writes the kind of thrillers I love to read. Sure, there is a murder or more. Yes, there’s a twisted mystery to be solved. Once again, in The Last Lie Told, her characters are fully rendered and reveal themselves authentically as her novel unfolds and careens to its stunning conclusion. The Last Lie Told is her best yet. Webb is the queen of smart suspense.” —Gregg Olsen, #1 New York Times bestselling author Can’t Go Back “A complex, exciting mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews “Police procedural fans will be sorry to see the last of Kerri and Luke.” —Publishers Weekly “Threats, violence, and a dramatic climax…Good for procedural readers.” —Library Journal Gone Too Far “An intriguing, fast-paced combination of police procedural and thriller.” —Kirkus Reviews “Those who like a lot of family drama in their police procedurals will be satisfied.” —Publishers Weekly Trust No One “Trust No One is Debra Webb at her finest. Political intrigue and dark family secrets will keep readers feverishly turning pages to uncover all the twists in this stunning thriller.” —Melinda Leigh, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Cross Her Heart “A wild, twisting crime thriller filled with secrets, betrayals, and complex characters that will keep you up until you reach the last darkly satisfying page. A five-star beginning to Debra Webb’s explosive series!” —Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author “Debra Webb once again delivers with Trust No One, a twisty and gritty page-turning procedural with a cast of complex characters and a compelling cop heroine in Detective Kerri Devlin. I look forward to seeing more of Detectives Devlin and Falco.” —Loreth Anne White, Washington Post bestselling author of In the Deep “Trust No One is a gritty and exciting ride. Webb skillfully weaves together a mystery filled with twists and turns. I was riveted as each layer of the past peeled away, revealing dark secrets. An intriguing cast of complicated characters, led by the compelling Detective Kerri Devlin, had me holding my breath until the last page.” —Brianna Labuskes, Washington Post bestselling author of Girls of Glass “Debra Webb’s name says it all.” —Karen Rose, New York Times bestselling author

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor a disgraced reporter, unraveling a conspiracy of murder could mean redemption in a powerful novel of suspense by the bestselling author of Out of the Ashes.Reporter Lee Ellerin’s investigation into a young woman’s unsolved murder gained national attention—only for her to lose everything due to a tragic mistake. After being publicly ridiculed for causing a suspect’s death, Lee is forced to leave her career behind.Five years later, pregnant college student Amanda Hartley lies in a coma. The police say she attempted suicide, but the details don’t add up. Where is the father? Who was paying for Amanda’s Manhattan penthouse? Why did Amanda have a note with Lee’s name in her backpack? There’s also one alarming coincidence: Amanda was last seen on Dune Road in the Hamptons—where the murder victim in Lee’s previous investigation disappeared.As she’s pulled back into the still-unsolved ca

Read more less

Book Synopsis“Lauren Thoman’s I’ll Stop the World is a whip-smart mystery with a vibrant cast of characters that gives off great eighties vibes. I was absolutely dazzled by this unputdownable genre-bending novel that’s equal parts coming-of-age suspense and emotional tale of forgiveness and second chances.” —Mindy Kaling The end and the beginning become one in a heart-pounding coming-of-age mystery about the power of friendship, fate, and inexplicable second chances. Is it the right place at the wrong time? Or the wrong place at the right time? Trapped in a dead-end town, Justin Warren has had his life defined by the suspicious deaths of his grandparents. The unsolved crime happened long before Justin was born, but the ripple effects are still felt after thirty-eight years. Justin always knew he wouldn’t have much of a future. He just never imagined that his life might take him backward. In a cosmic twist of fate, Justin’s choices send him crashing into the path of determined optimist Rose Yin. Justin and Rose live in the same town and attend the same school, but have never met—because Rose lives in 1985. Justin won’t be born for another twenty years. And his grandparents are still alive—for now. In a series of events that reverberate through multiple lifetimes, Justin and Rose have a week to get Justin unstuck in time and put each of them in control of their futures—by solving a murder that hasn’t even happened yet.Trade Review“Thoman’s ambitious timeline of events is both expansive and compressed, with the storyline unfolding over the course of both one week and 38 years, and her portrayal of teenagers in varying degrees of crisis is sympathetic. A novel look at strange (and stranger) things.” —Kirkus Reviews “Thoman’s sweeping debut defies categorization. A multigenerational mystery, a compulsively readable love story, an intricately woven sci-fi—whatever it is, I’ll Stop the World is the mind-bendy time-travel eighties romp we all need right now. I’m obsessed with this book.” —David Arnold, New York Times bestselling author “I’ll Stop the World layers mystery upon mystery, from the everyday secrets in the lives of teens coming of age in a small town now to the dark shock waves still radiating out from deaths that took place decades before. Lauren Thoman’s debut novel is a time-bending page-turner packed with twists no one will see coming. This is a story that continues to resonate long after you finish.” —Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds “In this standout debut, Lauren Thoman takes the reader on a wild ride, deftly wrapping a coming-of-age story with a clever mystery, sprinkled with eighties nostalgia that’ll have you reaching for your Bubble Yum. As I tore through the pages, I fell in love with the cast of flawed and funny characters, who felt as real as the friends I grew up with. Best of all, Thoman delivers an impossibly satisfying ending in a way only the very best time-travel storytellers can. This one should go at the top of everyone’s must-read list!” —Brianna Labuskes, Wall Street Journal bestselling author “A brilliant, thought-provoking page-turner that so deeply sucked me into a world of richly drawn characters and fast-paced action that I never wanted to leave.” —Sonali Dev, USA Today bestselling author of The Vibrant Years “A page-turning, time-bending mystery full of heart. I’ll Stop the World gave me a chance to solve a cold crime from a refreshing new perspective. Lauren Thoman is an exciting new talent not to be missed!” —Kara Thomas, bestselling author of That Weekend and Out of the Ashes

Read more less

Book SynopsisNew York in the Roaring Twenties—a riveting true-crime novel, based on one of the most notorious unsolved murders of the era, where power, politics, and secrets conspire to bury the truth. Manhattan, 1923. Scandalous flapper Dot King is found dead in her Midtown apartment, a bottle of chloroform beside her and a fortune in jewels missing. Dot’s headline-making murder grips the city. It also draws a clutch of lovers, parasites, and justice seekers into one of the city’s most mesmerizing mysteries. Among them: Daily News crime reporter Julia Harpman, chasing the story while navigating a male-dominated industry; righteous NYPD detective John D. Coughlin, struggling against city corruption; and Ella Bradford, the victim’s Harlem maid, closest confidante, and keeper of secrets. Adding fuel to the already volatile crime: a politically connected Philadelphia socialite, an Atlantic City bootlegger, Dot’s dicey gigolo lover, a sultry Broadway dancer, and a cagey sugar daddy guarding secrets of his own. From Broadway’s glittering lights to its sordid underbelly to the machinations of the country’s most powerful men, Julia embarks on a quest for justice. What she discovers, twist after breathtaking twist, might be even more nefarious than murder.Trade Review“DiVello maintains a breakneck pace from one brief, datelined chapter to the next. Her pulpy, over-the-top prose credibly evokes the era’s crime magazines, while her fidelity to the characters and the well-documented facts surrounding the unsolved murder give the story extra interest.” —Kirkus Reviews “[T]his kaleidoscopic mystery impresses with its thoroughness and poignancy. Fans of historical true crime and stories set in the 1920s will be rapt.” —Publishers Weekly “Based on a confounding, never-solved true crime and featuring real-life figures, DiVello's latest offers readers all they need to reach their own verdict…DiVello will delight readers with this foray into fiction highlighting Julia Harpman and her remarkable career.” —Booklist (starred review) “This page-turner of a story with tentacles reaching from Broadway to the White House exposes the influence of money and power. Fans of true crime and true-crime podcasts will be hooked.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Precise and transportive…DiVello’s passion for the genre is evident both in the writing and by her role as creator and host of a mystery and thriller podcast. The end result is a fascinating murder mystery packed with history.” —Associated Press “The research on this is intensive and detailed—the dark side of Broadway fame during the Roaring Twenties. A very compelling story.” —Montecito Journal “[Sara] DiVello provides an expansive overview of her process during the nine-year journey to uncover the unadulterated story of Dot King’s unsolved murder. It is clear that DiVello doesn’t want us to forget her. I certainly won’t—and I’ll be looking forward to DiVello’s next novel. Highly recommended.” —Historical Novels Review (Editors' Choice) “Broadway Butterfly is thrilling, surprising, and page-turning. The drama in this Pulitzer-worthy book—like the events and characters in it—is very real, and Sara DiVello more than does it justice.” —Crimespree Magazine “Sara DiVello has written a tour-de-force from the opening scene to the twist in the tale ending. Broadway Butterfly brings the world of the Roaring Twenties to life with consummate historical research resonating from every page. A gripping account of the notorious Dot King murder and its consequences, any fan of true crime will welcome this in their collection.” —Authorlink “Glamour and greed collide in this whip-smart mystery set against the glittering backdrop of 1920s New York. The characters had me hooked. The incredible twists and turns kept me racing back for more.” —Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One Step Too Far “Sara DiVello transports us to a glitzy, glamorous, and dangerous 1920s New York City in this pacy, twisting mystery. Through her layered, intriguing cast of characters, DiVello boldly takes on issues of class, gender, race, and corruption, while ratcheting up the tension page after gripping page. Broadway Butterfly is classic noir suspense with a beating heart, and DiVello is a writer to watch.” —Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six “Corruption and secrets collide in this roller coaster of a read that reminds us truth is stranger than fiction. I was fully immersed in learning about one of the most infamous crimes of the century, which illustrates that the struggle for power and privilege—those who have it, those who want it, and those who would kill to keep it—is eternal.” —Sally Hepworth, New York Times bestselling author of The Younger Wife “Richly imagined and impeccably researched, Broadway Butterfly instantly transported me to another place and time. Sara DiVello revisits the glory and hardships of being a woman during the Roaring Twenties in this smart, enthralling story of obsession, scandal, and murder. With Broadway Butterfly, DiVello has proved herself a refreshing, exciting new voice in crime fiction. I’m a fan for life.” —Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Overnight Guest “Broadway Butterfly reads like an edge-of-your-seat movie. This impressively researched, fascinating true-murder story will have readers guessing and re-guessing on every page.” —Lisa Genova, New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice and Remember “A rip-roaring historical mystery with a true crime at its heart, Broadway Butterfly captures both the seedy underbelly and the glamour of New York in the 1920s—flappers and murderers and plots and gangsters and intrepid reporters and gruff detectives abound—and provides a pitch-perfect whodunit. DiVello’s impeccable research and depiction of crimes and morality in Jazz Age New York will delight true-crime fans. Don’t miss this!” —J. T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of It’s One of Us “Calling all Hitchcock fans, Sara DiVello takes you into the gritty noir underworld of 1920s Manhattan with a page-turning glimpse into a real-life murder. I raced through the retelling of the investigation while trying to stay one step ahead in solving the crime.” —Isabella Maldonado, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Nina Guerrera series “1920s Manhattan. A dead party girl. A list of suspects worthy of a killer game of Clue. Yes, please. Broadway Butterfly is the cat’s pajamas. What a ride!” —Tracy Clark, author of the Cass Raines and Detective Harriet Foster series “DiVello’s blisteringly immersive investigation of an unsolved 1923 murder doesn’t just make for high-octane catnip for any true-crime reader; it also bends and transcends the genre for a read as gripping as a page-turning novel and as thrilling, cinematic, and full of mind-boggling wonder as a big-screen blockbuster. About injustice and justice, and murder and passion, all set against the loudly Roaring Twenties and the reign of the worst president America might ever have had, this who- and why-dunit should come with a warning label: buy extra press-on nails because you’re not going to be able to stop biting yours.” —Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of With or Without You “Sara DiVello is a wonderful and oh-so-talented new voice in true-crime fiction! Her spellbinding Broadway Butterfly—Gatsby meets Ragtime—is completely entertaining, with its jazz babies and gigolos, high-society galas and gritty newsrooms, tough cops and fast-talking criminals. Impeccably (and impressively) researched and ingeniously written, it’s as cinematic and riveting as a classic film, where vibrant and passionate characters and their fascinating settings come to life—and history becomes even more compelling. This mix of true crime and stylish voice is simply terrific storytelling. I devoured it.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of The House Guest “Sara DiVello’s Broadway Butterfly is a hypnotic thriller with characters you won’t soon forget wrapped up in a mystery that is as complexingly seductive as the glitz-and-glam era it takes place in. You will be rooted in your seat until you hit ‘The End.’” —Yasmin Angoe, bestselling author of the critically acclaimed Nena Knight series, Her Name Is Knight and They Come at Knight “Sara Divello has written a vibrant, interesting, and exciting mystery that embodies the best of the hedonistic time in which it's set. Fantastic work.” —S.A. Cosby, New York Times bestselling author of Razorblade Tears and Blacktop Wasteland “Instantly immersive and authentic—a great story, beautifully told.” —Lee Child, #1 internationally bestselling author of the Jack Reacher Series “Broadway Butterfly is such a propulsive, thrilling read while engaging on a deeper level with themes of privilege, sexism, racism and class. I was seduced from the very first page. I loved this book!” —Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn instant USA Today bestseller. A woman in search of a new beginning is put to the test in ways she never imagined in an empowering and provocative page-turner by the author of Not That I Could Tell. Katie’s divorce was, in a word, humiliating. So when her friend Bess offers a fresh start—a resident caretaking job at a nature preserve—Katie accepts. No matter that she’s not exactly a “nature person.” How hard can it be? But from day one, something feels off. Katie’s new farmhouse looks as if the last caretaker barely moved out at all. When a frantic, terrified woman arrives late at night, expecting a safe place to hide, it’s clear caretaking involves way more than Katie bargained for. Suddenly, Katie is no longer sure who she can trust: the brooding groundskeeper, the daily regulars—hikers, dog walkers, bird-watchers, photographers—even Bess. As Katie digs deeper for clues in what the last caretaker left behind, she must discover courage she never knew she had—and decide how much she’ll risk to do the right thing.Trade Review“Strawser’s latest fast-paced page-turner (following The Next Thing You Know) grabs readers at the start and doesn’t let go. For fans of Sally Hepworth and Liane Moriarty.” —Library Journal “Strawser presents a fresh premise and compelling plot. The twists are unexpected, and Katie is pulled along through the adventure until she finds the courage to stand up for herself.” —Booklist “Ms. Strawser, author of Book of the Month bestseller Not That I Could Tell, gives readers a master class in distrust through the eyes of Katie…. Part of the human experience is learning moral and ethical boundaries, yet some situations are dicey, and what is right is less certain. To risk the courage to move forward and through situations—even and especially in the unknown—is a learned skill. Ms. Strawser navigates these waters with nimbleness, and readers might finish the book with a new sense of right from wrong—or, at the least, question their own beliefs, which is the power of a good book.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “You’re never sure who to trust or where everyone’s loyalties lie in this latest from the very talented Jessica Strawser. Deftly-written with an undercurrent of unease, The Last Caretaker is a relevant, harrowing mystery with page-turning suspense, a powerful storyline and relatable characters that readers will think about for a long time to come. Strawser’s fans will love this!” —Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Just the Nicest Couple “Riveting and evocative, The Last Caretaker takes its cast—and readers—down a path of discovery and strength, all while telling a story rich with grace and determination and yes—soul-deep hope. Turn off your phones; you will be reading this one in a single sitting.” —Kelly Harms, national bestselling author of Where the Wind Takes Us “A powerful and atmospheric tale that is equal parts emotion and suspense as a woman takes over as caretaker of a remote nature reserve, only to discover the barn is part of a dangerous underground network for victims of domestic violence. In The Last Caretaker, Strawser perfectly captures the perils of living in an isolated part of the world and the desperate measures some women must take in order to survive. A richly emotional page-turner with an important message.” —Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of Dear Wife and The Personal Assistant “Riveting, harrowing, timely, and important. The story of a woman fleeing a difficult past who stumbles upon a network of safe houses for domestic violence victims, The Last Caretaker is that rare combination of page-turning thriller and an issue-driven book with deep resonance. I couldn’t put it down, I can’t stop thinking about it, and I know it will stay with me for a very long time.” —Michele Campbell, internationally bestselling author of It’s Always the Husband “Jessica Strawser’s powerful page-turner The Last Caretaker takes us on a dark, winding journey that forces the protagonist to grapple with how far she would go to do the right thing, and at what price. Katie’s new job as a residential caretaker in a nature reserve is not what it seems…far from it. Strawser expertly tackles the mysteries around caretaking at the Grove Reserve with unputdownable twists and turns, proving that while life can get messy, the trick is being strong enough to handle the knocks at your door. Brava!” —Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire “The Last Caretaker is as full of life, beauty, and menace as the nature reserve in which it is set. This masterfully constructed novel explores just how much we’re willing to risk to do what’s right. Jessica Strawser’s writing drew me in and refused to let go until the very last page.” —Laura Hankin, author of The Daydreams “The Last Caretaker is a relevant, absorbing exploration into the dark side of relationships. Strawser’s skillful insights capture what it means to be a caretaker—what it’s worth and the impact on ourselves and those around us. A powerful read from start to finish, thought provoking, and unputdownable.” —Rochelle B. Weinstein, USA Today bestselling author “The Last Caretaker is the best kind of book: important, surprising, brave. You’ll want all your friends to read it.” —Ann Garvin, USA Today bestselling author of I Thought You Said This Would Work

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor DS Kat Ballantyne, finding the murderer might mean looking closer to home.DS Kat Ballantyne is still reeling from a revelation that turned life as she knew it upside down. But when a dog walker discovers the body of a woman among the standing stones known locally as the Three Sisters, there’s no time to focus on her own troubles. Kat is drawn back to work to investigate.At first, the death appears to be an accident. But then Kat discovers an infinity symbol branded onto the dead woman’s abdomen. She’s convinced there’s a vicious killer at large. Still juggling her turbulent private life with her professional duty, she begins to dig into the victim’s past. There, she uncovers shocking secrets and several potential suspects.When a second woman is found killed in similar circumstances, Kat needs answers fast. Does she have a serial killer on her hands? Or is the perpetrator motivated by something more personal? What connects

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor a brilliant forensic linguist, crimes of the past hold clues to new series of murders in a twisting novel of suspense by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of A Familiar Sight. The double murder of a married couple in a small Washington town draws FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto into an investigation that mirrors a decades-old crime. Twenty-five years ago—to the day—Alex Parker murdered his parents, then took his own life, leaving behind a note admitting everything. Raisa, paired with forensic psychologist Callum Kilkenny, uses her skills to read between the lines. Especially now that paranoid postings on a conspiracy thread suggest that Alex was a victim himself—theories that have piqued the interest of a perceptive content moderator and a true-crime podcaster eager for a big break. As old and new crimes converge, messages from the living and the confessions of the dead take on new meaning for Raisa. Something more sinister than a copycat crime is at play, and plundering the darkest corners of a killer’s mind leaves her vulnerable to a deadly twist even she never saw coming.Trade Review“Labuskes' series starter lays solid groundwork for future episodes featuring agents Susanto and Kilkenny, both complex characters with intriguing backstories, motivations, and personal blind spots. Hand to fans of Iris Johansen's forensic sculptor Eve Duncan and other detectives who take an unconventional approach to solving crime.” —Booklist “Women pathologists (Patricia Cornwell) and forensic anthropologists (Elly Griffiths) have starred in recent mysteries that appeared on best-of-the-year lists. Through her terrific new heroine, Labuskes has the fire and smarts to join them on the award dais.” —Library Journal (starred review) Praise for Brianna Labuskes What Can’t Be Seen “The book’s well-constructed plot matches its three-dimensional characters. Psychological-thriller fans will be eager for more.” —Publishers Weekly A Familiar Sight “A horrific brew for readers willing to immerse themselves in it.” —Kirkus Reviews “A strong plot and unforgettable characters make this a winner. Labuskes is on a roll.” —Publishers Weekly “A Familiar Sight has everything I crave in a thriller: a shocking, addictive female lead; unexpected twists that snapped off the page; and an ending that made me gasp out loud. I never saw it coming, but it was perfectly in sync with the razor-sharp balance between creepy and compelling that Labuskes carries throughout the novel. This is a one-sitting read.” —Jess Lourey, Amazon Charts bestselling author Her Final Words “Labuskes skillfully ratchets up the suspense. Readers will eagerly await her next.” —Publishers Weekly “Labuskes offers an intense mystery with an excellent character in Lucy, who methodically uncovers layers of deceit while trusting no one.” —Library Journal Girls of Glass “Excellent…Readers who enjoy having their expectations upset will be richly rewarded.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) It Ends with Her “Once in a while a character comes along who gets under your skin and refuses to let go. This is the case with Brianna Labuskes’s Clarke Sinclair—a cantankerous, rebellious, and somehow endearingly likable FBI agent with a troubled past. I was immediately pulled into Clarke’s broken, shadow-filled world and her quest for justice and redemption. A stunning thriller, It Ends with Her is not to be missed.” —Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author “It Ends with Her is a gritty, riveting roller-coaster ride of a book. Brianna Labuskes has created a layered, gripping story around a cast of characters that readers will cheer for. Her crisp prose and quick plot kept me reading with my heart in my throat. Highly recommended for fans of smart thrillers with captivating heroines.” —Nicole Baart, author of Little Broken Things “An engrossing psychological thriller filled with twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down! The characters were filled with emotional depth. An impressive debut!” —Elizabeth Blackwell, author of In the Shadow of Lakecrest

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe rescue of two missing boys in the Sierra Nevada mountains relies on unraveling the mysteries of the past in an addictive novel of heartrending suspense. After inheriting his uncle’s lodge, Silas Matheson hopes the grandeur of the California Sierra Nevada will be a fresh start for his two young sons, and a chance to finally face his demons. It was here, fifteen years ago, that Silas and his friends Jessica, Danny, and Meg ventured into the mountain wilderness and Jessica vanished without a trace. When his boys go missing in the same dark woods, the fear and guilt that Silas has been running from ever since come crashing back. Silas’s panicked call brings in the local search-and-rescue unit, and two familiar faces: Danny and Meg. As the frantic search gets underway, the three friends are plunged into a painfully recurring nightmare, each of them thinking, This can’t be happening again. With a storm brewing and the boys’ fates threatened with every desperate hour, the secrets of the past begin to surface, and this time, for Silas, Danny, and Meg, there’s no escaping the truth.Trade Review“The Wild Between Us shows how a suspense novel should be written. The tension ramps up with every scene, starting with the call out through to the shocking resolution. With the authentic description of the search and rescue mission, and the beautifully realized characters and scenery, Amy Hagstrom has created a story that all readers of suspense will relish, an achievement all the more remarkable given it’s by a debut author.” —Authorlink “The Wild Between Us is an unputdownable novel full of heart-stopping suspense and emotions. I couldn’t read fast enough and was blown away by this stellar debut.” —Lyn Liao Butler, Amazon bestselling author of Someone Else’s Life “If the tragedy that defined your life threatens to repeat, is it a moment of reckoning or redemption? That question drives this gripping dual-timeline story set in the Sierra Nevada. As rescuers race to find two missing boys, the mission reunites key players in an unsolved disappearance from fifteen years earlier. Packed with secrets, guilt, and regret, I loved every heart-pounding moment with Silas, Meg, and Danny. The Wild Between Us is a phenomenal debut!” —Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son and The Promise Between Us “The Wild Between Us is a taut, engrossing story about searching for lost people and lost love…Part thriller and part tender love story, this novel will find resonance with a wide array of readers.” —Nicole Baart, bestselling author of Everything We Didn’t Say and The Long Way Back “Revolving between two search and rescue missions fifteen years apart in the Marble Lake wilderness, like two points of gravitational pull, The Wild Between Us explores the depths of guilt, secrets, and the unbearable weight of time in the face of tragedy. This immersive thriller had me riveted from the first page. Do not miss Amy Hagstrom’s exceptional debut!” —Mindy Mejia, bestselling author of Everything You Want Me to Be and To Catch a Storm

Read more less

Book SynopsisIs she following a path of redemption or an enemy’s revenge? A crime reporter’s traumatic past comes back to haunt her in a twisting novel of lies, betrayals, and killer secrets. Investigative crime journalist Signe Gates’s life became a nightmare the day she was kidnapped and drugged. After forty-eight missing hours, she woke to a blur of unsettling memories and a warning from her unknown abductors: tell anyone what happened and they’ll die. They’ve already proved they will deliver on that threat. For two years, Signe has been haunted by what she knows she did and terrified of what else could be buried in her memories. Then an informant tells her two men recently found dead in Yosemite are connected to her missing hours, and more answers await her in the park’s backwoods. But she must hurry. Desperate to know who targeted her and why, she has no choice but to embark on the dangerous journey. With a seasoned hiker acting as her guide, Signe ventures into the wilderness to solve a crime, get justice for the crimes committed against her, and overcome her demons. If only she could trust the man leading her into the backwoods… Because with each new suspicion, deliverance is starting to look more and more like a trap.Trade Review“Grant skillfully shuffles familiar tropes and writes with precision and pace, keeping the stakes high by intermittently casting suspicion on the three most prominent men in Signe’s life.” —Kirkus Reviews “The plot clips along at a satisfying pace, and Grant pulls off several successful surprises…” —Publishers Weekly “The Buried Hours is an intensely emotional ride, dark yet so very satisfying. Grant's characters are immediately compelling, her storytelling taut and intelligent. I couldn't put it down!” —Karen Rose, New York Times bestselling author “The Buried Hours is packed full of so many sharp turns I could barely hold on! R.S. Grant puts the reader right on the trail in Yosemite with this dark thriller, and it’s a journey that will keep you reading all night.” —Victoria Helen Stone, Wall Street Journal bestselling author

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Wall Street Journal bestselling series.The mystery of three missing teens and a traumatizing murder unearths decades of buried secrets in a shocking novel of suspense by a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author.Twenty years ago, five teenage campers disappeared. Two eventually turned up, bound and left for dead on the Columbia River’s rocky shore. Only Devin Bonner miraculously survived, but with no memories of what happened in the Oregon forest.After decades, the cold case generates heat for FBI Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick and her husband, Police Chief Truman Daly. They’re investigating the murder of a true-crime podcaster found at the river’s edge in the same location, and with the exact same manner of death. With the discovery, Devin’s nightmares return. His only real friend is Ollie Smith, Truman’s orphaned ward, whose own search for the truth sucks Ollie into a mystery far greater and more dangerous than anyone imagined.Following a trail of fresh blood and an escalating series of murders, Mercy and Truman must work fast to unlock whatever traumas are buried in Devin’s memories before the secrets of the past claim another victim.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this exciting debut novel comes a fast-paced thriller that follows a sports reporter’s journey off the court…and into a world of murder and deception. Former Olympic athlete and sports reporter Kate Green isn’t sure how much more tumultuous her life can get. She’s been put on temporary leave from her job, then NBA superstar Kurt Robbins is killed and the prime suspect in his murder is none other than his wife…and Kate’s best friend. Kate knows that Yvette’s marriage wasn’t exactly stable, but her friend is no murderer, and Kate is determined to prove it with her own investigation. While she tries to salvage Yvette’s life, Kate’s own continues to unravel. Her career is in limbo. Gossip columns speculate about her future. Her children are battling their own demons. And her estranged father suddenly reenters her life as a detective assigned to Kurt’s homicide case. As her worlds collide—exposing secrets, lies, and ulterior motives—Kate may have to choose between the games she can play and the one she might lose.Trade Review“With a TV sports reporter protagonist, Lights Out blasts onto the thriller scene with something completely new and exciting for seasoned readers of the genre. The book is teeming with plausible suspects, each with a compelling motive and secrets they’d kill to keep, but always returns to the question of whether or not we truly know what those closest to us are capable of. This is fast-paced suspense you’ll want to read in just a couple of sittings, and with an ending that hints at more intriguing layers of our protagonist’s story to come, I can’t wait to see what Elise Hart Kipness delivers next! ” —Megan Collins, author of Thicker Than Water and The Family Plot “When a basketball superstar is murdered in his gated home, all eyes look to his wife and circle of insiders for possible suspects. Drawing on her experience as a national sports reporter and long-time resident of suburban Connecticut, Elise Hart Kipness takes us inside both worlds in this scandalous, page-turning thriller!” —Wendy Walker, international bestselling author “What a fantastic debut! A unique protagonist, an interesting setting, and a story that grabs you from the beginning and keeps on building. I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting!” —Chad Zunker, Amazon Charts bestselling author of Family Money “Welcome to Connecticut’s Gold Coast, where celebrity athletes rub shoulders with the locals and marriage can be murder. When basketball star Kurt Robbins is found dead in his palatial Greenwich home, suspicion immediately falls on his wife, and it’s up to her best friend, disgraced sports reporter Kate Green, to unravel Kurt’s secrets and lies. Part posh domestic suspense, part puzzle box, Elise Hart Kipness’s Lights Out is a skillfully constructed story of female friendship, hidden truths, and the mysteries that can lurk in seemingly quiet neighborhoods. I devoured every page.” —Tessa Wegert, author of Death in the Family “Elise Hart Kipness’s debut novel Lights Out is the kind of gripping, tightly paced domestic suspense mystery sure to delight fans of the genre as well as general readers. Set in the high-stakes world of professional sports, the book pits an appealing female protagonist against an increasingly slippery killer who will stop at nothing to evade capture. Elise Hart Kipness is a writer we are sure to hear more from in the future!” —Carole Lawrence, acclaimed author of Cleopatra’s Dagger “Lights Out is a seminal triumph in mystery writing, as original as it is polished. Elise Hart Kipness’s sterling debut takes us inside the world of professional sports on the one hand and a female reporter cracking that particular glass ceiling on the other. A crime thriller of rare depth and societal implications, Lights Out shoots straight and hits the bull’s-eye dead center.” —Jon Land, USA Today bestselling author

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe search for a missing boy entwines the lives of two desperate women. One seeks redemption for her sister; the other will do anything for the love of her life. Hope Chen and her husband are raising her nine-year-old nephew, Luca, in the wake of his troubled mother’s death. Luca finally has a safe home in a neighborhood where kids play in the streets and nobody locks their doors. Then one day, Luca and his dog disappear without a trace. Guilt-ridden, fearing the worst but praying for the best, Hope finds her imagination running wild. Meanwhile, a woman with dangerous secrets to keep buried will do anything to protect her marriage. In one fleeting instant, it’s all within her reach. She can finally give her husband the one thing that will make him love her again. Hope will do anything to get Luca back. The other woman will do anything to stop Hope. As Hope’s search grows more desperate and the other woman’s plans more twisted, their lives collide in an explosive battle of wits. With a boy caught in the middle, nothing on this deadly path of love and revenge is what it seems.Trade ReviewWhat Is Mine “Unsettling from the very first page, What Is Mine is an emotional thrill ride about two women’s desperate attempts to keep their families whole. Lyn Liao Butler has packed this story with page-turning suspense, culminating in a grand finale of explosive surprises.” —Megan Collins, author of The Family Plot and Thicker Than Water “What Is Mine features Lyn Liao Butler at her very best. This twisty page-turner plays on every parent’s darkest fears by evoking a scenario in which nothing is as it seems, and no one can be trusted. In the crowded field of domestic thrillers, Butler delivers!” —Don Bentley, New York Times bestselling author of Forgotten War “Captivating from the very first line, Butler masterfully builds a world full of suspense. With careful twists and shocking reveals, What Is Mine is a must-read novel.” —Nekesa Afia, author of the Harlem Renaissance Mystery series “Relentlessly suspenseful and heartbreakingly chilling! Butler’s stealthy, diabolical storytelling and her brilliant sleight of hand kept me guessing from page one—then rocket ahead to places readers will never predict. A gripping page-turner about family and obsession and, most terrifying, a tale of how far people will push to get what they want. Clear your calendar—you will not want to put this down!” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author “This rollercoaster of a novel follows two women seeking redemption and their fight over the boy they think will provide it for them. Hope’s fear is absolutely palpable, and the tension powering the book made it impossible to put down. A gripping, at times heartbreaking, look at family, betrayal, and how far one will go to claim what they believe is theirs.” —Mia P. Manansala, author of the Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Award-winning Arsenic and Adobo

Read more less

Book SynopsisShe thinks the island will keep her safe—she is wrong. Traumatised by the death of a child in her care, top London paediatrician Claire seeks refuge on remote Selkie Island in the wilds of the Irish Sea with her husband Daniel and their baby daughter Kitty. Hidden away in Daniel’s old family home, Claire hopes to be as cut off from her guilt as she is from the mainland, but can she find peace in a place so full of its own secrets? Twenty years earlier, Daniel’s parents left the island in a boat and never made it to the mainland. Mystery surrounds their deaths—and their lives. Why did they set out late at night in a storm? What had really been going on at the house? Even as Claire begins to recover her sense of self amid the island’s rugged beauty, she can’t shake off a chilling suspicion that Selkie Island has a dark history that the locals just can’t face—and that it somehow has a connection to her own life. When baby Kitty suddenly disappears, Claire’s fragile world falls apart. The only way to secure her future is to uncover the past, but the closer she gets to answers, the more danger she finds herself in. Will she be able to save her family or will the island’s dark secrets take another life?

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the author of The Blondes comes a twisted, darkly humorous story about a woman’s attempted murder, her lost memories, and the old friends who try to put her back together—or finish her off for good. When Mia Sinclair-Kroner wakes from a coma, all she can remember are the movies she’s known and loved. Her college friends quickly assemble for a weekend party, in an effort to help her remember. But with old friends come old wounds, and it soon becomes clear that Mia’s accident might not have been an accident at all. Was it Agnes, driven by her unspoken resentments? Or Zoey, who covets everything Mia has? Have the years apart only fanned the extinguished flame between Ethan and Mia, compelling him to violence? Or did Victor, who moved away, return with an agenda? Or was it Martin, the wealthy husband, who put a country estate between Mia and her past? As old tensions and new suspicions rise, these friends must wade through their film knowledge, shared history, and everything that’s kept them apart in order to figure out which one of them is trying to end things once and for all.Trade ReviewPraise for Sleeping with Friends “Funny, sarcastic, and unavoidably tragic…Schultz’s handling of means, motive, and opportunity cements her, once again, as a dependable and bitingly clever writer.” —Booklist “This propulsive thriller will have you on the edge of your seat as old friends reunite to solve a mystery that implicates them all. Schultz raises questions of art and artifice, memory and trust, all while telling a page-turning, unputdownable story.” —Anna North, New York Times bestselling author of Outlawed Praise for Little Threats “Fans of Tana French, Kimberly Belle, and Orange Is the New Black will fall under this book’s spell…Terse and tense, Little Threats investigates righteous anger, teenage angst, and the enormity of setting the record straight.” —Booklist “A taut psychological thriller…Schultz knows how to keep the reader engrossed.” —Publishers Weekly “Brilliantly structured and gorgeously written, Little Threats is a captivating mystery about a young woman accused of a brutal murder—one she isn’t sure she committed. It’s a story of love and loss, the power of guilt, and the savagely delicate fabric of family.” —Kimberly McCreight, New York Times bestselling author of Reconstructing Amelia and A Good Marriage “Emily Schultz unfolds her story with masterful precision and restraint, delivering a novel that is pure emotional dynamite.” —Wendy Walker, bestselling author of The Night Before “A pulsating mystery, where small details enlighten and illuminate.” —Lori Lansens, author of The Girls and This Little Light “Emily Schultz’s Little Threats is a complex, powerful, emotionally wrenching thriller with a deceptively simple premise: What if you agreed to serve fifteen years in prison for a murder you have no memory of committing? Intense, twisty, and compelling—once you begin reading, you won’t be able to stop!” —Karen Dionne, author of the #1 internationally bestselling The Marsh King’s Daughter “At its heart, Little Threats is a devastating and elegiac novel about teenage friendships, sexuality, drug use, and, ultimately, betrayal. Emily Schultz is unflinching in revealing the way prison isn’t merely a place but a feeling that can haunt a girl who grew into a woman behind bars. Freedom isn’t absolution, and the answers are as painful as the questions in this heart-stopping, powerful story.” —Bryn Greenwood, author of The Reckless Oath We Made and All the Ugly and Wonderful Things “Little Threats hooked me from the first line. A gripping, haunting story about family, memory, and, most of all, grief—this book is difficult to put down and more difficult to stop thinking about.” —Rob Hart, author of The Warehouse “Emily Schultz’s Little Threats is an exquisitely written and thrilling novel about growing up and breaking apart, about the past refusing to loosen its grip on us, and about the impossibility of going back and righting the wrongs that send us spiraling out of control. And, of course, it’s a whale of a whodunnit. This is a riveting and powerful novel about friendship and fate, youth and time, and the toll these things take on all of us. Don’t miss it!” —David Bell, USA Today bestselling author of The Request Praise for The Blondes “The Blondes is scary and deeply, bitingly funny—a satire about gender that kept me reading until four in the morning—and a fine addition to the all-too-small genre of feminist horror.” —NPR (a Great Reads 2015 selection) “The Blondes is intelligent, mesmerizing, and fearless. An entirely original and beautifully twisted satire with a heart of darkness.” —Emily St. John Mandel, author of Station Eleven “A nail-biter that is equal parts suspense, science fiction, and a funny, dark send-up of the stranglehold of gender.” —Kirkus Reviews, Best Books of 2015 “Funny, horrific, and frighteningly realistic, Schultz’s second novel is a must-read.” —The Library Journal (starred) “A ferociously clever, exceedingly well-written variation on the pandemic novel…This canny, suspenseful, acidly observant satire cradles an intimate, poignant, and hilarious story of one lonely, stoic, young mother-to-be caught up in surreal and terrifying situations.” —Booklist (starred) “This frighteningly realistic nail-biter is as acidly funny as it is twisted.” —People Magazine “Schultz spins an eerie tale with perspective into our cultural attitudes about beauty.” —Entertainment Weekly “Skin-crawling, Cronenbergian satire.” —Rue Morgue “Corrosively humorous commentary on social, sexual, and cross-border politics.” —Toronto Star “Emily Schultz balances biting humor and thrilling suspense in a complex story.” —Us Weekly “The Blondes [aims] to be both a realist narrative about loneliness, insecurities, and maternal anxieties and a fantastical, not-quite-allegorical tale of a semiapocalypse. It’s a testament to author Emily Schultz’s immense gifts with tone, detail, and the crafting of a compelling first-person voice that this novel is never less than engaging even when this balance begins to feel absurd.” —National Post “A wild and smart look at cultural theory, gender roles, and societal expectations.” —LongReads “A campy, King-inspired nightmare sure to satisfy the scream queens in the audience.” —Bustle “The Blondes, by Emily Schultz, gives a twisted meaning to the phrase ‘blondes have more fun.’ I giggled and shivered.” —Minnesota Journal Sentinel “With a lively sense of danger…and an absurdist but compelling feminist premise, the book has the enviable qualities of a smart page-turner.” —Flavorwire “A hybrid novel, at the crossroads of the history of zombies, a nightmare scenario, and the story of an adulterous liaison gone wrong, The Blondes is bathed in light humor and self-mockery.” —Christian Desmeules, Le Devoir

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen a mysterious neighborhood boy befriends his young daughter, stay-at-home dad Craig considers him a godsend—until it becomes clear that there’s nothing angelic about him at all. Craig Finnigan is determined to finish his book this summer, but being an aspiring writer while wrangling his seven-year-old daughter is not easy. So when Alice makes fast friends with a neighborhood boy, Levi, Craig is happy she has a distraction from her constant visits to his home office. But that happiness soon turns to misgivings as Levi’s behavior evolves from that of a shy, odd boy into something far more disturbing. Strange noises in the middle of the night and things disappearing from their home could be explained away—maybe it’s the water heater, or maybe Craig simply misplaced his flash drive. Craig can’t explain his paranoia, but he feels sure Levi is behind it. As Levi’s visits to their backyard become more and more frequent, Craig finds himself the unwilling participant in a game he never asked to play…and one he’s not sure he can win.Trade ReviewPraise for Just Stay Away “Nobody believes Craig when he insists nine-year-old Levi is the source of the mayhem in his life—which is regrettable, as Levi might be a troublemaker worse than Baby Teeth’s Hanna (so says the author of Baby Teeth). Just Stay Away is a tense page-turner that literally had me reading with my shoulders hunched.” —Zoje Stage, bestselling author of Baby Teeth and Mothered “Cancel your plans and find a good chair because once you start Just Stay Away, you won’t be able to stop. A psychological game of cat and mouse evolves between a writer and his daughter’s creepy new friend in this superbly plotted, fantastically immersive domestic thriller. From the characters to the writing to the pitch-perfect ending, Wirt delivers on every level.” —Mindy Mejia, bestselling author of Everything You Want Me to Be and To Catch a Storm “A relentlessly creepy and dangerously addictive read, Just Stay Away will have you checking your locks and jumping at shadows once you’ve finished. Using the unique perspective of a stay-at-home dad, Tony Wirt expertly crafts an atmosphere of ever-increasing isolation, claustrophobia, and gaslighting to ramp up from a sinister simmer into a full-blown nightmare. In doing so, Wirt explores gender roles, masculinity, and boyhood in the profound ways you find in the best of the genre. An absolute must-read—if you dare!” —Brianna Labuskes, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of A Familiar Sight “In Just Stay Away, Wirt flawlessly weaves tension into everyday domestic life. The protagonist, Craig, finds himself in a suspenseful game of cat and mouse with a neighborhood child that will leave you wondering, What would you do to protect those you love?” —Elle Grawl, author of One of Those Faces and What Still Burns Praise for A Necessary Act Underground Book Reviews 2017 Novel of the Year, Reader’s Choice “I literally could not put this book down. As far as thrillers and crime novels go, it ticked every box for me while also managing to be unique in its concept and style. Great characters, genuine bellyaching tension, and an ending that both surprises and satisfies…and yet is left wide, wide open…I truly hope there is more to come.” —Underground Book Reviews “A Necessary Act grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go—even after I turned the last page!” —C. H. Armstrong, author of The Edge of Nowhere “This book is filled with creepy and suspenseful moments that are sure to get anyone’s heart pumping. Just leave the lights on.” —Rochester Magazine

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this richly unnerving tale about family secrets and expectations, two sisters are at lifelong odds with each other, their mother, and themselves—and as every hour becomes more twisted than the last, they are all pushed to their breaking point. Lovely and Beauty know their place: at home, beneath the watchful eye of their mother. Life has never included friends, an education, or anything the sisters can call their own. Their comings and goings are supervised by Farida. Otherwise, they don’t come and go at all. That changes on Lovely’s fortieth birthday. In a stroke of inexplicable fortune, Farida permits her eldest daughter to go to the Gausia Market alone, with no instructions but to abide by her curfew. For once on her own, Lovely is goaded by the voice in her head to push her mother’s—and her own—boundaries. New experiences and old memories abound as her family awaits her return. But with the taste of freedom so fresh on her tongue, Lovely is spurred on by her disembodied companion to hang on to her newfound independence. When home isn’t a safe haven, Lovely must find somewhere else to turn.Trade ReviewPraise for Good Girls “Gazi aids her brisk plotting with flashbacks that emphasize the family’s abusive dynamics…” —Publishers Weekly “Written in lyrical prose, with nuanced characters, Gazi's first novel translated into English deftly unravels the complicated relationships between the sisters, their mother, and the secrets they’ve harbored.” —Booklist “Taut, unsettling, and at times wickedly funny, this sly novel will hold you in its thrall until the very last page.” —Ash Davidson, author of Damnation Spring

Read more less

Book SynopsisEverything he knows about his wife is called into question when she mysteriously vanishes in a breathtaking novel of suspense by Amazon Charts bestselling author Chad Zunker.Widower Luke Driskell didn’t expect to fall in love and marry again so quickly. But Ashley and her daughter, Joy, are special—a quality borne out when Ashley rushes into a burning day-care center to save the children. Immediately she’s a social media sensation and hero. Then, just as suddenly, Ashley and Joy disappear into the bitterly cold night.With no trace of their whereabouts, Luke begins a panicked investigation. Alarmingly, he can find no proof that the woman he loves even exists. Left behind: just a hidden stash of fake IDs. Different names. Different cities. Same haunted face. Now the devastated husband has only questions: Who did he marry? What is she hiding?Luke’s cross-country pursuit of the truth soon spins into something more dangerous than he ima

Read more less

Book SynopsisA teenage suicide. A murdered pharmacist. A missing girl. Is the obvious connection the right one? When a boy leaps to his death from a bridge in the northern town of Umeå, Sweden, police discover drugs scattered in the snow near his body. The town has seen a dramatic increase in narcotic use among its youth, but nobody knows where the pills are coming from. Relocating from Stockholm with her teenage daughter, Detective Charlotte von Klint expected Umeå to be a quiet backwater, a snow-covered change of pace from fighting the criminal underworld of the capital. But when a pharmacist is found brutally murdered in her apartment, and a young girl and her dealer boyfriend vanish without a trace after a party, suddenly Umeå doesn’t seem so benign. And the boy on the bridge doesn’t feel like an isolated incident. Is the dealer the perpetrator? Or just another victim? And can it be a coincidence that a shadow from Charlotte’s past, Syndicates boss Tony Israelsson, has recently been released from prison and is reportedly headed for Umeå? As the snow deepens and the body count rises, Charlotte and her boss, local cop Per Berg, find themselves in a deadly pursuit, with time rapidly running out.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCould the prime suspect in a murder be a victim too?The body of a homeless woman is found in the river, viciously beaten and with all her teeth removed. A young immigrant, the prime suspect in a recent spate of robberies in Umeå, was seen running in the vicinity around the time the body was dumped. Trouble is, he hasn’t been seen since. When he does appear, in the town square, he’s wearing an explosive vest and holding a detonator.Called in to investigate, Detectives Charlotte von Klint and Per Berg have a complex web of leads to contend with. But Per is preoccupied with a serious illness within the family, while Charlotte is struggling to make her peace with an old flame being assigned to their unit while she navigates the early days of a new relationship. Despite the upheaval in their private lives, the duo must use all their focus to discover whether the two incidents are connected—and, if so, how.Was the bomber responsible for t

Read more less

Book SynopsisSheriff Billie Gray calls on Solomon Shepard once more to tackle an investigation into the murder of a criminal defense attorney in this heart-pounding thriller from the bestselling author of A Killer’s Wife. When a local criminal defense attorney turns up dead, Sheriff Billie Gray arrives on the scene. At first glance, the lawyer’s death looks like suicide. But Billie knows better: this was murder. To assist with the investigation, Billie calls on her old friend Solomon Shepard, who isn’t so eager to accept. After a traumatic attack left him mentally in shambles, Solomon is on indefinite leave from the county attorney’s office. But Billie needs him. And he can’t say no to Billie. As Billie and Solomon hurtle into the investigation, they soon realize the killer may be closer to them than they ever thought possible. Can they catch a killer who anticipates their every move—before they find themselves in the crosshairs?

Read more less

Book SynopsisA sudden family death and an old nemesis bring retired agent Mac Dekker in from the cold in this alpine thriller from New York Times bestselling author Christopher Reich.Robbie Steinhardt lives a peaceful life. A fixture of his small alpine village, he tends cattle, minds his own business, and doesn’t dwell on his former life and the family and lover he left behind—back when he was Mac Dekker, CIA.But when he learns his son Will died following in his footsteps, he needs answers. What mission took Will up into the alpine heights, and why is Ilya Ivashka on the same trail? Ilya—his close friend, his rival in love. Ilya, who framed Mac for treason and sent him into hiding.Wiping away the years, Mac returns to the field to find the secrets Will hid and finds himself facing the Herculean task of stopping a terrorist plot that threatens thousands. But in a field of double agents, who can he trust?

Read more less

Book SynopsisA single mother?s brutal past threatens to destroy the new life she?s built in this suspenseful dark romance set in the underground world of kink.Rae Dixon is lucky to be alive. Fifteen years ago, she survived being trafficked and abused, escaping her captors to reclaim her life. Now, she?s running a thriving business with her best friend and raising a teenage daughter on her own. Rae?s finally in control?literally. As Mistress V, Rae is the one calling the shots catering to Oklahoma City?s elite in her private dungeon, which is fronted by a spa.But when a client goes missing, Rae?s world spins out of control.Detective Dayton Clearwater shows up at the spa, sparking panic when he asks questions that risk exposing Rae?s true business. After several young women from her underground community disappear, too, Rae spots a chillingly familiar pattern. Together, she and Detective Clearwater must find answers before more lives are destroyed, including those they love.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the acclaimed author of The Blue Book of Nebo comes a heartbreaking journey into a small town’s grief when their beloved golden girl is found murdered.Greta Pugh is dead.The small village of Bethesda, Wales, is no stranger to tragedy. Once a thriving, prosperous community, the town has been marred by an ever-deepening class divide. But now, with rich and popular Greta Pugh found murdered in the local quarry, everyone in Bethesda is rattled, and all their secrets are at risk.No one is more aware of this than Greta’s friends, especially Shane, a classmate and the son of the Pughs’ cleaner. Everyone knows more than they’re letting on, but when the police and the media descend with all their probing questions, there’s soon nowhere left to hide the answers.As Shane watches the investigation unfold, he grapples with everything he knows about the Pugh family and all he’s learning about the people around them

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen a woman returns to the scene of the horrific mass murder that shattered her life, the nightmare begins again in a chilling novel of psychological suspense.Five years ago, Tessa Chamberlain was the lone survivor of a beach house massacre that left three of her friends dead—and Tessa with an inescapable, unending dread. Now she’s going back to face her fears.Renting the same beach house where she almost died, Tessa returns to lonely Cassadaga Island off the coast of Maine long after the tourists and summer residents have departed for the winter. But as the fog rolls in and the nights grow longer, she wonders if she made a terrible mistake. There are footsteps on the porch, creaks from the second floor, and an unsettling feeling of being watched.If only someone believed her. Because the terrors Tessa thought were long behind her are starting again. And this time, trapped and alone, she might not be lucky enough to survive them.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA woman who can’t remember her past encounters a mysterious stranger in a chilling novel of mounting psychological suspense by the authors of The Last Girl Left.She wakes on the shore of a remote lake in the middle of the night, freezing and afraid. With no memory of who she is or how she got there, she stumbles frantically toward the lights of a house. The handsome stranger who lives there is shocked to see a woman on his doorstep and takes her in.Trapped by a winter storm and cut off from the outside world, she starts to suspect that all is not right with the house on Gravewater Lake—or the man, who says his name is Gregg. Because there are whispers in the night, and phantom footsteps pace the halls. Is Gregg hiding a dark secret, or is she losing her mind?As she struggles to remember her past and make sense of her present, she soon discovers that people are not always who they seem, and the truth might be more deadly than she could ever have imagined.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA psychologist haunted by childhood trauma must unearth all that is buried in her past in this twisting, lyrical novel of suspense by Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author Jenny Milchman.Psychologist Arles Shepherd treats troubled children, struggling with each case to recover from her own traumatic past, much of which she’s lost to the shadows of memory. Having just set up a new kind of treatment center in the remote Adirondack wilderness, Arles longs to heal one patient in particular: a ten-year-old boy who has never spoken a word—or so his mother, Louise, believes.Hundreds of miles away, Cass Monroe is living a parent’s worst nightmare. His twelve-year-old daughter has vanished on her way home from school. With no clues, no witnesses, and no trail, the police are at a dead end. Fighting a heart that was already ailing, and struggling to keep both his marriage and himself alive, Cass turns to a pair of true-crime podcasters for help.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOn the anniversary of a savage mass murder, a survivor returns to the scene of the crime—and all its buried secrets—in a twisting novel of suspense.Nearly ten years ago, five Ohio university students were murdered in an off-campus Victorian home. The media dubbed it the Midnight House Massacre. Ever since, survivor and novelist Margot Davis has wanted to forget it, and never again utter the killer’s name. Until she’s compelled to write her side of the story. To do that, she’s returning to Midnight House.It’ll be a chance for Margot to reconnect with other survivors, heal the trauma, and dispel the ugly conspiracy theories of obsessed true crime fanatics. But when news of Margot’s book gets out, she receives a threatening note that demands she stop lying. Or else. It chills Margot’s blood. Because she hasn’t been telling the whole truth.As the threats continue, each more sinister than the last, a

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this magical tale of self-discovery from New York Times bestselling author Carrie Vaughn, a young widow taps into the power that will change the world—if the man’s world she lives in doesn’t destroy her and her newfound friends first.In the summer of 1880, the death of Beth Stanley’s husband puts her life’s work in jeopardy. The magic of Arcane Taxonomy dictates that every natural thing in the world, from weather to animals, can be labeled, and doing so grants the practitioner some of that subject’s unique power. But only men are permitted to train in this philosophy. Losing her husband means that Beth loses the name they put on her work—and any influence she might have wielded.Brandon West and Anton Torrance are campaigning for their expedition to the South Pole, a mission that some believe could make a taxonomist all-powerful by tapping into the earth’s magnetic forces. Their late friend Harry Stanley

Read more less

Book SynopsisA genius FBI code breaker unravels the mysteries of one of history’s most monumental puzzles in a propulsive thriller by Jess Lourey, the Edgar Award-nominated author of Salem’s Cipher.Working for the FBI, cryptanalyst and agoraphobe Salem Wiley vows never to return to the conspiratorial underworld her mother revealed to her. Until fieldwork draws Salem to an Ireland farm where a curious discovery has been unearthed: a near-perfect replica of Stonehenge in miniature—except for one extra stone engraved with the word mercy.When seven-year-old Mercy Mayfair, a child in Salem’s family’s care, is kidnapped, Salem knows it’s more than an unsettling coincidence. Mercy’s centuries-old lineage holds the key to understanding the greatest Neolithic mystery of the ages. A dangerously patriarchal society, just as ancient, will kill to solve it.As Salem follows a serpentine trail of clues and ciphers, the clock is

Read more less

Book SynopsisAs the Summer Solstice nears, who will be the next target? A dark thriller from the bestselling author of the DI Louise Blackwell series.In a cave near Weston, potholers discover what they think are human remains. The bones are identified as belonging to Hugo Latchford, a boy who went missing a decade ago, and whose parents belonged to a quasi-religious cult masquerading as environmental activists. It’s not long before rumours that he was sacrificed in a midsummer ritual resurface.Returning to duty from maternity leave, DI Louise Blackwell finds herself leading the investigation, soon discovering that Hugo’s parents are still alive and the cult very much still active.As she begins to fathom the ghoulish depths of the group’s pagan beliefs, new mother Louise is profoundly disturbed by the case. And with the Summer Solstice fast approaching, she’s faced with the terrifying prospect that the group might be preparing for their next sac

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this foreboding journey into the depths of friendship, three women spend a trip together covering up the secrets between them—but when one lie unravels, there’s no going back.Jocelyn is ready to get married—and more ready to have fun. She plans a bachelorette trip to North Wales, where she can forget about her strained relationship and focus on the tension among friends instead. It’s a welcome distraction.Her friend Rowan used to be the wild child. But after having a kid of her own and losing the father in a tragic accident, she’s now the ever-responsible single mother, cautious in every way. Except one.Cadence doesn’t want to be there. For as long as she’s known her friends, she’s always felt disparate. Maybe it’s because those two share a special bond: Jocelyn’s brother was Rowan’s boyfriend, and they still feel his loss. Or maybe it’s because Cadence has secrets they can

Read more less