Espionage and spy thriller

Book SynopsisHer mind alive with the words she had overheard last night, Dyta emerged onto the broad steps of the library and shielded her eyes from the lowering sun. She tied up her dark hair, pulled her white socks to her knees, and walked down the steps. Her father was so grey and sedate, it was hard to imagine a phrase less likely to emerge from his lips than 'your chance to kill '.

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Book Synopsis“If you make it across the border, get us help. Some of us care. Do you understand? ... The arrests grow insane.” At the very hour this message is en route to the CIA, Mrs Pollifax is waiting for her night-blooming cereus flower to do its thing. She hardly gets to see its flowers, though, before being whisked off for another daring mission halfway across the world. Soon she is sporting a beautiful new hat – perfect for hiding eight forged passports. Armed with only an open mind and a little karate, Mrs Pollifax is the most unlikely and lovable of international spies. What readers are saying: “Love, love, love Mrs Pollifax. Ms Gilman has an extraordinary way of keeping you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages of her books.” “How can a sweet little old lady get into so much trouble? Mrs Pollifax is a gem and a hoot!” “A book that gives you a big smile on every page. I'm looking forward to my next Mrs Pollifax adventure.” “Who wouldn't fall in love with a senior citizen who wears absurd hats, pushes the book cart at the hospital, and knows karate?” “I first read the Mrs Pollifax books when I was a little girl and I keep coming back to read the books again and again.” “Read it, it's the best thing you can do for yourself. It's like a reminder of the zest for life.” Editorial reviews: “Mrs Pollifax is an enchantress.” New York Times “Mrs Pollifax gives Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple a rival to reckon with.” Toronto Star “Filled with adventures–and misadventures–but through it all Mrs Pollifax is triumphant.” Booklist “Absorbing and worthwhile ... You won’t want to put the book down.” Portland Telegram “The pace never flags, bolstered by the shrewd Mrs P. and a host of well-defined characters who all work their surprising wiles.” Publishers Weekly “Should delight you whether you’re looking for smiles or thrills.” New York Times Book Review “All’s right with the world as long as Mrs Pollifax is part of it.” Mobile Register

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Book SynopsisMrs Pollifax is on hand in Morocco to back up an inept CIA agent, and it's a good thing... All she has to do is to masquerade as his aunt while he confirms the identities of seven undercover agents in Morocco – and keep him from making an unpleasant ass of himself. But things quickly go wrong. Their first informant is killed, and Mrs Pollifax begins to get the idea that her colleague is not who he says he is. Still, she forges ahead, checking out suspicious informants, and coming to the conclusion that someone is an impostor and someone wants her dead. Armed with only an open mind and a little karate, Mrs Pollifax is the most unlikely and lovable of international spies.

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Book SynopsisThe last thing Mrs Pollifax expects to find in her closet is a young woman hiding. Kadi Hopkirk insists that she is being followed by two men in a dirty white van. Under the cover of darkness, Mrs Pollifax tries to drive Kadi back home, only to have a dark green sedan give them a run for their money and, she begins to suspect, their lives. Ever resourceful, Mrs P. puts in a call for help to her CIA colleague, Carstairs, who installs them in a safe house. Before she knows it, a dash to safety expands into an assignment that leads to hair-trigger violence in exotic places... Armed with only an open mind and a little karate, Mrs Pollifax is the most unlikely and lovable of international spies.

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Book SynopsisA Times Best Literature Book of the Year 2023 A Financial Times Book of the Year 2023 A Spectator Book of the Year 2023 A Daily Express Best Book of 2023 'A fascinating, revelatory appendix ... providing new insights into the inner workings of the man who created George Smiley' 'Best Books of the Year 2023', Financial Times 'Sisman can set the record straight' 'Books of the Year 2023', The Sunday Times 'Complex and consequential ... casts le Carré's life and writing in a fresh light ... a fascinating examination of the biographer's art' Washington Post 'Now that he is dead, we can know him better.' Secrecy came naturally to John le Carré, and there were some secrets that he fought fiercely to keep. Nowhere was this more so than in his private life. Apparently content in his marriage, the novelist conducted a string of love affairs over four decades. To keep these relationships secret, he made use of tradecraft that he had learned as a spy: code names and cover stories, cut outs, safe houses and dead letter boxes. Such affairs introduced both jeopardy and excitement into what was otherwise a quiet, ordered life. Le Carré seemed to require the stimulus they provided in order to write, though this meant deceiving those closest to him. It is no coincidence that betrayal became a recurrent theme in his work. Adam Sisman's definitive biography, published in 2015, revealed much about the elusive spy-turned-novelist; yet le Carré was adamant that some subjects should remain hidden, at least during his lifetime. The Secret Life of John le Carré is the story of what was left out, and offers reflections on the difficult relationship between biographer and subject. More than that, it adds a necessary coda to the life and work of this complex, driven, restless man. The Secret Life of John le Carré reveals a hitherto-hidden perspective on the life and work of the spy-turned-author and a fascinating meditation on the complex relationship between biographer and subject. 'Now that he is dead,' Sisman writes, 'we can know him better.'Trade ReviewA completely fascinating and revelatory book, written with great sagacity, candour and judiciousness -- William Boyd, author * Any Human Heart *A fascinating, revelatory appendix ... Sisman's latest book exposes the great spy writer's duplicitous and deceitful relationships with the women in his life, providing new insights into the inner workings of the man who created George Smiley -- 'Best Books of the Year 2023' * Financial Times *Enjoyable ... moves beyond voyeurism to reveal the deep sadness behind the lies ... Sisman can set the record straight -- 'Books of the Year 2023' * The Times *[A] seamy, steamy supplement to the biography -- 'Books of the Year' * Daily Mail *[Sisman] is a delicate writer keen to acknowledge the ambiguity of the biographer's role * Guardian *Scrupulous as a biographer ... Sisman justifies his argument that this coda of his is a necessary one. It enables us to have a clearer view of the man ... It also allows us to understand his novels better ... Psychologically astute. -- James Owen. 'Book of the Week' * The Times *Complex and consequential ... casts le Carré's life and writing in a fresh light ... a fascinating examination of the biographer's art * Washington Post *Fascinating * New Statesman *Revealing ... shocking * Observer *Fascinating ... painfully honest and anguished -- Robert McCrum * Independent *Revelatory ... effectively rewrites the way [le Carré] will be perceived by posterity -- William Boyd, 'Books of the Year' * Daily Express *Enlightening * Wall Street Journal *Sisman is the biographers' biographer * Church Times *Intriguing ... admirably concise ... sub-themes, such as the practice and ethics of biography and the emotional toll of spying, run through [the book] -- 'Books of the Year 2023' * Spectator *Entertaining * Irish Independent *Thoughtful, self-aware and nuanced .. Sisman here is, as always, readable, honest, careful * Arts Desk *Given his history of spy novels, it should come as little surprise that the late Le Carré was a man adept at secrecy himself. And here his complicated private life is fully exposed for the first time * i News *A determined and at times forensic attempt to set the record straight ... deeply entertaining * Spectator World *Scintillating * Oldie *Remarkably unflinching ... Sisman uncovers a previously hidden and discomfiting dimension of le Carré ... future accounts will have to wrestle with the bombshells dropped here. * Publisher's Weekly *This is a book for le Carré fans, for anyone interested in the art of fiction, and for anyone interested in the art of biography. * Book Brunch *A one-of-a-kind revisiting of a wondrously productive life lived at the expense of two wives and many lovers ... Sisman demonstrates how betrayal was the leitmotif of both the novelist's life and his art and that however completely he depended on his wives, he depended on a new woman to serve as his inspiration for each book * Kirkus Reviews *Few writers have curated their image so effectively as John le Carré. In this page-turning follow-up to his 2015 biography, published when his subject was still kickingly alive, Adam Sisman completes the task of showing us who he was - a minor spy who became a major novelist, whose most important agents in the field were the women he needed to love and then betray. For le Carré, tradecraft was lovecraft. Much more than What Was Left Out, The Secret Life of John le Carré is not merely the conclusive homage to a compulsively fascinating character, but an insightful study into the biographical process itself. Even David Cornwell, the man who actually was John le Carré, would have saluted him -- Nicholas Shakespeare

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Book SynopsisBethany’s back – and this time it’s personal!Spiteful and twisted, Bethany Johnson is a woman scorned. After spending the past twenty years exiled, she’s about to set foot on British soil and there’s only one man in her sights, the man who once rejected her - Tommy Carter.Determined to make Tommy pay, Bethany will stop at nothing to get close to him again. But with his family and business interests in freefall Tommy hasn’t got time to play Bethany’s warped games.But ignoring Bethany again could be Tommy’s biggest mistake, with devastating results for everyone. Don't miss the shocking next instalment in this gripping gangland series by Kerry Kaya! Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Heather Atkinson and Caz Finlay.Please note this is a re-release of Scorned, previously published by Kerry Kaya.

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Book SynopsisBethany’s back – and this time it’s personal!Spiteful and twisted, Bethany Johnson is a woman scorned. After spending the past twenty years exiled, she’s about to set foot on British soil and there’s only one man in her sights, the man who once rejected her - Tommy Carter.Determined to make Tommy pay, Bethany will stop at nothing to get close to him again. But with his family and business interests in freefall Tommy hasn’t got time to play Bethany’s warped games.But ignoring Bethany again could be Tommy’s biggest mistake, with devastating results for everyone. Don't miss the shocking next instalment in this gripping gangland series by Kerry Kaya! Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Heather Atkinson and Caz Finlay.Please note this is a re-release of Scorned, previously published by Kerry Kaya.

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Book SynopsisThe BRAND NEW gripping gangland thriller from bestselling author Edie Baylis!Who can you trust?Once bitter enemies, Samantha Reynold and Seb Stoker's powerful alliance enables their firms and casinos to go from strength to strength. With the families no longer in opposition, it seems that Sam and Seb are untouchable…But not everyone is happy with the new power couple of the club world.Unbeknownst to everyone, someone new wants to see Sam’s perfect life ruined. And they will stop at nothing to seek their revenge – even if it means destroying everything - and everyone - in their path. With tensions high, Sam and Seb must put their trust in each other completely. But can they trust those closest to them? Or do they have a vendetta of their own?A gripping new gangland story perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Heather Atkinson and Caz Finlay.What people are saying about Edie Baylis!'From start to finish, fast paced and gripping. Gangland fiction at its best! Bestselling author Kerry Kaya.'Shocking and thrilling at the same time. It will take your breath away!' Bestselling author Gillian Godden'Edie Baylis has produced another fantastic gangland read. I loved the characters and was gripped from the first page. A massive 5 stars!' Bestselling author Caz Finlay.

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Book SynopsisAgent Evan Ryder returns in The Quantum Solution, the gripping new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Eric Van Lustbader. EVAN RYDER: A SINGULAR HERO FOR OUR TIME. Evan Ryder is an extraordinary intelligence field agent now working for the security arm of Parachute, a private company and the world's leader in the application of quantum technology. In the past, Ryder has done lethal battle in the modern global wars of power politics, extremist ideology, corrosive disinformation, and outrageous greed. But now she finds herself in a battle arena whose dangers, while less obvious, are greater than anything the world has seen before – the present and future war of weaponized quantum technology. When an elite Russian scientist and the American Secretary of Defense die, at the same time but half a world apart, of inexplicable sudden catastrophic brain damage, the world's intelligence services realize that the quantum war has truly begun. Ryder and her long-time partner, Ben Butler, must discover who the true combatants are, and who are the good guys and the bad – but at the potential cost of their own lives. Reviewers on the Evan Ryder books: 'Evan Ryder is a keeper!' David Baldacci 'A master at the top of a very dangerous game.' Gayle Lynds 'Action and suspense blended to perfection by a master.' Lee ChildTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE EVAN RYDER THRILLERS: 'Evan Ryder is a keeper!' David Baldacci. Evan Ryder [is] deep undercover and as complex as she is exciting. You're about to read a master at the top of a very dangerous game' -- Gayle Lynds

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Book Synopsis‘Keogh is the queen of compelling narratives and twisty plots’ Jenny O'BrienThe brilliant new psychological thriller from bestseller Valerie Keogh.'A wonderful book, I can’t rate this one highly enough. If only there were ten stars, it’s that good. Valerie Keogh is a master story-teller, and this is a masterful performance.' Bestselling author Anita WallerSince that fateful night I have always kept myself to myself. Reserved. Private. Alone.Some people think I am too quiet. That life is passing me by. But I know there is safety in my own company. That no one can hurt me if I don’t let them get too close.Until the day I meet him. A handsome, charming stranger. A chance for me to take a risk…finally?Or a man who threatens everything I’ve worked so hard for?You’ll be sorry…And that’s when my whole life begins to fall apart….Don't miss the brand new thriller by Valerie Keogh! Perfect for fans of Sue Watson, Shalini Boland and K.L. Slater.Reader Reviews for The Librarian'Another great book, loved all the suspense along the way' ★★★★★ Reader Review'Valerie keogh just keeps producing books that just keep getting better and better' ★★★★★ Reader Review'This is an amazing book, a real page turner, that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end' ★★★★★ Reader Review

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Book Synopsis1918 ItalyWhen a deadly blizzard traps Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane in the Dolomite Mountains, it’s alldownhill from here.Their hotel is snowed-in, and no one can get in or out. Then a man is found dead in his locked hotel room – and the killer is still on the premises. But with no murder weapon and too many suspects, their investigation is treading on thin ice.The colder it gets outside, the hotter it gets inside as Fiona squares off with both her belovedArchie and her nemesis Fredricks. With her love-life on a slippery-slope, Fiona risks everything in one bold move…As fast and twisty as a downhill slalom, this slick new cozy from Kelly Oliver will have you melting into a puddle of laughter.Snap in and enjoy the ride.Readers love Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mysteries:"A bold, original sleuth, a devilishly charming adversary and a plucky Pekingese, this is a witty, high-energy tale of WWI espionage." Mariah Fredericks, author of The Lindbergh Nanny"Will keep you turning the pages and laughing all the way!" Dianne Freeman ** 'The perfect wartime spy; Fiona Figg is smart, sneaky, and full of surprises… A fun whodunit that will keep you turning the pages!” **Cathi Stoler, author of The Murder On The Rocks Mysteries.“A cross between an Agatha Christie and a Sherlock Holmes sleuthing story. Just brilliant!” NetGalley Reviewer"Covert in Cairo is simply delightful. Kelly Oliver’s immersive prose brings World War I era Egypt to life. Fiona Figg — with her tools, wigs, and disguises — is a sleuth you can’t help but root for." S.K. Golden, author of the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series."This historical mystery delivers twists and turns. I can't wait for the next one!" Muddy Rose Reviews"I love Fiona Figg!" Margaret Mizushima“Couldn't put it down.” Amazon Reviewer"A perfect blend of wit, fun, and intrigue." Debra Goldstein“I am hooked on these amazing characters.” Amazon Reviewer"A fun diversion with an entertaining female lead." Kirkus Reviews“Fans of Susan Elia MacNeal will gobble up this series! Highly recommend." L.A. Chandlar“Diabolical plot twists, interesting red herrings, colorful characters, make this a good whodunit.” NetGalley Reviewer

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Book SynopsisSix old friends … and a secret they’d all kill to protect.When Pete and his friends set sail on a private yacht in the Balearics to celebrate Fergus’ upcoming wedding, they’re all looking forward to sun, sea and copious quantities of alcohol.But there’s a reason they are still entwined in each other’s lives a decade after leaving university. A terrible event they’ve all been trying their hardest to forget.They say you can’t outrun the past … And these six friends are about to find that out the hard way.* *'A nightmare scenario with a killer on the loose on a stranded yacht, and dark secrets from the past slowly being revealed; I may never step onto a boat again after reading this, but I loved it!' Jackie Kabler, author of The Murder List'... plenty of booze, drama, and secret-sharing... who doesn't love a whodunit on a boat? ... An edge of your seat, heart pounding thriller that leaves you wondering who's going to get off the yacht alive.' Becca Day, author of The Girl Beyond the Gate'A thrill-a-minute page-turner full of suspense, twists and turns that kept me on tenterhooks until the nail-biting finale!' AA Chaudhuri, author of The Loyal Friend

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Book SynopsisI know many things about Larissa.I know what she eats, which must-have brands she applies to her face, and the price of each carefully selected ‘piece’ in her multi-million-pound home in Belgravia.Because Ris, as she is known to her many followers, likes to share.And now I’m here, in her home, watching her every move.Entrusted with her secrets and running her diary from the bijou basement flat, I’m on hand to fulfil Ris’ every need. Her right-hand woman. But what she doesn’t know is why I’m really here.I’ve put a lot on the line to get this job, and now my plan can begin.I’ve waited long enough.From the bestselling author of Close to Me, now a major TV series starring Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston**'This book! The tension, the intrigue! I was desperate to know what “The Assistant“ was up to… loved every second.' Jackie Kabler, author of The Murder List'Brilliantly written ... Twisty, dark and witty. A total page turner!' Karen Hamilton, author of The Perfect Girlfriend'A smouldering tale of obsession ... Amanda Reynolds weaves a skilful web of lies and intrigue, suffused with menace until the last killer twist.' Jane Bailey, author of Sorry Isn't Good Enough'Sharp and fresh! A thrilling page-turner that captures the fake world of influencers, social media, and those in the shadows.' L.C. North, author of The Ugly Truth'The Assistant will keep you up all night! A smart and twisty thriller, laced with dark humour and menace. A morality tale for our times.' T.J. Emerson, author of The Perfect Holiday'A brilliantly crafted cat-and-mouse tale, predominantly narrated by the unforgettable Gail Frost – the assistant you do NOT want to cross. Domestic suspense at its very, very best. I loved every minute.' Caz Frear, author of Stone Cold Heart'Such a gripping and unsettling read, with twists and turns a'plenty and an intriguing structure. I tore through it, in the company of the relentlessly creepy Gail.' Emylia Hall, author of The Shell House Detectives'I was completely absorbed by the twists and turns and the unsettling atmosphere ... the twists and turns at the end made it impossible to want to do anything but read, read, read... Such a great book.' Alice Kuipers, author of Life on the Refrigerator Door'Brilliant - unique voice and structure, with twists in plot and perspective that kept me guessing to the end.' Jo Callaghan, author of In the Blink of an Eye'An absolutely gripping story, told in such a unique way.' Melanie Golding, author of The Replacement‘Marvellously dark, clever, twisty and relevant. Highsmith for the modern age. I was completely gripped.’ Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork Girl'Beautifully written … Gail is a superbly drawn, fascinating character and it’s a refreshing change to read something from the viewpoint of a woman ‘of a certain age'.' Nikki Smith, author of All In Her Head'Oh, so twisty! The pages turn themselves in this menacing tale of lies and obsession. Amanda Reynolds nails tension and suspense in this fabulous book.' Victoria Selman, author of Truly, Darkly, Deeply'A cracking twist.' Kate Riordan, author of The Heatwave

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Book SynopsisCaptain Tom Caine knows he should be out with the throngs of revellers celebrating Victory in Europe but, instead of elation, he only feels anger. How can he celebrate when he is haunted by the horrors of the war and the friends he was unable to save? When Caine takes a post in the war crimes investigation team, it's not long before he makes an unforgivable discovery; allied forces and military police, the very people who should be supporting their mission, have been intentionally obstructing their progress. But what are they trying to hide? And what about Celia Blaney, field security officer and the object of his affections, reported MIA? Could the two be linked? This action-packed thriller offers insight into the chaotic state of post-war Europe, depicting the harrowing aftermath of the atrocities wreaked by Nazi occupation.Trade Review'It's everything you'd expect: well plotted, taut, with fast flowing action, a believable and intriguing plot and very credible characters.' - John Sadler, author of Blitzing Rommel 'Really extraordinary. It grabs you from the first page.' - Edward Klekowski

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Book SynopsisSubstantial amounts of 'dark money' provided to British Unionists from unknown sources and used for illegal political purposes in order to subvert the right of Scots to choose independence, is awash in Scotland. A Scottish islander from Benbecula finds himself immersed in a series of criminal plots to defeat the Scots' drive for independence. Facing the might of the British security services and the concerted efforts of those financing corruption, the future of democracy in Scotland looks bleak.

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