Humorous fiction

Book SynopsisIf you go down to the woods today, be sure of a big surprise. The Battle of Nearby Village is over, and deep in the Darkwood, Gretel and her friends journey into the hostile mountains of the north, seeking new allies in their fight against the huntsmen. There they find Gilde the Bear Witch, along with a Werewolf named Scarlett and a winged man named Hex. Meanwhile, Hansel and Daisy set off on a dangerous trip of their own to the Citadel, where they end up in the middle of a political battle for the future of the whole country. Can Gretel and her friends persuade Gilde to join forces, or at least stop fighting them at every step? Can Hansel find a way to heal the land’s divisions and make the huntsmen change their ways before disaster strikes them all? And how did Trevor the spider get hold of a wig? Discover the answers to all these questions and more in Such Big Teeth. Venture into the Darkwood in this modern fairy tale that will bewitch adults and younger readers alike. Trade Review‘Gabby is one of the funniest writers I know’ Sarah Millican‘...very funny. If you like Terry Pratchett, or think gothic fairytales should have more LOLs, "tis the book for ye"’ Greg Jenner‘I have read this and it is great. Pratchetty fun for all the family' Lucy Porter'Magical, surprising and funny' Jan Ravens

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Book SynopsisResolved to give up spying for good, Mrs Pollifax can’t stop herself agreeing to carry a small object to an agent in Thailand, and get one in return. The moment she lands, Mrs P. is horrified to find her contact dead and her husband kidnapped. The next thing she knows, she’s tramping through the unfamiliar Thai countryside, led by a curious fellow who may be trying to help her find her husband. Or he may have other, more sinister plans ... Armed with only an open mind and a little karate, Mrs Pollifax is the most unlikely and lovable of international spies. Trade ReviewPraise for Mrs Pollifax '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 SynopsisTHE TOP 10 BESTSELLERWhen Lin, Josie and Minnie left Miss Hamilton’s class at Middleton Ferris County Primary School, sixty years ago, they could only dream about what the future had in store for them. The one thing they knew for certain was that their friendship would thrive.Years later and life hasn’t always been kind. Josie is still mourning the loss of her beloved husband Harry a year after his sudden demise. Lin is hoping to celebrate her fiftieth wedding anniversary with husband Neil, but he’s suddenly keeping secrets and telling her lies, so she’s suspecting the worst And as for Minnie, well she loves her life in Oxford academia, but with no family to call her own, she sometimes wonders if the sacrifices were all worthwhile.So, when the ninety-year-old Miss Hamilton – or Cecily as she lets them call her now – glides gracefully back into their lives on her glamorous purple mobility scooter, the ladies are in need of inspiration and fun. And over their regular lunches, the friends start to dream of leaving the past in the past and embracing the future, because there’s nothing you can’t achieve with good friends at your side.Judy Leigh is back with the perfect blend of fun and friendship, capers and caring. The perfect feel-good story for all fans of Dawn French, Dee Macdonald and Cathy Hopkins.Readers love Judy Leigh:‘I have been a fan of Judy's work for quite a while now. I love the way in which she writes such fun, feel good, heart-warming and uplifting stories.’‘The Golden Oldies’ Book Club is an entertaining read, written with warmth, humour and a message not to let chances slip by. Themes of friendship, community and navigating life and its opportunities run throughout.’‘A lovely warm read about family and closeness. This author never disappoints, always a joy to find one of her books which I haven’t read.’‘Such a good read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their lives as we are gradually introduced. It's refreshing to have a cast of older characters in the lead - reminds everyone that life isn't over when you reach middle age and beyond.’‘A captivating cosy read written with warmth and humour—friendship, emotion, love, joy, and laughter are abundant throughout the pages of this wonderful story.’Praise for Judy Leigh:‘Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting’ Miranda Dickinson'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins{::} bestselling author of The Kicking the Bucket List'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life… a wonderful escapade’ Fiona Gibson

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Book Synopsis'I loved her then, I love her now. Annie's back and she's better than ever! Fun, feel good and feisty - Annie Valentine is the woman you want to share a cocktail with!' Portia MacIntoshThe opponents: mothers vs. daughtersThe battle scene: a boutique changing roomFashion-guru Annie’s well-dressed world is falling apart – first she has lost her legendary sense of style, and now her daughter Lauren seems to have become her worst enemy. Even her multi-millionairess friend, Svetlana, is having daughter trouble – she’s at war with Elena over their business in New York.A trip to a luxurious Italian spa seems like the perfect way for Annie to forget her problems. But celery juice and Pilates can’t solve the disasters that are about to strike . . .Will Annie rescue her passion for fashion?And can mothers and daughters ever truly be friends?Fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Paige Toon will love this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from bestselling author Carmen Reid.What readers are saying!"If you love shopping as much as you love a great read, try this. Wonderful." Bestselling author, Katie Fforde"Annie Valentine is a wonderful character - I want her to burst into my life and sort out my wardrobe for me!" Bestselling author, Jill Mansell"You will enjoy getting to know Annie Valentine; laughing with her and crying with her. You may even fall in love with her . . . I have! A fantastic read!"⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review"Fantastic read, couldn't put it down" ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review "Can't wait to read the next one!" ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisBluebells bob in the salty sea wind and the cottage gate swings open to reveal the inky-blue cove. It''s exactly how Kitty always pictured it... except in her head, she wasn''t standing here alone. Kitty Roberts spends her days searching for the perfect home for two... until her boyfriend dumps her. Devastated, she flees to a tiny seaside village called Pennystrand, where she spent golden summers as a child, before her family fell apart. At first, Kitty''s dramatic escape proves to be exactly what she needs - pink sunsets over warm, sandy beaches, lovably eccentric new neighbours and even a blush-inducing run-in with Cory Hudson, a floppy-haired local surfer with a heart-stopping smile. But just as Kitty feels herself beginning to heal, Cory reveals that his time in Pennystrand is nearly up. What''s more, some strange reactions to Kitty in town make her wonder if her connection to this place might go deeper than she thought. What is this tranquil little village hiding? It seems there''s a secret in Kitty''s past that is about to turn her life on its head once more... Is she ready for the truth? And will it bring her and Cory closer together, or drive them apart? A page-turning story full of unexpected twists and turns. It will make you smile, laugh and wish you could visit Pennystrand! Absolutely perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Heidi Swain and Carole Matthews. What readers are saying about Tracy Rees: ''OMG!!! What an absolutely gorgeous, beautiful heart-warming book!!!... an absolutely fantastic page-turning book.'' Bookworm 86, ????? ''Glorious... I finished this book genuinely feeling inspired and happier than I have in a long time... warm-hearted, charming, uplifting and filled with positivity and cheer... wonderful.'' Linda''s Book Bag, ????? ''Oh my word... I couldn''t put it down... A wonderful, warm story... I''ll definitely be recommending this to anyone who will listen!'' SusanWr38555367, ?????

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Book SynopsisA grand villa, croissants for breakfast and a dead body in the wine cellar... Lady Swift can''t seem to take a vacation from murder! Summer 1923. Lady Eleanor Swift is finally persuaded by her butler, Clifford, to take a villa in the south of France for the season. She plans to do what a glamorous lady abroad should: long lunches on the balcony followed by lazy afternoons lounging by the pool. Even Gladstone the bulldog is looking forward to a daily paddle in the ocean. But when Clifford examines the wine cellar, he discovers there are no decent reds but there is a very dead body. The victim is famous American movie star Rex Armstrong. Poor Rex seems to have been stabbed with a sword from the film set. So how did he end up in Eleanor''s villa? Before Eleanor even has time to change out of her travelling suit, her beloved butler is arrested for the crime. At sea without her right-hand man, Eleanor must gather her wits if she''s to outsmart a murderer and save Clifford. Attending a glitzy party at the luxurious Hotel Azure with the film''s cast and crew so she can question her main suspects, Eleanor overhears the director having a most unsettling telephone call that throws all her theories out of the water. Can Eleanor unmask the true killer before her time abroad is cut murderously short? A gripping historical murder mystery full of charm and intrigue, set in the beautiful French Riviera. Fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey and Lee Strauss will adore The French for Murder. Readers are utterly addicted to Verity Bright! ''What a great cozy mystery! I am hooked! This is the best book, bar none, that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read!'' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ?????????? ''Can I give it six stars please?... Pretty much perfect... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.'' Goodreads reviewer ?????????? ''What a wild ride it is!... Gripping... This book is what would happen if Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie had a baby. Fun, fast-paced read with lots of charm!'' The Literary Wife ''I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It''s an adorable, captivating book.'' Washington Life Magazine ''A sparkling heroine and perfect partner-in-crime... Every bit as compelling a couple as Bertie Wooster and Jeeves and the series is both entertaining and eminently readable... The perfect light reading for a summer day. An added bonus is the delightful dog Gladstone who is indolent, gluttonous and totally adorable.'' Goodreads reviewer

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Book SynopsisThe society wedding of the decade has everything: the blushing bride, beautiful flowers... and the groom arrested before he can walk down the aisle? Thank goodness Lady Swift is on the guest list! Lady Eleanor Swift isn''t normally one for grand social occasions, but who can resist a wedding? Especially when it''s her old friend, Constance Grainger, marrying the most eligible bachelor in town, Lord Peregrine Davencourt. Eleanor is taking Gladstone the bulldog as her plus one, with a smart new bowtie to match her bridesmaid''s dress. But the big day is ruined when the groom is arrested for murder before he makes it to the altar. In a baffling twist, it turns out he was already engaged to the lovely Daisy Balforth, who has been found dead at the local inn with Lord Davencourt kneeling over her. The gossip pages will have a field day! The distraught bride-to-be asks Eleanor to clear her fiancé''s name, as she''s certain he wouldn''t hurt a fly. With help from handsome Detective Seldon, Eleanor examines the evidence. But she''s barely had time to write down her suspect list before Constance''s father is set upon by a bearded stranger on the golf course. Clearly there is more to this story than Eleanor first thought, but can she catch the real killer before the wedding turns into her wake? A delightfully gripping historical cozy whodunnit full of intrigue and wit. Fans of T E Kinsey, Agatha Christie and Lee Strauss will be totally charmed. Readers adore Verity Bright! ''I am hooked! This is the best book, bar none, that I have read this year... An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery... I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress... A most enjoyable read!'' Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ?????????? ''Can I give it six stars please?... Pretty much perfect... Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.'' Goodreads reviewer ?????????? ''What a wild ride it is!... Gripping... This book is what would happen if Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie had a baby. Fun, fast-paced read with lots of charm!'' The Literary Wife ''I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It''s an adorable, captivating book.'' Washington Life Magazine ''OMG! What an incredible read!... When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn''t put it down!'' Celebrating Authors ?????????? ''A fabulous cosy read!... I absolutely adored this book!... If you are a fan of Poirot, Miss Marple and Downton Abbey then this book is definitely for you... Kept me guessing right up to the very end.'' @my_reading_narnia, ?????

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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 SynopsisA brand-new series perfect for Richard Osman readers and all fans of a page-turning whodunnit.It was meant to be the start of quiet season in the sleepy Cornish village of Seal Bay, but not for sexagenarian librarian and wild swimming enthusiast Morwenna Mutton. Because when a local businessman is found on the beach with a bread knife is his back, bungling police officer DI Rick Tremayne is soon out of his depth. Morwenna knows it’s going to be down to her to crack the case.The list of people the victim upset is long, the evidence is slight, and an arrest illusive. Morwenna has plenty to occupy her time what with ghostly goings-on at the library and skullduggery at her granddaughter’s school, but she could never resist a challenge. And even the most ruthless of murderers should quake at the sight of this amateur sleuth getting on her bike to track them down.If you love Miss Marple and The Thursday Murder Club, then you'll love The Morwenna Mutton mysteries.Readers love Judy Leigh:‘Loved this from cover to cover, pity I can only give this 5 stars as it deserves far more.’‘I loved reading this book, great characters and this author certainly knows how to put a good story together. I'm really looking forward to reading more books by her.’‘This author never disappoints, always a joy to find one of her books which I haven’t read.’‘This book is yet another triumph from an author who never disappoints me, and very much recommended.’

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