Search results for ""Author Roy"

December 2016 - A severed hand is found washed up on a beach next to the Queen's estate at Sandringham.Elizabeth has become quite accustomed to solving even the most complex of murders. And though she quickly identifies the 70-year-old victim, Edward St Cyr, from his signet ring, the search for his killer is not so straightforward.St Cyr led an unconventional, often controversial life, making many enemies along the way in the quiet, rural world of North Norfolk, where everyone knows each other's business.But when a second man is found dead, and a prominent local woman is nearly killed in a hit-and-run, the mystery takes an even darker turn.With the Christmas break coming to an end, the Queen and her trusted assistant Rozie must race to discover how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Or the next victim may be found even closer to home.

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In his fifth collection of Plays, the work ranges from a spirited, raging drama that investigates police corruption in Jamaica through to two thrilling monologue plays written either side of the Covid-19 pandemic, first presented at London's National Theatre. The political and the personal are drawn together effectively throughout, offering a rich selection of work that showcase Williams's unique talent. Roy Williams has been described as 'one of Britain's most important playwrights' (WhatsOnStage). His career to date has seen him win the Alfred Fagon Award, the George Devine Award, the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright, a BAFTA Award and nominations for the Olivier Award for Best Play. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2008 and was made a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2018. Advice for the Young at Heart (2013) "A robust and poignant piece of theatre." - A Younger Theatre Kingston 14 (2014) "Should be lauded in staging a culture not exactly over-represented in British theatre ... convincingly suggests such tensions underpin both the island’s chaotic political situation, and the wariness between the Jamaican police and the visiting Brit." - Independent The Firm (2018) "Williams reveals himself once more as one of the most compelling chroniclers of the complexities of masculinity in a rapidly changing world." - Arts Desk Death of England (2020) "The most exhilarating and hair-raising drama...This is truly a play for today." - The Guardian Death of England: Delroy (2021) " A blistering solo show sure to survive England’s second lockdown" - Variety

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'A wickedly funny, clever, but also tender and lyrical novel about Britain and Britishness and what we have become' RACHEL JOYCEIn Bournville, a placid suburb of Birmingham, sits a famous chocolate factory. For eleven-year-old Mary and her family in 1945, it's the centre of the world. The reason their streets smell faintly of chocolate, the place where most of their friends and neighbours have worked for decades. Mary will go on to live through the Coronation and the World Cup final, royal weddings and royal funerals, Brexit and Covid-19. She'll have children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Parts of the chocolate factory will be transformed into a theme park, as modern life and the city crowd in on their peaceful enclave.As we travel through seventy-five years of social change, from James Bond to Princess Diana, and from wartime nostalgia to the World Wide Web, one pressing question starts to emerge: will these changing times bring Mary's family - and their country - closer together, or leave them more adrift and divided than ever before?*****'A beautiful, and often very funny, tribute to an underexamined place and also a truly moving story of how a country discovered tolerance' Sathnam Sanghera, bestselling author of Empireland'A hugely impressive state-of-the-nation tale' Observer'This charming read is as warming, rich and comforting as a mug of hot chocolate' The Times

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Let Lindsay Emory whisk you away on another romantic, glamorous and royal adventure in The Royal Bodyguard!Filled with all the intrigue, romance and mystery that made readers fall in love with The Royal Runaway, this is perfect for fans of The Princess Diaries and The Royal We with a splash of James Bond and The Bourne Identity. Now optioned for film!When Princess Caroline of Drieden of the Royal House Laurent eloped with a race car driver, she forfeited her royal title and her family. Now a widow and exiled from Drieden, Caroline is working as a journalist, writing exposes under a pen name. When, one day, she catches sight of her sister Thea's ex-fiancé, she's stunned - Christian is supposed to be dead. Here could be the scoop of the century. But Caroline's plans to uncover Christian's deception are foiled by the arrival of Hugh Konnor - her former bodyguard and Caroline's first - unrequited - love. When Hugh stubbornly refuses to leave her side, Caroline can't deny they make a good team. As they unravel a web of deception that could bring down the House of Laurent, Caroline must decide how far she's willing to go to protect a family she feels deserted her - and whether the man who swore to guard her body can safely hold her heart.Raves for The Royal Runaway:'Thea is a whip-smart princess for the modern era... The story's greatest strength is its twisting spy tale, as it takes one unexpected turn after another' Entertainment Weekly'Happily ever after gets a refreshing update. This imaginative, absorbing, and empowering story is a must-read' Kirkus Reviews'Captivating! Full of twists and turns, The Royal Runaway will keep you guessing and cheering for a Royal happily-ever-after!' Geneva Lee'The perfect royal romp, like The Princess Diaries meets James Bond' Teri Wilson

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In the modern world of networked digital media, authors must navigate many challenges. Most pressingly, the illegal downloading and streaming of copyright material on the internet deprives authors of royalties, and in some cases it has discouraged creativity or terminated careers. Exploring technology’s impact on the status and idea of authorship in today’s world, The Near-Death of the Author reveals the many obstacles facing contemporary authors. John Potts details how the online culture of remix and creative reuse operates in a post-authorship mode, with little regard for individual authorship. The book explores how developments in algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) have yielded novels, newspaper articles, musical works, films, and paintings without the need of human authors or artists. It also examines how these AI achievements have provoked questions regarding the authorship of new works, such as Does the author need to be human? And, more alarmingly, Is there even a need for human authors? Providing suggestions on how contemporary authors can endure in the world of data, the book ultimately concludes that network culture has provoked the near-death, but not the death, of the author.

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Guillaume de Machaut is the most important poet and composer of late medieval France. His unique and inventive output is the subject of this new, integrated edition of Machaut's complete poetry and music. Volume 1, The Debate Series, presents the two "judgment" poems, which are among his most important artistically in terms of their formal innovations and their influence on contemporaries, notably Geoffrey Chaucer, and the associated Lay de plour, presented here with its music. This volume includes the French originals and facing English translations.

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THE ROYALLY BRILLIANT THIRD BOOK IN THE HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN INVESTIGATES MYSTERY SERIES.____________________December 2016 - A severed hand is found washed up on a beach next to the Queen's estate at Sandringham.Elizabeth has become quite accustomed to solving even the most complex of murders. And though she quickly identifies the 70-year-old victim, Edward St Cyr, from his signet ring, the search for his killer is not so straightforward.St Cyr led an unconventional, often controversial life, making many enemies along the way in the quiet, rural world of North Norfolk, where everyone knows each other's business.But when a second man is found dead, and a prominent local woman is nearly killed in a hit-and-run, the mystery takes an even darker turn.With the winter break coming to an end, the Queen and her trusted assistant Rozie must race to discover how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Or the next victim may be found even closer to home.Agatha Christie meets The Crown in MURDER MOST ROYAL, the much-anticipated third book in the 'Her Majesty The Queen Investigates' mystery series by SJ Bennett - for fans of The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, Agatha Christie and M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin.______________________PRAISE FOR THE 'HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN INVESTIGATES' SERIES:'A witty whodunit starring our very own HM The Queen as an amateur sleuth' - GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'A pitch-perfect murder mystery' - Ruth Ware'Written with wit and brio' - Daily Express'Miss Marple with a crown' - Daily Mirror'Absolute perfection!' - Isabelle Broom'Delightfully charming' - Adele Parks'Pure confection' - New York Times'Warm & witty' - Woman&Home'A delightful read' - BBC Radio 2'I loved it' - Joanne Harris'A total joy' - Nina Stibbe'Charming' - Guardian'What a hoot!' - Saga

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THE #2 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SAGA FROM AUTHOR KATIE FLYNNWill love bloom in a new city?It's 1938, and Cadi is chosen to be Rose Queen in the annual Rose Fete. She is thrilled to be treated like royalty for the day. But deep down she is desperate to leave the Welsh mining community where she grew up.When war is declared, Cadi and her best friend Poppy see a chance to escape. Cadi leaves behind her parents and local boy Aled, whom she is meant to marry, for Liverpool.But city life doesn't bring the opportunities they'd hoped for. Unable to join the forces, the girls are left looking for work in poverty-stricken Scotland Ward.They secure jobs in a local pub, and Cadi's blossoming relationship with a handsome dock worker deepens after he rescues her from a terrifying encounter.But when Aled unexpectedly appears dressed in RAF uniform Cadi finds her worlds colliding again. Now the Rose Queen must decide: who will become her King?_____________________________________________WHY READERS LOVE KATIE FLYNN...'Her characters are like old friends''Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy''Heartwarming romance''Hard to put down'Katie Flynn's latest saga, The Winter Rose, is now available for pre-order.

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SHORTLISTED FOR THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE'S ENCORE AWARD 2018 LONGLISTED FOR THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE 2018 'A sheer fantastical delight' The Times 'Epic' New York Times 'An immense treat' Observer Books of the Year 'A fast-paced adventure story' i 'Magical' Sunday Express In uncharted Peru, the holy town of Bedlam stands at the edge of a mysterious forest. Deep within are cinchona trees, whose bark yields the only known treatment for malaria. In 1859, across the Pacific, India is ravaged by the disease. In desperation, the India Office dispatches the injured expeditionary Merrick Tremayne to Bedlam, under orders to return with cinchona cuttings. But there he meets Raphael, an enigmatic priest who is the key to a secret which will prove more valuable than they could ever have imagined.

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The Crime Writers' Association Historical Dagger Winning Author'It's hard to think of a better guide than D. V. Bishop to the brutality and glamour of Renaissance Florence' - Andrew Taylor, bestselling author of The Royal Secret'Fast becoming a serious rival to C. J. Sansom and S. J. Parris' – Historical Novel SocietyFlorence. Summer, 1538.A night patrol finds a wealthy merchant hanged and set ablaze in the city’s main square. More than mere murder, this killing is intended to put the fear of God into Florence. Forty years earlier, puritanical monk Girolamo Savonarola was executed the same way. Does this new killing mean his fanatical disciples are reviving the monk’s regime of holy terror?Cesare Aldo is busy hunting thieves in the Tuscan countryside, leaving Constable Carlo Strocchi to investigate the killing. When another merchant is burned alive in public, the rich start fleeing to their country estates. But the Tuscan hills can also be dangerous.Growing religious fervour and a scorching heatwave drives the city ever closer to madness. Meanwhile, someone is stalking those powerful men who forged lifelong bonds in the dark days of Savonarola.Unless Aldo and Strocchi work together, all of Florence will be consumed by an inferno of death and destruction.Ceremonial murder has returned to Florence. Only two men can end the destruction. Featuring Officer Cesare Aldo, Ritual of Fire is an atmospheric historical thriller by D. V. Bishop, set in Renaissance Italy.Ritual of Fire is the third Cesare Aldo mystery, preceded by City of Vengeance and The Darkest Sin.

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THE ROYALLY BRILLIANT FOURTH BOOK IN THE HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN INVESTIGATES MYSTERY SERIES - NOW AVAILABLE TO IN HARDBACK, EBOOK AND AUDIOBOOK!________________1957 - Young Queen Elizabeth II is finding her way in a challenging world as the United Kingdom must adjust to having neither an empire nor a set place in post-war Europe.As she travels the world to try and build bridges, the Queen is advised by the 'men in moustaches', as Philip calls them - her father's old courtiers, who may or may not have her best interests at heart. One of them is trying to sabotage her: that much she is sure of.And then two bodies turn up, horribly murdered, in Chelsea, and the Queen finds herself unwillingly used as the alibi for somebody very close to her.Elizabeth knows she can't face these challenges alone. She needs support from someone clever, discreet and loyal, someone she can trust. Then she meets ex-Bletchley Park code breaker, Joan McGraw, and their investigation into the murders begins in earnest . . .PRAISE FOR THE 'HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN INVESTIGATES' SERIES:'A witty whodunit starring our very own HM The Queen as an amateur sleuth' - GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'A pitch-perfect murder mystery' - Ruth Ware'Written with wit and brio' - Daily Express'Miss Marple with a crown' - Daily Mirror'Absolute perfection!' - Isabelle Broom'Delightfully charming' - Adele Parks'Pure confection' - New York Times'Warm & witty' - Woman&Home'A delightful read' - BBC Radio 2'I loved it' - Joanne Harris'A total joy' - Nina Stibbe'Charming' - Guardian'What a hoot!' - Saga

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1957 - Young Queen Elizabeth II is finding her way in a challenging world as the United Kingdom must adjust to having neither an empire nor a set place in post-war Europe. As she travels the world to try and build bridges, the Queen is advised by the 'men in moustaches', as Philip calls them - her father's old courtiers, who may or may not have her best interests at heart. One of them is trying to sabotage her: that much she is sure of.And then two bodies turn up, horribly murdered, in Chelsea, and the Queen finds herself unwillingly used as the alibi for somebody very close to her.Elizabeth knows she can't face these challenges alone. She needs support from someone clever, discreet and loyal, someone she can trust. Then she meets ex-Bletchley Park code breaker, Joan McGraw, and their investigation into the murders begins in earnest . . .

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Guidebook to trekking in the heart of Patagonia, with routes in Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) and Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina). While the region is primarily a remote and mountainous glaciated wilderness, walking is easily accessible with clear trails, good public transport and regular mountain huts and campsites. The centrepiece of this dramatic area is the 10-11 day Torres del Paine Circuit (also known as the 'O' Circuit), while the shorter Half Circuit (the 'W') visits much of the same sights in 4-5 days. The guidebook also includes four shorter day walks, a multi-day trek in Argentina's Los Glaciares national park, and several excursions from Puerto Natales and El Calafate. This guidebook includes advice on getting to and around the regions, languages, visa, currency, accommodation and facilities in the National Parks, as well as useful guidance on what to take and expect on the treks. Also featured is background information on the geology, history, wildlife, flora and cultures of the regions, resulting in an excellent companion guide to help you explore the region.

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Ceremonial murder has returned to Florence. Only two men can end the destruction. Featuring Officer Cesare Aldo, Ritual of Fire is an atmospheric historical thriller by D. V. Bishop, set in Renaissance Italy.'Fast becoming a serious rival to C. J. Sansom and S. J. Parris' – Historical Novel SocietyFlorence. Summer, 1538.A night patrol finds a wealthy merchant hanged and set ablaze in the city’s main square. More than mere murder, this killing is intended to put the fear of God into Florence. Forty years earlier, puritanical monk Girolamo Savonarola was executed the same way. Does this new killing mean his fanatical disciples are reviving the monk’s regime of holy terror?Cesare Aldo is busy hunting thieves in the Tuscan countryside, leaving Constable Carlo Strocchi to investigate the killing. When another merchant is burned alive in public, the rich start fleeing to their country estates. But the Tuscan hills can also be dangerous.Growing religious fervour and a scorching heatwave drives the city ever closer to madness. Meanwhile, someone is stalking those powerful men who forged lifelong bonds in the dark days of Savonarola.Unless Aldo and Strocchi work together, all of Florence will be consumed by an inferno of death and destruction . . .'Religion and lust? Money and politics? It's all here, combined into a murderous brew' - Andrew Taylor, bestselling author of The Royal SecretRitual of Fire is the third Cesare Aldo mystery, preceded by City of Vengeance and The Darkest Sin. The series continues with A Divine Fury.The Crime Writers' Association Historical Dagger Winning Author

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As Nicolas Picard rides home from Exeter he is attacked by a snarling wildcat. Yet, when his body is discovered, there are lacerations on his neck that could only have come from human hands. When royal commissioners of William the Conqueror, Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret, arrive in the city to preside over local land disputes, their proceedings are immediately hampered by the death of a key participant: Picard. With Picard's wife and mistress, as well as the wife of the former owner of the estate, staking their claim to the land, Delchard and Bret wonder whose greed has driven them to kill. But the root of the mystery lies far deeper than mere avarice.

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Egypt, 1908. George Dillman and Genevieve Masefield, used to the grand opulence of the Cunard cruise line, are at first disappointed with the Marmora, a small, unimpressive ship owned by the P&O shipping line. Employed by P&O to be the ship's detectives, Dillman and Masefield expect to encounter the usual assortment of petty thieves and confidence tricksters. But this cruise is certain to be unique as the Duke and Duchess of Fife and their children are aboard and the detectives will provide security for the royals. And when a dead body turns up, the voyage proves to be one to remember. Keeping the demise of the poor victim a secret on such a small ship is tough enough but suspects abound, meaning Dillman and Masefield have their work cut out for them. Previously published under the name Conrad Allen, the Ocean Liner series casts off for a new generation of readers.

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A NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE HENNA ARTIST, A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICKGood Morning America’s “27 Books for June" PopSugar’s Best Summer Reads of 2021 In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s intriguing new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in this tale rich in character, atmosphere, and lavish storytelling.It’s the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik has finished his private school education. At twenty, he has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema.Malik soon finds that not much has changed as he navigates the Pink City of his childhood. Power and money still move seamlessly among the wealthy class, and favors flow from Jaipur’s Royal Palace, but only if certain secrets remain buried. When the cinema’s balcony tragically collapses on opening night, blame is placed where it is convenient. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a former street child, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it’s a lesson that will serve him as he untangles a web of lies."Captivated me from the first chapter to the last page." —Reese Witherspoon on The Henna ArtistDon’t miss THE PERFUMIST OF PARIS! The final chapter in Alka Joshi’s New York Times bestselling Jaipur trilogy!

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Scottish heroes and heroines pack of five books: The Story of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, The Story of Robert the Bruce, The Story of Bonnie Prince Charlie, The Story of Rob Roy. Exciting stories with timelines at the back that show the importance of each leader. Suitable for age 7+. Good for schools and homework projects. William Wallace: The thrilling story of how Sir William Wallace, a Scottish patriot and national hero, leads his army against the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Mary Queen of Scots: The Story of Scotland's youngest Queen, who was imprisoned because she was seen as a threat to Queen Elizabeth 1. The Story of Robert Bruce: an exciting account of the life of the warrior king who secured Scotland's independence from England. The Story of Bonnie Prince Charlie: The Story of Charles Edward Stuart in his quest for the return to the throne of a Stuart king. The Story of Rob Roy: A popular Scottish folk hero, Rob Roy is the nickname for Scottish hero Robert Roy MacGregor, who has been described as a Scottish Robin Hood.

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From the author of GOSSIP GIRL comes this funny, fresh story about four messed-up families trying to hold it together - and hold on to each other - while their lives go up in flames...-----In the eclectic Brooklyn neighbourhood of Cobble Hill, the lives of four married couples and their children are about to flip from complicated to combustible...Mandy is so underwhelmed by motherhood that she's faking a debilitating disease to get the attention of her ex-boyband celebrity husband Stuart. There's the unconventional new school nurse, Peaches, who Stuart secretly has a crush on, and her disappointing husband Greg, who wears noise-cancelling headphones - everywhere.A few streets away, Roy, a well-known British novelist, has lost his way with his next novel - and his marriage to Wendy, who knows exactly where she's going. Around the corner, Tupper struggles to salvage his career and to pin down his elusive artist wife Elizabeth. She remains...elusive.Throw in two hormonal teenagers, a ten-year-old pyromaniac and a lot of hidden cameras, and Cobble Hill becomes an explosive mix of egos, desires and secrets.Let the neighbours gossip... What's the worst that can happen?-----'Surprisingly tender . . . breezy, witty, and compulsively fun to read' Kirkus Reviews'Calling all Gossip Girl lovers: get another dose of the drama with this new book that follows four families in a trendy Brooklyn neighbourhood' Good Housekeeping

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A NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE HENNA ARTIST, A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICKGood Morning America’s “27 Books for June" PopSugar’s Best Summer Reads of 2021 In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s intriguing new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in this tale rich in character, atmosphere, and lavish storytelling.It’s the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik has finished his private school education. At twenty, he has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema.Malik soon finds that not much has changed as he navigates the Pink City of his childhood. Power and money still move seamlessly among the wealthy class, and favors flow from Jaipur’s Royal Palace, but only if certain secrets remain buried. When the cinema’s balcony tragically collapses on opening night, blame is placed where it is convenient. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a former street child, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it’s a lesson that will serve him as he untangles a web of lies."Captivated me from the first chapter to the last page." —Reese Witherspoon on The Henna ArtistDon’t miss THE PERFUMIST OF PARIS! The final chapter in Alka Joshi’s New York Times bestselling Jaipur trilogy!

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The 1940s offered ever-increasing outlets for writers in book publishing, magazines, radio, film, and the nascent television industry, but the standard rights arrangements often prevented writers from collecting a fair share of the profits made from their work. To remedy this situation, novelist and screenwriter James M. Cain (The Postman Always Rings Twice,Double Indemnity, Mildred Pierce) proposed that all professional writers, including novelists, playwrights, poets, and screenwriters, should organize into a single cartel that would secure a fairer return on their work from publishers and producers. This organization, conceived and rejected within one turbulent year (1946), was the American Authors' Authority (AAA).In this groundbreaking work, Richard Fine traces the history of the AAA within the cultural context of the 1940s. After discussing the profession of authorship as it had developed in England and the United States, Fine describes how the AAA, which was to be a central copyright repository, was designed to improve the bargaining position of writers in the literary marketplace, keep track of all rights and royalty arrangements, protect writers' interests in the courts, and lobby for more favorable copyright and tax legislation.Although simple enough in its design, the AAA proposal ignited a firestorm of controversy, and a major part of Fine's study explores its impact in literary and political circles. Among writers, the AAA exacerbated a split between East and West Coast writers, who disagreed over whether writing should be treated as a money-making business or as an artistic (and poorly paid) calling. Among politicians, a move to unite all writers into a single organization smacked of communism and sowed seeds of distrust that later flowered in the Hollywood blacklists of the McCarthy era.Drawing insights from the fields of American studies, literature, and Cold War history, Fine's book offers a comprehensive picture of the development of the modern American literary marketplace from the professional writer's perspective. It uncovers the effect of national politics on the affairs of writers, thus illuminating the cultural context in which literature is produced and the institutional forces that affect its production.

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ROI in Action Casebook offers a collection of ROI case studies that represent the classic use of the proven ROI Methodology. A companion volume to Jack J. Phillips and Patricia Pulliam Phillips?s six books in the Measurement and Evaluation series, this book clearly illustrates the ROI Methodology. The case studies represent a variety of applications in human resources, learning and development, and performance improvement. Each case follows the methodology and describes in detail how it was used to show the value of a particular project or program.

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First performed at Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre, the first stage play from the SUNDAY TIMES No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMESIt's been 25 years since Alfred Chalmers was convicted of the gruesome murder of four young women in Edinburgh. Isobel McArthur, Scotland's first Chief Constable, was the woman responsible for putting him behind bars, but the case has haunted her ever since.Now, with her retirement approaching, McArthur decides the time has come for answers. To uncover the truth, she revisits the case and interviews Chalmers for the first time in decades. But her decision rips opens old wounds and McArthur is soon caught up in a web of corruption, psychological mind-games and deceit that threatens not only her own life, but those of her fellow officers and even her own daughter.Tense, gritty and hard-hitting, DARK ROAD is the first ever stage play from bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin, co-written by the Royal Lyceum's Artistic Director Mark Thomson.

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The Queen of Twists, bestselling author of Daisy Darker and Rock Paper Scissors, Alice Feeney returns with another gripping mystery filled with drama and her trademark surprises in Good Bad Girl.'One of the best psychological thriller writers' - The SunSometimes bad things happen to good people, so good people have to do bad things . . .Twenty years after a baby is stolen from her push-chair, a woman is murdered in a care home. The two crimes are somehow linked, and a good bad girl may be the key to discovering the truth.Edith may have been tricked into a nursing home, but at eighty-years-young, she’s planning her escape. Patience works there, cleaning up mess and bonding with Edith, a kindred spirit. But Patience is lying to Edith about almost everything.Edith’s own daughter, Clio, won’t speak to her. And someone new is about to knock on Clio’s door . . . and their intentions aren’t good.With every reason to distrust each other, the women must solve a mystery with three suspects, two murders, and one victim. If they do, they might just find out what happened to the baby who disappeared, the mother who lost her, and the connections that bind them . . .'An author you need to check out' - Harlan Coben***************PRAISE FOR ALICE FEENEY'I was totally hooked from the first sentence' – Peter James, author of the Roy Grace series.‘Compelling, confounding and absolutely delicious' – Lisa Jewell, bestselling author of The Family Upstairs'I was on the edge of my seat the whole time' – Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones and the Six

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'I wrapped duct tape around her mouth and her nose and watched her suffocate to death . . . then I went back to work' - former Colonel David Russell Williams of the Royal Canadian Air Force, 2010Sunday Times-bestselling author Christopher Berry-Dee is back with a companion volume that delves even deeper into the savage world of psychopaths and their hideous crimes. This time, however, he combines sections on killers whom he has known, interviewed or corresponded with, with studies of psychopathic serial killers from the past, including Peter Kürten, the 'Düsseldorf Monster', John Christie, responsible for the killings at 10 Rillington Place; and Neville Heath, a ladykiller in every sense of the word.The result is a chilling narrative that sets the forensic examination of killers and their crimes within the context of murder in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, an examination of the evil mind set against the insoluble problem of identifying psychopaths who kill. This is not a book for the squeamish, but it is undeniably fascinating in its portrayal of just what one human being will do to others - while all too often moving among us unnoticed and unhindered. If their crimes seem as incomprehensible as they are horrific, it is undeniably true that the world's most savage killers may be much closer than we think . . .

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The new historical novel from Philippa Gregory, the Number One bestselling author of Tidelands and Dark Tides. In a divided country, power and loyalty conquer all . . . Ned Ferryman, inspired by news of a rebellion against the Stuart kings, returns from America with his Pokanoket servant to join the uprising against roman catholic, King James. As Ned swears loyalty to the charismatic Duke of Monmouth, he discovers a new and unexpected love. Meanwhile, Queen Mary summons her friend Livia to a terrified court. Recklessly, Livia drags her son Matthew and his foster mothers Alinor and Alys into a plot to save the queen from Monmouth’s invasion, and Matthew is rewarded with the Manor of Foulmire: on the tidelands where Ned, Alinor and Alys had once scraped a poor living. Suddenly, Alinor is lady of the manor, as Ned marches into the last battle between the royalists and commoners, hoping for a new dawn for freedom.A compelling and powerful story of political intrigue and personal ambition, set between the palaces of London, the tidelands of Foulmire and the shores of Barbados.Praise for Dawnlands: ‘This sprawling, epic addition to the series will delight Gregory’s many fans' The Times ‘Fast-paced, gripping and meticulously researched, the latest novel from Philippa Gregory is historical fiction at its best…' Daily Express 'Spellbinding’ Woman’s Own ‘I love falling into a Philippa Gregory novel, her vibrant take on historical events always brings past eras alive . . . ' Adele Parks, Platinum Magazine

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A GUARDIAN, TELEGRAPH AND FINANCIAL TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR BRITAIN, WITH THE WRONG QUEEN.1955. Britain remains a Protectorate of Germany. The assassination of the Leader on British soil provoked violent retribution and intensified repression of British citizens, particularly women. Now, more than ever, the Protectorate is a place of surveillance and isolation - a land of spies.The royal family has been usurped, and the widowed Queen Wallis reigns in their place. Yet some citizens hold out hope that Elizabeth may one day return.Rose Ransom marvels that she's even alive. A mere woman, her role in the Leader's death has been miraculously overlooked. Her work now focuses on the outlawed subject of Poetry, a form of writing that transmits subversive meanings. Therefore all Poetry is banned and Rose is appointed a Poet Hunter.President Eisenhower is to make a state visit to Britain and Rose is tasked with visiting Queen Wallis to brief her. She finds Wallis in a state of paranoia, desperate to return to her American homeland. She claims she has a secret document so explosive that it will blow the Protectorate apart - should she dare to reveal it.PRAISE FOR QUEEN HIGH 'Begins with a bang' CLARE CHAMBERS'Full of twists' RED'A gripping thriller' BEL MOONEY'Exciting and provocative' OBSERVER'Thrilling, subversive' JANE HARRIS 'A triumph' AMANDA CRAIG'Enthralling' THE SUNDAY TIMES'Ingenious' SABINE DURRANT

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She found love. Now, she needs to try and keep it. She spent years in the Veil as an invisible cupid. Unable to talk, touch or love anyone, which made her a little bitter.Now, Emelle has a life . . . and a bounty on her head. The fae prince wants her dead, and her three gorgeous genfins are arrested. The royal culling trials are about to begin, but Emelle isn't going to let everything be taken from her without a fight.There's rebellion in the air, a princess who's not all she appears to be and a lamassu fae who claims to be Emelle's mate.Love is getting complicated.But to a cupid, it always is.Bonds of Cupidity is Book Two in the fun, addictive and sexy Heart Hassle seriesGild, Glint and Gleam, Sunday Times bestsellers, April 2023

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'Immersive, involving, suspenseful, and intriguing, with a main character you'll love' LEE CHILDA woman fights unimaginable odds to keep her people alive after the disintegration of America. . . Picking up right where A Longer Fall left off, this thrilling third instalment follows Lizbeth Rose as she takes on one of her most dangerous missions yet: rescuing her estranged partner, Prince Eli, from the Holy Russian Empire. Once in San Diego, Lizbeth is going to have to rely upon her sister Felicia, and her growing Grigori powers to navigate her way through this strange new world of royalty and deception in order to get Eli freed from jail where he's being held for murder.Love The Walking Dead, Westworld or True Blood? You will ADORE this gritty and wildly entertaining tale, set in a parallel reality of the United States where magic is an outlawed power.__________Praise for Charlaine Harris'A gripping, twisty-turny, thrill-ride of a read' Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author'Harris has a remarkable talent for world building' Booklist'Will leave readers enthralled. [A] fascinating setting and a heroine who's sure to be a new fan favourite' Publishers Weekly (starred review)'A master of her craft . . . dazzling' Seanan McGuire, NYT Bestselling author'A gritty, action-filled story with a touch of magic' Anne Bishop, NYT Bestselling author

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Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Susan Hill, Nicci French and Val McDermid, this is an astute and intelligent psychological thriller centring around obsession and rage from international multi-million copy seller Joanne Harris. Fast paced with unexpected twists and turns, it will get right under the skin...'[A] gripping psychological thriller... Harris is one of our most accomplished novelists and Gentlemen & Players, with its pace, wit and acute observation, shows her at the top of her form' -- DAILY EXPRESS'[A] delicious black comedy ... the plot is so cleverly constructed, the tension so unflagging, you'd think she'd been writing thrillers all her life' -- DAILY MAIL'It kept me on the edge of my seat and I was thinking about it long after I turned the last page' -- ***** Reader review'An intricate, engrossing novel' -- ***** Reader review'Wonderfully, horribly plausible' -- ***** Reader review'I read it in three days which is as close as I get to "couldn't put it down"' -- ***** Reader review'Well written and enthralling' -- ***** Reader review'A must read....' -- ***** Reader review'Absolutely loved this book!' -- ***** Reader review*******************************************************************************************At St Oswald's, a long-established boys' grammar school in the north of England, a new year has just begun. For the staff and boys of the school, a wind of unwelcome change is blowing. Suits, paperwork and Information Technology rule the world; and Roy Straitley, the eccentric veteran Latin master, is finally - reluctantly - contemplating retirement.But beneath the little rivalries, petty disputes and everyday crises of the school, a darker undercurrent stirs.And a bitter grudge, hidden and carefully nurtured for thirteen years, is about to erupt.The trilogy continues with blueeyedboy and Different Class.

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Maximizing ROI on Software Development explains how to execute best quality software development and testing while maximizing business value. It discusses Applied ROI in the context of methodologies such as Agile and Extreme Programming, and traditional methodologies including Six Sigma, the Capability Maturity Model® (CMM®), Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and Product Line Models (PLM). The text discusses what is important in global terms and details how best to choose teams and partners, including outsourcers, and how to employ the latest tools and technologies. It provides models, metrics, and detailed case studies to improve current and future development projects, whether in house or outsourced, near shore or off-shore. The book offers perspectives on how quality improvement through software quality assurance (SQA) testing, planning, and execution is a powerful and effective route toward maximizing return on investment.Divided into seven chapters, this friendly and informative guide can be read quickly, then used as a reliable reference by team leaders and members. It begins by reviewing software development, tools, and methodologies, followed by an examination of how development, maintenance, and integration have become more complex and will continue to do so. The book discusses best practices for managing this complexity and explores the business case for maximizing ROI. The text then provides a comprehensive analysis of ROI from several perspectives, covering nomenclature, project success and failure, mathematics, processes, work products, and techniques. It details how to make global teams successful and how to evaluate Applied ROI implementation, and it includes case studies for wireless, enterprise, and CRM systems.

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An index of authors of plant scientific names. Includes flowering plants, gymnosperms, pteridophytes, bryophytes, algae, fungi and fossil plants. Full names, dates of birth and death when known, recommended abbreviations and groups in which names have been published are given for each author.

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ROI Fundamentals ROI Fundamentals is the first of six books in the Measurement and Evaluation Series from Pfeiffer. The proven ROI Methodology--developed by the ROI Institute--provides a practical system for evaluation planning, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. All six books in the series offer the latest tools, most current research, and practical advice for measuring ROI in a variety of settings. ROI Fundamentals outlines the basic ROI Methodology and shows why measuring return on investment is such a valuable process. The book highlights the benefits of implementing an effective ROI model and also reveals the challenges organizations face when incorporating the ROI Methodology. Using real-world examples from international companies, the authors explore the types of organizations that are best suited for the ROI Methodology and suggest the optimal time to implement it. The book also offers step-by-step information for planning an effective ROI evaluation.

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The Midnight Rose is a spellbinding tale of family secrets, sacrifice and the everlasting power of love, from Lucinda Riley, international bestselling author of the Seven Sisters series. India, 1911. Anahita Chavan, from a noble but impoverished family, forms a lifelong friendship with the headstrong Princess Indira, the privileged daughter of Indian royalty. Becoming the princess's official companion, Anahita accompanies her friend to England just before the outbreak of the Great War. There, she meets Donald Astbury – reluctant heir to the magnificent Astbury Estate – and his scheming mother.Eighty years later, Rebecca Bradley, a young American film star, has the world at her feet. But, when her turbulent relationship takes an unexpected turn, she's relieved that her latest role, playing a 1920s debutante, will take her away from the glare of publicity to the wilds of Dartmoor, England. Shortly after filming begins at the now-crumbling Astbury Hall, Ari Malik, Anahita's great-grandson, arrives unexpectedly, on a quest to explore his family's past.As Rebecca and Ari begin to unravel the dark secrets that haunt the Astbury dynasty, what they discover will change everything . . .

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The impressively versatile Joanne Harris in her psychological thriller mode, at her darkest and most unsettling. Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Susan Hill, Nicci French and Val McDermid.'A magnificently plotted and twisty journey to the heart of a 24-year-old crime...darkly humorous...constantly wrongfoots and misdirects...up to a satisfyingly eccentric conclusion.' -- Observer'Classy writing, sensitive and moving.' -- The Times'Harris pulls off an impeccable thriller denouement...consistently entertaining.' -- Sunday Times'Just fabulous' -- ***** Reader review'An absolute triumph of a book' -- ***** Reader review'Twists, turns and droll humour - a great read!' -- ***** Reader review'Absorbing' -- ***** Reader review****************************************************************************************************After thirty years at St Oswald's Grammar in North Yorkshire, Latin master Roy Straitley has seen all kinds of boys come and go - the clowns, the rebels, the underdogs, and those he calls his Brodie boys. But every so often there's a boy who doesn't fit the mould. A troublemaker. A boy capable of twisting everything around him. A boy with hidden shadows inside.With insolvency and academic failure looming, a new broom has arrived at the venerable school, bringing Powerpoint, sharp suits and even sixth form girls to the dusty corridors. But while Straitley does his sardonic best to resist this march to the future, a shadow from his past is stirring. A boy who even twenty years on haunts his teacher's dreams. A boy capable of bad things.

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Descriptions of animal sacrifice in Homer offer us some of the most detailed accounts of this attempt at communication between man and gods. What is the significance of these scenes within the framework of the Iliad? This book explores the structural and thematic importance of animal sacrifice as an expression of the quarrel between Akhilleus and Agamemnon through the differing perspectives of the primary narrative and character speech. In the Iliad, animal sacrifice is incorporated into the primary narrative to bolster the royal authority of Agamemnon and further emphasize Akhilleus' isolation. The sacrifices embedded in character speech express frustration with the failure of reciprocity and the inability of sacrifice to influence the course of human events.

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"You have one chance," said the voice of the goddess...'Pitch-perfect... Part historical, part fantasy, all top-notch queer romance'KIRKUS REVIEWS (starred review)'All the interpersonal drama of Jane Austen meets all the complex treachery of Greek mythology'PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)'Whimsically wonderful, witty writing that evokes Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde... An effervescent, genre-blurring romantic confection'BOOKLISTIt is the year 1814 and Miss Maelys Mitchelmore finds her entry into the highest society of Bath hindered by an irritating curse. It begins innocuously enough, with her dress slowly unmaking itself over the course of an evening at the ball of the season, a scandal she only narrowly manages to escape.However, as the curse progresses to more fatal proportions, she realises she must seek out urgent assistance, even if that means mixing with the most undesirable company - and there are few less desirable allies than the brooding Lady Georgiana Landrake - who may or may not have murdered her own father and brothers to inherit their fortune.If one is to believe the gossip, she might be some kind of malign enchantress.Then again, a malign enchantress might be exactly what Miss Mitchelmore needs.A devilishly funny and heartwarming sapphic Regency romantasy from bestselling author of Boyfriend Material Alexis Hall, Mortal Follies is unmissable for fans of Juno Dawson's Her Majesty's Royal Coven and Freya Marske's A Marvellous Light.What readers are saying:'This book is just delightful. Hall is so talented at writing funny, sexy rom-coms that leave me with the biggest smile on my face, and this one is no exception' Kiley, 5* NetGalley review'A frolicsome delight, which is as much about stories, and how stories are told, as anything else. Thanks (yet again) for the joy, Alexis Hall' Melissa, 5* NetGalley review'Such a lot of fun! For anyone who loves Georgette Heyer-esque Regency historical rom-coms, you'll adore the tonnish style of the plot, and for those of us who love magic and witchery and faerie, then having Robin Goodfellow as the narrator adds a lot of wry humour' Lynne, 5* NetGalley review'I LOVED this book! It's fun, exciting, tumultuous and sapphic. It's incredibly written with one of the most enjoyable narrators I've read... Kept me on the edge of my seat and not wanting to put my book down, even at 3am... Will be recommending to all my friends' Anonymous, 5* NetGalley review'Be still my beating heart. I absolutely loved this! This book is perfect for readers who love Bridgerton' Bee, 5* NetGalley review'So much fun to read' Courtney, 5* NetGalley review

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The sweeping new saga of strong heroines and family secrets from the bestselling author of The Paris Model. While searching for her lost sister, art historian Wren Summers takes on the glittering world of New York's auction houses. A missing girl, a hidden masterpiece, and the search for the truth1965: After escaping from anti-war turmoil and the suffocating weight of family expectations, a beautiful young couple embrace a life free of materialism and tradition by a sapphire lake in Italy. But the past does not always let go so easily ...1987: When talented art historian Wren Summers lands her dream job at the Sydney Art Museum, it seems she can finally leave her wildly unconventional background behind - until a treacherous act threatens everything she has strived for.The revelation of a monstrous family secret sees Wren head to New York, compelled to find the missing girl who holds the key to this shocking mystery - and to make a fresh start in the glittering realm of international art auctions. As she struggles to fulfil her quest, can she navigate this new, high-stakes world of swirling temptation, romance and deceit, danger and betrayal, while staying true to what she knows is right?Praise for Alexandra Joel:'A mesmerising storyteller' The Australian'Exceptional research and great storytelling ... She has that rare flair for drawing the reader into sumptuous worlds from glamorous bygone eras' Better Reading

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Your essential guide to calculating return on investment.Build and refine your measurement and evaluation skills through ROI Basics, perfect for beginners challenged to implement a comprehensive evaluation process as well as those taking a proactive approach to accountability. Its five-level evaluation framework includes: Level 1: Reaction and Planned Action Level 2: Learning Level 3: Application and Implementation Level 4: Impact Level 5: Return on Investment ROI Basics provides a baseline exploration of ROI for the talent development function and the steps to successful evaluation: evaluation planning, data collection, data analysis, and results optimization.In this second edition, experts Patti and Jack Phillips go deeper into aligning programs to the business, detecting payoff needs, and identifying specific business measures that need to improve. They explore how the process applies beyond training to talent development and suggest how new technologies can influence ROI adoption and implementation in your organization. This updated book offers a review of two essential—and often overlooked—steps in the ROI process: isolating program impact and sustaining momentum.

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The ROI from Software Quality provides the tools needed for software engineers and project managers to calculate how much they should invest in quality, what benefits the investment will reap, and just how quickly those benefits will be realized. This text provides the quantitative models necessary for making real and reasonable calculations and it shows how to perform ROI analysis before and after implementing a quality program. The book demonstrates how to collect the appropriate data and easily perform the appropriate ROI analysis.Taking an evidence-based approach, this book supports its methodology with large amounts of data and backs up its positioning with numerous case studies and straightforward return-on-investment calculations. By carefully substantiating arguments, this volume separates itself from other works on ROI.

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