Editorial Content for The Improbability of Love
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
I knew right away that I was going to like Hannah Rothschild’s first novel, THE IMPROBABILITY OF LOVE. Its opening chapter reminds me a great deal of the style of another chronicler of the (fictional) rich and famous, Penny Vincenzi. Like Vincenzi, Rothschild brings together a wealthy and eccentric cast of characters, introducing each in quick succession and offering just a tantalizing glimpse into his or her motivations and desires. Read More
Teaser
At a neglected secondhand shop, Annie McDee purchases a painting that happens to be a lost masterpiece by one of the most important French painters of the 18th century. But who painted this masterpiece is not clear at first. Soon Annie finds herself pursued by interested parties who would do anything to possess her picture. In her search for the painting’s identity, Annie will unwittingly uncover some of the darkest secrets of European history --- as well as the possibility of falling in love again.
Promo
At a neglected secondhand shop, Annie McDee purchases a painting that happens to be a lost masterpiece by one of the most important French painters of the 18th century. But who painted this masterpiece is not clear at first. Soon Annie finds herself pursued by interested parties who would do anything to possess her picture. In her search for the painting’s identity, Annie will unwittingly uncover some of the darkest secrets of European history --- as well as the possibility of falling in love again.
About the Book
Annie McDee, 31, lives in a shabby London flat, works as a chef, and is struggling to get by. Reeling from a sudden breakup, she’s taken on an unsuitable new lover and finds herself rummaging through a secondhand shop to buy him a birthday gift. A dusty, anonymous old painting catches her eye. After spending her meager savings on the artwork, Annie prepares an exquisite birthday dinner for two --- only to be stood up.
The painting becomes hers, and Annie begins to suspect that it may be more valuable than she’d thought. Soon she finds herself pursued by parties who would do anything to possess her picture: an exiled Russian oligarch, an avaricious sheikha, an unscrupulous art dealer. In her search for the painting’s identity, Annie will unwittingly discover some of the darkest secrets of European history --- and the possibility of falling in love again.
Editorial Content for Beatlebone
Book
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Reviewer (text)
You don’t hear much about it these days, but back in the 1970s, primal scream therapy had its moment in the treatment of personal anguish. Created by the American psychotherapist Arthur Janov, who receives several mentions in Kevin Barry’s lyrical new novel, BEATLEBONE, the treatment was predicated on the belief that screaming was an effective outlet for the release of pent-up childhood trauma. The therapy’s effectiveness is now questioned, but, 40 years ago, it was almost as popular as some of the actors and musicians who embraced it. Read More
Teaser
It is 1978, and John Lennon has escaped New York City to try to find the island off the west coast of Ireland he bought 11 years prior. Leaving behind domesticity, his approaching 40s, his inability to create, and his memories of his parents, he sets off to calm his unquiet soul in the comfortable silence of isolation. But when he puts himself in the hands of a shape-shifting driver full of Irish charm and dark whimsy, what ensues can only be termed a magical mystery tour.
Promo
It is 1978, and John Lennon has escaped New York City to try to find the island off the west coast of Ireland he bought 11 years prior. Leaving behind domesticity, his approaching 40s, his inability to create, and his memories of his parents, he sets off to calm his unquiet soul in the comfortable silence of isolation. But when he puts himself in the hands of a shape-shifting driver full of Irish charm and dark whimsy, what ensues can only be termed a magical mystery tour.
About the Book
A searing, surreal novel that bleeds fantasy and reality --- and Beatles fandom --- from one of literature's most striking contemporary voices, author of the international sensation CITY OF BOHANE.
It is 1978, and John Lennon has escaped New York City to try to find the island off the west coast of Ireland he bought nine years prior. Leaving behind domesticity, his approaching 40s, his inability to create and his memories of his parents, he sets off to find calm in the comfortable silence of isolation. But when he puts himself in the hands of a shape-shifting driver full of Irish charm and dark whimsy, what ensues can only be termed a magical mystery tour.
BEATLEBONE is a tour de force of language and literary imagination that marries the most improbable element to the most striking effect.
Audiobook available, narrated by
Editorial Content for Red Tide: A Billy Knight Thriller
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
Jeff Lindsay gained fame due to the huge success of his Dexter series featuring blood pathologist/serial killer Dexter Morgan, which spawned multiple installments and a terrific TV series on Showtime. Most recently, the literary series came to an end with the ironic title DEXTER IS DEAD.
For Lindsay, before there was ever a Dexter Morgan, there was Billy Knight. His first novel, TROPICAL DEPRESSION, was set in the Florida Keys and featured Knight, a burnt-out former cop. Lindsay now takes advantage of closing the door on one series by reopening the door on a new one. Read More
Teaser
In Jeff Lindsay's long-awaited sequel to his debut novel, TROPICAL DEPRESSION, Billy Knight wants to ride out Key West’s slow season with the occasional charter and the frequent beer. But when he discovers a dead body floating in the gulf, Billy gets drawn into a deadly plot of dark magic and profound evil. Along with his plucky, gun-happy friend, Nicky, and Anna, a resilient and mysterious survivor of her own horrors, Billy sets out to right the wrongs the police won’t, putting himself in mortal peril on the high seas.
Promo
In Jeff Lindsay's long-awaited sequel to his debut novel, TROPICAL DEPRESSION, Billy Knight wants to ride out Key West’s slow season with the occasional charter and the frequent beer. But when he discovers a dead body floating in the gulf, Billy gets drawn into a deadly plot of dark magic and profound evil. Along with his plucky, gun-happy friend, Nicky, and Anna, a resilient and mysterious survivor of her own horrors, Billy sets out to right the wrongs the police won’t, putting himself in mortal peril on the high seas.
About the Book
From Jeff Lindsay, the bestselling author of the Dexter series, comes the long-awaited sequel to his debut novel, TROPICAL DEPRESSION, featuring ex-cop Billy Knight.
Billy Knight wants to ride out Key West’s slow season with the occasional charter and the frequent beer. But when he discovers a dead body floating in the gulf, Billy gets drawn into a deadly plot of dark magic and profound evil. Along with his plucky, gun-happy friend, Nicky, and Anna, a resilient and mysterious survivor of her own horrors, Billy sets out to right the wrongs the police won’t, putting himself in mortal peril on the high seas.
Editorial Content for Son of the Black Sword: Saga of the Forgotten Warrior
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
Larry Correia has found a comfortable place in the world of urban fiction, crafting bestselling, entertaining adventures for Owen Pitt in his Monster Hunter series. He also has done very well in mixing in books for the more pulpy-feeling Grimnoir Chronicles. Now he is looking to spread his already sizable wingspan a bit and set his sights on developing a line of epic fantasy works. Read More
Teaser
After the War of the Gods, the demons were cast out and fell to the world. Mankind was nearly eradicated by the seemingly unstoppable beasts, until the gods sent the great hero, Ramrowan, to save them. He united the tribes, gave them magic and drove the demons into the sea. Yet as centuries passed, Gods and demons became myth and legend, and the people no longer believed. Ashok Vadal has been chosen by a powerful ancient weapon to be its bearer. But Ashok isn’t who he thinks he is, and when he finds himself on the wrong side of the law, the consequences lead to rebellion, war and destruction.
Promo
After the War of the Gods, the demons were cast out and fell to the world. Mankind was nearly eradicated by the seemingly unstoppable beasts, until the gods sent the great hero, Ramrowan, to save them. He united the tribes, gave them magic and drove the demons into the sea. Yet as centuries passed, Gods and demons became myth and legend, and the people no longer believed. Ashok Vadal has been chosen by a powerful ancient weapon to be its bearer. But Ashok isn’t who he thinks he is, and when he finds himself on the wrong side of the law, the consequences lead to rebellion, war and destruction.
About the Book
After the War of the Gods, the demons were cast out and fell to the world. Mankind was nearly eradicated by the seemingly unstoppable beasts, until the gods sent the great hero, Ramrowan, to save them. He united the tribes, gave them magic, and drove the demons into the sea. Ever since the land has belonged to man and the oceans have remained an uncrossable hell, leaving the continent of Lok isolated. It was prophesied that someday the demons would return, and only the descendants of Ramrowan would be able to defeat them. They became the first kings, and all men served those who were their only hope for survival.
As centuries passed, the descendants of the great hero grew in number and power. They became tyrannical and cruel, and their religion nothing but an excuse for greed. Gods and demons became myth and legend, and the people no longer believed. The castes created to serve the Sons of Ramrowan rose up and destroyed their rulers. All religion was banned and replaced by a code of unflinching law. The surviving royalty and their priests were made casteless, condemned to live as untouchables, and the Age of Law began.
Ashok Vadal has been chosen by a powerful ancient weapon to be its bearer. He is a Protector, member of an elite militant order of roving law enforcers. No one is more merciless in rooting out those who secretly practice the old ways. Everything is black or white, good or evil, until he discovers his entire life is a fraud. Ashok isn’t who he thinks he is, and when he finds himself on the wrong side of the law, the consequences lead to rebellion, war --- and destruction.
Audiobook available, narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds.
Editorial Content for Young Orson: The Years of Luck and Genius on the Path to Citizen Kane
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
The truly outstanding biography is far more than the story of one person. In the hands of a superb writer, the biography becomes the portrayal of a generation. In addition, readers learn how the subject of the biography was shaped and influenced by the times in which he or she lived. In applying that test, many great biographies come to mind, too many to list in this review. Read More
Teaser
In the history of American popular culture, there is no more dramatic story --- no swifter or loftier ascent to the pinnacle of success and no more tragic downfall --- than that of Orson Welles. In this biography, Patrick McGilligan brings young Orson into focus as never before. He chronicles Welles’ early life growing up in Wisconsin and Illinois as the son of an alcoholic industrialist and a radical suffragist and classical musician, and the magical early years of his career, including his marriage and affairs, his influential friendships and his artistic collaborations.
Promo
In the history of American popular culture, there is no more dramatic story --- no swifter or loftier ascent to the pinnacle of success and no more tragic downfall --- than that of Orson Welles. In this biography, Patrick McGilligan brings young Orson into focus as never before. He chronicles Welles’ early life growing up in Wisconsin and Illinois as the son of an alcoholic industrialist and a radical suffragist and classical musician, and the magical early years of his career, including his marriage and affairs, his influential friendships and his artistic collaborations.
About the Book
On the centennial of his birth, the defining wunderkind of modern entertainment gets his due in a groundbreaking new biography of his early years --- from his first forays in theater and radio to the inspiration and making of Citizen Kane.
In the history of American popular culture, there is no more dramatic story --- no swifter or loftier ascent to the pinnacle of success and no more tragic downfall --- than that of Orson Welles. In this magisterial biography, Patrick McGilligan brings young Orson into focus as never before. He chronicles Welles’ early life growing up in Wisconsin and Illinois as the son of an alcoholic industrialist and a radical suffragist and classical musician, and the magical early years of his career, including his marriage and affairs, his influential friendships and his artistic collaborations.
The tales of his youthful achievements were so colorful and improbable that Welles, with his air of mischief, was often thought to have made them up. Now after years of intensive research, McGilligan sorts out fact from fiction and reveals untold, fully documented anecdotes of Welles’s first exploits and triumphs, from starring as a teenager on the Gate Theatre stage in Dublin and bullfighting in Sevilla, to his time in the New York theater and his fraught partnership with John Houseman in the Mercury Theatre, to his arrival in Hollywood and the making of Citizen Kane. Filled with intriguing new insights and startling revelations --- including the surprising true origin and meaning of “Rosebud” --- YOUNG ORSON is a fascinating look at the creative development and influences that shaped this legendary artistic genius.
Editorial Content for Young Elizabeth: The Making of the Queen
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
With more than 63 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II secured the title as the longest reigning British monarch in September 2015, breaking the record formerly held by her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria. For most folks, she is the face of Britain. Known for her colorful ensembles that include matching shoes, hats and handbags, Queen Elizabeth is much more than a figurehead for the royal family. She is a woman who exudes dignity, strength, grace and intelligence as she continues to lead her kingdom into the future as she rapidly approaches 90. Read More
Teaser
We can hardly imagine a Britain without Elizabeth II on the throne. It seems to be the job she was born for. And yet, for much of her early life, the young princess did not know the role that her future would hold. Kate Williams reveals how the 25-year-old young queen carved out a lasting role for herself amid the changes of the 20th century. Her monarchy would be a very different one to that of her parents and grandparents, and its continuing popularity in the 21st century owes much to the intelligence and elusive personality of this remarkable woman.
Promo
We can hardly imagine a Britain without Elizabeth II on the throne. It seems to be the job she was born for. And yet, for much of her early life, the young princess did not know the role that her future would hold. Kate Williams reveals how the 25-year-old young queen carved out a lasting role for herself amid the changes of the 20th century. Her monarchy would be a very different one to that of her parents and grandparents, and its continuing popularity in the 21st century owes much to the intelligence and elusive personality of this remarkable woman.
About the Book
A lively and poignant biography of the young princess who, at the impressionable age of 11, found that she was now heiress to the throne, by the New York Times bestselling author of BECOMING QUEEN VICTORIA.
We can hardly imagine a Britain without Elizabeth II on the throne. It seems to be the job she was born for. And yet for much of her early life the young princess did not know the role that her future would hold. She was our accidental Queen.
Elizabeth's determination to share in the struggles of her people marked her out from a young age. Her father initially refused to let her volunteer as a nurse during the Blitz, but relented when she was 18 and allowed her to work as a mechanic and truck driver for the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service. It was her forward-thinking approach that ensured that her coronation was televised, against the advice of politicians at the time.
Kate Williams reveals how the 25-year-old young queen carved out a lasting role for herself amid the changes of the 20th century. Her monarchy would be a very different one to that of her parents and grandparents, and its continuing popularity in the 21st century owes much to the intelligence and elusive personality of this remarkable woman.
Editorial Content for The Hidden Man
Book
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Reviewer (text)
There is a bit of a backstory that accompanies the publication of THE HIDDEN MAN. What we have in this previously unseen (in the United States) gem by Charles Cumming is no less than his second novel. Written back at the very beginning of this century, it was published abroad but somehow missed the boat here until now. As Cumming notes at the beginning of the novel, he started writing it before the events of September 11, 2001, and Vladimir Putin was an all-but-unknown entity. Read More
Teaser
Christopher Keen, once a master spy, is murdered in cold blood. His sons Mark and Benjamin, though they hadn't seen their father for over 20 years, are now drawn into the legacy of his life as a spy as they set out to discover the truth and avenge their father's death. But as their search proceeds, more questions arise. Is Christopher's death connected to his past life in MI6? Was his eldest son involved in a conspiracy that links him to Moscow, Afghanistan and the Russian mafia?
Promo
Christopher Keen, once a master spy, is murdered in cold blood. His sons Mark and Benjamin, though they hadn't seen their father for over 20 years, are now drawn into the legacy of his life as a spy as they set out to discover the truth and avenge their father's death. But as their search proceeds, more questions arise. Is Christopher's death connected to his past life in MI6? Was his eldest son involved in a conspiracy that links him to Moscow, Afghanistan and the Russian mafia?
About the Book
Christopher Keen, once a master spy, is murdered in cold blood. His sons Mark and Benjamin, though they hadn't seen their father for over 20 years, are now drawn into the legacy of his life as a spy as they set out to discover the truth and avenge their father's death.
But as their search proceeds, more questions arise: Is Christopher's death connected to his past life in MI6? Was his eldest son involved in a conspiracy that links him to Moscow, Afghanistan, and the Russian mafia? Bestselling author Charles Cumming delivers a thriller that delves into the complicated double lives of spies, and what happens when their half-told secrets die with them.
Audiobook available, narrated by
Editorial Content for Yappy Hour
Book
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
You don't have to be a dog lover to be attracted to the title of Diana Orgain's latest book. YAPPY HOUR immediately brings good things to mind: puppies, friends and fun. What the title does not suggest is the madcap mayhem that results when someone is found dead on the barroom floor. Read More
Teaser
Every Friday night, the Roundup Crew, a group of dog-loving friends, meets at a neighborhood wine bar for Yappy Hour. When Rachel, the owner, mysteriously leaves town and asks her sister, Maggie, to run the bar in her absence, things get complicated fast. Maggie arrives to open up and finds a body sprawled on the floor, along with an incriminating letter with Rachel's name on it nearby. On impulse, she hides the letter from the hunky detective, Officer Brad Brooks, who is dispatched to the scene. When Rachel is declared the top suspect by the police, Maggie decides to investigate on her own.
Promo
Every Friday night, the Roundup Crew, a group of dog-loving friends, meets at a neighborhood wine bar for Yappy Hour. When Rachel, the owner, mysteriously leaves town and asks her sister, Maggie, to run the bar in her absence, things get complicated fast. Maggie arrives to open up and finds a body sprawled on the floor, along with an incriminating letter with Rachel's name on it nearby. On impulse, she hides the letter from the hunky detective, Officer Brad Brooks, who is dispatched to the scene. When Rachel is declared the top suspect by the police, Maggie decides to investigate on her own.
About the Book
Someone’s been barking up the wrong barstool in this uncannily enjoyable new canine mystery series from bestselling author Diana Orgain!
Every Friday night in the idyllic seaside town of Pacific Cove, California, the Roundup Crew, a group of dog-friendly folks, have a spirited meet-up at their local wine bar. But when the owner, Rachel, leaves town on mysterious business --- and her pet-unfriendly sister, Maggie, takes charge of the bar --- things take a ruff turn. Not only does Maggie find a body sprawled on the floor, it’s accompanied by an incriminating letter with Rachel’s name on it. On impulse, she hides the letter from hunky detective, Officer Brad Brooks.
With Rachel as the prime suspect, Maggie sniffs out the scene on her own while getting to know the Roundup Crew and their four-legged besties. The Doggie Daiquiris and Muttgaritas are flowing, but it’s not long before another body turns up. Thanks to the Roundup Crew, Maggie’s new litter of friends will do anything to save the bar and solve the mystery...and maybe find a bit of puppy love in the process.
Audiobook available, narrated by Caroline Shaffer
Editorial Content for The Girl in the Ice: A Konrad Simonsen Thriller
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
The Konrad Simonsen series has been percolating for a while in the native Denmark of sibling authors Lotte and Søren Hammer, where six of the books have been published thus far. Readers in the United States were introduced to this intriguing series in 2013 with THE HANGING, which welcomed Detective Chief Superintendent Konrad Simonsen and his extremely quirky team to these shores. The second installment, THE GIRL IN THE ICE, has just been published (thanks in large part to Paul Norlen’s translation). Read More
Teaser
Under the heartless vault of Greenland's arctic sky, the body of a girl is discovered. Half-naked and tied up, buried hundreds of miles from any signs of life, she has lain alone for 25 years. When Detective Chief Superintendent Konrad Simonsen is flown in to investigate this horrific murder and he sees how she was attacked, it triggers a dark memory and he realizes this was not the killer's only victim. As Simonsen's team works to discover evidence that has long since been buried, they unearth truths that certain people would prefer stayed forgotten.
Promo
Under the heartless vault of Greenland's arctic sky, the body of a girl is discovered. Half-naked and tied up, buried hundreds of miles from any signs of life, she has lain alone for 25 years. When Detective Chief Superintendent Konrad Simonsen is flown in to investigate this horrific murder and he sees how she was attacked, it triggers a dark memory and he realizes this was not the killer's only victim. As Simonsen's team works to discover evidence that has long since been buried, they unearth truths that certain people would prefer stayed forgotten.
About the Book
Under the heartless vault of Greenland's arctic sky, the body of a girl is discovered. Half-naked and tied up, buried hundreds of miles from any signs of life, she has lain alone, hidden in the ice cap, for 25 years. Now an ice melt has revealed her.
When Detective Chief Superintendent Konrad Simonsen is flown in to investigate this horrific murder and he sees how she was attacked, it triggers a dark memory and he realizes this was not the killer's only victim. As Simonsen's team works to discover evidence that has long since been buried, they unearth truths that certain people would prefer stayed forgotten. Disturbing details about the moral standing of some of Denmark's political figures are revealed and powerful individuals are suddenly working against the case. But the pressure is on as it becomes clear that the killer chooses victims who all look unsettlingly similar, a similarity that may be used to the investigators' advantage --- just so long as they can keep the suspect in their sights.



