A joyful story about found family and the courage to embrace love’s true colours.'A book with spring in its step… I read this with a big smile and a soaring heart.' JACK STRANGE ‘A love letter to queerness and the family you get to choose.' PJ ELLIS Forty years ago, sixteen-year-old David was heartbroken when his family rejected him for coming out. Since then, he has vowed to always help anyone in need. So, when he finds a tearful young woman outside his flower shop, he can’t just walk away. Meg is newly engaged to the love of her life, Hannah. She should be overjoyed, but her conservative parents have made their disapproval painfully clear – leaving Meg devastated and wanting to call the whole wedding off. But David won’t let another young person be rejected. He offers to be Meg’s ‘stand-in dad’, diving headfirst into dress fittings, cake tastings, and venue visits to make sure Meg’s special day is unforgettable. Yet Meg’s parents’ absence looms large – and when disaster strikes, can David save the wedding in time? The Stand-in Dad is a joyful story about found family and the courage to embrace love’s true colours, perfect for fans ofMatt Cain, Mike Gayle and Ryan Love. –––––––––––––––– AUTHORS LOVE THE STAND-IN DAD! 'Joyful, uplifting and full of heart – I loved it.' SARAH TURNER 'A thoroughly heart-warming read, full of lovable characters and with a resounding message of hope for our times.' KATE STOREY 'Sweet, uplifting and deeply touching… a delight.' JUSTIN MYERS 'A tender, heart-warming story of friends, family and the unexpected joy that's waiting in the spaces in-between. Gentle and uplifting.' JULIETTA HENDERSON ‘Moving and uplifting, THE STAND-IN DAD is HEARTSTOPPER for adults; a love letter to queerness and the family you get to choose.' PJ ELLIS 'A breath of fresh air. Powered by kindness, community and love, this book is lots of fun and absolutely full of joy.' ELEANOR RAY ‘A sweet and touching story that highlights that true friendship comes in many forms.’ CHARLOTTE BUTTERFIELD 'What a joy! A vibrant, warm and hopeful story, with a cast of characters I'd love to be friends with and a flower shop I wish was on my street. Loved it.' PENNY MIRREN 'A book with spring in its step… I read this with a big smile and a soaring heart.' JACK STRANGE 'A gentle heart-warming story… with a dash of humour whisked in to delight.' CHARLIE LYNDHURST READERS LOVE THE STAND-IN DAD! 'This was just beautiful. Literally, my heart hurts… This will forever live in my mind. Absolutely stunning.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review 'This is an uplifting and joyful story about love, acceptance and overcoming adversity… Heartily recommended as a queer pick-me-up.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review 'A lovely and heart-warming book.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review 'Gosh, what a read… A lovely ending.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review 'I really enjoyed this book and will be looking out for others by this author. Very impressed.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley review

The Stand-in Dad

Sail away to beautiful Croatia for summer sun, sparkling turquoise seas and a will-they-won’t-they romance you won’t be able to put down! When no-nonsense, down-to-earth Maddie Wilcox is offered the chance to work on a luxury yacht for the summer, she can’t say no. Yes she’ll be waiting on the posh guests… But island-hopping around the Adriatic sea will more than make up for it – especially when Nick, her best friend Nina’s brother, is one of them. Sparks fly when they meet on board and Maddie can’t believe self-entitled jerk Nick is really related to Nina. But in a secret, picture-perfect cove, away from the real world, Maddie and Nick discover they might have more in common than they realise…

Romantic Escapes

The Secret cove in Croatia

SOON TO BE ADAPTED FOR TV! The first in a gripping new mystery series introducing Detective Tess Fox and her con-artist sister Sarah Jacobs’A tasty whodunnit’ The Sun ’Three deviously clever impossible crimes’ Gigi Pandian, Edgar-award winning author ’A real puzzle box of a story’ J.M. Hall, author of a A Spoonful of Murder ’An ending I never saw coming’ Faith Martin, multi-million-copy selling author DI Tess Fox’s first murder scene has two big problems. One, the victim was thrown from the balcony of a flat locked from the inside. Two, Tess knows him. But the biggest problem of all is Tess’s half-sister, Sarah. She has links to the deceased and has the skills and criminal background to mastermind a locked-room murder. But she’s a con-artist, not a killer. When two more bodies turn up, Tess now has three locked room mysteries to solve and even more reason to be suspicious of Sarah. Can she trust someone who breaks the law for a living, even if she is family? Tropes 🔒🚪 Locked room 🤷 Impossible crime ☠️☠️☠️ Multiple murders 🤼 Family feuds 🕵️‍♀️ Sherlockian detective Readers LOVE Three Card Murder ‘Incredibly ingenious’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘One of the few authors where the twists leave me speechless’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘From the first sentence to the end I was hooked’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book was so much fun!’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Has a narrative which is unique and one that you won't see coming’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Impossible Crimes Series

Three Card Murder

The latest pulse-pounding thriller from master of the moral dilemma and Sunday Times bestseller Jack Jordan. * LONGLISTED FOR THE THEAKSTONS OLD PECULIER CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2025 * * LONGLISTED FOR THE WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE 2025 * * A RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK 2025 * ‘Tense, dark, emotional, and beautifully written, this action-packed gut-punch of a novel is flawless, and one of the best books I’ve read this year’ Andrea Mara ‘Thrilling, heartfelt, and hugely evocative ... both intensely exciting and deeply moving. A brilliant achievement’ Alex Michaelides ‘A stunning, heart-breaking thrill-ride. Redemption takes a skilful look at love, loss, and the hollow hand of revenge. Powerful and propulsive’ Chris Whitaker ‘No one crafts a dilemma quite like Jack Jordan’ Janice Hallett 'Sometimes I wonder if I have it in me to kill someone . . . what my tipping point might be.' AARON has just been released from jail after causing the death of a boy in a hit-and-run. Now a free man, all he wants to do is leave his troubled past behind him. EVELYN, consumed by grief and rage, has been counting down the days until this moment. After eleven long years, she is finally able to exact the revenge her late son deserves. TOBIAS knows what his wife is planning, and as they embark on a breathless pursuit across the Nevada desert, he is determined to do everything he can to save her from herself. Even if it means protecting the man who killed their son. Locked in a blood-soaked collision course, they’re about to find out what waits for them at the end of the road. RETRIBUTION . . . OR REDEMPTION? Readers can't stop talking about Redemption . . . (five star reader reviews *****) 'Hold onto your seat because this book is a wild ride from start to finish! It's definitely one of my top favourites for 2024, and I can't stop thinking about it.' 'Oh my goodness, Jack Jordan can sure write a jaw dropping thriller, this well-written, powerful and emotional story has me riveted throughout.' 'Oh my word, Jack Jordan has done it again. What an incredible read Redemption is. Truly mind-blowing. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions, I felt them all whilst reading this, and it even made me cry, which rarely happens with thrillers.' 'My new favourite Jack Jordan book. This powerful and propulsive thriller was dark, brilliantly pacey, flawless, and refreshingly different. It was also unputdownable and unpredictable.' 'This book was gripping and I couldn’t put it down. It intrigued me from the very first chapter, and this feeling lasted until the very end.'

Redemption

Sylvie Cloutier, art lover and former antiques dealer, is trapped in her loveless marriage to the bullying Henri like a bird in a gilded cage. Meanwhile, security guard, hopeless romantic and bookworm Philippe Moreau cycles through the streets of Paris in his crumpled uniform, late (again) for his night shift at the Louvre. When Sylvie begs her husband to let her go to work, he gets her a job as an evening cleaner at the Louvre, thinking such a menial position will dispel any ideas about independence she might have. But his plan backfires when she falls in love with kind, gentle Philippe. They decide to run away together, but there's a major problem: neither of them has any money. One stormy night in the Louvre, the answer to their prayers falls into their lap. But is it really the solution - or another even bigger problem?

Falling in Louvre

Aveline Jones loves reading ghost stories, so a dreary half-term becomes much more exciting when she discovers a spooky old book. Not only are the stories spine-tingling, but it once belonged to Primrose Penberthy . . . who vanished mysteriously, never to be seen again. Intrigued, Aveline decides to investigate Primrose's disappearance. But now someone - or someTHING - is stirring. And it is looking for Aveline . . .

Aveline Jones

The Haunting of Aveline Jones

A surprise present, a mystery sender and a sprinkling of secrets. Escape with bestselling author Cressida McLaughlin!‘A warm and comforting read’ Woman & Home ‘Wonderful’ Woman’s Own ___________________________________ Can their Christmas love story last a lifetime?In a village by the sea, where wintry skies bring a dusting of sparkling snow, somebody is opening an unexpected gift… When Sophie receives a surprise package, she’s intrigued to find a beautifully bound book inside. Sophie is desperate to discover the mystery sender, and her hunt draws her to the enigmatic Harry. The subject of much gossip since his return from London, Harry keeps to himself in his crumbling manor house. But they are both about to learn that the best stories can take on a life of their own. ___________________________________ *Readers LOVE The Secret Christmas Bookshop* 'The perfect Christmas cosy read…I happily lost myself in it in one whole sitting' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A beautiful wintery tale' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A heartwarming and festive romantic escape' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Filled with warmth, hope and just the right touch of Christmas magic' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Impossible not to feel a glow when reading it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Everything you could want in a festive book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A lovely festive read full of wintery wonder and community' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Laughter and tears, Christmas and books – who could want anything more' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Heartwarming and festive with a little mystery. Absolutely fantastic' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Cressida never fails to deliver…beautifully written!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Secret Bookshop

The Secret Christmas Bookshop

A murderer strikes at a school reunion—but the students are no strangers to death— in this propulsive, twisty thriller from the internationally bestselling author of the Ruth Galloway Mysteries Is it possible to forget that you’ve committed a murder? When Cassie Fitzgerald was at school in the late 90s, she and her friends killed a fellow student. Almost twenty years later, Cassie is a happily married mother who loves her job—as a police officer. She closely guards the secret she has all but erased from her memory. One day her husband finally persuades her to go to a school reunion. Cassie catches up with her high-achieving old friends from the Manor Park School—among them two politicians, a rock star, and a famous actress. But then, shockingly, one of them, Garfield Rice, is found dead in the school bathroom, supposedly from a drug overdose. As Garfield was an eminent—and controversial—MP and the investigation is high profile, it’s headed by Cassie’s new boss, DI Harbinder Kaur, freshly promoted and newly arrived in London. The trouble is, Cassie can’t shake the feeling that one of them has killed again. Is Cassie right, or was Garfield murdered by one of his political cronies? It’s in Cassie’s interest to skew the investigation so that it looks like it has nothing to do with Manor Park and she seems to be succeeding. Until someone else from the reunion is found dead in Bleeding Heart Yard…

Harbinder Kaur

Bleeding Heart Yard

'Fast-paced, entertainingly creepy, laugh-out-loud funny, and genuinely moving' Michelle Paver 'Full of magic and delight' Rowan Coleman ‘A rural Ben Aaronovitch!’ C. K. McDonnell The Holly King is coming, and you’re on his list . . . It's December 1940, and Christmas has come to Woodville. Faye Bright is looking forward to a good old knees-up after a year of supernatural mayhem and Luftwaffe air raids, but it seems glad tidings are in short supply. Already contending with food rationing and sky-high beer prices, the village is upended by the arrival of the Holly King, an ancient power bent on reclaiming his woodland domain. No mortal magic can stand in his way. As the winter solstice draws in and the villagers fall under the Holly King’s spell, Faye, Bertie and the witches race to prevent his sinister Feast of Fools from reaching its deadly conclusion. But when terrible truths threaten to tear them apart, can they confront the mistakes of the past to save the village from destruction? Or has Woodville seen its last Christmas? For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes the fourth novel in this delightful series of war, mystery and a little bit of magic . . . Don't miss the other magical books in the WITCHES OF WOODVILLE series! #1 The Crow Folk #2 Babes in the Wood #3 The Ghost of Ivy Barn #4 The Holly King #5 The Corn Bride

The Holly King

Summer, 1816. A notorious rebel is about to meet her match...Lady Georgiana Pendlebury is no stranger to breaking the rules of polite society. But when a so-called 'friend' invites her to a clandestine party, Georgiana is shocked to discover the event is more scandalous than even she could have imagined. So when a mysterious stranger offers help, she accepts, not realising their encounter will turn her life upside down.Later that summer, Georgiana is invited to attend a house party at an infamous castle in Yorkshire. The gathering is a loosely veiled effort to arrange a marriage for the Duke of Northriding, who desperately needs an heir. Duke Gabriel Mauleverer has a terrible reputation as a rake, and Georgiana is happy to be a guest purely for the entertainment, but upon arrival, she is shocked to discover that the Duke is none other than the stranger who rescued her weeks earlier.As the other ladies vie for the Duke's attention, Georgiana is desperate to avoid their shocking secret getting out. But she finds herself caught, unable to avoid Gabriel's gaze. Are they a threat to each other? Or could they be the answer to each other's greatest desires?

Duke of One's Own (Unabridged)

'Beautiful and engaging and clever and what more could you ask for in a book?' Manda Scott, bestselling author of A Treachery of Spies 'A story that is full of magic and delight that will thrill readers of any age' Rowan Coleman, author of The Girl at the Window ‘A rural Ben Aaronovitch!’ C. K. McDonnell, author of The Stranger Times As Spitfires roar overhead and a dark figure stalks the village of Woodville, a young woman will discover her destiny . . . Faye Bright always felt a little bit different. And today she’s found out why. She’s just stumbled across her late mother’s diary which includes not only a spiffing recipe for jam roly-poly, but spells, incantations, runes and recitations . . . a witch's notebook. And Faye has inherited her mother’s abilities. Just in time, too. The Crow Folk are coming. Led by the charismatic Pumpkinhead, their strange magic threatens Faye and the villagers. Armed with little more than her mum's words, her trusty bicycle, the grudging help of two bickering old ladies, and some aggressive church bellringing, Faye will find herself on the front lines of a war nobody expected. For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes this delightful novel of war, mystery and a little bit of magic . . . Don't miss the other magical books in the WITCHES OF WOODVILLE series! #1 The Crow Folk #2 Babes in the Wood #3 The Ghost of Ivy Barn #4 The Holly King #5 The Corn Bride Praise for THE CROW FOLK 'Stay has brewed a cracking blend of charm and creepiness in The Crow Folk. A rip-roaring tale of bravery and witchcraft on the wartime home front, expertly told with lashings of wit and warmth' Pernille Hughes, author of Probably the Best Kiss in the World 'Warm, witty, witchy wartime fun. With Mark Stay as writer you're always guaranteed a magical read' Julie Wassmer, author of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries 'You'll love it: Doctor Who meets Worzel Gummidge' Lorna Cook, author of The Forgotten Village 'A jolly romp with witches, demons, and bellringing. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, and Faye is a feisty and fun hero. Dad's Army meets Witches of Eastwick' Ian W Sainsbury ‘Mark Stay’s brilliantly written Witches of Woodville books are somehow funny, cosy, clever and disturbingly dark all at the same time. Terry Pratchett fans will LOVE em’ Lucy Strange 'Extremely funny, full of imagination, verve and typical English "home counties" wit' Irish Independent

The Crow Folk

‘A rural Ben Aaronovitch!’ C. K. McDonnell ‘Fast-paced, entertainingly creepy, laugh-out-loud funny, and genuinely moving’ Michelle Paver Dear reader, you are cordially invited to the strangest wedding of the year . . . It’s May 1941, and the war is in full swing. Yet in the quiet village of Woodville in rural Kent a happy event is on the horizon, as Faye Bright interrupts her training with the British Secret Service to return home and marry her true love, Bertie. But as preparations get underway, a ghostly premonition throws a spanner in the works. Who is the Corn Bride, and is her burning visage a warning, or a threat to the happiest day of Faye’s life? As Faye and the witches investigate, it’s soon apparent that there’s much more on the line than dress fittings, cake and Bertie’s stag do. For an old enemy is stirring in the shadows, bent on vengeance. And he’s not above crashing a wedding to get it. Will the happy couple make it to the church on time? Or, after all she’s survived, could it be getting hitched that finally spells Faye’s doom? Embark upon an adventure that weaves together romance, undead Nazis, pensioner spies, spectral schoolchildren and a talking budgerigar, and still somehow manages to prove that love is the most powerful magic of all. For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes the fifth novel in this delightful series of war, mystery and a little bit of magic . . . Don’t miss the other magical books in the WITCHES OF WOODVILLE series! #1 The Crow Folk #2 Babes in the Wood #3 The Ghost of Ivy Barn #4 The Holly King

The Corn Bride

'Beautiful and engaging and clever' Manda Scott, bestselling author of A Treachery of Spies 'A young witch to rival Tiffany Aching. Magic!' FMA Dixon August 1940. In a quiet village in rural Kent, the enemy is at the gates . . . The Battle of Britain rages and Faye Bright encounters the ghost of a pilot who won't give up the fight. Before she can help him, Faye is whisked away to join a motley crew of witches to perform a top secret ritual on the White Cliffs of Dover that could repel the invaders. But there's a catch. The ritual must be executed in the nuddy. Mrs Teach threatens mutiny. Miss Charlotte is intrigued. And Faye wants to call the whole thing off when she suspects there's a spy in their midst. It's up to Faye Bright to uncover the traitor, all while dealing with the ghost haunting Ivy Barn who may hold the key to the truth. But first, Faye has to learn to fly . . . For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes the third novel in this delightful series of war, mystery and a little bit of magic . . . Don't miss the other magical books in the WITCHES OF WOODVILLE series! #1 The Crow Folk #2 Babes in the Wood #3 The Ghost of Ivy Barn #4 The Holly King #5 The Corn Bride Praise for The Witches of Woodville series 'I so enjoyed The Crow Folk. Set in an endearingly odd village in deepest Kent, it's full of engaging characters and weird, witchy goings-on. Fast-paced, entertainingly creepy and at times laugh-out-loud funny, it's also genuinely moving' Michelle Paver, author of Wakenhyrst 'ACE. Smart and funny and written so warmly. It's an absolutely smashing read' Pernille Hughes, author of Probably the Best Kiss in the World ​ 'Swept me straight back to days of losing myself in Diana Wynne Jones novels, and getting lost in truly absorbing, sometimes scary, sometimes emotive adventure with its roots in folklore and history. A story that is full of magic and delight that will thrill readers of any age' Rowan Coleman, author of The Girl at the Window ‘A rural Ben Aaronovitch!’ C. K. McDonnell, author of The Stranger Times 'Warm, witty, witchy wartime fun. With Mark Stay as writer you're always guaranteed a magical read' Julie Wassmer, author of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries 'You'll love it: Doctor Who meets Worzel Gummidge' Lorna Cook, author of The Forgotten Village 'A jolly romp with witches, demons, and bellringing. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, and Faye is a feisty and fun hero. Dad's Army meets Witches of Eastwick' Ian W Sainsbury ‘Mark Stay’s brilliantly written Witches of Woodville books are somehow funny, cosy, clever and disturbingly dark all at the same time. Terry Pratchett fans will LOVE em’ Lucy Strange

The Ghost of Ivy Barn

'A young witch to rival Tiffany Aching. Magic!' FMA Dixon 'ACE. Smart and funny and written so warmly. It's an absolutely smashing read' Pernille Hughes, author of Probably the Best Kiss in the World ​ July, 1940. In a quiet village in rural Kent, a magical mystery leads to murder . . . Woodville has returned to 'normal' after the departure of the Crow Folk. The villagers put out fires from aircraft shot down in the Battle of Britain, and Faye Bright discovers that magic can be just as dangerous as any weapon. The arrival of a trio of Jewish children fleeing the Nazis brings the fight for Europe to the village. When their guardian is found dead, Faye must play nanny to the terrified children while gathering clues to uncover a dark magic that threatens to change the course of the war. And she must do it quickly – the children have seen too much and someone wants them silenced for good. For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes the second novel in this delightful series of war, mystery and a little bit of magic . . . Don't miss the other magical books in the WITCHES OF WOODVILLE series! #1 The Crow Folk #2 Babes in the Wood #3 The Ghost of Ivy Barn #4 The Holly King #5 The Corn Bride Praise for The Witches of Woodville series 'Beautiful and engaging and clever and what more could you ask for in a book?' Manda Scott, bestselling author of A Treachery of Spies 'Swept me straight back to days of losing myself in Diana Wynne Jones novels, and getting lost in truly absorbing, sometimes scary, sometimes emotive adventure with its roots in folklore and history. A story that is full of magic and delight that will thrill readers of any age' Rowan Coleman, author of The Girl at the Window 'Extremely funny, full of imagination, verve and typical English "home counties" wit' Irish Independent ‘A rural Ben Aaronovitch!’ C. K. McDonnell, author of The Stranger Times 'Warm, witty, witchy wartime fun. With Mark Stay as writer you're always guaranteed a magical read' Julie Wassmer, author of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries 'You'll love it: Doctor Who meets Worzel Gummidge' Lorna Cook, author of The Forgotten Village 'A jolly romp with witches, demons, and bellringing. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, and Faye is a feisty and fun hero. Dad's Army meets Witches of Eastwick' Ian W Sainsbury ‘Mark Stay’s brilliantly written Witches of Woodville books are somehow funny, cosy, clever and disturbingly dark all at the same time. Terry Pratchett fans will LOVE em’ Lucy Strange

Babes in the Wood

In an all-too-possible near future, when genetic engineering has become the norm for humans, parents are prepared to take incalculable risks to ensure that their babies are perfect, altering genes that may cause illness, and more . . . Susan has been trying for a baby for years, and when a one-night stand makes her dream come true, she'll do anything to ensure her husband doesn't find out - including the unthinkable. She believes her secret is safe. For now. But as governments embark on a genetic arms race and children around the globe start experiencing a host of distressing symptoms, something truly horrendous is unleashed. Because those children have only one thing in common, and people are starting to ask questions . . .

Off-Target

‘I just loved this book… put on a smile on my face’ Libby Page, The Lido‘Naturally funny… page turning, smart and sassy’ Helen Lederer, comedian, author and founder of the CWIP Prize‘Fresh and different… and skilfully written’ Yomi Adekoke, Slay in Your LaneVicky Turnbull has never regretted giving up her career for family life in the suburbs. And apart from being outstandingly good at paintball, no one would ever know that in a past life she was an undercover spy and has been trained to kill a man with her bare hands. Not even her husband, and certainly not the other mums at the school gate. But beneath the school runs and bake sales, Vicky had never quite said goodbye to the past. So, when a newcomer on the PTA sets alarms bells ringing and MI5 comes calling, she’s determined to prove that despite her expanding waistline and love of pink gin, she’s still every bit the cold-eyed special operative. When the assignment gets uncomfortably close to home, Vicky must decide if she has got what the job takes after all, and if home is really where her heart is… ‘Very funny’ – Grace Campbell, comedian and author of Amazing Disgrace

Tinker, Tailor, Schoolmum, Spy

Barbie France has known Edward Steyne all her life - indeed they were childhood sweethearts. Charming, spirited, debonair, he is the ideal companion. Everyone, especially Edward, assumes they will marry one day. But Barbie is uneasy. Edward sometimes behaves very oddly. There are his sudden, huge winnings on the racecourse and the strange affair of Aunt Amalie's emerald ring. And last, but not least, Barbie is puzzled by his reaction to the handsome stranger she meets at a wedding; for suddenly easy-going Edward becomes hostile and unfriendly . . . Can Barbie discover the truth, and marry the man she loves?

The Tall Stranger

Suddenly Glen Siddons turned his head and saw her . . . and smiled to her. He had smiled to her as if they two were alone in the world and she had fallen in love with him then and there.' Elfrida Jane, accustomed to the energetic life of a small-part actress, finds life at Mountain Cross very different. At first her mother's old cliff-top house seems lonely and bleak, compared to the glitter and bustle of the theatre. But Elfrida has plenty of courage and soon settles down to enjoy herself. Then, suddenly, her peace is shattered. To the house on the cliff come unexpected visitors from the world of the theatre - a world Elfrida thought she had left behind forever . . .

The House on the Cliff

Pre-order the emotional next book in the Victorian saga series from Fenella J Miller Dangerous times, new fortunes London October 1843. Sarah Nightingale is a strong young woman who keeps her head high and faces every new adversity with courage. So when Daniel Cooper, a happily married man with three children, offers her a position taking care of his children and poorly wife, she jumps at the chance. Perhaps life is finally looking up for Sarah? Meanwhile, Sarah's brother Alfie is also prospering in London after escaping his life of servitude. But when a personal tragedy strikes, Alfie decides to leave London and go home to look for his sister. But with her fortunes changing, will Sarah welcome her runaway brother?Please note: This book was originally published as Count Your Blessings. Praise for Fenella J. Miller: 'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A great start to what promises to be a fabulous series.' Jean Fullerton 'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters 'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane

Capful of Courage - An emotional Victorian saga series from Fenella J Miller for 2024 (Unabridged)

Preorder the next instalment in the emotional Nightingale Family series from Fenella J MillerA future free of peril?After the death of her husband, Sarah Cooper becomes betrothed to Robert Billings and moves her family back to Colchester. But with Robert away on-board ship, somehow Sarah must hold the family together and pray that her man will come back to her.Struggling with family life, Alfie Nightingale leaves to be a policeman in London. But back on the dangerous city streets, Alfie has a life changing decision to make for himself and the family that he has abandoned.Will the Nightingales finally find the home and family they have been searching for?Please note: This story was originally published as All's Well That Ends WellPraise for Fenella J. Miller:'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton

Home Full of Hope - An emotional historical saga series from Fenella J Miller for 2024 (Unabridged)

When Miriam Lea falls on hard times, an advertisement calling for private agents catches her eye, and within weeks she finds herself in Mr Bazalgette's employ as a private detective, travelling on a train to Hamburg in pursuit of an audacious fraudster. What follows is a journey through some of the great cities of Europe - and eventually to South Africa - as Miss Lea attempts to find her man. Miriam Lea is only the third ever British professional female detective to appear in a work of crime fiction. Originally published in 1888, Mr Bazalgette's Agent presents a determined and resourceful heroine in the figure of Miss Lea, who grapples with some very modern dilemmas of female virtue and vice.

British Library Crime Classics

Mr Bazalgette's Agent

When young doctor Kit Stone returns to Britain, a female associate of his brother Henry secures him a post in a country practice. He meets a selection of charming - and not-so-charming - characters and quickly settles in. But then he falls in love with Mrs Rochester. Mardie Rochester is married to Henry's business associate, but her marriage is unhappy. Her husband is mentally ill. Yet, even when he suddenly disappears, Kit knows that it would be wrong to pursue his love. And when Mardie decides to live in a secluded part of Scotland to await her husband's return, it seems all hope is lost. And yet . . .

Rochester's Wife

They were identical in every way Until the unthinkable tore them apart Isolte and Viola are twins. Inseparable as children, they've grown into very different adults: Isolte, a successful features writer for a fashion magazine with a photographer boyfriend and a flat in London, and Viola, desperately unhappy and struggling with a lifelong eating disorder. What happened all those years ago to set the twins on such different paths to adulthood? As both women start to unravel the escalating tragedies of a half-remembered summer, terrifying secrets from the past come rushing back - and threaten to overwhelm their adult lives...

The Twins

Pre-order the emotional and gripping Victorian saga series from Fenella J Miller1840s ColchesterA tragic loss, a new path?When her family is struck by a terrible tragedy, Sarah Nightingale is forced to go into service at Grey Friars House as an under nursery-maid. Although the situation wasn't of her making Sarah thrives there, but life for her younger brother Alfie is not as easy.Desperate to avoid being sent to the workhouse, Alfie runs away to London to seek his fortune. But young and inexperienced with the dangerous streets of London, Alfie is tricked and sold to work as a slave on a coal barge.Sarah misses her brother terribly but knows she must find a way to survive if she ever wants them to be reunited. But just as she is becoming established in the household her past returns to shatter her happy life and ruin the chances of her ever finding Alfie again.Please note: This book was previously published as For Want of a Penny.Praise for Fenella J. Miller:'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A great start to what promises to be a fabulous series.' Jean Fullerton'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane

Pocketful of Pennies - An emotional Victorian saga series from Fenella J Miller for 2024 (Unabridged)

Preorder the next instalment in the emotional Nightingale Family series from Fenella J MillerA new family, an old fear...After the death of his wife, Sarah Nightingale marries Dan Cooper and becomes mother to his three little boys. They move to a fine house of their own and Sarah has never been happier with a family to finally call her own with maybe a baby of her own on the way...When Alfie Nightingale has a dalliance with a young girl called Betty, he's obliged to do the right thing by her when she learns she's with child. Now there will be another baby in the family.But when one disaster follows another, Sarah and Alfie have dreadful choices to make if they and their families are to survive.Please Note: This book was originally published as Better Bend Than Break.Praise for Fenella J. Miller:'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton

Basket Full of Babies - The beautiful, emotional historical saga series from Fenella J Miller for 2024 (Unabridged)

When their father dies, none of the three Harcourt girls are particularly upset. The loss of the family's income, however, is not something so easily overcome. When their mother Anna discovers that they have been left penniless, she decides to move them out of London and back to her hometown in Scotland. Helen, the demanding eldest sister, decamps almost immediately to Edinburgh in search of the excitement and refinement Ryddelton cannot offer. Rosalie, having always lived in her more beautiful eldest sister's shadow, begins to come into her own. And Jane finds an education she could never have gotten at Oxford in her work as a secretary for Mrs Millard, an eccentric biographer currently residing in the village. Anna's daughters seem to be settling down to their new life until Ronnie, a tall, broad-shouldered scientist, steps into their lives . . .

Anna and Her Daughters

Lara the Runaway Cat tells the story of Gobi, the loveable pup who followed Dion Leonard across a gruelling 155-mile trek across the Gobi Desert, and her mischievous cat sister, Lara, who runs away from her family, seeking a courageous adventure and different life. Lara doesn’t realise how good she has it in her home in Edinburgh with her owners, Dion and Lucja, and of course her sister, Gobi. If she’s being honest, she’s jealous of Gobi’s fame and the international attention she has received ever since Dion found her. Okay, Gobi may have survived an ultra-marathon across the Gobi Desert, but it’s not as if Lara doesn’t earn her fresh prawns! She dreams about the day when she can go outdoors and see the world, discover new friends and be free to make her own name. But Lara’s wishful thinking gets the better of her as she takes a leap into the unknown and is forced to decide between her loyalties to her family and need to experience an adventure to rival Gobi’s. Join Lara in her eventful travels from Edinburgh to France, Beijing to Australia, where she is faced with challenges that will change her life forever. Following on from the astounding real-life story of Dion Leonard, this fictionalised tale is a must-read for animal lovers everywhere.

Lara The Runaway Cat

In the chaotic last days of World War II, Jacob and Kizzy are tricked into a life-or-death journey. Far from home, they are attacked and only just escape. They hide in a seemingly deserted mansion, but they keep hearing strange noises . . . Investigating, they find it shelters not only forty abandoned horses but a small band of lost children, displaced by the war. With danger on every side, can Kizzy and Jakob keep them safe and get them all home?

Safe

Perfect for fans of T. M. Logan's The Curfew or Alex Stone's The Other Girlfriend.From the bestselling author of The Perfect Holiday comes a twisty psychological thriller, set on the sun drenched shores of France. Three women's lives are about to change forever.The Daughter.My father is innocent. He's spent almost four years behind bars, but now he's getting out. I gave up everything to be there for him, just like he was always there for me. It's all going to be worth it now. The Girlfriend.As soon as I opened the paper that day and saw that picture of Sandy, I didn't care about the story surrounding it. There's no way he hurt that girl. Now he's out, we'll get married and I'll finally get to meet his daughter. There'll be no more hiding our love.The Other Woman. No one knows what happened all those years ago, and the life I built depends on no one finding out. Now he's getting out, my secrets may soon see the light. I can't let that happen. One Loves Him.One Needs Him.One Wants Him DEAD. What readers are saying about T. J. Emerson: 'Wow! Beautifully written with a great sense of place that contrasts so well with what is going on behind doors' Valerie Keogh'Tense, daring and totally addictive' Emma Christie 'An immersive, multi-layered story that provokes and excites' T.L. Huchu 'An unputdownable journey into the human condition asking the reader at every turn - how good are we really? How good are you?' Louise Dean 'The last time I had this sort of reaction to a character was when I read The Talented Mr Ripley' Mark Wightman 'A gripping, atmospheric and addictive read' Lesley Glaister 'Original, surprising and absolutely brimming with menace' Amanda Block

The Ideal Man - A BRAND NEW sun-drenched addictive psychological thriller from T.J. Emerson for 2023 (Unabridged)

Travelling home from a European holiday, Iris Carr ends up alone at the station after a quarrel with her friends. Struck by a mysterious assailant and waking up just in time to board the train which will take her on her journey to London, things seem to be looking up after a chance meeting with the affable Miss Froy. But when Iris passes out and reawakens, Miss Froy is nowhere to be found. The other passengers deny any knowledge of her existence and as the train speeds across Europe, Iris spirals deeper and deeper into a strange conspiracy. Adapted for the screen as The Lady Vanishes by Alfred Hitchcock in 1938, Ethel Lina White's suspenseful mystery remains her best-known novel, worthy of acknowledgement as a classic of the genre in its own right.

The Wheel Spins

'Compelling and claustrophobic, Nina is an exciting new voice and definitely one to watch' Phoebe Morgan, author of The Girl Next Door 'Chilling and creepy. An atmospheric and addictive debut.' Diane Jeffrey, author of The Guilty Mother No one is good enough for her son... As a single mother, Annie has an especially close relationship with her son, Ben. They have always been together. Just the two of them. So, when Ben brings home his mysterious beautiful new wife, Daisy, immediately Annie doesn't trust her. Who is this woman who has taken her son away from her? And what is she hiding? She'll protect him with her life... When Ben disappears, suddenly Annie and Daisy are all the other one has. Alone in Annie's big, remote house, just the two of them, the tension is rising. And like any protective mother, Annie will stop at nothing to expose her new daughter in law, and the secrets she is hiding... A gripping, psychological page-turner, perfect for fans of Sally Hepworth's The Mother In Law, Lisa Jewell and K.L. Slater. 'Totally addictive. I couldn't put it down!' Darren O'Sullivan, author of Closer Than You Think 'A claustrophobic, nail-biting thriller that draws you in and doesn't let go.' Naomi Joy, author of The Liars 'Clever, emotionally draining and totally gripping. I absolutely loved this book!' D E White, author of Remember Me What readers are saying about The Daughter In Law: 'I give this book 5 Wows!' 'Absolutely fantastic had me gripped!!! Loved it! Can't wait for more from this author.' '5 stars! What a great book!' 'This did not disappoint. Lots of twists and turns and I loved the ending. Cannot wait to read more from this author.' 'There is quite a few twistsin this story but the biggest twist is the one at the end and I didn't have a clue.' 'A ridiculously good book. I loved every single page and couldn't put it down.' 'Fantastic, creepy, dark and chilling.' 'This book was excellent!' Fast paced, with twists and some turns you can see coming this is the perfect beach read.' 'A page turner that I couldn't put down!!!' 'I couldn't put it down'

The Daughter In Law - A Gripping New Psychological Thriller (Unabridged)

Jaya and her friends are desperate for a puppy of their own. They've even created the Puppy Club to find out all they need to know. When the time comes they'll be the perfect owners! So when Jaya's aunt, who runs the Underdogs rescue centre, tells Jaya that new dog Lulu is expecting puppies, it feels like the girls' best chance to get their parents to agree. It's time for Operation Pawfect Puppy! With new Puppy Club members Arlo and Daniel, the children set about trying to prove to their parents what responsible dog owners they'd be. But will it be enough to persuade them?

Puppy Club

Puppy Club: Lulu's Big Surprise

Elsa loves her gorgeous new puppy Coco. But her family's two cats aren't so welcoming. They chase the terrified pup all over the house! And to make things worse, Coco's chewing everything, and it's stressing Mum out. Luckily, the Puppy Club is on hand to help, and soon Operation Friendship is underway, with plans to keep Coco out of trouble and help her bond with the cats. But with each day seeming to bring a new disaster, Elsa can't help worrying . . . what if Mum has second thoughts about keeping Coco?

Puppy Club: Coco Settles In

Two decades on from a passionate courtship and marriage, Lucas and Esther are getting divorced. For Esther, it's proving hard not to feel bitter watching Lucas enjoying his successful career, not to mention the attentions of his gorgeous, intelligent, and predictably younger lover. She meanwhile is struggling to forge a new life for herself, navigating the pitfalls of modern dating, while trying not to despair at the cost of living as a single woman of a certain age.Then Lucas faces a shattering accusation at the same time as their children Dylan and Lily, start to implode. When Dylan runs away, and as his father fights to save his reputation, Lucas and Esther find themselves back in each other's lives, whether they like it or not. Has too much water passed under the bridge, or will long-forgotten loyalties and feelings bring the family back together, just when they need each other the most? Praise for Amanda Brookfield: 'An engaging, emotionally-charged and intriguing story' Michelle Gorman No one gets to the heart of human relationships quite so perceptively as Brookfield.' The Mirror 'Unputdownable. Perceptive. Poignant. I loved it.' bestselling author Patricia Scanlan on Before I Knew You 'If Joanna Trollope is the queen of the Aga Saga, then Amanda Brookfield must be a strong contender for princess.' Oxford Times What readers are saying about Amanda Brookfield: 'I felt so involved in this story that I found myself thinking about it a lot during the day. A fantastic read. Gripping, moving, characters you care about, highly recommend.' 'Packed with suspense, (I actually held my breath during some of the scenes) and full of relatable characters, this book will draw you in from the first page. Highly recommend.' 'The tension builds on every page, the characters, as always with this author's books, are drawn beautifully. I couldn't put it down and am looking forward greatly to Amanda Brookfield's next offering hopefully before too long!' 'Brookfield is undoubtedly one of Britain's foremost chroniclers of human relationships. It goes without saying that this novel is another page turner - guaranteed to make you read the last 50 pages before sleep, even though you know you have an early start in the morning - but it is much, much more.'

The Split (Unabridged)

Aveline is thrilled when she discovers that the holiday cottage her mum has rented for the summer is beside a stone circle. Thousands of years old, the local villagers refer to the ancient structure as the Witch Stones, and Aveline cannot wait to learn more about them. Then Aveline meets Hazel: impossibly cool, mysterious yet friendly. Aveline soon falls under her spell. In fact, she is quite unlike anyone Aveline has ever met before - but she can't work out why. Will Aveline discover the truth about Hazel before it's too late?

The Bewitching of Aveline Jones

SOON TO BE ADAPTED FOR TV! 'Glorious fun, packed with puzzles and twists. An absolute riot’ Tom Mead, author of The Murder Wheel A gripping new mystery featuring Detective Tess Fox and her con-artist sister Sarah Jacobs. Members of the Lewes Bonfire Society would say afterwards that the event would have been a huge success that year, if it hadn’t been for the dead body… When the charred remains of MP Rupert Millington are found inside a burning effigy, no one knows how they got there, but there are plenty of rumours about whodunnit. The lead suspect wants Detective Tess Fox and her con-artist sister Sarah Jacobs to help clear her name. She says she's being framed, but surely there is no smoke without fire. The heat is on when a second victim is killed in a locked room while Tess and Sarah are in the building. Can the duo solve this puzzling mystery and find the real killer before they strike again? Praise for J.L. Blackhurst ‘A tasty whodunnit’ The Sun ‘One of the few authors where the twists leave me speechless’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ’A real puzzle box of a story’ J.M. Hall, author of A Spoonful of Murder ‘Incredibly ingenious’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ’Twisty, tricksy and whip-smart … crackles with tension and humour’ Marion Todd, author of the Detective Clare Mackay series ‘From the first sentence to the end I was hooked’ Reader review⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Smoke and Murders

Aveline is determined to discover the truth behind her Uncle Rowan's mysterious disappearance when she travels to his home with Mum and Aunt Lilian. After years of hoping he would return, they have finally decided to sell his house - but Aveline and Harold have other plans. Sneaking into Rowan's study, Aveline discovers he had been researching possible supernatural activity around an ancient burial mound - and linked this with the unexplained disappearances of other local villagers. Dark, magical forces are at work, and they'll do anything to remain hidden, as Aveline and Harold soon learn . . .

Vanishing of Aveline Jones, The

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