I Keep My Shadow Light
I Keep My Shadow Light is a darkly funny social commentary novel about feeling lost and learning how to belong in Berlin. A group of unemployed A羹slanders (foreigners) are taught how to become valuable Germans on an Integrationskurs. Maeve, Zehra, Viktor and Karam are the core four - all lost and lonely 20-somethings newly arrived in big bad Berlin. They keep going thanks to their dark sense of humour, semi-reliable friends, exciting parties, romantic distractions and warm classroom community.The book explores: The relationship between the individual and the state Trying to overcome the loneliness you feel when you arrive in a brand new foreign cityEuropean and personal identity Friendship The feeling of being lost Immigration issues in Germany Berlin
The Middle Benchers
Welcome to Patna in the early 2000s - a world without smartphones, where friendship was real, jokes were louder than lectures, and hostel life was a never-ending comedy show. The Middle Benchers follows a gang of carefree college boys through their unforgettable graduation days - from chaotic classrooms and midnight Maggi feasts to surprise inspections, movie outings at Mona Theatre, and the legendary hostel pranks that became campus folklore. Caught between dreams, deadlines, and endless laughter, they discover that college life is less about marks and more about memories.Funny, nostalgic, and deeply heartfelt, The Middle Benchers is a tribute to every student, lived for friendship, and laughed their way through the most unforgettable years of youth.Because before life got serious - it was beautifully, hilariously simple.
Throwing the Hammer
Paranoid administrators, interdepartmental feuds, quirky staff members, and an eccentric headmaster: welcome to Winston Grant High School.Mark Patterson has a master's degree in physics, wants to do nothing more than surf and ski, and believes that high school teaching will be the cushy job of his dreams. He receives a rude awakening when he becomes a physics teacher at Winston Grant, a begrudging little brother amidst rival private school heavyweights. From the outset, Mark must tiptoe through a virtual minefield of Procrustean rules, coddling parents, scheming colleagues, and, of course, teen-aged students. Things don't go well, inside or outside the classroom. His students call him Mr. Goofegg. His football team is pathetic. His lunch-table kids behave like Neanderthals. His teaching supervisor, aka the "education implementation strategist," criticizes him for using equations. His colleagues have even organized a betting pool for when he will get fired. And when Mark discovers that a weak student in his class is a physics genius, he finds himself caught in the middle of a conflict between father and son, a conflict which could destroy the young man's potential. Or help Mark find his.
Throwing the Hammer
Paranoid administrators, interdepartmental feuds, quirky staff members, and an eccentric headmaster: welcome to Winston Grant High School.Mark Patterson has a master's degree in physics, wants to do nothing more than surf and ski, and believes that high school teaching will be the cushy job of his dreams. He receives a rude awakening when he becomes a physics teacher at Winston Grant, a begrudging little brother amidst rival private school heavyweights. From the outset, Mark must tiptoe through a virtual minefield of Procrustean rules, coddling parents, scheming colleagues, and, of course, teen-aged students. Things don't go well, inside or outside the classroom. His students call him Mr. Goofegg. His football team is pathetic. His lunch-table kids behave like Neanderthals. His teaching supervisor, aka the "education implementation strategist," criticizes him for using equations. His colleagues have even organized a betting pool for when he will get fired. And when Mark discovers that a weak student in his class is a physics genius, he finds himself caught in the middle of a conflict between father and son, a conflict which could destroy the young man's potential. Or help Mark find his.
Kingdom Of The Sprayhound Kids
Can someone lose innocence if one's early life is mostly bereft of it? Kingdom of the Sprayhound Kids takes readers on a blazing thrill ride that is both funny and disturbing. The book examines the generational gap between an old man from the Woodstock era and today's youth. It's the real story of what goes on in public education today-a tale that teachers, educators, and students will never tell you. The story centers around Mr. George, a campus security monitor at Todos Los Santos-a middle school where bad behavior knows no limit and learning is an alien concept. He goes on a journey through the violence, anger, and rollicking adventures that consume the lives of young people. Mr. George delivers a powerful address on the state of education in America. His struggles become yours as he searches for ways to work within a system that is destined for failure. He grapples with his own place in the world as he tries to keep hundreds of youngsters from falling into the abyss of hate and ignorance. Mr. George uses his sense of humor to give these kids a sense of decency and de-escalate the daily war that consumes them. He tracks the comings and goings of students who refuse to be tamed by an adult world they see no reason to respect.
Kingdom Of The Sprayhound Kids
Can someone lose innocence if one's early life is mostly bereft of it? Kingdom of the Sprayhound Kids takes readers on a blazing thrill ride that is both funny and disturbing. The book examines the generational gap between an old man from the Woodstock era and today's youth. It's the real story of what goes on in public education today-a tale that teachers, educators, and students will never tell you. The story centers around Mr. George, a campus security monitor at Todos Los Santos-a middle school where bad behavior knows no limit and learning is an alien concept. He goes on a journey through the violence, anger, and rollicking adventures that consume the lives of young people. Mr. George delivers a powerful address on the state of education in America. His struggles become yours as he searches for ways to work within a system that is destined for failure. He grapples with his own place in the world as he tries to keep hundreds of youngsters from falling into the abyss of hate and ignorance. Mr. George uses his sense of humor to give these kids a sense of decency and de-escalate the daily war that consumes them. He tracks the comings and goings of students who refuse to be tamed by an adult world they see no reason to respect.
How to Fuck a Cantaloupe
It starts bad, it gets worse, and the end - well, you'll have to read it to find out. Life was simple for Dan Savage, unencumbered by dreams or ambition. He got by just fine, content in his little pocket of the world. He had no desire to step outside of what he knew, or broaden his horizons, or fucking - grow. He had no desire to, but as is often the case, desire frequently plays little role in the trajectory of life. Forced from his home, a comedy of misfortune follows Dan as he attempts to navigate his new life with a busted moral compass. A breakup, a melon, a stoner, and a policeman who looks like a testicle: these are only a handful of the ingredients that make up the shit-soup that Dan's life has devolved into as he is pursued by a mysterious law-firm, the head of a disability centre, and the unlikely threat of fame. Dan's story isn't for the faint-hearted, or those with high moral standards, or children. It's definitely not for children. But if you are feeling brave, let's open up and fuck this cantaloupe.
Baron Syndicate (-1)
Baron Von Stupor is his name, or so he thinks. For the past year the eccentric patient has been living in a mental asylum, struggling to understand himself in a world that doesn't understand him. While he yearns to be able to live a normal life, his long days of checkers and psychological therapy is doing nothing more than despond him further. To make matters worse, Stupor has found a new bully in the egomaniacal William Lanzendorf, who prefers to treat this minimum-security mental hospital like his own penitentiary. Whenever the hateful security manager feels slighted, the cameras turn away and dubious things happen. Topping it off, management is oblivious because of the amazing biannual reviews they've been receiving for five years running. Stupor's monotonous lifestyle is turned upside-down when the gigantic, angry patient C26 is involuntarily committed, ranting about his dishonorable capture. While Stupor aggressively seeks friendship from "the coolest guy in the whole facility", C26 wants nothing to do with him and prefers to work on his plans to escape confinement. Through his encounters with these people, Stupor will learn more about himself than he ever knew; he will learn that this is his story, and the only person who deserves to write it is him.
Glasgow Celtic Twitchers' Society
Glasgow Celtic Twitcher's Society, what is it? Think Anthony de Mello, think Paulo Coelho, think of the Celestine Prophecy, then think of the passion of Celtic football supporters, the colour green, the flying squawking magic that is birds, and the other-worldliness of a Tennent's super lager hash den in a back-room kitchenette somewhere in a north Glasgow Housing Scheme. Combine this with the mystic tradition and a dash of the Scottish Zen Absurdity movement, and...you get close. Or it's just a simple story, inhabited by two pals, two seekers of spiritual truth, embarking on an adventure that would bring them from Possilpark to Burundi, from a cottage on the Isle of Skye to a squat in Hackney. Some would say it's a poem of a dream of an impressionist's experiential Caledonia. Ignore them, they are not well.
Ladies Almanack
A "striking lesbian manifesto and a deft parody" by the acclaimed author of Nightwood. (-Library Journal)Nearly 100 years after its original 1928 publication sent shockwaves through the literary scene, Ladies Almanack reigns as a brilliant modernist composition and one of the most audacious lesbian texts of the 20th century. At once a scathing social satire and a love letter to the wealthy expatriates of Paris high society, the book delights in its cast of characters, who are clear analogues to Barnes' lesbian literary contemporaries--and the book's first readers.Arranged by month and written in a pastiche of Restoration literature, Ladies Almanack records the life and lovers of Dame Evangeline Musset, a pseudonymous stand-in for Natalie Clifford Barney. Accompanied for the first time by Barnes' original Elizabethan-style woodcut illustrations, this new edition also features a sharp, impassioned introduction by Sarah Schulman reflecting on the ways in which lesbian lives have changed--and haven't--since the 1920s. After decades out of print, Dalkey Archive is proud to revive the Ladies Almanack for contemporary readers: a classic that delivers all the salacious drama of The L Word with the literary wit and wordplay of Shakespeare.
Coffee with Vodka
Three women. Three secrets. One unravelling summer.Thanks to a childhood traumatic brain injury, Dee Dee Bremen's life runs on a cocktail of ADHD, a temperamental memory, and anxiety attacks that arrive uninvited and overstay their welcome. Yet, somehow, she was able to pull herself together and, with her best friend, Maxine, she is on the brink of launching Altered States, a combo art gallery and gift shop that feels like a real, adult step forward. For Dee, it's an upgrade from scraping by on commissioned art. For Maxine, it's a bold exit from her sensible-but-suffocating job as an elementary school art teacher. They've secured a space, hired their first employee-Genevieve, a polished-but-fraying mother of teens shopping for her own second act-and amassed enough paint to alarm the fire marshal. They have a plan. They have momentum. In theory, this should go beautifully.Reality, however, did not get the memo.A drunken family confession at a funeral flips a switch in Dee's brain-and not a helpful one. Her nights become filled with vivid dreams of fire, explosions, and a shadowy figure who feels less symbolic and more...personal. As the nightmares bleed into daylight, Dee starts to wonder if they're not dreams at all. Could they be memories? Asking that question sends her skidding toward a familiar cliff-the same one she nearly went over as a teenager, when trauma, medication, and terrifying visions culminated in a full-blown breakdown. Unfortunately, ignoring the problem only makes it louder. The visions intensify. The whispers sharpen. And when Dee's secret fling with Cooper-a married man, poor choice, noted-collides spectacularly with her new employee (who turns out to be his wife...surprise!), the chaos spills out of her head and into her carefully constructed life.As Dee struggles to stay grounded, Maxine faces the slow implosion of her own marriage, and Genevieve-keenly aware of how little of her life actually belongs to her-quietly unravels behind a curated, capable smile. Together, these three women are knotted up in secrets they didn't ask for, relationships they can't cleanly escape, and a past that refuses to stay buried-no matter how much they'd prefer to paint over it.Told in alternating perspectives with biting humor and gut-punch emotion, Coffee with Vodka is a story about friendship, fragile beginnings, and the kind of truths that refuse to stay buried. Perfect for fans of Ghosts by Dolly Alderton and Elin Hilderbrand's The Rumor, this is a novel about the chaos we hide, the family we choose, and what it means to find your way-again.
Wanted
Wanted: A cook Domestic Dialogues is a domestic comedy that explores the humorous trials of a newlywed couple settling into home life in New York City, specifically their efforts to hire a suitable cook. The story opens with the couple, full of youthful idealism and refined tastes, facing the practical challenges of managing their household. Their relative arranges for a cook, expecting a smooth transition into domestic harmony, but instead, the couple encounters amusing mishaps and personality clashes that disrupt their carefully planned life. The narrative captures the contrast between romanticized domestic ideals and the often chaotic reality of everyday living. Themes of societal expectations, cultural differences, and the humor found in navigating new roles are woven throughout the story. The couple's predicament with their cook, Anna, highlights broader social issues while maintaining a light, comedic tone. This opening sets the stage for a critique of social norms wrapped in witty dialogue and situational comedy, offering insight into early 20th-century domestic life and the challenges of balancing aspirations with reality.
The Trimming Of Goosie
The Trimming of Goosie follows a man grappling with the tension between his desire for freedom and the realities of married life. Presented with humor and introspection, the story begins with his quirky morning routine, interrupted by his wife's curious presence. Unsettled by a strange flapping sensation, he wrestles with his yearning to break free from domestic constraints and embrace rebellion. As wings metaphorically and literally begin to emerge from his shoulders, his sense of self becomes increasingly conflicted. This unusual development mirrors his struggle to balance societal expectations and personal identity. The novel deftly combines light hearted moments with deeper reflections on love, individual freedom, and the complexities within intimate relationships. Through this blend of fantasy and reality, the narrative invites readers to explore the human desire for autonomy while highlighting the challenges such aspirations pose to established bonds. The story remains an engaging meditation on the nuances of identity and fulfillment.
David Blaize
David Blaize is a humorous coming-of-age novel centered on a young boy attending a preparatory school. The story opens in a unique classroom setting, a museum filled with curiosities, where the protagonist struggles to write a letter home amid distractions and lively school life. The narrative explores his playful and mischievous nature as he navigates friendships, conflicts with authority figures, and school rules. Encounters with teachers and classmates reveal the trials, tribulations, and joys of childhood, all conveyed with wit and nostalgia. The book captures youthful chaos, discipline, and the enduring bonds of friendship, avoiding dramatic angst in favor of lighthearted adventures. It portrays school life vividly, from inky pranks to reflections on prehistoric creatures, painting a detailed and affectionate picture of youth. Ultimately, this story is a celebration of growing up, using vivid characters and relatable experiences to capture the mischievous spirit and innocence of childhood in a school setting.
David Harum A Story of American Life
David Harum: A story of American life is a novel that vividly portrays rural American life in central New York through the lens of a shrewd, horse-trading banker. The story follows a clever and humorous man known for his straightforward observations and philanthropic deeds, hidden beneath a gruff exterior. He decides to bring in a young assistant recommended by a friend to help with his bank, and the narrative explores their developing relationship as the assistant navigates his new responsibilities and the local community's customs. The protagonist's horse-trading serves as a metaphor for his pragmatic and sometimes morally flexible approach to business and life. Throughout, themes of character, morality, and human nature are woven into the depiction of small-town life and its economic and social dynamics. Love and lessons on human nature enrich the narrative, making it a celebrated example of American regional fiction, capturing the heart and humor of a bygone era with warmth and insight.
Denry The Audacious
Denry: The audacious follows the journey of a young man from a working-class background who rises through society by relying not on wealth or status, but sheer boldness and charm. Set in an industrious town marked by social divisions, the story traces his early life, shaped by hardship and a determination to reach beyond his circumstances. From a questionable exam success that grants him educational opportunity to bold moves that land him into exclusive social circles, the protagonist consistently uses wit and nerve to rewrite his fate. A pivotal moment arises when he manages to attend a prestigious municipal ball, an act that symbolizes his refusal to accept societal limitations. This act sparks a deeper ambition, leading him into ventures that mix romance, entrepreneurship, and the politics of class mobility. Throughout the narrative, themes of self-made success, ambition, and the blurred line between integrity and opportunism emerge. The novel paints a lively portrait of a society in flux, where traditional barriers begin to shift, and a single audacious individual can disrupt the expected order.
Unconscious Comedians
Unconscious comedians explores the complexities of Parisian society through the eyes of a provincial visitor seeking justice against corrupt local authorities. The story contrasts the success of a once-struggling artist who has risen to fame with the bewilderment of a rural cousin thrust into the bustling city's social maze. As the visitor navigates the eccentricities of city life, he confronts rampant greed, duplicity, and social climbing, encountering a cast of vivid characters including artists, journalists, and fortune-tellers. These interactions reveal the farcical, self-serving nature of human relationships in the capital. The narrative opens by highlighting the visitor's feelings of insignificance and fascination with Parisian culture, setting the tone for a satirical yet insightful commentary on ambition, power, and social status. The story delves into how influence and vanity govern the lives of Paris's elite, while exposing the harsh realities faced by outsiders. The novel serves as a vivid portrait of a city where fortunes and fates are continually won and lost amidst a backdrop of intrigue and artifice.
A Hungarian Nabob
A Hungarian nabob centers on a wealthy landowner and his flamboyant nephew from Paris who arrives seeking his inheritance. Set against the backdrop of Hungary's rainy, rustic countryside, the story begins at a struggling inn where the inn-keeper contemplates his difficult circumstances. Humorous interactions soon arise as the magnate's extravagant demands disrupt the flow of life. The novel explores themes of wealth and power, family loyalty, and the clash between old traditions and modern aspirations. It delves into the eccentricities of aristocratic society, revealing social hierarchies and human foibles. Through vivid characters and dynamic relationships, the narrative addresses ambition, identity, and the tension between public image and private desires. Political intrigues and shifting social landscapes further enrich the story, highlighting cultural conflicts and the questions of honor. This richly textured tale offers a balance of comedy and drama, providing insight into human nature and the complex forces shaping Hungarian society.
The Owl & the Teacup
At last count, the population of the tiny community of Dog River that sits about twenty miles outside of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories, was about fifty-nine. That's seventeen two-legged people, one stubby-eared cat by the name of Fat Jack, and about forty-nine four-legged dogs. Jim Green, a former local broadcaster on CBC North Radio, draws upon the storytelling traditions of the Caribou Eater Chipewyan, Woodland Cree, M矇tis, and transplanted outport Labradorians to share a delightful collection of short tales that humorously showcase the people of Dog River. His Northern Bush stories offer an entertaining glimpse into such diverse characters as Charlie Peter Desjarlais as he ropes a buffalo in the middle of the river, six-year-old Marshall Jody McNeil confronting the moose called Brian Mulroney, Dora Beaulieu and her explosive recipe for Whole Low Bush Cranberry muffins, Grampa McNeil as he blows his chickens away with his ten-gauge goose gun, and Alphonse Desjarlais who somehow manages to drive his dogs for sixteen hours with his finger stuck up his nose. The Owl and the Teacup is a volume of campfire tales that describe Northern living at its very best, when life was a simpler, more gentle experience.
The Owl & the Teacup
At last count, the population of the tiny community of Dog River that sits about twenty miles outside of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories, was about fifty-nine. That's seventeen two-legged people, one stubby-eared cat by the name of Fat Jack, and about forty-nine four-legged dogs. Jim Green, a former local broadcaster on CBC North Radio, draws upon the storytelling traditions of the Caribou Eater Chipewyan, Woodland Cree, M矇tis, and transplanted outport Labradorians to share a delightful collection of short tales that humorously showcase the people of Dog River. His Northern Bush stories offer an entertaining glimpse into such diverse characters as Charlie Peter Desjarlais as he ropes a buffalo in the middle of the river, six-year-old Marshall Jody McNeil confronting the moose called Brian Mulroney, Dora Beaulieu and her explosive recipe for Whole Low Bush Cranberry muffins, Grampa McNeil as he blows his chickens away with his ten-gauge goose gun, and Alphonse Desjarlais who somehow manages to drive his dogs for sixteen hours with his finger stuck up his nose. The Owl and the Teacup is a volume of campfire tales that describe Northern living at its very best, when life was a simpler, more gentle experience.
Stand Up, Barry Goldman
All I'd wanted for as long as I could remember was a woman to love, a soulmate to live with in contentment for the rest of my days: friend, lover, companion, mother to our children. Time was running out: I was getting old. Next year I would be eighteen.Barry Goldman is a sensitive boy. He's being primed to run the family business but has discovered a talent for making audiences laugh at his silly poems.At last, he has found something that might make him attractive to girls - in particular, Harriet Fink - but there's not much call for delicate, earnest poets in the 1970s comedy world of hot-panted dolly birds and battle-axe mothers-in-law.Then one night he sees Kris Dean on stage and understands that the world of comedy is about to change forever.Stand Up, Barry Goldman - like Elena Ferrante, but with jokes - is the debut novel of Dave Cohen, stand-up comedian and writer best known as the creator of dozens of songs for multi-BAFTA winning hit TV show Horrible Histories, and less well known as lead singer in the world's first Jewish heavy metal band, Guns'n'Moses
Skimp and Skarpa
Skimp & Skarpa Construction, a mid-sized Manchester building company, is run by the Managing Director, Arthur Skarpa and a small management team. Geoffrey Palmer, a contracts manager, seems to be, in his eyes, the only competent person in charge of building projects. Palmer, therefore, is constantly running around putting out the mistakes Arthur and his nephew, Walter, have created. Chaos, incompetence and very poor organisation are the daily challenges for 'Super Geoff' to overcome, as one farce after another has to be met and overcome. Every evening after work, 'Super Geoff's' long-suffering wife, Jill, has to listen to Geoff's ranting and raving about the day's events and how he heroically, single-handedly, once again saved Skimp & Skarpa's skin. A laughable, disastrous comedy of errors awaits the reader.
Tidings of Murder and Joy
Kitty, a former flight attendant now working at the Sj繪fryd care home, finds herself drawn into a mystery when a man named Teddy, one of the employees, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Refusing to leave the matter to the police, Kitty and her spirited circle of friends form a small detective club called The Sj繪fryd Snoops and begin their own amateur investigation.As the group delves into Teddy's past, marked by broken relationships and hidden tensions, the story blends gentle humour, community spirit and festive warmth with a touch of intrigue. Moving between scenes of life at the care home, their sleuthing escapades and Kitty's tender yet comical relationship with her partner Colin, Tidings of Murder and Joy is a cosy crime novel full of the joys of friendship, curiosity and the magic of Christmas in a seaside town.
Murder of Pearl
The world's their oyster...until someone is stabbed with their shucking knife.Sisters Kelly and Jodi thought they'd landed the perfect gig, hosting a weekend-long jewelry party at a large, gothic estate. But as soon as Kelly sees the gargoyles on the roof and the weeping woman statue out front, she's ready to high-tail it out of there.But a nasty storm strands them at the estate. And then the birthday gal is found with Kelly's shucking knife poking from her chest. When Kelly is accused of the crime, the sisters will have morph from pearl shuckers to amateur sleuths.With limited clues and a murderer roaming the massive halls, can Kelly and Jodi piece together the mystery and prove their innocence?If you love comedy mystery a la Clue, you'll love Murder of Pearl, Book 1 in the Pearl Party Cozy Mystery series!Scroll up and grab your copy today for a shuck-tastically good read!
Crypto Bob
Bob Ayres is a Bitcoin trader and risk taker. For everyday cash he works in a supermarket. On a particularly black day filled with obnoxious customers, a semi-riot and a storeroom fire, Bitcoin hits $75,000. So he cashes out, and quits the job.Seedy Evans and Max Thrombosis are longtime friends and former school mates. Seedy's every move involves danger and menace to himself, and those around him. The three of them, together with fiery Chloe and lustful Brenda, get into scrapes and predicaments involving a racehorse, contraband cigarettes, classic cars, and a mysterious envelope owned by two dangerous nutters called Lumpy and Bungo.Finally everything comes together at a racetrack in Lacklustre, where their horse is running, and the stakes are massive. Will their horse win? Will they deliver the envelope? Will they survive?
Total Timepass-A Light-Hearted Commentary on Indian Life
Total Timepass is a delightfully fun take on the Indian way of life - a witty and light-hearted collection of original snippets and anecdotes presented with endless humour and affection. From the age-old North-South divide and the fascinating inventions of Indian English to our cricket mania and love for family drama - the book captures it all holding up a mirror to our quirks, contradictions, and cultural chaos. Based on the author's real-life experiences, this book encourages us to laugh at ourselves and embrace the lighter side of life.Perfect for a flight, train ride, or a lazy Sunday, Total Timepass is an easy-breezy read that engulfs you in its simple charm, sharp wit, and playful spirit.
I'm Starting to Worry about This Black Box of Doom
Bonus paperback content - an excerpt from the new John Dies at the End book, coming in fall 2026! THE INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER A standalone darkly humorous thriller set in modern America's age of anxiety, by New York Times bestselling author Jason Pargin.Outside Los Angeles, a driver pulls up to find a young woman sitting on a large black box. She offers him $200,000 cash to transport her and that box across the country, to Washington, DC. But there are rules: He cannot look inside the box.He cannot ask questions.He cannot tell anyone.They must leave immediately.He must leave all trackable devices behind. As these eccentric misfits hit the road, rumors spread on social media that the box is part of a carefully orchestrated terror attack intended to plunge the USA into civil war. The truth promises to be even stranger, and may change how you see the world.
Ms. Mia and Murder at the Desert Sunrise Resort
A stolen treasure, a luxury Southwest resort and a modern day Miss Marple-check into a lighthearted murder mystery with a satisfying conclusion.Embark on a Southwestern adventure full of fun, secrets, and suspense with Ms. Mia. The charming amateur sleuth never misses a chance to discover secrets and rearrange lives at Spinel Resorts, the boutique hotel chain founded by her late husband. Solve mysteries in glamorous resorts with Ms. Mia!Thrilling Cozy Mystery: Join Ms. Mia in a classic murder mystery at the Desert Sunrise Resort. Perfect for Agatha Christie fans.Glamorous Setting: Escape to an exclusive resort with desert mountain hikes and spa treatments, where secrets and suspense unfold in a twisty whodunit.Amateur Sleuth: Ms. Mia dives headfirst into the investigation, with charm, wit-and a glass of champagne.Addictive New Series: 4 New Books in 2025-and more being written!Sip champagne and join Ms. Mia's escapades as she travels the world between exotic destinations, solving mysteries and restoring order-one adventure at a time.When an ancient flute is unearthed at The Desert Sunrise Resort, Ms. Mia seizes the chance to host a dazzling exhibit, roping in charismatic archaeologist Kyle Lee to star in a documentary. But when the priceless artifact vanishes in the dead of night, the grand opening teeters on the brink of disaster-along with Ms. Mia's reputation.Armed with wit, champagne, and aid from her prankster nephew and the resort's brilliant concierge, Ms. Mia dives into the investigation. At her hotels, no thief-or murderer-escapes unchecked!Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow, and Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson, this delightful whodunit overflows with charm, humor, and clever twists.Check in to a lighthearted, thrilling getaway where mystery meets glamour with Ms. Mia and Murder at the Desert Sunrise Resort!
Ms. Mia and Murder on Moose Isle
A Gilded Age mansion on a secluded Maine island, perched on rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean, sets the scene for a classic cozy whodunit.Thrilling Cozy Mystery: Join Ms. Mia in a classic murder mystery at the Moose Isle Inn. Perfect for Agatha Christie fans.Glamorous Setting: Escape to a Maine private island with rocky cliffs and balsam firs, where secrets and suspense unfold in a twisty whodunit.Amateur Sleuth: Ms. Mia dives headfirst into the investigation, with charm, wit-and a glass of champagne.Addictive New Series: 4 New Books in 2025!Ms. Mia savors all life's experiences, cheerfully rearranging hotels and lives to her satisfaction. Glamorous settings hide sinister secrets at Spinel Resorts, a luxurious chain of boutique hotels founded by her late husband.At the exclusive Moose Isle Inn, Ms. Mia uncovers trouble at a corporate retreat, with a bitter battle over Tisserande Linens' future. Lauren Tisserande fights to revive her Maine hometown with a new factory, but her controlling CEO husband, obsessive CFO, and suspiciously wealthy trustees conspire to stop her. Her dysfunctional sales team flatly refuses to sell the new factory's products, distracted by their own pursuits.When murder threatens Lauren's plans, Ms. Mia unleashes her talent as an amateur sleuth, diving into the investigation with charm, wit-and a glass of champagne. No one gets away with murder at her hotels!This delightful cozy mystery series blends laugh-out-loud humor, glamorous settings, and twisty whodunits, perfect for fans of Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow, Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson and Sarah Graves's Jake Tiptree, blending witty sleuthing with resort glamour.Sip champagne and join Ms. Mia's escapades as she travels the world between exotic destinations, solving mysteries and restoring order-one adventure at a time.Check in to the Ms. Mia Murder Mysteries with Ms. Mia and Murder on Moose Isle!
They Don't Make Studebakers Anymore
I was born on the hood of a Studebaker . . . So begins the story of Boy, coming of age in a small town in the 1960s. From trying to understand the Cold War, to first kisses, and the moon landing, Boy struggles to make sense of his world. The unexpected disappearance of his father raises a multitude of questions: Was he really born in outer space? What exactly does one do when The Bomb lands in your backyard? And what precisely is supposed to happen on the front porch after your first slow dance with a girl? With his exceptional memory and keen observation skills, he chronicles the indignities of summer camp, drama club, driving lessons, and the prom-often with hilarious results-all while trying to assert some independence, and supporting his mother through her struggles to keep the family going. But as childhood makes way for adolescence and mystery gives way to mastery, Boy finds his newfound certainty turned upside down when he makes an unexpected discovery, and a forest-green car that looks an awful lot like the long-lost Studebaker turns everything on its head.
They Don't Make Studebakers Anymore
I was born on the hood of a Studebaker . . . So begins the story of Boy, coming of age in a small town in the 1960s. From trying to understand the Cold War, to first kisses, and the moon landing, Boy struggles to make sense of his world. The unexpected disappearance of his father raises a multitude of questions: Was he really born in outer space? What exactly does one do when The Bomb lands in your backyard? And what precisely is supposed to happen on the front porch after your first slow dance with a girl? With his exceptional memory and keen observation skills, he chronicles the indignities of summer camp, drama club, driving lessons, and the prom-often with hilarious results-all while trying to assert some independence, and supporting his mother through her struggles to keep the family going. But as childhood makes way for adolescence and mystery gives way to mastery, Boy finds his newfound certainty turned upside down when he makes an unexpected discovery, and a forest-green car that looks an awful lot like the long-lost Studebaker turns everything on its head.
Spending the Jackpot
They say money changes everything. But what if you were already happy before it arrived?Alice Cash always considered herself lucky. A kind husband. Two lovely children. A cosy house. A three-star Spanish holiday every year. What more could anyone want?Then her husband Freddie wins 瞿2.3 million-and everything begins to unravel.Suddenly it's Rolexes, Porsches and private school interviews. Gone is their annual trip to Casa Lola. In its place: a luxury hotel full of snobs and strangers. As Freddie chases a glitzier future, Alice quietly mourns the life they've left behind-and starts giving their money away in secret. But while Freddie tries to 'upgrade' their lives, he's hiding a secret of his own. One that could bankrupt their marriage in more ways than one.A sharply observed, big-hearted novel about love, money, miscommunication and the courage to want less when you're being offered more. Spending the Jackpot is a bitter-sweet, lump-in-the-throat comedy perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Gillian Harvey and Nick Hornby.
Frank and Red
'Best book of the year!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A fantastic debut' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐The brilliant, heart-warming debut novel from the Sunday Times best-selling author of Dummy and Man vs Toddler'A lovely feel-good treat' The Times 'Simply perfect' Daily Mirror 'Hilariously funny... and beneath it all really quite lovely' The Metro Brilliant, just brilliant' Huffington Post Debut of the Year Woman and Home A Prima Book of The Year __________________ Sometimes, the friend you need is the one you never saw coming. Frank and Red are a mess. Frank is a grumpy old curmudgeon. A recluse whose only company is the 'ghost' of his dead wife, Marcie. He is estranged from his friends, his son, and the ever-changing world beyond his front gate. And then Red moves in next door. Red is six. A boy struggling to adjust to the separation of his mum and dad, a new school, and the demonic school bully. Red is curious, smart, he never stops talking, and he's got a trampoline. From the moment Red's blonde mop appears over the top of the fence that divides their two gardens, the unlikeliest of friendships is born. . . . And it is a friendship that will change both of their lives forever. Readers CAN'T GET ENOUGH of this INCREDIBLY MOVING debut novel: 'Raw, real and heartrending, uplifting and simply a delicious read' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Moving and funny, uplifting and full of hope' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Stunningly well-written, warm hearted, incredibly funny and moving story' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A beautifully written, warm and empathic read' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
A Dodo's Life
Not every mystery involves a dead body.Meet Walter. An unassuming man, in an unassuming town, leading what ought to be a simple, quiet life. But expectations have a way of slipping sideways. One moment, you're walking the cat, the next you're knee-deep in a mystery no one notices.Hang on! A slew of cryptic notes yanked me out of my chair and into a world I'd happily retired from. The cat came too- uninvited, armed with opinions and claws sharp enough to need a permit. Clara said it was good for me. I said it was like toilet paper stuck to my shoe. Only louder, and with bad handwriting. -W.Right. As I was saying . . .Welcome to A Dodo's Life-a wry, tender, and quietly funny story about love that lingers, memories that wander in odd corners, and mysteries that arrive when you least expect them. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and heartwarming fiction.A quirky tale of life, laughter, and things we misplace.A Dodo's Life - a cozy mystery with humor, homemade bread, memories, and a stubborn cat who might be the sharpest sleuth of the bunch.The trouble isn't chasing mysteries. It's when they catch you.For readers who enjoy slice-of-life humor, gentle mysteries, and heartwarming stories of family and love. Fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club and Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove will feel right at home in the pages of A Dodo's Life.
The Dream Life of Larry Rios
Larry Rios, Chicano poet extraordinaire, has a chip on his shoulder and a bone to pick with literature. He's got a sword-swallowing frog named Yuks on the brain and a murder under his belt (possibly). Then there's The Snake-Haired Lady, who won't seem to go away. And don't get ol' Larry started on his ex-it's a sad, funny story. Wait. Is "Larry Rios" his real name? Does he know Jeet Kune Do? Is The Dream Life of Larry Rios some highbrow metaphysical caper? Dear reader, maybe read the book to find out. Maybe don't. Larry'll judge you either way. Peace.
I Pose
A luminous rediscovery that will charm and provoke in equal measure I Pose invites you into the witty, searching world of Stella Benson. This character-driven story tracks an unconventional heroine as she navigates early 20th-century society with humor, courage, and a quietly revolutionary spirit. Benson s novel blends British humor and social satire with introspective narrative to explore women s independence and early feminist themes. Through vivid, sympathetic portraits and lively dialogue, I Pose delivers humorous social commentary on class, identity, and the pressures that shape a woman s choices. The result is literary fiction that delights casual readers while rewarding classic literature collectors with its layered craft and moral intelligence. Historically significant and stylistically fresh, I Pose stands as an essential example of early 20th-century literature and feminist fiction: a book that helped broaden depictions of female interiority and independence. Alpha Editions is proud to republish this long-neglected treasure a Stella Benson novel that was out of print for decades and is now restored for today s and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint it s a collector s item and a cultural treasure, carefully restored to preserve authorial nuance and historical context. Whether you seek incisive social satire, a richly drawn, character-driven story, or a touchstone of early feminist fiction, I Pose is a timeless, spirited read that belongs on every shelf of classic literature and literary fiction enthusiasts.
The Montegiallo School of Swearing
Accidentally buying a Sicilian villa for just one euro is not the great Eat, Pray, Love game-changer that Brian Chapman hopes it would be. Instead, tumbledown buildings, a shortage of plumbers, and resentful locals make Brian's drunken whim look like the biggest mistake of his chequered career so far. Who could believe that an outbreak of swearing would lead not only to cultural reconciliation but to this very Australian fish out of water finding true love in Italy?
Side Effects May Include Dancing
Side Effects May Include Dancing A short novel about saving the world.It started with a letter. An eccentric aunt. A coffee shop in New Orleans. Andthen the world changed.Bertie Ryan never asked for this gift. But when she inherits a strange legacy fromher Aunt Maddie - equal parts voodoo, miracle, and higher consciousness -she discovers she can make people happier, kinder, and more awake, instantly.With the help of her spirited book club, the Bookies, Bertie's "gift" goes viral.But as the joyful ripple effect spreads through the city, not everyone is pleased.A powerful pharmaceutical company and maker of antidepressants, and twobackroom politicians see Bertie's power as a threat to their empire, and theyare determined to shut her down. They come for Bertie - and she'll have to risehigher than ever before.Side Effects May Include Dancing is a heart-opening tale of Southern humor, arecipe book for expanding joy, and a tell-all of what's possible when we rememberwho we really are.
The Marionette
Bestselling and beloved author Terry Fallis' tenth novel, The Marionette, introduces readers to a new hero, James Norval: a world-famous thriller writer whose life takes an unexpected turn from the pages of his novels into the perilous world of espionage. James Norval has built a successful career crafting the thrilling adventures of his fictional hero, Hunter Chase, a character admired by readers and movie-goers worldwide. But despite his fame and fortune, Norval has always harboured a secret dream of living the life he only writes about--a life as a field operative for CSIS, Canada's Security Intelligence Service. In fact, nearly thirty years earlier, he washed out of the CSIS recruitment program, and it's haunted him ever since. But that long-held dream becomes a reality when a series of unfortunate events lands Norval in a foreign prison. Rescued by CSIS, he is given an unexpected opportunity: to use his unique position as the favourite writer of Mali's newly installed president to assist in a delicate and dangerous mission. With the help of agent Lauren Cooper, Norval must infiltrate the Malian government and execute a daring plan to exfiltrate fifteen Canadian nationals before the corrupt powers that control the country uncover their true intentions. The Marionette is a comic thriller by a master of the craft. Full of Terry Fallis' signature wit and combined with an exhilarating high-stakes plot, this is a must-read for fans of espionage and intrigue.
Charming!
IT'S THE STORY THEY DIDN'T WANT YOU TO HEAR! FINALLY PRINCE CHARMING TALKS! In his time, the man was a cross between James Bond and Nelson Mandela. And yet what do we know about him? That his name is Prince Charming and that he fits a mean glass slipper! That's it. For generations Prince Charming has been Dr Watson to the Holmes of Cinderella and maybe even Charles to Diana. He was an amalgam of Jack Kennedy and Tom Sawyer, Spartacus and Jim Hawkins, John Lennon and Mr D'Arcy. Far from being the anodyne and lifeless character of legend, the Prince was a wild and fascinating man, whose often paradoxical character was forged in a youth crammed with intrigue and adventure. And love? Well, yes, there was some love; even (shock, horror!) some other girlfriends before Cinderella. But the romance of Charming!' is one in the broader sense of the word: a romantic novel set in times considerably less romantic than they have been portrayed.
The Book of George
From the author of the critically acclaimed Laura & Emma comes a The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. for our times: Kate Greathead's "mesmerizing" (Maria Semple) excavation of millennial masculinity, The Book of George. If you haven't had the misfortune of dating a George, you know someone who has. He's a young man brimming with potential but incapable of following through; sweet yet noncommittal to his long-suffering girlfriend; distant from but still reliant on his mother; charmingly funny one minute, sullenly brooding the next. Here, Kate Greathead paints one particular, unforgettable George in a series of droll and surprisingly poignant snapshots of his life over two decades. Despite his failings, it's hard not to root for George at least a little. Beneath his cynicism is a reservoir of fondness for his girlfriend, Jenny, and her valiant willingness to put up with him. Each demonstration of his flaws is paired with a self-eviscerating comment. No one is more disappointed in him than himself (except maybe Jenny and his mother). As hilarious as it is resonant and as singular as it is universal, The Book of George is a deft, unexpectedly moving portrait of one man--but also countless others.
Titus and Roni
Two parents who, in facing death, face life. Perhaps for the first time. Titus, as well as being a father, is a grandfather. He has been kidnapped by his son in Colombia; Roni is a Glaswegian mother whose son, in twenty-four hours, will be executed by lethal injection. They are two novellas which, whilst they could exist separately, also complement each other. They are stories of doom, but not of gloom; stories, certainly of tragedy, but ingrained with both comedy and optimism. Their two principal characters surrender in order to fight on and traverse despair to find hope. They are two unremarkable people who, in finally accepting death, triumph over life, and become thereby remarkable indeed. Certainly, you will cry with Titus and with Roni, but also you will laugh with them. You will despair with them, and clutch at the same straws. Written with Dark's customary elegance, Titus and Roni is as mellifluous in its telling as it is compulsive in its tale.
More to Life
Retired school teacher Colette Corbyn goes kicking and screaming into assisted living, when she has planned to live out her days in the privacy of her own home. As she begrudgingly settles into Shady Meadow, she makes an unlikely friend, Margaret, who claims the Women's Movement demeaned women. A loud, obnoxious neighbor, Dottie, seems to be off her rocker, but she's actually addicted to opioids and has an alarming secret life. Best-selling novelist Susan Hartley, afflicted with Alzheimer's, doesn't recognize her latest book, and becomes violent when she mistakes Colette for her sister. Colette struggles to come to terms with her sometimes-contentious daughter Brooke and seeks a relationship with her grandson Carter, long lost down the rabbit hole of QAnon. Colette thinks she is done with romance until she meets Harry, who suffers from AMD and can only read music through a magnifying glass. As Colette and Harry share their love of piano playing, Colette discovers complications in his life which may prevent their relationship from enduring. With compassion and wit, Lynch demonstrates that old age has its perks, and, nearing the end of life, every day is worth living to its fullest.*****Legacy Book Press LLC is a traditional publisher of personal stories told via non-fiction, fiction, poetry, or a combination.
R J Lamp Post A Day In The Life
Not all heroes wear capes-some shine from eight feet above the pavement.Meet R.J. Lamp Post, the most unlikely storyteller you'll ever encounter. From his spot on a Michigan street corner, R.J. has seen it all-wild thunderstorms, mischievous kids, neighborhood drama, daring rescues, and even a few laugh-out-loud disasters. With humor, heart, and a streetlight's unique perspective, he shares the stories of everyday life that unfold under his steady glow.Whether he's scaring off burglars with a burst of blinking light, watching a boy's tongue get hilariously stuck to his icy pole, or quietly keeping vigil during secret midnight meetings, R.J. proves he's more than just a fixture. He's a guardian, a witness, and sometimes an unwilling participant in the chaos of community life.Virginia M. Lawrence's A Day in the Life is a charming, funny, and unexpectedly touching tale that will make you laugh, reflect, and never look at a streetlight the same way again. Perfect for readers who enjoy lighthearted fiction with a dash of wit and heart.
Udder Nonsense - More Tales from Frost Heaves
Welcome back to Frost Heaves, New Hampshire, where the coffee's strong, the winters are longer, and common sense is about as rare as a reasonable property tax bill. In this delightful new collection, Yankee humorist Fred Marple returns with more tales from New England's most charmingly unpredictable town. When the Loon Lodge decides to raise funds with a duck race, nobody counted on the ducks having their own agenda. Young Albert Cooper discovers that prize sows and romance don't mix, And when Millard Tuttle spots a certain red-suited fellow in distress, Christmas in Frost Heaves takes an unexpected turn. From the church basement to the town square, Pastor Woodstead questions his calling while a champion bingo player meets her match in an overly chatty newcomer. Plus, catch up on all the local news through Fred's signature "News Nuggets" and police reports that prove truth really is stranger than fiction. Fred Marple has been called the Garrison Keillor of New England and the voice of New Hampshire as Bert & I once were to Mainers. Nobody captures small-town Yankee life with more warmth and wit. Whether you're a longtime New Englander or just wish you were, Udder Nonsense serves up the perfect blend of gentle humor, quirky characters, and the kind of storytelling that makes you feel right at home-even if home has more than its share of stubborn livestock and well-meaning folks with questionable judgment. Praise for Fred Marple's Welcome to Frost Heaves: "Absolutely hilarious." "This book was nonstop laughter." "Born and raised in New England and smiled through the whole book." "...great old Yankee satire and wit!" "New Englanders will be rolling on the floor laughing." "This is the New Hampshire I remember from my girlhood - forthright, thrifty, quirky characters who know what living in a real community is all about." "This is a funny, witty, wise and warm book ..." "Fabulously fun for all ages!"
Whistling Librarian
A break-in at the Two Harbors Public Library leads to the discovery of a tape recording of a song made famous by a local rock band, but with different lyrics. The Whistling Pines residents recall events from the time, reigniting questions about the song and a long-forgotten band member's death. Revelations about unknown cousins in a family tree, an outbreak of "apiary flu", a library s矇ance, and a visiting baby's disappearance from the senior residence all intersect with a 1970s fatal car accident.S. Peters-Davis Editorial Review The prologue begins with a question of 'what happened next?' Then it moves on to the characters (workers and residents - each one with their own quirks) at Whistling Pines Senior Resident Home. Peter Rogers runs the place and makes the perfect main character. There's always something going on that consistently captivates me throughout the mystery. This is book 10 of the Whistling Pines Mysteries series, so most of the characters have grown on me, making me smile, laugh, or wonder what the heck they are thinking, doing, or creating for Peter. I adore all of Mr. Hovey's books and the additions to this book from Ms. Flagge. I'm never disappointed and am always ready for the next one: )
Will There Ever Be Another You
"Lockwood has written a roving chronicle of the madness of illness and the frightening porousness of what it means to be yourself in the hilariously profound way that only she could." - Vulture "Bonkers." - The New York Times "Reliably brilliant." - The Washington Post "A wild, devilishly curious, often hallucinatory ride that's worth its weight in insights." - The San Francisco Chronicle From the Booker Prize finalist and "formidably gifted writer" (The New York Times), a vertiginous novel about a woman's descent into illness and insanity. Amid a global pandemic, one young woman is trying to keep the pieces together - of her family, stunned by a devastating loss, and of her mind, left mangled and misfiring from a mystifying disease. She's afraid of her own floorboards, and "WHAT IS LOVE? BABY DON'T HURT ME" plays over and over in her ears. She hates her friends, or more accurately, she doesn't know who they are. Has the illness stolen her old mind and given her a new one? Does it mean she'll get to start over from scratch, a chance afforded to very few people? The very weave of herself seems to have loosened: time and memories pass straight through her body. "I'm sorry not to respond to your email," she writes, "but I live completely in the presentnow." Will There Ever Be Another You is the brain-shredding, phosphorescent story of one woman's dissolution and her attempt to create a new way of thinking, as well as a profound investigation into what keeps us alive in times of unprecedented disorientation and loss, from one of our most original writers. Praise for Will There Ever Be Another You "Patricia Lockwood... writes with the impish verve and provocative guilelessness of a peeing cupid." - The New Yorker "Completely singular... Patricia Lockwood's body of work is like this: a hymn--or ode, depending on the day--to the painful project of being human." - The New Republic "The author's fans will find her trademark humor, originality, and depth on full display. This is a knockout." - starred Publishers Weekly Praise for No One Is Talking About This "A book that reads like a prose poem, at once sublime, profane, intimate, philosophical, witty and, eventually, deeply moving." --The New York Times "Reading Patricia Lockwood raises questions. Questions such as, How can a person understand both herself and the world with such clarity? How does a person experience things so intensely and express them so buoyantly? Am I laughing or am I crying? Lockwood's first novel is as crystalline, witty, and brain-shredding as her poetry and criticism." --Vulture "Wow. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much reading a book. What an inventive and startling writer...I'm so glad I read this. I really think this book is remarkable." --David Sedaris "God, is she funny!" --The New Yorker
The Case of the Stolen Underwear
All the underwear have been stolen from The Dilly Dollar Store and a quirky small-town reporter slowly gets involved in trying to solve the disturbing crime. As she follows the case, stolen underwear start resurfacing in odd places, including on the head of a park statue and on a supermarket watermelon. Her co-workers at the newspaper blend into the crazy background of personality disorders, including someone who gets fired every day. As she slowly rules out suspects, she feels she is closing in on the perpetrator. The unexpected ending brings her into a face-to-face confrontation with the underwear villain. Will justice prevail?
