Stewards of Octarma and the Cosmic Realm of the Gas Giants
Saving the galaxy is tough... Even tougher if you can't be bothered. Felicity Milarum, the dictator CEO of a galaxy-wide children's entertainment empire, recalls her two most hapless employees - her twin brothers - when the siblings are sent a mysterious package from their missing father. It contains an Amulet, a message of impending doom, and a complaint about a service droid. Jonathan and Nickolas have been given a fool's quest to finish what their father had started.Together with Xymod, an inscrutable Octarma collector; Prince Techno, a drain on patience and habitual thief; M011y, the ship's computer with a penchant for a punt; and Nerada, their adopted sister of unknown origins; they set out - with various levels of enthusiasm - to find three missing Shards, that, when infused into the Amulet, will create a weapon that just may save the Qurkition galaxy.But it seems half the galaxy is out to stop them, including an ethically challenged weapons merchant and his family, two law enforcement agents with questionable culinary skills, and a couple of highly trained assassins. And then there is the small matter of an entire city full of foul-smelling giants led by a loopy king.But all these roadblocks seem trivial compared to the threat posed by the evil and enigmatic Zarnegy, who, legend has it, wield far greater power than anything else in the galaxy.
November Hunt
Hunting season exposes deadly secrets in a briskly chilling rom-com mystery from Amazon Charts bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author Jess Lourey.It's cold enough to freeze a shadow when Battle Lake local Tom Kicker braves the killer temps to bag a deer--only to get shot to death by his best buddy, Clive, in a hunting accident. Tragic, yes. Accident? Mira James, just a few weeks into working toward her PI license, isn't so convinced.Neither is Tom's daughter, who urges Mira to investigate. Why would a forty-year friendship come to a dead end on a frost-scorched landscape? Then Mira uncovers a decades-old scandal that suggests the town's good old boys were up to some very bad business. Secret by buried secret, Mira is getting closer to solving the mystery.In the meantime, she has sweet and sexy Johnny Leeson to keep her warm. Unfortunately, hunting season isn't over in Battle Lake, and Mira is next in the crosshairs.Revised edition: This edition of November Hunt includes editorial revisions.
Die Lethal
When a new drug is about to hit the L.A. market, it's up to two cops (and one more cop in a shoehorned-in sub-plot) to stop the drugs, take down the bad guys, and try not to get killed... or die trying. When Detective John Expendable is killed in the line of duty, Detective Reginald P. Murtow is forced to take on a new partner, Marvin Ricks, a suicidal live-wire with a list of misdemeanours as long as his mullet. Can they take down the dealers and the huge conglomerate importing this new drug? Will Ricks get the girl, who most probably works for the bad guy? Why does Ricks have a slight Australian accent? Is Murtow too old for this? Meanwhile, NYPD bald-guy, Detective Jim McLeod, is in town to take down the millionaire businessman who seduced his ex-wife, emptied the McLeod bank accounts, sold his kids to traffickers, and threw his dog, Wicksy, in the canal. Big mistake because... McLeod loved the hell out of that dog. Will these plots somehow converge in a clever way? Find out in DIE LETHAL
Trial by Levity
In a quiet corner of the 9th dimension, a little planet called Bub drifts casually through space. The collection of stories about the people of Bub and their strange world is called Bublore, and it is being written now. "Trial by Levity" is the story of Puddle, a newsey in the big city, who prides himself on keeping his ears and eyes open. Puddle sells newspapers for the Nineday News, and he's trained and organized a crew of his fellow "school orphan" street urchins into a record-breaking newsey sales force. At the same time, Puddle and company are open to opportunity, and it isn't always on the up-and-up. A string of such opportunity lands Puddle with a pile of money and a miniature statue, but wraps him in a web of counterfeit bills, blackmail and mistaken identity.This all takes place against a backdrop of the weird physics of Bub, where Spontaneous Blizzards crush unwary people who are out-of-doors in the pitch black Shadow, and Gravity Anomalies can double one's weight, or cast one bodily completely off the planet. Clod and Dirt's monkeyfish scheme, the Grassway Little Finger, crooked Flint Fault's shady pawn shop, Puddle saving the Bank, and the big counterfeiting case are all somehow connected. When the dust has finally settled, Puddle didn't get the girl -- but the girl may have got Puddle.
Codename
A state department employee carrying top secret documents has been kidnapped, even though he was guarded by the Lincoln bedroom janitor, and now he is being held by nudists members of the Church of the Holy Tryst. The Secretary of State knows the documents must be retrieved at any cost, but he doesn't trust any of the government security agencies, so he turns to his pot smoking aide and a band of misfit citizens who are pledged to save the country to get the job done. As time is running out, the cross-country race to save America gets even weirder. Following their leader Paulie, the disc jockeys, a one-eyed demolition expert, a sex starved Russian woman and the others follow clues that lead them right to the nation's capitol. Along the way, they are chased by cartels and attacked by hillbillies and hitmen. As the story unfolds, burning questions spawn. Can they find the kidnapped janitor and courier and save America?
Witches Abroad
"One of our greatest fantasists, and beyond a doubt the funniest."--George R. R. Martin A trio of witchy godmothers discovers just how difficult it can be to prevent a servant girl from marrying a prince and save a kingdom in this brilliantly funny Discworld novel from internationally bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett.Once upon a time there was a fairy godmother named Desiderata who had a good heart, a wise head, and poor planning skills--which, unfortunately, left the Princess Emberella in the care of her other (not quite so good nor wise) godmother. Now it's up to Discworld's witches Magrat Garlick, Granny Weatherwax, and Nanny Ogg to hop on broomsticks and make for far-distant Genua to stop a wedding--to ensure a servant girl does not marry the Prince.It's a journey plagued with detours, including the occasional vampire, werewolf, and falling house (they are witches and this is a fairy tale). But the trouble really begins once these reluctant foster-godmothers arrive in Genua to torpedo this particularly enchanting "happily ever after," especially when it comes with glass slippers and a power-hungry fairy godmother who has made destiny an offer it can't refuse. As even these clever crones discover, it's hard to resist a good tale, even when the fate of a kingdom depends on it.The Discworld novels can be read in any order, but Witches Abroad is the third book in the Witches series.The Witches collection in order: Equal RitesWyrd SistersWitches AbroadLords and LadiesMaskeradeCarpe Jugulum
Where Wolves Wait
Botched apple pie isn't the only thing that goes wrong at Fun Warriors Ranch. Loud snorers and a skillful predator also plague Rae Greyson.At a neglected campsite, it's not all s'mores as Rae fights for her wits and morals among testy coworkers, creepy rangers, and tarot cards. Plus, Bash, her nephew, decides to commence his new obsession, hunting werewolves. Meanwhile, her unrequited flame, Stone, secretly arrives, attempting to stop a murder. With the gang all here, they find things not only go bump in the night, but they also howl. Who will make it out alive? Who will succumb to the hungry jaws of a night creature? Only the tolling bell knows.Those who relish sleeping under snarling stars will enjoy Where Wolves Wait: A Rae Greyson Mystery. Sink those fangs into this voraciously amusing adventure with its myriad twists and threatening claws around a campfire. Bark with laughter while discovering BW Hoff's quick wit and entertaining story-telling style.
Love Insurance
Allan, Lord Harrowby, son and heir of James Nelson Harrowby, came to Lloyds of London with a most unusual request for insurance. He knew that Lloyds took out policies on unusual risks. And what he wanted was insurance of a most unusual kind...love insurance. What follows is a comic novel of improbable dimensions, by the world-famous creator of Chinese detective Charlie Chan!
Frightmare Sister... and other animals
These comic stories, told by a brother, chart the ups and downs, the mad mayhem of family life as he and his sister grow up; the fun and falling out, the shared games, her crazy fads and fancies and their many disagreements. Jen Morton looks like a cherub; cute smile, laughing eyes, a mop of blonde curls. But she is gobby, clever [and knows it], very demanding and determined to get what she wants. And boy can she be a pain in the proverbial. Everything she does is OTT. Some stories show how unlucky the Jenster is with her pets and animals in general. There's the tale of Samster the hamster, a hedgehog, an unfortunate Dalmatian, a near-death incident with a tortoise, a clever and witty parrot and Charlie the cat who goes missing. There's a scrumping event involving the police, a playground fight, and a huge array of other sibling entanglements. There are no time-travelling squirrels or talking elephants, no magic, no warlords, hobbits or dragons in these funny stories, but there are lots of recognizable adventures and misadventures that all children and adults alike will have experienced and remember. This is life as we know it, but full of laughs and awkward situations. We've all been there or thereabouts. Not so much frightmare as fun time.
Lucia in London
In this delightful social comedy, the ever-ambitious Lucia moves to London to climb the social ladder after inheriting her late aunt's fortune. With her wit and unrelenting drive, she navigates high society, making new acquaintances while charming and baffling old friends from Riseholme. Through parties, gossip, and schemes, Lucia tries to maintain her status, yet faces humorous obstacles that test her charm and cunning.Benson crafts a sharp and witty exploration of class, ambition, and the absurdity of social pretensions.
Pity the Reluctant Fan
When Pity is invited to go with her boyfriend on a bus tour of East Coast Major League Baseball parks, she is reluctant to go because she doesn't like bus rides and worse, she dislikes sports. But she agrees to go along to spend quality time with Mike and explore the exciting big cities.Unfortunately, Mike must leave the tour for a family emergency, leaving Pity to attend the games surrounded by extreme sports fans. When curious misfortune befalls several people on the tour, Pity senses foul play. With something more interesting to focus on than the games, she goes to bat for her new sport-loving friends and investigates her suspicions. In her typical style, Pity slides into trouble everywhere she goes, often causing more problems than she fixes.Do we pity the miserable spectator, or will she hit a home run and solve the mystery?
The World Happiness Organisation
THEY HOLD THE FILES. YOU HOLD THE KEY.Retirement in the South of France isn't all it's cracked up to be. After fifty years of marriage, the only thing Mavis and Jeff agree on is that it's too late to change. Enter the maverick and flirtatious R矇my, sent to prove them wrong. When he asks the Toulouse Club for English Pensioners to help oversee clinical trials for a revolutionary happiness drug, little does anyone know he is a World Happiness Organisation (WHO) agent, armed with their files.But R矇my also faces a dilemma. The new drug is part of a covert scheme to monetise happiness, violating the Organisation's founding principles, and his boss is about to find out ...Fans of feel good fiction books will enjoy this witty, thought-provoking tale. In challenging a cast of quirky characters to define true happiness, The World Happiness Organisation invites readers to do the same. A speculative, modern-day tale of personal empowerment, it is an ideal what if novel for fans of The Midnight Library or The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
Love Is Murder
Karrie is doomed to be ghosted by every guy she dates. They go out, have a good time, and then he disappears without so much as a text.Zoe should have been an investigative journalist. When Karrie finds a new date, Zoe digs up the dirt. To spare her friend the heartache, she handles things herself.Karrie thinks she's cursed. Zoe knows she deserves better. And any guy who thinks he can dick around with Karrie finds out just how far Zoe will go to protect her friend.
Novel Notes
"Novel Notes" by Jerome K. Jerome: a humorous, satirical exploration of literary life. In this delightful collection of essays, Jerome K. Jerome takes readers on a witty and insightful journey through the world of literature. Published in 1893, "Novel Notes" offers a unique blend of humor and social commentary, capturing the essence of the literary scene in Victorian England. Through a series of anecdotes and observations, Jerome provides a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of authors, publishers, and critics. With his trademark wit and charm, he skewers the pretensions and foibles of the literary elite while celebrating the joy of storytelling. From the struggles of aspiring writers to the absurdities of literary fashions, Jerome tackles a range of topics with his characteristic humor and insight. Whether recounting his own misadventures in the publishing world or offering tongue-in-cheek advice to aspiring novelists, Jerome entertains and enlightens in equal measure. "Novel Notes" is a timeless classic that continues to delight readers with its sharp wit and astute observations. Jerome's mastery of satire and keen eye for human folly make this book a must-read for anyone who loves literature, laughter, and a good dose of wit.
An Open-Eyed Conspiracy An Idyl of Saratoga
"An Open-Eyed Conspiracy: An Idyl of Saratoga" by William Dean Howells is a novel set in the social milieu of Saratoga during the 19th century, blending romance with elements of intrigue and social commentary. The story unfolds in Saratoga, a setting known for its high society and social dynamics. Central to the narrative is a romance that develops amidst a backdrop of a subtle conspiracy. The novel delves into the complex relationships between characters and explores themes of social class and wealth, providing a nuanced view of society's expectations and moral dilemmas. Howells examines the interplay between personal ambitions and social conventions, portraying the characters' interactions within the constraints of their social environment. The novel's intrigue centers around a conspiracy that adds an element of suspense, while the idyl of Saratoga serves as a canvas for cultural observation and commentary. Through its realistic depiction of 19th-century society, "An Open-Eyed Conspiracy" offers insights into the intricacies of marriage, social class, and moral choices, making it a rich exploration of romance and societal norms within a specific cultural and historical context.
Zoey Is Too Drunk for This Dystopia
Zoey is Too Drunk for This Dystopia is the latest installment in New York Times bestselling author Jason Pargin's thrilling Zoey Ashe sci-fi series. Zoey Ashe wakes up every day feeling like she's trying to steer a battleship while tied to the propeller. The twenty-three-year-old heiress to a criminal empire is navigating a futuristic world of high-tech liars and cutthroats, forced to learn the rules of a devious game she never asked to play. Now she's facing a crisis that is both bigger and stranger than all that came before: The gleaming new city of Tabula Ra$a is hosting its massive annual music festival, which every year precedes the equally massive annual drunken riot. This is all organized by Zoey's people, including the riot. As her advisors explain, the citizens need a little controlled chaos now and then. Zoey, however, fears the chaos will not stay controlled for long. When a horrific crime is broadcast live on an all-seeing social network, Zoey and her team suspect a carefully-stage hoax arranged by one of the Tabula Ra$a's shadowy power players. But in a city in which lies are always served in layers, even that explanation will prove far too simple.
The Numen of Banda
"The Numen of Banda" plunges readers into the heart of magical Kenya, where a battle of wits between African traditional beliefs and post-colonial Western education unfolds. At its centre stands Sosh, an iron-willed matriarch and Mau Mau war veteran, a stickler for traditional beliefs and customs. She finds her match in Benjo, her beloved grandson, a child prodigy and advocate of modern Western ideals who challenges these very traditions with his maverick views.Their inseparable bond is tested when a series of mysterious misfortunes, attributed to malevolent juju, shatters their fragile reality. Desperate to restore normalcy, Sosh turns to the mystical Numen of Banda, a legendary healer hidden deep within the Banda Salama Forest. As ancestral spirits intervene, Sosh and Benjo embark on a perilous journey, navigating the treacherous waters between honouring their past and embracing an uncertain future.Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Kenya, this richly woven narrative explores the clash between two generations, the power of belief, and the unbreakable family bonds. "The Numen of Banda" offers a mesmerising glimpse into a world where tradition and change collide, and where the boundary between reality and the supernatural blurs.
Henny and Lloyd, Private Eyes
Henny and Lloyd, age mid-twenties, have completed their online course in private detecting and are now licensed PIs. They've rented an office on Centre Street in downtown NYC, a rundown apartment each in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and set out to fight crime. Henny loves the noir 1940s crime era and dresses the part. Double-breasted suits, fedora, toothpicks replacing the more lethal cigarettes of the era. Lloyd is equally dedicated, if less flamboyant. Attaining his current situation is especially gratifying to Lloyd since, when he told his father he planned to become a dick, his father replied that the only way he'd become a dick was if he changed his name to Richard. Lloyd was thankful the comment wasn't any worse.
A Furious Wind Over Zion
After a humiliating and costly divorce, best-selling spy paperback writer Milton Goldfarb desperately needs to escape the public eye. He gratefully accepts when a friend offers him a teaching job at Bar Ilan University in Israel.Urgently needing another best-selling book, Milton comes up with his best-ever plot idea: what if a disgruntled Israeli tried to assassinate the Prime Minister of Israel? It's the perfect rescue mission for Milton's dashing alter-ego, Jack Steckman. Milton reasons that his new writing students can help him work out the plot. Then, one of Milton's fanatical students assassinates the Prime Minister.Broke and defeated, Milton finds himself behind bars as the fall guy for shadowy figures in the Shabak and Mossad. How can he possibly prevail against such mysterious and determined forces? Milton and his eccentric circle of friends must find crucial evidence and solve the mystery, or Milton's jail stay will be permanent.
One Woman's Life Part Five The Cake shop
One Woman's Life" Part fourth, penned by Robert Herrick and published in 1913, delves deeper into the life of Mary Wakefield, the resilient protagonist navigating a changing world at the turn of the 20th century. At its core, the novel explores Mary's personal growth and evolving relationships within her family and society. Mary Wakefield, now more mature and experienced, grapples with complex family dynamics and the challenges of her time. Set against a backdrop of significant social change, the novel vividly portrays the shifting landscapes of early 20th-century America. Mary's journey is marked by her pursuit of personal fulfillment, navigating romantic relationships, and striving to carve out her identity in a world undergoing rapid transformation. Throughout the narrative, Herrick weaves themes of ambition and career aspirations into Mary's story, highlighting her determination to succeed against societal expectations. The novel intricately explores conflicts that arise, both internal and external, and depicts how Mary confronts and resolves these challenges with resilience and grace. Rich in detailed settings that evoke the essence of each era depicted, "One Woman's Life" Part Two immerses readers in a world where personal desires clash with societal norms, offering a poignant reflection on love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness in a rapidly evolving society.
Mission
"These new... ancient Bulgarians," Slavyanski began hesitantly, still not clear on the terminology. "It seems to me that we should take steps to integrate them. This will have a positive impact on the demographic situation.""And on your ratings!" the professor added slyly. "Just think, thousands of new voters!""No, that's not quite what I had in mind," the president said, hurt. "I don't look at people that way. For me, they're human beings above all else."Yeah, sure you don't, thought Dokuzanov. If you ask me, you don't care about anything else. If only you did!The descendants of the ancient Bulgarians have been discovered! The question is who will they vote for?Through a string of absurd and comical situations Popov transports the reader into an exotic world of adventure and love affairs, a world of songs, shamanic incantations and dances on the thin ice of big politics. But beneath the starry dome of the vast steppe, the eternal questions remain: who are we, where do we come from, why are we here?
I'm Starting to Worry about This Black Box of Doom
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.
Marigolds in Boxes
The founder of Chanceville, Indiana, Arnold Chance, had planted only marigolds in his window boxes since the town was incorporated in 1845. Legend has it he liked the no-nonsense colors of those flowers. The tradition continued long after Arnold died in 1908. His flower boxes got a fresh coat of plain tan paint on every year's last day of March. The citizens of Chanceville, Indiana, could set their calendars by this. So many people admired the cheeriness of the gold petals with their russet tips that they began planting marigolds in their flower boxes. And that's how Chanceville became known as the "Home of Marigolds in Boxes." Once in a while, a few people would get a wild hair and decide to branch out and plant begonias or petunias. Then they would tire of the stubborn marigold planters driving by and shouting, "What's the matter, marigolds not good enough for ya?" That harassment would drive them right back to planting marigolds the following year. For the most part, the citizens of Chanceville lived in peace until 1950 five years after World War II had ended in 1945. That is where our story begins. This does not mean all was as sunny as the brightly colored marigolds in boxes dotted all over town. As you will discover, even the smallest towns can have their dark underbellies. There are silly feuds, secret agendas, and even murders that may come to light as our story unfolds.
The Second Chance Bus Stop
"A heart-warming, intelligent novel about finding your people." --Becky Alexander, author of Someone Like You Edith has Alzheimer's. The idea that she will someday forget her son, her life, even her self, plagues her constantly. So there is something important she must do beforehand: she has to find Sven, the love of her life she was supposed to meet on a bus bench twenty-seven years ago and run away with. Her son, Blade, is struggling to keep an eye on her. His mother's full-time caregiver, he resents the fact that he gave up most of his life to look after her. But what wouldn't he do for his mother? Track down her decades-old flame before her mind fails her? Sure, he can do that. Sophia is fiercely working to keep her business afloat. Her uncle left his flower shop to her and her brothers after he died, and she needs to show her family that the business is worth saving. So when an opportunity comes along that takes her all over Sweden, she can't say no. While Edith is desperately trying to hold on to her memories, she discovers friendship as she sits daily at the bus stop. While Blade is out looking for Sven, he learns to embrace his relationship with his mother more fully. While Sophia is fighting to keep her dream alive, she comes to terms with the therapies that were forced upon her in response to her autism diagnosis. Life is happening all around them, and like in life, there's always still good to be found.
Bozo The Criminal Dog
Bozo is a criminal dog. But you were probably already aware of that. Bozo doesn't have a bad life. He lives a life of leisure from his chabby-chic bachelor kennel in Barkingsville (when he's not locked up, or fallen asleep in a ditch somewhere), and he's more than a match for his long-suffering owner, Ponko. But Bozo has a calling in life. He's the world's greatest jewel thief - and he's got a fresh target in his sights! Join Bozo and his motley rabble of friends as they roam Merry Old England in search of the world's largest ruby, leaving a trail of empty alcopop bottles and shattered innocents in their wake! So grab a stiff drink, buckle up, and get ready for a ride you won't soon forget. Just remember to keep an eye on your jewels - Bozo's on the prowl, and he's not taking any prisoners!
Meet Me at Rainbow Corner
USA TODAY BESTSELLERLondon, 1944. The air raid sirens are blaring, the bombers are hovering. England has been at war with Germany for four years, and there's no sign of peace coming. Dot Gallagher, newly arrived from Liverpool to offer her services as a nurse, hurries from her Red Cross hostel to the tube station to join the crowds of people taking shelter. A group of GIs have started dancing around a wind-up gramophone, and it doesn't take long for Dot to join them. As she jives along with one of the American soldiers, he tells her about Rainbow Corner, a social club in Piccadilly for US troops. There is always a demand for dance hostesses there, women who know how to jitterbug and rock'n'roll, to dance with the soldiers. Would Dot like to apply? As Dot discovers, Rainbow Corner is like no other place, an oasis in London where, once inside, the constraints of wartime Britain disappear. There is no rationing, all luxuries are available, including a constant stream of donuts, chewing gum and cola. There are restaurants and cafes, boxing matches and movies, and, much to Dot's delight, a huge dance hall. Rather like an Embassy, Rainbow Corner is essentially a plot of America in central London. It is there that Dot becomes firm friends with many of the other hostesses, and in particular with Lilly, who works for the Colonel. Meet Me at Rainbow Corner follows the lives of Dot, Lilly and their friends, as they dance the nights away, fall in and out of love, and navigate the horrors of war. Lilly goes on a secret mission with her Colonel to France, and Dot becomes pregnant and returns to Liverpool. When the war is over, they are re-united, having travelled by boat to the US with countless other war brides to meet their repatriated fianc矇s again. Along the way, they uncover a case of inside espionage and learn the true meaning of love. Praise for Meet Me At Rainbow Corner: 'Utterly charming and engrossing' - Joanna Lumley 'Hugely enjoyable and meticulously researched... A must for anyone who likes wartime novels with a difference' - Rosie Goodwin 'From the first to the last page, I was captivated by this brilliant novel, and simply didn't want it to end' - Jenny Ashcroft 'A beautiful book about friendship, romance and courage set against a background of war and peril. I loved it' - Sue Cleaver 'Thoroughly enjoyable! A meticulously researched and deeply evocative snapshot of the experiences of a group of feisty and determined women, who became GI Brides in World War 2' - Fiona Valpy
Bowled Over
What options were there left open to me? I had always played sport, well almost always, up until about ten years ago when sciatica finally made me realise I could no longer chase a football around a sports hall or a tennis ball about a court. Nowadays, my level of fitness seemed to be determined not by how far or fast I could run, but more by my ability to pick the soap up from the shower floor or painlessly put on my socks in the morning. I was in my early sixties, but after a decade of inactivity and approaching early retirement, I was still harbouring a desire to play some sport. In mid-April on a stroll into town, I noticed a small poster on a garden gate advertising an open morning at the local bowls club. I mentioned it to my wife Dolly, as she had been going on for years about us joining something together, so it seemed a fair compromise; despite never having any interest in sport, she was rather keen at the prospect. It all seemed rather appealing, what could be more English than playing bowls on a sunny summer's afternoon. Yes, it seemed perfect ... what could possibly go wrong?
Elevating Overman
This hilarious and painful novel of redemption follows the journey of Ira Overman, veteran of multiple botched careers and a singularly botched marriage, as he makes one last attempt to rise above the guilt, weakness, and self-hatred that have been hard-wired into his soul since birth. Through an unlikely side effect from an otherwise routine surgery, Overman finds himself revisiting and confronting the uniformly poor choices of his past, and making sense of a world he has never known how to negotiate. The ex-New Yorker and transplanted Angeleno decides to bestow his newfound gifts from coast to coast, earning unprecedented respect from his son and daughter, and the ferocious envy of his best friend. Ultimately, Elevating Overman speaks to us about righting some of our wrongs, letting others go, and most importantly, gaining a small yet significant insight into a life that matters.
10 Maniacs are Trapped in a Death Trap and they Must Each Write a Short Story or They Will All Be Killed
These are the stories of ten literary maniacs, they've all been kidnapped and imprisoned by the evil Dr. Bloodcastle. A villain of unspeakable genius, Bloodcastle is a man with a skull of gleaming chrome and a sexy, hot, just so good, yowza, muscular body shrouded in crimson robes that has imprisoned these unfortunate souls in a labyrinth of his own diabolical design. Their only hope of survival lies in their ability to write. Within these pages, you will encounter worlds beyond comprehension, where logic takes a long lunch break and imagination peels out on a dirt bike. Dare you enter the mind and bodyscape of Dr. Bloodcastle's captives? Can you unravel the enigma of the Ten Maniacs? Why is his skull chrome? Find out, if you dare, in: *10 Maniacs are Trapped in a Death Trap and they Must Each Write a Short Story or They Will All Be Killed* Are you brave enough to turn the page? This book might make you DIE.
Almost a Serial Killer
"Expect fast-paced action, upbeat comedy, mystery, red herrings, an outlandish cast of characters, a ride in the trunk, zip ties, and collard greens." BookTribSun, sand, cocktails, and ... murder?"Take a trip to Florida," they said. "It'll be fun!" But for aspiring actress Doreen Diller, there's no sunscreen on the planet that can save her from getting burned, big-time. While filming a low-budget TV series on St. Pete Beach, a fellow actor ends up dead-and Doreen's cast as his killer! With a mean cop trying to pin her for murder and a cute cop trying to pin her down for a date, Doreen's not sure which way to turn. But one thing's for sure. There's no going home until she clears her name. It won't be easy. Before it's through, Doreen will have to sidestep the law, upstage a shark, travel in a trunk, survive a snickerdoodle hangover, and outwit a team of retired mafia molls. And that's just day one. ALMOST A SERIAL KILLER is perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Deany Ray, Leslie Langtry, Jana DeLeon, Jasmine Webb, Gemma Halliday, Liliana Hart, and JB Lynn. Readers of the Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series will fall in love with Doreen Diller! What readers are saying: "Fun from the get-go! A laugh-out-loud read. I loved it! One of the best on today's market." "What a blast! Not too many books have me constantly laughing out loud while my wife asks me, over and over, 'What's so funny?' A book easily worth at least 10 stars." "What a story! Just love Doreen and can't wait to read more of her adventures! Will keep you up reading all night!" "Refreshing, fun, and a great Who Done It! I chuckled through the whole book." "Loads of quirky characters, a twisty mystery, a pinch of romance, and a heaping helping of humor create this masterpiece!" "This author is hilarious. I've been reading all she has written...late night laughing. Thank you Margaret! Your characters are addictive! Continue to keep us wanting More!" "I loved this story! From the characters to the banter, the scenes the author creates all come together to make a laugh-out-loud, fast-paced read. Can't wait to read the next book in the series." "I felt lighter than usual - better about the state of the world - as I finished reading this. You will, too. Get it."
Failure to Thrive
A schizophrenic clerk railing against society's downfall caused by modern technology, an abnormal woman fixated on the paranormal, a repressed shrink bedeviled by sexuality, and a cliche-consumed sports commentator trying to figure them all out. A zany tale about everyday life in present-day Pennsylvania with folks who are anything but normal, Failure to Thrive chronicles the misadventures of Patrick, Courtney, Lazy Eye Crazy Shrink Guy, and Tony Romo.
Entitled
Entitled is a love letter to books, travel and the people we meet along the way.Life isn't easy when you're a book.This charming, humorous, warm-hearted novel captures the extraordinary adventures of an extraordinary book. Entitled is told from the perspective of a book as it reluctantly travels from San Francisco to Paris, London and New York City in search of a home. As it is read, misplaced, loaned and abandoned, our book, like its Readers, discovers love and heartbreak, loneliness and friendship, and ultimately becomes the author of its own journey.In the end, Entitled reveals the pull between the story we are born with and the one we wish to create for ourselves.
Elvis the Astronaut
This is the third book in the series of funny, fictional short stories by Robert Wells, a lifelong fan, about the lives and chaotic times of Elvis Presley and all those who live with him at Graceland, including his family, the Memphis Mafia, and his notorious manager, Colonel Parker.
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Vol. 5
As their memorable summer vacation winds down, Masachika and his classmates jump straight into their second semester at Seirei Private Academy. The school festival is coming up fast, and Masachika knows how much the event influences the student council election. He encourages Alya to get involved and win over some voters, but when she starts making new friends in earnest, Masachika can't help but feel a bit conflicted. While he wrestles with his feelings, things only get more confusing when he makes a shocking discovery. Masachika may have finally figured out the true identity of the mysterious childhood friend from his memories, and now he really has no idea what he should do!
Skinny Beni Incidents and Happenings
From TV and popcorn binges to run-ins with Richard Craniums, Skinny Beni Incidents and Happenings is a wild, fun, laugh -out-loud ride. Experience a much needed belly laugh with these relatable short stories, antics and rhymes that tap into all the craziness that makes life interesting.Skinny Beni Incidents and Happenings is the perfect companion when you just want to kick back and enjoy the moment.
Misadventures in Adulting
In the cluttered apartment of thirty-something Brian, a series of hilarious misadventures unfold, revealing the absurd realities of adult life that many would rather laugh off than confront. As Brian struggles with the pressures of a nine-to-five job, a charmingly eccentric roommate named Lucy, and the dubious antics of their utterly inappropriate neighbors, the line between chaos and comedy blurs hilariously. With plenty of awkward moments, misguided dating escapades, and the looming specter of responsibility, Brian slowly learns that growing up doesn't mean losing one's sense of humor.
Righteous Rebellion
A quirk of fate has enabled the donation of a history-altering amount of cash to the ministry of a popular religious leader in a solidly Conservative state. Having interpreted the donation as a sign from above, the pastor has divined its purpose: to enable his state's formal secession from the Union and to have their U.S. Senator appointed President of the newly created country.The public announcement of this outrageous move is met with wild approval by the citizens of the former state and abject horror by the rest of the world, including a dedicated reporter who makes it her mission to bring down the revolution.As it struggles to form a new nation, the rogue republic encounters a series of existential challenges, both within its government and among its increasingly beleaguered citizenry.With its very survival at stake, it is forced to take increasingly bold risks to keep its grip on power, including an audacious gambit that pits the tiny nation against the mighty United States itself.The jaw-dropping, chilling, and sometimes outright hilarious results will keep readers, both for and against the concept of secession, reading late into the night.
HOLD-ON to your Seat
Here we go again on yet another Goose-filled adventure. This time The Government Goose and his marsupial misfits Reg and Barry end up in the middle of an old cow paddock in South Australia's Muzza Bizza, working in a fake car factory created by a crazy jet-propelled fairy named Pauline! You cannot miss this next instalment of insanity folks or you just won't forgive yourselves! So HOLD-ON to your seats, rev those engines, and do another 'burn-out' around that imaginary factory down by the river, dedicated to all the Holden car enthusiasts right round Australia!! BRRRRM!!!!
Let's Get Frank
It's been seven years since The Government Goose made his first appearance in the office, and now we find ourselves looking down the barrel at book number eleven! Here we get to meet the new guy - Frank! He's lost his skin, has absolutely no dress sense, and after two days in the office decides he's going to become a professional football star! No wonder Lynne has gone back into the ladies loos to look for Jim's goldfish! If you want crazy, if you want mayhem, and if you want to witness life on the side of the world where people stand upside down ... then you MUST get this book!!! And as we keep asking ourselves in the office ... who's Frank?
Salty Pickle
I'm headed to New York to confront the man I met on New Year's Eve eight months ago. With my goat. And...I'm eight months pregnant.The man I'm meeting in his fancy New York office is the saltiest hunk of male beauty you never want to cross. He wouldn't know a smile if you drew one on his face.I slept with him on a dare. Yes, we used protection.Faulty protection, apparently.I was going to raise the baby in my Colorado yurt with my pet goat Matilda. My two best girlfriends were going to be the other moms, but their lives moved on.I'm a yoga teacher with forty dollars to my name. I had to hitchhike to get here.I didn't have a goat-sitter, so I'm loading Matilda onto the subway and headed to Wall Street.It's time to confront a salty baby daddy in a place called Pickle Media.--Salty Pickle is a salty-sunshine story between a city boy and a country girl who are thrown together with a newborn, a goat, and a goat baby, and more poop cleanup than should ever grace the pages of a romance novel, but here we are. It's part of the Top 100 Pickleverse of rom coms, but you do not need to read any of the other books before this one. You can start your wild adventure with the Pickle family right here.
Sex
This book, "Sex: The Funny Handy Guide to Getting Lucky," is designed to bring moments of laughter to a sensitive subject while offering genuinely good advice. It delves into the various perspectives and strategies some men believe are essential to win over women. With humor as its primary tool, this guide aims to make the discussion of sex more approachable and enjoyable.While the book does not intend to offend, it's important to acknowledge that some readers might find certain passages distasteful. The content reflects the reality of human nature and the undeniable truth that sex is a powerful motivator for many men. This guide explores the humorous side of this motivation, shedding light on the often awkward and funny attempts men make in their pursuit of romance and intimacy.By blending comedy with practical tips, the book provides a unique approach to understanding the male perspective on sex and attraction. It encourages readers to laugh at the absurdities of the dating world while also gaining insights into the behaviors and thoughts that drive men. Whether you're looking to enhance your dating life or simply enjoy a good laugh, "Sex: The Funny Handy Guide to Getting Lucky" offers a lighthearted yet informative take on the age-old quest for love and connection.
Pirates! an Aaargh to Z Guide
Back despite popular demand is this delightful little book all about Pirates. It will take you through their daily life, journeying right from Aaargh to Z. Find out how pirates learnt from squirrels, and why you should never play a pirate at cards. All aboard.
Plays Well with Others
In the vein of Where'd You Go, Bernadette and Fleishman Is in Trouble, a wickedly funny and incisive debut novel following a mother trapped in the rat race of NYC parenting as her life unravels."Funny, relatable fiction for anyone who thinks they're above the fray but still want to read all about it."--People"Heavenly hilarity for readers."--Good HousekeepingIt takes a village...just not this one. Annie Lewin is at the end of her rope. She's a mother of three young children, her workaholic husband is never around, and the vicious competition for spots in New York City's kindergartens is heating up. A New York Times journalist-turned-parenting-advice-columnist for an internet start-up, Annie can't help but judge the insanity of it all--even as she finds herself going to impossible lengths to secure the best spot for her own son.As Annie comes to terms with the infinitesimal odds of success, her intensifying rivalry with hotshot lawyer Belinda Brenner--a deliciously hateful nemesis, what with her perfectly curated bento box lunches and effortless Instagram chic--pushes her to the brink. Of course, this newly raw and unhinged version of Annie is great for the advice column: the more she spins out, the more clicks and comments she gets.But when she commits a ghastly social faux pas that goes viral, she's forced to confront the question: is she really any better than the cutthroat parents she always judged?A shimmering epistolary novel incorporating emails, group texts, advice columns, newspaper profiles, and more, Plays Well with Others is a whip-smart, genuinely funny romp through the minefield of modern motherhood. But beneath its fast-paced, satirical veneer, Brickman gives us a fresh, open-hearted, all-too-real take on what it means to be a parent--fierce love, craziness, and all.
Queenie Pugweenie
Queenie experiences some Christmas traditions and even meets Santa.
High Jinks at the High Hill Hotel
The High Hill Hotel has been in in the Bumbler family for centuries, but that is all about to come to an untimely end if the dastardly Uncle Hugo has his way. So, it's all up to young Perry Bumbler and his best friend Malaika to save the day (and the hotel). That's of course if they can survive the dark and stormy night. Cut off from civilisation, with an eccentric collection of guests, they not only need to find a fabled treasure lost for years but avoid the fallout of a sprout heavy lunch and stay one step ahead of a murderous strangler. The stakes are high, as are the high jinks.
