Knocknashee, County Kerry, Ireland1941For twenty-one-year-old Grace Fitzgerald, life has been fraught with difficulties. Orphaned as a child and later struck down by polio, she then endured years of cold indifference at the hands of her sister Agnes. Now, with Agnes finally gone, Grace has found peace surrounded by friends in her home village of Knocknashee and in her ongoing friendship with the American journalist Richard Lewis.But just as Grace begins to enjoy her hard-won freedom, fate deals another crushing blow. A dark shadow falls over life, and most devastating of all, her dearest friend Tilly may be entangled in the sinister events unfolding around her. With Richard—her trusted confidant—an ocean away covering the relentless war, Grace feels she has nobody to confide in. As his letters grow increasingly distant, she wrestles with doubt: is she imagining the growing coldness between them, or is the war that threatens to tear the world apart determined to destroy her and Richard as well?Sincerely Grace is the fourth book in the Knocknashee Series. Read more

George Orwell's classic satire of the Russian Revolution is an intimate part of our contemporary culture, quoted so often that we tend to forget who wrote the original words. It is an account of the bold struggle that transforms Mr. Jones' Manor Farm into Animal Farm, a wholly democratic society built on the credo that All Animals Are Created Equal. Out of their cleverness, the pigs Napoleon, Squealer, and Snowball emerge as leaders of the new community in a subtle evolution that bears an insidious familiarity. The climax is the brutal betrayal of the faithful horse Boxer, when totalitarian rule is re-established with the bloodstained postscript to the founding slogan: But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others. Read more

Brave New World is a novel written in 1931 by Aldous Huxley and published in 1932. Set in London in the year AD 2540 (632 A.F.—"After Ford"—in the book), the novel anticipates developments in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, psychological manipulation, and classical conditioning that combine profoundly to change society. Huxley answered this book with a reassessment in an essay, Brave New World Revisited (1958), and with Island (1962), his final novel. In 1999, the Modern Library ranked Brave New World fifth on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. In 2003, Robert McCrum writing for The Observer included Brave New World chronologically at number 53 in "the top 100 greatest novels of all time", and the novel was listed at number 87 on the BBC's survey The Big Read. What if the future was a tyranny, but one cleverly person intended to keep the mass of society unaware of this? The people would be provided with several distractions, daily life would be ruled by sex and drugs, and pervasive mass media would suppress the possibility of any original thought: in such a society the ruling elite would not need to fear any kind of rebellion. If you think that Huxley's vision seems to be the way things are in fact turning out, you're not the only one! Read more

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Step into the world of classic crime fiction and join the relentless Inspector Borges as he solves five captivating murder cases in over 1000 pages of entertainment.Talented, observant, and always methodical, Inspector Borges is the very definition of a detective who trusts only in logic, no matter how twisted the case. Haunted by personal demons and the weight of his past, he’s a man who has sacrificed a lot for the badge, so he prefers to stay distant from others, focusing only on his work.But the cases Borges faces are far from ordinary, and the line between good and evil isn't always as clear as he'd like it to be.London, 1960s — a city pulsing with post-war transformation, and a place where wealth and power collide with treachery and death. As the city grapples with the remnants of war, the rise of new cultural movements and the evolving social landscape, Inspector Borges works to unravel crimes hidden in plain sight. From a prominent actor's sudden death in a grand theatre to a mysterious death in a coastal town, each case pushes Borges to the brink of his intellect and stamina.Can you help solve these five intricate mysteries alongside Borges? These exciting mysteries are perfect for fans of Freeman Wills Crofts, John Dickson Carr, Henry Wade and Ruth Rendell.Dive into this high-value box set and experience five thrilling crime novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat.PRAISE FOR JOHN BONETT:‘Top recommendation for lovers of that clever, urbane detection.’ Birmingham Mail‘Amusing puzzles that entertain and beguile.’ Books and Bookman‘Neatly devised plot . . . Borges is a good creation in the tradition of the best fictional detectives.’ Nottingham Guardian Journal‘…claims attention as a crime novel depending on painstaking police work and careful deduction.’ Aberdeen Press and Journal‘A real masterpiece of detective fiction. Form takes shape under the cloudless skies of the Costa Brava.’ British Books Read more

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud. In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers’ final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love. In part because of its exquisite language, it is easy to respond as if it were about all young lovers. The authoritative edition of Romeo and Juliet from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes: -Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play -Newly revised explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play -Scene-by-scene plot summaries -A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases -An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play -Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books -An up-to-date annotated guide to further reading Essay by Gail Kern Paster The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu. Read more

In this funny Regency romance series, the Shackleford sisters descend on a Regency society that doesn’t know what’s hit it…Reverend Shackleford was at a loss. He’d truly believed that in marrying his eldest daughter Grace to an extremely wealthy peer of the realm, his problems would be over. But as the Reverend was now beginning to realise, it wasn’t sufficient to have a wealthy Duke in the family if the daughter he was trying to marry off had the manners of a stable hand. And to Reverend Shackleford’s knowledge, his second eldest daughter Temperance’s version of modest reserve was making sure to kick a miscreant in the shins rather than his ballocks. Put simply, Temperance was the exact opposite of her name and a harpy to boot. In fact the Reverend very much feared that unless he could find someone to teach her at the very least how to hold her temper, he would be stuck with her forever. But as he was always telling his curate, the Almighty works in mysterious ways. Indeed, Reverend Shackleford believed his prayers were finally answered when he found the very person to take Temperance in hand.Lady Gertrude Fotheringale was genteel, discreet and suitably impoverished. Or so he thought…Adam Colbourne, the eighth Earl of Ravenstone had no intention of taking a wife. As a boy he’d witnessed the cold, impersonal, not to mention loveless, nature of his parents’ union. Marriage he concluded, was not anything he wished to experience. And the scheming matchmaking mothers of each Season’s crop of debutantes in no way gave him any reason to change his mind. That was until a chance meeting with a foul mouthed raven-haired termagant, who in the space of one night turned his world entirely upside down…Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humor and a little bit of steam.Praise for the Shackleford Sisters:‘Very funny, kept laughing out loud when reading them.’‘Such an entertaining series, full of laughter and delightfully quirky characters.’‘Terrific series, very funny.’‘Thoroughly enjoyed this series, love the humour.’‘There is constant action and so much funny banter, I couldn’t help laughing.’‘These were wonderful. Lots of fun and great love stories.’ Read more

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA very practical marriage makes Alexander Westcott question his heart in this Regency romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Someone to Honor.When Alexander Westcott becomes the new Earl of Riverdale, he inherits a title he never wanted and a failing country estate he can’t afford. But he fully intends to do everything in his power to undo years of neglect and give the people who depend on him a better life...A recluse for more than twenty years, Wren Heyden wants one thing out of life: marriage. With her vast fortune, she sets her sights on buying a husband. But when she makes the desperate—and oh-so-dashing—earl a startlingly unexpected proposal, Alex will only agree to a proper courtship, hoping for at least friendship and respect to develop between them. He is totally unprepared for the desire that overwhelms him when Wren finally lifts the veils that hide the secrets of her past... Read more

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In this funny Regency romance series, the Shackleford sisters descend on a Regency society that doesn’t know what’s hit it…When Faith Shackleford found herself in the unenviable position of having to accompany her irascible father to convalesce in the genteel seaside town of Torquay, she envisioned three months of wearying monotony. She certainly wasn’t expecting to be intrigued by the forlorn empty house situated next to their own elegant villa, especially when she discovered it belonged to a handsome captain in the Royal Navy who was currently away at sea. Unfortunately, she never imagined that fascination might cost her her life.Roan Carew grew up an orphan on the streets of Torquay, until he was press ganged into the Royal Navy at eleven. Through a combination of determination, shrewdness and sheer bloody mindedness he rose to the rank of Captain, but he was certainly no gentleman nor ever would be. Indeed, his purchase of Redstone House, a rundown mansion in Torquay’s wealthiest district was more of an impulse than an aspiration towards respectability. He most certainly did not expect the house to come with a thirty-year-old secret that someone was prepared to commit murder to protect.Naturally Reverend Shackleford, who it was generally agreed would be 'in if he fell in,’ simply had to investigate…Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humor and a little bit of steam.Praise for the Shackleford Sisters:‘Very funny, kept laughing out loud when reading them.’‘Such an entertaining series, full of laughter and delightfully quirky characters.’‘Terrific series, very funny.’‘Thoroughly enjoyed this series, love the humour.’‘There is constant action and so much funny banter, I couldn’t help laughing.’‘These were wonderful. Lots of fun and great love stories.’ Read more

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WINNER OF THE LANNAN LITERARY AWARD FOR FICTION • From the Booker Prize-winning author of The Sea comes the fascinating story of a former British spy who's been unmasked as a Russian agent—and "one of spy fiction's greatest characters" (People). • "Contemporary fiction gets no better than this." —The New York Times Book ReviewOne of the most dazzling and adventurous writers now working in English takes on the enigma of the Cambridge spies in a novel of exquisite menace, biting social comedy, and vertiginous moral complexity. The narrator is the elderly Victor Maskell, formerly of British intelligence, for many years art expert to the Queen. Now he has been unmasked as a Russian agent and subjected to a disgrace that is almost a kind of death. But at whose instigation?As Maskell retraces his tortuous path from his recruitment at Cambridge to the airless upper regions of the establishment, we discover a figure of manifold doubleness: Irishman and Englishman; husband, father, and lover of men; betrayer and dupe. Beautifully written, filled with convincing fictional portraits of Maskell's co-conspirators, and vibrant with the mysteries of loyalty and identity, The Untouchable places John Banville in the select company of both Conrad and le Carre."Victor Maskell is one of the great characters in recent fiction.... The Untouchable is the best work of art in any medium on [its] subject." —Washington Post Book World"As remarkable a literary voice as any to come out of Ireland; Joyce and Beckett notwithstanding." —San Francisco Chronicle Read more

In this funny Regency romance series, the Shackleford sisters descend on a Regency society that doesn’t know what’s hit it…With her four older sisters now married, it’s Patience Shackleford’s turn to take charge of her younger siblings’ education. But given that Patience’s most prodigious skill is lock picking, any abilities she passes on to her younger sisters are unlikely to provide any assistance in the drawing rooms of the genteel, especially as she has no interest in either high society, or horror of horrors… marriage. Indeed, her father the Reverend Augustus Shackleford is firmly of the opinion that the less society knows about his fifth daughter the better…When Grace and Temperance, now married to influential members of the ton, offer to take her in hand and bring her out, both Patience and her father are entirely horrified. For once in total accord, they endeavour to hatch a plan to somehow avoid the upcoming Season.But that’s before a chance meeting with the enigmatic and undeniably handsome Marquis of Guildford when Patience discovers that lock picking is exactly the expertise he happens to be looking for…Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humor and a little bit of steam.Praise for the Shackleford Sisters:‘Very funny, kept laughing out loud when reading them.’‘Such an entertaining series, full of laughter and delightfully quirky characters.’‘Terrific series, very funny.’‘Thoroughly enjoyed this series, love the humour.’‘There is constant action and so much funny banter, I couldn’t help laughing.’‘These were wonderful. Lots of fun and great love stories.’ Read more

In this funny Regency romance series, the Shackleford sisters descend on a Regency society that doesn’t know what’s hit it…There was no doubt that things had definitely looked better for Gabriel Atwood, one time Viscount Northwood. Mainly because everyone who knew him or of him almost certainly believed him dead - the bastard who’d betrayed him had made sure of that. His only hope was to seek aid from Nicholas Sinclair, his former mentor, now the current Duke of Blackmore, before his enemies realised that news of his demise had been greatly exaggerated. Unfortunately, on finally reaching the Duke’s estate late on Christmas eve, Atwood discovered the house shrouded in darkness and realised with despair that his grace had undoubtedly chosen to spend the Christmas season elsewhere.Hope Shackleford did not relish spending the festive season under the same roof as her entire family, even though the roof beneath which the gathering was to take place belonged to the Earl of Ravenstone and was far grander than the modest vicarage in which she’d spent her whole life. Indeed, given that her two eldest sisters were married to influential members of the ton, it had to be said that her family were becoming increasingly accustomed to indulgences entirely above their station.Hope on the other hand, despite possessing a head of flaming red hair giving indication to the contrary, was a practical young woman who eschewed both whimsy and optimism, unlike the rest of her eccentric family - in particular her father whose calling as a man of the cloth seemed in recent years to play a secondary role to his passion for meddling in affairs that in Hope’s view were entirely none of his business. Thus, the chances of their Christmas festivities being wholly focused on the simple joys of the season were, in Hope’s opinion, slim to none.After the unexpected appearance of a handsome vagrant who was clearly more than he seemed, Hope had no idea just how correct her misgivings would turn out to be…Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humor and a little bit of steam.Praise for the Shackleford Sisters:‘Very funny, kept laughing out loud when reading them.’‘Such an entertaining series, full of laughter and delightfully quirky characters.’‘Terrific series, very funny.’‘Thoroughly enjoyed this series, love the humour.’‘There is constant action and so much funny banter, I couldn’t help laughing.’‘These were wonderful. Lots of fun and great love stories.’ Read more

ALL-TIME BESTSELLER: The first “wonderfully fresh and exotic mystery” starring the beloved psychic septuagenarian coroner (New York Times Book Review).Dr. Siri finds himself caught in the political intrigues and mystical underpinnings of 1970s Laos!Laos, 1978: Dr. Siri Paiboun, a 72-year-old medical doctor, has unwillingly been appointed the national coroner of the new socialist Laos. His lab is underfunded, his boss is incompetent, and his support staff is quirky, to say the least. But Siri’s sense of humor gets him through his often-frustrating days.When the body of the wife of a prominent politician comes through his morgue, Siri has reason to suspect the woman has been murdered. To get to the truth, Siri and his team face government secrets, spying neighbors, victim hauntings, Hmong shamans, botched romances, and other deadly dangers. Somehow, Siri must figure out a way to balance the will of the party and the will of the dead. Read more

She needed an escape…After a devastating divorce, Valerie Crane escapes to the picturesque English coast, hoping to soothe her damaged heart. On the hill behind her inn, the elegant ruins of Yealm Castle draw her repeatedly, but instead of peace, Valerie is swept up in an astonishing mystery when she is transported to the year 1605.Alone and afraid, Valerie only starts to grasp what has happened when she meets the handsome but taciturn Alec Whitfield, master of the castle, which is now impossibly restored and beautiful. Alec doesn’t believe Valerie’s story, but just as her last hope fades, his charming, roguish brother, Finlay, persuades Alec to let her stay.As Valerie grows closer to both brothers, passion flares into a love triangle that could consume them all. And the danger and violence around them escalates when Finlay becomes entangled in a treasonous plot. With lives on the line, if Valerie can find a way back to her own time, should she take the chance to run? Or will she risk everything for a chance to save the man she loves?A stunning, romantic and unforgettable story of a woman caught between two irresistible men and two vastly different worlds, struggling to find her place and follow her heart. Perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Barbara Erskine and Susanna Kearsley.Readers love the Hands of Time series:“Holy Cow! What an amazing book!! I can’t describe it. I could not put it down. Wow. I wish I could go back in time!! I read this book in 3 hours. I am on to the next book of the series!!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“What an awesome story. I literally read it in one day. I couldn’t wait to see what happens. The characters were very likeable and the love triangle sizzled. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a good time travel romance.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“If I could rate it higher I would… From beginning to end it sucked me in and I could not put it down. It was filled with history and romance. It made me happy and sad. It made me laugh and cry. It was an amazing story.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“I swear I felt every emotion known to humans. This was a beautiful story.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Absolutely LOVED this book!… Very well written with characters that you feel like you have become friends with.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Wow... amazing story… I became so engrossed in the tale… The ups and downs that tell the story between these characters to the end is riveting.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Love this book!… This was a real page turner. Not your Hallmark love story. I couldn’t put it down.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“A beautiful blend of history, mystery and romance! LOVE it!!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Excellent… What a great story. Hate for to end... I don’t know how I’m gonna find another series to replace this one.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Fabulous! One of the best time travel books I’ve ever read! Very satisfying and the characters are well developed. Love it!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“WOW!! Fabulous plot! Shapiro completely outdid herself. Character development rocked and the plot was gripping!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“The whole series was amazing! I couldn’t put it down. I read all six books in under two weeks. I would definitely tell Everyone to read this series. I hope it goes on TV. It would be so awesome.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Excellent. This was a wonderful book and series. I can’t say enough. The writing was excellent. The storylines were exceptional. The characters awesome. I highly recommend it.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read more

In this funny Regency romance series, the Shackleford sisters descend on a Regency society that doesn’t know what’s hit it…Prudence Shackleford had not expected to be a spinster at three and twenty, but unfortunately, as she’d quickly discovered, very few men were prepared to tolerate either her ghoulish sense of humour, or her macabre taste in literature. And those were the ones she’d got as far as holding a conversation with.When invited to London by the Duke and Duchess of Blackmore to witness the Coronation of King George IV, she was equal parts horrified and intrigued. Especially after a chance meeting with a Bow Street Runner on the trail of conspirators it was feared were planning to murder the King.Jamie Fitzroy had been a Bow Street Runner for five years. In that time he’d risen swiftly up the ranks, gaining a reputation for both ruthlessness and guile. Such were his successes in ridding London's streets of thieves and murderers, his name had become almost legendary.But in the wake of the Cato Street Conspiracy, he was now on the trail of a gang intending to assassinate the King during his own Coronation. And with less than two weeks to go, and a London packed to bursting, the stakes had never been higher.The last thing he had time for was a russet haired chit who was too ripe and ready by half – even if she did haunt his dreams every night…Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humour and a little bit of steam...Praise for the Shackleford Sisters:‘Very funny, kept laughing out loud when reading them.’‘Such an entertaining series, full of laughter and delightfully quirky characters.’‘Terrific series, very funny.’‘Thoroughly enjoyed this series, love the humour.’‘There is constant action and so much funny banter, I couldn’t help laughing.’‘These were wonderful. Lots of fun and great love stories.’'I laughed, cried and wondered what the Reverend would be getting up to next. Can’t wait for the next book.' Read more

From the highly acclaimed author of The Shackleford Sisters, Beverley Watts, comes an exciting new series featuring the next generation.The Shackleford Legacies are a delightful dance of romance, humour, mystery and fun...Lady Roseanna Atwood was not looking forward to the annual weekend garden party at Blackmore. Oh, she was looking forward to seeing her extended family, but the thought of spending four whole days making polite conversation with a group of condescending, arrogant coxcombs was not in the least appealing.Of course, she hadn’t anticipated being caught in the middle of a political disaster, not to mention a long-standing conspiracy. Neither had she bargained on being called upon to help her grandfather keep a secret Jacobite supporter from potentially causing another Culloden. Rescued from Napoleon’s Bastille of the Seas at the tender age of eight, Tristan Bernart had grown to adulthood trusting no one but the one man who taught him how to survive and eventually prosper beyond his wildest dreams.But when a chance encounter over twenty years later forced him to relive the nightmare months during which he nearly starved to death in a filthy prison cell, Tristan recognised that only by extending his trust would he finally get retribution.However, working under cover with the Duke of Blackmore and his unorthodox family, was not for the fainthearted, and the last thing Tristan expected was to end up trying to protect a chit barely out of the school room, whose habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time had put her in the path of men for whom murder was simply a daily distraction.But no one ever said the path of true love ran smoothly…Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humour and a little bit of steam.Praise for the Shackleford Sisters:“I’m coming to the end of Book 9 and don’t know what I’m going to do without the Shackleford family in my life. Without doubt the best books I’ve ever read.”“The Shackleford Sisters series is an absolute gem in the realm of historical romance”“I laughed, I cried, and didn’t want them to finish.”“My absolute favourite series.”“This series is not only romantic but truly hilarious. So much fun.”“A delightful dance of humour mystery and fun.” Read more

THE MOST WIDELY READ MYSTERY OF ALL TIME—NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE DIRECTED BY KENNETH BRANAGH AND PRODUCED BY RIDLEY SCOTT! “The murderer is with us—on the train now . . .” Just after midnight, the famous Orient Express is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. By morning, the millionaire Samuel Edward Ratchett lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Without a shred of doubt, one of his fellow passengers is the murderer. Isolated by the storm, detective Hercule Poirot must find the killer among a dozen of the dead man's enemies, before the murderer decides to strike again. “What more . . . can a mystery addict desire?”—New York Times Read more