Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Short Stories Books
Short Stories
A Wasted Hour
A young student hitch-hiking home from college meets an old man with an incredible story to tell.
Taken from his collection Tell Tale, A Wasted Hour is an ingenious and witty short story sure to delight Jeffrey Archer's many fans and proves why the Mail on Sunday has said that he is 'probably the greatest storyteller of our age'.
If you loved this story be sure to look out for The Year of Short Stories, a collection of digital short stories which celebrate the talent of this incredible bestselling author, including The Endgame and The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office.
Taken from his collection Tell Tale, A Wasted Hour is an ingenious and witty short story sure to delight Jeffrey Archer's many fans and proves why the Mail on Sunday has said that he is 'probably the greatest storyteller of our age'.
If you loved this story be sure to look out for The Year of Short Stories, a collection of digital short stories which celebrate the talent of this incredible bestselling author, including The Endgame and The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office.
Short Stories
The Murder Files - 8 Stories of Murder, Lies and Mystery: (A thriller and suspense short story collection)
8 powerful, bone-chilling, speed-of-light thrillers that will leave you begging for more.
Fans of James Patterson, Harlan Coben, John Grisham, David Baldacci, Lydia Davis and Stephen King will love this collection of exclusive short stories that will be sure to leave you breathless.
The award-winning and best-selling authors in this collection turn up the heat - it's pedal to the metal break-neck action from start to finish!
The short story is back with a vengeance! Murder, mystery, suspense, chills, thrills and kills this collection has it all!
About the Stories
What Money Can't Buy - by Paul Casselle Are you a bad person trying to be good or a good person that sometimes does bad? It's a difficult question to answer, but that doesn't stop life asking regularly!
The Butcher - by Will Patching Not all of us are 'normal'. Some of us are stone cold killers...
Collin O'Connor by Ernest Dempsey In a world where terrorist attacks seem to cover the front page of every news outlet, the people of Earth need a new kind of hero. The planet needs someone who isn't afraid to do whatever it takes to bring justice to those who would harm the innocent. We need Collin O'Connor.
A Love Affair by Leah Monroe Have you ever asked yourself, "What am I here for?" Is it wealth? To leave a legacy? Or perhaps you're playing with the cards life deals you. One man comes face-to-face with this age old question and his decision will leave you speechless.
Downside Up by Jane Thornley She climbs roofs at night but how could she know how far she'll have to fall to find the truth?
The Son-in-Law by Craig Hart Can you go straight by committing murder? One man is about to find out-if he lives long enough.
Linking Arms with the Devil by Michael Maxwell They tell us, "You can't take it with you". Maybe you can if you link arms with the devil.
Red Eyes - by Terry Keys A small town middle-school teacher suddenly vanishes and returns six months, six days, and six hours after he disappeared. But now he is hiding a terrible secret, and only the next victim can see the . . . Red Eyes.
Fans of James Patterson, Harlan Coben, John Grisham, David Baldacci, Lydia Davis and Stephen King will love this collection of exclusive short stories that will be sure to leave you breathless.
The award-winning and best-selling authors in this collection turn up the heat - it's pedal to the metal break-neck action from start to finish!
The short story is back with a vengeance! Murder, mystery, suspense, chills, thrills and kills this collection has it all!
About the Stories
What Money Can't Buy - by Paul Casselle Are you a bad person trying to be good or a good person that sometimes does bad? It's a difficult question to answer, but that doesn't stop life asking regularly!
The Butcher - by Will Patching Not all of us are 'normal'. Some of us are stone cold killers...
Collin O'Connor by Ernest Dempsey In a world where terrorist attacks seem to cover the front page of every news outlet, the people of Earth need a new kind of hero. The planet needs someone who isn't afraid to do whatever it takes to bring justice to those who would harm the innocent. We need Collin O'Connor.
A Love Affair by Leah Monroe Have you ever asked yourself, "What am I here for?" Is it wealth? To leave a legacy? Or perhaps you're playing with the cards life deals you. One man comes face-to-face with this age old question and his decision will leave you speechless.
Downside Up by Jane Thornley She climbs roofs at night but how could she know how far she'll have to fall to find the truth?
The Son-in-Law by Craig Hart Can you go straight by committing murder? One man is about to find out-if he lives long enough.
Linking Arms with the Devil by Michael Maxwell They tell us, "You can't take it with you". Maybe you can if you link arms with the devil.
Red Eyes - by Terry Keys A small town middle-school teacher suddenly vanishes and returns six months, six days, and six hours after he disappeared. But now he is hiding a terrible secret, and only the next victim can see the . . . Red Eyes.
Short Stories
No Mercy (Sgt Major Crane crime thrillers)
Sgt Major Crane, a detective prepared to do anything it takes in the pursuit of justice.
No Mercy - prequel to the best selling Steps to Heaven #1 in the Sgt Major Crane crime series. Is crime ever justified? Would you be merciful if it came to it? Or would you take your revenge? Crane investigates a fire in which a man dies. Was it an accident or something more sinister? Crane won't stop until he finds the truth.
Who's Afraid Now is the prequel to Hijack the 6th Sgt Major Crane crime thriller. When Sgt Billy Williams finds local youths treating his parents with disrespect,well he just can't resist giving them a taste of their own medicine. Afterwards he boards a train home, only to find it's not the end, just the beginning...
For lovers of Angela Marsons' DI Kim Stone, Robert Bryndza's Detective Erika Foster, Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite, Peter James' Roy Grace, Peter Robinson's DCI Banks and Ian Rankin's Rebus.
"Excellent read from a slick pacey writer - leaves you wanting more!" Andrew Butler
Cartmell Rocks! This collection of short stories showcases Wendy Cartmell's fresh style and engaging prose. She presents a variety of situations of people caught in intriguing circumstances. The author delivers a twist to many of her stories in this collection.
Ed Benjamin Author
No Mercy - prequel to the best selling Steps to Heaven #1 in the Sgt Major Crane crime series. Is crime ever justified? Would you be merciful if it came to it? Or would you take your revenge? Crane investigates a fire in which a man dies. Was it an accident or something more sinister? Crane won't stop until he finds the truth.
Who's Afraid Now is the prequel to Hijack the 6th Sgt Major Crane crime thriller. When Sgt Billy Williams finds local youths treating his parents with disrespect,well he just can't resist giving them a taste of their own medicine. Afterwards he boards a train home, only to find it's not the end, just the beginning...
For lovers of Angela Marsons' DI Kim Stone, Robert Bryndza's Detective Erika Foster, Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite, Peter James' Roy Grace, Peter Robinson's DCI Banks and Ian Rankin's Rebus.
"Excellent read from a slick pacey writer - leaves you wanting more!" Andrew Butler
Cartmell Rocks! This collection of short stories showcases Wendy Cartmell's fresh style and engaging prose. She presents a variety of situations of people caught in intriguing circumstances. The author delivers a twist to many of her stories in this collection.
Ed Benjamin Author
Short Stories
The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office: The Year of Short Stories – January
The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of a limited number of digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer's magnificent seventh short-story collection, Tell Tale.
Taken from Cat O' Nine Tales, Jeffrey Archer's fifth collection of short stories, The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office is an irresistible, witty and captivating short read.
Mr and Mrs Haskins are upstanding members of a seaside town, where they rose from their ordinary beginnings to make a huge success of their local fish-and-chip shop. From there it only got better as they took the post office to new levels of prosperity. But just as they start to plan how they will enjoy the fruits of their labour the Haskins fall victim to the unscrupulous directors at the Post Office headquarters. Determined to ensure they receive what is rightfully theirs, they take drastic action . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including One Man's Meat and The Endgame.
Taken from Cat O' Nine Tales, Jeffrey Archer's fifth collection of short stories, The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office is an irresistible, witty and captivating short read.
Mr and Mrs Haskins are upstanding members of a seaside town, where they rose from their ordinary beginnings to make a huge success of their local fish-and-chip shop. From there it only got better as they took the post office to new levels of prosperity. But just as they start to plan how they will enjoy the fruits of their labour the Haskins fall victim to the unscrupulous directors at the Post Office headquarters. Determined to ensure they receive what is rightfully theirs, they take drastic action . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including One Man's Meat and The Endgame.
Short Stories
The Queen's Birthday Telegram: The Year of Short Stories – June
June's instalment of The Year of Short Stories is The Queen's Birthday Telegram. Released as one of a limited number of digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer's magnificent seventh short-story collection, Tell Tale.
Taken from And Thereby Hangs A Tale, Jeffrey Archer's sixth collection of short stories, The Queen's Birthday Telegram is an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Albert Webber and his wife Betty are utterly thrilled when he receives the honour of a telegram from the Queen, on the occasion of his hundredth birthday. The whole town celebrates in style, and Albert looks forward to the time when - in three years - his beloved wife can also celebrate with her own telegram. But when Betty's birthday comes, there is no telegram. Albert decides to take this up with the Palace . . .
Taken from And Thereby Hangs A Tale, Jeffrey Archer's sixth collection of short stories, The Queen's Birthday Telegram is an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Albert Webber and his wife Betty are utterly thrilled when he receives the honour of a telegram from the Queen, on the occasion of his hundredth birthday. The whole town celebrates in style, and Albert looks forward to the time when - in three years - his beloved wife can also celebrate with her own telegram. But when Betty's birthday comes, there is no telegram. Albert decides to take this up with the Palace . . .
Short Stories
Ruth's First Christmas Tree: A Dr Ruth Galloway Short Mystery
It is three days before Christmas and a bitter wind is blowing across Norfolk.
Until her daughter was born, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway didn't do Christmas, but now that Kate is a year old, she wants it to be special.
She must get a tree, shop for food, clean the house, buy presents, including one for her new boyfriend - who she isn't even sure is her boyfriend - and remember to get the turkey out of the freezer.
But time is rushing by and the best-laid plans don't always work out...
Until her daughter was born, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway didn't do Christmas, but now that Kate is a year old, she wants it to be special.
She must get a tree, shop for food, clean the house, buy presents, including one for her new boyfriend - who she isn't even sure is her boyfriend - and remember to get the turkey out of the freezer.
But time is rushing by and the best-laid plans don't always work out...
Short Stories
Wrong One - (The Davenport Mysteries)
A WEDDING AND A THIRTY YEAR OLD GRUDGE
When Kiara invited Jake to a family wedding, he had not thought that it will be different from any other wedding. However, he started sensing something wrong with everyone in the wedding party.
Is Jake going to find out anything or is it a mere hunch? Or Kiara's fear of Jake creating a trouble in the marriage will come true?
When Kiara invited Jake to a family wedding, he had not thought that it will be different from any other wedding. However, he started sensing something wrong with everyone in the wedding party.
Is Jake going to find out anything or is it a mere hunch? Or Kiara's fear of Jake creating a trouble in the marriage will come true?
Short Stories
Clean Sweep Ignatius: The Year of Short Stories
Clean Sweep Ignatius is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of several digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer's magnificent seventh collection, Tell Tale.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's second collection of short stories, A Twist in the Tale, comes Clean Sweep Ignatius, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Nigeria's newly appointed Minister of Finance is determined to make his country sit up straight with his rigorous overhaul of the system, soon earning him the nickname 'Clean Sweep Ignatius'. But, somehow, large sums of money are still falling through invisible cracks. At his wits end, General Otobi grants Ignatius with the authority to take whatever means he deems necessary to track down the errant funds . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's second collection of short stories, A Twist in the Tale, comes Clean Sweep Ignatius, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Nigeria's newly appointed Minister of Finance is determined to make his country sit up straight with his rigorous overhaul of the system, soon earning him the nickname 'Clean Sweep Ignatius'. But, somehow, large sums of money are still falling through invisible cracks. At his wits end, General Otobi grants Ignatius with the authority to take whatever means he deems necessary to track down the errant funds . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office.
Short Stories
The Chase: an ebook short story
A thrilling, rollercoaster ride of a short story, from #1 ebook bestseller Paul Finch.
Plus, get an exclusive first look at the opening chapters of Paul's new book, 'The Killing Club'
The darkest things happen at night...
What happens when you witness a horrific crime? Do you stay and help? Or do you flee? And what do you do when the perpetrator sets their sights on you...?
Hold onto your seats in this terrifying, thrill-ride. Previously published as 'Him!', and now included alongside a sneak peek of Paul's new novel, 'The Killing Club', for the first time.
Plus, get an exclusive first look at the opening chapters of Paul's new book, 'The Killing Club'
The darkest things happen at night...
What happens when you witness a horrific crime? Do you stay and help? Or do you flee? And what do you do when the perpetrator sets their sights on you...?
Hold onto your seats in this terrifying, thrill-ride. Previously published as 'Him!', and now included alongside a sneak peek of Paul's new novel, 'The Killing Club', for the first time.
Short Stories
Christina Rosenthal: The Year of Short Stories
Christina Rosenthal is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of several digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer's magnificent seventh collection, Tell Tale.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's second collection of short stories, A Twist in the Tale, comes Christina Rosenthal, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Benjamin's childhood dream was to win the mile in the West Mount High School championships, but his attempts were peppered with taunts about his very traditional Jewish upbringing. And he is besotted with Christina - even though she is seemingly a key perpetrator of the slander. Told through a series of poignant letters written by Benjamin to his estranged father the rabbi, this is a tender, heart-wrenching and ultimately devastating tale of first love - and final promises.
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's second collection of short stories, A Twist in the Tale, comes Christina Rosenthal, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Benjamin's childhood dream was to win the mile in the West Mount High School championships, but his attempts were peppered with taunts about his very traditional Jewish upbringing. And he is besotted with Christina - even though she is seemingly a key perpetrator of the slander. Told through a series of poignant letters written by Benjamin to his estranged father the rabbi, this is a tender, heart-wrenching and ultimately devastating tale of first love - and final promises.
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office.
Short Stories
The Grass Is Always Greener: The Year of Short Stories
The Grass Is Always Greener is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of several digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer's magnificent seventh collection, Tell Tale.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's fourth collection of short stories, To Cut a Long Story Short, comes The Grass Is Always Greener, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Bill has had the same spot under the archway outside Critchley's Bank for years. He knows all the staff: the yuppies, the middle-management, the executives . . . perhaps better than they know themselves. Across the company, from lowest to highest ranking, each looks at what the other has. But with every rung further up the ladder problems become increasingly complex and more difficult to escape from . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including One Man's Meat and The Endgame.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's fourth collection of short stories, To Cut a Long Story Short, comes The Grass Is Always Greener, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Bill has had the same spot under the archway outside Critchley's Bank for years. He knows all the staff: the yuppies, the middle-management, the executives . . . perhaps better than they know themselves. Across the company, from lowest to highest ranking, each looks at what the other has. But with every rung further up the ladder problems become increasingly complex and more difficult to escape from . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including One Man's Meat and The Endgame.
Short Stories
One Man's Meat: The Year of Short Stories
One Man's Meat is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of several digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer's magnificent seventh collection, Tell Tale.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's third collection of short stories, Twelve Red Herrings, comes One Man's Meat, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
When Michael Whitaker spots the stunning Anna Townsend on the steps of the theatre, he decides he will do whatever it takes to get to know her. Finding a way to get a ticket for the seat next to her, he then invites her to a drink at the interval. By the end of the play, Michael asks her to accompany him to dinner. But what will her answer be?
What follows are four different endings . . . choose just one, or - if choosing to read all four - they can be read in the following order: Rare, Burnt, Overdone, and A Point . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and No Room at the Inn.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's third collection of short stories, Twelve Red Herrings, comes One Man's Meat, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
When Michael Whitaker spots the stunning Anna Townsend on the steps of the theatre, he decides he will do whatever it takes to get to know her. Finding a way to get a ticket for the seat next to her, he then invites her to a drink at the interval. By the end of the play, Michael asks her to accompany him to dinner. But what will her answer be?
What follows are four different endings . . . choose just one, or - if choosing to read all four - they can be read in the following order: Rare, Burnt, Overdone, and A Point . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and No Room at the Inn.
Short Stories
Stalker: WPC Mavis Hart
He's always watching you...
A collection of two short stories.
1. It's Glasgow, 1970 and WPC Mavis Hart is working undercover, tasked with capturing the elusive 'Verge Park Pouncer' but is she walking into danger?
2. WPC Mavis Hart is struggling to make her mark in the male-dominated world of serious crime. Then, when she stumbles across a serial killer during the course of a routine robbery investigation, she seizes the chance to prove herself. But the stakes are high and with a dangerous man at large, it's a race against time before he kills again.
All royalties from these short stories will be donated to Pancreatic Cancer Action UK
A collection of two short stories.
1. It's Glasgow, 1970 and WPC Mavis Hart is working undercover, tasked with capturing the elusive 'Verge Park Pouncer' but is she walking into danger?
2. WPC Mavis Hart is struggling to make her mark in the male-dominated world of serious crime. Then, when she stumbles across a serial killer during the course of a routine robbery investigation, she seizes the chance to prove herself. But the stakes are high and with a dangerous man at large, it's a race against time before he kills again.
All royalties from these short stories will be donated to Pancreatic Cancer Action UK
Short Stories
Cheap at Half the Price: The Year of Short Stories
Cheap at Half the Price is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of several digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer's magnificent seventh collection, Tell Tale.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's third collection of short stories, Twelve Red Herrings, comes Cheap at Half the Price, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Mrs Consuela Rosenheim is beautiful, clever, and, thanks to her three marriages, exorbitantly wealthy. On her birthday, she and Mr Rosenheim find themselves in London; he to conduct important business, and she to choose herself a sumptuous birthday gift. Wandering the streets of Mayfair, she happens upon a magnificent necklace - at an equally superlative price. All she needs to do now is employ her husband's renowned bargaining techniques . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's third collection of short stories, Twelve Red Herrings, comes Cheap at Half the Price, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Mrs Consuela Rosenheim is beautiful, clever, and, thanks to her three marriages, exorbitantly wealthy. On her birthday, she and Mr Rosenheim find themselves in London; he to conduct important business, and she to choose herself a sumptuous birthday gift. Wandering the streets of Mayfair, she happens upon a magnificent necklace - at an equally superlative price. All she needs to do now is employ her husband's renowned bargaining techniques . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office.
Short Stories
No Room at the Inn: The Year of Short Stories
No Room at the Inn is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of several digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer's magnificent seventh collection, Tell Tale.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's sixth collection of short stories, And Thereby Hangs a Tale, comes No Room at the Inn, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Richard has spent an idyllic month in Italy, soaking up the sun and the rich culture - even though his girlfriend decided at the last minute not to accompany him. Finding himself in the beautiful historic town of Monterchi, he spends his last few euros on a simple yet delicious meal. He is recommended the Albergo Piero for his stay that night. When he is told they have no rooms, the beautiful receptionist tells him to wait a moment - there might just be a room after all . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and In the Eye of the Beholder.
Taken from Jeffrey Archer's sixth collection of short stories, And Thereby Hangs a Tale, comes No Room at the Inn, an irresistible, witty and ingenious short read.
Richard has spent an idyllic month in Italy, soaking up the sun and the rich culture - even though his girlfriend decided at the last minute not to accompany him. Finding himself in the beautiful historic town of Monterchi, he spends his last few euros on a simple yet delicious meal. He is recommended the Albergo Piero for his stay that night. When he is told they have no rooms, the beautiful receptionist tells him to wait a moment - there might just be a room after all . . .
Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and In the Eye of the Beholder.
Short Stories
A Crime for all Seasons: DCI Brendan Moran - short stories volume 1
Unusual crimes demand an unusual detective . . .
From the midwinter snowdrifts of an ancient Roman villa to a summer stakeout at an exclusive art gallery, join DCI Brendan Moran and his team for the first volume of criminally cunning short stories in which the world-weary yet engaging Irish detective reaffirms that there is indeed a crime for all seasons . . .
The DCI Brendan Moran Crime Series - REVIEWS
'...a well-planned, well-written novel. The writer has a fertile imagination and an attractive narrative style.'
'...one of the best reads I have had this year. Gripped by the grizzled Irish detective.....plenty of twists and turns Bravo!'
'...I thoroughly enjoyed Black December - it's a very good "who done it" - and so often!'
'...Top drawer crime fiction...'
--Amazon
From the midwinter snowdrifts of an ancient Roman villa to a summer stakeout at an exclusive art gallery, join DCI Brendan Moran and his team for the first volume of criminally cunning short stories in which the world-weary yet engaging Irish detective reaffirms that there is indeed a crime for all seasons . . .
The DCI Brendan Moran Crime Series - REVIEWS
'...a well-planned, well-written novel. The writer has a fertile imagination and an attractive narrative style.'
'...one of the best reads I have had this year. Gripped by the grizzled Irish detective.....plenty of twists and turns Bravo!'
'...I thoroughly enjoyed Black December - it's a very good "who done it" - and so often!'
'...Top drawer crime fiction...'
--Amazon
Short Stories
Sanctus: Part One
This book has been serialized into 4 parts - this is PART 1 OF 4. TRY THIS BIG BESTSELLER AT A SPECIAL PRICE. 'Plenty of action, plenty of intrigue and wonderfully imaginative. The sort of novel to devour in one sitting.' Kate Mosse on SANCTUS - the bestselling thriller debut of 2011.
Page Extent: 50 pages
THE SECRET THAT WILL SHAKE THE WORLD
Liv Adamsen is a New York crime reporter, Kathryn Mann a charity worker. They are very different people, but their fate is bound together by one man's desperate act.
With the world's media watching, a robed man has thrown himself from the top of the oldest inhabited place on earth, an ancient citadel in Turkey. For some it is a sign of great events to come. For Liv and Kathryn it is the start of a race into danger, darkness and the most remarkable secret in the history of humanity.
It is a secret that the fanatical monks in the citadel will kill, torture and break every law, human and divine, to keep hidden...
Page Extent: 50 pages
THE SECRET THAT WILL SHAKE THE WORLD
Liv Adamsen is a New York crime reporter, Kathryn Mann a charity worker. They are very different people, but their fate is bound together by one man's desperate act.
With the world's media watching, a robed man has thrown himself from the top of the oldest inhabited place on earth, an ancient citadel in Turkey. For some it is a sign of great events to come. For Liv and Kathryn it is the start of a race into danger, darkness and the most remarkable secret in the history of humanity.
It is a secret that the fanatical monks in the citadel will kill, torture and break every law, human and divine, to keep hidden...
Short Stories
THE KAUAI CONSPIRACY
Deception is the name of the game in this thriller that will keep you guessing with unexpected twists and mysterious characters, each with their own secrets
Gundersen is man with a plan and a cunning operator, when it comes to criminal ventures.
When a friend is arrested, Gundersen moves to take control of the friend's lucrative smuggling routes. Gundersen invites a group of four associates to a secret meeting on Kauai, in order to settle the business of taking over the smuggling operation. But each member of the group brings their own agenda to the exotic venue, and Gundersen must fight dirty to get what he wants. Gundersen's own secret plans for the future will set in motion events that may have deadly consequences for the group - and others watching on the side line.
Gundersen is man with a plan and a cunning operator, when it comes to criminal ventures.
When a friend is arrested, Gundersen moves to take control of the friend's lucrative smuggling routes. Gundersen invites a group of four associates to a secret meeting on Kauai, in order to settle the business of taking over the smuggling operation. But each member of the group brings their own agenda to the exotic venue, and Gundersen must fight dirty to get what he wants. Gundersen's own secret plans for the future will set in motion events that may have deadly consequences for the group - and others watching on the side line.
Short Stories
THE ROAD TO HELL
NO. 1 BESTSELLING MYSTERY ANTHOLOGY
"The Road to Hell" collects four stories by Paul Levine, the Edgar-nominated author of the bestselling Jake Lassiter series. Levine's heroes travel dark and dangerous paths as they confront devilish and powerful villains. The journeys are by land, by sea, and in one case, perhaps only in the mind.
In "El Valiente en el Infierno," (The Brave One in Hell), a 13-year-old Mexican boy tells his own story as he makes a treacherous midnight crossing into California in search of his father. The boy's courage is tested when he runs into two gun-toting American vigilantes, and the confrontation will change all of them forever.
"Development Hell" imagines a pitch session in which a bedraggled Edgar Allan Poe squares off with a slick Hollywood producer who wants to make a cheesy slasher flick out of "The Pit and the Pendulum." Bookgasm praised the story as "going straight to the funny bone."
"A Hell of a Crime" echoes with notions of "The Twilight Zone." A prosecutor prepares for a homicide trial while being pestered by his domineering mother, a famous lawyer herself. Just what role did she play in the murder? It's a mystery with a punch to the gut at the end.
Two of the author's best-loved characters, Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord, appear in "Solomon & Lord: To Hell and Back." The ethically-challenged Steve Solomon and the very proper Victoria Lord are mismatched Miami law partners. Steve says he's going fishing with Manuel Cruz, a sleazy con man. Victoria knows that Cruz embezzled a bundle from Steve's favorite client and is an unlikely fishing buddy. So just what is Steve up to now? Something between mischief and murder. The three of them head for deep water and dark troubles.
Also included: an excerpt of "Mortal Sin," one of the award-winning Jake Lassiter novels. "Recalling the work of Carl Hiaasen, this thriller races to a smashing climax." - Library Journal.
Finally, there's an excerpt of "Solomon vs. Lord," the first of the series nominated for the Edgar, Macavity, International Thriller, and James Thurber awards. Here's what number one bestselling author Harlan Coben had to say: "Hiaasen meets Grisham in the court of last retort. A sexy, wacky, wonderful thriller with humor and heart."
PRAISE FOR THE FICTION OF PAUL LEVINE
"Mystery writing at its very, very best." - Larry King, USA TODAY
"Irreverent...genuinely clever...great fun." - The New York Times Book Review
"Just the remedy for those who can't get enough Spenser and miss Travis McGee terribly." - St. Petersburg Times
"Genuinely chilling." - Washington Post Book World
"Take one part John Grisham, two parts Carl Hiaasen, throw in a dash of John D. MacDonald, and voila!" - Tulsa World
"Wildly entertaining blend of raucous humor and high adventure." - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"Cracking good action-mystery...funny, sardonic, and fast-paced." - Detroit Free Press
"The Road to Hell" collects four stories by Paul Levine, the Edgar-nominated author of the bestselling Jake Lassiter series. Levine's heroes travel dark and dangerous paths as they confront devilish and powerful villains. The journeys are by land, by sea, and in one case, perhaps only in the mind.
In "El Valiente en el Infierno," (The Brave One in Hell), a 13-year-old Mexican boy tells his own story as he makes a treacherous midnight crossing into California in search of his father. The boy's courage is tested when he runs into two gun-toting American vigilantes, and the confrontation will change all of them forever.
"Development Hell" imagines a pitch session in which a bedraggled Edgar Allan Poe squares off with a slick Hollywood producer who wants to make a cheesy slasher flick out of "The Pit and the Pendulum." Bookgasm praised the story as "going straight to the funny bone."
"A Hell of a Crime" echoes with notions of "The Twilight Zone." A prosecutor prepares for a homicide trial while being pestered by his domineering mother, a famous lawyer herself. Just what role did she play in the murder? It's a mystery with a punch to the gut at the end.
Two of the author's best-loved characters, Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord, appear in "Solomon & Lord: To Hell and Back." The ethically-challenged Steve Solomon and the very proper Victoria Lord are mismatched Miami law partners. Steve says he's going fishing with Manuel Cruz, a sleazy con man. Victoria knows that Cruz embezzled a bundle from Steve's favorite client and is an unlikely fishing buddy. So just what is Steve up to now? Something between mischief and murder. The three of them head for deep water and dark troubles.
Also included: an excerpt of "Mortal Sin," one of the award-winning Jake Lassiter novels. "Recalling the work of Carl Hiaasen, this thriller races to a smashing climax." - Library Journal.
Finally, there's an excerpt of "Solomon vs. Lord," the first of the series nominated for the Edgar, Macavity, International Thriller, and James Thurber awards. Here's what number one bestselling author Harlan Coben had to say: "Hiaasen meets Grisham in the court of last retort. A sexy, wacky, wonderful thriller with humor and heart."
PRAISE FOR THE FICTION OF PAUL LEVINE
"Mystery writing at its very, very best." - Larry King, USA TODAY
"Irreverent...genuinely clever...great fun." - The New York Times Book Review
"Just the remedy for those who can't get enough Spenser and miss Travis McGee terribly." - St. Petersburg Times
"Genuinely chilling." - Washington Post Book World
"Take one part John Grisham, two parts Carl Hiaasen, throw in a dash of John D. MacDonald, and voila!" - Tulsa World
"Wildly entertaining blend of raucous humor and high adventure." - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"Cracking good action-mystery...funny, sardonic, and fast-paced." - Detroit Free Press
Short Stories
The Corrupt Billionaire: Charmed: A Gangster Bad Boy Novella
Caroline Winters just seems to pick the wrong men to share her life with.
Her boyfriend, Adam, has cheated on her and she desperately needs to be rid of him. She knows that he is after her father's money but getting rid of him is proving difficult. Caroline goes to her best friend's first art exhibition and Adam turns up to persuade her to stay with him. As she struggles to convince him that it is over between them, a tall, dark, handsome stranger, Peter, intervenes and she finds herself charmed by him.
When her controlling father comes home three days early from a business trip, her new romance is almost over before it began but she promises her father that she won't be late home and goes to meet her charming new man.
But is Peter everything he says he is or is Caroline putting herself in more danger with him than she had ever been with her ex?
Her boyfriend, Adam, has cheated on her and she desperately needs to be rid of him. She knows that he is after her father's money but getting rid of him is proving difficult. Caroline goes to her best friend's first art exhibition and Adam turns up to persuade her to stay with him. As she struggles to convince him that it is over between them, a tall, dark, handsome stranger, Peter, intervenes and she finds herself charmed by him.
When her controlling father comes home three days early from a business trip, her new romance is almost over before it began but she promises her father that she won't be late home and goes to meet her charming new man.
But is Peter everything he says he is or is Caroline putting herself in more danger with him than she had ever been with her ex?
Short Stories
The Strain: Part 1, Sections 1 to 6 inclusive
High-concept thriller with a supernatural edge from world-famous director, whose films include Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy.
A plane lands at JFK and mysteriously 'goes dark', stopping in the middle of the runway for no apparent reason, all lights off, all doors sealed. The pilots cannot be raised.
When the hatch above the wing finally clicks open, it soon becomes clear that everyone on board is dead - although there is no sign of any trauma or struggle. Ephraim Goodweather and his team from the Center for Disease Control must work quickly to establish the cause of this strange occurrence before panic spreads.
The first thing they discover is that four of the victims are actually still alive. But that's the only good news. And when all two hundred corpses disappear from various morgues around the city on the same night, things very rapidly get worse. Soon Eph and a small band of helpers will find themselves battling to protect not only their own loved ones, but the whole city, against an ancient threat to humanity.
A plane lands at JFK and mysteriously 'goes dark', stopping in the middle of the runway for no apparent reason, all lights off, all doors sealed. The pilots cannot be raised.
When the hatch above the wing finally clicks open, it soon becomes clear that everyone on board is dead - although there is no sign of any trauma or struggle. Ephraim Goodweather and his team from the Center for Disease Control must work quickly to establish the cause of this strange occurrence before panic spreads.
The first thing they discover is that four of the victims are actually still alive. But that's the only good news. And when all two hundred corpses disappear from various morgues around the city on the same night, things very rapidly get worse. Soon Eph and a small band of helpers will find themselves battling to protect not only their own loved ones, but the whole city, against an ancient threat to humanity.
Short Stories
Microchip Murder - A Katla KillFile (Amsterdam Assassin Series)
Assassin Katla has to kill an industrial spy and retrieve the stolen item...The Microchip Murder KillFile (8,600 words) follows freelance assassin Katla Sieltjes executing a contract on an industrial spy, who is in the process of selling a stolen microchip with valuable software to the competition. Katla's client wants the stolen microchip and research materials returned to him, but her target is wary and the unscrupulous buyers are prepared to kill for the stolen software.
The Katla KillFile short stories chronologically precede the novels in the Amsterdam Assassin Series.Each KillFile features Katla Sieltjes, expert in disguising homicide, executing one of her contracts. While not mandatory reading, each KillFile provides insight both in Katla's work methods and skill, and additional background information in her character and personal history.
The Katla KillFile short stories chronologically precede the novels in the Amsterdam Assassin Series.Each KillFile features Katla Sieltjes, expert in disguising homicide, executing one of her contracts. While not mandatory reading, each KillFile provides insight both in Katla's work methods and skill, and additional background information in her character and personal history.
Short Stories
The Agreement - A Thriller Short Story: Includes a Preview of the Jack Daniels Thriller Last Call
How far would you do to get out of a gambling debt?
THE AGREEMENT is a short story that originally appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine in March 2005. It currently appears in the Konrath story collection 65 PROOF.
Because THE AGREEMENT ties into the Jack Daniels thriller LAST CALL, Konrath has made it available on its own. Also included is a chapter from LAST CALL.
Warning: Though this only takes a few minutes to read, the images will stick with your for life. This is a wickedly mean story. So let the reader beware...
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
THE AGREEMENT by JA Konrath
Bad Language - 2
Scary - 6
Violent - 9
Funny - 3
Sexy - 0
THE AGREEMENT is a short story that originally appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine in March 2005. It currently appears in the Konrath story collection 65 PROOF.
Because THE AGREEMENT ties into the Jack Daniels thriller LAST CALL, Konrath has made it available on its own. Also included is a chapter from LAST CALL.
Warning: Though this only takes a few minutes to read, the images will stick with your for life. This is a wickedly mean story. So let the reader beware...
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
THE AGREEMENT by JA Konrath
Bad Language - 2
Scary - 6
Violent - 9
Funny - 3
Sexy - 0
Short Stories
Breakfast In Paris
At a sidewalk cafe on a bustling Parisian avenue, a man awaits a rendezvous with the woman of his dreams. But as anticipation turns to dread, is he about to wake with a start?
Short Stories
Locked Room - A Katla KillFile (Amsterdam Assassin Series)
Assassin Katla reinvents a forensic landmark while creating a Locked Room mystery...The Locked Room KillFile (7,800 words) follows freelance assassin Katla Sieltjes executing a contract on a physician responsible for the death of her client's wife. Using an updated version of a lethal puzzle that astounded forensic scientists at the end of the twentieth century, Katla recreates a diabolical killing method that became a landmark in the forensic sciences. Thwarting forensic scientists is not her only hurdle in fulfilling her contract, as her target has to be killed in his home, an opulent penthouse in a fortress-like apartment building...
The Katla KillFile short stories chronologically precede the novels in the Amsterdam Assassin Series.Each KillFile features Katla Sieltjes, expert in disguising homicide, executing one of her contracts. While not mandatory reading, each KillFile provides insight both in Katla's work methods and skill, and additional background information in her character and personal history.
The Katla KillFile short stories chronologically precede the novels in the Amsterdam Assassin Series. Each KillFile features Katla Sieltjes, expert in disguising homicide, executing one of her contracts. While not mandatory reading, each KillFile provides insight both in Katla's work methods and skill, and additional background information in her character and personal history. The KillFiles can be read out of order, as the contracts are random samples from her past. Each KillFile also contains a teaser from the novels in the Amsterdam Assassin Series.
The Katla KillFile short stories chronologically precede the novels in the Amsterdam Assassin Series.Each KillFile features Katla Sieltjes, expert in disguising homicide, executing one of her contracts. While not mandatory reading, each KillFile provides insight both in Katla's work methods and skill, and additional background information in her character and personal history.
The Katla KillFile short stories chronologically precede the novels in the Amsterdam Assassin Series. Each KillFile features Katla Sieltjes, expert in disguising homicide, executing one of her contracts. While not mandatory reading, each KillFile provides insight both in Katla's work methods and skill, and additional background information in her character and personal history. The KillFiles can be read out of order, as the contracts are random samples from her past. Each KillFile also contains a teaser from the novels in the Amsterdam Assassin Series.
Short Stories
Dangerous Minds
In what should be the safest of places, find an R.N. you would never hope to meet. Run the streets of Los Angeles and find death in the most public of places. Learn why some people kill and others do not in this short collection of murder mysteries by award-winning author Dee Ann Palmer.
Short Stories
Sex, Murder & Killer Cupcakes
She may be a crime-scene photographer, but that doesn't mean Marian Moyer is ready to star in her own murder mystery. Most days, she can't even control her hair. But when the star of Marian's racy, underground magazine turns up dead and the police are convinced she's the guilty party, it's up to Marian to find out who really did it before it's too late. While danger isn't exactly her middle name, there's plenty to go around, especially when Marian begins to suspect that her long-time man crush is behind it all.
Short Stories
Dead Ringers Volumes 1-3
"A paranormal mystery serial for young adults on up. All nine 25,000-word volumes now available individually and in boxed sets of three!" Dead Ringers 1: ILLUSION Jade Greene's memories of the two days she went missing are slowly returning, but they involve a blinding headache and an evil clown with a syringe. Not exactly the stuff of sanity. Dead Ringers 2: INVERTIGO Max Harper insists Jade's best chance to find out why she remembers so little of her abduction is to team up with him. But can she trust him? Dead Ringers 3: THE SPIDER Someone in Midway Beach isn't who they seem and unless Jade and Max can figure out what's going on, they could become the next victims.
