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Wolves of Memory
by Bill JamesA cash-in-transit raid goes pear-shaped when armed police show up. After all the smart planning and careful preparation someone must have talked - so think the relatives and friends of the jailed gang members. And it looks like the grass must have been the only raider to escape the trap. A vengeance squad is on the prowl and Detective Chief Superintendent Colin Harpur and his boss Assistant Chief Constable Desmond Iles are given the job of protecting the informant and his family. Yet all the time the lynch mob is closing in . . . 'James's writing dazzles with its poetic brevity'Publishers Weekly
You'd Better Believe It (Harpur and Iles #27)
by Bill JamesThe first title in the popular Harpur and Iles series.Harpur's domain is a small seaport city south of London. It's not unusual for the big-town criminals to consider such a spot as easy prey. At such times a policeman must rely keenly upon his colleagues, to be sure, and also upon his retinue of narks. This time it's a Lloyd's Bank branch that's the target. When the heist is postponed, a policeman is killed. One nark, then another, is murdered.As Harpur becomes driven to his limit, he must bypass regulations and settle things once and for all with a vicious crook named Holly. But not necessarily on his own terms.
You'd Better Believe It
by Bill JamesThe first title in the popular Harpur and Iles series.Harpur's domain is a small seaport city south of London. It's not unusual for the big-town criminals to consider such a spot as easy prey. At such times a policeman must rely keenly upon his colleagues, to be sure, and also upon his retinue of narks. This time it's a Lloyd's Bank branch that's the target. When the heist is postponed, a policeman is killed. One nark, then another, is murdered.As Harpur becomes driven to his limit, he must bypass regulations and settle things once and for all with a vicious crook named Holly. But not necessarily on his own terms.
Port of Spies (Pirate School #4)
by Brian JamesAs the Sea Rat pulls into port, the kids are excited to explore the town! That is, until Rotten Tooth makes them run errands the whole time. But they are determined to have fun, so the kids turn it into a spying mission. By the time they return to the deck, they have a whole list of suspicious activities to report. Rotten Tooth dismisses them, but then strange things begin to happen on the ship... could they have a stowaway aboard?
Thief
by Brian JamesWith brutal honesty and striking lyricism, the author of "Pure Sunshine" creates an unforgettable character in Elizabeth, a pickpocket and thief living on the edge in New York City.
911 Vampire
by Caleb JamesA vampire succubus created during the Black Plague, Godfrey works as a Boston paramedic and battles loneliness and exhaustion as he fights to keep humanity safe from twin COVID and opioid epidemics. <p><p>He has always pursued that which provides him hope—medicine, the cello… love. But yielding to his feelings for his work partner, Trevor, would conflict with Godfrey’s complicated moral code. Instead he feeds on sexual energy when he must and investigates a drug ring in his spare time. <p><p>But even a vampire can’t ignore his feelings forever.
Dark Blood (Dark Blood Saga #1)
by Caleb JamesBook One in the Dark Blood SagaHandsome, brilliant, and surrounded by good friends, twenty-three-year-old medical student Miles Fox has a secret--and it's not that he's gay. Though he harbors a crush on his straight best friend, Luke. Miles, like his grandmother, Anna, possesses the healing gift, an ability she's made him swear never to use or divulge, lest horrible things befall those he loves. It happened to her when Nazis butchered her family. But it all goes to hell when Miles heals a terminally ill man on a New Orleans cancer ward and wakes locked in the psych unit. Worse, news of the healing miracle spreads. For millennia, its carriers have been hunted by those who would steal it. Dr. Gerald Stangl and his teenage son, Calvin, know what Miles possesses. They, like their predecessors, will stop at nothing to take it, including kidnapping, torture, and murder. As the Stangls' noose tightens, Miles and Luke are trapped in a death match with stakes higher than they could ever imagine.
The Canal Murders: The Sandringham Mystery, The Canal Murders, And The Heritage Murders (The Fen Murder Mysteries)
by Christina JamesIn England&’s East Midlands, a harried police detective juggles multiple cases that soon reveal the depths of human depravity . . . DI Tim Yates has been following up for months on reports of missing farm machinery—with no success—when a local farmer and philanthropist is physically assaulted. Could this be a lead? If so, it doesn&’t take Yates very far, since the victim, Jack Fovargue, refuses to accept any help. Meanwhile, there&’s a more urgent case to attend to—a decapitated body has been found in the Fossdyke Canal. This may be the first clue that finally connects a series of recent disappearances: a paper girl out on her rounds; a prostitute abducted off the street; an immigrant woman who vanished after stepping off a bus. After frogmen find two more corpses in the canal, and Yates&’s researcher wife notes a similarity to a long-ago case someone is already in prison for, the situation starts becoming as murky as the canal itself . . .
The Fen Murder Mysteries Boxset Books One to Three: The Sandringham Mystery, The Canal Murders, and The Heritage Murders (The Fen Murder Mysteries)
by Christina JamesThe first three novels in the gritty series featuring a police detective in England&’s East Midlands. Included in this compelling crime fiction collection are:The Sandringham Mystery Shocking evidence is unearthed in the cellar of a Victorian mansion belonging to a wealthy British couple. The owner knows nothing about a passport-forging operation—or about any human remains. But he does have something else to hide from DI Tim Yates and the police, and the crimes of the past may lead to tragedy in the present . . .Previously published as Sausage HallThe Canal Murders A decapitated body found in the Fossdyke Canal may be the first clue that finally connects a series of recent disappearances: a paper girl out on her rounds; a prostitute abducted off the street; an immigrant woman who vanished after stepping off a bus. But after frogmen find two more corpses and DI Yates learns about a similarity to a long-ago case, the situation starts becoming as murky as the canal itself . . .Previously published as Gentleman JackThe Heritage Murders A wealthy wanted man attempts to stay under the radar as he returns to England, driven by an obsessive need to solve a family mystery. But his presence may be stirring up trouble, and soon Yates and his partner, DS Juliet Armstrong, are looking into a vanished woman&’s possible murder, a Traveller child who may be at risk, and lingering questions surrounding a trafficking ring that could still be operating under their noses . . .Previously published as DeVries
The Heritage Murders (The Fen Murder Mysteries)
by Christina JamesA wealthy wanted man attempts to keep a low profile—but an old case may be stirring up new crimes in this British police thriller. After years of exile in St. Lucia, tycoon Kevan de Vries has come back to England&’s East Midlands and is hiding out at Sausage Hall. His return is driven by an obsessive desire to find out who his father was—despite the risk that the police may come by seeking answers about the disappearance of Tony Sentance, former De Vries Industries employee and leader of a child trafficking gang. DI Tim Yates and DS Juliet Armstrong are still in the dark about the wealthy fugitive in their midst—but before long, the police are looking into a vanished woman&’s possible murder, a Traveller child who may be at risk, and the lingering mysteries surrounding a trafficking ring that could still be operating under their noses . . .Previously published as De Vries
The Sandringham Mystery: The Sandringham Mystery, The Canal Murders, And The Heritage Murders (The Fen Murder Mysteries)
by Christina JamesShocking evidence is unearthed in the cellar of a British couple&’s mansion—and the crimes of the past may lead to tragedy in the present . . . Its name is Laurieston, but the villagers call it Sausage Hall—a Victorian mansion belonging to tycoon businessman Kevan de Vries and his ailing wife, Joanna. The couple are staying at their St. Lucia house until Kevan gets a call from DI Tim Yates saying that the mansion has been broken into—and insisting that Kevan return to the United Kingdom to explain the passport-forging operation the police have discovered in the cellar. Kevan knows nothing about the illicit activity and is horrified about the human remains that are also eventually unearthed at Laurieston. As he tries to take care of Joanna and their autistic son, Kevan fears that the investigation may reveal a different kind of crime, one he committed long ago. And as the South Lincolnshire police dig deeper, will shocking events both historical and present-day change his life forever?
The Castaway Hat: An Intrigue of Lure and Lucre
by Clark JamesThe Castaway Hat is an amusing intrigue of lure and lucre, spanning two generations. A mystery of a straw hat with a faded red ribbon washed among the rocks. The finder, Edgar, by co-incidence, not that he knows it, met the owner the previous night at a book launch. Daphne and the hat were parted when a launch capsized - she swimming to an island off New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula, only to discover an old gold mining tunnel, a recently worked old mining tunnel. The author, Erica, locates the earlier, but not original diggers of that tunnel. An adventure that spans oceans and time to settle in the tiny carless town of Murren, Switzerland, during World War II.
Unsinkable
by Dan JamesA DOOMED VOYAGEApril 14th 1912. The maiden voyage of the world's most luxurious passenger liner, Titanic. A DARK PASTEach passenger has their own reason to make the crossing, but for former Special Branch police officer Arthur Beck it is the only way he can escape the demons of his past. Also on board is Martha Heaton, a female journalist sent to cover the great ship's journey and prove herself as a serious reporter. A FEARFUL ENCOUNTERAs the huge ship nears the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Beck and Martha are closing in on a murderous criminal. But, with time running out, they must stop him - before it's too late...
A Not So Model Home
by David JamesOpen House for Murder The real estate market is tanking, even in posh Palm Springs. So when Ian Forbes, the eccentric head of an international hair care empire, offers luxury realtor Amanda Thorne a chance to list his palatial Spanish style pad, she reluctantly agrees--even if it means appearing on the bizarre reality dating show he's starring in. With so much at stake, a throng of attractive contestants descend on the mansion in hopes of winning Ian's heart--and his fortune. The competition is fast and fierce, and it's almost no surprise when two of Ian's prospective lovers turn up dead. Amanda quickly discovers that everyone has a conceivable motive for murder. And now that there are two more realtors competing with her for the lucrative listing, it seems the killer won't be the only one who's out for blood. . . The fun part of this mystery is James' snarky, sneaky sense of humor that keeps his lively cast of characters believable. --Mystery SceneOnce again, James charms. --Kirkus Reviews
Not So Model Home
by David JamesStylish luxury realtor Amanda Thorne is feeling the pinch of the slumping economy. But the crazed world of reality television just may be her ticket to the biggest listing in Palm Springs. Too bad her co-stars are dropping like flies all over the property. . . Times are tough and the real estate market is tanking, even in posh Palm Springs. So when former client Ian Forbes, the eccentric head of an international hair care empire, offers Amanda a chance to list his palatial Spanish style pad, she reluctantly takes him up on it. All she has to do is appear on the bizarre reality dating show he's filming--and starring in--at his estate. Under the watchful eye of chic, black-clad relationship counselor Aurora Cleft, a throng of attractive contestants descend on the mansion in hopes of winning Ian's heart--and his fortune. With so much at stake, the competition quickly grows fierce, and it's almost no surprise when two of Ian's prospective lovers turn up dead. Amanda is certain the killer is among the house's catty cast of characters, so she enlists the help of her trusty ex-husband, Alex, and her hunky homicide detective boyfriend, Ken Becker, to wade through all the faux reality and get to the truth. As she navigates the mansion's screwball maze of model good looks, A-list connections, and impossibly tall stilettos, Amanda quickly discovers that everyone had a conceivable motive for murder. And now that there are two more realtors competing with her for the lucrative listing, it seems the killer won't be the only one who's out for blood. . .
Three Bedrooms, Two Baths, One Very Dead Corpse
by David JamesLocation location location. Like any realtor worth her designer sling-backs Amanda Thorne knows the golden rule of selling homes. Unless of course the prime property includes one very dead corpse. . . Amanda is pretty resilient but she's taken a few hard knocks since she moved to plush Palm Springs. After a divorce from her husband and business partner Alex she's determined to make it on her own in real estate-despite scorpions 100-degree heat and an encounter with a cactus en route to her first big listing. And when she finally arrives at the Mid-century modern manse a lifeless body in the living room really ruins the ambiance. Amid the shattered Eames surfboard table and vintage glassware lies local environmentalist Doc Winters his mouth stuffed full of rocks. Since Doc's main cause was opposing development in the pristine tremendously valuable Chino Cone mountains every realtor in town is suspect. So Amanda embarks on her own investigation. With the help of Alex-who it turns out is gay but still her Best Friend Forever-her red-hot geriatric neighbor Regina and the reluctant cooperation of dishy Detective Ken Becker she sets out to unravel the truth. After a fellow real estate agent is murdered some pissed-off Black Widow spiders planted in her car and a body found floating in her pool it's clear someone wants Amanda's inquiring mind off the market-permanently. But she's tracking down this killer. . . even if it leads her to death's handcrafted Mission style door. David James has not written any screenplays has never received a Pulitzer and is not a regular contributor to National Public Radio. He is currently working on his next Amanda Thorne mystery. Advance Praise For Three Bedrooms Two Baths One Very Dead Corpse"In this wild cross between Agatha Christie and Million Dollar Listing it's an Open House for laughter and suspense when murder brings down the Palm Springs housing market and the only thing cool about the blistering desert heat is real estate agent and amateur sleuth Amanda Thorne who is crass brash and totally hilarious as she tries to unmask the killer. "--Rick Copp author of Fingerprints and Facelifts"Home inspection takes on hilarious new meaning in David James's laugh-out-loud whodunit in which plucky real estate agent Amanda Thorne gets both her first listing in Palm Springs and a dead body to go with the property. This is a truly fun funny and romantic romp through the murderous business of selling houses. Buyers beware: You'll laugh your subprime off!"--R. T. Jordan author of Set Sail For Murder
Baked to Death (Simon Kirby-Jones Mysteries #4)
by Dean JamesSimon Kirby-Jones Mysteries #4 From the New York Times bestselling author of the Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series, a traditional British village cozy mystery series...with a twist! "A delight from start to finish. Everything you could wish for in a British cozy. Simon Kirby-Jones is a charming and intriguing sleuth who puts the village of Snupperton Mumsley squarely on the mystery map." --Dorothy Cannell "A delightful English village whodunit filled with some of the most eccentric characters you'll ever run across in a mystery novel." --The Denver Post Lady Prunella Blitherington, the grande dame mother of Simon Kirby-Jones's handsome trusty assistant, Giles, has just sold one of her meadows to a London businessman who plans to turn the land into a lucrative tourist attraction. But first he has to figure out how to oust a club zealously dedicated to medieval reenactments. Since Henry Baker, the original "king" of the group is vehemently opposed to the idea of a tourist attraction, he is expelled for a more amenable leader, restaurant owner Luke d'Amboise. But when Henry is found poisoned by a fig pastry (recipe included!), Simon discovers a bitter rivalry within the medieval players...could it be enough to kill a king?!? Simon already has his hands full discovering who is at the bottom of this coup d'etat--when Tristan Lovelace, Simon's very charming former boyfriend visits Snupperton Mumsley. Will Simon succumb to Tristan's charisma or will he finally soften towards Giles Blitherington, his always loyal personal assistant?
Closer than the Bones
by Dean JamesFrom New York Times bestselling author of A Cat in the Stacks mystery series, a novel about murder, fiction and the deep, deep South...A Deep South Mystery (#2)Recently retired from teaching high school English, Ernestine Carpenter freely admits that she's more than a bit nosy. Ernie--(as she's called by her nearest and dearest) is also good at solving problems, and she's let it be known, amongst them, that she's willing to take on...interesting...jobs.Mary Tucker McElroy, well-known in Southern literary circles as a generous patron. Six months earlier, her literary group had gathered for the Christmas festivities at Idlewild, Miss McElroy's ancestral home in north central Mississippi, and one guest, writer Sukey Lytton, turned up dead in the pond one day, an apparent, but suspicious suicide. Miss McElroy is convinced that Sukey Lytton was murdered, and she wants Ernie to help her figure out the guilty party.But who can it be? Was it Lurleen Landry, best-selling author of Southern women's fiction? Did Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Russell Bertram kill her? Or was it his nasty, vindictive wife Alice? Maybe it was literary enfant terrible Brett Doran, who seems to have more than one secret to hide. Could Sukey Lytton's missing manuscript be the motive?When the killer strikes again, it's up to Ernie to save her friends and find the killer...or she may be next!"A haunting mystery steeped in the richness of Southern culture." -Carolyn Hart, author of the Death on Demand and Henrie O mysteries"Fans of the traditional stately home murder case can rejoice the genre is alive and well!" -Publishers Weekly"The traditional mystery is not dead. Thanks to Dean James, it takes on new life in the New South, where (just like the Old South) ladies of a certain age are noticeably quirky, everyone is hiding a guilty secret, cooks know their way to your heart, and murderers are... almost... impossible to detect. James's Closer Than the Bones is a fine variation on a fine tradition, and enjoyable from start to finish."--Charlaine Harris
Cruel as the Grave (Deep South Mysteries #1)
by Dean JamesFrom New York Times bestselling author of A Cat in the Stacks mystery series, a novel about murder, family secrets and the deep, deep South...A Deep South Mystery (#1)Graduate student Maggie McLendon is at home in Houston, studying for exams, when a letter from her great aunt arrives, bearing bad news. Maggie's grandfather, Henry McLendon is seriously ill in Jackson, Mississippi. Maggie's never met her relations: her father, English professor Gerard McLendon, has been estranged from his family since Maggie was an infant; perhaps now there is one last chance for the McLendons to be reunited.The family welcomes Maggie and her father with open arms to Jackson, but almost immediately, a murderer strikes--and Gerard McLendon is the chief suspect. But when the killer strikes a second time, it looks like Maggie's father could be the next victim...Racing against time, Maggie delves deep into the mystery surrounding her grandmother's suspicious death 25 years ago and discovers long-held family secrets that could lead her straight to the killer. If only she can get there in time to save her father..."In Cruel as the Grave, Dean James brings to life a family burdened by dark secrets. Determined sleuth Maggie McLendon peels away layers of hidden sadness to find the truth of her heritage in a haunting mystery steeped in the richness of Southern culture." -Carolyn Hart, author of the Death on Demand and Henrie O mysteries"Cruel as the Grave is an engaging, literate novel of family secrets and skullduggery. With a clever plot and appealing characterization, Mr. James has created the perfect English drawing room mystery set smack in the middle of steamy Mississippi. It is a witty and solid debut that will leave mystery readers clamoring for more." -Earlene Fowler, author of Seven Sisters"Cruel As The Grave exposes the underbelly of a Southern family, where secrets and skeletons lurk, cloaked in every imaginable guise. Well-written, deftly-plotted, and highly-recommended for fans of Faulkner and others who zeroed in on the dysfunctional social structure that, to this day, continues to be concealed by superficiality and faded magnolia blossoms." -Joan Hess, author of the Maggody and Clair Malloy mysteries
Death by Dissertation
by Dean JamesFrom New York Times bestselling author of A Cat in the Stacks mystery series, a novel about murder, fiction and the deep, deep South...A Deep South Mystery (#3)For Andy Carpenter, graduate school is stressful enough without adding romantic complications to the mix. First, Andy has to contend with the presence of Rob Hayward, newly enrolled in the history PhD program. He thought Rob was out of his life for good, but now he has to confront his unresolved feelings and not let his work suffer.When Andy discovers the body of fellow graduate student Charlie Harper in the university library, his ex, Rob, looks like the chief suspect in the murder. And just what was the relationship between Rob and Charlie?Andy and his best friend, Maggie McLendon, agree that Rob isn't a murderer, and they decide the best way to exonerate him is to figure out who really killed Charlie. Who else might have had a motive for murder? When a second murder occurs, Andy, Maggie, and Rob must work quickly to find the killer before Rob ends up charged with two murders he didn't commit...or even worse, dead!"The earnest, wry Andy makes an appealing narrator." -Publishers Weekly"...a compelling mystery in the Carolyn Hart tradition." -Margaret Maron
Decorated to Death
by Dean JamesSimon Kirby-Jones Mysteries #3 From the New York Times bestselling author of the Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series, a traditional British village cozy mystery series...with a twist! "A well-crafted mystery combines with whimsical characters to create an imaginative spoof on the classic locked-room mystery." --Publishers Weekly "A delightful English village whodunit filled with some of the most eccentric characters you'll ever run across in a mystery novel." --The Denver Post The typically quiet British village of Snupperton Mumsley is bustling over the arrival of Zeke Harwood, the insufferable star of a popular TV decorating show. The Snupperton episode is supposed to feature the redecorating of Lady Prunella Blitherington's drawing room, but Zeke plans to paint the room a garish red--and he and Lady Prunella are caught on tape in the midst of a dreadful argument. When Zeke is found murdered--and covered in red paint!--Lady Prunella becomes the chief suspect. But Simon Kirby-Jones, part-time amateur sleuth and full-time gay vampire, unearths plenty of other motives among the guests, villagers...and even the butler! Meanwhile, Simon is stumped as to why he suddenly has urges to nibble some necks-- A symptom his medication is supposed to suppress! A charming and refreshing take on the classic locked-room mystery, Decorated to Death is sure to endear fans of the cozy mystery genre.
Faked to Death
by Dean JamesSimon Kirby-Jones Mysteries #2 From the New York Times bestselling author of the Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series, a traditional British village cozy mystery series...with a twist! "Agatha Award-winning author Dean James has penned a chatty charmer of a first book in this new cozy-with-a-kink series. Posted To Death will appeal especially to those who enjoy their murders mixed with mirth." --I Love A Mystery "A delightful English village whodunit filled with some of the most eccentric characters you'll ever run across in a mystery novel." --The Denver Post Simon Kirby-Jones, amateur sleuth, gay American vampire living in the cozy British village of Snupperton Mumsley, is a respected historian and also, under a well-guarded pseudonym, a bestselling crime writer. When he's invited to an exclusive writer's conference he's astonished -and outraged--to see that "Dorina Darlington" is the featured speaker. Clearly the woman is an imposter, because Simon is the real Dorina Darlington! And when the fake Dorina turns up dead, Simon suspects he's next on the killer's list... There are definite advantages to being undead--little fear of being murdered is high on the list. But Simon is as nosy as he is kind, so he decides to unearth the true killer before any of his fellow writers fall prey! "A worthy and cozy village mystery you can really sink your teeth into." --The Houston Chronicle "A wickedly funny send-up of the classic cozy British mystery. Dame Agatha would be rolling in her grave, unless she's already out of it." --Nancy Pickard
Posted to Death: A Simon Kirby-jones Mystery (Simon Kirby-Jones Mysteries #1)
by Dean JamesSimon Kirby-Jones Mysteries #1 From the New York Times bestselling author of the Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series, a traditional British village cozy mystery series…with a twist! “Sure to revolutionize the traditional British cozy and win the hearts of fans everywhere.” —Publishers Weekly “A delightful English village whodunit filled with some of the most eccentric characters you’ll ever run across in a mystery novel.”—The Denver Post Amateur sleuth, Simon Kirby-Jones is looking forward to settling into his new home in the quaint British village of Snupperton—despite a few potential challenges. Not only is Simon an American, but he’s also a gay vampire who controls his vampiric urges and sun sensitivity with an effective medication. Delighted to be in the cozy English village of his dreams, he’s eager to make Snupperton his home, and joins the fundraising committee of the local church. But at the first meeting, an argument breaks out between the town matriarch Lady Prunella Blitherington, and the nosy village postmaster, Abigail Winterton. When Abigail is found murdered the next day, Simon determines to reveal the murderer in town-- and in the process discovers all the delightfully sordid secrets of Snupperton!
The Language of Fear
by Del JamesA collection of fifteen short stories that explore the dark side of the human experience, including that of a heavy metal star locked in a war with his TV set, and a married man about to murder his wife at the behest of a dial-a-porn hooker.
By Familiar Means
by Delia JamesIn the latest from the author of A Familiar Tail, a witch and her familiar find trouble brewing at a coffee house. After discovering her mystical heritage--and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair--artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years. But being a witch doesn't magically put money in the bank. When she's hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening. Annabelle is certain the haunted happenings at the shop are just hocus pocus. But when her search reveals hidden smugglers' tunnels beneath the shop--and a dead body--Annabelle, Alastair, and the coven suddenly find themselves in a cat and mouse game with a killer...