Publisher: Franz Kafka
In the Penal Colony is a short story by Franz Kafka. This story is set in a penal colony with no name. The book describes the last use of a torture and execution device developed sculpting condemned the judgment against her skin before you let him die, all in the course of twelve hours.
Jennifer and Catherine-sisters who have inherited equal shares of power in Pegasus Satellite Services, one of the biggest communications empires in the world-could not be more different. While Catherine is an extraordinary beauty whose looks attract the most handsome and powerful men, her sister is a plain-Jane, no-nonsense gal who prefers running the company to walking the red carpet.But Jennifer's aversion to the spotlight becomes secondary after the successful launch of the Pegasus III satellite, her newest technological masterpiece. The company needs someone to explain the revolutionary communications tool to potential clients and Jennifer is forced to make the awkward transition from playing scientist in the laboratory to playing hostess at the most lavish party in Cannes.That's where she meets Padraig, a major film star with enough Irish charm and celebrity cache to make the move to power producer. But when he marries Jennifer, Catherine's protective instincts are triggered: is the playboy actor only after Jennifer's money and connections? When Jennifer is almost killed in a car accident on her honeymoon, Catherine feels she must intervene in her sister's relationship. But Jennifer begins to suspect that Catherine is jealous of the wallflower sister's new romance, and possibly of her power within the company. Was the accident Catherine's murderous attempt to win complete control of Pegasus? Suddenly, neither sister can trust the other in a game that has their love, fortune, and even their lives hanging in the balance.What begins as a rivalry between sisters becomes a chilling novel of psychological suspense in which one sister find herself alone on a yacht at sea, forced to defend herself from a terrifying killer in league with her sister. But which sister?Show book
For readers of Elmore Leonard and George Pelecanos, a tense crime novel set in mob-filled Chicago during the 1920s Prohibition It’s 1920 and the start of Prohibition. Circumstances beyond his control find a young man, Huckabee Waller, involved in the death of a gangster in his hometown of New Orleans. Fearing repercussions from the gangster’s associates, Huck hops a northbound freight and heads for the promise of Chicago. Expecting to make an honest living, he’s surprised to find that he’s arrived at the epicenter of crime, corruption, and commerce. Unable to find legitimate work, he gets mixed up in bare-knuckle fights run by the notorious North Side Gang. Reviving his skills as a club fighter, Huck quickly becomes a crowd favorite and makes enough to get by. When it becomes apparent to him that the gang is also heavily involved in running illegal whiskey, a very profitable enterprise, he’s drawn into their world by the desire for more. As Huck starts running booze across the Canadian border for the North Side Gang and gets tangled up in Chicago’s taxi wars, tensions between them and the South Side Gang flare up, and soon he’s in the crosshairs of enforcer Al Capone. The smart thing to do would be to get out of Chicago — fast — that is if the life he wants to leave behind doesn’t kill him first.Show book
“Simon Tolkien’s grandfather is J. R. R., but his new novel” –a historical locked room mystery—“owes more to Agatha Christie—and Dan Brown.” (New York Times). When a famed Oxford historian is found dead in his study one night, all evidence points to his son, Stephen. About to be disinherited from the family fortune, Stephen returns to home after a long estrangement—and it happens to be the night his father is shot to death. When his fingerprints are found on the murder weapon, Stephen's guilt seems undeniable. But there were five other people in the manor house at the time, and as their stories slowly emerge—along with the revelation that the deceased man was involved in a deadly hunt for a priceless relic in Northern France at the end of World War II—the race is on to save Stephen from a death sentence. Everyone has a motive, and no one is telling the truth. Unwilling to sit by and watch the biased judge condemn Stephen to death, an aging police inspector decides to travel from England to France to find out what really happened in that small French village in 1945—and what artifact could be so valuable it would be worth killing for. “Absolutely compelling.” —Booklist, starred review “A thinking person’s Da Vinci Code.” —Chicago Tribune “A deft combination of Agatha Christie manor-house whodunit, Erle Stanley Gardner courtroom drama and Dan Brown thriller. Tolkien . . . proves himself worthy—and then some—of his literary pedigree.” —Richmond Times DispatchShow book
Who took a knife to Sam Brennan and left him to die? Who had been robbing the railroad and left a false trail? Brennan's sons Luke and Sean were arrested for both crimes, but how could they prove their innocence with crooked lawmen and a mysterious sniper all to be faced?Show book
From the USA Today–bestselling, RITA Award–winning author, the story of a one-night stand that leads to one huge secret . . . Jewelry designer Amie McNair would do anything for her dying grandmother, including promise to travel with the outsider chosen to run her family’s business empire. Simple. All she has to do is keep her hands to herself . . . and find a way to let the sexy new CEO know she’s pregnant with his child. Preston Armstrong has secrets of his own. But spending a week with Amie has this tight-lipped cowboy longing to open up. Even if his past threatens their future—as a couple and a family . . . Praise for the novels of RITA Award winner Catherine Mann “Marvelous.” —Publishers Weekly “Brilliant . . . gripping emotion.” —New York Times–bestselling author Dianna Love “A great read.” —BooklistShow book
Three sexy contemporary romances in one collection for the first time by New York Times bestselling author Tawny Weber and USA Today bestselling authors Lynne Graham and Catherine Mann.A RING TO SECURE HIS HEIR by Lynne GrahamWorking late is nothing new for tycoon Alex—and it's the perfect excuse to get close to office cleaner Rosie Gray. Intoxicated by the after-hours attentions of the mysterious businessman, Rosie's dreams end with the slamming of the bedroom door on their one-night stand. Discovering she's pregnant, she goes to confront him, but no one at work has heard of "Alex Kolovos." They do, however, know Alexius Stavroulakis, the CEO, and he has a glittering proposal for her!MIDNIGHT SPECIAL by Tawny WeberSomewhere on the train is a key witness to a murder. And reporter Marni Clare will do whatever it takes to get the story—even crashing in an unreserved sleeper car. But when she wakes, she finds herself curled up with the man she's seeking…and he's hot enough to derail all her plans! FBI special agent Hunter won't complain about the hot blonde in his arms. And maybe it's the medication he's on, but he's even agreed to share his room…. It's a long trip, and within days their berth becomes the scene of some steamy railway romps. But is Marni just having fun…or is she taking Hunter for a ride?ALL OR NOTHING by Catherine MannDespite the warning signs, Jayne Hughes married the bad boy. And Conrad Hughes, casino magnate, did just that with his absences and lies. Now she's ready to move on, but her husband has other plans…. Conrad's undercover work for Interpol destroyed his marriage. When Jayne comes to Monte Carlo seeking a divorce, he launches an all-out assault. Seducing his wife back into his bed is easy; earning her trust is another matter. Yet Conrad knows the odds favor the house. And he has no intentions of losing.Show book
