early rider

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, this gloriously entertaining novel is “fast-paced; keen-eyed and very funny ... about race, power and the history of Harlem all disguised as a thrill-ride crime novel" (San Francisco Chronicle). "Ray Carney was only slightly bent when it came to being crooked..." To his customers and neighbors on 125th street, Carney is an upstanding salesman of reasonably priced furniture, making a decent life for himself and his family. He and his wife Elizabeth are expecting their second child, and if her parents on Striver's Row don't approve of him or their cramped apartment across from the subway tracks, it's still home. Few people know he descends from a line of uptown hoods and crooks, and that his façade of normalcy has more than a few cracks in it. Cracks that are getting bigger all the time. Cash is tight, especially with all those installment-plan sofas, so if his cousin Freddie occasionally drops off the odd ring or necklace, Ray doesn't ask where it comes from. He knows a discreet jeweler downtown who doesn't ask questions, either. Then Freddie falls in with a crew who plan to rob the Hotel Theresa—the "Waldorf of Harlem"—and volunteers Ray's services as the fence. The heist doesn't go as planned; they rarely do. Now Ray has a new clientele, one made up of shady cops, vicious local gangsters, two-bit pornographers, and other assorted Harlem lowlifes. Thus begins the internal tussle between Ray the striver and Ray the crook. As Ray navigates this double life, he begins to see who actually pulls the strings in Harlem. Can Ray avoid getting killed, save his cousin, and grab his share of the big score, all while maintaining his reputation as the go-to source for all your quality home furniture needs? Harlem Shuffle's ingenious story plays out in a beautifully recreated New York City of the early 1960s. It's a family saga masquerading as a crime novel, a hilarious morality play, a social novel about race and power, and ultimately a love letter to Harlem. But mostly, it's a joy to read, another dazzling novel from the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning Colson Whitehead.

What do you do when work is overwhelming, it feels like you're completely lost, and every mistake you make seems to pile more pressure on your shoulders? 'This book is the resilience you need to adapt and thrive as you enter the workplace. ' Paul Jarvis, author of Company of One ________________ The definitive careers guide for starting out in today's working world. It's never been tougher to get started in your career. In a world where entry-level positions require years of experience, it can feel like you've fallen behind before you've even begun. Even when you finally manage to get yourself a job, how do you make sure you're standing out from the crowd and succeeding? In How to Go to Work, careers experts Lucy Clayton and Steven Haines deliver the indispensable guide to surviving and thriving at work. Whether you've just begun working your first Saturday shift, you're about to start an apprenticeship, or you're already climbing the leadership ladder, it's chock-full of the vital advice you need to jump-start your professional life. This practical and accessible guide will show you how to: - Find the right work experience and internships to make the best of your time - Deal with mistakes and handle the pressure that comes with professional work - Gain confidence, authority and resilience, and thrive in your role - Navigate the ups and downs of your early career and make fast progress From getting your foot through the door, to dealing with office politics and toxic workplaces, to negotiating pay, pensions and promotions, How to Go to Work is the essential manual for anyone embarking upon or consolidating their career. Using the collective wisdom of CEOs, creatives, scientists, activists and professionals in every industry, presented in the style of an entertaining but direct guide, Clayton and Haines prepare you for the ride of your life. ________________ 'A vital book to anyone trying to get their head round the challenges or work. Deadly serious advice delivered in a style that is never deadly serious. An important but entertaining read' Bruce Daisely, bestselling author of The Joy of Work 'Full of invaluable advice for those at the start of their career' Cate Sevilla, author of How to Work Without Losing Your Mind

Perfect for fans of the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. Calina Hart's mother, the lovely Lady Carol Wood, was being forced by her ambitious father, the Earl of Hurstwood, to marry the Duke of Denholme, who is dull, boring and a poor rider – but is a Duke! Early in the morning of the day of her Wedding to the Duke Lady Carol runs away with John Hart, a brilliant trainer of her father's horses, whom she has fallen in love. The Earl is furious and the Duke is made to look a fool. Society is understandably scandalised and fascinated by the story of the runaway bride. Lady Carol and John Hart marry at once and then escape to Cornwall and nobody knows their whereabouts and soon their adored daughter, Calina, is born and she becomes more beautiful every year. Lady Carol and John Hart have a blissful life together until he John tragically dies of a virulent fever in Egypt whilst taking four outstanding horses he had trained to the Khedive. When Lady Carol herself dies of a broken heart, Calina is left orphaned. Although Calina does not have much money, she intends to embark on the journey to Egypt that she and her mother had planned before her death and so leaves on a ship bound for Cairo. As she is not chaperoned, she wears widows weeds and calls herself 'Lady Hartington' after making slight alterations to her mother's passport. As she has a title, she is invited to join the Captain's table and there she meets the good-looking Marquis of Merryfield, who is gracious and charming to her and they enjoy each other's company. Later in the voyage after stopping at Naples she meets Mr. Oliver Bagshot, an American millionaire, who never stops talking about himself and he is instantly attracted to Calina and begins to pester her. How she finds Mr. Oliver Bagshot in her cabin one night after dinner with a bottle of champagne in his hand and how she runs desperately to the Marquis for help and with a most unexpected result is all told in this romantic and intriguing tale by BARBARA CARTLAND.

Volume I: THE PYTHON YEARS (1969-1979) Michael Palin's diaries begin when he was newly married and struggling to make a name for himself in the world of television comedy. But Monty Python was just around the corner . . . Enjoying an unlikely cult status early on, the Pythons then proceeded to tour the USA and Canada. As their popularity grew, so Palin relates how the group went their separate ways, later to re-form for stage shows and the celebrated films THE HOLY GRAIL and LIFE OF BRIAN. Living through the three-day week and the miners strike, and all the trials of a peripatetic life are also essential ingredients of these perceptive and funny diaries. Volume II: HALFWAY TO HOLLYWOOD (1980-1988) After a live performance at the Hollywood Bowl, The Pythons made their last performance together in 1983 in the hugely successful MONTY PYTHON'S MEANING OF LIFE. Writing and acting in films and television then took over much of Michael's life, culminating in the smash hit A FISH CALLED WANDA (for which he won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor), and the first of his seven celebrated television journeys for the BBC. He co-produced, wrote and played the lead in THE MISSIONARY opposite Maggie Smith, who also appeared with him in A PRIVATE FUNCTION, written by Alan Bennett. Such was his fame in the US, he was enticed into once again hosting the enormously popular show Saturday Night Live, in one edition of which his mother makes a highly successful surprise guest appearance. He filmed several journeys for television and became chairman of the pressure group, Transport 2000. His family remains a constant as his and Helen's children enter their teens. Volume III: Travelling to Work (1988-1998) TRAVELLING TO WORK is a roller-coaster ride driven by the Palin hallmarks of curiosity and sense of adventure. Michael was not the BBC's first choice for the travel series AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, but after its success, the public naturally wanted more. Palin, however, had other plans. There was his film AMERICAN FRIENDS, a role in Alan Bleasdale's award-winning drama GBH, the staging of his West End play THE WEEKEND, a first novel, HEMINGWAY'S CHAIR, and a lead role in FIERCE CREATURES. He did find time for two more travel series, POLE TO POLE in 1991 and FULL CIRCLE in 1996, and wrote two bestselling books to accompany them. These ten years in different directions offer riches on every page.

PRE-ORDER the brand-new, penultimate instalment in JC Duncan's action-packed Last Viking series. Sworn to serve the empire, cursed to decide its fate. 1041 AD, Constantinople The Byzantine empire is fading. Sick with corruption and complacency that paralyses its once mighty people, assailed from within and without by those who seek to feast upon its riches. The emperor is dying, the empress is ageing, and rebellion threatens in the heart of their homelands. The last hope of the eternal empire might lie with a disgraced foreign mercenary. Harald Hardrada fears nothing but failure or dishonour. For eight years he has faithfully served the heirs of Caesar, but has failed in his goal to earn the riches and reputation he needs to reclaim the throne of Norway. Empress Zoe makes Harald one final offer to save both of their ambitions: He can have all the riches and glory that he desires, if he breaks his oaths and delivers the empire into her grasp. Is Harald the man of his word or will he bend to the empress's ruthless demands? The explosive next chapter in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada Praise for JC Duncan: 'Harald Hardrada as you've never seen him before! A fantastic story written by a fantastic author' - Donovan Cook 'Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity' - Richard Cullen 'A fresh, vibrant take on perhaps that most Viking of all Vikings, Harald Hardrada. Bloody, epic and full of detail, Duncan paints a vivid picture of Harald's early life, as he battles his way into legend' - Matthew Harffy 'The gripping tale of the last great viking, Harold Hardrada, told in compelling style' -Tim Hodkinson 'An engrossing, epic tale brimming with historical detail and brave daring - the story of a legend' - MJ Porter 'Fantastic, a magnificent series. I have loved each book. Can't wait to read the next in series. If you love stories of bravery and adventure you must get this!' - Reader Review 'A truly fantastic series. A must for historical fiction fans. If you haven't read JC Duncan's telling of Hardrada yet you really are missing out.' - Reader Review 'Excellent again. The pace continues on from the last book and once again it is very hard to put down. It's full of lies, decete and just flat out Brutal violence some that even makes you cringe but it is just a fantastic read.' - Reader Review 'Wow wow wow!!! This was such a ride. The character development and world building was top notch. This is a must read!!' - Netgalley Reviewer

Before the Coffee Gets Cold meets Studio Ghibli in this captivating Sunday Times bestselling romantic fantasy novel that will sweep you away on an unforgettable, magical adventure. *A Good Housekeeping Good Books Winter Collection reader favourite!* On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it. Most will see only a cosy ramen restaurant. And just the chosen ones - those who are lost - will find a place to pawn their life choices and deepest regrets. Hana Ishikawa wakes on her first morning as the pawnshop's new owner to find it ransacked, the shop's most precious acquisition stolen and her father missing. And then into the shop stumbles a charming stranger, quite unlike other customers. For he offers help, instead of seeking it. Together, they journey through a mystical world to find Hana's father and the stolen choice - through rain puddles, hitching rides on paper cranes, across the bridge between midnight and morning and through a night market in the clouds. But as they get closer to the truth, Hana must reveal a secret of her own - and risk making a choice she will never be able to take back. Would you rewrite your destiny if it meant losing a part of your past? Praise for Water Moon! 'Full of adventure and marvellous creativity, Water Moon surprises and delights with every turn of the page' -- Megan Bannen, bestselling author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy 'A spell-binding journey into a magical Ghibli-esque world. Endlessly inventive, this haunting and enchanting tale is not to be missed.' --A.Y. Chao, author of Shanghai Immortal ' A unique and beautiful fantasy novel' _ _ _ _ _ 'Water Moon is unlike anything I've ever read, full of wonders and terrors...a haunting, half-remembered dream of a book.' --Gareth Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book of Doors 'A whimsical and immersive [Studio] Ghibli-esque adventure' _ _ _ _ _ 'Water Moon is a dreamy, ethereal fantasy, set in a fascinating faerie tale world with appropriately dark corners. Fans of Hayao Miyazaki will love this one.' --Olivia Atwater, author of Half a Soul 'Every leg of the journey unfolded with its own distinct charm' _ _ _ _ _ 'Whimsical, poignant, thought-provoking, and wildly adventurous, Water Moon will bend your imagination in the very best of ways.' --Mikki Brammer, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover 'The world building [is] so exquisite' _ _ _ _ _ **This edition contains an early preview of Samantha's next novel, The Elsewhere Express - coming soon and available to pre-order now!** WATERSTONES Science Fiction & Fantasy Book of the Month - NOVEMBER 2025

Before the Coffee Gets Cold meets Studio Ghibli in this captivating Sunday Times bestselling romantic fantasy novel that will sweep you away on an unforgettable, magical adventure. *A Good Housekeeping Good Books Winter Collection reader favourite!* On a backstreet in Tokyo lies a pawnshop, but not everyone can find it. Most will see only a cosy ramen restaurant. And just the chosen ones - those who are lost - will find a place to pawn their life choices and deepest regrets. Hana Ishikawa wakes on her first morning as the pawnshop's new owner to find it ransacked, the shop's most precious acquisition stolen and her father missing. And then into the shop stumbles a charming stranger, quite unlike other customers. For he offers help, instead of seeking it. Together, they journey through a mystical world to find Hana's father and the stolen choice - through rain puddles, hitching rides on paper cranes, across the bridge between midnight and morning and through a night market in the clouds. But as they get closer to the truth, Hana must reveal a secret of her own - and risk making a choice she will never be able to take back. Would you rewrite your destiny if it meant losing a part of your past? Praise for Water Moon! 'Full of adventure and marvellous creativity, Water Moon surprises and delights with every turn of the page' -- Megan Bannen, bestselling author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy 'A spell-binding journey into a magical Ghibli-esque world. Endlessly inventive, this haunting and enchanting tale is not to be missed.' --A.Y. Chao, author of Shanghai Immortal ' A unique and beautiful fantasy novel' _ _ _ _ _ 'Water Moon is unlike anything I've ever read, full of wonders and terrors...a haunting, half-remembered dream of a book.' --Gareth Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book of Doors 'A whimsical and immersive [Studio] Ghibli-esque adventure' _ _ _ _ _ 'Water Moon is a dreamy, ethereal fantasy, set in a fascinating faerie tale world with appropriately dark corners. Fans of Hayao Miyazaki will love this one.' --Olivia Atwater, author of Half a Soul 'Every leg of the journey unfolded with its own distinct charm' _ _ _ _ _ 'Whimsical, poignant, thought-provoking, and wildly adventurous, Water Moon will bend your imagination in the very best of ways.' --Mikki Brammer, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover 'The world building [is] so exquisite' _ _ _ _ _ **This edition contains an early preview of Samantha's next novel, The Elsewhere Express - coming soon and available to pre-order now!** WATERSTONES Science Fiction & Fantasy Book of the Month - NOVEMBER 2025

If you can dream it, you can make it come true... Libby Quinn is sick and tired of being sensible After years of slogging her guts out for nothing at a PR company, she finds herself redundant and about to plough every last penny of her savings into refurbishing a ramshackle shop and making her dream of owning her own bookshop become a reality. She hopes opening 'Once Upon A Book' on Ivy Lane will be the perfect tribute to her beloved grandfather who instilled a love of reading and books in her from an early age. When her love life and friendships become even more complicated - will Libby have the courage to follow her dreams? Or has she bitten off more than she can chew? A gorgeous new romantic comedy about taking chances and realising your dreams, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Christie Barlow and Mhairi McFarlane. What readers are saying about The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn: 'Uplifting and full of hope, this story is one you can immerse yourself in for a good few hours and come out if it feeling better about the world.' 'This brought a smile to my face in these difficult times, feel good read, great characters and good storyline.' 'I absolutely loved it, truly one of the best books I have read.' 'This is a light, cheerful, quick read.' 'A fun and heartwarming book.' 'This is a gorgeous, uplifting, heart warming read that made a sunny Sunday afternoon all the better.' 'This truly is a beautiful story and easy to give five stars. It reminded me why I love to read, why escaping into the pages of a good book is just what the mind needs every now and again, and of course with a happy ending, I finished this story with a smile and a tear.' 'It was an uplifting, enjoyable read.' 'I loved this book' 'Funny, witty, romantic, uplifting, fabulously fun, great cast of characters and a good storyline. I really enjoyed this one.' 'The perfect antidote to all the doom and gloom that's on the news at the moment' 'The story put a smile on my face & was a beautiful uplifting read.' 'A fun story, and one I found hard to put down. Highly recommend this one, and look forward to reading more by this author.' 'This is more than just romantic fiction it's like a trip down memory lane where you can remember your own childhood.' 'Loved every minute spent with Libby Quinn' 'The plot was so good you didn't want the book to end!' 'Great lighthearted read, each chapters titled after classic books, which is a nice touch. Libby goes on a rollercoaster ride, in her personal life, whilst endeavoring to make their dream reality.' 'What a gorgeous book! I really liked the story and it touched my heart in so many ways.'

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿The grand finale in JC Duncan's epic Last Viking adventure series featuring ¿¿¿¿Harald Hardrada ¿¿ Must-read for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Peter Gibbons and Matthew Harffy ¿¿ Born to be king. Destined to die for glory. 1066 AD , Norway Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, the Thunderbolt of the North, reigns supreme; undefeated on the battlefield and unchallenged at home. His banner, Land-Waster, flies triumphant everywhere he marches. Everything that was stolen from his brother, King Olaf, has been regained. But power does not satiate. Glory does not fill the empty void in an ambitious heart. Victory is an elixir that runs dry no matter how freely it flows. No matter the height on which the triumphant stand, there, in the corner of his eye, is the glitter of another conquest. Harald has achieved more than any man of his time, but fate is not done with him. His destiny lies on the banks of a quiet river in England's green and pleasant land - Stamford Bridge. To finish his great story, to forge the empire he always desired, all the last Viking conqueror must do is defeat a worthy opponent; King Harold of England, and seize his country and his crown. His life changed nations. His death will change the world. The thrilling conclusion in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada 'The Last Viking'. A formidable warrior king known for his military prowess, ambition, and ruthlessness. ** ¿¿¿¿Praise for J C Duncan¿¿¿¿: 'Harald Hardrada as you've never seen him before! A fantastic story written by a fantastic author' - Donovan Cook 'Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity' - Richard Cullen 'A fresh, vibrant take on perhaps that most Viking of all Vikings, Harald Hardrada. Bloody, epic and full of detail, Duncan paints a vivid picture of Harald's early life, as he battles his way into legend' - Matthew Harffy 'The gripping tale of the last great viking, Harold Hardrada, told in compelling style' - Tim Hodkinson 'An engrossing, epic tale brimming with historical detail and brave daring - the story of a legend' - MJ Porter 'Fantastic, a magnificent series. I have loved each book. Can't wait to read the next in series. If you love stories of bravery and adventure you must get this!' - Reader Review 'A truly fantastic series. A must for historical fiction fans. If you haven't read JC Duncan's telling of Hardrada yet you really are missing out.' - Reader Review 'Excellent again. The pace continues on from the last book and once again it is very hard to put down. It's full of lies, decete and just flat out Brutal violence some that even makes you cringe but it is just a fantastic read.' - Reader Review 'Wow wow wow!!! This was such a ride. The character development and world building was top notch. This is a must read!!' - Netgalley Reviewer

A memoir by an American who almost single-handedly introduced Soviet rock to the free world, [...] Stingray, who wrote this memoir with her daughter, Madison, nicely captures her daring amid an atmosphere of liberation and fear, and she's a study in moxie and enthusiasm. -Kirkus ReviewsAs one of the first American musicians to break through the Soviet scene, and one of the few women to be seen as an equal amongst Leningrad's pantheon of rock superstars, Stingray’s perspective on the development of late Soviet rock is probably the single most important source for those who want a birds-eye view of late Soviet youth culture, and Stingray’s stories are as entertaining as they are relevant and illuminating. —Alexander Herbert, author of What About Tomorrow?: An Oral History of Russian Punk from the Soviet Era to Pussy RiotWild and vivid — a rollicking memoir of romance and rock ‘n’ roll in an era of upheaval and transition. From Los Angeles to Leningrad and back again, Joanna’s story is borne along by her infectious, headlong enthusiasm. It’s quite a ride. —Patrick Radden Keefe, creator of the Wind of Change podcast and author of Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern IrelandThe history of Russian rock music could have been very different without Joanna Stingray. Joanna was friends with rock musicians, recorded songs with them, shot their videos and brought them clothes and instruments from the West. Her video footage, capturing young icons of Russian rock like Viktor Tsoi, Sergei Kuryokhin, Timur Novikov and Boris Grebenshchikov, is rare evidence of the golden era of the Soviet underground. —The Moscow TimesRed Wave is a warm and conversational autobiography about a lost world, peopled with courageous artists risking their freedom for the ideas of expression, art, and rock ‘n’ roll. [...] We root for her and her friends to overcome bureaucracy, oppression, isolation, deprivation, and the heavy footsteps of the KGB. [...] In a readable and personable way, Red Wave helps shine some light into this remarkable corner of rock history. —Tim Sommer, GuernicaJoanna Stingray's appearance in St. Petersburg in the early 1980s must have been God's response to our unconscious prayers. Her naive bravery, curiosity and generosity created a kind of a lifeline for us rockers: she brought in things we needed to play our music, and took out not only our recordings but the very message of our existence. Had it not been for her and her Red Wave, it would have taken Aquarium many more years to have official records on Melodiya and Kino to start touring Europe. This fearless maiden broke through the siege that looked hopelessly unbreakable. She threw a life-saver into our waters and she changed everything. No matter how many times we thank her — it's never enough. —Boris Grebenshchikov (Aquarium), 2018

WITH AN EXCLUSIVE NEW CHAPTER FOR THE PAPERBACK EDITION The Amazon No.1 Bestseller The Sunday Times Bestseller THE ROYAL BOOK OF THE YEAR _________________________________ 'Eye-poppingly revealing. . . impeccable sources, historical heft and canny insights served up with a zingy wit. There are many royal biographers, but few as good as this. She turns gossip into the first draft of history.' TELEGRAPH From the Queen's stoic resolve to the crisis of Meghan and Harry. From the ascendance of Camilla and Kate to the downfall of Andrew. Full of remarkable inside access, The Palace Papers by Sunday Times bestselling author Tina Brown will change how you understand the Royal Family. 'Clever, well-informed and disgustingly entertaining' THE TIMES 'There are royal books, and there are royal books. But The Palace Papers is in a genre of its own' RADIO TIMES 'Jaw dropping! What a book . . . if you ever want to feel like a fly on the wall of any of the palaces, this is it.' LORRAINE KELLY 'Brown's prose has the swoosh of an enjoyably OTT ballgown' FINANCIAL TIMES 'The world's sharpish and best-informed royal expert' PIERS MORGAN 'Riveting and rigorous' PANDORA SYKES 'A witty, rip-roaring read . . . full off perceptive and witty observations' i Newspaper 'A rollicking ride through recent royal family history . . . Tina Brown's sparkling prose and eye for detail enliven an entertaining exposé' OBSERVER 'The most explosive royal book of the year' THE SUN 'Gloriously irreverent, racily written and often very funny . The early chapters on the long affair between Prince Charles and Camilla read like a non-fiction version of Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles' NEW STATESMAN 'A motherlode of delectable gossip . . . Brown has produced a work both scholarly and scandalous that makes us think about what the post-Elizabethan world may bring, alternately amusing and horrifying us along the way . . . vivid and richly-embroidered' INDEPENDENT 'The devil is in the delicious detail . . . Brown tackles her subjects with the same brio she brought to her years as a highly regarded magazine editor . . . Her access to those who flit around the royals gives her writing an edgy authenticity' DAILY MAIL 'Brown thrashes her way through absolutely everything that has happened to the family since the end of the last book in 1997 . . . Charles and Camilla are vividly brought to life in a series of well-researched stories and anecdotes' SUNDAY TIMES 'The Palace Papers is a sharp-nibbed observation of a generation of tumult for the House of Windsor, bookended by the deaths of Princess Diana and Prince Philip. It's a story about media as much as monarchy, and it draws from almost every chapter in Brown's career in journalism' FINANCIAL TIMES 'It's hard to look away as Tina Brown delves into decades' worth of royal scandals' GUARDIAN 'Ut

A carefully abridged and levelled ELT Reader featuring the world's most famous detective. The Legend of Sherlock Holmes includes three stories: The Adventure of the Speckled Band, The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist and The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb for readers with B1 CEFR level English proficiency. Collins brings the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, to English language learners. This reader has been carefully adapted using the Collins COBUILD grading scheme to ensure that the language is at the correct level for an intermediate learner. This book is Level 3 in the Collins ELT Readers series. Level 3 is equivalent to CEF level B1 with a word count of 11,000 - 20,000 words. This ELT Reader includes: Full audio of the book accessed securely via QR code Rich supplementary materials: character lists, cultural notes, comprehension exercises, reading discussion questions A glossary of the more difficult words The plot The Adventure of the Speckled Band A terrified young woman comes to Holmes early one morning. Her sister died two years ago in a locked room, and her last words were "the speckled band!" Now the woman must sleep in the same room, and she hears the same strange whistling sound at night that her sister heard before she died. Holmes and Watson must spend a night in the deadly room to discover the truth. What is the speckled band? The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist A young music teacher is being followed by a mysterious man on a bicycle every time she rides home from work. She doesn't know who he is or what he wants. Strange things are happening around her - her employer is acting oddly, and a man has proposed marriage to her even though they barely know each other. Holmes investigates, but when he returns to check on her, she has disappeared. Can he find her before it's too late? The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb A young engineer arrives at Watson's house in the middle of the night - his thumb has been cut off! He tells an incredible story about a job offer that turned into a nightmare. He was hired to examine a machine in a remote house, but discovered something criminal was happening. When he tried to escape, someone tried to kill him. Holmes realizes a dangerous gang is operating nearby. Can he find them before they disappear forever? About Collins ELT Readers Collins ELT Readers are divided into 7 levels: Level 1 - elementary (A2) Level 2 - pre-intermediate (A2-B1) Level 3 - intermediate (B1) Level 4 - upper- intermediate (B2) Level 5 - upper-intermediate+ (B2+) Level 6 - advanced (C1) Level 7 - advanced+ (C2) Each level is carefully graded to ensure that the learner both enjoys and benefits from their reading experience.

The latest instalment in JC Duncan's action-packed Last Viking series The greatest threat to the empire is not a foreign army, but the thirst for power at all costs. 1038 AD, Constantinople Harald Sigurdsson has risen through bravery and glory in battle to become the commander of the legendary Varangian guard, the oath-sworn protector of the Roman throne in Constantinople; The wielder of the emperor's axe. With the estranged Emperor and Empress consumed in a deadly palace war for sole control of the empire, Harald must somehow keep the peace. In a city where everything is taken by subterfuge, violence and deceit, what must an honourable man do to protect the empire from both its enemies and itself? Harald might be forced to choose between his life and his oaths, to take a side or become an enemy of all, and watch, outcast, as the empire crumbles. Harald is a master of war, but victory in battle will no longer be enough. The explosive next chapter in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada Praise for JC Duncan: 'Harald Hardrada as you've never seen him before! A fantastic story written by a fantastic author' - Donovan Cook 'Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity' - Richard Cullen 'A fresh, vibrant take on perhaps that most Viking of all Vikings, Harald Hardrada. Bloody, epic and full of detail, Duncan paints a vivid picture of Harald's early life, as he battles his way into legend' - Matthew Harffy 'The gripping tale of the last great viking, Harold Hardrada, told in compelling style' -Tim Hodkinson 'An engrossing, epic tale brimming with historical detail and brave daring - the story of a legend' - MJ Porter 'Fantastic. This is the third in the series and magnificent. I have loved each book. But I think this one is outstanding. I sat up to finish it because I couldn't stop reading . Can't wait to read the next in series which may be the last. If you love stories of bravery and adventure you must get this!' - Reader Review 'a truly fantastic series. A must for historical fiction fans. This book has some real, larger than life characters and is written with a great attention to detail. If you haven't read JC Duncan's telling of Hardrada yet you really are missing out.' - Reader Review 'Excellent again. The pace continues on from the last book and once again it is very hard to put down. It's full of lies, decete and just flat out Brutal violence some that even makes you cringe but it is just a fantastic read.' - Reader Review 'Wow wow wow!!! This was such a ride. The character development and world building was top notch. This is a must read!!' - Netgalley Reviewer

WITH AN EXCLUSIVE NEW CHAPTER FOR THE PAPERBACK EDITION The Amazon No.1 Bestseller The Sunday Times Bestseller THE ROYAL BOOK OF THE YEAR _________________________________ 'Eye-poppingly revealing. . . impeccable sources, historical heft and canny insights served up with a zingy wit. There are many royal biographers, but few as good as this. She turns gossip into the first draft of history.' TELEGRAPH From the Queen's stoic resolve to the crisis of Meghan and Harry. From the ascendance of Camilla and Kate to the downfall of Andrew. Full of remarkable inside access, The Palace Papers by Sunday Times bestselling author Tina Brown will change how you understand the Royal Family. 'Clever, well-informed and disgustingly entertaining' THE TIMES 'There are royal books, and there are royal books. But The Palace Papers is in a genre of its own' RADIO TIMES 'Jaw dropping! What a book . . . if you ever want to feel like a fly on the wall of any of the palaces, this is it.' LORRAINE KELLY 'Brown's prose has the swoosh of an enjoyably OTT ballgown' FINANCIAL TIMES 'The world's sharpish and best-informed royal expert' PIERS MORGAN 'Riveting and rigorous' PANDORA SYKES 'A witty, rip-roaring read . . . full off perceptive and witty observations' i Newspaper 'A rollicking ride through recent royal family history . . . Tina Brown's sparkling prose and eye for detail enliven an entertaining exposé' OBSERVER 'The most explosive royal book of the year' THE SUN 'Gloriously irreverent, racily written and often very funny . The early chapters on the long affair between Prince Charles and Camilla read like a non-fiction version of Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles' NEW STATESMAN 'A motherlode of delectable gossip . . . Brown has produced a work both scholarly and scandalous that makes us think about what the post-Elizabethan world may bring, alternately amusing and horrifying us along the way . . . vivid and richly-embroidered' INDEPENDENT 'The devil is in the delicious detail . . . Brown tackles her subjects with the same brio she brought to her years as a highly regarded magazine editor . . . Her access to those who flit around the royals gives her writing an edgy authenticity' DAILY MAIL 'Brown thrashes her way through absolutely everything that has happened to the family since the end of the last book in 1997 . . . Charles and Camilla are vividly brought to life in a series of well-researched stories and anecdotes' SUNDAY TIMES 'The Palace Papers is a sharp-nibbed observation of a generation of tumult for the House of Windsor, bookended by the deaths of Princess Diana and Prince Philip. It's a story about media as much as monarchy, and it draws from almost every chapter in Brown's career in journalism' FINANCIAL TIMES 'It's hard to look away as Tina Brown delves into decades' worth of royal scandals' GUARDIAN 'Ut

The grand finale in JC Duncan's epic Last Viking adventure series featuring Harald Hardrada Must-read for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Peter Gibbons and Matthew Harffy Born to be king. Destined to die for glory. 1066 AD, Norway Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, the Thunderbolt of the North, reigns supreme; undefeated on the battlefield and unchallenged at home. His banner, Land-Waster, flies triumphant everywhere he marches. Everything that was stolen from his brother, King Olaf, has been regained. But power does not satiate. Glory does not fill the empty void in an ambitious heart. Victory is an elixir that runs dry no matter how freely it flows. No matter the height on which the triumphant stand, there, in the corner of his eye, is the glitter of another conquest. Harald has achieved more than any man of his time, but fate is not done with him. His destiny lies on the banks of a quiet river in England's green and pleasant land - Stamford Bridge. To finish his great story, to forge the empire he always desired, all the last Viking conqueror must do is defeat a worthy opponent; King Harold of England, and seize his country and his crown. His life changed nations. His death will change the world. The thrilling conclusion in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada 'The Last Viking'. A formidable warrior king known for his military prowess, ambition, and ruthlessness. ** Praise for J C Duncan : 'Harald Hardrada as you've never seen him before! A fantastic story written by a fantastic author' - Donovan Cook 'Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity' - Richard Cullen 'A fresh, vibrant take on perhaps that most Viking of all Vikings, Harald Hardrada. Bloody, epic and full of detail, Duncan paints a vivid picture of Harald's early life, as he battles his way into legend' - Matthew Harffy 'The gripping tale of the last great viking, Harold Hardrada, told in compelling style' - Tim Hodkinson 'An engrossing, epic tale brimming with historical detail and brave daring - the story of a legend' - MJ Porter 'Fantastic, a magnificent series. I have loved each book. Can't wait to read the next in series. If you love stories of bravery and adventure you must get this!' - Reader Review 'A truly fantastic series. A must for historical fiction fans. If you haven't read JC Duncan's telling of Hardrada yet you really are missing out.' - Reader Review 'Excellent again. The pace continues on from the last book and once again it is very hard to put down. It's full of lies, decete and just flat out Brutal violence some that even makes you cringe but it is just a fantastic read.' - Reader Review 'Wow wow wow!!! This was such a ride. The character development and world building was top notch. This is a must read!!' - Netgalley Reviewer

'Finch has written a blood-soaked historical epic to rank with the best' Anthony Riches, author of Storm of War The throne of England is under threat, but one lad's battle is much closer to home. Storm clouds gathering at England's shores Autumn, 1066. Saxon England, a realm at peace for fifty years, unknowingly enjoys its last peaceful harvest. For a Viking horde, led by the dreaded Harald Hardraada, circles off the north-eastern coast, while William of Normandy, a wolf in human guise, waits in the south, greedily sizing up the wealthy kingdom. will change a young man's future Seventeen-year-old Cerdic, as second in line to the earldom of Ripon in northern England, is being trained for a future in the Church. But croziers and catechism do not fire Cerdic's soul. He longs instead to be a warrior, like his brother Unferth, and ride to battle in defence of his lands. and unseat his whole world But as the invasion fleets sail, Cerdic finds himself caught in a maelstrom that will utterly reshape the life he used to know. A catastrophic war is coming to England, and Cerdic's wish for battle looks set to come true Sunday Times bestselling author Paul Finch's first historical novel is an edge-of-your-seat coming-of-age adventure in early medieval England, perfect for fans of David Gilman and Bernard Cornwell. Praise for Usurper 'Usurper is an action-packed, coming-of-age, adventure set against the upheaval and battles of 1066. Finch gives us Cerdic, a troubled hero thrown into the maelstrom of events outside of his control, and we follow him breathlessly as he deals with brutal Vikings, familial rivalries, unrequited love, invading Normans and more!' Matthew Harffy, author of the Bernicia Chronicles 'Usurper propels the reader from the very first page through a dark and desperate age when Britons fought for their survival. Fearsome battles, believable characters, uncommon valour. A relentless page turner' David Gilman, author of the Master of War series 'The grim world of Anglo Saxon England is brought evocatively to life by master storyteller Paul Finch as he thrusts the reader deep into the cold and mud and blood of a country teetering on the brink of a devastating war for survival. Usurper is a must-read for any lover of history, capturing all the rich detail of a turbulent time and stitching it through with powerful emotion' James Wilde, author of the Hereward Chronicles 'An authentic and vivid depiction of life in England in 1066, and a brutal, blood-soaked thriller that will be loved by fans of Cornwell's Last Kingdom' Alex Gough, author of the Imperial Assassins series 'Finch brings 1066 to life in new and vivid ways. Packed with blistering battle scenes and believable characters, this is a superb historical novel' Steven A. McKay, author of the Druid series

A memoir by an American who almost single-handedly introduced Soviet rock to the free world, [...] Stingray, who wrote this memoir with her daughter, Madison, nicely captures her daring amid an atmosphere of liberation and fear, and she's a study in moxie and enthusiasm. -Kirkus ReviewsAs one of the first American musicians to break through the Soviet scene, and one of the few women to be seen as an equal amongst Leningrad's pantheon of rock superstars, Stingray’s perspective on the development of late Soviet rock is probably the single most important source for those who want a birds-eye view of late Soviet youth culture, and Stingray’s stories are as entertaining as they are relevant and illuminating. —Alexander Herbert, author of What About Tomorrow?: An Oral History of Russian Punk from the Soviet Era to Pussy RiotWild and vivid — a rollicking memoir of romance and rock ‘n’ roll in an era of upheaval and transition. From Los Angeles to Leningrad and back again, Joanna’s story is borne along by her infectious, headlong enthusiasm. It’s quite a ride. —Patrick Radden Keefe, creator of the Wind of Change podcast and author of Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern IrelandThe history of Russian rock music could have been very different without Joanna Stingray. Joanna was friends with rock musicians, recorded songs with them, shot their videos and brought them clothes and instruments from the West. Her video footage, capturing young icons of Russian rock like Viktor Tsoi, Sergei Kuryokhin, Timur Novikov and Boris Grebenshchikov, is rare evidence of the golden era of the Soviet underground. —The Moscow TimesRed Wave is a warm and conversational autobiography about a lost world, peopled with courageous artists risking their freedom for the ideas of expression, art, and rock ‘n’ roll. [...] We root for her and her friends to overcome bureaucracy, oppression, isolation, deprivation, and the heavy footsteps of the KGB. [...] In a readable and personable way, Red Wave helps shine some light into this remarkable corner of rock history. —Tim Sommer, GuernicaJoanna Stingray's appearance in St. Petersburg in the early 1980s must have been God's response to our unconscious prayers. Her naive bravery, curiosity and generosity created a kind of a lifeline for us rockers: she brought in things we needed to play our music, and took out not only our recordings but the very message of our existence. Had it not been for her and her Red Wave, it would have taken Aquarium many more years to have official records on Melodiya and Kino to start touring Europe. This fearless maiden broke through the siege that looked hopelessly unbreakable. She threw a life-saver into our waters and she changed everything. No matter how many times we thank her — it's never enough. —Boris Grebenshchikov (Aquarium), 2018

A sizzling new adult sports romance, for fans of Heated Rivalry, Challengers, Carrie Soto is Back and Red, White and Royal Blue. 'A debut romance that will capture your heart' Cosmopolitan Game. Set. Perfect Match? Recently-turned-pro tennis player Austin Hardy has been out since high school, and it's never been a big deal. That is, until he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament. Suddenly, being gay is a huge deal. If the newly found fame wasn't enough to send Austin spiralling, then tripping and falling in front of the very talented, very attractive, (probably) straight World #2, Diego Cruz, is the last straw. Only, the awkward gaffe marks the start of a blossoming friendship off the court. But when Diego admits his attraction to Austin, the flirty banter and mixed signals start to throw Austin off his game. And neither player wants to acknowledge their looming showdown at the fourth round of the US Open. Only one can win in the game of tennis, but who will win in the game of love? 'Edward Schmit serves up decadent romance and delicious chemistry in his stunning debut. This is what sports romance dreams are made of' B.K. Borison, #1 New York Times bestselling author 'Edward Schmit serves a stunning ace with this heartfelt and page-turning exploration of what it means for fierce competitors to surrender to something greater than themselves. A winning debut' Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle "Whether it was from the dreamy, courtside romance or high stakes of professional tennis, my heart pounded its way through every page of Edward Schmit's spectacular debut' Robbie Couch, New York Times bestselling author 'With the intensity of Challengers and the sweetness of Wimbledon, Edward Schmit's debut The Open Era has quickly become one of my top pieces of tennis media ever' Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of Never Been Shipped 'An absolute grand slam of a debut!' Simone Soltani, USA Today bestselling author of Ride with Me 'As exciting (and with as many twists!) as a five-set Sinner-Alcaraz final. Sweet, sharp, funny, and full of heart' Josh Duboff, author of Early Thirties 'Pivoting seamlessly from sporting rivalry to swoon-worthy romance, this a gripping and memorable debut' Zac Hammett, author of See You At The Finish Line 'Game, set, match, readers...this is about to be your next five-star obsession!' Chip Pons, author of Winging It with You 'This book will win your heart in straight sets!' Tobias Madden, award-winning author of Anything But Fine 'An ace of a romance told in such a tender way that you won't be able to put it down!' Matthew Hubbard, critically acclaimed author of The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge 'A beautiful romance, full of longing, heat and athletic men doing athlete things' Los Angeles Times '[A] compulsively readable debut...This is a welcome addition to the growing subgenre of tennis romances' &l

A sizzling new adult sports romance, for fans of Heated Rivalry, Challengers, Carrie Soto is Back and Red, White and Royal Blue. 'A debut romance that will capture your heart' Cosmopolitan Game. Set. Perfect Match? Recently-turned-pro tennis player Austin Hardy has been out since high school, and it's never been a big deal. That is, until he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament. Suddenly, being gay is a huge deal. If the newly found fame wasn't enough to send Austin spiralling, then tripping and falling in front of the very talented, very attractive, (probably) straight World #2, Diego Cruz, is the last straw. Only, the awkward gaffe marks the start of a blossoming friendship off the court. But when Diego admits his attraction to Austin, the flirty banter and mixed signals start to throw Austin off his game. And neither player wants to acknowledge their looming showdown at the fourth round of the US Open. Only one can win in the game of tennis, but who will win in the game of love? 'Edward Schmit serves up decadent romance and delicious chemistry in his stunning debut. This is what sports romance dreams are made of' B.K. Borison, #1 New York Times bestselling author 'Edward Schmit serves a stunning ace with this heartfelt and page-turning exploration of what it means for fierce competitors to surrender to something greater than themselves. A winning debut' Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle "Whether it was from the dreamy, courtside romance or high stakes of professional tennis, my heart pounded its way through every page of Edward Schmit's spectacular debut' Robbie Couch, New York Times bestselling author 'With the intensity of Challengers and the sweetness of Wimbledon, Edward Schmit's debut The Open Era has quickly become one of my top pieces of tennis media ever' Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of Never Been Shipped 'An absolute grand slam of a debut!' Simone Soltani, USA Today bestselling author of Ride with Me 'As exciting (and with as many twists!) as a five-set Sinner-Alcaraz final. Sweet, sharp, funny, and full of heart' Josh Duboff, author of Early Thirties 'Pivoting seamlessly from sporting rivalry to swoon-worthy romance, this a gripping and memorable debut' Zac Hammett, author of See You At The Finish Line 'Game, set, match, readers...this is about to be your next five-star obsession!' Chip Pons, author of Winging It with You 'This book will win your heart in straight sets!' Tobias Madden, award-winning author of Anything But Fine 'An ace of a romance told in such a tender way that you won't be able to put it down!' Matthew Hubbard, critically acclaimed author of The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge 'A beautiful romance, full of longing, heat and athletic men doing athlete things' Los Angeles Times '[A] compulsively readable debut...This is a welcome addition to the growing subgenre of tennis romances' &l

A sizzling new adult sports romance, for fans of Heated Rivalry, Challengers, Carrie Soto is Back and Red, White and Royal Blue. 'A debut romance that will capture your heart' Cosmopolitan Game. Set. Perfect Match? Recently-turned-pro tennis player Austin Hardy has been out since high school, and it's never been a big deal. That is, until he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament. Suddenly, being gay is a huge deal. If the newly found fame wasn't enough to send Austin spiralling, then tripping and falling in front of the very talented, very attractive, (probably) straight World #2, Diego Cruz, is the last straw. Only, the awkward gaffe marks the start of a blossoming friendship off the court. But when Diego admits his attraction to Austin, the flirty banter and mixed signals start to throw Austin off his game. And neither player wants to acknowledge their looming showdown at the fourth round of the US Open. Only one can win in the game of tennis, but who will win in the game of love? 'Edward Schmit serves up decadent romance and delicious chemistry in his stunning debut. This is what sports romance dreams are made of' B.K. Borison, #1 New York Times bestselling author 'Edward Schmit serves a stunning ace with this heartfelt and page-turning exploration of what it means for fierce competitors to surrender to something greater than themselves. A winning debut' Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle "Whether it was from the dreamy, courtside romance or high stakes of professional tennis, my heart pounded its way through every page of Edward Schmit's spectacular debut' Robbie Couch, New York Times bestselling author 'With the intensity of Challengers and the sweetness of Wimbledon, Edward Schmit's debut The Open Era has quickly become one of my top pieces of tennis media ever' Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of Never Been Shipped 'An absolute grand slam of a debut!' Simone Soltani, USA Today bestselling author of Ride with Me 'As exciting (and with as many twists!) as a five-set Sinner-Alcaraz final. Sweet, sharp, funny, and full of heart' Josh Duboff, author of Early Thirties 'Pivoting seamlessly from sporting rivalry to swoon-worthy romance, this a gripping and memorable debut' Zac Hammett, author of See You At The Finish Line 'Game, set, match, readers...this is about to be your next five-star obsession!' Chip Pons, author of Winging It with You 'This book will win your heart in straight sets!' Tobias Madden, award-winning author of Anything But Fine 'An ace of a romance told in such a tender way that you won't be able to put it down!' Matthew Hubbard, critically acclaimed author of The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge 'A beautiful romance, full of longing, heat and athletic men doing athlete things' Los Angeles Times '[A] compulsively readable debut...This is a welcome addition to the growing subgenre of tennis romances' Publishers Weekly 'Schmit enters the romance genre with a smashing forehand...This book is sure to quench readers' thirst for more queer representation in sports books and will be enjoyed by fans of Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry (2019) and Taylor Jenkins Reid's Carrie Soto Is Back (2022)' Booklist

**The INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER** Soak up the perfect summer read and fall in love with Linda & Levi in By Your Side, the latest heart-warmer from the Gavin and Stacey co-creator, Ruth Jones. 'Brilliantly told, you'll laugh, cry - and love it' Woman & Home 'A heartwarming and funny read from the brilliant Ruth Jones' Heat (Book of the Week) 'Ruth's books are always a joy and full of gorgeous characters ' Prima --- After thirty-three years helping strangers at the council's Unclaimed Heirs Unit, Linda is looking forward to early retirement. But first, one last case: tracking down the relatives of the deceased Levi Norman, a Welshman who spent his final years on a remote Scottish island. As Linda delves into Levi's past, aided (and occasionally thwarted) by the residents of Storrich, she uncovers more than just his story. Bursting with heart and humour, By Your Side is about finding joy in the most unlikely connections, and the importance of holding on to friendship, love and community - especially when life gets messy. **SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2026 RNA ROMANTIC COMEDY AWARD** --- Readers are loving By Your Side! ' Funny and heartbreaking and wonderful. Five huge flashing stars ' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'It's one to devour in one sitting and tell your friends about. ' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'My first book by the wonderful Ruth Jones and I'm kicking myself I haven't read any sooner .' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'Oh, Ruth Jones, that wasn't fair. You made me cry. What a truly lovely story .' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ' I could not have loved By Your Side more - what a wonderful book!' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'I adored By Your Side and was quite bereft to leave these characters behind. By Your Side is such a gorgeous uplifting read, filled with warmth and humour and heart . Read it - you'll thank me!' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ' I bloody loved this book!! This is definitely o ne of those books which I could read over and over again. Wonderful!' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'Absolutely loved this book - couldn't stop reading it ' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ' What a compelling, emotional yet heart-warming story of love , family relationships, life struggles and community spirit ... With characters that were realistic and relatable, it had me gripped. I struggled to put it down , read it within 24 hours' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'It's been so long since a book made me both laugh and cry in equal measure .' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ Praise for Ruth Jones: 'Ruth Jones is excellent on human nature and why we make the mistakes we do' JOJO MOYES , bestselling author of Me Before You and Someone Else's Shoes 'Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster ride. Beautifully written, with characters that I know will stay with me' JO THOMAS , bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse 'Ruth Jones writes with such warmth you can't help but fall in love with the characters she creates.' JAMES CORDEN 'A cast of characters you'll lose your heart to.' ADELE PARKS , bestselling author of Just Between Us 'Beautifully warm and totally absorbing.' JANE FALLON , bestselling author of My Sweet Revenge and Strictly Between Us 'Heartfelt, joyful, brave, utterly compelling' RACHEL JOYCE , bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry 'Ruth's characters will stay with me for a long time.' CATHY BRAMLEY , bestselling author of The Lemon Tree Café **Cover may vary**

**The INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER** Soak up the perfect summer read and fall in love with Linda & Levi in By Your Side, the latest heart-warmer from the Gavin and Stacey co-creator, Ruth Jones. 'Brilliantly told, you'll laugh, cry - and love it' Woman & Home 'A heartwarming and funny read from the brilliant Ruth Jones' Heat (Book of the Week) 'Ruth's books are always a joy and full of gorgeous characters ' Prima --- After thirty-three years helping strangers at the council's Unclaimed Heirs Unit, Linda is looking forward to early retirement. But first, one last case: tracking down the relatives of the deceased Levi Norman, a Welshman who spent his final years on a remote Scottish island. As Linda delves into Levi's past, aided (and occasionally thwarted) by the residents of Storrich, she uncovers more than just his story. Bursting with heart and humour, By Your Side is about finding joy in the most unlikely connections, and the importance of holding on to friendship, love and community - especially when life gets messy. **SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2026 RNA ROMANTIC COMEDY AWARD** --- Readers are loving By Your Side! ' Funny and heartbreaking and wonderful. Five huge flashing stars ' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'It's one to devour in one sitting and tell your friends about. ' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'My first book by the wonderful Ruth Jones and I'm kicking myself I haven't read any sooner .' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'Oh, Ruth Jones, that wasn't fair. You made me cry. What a truly lovely story .' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ' I could not have loved By Your Side more - what a wonderful book!' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'I adored By Your Side and was quite bereft to leave these characters behind. By Your Side is such a gorgeous uplifting read, filled with warmth and humour and heart . Read it - you'll thank me!' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ' I bloody loved this book!! This is definitely o ne of those books which I could read over and over again. Wonderful!' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'Absolutely loved this book - couldn't stop reading it ' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ' What a compelling, emotional yet heart-warming story of love , family relationships, life struggles and community spirit ... With characters that were realistic and relatable, it had me gripped. I struggled to put it down , read it within 24 hours' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 'It's been so long since a book made me both laugh and cry in equal measure .' ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ Praise for Ruth Jones: 'Ruth Jones is excellent on human nature and why we make the mistakes we do' JOJO MOYES , bestselling author of Me Before You and Someone Else's Shoes 'Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster ride. Beautifully written, with characters that I know will stay with me' JO THOMAS , bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse 'Ruth Jones writes with such warmth you can't help but fall in love with the characters she creates.' JAMES CORDEN 'A cast of characters you'll lose your heart to.' ADELE PARKS , bestselling author of Just Between Us 'Beautifully warm and totally absorbing.' JANE FALLON , bestselling author of My Sweet Revenge and Strictly Between Us 'Heartfelt, joyful, brave, utterly compelling' RACHEL JOYCE , bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry 'Ruth's characters will stay with me for a long time.' CATHY BRAMLEY , bestselling author of The Lemon Tree Café **Cover may vary**

The intense action thriller from million copy bestseller Rob Sinclair, perfect for fans of Mark Dawson.Everyone has a breaking point. Carl Logan might just have found his.​ The JIA sends intelligence agent Carl Logan on a routine mission to Russia. It should have been simple. But when Logan's cover is blown, he's transported into a world of hell he thought he would never see again.Something is different this time, though, and before long doubts begin to surface in Logan's mind as to why the assignment went so wrong.Logan has never been short of enemies. And sometimes the enemy is closer to home than you think.Could his own people really have set him up?The odds are against him. But Logan isn't a man who likes to be cornered. And when you poke a caged animal, you'd better be prepared for the consequences...Readers LOVE Rob Sinclair's books:'A cracking thriller with a Reacheresque hero you can't help but root for!' - John Ryder'Wow, what a book, I loved it!! Rob Sinclair has an innate ability to draw you in and take you on an amazing ride, the character of agent Carl Logan is so authentic and Sinclair portrays him particularly well. All the characters in this story are well developed, the plot is fast paced, intriguing and totally entertaining. I really can't recommend this book highly enough.' - Goodreads reviewer 'OMG ,OMG, OMG I was bouncing off the walls when I realised Carl Logan is back with a new identity in a brand new series. After being gutted when the Enemy series ended. Just in case you didn't know I am a massive fan... lol. But Rob Sinclair has pulled out all the punches with this latest story, it is without a doubt his best book yet..... I freaking loved it.' - Goodreads reviewer 'I would think Rob Sinclair might rival some of the greats in his field. His writing is tight, current and gripping. He weaves easily between settings and great characters -there appear to be quite a few. And the pace is compelling. This all leads on to a most excellent ending.'- Goodreads reviewer 'Crikey The Red Cobra opens with an action packed scene and it pretty well doesn't let up for the rest of the novel. Short chapters with cliffhanger endings add a breathless pace so that The Red Cobra is a really exciting read. I genuinely found it heart-thumpingly exciting and the events even pervaded my dreams at night! There's quite a bit of violence but Rob Sinclair also knows less is more so he is a master of suggestion as well as description making for an elevated pulse rate in his readers. The Red Cobra is exciting, well written and absorbing - definitely a 'can't put it down thriller'. I loved it.'- Goodreads reviewer 'The Red Cobra is one fast paced, action packed, thrill of a read. It is actually screaming out to be put on the big screen. Who needs Lara Croft when you have The Red Cobra? Without a doubt this is a fantastic start to a new series and I am literally counting the days down until the author quenches my thirst for more.'- Goodreads reviewer 'This book is perfect for the fans of Robert Ludlum, Jim Grant and early James Patterson works.' - Goodreads reviewer 'Brilliantly crafted high-octane thriller with echoes of Robert Ludlum's infamous Bourne novels!'- Goodreads reviewer 'I can highly recommend this brilliant book by the master of action, Rob Sinclair.'- Goodreads reviewer

The intense action thriller from million copy bestseller Rob Sinclair, perfect for fans of Mark DawsonThe Hunt is on...They've erased his past. Wiped out his very existence. But Carl Logan isn't finished yet.On the run in a harsh Russian winter, Logan - once an invaluable asset but now branded a traitor - has been framed for murder. His own firm, the secretive Joint Intelligence Agency, have labeled him a rogue operative after two decades of loyal service. The agency is hunting him down... and they're not the only ones.But there's much more at stake than just Logan's life. One by one, agents and informants from all sides, all allegiances, are dying. An entire intelligence community is under attack.And Carl Logan is the only man who can put a stop to it, once and for all.A fast-paced thriller filled with twists, turns, and intrigue that will grip fans of Mark Dawson and the Jason Bourne novels.Readers LOVE Rob Sinclair's books:'A cracking thriller with a Reacheresque hero you can't help but root for!' - John Ryder'Wow, what a book, I loved it!! Rob Sinclair has an innate ability to draw you in and take you on an amazing ride, the character of agent Carl Logan is so authentic and Sinclair portrays him particularly well. All the characters in this story are well developed, the plot is fast paced, intriguing and totally entertaining. I really can't recommend this book highly enough.' - Goodreads reviewer 'OMG ,OMG, OMG I was bouncing off the walls when I realised Carl Logan is back with a new identity in a brand new series. After being gutted when the Enemy series ended. Just in case you didn't know I am a massive fan... lol. But Rob Sinclair has pulled out all the punches with this latest story, it is without a doubt his best book yet..... I freaking loved it.' - Goodreads reviewer 'I would think Rob Sinclair might rival some of the greats in his field. His writing is tight, current and gripping. He weaves easily between settings and great characters -there appear to be quite a few. And the pace is compelling. This all leads on to a most excellent ending.'- Goodreads reviewer 'Crikey The Red Cobra opens with an action packed scene and it pretty well doesn't let up for the rest of the novel. Short chapters with cliffhanger endings add a breathless pace so that The Red Cobra is a really exciting read. I genuinely found it heart-thumpingly exciting and the events even pervaded my dreams at night! There's quite a bit of violence but Rob Sinclair also knows less is more so he is a master of suggestion as well as description making for an elevated pulse rate in his readers. The Red Cobra is exciting, well written and absorbing - definitely a 'can't put it down thriller'. I loved it.'- Goodreads reviewer 'The Red Cobra is one fast paced, action packed, thrill of a read. It is actually screaming out to be put on the big screen. Who needs Lara Croft when you have The Red Cobra? Without a doubt this is a fantastic start to a new series and I am literally counting the days down until the author quenches my thirst for more.'- Goodreads reviewer 'This book is perfect for the fans of Robert Ludlum, Jim Grant and early James Patterson works.' - Goodreads reviewer 'Brilliantly crafted high-octane thriller with echoes of Robert Ludlum's infamous Bourne novels!'- Goodreads reviewer 'I can highly recommend this brilliant book by the master of action, Rob Sinclair.'- Goodreads reviewer

*** THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER AND REESE WITHERSPOON BOOKCLUB 2018 PICK! *** The perfect couple. The perfect crime? 'Deftly paced, elegantly chilly thriller... Steadman brings similar qualities of wit, timing and intelligence to this novel... a proper page-turner' New York Times Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough; Mark a handsome investment banker with a bright future. They seem to have it all. But do they? On a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, Mark takes Erin scuba diving. Everything is perfect. Until they find something in the water. Something that will change their lives forever. Erin and Mark decide to keep their discovery a secret. No one else need know; they trust each other implicitly. But someone else does know. And in situations like these, it is far better to trust no one, not even those closest to you ... Set to be the blockbuster read of the summer, this is an unmissable, fast-paced, jaw-dropping thriller from a debut writer destined for great things. 'A wild, page-turning ride! It's the perfect beach read!' Reese Witherspoon (Reese's Book Club x Hello Sunshine book pick) 'Worthy of Hitchcock' Sunday Times 'Pure adrenaline: I swallowed this book whole' Erin Kelly, author of He Said, She Said 'A thriller for our times' Louise Candlish, author of Our House 'A stunning debut. Superbly written, clever and gripping' BA Paris, author of Behind Closed Doors 'A fascinating moral dilemma' Gillian McAllister, author of Everything but the Truth 'It was the relatability of Erin's voice that set it apart from so many other thrillers as it automatically got me thinking 'What would I do in her position?' Caz Frear, author of Sweet Little Lies 'This debut's opening hook, which jumps ahead in the story to reveal a shocking outcome, teamed with Erin's spunk and the threat of Russian mobsters, creates irresistible suspense-of both the what-will-happen and the how-did-that-happen varieties' Booklist 'A delicious page-turner' New York Post 'Catherine Steadman bursts onto the thriller scene with this exceptional debut psychological thriller, written in the vein of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn... Deftly plotted and told with lightning-quick pacing... Something in the Water is psychological suspense at its absolute finest, and Steadman has all the makings of a writer poised to shoot straight to the top of the genre' Book Spy 'I loved this. It was so addictive... What follows is a twisty adventure that is a whole lot of fun and does actually beg the question 'what would YOU do?' Highly recommended' Liz Loves Books 'A terrific debut' Criminal Element 'Bombshell thriller... Drawing you in from the very first sentence ... and becomes a nice twist on the typical psychological thriller' Book Tribe 'If you like thrillers with a huge twist and great plot this is for you' Fiction Obsession 'Catherine Steadman's enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel' Dwell in Possibility 'A taut, relentless read. Written in the early stages to the beat of a steady drum, once the 'something' in the water appears, it sets off a chain of events that build to a Bourne-like intensity, delivering a shocking discovery at the very end' Better Reading AU 'A sumptuous read, packed with numerous cinematic scenes and a plot that will make your head spin. It is brilliantly written' Year of Reading Selfishly Blog

The action-packed and gripping first chapter in the highly-acclaimed and bestselling Enemy series that will grip fans of Mark Dawson and the Jason Bourne novels.Carl Logan was the perfect agent. A loner. No real friends or family. Trained to deal with any situation with cold efficiency, devoid of emotion.But Logan isn't the man he used to be, or the asset he once was. Five months ago his life changed forever when he was captured, tortured and left for dead by Youssef Selim, one of the world's most violent terrorists.When Selim mysteriously reappears in Paris, linked to the kidnapping of America's Attorney General, Logan smells his chance for revenge.Pursuing his man relentlessly, oblivious to the growing trail of destruction that he leaves in his wake, Logan delves increasingly deep into the web of lies and deceit surrounding the kidnapping.Finally, he comes to learn just what it means to Dance with the Enemy.Readers LOVE Rob Sinclair's books:'A cracking thriller with a Reacheresque hero you can't help but root for!' - John Ryder'Wow, what a book, I loved it!! Rob Sinclair has an innate ability to draw you in and take you on an amazing ride, the character of agent Carl Logan is so authentic and Sinclair portrays him particularly well. All the characters in this story are well developed, the plot is fast paced, intriguing and totally entertaining. I really can't recommend this book highly enough.' - Goodreads reviewer 'OMG ,OMG, OMG I was bouncing off the walls when I realised Carl Logan is back with a new identity in a brand new series. After being gutted when the Enemy series ended. Just in case you didn't know I am a massive fan... lol. But Rob Sinclair has pulled out all the punches with this latest story, it is without a doubt his best book yet..... I freaking loved it.' - Goodreads reviewer 'I would think Rob Sinclair might rival some of the greats in his field. His writing is tight, current and gripping. He weaves easily between settings and great characters -there appear to be quite a few. And the pace is compelling. This all leads on to a most excellent ending.'- Goodreads reviewer 'Crikey The Red Cobra opens with an action packed scene and it pretty well doesn't let up for the rest of the novel. Short chapters with cliffhanger endings add a breathless pace so that The Red Cobra is a really exciting read. I genuinely found it heart-thumpingly exciting and the events even pervaded my dreams at night! There's quite a bit of violence but Rob Sinclair also knows less is more so he is a master of suggestion as well as description making for an elevated pulse rate in his readers. The Red Cobra is exciting, well written and absorbing - definitely a 'can't put it down thriller'. I loved it.'- Goodreads reviewer 'The Red Cobra is one fast paced, action packed, thrill of a read. It is actually screaming out to be put on the big screen. Who needs Lara Croft when you have The Red Cobra? Without a doubt this is a fantastic start to a new series and I am literally counting the days down until the author quenches my thirst for more.'- Goodreads reviewer 'This book is perfect for the fans of Robert Ludlum, Jim Grant and early James Patterson works.' - Goodreads reviewer 'Brilliantly crafted high-octane thriller with echoes of Robert Ludlum's infamous Bourne novels!'- Goodreads reviewer 'I can highly recommend this brilliant book by the master of action, Rob Sinclair.'- Goodreads reviewer

*** THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER AND REESE WITHERSPOON BOOKCLUB 2018 PICK! *** The perfect couple. The perfect crime? 'Deftly paced, elegantly chilly thriller... Steadman brings similar qualities of wit, timing and intelligence to this novel... a proper page-turner' New York Times Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough; Mark a handsome investment banker with a bright future. They seem to have it all. But do they? On a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, Mark takes Erin scuba diving. Everything is perfect. Until they find something in the water. Something that will change their lives forever. Erin and Mark decide to keep their discovery a secret. No one else need know; they trust each other implicitly. But someone else does know. And in situations like these, it is far better to trust no one, not even those closest to you ... Set to be the blockbuster read of the summer, this is an unmissable, fast-paced, jaw-dropping thriller from a debut writer destined for great things. 'A wild, page-turning ride! It's the perfect beach read!' Reese Witherspoon (Reese's Book Club x Hello Sunshine book pick) 'Worthy of Hitchcock' Sunday Times 'Pure adrenaline: I swallowed this book whole' Erin Kelly, author of He Said, She Said 'A thriller for our times' Louise Candlish, author of Our House 'A stunning debut. Superbly written, clever and gripping' BA Paris, author of Behind Closed Doors 'A fascinating moral dilemma' Gillian McAllister, author of Everything but the Truth 'It was the relatability of Erin's voice that set it apart from so many other thrillers as it automatically got me thinking 'What would I do in her position?' Caz Frear, author of Sweet Little Lies 'This debut's opening hook, which jumps ahead in the story to reveal a shocking outcome, teamed with Erin's spunk and the threat of Russian mobsters, creates irresistible suspense-of both the what-will-happen and the how-did-that-happen varieties' Booklist 'A delicious page-turner' New York Post 'Catherine Steadman bursts onto the thriller scene with this exceptional debut psychological thriller, written in the vein of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn... Deftly plotted and told with lightning-quick pacing... Something in the Water is psychological suspense at its absolute finest, and Steadman has all the makings of a writer poised to shoot straight to the top of the genre' Book Spy 'I loved this. It was so addictive... What follows is a twisty adventure that is a whole lot of fun and does actually beg the question 'what would YOU do?' Highly recommended' Liz Loves Books 'A terrific debut' Criminal Element 'Bombshell thriller... Drawing you in from the very first sentence ... and becomes a nice twist on the typical psychological thriller' Book Tribe 'If you like thrillers with a huge twist and great plot this is for you' Fiction Obsession 'Catherine Steadman's enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel' Dwell in Possibility 'A taut, relentless read. Written in the early stages to the beat of a steady drum, once the 'something' in the water appears, it sets off a chain of events that build to a Bourne-like intensity, delivering a shocking discovery at the very end' Better Reading AU 'A sumptuous read, packed with numerous cinematic scenes and a plot that will make your head spin. It is brilliantly written' Year of Reading Selfishly Blog

The gothic dark academia romantasy debut that has left readers SWOONING and SOBBING - perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig, Keri Lake and Adalyn Grace. PRE-ORDER NOW for a dazzling LIMITED EDITION HARDBACK: endpaper CHARACTER ART by Karina Giada; SHINY FOIL on the boards; a BONUS CHAPTER; a detailed MAP; a PERSONAL LETTER from Wanda; and EARLY COVER SKETCHES by Karina Giada inside . . . while stock lasts! _______ 'A steamy and propulsive love story' LAUREN KATE ' Explosively haunting . . . readers will be swept away by the devastating romance ' HAZEL MCBRIDE 'Addictive . . . this is dark academia at it's finest' A. T. EMERALD _______ SHE MUST EMBRACE THE DARK. BEFORE THE DARK COMES FOR HER. After the war, ex-healer Mira Winters swore she'd never touch magic again. And yet, here she is, enrolled in the wrong magic department of Ivercrest University, paired up with the wrong partner. Instead of learning how to heal her incurable scar, Mira's attending Demonology lessons, learning wicked spells . . . and accidentally being dragged into a murder investigation on campus - one with devastating ripples that bleed into the magical world. Her partner-in-crime? The infuriating Aidric Dawson. He's arrogant, he's a lethal Wielder, and he's a former soldier shrouded in secrets. But, he pushes Mira to face her demons and embrace her dark powers . . . and with wounds from the war, he may be the only one who truly understands her. As the labyrinth of clues pulls Mira and Aidric deep into a sinister plot in the shadows of magical society, the threat of war looms once more. Can the two enemies work together in the darkness without losing their hearts - or their lives - in the process? An achingly romantic and gothic tale of a young woman who must learn to embrace her dangerous powers before they utterly consume her, perfect for fans of Nightshade, Phantasma and The Knight and the Moth. _______ Reader's are already obsessed with the lush and emotional-rollercoaster ride that is Our Dark Incantations: 'A world of dark academia reminiscent of a Tim Burton film' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Dawson and Mira are forever etched into my soul . I wish to reread this one a million times. Welcome to the hallowed halls of my God-tier books' ¿¿¿¿¿ ' This book made me laugh , cry , scream , swoon and question my emotional stability all in one sitting' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Aidric is the broody, mysterious king we love and will always root for. Mira, my sweet summer child. She is SO strong. We love a Badass FMC(TM)¿ who would burn the world down for the man she loves and not stop until she finds the truth' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'The "embracing dangerous dark powers" storyline?? Inject it directly into my veins ' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'The romance? Absolutely catastrophic for everyone involved' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'This book ruined me in the best way possible. It has ripped my heart out then patched it back up again , then shattered it and put it back together again' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Respectfully... I ate this up . This book genuinely did not come to play with the chemistry because WHY was every interaction between them so charged ' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'This book wrapped around me slowly and then refused to let go. It has that quiet, aching intensity that dark academia does so well . . . I finished it feeling a little wrecked and very grateful for how deeply it made me feel' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'A gothic magical mystery with a romance that will leave you begging for more . . . The spice is so good y'all. The passion is some of the best I've read ' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Wow! I am floored by this book! Aidric is a charismatic and mysterious MMC who has a very dark past. The romance is chef's kiss ' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'I laughed , ached , swooned , cried . The ending?! Truly a roman empire god tier book that deserves all the stars in the world' ¿¿¿¿¿

Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best nonfiction books of all time Thirty years ago, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. A collector's item in its original edition, it has never been out of print as a paperback. This classic book is now reissued in hardcover, along with Theodore Rex, to coincide with the publication of Colonel Roosevelt, the third and concluding volume of Edmund Morris's definitive trilogy on the life of the twenty-sixth President. Although Theodore Rex fully recounts TR's years in the White House (1901-1909), The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt begins with a brilliant Prologue describing the President at the apex of his international prestige. That was on New Year's Day, 1907, when TR, who had just won the Nobel Peace Prize, threw open the doors of the White House to the American people and shook 8,150 hands, more than any man before him. Morris re-creates the reception with such authentic detail that the reader gets almost as vivid an impression of TR as those who attended. One visitor remarked afterward, "You go to the White House, you shake hands with Roosevelt and hear him talk-and then you go home to wring the personality out of your clothes." The rest of this book tells the story of TR's irresistible rise to power. (He himself compared his trajectory to that of a rocket.) It is, in effect, the biography of seven men-a naturalist, a writer, a lover, a hunter, a ranchman, a soldier, and a politician-who merged at age forty-two to become the youngest President in our history. Rarely has any public figure exercised such a charismatic hold on the popular imagination. Edith Wharton likened TR's vitality to radium. H. G. Wells said that he was "a very symbol of the creative will in man." Walter Lippmann characterized him simply as our only "lovable" chief executive. During the years 1858-1901, Theodore Roosevelt, the son of a wealthy Yankee father and a plantation-bred southern belle, transformed himself from a frail, asthmatic boy into a full-blooded man. Fresh out of Harvard, he simultaneously published a distinguished work of naval history and became the fist-swinging leader of a Republican insurgency in the New York State Assembly. He had a youthful romance as lyrical-and tragic-as any in Victorian fiction. He chased thieves across the Badlands of North Dakota with a copy of Anna Karenina in one hand and a Winchester rifle in the other. Married to his childhood sweetheart in 1886, he became the country squire of Sagamore Hill on Long Island, a flamboyant civil service reformer in Washington, D.C., and a night-stalking police commissioner in New York City. As assistant secretary of the navy under President McKinley, he almost single-handedly brought about the Spanish-American War. After leading "Roosevelt's Rough Riders" in the famous charge up San Juan Hill, Cuba, he returned home a military hero, and was rewarded with the governorship of New York. In what he called his "spare hours" he fathered six children and wrote fourteen books. By 1901, the man Senator Mark Hanna called "that damned cowboy" was vice president of the United States. Seven months later, an assassin's bullet gave TR the national leadership he had always craved. His is a story so prodigal in its variety, so surprising in its turns of fate, that previous biographers have treated it as a series of haphazard episodes. This book, the only full study of TR's pre-presidential years, shows that he was an inevitable chief executive, and recognized as such in his early teens. His apparently random adventures were precipitated and linked by various aspects of his character, not least an overwhelming will. "It was as if he were subconsciously aware that he was a man of many selves," the author writes, "and set about developing each one in turn, knowing that one day he would be President of all the people."

The gothic dark academia romantasy debut that has left readers SWOONING and SOBBING - perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig, Keri Lake and Adalyn Grace. PRE-ORDER NOW for a dazzling LIMITED EDITION HARDBACK: endpaper CHARACTER ART by Karina Giada; SHINY FOIL on the boards; a BONUS CHAPTER; a detailed MAP; a PERSONAL LETTER from Wanda; and EARLY COVER SKETCHES by Karina Giada inside . . . while stock lasts! _______ 'A steamy and propulsive love story' LAUREN KATE ' Explosively haunting . . . readers will be swept away by the devastating romance ' HAZEL MCBRIDE 'Addictive . . . this is dark academia at it's finest' A. T. EMERALD _______ SHE MUST EMBRACE THE DARK. BEFORE THE DARK COMES FOR HER. After the war, ex-healer Mira Winters swore she'd never touch magic again. And yet, here she is, enrolled in the wrong magic department of Ivercrest University, paired up with the wrong partner. Instead of learning how to heal her incurable scar, Mira's attending Demonology lessons, learning wicked spells . . . and accidentally being dragged into a murder investigation on campus - one with devastating ripples that bleed into the magical world. Her partner-in-crime? The infuriating Aidric Dawson. He's arrogant, he's a lethal Wielder, and he's a former soldier shrouded in secrets. But, he pushes Mira to face her demons and embrace her dark powers . . . and with wounds from the war, he may be the only one who truly understands her. As the labyrinth of clues pulls Mira and Aidric deep into a sinister plot in the shadows of magical society, the threat of war looms once more. Can the two enemies work together in the darkness without losing their hearts - or their lives - in the process? An achingly romantic and gothic tale of a young woman who must learn to embrace her dangerous powers before they utterly consume her, perfect for fans of Nightshade, Phantasma and The Knight and the Moth. _______ Reader's are already obsessed with the lush and emotional-rollercoaster ride that is Our Dark Incantations: 'A world of dark academia reminiscent of a Tim Burton film' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Dawson and Mira are forever etched into my soul . I wish to reread this one a million times. Welcome to the hallowed halls of my God-tier books' ¿¿¿¿¿ ' This book made me laugh , cry , scream , swoon and question my emotional stability all in one sitting' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Aidric is the broody, mysterious king we love and will always root for. Mira, my sweet summer child. She is SO strong. We love a Badass FMC(TM)¿ who would burn the world down for the man she loves and not stop until she finds the truth' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'The "embracing dangerous dark powers" storyline?? Inject it directly into my veins ' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'The romance? Absolutely catastrophic for everyone involved' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'This book ruined me in the best way possible. It has ripped my heart out then patched it back up again , then shattered it and put it back together again' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Respectfully... I ate this up . This book genuinely did not come to play with the chemistry because WHY was every interaction between them so charged ' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'This book wrapped around me slowly and then refused to let go. It has that quiet, aching intensity that dark academia does so well . . . I finished it feeling a little wrecked and very grateful for how deeply it made me feel' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'A gothic magical mystery with a romance that will leave you begging for more . . . The spice is so good y'all. The passion is some of the best I've read ' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'Wow! I am floored by this book! Aidric is a charismatic and mysterious MMC who has a very dark past. The romance is chef's kiss ' ¿¿¿¿¿ 'I laughed , ached , swooned , cried . The ending?! Truly a roman empire god tier book that deserves all the stars in the world' ¿¿¿¿¿