Book picks similar to
Treading Darkness by Lyle Nicholson
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Monkey Beach
Eden Robinson - 2000
Growing up a tough, wild tomboy, swimming, fighting, and fishing in a remote village where the land slips into the green ocean on the edge of the world, Lisamarie has always been different. Visited by ghosts and shapeshifters, tormented by premonitions, she can't escape the sense that something terrible is waiting for her. She recounts her enchanted yet scarred life as she journeys in her speedboat up the frigid waters of the Douglas Channel. She is searching for her brother, dead by drowning, and in her own way running as fast as she can toward danger. Circling her brother's tragic death are the remarkable characters that make up her family: Lisamarie's parents, struggling to join their Haisla heritage with Western ways; Uncle Mick, a Native rights activist and devoted Elvis fan; and the headstrong Ma-ma-oo (Haisla for "grandmother"), a guardian of tradition. Haunting, funny, and vividly poignant, Monkey Beach gives full scope to Robinson's startling ability to make bedfellows of comedy and the dark underside of life. Informed as much by its lush living wilderness as by the humanity of its colorful characters, Monkey Beach is a profoundly moving story about childhood and the pain of growing older--a multilayered tale of family grief and redemption.
Envision This
Tony Dunbar - 2012
He'd much rather eat shrimp scampi or crab etouffée at one of the many local restaurants he frequents than deal with the demands of his infrequent clients.But once he's in, he's in for the long haul. His clients are going to get the best possible service--no matter how many laws he has to break.
What Lies in the Hills: A West Virginia Adventure Novel (A Josh Baker and Eddie Debord Series Book 2)
Steve Kittner - 2016
The boys are the first responders to a crashed airplane deep within the woods. It doesn’t take long to find out that this C-47 Skytrain had gone down in 1953 and was carrying a very mysterious and highly sensitive cargo. Very quickly, the CIA takes control of the crash site as Josh and Eddie find themselves under the microscope of the agency (for a very good reason!)! There are men in dark clothing watching them from around every corner. They seek the help of some familiar friends and some new acquaintances as well, while trying to find out what this mysterious cargo is and why it is still so important today. Thinking the CIA could be their worst nightmare, the boys could not have been more wrong. Who comes to town next will stop at nothing to reclaim what they say is theirs, and they are quick to prove it! Ultimately, Josh, Eddie and Brad must decide whether to let this one go, or to once again risk their lives to see it through. One thing is for sure…they cannot allow the cargo to fall into the wrong hands! …Be careful wishing for big adventures…one may find you!!!
Nail's Crossing
Kris Lackey - 2017
In a remote corner of the Chickasaw Nation, tribal Lighthorse policeman Bill Maytubby and county deputy Hannah Bond discover the buzzard-ravaged body of Majesty Tate, a young drifter with a blank past. They comb Oklahoma’s rock prairie, river bottoms, and hard-bitten small towns for traces of her last days. Tate was seen dancing with Austin Love, a violent local meth dealer fresh out of prison. An Oklahoma City motel clerk connects her with an aspiring politician. An oil-patch roustabout and a shady itinerant preacher provide dubious leads. Ne’er-do-wells start dying off. A fluke lead propels Maytubby deep into Louisiana’s bayou country, where a Cajun shrimper puts him on the scent of a bizarre conspiracy. He and Bond reunite in the Chickasaw Nation for the eventual face-off at Nail’s Crossing.
The Asylum
Nathan Dylan Goodwin - 2018
But the surprise discovery of an additional marriage to his client’s father leads Morton on an enquiry, revolving around a mysterious death in the county asylum. Requiring his various investigative genealogical skills, Morton must work to unravel this complex eighty-year-old secret and finally reveal the truth to his client.This is the first story in the Morton Farrier genealogical crime mystery series. There are a further eight stories in this series:Hiding the PastThe Lost AncestorThe Orange LiliesThe America Ground The Spyglass FileThe Missing ManThe Suffragette’s SecretThe Wicked TradeThe story is currently free from the author's official website (correct as at Jan 2019) at nathandylangoodwin.com .
Death of Choice: Eight Tales of Murder, Mayhem, and Mystery
Micheal Maxwell - 2015
It is our hope that in this anthology you will find a story to love. We come from as varied backgrounds as we do locations. Hawaii to New York, California to Texas, and Texas to Tennessee; we have come together to share our love of storytelling. The characters within these pages are a wondrous mix as well. A flamboyant Knoxville designer, a 1900s investigative reporter, a neurosurgeon, a coroner, a woman dripping of Russian opulence and Parisian elegance, a detective that has simply had enough, and a Tennessee Police Chief all fill the pages and the imagination in Death of Choice. Come along with us to a Children’s Cemetery, 1920’s London, a daisy fresh diner in L.A., a fog shrouded barn, a small town in Tennessee, a Honolulu beach, and meet a collection of short stories from writers that will give you chills, thrills, and a set of tales you will long remember. Our hope is through these intriguing introductions you will discover an author or two you will want to read more of, and get to know better. Each of the authors in this anthology have many more books for you to enjoy. So find that spot where you love to curl up and read, and enjoy this collection of murder, mayhem and mystery. Micheal Maxwell Editor and Compiler September 2015
Looks Like Daylight
Deborah Ellis - 2013
For two years she traveled across the United States and Canada interviewing Native children. The result is a compelling collection of interviews with children aged nine to eighteen. They come from all over the continent, from Iqaluit to Texas, Haida Gwaai to North Carolina, and their stories run the gamut — some heartbreaking; many others full of pride and hope.You’ll meet Tingo, who has spent most of his young life living in foster homes and motels, and is now thriving after becoming involved with a Native Friendship Center; Myleka and Tulane, young artists in Utah; Eagleson, who started drinking at age twelve but now continues his family tradition working as a carver in Seattle; Nena, whose Seminole ancestors remained behind in Florida during the Indian Removals, and who is heading to New Mexico as winner of her local science fair; Isabella, who defines herself more as Native than American; Destiny, with a family history of alcoholism and suicide, who is now a writer and powwow dancer.Many of these children are living with the legacy of the residential schools; many have lived through the cycle of foster care. Many others have found something in their roots that sustains them, have found their place in the arts, the sciences, athletics. Like all kids, they want to find something that engages them; something they love.Deborah briefly introduces each child and then steps back, letting the kids speak directly to the reader, talking about their daily lives, about the things that interest them, and about how being Native has affected who they are and how they see the world.As one reviewer has pointed out, Deborah Ellis gives children a voice that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to express so readily in the mainstream media. The voices in this book are as frank and varied as the children themselves.
April
Kerry Wilkinson - 2016
April Willis is walking to school when someone in a white van tries to snatch her from the street. It’s the second attack in less than a week and, with parents and students beginning to panic, it’s down to Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel to find the culprit. This short story takes place between the Jessica Daniel novels Playing With Fire and Thicker Than Water.
On Call
Michael Palmer - 2012
Lou Welcome in his first crime-solving role: a murder at his medical school for which he is a person of interest. Working with a classmate—and fellow suspect—Dr. Welcome soon discovers that the circumstances behind this tragedy aren’t exactly like they seem.
Luminous: The Story of a Radium Girl
Samantha Wilcoxson - 2020
She soon finds out, however, that the excellent pay is no recompense for the dark secret that lurks in the paint that magically made her glow in the dark. This is the story of brave Catherine Donohoe who takes on the might of a big corporation and became an early pioneer of social justice in the era between two world wars. Emotive and inspiring - this book will touch you like no other. It’s too late for me, but maybe it will help some of the others.~ Catherine Wolfe Donohue
Sudden Love
April Kelley - 2015
He wants a commitment with someone who is willing to put up with his crazy family and being away on the job sometimes. Finding someone who is willing to put up his brothers, who he lives and works with on a daily basis is hard to find. Still Xander’s not willing to compromise.Xander gets called off bodyguard duty to investigate this religious cult that may be tied to some kidnappings of young men. He finds Aaron Keller, one of the missing young men. What he doesn’t expect is the instant attraction and longing for the man. Xander just wants to keep Aaron safe, even if that means backing off.
Bailey's Law
Meg Lelvis - 2016
But it doesn't take long for Jack to realize Todd should've thought twice about what he did to several girls he dated. Was his murder justified?Jack Bailey, small town hard-boiled detective, must solve the crime, but his own unrelenting demons rising from his struggle with PTSD and buried family secrets complicate his task. Daily work at the station affords Jack distraction from the inner turmoil that penetrates his nights. Darkness brings unwanted memories, nightmares, and the realization he needs to face what happened ten years ago.Through the searing Texas summer heat, Jack's team of detectives works hard interrogating witnesses in an effort to discover Todd Kaplan's true character. But it's patrol cop, Denise Williams, who rises above her calling to assist in questioning a crucial witness. Smart and sassy, she holds her own with Jack's moody temperament. All the while, a new romantic interest with a woman who is off limits proves problematic for Jack as he tries to make the right decision.Was this small town murder an act of justice or revenge? Only a parent who has tragically lost a child can hold the answer in their hearts. Jack understands. Only too well.
To Kill A Critic
Michael Leese - 2018
A heart-felt compliment can make you feel fabulous but a blast of anger can wound deeply. They can even kill. This gripping short story features a fresh outing for autistic detective Jonathan Roper. He’s called in when a world-famous critic is found murdered in his London penthouse. As Roper soon discovers, the critic was uncompromising with his opinions, willing to beat-up the biggest stars of stage and screen if he felt they failed to deliver and his legion of fans loved his honesty. Which gained him a formidable cast of enemies. All Roper has to do is work out which of his many, many enemies had the determination to see him dead. To Kill A Critic is the latest story of the unique partnership between Roper and DCI Brian Hooley.
The Detective Markham Mysteries
Catherine Moloney - 2020
Two skeletons are discovered in the grounds of St Mary's Choir School. Detective Inspector Gilbert Markham is a rising talent of the Bromgrove police force. He is on the trail of the murderer when another life is brutally claimed. Who is the savage killer lurking in this innocent place?BOOK 2: CRIME IN THE SCHOOLWhen handsome teacher Ashley Dean is brutally murdered, gossip blames a deranged intruder. DI Markham’s instincts say otherwise. Could this be the work of a student? A member of staff? It seems unthinkable. But somebody in authority is holding out on them. How much more blood will be spilt before their secret is laid bare?BOOK 3: CRIME IN THE CONVENTSister Felicity is found strangled in the confessional box at St Cecilia’s convent. She is only the first victim. Someone has a lethal vendetta against this holy place. And only DI Gilbert Markham can stop them. To uncover the truth, he must delve deep into the sins of the past. Can he unravel the mystery before it’s too late?BOOK 4: CRIME IN THE HOSPITALDr Warr’s decayed corpse is found in the woods. There have always been whispers about the psychiatric hospital where he worked: staff brutality, deliberate misdiagnosis . . . DI Gilbert Markham and DS Noakes begin asking questions. They are met with a chilling silence. How many more victims will be claimed before the killer is found?BOOK 5: CRIME IN THE BALLETChoreographer George Baranov is found in the theatre’s basement with a knife in his back. He was known for his daring routines and his tangled love life. The pressure is on for Detective Markham to wrap up the case. Can he unmask the vicious killer waiting in the wings?BOOK 6: CRIME IN THE GALLERYCurator Helen Melville is found murdered in Bromgrove Art Gallery. She had discovered something troubling in the archives, but the secret died with her. Or did it? Detective Markham races to unravel the connection with a tragic cold case. Who will be next to have a brush with death?BOOK 7: CRIME IN THE HEATA body is found in the refrigerator at a doctor’s office in Bromgrove community centre. The victim is teacher Bex Shawcross and she wasn’t short of enemies, as Detective Markham soon discovers. Her crooked MP father and loose morals are the talk of the town. And no one seems afraid to speak ill of the dead. Then the killer strikes again. And again. Each victim works at the centre. Who will be next on the kill list?BOOK 8: CRIME AT HOMENothing ever happens in New College Close. Until one day a piercing scream shatters the calm. A retired teacher is found asphyxiated beneath a luxury mattress. The only clue: a badge from the school where the dead woman once taught. Detective Markham races to unravel the truth. But no one in the Close is what they seem.
Breaking Lorca
Giles Blunt - 2009
There, a bookish new recruit, Victor Peña, is assigned to assist in her interrogation. Before they learn so much as her name – Lorca – the squad relentlessly break her, body and soul. It is a terrifying journey into human cruelty and courage, one which years later – in the pinnacle of cosmopolitan America – still haunts the tormentor as dramatically as it does his victim.