The Body in the Graveyard


Jack G. Hills - 2016
    Inspector Rudolph Riley is one of the many people enjoying a day out and the spell of good weather, until the two ice-creams, which he’s just purchased from the pop-up kiosk, are sent flying from his hands by a young man who seems hell bent on getting as far away as possible from the crowds. But if losing his much anticipated ices isn’t bad enough, his day off is soon completely ruined by the unexpected arrival of his sergeant and half the Fleetmouth police force, who have descended upon the abbey in response to a report that there is a body in the graveyard. An event, which normally wouldn’t be thought too unusual… but as the police soon discover, this corpse is lying on top of the gravestone, rather than six feet underneath it. As the subsequent investigation begins to unfold, it transpires that the murder victim could be involved in the illegal importation and distribution of anabolic steroids that seemed to be flooding the town through a network of bars and gymnasiums… whilst the spot in the graveyard where the body was found, is a hotspot for the ghostly sighting of a woman, who locals and experts alike call the Spanish Lady… a woman of noble birth who died of the plague some four hundred years earlier around the time of the Spanish Armada. Intrigued by the possibility of a ghostly apparition stalking the corridors of Fleet Abbey, DC Eleanor Jenkins sets about trying to learn more about the woman in question and whether the discovery of her skeleton could have any connection to the present day murder. What she uncovers during the course of the investigation, are rumours of a fabulous jewelled crucifix and a hoard of gold coins, which were taken from a captured Spanish galleon by Sir Richard Drew and buried somewhere on the estate by his father, who was the sixteenth century ancestor of Cedric Drew… who himself was the last surviving member of the Drew dynasty and the unfortunate victim found in the graveyard. Of course Riley doesn’t see the connection and doesn’t believe in coincidences. For him there’s a much more rational explanation that lies in the present day and one that peddles drugs to unsuspecting fools who are hell bent on improving their bodies at any price… and anyway, he has a new chief superintendent to impress and a chief constable to prove wrong… But if all that isn’t sufficient to turn his hair grey and make him a candidate for early retirement, the local businessman he suspects of being involved with the drug smuggling, has his boat stolen right from under the noses of the police… a theft which confounds the investigation, and sends Sergeant Thomas off on a dangerous voyage of discovery into unchartered waters. Away from work, but still helping to move the investigation along in her own inimitable way is Dolly… Riley’s not so silent partner, and a parrot with more attitude than most detective constables and more to say than is usually prudent.

Sea of Wolves


Philip K. Allan - 2020
    Across the stormy North Atlantic battle rages between wolfpacks of U-boats and escort ships fighting to protect the Allies’ vital convoys. Meanwhile teams of codebreakers at Bletchley Park struggle to penetrate the German Navy’s Top-Secret Dolphin code, and unlock the flow of vital intelligence that will swing the battle in the Allies favour.Sea of Wolves plots the lives of three people caught up in the centre of the battle. Vera Baldwin, a young crossword-enthusiast, lifted from her quiet suburban life and thrown into the middle of the greatest codebreaking effort the world has seen. Otto Stuckmann, the rookie commander of U70, a German naval veteran struggling with the ceaseless demands being placed on him. Leonard Cole, the newly appointed first lieutenant of HMS Protea and a man with unfinished business to resolve.Each is unknown to the others as their fates spiral around each other, touching and twisting towards a final encounter that will change their lives forever.

Near and Dear


Pamela Evans - 1997
    But their wonderful lifestyle comes to a dramatic end when Mick's business runs into trouble and he suddenly disappears. Faced with poverty and homelessness, Jane discovers she has unexpected strengths and is capable of being more than just a housewife...

Half-Lives


Erica Jong - 1973
    

Sisters at War


Clare Flynn - 2021
    The pressures of war threaten to tear apart two sisters traumatised by their mother's murder by their father.With her new husband Will, a merchant seaman, deployed on dangerous Atlantic convoy missions, Hannah needs her younger sister Judith more than ever. But when Mussolini declares war on Britain, Judith's Italian sweetheart, Paolo is imprisoned as an enemy alien, and Judith's loyalties are divided.Each sister wants only to be with the man she loves but, as the war progresses, tensions between them boil over, and they face an impossible decision.A heart-wrenching page-turner about the everyday bravery of ordinary people during wartime. From heavily blitzed Liverpool to the terrors of the North Atlantic and the scorched plains of Australia, Sisters at War will bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart.

A Private Place


Amanda Craig - 1991
    With its progressive curriculum, complacent staff and beautiful grounds, it looks like Paradise. But the clever, the odd and the bookish are relentlessly persecuted as pupils make their own rules in a bubble of privilege and prejudice. When Alice, the Headmaster?s intellectual step-daughter, and the much-expelled American millionaire Winthrop T Sheen join forces against the school bully, Grub Viner, a gifted pianist and school ?joker?, has to choose between love and loyalty, and black comedy escalates to murder. Savagely funny, compelling and a cult classic, A Private Place has struck a chord with generations. `A viciously clever satire on progressive schools... Will cause distress in liberal circles? Independent `Bitingly funny and horribly accurate? Daily Telegraph `A genuinely gripping novel? Spectator `Craig writes with ruthless honesty and jet black wit? Cosmopolitan

Narrow Focus


Marie Browne - 2016
    For once nothing terrible is happening. After years of dodgy moorings, ankle-deep mud, exploding toilets and all the other normalities of liveaboard life, the Brownes now seem to have found the perfect spot in which to park Minerva, their aging narrowboat. Marie and family finally find the time to work on the outside of the boat and even take a holiday or two. It looks as though life has finally taken a turn toward ‘normal’. Not a chance. From the ballistic qualities of false nails, unintentionally turning oneself blue, why yoga and wet paint don’t mix and why happy family holidays are, at best, a lie, Marie examines the dangers of becoming too settled and what can happen if you take your eye off the ball.

Remember Me?


A.K. Lakelett - 2016
    Who is he? And why would anybody kill him? Faukon Abbey CID officers, DI Greene and DC Ford and their friend Carter, a journalist at Abbey Chronicle uncover all hidden tragedies, murder being just one. They uncover what really happens behind the old town elegant facades - where evil crimes go unseen and unreported because they don't happen to people like us - - Or do they? And what happens when we find out? A tale of hidden secrets brought to light - about what happens when Pandora's box is opened, and revenge is unleashed.'

Merseyside Girls


Anne Baker - 1995
    They've been brought up to respect their elders and uphold family honour at all times. Then sweet, na??ve Katie falls pregnant, bringing shame upon the family's name. Alec Siddons, a local police constable, cannot and will not forgive his daughter for her immoral behaviour. But Katie isn't the only one with troubles ahead. Amy is in love with her cousin Paul, but owing to a family feud the mere mention of his name is forbidden in her father's presence; and Nancy is eager to wed her fianc?? Stan before the Second World War takes him away. With the outbreak of war, the three sisters offer each other comfort and support. Their mother, meanwhile, is battling with painful memories of the past, and their father lives in dread that his own dark secrets will be revealed. As the war takes its toll on the Merseyside girls they learn that few things in life are more precious than honesty, love and forgiveness.

Echoes from the Macabre: Selected Stories


Daphne du Maurier - 1976
    Book by Du Maurier, Daphne

Beneath Us the Stars


David Wiltshire - 2006
    He can’t wait to get back in the sky where he belongs. But fate has other plans.He strays into a stuffy college library and happens on Mary Rice, a spirited bluestocking who takes his breath away.TWO LOVERS FROM DIFFERENT WORLDSBefore long, the spark between them deepens into true love. But their time together can’t last forever. All too soon, Bill is torn from Mary’s side and back to the battlefield.Then the unthinkable happens. Bill’s plane is shot down and Bill himself is missing presumed dead.It’s Mary’s worst nightmare come true, but she won’t give up on her sweetheart now she’s found him.

Aces Over Ypres


John Stack - 2016
     The nations of Europe are at war. The conflict is spread over land and sea, and for the first time in history the fight is taken to the skies above. Private Second-Class Charlie Sexton is part of that air war, but not by choice. Injured on the battlefield after he witnesses the horrifying death of his friend, the born-and-bred artilleryman has suddenly found himself seconded as an observer for the British Flying Corps. Lieutenant James St Leger is a volunteer pilot. He has little time for the inexperienced Sexton, and is weighted down by the responsibility he feels for the death of his previous observer. But they must work together, their task; to carry out reconnaissance work over the ever-changing battlefields of northern France, braving lethal anti-aircraft fire in order to keep British headquarters constantly updated. They are faced in the air by the Fliegertruppen, the German Flying Corps who strive to dominate the skies and the first chivalrous skirmishes between the opposing sides soon turns to deadly combat. Sexton and St Leger are challenged by the pilot of biplane B466, Leutnant Kurt Manheim. The contest escalates as losses mount on both sides and the brutality of the ground war finds its way into sky, forcing each man to question their own ethics of 'honour in battle'. Aces over Ypres is the extraordinary story of ordinary men who forged a new theatre of warfare with their very lives. The tale follows Charlie's experiences through the early stages of the First World War as he witnesses the rapidly developing technology and tactics of aerial warfare. It is a story of heroes and the birth of a new breed of warrior; the Aces. Praise for John Stack: ‘Strong characters, excellent action, Ship of Romebuilds to a superb climax’ - Conn Iggulden ‘Peopled with characters both fictional and historical, this debut novel - the first in the Masters Of The Sea series - gives a fascinating and evocative insight into the high politics and military life of the times’ - Daily Mail ‘This is a seriously entertaining book for anyone who enjoys stirring descriptions of ancient warfare. You can almost taste the salt, see the blood and hear the shouts and screams…John Stack is to be welcomed into the ranks of first-rate historical writers’ - Tuam Herald John Stack was born not far from the city of Cork, on the south coast of Ireland. Growing up a huge fan of Wilbur Smith and James Clavell, Stack set his sights on writing historical fiction after being made redundant from a job in computer technology. His first book, Ship of Rome was published in January 2009 and reached the Sunday Times bestsellers list. His second book Captain of Rome followed a year later and his third, Master of Rome, completing the trilogy entitled Masters of the Sea. He is also the author of a book about the Spanish Armada. He is married with three children. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers.

Dancing on Deansgate


Freda Lightfoot - 2003
    But when the Blitz reaches Manchester, she is locked in the cellar by her feckless mother, Lizzie. As bombs rain down from a sky turned blood red with flame, Jess waits for Lizzie to return.But fortunes are fickle, and soon Jess finds herself packed off to live with her tyrant Uncle Bernie, a bullying black marketeer. Though he treats her like a servant, she seeks refuge in the Sally Army and her natural musical talent offers both an escape route and the chance for love.But Uncle Bernie never forgives his niece for refusing to join his illegal schemes and threatens to deprive Jess of her hard-won freedom once and for all. This is a sweeping saga of hope and resilience perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin. Praise for Dancing on Deansgate ‘A heart-wrenching story’ 5* Reader review‘It drew me in straight away’ 5* Reader review‘Another gem from a great writer’ 5* Reader review‘A compelling story of separation and hardship, and heartache overcome at last’ 5* Reader review

Paradise Lane


Elizabeth Gill - 2010
    He's been her best friend since she was a child, and she can't imagine life without him. What shocks her, however, is the reaction of her mother and father. Annabel knows that her parents disapprove of her forthright opinions, but their displeasure is both unexpected and unaccountable. As they permit the engagement, however, she decides to put it out of her mind. But before she can be married, tragedy strikes, and only then does Annabel learn of the shocking secret that her parents have kept from her. Determined to learn more, she travels to Durham on a personal search that will change everything.

First Friends


Marcia Willett - 1996
    Both marry naval officers, but Cass's infidelity has far-reaching consequences for her children--and Kate's. Many of the characters in First Friends (published in the UK as Those Who Serve) reappear in later Marcia Willett novels, and we meet their children as well. As always, Marcia Willett's wise understanding of love, loss, marriage, and parenthood is conveyed with honesty, generosity, and compassion.