A Column of Fire by Ken Folletts | Conversation Starters


Daily Books - 2017
    Returning once again to Kingsbridge, England, A Column of Fire is the story of a country torn apart by religious intolerance. In 1558 England, Mary, Queen of Scots, who is better known as Bloody Mary is on the throne. She has ordered that all Protestants be murdered because of their religious beliefs. After her execution, her half sister, Elizabeth takes over the throne and promises to bring religious tolerance. Elizabeth is a Protestant, which turns all of Europe against England. Meanwhile, Ned Willard desperately wants to marry Margery Fitzgerald. Unfortunately, Ned is a Protestant while Margery is a Catholic, dooming their relationship.A Column of Fire by Ken Follett has become an international bestseller, as well as a number one bestseller for The New York Times. It has been called “absorbing” by The Washington Post.A Brief Look Inside:EVERY GOOD BOOK CONTAINS A WORLD FAR DEEPER than the surface of its pages. The characters and their world come alive, and the characters and its world still live on. Conversation Starters is peppered with questions designed to bring us beneath the surface of the page and invite us into the world that lives on.These questions can be used to...Create Hours of Conversation:• Promote an atmosphere of discussion for groups• Foster a deeper understanding of the book• Assist in the study of the book, either individually or corporately• Explore unseen realms of the book as never seen beforeDisclaimer: This book you are about to enjoy is an independent resource meant to supplement the original book. If you have not yet read the original book, we encourage doing before purchasing this unofficial Conversation Starters.

Flight of the Javelin: The Complete Series: A Space Opera Box Set


Rachel Aukes - 2021
    

The Hike


Landon Beach
    It's Breaking Bad meets The Godfather...and the battle for Detroit is about to begin. Intense!" - Ryan Steck, The Real Book SpyBrad Cranston is having a normal Friday afternoon in Shelter Harbor, Michigan when he receives a desperate call from his brother, who disappeared six years ago. Conrad’s message is clear: head south, bring a boat, do not involve the police, and there is a load of money involved—click.After enlisting the service of rookie Private Investigator Allison Shannon—a retired master diver who is haunted by her own demons—the two start to realize that Conrad Cranston has become much more than a lost hiker.Meanwhile, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bruno has just been relocated to the Motor City to help bring down the Detroit Mafia, better known as “The Association.” What Patrick does not know, however, is that Detroit’s young new Godfather, Don Ciro Russo, has been targeted for assassination—an event that would turn the criminal organization upside down. And, a long-time confidential informant may be orchestrating the transfer of power.As Patrick attempts to learn the truth, his path crosses with an unlikely pair: Brad Cranston and Allison Shannon. The search narrows, and the answers may lie on a small island in Lake Erie nicknamed “the Key West of the north.” However, unimaginable terror could await them on the island and in the depths offshore.For they are about to learn that justice and discovery still come at a price.If you are a fan of Don Winslow, Lee Child, Breaking Bad , or The Godfather , you've come to the right place.

Governor's Road: A Novel of Southern Proportions


Laurie Byrne Smith - 2012
    This beautifully written book will keep you up all night. There are plenty of clues and there are a lot of hints, but even when you put them all together, it will be close to impossible to puzzle your way to the ending. If you are looking for a book, you can't put down, then Governor's Road is just right for you. Excitement, frisky loving, a mystery of epic proportions and traditional southern pathos make this book a fun and rewarding read. The terrorized children of Governor’s Road grew up without resolution or closure to the most devastating event of their young lives. Their friend, a child their age, disappeared one afternoon and somehow, they never seem to learn what happened. Saddened parents decide to protect their children and the obvious fear recedes in the face of the calm that settles back over the neighborhood. But, fear never really disappears until it's confronted. As adults, JoBeth and Billy set out to discover what happened to little Petey Shiner. The answer brings them to conclusion that there is no perfect childhood, even in a perfect town in a perfect decade. Every town hides its secrets and puts on a good face, even at the expense of its residents. Along the way, JoBeth and Billy discover love and romance. Their kindling of love takes you to places you can only want to return to…and their future makes you happy. It’s their past that is so hard to reconcile. As well as a lot of fun, a dark mystery and hot southern romance, JoBeth and her friends also encounter the harsh reality of Alzheimer’s and aging. Sometimes, a loved one can be lost more than once. The malevolent specter of mental illness surfaces when the reader meets Lucius Sifer and begins to understand the unusual existence the boy leads. The ending is grim but satisfies that need everyone has for justice. The most humble people can achieve heroism without fanfare or acknowledgment. As always, enjoy your adventure into the south...and remember, thoughtful book reviews are welcomed with open arms. Please see Observations of a Transplanted Southern Belle for more of Laurie Byrne Smith's work.

Dirty


Robert White - 2013
    He is the enemy.Stewart hatches a plan to destroy the evidence against him, but what he finds inside those files, is evidence of a vile paedophile ring operating under McCauley’s nose.Now three people are dead and Dave Stewart is the prime suspect.

Into the Shadows / Hard Target / No Way Out


Jack Patterson - 2018
     This digital box set contains the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth thrillers. To those with the highest security clearance, it’s a line item known only as Project X. But to the half dozen agents and personnel working for it, it’s known as Firestorm, a black ops group so dark that the U.S. President doesn’t even know about them yet. And no agent is as skilled as Brady Hawk. INTO THE SHADOWS, Book 10 :: Facing serious accusations voiced by President Michaels, Brady Hawk goes dark, disappearing in the Middle East. However, when he reconnects with a friend from his Navy Seal days, Hawk learns the true depth of Michaels’ depravity and resolves to put an end to it once and for all. Working remotely with the Firestorm team, Hawk must gather evidence against the president in preparation for a confrontation. But when his plan goes awry, Hawk must call on every favor and get resourceful to salvage his ultimate mission—and survive the wrath of the president. HARD TARGET, Book 11 :: Upon learning about the theft of a new weapons system by Al Hasib, the Pentagon braces for the worst. Yet they have no idea where the terrorists will strike first. When the United States’ best intelligence and military organizations run into a brick wall, they turn to Brady Hawk and the Firestorm team for answers. Hawk must uncover Al Hasib’s intended target and capture the weapons system before it’s too late. But in order to succeed, Hawk must come face-to-face with his arch nemesis Karif Fazil in a high-stakes showdown. NO WAY OUT, Book 12 :: In this globe-trotting thriller, terrorist mastermind Karif Fazil turns the tables on black ops assassin Brady Hawk in a play to remove the terror cell’s biggest threat for good. Hawk’s weaknesses are exposed, leaving him vulnerable—and endangering the lives of all those around him that he cares about the most. Backed into a corner, Hawk must decide who lives and who dies with no way out. Grab this box set of the first three books in the Brady Hawk series. You won’t be disappointed. Fans of Vince Flynn, David Baldacci, and Brad Taylor are loving this new action thriller series! ★★★★★ “R.J. Patterson is up there with Baldacci.” ★★★★★ “First Strike delivers excitement, intrigue and action from the first page to the last.” ★★★★★ “This story was imaginative, but certainly came across as realistic.” ★★★★★ “This is a first rate action thriller!” ★★★★★ “If you are looking for some adrenalin packed action, don’t think twice, just grab a copy and start reading, you won’t be sorry.” ★★★★★ “A well crafted page turner.” ★★★★★ “Brady hawk is the next Jack Reacher!” ★★★★★ “Another great book by R.J. Patterson! I liked that way he makes his characters so real.” ★★★★★ “This book is in the vein of Brad Thor and Vince Flynn with a bit of Ian Flemming.” ★★★★★ “R.J. Patterson's short chapters and fast moving plot render this novel impossible to put down.”

Every Fifteen Minutes: by Lisa Scottoline | Summary & Analysis


Book*Sense - 2015
    Lisa Scottoline’s Every Fifteen Minutes is a psychological thriller that explores the eccentricities of sociopaths by getting in the mind of one who is determined to ruin the life of a psychiatrist Dr. Eric Parrish is the respected Chief of Psychiatry at the Philadelphia-area hospital where he works. His unit has just received national recognition and Eric is largely credited for the positive accolades. His personal life, however, has recently taken a hit as he is locked in the middle of an increasingly nasty divorce and possible custody battle. Eric is advised by his lawyer to walk the straight and narrow, which would ordinarily not be a challenge for the faithful rule follower. That is, until he meets Max, a seventeen-year-old patient with OCD characteristics and a severe self-esteem problem. Eric fears Max is a suicide threat after he turns up missing following the death of his beloved grandmother. His concerns only escalate when he learns Max’s romantic interest has been found murdered. This companion to Every Fifteen Minutes also includes the following: • Book Review • Story Setting Analysis of Every Fifteen Minutes • Story elements you may have missed as we decipher the novel • Details of Characters & Key Character Analysis • Summary of the text, with some analytical comments interspersed • Thought Provoking /or Discussion Questions for Readers & Book Clubs • Discussion & Analysis of Themes, Symbols… • And Much More! This Analysis of Every Fifteen Minutes fills the gap, making you understand more while enhancing your reading experience.

Bullets and Barbed Wire: From Guadalcanal to Cape Gloucester


Daniel Wrinn - 2020
    Caught in the center of a vicious struggle between two superpowers, these islands would form an unconventional battleground for the US Marines and the Japanese Navy.This book offers you a new look at the WWII Pacific Theater, providing an enlightening glimpse into the battles and campaigns during the Allied offensive. With a breakdown of three significant US campaigns: Operation Watchtower, a riveting exploration of the spark that set off the Allied offensive in the Pacific islands, detailing the gruelling struggle for the island of Guadalcanal and its vital strategic position Operation Galvanic, an incredible account of the battle for the Tarawa Atoll and base that would give them a stepping stone into the heart of Japanese-controlled waters And Operation Backhander, which offers a gripping retelling of the war for Cape Gloucester, New Guinea, and the Bismarck SeaEach of these momentous operations are fascinating feats of strategy, planning, and bravery, handing the Allies what would eventually become a victory over the Pacific Theater and an end to Imperialist Japanese expansion. This brilliant book sheds light on this often-overlooked facet of WWII, providing students, history fans, and World War II buffs alike with a captivating breakdown of history and combat that defined the beginning of the US offensive in the Pacific.

Less Ketchup than Salsa: Finding my Mojo in Travel Writing (More Ketchup, #3)


Joe Cawley - 2018
     Throw in the patter of little feet, sharp teeth, amputations and a smattering of characters from their Tenerife bar days, and you have another serving of Ketchup – only this time, it’s a little more salsa. With the Smugglers Tavern still a nagging ghost of their past, Joe and Joy free themselves from limpet-like patrons, battle once more with Spain’s bungling bureaucracy and dip a toe in numerous but short-lived careers to stop their bar money evaporating. Less Ketchup than Salsa is a true story about growing up, finding your dreams in the most unexpected of places and discovering what’s truly important in life. If you’ve ever pondered living abroad, are interested in travel writing as a career, wondered what life is all about, or just want a funny read in the style of Bill Bryson or Carl Hiaasen…. join Joe and Joy on this third and final memoir in the Ketchup trilogy.

Sherlock Holmes and the Abbey School Mystery


John Hall - 2001
     Young Lord Whitechurch is accused of stealing money from the headmaster’s office. But as one of the wealthiest pupils, why would he do that? This seemingly trivial mystery is soon overshadowed by the apparent suicide of the Third's form master, Mr Greville. And Holmes is not convinced that this was a tragic accident. His interest piqued, Holmes enlists the help of his trusty side-kick Dr. Watson, who takes over Greville’s teaching position as he investigates the staff and unearths the school's secrets. And when Watson encounters a certain Mr. Tromarty, he begins to wonder if there is a connection to the late Moriarty… Then another member of staff is found dead – and Holmes and Dr. Watson must work fast to unravel the mysterious web of circumstances and suspicion. And it’s not just the school that is in danger… Holmes and Watson suspect that the country itself could be under threat... Can Holmes and Watson solve the Abbey School Mystery before others meet their untimely end? Or will death and destruction extend beyond the school gates? ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Abbey School Mystery’ is a thrilling new Sherlock adventure. John Hall spent many years in the civil service before becoming a professional writer specialising in crime fiction. His book ‘Death of a Collector’ won the Sherlock magazine’s competition for the best new fictional detective. He is also the author of ‘Sherlock Holmes and thee Disgraced Inspector’, ‘Sherlock Holmes at the Raffles Hotel’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Hammerford Will’. 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. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.

Little Black Stretchy Pants: Story of lululemon by the Founder, Chip Wilson (unauthorized)


Chip Wilson - 2020
    

The Widow


K L Slater
    

Group Fifteen Files - Volume 1


Mark Dawson - 2018
    Quick, lightning-paced, action from the first page to the last. The first three stories in a convenient anthology edition.Book 1: ScorpionThey call him 'Scorpion.' No-one knows his real name and the only people who have seen his face are dead. He works for the highest bidder, and he’s never missed a target.The assassin appears in London with the name of an investigative reporter on his list. But has Scorpion met his match? The reporter has a protector - John Milton. And Milton might be the only man in the world more dangerous than him.Book 2: Witness XBryan Duffy is Witness X - a government agent implicated in a national scandal and banished to Spain until the agenda can be moved on.But when North Korean hitmen attack a seeming innocent on the streets of London, Duffy is called back to the fold. He is tasked with finding the woman's assailants and bringing them to justice.Why has the woman been attacked? Duffy investigates, and finds himself sucked into a whirlwind of action and mayhem that is particularly well suited to his special set of skills...Book 3: Little SisterBjorn Thorsson joined the Special Air Service to forget the horrors of his childhood. He killed for Queen and country, and he was good at it.He quits the army and settles down, looking for a quieter life. When his beautiful sister Gudrun finds herself in trouble with the owner of a hedge fund, Bjorn promises to get her out of danger. But there’s another factor in play. Group 15, a clandestine government agency, has plans for the financier, and Bjorn is in their way. Bjorn must outwit the Group in the streets of London and in the Highlands of Scotland if he is to protect his sister and survive.------------------------------Praise for Mark Dawson:"It’s impossible not to think of Lee Child’s super-selling Jack Reacher. " - The Times"A literary sensation." - The Daily Telegraph "Dawson writes the kind of thrillers I love. Non-stop, grab-you-by-the-throat tales of doing the right thing no matter the odds. Simply excellent." - USA Today bestselling author Brett BattlesMore than 1m copies sold in the John Milton and Beatrix Rose series and 1000s of five star reviews.

Voice Of Rage


Kerry Barnes - 2021
    . .First there was the Voice of Reason, but now there is the Voice of Rage Harley Mason, you may love her, or hate her, but never underestimate her. As the Masons settle down to a more normal life following the death of three family members, a shocking discovery of a schoolgirl found dead in nearby woods starts the finger-pointing once again.Lewis Sanders, the detective on the case, struggles to believe that a teenage girl is capable of such a horrific crime. Yet the discovery of a second body could put Harley Mason in the frame.Is the evidence staring at him in the face or is there more to it?Proving a link between the Gemini Gene and higher functioning psychopaths had been Dr Katherine Renee’s sole purpose until she had to discontinue the study. Now, she questions her own sanity.So, desperate to convince the police that Harley is the killer, is Dr Renee harbouring a dark secret of her own?Katherine remembered nothing of her childhood, until she was sent to the orphanage and eventually saved by a nun. But now the lost research file has been found, and the truth is out.

The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg -- Review


Expert Book Reviews - 2014
    The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion compares the contrasting worlds of present-day Southern life and Midwestern immigrant cities during World War II. After learning that she was adopted, Sookie is filled with questions of self-doubt and becomes determined to learn the truth behind her roots. Fannie Flagg depicts adventurous and courageous women as WASPs during WWII as she tells the story of the Jurdabralinski sisters. These roles contradict Sookie's upbringing in Alabama where society is ruled by social norms and status. The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion offers an inspirational tale with accurate historical details that are presented through an engaging plot. This review of Flagg's novel gives you a broader view of the author and her writing style. Read quotes from literary critics to discover the book's appeal, or lack thereof. Sookie counters a cast of larger-than-life characters as she finds adventure and realizes her underlying identity. The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion captures a journey of self-discovery mixed with realism and humor to delight all readers.