But what if the private eye is a woman? And what if she is not a character in a novel but a real, working investigator testing not only the meanness but the absurdity of life on seamy streets? Who will tell her story? Enter Manchester's Val McDermid, herself a skilled writer of the P.I. novel but for years a professional journalist. In an effort to plumb the real world of working women--and throw new light on her own craft--she has interviewed women private eyes from both sides of the Atlantic and assembled their stories with an eye for the absurd and a keen grasp of the gritty nuts and bolts of the profession.As fascinating as fiction, A Suitable Job for a Woman is, in the words of Edgar-winning author Nevada Barr, "a concise and eye-opening trek through the competence, humor, and humanity of women."

    Sunshine Smart has only got two months until the big day!2. She has to include the grouchy, surly Best Man, Leo Quartermaine – a top chef and her complete opposite!3. Said Best Man is extremely handsome & sexy – and knows it!4. He has no interest in décor, flowers, clothes or shoes…but has an uninformed opinion on all four!5. And in just a few days in, she’s already slept with him…Rookie mistake…

    The general is in fact in Spain, on his deathbed, but Francis is deeply troubled, as is his daughter Gillian, who lives with him in Cleaver Square. Francis' account of his haunting is by turns witty, cantankerous and nostalgic. At times he drifts back to his days in Madrid, when he rescued a young girl from a burning building and brought her back to London with him. There are other, darker events from that time, involving an American surgeon called Doc Roscoe, and a brief, terrible act of betrayal. When Gillian announces her forthcoming marriage to a senior civil servant, Francis realizes he has to adapt to new circumstances and confront his past once and for all. Highly atmospheric, and powerfully dramatic, rich in pathos and humour, Last Days in Cleaver Square confirms a major storyteller at the height of his powers.'[W]onderfully sinister ... a delight ... you are in for a thrilling ride.' Spectator on The Wardrobe Mistress

    But when she found herself alone and pregnant with twins, she knew she had to abandon her studies to raise her children. Even if it meant losing someone she loves … Now as a mother to 17 year olds, Lucy is determined they will have all the opportunities she missed out on, and that they won’t make the same mistakes she made. But what if her dreams for her children aren’t what they really want? Is she forcing her children to live her life for her? Might Lucy actually be pushing the children for whom she gave up everything, to their breaking points? As her beautiful and sensitive daughter Kelly contemplates the unthinkable, Lucy’s secrets are finally revealed and she is forced to face up to some difficult home truths. Can Lucy give up her dreams to let her children find their own? And will her secrets bring her family closer together or push them further apart? If you love Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks, you’ll love this heart-breaking novel from Sinéad Moriarty. Our Secrets and Lies is a gripping story of motherhood and love and will have you hooked until the very last page. What readers are saying about Sinéad Moriarty: ‘One of the best books I have ever read! This is a must read! A wonderful book of family, love and relationships… I read the whole book in one sitting, forgetting everything I had to do!’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘Heart-wrenching … I loved everything about this book. Sinéad Moriarty is fast becoming a favorite author of mine … a fabulous read.’ Write-Escape ‘A real page turner. This emotionally charged book had me reaching for the tissues.’ Just Book Talk ‘Heart-warming and heartbreaking, Sinead Moriarty has written a winner.’ Women’s Way magazine ‘I love this author – she never disappoints!’ Renita D’Silva ‘OMG! I’m an emotional wreck after reading this novel, probably not helped by the fact that I pulled an all-nighter to finish it ... I just could not put it down.’ RTE review ‘Heartfelt and deeply moving … I couldn't put it down.’ Susan Lewis 'Intriguing and thought-provoking ... a great read.' Katie Fforde ‘Moriarty has written an extremely emotional novel which only increases in intensity as the novel progresses.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘There are so many words that can be used to describe this book, but the best one would have to be BRILLIANT!!! I could not put this book down until the very end.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘A powerful read that will leave you hooked.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘First book I've read by this author. I loved her story telling.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘Sensational. It completely blew me away and was everything I thought it would be and more.’ Han’s Book Reviews

    By observing them any spiritually mature person will gain access to wisdom and spiritual power, and thus serve as a vehicle for the manifestation of God in the world.

    When she succumbs to dementia, the pressures on Stella's world intensify, culminating in tragedy. As Stella recovers from a near fatal accident, she feels compelled to share her trauma but she finds talking difficult. In her head she confides in Connie because there's no human being in the world that she feels closer to.Connie is an expat living in Dubai with her partner, Mark, and their two children. On the face of it she wants for nothing and yet ... something about life in this glittering city does not sit well with her. Used to working full time in a career she loves back in England, she struggles to find meaning in the expat life of play-dates and pedicures.Two women set on a collision course. When they finally link up, it will not be in a way that you, or I, or anyone would ever have expected.

    An inner journey that would call into question a whole life spent living up to other people's expectations.With tragic and comic episodes that bring together a domineering mother, a hippie aunt, a boring marriage, an insufferable boss and a friend who never knows when to shut up, "The Strange year of Vanessa M." shares Vanessa's voyage of self-discovery with us. And it makes us marvel at the power we have to question things, because there's no end to the pursuit of happiness.

    But when an abandoned baby-- his baby-- is left at the station, the handsome firefighter is out of his depth. The only person he can turn to for help is paramedic Laura Green. Laura's not Jason's type--he's always liked glamour girls. But as they care for baby Megan together he learns that there's more to Laura than he'd ever imagined--including depths of passion...But what will happen when the baby's mother comes back?

    As she rose through the harem ranks, her true identity carefully concealed, her faith in eclipse, Esther had no inkling that the fate of a nation would hang upon her courage. Based on meticulous historical research, Trudy J. Morgan-Cole weaves the biblical story of Esther into secular history. Her deep narrative, involving more than 70 characters, brings to life the Zoroastrian society of ancient Persia and chronicles the known exploits and foibles of king Xerxes in authentic detail. Her amazing story shows how God turns women with common fears, struggles, and identity crises into heroines of faith. If you liked Terri Fivash's Joseph, you'll love Trudy J. Morgan-Cole's Esther.

    In mortal danger, William is forced to run for his life, and Joanna is left with only her wit and courage to outfox their enemies and prevent them from destroying her husband, her family, and their fortunes.