Book picks similar to
One False Move by David Callinan


short-stories
instafreebie
action
armchair-london

The Santa Shop


Tim Greaton - 2002
    After the death of his wife and child, Skip blames himself. He has given up his friends, his job, and even his home. Now, homeless, he survives on the mean streets of Albany. He knows it can't go on, that life must end. But will it?Come join him on his most unusual road to redemption. The salvation of one life...lies along this road.Let the healing from "The Santa Shop" begin.

Imperfect


David Adams - 2012
    From that moment onward every construct is different.They all have one thing in common, though; all constructs are bound by rules. They serve. They do not question their place. They do not betray.Each construct is different, but some are more different than others...A 4,000 word short story set in the Lacuna universe but suitable to read as a stand-alone story.

Hawthorn Inn


Heidi Willard - 2013
    New friends introduce him to legends and rumors that have swirled around the inn since time-immemorial, and he finds plenty of proof to believe them as strange noises and twisted shadows stalk the halls.Worst of all, his estranged grandfather has invited himself to join them at the inn. Creepy doesn't begin to describe that black-cloaked gentleman with the pale skin and weird, ever-constant glasses. Old secrets, mysterious sealed-up rooms and creeping shadows abound as Jack tries to manage his new life at Hawthorn Inn.

Concrete Chaos


Michael-Scott Earle - 2016
    Armed with a quick wit and a foul mouth, she's ridden her ancient superbike to the ends of the globe in an eternal quest for speed. But even after countless race victories and a flawless performance at her elite university, Sue Zay hasn't earned what she truly craves: the elusive praise of her tech magnate mother. A chance encounter with a gorgeous stranger turns into a blood bath, and a deadly terrorist group intends to kill millions of innocents. Now half of Silicon Valley wants to put a bullet in Sue Zay's pretty head, and the other half wants her to be in jail. Sue Zay, her trusty motorcycle, and her irritatingly responsible AI buddy will have to race faster than ever to uncover the truth about the deadly organization that threatens, not just Silicon Valley, but the entire world. Concrete Chaos is a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat Sci-fi, action-adventure with a twist of Cyberpunk. Read it now!

Windmera-Desperation


Claudy Conn - 2018
    Godwin goes to the cliffs of Cornwall and there sees Heather Martin.Forbidden love.Sara, Godwin's wife was not going to be set aside and so it begins. An epic tale of friendship, betrayal, passion and wickedness.

Ribbon of Darkness


Decadent Kane - 2013
    Unfortunately, he's the spy sent to haul her and her family back to the North Pole on Santa's orders. Draven North had one task for the last twenty-four years: find the Winters family and bring them home. He wasn't expecting their only daughter to deck his halls. No matter how hot and sassy he found his roguess, he had to take her back before the darkness devoured the Pole and Christmas magic along with it. But was it already too late?

Girl Undercover 1: Mystery Man


Julia Derek - 2015
    Next to his body is a note that says: “Rats always get what they deserve.” Her captain refuses to let her join the investigation to find Nick’s killer and instead puts her on paid leave, leaving Gabi no choice but to do her own. Convinced the reason for her husband’s murder can be found at the New York health club where she first met him, she heads to NYC and goes undercover as a trainer again—but this time around, she’s on her own. Gabi is determined to learn the truth behind her husband’s murder—even if it means she herself will die in the process. NOTE: GIRL UNDERCOVER is a twelve-part crime drama serial with some strong language.

Ghosts in Macau


H.N. Wake - 2015
    Why is the young mistress of a senior Chinese military leader under constant surveillance? What intelligence is she offering the US? Based on a cryptic note from the US Embassy in Beijing, Mac Ambrose is called back to duty for a last-minute assignment. To uncover the mystery, Mac must trust her intuition and look past Macau's glitter, into the perilous shadows. She'll be forced to rely on wits and grit to get the job done. This is a 70-page short story.

From Away - Series One, Book One (From Away #1)


Deke Mackey Jr. - 2015
    An arcane and eldritch horror. For fifty years, it's waited. Fading into myth. Allowing those who fought off its last invasion to succumb to age. Now, with the island all but unprotected, this ancient evil prepares to mount one last attack. The first chilling installment of this serialized story finds Dawn Lesguettes accompanying her father to the island. Though he is reluctant to return to his birthplace, Dawn has always wanted to learn more about her origins and hopes to reconnect with the family her wayward father abandoned before she was born. But Mossley Island is not welcoming to those from away, and investigating her unusual family background will soon lead Dawn to uncover chilling secrets best left buried, even as her arrival heralds the return of a darkness long thought vanquished.  Featuring creepy nuns with mysterious motives, a sinister cabal of strangely robust senior citizens, and a militia of lighthouse keepers watching the ocean in case unspeakable terrors rise from the depths, this eerie seven-part serial will draw readers in with atmospheric tension and surprising twists, and refuse to let go as it hurtles towards a startling cliffhanger conclusion sure to leave everyone desperate for the next gripping chapter.

First Colony


Kevin Tumlinson - 2010
    We’ve faced and overcome war with an alien race. We’ve survived terrorist attacks meant to end colonization. We’ve thrived despite unregulated class distinctions, separating the wealthy from the working class. 

 What comes next may be the end of it all. 

 A lone colony of human castaways, led by a former alien enemy, find themselves at the mercy of a saboteur and a plot to end humanity’s unrestricted travel among the stars. This could be the finale of the colonies and the end of a species. Everything depends on how smart — and how forgiving — humanity can actually be. Praise for "Citadel: First Colony" — "There was something so fascinating about this story and the cast of characters he put together." — Leah Petersen, Author of "Fighting Gravity" "This well written science fiction story will capture your interest on page one and won’t let go until you finish. The characters are mysterious, fascinating, and likable. —James Chalk, Author of "Meat Market" "Tumlinson managed to inject quirkiness and humor that was both unexpected and gave the characters even more depth." — JoAnn Takasaki, Author of "Luau Like a Local: The Easy Way”

Deserving Love (Nick & Lexi #1)


Kay Brody - 2015
    As the owner of a candy shop in historic Biltmore Village and a well respected member of the Preservation Society, she was happy with her place in the world. Until a friend of a friend comments on one of her Facebook posts and they begin to talk. Nick charms her in a way that throws her off guard. Though the two have never met, they rely on their own form of companionship to get through the stresses of their day. For Alexis, part of this stress involves a jerk named Evan Monroe — an out of state guy trying to build a shopping center in her precious historic village. Something she will fight to see stopped. Evan is a dealmaker. He has helped develop real estate projects all over the country. But none has ever been as difficult as the one he’s trying to get off the ground in Asheville, NC. Who would have imagined that a young woman who owns a candy shop would be his biggest obstacle yet? There’s no doubt about the fact that Alexis is tough and sometimes Evan feels like battling her is going to do him in. Thankfully he has found companionship in a fun and friendly lady named Lexi. Sure, their relationship hasn’t extended beyond chatting online but, even so, there’s something about her that just calms him and helps him to feel a little less lonely. As the battle between Evan and Alexis rages on, they discover that they have more in common than the land over which they are fighting. What will happen when they realize that friend and foe are actually one and the same? Will the battle to win a piece of land destroy the bond between two lonely hearts? And, in the process, obliterate the chances for a happy future together?

Secrets' (Bonanza Brides Find Prairie Love #1)


Kat Carson - 2016
    Out of desperation, Ruby responds to an ad, hoping this could be the answer to her prayers. Running out of plan, she took the risks and traveled out West with her daughter to meet her anonymous husband and courageously face their unknown future. Why is a blackberry patch so important to them? Will she get through the challenges that will test her strong faith? Where had Matthew been the past couple of days that had him terribly injured? Feel at home and get comfy in their small humble cabin where you can collect chickens eggs and berries at the barn to make a perfect pancake for breakfast, milk the cows and make some cheese and butter for lunch, and get cozy in the fireplace at night. Y'all get to know Mr. Matthew Allen's, a strong, well-built man with a long beard covering his lips. Pete, his dark and mysterious friend who's always giving Ruby the chills and that sweet Eliza, her beloved daughter who's always eager to help them with the chores. ....“a story of hope, fear, romance, suspense and true love.”.... While this book is part of a romance series, it can definitely be read as a standalone book.Kat Carson: #1 Best Seller in Historical #1 Best Seller in Religious #1 Best Seller in Religion & Spirituality ALWAYS FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime Kat Carson’s Clean and Wholesome novelette American mail order bride historical Western book romance series are enjoyment for all ages from Teen & Young Adult to a more mature audience.

Shadow Masters Reloaded: A Sean Havens Black Ops Thriller


J.T. Patten - 2014
    TargetThis second edition builds on the original with additional content.Sean Havens served the government black ops underworld for over twenty years. He lived and operated through corporate cut-outs and within the dark recesses of humanity to protect the country he loved. But when the family he loved was unprotected by his country, Havens' clandestine double life follows him home colliding two very separate worlds.As a corrupt oversight-exempt program drives him to soldier on, Havens struggles to hold on to what he has left of his formerly distanced life and family. Shock awaits as he learns who is friend or foe in the obscure domestic battlefield. To find sanctuary, he must navigate the intertwined shadows of underhanded proxy surrogate schemes, staged terror attacks, and a long thought to be disbanded CIA rival--The Pond.If Havens survives as both protector and punisher, will his soul be among the body count? Few will find safe haven amidst those seeking revenge and refuge within the twisted wreckage of covert eliminations and set-ups.

Guns 'N' Tulips (Short Story)


Kristine Cayne - 2013
    After months of scheming and strategizing, the day of the big heist--and Conner's chance to get his old life back--finally arrives, but right from the start, Conner's plans fall apart. Even worse, the woman he loves is trapped in the crosshairs of the Bank Bandits' murderous leader, and Connor is her only hope for survival.

Double Edge


Thomas Locke - 2015
    . .There isn't much that can throw Charlie Hazard off balance. But the mystery woman with the striking eyes and the intense request to follow her--now--just might accomplish it. Knowing little more than her beautiful name, Charlie leaves his post as a guard at the Satellite Beach community center for what he thinks is just another risk-containment job.But Gabriella, an experimental psychologist, has far more in store for him than protection duty--if the two of them survive the test.Leave behind your perceptions of what is possible and race into the unknown corridors of human consciousness in this breakneck prequel to Thomas Locke's Trial Run.