Adventure, Mystery, and Romance


Book Description

In this first general theory for the analysis of popular literary formulas, John G. Cawelti reveals the artistry that underlies the best in formulaic literature. Cawelti discusses such seemingly diverse works as Mario Puzo's The Godfather, Dorothy Sayers's The Nine Tailors, and Owen Wister's The Virginian in the light of his hypotheses about the cultural function of formula literature. He describes the most important artistic characteristics of popular formula stories and the differences between this literature and that commonly labeled "high" or "serious" literature. He also defines the archetypal patterns of adventure, mystery, romance, melodrama, and fantasy, and offers a tentative account of their basis in human psychology.




No Bad Deed


Book Description

Some things are worse than death... Private detective John Arsenal can't tell you what terrible crime he committed to wind up in a sweltering urban hellscape, surrounded by thieves, drug addicts and murderers-only that it was very bad, and now he's being punished. That's because in Hell-or Brimstone, as the damned prefer to call it-your identity, your memories, even your name, are stripped away from you. John is relatively comfortable in his damnation, working easy cases and making himself at home in the grimy squalor of the afterlife. That is, until a mysterious woman appears in his office, begging him to find her missing sister, and promising him the impossible in return-a glimpse of his old life, before Brimstone. To track down the enigmatic Sophie, John must delve into Brimstone's darkest recesses, where murderous children run wild in packs, and a strange and terrifying new drug promises to deliver the user to the heights of ecstasy, but at the risk of being snuffed out of existence altogether. All the while, John must grapple with the vivid nightmares that have haunted him since his arrival in Brimstone, and confront the thing he desires and dreads the most-the truth of what he did to deserve damnation.




Graceling


Book Description

Discover the Graceling Realm in this unforgettable, award-winning novel from bestselling author Kristin Cashore A New York Times bestseller ALA Best Book for Young Adults Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature Winner Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, and BCCB Best Book of the Year "Rageful, exhilarating, wistful in turns" (The New York Times Book Review) with "a knee weakening romance" (LA Times). Graceling is a thrilling, action-packed fantasy adventure that will resonate deeply with anyone trying to find their way in the world. Graceling tells the story of the vulnerable-yet-strong Katsa, who is smart and beautiful and lives in the Seven Kingdoms where selected people are born with a Grace, a special talent that can be anything at all. Katsa's Grace is killing. As the king's niece, she is forced to use her extreme skills as his brutal enforcer. Until the day she meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, and Katsa's life begins to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace--or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. And don't miss the sequel Fire and companion Bitterblue, both award-winning, New York Times bestsellers, and full of Kristin Cashore's elegant, evocative prose and unforgettable characters.




An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire


Book Description

Former lovers become reluctant allies in this delightfully witty historical rom-com from the bestselling author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem—for fans of Evie Dunmore, Enola Holmes, and Netflix's Bridgerton! England, 1867: As half of the writing duo behind England’s most infamous crime column, Miss Caroline Hardcastle has quite the scandalous reputation. It may have cost her a fiancé, but she would much rather bring attention to crimes against those ignored by society than worry about what the ton thinks of her. After Caro’s dear friend is kidnapped, however, she has no choice but to work with Lord Valentine Thorn, the same man who broke her heart. Worse, when her actions put her father’s business at risk, a marriage of convenience may be her only solution . . . but can she trust Val to stand by her? Or will their past repeat itself? Val—the new Viscount Wrackham—is in an untenable position: His father is demanding he find a respectable bride to secure the succession. Yet the only woman he’s ever loved, Miss Caroline Hardcastle, is notorious for behaving improperly. And she’s never forgiven him for his youthful transgressions, missteps made in the name of familial duty, but ones he still regrets to this day. As they grow closer to unmasking the culprit, Val sees an opportunity to show Caro he’s a changed man. But can he convince her to give their love a second chance—before death does them part?




Mystery, Violence, and Popular Culture


Book Description

For two years, Philip Gambone traveled the length and breadth of the United States, talking candidly with LGBTQ people about their lives. In addition to interviews from David Sedaris, George Takei, Barney Frank, and Tammy Baldwin, Travels in a Gay Nation brings us lesser-known voices a retired Naval officer, a transgender scholar and drag king, a Princeton philosopher, two opera sopranos who happen to be lovers, an indie rock musician, the founder of a gay frat house, and a pair of Vermont garden designers. In this age when contemporary gay America is still coming under attack, Gambone captures the humanity of each individual. For some, their identity as a sexual minority is crucial to their life s work; for others, it has been less so, perhaps even irrelevant. But, whether splashy or quiet, center-stage or behind the scenes, Gambone s subjects have managed despite facing ignorance, fear, hatred, intolerance, injustice, violence, ridicule, or just plain indifference to construct passionate, inspiring lives. Finalist, Foreword Magazine s Anthology of the Year Outstanding Book in the High School Category, selected by the American Association of School Libraries Best Book in Special Interest Category, selected by the Public Library Association "




Mystery of the Tempest


Book Description

Twin brothers Denny and Steven Anderson love helping people and fighting crime alongside their sheriff dad on sun-drenched Fisher Key, Florida. Steven likes chasing girls. Denny longs to lose his virginity, but doesn’t dare tell anyone he’s gay. Steven has a secret of his own. He lied to everyone, including his own brother, about being accepted into SEAL training for the U.S. Navy. On the day they graduate high school, the twins meet the handsome new guy in town, a military veteran with a chiseled body and mysterious past. Meanwhile Brian Vandermark, a gay transfer student from Boston, finds himself falling for closeted Denny but hampered by his shyness. When an antique yacht explodes in Fisher Key harbor, all three boys are caught up in a summer of betrayal, romance, and danger. It’s the Mystery of the Tempest¬—and it just might kill them all.




The Forgiveness of Love: A Small-Town Forced Together, Action & Adventure Mystery Romance


Book Description

Swan Harbor keeps secrets – until she doesn’t. When she reveals what The Mountain View Lodge has been hiding, repercussions reverberate throughout town. Book Three of The Mountain View Trilogy A tangled web. A shattered heart. A healing touch. Eden Fowler learns news that shatters her heart into a million pieces. Hounded by the press and surrounded by secrets, she must find answers and heal. Just when she thinks all hope is lost, Quinn steps into her life. Quinn Jones traveled the globe investigating and writing stories that captured his fancy. At his brother's engagement party, Eden, and the mystery around her, catch his attention. Suddenly, the idea of roots, and what a home is, takes on a new meaning. When decades-old secrets are uncovered, someone will do anything to keep them hidden. With danger closing in, can Quinn find the answers and persuade Eden to leap? Or will her heart be forever broken when the truth is finally revealed? When your heart speaks … it’s a race to be the last one standing. Read the other books in The Mountain View Lodge Trilogy The Memory of Love – Book One The Innocence of Love – Book Two Welcome to Swan Harbor The Forgiveness of Love is Book 9 of the Contemporary Romantic Suspense from Swan Harbor Series, as well as Book 3 in the Mountain View Lodge Trilogy. It is a steamy, small-town, forced together mystery romance with a guaranteed happy ending. If you enjoy Tess Thompson’s Emerson Series, Faith Blakely’s Sea Stories, Elsie Silver, or Jenny Hale, then you’ll love Sophie Bartow’s intriguing new series. Download a copy of The Forgiveness of Love and join Eden and Quinn on their journey.




Fatal Strike


Book Description

When Miles Davenport finally finds kidnapped Lara Kirk, who has been poisoned with psychic ability-enhancing drugs, the two must escape by fighting off horrifying enemies--and their mutual attraction.







The Horse with the Golden Mane


Book Description

"[T]his is destined to win new fans with readers who love animals. The stories are based on true events-with startling twists and surprising conclusions."--Cover.