Kirjahaku

From the dark and sensuous underworld to the gleaming halls of society...another sizzling and edgy read from talented author Alexandra Benedict.

It's the last train home for Christmas. But who will be the first to die? CAN YOU SOLVE THE CASE? 'Whatever you unwrap for Christmas, you had better hope it's this book. This is 21st-century cosy Christmas crime that doesn't shy away from the darkness. Eighteen passengers, seven stops, one killer Christmas read' JANICE HALLETT 'The perfect book to read on a train . . . A thrilling journey from start to finish. Highly recommended' ELLY GRIFFITHS 'It's wonderful! A page-turning homage to the Golden Age, with a dash of Poirot and a dark, modern heart' S J BENNETT Eighteen passengers. Seven stops. One killer. In the early hours of Christmas Eve, the sleeper train to the Highlands is derailed, along with the festive plans of its travellers. With the train stuck in snow in the middle of nowhere, a killer stalks its carriages, picking off passengers one by one. Those who sleep on the sleeper train may never wake again. Can former Met detective Roz Parker find the killer before they kill again?All aboard for . . . Murder on the Christmas Express.

Janice Hallett meets Agatha Christie in this deliciously dark contemporary murder mystery.

***GIVE THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS EARLY WITH THIS DELICIOUSLY DARK CHRISTMAS MYSTERY FOR FANS OF CLEVER, PUZZLING CRIME. THE PERFECT STOCKING FILLER*** THIS CHRISTMAS, A KILLER TAKES FAMILY GAMES TO A MURDEROUS NEW LEVEL. On 19th of December, renowned puzzle setter, loner and Christmas sceptic Edie O’Sullivan finds a hand-delivered present on her doorstep. Unwrapping it, she finds a jigsaw box and, inside, six jigsaw pieces. When fitted together, the pieces show part of a crime scene – blood-spattered black and white tiles and part of an outlined body. Included in the parcel is a message: ‘Four, maybe more, people will be dead by midnight on Christmas Eve, unless you can put all the pieces together and stop me.’ It’s signed, Rest In Pieces. Edie contacts her nephew, DI Sean Brand-O’Sullivan, and together they work to solve the clues. But when a man is found near death with a jigsaw piece in his hand, Sean fears that Edie might be in danger and shuts her out of the investigation. As the body count rises, however, Edie knows that only she has the knowledge to put together the killer’s murderous puzzle. Only by fitting all the pieces together will Edie be able to stop a killer – and finally lay her past to rest.Praise for Alexandra Benedict’s Christmas mysteries: 'The perfect gift for quizzers and mystery addicts . . .' Val McDermid ‘Whatever you unwrap for Christmas, you had better hope it’s this book This is 21st-century cosy Christmas crime that doesn’t shy away from the darkness’ Janice Hallett ‘A thrilling journey from start to finish. Highly recommended’ Elly Griffiths ‘It’s wonderful! A page-turning homage to the Golden Age, with a dash of Poirot and a dark, modern heart’ S J Bennett

It’s the most murderous time of the year . . . Puzzle compiler and former Christmas sceptic Edie O’Sullivan returns in the newest seasonal mystery from bestselling author and ‘Queen of the Christmas Mystery’ Alexandra Benedict. When Edie O’Sullivan wins a two-day Christmas break in a hotel on a remote Scottish island, she’s looking forward to a picture-perfect Christmas full of winter walks, roaring fires, good books and even better whisky. But when a guest dies in mysterious circumstances, Edie realises that they have a killer amongst them. As more guests begin to die, it is up to Edie to solve the strange riddles found in the victims’ Christmas crackers if she is to stop the murderer’s killing spree. But as she gets closer to the truth, she puts herself in the way of a devious and clever killer. Can Edie solve these Christmas killings before she becomes the next victim? Praise for Alexandra Benedict’s Christmas mysteries: ‘The perfect gift for quizzers and mystery addicts . . .’ Val McDermid ‘Whatever you unwrap for Christmas, you had better hope it’s this book This is 21st-century cosy Christmas crime that doesn’t shy away from the darkness’ Janice Hallett ‘A thrilling journey from start to finish. Highly recommended’ Elly Griffiths ‘It’s wonderful! A page-turning homage to the Golden Age, with a dash of Poirot and a dark, modern heart’ S J Bennett

Murder is AFOOT in this brand new murder-mystery series by leading adult crime writer, Alexandra Benedict. Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time with a puzzle hook for middle grade readers People will die for a good mince pie… Every year, six local schools compete to win the Christmas Cup. Last year, the rival school to Brooke Parkin’s school won for the most crackers pulled in a minute! This year, the cup will be judged and awarded to the school with the perfect mince pie. But when a series of murders seemed to be linked to the very mince pies (each with a clue from a letter from the alphabet imprinted in the pastry) the five neuro-divergent children must turn detective and combine their skill sets to find the killer. Can they prevent another death and save their out-of-school club from being shut down forever . . .?

Sinfully decadent Anthony Kennington, Viscount Hastings, lives for pleasure-and he rues the day when he must wed and produce an heir. But he is not a man who runs from danger, and when he chances upon an enchanting gypsy maiden in the woods hounded by bandits, he leaps to her defense. Now, surely, there is but one place for the injured and unconscious lovely to properly recuperate: in his bed. Sabrina is shocked when she awakens in an opulent bedchamber, nursed in every way by a dashing gentleman. She knows she must leave the haven of Anthony's home at once, even though her life is still in grave danger-though a different kind of peril awaits her in the viscount's arms. If Sabrina surrenders to this handsome rogue, she will be an outcast. Yet does she dare ignore the future that's written on his palm-the promise of a shared lifetime of love and ecstasy? EDITORIAL REVIEWS: A FORBIDDEN LOVE is a delicious escape "-Cathy Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author " a] lushly written and lusciously sensual debut romance."-John Charles, Booklist "Debut author Alexandra Benedict has written an intensely emotional historical romance. This new voice is sure to set the hearts of romance readers on fire. A FORBIDDEN LOVE is a truly magnificent debut for Ms. Benedict. This reviewer is absolutely wowed by her grand entrance."-Carol, Romance Junkies, 5 blue ribbons "There is nothing quite as exciting as finding a fresh, vibrant new voice, and Benedict has it She creates many twists as her plot winds from ballrooms to gypsy camps, leading you and her characters on a thrilling, fast-paced and emotionally intense ride."-Kathe Robin, Romantic Times BOOKreviews, 4 stars "For a wonderful Regency era romance and an unforgettable hero and heroine, don't miss A FORBIDDEN LOVE."-Jani Brooks, Romance Reviews Today "This is a fun, fast paced story. There's danger, intrigue and hot romance . . . This is a definite keeper for any romance fan "-Debbie, A Romance Review, 5 roses

A dark and troubled soul, Captain James Hawkins seeks freedom from his tortured past as the infamous pirate, Black Hawk. But when he meets a seductive beauty on the island of Jamaica, he finds a passion greater than any foray at sea. Sassy, fierce and independent, Sophia Dawson knows her heart's desire - and it's the sexy brigand who tempts her with promises of pleasure. In his arms she finds erotic delight and respite from duty as her mad father's caretaker. But a storm lurks on the horizon as the couple's heated affair attracts scorn from the islanders. Will James and Sophia weather the brutal tempest ... or will there be trouble in paradise?

The downtrodden daughter of a viscount, the Honorable Miss Holly Turner is desperate for money and assumes the secret identity of Lord H--the erotic artist--but her carefully crafted world turns on its ear when she stumbles into the room of one very handsome-and very naked-gentleman, mistaking him for her model. Quincy Hawkins is chasing the dragon, hoping to outrun the demons from his past, but when an audacious--albeit beautiful--wench paints him in the buff, mayhem erupts. What is a gentleman pirate to do when scandal strikes? Marry the wench, of course. There's just one hitch. He won't bed her. Ever. His charming wife has already stolen from him his likeness, his freedom, and Quincy won't give her anything more . . . not even his body. Holly can't believe her ears. A marriage in name alone? She will never have a wedding night? She will never know the pleasure of her husband's sensuous touch? Well, she won't stand for it. She intends to have a real marriage--with all the sensual benefits--even if it means seducing her stubborn pirate.

According to rumor, Captain William Hawkins has no heart. But a great fire burns beneath his stone facade. He's determined to protect his family from a dark secret that threatens to tear them apart, and when the former pirate turned gentleman apprehends a lady jewel thief, he takes advantage of the quandary and offers the seductress an unusual proposition. Lady Madeline Winters is running out of time. Her beloved grandfather is being held captive and the penniless beauty must resort to scandalous measures to pay off his ransom. But when a handsome devil thwarts her plans, all seems lost-until the striking captain makes her a deal: he will save her grandfather if she plays party to his scheme. As the couple form an uneasy alliance, adventure sweeps them across the sea, while steamy ship-bound nights tempt them with promises of pleasure . . . but can a hardened captain let the wild and stormy ways of love take root? Or will Madeline have to steal the brigand's heart?

A Lonely Princess . . . Emily Wright is rich, beautiful, spoiled-and friendless-until she discovers her arrogant servant boy is hiding a secret talent. As unlikely friendship blossoms into forbidden love, Emily must choose between her passion for a pauper and her place in high society. A Pauper Turned Prince . . . Grey Rees is now a famous, wealthy musician, but his soul still burns for the princess who once ruled his heart and rejected him. When fate gives him the chance to make Emily his servant, he seizes it. Now he is HER master. And he will finally wrest from her the power she still yields over him . . . But old passions are hard to tame. A Kingdom in Peril . . . When a sinister secret from the past returns to torment the star-crossed lovers, can they find redemption and a second chance at love? Or are some broken hearts impossible to mend?

He wanted revenge. She wanted escape. Neither wanted the love of a lifetime ... A lord so sinful he is dubbed the "Duke of Rogues," Damian Westmore lives for pleasure--until the day his brother dies at the hands of pirates. Abandoning the libertine life to pursue revenge, Damian finds the criminals he seeks and joins their crew in disguise, waiting for the chance to strike the brigands down. But he never imagined there would be a woman on board--or that the stunning siren would inflame the very passions Damian swore to resist until his brother's death was avenged. Beautiful, fiery Mirabelle Hawkins longs for the freedom of the high seas--so she stows away on her brother's pirate ship at the first opportunity. But she finds something more exciting than chase and plunder: a bold, handsome, secretive sailor whose touch makes her tremble with desire . . . but whose love is a cutlass that could destroy all she holds dear.

ONCE UPON A DREAM is a collection of previously published e-shorts now available for the first time in PRINT; each bedtime story is based on a classic fairy tale and ranges in heat from spicy to kisses, so there is something for every romance lover. A perfect read for a night of sweet dreams In ASHES one widow's broken heart leads her to seek earthly pleasures as a courtesan ... until her long lost husband returns home. When a young lady is snubbed by HER LORD CINDER at her debut ball, she vows to make the scoundrel pay ... but matters of the heart never do run smooth. A runaway bride, THE HIGHLAND ROSE falls into the hands of a beastly laird, imprisoned on his estate for an unforgivable sin. Her only escape? She must melt the laird's heart. A fearsome lord kidnaps a reckless beauty to be THE WOLFE'S BRIDE. Trapped in the castle, Leora must tame The Wolfe to regain her freedom ... but she uncovers his darkest secret instead. In BRAIDED HEARTS a straight-laced duke seduces a broken-hearted enchantress from her ivory tower. BOOKS: 1-5

A locked-room Christmas mystery where riddles reveal deadly family secrets... and the only escape is through the truth.Fans of Agatha Christie and Lucy Foley will savor its locked-room twists, interactive puzzles, and chilling emotional stakes. Play along, uncover the truth, and beware: at Endgame House, the most dangerous gift is buried in the past.Lily Armitage never wanted to return to Endgame House. The grand estate holds too many painful memories--including the unsolved murder of her mother, twenty-one Christmases ago.But when a cryptic invitation arrives, Lily can't ignore it. Her aunt has resurrected the family's infamous holiday tradition: twelve days of riddles, one each day until Twelfth Night. The prize? The keys to Endgame House--and a promise to reveal her mother's killer.Snowed in with her estranged, scheming cousins and a deadly game underway, Lily must confront the ghosts of her past, decipher riddles that cut to the bone, and survive a chilling race for the truth.Because at Endgame House, everyone has something to hide. And this Christmas, the truth is worth killing for.Praise for The Christmas Murder Game: "Curl up by the fire (and lock all the doors) for this Christmas cracker of a book." --C.S. Green, author of Sleep Tight"The perfect Christmas read . . . and puzzles galore for both readers and the players of the game." -- W.C. Ryan, author of A House of Ghosts

A snowbound train. A murder no one saw coming. And a former detective with one last case. On this Christmas Eve, the holiday cheer ends in blood.From acclaimed author Alexandra Benedict comes Murder on the Christmas Express, a chilling holiday locked-room mystery that blends golden-age suspense with a sharp, modern edge. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Ruth Ware, and Tana French.As the sleeper train to the Scottish Highlands plows into a blizzard and grinds to a halt, former Met Detective Roz Parker realizes the real danger isn't outside. It's onboard.When a passenger is found dead, Roz is pulled into one final case. But time is running out. With the passengers trapped, cut off, and surrounded by secrets, someone is hiding a deadly truth.This isn't the Christmas journey they planned. It's a race to uncover a killer before another passenger falls.Praise for Murder on the Christmas Express: "Strong prose and a bevy of plausible suspects keep things intriguing. Readers willing to embrace this Christmas story's jagged edges are in for a ripping mystery."-- Publishers Weekly

'A PERFECTLY PLOTTED FESTIVE MYSTERY' SUSI HOLLIDAY, AUTHOR OF THE PARTY SEASON'A DELICIOUS LOCKED ROOM MYSTERY' VAL MCDERMIDTwelve clues. Twelve keys. Twelve days of Christmas.But who will survive until Twelfth Night?Lily Armitage never intended to return to Endgame House - the grand family home where her mother died twenty-one Christmases ago. Until she receives a letter from her aunt, asking her to return to take part in an annual tradition: the Christmas Game. The challenge? Solve twelve clues, to find twelve keys. The prize? The deeds to the manor house.Lily has no desire to win the house. But her aunt makes one more promise: The clues will also reveal who really killed Lily's mother all those years ago.So, for the twelve days of Christmas, Lily must stay at Endgame House with her estranged cousins and unravel the riddles that hold the key not just to the family home, but to its darkest secrets. However, it soon becomes clear that her cousins all have their own reasons for wanting to win the house - and not all of them are playing fair.As a snowstorm cuts them off from the village, the game turns deadly. Soon Lily realises that she is no longer fighting for an inheritance, but for her life.This Christmas is to die for . . . Let the game beginREADERS LOVE THE CHRISTMAS MURDER GAME:'I could not be more in love with this book if I tried''An absolute must read''Poetic, immersive and imbued with heart as well as an icy bite''the perfect read to snuggle up with in the bleak midwinter!''A wonderful read on a cold snowy winters day, sit back and enjoy the ride''Cluedo in a book!''An absolutely brilliant read for this time of year!''My favourite book of this year so far!'