The Christmas season is one of comfort and joy, sparkling lights and steam rising from cups of mulled wine at frosty carol services. A season of goodwill, as families and friends come together to forget their differences and celebrate.Unless, of course, you happen to be harbouring a grudge. Or hiding a guilty secret. Or you want something so much you just have to have it - whatever the cost. In A Very Murderous Christmas, ten of the best classic crime writers come together...

The UN's record in peace operations is long, various, distinguished by both accomplishments and failures, and most importantly, innovative. Unfulfilled expectations and escalating violence in Somalia, Rwanda, and Bosnia forced retrenchment upon UN peace operations_but at the same time, a new opportunity to enhance capacities, review strategies, redefine roles, and reaffirm responsibilities has opened up. Here, a dynamic group of leading diplomats, academics, and journalists combines forces...

‘Beautifully written and superbly executed’ Times'A joyous romp around England’s dark past' Suzie Feay, GuardianFrom the author of the bestselling The Time Traveller's Guide to Restoration Britain, this is a stunningly high-concept historical novel that is both as daring as it is gripping, and perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, SJ Parris and Kate Mosse.December 1348: With the country in the grip of the Black Death, brothers...

'An unputdownable thriller' Gregory Dowling'It is no surprise to find that Philip Gwynne Jones lives in Venice... art and architecture interweave into a story that builds to an almost surreal climax' Daily Mail*****Murder is the deadliest art . . .An invitation to an exclusive event during the Venetian Biennale gives Honorary Consul Nathan Sutherland the perfect chance to drink prosecco in ...

NOW A HAUNTING BBC DRAMA, STARRING GEMMA ARTERTON AND DIANA RIGG'A remarkable and beautiful book' DAILY TELEGRAPH'I envy anyone reading it for the first time' AMANDA COE'[Godden has] a genius for storytelling' EVENING STANDARDHigh in the Himalayas, the mountaintop palace shines like a jewel. Built for the General's harem, laughter and music once floated out over the gorge. ...

'An unputdownable thriller' Gregory Dowling'It is no surprise to find that Philip Gwynne Jones lives in Venice... art and architecture interweave into a story that builds to an almost surreal climax' Daily Mail*****A game of cross and double-cross in Venice, one of the most beautiful cities on earth.From his office on the Street of the Assassins, Nathan Sutherland enjoys a steady but unexci...

THE ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES #2The island of Tresco holds a dark secret someone will kill to protect.Ben Kitto has become Deputy Commander in the Isles of Scilly Police. As the islands’ lazy summer takes hold, he finds himself missing the excitement of the murder squad in London. But when the body of professional diver Jude Trellon is discovered, anchored to the rocks of a nearby cave, his investigative skills are once again needed.

**Winner of the British Fantasy Award for Best Fantasy Novel**The first book in the award-winning Winnowing Flame trilogy. Epic fantasy for fans of Robin Hobb and Jay Kristoff.**'Fantasy adventure at its very best' Starburst'Williams excels at eldritch world-building' Guardian'An original new voice in heroic fantasy' Adrian TchaikovskyThe great cit...

'We have no need to protect ourselves from the bad sortbecause WE are the bad sort . . .''This newspaper has taken note that the past month has been remarkable for the prevalence of cases where men, women and children are declared missing. Scarcely a week passes without the occurrence of an incident of this type' - The Morning Herald*,* Tuesday 13 September 1831Down the murky alleyways of London, acts of unspeakable wickedne...

From the acclaimed author of The Last Pearl and Dancing at the Victory Cafe, this is a beautiful novel about dark family secrets, betrayal, love and redemption.A child is born in the farmhouse at Windebank, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Named Rejoice (Joy) by her dying father, Joy grows up witness to the persecution of the farming community for following a banned faith. Defying the authority of the local priest, she joins a group of Yorks...

Inspired by real characters, this transporting historical fiction debut spins the fascinating story of two princesses in the Romanov court who practiced black magic, befriended the Tsarina, and invited Rasputin into their lives—forever changing the course of Russian history.As daughters of the impoverished King of Montenegro, Militza and Stana must fulfill their duty to their father and leave their beloved home for St. Petersburg to be married into senior positions...

‘This story of motherhood and secrets handles a difficult subject with skill and sensitivity' Catherine Isaac, author of You Me EverythingWhat has happened to Cornelia Blackwood?She has a loving marriage. But she has no friends.Everyone knows her name. But no one will speak it.Cornelia Blackwood has unravelled once before. Can she stop it from happening again?From a supremely talented ...