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Vanishing Place
Instant #1 International Bestseller - A New York Times and Washington Post's Best Thriller of 2025 A shocking murder in the New Zealand bush--and the witness who looks all too familiar--draws a woman back to the very place she swore she'd never return to in this breakneck debut thriller. A child who ran from the forest.
A woman who must return to it Growing up with her younger siblings in the unforgiving New Zealand bush, Effie believed their parents had cut them off from civilization because they loved Nature. She never suspected that their reasons might be more menacing. After witnessing a terrifying episode of violence, she escaped the wilderness to forge a life for herself halfway across the globe. Now, when she learns the only witness to a murder is a little girl who looks just like her, Effie is compelled to return to the scene of her troubled childhood, where the secrets of her upbringing and the terrors of her past come rushing back to the surface. In order to find out once and for all what became of her family--and possibly help this mysterious girl who could be her younger self--Effie must face her greatest fears once more. -
Iwar: Fortnite, Elon Musk, Spotify, Wechat, and Laying Siege to Apple's Empire
The wildly enthralling and entertaining story of Apple's monopolistic impulses and the global business and political forces arrayed against its $3 trillion empire.
iWar is a saga of corporate intrigue, control, and competition, featuring some of the world's most brilliant and powerful minds. It is the story of Apple, the tech corporation which has built near unassailable market power through its iPhone and app ecosystem and controls not only commerce, but also culture, and--increasingly--the flow of ideas. And it is the story of a powerful cadre of tech moguls determined to take it down.
Over time, a loose and disparate group of billionaires, each driven by their own reasons, has formed to challenge Apple's supremacy, including Daniel Ek (Spotify), Tim Sweeney (Epic Games/Fortnite), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook/Meta) and Elon Musk (Twitter/X). With in-depth reporting, Wall Street Journal business columnist Tim Higgins chronicles these tech moguls and their quest to weaken a powerful rival, aiming at destroying the Walled Garden around Apple's iPhone Empire, while telling a larger story of the global digital and information economy.
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Rapunzel: A Push, Pull, Slide Book
Push, pull, and slide the scenes to bring the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel to life.
Rapunzel is the perfect introduction for toddlers who like to play as they read, with gentle rhyming text and easy-to-handle mechanisms on every spread. This much-loved classic has been beautifully reimagined for a new generation, with illustrations by Dan Taylor. Discover more magical tales in the First Stories series with Snow White, Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. -
Home Before Dark: The Dark, Twisty, Utterly Chilling New Psychological Thriller from the Queen of Icelandic Suspense...
Struggling to separate her dreams from reality, a young woman investigates the disappearance of her sister ten years earlier ... worried that she might be next. A breathtaking, twisty standalone thriller from the international bestselling author of the Forbidden Iceland series...
`Truly addictive, I inhaled it in a single day´ Louise Candlish
'Dark, chilling and so atmospheric´ Claire Douglas
`Eva Björg Ægisdóttir just gets better and better´ Sarah Pearse
`This is psychological thriller writing of a rare order and evidence that any comments about the demise of Scandicrime are greatly exaggerated´ Financial Times
`A complex, increasingly creepy tale of young love, dysfunctional families, long-buried secrets and pen pals who are not what they seem ... Its psychological depth and physical shocks recall the work of the great Ruth Rendell´ The Times
`A masterclass of psychological suspense from the superstar of Icelandic noir ... addictively creepy´ Daily Express
**WINNER of the Blood Drop Award for Iceland's Best Crime Novel of the Year**
**SHORTLISTED for the Glass Key Award for Best Nordic Crime Novel**
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November, 1967, Iceland. Fourteen-year-old Marsí has a secret penpal - a boy who lives on the other side of the country - but she has been writing to him in her older sister's name. Now she is excited to meet him for the first time.
But when the date arrives, Marsí is prevented from going, and during the night her sister Stína goes missing - her bloodstained anorak later found at the place where Marsí and her penpal had agreed to meet.
November, 1977. Stína's disappearance remains unsolved. Then an unexpected letter arrives for Marsí It's from her penpal, and he's still out there...
Desperate for news of her missing sister, but terrified that he might coming after her next, Marsí returns to her hometown and embarks on an investigation of her own.
But Marsí has always had trouble distinguishing her vivid dreams from reality, and as insomnia threatens her sanity, it seems she can't even trust her own memories.
And her sister's killer is still on the loose...
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`Home Before Dark will have you checking your doors and windows before you go to bed´ Mirror
`That rare crime novel - pacy and well-plotted but also driven by well-drawn, believable characters ... Put this at the top of your TBR!´ Sarah Pearse
`A chilling, atmospheric mystery with a devilishly unguessable solution´ Louise Candlish
`Like an Icelandic winter, Home before Dark chilled me to the very core. An utterly gripping read, it kept me guessing till the last shocking twist´ Heidi Amsinck
`Dark, chilling and so atmospheric, I was utterly gripped by this clever, twisty thriller ... a must read´ Claire Douglas
`Addictive´ Crime Monthly
Praise for Eva Björg Ægisdóttir
`Chilling and addictive, with a completely unexpected twist´ Shari Lapena
`Fans of Nordic Noir will love this´ Ann Cleeves
`This is virtuoso suspense writing´ A.J. Finn
`Riveting, exciting, entertaining and packed with intrigue´ Liz Nugent
`A tense, twisty page-turner that you'll have serious trouble putting down´ Catherine Ryan Howard
**Winner of the CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger**
**Shortlisted for the Petrona Award for Best Scandinavian Crime**
**Shortlisted for the CWA Crime in Translation Dagger**
**Shortlisted for the Capital Crime Award for Best Thriller**
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Everlasting
From Alix E. Harrow, the New York Times bestselling author of Starling House, comes a moving and genre-defying quest about the lady-knight whose legend built a nation, and the cowardly historian sent back through time to make sure she plays her part--even if it breaks his heart.
Sir Una Everlasting was Dominion's greatest hero: the orphaned girl who became a knight, who died for queen and country. Her legend lives on in songs and stories, in children's books and recruiting posters--but her life as it truly happened has been forgotten. Centuries later, Owen Mallory--failed soldier, struggling scholar--falls in love with the tale of Una Everlasting. Her story takes him to war, to the archives--and then into the past itself. Una and Owen are tangled together in time, bound to retell the same story over and over again, no matter what it costs. But that story always ends the same way. If they want to rewrite Una's legend--if they want to tell a different story--they'll have to rewrite history itself. "Alix E. Harrow is an exceptional, undeniable talent." --Olivie Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six "An utter masterpiece... I loved every single page." --Rachel Gillig, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of One Dark Window -
Pearls: Their History, Sources, Types and Qualities
Throughout history, pearls have been treasured for their beauty wherever they've been found -- from China to the Persian Gulf to Mexico and beyond. Before the creation of cultured pearls, natural pearls were incredibly rare, considered symbols of wealth and power reserved for the elite. With the pearl culturing revolution, pearls became widely available, and they remain an iconic fashion staple for celebrities, athletes, royalty and everyone in between.
This lavishly illustrated guide -- which features hundreds of photos, maps and diagrams -- covers everything from identifying, culturing and evaluating these gems to the captivating stories of some of the world's most sought-after pearls.
Pearls includes chapters on:
- Why pearls are so prized -- Pearl symbolism and admiration throughout the ages and a showcase of the most prized pearls in history
- Natural vs. cultured pearls -- Explanation of the sources of each and how a layperson can identify them
- Pearl value factors -- A list of the main factors for evaluating pearl quality and price
- Akoya pearls, South Sea pearls, black pearls and freshwater pearls. These chapters discuss the sources and qualities of each type of pearl and gives readers tools to evaluate them
- Pearls produced by sea snails, scallops, clams, saltwater mussels and nautiluses
- Pearl processing and treatments -- How pearls can be treated and tests that can be done to see if a pearl has been treated
- Imitation pearls
- Pearl jewelry -- Examples of pearl jewelry from the 18th century to the modern day
- Wearing and caring for pearls -- Tips for wearing a strand of pearls as well as methods of cleaning and storing pearls.
As useful as it is beautiful, Pearls will be a welcome guide for anyone who has felt the allure of these spherical gems.
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Prelude to Immortality: Winston Churchill's 'my Early Life'
This is the incredible story of why and how Winston Churchill in his mid-50s decided to write an autobiography designed to reshape his image and to reduce an overwhelming personal debt burden. This is the incredible story of why and how Winston Churchill in his mid-50s decided to write an autobiography designed to reshape his image and to reduce an overwhelming personal debt burden. The book, My Early Life, emerged from a truly Churchillian writing process that was both complicated and highly focused. An extensive dictation process using both external research and his own previously written materials created a rough draft. Then additional researchers, reviewers and publishers on two continents helped mold the final product. My Early Life is Churchill's Aeneid and many sections approach lyric poetry in the style of writing and in its visual and emotional impact. How all this came about is described and analyzed in this book. It further explores just how successful an endeavor this was and the global impact this book has had on literature and as a source for educational and literary publications. -
Velveteen Rabbit: A Press and Play Storybook
The beloved story of The Velveteen Rabbit, the stuffed animal made real by the love of a boy, has captured our imaginations for generations. In this press and play edition of the children's classic featuring audio narration by Jeff Bridges, re-experience the timeless tale of boundless love and the magical transformation it has on our hearts.
For nearly a century, this wondrous tale of unconditional love and nursery magic has charmed both children and adults alike as they begin to believe that a velveteen rabbit toy truly can become real. Perfect for young readers ages 1-7, this cherished tale of love and redemption will quickly become a family tradition.
This heirloom edition of The Velveteen Rabbit, or How Toys Become Real features:
- A beautifully designed hardcover with press and play audio
- Updated soundboard technology to hear Academy Award-winner Jeff Bridges narrate the story
- Illustrations by renowned, New York Times #1 best-selling artist Charles Santore
The timeless tale of The Velveteen Rabbit:
- Is perfect for toddlers or children during bedtime reading or quiet time
- Has three times as many illustrations as the originally published work
- Makes a wonderful Easter basket stuffer or gift for holidays, baby showers, and birthdays
Create a family tradition with this wonderful volume and make memories your children will cherish for years.
Charles Santore's works has been widely exhibited in museums and celebrated with recognitions such as the prestigious Hamilton King Award, the Society of Illustrators Award of Excellence, and the Original Art 2000 Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators. He is best known for his luminous interpretations of classic children's stories, including The Little Mermaid, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Snow White, and The Wizard of Oz.
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Encyclopedia of Mythology: A Collection of Greek and Roman Heroes, Gods, and Monsters with Collectible Ephemera - Includes 16 Beautifully Designed Pie
Explore the extraordinary stories of the great Greek and Roman heroes, gods, and monsters, along with breathtaking images of classic artwork and 15 removable pieces of mythology ephemera.
An interactive guide to all the Greek and Roman mythological characters, epic battles, bizarre metamorphoses, and all kinds of hideous and fantastic monsters, Encyclopedia of Mythology immerses you in the riveting stories of this timeless mythological world. From major deities such as Athena and Pluto to the lesser-known wood nymphs and centaurs, and, of course, the heroic mortals like Jason, Helen, Achilles, and Odysseus, are all brought to life with a fascinating series of portraits drawn from a wide variety of ancient literary sources. In addition to this treasure trove of history and lore, this handsome edition includes 15 removable pieces of mythological memorabilia, including:- Die-cut prints of Greek and Roman pottery and sculptures
- Photos of historical paintings depicting mythology's favorite gods, goddesses, and heroes
- Reproductions of ancient Greek and Roman maps
- And more!
Perfect for casual browsers and folklore enthusiasts alike, Encyclopedia of Mythology offers a rich and readable guide to some of the greatest stories ever told. -
Cinderella: A Push, Pull, Slide Book
Push, pull and slide the scenes to bring the classic story of Cinderella to life.
Cinderella is the perfect introduction for toddlers who like to play as they read, with gentle rhyming text and easy-to-handle mechanisms on every spread. This much-loved classic, and its cast of fantastical characters, has been beautifully reimagined for a new generation, with illustrations by Dan Taylor. Discover more magical tales in the First Stories series with Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. -
Abiding Room: Experiencing the Abiding, Spirit-Filled Life
In The Abiding Room, you will learn how to experience the joy and peace of the Holy Spirit and encounter Jesus on a daily basis. Regardless of where you currently are in your spiritual journey, God desires for you to experience intimacy with him throughout each day. The abiding, Spirit-filled life is the abundant life Jesus promised and is ready to share with you as you enter into the Abiding Room with him.
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Short, Strange Trip: An Untold Story of Magic Mushrooms, Madness, and a Search for the Meaning of Life in the Amazon
Tag along with clever guide John O'Connor as he leads us on a gonzo journey through the history of psychedelics, the Amazon rainforest, and into the cosmic dimensions of our own minds. This will be the trip of a lifetime.
March 4th, 1971: Deep in the Colombian rainforest, a motley crew of "psychonauts" prepared for what they believed would be the ultimate experiment. Convinced that a mixture of powerful hallucinogenic plants held the key to unlocking human consciousness, they soon found themselves entering hyperspace.
The return journey was... complicated.
Present day: Acclaimed journalist John O'Connor is fascinated by this forgotten expedition. What really happened in those jungle depths? Armed with decades-old field notes, new interviews, and a healthy dose of curiosity, O'Connor ventures into the same Amazon territory, retracing the psychonauts' steps through the remote Putumayo in search of a legendary hallucinogen called ukuè --and the truth about an "experiment" that's been quietly gathering dust.
Working alongside indigenous Uitoto people who bore witness to it all, O'Connor explores how humanity's relationship with psychedelics has shaped everything from ancient religion to modern medicine. But as he journeys deeper into both the rainforest and the cosmic dimensions these substances reveal, one question keeps nagging at him:
Were the psychonauts onto something truly profound--or just profoundly stoned?
Some stories are worth the trip.
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Galloway's Gospel
"Alternately whimsical and horrifying, Rebelein's newest is a bizarre gem. I don't want to join any cult he dreams up, but I will be first in line to read about them." --KIERSTEN WHITE, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hide
In this shockingly fun wild ride of horrors, Sam Rebelein takes readers back to Renfield County and tells the story of two Rachels--one who mistakenly starts a cult at her local high school and one who tries to dismantle it ten years later.
2009: Rachel Galloway is bored in class. She spends the dreary fall days sketching in her notebook--adorable pigs munching on her boring teachers--and imagining a utopia where all the horrors of Burnskidde High School disappear. But when her classmates start to believe this utopia could be real, Galloway finds herself at the center of an elaborate, and quickly spreading, new religion. Before long, the town is split between believers and nonbelievers. As tensions rise and the rituals become more dangerous, Galloway can't be sure what's real and what's not, or who she can trust.
BURNSKIDDE: CULTWATCH
2019: This is the cryptic message that Renfield County Guard Rachel Durwood receives from her colleague Mark, mere days after he's disappeared. Mark's note leads Durwood to the town of Burnskidde, famously sealed off from the rest of the county ten years ago. Now, she discovers a small, insulated community preparing for the rapture and, seemingly, their collective demise. In order to save Burnskidde from itself, she must piece together the fallout from 2009 and avoid being swept up into the monstrous cult herself.
As Rachel Galloway watches her life spiral out of control, Rachel Durwood navigates a world where history, horror, and faith collide. Despite being separated by a decade, Galloway and Durwood may be closer to each other than they realize. But even together, will they be able to stop Burnskidde's impending doom?
"The novel never forgets to have fun but always keeps its finger on the pulse of the characters' hearts. A wild, bristling ride that would make Lovecraft blush." --MICHAEL WEHUNT, author of The October Film Haunt and Greener Pastures
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Autocracy 2.0: How China's Rise Reinvented Tyranny
In Autocracy 2.0, Jennifer Lind reveals how China's leaders defied expectations and propelled the country to innovation-superpower status--and what that means for the balance of power and global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism.
In 2008, the world watched in awe as 2,008 men pounded Fou drums in unison at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony--a spectacle that heralded China's arrival as a global powerhouse. Yet even as China's economy skyrocketed, skeptics scoffed at its ability to lead in tech, arguing that its authoritarian institutions smother true innovation. Lind dismantles this assumption, showing that China has not just kept pace; it has, in fact, surged ahead.
Coupling hard data with razor-sharp analysis, Lind shows that China's ascent was fueled by what she calls "smart authoritarianism" a model of governance in which autocratic leaders temper tight political control with inclusive economic measures. By balancing proinnovation policies with tools of repression, China's leaders have obtained political control and economic growth. These smart authoritarians, Lind observes, are not the brass-knuckled dictators of the past--they are their polished Savile Row-clad progeny, and they are found not only in China but also in authoritarian regimes worldwide.Compelling and incisive, Autocracy 2.0 is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand China's meteoric rise and how today's autocrats are reshaping the technological frontier, governance, and the global balance of power.
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Big Book of Who Baseball (Revised)
Baseball is a game of legends. From diamond greats such as Babe Ruth and Willie Mays to Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, this newly revised and updated edition of The Big Book of WHO Baseball is a collection of the 101 baseball stars every fan needs to know, past and present. Featuring the latest MLB photography and the most current information about baseball's best players, this Sports Illustrated Kids reference book for young sports fans is written in a fun and easy-to-navigate question and answer format. Player profiles, facts, and stats are organized into five comprehensive categories: Champions, Super Sluggers, Prime Pitchers, Cool Characters, and Record Breakers. Revised and updated with new stats and new stars, this fun collection of questions and answers will have kids stumping their friends and adult sports fans with their expert knowledge of baseball's top names.