Who Will Comfort Toffle? Tale of Moomin Valley
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Lonely and frightened Toffle remains unnoticed and alone in the world until he finds a frightened girl who needs comforting.
Sophie Hannah is an internationally bestselling author celebrated for her psychological crime fiction. Her narratives delve deeply into the complexities of the human mind, weaving intricate plots that grip readers with suspense. Hannah masterfully explores the darker aspects of human nature, solidifying her reputation as a prominent voice in contemporary crime fiction.







Lonely and frightened Toffle remains unnoticed and alone in the world until he finds a frightened girl who needs comforting.
Three years ago, something terrible happened to Naomi Jenkins - so terrible that she never told anybody. Now Naomi has another secret - the man she has fallen passionately in love with, unhappily married Robert Haworth. When Robert vanishes without trace, Naomi knows he must have come to harm. But the police are less convinced, particularly when Robert's wife insists he is not missing. In desperation, Naomi has a crazy idea. If she can't persuade the police that Robert is in danger, perhaps she can convince them that he is a danger to others. Then they will have to look for him - urgently. Naomi knows how describe in detail the actions of a psychopath. All she needs to do is dig up her own troubled past . . .
The world's most beloved detective, Hercule Poirot, the legendary star of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and most recently The Monogram Murders and Closed Casket, returns in a stylish, diabolically clever mystery set in the London of 1930. Hercule Poirot returns home after an agreeable luncheon to find an angry woman waiting to berate him outside his front door. Her name is Sylvia Rule, and she demands to know why Poirot has accused her of the murder of Barnabas Pandy, a man she has neither heard of nor ever met. She is furious to be so accused, and deeply shocked. Poirot is equally shocked, because he too has never heard of any Barnabas Pandy, and he certainly did not send the letter in question. He cannot convince Sylvia Rule of his innocence, however, and she marches away in a rage. Shaken, Poirot goes inside, only to find that he has a visitor waiting for him -- a man called John McCrodden who also claims also to have received a letter from Poirot that morning, accusing him of the murder of Barnabas Pandy... Poirot wonders how many more letters of this sort have been sent in his name. Who sent them, and why? More importantly, who is Barnabas Pandy, is he dead, and, if so, was he murdered? And can Poirot find out the answers without putting more lives in danger?
A TIME must-read book of 2019 'Hannah is excellent on how to embrace our grudges, nurture them and use them to become a better person' Grazia What if grudges are not just good for us but great? How often have you held a grudge and felt guilty about it? 'Forgive and move on' is the received wisdom, and that's what many of us try to do. Positive thinking is essential for a happy life, but how we get to that positive is even more crucial. What if grudges can ward off danger, and help us live better lives? What if they can act as stepping stones, pointing us in the right direction? This ultimate guide will give you all the tools you need to analyse, process and embrace your grudges in order to be your best possible self. ** How to Hold a Grudge - The Podcast now available for download! Check out Grudge of the Week, and discover the latest Grudge Music **
It's 1.15 a.m. Connie Bowskill should be asleep. Instead, she's logging on to a property website in search of a particular house: 11 Bentley Grove, Cambridge. She knows it's for sale; she saw the estate agent's board in the front garden less than six hours ago. Soon Connie is clicking on the 'Virtual Tour' button, keen to see the inside of 11 Bentley Grove and put her mind at rest once and for all. She finds herself looking at a scene from a nightmare: in the living room, in the middle of the carpet, there's a woman lying face down in a huge pool of blood. In shock, Connie wakes her husband Kit. But when Kit sits down at the computer to take a look, he sees no dead body, only a pristine beige carpet in a perfectly ordinary room . . .
The world's greatest detective, Hercule Poirot - legendary star of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile and A Haunting in Venice - puts his little grey cells to work solving a baffling Christmas mystery. CAN HERCULE POIROT SOLVE A BAFFLING MURDER MYSTERY IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS? It's 19 December 1931. Hercule Poirot and Inspector Edward Catchpool are called to investigate the murder of a man in the apparent safe haven of a Norfolk hospital ward. Catchpool's mother, the irrepressible Cynthia, insists that Poirot stays in a crumbling mansion by the coast, so that they can all be together for the festive period while Poirot solves the case. Cynthia's friend Arnold is soon to be admitted to that same hospital and his wife is convinced he will be the killer's next victim, though she refuses to explain why. Poirot has less than a week to solve the crime and prevent more murders, if he is to escape from this nightmare scenario and get home in time for Christmas. Meanwhile, someone else - someone utterly ruthless - also has ideas about what ought to happen to Hercule Poirot . . .
The phenomenal word-of-mouth bestselling author Sophie Hannah explores the various sides of motherhood in her third stunning psychological suspense novel.
When Amber Hewerdine consults a hypnotherapist as a desperate last resort, she doesn't expect that anything much will change. She doesn't expect it to help with her chronic insomnia. She doesn't expect to hear herself, under hypnosis, saying words that mean nothing to her: 'Kind, cruel, kind of cruel' - words she has seen somewhere before, if only she could remember where. She doesn't expect to be arrested two hours later, as a result of having spoken those words out loud, in connection with the brutal murder of Katharine Allen, a woman she's never heard of.
All Beth has to do is drive her son to his Under-14s away match, watch him play, and bring him home. Just because she knows her ex-best friend lives near the football ground, that doesn't mean she has to drive past her house. But she can't resist. She parks outside the open gates, watches from across the road as Flora and her children Thomas and Emily step out of the car. Except? There's something terribly wrong. It's the children. Twelve years ago, Thomas and Emily were five and three years old. Today, they look precisely as they did then. They haven't changed at all. They are no taller, no older... Why haven't they grown?
The world's greatest detective, Hercule Poirot-legendary star of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile-returns to solve a fiendish new mystery. Hercule Poirot is travelling by luxury passenger coach from London to the exclusive Kingfisher Hill estate, where Richard Devonport has summoned him to prove that his fiancée, Helen, is innocent of the murder of his brother, Frank. But there is a strange condition attached to this request: Poirot must conceal his true reason for being there. The coach is forced to stop when a distressed woman demands to get off, insisting that if she stays in her seat, she will be murdered. Although the rest of the journey passes without anyone being harmed, Poirot's curiosity is aroused, and his fears are later confirmed when a body is discovered with a macabre note attached Could this new murder and the peculiar incident on the coach be clues to solving the mystery of who killed Frank Devonport? And if Helen is innocent, can Poirot find the true culprit in time to save her from the gallows?
"What I intend to say to you will come as a shock ..." With these words, Lady Athelinda Playford -- one of the world's most beloved children's authors -- springs a surprise on the lawyer entrusted with her will. As guests arrive for a party at her Irish mansion, Lady Playford has decided to cut off her two children without a penny ... and leave her vast fortune to someone else: an invalid who has only weeks to live. Among Lady Playford's visitors are two strangers: the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, and Inspector Edward Catchpool of Scotland Yard. Neither knows why he has been invited -- until Poirot begins to wonder if Lady Playford expects a murder. But why does she seem so determined to provoke a killer? And why -- when the crime is committed despite Poirot's best efforts to stop it -- does the identity of the victim make no sense at all?
Alice's baby is two weeks old when she leaves the house without her for the first time, but on her return she finds the front door open and the baby in the crib isn't hers. Before a DNA test can be taken, both Alice and the baby disappear and dark incidents begin to appear in her husband's past.
Pushed to breaking point, Cara Burrows abandons her family and escapes to a five-star spa resort she can't afford. Late at night, exhausted and desperate, she lets herself into her hotel room and is shocked to find it already occupied by a man and a teenage girl. A simple mistake on the part of the hotel receptionist but Cara's fear intensifies when she works out that the girl she saw in the hotel room is someone she can't possibly have seen: Melody Chapa, whose parents are serving life sentences for her murder. Cara doesn't know what to trust: everything she's read and heard about the case, or the evidence of her own eyes. Did she really see Melody?
Why would anyone admit to the murder of someone who wasn't dead? The fourth psychological suspense novel from the phenomenal bestselling Sophie Hannah.
A mad-cap, light-hearted story about love and lust at a drama summer-school.
Queen of psychological crime Sophie Hannah returns with a brand new puzzle guaranteed to unlock the dark side of the mind . . .
Critically acclaimed queen of psychological crime Sophie Hannah's fifth suspense novel - a must-read for those who love Clare Mackintosh and Paula Hawkins. 'Beautifully written' Daily Express 'Terrifying' Heat Murder begins at home . . . TV producer Fliss Benson receives an anonymous card at work. The card has sixteen numbers on it, arranged in four rows of four - numbers that mean nothing to her. On the same day, Fliss finds out she's going to be working on a documentary about miscarriages of justice involving cot-death mothers wrongly accused of murder. The documentary will focus on three women: Helen Yardley, Sarah Jaggard and Rachel Hines. All three women are now free, and the doctor who did her best to send them to prison for life, child protection zealot Dr Judith Duffy, is under investigation for misconduct. For reasons she has shared with nobody, this is the last project Fliss wants to be working on. And then Helen Yardley is found dead at her home, and in her pocket is a card with sixteen numbers on it, arranged in four rows of four . . .
'One of the great unmissables of this genre - intelligent, classy and with a wonderfully Gothic imagination' - The Times Justine thought she knew who she was, until an anonymous caller seemed to know better... After escaping London and a career that nearly destroyed her, Justine plans to spend her days doing as little as possible in her beautiful home in Devon. But soon after the move, her daughter Ellen starts to withdraw when her new best friend, George, is unfairly expelled from school. Justine begs the head teacher to reconsider, only to be told that nobody's been expelled - there is, and was, no George. Then the anonymous calls start: a stranger, making threats that suggest she and Justine share a traumatic past and a guilty secret - yet Justine doesn't recognise her voice. When the caller starts to talk about three graves - two big and one small, to fit a child - Justine fears for her family's safety. If the police can't help, she'll have to eliminate the danger herself, but first she must work out who she's supposed to be...
"How far would you go to protect your daughter? Four mothers must identify the true threat at their daughters' school before it's too late. Carolyn, Bronnie, Elise, and Kendall are bound together by one thing--their four daughters are best friends at the highly competitive Orla Flynn Academy for the Performing Arts. Last year the foursome exploded because of brutal bullying between the girls, but they've since forgiven each other. The mothers, however, haven't been able to move on. When new threats surface and accidents begin to happen - just as a mysterious new girl enters the scene - the mothers take matters into their own hands. But they will have to risk their own secrets being exposed if they stand a chance at uncovering the truth."--Provided by publisher
The new Hercule Poirot novel - another brilliant murder mystery that can only be solved by the eponymous Belgian detective and his `little grey cells'.
Stunning historical fiction, perfect for fans of Tracy Chevalier
An edge-of-your-seat novel from the phenomenal Sophie Hannah. When her plane is delayed overnight, Gaby Struthers finds herself forced to share a hotel room with a stranger: a terrified young woman named Lauren Cookson - but why is she scared of Gaby in particular? Lauren won't explain. Instead, she blurts out something about an innocent man going to prison for a murder he didn't commit, and Gaby soon suspects that Lauren's presence on her flight can't be a coincidence. Because the murder victim is Francine Breary, the wife of the only man Gaby has ever truly loved. Tim Breary has confessed, and even provided the police with evidence. The only thing he hasn't given them is a motive. He claims to have no idea why he murdered his wife...
Happiness is one of life's greatest mysteries. But what even is happiness? Why does it mean so many different things to different people? And how can we actually be happier? Drawing on decades of experience in crime writing, self-help and intensely curious observation of other people, Sophie Hannah sets out to solve the mystery. She lines up her cast of suspects and expert witnesses from ancient philosophers to modern self-help gurus, scientists to ordinary people from all walks of life. Leaving no stone unturned, she scrutinises the clues, evidence, and even the red herrings that unexpectedly lead to happiness. And she uncovers answers - from the secrets of a fulfilling relationship to the joys of boredom, or of the bliss of a cancelled meeting. Weaving in much-loved poems and hilarious observations from Sophie's own life, this is the ultimate guide to happiness - and the clues that can lead us there.
Queen of psychological crime Sophie Hannah returns with a new literary mystery and a puzzle that's impossible to solve . . .
Simon Waterhouse and Charlie Zailer are back in bestseller Sophie Hannah's twisty new psych suspense: SIX COUPLES. ONE LUXURY RESORT. AND THE PERFECT MURDER . . .
A killer that the police are calling 'Billy Dead Mates' is murdering pairs of best friends, one by one. Before they die, each victim is given a small white book... For months, detectives have failed to catch Billy, or work out what the white books mean. And then a woman, scared by what she's seen on the news, comes forward. Stand-up comedian Kim Tribbeck has one of Billy's peculiar little books. A stranger gave it to her at a gig she did a year ago. Was he Billy, and does he want to kill her? Kim has no friends and trusts no one. How - and why - could she possibly be Billy Dead Mates' next target?
When the Beeston's son is accepted on a scholarship to a boarding school near their holiday home, it seems like the perfect time to get out of the city. Louise has long been driven mad by the music coming from next door. But the move doesn't offer the solace Louise needs. She is plagued by the sound of a children's choir. When the children turn up on her doorstep, she is ready to call the police - but this is no normal choir.
The book, recognized with the 2023 CWA Dagger in the Library, showcases a compelling narrative that captivates readers with its intricate plot and well-developed characters. It delves into themes of mystery and suspense, weaving a gripping tale that keeps audiences engaged from beginning to end. The author's skillful storytelling and unique voice contribute to a richly immersive experience, making it a standout choice for fans of the genre.
Make-up for You It's time to let go of outdated beauty rules and expectations, and to discover empowering and exciting ways to express yourself. Welcome to the new beauty bible. Sophie Hannah is the queen of creative self-expression, whether it's everyday hair and make-up looks or incredible festival, Halloween, party and holiday styles. She doesn't shy away from showing her true selves and having fun with her beauty and style - and neither should you! This book has absolutely everything you need to know, from how to put together your beauty kit, take care of your skin and master basic techniques, to ideas for experimenting with hair colour and styles, and finding sustainable ways to develop your look. Including step-by-step illustrated tutorials and aspirational ideas, it is packed full of information to teach, inspire and give you the confidence to develop your own unique style. Life is short - so let yourself feel good being you!
Jedna powieść, cztery bestsellerowe autorki - Wydanie kieszonkowe
Člověk může armádu opustit, ale ona nikdy neopustí jeho. Jack Reacher, notorický tulák a bývalý vojenský policista, je povolán zpět k armádě, aby vystopoval ostřelovače, který se pokusil zabít francouzského prezidenta. Reacher je ideální volbou, protože nebezpečného střelce už jednou dostal za mříže. Týden před svatbou zjistí třicetiletá Georgia Fordová, že její snoubenec skrýval zásadní tajemství. Její svět se převrátí vzhůru nohama, a tak utíká do rodinného vinařství v Sonomě, kde doufá v útěchu. Avšak i zde se objevují tajemství, která mění její pohled na blízké. Hercule Poirot, belgický detektiv, se po krátkém odpočinku vrací do akce, když se v luxusním hotelu najdou tři mrtvá těla s manžetovými knoflíčky v ústech. Záhadná slečna Jennie, která se ocitá v nebezpečí, možná skrývá tajemství, a Poirot musí využít všechny své schopnosti, aby odhalil pravdu. Dvojčata Derek a Edward Hughesovi, kteří přežili těžké dětství a bojovali spolu v první světové válce, se snaží zjistit více o svém zesnulém otci a jeho letech v Africe. Starý deník je zavede do divočiny, kde se setkávají s ohroženým sloním rodem, kterému hrozí vyhynutí.
Deset povídek, které otřásly každým, kdo je četl. Mistrně načrtnuté postavy se dostávají do zapeklitých situací, které zpočátku vypadaly obyčejně, ale postupně z nich vystrkuje rohatou hlavu samotné Zlo. Kdo z nás nikdy nezatoužil zabít údržbáře? A co když se projeví jako machistický násilník, který vám dá najevo, že jako žena máte držet ústa a krok? Může jít vaše nenávist tak daleko, že se obrátí i proti jeho dětem? A co před vámi skrývá manžel, když zjistíte, že na všech vašich společných fotografiích za poslední desetiletí je spolu s vámi nejen on, ale i jakási neznámá žena?
Hercule Poirot a vražda spáchaná coby novoroční předsevzetí… Slovutný Belgičan a jeho přítel inspektor Edward Catchpool přijíždějí na malý řecký ostrov Lamperos, aby se tu rozloučili s rokem 1932 a přivítali ten následující. Octnou se v poněkud svérázné komunitě obyvatel jedné zdejší vily. Součástí silvestrovských oslav se stane i napohled nevinná hra: každý host má anonymně napsat své novoroční předsevzetí a pak se bude hádat, které je čí. Na jednom lístku však stojí, že pisatel uskuteční „poslední a první smrt roku“, a jmenuje i oběť svého zamýšleného činu. A navzdory přítomnosti nejgeniálnějšího detektiva všech dob se tak i stane…
Hercule Poirot znovu na scéne! Po detektívke Tichá noc Hercula Poirota nám britská spisovateľka Sophie Hannahová ponúka nový, už šiesty príbeh s ikonickým belgickým detektívom v hlavnej úlohe. Tentoraz sa Hercule Poirot a mladý inšpektor Scotland Yardu Edward Catchpool spolu vydajú na grécky ostrov Lamperos. Keď na Silvestra roku 1932 Hercule Poirot s inšpektorom Catchpoolom pricestujú na ostrovček Lamperos, aby tam oslávili príchod nového roka, vysvitne, že tieto sviatočné chvíle prežijú v spoločnosti pomerne svojráznych obyvateľov polorozpadnutej vily. Ich pobyt na krásnom ostrove čoskoro poznačí nepríjemné tušenie, že sa stane niečo zlé. Po slávnostnej večeri sa hostia rozhodnú zabaviť zdanlivo nevinnou hrou na novoročné predsavzatia, ktorá spočíva v tom, že každý hráč anonymne napíše svoje predsavzatie a potom budú hádať, ktoré je čie. Jeden lístok však obsahuje zlovestnú hrozbu, že pisateľ spôsobí „poslednú a prvú smrť v roku“, a dokonca v ňom stojí aj meno budúcej obete. A naozaj, o niekoľko hodín nájdu na terase vily jedného z obyvateľov mŕtveho. Vtedy Poirot konečne prezradí Catchpoolovi skutočný dôvod, prečo ho vzal so sebou na ostrov: život ďalšieho člena tamojšej komunity je v ohrození. Obaja muži si zaumienia, že urobia všetko preto, aby táto prvá vražda ostala poslednou vraždou v roku...