Joe Smith Books

Paul Garfield is a suicide in waiting. Following the death of his wife and soulmate, Jan, he lives with controlled despair, going through the motions for the sake of his daughter, who is starting out in the world. When he recalls the murder of an elderly war hero he knew as a schoolboy, and believing an older local youth to be responsible, Paul is determined to confront the killer. Travelling back to his childhood home, he surprises himself by what happens next. And how it makes him feel. Vengeance is easy. Retribution is sweet. Life is worth living. The notorious rape and murder of two hitchhikers from decades past resurfaces in the news when the killer is paroled, and Paul decides that wrongs have not been adequately righted. Neither has punishment been applied to the historic abuser of his surrogate son, Bubbles. Operating from the moral high ground, Paul sets out on a quest for justice. But when a celebrity clairvoyant claims to be in touch with Jan, he becomes enraged and decides

First published to critical acclaim as Gypsy Joe, with The Observer selecting it as Sports Book Of The Year, Cushty is a revised and expanded edition. Encouraged as a child to reject the gypsy tradition of fighting and take up golf, Joe rose through the ranks of the professional sport. However, after having to leave his club due to false accusations, he fell into bare-knuckle fighting and crime. Only when prison loomed did he reflect on his life's course and left the underworld. A redemptive, uplifting account of a young man's determination to realise his dream regardless of prejudice.

The business of Death is never done. Asato Tsuzuki works as a Shinigami, or "Guardian o Death," in the Ministry of Hades. It's his duty to make sure that the souls of the dead reach the afterlife, but contrary ghosts and humanity's evils keep getting in the way of a job well done. With all these problem assignments, will he ever get a bonus...or will he be stuck paying back damages for all eternity? The business of death continues. Working at the Ministry of Hades, Asato Tsuzuki is responsible for escorting the dead to their final resting place...wherever that may be. Hisae is a fatally ill dancer who is stubbornly clinging to life for the chance to compete in one final dance contest. Tsuzuki arrives just in time to witness the aftermath of a horrific crime--Hisae's home is splattered with blood! Who is responsible for the gory graffiti? Alas, it looks like there's going to be a little bit of overtime on Tsuzuki's timecard this week.

A plethora of musical legends, ranging from Pat Boone to David Lee Roth, tell of their careers in music, providing an exhaustive pop music history

Featuring a series of five gripping short stories, this collection delves into the intense world of an underground female fight club. Each narrative explores the fierce rivalries, personal struggles, and the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere of these clandestine battles, highlighting the strength and resilience of the women involved. The stories capture the raw emotions and complex dynamics that unfold within this unique subculture, offering readers a thrilling glimpse into a world where empowerment and competition collide.

A mass brawl in a wild west saloon transforms Wynonna's simple cowgirl life into a thrilling struggle for survival. After befriending four Native American women, she learns to fight and gains the skills needed to confront a dangerous enemy who has sent assassins after her. The story explores themes of friendship, resilience, and empowerment as Wynonna navigates her new, perilous reality, preparing for a showdown that will define her fate.

Set in 17th century London, the story follows Betty, a young woman from the working class with limited options. Facing the harsh realities of her environment, she opts to work as a cook in a large factory rather than follow in her mother's footsteps as a prostitute or serve in a wealthy household. As she navigates the challenges of her difficult life, Betty's resilience is tested, hinting at even tougher trials ahead.

The story follows Lessja, a young queen striving to lead her tribe with fairness and integrity amidst the aftermath of a devastating Amazon war. To restore strength and unity among her people, she embarks on a mission to persuade displaced Amazons to return to their territories. Central to her strategy is the revival of the Summer Games, aiming to rekindle a sense of community and pride among the tribes.

An undercover policewoman's life spirals into chaos after her opponent dies in an illegal female fighting tournament. As internal affairs probe the incident, she is offered a dangerous opportunity by Interpol to infiltrate a human trafficking ring that exploits women for deadly fights. This secretive mission requires her to risk her life repeatedly in brutal deathmatches, exposing the dark underbelly of a world where the rich seek entertainment through violence.

Set in the year 3162, a mining company has colonized Mars, creating a city and four outposts. Tensions escalate into conflict as a war erupts over contracts between the northern and southern factions, threatening the stability of their settlement. The struggle highlights the complexities of corporate power and territorial disputes in this new world.

Exploring the dynamics of an exclusive swingers' club, Tish and Paul embark on a journey to fulfill their deepest desires. As they navigate this new lifestyle, they encounter challenges and revelations that test their relationship and personal boundaries, leading to unexpected transformations and experiences.

The story revolves around ten fierce female contestants in a reality show where ex-best friends face off in intense physical battles. Each competition showcases their strength and resilience, leading to bruising confrontations for a life-altering prize. Despite the fierce rivalry, the contestants share a complex dynamic, indulging in flirtation and camaraderie during their downtime, highlighting the juxtaposition of competition and attraction in a high-stakes environment.

Set in a distant future, the story unfolds on twin planets inhabited by the New Aged Hippies, where women engage in legal duels to the death. These intense hand-to-hand combat fights are not only a means of settling disputes but are also broadcast live, captivating an audience eager for spectacle. The narrative explores themes of violence, gender dynamics, and societal norms in a unique and provocative setting.

The narrative explores the profound spiritual journey of a father and son, focusing on their experiences of suffering and the quest for forgiveness. As Joe supports his son Christopher in his final weeks, he gains deep insights from Christopher's courageous faith and behavior. This transformative experience leads Joe to share their story, aiming to help others grappling with similar challenges related to suffering, forgiveness, and the power of prayer.

Set in the 1970s, the story revolves around a trucker who, in a bid to help his wife find a boxing opponent, launches a female topless boxing club. This unique premise explores themes of empowerment, gender dynamics, and the unconventional paths people take to challenge societal norms. As the club gains traction, it delves into the lives of the women involved, their motivations, and the impact of this bold venture on their relationships and self-identity.

Struggling with the burden of vengeance, Lucretia seeks solace in Germanic lands after her harrowing escape from the Flavian Amphitheatre. The death of her lover in a brutal trial by combat complicates her quest for justice, as she grapples with the obligation to avenge her father's death by killing her stepmother. This internal conflict drives her journey, blending themes of love, duty, and the quest for power amidst a backdrop of tribal intrigue.

The story follows Amy and her friends as they are inspired by a female fighting video to establish their own fight club. This venture leads them to explore themes of empowerment, friendship, and the challenges women face in a male-dominated world. As they navigate the dynamics of their new club, they confront personal struggles and societal expectations, ultimately discovering their strength and solidarity through the sport of fighting.

The story unfolds as Gustav's transformation of two women into vampiresses ignites a deadly rivalry fueled by their love for him. Clara and Sylvia, caught in this conflict, soon encounter a group of priestesses who mistakenly perceive them as witches due to the church's denial of vampires. This clash between supernatural beings and religious hunters sets the stage for intense battles and complex dynamics as the characters navigate love, loyalty, and the threat of extermination.

The story follows Kristin, a former roller brawl fighter, as she attempts to revive her career after a maternity break. Just as she returns to the intense world of roller brawling, news of an impending nuclear war forces her to prioritize her infant daughter's safety. With time running out, Kristin races to reach the Dome, the only sanctuary for her and her child amidst the chaos. The narrative explores themes of motherhood, survival, and the harsh realities of a world on the brink of destruction.

Petro faces significant obstacles in her pursuit of wrestling due to her parents' strict adherence to conservative values and the legal restrictions against female wrestling and boxing. Her determination to break free from these constraints highlights her struggle for self-identity and empowerment in a society that limits her choices. The story explores themes of gender roles, rebellion, and the quest for personal freedom.

Christina's journey from South Africa to England leads her to fulfill her dream of participating in a catfight. Joining a company dedicated to this unique sport, she faces off against another woman, navigating the intense emotions and challenges that come with the competition. The story explores themes of ambition, rivalry, and the empowerment found in pursuing one's passions.

The narrative revolves around Allan and his tumultuous relationships with four ex-girlfriends: Mel, Katy, Belinda, and Zara. Spanning two to three years, the collection explores their dynamic through a series of competitive encounters, ranging from friendly contests to intense brawls, including charity events and private fights. Each story delves into the complexities of their interactions, highlighting themes of rivalry, nostalgia, and the impact of past relationships on the present.

Focusing on the theme of societal exploitation, this editorial delves into the various ways American citizens are overburdened by economic, political, and social systems. It critiques the impact of consumerism, government policies, and corporate interests on individual lives, highlighting the struggles faced by everyday people. Through compelling arguments and real-life examples, the work aims to raise awareness and provoke thought about the need for reform and empowerment within the citizenry.

Set in 17th century London, the story follows Betty, a young working-class woman facing limited options for survival. With the harsh realities of life pushing her towards a fate similar to her mother’s as a prostitute, she opts to work as a cook in a large factory. Despite the challenges she faces, her decision marks the beginning of an even more difficult journey, highlighting the struggles of women in a patriarchal society.

The story revolves around Lucretia, the privileged daughter of Romulus, the governor of Gallia Narbonensis. Her upper-class upbringing shapes her worldview, leading her to see those of lower status, including her handmaiden Celeste, as mere servants. This dynamic sets the stage for exploring themes of class disparity and the complexities of power and privilege in their relationship.

The aftermath of a life-saving decision leads to Eva's isolation as her friendships crumble and she faces legal troubles from Nancy, who is suing her for loss of income. This turmoil forces Eva to confront the consequences of her actions and the shifting dynamics in her relationships, highlighting themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle for redemption.

Set against a backdrop of ancient Germanic territories, the story follows Lucretia as she grapples with her tumultuous past after escaping the Flavian Amphitheatre. Stricken by grief from her lover's death in a trial by combat, she faces a moral dilemma—her obligation to avenge her father's death by killing her stepmother. This internal conflict drives her journey, intertwining themes of duty, love, and revenge in a richly woven historical narrative.

Set in the year 3162, the story unfolds on Mars, where a mining company has established a city and four outposts. Tensions rise as a conflict over contracts ignites a war between the northern and southern outposts, disrupting the previously stable environment. The narrative explores the consequences of corporate greed and territorial disputes in this newly colonized world.

British author Martin Knight was born at the end of the 1950s on the outskirts of semi-rural South London. Broken Wafers tells the story of his life on a council estate as he navigates the 1960s and the first half of the 1970s. Knight charts a period when Britain emerged from post-war austerity into a more vibrant, hopeful, comfortable and colourful age. He recalls everyday life in his multi-racial family and the thrill of the gradual arrival of such innovations as the refrigerator, the telephone, the colour television and hormones. Broken Wafers is an unashamed and forensic wallow in nostalgia.