Bill James Book order

Using groundbreaking sleuthing techniques, renowned statistician and baseball writer Bill James delves into a century-old mystery involving one of America's deadliest serial killers. Between 1898 and 1912, families were brutally bludgeoned in their sleep with an axe, yet valuables remained untouched, and the bodies were piled together with faces covered. Cases like the infamous Villisca, Iowa murders gained national attention, but few connected the dots between these seemingly unrelated crimes, all occurring near train stations. Upon discovering these horrors, James began investigating similar patterns, applying his analytical skills from baseball to identify linked crimes. After meticulously examining thousands of local newspapers, court documents, and public records, he and his daughter Rachel made a shocking revelation: they uncovered the true identity of this monstrous figure. Their findings reveal one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. With riveting prose, the narrative offers a psychologically insightful portrait of early 20th-century America, where crime was viewed as a local issue and opportunistic detectives exploited a flawed judicial system. James's innovative approach to true crime challenges skeptics and enthusiasts alike, reshaping our understanding of criminal history.

"From legendary writer Bill James, in collaboration with his daughter, Rachel, a compelling, dramatic, and meticulously researched narrative about a century-old series of unsolved axe murders across America, and how the authors came to solve them"--Jacket.

Set against the backdrop of impending war, a secret service officer undertakes a mission to Berlin amid deceptive peace talks with Hitler. As he navigates the complexities of espionage, doubts about the mission's purpose arise. A chance encounter with an informant and two lively women from a bar leads to unexpected chaos, highlighting the tension between personal desires and national duty. The narrative explores themes of loyalty and the uncertainty of political maneuvers in a time of crisis.

The story unfolds with a shocking drive-by shooting involving a woman and her stepson, leading to a series of unexpected twists. The investigation reveals a potential connection to Mansel Shale, a notorious drug lord, and his valuable collection of pre-Raphaelite art. As police pursue the shooting suspect into a crowded second-hand shop, the situation escalates into a tense standoff, endangering both hostages and law enforcement. The unfolding chaos threatens the careers of Detective Harpur and Assistant Chief Constable Iles, challenging their resolve.

The story delves into the challenges faced by ACC Esther Davidson as she navigates the complexities of infiltrating a major gang in the absence of her colleague, Desmond Iles. It highlights the moral and practical dilemmas of undercover work, particularly the risks associated with "out-located" officers. As Davidson's mission unfolds, the narrative intertwines her personal struggles with the legal repercussions that follow, offering a gripping exploration of duty, ethics, and the consequences of undercover operations.

When Bill James published his original Historical Baseball Abstract in 1985, he produced an immediate classic, hailed by the Chicago Tribune as the “holy book of baseball.” Now, baseball's beloved “Sultan of Stats” (The Boston Globe) is back with a fully revised and updated edition for the new millennium. Like the original, The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract is really several books in one. The Game provides a century's worth of American baseball history, told one decade at a time, with energetic facts and figures about How, Where, and by Whom the game was played. In The Players, you'll find listings of the top 100 players at each position in the major leagues, along with James's signature stats-based ratings method called “Win Shares,” a way of quantifying individual performance and calculating the offensive and defensive contributions of catchers, pitchers, infielders, and outfielders. And there's more: the Reference section covers Win Shares for each season and each player, and even offers a Win Share team comparison. A must-have for baseball fans and historians alike, The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract is as essential, entertaining, and enlightening as the sport itself.

Intrigue unfolds as a house full of paintings is stolen, alongside the discovery of a well-dressed corpse. Detective Harpur and Constable Iles navigate a dangerous landscape dominated by rival drug dealers vying for control. As they confront these criminal elements, Harpur's relentless daughters complicate matters, while Iles employs questionable tactics. This fast-paced thriller keeps readers guessing about who will survive the escalating violence.

The story revolves around the uneasy alliance between drug lords Ralph Ember and Mansel Shale, who have maintained peace in their profitable empires under the watchful eye of ACC Iles. Their stability is disrupted when foreign dealers invade their territory, bringing not only drugs but also trafficked girls from Eastern Europe. As competition escalates, a violent struggle for control erupts, threatening to shatter the delicate balance they've established and plunge their world into chaos.

Featuring three new stories and three previously unpublished tales, this anthology delves into the dark and gritty world of Harpur and Iles. Alongside these narratives, readers will enjoy a thrilling interlude with familiar crooks and additional stories that explore the seamier side of life. This collection is essential for fans of Bill James, offering a rich blend of suspense and intrigue that showcases the complexity of his characters and the underworld they inhabit.

The story revolves around a meticulously planned cash-in-transit heist that spirals out of control when armed police intervene. As the perpetrators are captured, their loved ones suspect that the only escapee leaked crucial information. Deputy Constable Colin Harpur and Assistant Constable Desmond Iles are tasked with safeguarding the informant and his family, navigating the tensions between loyalty and betrayal amid the chaos of the botched raid. The narrative explores themes of trust, duty, and the consequences of crime.