A flamboyant party host is murdered in full view of a roomful of bridge players... Mr Shaitana was famous as a flamboyant party host. Nevertheless, he was a man of whom everybody was a little afraid. So, when he boasted to Poirot that he considered murder an art form, the detective had some reservations about accepting a party invitation to view Shaitana's private collection. Indeed, what began as an absorbing evening of bridge was to turn into a more dangerous game altogether...
Accident is a powerful and ultimately triumphant novel of lives shattered and changed by one devastating moment. Although frequent business meetings keep her husband, Brad, away from home, Page Clarke feels blessed with her happy family and comfortable marriage. They have a house near San Francisco and she keeps busy looking after their seven-year-old son, Andy, and their teenage daughter, Allyson. Allyson, at fifteen, is trying her wings and one weekend, instead of an evening with her friend Chloe, the girls lie and go out with two older high school boys. But a Saturday night that was supposed to be fun ends in tragedy when their car collides head-on with another. At the hospital, Page finds Chloe's divorced father, Trygve, and, unable to locate Brad, she leans on his strength throughout the the long hours of tormenting questions. Will Allyson live? Will any of them? Were the teenagers drinking? Using drugs? Who was at fault? And where is her husband? Without Brad by her side Page feels her life start to come apart as she is forced to confront the fact that Allyson may not live, and if she does, she may never be the same again. In an inspiring novel that explores how many people are affected by one tragic accident and how they survive it, Danielle Steel brings us close to the characters whose lives are as familiar as our own... and who live, as we all do, in a world where everything can change in a single moment.
After the wedding of Diana Goode and Andrew Douglas, Diana teases that they will make a baby on their honeymoon. But long afterward, she is still not pregnant. As Diana and Andrew wait out each month only to be bitterly disappointed, they are forced to question just how much they are willing to go through to have a baby. Charlie Winwood dreams of a house filled with children. His bride, party-girl actress Barbie Mason, has other ideas. When he discovers he is sterile, Charlie has to rethink his deepest values -- and his marriage to a woman who shares none of his dreams. After ten years of living together, Pilar Graham, a prominent Santa Barbara attorney, marries Judge Brad Coleman, who is nineteen years her senior and father of two grown children. They are happy with their comfortable life together, à deux, until Pilar begins to wonder if she will someday regret not having a baby with Brad. Are they crazy to begin now -- with Brad about to become a grandfather and Pilar with a busy career, and in her early forties, possibly putting herself at risk? Through the lives of these couples, Danielle Steel shows us the mixed blessingswe face as we build our families and live our modern lives. She touches us with the triumphant people who prevail, their victories, their defeats, their tragedies and joys, their compromises, their lives.
An ordinary village A shocking announcement One morning the villagers of Chipping Cleghorn wake to find a strange notice in their papers: 'A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6.30pm.' Suspecting this is just a joke, they gather for some evening entertainment. Then a gunshot is heard. In desperation, the police turn to an old lady whose hobbies are gardening, gossiping - and solving murders. After all, old ladies know better than anyone exactly what goes on in quiet English villages... Never underestimate Miss Marple 'The queen of jaw-dropping, heart-stopping twists.' Karen M. McManus 'Establishes firmly her claim to the throne of detection. The plot is as ingenious as ever... the dialogue both wise and witty; while the suspense is maintained very skilfully until the final revelation.' A.A. Milne
La Londra vittoriana nasconde accuratamente i suoi peccati e i suoi segreti. Solo il tenace ispettore Thomas Pitt riesce a portarli alla luce, con la determinazione del segugio di razza e l'aiuto di un'arma segreta: sua moglie Charlotte. Figlia di ottima famiglia, Charlotte svolge per conto del marito indagini delicate nei salotti della buona borghesia, arrivando dove un poliiziotto non potrebbe mai avere accesso. In questa raccolta, che comprende tre dei casi più complessi dell'ispettore, si rivela tutta la bravura di Anne Perry, autrice amatissima dai giallisti di tutto il mondo per la sua capacità di ridar vita a un'epoca affascinante e torbida come quella della Londra dell'Ottocento.
Fin da bambina, Cassie ha sognato di pilotare un aereo, nonostante la disapprovazione della famiglia, proprietaria di un campo d'aviazione. Ma Nick, il giovane socio del padre, segretamente innamorato di lei, l'asseconda e l'aiuta a diventare una provetta pilota. Cassie, però, sposa un astuto industriale che, sfruttando la sua bravura, la trasforma in una celebrità, con all'attivo record mondiali e imprese rischiose. Nel frattempo - siamo negli anni Quaranta - Nick parte per la guerra e Cassie realizza di non essere felice...
On the eve of Sarah Whitfield's 75th birthday, she stands at the window of her chateau in France, waiting for her family to join her. Her memories take her back to the 1930s in New York, to her early marriage and subsequent shameful divorce. She is persuaded by her parents to join them on a trip abroad in the growing turmoil of pre-war Europe.There she meets Wiliam, Duke of Whitfield. Older than Sarah, and fourteenth in line to the British throne, he sparks her intellectual curiosity and makes her laugh. They make their home in a beautiful crumbling French chateau until they are parted by the war. Afterwards they are able to return to the chateau and establish the jewel collection which leads to the House of Whitfield, jewellers to the crowned heads of all Europe. Together they produce a family of four, each of whom is drawn into the family business.JEWELS is the story of a great house of gems, a rare family, and an extraordinary marriage. Once again, Danielle Steel explores the lives of people facing challenges we recognise as our own, against the backdrop of war, passion and international intrigue.
Three women who were inseparable during their college years meet again after 20 years at a ranch in Wyoming to find courage, healing and truth as they reach out to one another and rekindle old relationships.
Among the towering red cliffs of Petra, like some monstrous swollen Buddha, sat the corpse of Mrs Boynton. A tiny puncture mark on her wrist was the only sign of the fatal injection that had killed her. With only 24 hours available to solve the mystery, Hercule Poirot recalled a chance remark he’d overheard back in Jerusalem:‘You do see, don’t you, that she’s got to be killed?’ Mrs Boynton was, indeed, the most detestable woman he’d ever met… Agatha Christie was born in Torquay in 1890 and became, quite simply, the best-selling novelist in history. She wrote 80 crime mysteries and collections, and saw her work translated into more languages than Shakespeare. Her enduring success, enhanced by many film and TV adaptations, is a tribute to the timeless appeal of her characters and the unequalled ingenuity of her plots. ‘Twice as brilliant as 'Death an the Nile', which was entirely brilliant.’THE OBSERVER
The year is 1861. The American Civil War has just begun, and London arms dealer Daniel Alberton is becoming a very wealthy man. His quiet dinner party seems remote indeed from the passions rending America. Yet investigator William Monk and his bride, Hester, sense growing tensions and barely concealed violence. For two of the guests are Americans, each vying to buy Albertons armaments. Soon Monk and Hesters forebodings are fulfilled as one member of the party is brutally murdered and two others disappear along with Albertons entire inventory of weapons. As Monk and Hester track the man they believe to be the murderer all the way to Washington, D.C., and the bloody battlefield at Manassas, Slaves of Obsession twists and turns like a powder-keg fuse and holds the reader breathless and spellbound
Commander Adam Dalgliesh and his team are called in to investigate a murder at a private nursing home for rich patients being treated by the famous plastic surgeon George Chandler-Powell. A welcome addition to the Dalgliesh canon, The Private Patient could have been written by no one other than P.D. James.
Kate is only eighteen when she meets Tom Harper, one of America's biggest pro-football stars. They share an idyllic and glamorous first love. But the bullet that suddenly ends Tom's career also ends their life together. A failed suicide attempt will leave him mentally and physically disabled forever. Kate will be left alone, heartbroken, and pregnant with their son. Soon she will have another chance at love, but it will mean learning to let go of the past and learning to trust again.
Perched on a hill overlooking San Francisco, a magnificent house built in 1923 by a wealthy Frenchman for his beloved now stands in disrepair. Sarah Anderson, a sensible estate lawyer, unexpectedly finds herself drawn to this old mansion after inheriting a generous sum from an elderly client, along with a message to use the money for something wonderful and daring. Despite her workaholic nature and a steady but unfulfilling relationship, Sarah feels a powerful connection to the house's history, including the story of a woman who once lived there and the drama that unfolded in war-torn France. Taking a leap of faith, she enlists architect Jeff Parker, who shares her passion for restoring the grand home. As they work together to revive its beauty, Sarah navigates the complexities of her personal life, experiencing both heartbreak and new beginnings. Through this journey, she uncovers profound truths about the dying man's last gift, the extraordinary legacies passed through generations, and a future she never envisioned. In a tale of daring and hope, the narrative explores one woman's courageous choice to invest in a dream and the unexpected rewards that follow.
In a remote house in the middle of Dartmoor, six shadowy figures huddle around a table for a seance. Tension rises as the spirits spell out a chilling message: Captain Trevelyan . . . dead . . . murder. Is this black magic or simply a macabre joke? The only way to be certain is to locate Captain Trevelyan. Unfortunately, his home is six miles away and, with snowdrifts blocking the roads, someone will have to make the journey on foot. . . .
The story of a temple of high fashion where the wealthy and chic sip champagne, browse and gossip. It is the dreamchild of the fabled Billy Ikehorn, whose ruthless search for fulfilment leads her from lover to lover. The author's other titles include Mistral's Daughter and Princess Daisy.
In "The House on Hope Street," Liz Sutherland navigates life after the tragic loss of her husband, Jack. As she raises their five children, including one with special needs, Liz finds strength in their love and support. A new friendship with Dr. Bill Webster brings hope as she learns to cherish life's small miracles amidst her grief.
In her fifty-first bestselling novel, Danielle Steel explores the profound connection between an extraordinary man and the woman who loves him, emphasizing the courage to let loved ones pursue their dreams. The story begins with a fateful phone call on a snowy December afternoon, prompting Kate to reflect on her life with Joe, her soulmate since their first meeting nearly thirty-four years earlier. Their initial encounter occurs in December 1940, amidst the chaos of World War II, when Kate, just seventeen, meets Joe Allbright, a dazzling figure in the aviation world. At twenty-nine, Joe is already a legend, known for his groundbreaking airplane designs and his association with Charles Lindbergh. Their attraction is immediate, igniting a bond that shapes their futures.
As Kate studies at Radcliffe and Joe ascends to fame, their paths intertwine, yet Joe's passion for aviation pulls him away. Despite the challenges of war and separation, their connection endures. After the war, Kate yearns for marriage and family, while Joe seeks to expand his aviation empire. When fate reunites them, they must confront their desires and make choices that will impact their lives forever. Against a backdrop of historical events and personal sacrifice, Steel crafts a poignant tale of love, compromise, and the intertwining of two remarkable lives, showcasing her signature emotional depth and storytelling prowess.
In Rome, Isabella and her husband, Amadeo, have created an idyllic marriage and the House of San Gregorio, the most exciting name in European high fashion. But in an act of terrorism, Amadeo is kidnapped and taken from Isabella forever. Fleeing to New York, she fights to build a new life for herself and her son, as they discover new worlds and a new life together.
In her 56th bestselling novel, Danielle Steel explores themes of family, friendship, and personal transformation through the journey of Faith Madison. On the surface, Faith embodies the ideal New Yorker—stylish and accomplished, with a seemingly perfect life as a mother and wife in Manhattan. However, beneath this façade lies a painful secret stemming from her childhood, compounded by the recent death of her stepfather, a man who always felt just out of reach. This loss triggers a profound journey of self-discovery for Faith.
At the funeral, she reconnects with Brad Patterson, her brother's childhood best friend, who brings back cherished memories. Their bond, once forged in childhood, reignites as they navigate their respective griefs and the complexities of their adult lives. Faith, yearning for independence, decides to pursue a law degree against her husband’s wishes, which leads to marital strife. Amidst this turmoil, her correspondence with Brad becomes a lifeline, allowing them to share laughter and support across the miles.
As their friendship deepens, both Faith and Brad find the courage to confront their pasts and embrace their dreams. Faith begins to believe in herself and prepares to reveal her long-held secret, while Brad contemplates a decision he has long delayed. With poignant insights into relationships and the healing power of second chances, Steel crafts a moving narrative about love, loss, and the transf
Tells the story of Jack Watson, a wealthy Beverly Hills businessman and widower, who falls in love with his daughter-in-law's mother and together they discover a relationship marked by challenges and surprises.
Everything is falling to pieces for Francesca Thayer. Her beautiful, old house
is full of leaks and in need of total restoration. Then her relationship with
lawyer Todd collapses and he moves out. As the owner of a struggling art
gallery she can't possibly manage the mortgage alone, so she is forced to do
the one thing she never imagined she would: she advertises for lodgers. First
arrives Eileen - a young, attractive schoolteacher. Then comes Chris, a newly-
divorced father and graphic designer. Last to arrive is Marya - a famous
cookery author who is hoping to rebuild her life after the death of her
husband. And so Francesca finds that her house has become a whole new world -
and that her accidental tenants have become the most important people in her
life. Over their year together, the house at 44 Charles Street fills with
laughter, heartbreak and hope. And Francesca discovers that she might be able
to open her heart again after all...
It is New Year's Eve when the storm of the century hits northern California. For Quinn Thompson, what happens in the storm's wake will bring down a barrier he has built around himself since his wife's death. For neighbor Maggie Dartman, it will spark friendship at a time when she needs it most. Then, something extraordinary begins to happen.
A superb collection of treats for mystery lovers, featuring both the indomitable English gentlewoman, Miss Marple, and the inimitable Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot.
Sasha tries to keep Liam hidden from her grown children and well-heeled clientele as she commutes between New York and Paris. Liam tries to bring out the wild streak that Sasha barely knows she has. Then a family tragedy suddenly alters Liam's life, forcing a choice and a sacrifice that neither one of them could have expected.
Vowing never to love again after a disastrous marriage, Melanie Adams encounters surgeon Peter Hallam, and as their powerful feelings for each other develop, Melanie must choose between her career, Peter, and her family.
Peter Haskell, president of a major pharmaceutical company, has everything: power, position, and a family which mean everything to him. Olivia Thatcher is the wife of a famous senator. She has given to her husband's ambitions and career until her soul is bone-dry. She is trapped in a web of duty and obligation, married to a man she once loved and no longer even knows; when her son died, a piece of Olivia died too. On the night of a bomb threat, Olivia and Peter meet accidentally in Paris. Their lives converge for one magical moment in the Place Vend me, and in a caf in Montmartre their hearts are laid bare. Peter, once so sure of his marriage and success, is faced with his professional career in jeopardy - Olivia, no longer sure of anything, knows that she cannot go on any more. When Olivia disappears, only Peter suspects that it may not be foul play, and he has to find her again. But where will they go from there? Five days in Paris is all they have. Home again, they must both pursue their lives, despite challenges, compromise and betrayal. Everything they believe is put on the line, until they both realise that they must face life's challenges head-on.
