Best Selling Books in Mystery & Thrillers

Summoned to the Caribbean by a mysterious philanthropist to solve the mystery of a murdered woman whose body had been branded with a hunting tattoo, blind psychic Sherry Moore unveils key information about a human trafficking network.

Homicide police detective, single mother of a teenage daughter, and lover to her partner Jim Kissick, Nan Vining wishes that life was a little more serene, more like it is at Georgia Berryhill''s Malibu Canyon compound--or like it''s supposed to be there, anyway. But three bizarre deaths have brought Vining and Kissick through the exclusive gates of this healing ground for the well-heeled. First there''s the double homicide of a celebrity private eye and his nude, drugged-out lover. Then there''s the inexplicable drowning of a Pasadena socialite. Georgia Berryhill--charismatic self-help guru to the stars--is one link to both investigations. A second link is Vining''s own mother, who was a friend to one of the victims and was being wooed by another. Now A-listers, wannabes, lost souls, and keepers of long-hidden secrets all converge at the Berryhill compound. Some search for love and happiness, while others come for murder. Praise for Love Kills "Dianne Emley masterfully twists, turns, and shocks."--Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestelling author of Die Again "Add Dianne Emley to your list of must-reads."--Mariah Stewart, New York Times bestelling author of On Sunset Beach

A follow-up to 18 Seconds finds blind psychic Sherry Moore as she telepathically witnesses the brutal acts committed by a ruthless serial killer from the perspective of the final moments of his victims. Reprint.

"A small mountain community in the French Alps is roused to terror when they awaken each morning to find yet another of their sheep with its throat torn out. One of the villagers thinks it might be a werewolf, and when she''s found killed in the same manner, people begin to wonder if she might have been right. Suspicion falls on Massart, a loner living on the edge of town"--Publisher website (April 2007).

Desperate to become a priest in the Catholic Church, Aleksandra Kowalski turns to Thomas Patrick O''Reilly, one of the wealthiest and most successful trial lawyers in Houston, Texas. Tommy believes the Catholic Church has no basis under United States law to exclude women from the seminary and files suit against the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and Archbishop Jorge Sierra for sex discrimination without justifiable cause. The Catholic Church hires Monsignor Enrico Renzulli, the General Counsel of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. Renzulli, a priest and Harvard-educated attorney, has substantial trial experience and has taken on and beaten lawyers considerably smarter than O''Reilly. He believes the lawsuit should be summarily dismissed because the First Amendment of the United States Constitution grants all citizens the freedom of religion, and it prevents a federal court from interfering with the ecclesiastical rules of any church, including the Catholic Church. But watching and waiting in the wings is an extreme and tyrannical sect unaffiliated with the Catholic Church. As the trial unfolds and the legal proceedings begin to undermine the sacred Catholic Church teaching, a right-wing extremist and a member of the Holy Mother Church concocts a plot to stop the heresy against God that includes kidnapping and murder. Will the First Amendment protect the Catholic Church and supersede all? Will Tommy O''Reilly come through? Will Aleksandra Kowalski survive this ordeal? Find out in R.A. Brown''s gripping legal thriller,Created Equal.

"Fans of TV''s CSI: Crime Scene Investigation should be in heaven" (People) stepping into the world of forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan, star of Kathy Reichs''s electrifyingly authentic bestsellers. Her life is devoted to justice -- for those she never even knew. In the year since Temperance Brennan left behind a shaky marriage in North Carolina, work has often preempted her weekend plans to explore Quebec. When a female corpse is discovered meticulously dismembered and stashed in trash bags, Tempe detects an alarming pattern -- and she plunges into a harrowing search for a killer. But her investigation is about to place those closest to her -- her best friend and her own daughter -- in mortal danger....

Discovering the skeleton of a young girl in the neighborhood of a childhood best friend who had gone missing thirty years earlier, Tempe Brennan investigates suspicions that the victim and her friend are one and the same and that the case is related to two other unsolved deaths. Reprint.

Next to Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland, no other place on Earth holds as much esoteric symbolism as France''s Rennes le Ch''teau. Its location and design are the subjects of countless rumors, myths, and legends. Mysteries of Templar Treasure and the Holy Grail, formerly published as The Secrets of Rennes le Chateau, delves into the reality behind the action and adventure of The Da Vinci Code. Rennes le Chateau has plenty of secrets: buried treasure, unsolved murders, supernatural powers, codes on parchments and tombstones, not to mention clues concealed in statues and paintings, enigmatic priests who controlled immense wealth, and secret societies that are still active today. The authors survey the arcane history and secrets of Rennes le Chateau, including its relationship to the Merovingian bloodline of Christ. The Chateau is a possible location of an immense treasure, such as a Templar, Cathar, or Priory of Sion hoard. The final resting place of a famous artifact like the Ark of the Covenant, the Spear of Longinus, the Emerald Tablets of Hermes Trismegistus- or even the Holy Grail. The authors also examine Rennes le Chateau''s proximity to Cathar and Templar fortresses, its mystical layout, and its location on the same Paris meridian as so many other esoteric mysteries. Extensive appendices in the book offer possible solutions to secret cryptograms, point out odd connections and commonalities between Rennes le Chateau and J.R.R. Tolkien''s Lord of the Rings, and suggest the possibility of fourth-dimension/tesseract implications.

Receiving evidence that a plane crash that killed his wife may not have been an actual event and that she may still be alive, Cork O''Connor travels to Wyoming to investigate allegations about the pilot''s identity and is confronted by a series of deadly interferences.

Robin, too poor to purchase a prom gown, is unable to resist secretly borrowing the beautiful lace dress she found hanging in her elderly employer''s attic, and discovers too late that the dress is cursed.

More than fifty years after members of an archaeological team are found murdered after making a truly amazing discovery, an Israeli and Palestinian team up to solve the mystery.

In her first stand-alone thriller, the bestselling author of the popular Irene Kelly series introduces LAPD Homicide Detective Alex Brandon, who investigates the vigilante slayings of the FBI''s Most Wanted suspects.

Unwittingly entered into a dangerous contest along with his young daughter, doctor Stephen Swain is placed into the labyrinth of the New York Public Library from which only one of seven contestants will emerge alive. Reprint.

Erin reluctantly accompanies her family on a summer vacation, during which she meets Sam, the mysterious boy in Room 13 at the Arcadia Inn who is capable of making her wishes come true. Original.

When the man accused of killing a cop is found hanging in his cell, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Holden investigates a bizarre case involving drugs, money, sex, and corruption. Reprint. NYT.

The third explosive novel by Edgar-finalist Bruen set in the streets of Galway, "The Magdalen Martyrs" is a gripping story that takes the Jack Taylor series to new heights.

Criminal investigating officer Hanne Wilhelmsen considers the possibility of a serial killer as she tracks down a series of numbers written in blood appearing on walls all over Oslo.

Awakening to Awe is a self-help meditation on one of the most profound experiences of living--the sense of awe. Awe is the humility and wonder--amazement--before creation. It is also an attitude that can be both healing and life-transforming, particularly in our "awe-depleted" age. Through an in depth focus on people''s life stories (including that of the author), this volume explores the nature and power of awe for individuals, for societies, and for the potential course of humanity.

During the frigid Moon of Dead Leaves Falling Billy Smoke had his final beer ... and met his destiny.

First they killed his wife and child. Then they came after him. A novel of intrigue and violence takes John Pavlak, a decorated Vietnam vet, from Germany to the Greek isles and then, disturbingly, back home to North Carolina as he seeks answers and revenge.

Driven by visions of the dead, former NYPD detective Charlie Bird Parker tracks a serial killer from New York City to the American South--and confronts a monster beyond his imagining. Reissue.

When exotic pet-sitter Belinda Blake moves into a carriage house in tony Greenwich, Connecticut, she’s hoping to find some new clients. Instead she discovers a corpse in the garden—and a knack for solving murders . . . Pet-sitter Belinda Blake doesn’t rattle easily, but move-in day has been eventful, to say the least. The python in her care tried to slither to freedom—just as she met Stone Carrington V, her landlords’ disarmingly handsome son. With the constrictor back in its cage, she heads out to the garden, only to discover a designer shoe poking out of the boxwood hedge—attached to a woman’s dead body. The victim, Margo Fenton, was a Carrington family friend, and no one in their circle seems above suspicion. Between client trips to Manhattan and visits to her family in upstate New York, Belinda begins to put the pieces together. But though she’s falling for Stone’s numerous charms, Belinda wonders if she’s cozying up to a killer. And soon, daily contact with a deadly reptile might be the least dangerous part of her life . . . “A humorous series debut with exotic pets and a zany cast of characters. Gilbert’s cozy will make you smile.” —Amanda Flower, USA Today bestselling author of Premeditated Peppermint “Cozy fans will root for pet-sitter Belinda Blake as she unravels this cleverly-crafted mystery in a delightfully-deadly new series by Heather Day Gilbert.” —Elizabeth Spann Craig, author of the bestselling Myrtle Clover Mysteries “Smart and fresh, with a compelling mystery at its heart, Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass is an enchanting cozy that will hook you from page one. As will amateur sleuth Belinda Blake, a delightfully original heroine you’ll want to meet again and again.” —Karin Kaufman, author of the bestselling Juniper Grove Cozy Mystery Series “Snakes rank only slightly more favorably with me than spiders, leeches, and ticks. So you can imagine my surprise when, by the end of this book, the snake was my second favorite character after Belinda herself. On top of being a great book for animal-lovers (trust me, you’ll love even the snake), this was a fun read with a smart sleuth. I can’t wait to see what Belinda does next, where both pets and perps are concerned.” —Emily James, award-winning and bestselling cozy mystery author

Hired as a bodyguard to faded actress Clarissa Lisle, the recent recipient of numerous death threats, Cordelia Gray accompanies the actress to an island castle, whose owner collects funeral paraphernalia.

Horatio Cane, a Miami detective, leads a team of forensic scientists as they attempt to uncover who killed crime boss Kurt Wallace.

A blind psychic with a remarkable gift--she can see the last 18 seconds of a murder victim''s life--helps a newly minted female police lieutenant hunt down a brutal serial killer in this gripping debut thriller.

Chester, Harold and Howie are sent to a boarding kennel while the Monroe family goes on vacation. Along with the other residents of Chateau Bow-Wow, the animals plan a mass escape. Sequel to "Howliday Inn". Grades 3-6.

When the jealous wife of a local tycoon is found dead, Brandy Borne, her ever-eccentric mother, and their sleuthing shih tzu investigate clues surrounding a super-secret high society bridge group.

From the bestselling author of "Downtick" comes a white-hot Wall Street thriller involving a deadly pyromaniac who threatens to bring down the world''s largest investment firm.

Full Length, Thriller Characters: 1 male, 4 female Scenery: Interior Mike and Liz have a rocky marriage. She is an alcoholic and he is a philanderer who is having a fling with a young neighbor and a serious affair with his wife''s doctor. Mike and Liz have a secret: years ago they left a girl dying at a hit and run accident. Mike fakes dying, hoping the shock will kill Liz, but she rushes to the clinic where the doctor finishes her off. But then Liz bursts through the door and murders her "dead" husband and the doctor kills her again, taking revenge for the death of her daughter. "Nothing absolutely nothing is what it seems in this smart, riveting ... yarn full of gut wrenching plot twists and hairpin turns ... surprising special effects and tart wit." News Journal, Wilmington. "Serves to remind you that in the right hands, live theater can provide a thrill a minute." WDEL Radio, Wilmington. "Full of thrills and spills ... One of the best plays I''ve seen." Derby Trader.

A woman who earns her living on Oregon''s treacherous Columbia River Bar... Bar pilot Jo Henderson knows all the myths and legends of her native Astoria, but her knowledge of the undercurrents in local events proves more deadly than she thought possible when an explosion dumps her into the Columbia''s icy winter waters. Though she survives her first "accident," she''s unknowingly become the target of a ruthless killer. A man sworn to save lives at the risk of his own... When Bostonian John MacFallon took the job of Astoria''s police chief, he left evil behind-he thought for good. But with the suspicious "accidents" piling up, Mac uncovers a plot that threatens to cripple the regional economy and destroy the woman who has quickly become far too important to him.

In winter 2003, at the height of a terrible blizzard, when a pile of blood-soaked children''s clothing is found on a Brooklyn beach, Russian-born New York City detective Artie Cohen is drawn into a case involving the death of one child, the disappearance of another, and the fate of his missing godson. Reprint.

Homophobia turns deadly when a serial killer strikes in this hot new release in legal thrillers Lawyer Brent Marks advocates a case for a gay couple''s marriage. After victory, the couple is found in their home brutally murdered, serial killer style. Can Brent bring himself to defend the only suspect in the case? Where ethics and tolerance collide, Brent must solve the murders to form a viable defense. Critical Praise "Kenneth Eade is one of our strongest thriller writers on the scene and the fact that he draws his stories from the contemporary philosophical landscape is very much to his credit." Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame, Top 100 and Vine Voice "Absolute Intolerance is packed with delightful twists and turns, but its real surprise lies in an unexpected conclusion that neatly sums up events without a predictable path being taken. This makes for a gem of a read for courtroom drama and mystery fans used to the clues adding up to one direction. Without spilling beans, suffice it to say that Absolute Intolerance remains thought-provoking from start to finish, and is a winning story fueled by issues of religious and gay civil freedoms alike." Midwest Book Review Scroll up and order your copy of Absolute Intolerance now! PRE-ORDER SALES PRICE EXTENDED FOR ONE WEEK

More from Maurice, Bouncer, and the hapless Reverend Oughterard.

The FBI desperately needs Ilse''s help to catch the "Alphabet Killer"-an unhinged serial killer who seems to be arranging his victims'' bodies in the shapes of letters. Is he spelling a word? Or hinting at who will be next? In this bestselling mystery series, FBI Special Agent Ilse Beck, victim of a traumatic childhood in Germany, moved to the U.S. to become a renowned psychologist specializing in PTSD, and the world''s leading expert in the unique trauma of serial-killer survivors. By studying the psychology of their survivors, Ilse has a unique and unparalleled expertise in the true psychology of serial killers. Ilse never expected, though, to become an FBI agent herself. Ilse, plagued by her own past, realizes the time has come to face her demons and revisit the site of her childhood home in Germany. But will the trip help her expunge her own dark memories-or push her over the edge? But in a frantic race against time, the FBI needs her to decode the Alphabet Killer. Is there a method to his madness, a way to stop the next victim before it''s too late? Or is this killer far more cunning and deranged than anyone could imagine? A dark and suspenseful crime thriller, the bestselling ILSE BECK series is a breathtaking page-turner, an unputdownable mystery and suspense novel. A compelling and perplexing psychological thriller, rife with twists and jaw-dropping secrets, it will make you fall in love with a brilliant new female protagonist, while it keeps you shocked late into the night. NOT LIKE HE SEEMED (An Ilse Beck FBI Suspense Thriller) is book #2 in a new series by mystery and suspense author Ava Strong. Books #3 and #4 in the series-NOT LIKE YESTERDAY and NOT LIKE THIS-are also available.

Family secrets become a blackmailer''s deadly weapon in this pulse-pounding thriller by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of No Good Deed. The shocking suicide of Beth Daniels''s father--a prominent surgeon--has thrown the FBI agent into a tailspin. But when Beth heads to Saint Augustine, Florida, for the funeral, she''ll need more than the emotional support of her boyfriend, retired detective Jon Lancaster. She''ll need his gut instinct for solving a mystery. No sooner do they arrive than suspicions are aroused. There''s the pair of Russians who seem to be watching every move the family makes. A final, cryptic phone call Martin Daniels made to his granddaughter. Strange blood evidence on his estate. More than $1 million missing from Martin''s account. And his cell phone, wiped clean, along with clues to a double life. To Beth, it''s disturbingly clear: the man she loved was a stranger. As she and Jon delve into Martin''s past, they have no idea where the secrets will take them. Or how dangerous it will be to expose the conspiracies, the cover-ups, and the terrible truths of Martin''s life--and death.

Journeying to Venezuela where rare artifacts and iron ore deposits have been simultaneously discovered, corporate chairperson Sam Warrender finds himself in an explosive confrontation with an archaeologist, environmentalists, and the media. Reprint.

French art expert Charles Vermeille receives photos of his son who is studying in California. They are mailed from different parts of Europe and there is nothing abnormal in them, but there is no letter. Ominous.

In this follow-up to the Barry Award-finalist, "First Drop," the latest assignment for former Special Forces soldier turned bodyguard Charlie Fox ends in a bloody shootout, leaving her fighting for her life. Martin''s Press.