DCI David Webb's twelfth case is set into motion by the murder of the twins once known as 'The Lily-White Boys'. At first, Monica Tovey is annoyed by the van abandoned outside her home. But when its gruesome contents are discovered—the bodies of the White twins—fear overshadows irritation, and Monica suddenly finds her own life in danger. Soon after the murders are discovered, unsettling events disturb the serenity of the English town of Shillingham. DCI Webb suspects that the burglaries, near-riots among soccer fans, low-flying airplanes, and mysterious phone calls may not be unrelated. He refuses to be deterred by the evasions and denials with which his inquiries are met. Webb must find the killers of 'The Lily-White Boys' before Monica Tovey's life is forever turned on end.

Are the ties that bind them about to be ripped apart? The Tempest family and friends are gathering for Cassie's eighteenth birthday party. But as they come together, a series of explosive events will threaten everything they hold dear. Cassie's sister Jess is about to fly to Italy on holiday, but can she forget the horror of what she saw in her flat that afternoon? Family friend Jenny Barlow has been keeping a devastating secret for years... but for how much longer? And does the discovery of a dead body on the beach spell danger for one of the Tempests? Grief, fear, desire and deception all collide as the ties that bind the family are strained like never before. Can they withstand the ultimate stress test?

In the English village of Beckworth, the local residents live in fear. Five houses have been defaced with the same graffiti. A grotesquely leering gargoyle’s head on the the front door. The vandalism is blamed on the ‘Bedworth Bruisers’, a gang of local youths who notoriously terrorise newcomers to the village. As the marked houses becomes targets for break-ins and theft, Detective Chief Inspector Webb steps in. When the body of Carol Dexter, who has just moved from London, is found floating in a pond, Webb can’t help but note that her door was also marked by this strange symbol. It seems to act as a warning...or as a target... With three more houses marked, DCI Webb must consider whether murder is the meaning behind the symbols on the doors. Or is it something even stranger... 'Symbols At Your Door' is a compelling crime thriller that will keep readers gripped from the first page to the last. Praise for Anthea Fraser: “A superbly crafted, riveting, page-turner of a read" - Booklist “Ms Fraser is her dependable elegant, guileful self withholding the killer's identity till a dying fall" - Sunday Times 'A well-mannered, well-plotted and well-told story' - Birmingham Post 'Sympathetic, well-executed book, in which full attention is paid to human feelings and failings' - Yorkshire Post ANTHEA FRASER has written all her life but did not begin to take it seriously until after marriage, when she found herself at home with two small daughters and embarked on a correspondence course with the London School of Journalism. She wrote short stories before turning to novels of the supernatural, and then to crime. Her other books include ‘Pretty Maids all in a Row’, ‘Eleven Who Went Up to Heaven’, The Ten Commandments’, ‘The Seven Stars’ and ‘One is One and All Alone’. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books. **

Three separate families. Three different tales of loss. But a tangled thread binds them together . . .Three widely separated households – one in Scotland, one in the north of England and one in the south – have known the pain of losing a loved one; losses which, over the years, have shaped the characters of those left behind. But it takes the untimely and suspicious death of Martin Petrie, a stranger from the Scottish Borders mowed down in a hit and run, to untangle the threads that will draw them together in ways they could never have imagined, with results that are far-reaching – and fatal.

Mystery and intrigue with a decidedly literary bent, from the bestselling crime writer When successful biographer Rona Parish is asked to write the life-story of a bestselling author, recently deceased, she is intrigued - to say the least. After all, Theo Harvey led a very colourful life, and died in mysterious circumstances. But Rona's husband Max is wary and, it soon becomes apparent, with good reason...As Rona begins to delve into Theo Harvey's life and death, and to interview his friends and family - some more willing than others - she realises that she has taken on a poisoned chalice.From BooklistRona Parish is flattered when she's asked to write a biography of noted author Theo Harvey, a larger-than-life figure who churned out a series of lowbrow best-sellers, then suffered a severe case of writer's block that lasted for several years. When he began writing again, his books were melancholy psychological studies that garnered him critical acclaim but disappointed his former fans. Soon after his reemergence, he died a mysterious death at his remote mountain hideaway. His widow hopes that having Rona research and write Theo's biography will shed new light on his metamorphosis as a writer and possibly on his death. But Rona has barely begun work when she receives a series of anonymous threats warning her to leave the bio unwritten. This classic British cozy features an unusual plot, surprisingly multilayered characters, and a fair bit of suspense. All in all, a pleasant and entertaining read. Emily MeltonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedAbout the AuthorFraser announced at the age of five that she wanted to be an author.

The return of Rona ParishRona Parish is ready to embark on a new assignment. She is to write a series of articles for the 600th anniversary of the local market town of Buckford, looking at its churches, schools and celebrated inhabitants. But her first encounter with the elderly Edna Rosebury raises unresolved questions about a recent tragic murder and Rona's investigative antennae are instantly on the alert . . .From BooklistFreelance journalist Rona Parish is writing a series of articles on the quaint English village of Buckford, which will soon celebrate its 800th anniversary. She figures that, rather than reviewing Buckford's history, she'll try the quirkier approach of looking at unusual characters who have lived in the village. To get a flavor of the village, Rona takes a room with local resident Nuala Banks and is soon caught up in interviews and the ins and outs of local life. Nuala is quick to introduce Rona to her aunt--and local eccentric--Miss Edna Rosebury, who is a bit gaga but is sharp enough to confide that she knows more than she's telling about the death of a four-year-old girl years earlier. When a stranger attacks Rona, and Edna is found dead, Rona begins to look for the dark secrets lurking behind Buckford's pleasant facade. Clever plotting, appealing characters, and a dash of suspense make Fraser's latest a fine choice for fans of the traditional British village mystry. Emily MeltonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedAbout the AuthorFraser announced at the age of five that she wanted to be an author.

Three families, separate yet joined by the sins of the fathers; sins that will ultimately lead to tragedy.Mark Richmond's trip to York takes a surprise detour when he runs into Helena Crawford and ends up accompanying her to her parents' ruby wedding anniversary in Drumlee, Scotland.Six months earlier, Mark attended Peter Kingsley's sixtieth birthday party – the father of his now-estranged wife, Sophie – where Peter was unexpectedly taken ill. Mark's father, Charles, has been friends with Peter for forty years, but how well does he really know him?As Peter's health continues to deteriorate, it seems the Richmonds and the Kingsleys are inextricably entwined by devastating secrets, resentment, betrayal and deceit. And who is Ellie, the girl in the hooded anorak, who appears on the cliff path in Drumlee, pale and shivering from the cold?

When Sheila Fairchild wakes one night from a chilling nightmare, it brings back painful memories of the nightmares she suffered as a child. The following day, a prominent local landowner Billy Makepeace is found dead in the canal. It soon emerges that his death is anything but innocent, but when Sheila’s brother DCI Webb is assigned to the case, he has every reason for not wanting to get involved. Makepeace was an old rival of his father’s and it seems inevitable the investigation will stir up painful memories of an early life he had hoped to put behind him. But many questions still need to be answered. Why did Billy Makepeace telephone Sheila on the night he died? Especially when the two families, because of the old feud, never spoke. Why should Makepeace also have telephoned the local vicar? And whatever became of the third rival, Dick Vernon, who disappeared without a trace decades ago? When it emerges that Sheila’s nightmares may have their origins in a dreadful truth, it seems that DCI Webb may have to solve two murders instead of just one. In doing so, he may just find out the real reasons why there were three, three the rivals. ‘Three, Three, The Rivals’ is another absorbing detective mystery from Anthea Fraser in the DCI Webb series. Praise for Anthea Fraser: “A superbly crafted, riveting, page-turner of a read" - Booklist “Ms Fraser is her dependable elegant, guileful self withholding the killer's identity till a dying fall" - Sunday Times “A well-mannered, well-plotted and well-told story” - Birmingham Post “Sympathetic, well-executed book, in which full attention is paid to human feelings and failings” - Yorkshire Post “Anthea Fraser is a worthy follower of the traditional whodunit system...The plot is sustained throughout, and her artistic detective who literally "draws conclusions" is an original character.” - Sunderland Echo Anthea Fraser has written all her life but did not begin to take it seriously until after marriage, when she found herself at home with two small daughters and embarked on a correspondence course with the London School of Journalism. She wrote short stories before turning to novels of the supernatural, and then to crime. Her novels include ‘The Seven Stars’, ‘The Ten Commandments’, ‘Death Speaks Softly’ and ‘Pretty Maids All in a Row’. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now. **

Journalist Rona Parish is eager for a fresh challenge. A chance encounter with an old friend, Kate, now married into the Tarlton family, gives her an idea. Rona will research the histories of several long-established family firms in the town, notably the Tarltons and the Clarendon Hotel. Then Kate enlists Rona's help in getting to the bottom of sister-in-law Freya's terrifying nightmares, and Rona finds herself drawn into the complex web of relationships linking the families.

Death by strangulation is not a pretty sight, but then Ted Baxter, who had driven his wife to suicide, was an ugly character. His wastebasket bulges with hate mail. One letter — inscribed in copperplate letters with striking green ink — stands out: You have been found guilty of crimes against humanity. The death sentence will be carried out in eight days. Signed: The April Rainers. Chief Inspector Webb of the Shillingham CID soon discerns a pattern. Baxter was not the April Rainers’ first victim. The two other known victims were an extortionist and a hostile-takeover artist; both had so many enemies that another threat seemed insignificant — even one inscribed in copperplate letters. What connects the victims? Who are the April Rainers? Why are they warning their victims beforehand? In his most baffling case yet, Chief Inspector Webb must find out who this group is and why its members are taking the law into their own hands … Praise for Anthea Fraser: “A superbly crafted, riveting, page-turner of a read" - Booklist “Ms Fraser is her dependable elegant, guileful self withholding the killer's identity till a dying fall" - Sunday Times “A well-mannered, well-plotted and well-told story” - Birmingham Post “Sympathetic, well-executed book, in which full attention is paid to human feelings and failings” - Yorkshire Post Anthea Fraser has written all her life but did not begin to take it seriously until after marriage, when she found herself at home with two small daughters and embarked on a correspondence course with the London School of Journalism. She wrote short stories before turning to novels of the supernatural, and then to crime. Her novels include ‘The Seven Stars’, ‘The Ten Commandments’, ‘Death Speaks Softly’ and ‘Pretty Maids All in a Row’. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now. **

What happened in the Lake District twenty-six years ago that resulted in a family being torn apart? An old tragedy, still unresolved, brings together estranged brother and sister Adam and Kirsty, who try to solve it despite their relatives' objections. Does a missing camera hold clues to what might have happened?Meanwhile Kirsty, co-owner of a cake-making company, has more immediate worries in the form of increasingly threatening emails and gifts, all sent anonymously. Someone is watching her – someone who knows where she lives. Is it an obsessed stranger, or one of her circle of friends? Is there anyone she can trust?

Perhaps the key to the mystery was 'Eternal Spring', the haunting picture which had begun Lance Tenby's brilliant career as a painter. The painting which exerted a curious influence over them all...Ann Tenby had always accepted her role as 'second-best' in Lance's life; his heart still belonged to the dead sweetheart of his childhood days. Their marriage had been based upon his adoration of the baby daughter of her first marriage.But as Briony grew up her relationship began to change in a horrifying way. Another more dominant personality had taken possession of her, in a manner that baffled psychiatry. A force that emanated from the painting...Ann was confronted with a terrible decision, one that could destroy their lives...

When Emily Barton applies for the post of temporary secretary to the writer Matthew Haig, it does not occur to her that she may be putting her life in danger. But from the first she feels a secretive air about the place. Why had her predecessor left so suddenly? And why did innocent comments about swimming provoke such a strong reaction? Kept at a distance by her brusque employer, Emily is grateful for the friendsdhip of Haig’s handsome cousin, Mike, and the companionship of Sarah, his young daughter. Her uneasiness is increased when she discovers that the book they are working on is based on a local murder, so far unsolved, which gives its title, Motive for Murder, a new and threatening significance…From Library JournalGothic underpinnings mark Fraser's most recent title. After Emily Barton takes a temporary post as secretary for a nervous, secretive writer, she learns disturbing things about the previous secretary, the swimming pool, and an unsolved local murder. Solid work.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. From BooklistIn this pleasing, if slightly predictable mystery, Emily Barton goes off to Cornwall to work as a secretary for well-known writer Matthew Haig, who is finishing Motive for Murder. Emily comes to learn that her predecessor drowned and that what at first seemed a tragic accident clearly was not. Haig's estranged wife also dies in a car accident, and Emily's beau, a cousin of Haig's, starts dropping hints that perhaps Matthew had a motive for murder. Even the occasional mystery reader will realize who the real killer is long before Emily figures it out, but Fraser's writing is sure, and her characters are well drawn. Solid genre fare for those who like their murders served in the chill of the British countryside. Ilene Cooper

A tragic incident from the past threatens to derail Rona Parish's latest projectBiographer Rona Parish has a new project, contributing a series for the local glossy magazine, Chiltern Life, documenting life-changing experiences from those who have lived through them. When her father suggests she speaks to his friend Frank Hathaway, who was in Iraq during the invasion of Kuwait, Rona decides to pay him a visit.But Frank was also badly injured in a failed rescue attempt following a car crash the previous year, and has been tormented by flashbacks ever since. As Frank's flashbacks start to yield more clues as to what happened on that fateful night, Rona finds herself drawn into another dark and compelling mystery.