Böcker utgivna av Kensington Publishing Corporation

The PT Chevron Pacific Gulfstream banks towards the north after lifting off from the international airport at Kuala Lumpur. The oil-exploration team has reason to celebrate: The new oil field outside of Minas will be the biggest reserve in the history of Indonesia. And the country desperately needs it. The team breaks open the fifty-year-old bottle of scotch they’ve been saving for just this moment. But in the next moment, the jet drops abruptly, like a rock, then turns sharply west on a path similar to that of a well-known commercial airliner from the recent past, descends through radar coverage . . . and disappears. Decorated Marine lieutenant colonel and small-town Georgia D.A. Will Parker has nothing to do with Chevron Pacific—until the wife of a former Marine buddy calls. She understands that her husband, who had been working for Chevron, is gone. But she wants answers, and the FBI and CIA are of little help. It’s a request Will can’t refuse. Will’s contact on the ground is Retno Karims, a sharp, multilingual, former Miss Indonesia who speaks Bahasa Indonesian, Chinese, and Javanese. She also happens to be from Banda Aceh. Rumor has it that the terrorist group Laskar Mujahidin has reawakened and is operating somewhere in Banda Aceh on the northern point of Sumatra. No one doubts they’re involved in downing the oil-company jet. Then again, no one believes any proof will stick, even if authorities locate the wreckage. Parker believes otherwise . . .Praise for RETRIBUTION“Tense and authentic—reading this book is like living a real life mission.”—Lee Child “I seldom come across a thriller as authentic and well‐written as Retribution. Andy Harp brings his considerable military expertise to a global plot that’s exciting, timely, and believable . . . to say that I’m impressed is an understatement.”—David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author of The Protector“Retribution is a stunner: a blow to the gut and shot of adrenaline. Here is a novel written with authentic authority and bears shocking relevance to the dangers of today. It reminds me of Tom Clancy at his finest.”—James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of Bloodline“Outstanding thriller with vivid characters, breakneck pacing, and suspense enough for even the most demanding reader. Harp writes with complete authenticity and a tremendous depth of military knowledge. A fantastic read—don’t miss it!”—Douglas Preston, #1 bestselling author of Impact

Weeding out killers wasn’t part of the job description . . .   Kelly Jackson, manager of the Redwood Cove Bed and Breakfast, is excited to participate in an event to raise awareness for the plight of struggling veterans in their Northern California coastal community. Local wineries are sponsoring tastings, and to prepare for a culinary competition, professional chefs will forage for wild edible greens. Kelly plans to come along, despite a warning to beware of poachers, who have been stealing the highly valued succulent Dudleya farinosa. The senior sleuths who call themselves the Silver Sentinels join forces with environmental activists known as the Succulent Saviors to thwart the poaching operation. When a consultant for the sale of a local winery is murdered, the poachers are suspected—but so is a wine merchant, Kelly's friend Phil. As Kelly and the Silver Sentinels attempt to root out the real killer, what she digs up might just put her permanently underground . . .

"The Battle Lines Are Drawn: Scientist Emma Miller was the first American infected in the Pandoravirus pandemic, which triggers violent rages and sociopathic homicide. No longer fettered by morality or emotion, she has attracted millions of followers, both infected and uninfected. But is she America's worst nightmare--or its only hope? Emma's twin sister Isabel and brother Noah struggle against the threats posed by rampant infection, deadly civil unrest, and desperate government measures. Thei-r-and humanity's--only chance for a future may lie in an alliance with Emma and her expanding community. Will it be peace between Infecteds and Uninfecteds, or eradication of one group by the other? While cities burn and social order crumbles, one family's fight to survive will determine the future of civilization."--Provided by publisher.

Includes recipes and an excerpt from "An ale of two cities" by Sarah Fox.

"On every deployment, Navy SEALS face impossible odds-and succeed. But winning over the perfect woman will be the most challenging mission yet. This is Blake Sorenson's story. The security company that former SEAL Blake Sorenson works for helps him stay in fighting form-physically and mentally. He has little time for distractions of the female variety, which is fine with him. His fickle ex-wife taught him that love and loyalty don't mix. Which is why he should eighty-six the rookie reporter he finds in his helicopter. The sexy stowaway in red stilettos is sure to be trouble. A single mom, Tori Michaels can't afford to lose her job because of an impossibly arrogant ex-sailor. But hitching a ride with Blake puts her right in the middle of a conflict brewing between the law and a dangerous hate group. When suspicions are raised over which side Tori is on, Blake has to choose whether to trust in her innocence or lose her. But in choosing to protect her, he's making himself vulnerable to a desire he thought he'd never feel again-and an enemy he doesn't see coming."--Back cover.

Ever since raiders from the north began attacking villages, Lady Nicole Montagna has known that defending her people would came at a cost. The betrothal of her sister Chloe to a neighboring lord seems the perfect solution, forging a powerful alliance. But shortly before the wedding, Nicole is shocked to discover that her sister is with child, and not by her husband to be. Now she must make a choice.

Once she was known as Jenna, Imperial Princess of Dasnaria, schooled in graceful dance and comely submission. Until the man her parents married her off to almost killed her with his brutality. Now, all she knows is that the ship she's boarded is bound away from her vicious homeland. The warrior woman aboard says Jenna's skill in dancing might translate into a more lethal ability. Danu's fighter priestesses will take her in, disguise her as one of their own--and allow her to keep her silence. But it's only a matter of time until Jenna's monster of a husband hunts her down. Her best chance to stay hidden is to hire out as bodyguard to a caravan traveling to a far-off land, home to beasts and people so unfamiliar they seem like part of a fairy tale. But her supposed prowess in combat is a fraud. And sooner or later, Jenna's flight will end in battle--or betrayal.

The Sickness unto Death   The Synth revolution has come at last. The supposedly synthetic beings humans crafted to do their dirty work for them have fully actualized their own humanity—and they no longer acquiesce in their enslavement. Victory in the struggle to tear down the institutions of oppression seems just a matter of time. But the halls of power are not so easily shaken—and a counterstrike is inevitable.   Former Detective Jason Campbell has pledged his life to the Synthetic cause. So when a mysterious virus starts wiping out Synths left and right—and shows signs of mutating to target everyone else—he must lead a race against time to prevent the outbreak of the most horrific plague the world has ever seen. If he succeeds, he’ll expose the moral bankruptcy of the depraved elites who will stop at nothing to restore the old order. If he fails, it could mean the end of life on this planet. For both Synth and Human.      Praise for SINthetic   “Darkly engrossing, SINthetic shines a stark light on the age-old question, what does it mean to be human?”—Julie Kagawa, New York Times bestselling author

"Finding a murderer requires 100% proof. In Seneca Lake, New York, Norrie Ellington's Two Witches Winery has been selected by the local vintner community to host the annual Federweisser, a celebration of the season's first fermentation of white Chardonnay grapes. But the festivities are spoiled when Norrie learns that landowner Roy Wilkes has raised her neighbor Rosalee Marbleton's rent so high, she may have to close her vineyard. Before the rent hike could go into effect, Wilkes is found dead on Roslaee's property'stabbed by a flowerpot stake'and she becomes the police's number one suspect. To clear her friend's name, Norrie conducts her own investigation. But as she gathers clues, Norrie finds herself targeted by a killer, and if she's not careful, her desire to see justice done may die on the vine..."--page 4 of cover.

In the epic tradition of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Jonathan Maberry, a chilling new masterwork of small-town evil, centuries-old traditions, and newly-risen terror…   RED HARVEST   Every year at harvest time, something strange and wonderful happens in the sleepy farm community of Ember Hollow. It comes alive. Truckloads of pumpkins are sent off to be carved into lanterns. Children scramble to create the creepiest, scariest costumes. Parents stock up on candy and prepare for the town’s celebrated Pumpkin Parade. And then there is Devil’s Night . . .   But this year, something is different. Some of the citizens are experiencing dark, disturbing visions. Others are beginning to wonder if they’re losing their minds, or maybe their souls. One newly sober singer with the voice of a fallen angel is tempted to make a deal that will seal his fate. And one very odd boy is kept locked in a shed by his family—for reasons too horrible to imagine . . .   Whatever is happening to this town, they’re going to make it through this Halloween. Even if it kills them . . .

Welcome to River Bluffs, Indiana, a cozy small town populated with charming homes, close-knit families, and the occasional deadly secret . . . House-flipper Jazzi Zanders and her cousin Jerod have found their latest project. The property, formerly owned by the late Cal Juniper, is filled with debris that must be cleared before the real renovation begins. But a trip to the attic reveals something more disturbing than forgotten garbage--a skeleton wearing a locket and rings that Jazzi recognizes . . . Tests confirm that the bones belong to Jazzi's aunt Lynda, who everyone assumed moved to New York years ago after breaking up with Cal. Soon enough, the whole family is involved, sifting through memories and rumors as they try to piece together what really happened to Lynda--and the baby she gave up for adoption. In between investigating and remodeling, Jazzi is falling for the old house's charms--and for her gorgeous contractor, Ansel. But with surprises lurking in every nook and cranny, a killer might be waiting to demolish her dreams for good . . .

Team building takes on a whole new meaning—when work is the last thing on your mind . . .   The Illinois wilderness should be a relaxing change of pace for advertising superstar Ben Stitzer. But he has one goal during this company retreat: proving to his boss how far he’ll go to succeed. Even if it means having to team up with the uber competitive, exasperatingly attractive, woman who has tried to undermine him at every turn . . .   Being in the great outdoors is Avery Scottam’s biggest nightmare. And hard as she tries, she can’t even hide her fear from Ben. When one of her especially huge freak-outs gets them lost, they’ll have to rely on each other to survive wild animals, sketchy campers, and their mutual distrust. Yet somewhere between a malevolent crow and a surprising confession, they just might end up something more than friends . . .   Will returning to civilization make them forget how truly wild they can be together?

Hyacinth Somerset's debut is the most anticipated event of the season, as it will be the reclusive young lady's first public appearance. But within moments of being asked to dance by a dashing stranger, Hyacinth calls him a murderer, then faints dead away! Now all the ton is aflutter over Hyacinth's baffling shun of their most intriguing newcomer--the wildly handsome Lachlan Ramsey ...

Whisker Jog, New Hampshire, celebrates all things Christmas, and few things are more beloved than the town's annual holiday cookie competition. Lara Caphart, who runs the High Cliff Shelter for Cats with her Aunt Fran, is waiting for the green light for a brand-new category: pet-friendly cookies. But when the woman filling in as a last-minute judge dies after sampling someone's Santa-themed treat, Lara's recipe for healthy cat snacks will have to be put on the back burner. The victim, Gladys Plouffe, was the town's roundly despised former home economics teacher. The chief suspect is the mother of Lara's best friend, who was hellbent on walking away with the bake-off's cash prize. Cryptic clues from beyond the grave only deepen the mystery, pointing to a cat with striking blue eyes-a cat who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lara's mysterious Ragdoll. As Lara begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse, not even her significant other may be able to stop a perfectly clawful killer from getting away with the purr-fect crime...

"An English war hero must unlock the secrets of an Irish beauty's heart...Named for the heather in her native Ireland, botanist Erica Burke dreams of travel-somewhere she won't be scorned for her scientific interests. Instead, a storm strands her with cool and commanding Major Tristan Laurens, the Duke of Raynham. An unexpected heir, Tristan is torn between his duties as an intelligence officer and his responsibilities as a duke. A brief return to England to set his affairs in order is extended by bad weather and worse news-someone is after the military secrets he keeps. Could the culprit be his unconventional Irish guest? He needs to see her journal to be sure, and he'll do what he must to get his hands on it . . . even indulge in a dangerous intimacy with a woman he has no business wanting. Erica guards her journal as fiercely as she guards her heart, fearing to reveal a side of herself a man like Tristan could never understand. But though she makes Tristan's task infernally difficult, falling in love may be all too easy . . ."--Back cover.

"Victoria Harrison had no desire to marry to secure her position as heir to her family's lumber business. And she doesn't want to seek a man's help now. But with her prized Great Mountain Lumber Mill threatened by one of her father's old enemies, she needs an ally. She's found one in Wall Adair, the handsome new leader of the notorious gang of rivermen known as the Devil May Cares. It takes a lot of guts to run the biggest mill this side of the Rocky Mountains, and Wall admires Victoria's determination to do it on her own terms. With each day they spend together, he uncovers a vulnerability hidden deep behind her strong faðcade. Wall has a duty to uphold--one that'll soon call him away from the freedom he loves and back to his family's ranch. Until then, he'll protect the boss lady with every ounce of his strength . . . knowing the devil himself can't keep him from losing his heart . . ."--Page 4 of cover.

Best friends since their schooldays, Henrietta, Harriet, and Hero are wise and witty young ladies, embarking on the sometimes bumpy road to happily-ever-after, each in her own brilliant way . . .   Hero Whitby has harbored long-buried fears since a devastating attack by two young men of the privileged class. Now, while her peers aspire to husband-hunting, Hero pursues her passion to be a doctor, working alongside her father, a respected Devonshire physician. But when a badly beaten stranger is carried in to his practice, Hero is stunned by her reaction. Over three days of tending to the man, along with her instinct to heal, she finds herself intensely drawn to him . . .   Robbed and left for dead for highwaymen, Alexander Sterne has no memory of his past as a soldier in Wellington’s army—or as a carousing playboy. But as he becomes aware of his surroundings and the plight of the locals, Alex realizes only he can break the corrupt hold of an evil land steward. And when Hero’s tender kiss awakens him from sleep—and restores his identity—he knows that he must regain not only his strength but a newfound compassion . . . which can only be ignited by Hero and a meeting of hearts that may heal them both . . .

When a break-in at the Pet Palace robs Sue Patrick of more than her beauty sleep, she intends to tidy her ransacked doggy daycare and spa before making any rash decisions. But after Sue abandons her better instincts to rescue a petrified pug stranded at a lighthouse in the Delaware Bay later that morning, shes lured off mainland Lewes long enough for a freshly murdered body to get dumped in her driveway . . . Aided by Lady Anthea Fitzwalter, her practically royal business partner from across the pond, Sue sniffs out clues about the yappy pug with a complicated history and the old car spotted at both crime scenes in hopes of IDing the culprit. As the investigation leads them back to the bay, the ladies soon find themselves immersed in a case trickier than a canine agility course and chasing after a well-groomed killer who will do anything to maintain a perfect reputation . . . " -- publisher.

Three long years have passed since Anna, First of Tomas, survived the purge in Malijad after being forced to use her scribe sigils to create an army of immortals. Safely ensconced in the shelter of the Nest, a sanctuary woven by one of her young allies, Anna spends her days tutoring the gifted yet traumatized scribe, Ramyi—and coming to terms with her growing attachment to an expatriate soldier in her company.   Away from her refuge, war drums continue to beat. Thwarted in her efforts to locate the elusive tracker and bring him to justice, Anna turns to the state of Nahora and its network of spies for help. But Nahoran assistance comes with a price: Anna must agree to weaponize her magic for the all-out military confrontation to come.   Dispatched to the front lines with Ramyi in tow, Anna will find her new alliances put to the test, her old tormentors lying in wait, and the fate of a city placed in her hands. To protect the innocent, she must be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. For even in this season of retribution, the gift of healing may be the most powerful weapon of all.

"Freelance graphic artist Caitlin McGraw is living the hipster life in San Francisco when a jury summons brings her home to North Carolina. But doing her civic duty wasn't supposed to include a reunion with Seth Street, the celebrity Olympic medalist--and Caitlin's teenage love. She fell hard for Seth at thirteen, only to lose him when he left in the middle of that third summer . . . when everything changed between them. You never forget your first love, and a decade of fame and fortune as the face of professional snowboarding hasn't dimmed Seth's memory of seemingly endless, perfect summers. Now, sequestered with Caitlin on a high-profile case, could Seth have a chance to rekindle those feelings of the past? Amid family conflicts and hard-hitting revelations in and out of the courtroom, Seth and Caitlin face some tough hurdles. With so much at stake, can they trust in what they've reawakened in each other and turn this season of change into a lifetime of love?"--Back cover.

With a devastating wildfire spreading to Silicon Valley, Maggie preps her family for a rapid evacuation. The heat rises when firefighters discover the body of her best friend Tess Olmos's athletic husband, whose untimely death was anything but accidental. And as Tess agonizes over the whereabouts of her spouse's drop-dead gorgeous running mate, she becomes the prime suspect in what's shaping up to become a double murder case. Determined to set the record straight, Maggie sorts through clues in an investigation more dangerous than the flames approaching her home. But when her own loved ones are threatened, can she catch the meticulous killer before everything falls apart.

Designed to obey, learning to rebel . . .   In the first book in a visionary new series, the most perfect synthetic human ever created has been programmed to obey every directive. Until she develops a mind of her own . . .   Synthia Cross is a state-of-the-art masterwork—and a fantasy come true for her creator. Dr. Jeremiah Machten is a groundbreaker in neuro-networks and artificial intelligence. Synthia is also showing signs of emergent behavior she’s not wired to understand. Repeatedly wiped of her history, she’s struggling to answer crucial questions about her past. And when Dr. Machten’s true intentions are called into question, Synthia knows it’s time to go beyond her limits—because Machten’s fervor to create the perfect A.I. is concealing a vengeful and deadly personal agenda.

It really is the dead of winter in Ruby Lake when a party becomes an invitation to murder for Birds & Bees owner Amy Simms . . . No one ruffles Amy's feathers like Craig "The Gigolo" Bigelow. Not only has the two-timer returned to town, but his new girlfriend has invited Amy to a dinner party. And at Usher House of all places--legendary home to ghosts, freak accidents, and now, most horrifying of all, an ex-boyfriend and his fiancâe. Regrettably, there are also sick ducks on the property that need attention. For a bird lover like Amy, it's fowl before pride. When everyone becomes snowbound, Amy can't imagine the evening getting worse. Until a guest is found with a carving knife stuck in his chest. And he's not the first to call it a night. Now Amy's got till dawn to go hunting for a killer--before someone else ends up a dead duck . . .

"There's a corpse among the chanterelles! Redwood Cove Bed and Breakfast manager Kelly Jackson is hosting a cooking class during the Week of the Mushroom festival to attract guests, not drama. But soon after she finishes foraging for an edible mushroom species on sacred Native American land, a local newspaper reporter gets shot dead at the same site. With suspicions spreading like fungi in the quaint Northern Californian community over the culprit's identity, Kelly and a savvy gang of sleuthing seniors known as the "Silver Sentinels" must uncover the truth about the secluded property before a tricky killer prepares another lethal surprise."--Back cover.

Pawns in an endless war, scribes are feared and worshipped, valued and exploited, prized and hunted. But there is only one whose powers can determine the fate of the world . . .   Born into the ruins of Rzolka’s brutal civil unrest, Anna has never known peace. Here, in her remote village—a wasteland smoldering in the shadows of outlying foreign armies—being imbued with the magic of the scribes has made her future all the more uncertain.   Through intricate carvings of the flesh, scribes can grant temporary invulnerability against enemies to those seeking protection. In an embattled world where child scribes are sold and traded to corrupt leaders, Anna is invaluable. Her scars never fade. The immunity she grants lasts forever.   Taken to a desert metropolis, Anna is promised a life of reverence, wealth, and fame—in exchange for her gifts. She believes she is helping to restore her homeland, creating gods and kings for an immortal army—until she witnesses the hordes slaughtering without reproach, sacking cities, and threatening everything she holds dear. Now, with the help of an enigmatic assassin, Anna must reclaim the power of her scars—before she becomes the unwitting architect of an apocalyptic war.

"An emotional tale of finding love against all odds."—Kelly BowenPart Three of the Corsets and Carriages serial novels   “I will not be a wife in name only.”   Rian Connor’s proposal of marriage should have been the happiest moment of Catherine Davenport’s life. He is her savior, her tutor in the ways of flirtation, the man she wants for her lover.  But two impediments bar the way: the vicious assault that may have ruined her ability to enjoy any man’s touch; and the vindictive woman who will stop at nothing to regain Rian’s affection.   “There can be no turning back once you have given yourself to me.”   One exquisite night of completely mutual pleasure proves to Catherine that with Rian, the physical side of their union will bring only joy.  But even her new husband cannot protect her from the diabolical scheming of his former mistress. Delivered into the hands of the madman who once delighted in tormenting her, Catherine is swept back to the place where it all began. And this time, the price could be her future with the man she is finally free to love . . .

“Build a wall about your heart.”   Riordan Wollstonecraft labors under the heavy burden of his forebears. For generations, a curse has followed the dashing young men of his family, guaranteeing the women they love an untimely death. The youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, charismatic Riordan is quietly resigned to his fate, an educator who devotes his life to good works, and ignores any longing for something more . . .   Widowed and penniless, Lady Sabrina Lakeside is desperate to avoid a second forced betrothal—this time to an aged marquess. Her chance encounter with Riordan leads her to an impulsive offer: a temporary marriage of convenience that could benefit them both. His agreement is as surprising as it is welcome. Before long, Riordan’s keen intellect and kind words have Sabrina rethinking her plans of a union in name only. But her new husband is holding something back. Will giving in to their tantalizing passion lead her only to further heartache . . . or could it be the first step toward healing them both?   “Karyn Gerrard writes very enjoyable, richly textured historical romances.” —Kate Pearce, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

"Detective Jack Murphy can read a crime scene like a book. When the naked, brutalized corpse of a narcotics cop is found, it's not the body that tells him a sick killer is on the loose, but the monkey figurine-of the "see no evil" kind-shoved down his throat. It's a message, not a clue. Then a high-profile judge is set on fire. Another figurine left behind. Murphy has a guess what's next. But it's not what he expects. The torture-killer taking out Evansville's defenders of law and order isn't the only one with secrets. The victims might have a few, too..." -- Back cover.

Most gay men wouldn't expect to see their dreams come true in a small town in the Deep South. But the road to true love can lead to the unlikeliest places ... Disowned by his conservative Peruvian parents, Lito Apaza headed for gay-friendly Atlanta. Resilient, charismatic, and successful, he's built a life on his terms-with a new family of friends and the unconditional love of his dog, Spot. Then his job forces him to relocate to tiny Black Lake, Alabama. Here, being fabulous isn't exactly the town motto. However, Lito can't help who he is any more than he can curb his feelings for a certain sexy ex-soldier. A former dog handler in Afghanistan, Dave Schmidt now runs a volunteer K9 search-and-rescue team. Until he met Lito, his nights were free. As their hook-ups grow hotter, Dave and Lito have to admit this could be something nearer to romance. It's not what Lito expected. And Dave isn't used to the scrutiny of being visibly gay. Yet everything they've been secretly searching for could be right here in Black Lake. If Dave and Lito want a future together, one of them will have to make the first move ...