Publisher: Next Chapter
Deer hunting is not dangerous... unless the hunter becomes the prey. When young hunter John Rowinski goes missing from his deer stand, Niki Dupre volunteers to help find him. When she finds a pool of blood and no body, the plot thickens. Soon, the clues lead Niki to the murder weapon. But will they lead her to the killer?
She was once a whimsical wizardess solving magical mishaps on children’s television. Now she’s navigating midlife, burnout, and the absurdities of modern life—one disastrous spell at a time. The Latter Days of: Wizadora is a biting satire that reimagines a beloved childhood icon in a world where magic has become mundane, nostalgia is monetized, and the pressure to "find yourself" can only be solved with too much gin. Once an effortlessly magical being who captivated young audiences, Wizadora now lives above a vape shop in Luton, working a soul-sucking job at the Department of Arcane Complaints and Refunds. Her wand’s broken, her plants are staging protests, and her magical mishaps—including summoning her naked ex in front of a Parent & Witchcraft group—have made her a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons. This novel skewers the societal obsession with staying young, relevant, and "magical" in an increasingly cynical, oversaturated world. It takes a sharp, hilarious look at the illusions of modern life—where social media influencers glow with "ancient prophecies," smartphones sprout wings, and the self-help industry has turned every personal failure into a product. Wizadora’s journey is about coming to terms with who we thought we should be, versus who we really are—and the hilarious, painful absurdity of it all. Through wit, absurdity, and surprisingly tender moments, The Latter Days of: Wizadora offers a scathing commentary on nostalgia, societal expectations, and the overwhelming pressure to "find your magic" in a world that no longer believes in it. Magic isn’t what it was. But neither are we. And that’s fine.Show book
‘Perspective of danger changes when reality floods through the dark. It takes wild events of immense forbidden love for Christopher to realise he’s been living life all wrong. Christopher has to make serious changes in order to become the person he’s always wanted to be. Unfortunately, his biggest enemy is always close in his mind.’Show book
From the bestselling author of Jews Don’t Count ‘ A hugely heartfelt, funny, kind, fascinating, human and clever book ’ ALAIN DE BOTTON ‘ Magnificent. Breathtaking. And shockingly rare … another one-sitting wonder’ STEPHEN FRY David Baddiel would love there to be a God. He has spent a lot of time fantasising about how much better life would be if there actually was such a thing as a Superhero Dad who chased off Death. Unfortunately for him, there isn’t. Or at least, that is Baddiel’s view in this book, which argues that it is indeed the very intensity of his, and everyone else’s, desire for God to exist that proves His non-existence. Anything so deeply wished-for we will, considers Baddiel, make real. The admission of his own divine yearnings makes for a book that is more vulnerable – and more understanding of the value and power of religion – than most atheist polemics. A philosophical essay that utilises Baddiel’s trademarks of comedy, storytelling and personal asides, The God Desire offers a highly readable new perspective on the most ancient of debates. David Baddiel's The God Desire is a Sunday Times bestseller that offers a unique blend of humour and philosophy. This autobiography, presented in the form of engaging essays, explores the topic of atheism, making it a top choice for readers seeking a fresh perspective on non-fiction memoirs. For fans of Dara Horn (People Love Dead Jews), Robin Dunbar (How Religion Evolved), John Updike (Self-Consciousness), Dave Rich (Everyday Hate), and Alastair Campbell (But What Can I Do?). HarperCollins 2023Show book
Disgraced former detective Mike Humber gets off a train in the bleak autumn countryside, his mind haunted by a dark past. A new job awaits. Huntington House needs a live-in security guard to prevent access during an inheritance dispute. This is exactly what Mike needs: a new start in a new place and a chance to turn things around. It all seems perfect, especially when he meets Tessa. But Huntington House holds dark secrets. Bumps in the night. Flickering lights. Music playing from somewhere. Mike’s mind starts to unravel as he questions his sanity in the dark, claustrophobic corridors and rooms. Something isn’t right. There is someone else in the house. The pressure grows as the people around Mike get pulled into a web of lies and manipulation, forcing him to take action before it’s too late.Show book
The Odell Buckenflush Chronicles are river tales gathered from a career in outdoor education. Experiential learning is combined with humor to highlight environmental impacts and consequences. While the tales are humorous, each carries a lesson for those exploring the outdoors. These stories serve as fun examples for outdoor leaders, teachers, camp counselors, and resource managers, making the book both educational and entertaining. After all, outdoor educators specialize in “edutainment.” In the Chronicles, decisions must be made, leading to consequences and lessons. As Paul Petzoldt noted, people often need help understanding experiences to avoid repeating mistakes. These tales offer many examples of “what just happened.” While not a deep dive into learning theory, the book shows different learning styles. As humorist Will Rogers said, “There are three kinds of people: those who learn by reading, those who learn by observation, and those who have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.” Odell does the “peeing”—you just enjoy the stories! Each of the five volumes follows the same structure, featuring forty-eight tales across four chapters:Inventions and AchievementsFamily ConnectionsRescue and SurvivalPhilosophy and Life At the end of each tale, a “Tale of the Tale” section explains the real-life inspiration. A Glossary of River Terms adds both accuracy and humor. Multiple appendices cross-reference:Rivers and locationsPreviously published talesOutdoor experience subjectsBuckenflush characters Dr. Odell Buckenflush isn’t one real person, but a blend of real folks, imagination, and folklore. You might even recognize yourself in these adventures. – Steve SpencerShow book
This often-comic novel is for all who have worked with the wrong people in the wrong place, and ached to escape?to start something new and find a sense of belonging.What begins as backyard diversion swells into a hilarious and absurd obsession: to grow the world’s largest pumpkin and, with the help of an entrepreneur friend, build a pumpkin empire to make everything from snacks to toilet paper. All to win him fame and fortune (and perhaps the affection of an alluring neighbor). Reverend John Crackstone sees his pumpkins, especially the giant named Schwartz, as his shot at greatness. And it becomes his chance to flip the tables on his affluent and perpetually disappointed deacons.While often comic, Getting Huge resonates with the Great Resignation and quiet quitting, as it shows how the pursuit of other people’s goals and ideas of success can cloud judgment. Until we are jolted into clarity and head for the hills.Follow John Crackstone's humorous eight-month adventure from Easter morning to Christmas Eve in a stumbling pursuit of success and sense of belonging.Show book
