Welcome to our directory of downloadable Kindle ebooks from the authors and publishers at Smashwords. Sample up to 10,000 words for free, then click over to Smashwords to download samples for your Kindle, or to purchase the books.  Hundreds to choose from, with new content every day.  Enjoy!



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All Things Return by W.H. Harrod All Things Return by W.H. Harrod Sep. 10, 2011 Free! 66050 words Read a sample
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Isabella by Garry Linahan Isabella by Garry Linahan Oct. 19, 2011 Free! 42350 words Read a sample
Author bio:
I am Australian, living in the Gippsland region of Victoria. I have always enjoyed writing in one form or another and was fortunate enough to discover the Smashwords website. If you decide to read my works I hope you enjoy the reading as much as I enjoyed the writing. I also paint and feature on the Paintings I Love website under my own name.
Dustin Jeckle & Mr. Hydel by Tim Greaton Dustin Jeckle & Mr. Hydel by Tim Greaton Oct. 26, 2011 Free! 2900 words Read a sample
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I live in Maine with my beautiful wife and three amazing children. We share 7-acres with 1 dog, 2 cats, and a population of ducks that varies with the weather. I'm a full-time corporate writer and novelist. My fiction, non-fiction and advertising work has appeared in forums all around the globe. A few months back, my novel "The Santa Shop¨ was republished to Kindle and Nook. My pre-release novel "From My Cold Young Fingers¨ (soon to be final-released as "Ripped From My Cold Young Fingers¨) is also available on Kindle. "Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End,¨ "Heroes With Fangs¨ and my horror novel "Ancestor¨ will also be available on Kindle in the next few months. My brother's publishing company refers to me as "Maine's Other Author TM¨ but I prefer just Tim :-).
The Chrismystery: A Clarke Quickie by Brian P Borcky The Chrismystery: A Clarke Quickie by Brian P Borcky Dec. 19, 2011 Free! 18757 words Read a sample
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Seamlessly blending his two favorite forms of literary entertainment: comedy and detective fiction, Brian P. Borcky has been writing in various mediums of entertainment for over a decade, since penning his first screenplay at the age of sixteen. Graduating from screenwriting into acting, producing, editing and various other tasks, Brian penned his first novel: I'm Detective Clarke, in the summer of 2011. The Clarke series marks a new direction for the classic private eye novel: R.D. Clarke is the anti-Sherlock Holmes. Though he has the initiative and the heart of the great private eyes in famous lore, Clarke's inexperience is often his downfall, leading him down hilariously dangerous paths. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Brian now resides in northwest New Jersey and is working on several film projects -- shorts and features -- for Project Humanoid: the independent production company he co-founded.
Shadows Of The Night by Gary Weston Shadows Of The Night by Gary Weston Feb. 04, 2012 Free! 7850 words Read a sample
Author bio:
Hi. I have had so many admirers after people have seen my picture. (Thank you Darren, but i am basically male and besides, you are a married man. Behave.) Is that really you they ask? I'll level with you. That is a picture of my younger sister!!! I know. Good looks run in the family, usually in the opposite direction. I was 243 on my last birthday, and the last batch of embalming fluid didn't quite hit the spot. If you saw the real me, you too would run a mile. Anyway, I have a twitter account now, which means (I think) people can leave me messages. Happy to get comments about my books. hhtp//unclegarf.wordpress.com. So. I have the third in the series bubbling away, and the lovely Fred Ducket will have some fun. You know me by now. I don't write words. I just write stories. Get stuck in. For anybody who gives a damn, in my face book thing, the black dog is Minnie. The rural scenes are outside my front door. I live in a small town, population 1407 and me, about two hours drive north from Wellington, capital of New Zealand. The Tararua Ranges are close by and they go on for miles, dividing east from west. The Tasman Sea is about twenty minutes away by car going west.Most of my stories are set in NZ, and I think that gives them a different flavour. For anyone reading One Man's Dream, the Turakina Valley is as described in the book, including the 17 acres. I'm from the Midlands in England, originally. I hope you are liking my stuff. I am always happy to get constructive criticism, just be gentle with me. see you on Facebook. Thanks for your support, Gary AKA Shannon Levin.
The Accidental Hero by Joshua Graham The Accidental Hero by Joshua Graham Nov. 12, 2010 Free! 9825 words Sample 35%
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Josh’s bestselling novel BEYOND JUSTICE is taking the world by storm, one reader at a time. Many of his readers blame him for sleepless nights, arriving to work late, neglected dishes and family members, and not allowing them to put the book down. BEYOND JUSTICE, THE ACCIDENTAL EXORCIST, and DEATH AND TAXES, have hit multiple bestseller list on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble topping titles by John Grisham, Linda Fairstein, Scott Turrow and James Lee Burke. Rising high on the Barnes & Noble lists, it has topped all but the two most recent titles by John Grisham. Publishers Weekly described BEYOND JUSTICE as: “…A riveting legal thriller…. breaking new ground with a vengeance… demonically entertaining and surprisingly inspiring.” Under a different pen name, Joshua has been published in three Simon & Schuster anthologies. He’s a graduate of the Oregon Professional Writers Masterclass run by Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch. Joshua grew up in Brooklyn, NY where he lived for the better part of 30 years. There he attended Stuyvesant High School and went on to graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music performance at the Juilliard School. As a musician (cellist) he's appeared on the stages of Avery Fischer Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Carnegie Hall. Graham has toured the United States, Canada, Egypt, Israel, South Africa and Jordan, where he appeared as a soloist on national television for a command performance commissioned by Queen Nor al Hussein. For four years, he lived in Baltimore, MD where he studied and eventually received his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. During that time he taught as a professor at Shepherd College (WV), Western Maryland College, and Columbia Union College (MD). Today, he lives with his beautiful wife and children in San Diego, where the unjustly mild climate of “America’s Finest City” justifies its moniker. It was here that he began a decade long career in the IT field starting as a Support Lead and eventually becoming a Director of Operations. All the while writing fiction. Several of his short fiction works have been published by Pocket Books. A member of the Oregon Writers Network, Graham is a graduate of the Master Classes and professional writing workshops held by Dean W. Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch. Dean and Kris and the entire OWN, have played a huge role in his decision to become a writer. Graham feels he owes them a huge debt of gratitude! Please support Joshua Graham's journey to bestsellerdom by telling all your friends and family how much you have enjoyed his books and stories and recommending them.
The Ballad of Deuce Larry Long Jr by Troy Kirby The Ballad of Deuce Larry Long Jr by Troy Kirby May 03, 2011 Free! 1677 words Read a sample
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Troy Kirby lives in the pacific northwest and enjoys writing crime, horror and science fiction.
Quicksilver by Paul Andrews Quicksilver by Paul Andrews June 14, 2011 Free! 74725 words Read a sample
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Dead is Dead by James Gabriel Dead is Dead by James Gabriel July 22, 2011 Free! 69613 words Read a sample
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James Gabriel has been cannery worker, fry cook, pump jockey, performance car builder, gun dealer, White House staffer, university professor and diplomat. He was born in San Jose, California and has lived in Washington, Manila, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, London and Amman, Jordan. He now summers in Colorado and winters in Carmel. Among other distinctions, he is the only former A%W counterman ever to be both the "quote of the day" in the New York Times and the subject of an article in Car and Driver magazine, to have shaken hands with Charles Lindbergh and had a drink with Buzz Aldrin, and to have danced with his wife in the East Room of the White House and the Grand Ballroom of Buckingham Palace.
The Last Killer Standing by Edward Coburn The Last Killer Standing by Edward Coburn Nov. 05, 2011 Free! 95018 words Read a sample
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Edward J. Coburn is a computer programmer and a long-time writer. He began his writing career while teaching college when he started writing textbooks. Now, with many textbooks to his credit, he began seriously writing fiction in about 1996. His first book, Order of the White Feather: The sword of Dalamar may be purchased at Smashwords along with his latest book Last Killer Standing.
Four Nines Fine (Book 7 of the Jay Leicester Mysteries Series) Special Preview Edition by JC Simmons Four Nines Fine (Book 7 of the Jay Leicester Mysteries Series) Special Preview Edition by JC Simmons Jan. 29, 2012 Free! 26039 words Read a sample
Author bio:
JC Simmons is the author of an Ernest Hemingway biography, several short stories and ten critically acclaimed serial mystery novels, known as the "Jay Leicester Mysteries Series". Included in the series are: Blood On The Vine, Some People Die Quick, Blind Overlook, Icy Blue Descent, The Electra File, Popping the Shine, Four Nines Fine, The Underground Lady, Akel Dama, and The Candela of Cancri, all of which have been recently re-released as ebooks by Nighttime Press LLC. The author was born, raised, educated, and stayed in the great State of Mississippi. He is a retired Airline/Corporate pilot and lives with his wife on the family farm in Union, Mississippi where he is working on a autobiographical work detailing his life and times as a pilot.
EAST VILLAGE NOIR by Russell Atwood EAST VILLAGE NOIR by Russell Atwood Dec. 20, 2009 Free! 6770 words Read a sample
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Cat Had a Tail by Steven Bennett Cat Had a Tail by Steven Bennett Sep. 02, 2010 Free! 3722 words Read a sample
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Steve Bennett was born in Boston and has remained literary ever since, even after moving to Southern California where he lives, with his family, in Julian.
The Billabong Incident by Allen Hancock The Billabong Incident by Allen Hancock Nov. 19, 2010 Free! 2260 words Read a sample
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Allen Hancock was born in Adelaide, South Australia in 1952. He joined the Australian Regular Army in 1970 and spent the next 21 years moving around most areas of Australia. He left the Army in 1992 and has been working as a professional records manager since then. Allen has more than 40 years association with the records industry working with Federal and State Government agencies as well as in higher education and private enterprise.
Dan's Accidental Convertible by LC Cooper Dan's Accidental Convertible by LC Cooper Jan. 17, 2011 Free! 1384 words Read a sample
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Lady Chatterly Cooper, or LC Cooper as she became known, remains a Lady of the '80s. Pink high-tops (autographed by Rick Springfield) and checkerboard waffle Vans (a la "Fast Times at Ridgemont High") complement her ensemble of Jane Fonda leg warmers and Madonna junk jewelry. Because she's no longer perky and petite, parachute pants are a necessity and not a lingering fashion statement. She maintains her own sense of style and grace. Her daughters, Tiffany, Farah, and Demi, and her sons, Milli, Vanilli, and Bruce don't think so. Disenchanted that she wasn't "discovered" while a groupie for Culture Club, Wild West and Wham, LC set a course for self respect and began writing. Her first book was a biography about that lovely couple, Sean Penn and Madonna. Although the project tanked, LC caught the writing bug. Gone were the days of scrawling invitations on men's-room walls. LC hit the big time when Thunderbox Press published her kiss-and-tell exposé entitled, "Speedo Libido." Although some washed-up rockers found humor in it, ("Yeah, I shagged her," Rod Stewart supposedly said, "but who didn't I bang in the '80s?"), others, such as PeeWee Herman ("she was too old for me") and George Michael ("she doesn't even look like a dude") might have been offended. VH1 canned the TV series based on the book when a test audience preferred to see Ozzy flitting around his house in a dress instead of watching LC's aged, saggy boobs flop around in her red one-piece swimsuit in slow motion on camera. Once again trashed by the music industry, brokenhearted LC withdrew from the limelight and bought a secluded ranch in The Everglades. Not able to grow much in all that muck, the stinking goo inspired her second novel, "Stick in the Mud." This satire chronicled the price-fixing practices of the Recording Industry Association of Antarctica. Thumbing its nose at consumers, governments, and free-trade around the world, the RIAA fought to suppress "Stick in the Mud." Written from a male point-of-view, the book details how the RIAA takes the consumer up a dark and dirty path where no woman can go. These days, LC enjoys spending long weekends with her David Hasselhoff inflatables. Whenever her dolls are worn out, LC manages the writing careers of her six children. When that happens, they buy her more dolls. ###
Lucky Justice: 3 Crime Stories by Teresa Hubley Lucky Justice: 3 Crime Stories by Teresa Hubley Feb. 12, 2011 Free! 15324 words Read a sample
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Teresa is an anthropologist and research associate by day and a writer by night, sharing her home with various cats and humans.
NoThing by Tommie Lee NoThing by Tommie Lee April 24, 2011 Free! 4214 words Read a sample
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Veteran radio personality and fiction writer in South Bend, Indiana.
Psychopaths Ltd: and Other Stories by Ben Cheetham Psychopaths Ltd: and Other Stories by Ben Cheetham Aug. 18, 2011 Free! 18440 words Read a sample
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Ben Cheetham is an award winning writer and Pushcart Prize nominee. His writing spans the genres, from horror and sci-fi to literary fiction, but he has a passion for dark, gritty crime fiction. His short stories have been published in many magazines in the UK, US and Australia. Ben lives in Sheffield, UK, where he spends most of his time writing and chasing around after his two-year old son.
Chaos Read #3 by Brian Williams Chaos Read #3 by Brian Williams Dec. 20, 2011 You set the price! 3091 words
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Just a writer sometimes called Billy.
A Fuckhead and the Glass Wall (The Promiscuist Collection, Single 18) by Al Vee A Fuckhead and the Glass Wall (The Promiscuist Collection, Single 18) by Al Vee Jan. 01, 2012 Free! 1340 words Read a sample
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Bubba and the Dead Woman by C.L. Bevill Bubba and the Dead Woman by C.L. Bevill Nov. 25, 2010 Free! 80047 words Read a sample
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C.L. Bevill lives in Virginia and is the author of several books including Bubba and the Dead Woman, Bubba and the 12 Deadly Days of Christmas, Bubba and the Missing Woman, Bayou Moon, The Flight of the Scarlet Tanager, Veiled Eyes, Disembodied Bones, and Shadow People. She is currently at work on her latest literary masterpiece.
Hard Press'd by Linda Rae Blair Hard Press'd by Linda Rae Blair Dec. 04, 2010 Free! 38387 words Read a sample
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Raleigh artist, Linda Rae Blair, has traveled the U.S. extensively. With a family history of Scots-Irish immigrants to the U.S. around the time of the revolution and as a 13th generation direct descendant to John Alden & Priscilla Mullins, pilgrims of Mayflower fame, she has always been a lover of history. She combines these into sagas that are interesting to history buffs and lovers of romance and mystery. She has spent many happy hours in Virginia Beach during off-season when the winds blow hard and cold and the salty air whips at the weather-protected palms. This is the locale chosen for Preston Andrews Mysteries series. Locals and visitors alike will find many familiar frames of reference in this series.
Fools Club by Craig Mallery Fools Club by Craig Mallery Dec. 16, 2010 Free! 71696 words Read a sample
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The Peaceful Night by Harry Smith The Peaceful Night by Harry Smith Dec. 30, 2010 Free! 105644 words Read a sample
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Harry F. Smith grew up in the frozen wilderness of Jersey City, New Jersey and proudly claims to be a native, but only when it is to his financial advantage to do so. After a brief career in the Navy as a technician, he worked as a software engineer on numerous defense industry projects. Although he is the author of many boring technical documents and manuals, such as "A Case Study of Constrained Nonlinear Optimization Methods", this is his attempt at writing mystery novels that concentrate on living, breathing people and the evil things that are done by them. Lately, he has just finished working on 'The Peaceful Night', a novel about a category five hurricane that smashes into Orlando, Florida and forces the people of an exclusive gated community to fend off starvation, a power hungry ex-mafioso don, alligators, a horny but brain dead mutt named Peepers and a psychotic killer who'll do anything to silence the voices in his head until help arrives. He is currently working on the second in the John DelMonico detective series, working title, 'Last Man Standing.' He now lives in Centerville, South Dakota year-round so that he can enjoy the snow, ice and freezing cold weather. His interests include listening to esoteric music, perfecting his vast barbecuing skills and devising new ways to scare small children, all the while fighting killer rabbits who are intent on eating his lush green lawn.
Still Life Without You by Teresa Hubley Still Life Without You by Teresa Hubley Jan. 30, 2011 Free! 31070 words Read a sample
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Teresa is an anthropologist and research associate by day and a writer by night, sharing her home with various cats and humans.
The Gumshoe Diaries by Nicholas Stanton The Gumshoe Diaries by Nicholas Stanton Feb. 28, 2011 Free! 60390 words Read a sample
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NICHOLAS SHERIDAN STANTON was born in Yuma, Arizona, and has lived in Southern California and Texas. After a twenty-five-year career in the aerospace industry, he is now a writer by choice and spends his time observing and living life as fully as possible with his wife and two children in San Diego
The Last Call by George Wier The Last Call by George Wier March 07, 2011 Free! 56861 words Read a sample
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George Wier is a crime novelist living in Austin, Texas.
Whodunnit Mrs Christie by Robert Challis Whodunnit Mrs Christie by Robert Challis July 11, 2011 Free! 24169 words Read a sample
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Noir - Case of the Sphinx by Emmanuel Obi, Jr Noir - Case of the Sphinx by Emmanuel Obi, Jr April 04, 2011 Free! 4329 words Read a sample
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Born in 1984 and raised in Auburn, Alabama; I now live in Switzerland. How did I end up in Switzerland? That is a very long story and probably worth a book by itself. I have always loved writing, painting, drawing; any extension of creativity. I view it as all same; give the viewer or reader something that will invoke emotion. Leave them with an experience. Hopefully I will succeed at that.
Falling by Bernard Fancher Falling by Bernard Fancher April 09, 2011 Free! 4141 words Read a sample
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I live on a small and mostly defunct farm in western New York, where the events of a typical day include writing and walking my dogs--items not necessarily listed in order of priority. (At least not from the dogs' point of view.)
Hemis Track by Graham Pullman Hemis Track by Graham Pullman May 25, 2011 You set the price! 34823 words Sample 30%
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21 Steps by O'Neil De Noux 21 Steps by O'Neil De Noux June 10, 2011 Free! 5577 words Read a sample
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O’Neil De Noux writes in many genres, primarily realistic crime fiction, strong on setting, mostly New Orleans, featuring the accurate dialogue of the streets. He also writes scintillating erotica. His publishing credits include Eight novels, six short story collections and over 300 short stories. From contemporary to historical, De Noux uses several recurring characters in his New Orleans stories and novels: NOPD Homicide Detective John Raven Beau (21st Century); NOPD Homicide Detective LaStanza (20th Century); Private-eye Lucien Caye (1940s) and NOPD Detective Jacques Dugas (1890s). A primary theme in De Noux’s fiction is the effect of violence on victims and their families as well as the sometimes debilitating effect of violence on law enforcement officers, private-eyes and their loved ones. As a former private-eye and currently a police investigator, De Noux knows his subject well. De Noux’s stories span from mystery to mainstream, literary, suspense, thriller, science-fiction, fantasy, horror, erotica, humor, westerns, children’s fiction as well as cross-genre stories – erotic-detective, science-fiction mysteries and the like. O’Neil De Noux’s “The Heart Has Reasons” (Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, September 2006) won the Private Eye Writers of America’s prestigious SHAMUS AWARD for BEST SHORT STORY 2007. The SHAMUS is given annually to recognize outstanding achievement in private eye fiction. In 2009, the Short Mystery Fiction Society awarded the Derringer Award for Best Novelette to another Lucien Caye story, “Too Wise” by O’Neil De Noux (which appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine’s November 2008 Issue). The Derringer Award is given annually to recognize excellence in the mystery short form.
Dark Carnival Murders by Bob Moats Dark Carnival Murders by Bob Moats Sep. 21, 2011 Free! 36282 words Read a sample
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Detroit area resident, Bob Moats, has been writing short stories and plays for as long as he can remember. He has lost most of his original stories, typed or handwritten, in the numerous moves he has made from his hometown of Fraser, Michigan to Northern Michigan, to Las Vegas and back to Fraser, where he now lives. Moats became one of the causalities of unemployment a year ago, and had time on his hands to finally pursue a life long dream of writing a full blown crime novel. Thus was born the first book, "Classmate Murders". What followed was a series of seven books starting with "The Classmate Murders" which introduces the main character, Jim Richards, who has to admit he has become a senior citizen, reluctantly. Richards, one day, receives an email from a childhood sweetheart asking for his help, but by the time he reaches her, she has been murdered. His life turns around and he is pulled into numerous murders of women from his high school who he hasn't seen in forty years. Along with a friend of his, Buck, a big, mustached biker, they go off to track down the killer before he can get to one former classmate, Penny Wickens, a TV talk show host who Jim has just fallen for while protecting her. The killer is also murdering the women right out from under police protection, driving homicide detective Will Trapper crazy, and he slowly depends on Jim to help. There's humor, suspense, wild chases across suburban Detroit with cops, classic cars and motorcycle clubs; murder, mayhem, a good amount of romance and a twist ending. Jim and his crime fighters, continue in the other books, traveling to Las Vegas twice, back to Detroit and out to New York to solve murders involving dominatrix; mistresses; Bridezillas; magic and strip clubs. Book titles: Classmate Murders; Vegas Showgirl Murders; Dominatrix Murders; Mistress Murders; Bridezilla Murders; Magic Murders; Strip Club Murders and Made-for-TV Murders.
For the Deposit & Two Other Stories by Tim Greaton For the Deposit & Two Other Stories by Tim Greaton Oct. 26, 2011 Free! 3247 words Read a sample
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I live in Maine with my beautiful wife and three amazing children. We share 7-acres with 1 dog, 2 cats, and a population of ducks that varies with the weather. I'm a full-time corporate writer and novelist. My fiction, non-fiction and advertising work has appeared in forums all around the globe. A few months back, my novel "The Santa Shop¨ was republished to Kindle and Nook. My pre-release novel "From My Cold Young Fingers¨ (soon to be final-released as "Ripped From My Cold Young Fingers¨) is also available on Kindle. "Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End,¨ "Heroes With Fangs¨ and my horror novel "Ancestor¨ will also be available on Kindle in the next few months. My brother's publishing company refers to me as "Maine's Other Author TM¨ but I prefer just Tim :-).
"Where Is She Now?" by R. C. Drake Nov. 13, 2011 Free! 18184 words Read a sample
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R. C. Drake is married with two fine sons, two beautiful grand-daughters, and one very special grandson. She owns a small business and lives with her husband, and dog, Moo Moo, in Southeast Texas. She currently has six published books, five through her publisher, Publish America, and one Indie published.
The Family Business by Byron Bales The Family Business by Byron Bales April 20, 2011 You set the price! 111734 words Sample 20%
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I was born in St. Louis in 1942. At 15, I dropped out of school and worked various jobs, one being a spotter for detectives conducting surveillances. In those late days of the 1950's, surveillances were low-tech indeed and in certain situations, where no photograph or other identification was available, it was preferable in low population areas for one operative to first 'spot' and plot a subject's movement pattern and then point him/her out for another detective or team to follow. Easy enough for an inconspicuous youngster to avoid suspicion. The average detective, as a non-owner of an agency, earned around $10 a day. I was paid two dollars per spot. Until the day when the gumshoe assigned to the case eloped with a bottle of bourbon. I handled the surveillance, thereafter the agency owner, a tight-fisted, hard-drinking, crusty Irishman tried fobbing me off with the customary two bucks. I balked, an argument ensued, insults and physical threats exchanged, but I began receiving seven bucks per shadow. The old detective drove home the point that this work was dangerous, and that an operative must maintain confidentiality at all times. Tell no one, he warned, absolutely no one as your life may depend on secrecy. He was fond of displaying an old bullet wound, claiming that he received it when certain criminal elements discovered he was a private dick. I eventually learned that the old shamus didn't want the authorities alerted to the fact that he was working an underage kid, and as for the bullet wound, the clumsy bastard accidentally shot himself in basic training during World War I. In those days of conscription, the Army would have scooped up a dropout in no time, so I enlisted in the Marine Corps. Following Boot Camp in San Diego, I was posted a mere two miles away at the Naval Station right there in Dago handling base and brig security with the Marine Detachment. Eventually, I got what I'd requested in Boot Camp, a transfer to the First Marine Division's FMF-Fleet Marine Force. A fancy name for floating infantry. I picked up a secret clearance along the way and in addition to infantry duties (crew-served weapons; the old 3.5 rocket launcher), I served at various times as an interrogator. It was with an element of the 9th Marines (E-2-9) where I traveled around Asia, and later, during the Cuban Missile Crisis with the 5th Marines, I bounced across the Caribbean and Central America as a courier. Discharged in 1963, I headed for New York City and gained an inspector's position in a retail credit organization. That led to my own P.I. license after the prescribed time. I handled every manner of criminal case; private and indigent (court-appointed defendants), surveillances, industrial undercover, bounty and repo work before specializing in insurance investigations, particularly locates and bogus death claims. After working solo for 10 years, I formed a company in 1979 specializing in international claims work, particularly Life and Health claims, and more specifically; Questionable Death Claims and Disappearances. I began writing fifteen years ago, but never bothered with publishing anything until 2003, with The Family Business, by Asia Books. I'm retired, but I handle an occasional assignment, providing it's in Asia or Pacifica.
Akel Dama (Book 9 of the Jay Leicester Mysteries Series) Special Preview Edition by JC Simmons Akel Dama (Book 9 of the Jay Leicester Mysteries Series) Special Preview Edition by JC Simmons Jan. 29, 2012 Free! 25986 words Read a sample
Author bio:
JC Simmons is the author of an Ernest Hemingway biography, several short stories and ten critically acclaimed serial mystery novels, known as the "Jay Leicester Mysteries Series". Included in the series are: Blood On The Vine, Some People Die Quick, Blind Overlook, Icy Blue Descent, The Electra File, Popping the Shine, Four Nines Fine, The Underground Lady, Akel Dama, and The Candela of Cancri, all of which have been recently re-released as ebooks by Nighttime Press LLC. The author was born, raised, educated, and stayed in the great State of Mississippi. He is a retired Airline/Corporate pilot and lives with his wife on the family farm in Union, Mississippi where he is working on a autobiographical work detailing his life and times as a pilot.
Ernestine by Nell Peters Ernestine by Nell Peters Dec. 01, 2011 Free! 2872 words Read a sample
Author bio:
Hi! My real name is Anne, with a double-barrelled surname, so I use a much shorter pen name, courtesy my parents' Christian names. And no, my dad is not called Nell. I've always written, in one form or another - I just love it. Because I enjoy writing crime, I went back to uni to read psychology and sociology, hoping to give my plots and characterisation a bit of an edge. I may hold some sort of record for most ancient student on campus. My protagonist, Rose Huntingford (Double You and sequel Santa's Slays) takes her name from my paternal great grandmother, who was illegitimate, born in a workhouse in 1876. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to image how poor she and her mother (Rosa) would have been. But Rose must have been quite a lady - she pulled herself up by the bootstraps and married a rich landowner. That sort of social mobility was very rare indeed for the time. I hope she'd approve of 'my' Rose. Incidentally, her son (my grandfather, obv.) lied about his age to become a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I - so, I have two acts that are pretty hard to follow. Must try harder! I live in Norfolk (UK) with my husband, an artist, plus our two youngest boys (of four!) Thanks for dropping by!
Simple Addition by Marshall Thornton Simple Addition by Marshall Thornton Feb. 06, 2009 Free! 3914 words Read a sample
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An award-winning screenwriter, playwright and author, Marshall lives in Long Beach, California. He has an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA where he won the Carl David Memorial Fellowship for his romantic-comedy, Husband Material, as well as a BA in Creative Writing from California State University at Long Beach. Marshall is the author of the gay mystery series Boystown published by Torquere Press. As of June 2011, there are three books in the series with a fourth on the way. His other books include Full Release, Desert Run and the erotic comedy, The Perils of Praline, or the Amorous Adventures of a Southern Gentleman in Hollywood.
An Addendum to the Affair of the Dog that did Not Bark. by Philip van Wulven An Addendum to the Affair of the Dog that did Not Bark. by Philip van Wulven July 28, 2010 Free! 1824 words Read a sample
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Phil van Wulven was born in Africa, in a family who changed houses and schools, as well as countries, quite often. Landlords, Headmasters, and governments prefer you to leave places as you found them, he discovered. He has lived in Canada for quite a while now, where he is busy growing roots. He hates rejection almost as much as dejection. He likes trees, birds, sunsets, and all that, and is getting used to the idea that seeing a sunrise doesn’t mean he is on the way to work. He likes to read, write, drink beer, and fix stuff.
The Bastard Mummy by Frank Zafiro The Bastard Mummy by Frank Zafiro Oct. 01, 2010 Free! 16661 words Read a sample
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Frank became a police officer in 1993. During his career, he has served as a patrol officer, corporal, detective (his favorite job), sergeant, lieutenant and is currently a captain. He has written and taught courses in Report Writing and Sexual Assault Investigation at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. He has also written several college courses in police subject matter. He co-wrote "A Street Officer's Guide to Report Writing" with Doug Strosahl, due out in 2012. Many of Frank’s stories are written under the pen name Frank Zafiro and take place in the fictional setting of River City, a mid-sized city in Eastern Washington, with recurring characters. In addition to several River City novels, over fifty of his short stories have been published in many different anthologies, as well as print and online magazines. These short stories are collected in three volumes ("Dead Even", "No Good Deed", "The Cleaner") His story “Good Shepherd” was a finalist for the 2006 Derringer Award. In 2007, his story “The Worst Door” was a finalist for this same award. Most recently, his story “Dead Even” was a finalist for the 2009 Derringer Award. In addition to writing, Frank is an avid hockey player and a tortured guitarist. His wife, Kristi, is about the only person who will watch him do either activity.
Complications by John DuMond Complications by John DuMond Feb. 28, 2011 Free! 712 words Read a sample
Author bio:
John DuMond lives in Albany, NY where he works as an investigator. His short stories have appeared in JAKE MAGAZINE, FLASHING IN THE GUTTERS, DEFENESTRATION, POWDER BURN FLASH, DZ ALLEN'S MUZZLE FLASH, and the anthology DISCOUNT NOIR.
East Coast by John McFetridge East Coast by John McFetridge May 07, 2010 Free! 8721 words Read a sample
Author bio:
John McFetridge is the author of the novels LET IT RIDE (St. Martins Press), EVERYBODY KNOWS THIS IS NOWHERE and DIRTY SWEET (Houghton Miflin Harcourt). Bestselling novelist Ken Bruen said, “McFetridge channels Elmore Leonard at the height of his powers, with dialogue Quentin Tarantino would kill for.”
Betraying Nexus by Richard L. Sanders Betraying Nexus by Richard L. Sanders April 16, 2011 Free! 9837 words Read a sample
Author bio:
Please visit http://www.richardlsanders.com for more information about the author and his writings.
Just a Walk Along the Beach by J.T. Roberts Just a Walk Along the Beach by J.T. Roberts May 05, 2011 Free! 7117 words Read a sample
Author bio:
J.T.Roberts is a medium and Tarot Reader living in Liverpool UK, with his partner and their much loved pets. J.T enjoys many interests including motorbikes, football and carpentry but his main passions are for writing and music.
vl45 by Max M Power vl45 by Max M Power June 09, 2010 Free! 23595 words Read a sample
Author bio:
Welcome my name is Max M. Power and I am a Story Teller. Like many Story Tellers before me I am here to feed your imagination. I have had the honor of being compared to such writers as Ernest Hemingway, Robert Browning, James Patterson, and Tom Clancy, but without all the boring details. My subject matter spans from poetry to short stories to novels. I am the Owner of Writing With Power Publishing and yes I self publish. I want to be able to control my work and not sell out to big corperations who are just looking to make a fast buck. I am more interested in having readers than profit. For this reason ALL ebooks that I am able to publish via SMASHWORDS will be published at no charge to the reader. I ask that you pass on and share my books with others so that the word may spread. If you want a paper copy you can order directly from the printer, cutting out the middle man completely. The links are on my website. So again, welcome to my world, I hope you enjoy your stay. Now sit back, relax, and let the journey begin. In the infamous words of Snoopy, the Greatest Story Teller, “It was a dark and stormy night…”
No Way Out - And Other Scary Short Stories by MJA Ware No Way Out - And Other Scary Short Stories by MJA Ware May 17, 2011 Free! 14884 words Read a sample
Author bio:
M.J.A. Ware, known as MJ to his friends, lives in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains with his wife and two daughters. When not writing about aliens, monsters and ghosts, he runs a company where he designs award winning video arcades. He's currently polishing his latest novel, Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb, about friends who take on an army of the undead, armed with nothing but Super Soakers--filled with zombie killing juice.
A Boy and a Hero by Nikos Kalpakis A Boy and a Hero by Nikos Kalpakis June 10, 2011 Free! 3483 words Read a sample
Author bio:
I'm a greek filmmaker who sometimes writes short stories, check my film in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nUIgFzgS_c
Seldom Seen by Campbell (Candle) Seldom Seen by Campbell (Candle) July 11, 2011 Free! 8734 words Read a sample
Author bio:
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, where I was nurtured by a loving family and 80's cartoon shows. Thanks He-Man! Currently live in somewhere in California... least I think this is California (I am so lost), where I go about my day tracking down the one in print book I've sold. Then I remember I only write e-books and I'm screwed. Present Job: Mustache salesmen (made a killing in the 80's, off of Tom Selleck and Burt Reynolds, now I'm struggling just to make ends meet), which is why I made up Movember. Oh well. What I need from you: To buy a book or mustache, it doesn't really matter which, they'll both make you look silly. P.S. I know I might sound crazy, but I am.
A Coffin and Bubble Gum by Mesis September A Coffin and Bubble Gum by Mesis September Aug. 01, 2011 Free! 320 words Read a sample
Author bio:
Mesis September: Mesis September has written hundreds of short stories, four novellas and is in the process of writing a debut novel. Mesis maintains four blogs, three Facebook Community pages, two websites and has over 400 articles published.