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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
All Things Return is the story of two young men who, though separated by twenty-five years, hundreds of miles, and the fear of certain death if found by a vengeful criminal cartel, strive to overcome almost insurmountable obstacles and reclaim the father/son relationship denied to them for so long.
Isabella by Garry Linahan Isabella by Garry Linahan Oct. 19, 2011 Free! 42350 words Read a sample
A strange and attractive neighbour moves in near Jake. From the outset she seems intent on building a friendship. Despite his need for privacy, Jake finds he is drawn to her, but soon peculiar things start to happen. He experiences strange visions and frightening episodes that seem to be linked to his neighbour.
Dustin Jeckle & Mr. Hydel by Tim Greaton Dustin Jeckle & Mr. Hydel by Tim Greaton Oct. 26, 2011 Free! 2900 words Read a sample
Desperate for something to change, crippled and struggling writer Dustin Jeckle lives with his mother while attempting to write a story that is somehow worthy of publication. There’s no way he could have known how tenuous was his grasp on life…nor how it would require strength like he’s never known to survive the seismic shift that awaits. Another gripping tale from "Maine's Other Author"TM
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
Christmas is coming! For apprentice detective R.D. Clarke, it's almost time for his favorite day of the year: The Running of the Santas, an event where thousands dress up as everyone's favorite jolly fat man in red and run around a local mall. However, things aren't as innocent as the seem when a quartet of Santas break away from the pack and rob a few of the mall's stores.
Shadows Of The Night by Gary Weston Shadows Of The Night by Gary Weston Feb. 04, 2012 Free! 7850 words Read a sample
Another case for Senior Sergeant Detective Stanley Morris and his team. Solving a murder case is one thing, preventing another violent killing is something else. The race is on to save a life. The final Ferret book!
The Accidental Hero by Joshua Graham The Accidental Hero by Joshua Graham Nov. 12, 2010 Free! 9825 words Sample 35%
Ruthless hitman confronts his destiny in a startling tale of redemption.
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
Larry Long, Jr. tries to restart his life after a career in crime.
Quicksilver by Paul Andrews Quicksilver by Paul Andrews June 14, 2011 Free! 74725 words Read a sample
A friends death launches Jack Danning onto a path of mayhem and retribution
Dead is Dead by James Gabriel Dead is Dead by James Gabriel July 22, 2011 Free! 69613 words Read a sample
The Studios rule Hollywood's golden age, and Jake Thorne is a fixer for the best of them, MGM. If you're a big shot, Jake will sober you up, pay off the cops or keep it out of the papers. So when a young girl shows up strangled in a big director's garden, it's all in a days work. But why are the cops trying to warn him off? And why does the dead girl remind him of a past he wants to forget?
The Last Killer Standing by Edward Coburn The Last Killer Standing by Edward Coburn Nov. 05, 2011 Free! 95018 words Read a sample
A homeless person in downtown Denver, Colorado is murdered by a serial killer whose favorite pastime is screwing with the police by leaving false leads and clues at his murders. His second victim makes everyone realize that the Cherry Creek Choker is back. The Choker's original killings of four hookers, several years earlier, scandalized and terrified the city.
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
One hundred million dollars' worth of pure gold traded for stolen military arms... the brutal murder of a Mexican Governor... the involvement of La Eme, the Mexican Mafia, Outlaw Motorcycle gangs, and violent street gangs, and a contract ordered on his life... These are the pieces of the puzzle Jay Leicester must put together to save not only himself, but those of innocent people working with him.
EAST VILLAGE NOIR by Russell Atwood EAST VILLAGE NOIR by Russell Atwood Dec. 20, 2009 Free! 6770 words Read a sample
"Finding a runaway teenager in New York City is easy. The hard part is finding the one your looking for." Private eye Payton Sherwood is hired by the parents of a runaway girl, and while searching for her through the shadowy sidestreets of the East Village, he comes across a connection to a murdered autograph expert. Short story originally published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, July 1997.
Cat Had a Tail by Steven Bennett Cat Had a Tail by Steven Bennett Sep. 02, 2010 Free! 3722 words Read a sample
Murder swirls amidst the coffee and haiku as caffeine and curiosity lead a man from the comfortable settings of the Cafe 575 to find murder in the dark city streets.
The Billabong Incident by Allen Hancock The Billabong Incident by Allen Hancock Nov. 19, 2010 Free! 2260 words Read a sample
Billabong: A waterhole. Or more to the point, a small lake formed by a change in the course of a river. Sometimes referred to as an oxbow lake.
Dan's Accidental Convertible by LC Cooper Dan's Accidental Convertible by LC Cooper Jan. 17, 2011 Free! 1384 words Read a sample
When enough is enough
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
Lady Justice and Lady Luck duke it out for the fates of 3 parties in search of the Lady “Fortune” in this story collection. In “Luck Be a Lady,” two escaped criminals have it made until they take the wrong turn. In “Let Them Eat Cake,” a hired killer considers one more risky job. In “the Desk Audit,” a team of investigators trails a fraudster ready to reply with force.
NoThing by Tommie Lee NoThing by Tommie Lee April 24, 2011 Free! 4214 words Read a sample
Welcome to Penny's "whitemare". Penny was expecting to wake up with a hangover. A hangover would have been a blessing compared to what was there when she opened her eyes. Because nothing was there at all.
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
Psychopaths Ltd is a collection of Ben Cheetham's prize-winning, criminally inclined stories that have been published in some of the best magazines and anthologies in the UK and US. Some of these stories tell it straight and nasty, others contain a twist in the tail, all of them will leave you torn between loathing and pity for the lives they portray.
Chaos Read #3 by Brian Williams Chaos Read #3 by Brian Williams Dec. 20, 2011 You set the price! 3091 words
IN THE PAST: There are many acts of savagery in the world and all of them are based on believing without hesitation. Nothing in the world can possible be what we see it as. More mysteries are bubbling to the surface in Part Two of this Four Part story.
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
This collection of singles is not about sex. Sex is only a backdrop against which the great mystery of emotional cleansing takes place. The Promiscuist is about a lonely person in a strange, big city, an alien even to indigenous New Yorkers. This is about the random drifting of longing, of people desperately suffering from loneliness, lost in the icy abyss of a human hive, using sex as...
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
Bubba is a good old boy with lots of problems. His ex-fiancee is deader than a door nail and everyone thinks he dun did it. His house is haunted. His mother is running an illegal gambling ring. His dog likes to bite people too much. And he's got to find out who really did it before the sheriff throws him in jail...again. This novel has been recently revised.
Hard Press'd by Linda Rae Blair Hard Press'd by Linda Rae Blair Dec. 04, 2010 Free! 38387 words Read a sample
Preston Andrews is admired by women for his handsome face and well-toned physique, by all for his opinion and skill. He rejects FBI recruitment efforts to remain with the VBPD. His dad, a Senator, wants his son in the Foreign Service or politics. His 180 lb. dog shares his mansion and fails obedience training. His sister isn't speaking to him. Life's a mess—then add murder to the mix!
Fools Club by Craig Mallery Fools Club by Craig Mallery Dec. 16, 2010 Free! 71696 words Read a sample
Fools Club tells the story of two stepbrothers­ — Colin Schaefer, the all-American golden boy, and Jacob Miller, the introverted genius — who together made a fortune with an internet startup and then lost it all in the stock market crash. These two stepbrothers suddenly find themselves locked in a dangerous struggle in which all the tensions and jealousies from their childhood will play out
The Peaceful Night by Harry Smith The Peaceful Night by Harry Smith Dec. 30, 2010 Free! 105644 words Read a sample
A category five hurricane 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.
Still Life Without You by Teresa Hubley Still Life Without You by Teresa Hubley Jan. 30, 2011 Free! 31070 words Read a sample
Teen-aged twins, Georgia and Jackson Phillips, spring into action when they find their favorite painting, "Nude Sketch No. 45.," has been stolen from the local museum. A visit to the artist, the heartbroken widower, Jonah Coffey, draws them into the sketch's dark back story and the designs of thieves.
The Gumshoe Diaries by Nicholas Stanton The Gumshoe Diaries by Nicholas Stanton Feb. 28, 2011 Free! 60390 words Read a sample
LA's latest Gumshoe Author strikes gold with new detective series SAN DIEGO, Calif. – For those who have been waiting for the next Phillip Marlowe, Sam Spade, Mike Hammer, or Jim Rockford, the wait is over! Nicholas Sheridan Stanton unveils the latest result of his chronically leaky cranium in a clever new detective series he's calling The Gumshoe Diaries.
The Last Call by George Wier The Last Call by George Wier March 07, 2011 Free! 56861 words Read a sample
The Last Call is the first of six completed novels in The Bill Travis Mysteries. With a total of twenty-one books planned for the series, including three prequels, Bill Travis, Austin, Texas’ newest hero, is here to stay.
Whodunnit Mrs Christie by Robert Challis Whodunnit Mrs Christie by Robert Challis July 11, 2011 Free! 24169 words Read a sample
A three act traditional murder mystery whodunnit, set in England, with Agatha Christie as a main actor and drawcard for the audience. As the crime unfolds and is solved, all the evidence is presented to the audience, with numerous clues and red herrings to delight enthusiasts for this genre. There are six substantial female roles for adults of a range of ages, and four substantial male roles.
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
The second installment in a short story series featuring Bruce Howard; the lady-killing private investigator. In this case, one of his “bed buddies” comes to him for help when a serial killer has targeted her as the next victim. Previous short story: Noir – Case of My Missing Love
Falling by Bernard Fancher Falling by Bernard Fancher April 09, 2011 Free! 4141 words Read a sample
Detective M. Raines investigates the wanton murder of a child, precipitating a re-evaluation of her own life and a small crisis of the soul. WARNING: This book contains descriptions of an unsettling nature, and might not be suitable for all readers. (This selection is also available in: The Empty House, assorted stories)
Hemis Track by Graham Pullman Hemis Track by Graham Pullman May 25, 2011 You set the price! 34823 words Sample 30%
A 4WD Adventure of Discovery, Mystery, Murder and Romance? This story takes you on a journey through some of the toughest terrain in magnificent New Zealand. The story is based on fact and many situations are the embellished stories (lies) of actual events. The Reader will have to decide what is fact and what is fiction.
21 Steps by O'Neil De Noux 21 Steps by O'Neil De Noux June 10, 2011 Free! 5577 words Read a sample
The hardest part of committing a murder is getting away with it, especially when the case is assigned to a detective who is a relentless pursuer, a half-Cajun, half-Sioux investigator at the top of his game. The body of an elderly woman is discovered stuffed into her closet in her uptown mansion. Initial investigating officers find no leads, no suspects.
Dark Carnival Murders by Bob Moats Dark Carnival Murders by Bob Moats Sep. 21, 2011 Free! 36282 words Read a sample
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" by the author Ray Bradbury is brought to mind by P.I. Jim Richards as a carnival has arrived in Las Vegas and is now the center of his attention for possible criminal activities. Children are starting to vanish and there's a number of jewelry store thefts involving most mysterious circumstances. Things are not as they seem in this twentieth novel by Bob Moats.
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
Kate knows she had to find the strength to go on. Even though her little girl is gone, ripped away by a terrible evil she cannot yet identify, she knows she has to get up and find a reason to exist. But can this acclaimed scientist and grieving mother move past her grief? You might be surprised at the answer. Another exciting tale from "Maine's Other Author"TM Tim Greaton
"Where Is She Now?" by R. C. Drake Nov. 13, 2011 Free! 18184 words Read a sample
Murder has been commited, and the wrong person has been accused of the horrific deed. Not enough proof allows the accused to go free, but the killer is still out there. The death is a heavy burden to carry, an impossible burden. The case must be solved before peace can be had within this family. The killer will strike again, but who will be the next target?
The Family Business by Byron Bales The Family Business by Byron Bales April 20, 2011 You set the price! 111734 words Sample 20%
An American ex-serviceman vanishes in Manila's sleazy after-hours scene, and a foreign businessman turns up dead at the same time. Apparently both were customers at the same honky-tonk dive. One is a lovesick loser, but the other is insured for 1.5 million dollars--which he aims to collect on his own body.
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
AKEL DAMA is exciting and well written, with pervasive humanity and the grit of truth. This work tells a vivid and compelling story, reminding us that we live amid pending horror. This is an impressive evocation of a threat of terrorism around the world at a crucial time in history. It is an important work that will be useful to all who are interested in the world from this time on.
Ernestine by Nell Peters Ernestine by Nell Peters Dec. 01, 2011 Free! 2872 words Read a sample
Jack the Ripper - at last, the truth.
Simple Addition by Marshall Thornton Simple Addition by Marshall Thornton Feb. 06, 2009 Free! 3914 words Read a sample
When a middle-aged man finds himself trapped in the trunk of a car, he must examine his life to determine exactly who might be taking him on his final journey.
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
Some revelations by Dr Watson of hitherto undisclosed details in the resolution of this interesting case.
The Bastard Mummy by Frank Zafiro The Bastard Mummy by Frank Zafiro Oct. 01, 2010 Free! 16661 words Read a sample
Follow detectives Finch and Elias in this novella (which is an excerpt from the short story collection DEAD EVEN) as they try to solve the mystery of a stolen mummy from the River City museum. Part mystery, part procedural, with a little wise-cracking along the way, this story will satisfy River City fans waiting for the next installment and introduce Frank Zafiro to new readers.
Complications by John DuMond Complications by John DuMond Feb. 28, 2011 Free! 712 words Read a sample
On the worst day of his life, Marty Graham finds himself confronted with one problem too many. An extreme problem that may require an extreme solution. This short story first appeared in the zine FLASHING IN THE GUTTERS in 2006.
East Coast by John McFetridge East Coast by John McFetridge May 07, 2010 Free! 8721 words Read a sample
EAST COAST is THE WIRE in a rural setting as RCMP Sgt. Jerry Northup works to keep his narcotics squad motivated in the seemingly unwinnable war on drugs while raising three kids with his wife, Isobel.
Betraying Nexus by Richard L. Sanders Betraying Nexus by Richard L. Sanders April 16, 2011 Free! 9837 words Read a sample
Jason works for Nexus, a secret vigilante organization. He’s a Mind Bender and can implant thoughts into the minds of others. He's both a prodigy and a rising star. But when he’s forced to take down an old friend and learns Nexus's darkest secret, he must ask himself what he believes in. And if it’s worth turning against the woman he loves.
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
During one of Ben's late night walks to clear his mind, he encounters more than he ever thought was possible in this world... Just a walk along the beach is a short supernatural tale.
vl45 by Max M Power vl45 by Max M Power June 09, 2010 Free! 23595 words Read a sample
A gang comes to Houston, Texas, but when innocent kids are killed Detective Wyatt Earp wants the killers brought to justice. When a vigilante starts killing the same gang members who are killing kids the FBI is brought in to take over the case. Wyatt does not want to stop this vigilante because he is doing what the police can not. Will justice prevail or will the vigilante be caught?
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
Includes three 'terrorific' short stories. No Way out: Mike takes a bet to go inside a haunted house, will he live long enough to collect? The Price of Friendship: How much is a best friend worth? Joey finds out the hard way. Hobgoblin Horror: Jake volunteers at a retirement home because Shelby works there. So, it's no wonder he's misses Mr. Fitches' warnings about a homicidal hobgoblin-too bad.
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
John always carries a blade on him, just like his grandfather taught him. So when John sees a man about to do harm, he steps forward, towards his destiny.
Seldom Seen by Campbell (Candle) Seldom Seen by Campbell (Candle) July 11, 2011 Free! 8734 words Read a sample
A southern cop investigating a year old cold-case scene finds more than he bargains for… Please note, adult langauge used throughout.
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
A Coffin and Bubble Gum is a very short story. It is intended to entertain for no more than a minute or more.