Most of the characters that perform in this book still live, and are prosperous and happy. Some day it may seem worth while to take up the story of the younger ones again. - Mark Twain, 1876 Catherine Hiller has taken up Twain's challenge. Her latest novel, The Adventures of Sid Sawyer, turns The Adventures of Tom Sawyer upside down. Told from the point of view of Tom's supposedly sissy half-brother Sid, we get a fresh and original take on this beloved classic. Inspired by both Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Hiller has cleverly woven some of the original text into a brand new adventure. This beautifully crafted and well-paced tale, a complete story in its own right, is told through Sid's eyes and brings a whole new twist to all the characters, shedding a rather different light on Tom, Mary, Aunt Polly and needless to say, Sid. The Adventures of Sid Sawyer will appeal to nostalgic adults and readers over 16 and features a series of 9 specially commissioned line drawings by artist and illustrator Ana Stankovic-Fitzgerald. REVIEWS from the eBook launch: April 2012: Sid Sawyer, brother of the more famous Tom, is a complex character. This coming-of-age tale is true to the spirit of Twain's books, but aimed at a slightly older audience. Catherine Hiller deals bluntly with issues of sex and racism, and portrays a darker view of human nature. Sid learns some tough life lessons, but ultimately love and loyalty prevail. An interesting read for anyone who enjoyed the original books. Jane Bailey Bain, author of 'Lifeworks' 'Most of the characters that perform in this book still live and are prosperous and happy' says Mark Twain in the foreword of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. 'Some day it may seem worth while to take up the story of the younger ones again.' This is precisely what writer Catherine Hiller has done in The Adventures of Sid Sawyer. With graceful and witty style, she has continued Twain's story. This book explores life from the eyes of Tom's younger half-brother Sid - a thin, reflective, inquisitive boy with a tendency to be a right tattletale. The story follows Sid as he sets out to find out about the father he never knew. Along his journey he experiences love, saves a life, learns about himself and starts to grow up. Hiller's writing is crisp and her observations astute. The characters' voices are distinct and real. This book is touching and nostalgic without being sentimental. Colette Brenda, producer It was such a pleasure to revisit Tom and Huck whom I felt I grew up with several times over, on several readings. Following on from Twain, Hiller explores a new dimension with Sid Sawyer being the observer and narrator. The characters are developed thoroughly and much to my liking. I'm glad I caught this one - thanks! Jordan, customer review, Armadillo Central website.

Spy thriller fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder 'The men who work for you, General', he observed, 'should rid themselves of any fear of death'. Rome, 1934. Martin Fawley leaves the American secret service and is recruited by General Berati, the most feared man in fascist Italy, as a spy. After a brief encounter with a glamorous yet murderous Italian princess, Fawley's mission takes him undercover to Monaco. Suave and worldly, Fawley is quite at home in the casinos and golf courses of Monte Carlo--but he is soon entangled in a game with higher stakes. As the nations of Europe vie for power, Fawley discovers the secret weapon that will determine the outcome of the looming war. This classic thriller--undoubtedly an influence on Ian Fleming's James Bond novels--is now republished for the first time since the 1930s. With its yachts and cocktail parties, its steely hero and brutal assassins, and its cinematic range across the cities of Europe, this is a gripping and sophisticated tale of a spy who saves the world.

Two confirmed bachelors, Mr. Pugh and Mr. Tress, are rival collectors between whom pass a series of bizarre and discomfiting objects—including poisoned rings, pipes which seem to come to life, a phonograph record on which a murdered woman seems to speak from the dead, and the severed hand of a 13th-century aristocrat. This volume collects all 7 classic tales in the series, with mystery, humor, and even horror alternately at the forefront!

Bret Harte was an American author and poet, best remembered for his accounts of pioneering life in California. Harte moved to California in 1853, later working there in a number of capacities, including miner, teacher, messenger, and journalist. His story, "The Luck of Roaring Camp," appearing in The Overland Monthly magazine, propelled Harte to nationwide fame. The Argonauts of North Liberty is a longer tale by Harte. Taking place in a staunchly reserved Presbyterian society, it illustrates in its heroine the revolt of an unruly and unregenerate nature against a Puritan society. North Liberty is a Connecticut town, and the "Argonauts" are a man and woman who migrate to California to begin life again, escaping the strictures of their earlier life, like the "Blue Law" setting of the opening. Once in California, Harte's feel for the time and setting can take full flower.

The King's Cross restaurant is nearly empty when a timid London clerk overhears a few muttered words at a neighbouring table - a young woman is to be followed, and dealt with roughly if she proves troublesome. Before he can talk himself out of it, he is on a northbound express, pursuing the men and the girl they mean to harm. The journey ends on the windswept moors of Northumberland, where a tumbledown house sits alone against the sky. An out-of-work navvy has already taken shelter there, and soon a pair of young adventurers join the vigil. But the house is not as empty as it appears. Something beneath it gives a hollow boom, a professor works against his will, and a ruthless schemer will stop at nothing to protect what is buried below. First published in 1928, this thriller of treason, courage, and a secret that must never see daylight is vintage British mystery at its most atmospheric.