The moon, a luminous pearl in the velvet sky, cast a silver glow on the cobblestone street below. Shadows stretched and twisted, dancing to a silent tune as the wind whistled through the alleyways. Whispers, carried on the night breeze, seemed to tell tales of secrets and hidden wonders, weaving a tapestry of mystery that enveloped the entire village of Hawthorne. From the inky depths of a doorway, a pair of emerald eyes emerged, gleaming like precious jewels. They belonged to a creature shrouded in legend and mystery, a being of grace and stealth, whose very presence held an air of enchantment. A cat, sleek and silent, stepped into the moonlight, its paws padding softly across the cobblestones. Its fur, as black as the midnight sky, shimmered with an otherworldly sheen. Each movement was fluid and deliberate, as if choreographed by the moon itself. The cat paused, tilting its head, its ears twitching as it listened to the symphony of the night. The faint rustle of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, and the murmured conversations of villagers settling into their homes for the night all formed a harmonious backdrop to the cat’s silent vigil. This was Shadow, a cat known throughout Cobblestone Street not just for his sleek appearance, but for the air of mystery that always seemed to accompany him. To the villagers, Shadow was a guardian of sorts, a silent sentinel who watched over the night and ensured that peace reigned while they slept. Children whispered tales of his bravery and adults respected his presence, believing that wherever Shadow walked, he brought with him an invisible cloak of protection.

Can William and Rebecca distinguish friend from foe on their epic cross-colony journey to help America win the Revolutionary War? William Tuck is set on justice. For his brother killed by British soldiers, for his friend Rebecca's father held prisoner by the redcoats, and for the countless other rebel Americans struggling beneath the crushing weight of British rule. The whispered words of a dying soldier, and a mysterious watch, give William all the ammunition he needs; a secret message for the leader of the rebel army. Rebecca disguises herself as a boy, and she and William join the American troops. They embark on an epic journey that pulls them into a secret network of spies, pits them against dangerous gunmen, and leads them on a quest to find General George Washington himself. Can William and Rebecca determine friend from foe long enough to deliver a message that might just change the tide of the American Revolution? Praise for The Last Ride of Caleb O'Toole, winner of the MPIBA Reading the West Award "In this action-packed debut novel...Pierpont has created a suspenseful, enlightening read featuring worthy allies and wicked enemies."—Booklist "The fast-paced adventure serves up a hearty history lesson with side dishes of political, social and environmental commentary. Realistic and complicated characters give the familiar story of the pioneer's journey fresh life...a suspenseful adventure with heart."—Kirkus Reviews "The pace doesn't let up TV and film actor Pierpoint offers a rowdy Wild West adventure in his first book for children... Readers seeking action, history, and adventure aren't likely to mind."—Publishers Weekly

"Shadows and Secrets: 25 Thriller Short Stories" invites readers into a world where mystery and suspense reign supreme. This captivating collection explores the depths of human emotion and the hidden facets of existence, where shadows cast doubt and secrets unveil themselves in unexpected ways. Within these pages, you'll encounter a diverse cast of characters navigating the intricate maze of life's uncertainties. From psychological puzzles to heart-stopping dilemmas, each short story is a finely woven tapestry of tension and revelation, designed to keep readers eagerly turning the pages. Embark on a journey where ordinary lives collide with extraordinary circumstances, challenging the boundaries of morality and testing the resilience of the human spirit. As the narratives unfold, you'll find yourself entangled in a web of unexpected twists and turns, with each story promising a new and riveting experience. "Shadows and Secrets" is not just a collection of tales; it's an immersive exploration of the human condition, where the line between right and wrong is blurred, and the search for truth becomes a gripping adventure. Whether you crave psychological depth, unexpected plot twists, or simply love the thrill of the unknown, this anthology guarantees a rollercoaster ride through the shadows, where every secret revealed adds a new layer to the mystery. Prepare to be captivated until the very last revelation.

Shadows Beyond: The Maestro's Enigma" beckons readers into a clandestine odyssey where shadows conceal secrets, and The Maestro orchestrates an enigma. Naman Dwivedi's debut work is a riveting journey through suspense, mystery, and psychological intrigue. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist navigates an intricate web, unraveling the complexities of justice and morality. The enigmatic Maestro's influence permeates every page, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and revelations. This is a compelling exploration of the covert world, promising readers an immersive experience that lingers beyond the shadows.

Everyone has Secrets. PRAGUE, 1870. After joining the Order of the Crystal Daggers, led by her dauntless grandmother, Lady Penelope, Eleanora Svobodová set out to save her kingdom from oncoming devastation. And she failed. Following the attack on Prague Castle, Eleanora is determined to redeem herself. She sets out to win Karl’s trust while distancing herself from Ferdy, whose secrets and lies have done nothing to stop her from falling in love with him. As she struggles to let him go, questions about the mission and her mother’s past cause a rift between Amir and Lady Penelope and add to the growing discord between Eleanora and her brother. But when a cunning provocateur arrives in Prague, Eleanora discovers there is an even more deadly game afoot, one that reaches into Amir's past and threatens Lady Penelope's future. Now, the members of the Order must work together if they are to uncover the true enemy hiding in Bohemia. Can they work together despite their divisions? Or will their division lead to even more destruction? FROM THE BOOK: “How do I know you’re telling me the truth?” The last thing I wanted to do was hurt him, but if I did not find a way to break free of him, I would risk doing even more harm. Ferdy met my gaze with his. “I promise you this, Ella, that as of now, I will never lie to you again.” He leaned forward and kissed me again, and I stood there, letting him, desperately debating whether I could trust him or not. His promise burned through me, his words scorched into my being. It was so tempting to believe him, more tempting than anything else I had ever faced in all my life. Freedom was only freedom if I could trust it to be true. FROM THE AUTHOR: With spies, secrets, and suspense, Prince of Secrets and Shadows is the second book in The Order of the Crystal Daggers, a spy adventure series from me, C. S. Johnson. WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: Prince of Secrets and Shadows is book two in The Order of the Crystal Daggars series, and it has just escalated from awesome to amazing." ~ Jessica Belmont, Book Reviewer "The first book left us wanting more and the second book delivered it." ~ Anne Perreault, author of Journey to Joy

In the ancient Tapasviya University, a group of brilliant students uncovers a mystery threatening their lives and the institution's foundation. What begins as a quest for academic excellence soon becomes a dangerous game of power, corruption, and buried alchemical secrets. Esha, Priya, and Ravi, three close friends, find themselves at the heart of this intrigue. Guided by ancient manuscripts, they discover a long-forgotten formula that turns base metals into gold. However, this revelation links them to a legacy of greed, murder, and darkness that has haunted the university for centuries. As they dig deeper, they become entangled in a web of deceit, with dangerous enemies determined to keep these secrets hidden. With their lives at stake, the trio must rely on their intellect, courage, and unwavering friendship. Meanwhile, a cunning adversary, Desai, watches from the shadows, his ambitions threatening to consume them all. In this thrilling adventure, friendships are tested, loyalties questioned, and the high cost of knowledge revealed. As each revelation brings them closer to the truth, they face the possibility that uncovering these secrets could shatter everything they hold dear. Can they solve the mystery in time to save their future?

In a world where the timeline is constantly under threat, the Chronos Guardians stand as the last line of defense. Led by the determined Ethan and guided by the wise Dr. Hawthorne, this team of brave individuals faces incredible challenges to protect the past, present, and future. From uncovering ancient prophecies and hidden legacies to battling the relentless Rival Society, the Guardians navigate a labyrinth of mysteries and dangers. As they delve into the origins of their mission, they uncover secrets that deepen their resolve and strengthen their unity. With each mission, they honor the sacrifices of those who came before them and renew their commitment to safeguarding the timeline. "The Secret Society of Time Travelers" is a thrilling journey of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship, where the stakes are higher than ever, and the future of the timeline hangs in the balance.

In the city of Prague, Commissioner Novak's story is an engaging tale of battling corruption, finding redemption, and showing strength, all while dealing with turmoil. As a dedicated police officer, Novak finds himself caught in a complex scheme of lies as he reveals the widespread corruption plaguing Prague. Confronted by the sinister forces that aim to crush the city, Novak sets off on a perilous adventure filled with danger, mystery, and difficult decisions. His pursuit of justice goes beyond his duty, driven by a father's love for his daughter, Elena. The story progresses through intense battles, daring operations, and Novak's unwavering determination to break down the criminal groups that have long controlled Prague. With strong leadership, support from his allies, and the determination of the city's people, he leads the charge to free Prague from corruption. This story emphasizes the importance of courage, togetherness, and hope in difficult times. It explores the bonds of family, the sacrifices made, and the relentless efforts of those working to bring about change in a world filled with greed and dishonesty. As Prague rises and rebuilds from its troubled history, Commissioner Novak emerges as a symbol of justice and perseverance. His journey, intertwined with the destiny of his city and daughter, is a powerful narrative of overcoming obstacles, highlighting the strength of the human spirit in the face of daunting challenges.

1968. After shooting Martin Luther King Jr., James Earl Ray has evaded authorities, driven to Canada, secured a fake passport, and flew to London, all while relishing the media's confusion about his location and his image on the FBI's Most Wanted list. At the Hotel Portugal in Lisbon, he anxiously awaits a visa to Angola. For his last ten days of freedom Ray walks around Lisbon, paying for his pleasures and rehearsing his fake identities.

In the year 1944, as World War Two rages onward in Europe a squad of highly trained and skilled soldiers from the United States Army embark on a covert mission to dismantle Hitler's most secretive and sinister of experiments. As the group of men travel to Hitler's secluded underground facility, dubbed Der Riese or 'The Giant', will they have what it takes to stop Germany's dictator once and for all, or will they succumb to the dangers of the undead, ravenous "blitz" wolves, and savage mutated soldiers? Follow the harrowing adventures of Sergeant James Jacobs, Joseph "Doc" Wolfwood, Privates Kevin Killian, Jonathan Flynn, Jack Evans, Stephen Quinn, Teddy Stacy, and Greg Walter as they race to save the lives of millions, and history itself in this action packed story of war, friendship, treachery, and the will to survive.