Archives de catégorie : Nos incontournables

YOU ARE THE DETECTIVE: THE CREEPING HAND MURDER de Maureen Johnson & Jay Cooper

November 1933. London. Seven people receive mysterious letters. Someone knows their terrible secrets. They are summoned to a posh townhouse where one is stabbed right in front of the others, but somehow no one saw a thing. Can you help Scotland Yard solve the mystery?

An interactive murder mystery from the bestselling author and illustrator of Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village.

YOU ARE THE DETECTIVE:
THE CREEPING HAND MURDER
by Maureen Johnson & Jay Cooper
Ten Speed Press, September 2025
(via KT Literary)

Dear Detective,

Surely you have seen the papers and read about the murder of the American novelist Roy Peterson—stabbed while in a room with six other people, and yet no one went near him or saw the murder occur. The crime is so devious, so logistically impossible, that it seems to have been committed not by a person but by a disembodied hand.

I must confess that we are at a loss. Who wrote the poison pen letters that lured these seven people to this deadly gathering? What do a poet, an Earl, an actress, a cook, a telephone operator, and a lothario have in common? And how can a man be stabbed in a room full of suspects when none of them could have done it?

We have had our best people on the case, Detective, and we still can’t make heads or tails of it. We are giving this case file to you. Can you decipher the clues, decode the witness statements, and identify the murderer? You are our last hope. Can you help us crack the Case of the Creeping Hand?

Yours truly,

Detective Chief Inspector of the Metropolitan Police

Maureen Johnson is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village (illustrated by Jay Cooper) and many young adult novels, including the very murderous Shades of London series, the Stevie Bell mysteries (starting with Truly Devious), and Death at Morning House. She has also done collaborative works, such as Let It Snow with John Green and Lauren Myracle (now a movie on Netflix), and several books in the Shadowhunter universe with Cassandra Clare. For safety’s sake, she lives in New York City; the vicar cannot reach her there.

Jay Cooper’s books don’t normally include grisly murders, nefarious deeds, or corpses of any kind. He has illustrated over twenty-five books for young people, including the New York Times and USA Today bestselling graphic novel series The Last Comics On Earth. He is also a Clio award-winning creative director of theatrical advertising, and has worked on over 150 Broadway musicals and plays (which have heaps of deaths).

THE UNPAID DEBT de Thomas Dann

In this southern noir, two detectives forge an unlikely alliance as they strive to bridge the racial divide and catch a killer hell bent on revenge. Set against a historical backdrop of racial inequality and political turmoil, this thriller is perfect for fans of William Kent Kruger and Greg Iles.

THE UNPAID DEBT
by Thomas Dann
Crooked Lane, November 2025

1955, Memphis. Homicide detective Burdett Vance is trying to outrun his past, but working in the homicide division always ends up bringing in new waves of horror. The time, a killer is reaping retribution for decades of lynching by targeting the daughters of rich white families in Memphis. When Vance is assigned to the case, he’s also put in charge of a new trainee, Officer Eustace Johnson.

In the latest publicity stunt of the police department, Eustace Johnson has been recently hired as the only Black man on the force. Forced to work together, Vance and Johnson must catch the rampaging killer in a city that is already roiling with racial injustice and a fight to control the crumbling local politics.

Then Emmeline Bryce, Vance’s old flame, becomes the killer’s next target. With Emmeline’s life on the line, Vance and Johnson must confront their deepest fears and darkest desires before the city ignites into chaos and the blissful vision of a better future disappears forever.

Readers of James Lee Burke will delight in this bitingly smart thriller full of intrigue and age-old animosities

Thomas Dann was born and bred in Memphis, Tennessee, five generations deep in a family fighting the entrenched political machine there. He has spent time variously on the East and Left Coasts, studying creative writing at Stanford, working for years as a felony defense investigator for the Washington, DC Public Defender, then lawyer, company builder, and writer, all the while wondering what he wants to do when he grows up. He now lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland with his wife Melissa and their goofy golden retriever Benji. And he loves the Blues.

WALK: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT de Courtney Conley & Milica McDowell

Step into a world where walking isn’t just a leisurely activity or a form of personal transportation, but a vital component of human existence. In WALK: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT we dive deep into the undeniable truth that walking is as essential to our well-being as breathing and sleeping.

WALK: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT
by Dr. Courtney Conley, DC & Dr. Milica McDowell, DPT
Balance/Hachette, 2026
(via Mendel Media Group)

With a blend of scientific rigor and accessible language, we shatter the misconception that walking is merely exercise or an optional pastime. Instead, we present a compelling case for walking as a physiological necessity, crucial for both thriving and surviving in the modern world.

Despite its myriad benefits for physical and mental health, walking remains one of society’s most under-prescribed medicines. We confront the paradox: if walking is so beneficial, why are participation rates plummeting? The 10,000-step mantra, once hailed as the gold standard for health, has inadvertently deterred many from even attempting to step out. We dissect this myth and unveil the numerous barriers—pain, time constraints, inappropriate footwear—that hinder widespread adoption of walking.

Our book is a beacon of clarity amidst the complexity of scientific discourse. We distill intricate concepts into actionable strategies, empowering readers to embrace walking confidently and safely.

But WALK: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT is more than a guide to walking—it’s a journey through human evolution, exploring how our bodies were designed for movement. We uncover the stark realities of modern walking deficits and the alarming impact of footwear on our sedentary lifestyles.

Armed with evidence from global scientific studies, we reveal the transformative power of walking to combat common physical and mental health conditions and enhance overall well-being. From reducing depression to increasing longevity, each step contributes to a healthier, happier life

As readers walk through each chapter, they’ll find themselves increasingly inspired to lace up their shoes and hit the pavement. We provide practical “Movement Snacks,” micro-actions that make walking more accessible and enjoyable. Our goal is simple: to ignite a global movement towards personalized walking practices, unlocking the boundless benefits for mind, body, and community.

WALK: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT isn’t just a book—it’s a rallying cry for a healthier, more active world.

Dr. Courtney Conley is a distinguished figure in the field of foot and gait specialization. She holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine as well as two bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology and Human Biology. She has worked with many professional athletic teams in the US. In addition to being featured on numerous websites, interviews, providing consultation work to private clients and organizations, Dr. Conley was the featured guest on Dr. Peter Attia’s podcast The Drive on April 1, 2024. She is widely published digitally, with content spanning walking, gait, footwear, and foot mechanics. She is the founder of Gait Happens, a global enterprise that is leading a paradigm shift in digital foot health education, offering innovative solutions to reclaim optimized foot function and economical gait mechanics.

Dr. Milica McDowell, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, has held various professional roles in adult and medical education throughout her career. She served as a university faculty member in Human Performance for nearly a decade, has developed numerous medical education curricula and has been an invited speaker on many national stages, including the American Physical Therapy Association and American College of Sports Medicine’s conventions. She has been an invited presenter for numerous professional organizations, and she has delivered over 300 educational lectures at state, regional, and national levels. She is currently a product spokesperson for a $50MM health and fitness product company alongside retired NFL Quarterback Drew Brees.

STEELBORN de Taylor J. LaRue

Sizzling chemistry, incredible world building, a fiercely complex protagonist and cast of characters that will remain with you long after you’ve turned the last page. While the story zips along with truly jaw-dropping set pieces, there’s also real emotional heft as Taylor J. LaRue tells the story of a young woman who has long repressed her identity but is now realizing her power and her fully realized purpose. It is the story of someone coming to understand the rage at their core: where it came from, and where it might bring them. First in a planned trilogy.

STEELBORN
by Taylor J. LaRue
on submision
(via Park, Fine & Brower Literary)

Never run. Never bow. Never die.

These were the words that Reya Connery’s father, an Etellinian blacksmith, raised her on. But since her parents’ brutal murder, Reya has had to live by a different set of truths. One: There is no honor among thieves. Two: A good blade is key to any successful negotiation. Three: Only the dead keep secrets.

Half-human, half-immortal, Reya survives in an empire that criminalizes magic as its most notorious thief, paying off her debt to the ruthless crime lord who saved her from a life on the streets. When, for her final job, she’s tasked with delivering one of her own kind to an unthinkable fate, Reya helps them escape instead. Her employer gives her an ultimatum: two months to repay the cost of what she lost him, or she will be forever bound in his service—and if she runs or betrays him again, one of her brothers will be forced to take her place.

Desperate to protect what little family she has left, Reya takes on her most impossible heist yet when Caelan Halcyon, an immortal warrior cursed to die, hires her to steal him a fabled cure. But even she can’t steal something no one has ever actually seen—and Reya and her warrior are not the only ones hunting it. When an attack forces Reya to reveal her own immortality, and Caelan realizes she possesses a rare gift that could spare his people from annihilation at the empire’s hands, he’s determined to teach the beautiful, infuriating thief how to control her power.

Their journey takes them to the edge of the known world, and into the depths of their broken hearts. To save them both, Reya must confront the secrets lurking in the shadows of her past, the burning rage that she fears, and the ability she has spent her entire life suppressing. Because this time, her daggers aren’t going to cut it, and the fate of all immortals hangs in the balance.

Perfect for fans of LJ Andrew’s The Ever King and Callie Hart’s Quicksilver, Taylor J. LaRue is one of the most exciting new voices in romantasy in a long time: her writing has true swagger, and she weaves together a story with exciting twists and sizzling romance, set against a world that feels truly lived in. Yet it is her fierce but hurting protagonist, Reya, who will stay with you long after you turn the last page: a young woman who has been forced to bury herself in order to survive, finally stepping into her power and her purpose.

Taylor J. LaRue spent her early career as a journalist in the Windy City. Now she is living out her moody aesthetic dreams coordinating Barnes & Noble author events in the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, their tiny human tyrant, and one very soggy puppy.

A GIFT BEFORE DYING de Malcolm Kempt

In the remote, unforgiving expanse of Nunavut, Corporal Eldrick Cole finds himself exiled and isolated after a disastrous high-profile murder investigation.

A GIFT BEFORE DYING
by Malcolm Kempt
Crown, January 2026

After a botched high-profile murder investigation as a cop in Alberta, Corporal Eldrick Cole is exiled to the remote, rugged landscape of Nunavut, Canada, a vast territory in the Arctic Circle known for its untamed beauty, frigid temperatures, and perpetual darkness. Amid these harsh elements, the indomitable spirit of the Inuit people prevails.

Cole’s bleak existence takes a darker turn when he discovers the hanging body of Pitseolala, a wry, troubled sixteen-year-old Inuit girl who had spent countless nights passed out in the detachment cells under his watch. Her battle with addiction dredges up demons he thought he’d buried—along with the scars of a fractured marriage and the aching divide between him and his estranged daughter, whom he abandoned long before he was ousted from Northern Alberta.

As Cole’s life unravels, so does the fragile thread of his lone, faltering inquiry—until he turns to Pitseolala’s younger brother, Maliktu, a fellow outsider, shunned by his community for his burn-scarred face and schizophrenia. It’s then that Cole uncovers what else binds them: the eerie, relentless visitation of Pitseolala’s ghost, haunting them both with a singular mission—to lead them to her killer and, therefore, expose the looming threat to other young women in their sacred hamlet.

Driven by an obsessive need to redeem at least one fragment of his shattered life, Cole defies every rule in his unyielding pursuit of justice for Pitseolala.

Malcolm Kempt worked as a criminal lawyer in the remote Arctic for seventeen years before leaving to write full-time. He won the Percy Janes Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript. He lives on the island of Newfoundland. A GIFT BEFORE DYING is his debut novel.