Showing results by publisher "Phoenix Books" in Literature & Fiction

By "assembling" some of the most fascinating figures in world history, Meeting of Minds provided a groundbreaking opportunity for audiences to be exposed to ideas by way of a medium not normally known for its intellectual vigor. Portrayed by actors, panelists engage in stimulating round-table discussions that were conducted like any other talk show but featured prominent influencers from bygone generations—not just philosophers and politicians, but poets, playwrights, and presidents.

For decades, beloved humorist Dave Barry has tackled the major tribulations—not to mention the petty annoyances—of everyday life. In Babies and Other Hazards of Sex, Barry offers his wacky perspective on sex, childbirth, parenting, and other forms of slow, cruel torture. For instance, Dave exposes natural childbirth for what it is: a pop phenomenon of the 1960s that, along with paisley bell-bottoms and creative sideburns, deserves a rest.

Author David Morrell is a consummate storyteller, investing his tales with passion, sympathy, and narrative drive. From this master of literate, high-adrenaline novels of action comes three suspenseful short stories that will keep listeners guessing.

The most renowned American authors in Western fiction are brought together in one bang 'em-up, shoot-it-out collection! Including titles by Louis L'Amour, Brian Garfield, Marcia Muller, Bill Pronzini, Thomas Thompson, John M. Cunningham, Chad Oliver, Donald Hamilton, Loren D. Estleman and Owen Wister.

In Tokyo, a squad of fanatic Japanese nationalists force their way into the Imperial Palace and behead the emperor. It is a grisly first move in a sinister conspiracy to take advantage of a weakened Russia and invade oil-rich Siberia. The goal? World domination. The price? A third world war. Bound by a secret protocol to come to Russia's aid in the event of a war, but eager to avoid armed conflict, Washington sends Air Force Colonel Bob Cassidy and a squadron of fighter pilots on a secret mission to thwart the Japanese terrorists.

Subtitled "512 boorish, insensitive, and socially obnoxious pointers for leading a simple, self-centered life," this little book is a hilarious parody of the best seller with a similar name. Here are just a few of the gems contained within. Number 24: Give little kids clothes for their birthdays. Number 101: Argue with everybody. Number 326: Leave the alarm on when he doesn't have to get up. This guide is bound to bring at least 512 laughs.

When a mysterious benefactor offers three single, attractive career women the use of his Beverly Hills mansion, pool, and card for a year. At the exclusive polo grounds, spas, and parties of the very rich, all three women meet the desirable, wealthy men they dreamed of. But as the champagne bubbles fade, each one discovers that the dream has a dark side.

When the philanthropic, genial Dr. Jekyll becomes intensely submersed in the problems of good and evil and their affects on the nature of man, his deliberations soon drive him into his laboratory. There, he pursues to answer a question that has become his obsession: can the two opposing forces be separated?

In a speculative dystopian thriller based on the premise that the South won the Civil War, President Spencer Jefferson Lee is shocked to discover that underneath the facade of civil order in his world of very separate races, there is dissent. A protest group made up of "losers" among this "ideal" society— same-sex and cross-racial lovers and their children— threatens the seeming peace and order.

Perhaps the finest novel of nineteenth-century England, Bleak House embodies artful narrative, an engaging cast of characters, biting satire, and a detailed depiction of Victorian society. At the height of his creative power in this great work, Dickens pursues two great themes.

Following the success of Malice Domestic 1—recipient of the Agatha Award for Best Short Story and called "outstanding" by Publishers Weekly— acclaimed author Mary Higgins Clark serves a feast of original traditional mystery stories in classic Agatha Christie style. Featured writers include Amanda Cross, Frances Fyfield, and K.K. Beck.

Regan Reilly, is a young PI who has come from L.A. to ski and celebrate with her parents and their rich Aspen friends. It ends up being a busman's holiday for Regan, who gets swept up in art theft intrigue after some multimillion-dollar paintings are stolen from her parent's friends. The thieves continue to elude capture, but Regan is on their trail. She's up agaist time, though, as the clock ticks down to Aspen's biggest party of the season—at which the town's most valuable painting of all will be unveiled.

Successful romance novelist Nat Noland has just had his cage severely rattled. After receiving an email directly from God, he just can't seem to get anywhere with his new novel. In Just Desserts, the grand poobah of American comedy, Carl Reiner, will have you holding your sides like never before. Follow Nat on his romps around New York City, as he tries to make sense of this divine intervention. Reminiscent of Mark Twain's Letters from the Earth, Just Desserts sparkles with the slapstick comedy and madcap hijinks that Reiner fans have loved for decades.

This sequel to Beaches picks up after the tragic death of Bertie Barron, who has entrusted the care of her eight-year-old daughter, Nina, to her best friend, the dazzling entertainer Cee Cee Bloom. But life in the Hollywood spotlight never prepared Cee Cee for this role: mother to a little girl she barely knows. For several years, it all seems to work for her: career, motherhood, and even high-profile romance with a marvelous and unlikely lover.

Nuala Anne McGrail has twice before amazed her faithful suitor, Dermot Coyne, with her psychic ability to "reach back" to the past and discover a wrong that needs righting. With their wedding only a few weeks away, Dermot's not a bit surprised when, while paying respects to his grandparents in Chicago's Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nuala points to the grave of the famous bootlegger Jimmy "Sweet Rolls" Sullivan .

A hilarious but heartrending diary that chronicles the trials and tribulations of a 30-year-old woman during her first year of adjustment following divorce. In a simple and down-to-earth style, Mary Sheldon paints a brilliant portrait of a sensitive woman in transition, capturing the frustations of learning how to live all over again.

In the hustle of modern technology it might seem odd to discover an angel surfing the Internet, but what an interesting paradox that would be. Here, in Andrew M. Greeley's fine tale of young love and faith, Toby Tobin considers the peculiar terms of his great-uncle's will. Ten million dollars, a required visit to Ireland, ending a Tobin family feud, and a request to court his eight cousin once removed, Sara Elizabeth Anne Tobin.

Here, in their own words, are seven children who confronted life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, disability, and AIDS. Ranging in age from 7 to 17, these children from different backgrounds and with different personalities, share uncommon courage, a vibrant spirit, and piercing candor and eloquence about how to seize life, to glorify it, and be grateful for its gifts. Through poems written at Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and conversations with loved ones, they reveal their attitudes towards life, illness, remission, religion, family, and friends.

The fifth volume of The Greatest Mysteries of All Time is an intriguing anthology of crime and suspense short stories by some of the most renowned writers in the field. This unique collection of master writers includes the usual suspects such as Patricia Highsmith and Mickey Spillane, but also writers better known for other genres, such as Isaac Asimov and Ogden Nash. Edited by the legendary multi-award-winning mystery connoisseur Otto Penzler—whose name is a hallmark of quality and expertise—this thrilling mixture of mystery and suspense will have you guessing up until the very end.

The man who would become the first president of the United States comes to life in this biographical novel written by acclaimed suspense writer Mary Higgins Clark. Strongly influenced by the gentility and generosity of spirit of his older brother, the young George matures into a devoted and able public servant in both the military and political arenas. Though marked by tragedies and disappointments, his domestic life offers him well-earned solace and satisfaction, especially after his marriage to the young widow, Martha "Patsy" Custis.