Showing results by narrator "Hollis McCarthy" in All Categories

A witty and winsome new way of looking at the complex relationship between cats and people: through the eyes of one erudite and attentive Italian gatto. We live on a planet infested with humans. They are a pernicious species, yet undeniably clever and capable—even if the reasons behind their...

I thought I would help the Family of the Shadow Hunters track down a renegade cult of Dark Ones worshippers. Instead, whatever nightmare the cultists summoned killed them all, and now it's on the run. If I don't find the creature, a lot of people are going to die. Starting with everyone I love.

The summer carnival has arrived at Ivory Beach, and Rory and her magical family are ready to enjoy the festivities. At least until a vampire shows up dead, a stake in his back, and a furious Evangeline sweeps in to take over the murder investigation. Edwin, head of the police, pleads with Rory to make her see reason, but the fearsome head of the local vampires refuses to be taken for a fool. Regardless, the murder brings to mind Rory's terrifying induction to the magical world, and the group of deadly vampires set on getting their hands on the library's deepest secrets.

Andie always wanted something more than small-town beach life. That’s why she worked so hard at her prestigious career as an antique appraiser in New York City. She does have one regret, though: She never got to make that one big important antique find of a lifetime. Now that her mother’s illness has brought her back to Lobster Bay, it’s unlikely she ever will. But even though she appreciates spending time with her aging mother and loves that she’s reconnected with her sister, Jane, Andie needs something more.

It’s the annual Brooke Ridge Falls dog show, and Lexy is excited to cater the event. She’s not going to let the murder at the Doggy Diva pet salon put a damper on things for her. She’s also not going to get sidetracked by the robbery at Farradays Jewelers down the street. Lexy’s grandmother and her gang of senior citizen amateur sleuths, on the other hand, are excited to investigate all the above, even if it means shifting through a variety of suspects, including shady salon owners, jaded jewelers, and suspicious senior citizens.

My name's Nadia, and I'm the shadow agent of the High Queen of the Elves. When an Elven lord is assassinated with a bullet forged from magical iron, the High Queen sends me to track down the source. But the bullet is just a small part of a much larger hoard. And to claim that hoard, the enemies of humanity and the Elves will wipe out anyone who stands in their path. Starting with me....

With summer on the way, Rory is looking forward to relaxing at the beach between her latest set of magical exams. A mysterious beast appearing from the sea and terrifying everyone was not part of her plan. Rory's cousin Cass, who responds to anything involving magical beasts by instantly making friends with it, is the first to take an interest. But this beastie seems to have no intention of playing nice, and between her cousin's antics and Aunt Candace's unending hunt for a good story, Rory has her hands full trying to stop her relatives from running headlong into danger.

My name is Nadia, and I’m a shadow agent of the High Queen of the Elves. I don’t have many friends, but I look after the ones I do have...and I pay my debts. So when Hakon Valborg’s teenaged granddaughter Lydia is arrested for the murder of her computer science teacher, I agree to help. But there’s more going on here than just murder.

Life is good for Rory Hawthorn. She's progressing well in her magical lessons, and is also finally unearthing her father's long-kept secrets. If not for the Grim Reaper trying to interfere in her love life, things would be perfect. Until the Grim Reaper goes missing, at the same time as a lethal curse is set loose in Ivory Beach, which leaves even Rory's family stumped.

Ever-turbulent humanity has reached out to the stars and found itself challenged by several “exosapient” species whose motivations are as unusual as their physical forms. But no world is defined just by the characters who occupy center stage. Lost Signals digs deep into the lives - and struggles - of those beyond the spotlight by bringing together 20 new voices and new stories.

When Aunt Candace is nominated for a literary award, Rory and her family are thrilled that the library is chosen to host the ceremony. But the night ends in disaster when the organiser of the event turns up dead. Needless to say, since the group of suspects all write about murders for a living, finding the culprit will be tricky. With her best friend also dealing with her newfound vampire nature and her dad's secrets on the brink of coming to the surface, Rory has her work cut out. Can she find the culprit among the guests before another victim is claimed?

He’s heralded around the world as a romantic icon. The last thing he needs is to fall in love. King Eduardo diTalora is riding a popularity high, thanks to his political acumen, his charitable endeavors, and above all, the storybook romance he had with his late wife, Queen Aletta. He plans to use that goodwill in the best way possible, to push long-term projects that will benefit his country. When Claire Peyton, the new American ambassador, pitches a project of her own, Eduardo wonders if it’s possible to find love a second time.

The world knows him as Prince Perfect. She’s about to discover the truth. Prince Federico diTalora is all too aware of his dreaded nickname: Prince Perfect. He’s spent his life guarding his reputation, cognizant of the duty he owes his country and its citizens. But as a widower with two rambunctious boys, the strain of being an ideal son, father, and prince has pushed him to the breaking point.

A male - and royal - Eliza Doolittle meets a female Professor Higgins. Having completed his military service, Prince Marco diTalora of San Rimini wants only one thing on his return home: His freedom. He has good reason for avoiding the public eye, and little interest in his father’s plans to immerse him in royal life. In the hours before his brother’s high-profile wedding, he dodges the media hordes for a few hours of respite.

When Princess Isabella diTalora needs an expert to study the ancient artifacts hidden beneath the royal palace, she’s determined to hire the best: Nick Black, a mysterious collector who knows San Rimini’s medieval era better than anyone. Nick Black knows San Rimini’s history for good reason. He lived it. In fact, he was once known as Domenico of Bollazio, a powerful knight pledged to San Rimini’s king. But he was cursed for his ambition and will never know peace - or mortality - until he can solve the riddle of his enchantment.

Jennifer Allen is on a mission to assist refugees, not to be swept away by a fairy tale prince. Even if the prince in question is a drop-dead sexy billionaire. When Prince Antony diTalora visits her camp, she’s certain it’s a publicity stunt and keeps him at arm’s length. But when he invites her to the palace to speak about her work, it brings her beliefs into question and has her looking at Prince Charming in a whole new light.

Daniela D’Ambrosio is the most trusted employee of Sarcaccia’s Queen Fabrizia, managing the queen’s schedule and ensuring she never makes a misstep in public. But when Fabrizia sends Daniela to organize the belongings of San Rimini’s late queen for a charity auction, Daniela finds a locked closet full of treasure, a suspicious king, and an attractive handyman who seems strangely familiar.

It's the new year in Ivory Beach, and Rory is nursing a broken heart after the Reaper's abrupt departure from town. A distraction comes in the form of a batch of new tourists visiting the library, but when a holidaying stranger returns a rare book to her family and is then found dead, Rory finds herself in hot water again.

It's the holiday season in the town of Ivory Beach. Rory Hawthorn and her new magical family are preparing for the festivities. But when a group of strange werewolves materializes in the library, it kicks off a series of bizarre events which appear to be lifted directly from her aunt's best-selling novels.

Evalina Voll is a simple farm girl who dreams of one day becoming a dragon rider. The only problem is there hasn’t been a female dragon rider chosen in almost fifty years. One day, a rare red-and-black dragon is found injured in a meadow near her home. The events that follow propel Evalina on an adventure of a lifetime. Evalina finds herself far from home in King’s Citadel, training to be a dragon rider. Whispers of a dark prophecy puts Evalina and the land of Eryieth at great risk.