Selected by Nelson DeMille, a collection of mystery/thriller short stories focused on the wealthy upper echelons from some of today's top writers.The truly wealthy live in another world. From their multi-national businesses to their palatial mansions to their exotic vacations at glamorous places all around the world, they do everything in a big way. And sometimes, that even includes crime. In this anthology, you'll read about a wealthy writer who plots murder his hopeless agent, an aging actress who clings to her past of wealth and fame, and a spoiled rich boy who steps into dangerous territory with his mean antics, among others. The Rich and the Dead features mystery and crime stories set among the upper crust of society, going behind the scenes of the lifestyles of the two percent of the world that controls sixty percent of its riches--and just how far they'll go to stay on top.

A Shamus Award Finalist and Named Best Mystery in the Next Generation Indie Book AwardsFormer piano prodigy-turned FBI agent Scott Drayco is tormented by nightmares from his last case as a private consultant. Adding insult to injury, he’s saddled with an unwanted, dilapidated Opera House in Cape Unity, a once-glamorous seaside village now in decline. Hoping for a quick sale, Drayco's plans are shattered when a potential new client is found murdered on the Opera House stage, a taunting "G" carved into his chest.Teaming up with a wary Sheriff, Drayco navigates a treacherous maze of illicit affairs, immigration tensions, and coastal development disputes to clear his name and solve the murder. But his resolve is tested by the flirtatious wife of a Town Councilman, who had an affair with the victim and tries to seduce Drayco, further complicating the investigation.As one mystery unfolds into another, Drayco discovers a link to a famous Polish pianist who was murdered after performing at the Opera House fifty years ago. Drawn into a web of jealousy and betrayal spanning across the Atlantic, Drayco must untangle dark secrets from deep in history’s shadows.But when tensions in Cape Unity mount and violence looms, he has to act fast or risk becoming the next victim.

‘Guaranteed to blindside even the most experienced thriller reader.’ Booklist Starred ReviewMeet troubled criminologist Dr Will Traynor. He doesn’t play by the book, but his dark past helps him capture killers by getting inside their minds.Three years agoDr Will Traynor arrives home to find his nine-year-old daughter locked away in a cupboard and his wife missing.NowA clumsily decapitated body is found abandoned on Blackfoot Running Trail in Birmingham. A sickly, metallic smell hangs in the heavy air . . . but the head is nowhere to be seen.With the investigating team getting nowhere, Detective Bernard Watts is reluctantly forced to call in expert criminologist Dr Will Traynor.Traynor is a loose cannon and no team player, but his unorthodox methods unearth a gruesome clue. Two human skulls buried in a shallow grave just a stone’s throw from the murder scene.The team is now looking for a serial killer.And it’s only Traynor who can get inside the killer’s mind to unlock the terrifying truth.This unputdownable crime mystery full of twists is perfect for fans of Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, Karin Slaughter, Angela Marsons and Helen H. Durrant.Please note this book was previously published as Dark Truths.WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING ABOUT A.J. CROSS:‘Outstanding . . . Cross, herself a forensic psychologist, plays fair with the reader right up to the surprising conclusion.’ Publishers Weekly Starred Review of The Coldest Death‘Cross pulls no punches in a shocking tale of crime and punishment.’ Kirkus Reviews????? ‘A perfectly dark and riveting thriller that will keep you hooked from the first thrilling page!’ Cathy T.????? ‘Exceptional.’ Jay????? ‘Brilliant, full of twists and turns.’ Joanne????? ‘The author has a way of drawing you into the story and putting you into the passenger seat of the investigation.’ Erica????? ‘It takes a real talent with words to write a story in this way . . . This was a FIVE STAR read for me!’ Cloud Lake Literary????? ‘A well-written and cleverly-plotted crime novel.’ The Quick and the ReadTHE DETECTIVEEver since that night three years ago, Dr Will Traynor has been obsessed with finding his wife’s body and identifying her killer. Now the expert criminologist is back to working on the darkest murder cases. It’s perhaps not the best profession for someone diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress, but Traynor’s dark past makes him perfect for hunting down depraved killers . . .THE AUTHORLike her main character in the Dr Kate Hanson Mysteries, A.J. Cross is a forensic psychologist who draws on her professional knowledge from twenty years’ experience to create shockingly realistic villains that will chill you to your core.

‘Dark and funny’ Jackie Kabler, author of The Murder List‘Delightful malice and menace’ Robin Ince, author and comedian'Whip-smart characters and a compelling story' Lucy Vine, author of What Fresh HellSay hello to Sally. This is the story of how I killed Harry Collins. Destined to be the great love of my life – until one day I wake up in the Big Apple with the world's worst hangover, an empty bank account, and the sinking feeling that my life just nosedived. How it happened is a blur, but one thing is clear: I’ve been swindled and I’m not happy about it.She’s the woman of your dreams.And it's all thanks to Harry – a total dreamboat and a devil in disguise. He’s got charm, secrets, and a smile that screams trouble. Little did I know, Harry's not just a pretty face – he's a liar and conman.Or is she your worst nightmare?When I discover I’m not the only victim, I decide it’s only right I take my revenge. And with a group of wronged women behind me, murder isn’t on the agenda yet because Harry’s in for a nightmare and I’m only just getting started…A wicked, whip-smart revenge thriller, perfect for fans of Katy Brent, Bella Mackie and anyone who wants to take their revenge on The Tinder Swindler or Sweet Bobby.Readers LOVE When Sally Killed Harry!‘Incredibly pacy, funny, oh-so-dark, devious and dare I say, relatable… I loved everything about it!’ Noelle Holton, author of His Truth Her Truth‘Wow! I loved it. Devoured it in two days. It was dark, delicious and deadly.’ Louise Swanson, author of End of Story‘I couldn't put it down … I'll have what Lucy Roth is having’ L.M. Chilton, author of Don’t Swipe Right‘A bold and clever coming-of-rage story that gives a razor sharp twist on the classic romcom’ Victoria Hawthorne, author of The Darkest Night‘The characters leapt off the page, their back stories were compelling and drove the story well. The Sally and Harry names riff was also good fun.’ Kay Wilson, author of The Stand-Up Mam‘Found family, found salvation and found mission – plus a few surprises along the way. And yep, you will root for all of them.’ Reader review‘Sally is a compelling anti-heroine who reminds me of Jason Dean – Christian Slater’s character from Heathers. She’s unhinged… and watching her unravel is part of the glee.’ Reader review‘A darkly funny and unhinged wish fulfilment tale about women pushed to the edge to get justice in a patriarchal society.’ Reader review‘If you’re looking for a rom-com that’s anything but conventional When Sally Killed Harry will have you laughing, gasping and rooting for Sally and her crew every step of the way.’ Reader review‘Sardonic and sharply written… a fun, fast-paced read’ Reader review‘A bold, unapologetic and raw exploration of frustration, fury, and the simmering rage women feel when the world constantly asks them to tiptoe around their own pain’ Reader review‘Hilariously witty, sharp and unfiltered’ Reader review‘A book that tackles toxic masculinity head-on, not with kid gloves, but with a sledgehammer’ Reader review

Sometimes silence is more terrifying than screams.Sixteen-year-old Amanda Gray's life shatters when what should have been a simple walk home with her best friend Sarah turns into a nightmare. One moment they're picking bluebells in the woods; the next, they're at the mercy of a predator who seems chillingly familiar with his routine.Six weeks later, Amanda wakes in a hospital bed with a slash across her throat, her voice stolen, and no memory of how she escaped. And no one will talk to her about Sarah.And the worst part?Her most crucial memory might be the one she can't speakWhere No One Can Hear Youis a haunting exploration of survival, memory, and the lengths one will go to save someone they love—even when they can't save themselves.

A desperate dream. A love triangle gone horribly wrong. From the author Stephen King calls “my favorite crime novelist—often imitated but never duplicated.”Joe Wilmot can't stand his wife Elizabeth. But he sure loves her movie theater. It's a modest establishment in a beat-down town—but Joe has the run of the place, and inside its walls, he's king. Without the theater, he'd be sunk. Without his leadership, the theater would close in a heartbeat. If it isn't the life Joe imagined for himself, at the very least, it's livable.Everything changes when Joe falls for the housemaid, and the two can't keep it a secret from Elizabeth. Elizabeth won't leave Joe the theater unless he provides for her . . . but he's put all his money into the show house.Elizabeth and Joe's only hope are the life insurance policies they've taken out on each other. If one of them were to be presumed dead, they'd have more than enough money to solve all their problems . . .In this incisive foray into the dark dealings of the mid-20th century movie industry, Jim Thompson lives up to his reputation as “the master of the American groin-kick novel” (Vanity Fair).Praise for Jim Thompson“The best suspense writer going, bar none.” ?The New York Times“The most hard-boiled of all the American writers of crime fiction.” ?Chicago Tribune“If Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Cornell Woolrich would have joined together in some ungodly union and produced a literary offspring, Jim Thompson would be it . . . His work . . . casts a dazzling light on the human condition.” ?The Washington Post