Books published by Kensington Publishing

When it comes to murder, there's no need to mince words . . . Sarah Blair gets an education in slicing and dicing when someone in culinary school serves up a main corpse in Wheaton, Alabama...Between working as a law firm receptionist, reluctantly pitching in as co-owner of her twin sister's restaurant, and caretaking for her regal Siamese RahRah and rescue dog Fluffy, Sarah has no time to enjoy life's finer things. Divorced and sort-of dating, she's considering going back to school. But as a somewhat competent sleuth, Sarah's more suited for criminal justice than learning how many ways she can burn a meal. Although she wouldn't mind learning some knife skills from her sous chef, Grace Winston. An adjunct instructor who teaches cutlery expertise in cooking college, Grace is considering accepting an executive chef's position offered by Jane Clark, Sarah's business rival--and her late ex-husband's lover. But Grace's future lands in hot water when the school's director is found dead with one of her knives in his back. To clear her friend's name, Sarah must sharpen her own skills at uncovering an elusive killer...

Salem's WICH-TV program director Lee Barrett is about to discover no good deed goes unpunished...Lee has been promoted from field reporter to program director. Keeping track of all the shows and managing the local TV personalities--including a cowboy, a clown, and a performing dog--has her head spinning. Perhaps that's what makes her take pity on the distraught woman she finds sitting alone on a bench on the Salem common. When she realizes that the poor woman doesn't even know her own name, Lee takes her into the warmth of the home she shares with her Aunt Ibby and their clairvoyant gentleman cat, O'Ryan. Maybe Lee can use her own psychic gifts to divine the woman's identity.Lee's detective beau Pete Mondello wants to talk to the "Jane Doe," but before he can investigate, he's called to a crime scene. A body has been found washed up in a narrow harbor cove. As harmless as her new houseguest seems, Lee can't help but wonder if she may be harboring a killer...

Three-time Spur Award winner Max McCoy combines fast-paced action, frontier history, and powerful family drama in this epic saga of life, love, and death in the American west.SEARCHING FOR A GHOST, A LEGEND, AND A DREAM . . .Descended from a long line of ramblers and rogues, Jack Picaro came to America to seek his fortune. But after killing his best friend in a drunken duel, the apprentice gunsmith flees westward, leaving behind his children, Gus and April. As Jack ventures up the Missouri River, he finds an unspoiled land where a man can live free--and also be attacked by an Arikara war party. His rifle stolen in the bloody skirmish, Jack sets out alone to reclaim it. His wild escapade ends in a fight to the death with a legendary Crow warrior named Standing Wolf. So begins a fateful epic search across the last frontiers of the untamed West. From the muddy banks of the Mississippi to the shining peaks of the Rockies, Jack Picaro will leave a trail of clues for an abandoned son, Gus, to find him: a famous gunsmith who will make history with a weapon of his own design--and forged a legend that would be passed down for generations. This is the story of . . .THE GHOST RIFLE

Faced with an unstable economy, recent college grads need more expert guidance than ever to land that dream job and make it rewarding and meaningful. This invaluable guide—revised to meet the specific challenges of today’s fast-evolving job market—shows how you can use your talent, originality, and initiative to sharpen your competitive edge.The first years of your professional life are critical to long-term success in any field. The skills you acquire, the contacts you make, and the lessons you learn will help you remain involved, adaptable, and always ahead of the curve. Now a seasoned veteran of the workplace shares his insights, tips, and experiences in a thoroughly updated edition of a career-planning classic.“Dilenschneider has guided thousands of highly successful people through the world of business.” —Maria Bartiromo“Offers practical advice on how young people can take charge of their careers and develop independently both the skills required to excel in any environment and the savvy to know when to move on.” —Norman R. Augustine, former Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation“An insightful, idea laden, practical guide that will be valuable to young professionals seeking to advance their on the job lives.” —Stephen A. Greyser, Richard P. Chapman, Professor of Business Administration Emeritus, Harvard Business School“Bob Dilenschneider has the right recipe for coping in an era of stunningly rapid change.” —Allan Goodman, President, Institute of International Education

Donald Goines, one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century, has influenced many of today''s urban writers with his gritty, realistic look at the streets. For the first time in years, his classic Crime Partners is now repackaged and reissued in trade with a whole new look to attract new readers, as well as long-time fans of the legend himself.The godfather of urban lit, Donald Goines captures the raw, uncensored reality of life on the streets with a voice that has shaped hip hop culture. Prison buddies Billy Good and Jackie Walker made time pulling small jobs here and there. Not a bad living if you liked scraping by. The thing to worry about was the next fix. Nothing else mattered. When Billy and Jackie fell in with Kenyatta, a ghetto lord ready to take back the streets, they thought they''d hit the big time. Dealing with drug pushers and crooked cops in the name of justice sure felt good, but in a world where "kindness was the sweetest con of all," every bullet fired echoed with the sound of payback.

A riveting story of World War II and the courage of one young woman as she is drafted into Churchill’s overseas spy network, aiding the French Resistance behind enemy lines and working to liberate Nazi-occupied Paris… London, 1941: In a cramped bunker in Winston Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms, underneath Westminster’s Treasury building, civilian women huddle at desks, typing up confidential documents and reports. Since her parents were killed in a bombing raid, Rose Teasdale has spent more hours than usual in Room 60, working double shifts, growing accustomed to the burnt scent of the Prime Minister’s cigars permeating the stale air. Winning the war is the only thing that matters, and she will gladly do her part. And when Rose’s fluency in French comes to the attention of Churchill himself, it brings a rare yet dangerous opportunity. Rose is recruited for the Special Operations Executive, a secret British organization that conducts espionage in Nazi-occupied Europe. After weeks of grueling training, Rose parachutes into France with a new codename: Dragonfly. Posing as a cosmetics saleswoman in Paris, she ferries messages to and from the Resistance, knowing that the slightest misstep means capture or death. Soon Rose is assigned to a new mission with Lazare Aron, a French Resistance fighter who has watched his beloved Paris become a shell of itself, with desolate streets and buildings draped in Swastikas. Since his parents were sent to a German work camp, Lazare has dedicated himself to the cause with the same fervor as Rose. Yet Rose’s very loyalty brings risks as she undertakes a high-stakes prison raid, and discovers how much she may have to sacrifice to justify Churchill’s faith in her . . .  "A rousing historical novel." - The Akron Beacon Journal, Best Books of the Year for Churchill''s Secret Messenger

The witty new story from the bestselling author of The Secret Book & Scone Society series is perfect for bibliophiles who love a A Bookish Cook-Off with a little murder on the side… “Love Chopped and mysteries? This delightful character-driven cozy is just the treat for you.”— Kirkus Reviews   Six chefs are preparing to compete in an outdoor tent at Storyton Hall in Virginia for prizes that will boost their careers—but is there someone who can’t stand the heat? It looks that way when one of the contestants is found dead in a pantry packed with two centuries’ worth of cookbooks, among other treasures and rarities.   Could there be a connection to other recent events in town, like tampering with the costume of a local mascot? Jane isn’t sure, but after someone serves a second course of murder, the kitchen must be closed and the killer must be found . . .   “Readers will find themselves wanting to live in Storyton, no matter how many people end up dead there.”—Suspense Magazine on Murder in the Locked Library

Murder always leaves a sour taste...Although baby showers aren''t an Amish tradition, Bailey King wants to celebrate Emily Keim''s forthcoming bundle of joy. It''s the least she can do for her hardworking assistant at Swissmen Sweets, especially with Emily being estranged from her siblings. Everyone in Harvest, Ohio has gathered at the town gazebo--decked out in lemon-themed décor to add some of Emily''s favorite flavor to the festivities--including Juliet Brook, Jethro the Pig, and in a last-minute invite, Emily''s sister Esther Esh.But Esther isn''t the only surprise guest. A mysterious Amish woman confronts Emily claiming to know about her secret shame--the child she had as a teenager who was given up for adoption. The stranger vanishes before Bailey could find out who she was and if she knew what happened to Emily''s first baby. Later that evening, the woman reappears--dead in Esh Family Pretzels, with a threatening letter written by Esther found on her body.Emily knows her sister is not a murderer and convinces Bailey to help clear Esther''s name and put the squeeze on the real killer...

OMag.com & Bibliolifestyle Most Anticipated Romances of the YearPopSugar Best Romances of AprilPublishers Weekly Top 10 Romances of SpringELLE Canada Summer''s Best Romances A witty and moving story from the acclaimed author of A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby, about the lengths to which a woman will go for the love of her child…and the love of a man who knows her worth. Breaking with traditional Regency rules and customs, Vanessa Riley pens an unforgettable story perfect for fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton, Evie Dunmore, and Eloisa James looking for something fresh and stirring! "Get your fill of scandal, misunderstandings and a secret society to boot." - ELLE Canada “Elaborate storytelling…a more diverse Regency world than is traditionally found. Well-researched, with a fascinating author''s note at the end…A historical romance of impressive heft.” – Kirkus Reviews“Fans of Shonda Rhimes’ adaptation of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books will devour this series.” – Booklist STARRED REVIEW “Move over, Bridgertons. There’s a new set of scandalous aristocrats waiting to take London society by storm.” – Library Journal Masterminded by the ton''s most clever countess, the secret society The Widow’s Grace helps ill-treated widows regain their reputations, their families, and even find true love again—or perhaps for the very first time . . . Surviving a shipwreck en route to London from Jamaica was just the start of Jemina St. Maur''s nightmare. Suffering from amnesia, she was separated from anyone who might know her, and imprisoned in Bedlam. She was freed only because barrister Daniel Thackery, Lord Ashbrook, was convinced to betray the one thing he holds dear: the law. Desperate to unearth her true identity, Jemina’s only chance is to purloin dangerous secrets with help from The Widow’s Grace—which means staying steps ahead of the formidable Daniel, no matter how strongly she is drawn to him . . .Married only by proxy, now widowed by shipwreck, Daniel is determined to protect his little stepdaughter, Hope, from his family’s scandalous reputation. That’s why he has dedicated himself not just to the law, but to remaining as proper, upstanding—and boring—as can be. But the closer he becomes to the mysterious, alluring Jemina, the more Daniel is tempted to break the very rule of law to which he''s deevoted his life. And as ruthless adversaries close in, will the truth require him, and Jemina, to sacrifice their one chance at happiness? RAVES FOR A DUKE, A LADY, AND A BABY “One of the best historicals I’ve read in years.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author “Smart and witty . . . the perfect historical read.” —Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Expertly crafted romance.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED review “Riley gifts readers a sparkling love story” —Entertainment Weekly

Amid the New Order Amish community of Oakland, Maryland, an unexpected gift of comfort and tender caring can help spark a surprising dream of love . . .Between raising three grieving children and running a booming business, recent widower Aaron Bontrager desperately needs help--even if it means a marriage of convenience only. He couldn''t be more surprised by his new wife, ebullient Bethel Mast. With an unconventional, joyful sense of purpose, she''s starting to turn his house back into a home and bring stability and peace to his children''s lives. And somehow, her gentle understanding is reigniting impossible hope in Aaron''s guarded, lonely heart . . .Bethel never had a fair chance for a home and family of her own. She doesn''t want to replace Aaron''s first wife, but she''ll face any challenge to aid him and his children. And she soon finds Aaron''s formidable exterior hides a sensitivity and caring that she''s quietly drawn to. Can Bethel show him that their practical arrangement is blossoming into so much more--and can be the start of a wonderful future together for all of them?

From New York Times bestselling author Nancy Bush, a gripping page-turner that explores the dark side of popularity, when "harmless" high school gossip turns deadly...Every word you whisperIn high school, rumors can make or destroy a reputation. A thoughtless nickname can turn each day into a living hell. Gossip is irresistible--and contagious. But sometimes, gossip can kill...Every secret you shareMackenzie Laughlin, formerly with Oregon''s River Glen police department, has reluctantly agreed to investigate a local woman''s disappearance. The case reconnects her with Jesse James Taft, a P.I. gifted at getting under Mac''s skin. But when the body is found tangled in river weeds, Mac and Taft realize that the case has changed, from one missing woman to a hunt for a terrifying and relentless killer...Could be your lastIn his old school yearbooks, they were the pretty, popular ones, confident and callous. Back then, they held the power. But now, it''s all his. He''s been waiting to teach them the lessons they should have learned long ago: that gossip and popularity have a price, and it''s time to pay...

Set in the early days of the Jensen family saga, this gunblazing adventure follows Smoke and Sally from their first year of marriage to the founding of the legendary Sugarloaf Ranch...For most couples, the marriage vows end with "''Til death do us part." But when Smoke Jensen takes Sally Reynolds as his lawfully wedded wife, it''s just the beginning. The tragic deaths of Smoke''s first wife and child weigh heavily on his heart. Thankfully, Sally is there to give him the support he needs when they return to Colorado, where it all happened. She''s ready to embrace her husband''s past--for better or worse--and to welcome his friend Preacher into the family. But when outlaws make an attempt to kidnap a local girl, Sally is forced to use the gun skills she had learned from Smoke to save both of their lives, learning the hard way what it means to be married to a Jensen...

For generations, the Jensens have struggled to build their home, their land, and their dreams. But now the family is forced to fight fire with fire, bullet by bullet, blood for blood...For Smoke and his daughter Denny, life on the Sugarloaf Ranch is more valuable than all the gold in the world. Which works out fine, since all the gold mines in Big Rock were squeezed dry years ago. Even so, that won''t stop a pair of smooth-talking businessmen from trying to squeeze out a little more. One of them has developed a newfangled method for extracting gold--something called "hydraulics"--and he''s bought up all the old mines to do it. His partner is the son of legendary gunfighter Frank Morgan, and Denny thinks he''s awful handsome. Smoke isn''t sure what to think of these would-be gold-diggers. Especially when the handsome one triggers a rivalry with Denny''s off-and-on beau, a U.S. Deputy. And then the smart one hires a small army of gunfighter to protect his mines from sabotage...The Jensons can smell trouble brewing from a mile away. And when it involves gold, guns, and good love gone bad, it''s more than just trouble. It''s a massacre waiting to happen...

In the third installment of the King Family series, Jay is still in prison with severely declining health, she is bitter and nursing a vengeful heart. Instead of accepting responsibility for her sins and seeking God s forgiveness again, she plots how to inflict pain on those who she believes have done her wrong. Taking a page right out of Satan''s playbook, she makes her move on an unlikely ally, the weakest soul in the family, the child she never wanted and refused to accept until now.

Welcome to Detroit, Michigan, home of the grittiest, illest, most hardcore, crime-infested, and poverty-stricken neighborhoods in the country. It's sometimes referred to as the Murder Capital because of the huge murder rate that never ceases to surprise us, the Murder Mitten, or the Dirty Glove because of the state's shape on the U.S. map. Detroit is home to many scholars, rappers, athletes, and concerned citizens, but the streets belong to those in the underworldaddicts, dealers, and the women who help run the show from behind the scenes: The Real Hoodwives of Detroit! No, you won't see these ladies on any television show, but you will see them make appearances in court for their man's hearing, or at the county jail on visiting day. You might even catch them riding shotgun, with a nine tucked in their Fendi bag, waiting to pop off and protect their men at any cost. And of course, they make appearances in the hood, twenty-four seven, three hundred and sixty-five days of the year. Follow Nikki, Tonya, Chloe, Mina, and Gucci as they ride you through Detroit, one city block at a time. Watch as the tales of the black and dangerous unfold right before your eyes. In Detroit, only the raw and real surviveliving to see another day. These streets are known for breaking the weak and leaving them helpless. They aren't made for everybody. Scared? You should beWELCOME TO DETROIT!

National bestselling author Kiki Swinson amps up the action and suspense with unpredictable characters, breakneck twists, and a gut-punch portrait of Southern surviving--and dying. Now the odds are straight-up killer when a private eye gets in way over her head...Too much to prove...A former journalist with a knack for unraveling dirty secrets, Khloé Mercer figures if she''s going to risk her life, she might as well make big money as a private investigator. But this reckless newbie needs a major case to make her name--and really show she can handle Norfolk, Virginia''s toughest streets...Too much to hide...When a narcotics detective''s widow needs someone to investigate her disgraced husband''s so-called suicide, Khloé jumps at the lucrative fee--and the clues that the Norfolk Police Department is rotten from top to bottom. And with formidable backup from her ex-felon uncle, she turns the city upside-down to uncover the truth...Too late to run...But Khloé''s cage-rattling tactics and high-wire strategies threaten both the cops and the city''s brutal underworld alike. Now, with her life in the crosshairs and no one she can trust, she''ll find that building a reputation comes with a price she may not survive to pay...