An American fugitive in Martinique recovering from a six hour marriage. A young woman who has a cat for a best friend. A wealthy couple who bicker so much they make solitary life seem irresistible and a yoga-practicing midget with lethal karate skills These are a few of the players at the heart of Spiders and Flies, the story of an abduction gone wrong. Set in the lush sun-drenched tropics, the novel captures the deepest fears and desires of the people drawn into the kidnapper's web. A drama that unfolds with twisty suspense and dark humor, it sheds a skewed light on the notions of family ties, loyalty, deceit, and friendship. "Scott Adlerberg is a terrific storyteller and Spiders and Flies belongs on your bookshelf." -Jason Starr, Anthony Award-winning author of The Craving "Adlerberg's Paul Raven is that rare kind of character - a predatory schemer we nonetheless can't help but identify with through the many twists and turns this story takes him on. The Martinique setting provides a palpable, sensuous, and vivid atmosphere, making it almost a character itself. I was totally immersed from start to finish." -Larry Dark, Director of The Story Prize

'A gleefully sinister fable'--Lane Smith--Back cover.

'Will you walk into my parlour, said the Spider to the Fly . . .' is one of the most recognised and quoted first lines in all of English verse. But how many of you know how the tale actually ends? Join celebrated artist Tony DiTerlizzi as he shines a 1920's film noir cinematic spotlight on Mary Howitt's 173 year old classic poem, warning us against those who would use sweet words to hide their not-so-sweet intentions and lure us into danger.

Mike Harding, broadcaster, comedian, experienced fly fisherman, and author of a monthly column in Fly Fishing & Fly Tying magazine, has written a guide to tying one of the most well-loved and beguiling traditions of fly: the Northern Spider. These designs of fly, conceived in the north of England around Bolton Abbey in the Yorksire Dales near Skipton, are renowned for being both simple to tie and excellent for catching fish. They are characterized by using brightly colored silk threads, and the feathers of birds like snipe, woodcock, and pheasant. Mike Harding covers some 50 variants of fly, as well as the techniques of tying and the history of the North Country tradition. The book features his own superb close-focus photography, and is laid out in the same style as The Fly-Tying Bible.

When Billy left his pet spider, Helen, at the Zoo, the animals suddenly became happy and contented. The lions snoozed all day long, the elephants enjoyed their baths, and the zebras ate their hay in peace -- all because Helen was spinning webs and catching flies. But one day Helen's webs were swept away. The Keeper had the cages cleaned for the Mayor's inspection tour. Soon the flies were back again and the animals were miserable once more. But not for long... Children will be fascinated and amused by the way Helen solved the problem and won a permanent place of honor for herself in the Zoo. Margaret Bloy Graham's pictures match the wit and charm of her delightful story.