Revenge, redemption ... and pastry. The witty new novel from the author of Hotel du Barry, for fans of Jonas Jonasson. In the winter of 1912 on the wild West Coast of Tasmania, Wolfftown's most notorious heiress and murderess, Sasha Torte, tells the tale of her own spectacular downfall. Forsaken by her parents and raised by criminals and reprobates, Sasha becomes a world-famous pastry chef at the tender age of seventeen. Entanglement with the disreputable Dasher brothers leads to love, but also to a dangerous addiction. Behind bars in Wolfftown's gaol, Sasha sips premium champagne as she recalls a life of seduction, betrayal, ghosts, opium and an indiscreet quantity of confectionary - and plots her escape. The Scandalous Life of Sasha Torte is a wild romp of dastardly deeds, intrepid protagonists, dark villains, wild gangs, luxurious hotels ... and mouth-watering treats. 'A delicious concoction of romance, historical drama and supernatural romp, told with flair and humour' Weekly Times 'Pure escapism. The author presents us with immoderation in excess, unrestrained melodrama and Charles Daniel O'Rourke, patissier par excellence. A rip-roaring, imaginative and exhilarating tale.' Good Reading 'An absolutely fascinating read, one of those books that you pick up to just read a few chapters to get the lay of the land and when you look up it's three hours later and you've finished it ... an intriguing story with a uniqueness that's very appealing' Bree, Goodreads

Heartbreak, joy and nefarious doings at London's luxurious HOTEL DU BARRY. A book for lovers of fine gin, murderous impulses and writing of the ilk of Jonas Jonasson. When a laughing baby is found amongst the Hotel du Barry's billowing sheets, tucked up in an expensive pair of ladies' bloomers and neatly pegged to the laundry line, the hotel staff resolve to keep the child. The hotel's owner, Daniel du Barry, still mourning the loss of his lover in an automobile accident, adopts the little girl, names her after his favourite champagne and seeks consolation in fatherhood. Cat du Barry grows up beloved by both hotel staff and guests, equally at home in the ninth-floor premium suite as she is in the labyrinth below stairs. Years later when Daniel du Barry dies in sinister circumstances, Cat determines to solve the mystery with the assistance of her extended hotel family. From hotel detective to roguish Irish gigolo, from compassionate housekeeper to foxy chamber maid, each will play their wicked part in this novel that will charm, amuse and delight. PRAISE 'This is a wonderful romp of a novel, that brilliantly evokes the attraction and the dangers of the Jazz Age. There is plenty of fabulous fashion and empathetic characters -- it cries out to be made into a film starring Helen Mirren' NZ Women's Weekly 'A must read' - Sunshine Coast Daily

The bestselling workbook and grammar guide, revised and updated! Hailed as one of the best books around for teaching grammar, The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation includes easy-to-understand rules, abundant examples, dozens of reproducible quizzes, and pre- and post-tests to help teach grammar to middle and high schoolers, college students, ESL students, homeschoolers, and more. This concise, entertaining workbook makes learning English grammar and usage simple and fun. This updated 12th edition reflects the latest updates to English usage and grammar, and includes answers to all reproducible quizzes to facilitate self-assessment and learning. Clear and concise, with easy-to-follow explanations, offering "just the facts" on English grammar, punctuation, and usage Fully updated to reflect the latest rules, along with even more quizzes and pre- and post-tests to help teach grammar Ideal for students from seventh grade through adulthood in the US and abroad For anyone who wants to understand the major rules and subtle guidelines of English grammar and usage, The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation offers comprehensive, straightforward instruction.

More than 350 recipes from all fifteen republics of the Soviet Union offer samples of the country's vast diversity--from the robust foods of the Baltic states, to the delicate pilafs of Azerbaijan

Aron's collection of essays begins with Mikhail Gorbachev's policy of perestroika and continues through Vladimir Putin's increasingly authoritarian rule. He examines the enormity of the changes in the fabric of the life of millions of Russians, and looks at the emergence of a new middle class and at the popularity of a series of mystery novels that embodies middle class values. He also examines legal and political reforms and corruption. With rich color and detail, Aron puts his finger on the pulse of the new Russia.

From acclaimed author Karen Brooks comes this intriguing novel rich in historical detail and drama as it tells the unforgettable story of Queen Elizabeth's daring, ruthless spymaster and his female protégée. In Queen Elizabeth's England, where no one can be trusted and secrets are currency, one woman stands without fear. Mallory Bright is the only daughter of London's most ingenious locksmith. She has apprenticed with her father since childhood, and there is no lock too elaborate for her to crack. After scandal destroys her reputation, Mallory has returned to her father's home and lives almost as a recluse, ignoring the whispers and gossip of their neighbors. But Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth's spymaster and a frequent client of Mallory's father, draws her into his world of danger and deception. For the locksmith's daughter is not only good at cracking locks, she also has a talent for codes, spycraft, and intrigue. With Mallory by Sir Francis’s side, no scheme in England or abroad is safe from discovery. But Mallory's loyalty wavers when she witnesses the brutal and bloody public execution of three Jesuit priests and realizes the human cost of her espionage. And later, when she discovers the identity of a Catholic spy and a conspiracy that threatens the kingdom, she is forced to choose between her country and her heart. Once Sir Francis's greatest asset, Mallory is fast becoming his worst threat—and there is only one way the Queen’s master spy deals with his enemies…