Amid the crumbling splendour of wintertime Venice, two orphans are on the run. The mysterious Thief Lord offers shelter, but a terrible danger is gathering force...

Soon to be a Major Motion Picture In the ebullient spirit of Ocean’s 8, The Heist, and Thelma & Louise, a sensational and entertaining memoir of the world’s most notorious jewel thief—a woman who defied society’s prejudices and norms to carve her own path, stealing from elite jewelers to live her dreams. Growing up during the Depression in the segregated coal town of Slab Fork, West Virginia, Doris Payne was told her dreams were unattainable for poor black girls like her. Surrounded by people who sought to limit her potential, Doris vowed to turn the tables after the owner of a jewelry store threw her out when a white customer arrived. Neither racism nor poverty would hold her back; she would get what she wanted and help her mother escape an abusive relationship. Using her southern charm, quick wit, and fascination with magic as her tools, Payne began shoplifting small pieces of jewelry from local stores. Over the course of six decades, her talents grew with each heist. Becoming an expert world-class jewel thief, she daringly pulled off numerous diamond robberies and her boyfriend fenced the stolen gems to Hollywood celebrities. Doris’s criminal exploits went unsolved well into the 1970s—partly because the stores did not want to admit that they were duped by a black woman. Eventually realizing Doris was using him, her boyfriend turned her in. She was arrested after stealing a diamond ring in Monte Carlo that was valued at more than half a million dollars. But even prison couldn’t contain this larger-than-life personality who cleverly used nuns as well as various ruses to help her break out. With her arrest in 2013 in San Diego, Doris’s fame skyrocketed when media coverage of her astonishing escapades exploded. Today, at eighty-seven, Doris, as bold and vibrant as ever, lives in Atlanta, and is celebrated for her glamorous legacy. She sums up her adventurous career best: “It beat being a teacher or a maid.” A rip-roaringly fun and exciting story as captivating and audacious as Catch Me if You Can and Can You Ever Forgive Me?—Diamond Doris is the portrait of a captivating anti-hero who refused to be defined by the prejudices and mores of a hypocritical society.

Drawn from fascinating historical records--including trial transcripts from the century's first insanity defense--this is the gripping account of the gruesome kidnap and murder of a 12-year-old girl in 1927. Following a nationwide manhunt, no one was prepared for the awful truth that a sadistic monster dwelled within an unlikely suspect.

The Collected Works of Thornton Burgess (Illustrated Edition) is a delightful collection of children's literature filled with anthropomorphic animal characters that teach valuable lessons about nature and the environment. Written in a simple yet engaging style, Burgess captures the imagination of young readers while instilling in them a love and appreciation for the natural world. The illustrations throughout the book enhance the storytelling experience, bringing to life the charming animal characters and their adventures in the forest. This collection is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers of all ages. Thornton Burgess's works have made a significant impact as educational tools, sparking curiosity and interest in nature among readers. His deep understanding of wildlife and his passion for environmental conservation are evident in his writing, making him a pioneer in using literature to promote environmental awareness. The Collected Works of Thornton Burgess is a must-read for anyone seeking to reconnect with nature and rediscover the joy of storytelling through the eyes of beloved animal characters.