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Five novellas about deadly books—and even more dangerous people—from five acclaimed mystery authors. Book Club: Ex-cop Avery Sharecross now spends his days tracking rare books in Good Advice, New Mexico. But his old career collides with his new one when the local sheriff asks him for help on a case of a dead book collector. Seven Years: New York Times–bestselling author Peter Robinson tells of a retired professor who discovers a threatening inscription in a volume of Robert Browning's poetry. Puzzled by the disturbing message, he can't resist playing detective. But the professor is about to learn the consequences of reading between the lines. The Final Testament: In this historical tale from New York Times–bestselling author Peter Blauner, a Nazi in 1938 London attempts to blackmail Sigmund Freud into publishing an anti-Semitic book in Freud's name. Freud retaliates by picking up pen and paper and suggesting his blackmailer sit on his couch. The Pretty Little Box: New York Times–bestselling author Charles Todd presents a story of an Englishwoman's simple theft of a devotional that sets in motion a dreadful chain of events. Pronghorns of the Third Reich: New York Times–bestselling author C. J. Box brings us to frigid Wyoming, where Lyle and Juan wait outside a lawyer's house in ski masks and carrying pistols. Lyle is convinced he's owed something, but he's about to uncover a mystery that stretches back to Nazi Germany.

A simple theft leads to unforeseen tragedy in this story from the New York Times–bestselling author of the Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries. In a quaint antiquarian bookshop in the Midlands of England, a woman is captivated by a rare gilt-edged devotional nestled within an exquisite and equally tempting box. Her desire to pilfer it overcomes her scruples, and her guilt and terror at doing something so audacious, so unlike her. With a simple sleight of hand, it's hers. But this irresistible book of hours isn't in her possession for long. By chance, desire, and cruel twists of fate, it soon falls into the covetous grip of others—from a pickpocket to a schoolboy to a priest—as one woman's transgression sets in motion a dreadful chain of events. This diabolically clever story from the New York Times–bestselling author proves Stephen King was right when he said, “You're going to love Todd.”

“A stunner, exquisitely plotted and characterized, with Todd's trademark meticulous backdrop of World War I-era England.”—Strand MagazineThe Great War is still raging when Francesca Hatton's adored grandfather dies on the family estate in England's isolated Exe Valley. Among his effects, Francesca is stunned to find an unsigned letter cursing the Hattons and their descendants. Then a stranger appears, accusing her grandfather of murder. Was the loving protector Francesca remembers really a vindictive man who cultivated dangerous enemies? At the center of the intrigue is an unusual white stone hidden in a garden where Francesca once played with her five male cousins—all dead now on France's battlefields. According to Hatton's will, the Murder Stone must be dug up, transported to Scotland, and buried forever. But before Francesca can begin the journey, a series of ominous “accidents” occur. As Francesca sets out to pursue the truth, she also sets herself in the sights of someone determined to exact a revenge too long overdue. Praise for The Murder Stone“Todd's mysteries are among the most intelligent and affecting being written these days.”—Washington Post Book World “Seamless... a compelling insight into the home front during 1916.”—Chicago Tribune“A gripping novel of family secrets set against the tragedy of World War I.”—Mystery Lovers Bookshop News “Many twists and turns, angst-ridden characters, and an evocative historical setting. A gripping read.”—Library Journal