Search Results for: true story

From Aristotle’s pioneering research into animal biology to Harvey’s theory of the circulation of the blood; from Copernicus’s theory of the heliocentric universe to Carl Sagan’s speculations on extraterrestrial life; and from Einstein’s theory of Relativity to Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, Eureka! condenses the essential biographies and principal discoveries of the world’s most important scientists
into 300 bite-sized entries.

Spanning the full spectrum of scientific disciplines – including physics, biology, earth science, cosmology, chemistry, archaeology and behavioural science – this book is the perfect introduction to the pioneering work of scientists throughout the ages.

Jim Morrison, musician, singer and poet was found dead, the victim of a suspected heroin overdose, in a Paris apartment bathtub in 1971. He was 27.

Morrison was a talented, charismatic, wild-tempered cultural cipher. He struggled to cope with his exalted status and his death, officially from heart failure, remains shrouded in mystery.

In 27: Jim Morrison, acclaimed music critic Chris Salewicz pays homage to Morrison as a rock icon, whilst acknowledging the dark side of this conflicted character.

It is the sixth title in a series of exclusive music ebooks, an ambitious project examining the perils of genius, celebrity and excess. Other titles in the series include 27: Amy Winehouse, 27: Kurt Cobain, 27: Jimi Hendrix and 27: Janis Joplin.

Brian Jones, multi-instrumentalist, visionary and the ‘golden boy of the ’60s’, was, at the age of 27, the first rock casualty of his generation.

A strange, somewhat impenetrable character, Brian Jones was a founding member and guiding spirit of The Rolling Stones. Adored and misunderstood in equal measure, Jones was perhaps the most creatively ambitious cultural force of his time, an artist whose commitment to the experimental and exotic remains profoundly influential.

Always unconventional, Jones’s voracious appetite for life’s extremes led to unparalleled debauchery, drug and alcohol fuelled paranoia, and ultimately personal ruin.

27: Brian Jones is the third in a series of exclusive music ebooks, an ambitious project examining the perils of genius, celebrity and excess. Other titles in the series include 27: Amy Winehouse, 27: Jimi Hendrix, 27: Jim Morrison and 27: Kurt Cobain.

Janis Joplin, singer-songwriter, counterculture icon, the Queen of rock and roll, died aged just 27. During a short four-year career, blighted by alcoholism and drug abuse, she changed the face of music, carving out opportunities for a generation of female talent. Her powerful, raw vocals touched fans of folk music, blues and soul alike, with recordings such as ‘Me and Bobby McGee’, ‘To Love Somebody’ and ‘Mercedes Benz’ widely recognized as classics of their era.

In 27: Janis Joplin acclaimed author Chris Salewicz examines Joplin’s troubled and unconventional existence, and explains her profound musical influence. This is the fifth in a series of exclusive music ebooks, an ambitious project examining the perils of genius, celebrity and excess. Other titles in the series include 27: Amy Winehouse, 27: Kurt Cobain, 27: Brian Jones, and 27: Jimi Hendrix.

James Marshall ‘Jimi’ Hendrix is the most famous and perhaps the most innovative guitarist in music history. He died aged 27.

In this thought-provoking mini-biography, acclaimed author Chris Salewicz attends not just to Hendrix’s virtuoso skill, but also to his enigmatic and unpredictable character. He explores Hendrix’s status as psychedelic talisman and fashion icon, detailing the attitude and style that informed his legend.

27: Jimi Hendrix paints an intimate portrait of a man struggling with fame and substance abuse while mesmerizing the world.

27: Jimi Hendrix is the fourth in a series of exclusive music ebooks, an ambitious project examining the perils of genius, celebrity and excess. Other titles in the series include 27: Amy Winehouse, 27: Kurt Cobain, 27: Brian Jones, and 27: Jim Morrison.

Robert Johnson was, according to Eric Clapton, “the most important blues singer that ever lived.” An itinerant street musician, with a weakness for whisky and women, his is a life of pure legend – the man who sold his soul for the devil, and thereby invented modern music.

Precious little is known about his 27 years, or the circumstances of his death, and even the site of his grave is contested. In this mini-biography, acclaimed music critic Chris Salewicz investigates the truth behind the myth, evoking an incisive profile of an enigmatic figure who, with just 29 songs, changed popular music for ever.

27: Robert Johnson is the final part of a series of short music ebooks. Other titles in the series include 27: Brian Jones, 27: Jimi Hendrix, 27: Janis Joplin, 27: Jim Morrison, 27: Kurt Cobain and 27: Amy Winehouse.

Kurt Cobain, Nirvana frontman, died aged just 27. In this insightful mini-biography, respected music critic Chris Salewicz examines Cobain’s journey from sensitive loner to generational icon. Salewicz scrutinizes Cobain’s tormented inner life, his tempestuous relationship with Courtney Love, and the importance of his cultural legacy.

27: Kurt Cobain is the second in a series of exclusive music ebooks, an ambitious project examining the perils of genius, celebrity and excess. Other titles in the series include 27: Amy Winehouse, 27: Jimi Hendrix, 27: Jim Morrison and 27: Janis Joplin.

In 27: Amy Winehouse, the first in a series of exclusive ebooks, acclaimed music writer Chris Salewicz celebrates the life of one of the most talented performers of recent times. In an intimate mini-biography, he explores Amy’s artistic influences and inspirations, her ability to capture the imagination and her appetite for self-destruction. Salewicz provides a startling portrayal of the perils of genius and the true cost of fame. Must the ferociously good die young?

From Charlaine Harris, no. 1 bestselling creator of Sookie Stackhouse, and Christopher Golden, bestselling co-creator of Baltimore, comes the riveting sequel to the graphic novel Cemetery Girl.

She calls herself Calexa Rose Dunhill. She has been living – hiding out – in Dunhill Cemetery ever since someone left her there to die. She has no idea who wants her dead or why, but she isn’t about to hand around for her would-be-killer to finish the job.

Despite her self-imposed isolation among the deceased, Calexa’s ability to see spirits and the memories she receives from them guarantees she’ll never be alone. The only living people she interacts with are Kelner, the cemetery’s cantankerous caretaker, and Lucinda Cameron, an elderly woman who lives in an old Victorian house across the street. With their friendship, Calexa has regained a link to the world beyond tombstones and mausoleums.

Until the night she witnesses a murder that shatters her life: a life now under a police microscope, as their investigation threatens to uncover Calexa’s true identity . . .

‘Cemetery Girl has a power all of its own’ – Fantasy Book Review

This is the incredible true story of the unbreakable bond forged between Treo, the world’s most highly decorated dog, and his handler Sgt. Dave Heyhoe

When Dave Heyhoe was sent to Afghanistan to help detect the Taliban’s murderous roadside bombs, he knew he’d need a special dog by his side. Luckily for him, his closest pal Treo, a staggeringly brave ball of energy and mischief was with him every step of the way.

The two friends had a miraculous understanding that helped them save countless lives but, as they embarked on a roller-coaster emotional ride, Dave realized he needed Treo more than he could ever have imagined.

Tear-jerkingly sad one moment, laugh-out-loud hilarious the next, It’s All About Treo is a moving and uplifting story that will melt the hearts of animal lovers everywhere.

What do the rich and famous really get up to behind closed doors? When does sexual passion become sordid perversion? Who are history’s most shocking deviants and what are their sex secrets? The pages of this book reveal 45 shocking, scandalous – and often disturbing – stories of promiscuity and sexual perversion throughout the ages. Uncovered here are the orgies of Cleopatra and the incest of the Romans; the darkest fantasies of Michelangelo and the gross indecencies of the Marquis de Sade; as well as the insatiable desires of Rasputin, the degrading fetishes of Adolf Hitler, the unashamed exhibitionism of Tallulah Bankhead and the dirty thrills of Elvis Presley. ‘Sordid Sex Lives’ offers an insight into the shocking practices in which so many famous men and women have participated in. What motivates these sexual desires? Were they ever considered ‘normal’? And what happened to those whose filthy secrets were found out? Bursting with real-life accounts, this is the most explicit and shocking account of the sex lives of history’s most notorious characters.

Science doesn’t have to just be about periodic tables and test tubes. For those kids (and adults) who are put off reading or learning about science because they think it’s too hard, too boring, or just has nothing to do with them, think again…

50 Amazing Things Kids Need to Know About Science will help to explain science and technology in clear and interesting ways that reinforce what children are learning at school. Packed with hundreds of amazing facts, hands on activities and 50 extraordinary (and some downright bizarre) scenarios – including How to Make Yourself Invisible, How to Survive a Lightning Strike and How to Grow
Another Body – this book will entertain as much as it informs and is the perfect companion for curious minds.

You can’t build a bridge, bake a cake or even do your shopping without maths, but many children (and adults) are put off it at school because it can seem pretty tricky and, dare we say it, boring…

50 Amazing Things Kids Need to Know About Maths will help you over your maths hurdles once and for all. Packed with hundreds of amazing puzzles, games and facts, each chapter breaks down the basics in a fun, accessible way. The weird and wonderful scenarios – which include How to be a Codebreaker, How to Measure a Mountain and and How to Contact an Alien – will entertain as much as they inform, making learning maths a breeze.

The viral TikTok stalker dark romance, burning with high heat, hilarious banter, and a love story like you’ve never seen before. Can you handle the ride?

I want someone with a soul as black as night. Someone who would burn the world down for me and not lose a single minute of sleep over it.

Trauma nurse Alyssa Cappellucci doesn’t need any more kinks. She likes the one she’s landed on just fine. To her, nothing could top the masked men she follows online. Unless one of those men was shirtless, heavily tattooed, and waiting for her in her bedroom. She dreams about being hunted by one in particular, of him chasing her down and doing deliciously dark things to her willing body. She never could have guessed that by sending one drunken text, those dreams would become her new reality.

I want things most people don’t, craving darkness and depravity instead of light and love.

Joshua Hammond has an infamous father-the kind of man that true-crime podcasts love talking about. Josh has spent his life avoiding the limelight, but his online persona is another story. At night, he posts masked thirst traps for his millions of fans to drool over, but one follower has caught his eye: Aly. After reading a comment begging him to break into her house wearing a mask, he decides to take her up on her offer.

Together, Aly and Josh live out their darkest fantasies, unaware that Aly has captured the attention of someone else. Someone with far more sinister intentions than a little light stalking. As Josh turns from predator to protector and the stakes heighten, he must ask himself how far he’s willing to go for the woman he’s obsessed with.

Lights Out is a fast-paced dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.

One of the most remarkable stories in the history of Special Forces’ operations – Daily Express

In the bleak moments after defeat on mainland Europe in winter 1939, wartime leader Winston Churchill knew that Britain had to strike back hard.

He recruited a band of eccentric free-thinking warriors to become the first ‘deniable’ secret operatives behind enemy lines, offering these volunteers nothing but the potential for glory and all-but-certain death.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare tells of the daring victories for this small force of ‘freelance pirates’ in their many missions against the Nazis, often dressed in enemy uniforms and breaking all previously held rules of warfare.

Master storyteller and military historian Damien Lewis brings the true adventures of the secret unit to life, from their earliest missions to the death of the group’s leader just weeks before the end of World War Two.

‘An absolute joy to read, with messy, realistic, and deeply lovable characters. . . Obuobi’s perfect balance of humor and wisdom made this one a true standout’ EMILY HENRY

‘THIS BOOK IS SPECTACULAR! It is deft and voicy, sexy and emotionally brilliant. I am honestly obsessed’ CHRISTINA LAUREN

Talia Hibbert meets Carley Fortune in this swoon-worthy story of love and friendship in the age of social media – where what you see might not be all you get.

Dr Jojo has it all figured out. Or so it seems to her Instagram followers, who love her no-nonsense advice about men, self-love, dating and sex.

But behind the camera, it’s a different story – she’s in love with her best friend, Ezra, and he doesn’t feel the same way.

Committed to moving on, Jo soon finds the perfect distraction – sweet, shy and sexy writer Malcolm. As the pair begin to date, sparks fly, and Jo’s hard exterior begins to soften.

But when she discovers her feelings for Ezra aren’t as unrequited as she thought, Jo finds herself with a tough decision to make. Will she seize the opportunity for romance with her best friend, or is new love the path to her happily ever after?

Praise for Shirlene Obuobi

‘You’re going to love this one‘ Beth O’Leary, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wake-Up Call

‘On Rotation is a brilliant debut rom-com . . . It’s relatable and LOL funny’ Cosmopolitan

‘I couldn’t put down On Rotation‘ Meg Cabot, New York Times bestselling author

‘On Rotation is an original romance novel bursting with charm, humour and the most loveable characters‘ Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?

Dis//Integration, a previously unpublished work by William Melvin Kelley, author of A Different Drummer, is a notable and welcome addition to African American literature.

The linked “2 novelas, 3 stories, and a little play” that make up DIS//INTEGRATION follow the life journeys of Charles “Chig” Dunford from his Nanny Eva sermonizing from her front porch, when he is only seventeen, to his peripatetic studies in Reupeo (an anagram of Europe) as a college student, to his unsettled bachelorhood as an English professor at a small Vermont college, where he continues to struggle to finish his life-long study of the
Reupeonese author Dupukshamin and find true love.

Along the way, as Chig’s sentimental education unfolds, we meet an array of memorable characters: John Hoenir, the Hemingway-esque expatriate novelist who takes Chig under his wing; Wendy Whitman, an actress passing for white, who breaks Chig’s heart; Merry, his troubled teen-age niece who Chig, in middle-age, agrees to look after; Raymond Winograd, the villainous department chair; Renka Bravo, the alluring dancer who might just make Chig an honest man; and one hundred Africans mysteriously chained together in the lower decks of Chig’s homeward-bound transatlantic liner.

DIS//INTEGRATION is an an odyssey through time in which past and future combine and re-combine to give the arc of a full life.

‘A lot of those old sayings, ‘Red sky at night…’ and so on, are based on real knowledge. Not that red sky at night really does mean shepherd’s delight – the only thing that’s ever going to delight a shepherd is changing their job and not having to work with sheep any more.’

Kaleb Cooper – star of hit TV show Clarkson’s Farm and Sunday Times bestselling author – has been catapulted into the limelight and his new book, Life According to Kaleb, he shares the highs, lows and unexpected adventures of life at Diddly Squat from wrestling with temperamental tractors to dodging the wrath of cantankerous cows and after all that why he still believes he has the best job in the world.

Kaleb reveals his true, loveable, funny and down-to-earth self, with deadpan gags and unique observations that will have you crying with laughter. Utterly hilarious, this is Kaleb as you know and love him, telling the story of how he has become one of the biggest names in farming today.

‘A perfect, sunny read’ – B magazine

‘Great fun from start to finish’ – Sunday Express

‘Makeup, sunshine, fabulous locations, a holiday romance . . . what more could you want in a summer read?’ – Novelicious

Ever wished you could make-over your life?

Make-up artist Stella is an expert at helping other people change their images, but when it comes to transforming herself, she doesn’t even know where to start.

So when her new friend, glamorous Hollywood actress Marina Ray, summons her a movie set in California, Stella can’t resist the chance to start afresh – it is the land of sunshine and opportunity after all!

But are they really friends or does Marina have an ulterior motive? What is the secret that both women are hiding about the nautical (but nice) men in their lives? And what will it take to really make both of their California dreams come true?

In a Pacific Coast journey that takes in Los Angeles, the world’s most romantic ranch and California’s very own castle in the sky – this story of friendship, long-distance love, kissing (and making up) is the perfect escapist read.

Readers love California Dreamers:
‘A great read set in stunning locations’ – 5* reader review
‘If you like make up, romance and twists this book is for you. Literally read it in a few days’- 5* reader review
‘Could not put it down. Loved it!’ – 5* reader review

‘Damien Lewis is both a meticulous historian and a born storyteller’ Lee Child

In the summer of 2007 the British Army’s 662 Squadron deployed its most potent weapons system in combat for the very first time – the iconic Apache attack helicopter. This is the definitive story of the aircraft and of the crew who fly her, and of their baptism of fire in the battle for Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Under the call-sign Ugly, four of the Army Air Corps’ finest pilots flew a relentless series of missions during their 100-day deployment, stretching the aircraft, and themselves, to the limit. Apache Dawn recounts these operations from the perspective of the aircrew, plus the soldiers on the ground who owe their lives to the Apaches’ intervention during the white-hot heat of battle. Bestselling author Damien Lewis has been given unprecedented access to the pilots of the Apache Attack Squadrons – an elite band of warriors operating at the very limits of modern warfare. Apache Dawn is their story, and it is one of untold bravery and resilience against all odds.

‘As good as any thriller I have ever read’ Freddie Forsyth

‘Reveals a true story of British courage and daring’ The Sunday Times

‘Riveting’ Richard & Judy Show

‘The most dramatic story of a secret wartime mission ever’ News of the World

‘I’m always wary of llamas. They’re mischievous and smart. I get a sense, when I approach them, that they are conferring . . . as if to say, ‘That’s that bloke off the telly.’

Bill Bailey has always had dogs in his life, including a Lakeland Terrier called Rocky who would travel with him in the van to his first shows and occasionally join him on stage. Fast forward a few decades and Bill shares his home with a variety of birds, dogs, frogs, chameleons, and an armadillo called Tommy. ‘We even had a giant chicken at the house for a while, a huge Malay cockerel, Kid Creole. After a few stand-offs he took against me. He had to go in the end, I was being stalked in my own back garden.’

That chicken apart, animals have always been at the heart of an extraordinary life as one of the nation’s favourite comedians, actors, musicians and (thanks to Strictly) dancers: from terriers to the orangutans of Sumatra and the parrots that share his breakfast every morning in west London.

As anyone who has ever had a pet knows, animals are a constant source of joy, but they also connect us to the world and to each other, touching on a deeper, older human need for companionship. Full of the leftfield humour, wit and wisdom that has made Bill Bailey such a beloved performer around the world, My Animals, and Other Animals is the story of Bill’s life, but more than that, it’s the story of how all of our lives are enriched by the animals who accompany us on that journey.

A revelatory memoir from Liverpool legend and global football star Bobby Firmino.

Master of the no-look goal and Anfield favourite, Roberto ‘Bobby’ Firmino, signed for Liverpool in July 2015. Over the next eight years – and seven winners’ medals – he established himself as one of the club’s most important players in recent years for his audacious skill, impressive goal scoring, and beaming smile.

Jürgen Klopp saw Firmino as the on-pitch ‘engine’ that drove the club’s counter-pressing strategy and together with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, Firmino formed a formidable attacking trio. The Kop rewarded Roberto with the ultimate accolade – his own song: ‘Sí, Señor, give the ball to Bobby and he will score.’

Sí, Señor celebrates Firmino’s cherished years in a red shirt and will remind fans why they fell in love with him in the first place.