Discover the man behind the moustache in this book of one-liners by the world's most famous Belgian detective, revealing the wit and wisdom of Hercule Poirot and his creator, Agatha Christie. A perfect stocking-filler for every Christie fan, to help celebrate her 125th birthday. My name is Hercule Poirot and I am probably the greatest detective in the world. The dapper, moustache-twirling little Belgian with the egg-shaped head, curious mannerisms and inordinate respect for his own little grey cells solved some of the twentieth century's most puzzling crimes. But what do we really know about the eccentric genius underneath that fussy facade? Sometimes funny, often profound, and always revealing, this book of quotes and comments, from more than 50 Poirot novels and short stories, gives an entertaining glimpse of the man behind the moustache, and the wit and wisdom of the Queen of Crime who created him. Includes an exclusive essay by Agatha Christie from the archives on her love/hate relationship with her most famous creation.

The world first publication of a previously unknown work of fantasy by J.R.R. Tolkien, which tells the powerful story of a doomed young man who is sold into slavery and who swears revenge on the magician who killed his father. Kullervo son of Kalervo is perhaps the darkest and most tragic of all J.R.R. Tolkien's characters. Hapless Kullervo, as Tolkien called him, is a luckless orphan boy with supernatural powers and a tragic destiny. Brought up in the homestead of the dark magician Untamo, who killed his father, kidnapped his mother, and who tries three times to kill him when still a boy, Kullervo is alone save for the love of his twin sister, Wanona, and guarded by the magical powers of the black dog, Musti. When Kullervo is sold into slavery he swears revenge on the magician, but he will learn that even at the point of vengeance there is no escape from the cruellest of fates. Tolkien himself said that The Story of Kullervo was the germ of my attempt to write legends of my own, and was a major matter in the legends of the Frist Age. Tolkien's Kullervo is the clear ancestor of Turin Turambar, tragic incestuous hero of The Silmarillion. In addition to it being a powerful story in its own right, The Story of Kullervo, published here for the first time with the author's drafts, notes and lecture-essays on its source-work, the Kalevala, is a foundation stone in the structure of Tolkien's invented world.

Tongue-in-cheek and totally unhelpful, this little book is the perfect stocking filler for Benedict Cumberbatch fans this Christmas. Benedict Cumberbatch. Does the mere sight of his name give you tingles? Do you feel a cheap thrill staring at the dip on his cupid's bow lip as he talks? Do you secretly wish you could plumb the rhythmic depths of his voice or twiddle your finger in his perfectly coiffed hair? If the answer to these questions is yes, then I'm afraid there's a very great chance that you could be a Cumberbitch. But that's actually perfect, because this little book was written especially for you! We understand that life as a Cumberbatched individual can be tricky; hours wasted watching clips on YouTube and being late to see your friends because you lost track of the time photoshopping yourself into his latest red carpet masterpiece (it happens). And we realised it was high time somebody did something about it. Featuring a host of quizzes and (counterproductive) masterpieces of the man himself, plus inspirational quotes to help you on your way, use this book to find out whether you — or a loved one — have succumbed to the Cumberbitch affliction, and then follow our simple yet semi-effective methods to get back to life BC (Before Cumberbatch).

An essential reference and the latest in the popular 150 Best series, 150 Best New Bathroom Ideas offers an in-depth look at modern bathroom designs created by internationally renowned architects and designers. Inside, readers will discover harmonious approaches and practical materials to use when designing bathrooms, from light fixtures and color schemes to floor, wall, and window treatments. Along with numerous ideas for the shower, toilet, sink, and bathtub, this book is an indispensable guide to designing an attractive, functional, and cost-effective bathroom.Featuring hundreds of photographs, 150 Best New Bathroom Ideas explores the diversity of current trends and is an excellent source of ideas for homeowners, designers, interior decorators, and architects. From the glamorous and roomy bath-spa to the small but smart powder room, bathrooms can make a big statement with creative ideas that are as stylish as they are useful.

A comprehensive, full-color handbook, packed with hundreds of photographs that showcase the latest in beautiful, welcoming, and efficient kitchen design.150 Best New Kitchen Ideas offers an in-depth look at exemplary new kitchen designs from today's most renowned architects and designers. Packed with 500 pages of gorgeous full-color photographs, it features the most attractive, functional, and cost-effective kitchen designs from around the world. Here are hundreds of ideas for lighting, floor, wall, and window treatments to create kitchens that are attractive, inviting, and highly functional, as well as a wealth of notions for cabinetry, countertops, sinks, and more.Covering a diversity of current trends, 150 Best New Kitchen Ideas is an indispensable design and decorating resource filled with inspirational ideas for the homeowner, designer, interior decorator, and architect.

A century before A GAME OF THRONES, two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros… A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS compiles the first three official prequel novellas to George R.R. Martin’s ongoing masterwork, A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE. Before Tyrion Lannister and Podrick Payne there was Dunk and Egg. A young, naïve but courageous hedge knight, Ser Duncan the Tall towers above his rivals – in stature if not experience. Tagging along with him is his diminutive squire, a boy called Egg – whose true identity must be hidden from all he and Dunk encounter: for in reality he is Aegon Targaryen, and one day he will be king. Improbable heroes though they be, great destinies lie ahead for Dunk and Egg; as do powerful foes, royal intrigue, and outrageous exploits. A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS brings together for the first time the first three official prequel novellas to George R.R. Martin’s ongoing masterwork, A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne, and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory. Featuring more than 160 illustrations by Gary Gianni, one of the finest fantasy artists of our time, this beautiful volume will transport readers to the world of the Seven Kingdoms in an age of bygone chivalry.

The new Logan McRae novel from the No. 1 bestselling author of CLOSE TO THE BONE and A SONG FOR THE DYING. One mistake can cost you everything... When you catch a twisted killer there should be a reward, right? What Acting Detective Inspector Logan McRae gets instead is a 'development opportunity' out in the depths of rural Aberdeenshire. Welcome to divisional policing — catching drug dealers, shop lifters, vandals and the odd escaped farm animal. Then a little girl's body washes up just outside the sleepy town of Banff, kicking off a massive manhunt. The Major Investigation Team is up from Aberdeen, wanting answers, and they don't care who they trample over to get them. Logan's got enough on his plate keeping B Division together, but DCI Steel wants him back on her team. As his old colleagues stomp around the countryside, burning bridges, Logan gets dragged deeper and deeper into the investigation. One thing's clear: there are dangerous predators lurking in the wilds of Aberdeenshire, and not everyone's going to get out of this alive...

Grabbed me and refused to let go George R.R. Martin SOMETIMES A GIRL IS TOUCHED BY MOTHER WAR Thorn is such a girl. Desperate to avenge her dead father, she lives to fight. But she has been named murderer by the very man who trained her to kill. SOMETIMES A WOMAN BECOMES A WARRIOR Fate traps her in the schemes — and on the ship — of the deep-cunning minister Father Yarvi. Crossing half the world to find allies against the ruthless High King, she learns harsh lessons of blood and deceit. SOMETIMES A WARRIOR BECOMES A WEAPON Beside her on her gruelling journey is Brand, a young warrior who hates to kill. A failure in his eyes and hers, he has one chance at redemption. AND WEAPONS ARE MADE FOR ONE PURPOSE Will Thorn forever be a tool in the hands of the powerful or can she carve her own path? Is there a place beyond legend for a woman with a blade?

My name is Harriet Manners, and I am still a geek. The fourth book in the award-winning GEEK GIRL series. Harriet Manners has high hopes for the new school year: she's a Sixth Former now, and things are going to be different. But with Nat busy falling in love at college and Toby preoccupied with a Top Secret project, Harriet soon discovers that's not necessarily a good thing...

The house is full of strange bustling noises and peculiar smells. Everyone is busy hanging holly and blowing up balloons, and where is that tree going? Disconcerted by all the unusual activities, Mog escapes to the roof, and there she stays... until, unexpectedly, she returns with a bump! Happy Christmas, Mog!

Collins Easy Learning Writing is an easy-to-use guide on how to write clear and effective English. With simple explanations of everything from the basics of sentence and paragraph structure, to writing CVs, letters, and essays, this book is a valuable guide for anyone who wants to improve their writing.

This practice book will build essential skills through activity-packed fun. The activities are designed to give children a real sense of achievement. This helps to boost their confidence and develop good learning habits for life. This fun range of Maths and English activity books really helps to boost your child’s progress at every stage of their learning. The series builds important skills in line with their learning at school. Each activity is designed to give your child a real sense of achievement. • Helps to boost confidence and develop good learning habits for life. • Motivates children to learn at home using colorful activities that make learning fun. • Includes helpful tips and answers so that you easily support your child’s learning at home.

The new jaw-achingly funny novel from David Walliams, the number one bestselling author! Make your appointment if you dare...Darkness had come to the town. Strange things were happening in the dead of night. Children would put a tooth under their pillow for the tooth fairy, but in the morning they would wake up to find...a dead slug; a live spider; hundreds of earwigs creeping and crawling beneath their pillow. Evil was at work. But who or what was behind it...? Read this book and find out!

The Number One Bestseller. A novel of Ancient Egypt from the bestselling author of River God. Wilbur Smith is a master at the helm of one of the greatest stories of all time. On the banks of the Nile, a hero will rise. Across the lush plains of Egypt, Taita, a freed eunuch slave, wears his authority lightly. Not only is he the close advisor to the Pharaoh, but he is guardian to Pharaoh Tamose's two teenage sisters, the young beauties Tehuti and Bekatha. But the kingdom is not at peace. They have been fighting Southern Egypt's constant and historic enemy, the Hyksos people in the north, since time began. To finally crush them, Pharaoh must turn to his most trusted friend. Taita, philosopher, poet and expert strategist, has a plan that will see Egypt destroy the Hyksos army and form a coveted alliance with Crete in one move. This plan will take him, his expedition commander Zaras, and their mighty warriors on a perilous journey up the Nile, through Arabia to the magical city of Babylon, then across the open seas to Crete. The many dangers will cost lives and time, and they will meet battle and betrayal head on. But Taita must not forget his two charges, the spirited young princesses, whose attraction to the very warriors who lead the fight threatens Taita's meticulous plan and the future of Egypt itself.

A joyful and hilarious tale of some very spirited septuagenarians as they overcome innumerable obstacles to save their beloved mutt from a heartless exterminator in a land where bureaucracy reigns above all else. Picaresque at its very best. Perhaps you're not a member of the Azov House of Culture Elderly Club? Perhaps you missed the talk on the Cabbage Root Fly last week? Galina Petrovna hasn't missed one since she joined the Club, when she officially became old. But she would much rather be at home with her three-legged dog Boroda. Boroda isn't 'hers' exactly, they belong to each other really, and that's why she doesn't wear a collar. And that's how Mitya The Exterminator got her. And that's why Vasily Semyonovich was arrested. And Galina had to call on Zoya who had to call on Grigory Mikhailovich. And go to Moscow. Filled to the brim with pickle, misadventure and tears, Galina Petrovna's Dog Story will leave you smiling at every page.

The explosive, thrilling new BEN HOPE adventure from the top 10 bestselling author A BRUTAL MURDER While secretly researching the bizarre discoveries of Serbian scientist Nikola Tesla many years earlier, physicist Claudine Pommier becomes the victim of a remorseless and cruel murderer who breaks into her Parisian apartment. Is he just a serial killer, or is there more to her death than the Paris cops believe? A SCIENTIST ON THE RUN Maverick American biologist Dr Roberta Ryder receives a mysterious letter from her friend Claudine and travels to Paris to see her, only to learn of her shocking death. Before she knows it, Roberta becomes the target of ruthless men with a deadly agenda that only the letter can unmask. She's alone and vulnerable. But she knows someone — the only someone — who can help her. A PLOT TO KILL MILLIONS Ben Hope, ex-SAS soldier and Roberta's old flame, now trying to retire to a life of peace with his fiancee Brooke, suddenly finds his life turned upside down by Roberta's sudden arrival in England. She needs his help; he can't turn her down. In a frantic race to Paris and halfway around the world, Ben and Roberta battle to uncover the mystery of Claudine's research, with the killers just half a step behind. In the process they uncover a global conspiracy that will claim the lives of millions of people... unless Ben can stop it.

A sweeping, multi-generational saga for fans of Downton Abbey, set around the stately home of Cavendon Hall as the roaring twenties change the family's fortunes forever. 1926. One stately home's future lies with four very different young women... On a summer weekend in 1926 the Ingham family gathers at Cavendon Hall, the great house in Yorkshire that has been their family home for centuries, summoned by the Earl. With them are the Swanns who have served the house for generations — and know all their secrets. The estate is under threat: the aftermath of the Great War has left Cavendon facing ruin. Its heir is pushing for divorce so he can follow his heart. And the Earl has a surprise of his own. Four young women from both sides of the house will be the ones to shape its future — Daphne, fighting to modernise her ancestral home; Cecily Swann, forging a path as a fashion designer in London; Deidre, the career girl, and Dulcie, the outspoken debutante. They will change the estate's future for good or ill as the roaring twenties burn towards the Great Depression. Nothing will ever be the same again...

More Four! Fans of the Divergent series by No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth will be thrilled this collection of short stories told from Four's perspective. Each brief story in this collection explores the world of the Divergent series through the eyes of the mysterious but charismatic Tobias Eaton, revealing previously unknown facets of his personality, backstory and relationships. Features the following stories: The Transfer, The Initiate, The Son, The Traitor and Free Four.

A companion volume to the bestselling The Selection series — extra stories and never-before-seen extras. Fans should prepare to swoon! The achingly romantic and stylish four The Selection enovellas — The Prince, The Guard, The Queen and The Favorite — together in one irresistible volume. Plus exclusive extra content — Art for each of the novellas, a new intro for each of the novellas and 3 brand new scenes from each of the first 3 novels.

Fall in back in love with life in this gripping read about fate and second chances. The eagerly awaited new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author. Thirty year old Izzy Dane has a peaceful life. She lives in the sleepy village of Halfhidden with her aunt Debo, who runs the local kennels, a home from home for waifs and strays in the area. You couldn't say that Izzy's life is particularly exciting, but that's just how she likes it, she's bid farewell to a dramatic life since a terrible accident when she was a teenager and for now, she's perfectly content with her aunt and the dogs in Halfhidden. So what happens when someone forces Izzy to fall in love with life again? Will her painful past stand in the way of her future happiness? Can you make an omlette without breaking a few eggs?