Books with author Des Thompson

The $12 Million Stuffed Shark delves into the economics and psychology of the contemporary art world - artists, dealers, auction houses, and wealthy collectors. If it's true - as so often said - that 85 percent of new contemporary art is bad, why were record prices achieved at auction for works by 131 contemporary artists in 2006 alone, with astonishing new heights reached in 2007? The $12 Million Stuffed Shark explores money, lust, and the self-aggrandizement of possession in an attempt to determine what makes a particular work of art valuable while others are ignored. In the style of the bestselling Freakonomics, Thompson uses economic concepts to explain the unique practices employed, to great success, in the international contemporary art market. He discusses branding and marketing and how various strategies are tailored to a wealthy clientele, driving a "must-have" culture. Drawing on exclusive interviews with both past and present executives of auction houses and art dealerships, artists, and the buyers who move the market, Thompson launches the reader on a surprising journey of discovery.

14-year-old Brady Clark could deal with having a bloodied face. He could handle his mom and dad fighting like cats and dogs. Even though the terrifying scream of a loved one sent a shiver down his spine, he could even shrug that off. What he couldn’t handle was being treated like a little boy when he was nearly a man. He knew tensions were high and he and his little brother were wearing thin on his parents’ nerves. But bringing out the belt for a teenager? That was going too far!Brady wasn’t going to stand for it. He didn’t care that he was barefoot or was running around in his boxers. He bolted into the woods and his little brother, Derrick, followed close behind. He was determined to show his parents, especially his dad, what it felt like to be in the hot seat. And getting found by the authorities gave him just the opportunity he was looking for!Read Revenge Fires Back today to find out what happened! __________________________"JR Thompson’s novel Revenge Fires Back tackles tough issues with unflinching realism, and sets itself apart from other novels in the genre by doing this while using language appropriate for all ages. Much of the story is seen through the eyes of a teenage boy, which makes this cautionary tale gripping without being sentimental.Revenge Fires Back is a family drama that will appeal to readers who love clean, family-oriented stories with lots of action, subtle horror elements, and complex characters dealing with heavy topics. This is a page-turner that stays with you long after the last page. Great read!"Julie Hopkins________________________"After reading "Revenge Fires Back", my eyes were opened to the unjust "justice system" we have here in America. The journey of the Clark family through the tough trials they go through has many ups and downs but God's hand is clearly over the family and doing a mighty work in the young boys. I highly recommend this book to people of all ages and backgrounds! It a huge eye opener!"Andrew C.

Of all the rotten timing for her prince charming to come along... She can't marry him while her name is marred! There's no way she would dream of tainting the man's reputation — he had enough baggage of his own to worry about. Fortunately for Ericka, Titus is not the kind of guy who gives up easily. Going undercover, he becomes a resident of a men's homeless shelter. No matter what it takes, he's determined to expose the real criminal so he can take Ericka's hand in marriage. Can Titus find out who framed his red-headed angel? Is that even safe? The only way to find out is to get a copy of Storms At Shelton!Even though Storms of Shelton is the fourth book in the Harmony series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Future and past entwined.Despite the victory over Cantor Cortis, the dark power still spreads. Nightmare creatures are wiping out villages all along the southern edge of the wild Tangle forest, causing a stream of refugees to flow into the capital of Sontair in the hope of finding protection.All who helped overthrow the Nine Sisters of Redmondis have been touched by what they experienced and those they lost. Dark visions sap Petron and Daemi’s strength even as they try to heal the rifts within Redmondis and forge a new path for the wielders, crafters, and guards who make up its three main schools.Wilt must enter the Tangle to seek out the source of the power that calls to him. Visions of the past seen through other eyes haunt his days, and he finds it harder and harder to resist the pull of his wraith form.The Guardian is old and weak, and the Tangle is no longer secure…

Petrified to stay yet horrified to leave, sixteen-year-old Remington Russell finds himself prey to a ruthless psychopath. The young man is 2,000 miles away from his family and the remote cabin he’s hiding out in has no neighbors, no telephone, and no connections with the outside world. His stalker is creepier than the worst nightmare the teenager has ever lived through. He can’t decide what’s worse — the way she lurks about in the shadows, how she taunts him while he’s awake, what she does to him while he sleeps, the photographs, or perhaps finding out what she did to the guy he had to bury upon his arrival to Troy.(Warning: This is the most intense of the books in the Harmony series. It's more of a thriller than a mystery so if you're a bit squeamish, this might not be the book for you)

Now that Acantha and her sisters are free from any threats, the fierce captain hopes her life can return to normal. But just as she and her adventurous crew are about to embark on another year of treasure hunting, Acantha comes face to face with her elusive nemesis. Acantha has longed to meet the witch again, but finds she is less than prepared for the evil she now faces. A slippery old crone, the witch overpowers Acantha, paralyzing her and forcing her to relive their long-ago first meeting, compelling her to face yet again the truths and memories she has tried for so long to forget. And this dark conjurer has an even bigger hand in the plot to destroy her than the cunning captain first realizes. Has Acantha unwittingly played into the witch’s vile schemes? Will Acantha survive the witch’s attack unscathed?Can she overcome her turbulent past — as she charts a course toward a future where she’s no longer hunted or reviled?In the dramatic sequel to The Dark Eve: Without Redemption, T.K Thompson reveals the infamous pirate Captain Acantha as never seen before as she navigates a new heading that can never be forgotten.

Journey of a Couch Gnome is the prequel to the beloved Peter Pomperfield Series and follows the adventures of three couch gnomes on their quest to turn iron into gold. Join Riddlesaw, Gruffhammer and Drillbit as they embark on an epic adventure that will change their relationship as brothers and impact their lives forever. When an unexpected event forces three couch gnomes to leave the comfort of their family cottage and embark on a journey across a perilous mountain, the brothers discover they must rely on each other's talents or fail in their quest. Armed with their father's carpentry tools, the three gnomes enlist the help of a hound, fox and chicken to aid them in their journey. Readers will fall in love with this timeless tale of adventure, friendship and brotherhood. The events that follow Journey of a Couch Gnome can be found in Peter Pomperfield and the Battle for Grandma's House, available at all major retailers. For more information on the Peter Pomperfield Series, visit www.peterpomperfield.weebly.com