Books published by publisher West 44 Books

Guilt, sacrifice and redemption in a freezing Peak District winter feature in this tense psychological thriller from the acclaimed author of BLACK DOG and DANCING WITH THE VIRGINS. It wasn’t the easiest way to commit suicide. Marie Tennent seems to have curled up in the freezing snow on Irontongue Hill and stayed there until her body was frosted over like a supermarket chicken. And hers isn’t the only death the Derbyshire police have to contend with – not after the discovery of a baby in the wreckage of an old air force bomber, and the body of a man dumped by the roadside. As if that isn’t enough, snow and ice have left half of ‘E’ Division out of action, and Detective Sergeant Diane Fry is forced to partner with DC Gavin Murfin. She and Ben Cooper were never a match made in heaven - but, next to Murfin, working with Ben starts to look like a dream. Cooper is on a trail of his own, though – and one as cold as the Peak District January. In an equally bitter winter in 1945 an RAF bomber crashed on Irontongue Hill, killing everyone except the pilot, who walked away and disappeared. Now the pilot's grand-daughter is in Derbyshire desperate to clear his name, and Ben can’t help taking an interest. But is a fifty-year-old mystery really the best use of police time? Or does a vicious attack in the dark Edendale back streets prove that the trail isn't quite so cold as he thought? Could the past be the only clue to present violence as an icy winter looks set to get even chillier? BLOOD ON THE TONGUE is the third novel in the multiple award-winning Cooper & Fry series, set in England's beautiful and atmospheric Peak District. PRAISE FOR THE COOPER AND FRY SERIES: "Suspenseful and supremely engaging. Booth does a wonderful job." - Los Angeles Times "Simultaneously classic, contemporary and haunting." - Otto Penzler, Mysterious Bookshop, New York "Makes high summer in Derbyshire as dark and terrifying as midwinter." - Val McDermid, award-winning crime novelist "Intelligent and substantive crime fiction, rich with complex characters." - Library Journal "Booth has firmly joined the elite of Britain's top mystery writers." - Florida Sun-Sentinel "Highly recommended - a great series!" - Seattle Mystery Books "Ben Cooper and Diane Fry are the most interesting team to arrive on the mystery scene in a long while." - Rocky Mountain News "One of our best story tellers." - Sunday Telegraph "There are few, if any, contemporary writers who do this as well as Stephen Booth." - Arena magazine "Booth delivers some of the best crime fiction in the UK." - Manchester Evening News "Booth's aim is to portray the darkness below the surface... in this he succeeds wonderfully well." - Mark Billingham, crime novelist "If you read only one new crime writer this year, he's your man." - Yorkshire Post

The team has more than a base now. They have a fortress, a thriving farm, and a road to the village Kayla and Jaz discovered in the last adventure, where they can trade for items with the villagers. However, all four of them will have to leave their comfort zones a little in this story, as Dave and Kayla venture into the jungle. Matt and Jaz go looking in the depths of the earth for obsidian, which is the toughest Minecraft material and their way into yet another world.

Sassy, savvy sleuth Alana Oakley is at it again. There's school newbie, Flynn, and the Teen Expert, Dr. Gray, who's dating her mom, to investigate. But as Alana starts probing she gets more than she bargains for. Is Bad-Boy Flynn the serial arsonist setting schools on fire? Is Gray a modern Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Can Alana solve both mysteries before her birthday? And will her birthday be another Epic Fail? All will be revealed in another chaotic adventure Alana calls Life.

The Creepy Critter Keepers find a huge dog stuck in a trash can. He might even be a young wolf! After they take him back to their clubhouse, the wolf-dog suddenly turns into their new friend from school. Can they keep the fact that their friend is a werewolf secret? Can they stop him from turning into a wild animal every full moon? Should they learn to respect their classmate for who he is?

It's summertime, and that means it's time to play basketball! Tyler signs the All-Stars up for their first tournament at the local rec center. But he doesn't plan on the challenges that can come with summer. Cam and Brianna are in summer school, Jasmine has to go stay with her dad, and Markus has to mow laws all summer. Tyler is left alone to practice, and worries that the All-Stars are breaking up. Can the All-Stars find a way to deal with their summer schedules and still practice for the big game?

In the near future, the tides are rising, the weather is out of control, and the rain is poison. Mal lost his family in a storm and now lives with other teens, trying to survive the changing world. When one of his friends becomes sick, he and his makeshift family must travel across the country to reach a safe place. But the road is dangerous and not all will find their way safely to a new home.

When the Creepy Critter Keepers find a baby Bigfoot inside their clubhouse, they want to keep her as a pet. But then the Boggy Brothers come to town on a hunt to find Bigfoot themselves. The kids know they need to get their new buddy back to her mother soon. Can they take their furry friend home in time? Or will the Boggy Brothers catch up with them first?

The mysterious disappearance of a friend's precious charm sets sassy and savvy sleuth Alana Oakley on the warpath. But Alana quickly realizes that having Attitude with a capital "A" isn't enough to solve the case. She invokes her savvy self to duel with the military-inspired Coach Kusmuk, dodge the over-exuberant Nurse Cathy, and deal with her impulsive and accident-prone mother, who is one click away from Internet-dating a mass murderer! The biggest mystery of all: What spectacular disaster will her mother have planned for her birthday this year?

It's 2424. Max Booth, an 11-year-old resourceful orphan is struggling to survive. With the chance to make some money by uncovering the secrets of mysterious 'gadgets' from the 20th century, Max and his faithful, but slightly neurotic, robodog Oscar start investigating. The path to success is never easy, and there are sinister tricks, strange characters and lots of challenges along the way. Features include: Easy-to-read sci-fi series full of surprises and suspense. Subtle environmental theme that inspires curiosity and helps readers consider the future of the planet. Written in an engaging first-person voice with language that developing readers will tackle with confidence. Each fun and engaging story is supported by Dave Atze's funny, entertaining illustrations.