Thousands of original, low cost and free ebooks from the authors and publishers of Smashwords.  All these books are $5.00 or less!  Try before you buy.



- Hide covers    - Hide descriptions    + Show bios
Pudgygate by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Pudgygate by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Jul. 28, 2010 $0.99 6493 words Sample 30%
Imagine a dinner party in a English country manor with an American cook named Bubba making a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, waiters from Cal Tech, British royalty, a cat named Pudgy, and a thief. Honestly, what could go wrong?
Promises to Keep (a short story) by A. J.  Pompano Promises to Keep (a short story) by A. J. Pompano Jul. 28, 2010 $0.99 2235 words Sample 20%
“Promises to Keep” is a Quincy Lazzaro story of crime fiction. When her abusive husband does not allow Quincy’s elderly aunt, Marion, to go to their daughter’s wedding, she turns to the only solace in her life; her garden.
An Addendum to the Affair of the Dog that did Not Bark. by Philip van Wulven An Addendum to the Affair of the Dog that did Not Bark. by Philip van Wulven Jul. 28, 2010 $0.99 1822 words Sample 50%
Some revelations by Dr Watson of hitherto undisclosed details in the resolution of this interesting case.
Clicking Sticks by Dean Wesley Smith Clicking Sticks by Dean Wesley Smith Jul. 26, 2010 $0.99 3269 words Sample 30%
When the girl next door, the girl you’ve had a crush on for years, comes to you for help, you know things have changed and just maybe you might have a dream come true. But sometimes dreams just aren’t what they are built up to be. A mystery short story by bestselling writer Dean Wesley Smith.
Black Shadows by Simon Swift Black Shadows by Simon Swift Jul. 26, 2010 $3.99 113904 words Sample 10%
Black Shadows is a crime novel blending fact and fiction. When private detective, Errol Black and his fellow agents, are protecting an Irish mobster they get mixed up in the killing of Dutch Schultz. 10 years later, a young lady hires Black for a routine surveillance job, which turns bad. Black is drawn deeper into a violent and bloody quest for the priceless Blue Tavernier Diamond.
Cut Shot by John R. Corrigan Cut Shot by John R. Corrigan Jul. 25, 2010 $2.99 61662 words Sample 30%
...riveting, characters you care about, well conceived, gracefully presented. - Robert B. Parker. Jack Austin is engaged, making a living, still believes in the PGA Tour’s integrity. Then Hutch Gainer reveals a gambling ring. Jack’s fiancée, a CBS commentator, investigates. In this golf mystery, Jack enters the underworld to prevent scandal but finds murder and a contract on his life.
Broken Dreams - Free six chapter sample eBook by Nick Quantrill Broken Dreams - Free six chapter sample eBook by Nick Quantrill Jul. 25, 2010 Free! 18815 words Read a sample
Joe Geraghty, Private Investigator, is used to struggling from one case to the next, barely making the rent on his small office in the Old Town of Hull. Invited by a local businessman to investigate a member of his staff's absenteeism, it's the kind of surveillance work that Geraghty and his small team have performed countless times...
Bedderhoff Dead by Mark Wolfgang Bedderhoff Dead by Mark Wolfgang Jul. 25, 2010 $2.99 102358 words Sample 20%
"Bedderhoff Dead" is the first of a series of Yoopernatural Mysteries, which take place in Deathe, a dead-end town in Michigan's haunted Upper Peninsula. Michigan State Police Trooper Alice Louise Dubose is sent there to investigate the murder of a teacher at Cavendish Community College. Alice already hates the U.P., now she's about to learn just how strange Deathe and its residents really are
Almost Gone by Stan Richards Almost Gone by Stan Richards Jul. 25, 2010 $4.00 54380 words Sample 33%
With this eerie, suspenseful, and heart-wrenching debut novel, Stan Richards provides shocking twists to familiar roman noir themes. Obsessed that he might have played a role in her brutal murder, Detective Chuck Johnson reopens the unsolved case and ventures into the dark oedipal depths of his childhood. But he soon learns that the past is not what it seems to be.
The Copycat Didn't Have Nine Lives (a short story) by A. J.  Pompano The Copycat Didn't Have Nine Lives (a short story) by A. J. Pompano Jul. 24, 2010 $0.99 3349 words Sample 20%
This is a Quincy Lazzaro Mystery short story. When Quincy is summoned to his writer’s group because one of the members has died, he discovers that murder is more than fiction in this group.
A Death in Key Largo by Fred Zackel A Death in Key Largo by Fred Zackel Jul. 24, 2010 $2.99 24623 words Sample 10%
"Killing somebody you love is a serious thing. It's got to mean something to you. Just so you can appreciate what we're doing for you. And you will pay whatever the price is." From the author of COCAINE AND BLUE EYES, MURDER IN WAIKIKI, and other fine works of fiction.
Snake River Secret, a Mary MacIntosh novel by Maureen Meehan Aplin Snake River Secret, a Mary MacIntosh novel by Maureen Meehan Aplin Jul. 24, 2010 $4.99 87237 words Sample 10%
When Mary MacIntosh’s legal secretary goes missing, a frantic search through the white water torrents of the Snake River reveals clues a manic drug dealer leaves behind. Ceremonial Shoshone sweat lodge chants lead Mac to the secret Popo Agie cave where she unburies an unimaginable web of conspiracy shocking enough to rip apart long-time family ties in this thrilling and epically haunting novel.
Satan's School for Scandal by Jack Bates Satan's School for Scandal by Jack Bates Jul. 24, 2010 $1.79 9393 words Sample 10%
When her husband’s political aspirations take on a sinister overtone, socialite and politician Victoria Buckingham consults Private Investigator Harry Landers, hoping to unlock the mystery of her husband’s erratic behavior. Is he planning her demise with a little assistance from the dark side; or, has the stress of her own political campaign begun to affect her rationale?
Bullets Off-Broadway by Wayne Zurl Bullets Off-Broadway by Wayne Zurl Jul. 24, 2010 $1.79 10327 words Sample 10%
Prospect City Councilman Danny Swope had two bad habits. He drank too much and he beat his wife. Throw in an overbearing personality, and Police Chief Sam Jenkins isn't surprised when Danny is found shot to death. Jenkins' investigation takes him into the world of cowboy action shooters and his own deadly fast draw contest.
Mrs. Quigley's Kidnapping by Jean Sheldon Mrs. Quigley's Kidnapping by Jean Sheldon Jul. 23, 2010 $3.99 70298 words Sample 30%
Mattie Draper opened her Chicago detective agency in 1968. She was one of only a handful of female Private Investigators nationwide. For three months her cases offered no greater challenge than finding lost pets and wayward spouses—until someone kidnapped Diana Quigley. In a race to find the missing woman, Mattie tries to untangle the helpful information supplied by a growing lists of suspects.
Dying to Ski, a Mary MacIntosh novel by Maureen Meehan Aplin Dying to Ski, a Mary MacIntosh novel by Maureen Meehan Aplin Jul. 22, 2010 $4.99 97916 words Sample 10%
When the co-founder of a pharmaceutical giant is found dead on the slopes of Jackson Hole, his partner is accused of murder and hires Mary MacIntosh to defend him. What she uncovers sends shock waves through the community. Caught in an accelerating tempest of secrecy and lies, Mac battles to save her client's freedom; yet, betrayed on all sides, she finds herself fighting for her own life.
A Mold for Murder (Book 3 in the Soapmaking Mysteries) by Tim Myers A Mold for Murder (Book 3 in the Soapmaking Mysteries) by Tim Myers Jul. 22, 2010 $2.99 61856 words Sample 25%
Ben's family soapmaking business, Where There's Soap, risks a lot when they decide to hold the first annual Soap Celebration. He even invites renowned author and soapmaker Contessa New Berne, who turns out to be every bit the drama queen he was led to expect. As the crowd waits impatiently for her to appear at the event, Ben goes in search of her, only to find that she's been murdered.
Moth Madness by Eric Wilder Moth Madness by Eric Wilder Jul. 21, 2010 $0.99 3667 words Sample 40%
Ghosts, spirits and a voice from the past greet visitors at a Navajo pueblo not far from Taos.
Powder River Poison, a Mary MacIntosh novel by Maureen Meehan Aplin Powder River Poison, a Mary MacIntosh novel by Maureen Meehan Aplin Jul. 21, 2010 $4.99 90259 words Sample 10%
A brutal struggle in the cutthroat oil and gas industry in a quaint Wyoming town between ranch owner Butch Anderson, a born-in-the-saddle cowboy world famous on the rodeo circuit vs. a coalbed methane gas company. When sludge oozes from the “Well from Hell” contaminating the groundwater, destroying rangeland, and poisoning the Powder River Basin, Mary MacIntosh champions a toxic crusade.
Old Time Jews by Thomas Kennedy Old Time Jews by Thomas Kennedy Jul. 21, 2010 $1.99 12575 words Sample 50%
He moves off, almost marching, with a slight stoop. I wonder is he paranoid in his old age. If he’s nuts, he’s nuts, but the money is real. I look at the postcard. The instructions are in German and there is a map reference. If the cemetery is unchanged it should be a breeze... A client with Alzheimers wants you to retrieve something before he commits suicide...
Husband Dummies by Dean Wesley Smith Husband Dummies by Dean Wesley Smith Jul. 19, 2010 $0.99 3018 words Sample 30%
When two couples decide to play the Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice pretend game, things can take a nasty turn for the worse. Especially when the wives want to change the movie. A mystery short story by bestselling writer Dean Wesley Smith.
When the Dead Speak by Sandra Tooley When the Dead Speak by Sandra Tooley Jul. 19, 2010 $0.99 67798 words Sample 10%
The body of a U.S. soldier reported AWOL during the Korean War is found encased in a concrete pillar. What secret did he carry to his grave and why is someone hell-bent on keeping that secret buried? Sgt Samantha Casey has an advantage over other cops. The dead speak to her, tell her secrets about their life and death. But sometimes what she learns can get her killed. First in the series.
Little White Lies by Ron & Janet Benrey Little White Lies by Ron & Janet Benrey Jul. 19, 2010 $2.99 86986 words Sample 50%
The Benreys spin a brisk Christian murder mystery ... fast paced andliberally seasoned with flavorful bits of British culture and dry humor.-- Publishers Weekly
Bloody Twist: A Lupe Solano Mystery by Carolina Garcia-Aguilera Bloody Twist: A Lupe Solano Mystery by Carolina Garcia-Aguilera Jul. 19, 2010 $4.99 101096 words Sample 20%
Bloody Twist is the seventh novel in the Bloody Series (three murders per book or your money is refunded) featuring Lupe Solano, the Cuban-American private investigator who lives and works in Miami. Two years after having been shot, (Bitter Sugar), Lupe is back on the job, helping Tommy MacDonald, Miami’s premiere criminal defense attorney and sometime lover.
La última jugada by Fernando Trujillo La última jugada by Fernando Trujillo Jul. 18, 2010 Free! 22056 words Read a sample
Solo Ella podía convocarles a la cita más importante de sus vidas, y, ahora, tres hombres y una mujer, cuyos destinos han quedado entrelazados, tendrán que superar la mayor de las pruebas. Y lo único que importa es vencer.
A Pour Way to Dye (Book 2 in the Soapmaking Mysteries) by Tim Myers A Pour Way to Dye (Book 2 in the Soapmaking Mysteries) by Tim Myers Jul. 17, 2010 $2.99 69283 words Sample 25%
Ben's family has owned Where There's Soap, their boutique and production facility, for what seems like forever. When a nasty neighbor puts up a fence on their land, he claims it belongs to him, and he has the papers to prove it. As Ben digs into this problem, an even bigger one comes along when the neighbor in question is found murdered right next door!
Stomping Mad by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Stomping Mad by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Jul. 16, 2010 $0.99 6515 words Sample 20%
When a dead body turns up at the first ever Dinocon, Secret Master of Fandom and Private Detective Spade knows just who might be behind it all: Lucinda Danielle Stanhope who calls herself the Martha Stewart of Science Fiction. Now he just has to prove it. “Stomping Mad” marks the first appearance of Spade, who along with his sidekick Paladin, is one of Rusch’s most popular characters.
Dead Men Don't Lye (Book 1 in the Soapmaking Mysteries) by Tim Myers Dead Men Don't Lye (Book 1 in the Soapmaking Mysteries) by Tim Myers Jul. 16, 2010 $2.99 72222 words Sample 25%
Ben Perkins is the family and business troubleshooter for Where There's Soap, a family-owned boutique and small scale production shop the creates and sells all things Soap related. When one of the store's suppliers is doused with Lye and dies, Ben soon finds out that one of his sisters was dating the man, and worse yet, it had just ended badly.
Double Trouble: A Ryan/Lehrer Mystery by Jim Lacey Double Trouble: A Ryan/Lehrer Mystery by Jim Lacey Jul. 15, 2010 $1.99 102303 words Sample 50%
The disappearance of a controversial history professor from his sailboat on the Connecticut shore initiates a web of intrigue that brings an attractive cast of characters to New York City and Washington, D.C. There they blunder into a world of violence involving terrorism and assassination. The story is a page-turner, upbeat, romantic at times, and full of surprises.
Katz Cradle by Bob Henneberger Katz Cradle by Bob Henneberger Jul. 14, 2010 $1.99 91176 words Sample 50%
An insurance company hires Benjamin and Cassandra to investigate a five million dollar death claim; the beneficiary is a corporation in the Cayman Islands. Uncovering who is behind a Cayman Island corporation is the key to uncovering who the killer is and why. Cassandra has a pregnancy scare, the ‘Katz cradle’, but she really isn’t expecting.
Details by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Details by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Jul. 13, 2010 $0.99 8831 words Sample 30%
George has lived a full life as a decorated WWII veteran, high-end attorney, family man. But the incident that haunts him only took five minutes, five minutes when he shared a Coke with a woman on her way to California, a woman who would die hours later. Murdered. Maybe even by George.
Snap Hook by John R. Corrigan Snap Hook by John R. Corrigan Jul. 13, 2010 $2.99 84414 words Sample 30%
Witty and intriguing. - Tess Gerritsen. The Russian Mafia, long involved in North American pro sports, eyes the PGA Tour. In this golf mystery, slumping Jack Austin, could lose his eligibility. When an infant is kidnapped, Jack goes after his friend's baby, comes face to face with a renegade Russian mobster, before his final showdown with star Phil Mickelson.
Death with Dessert by Vinnie Hansen Death with Dessert by Vinnie Hansen Jul. 13, 2010 $3.99 61553 words Sample 50%
Carol Sabala's mother dies, propelling Carol, a private investigator, on a dangerous hunt for her long-absent father. As Carol ventures to Zihuatanejo, Mexico, the mysterious Mark Escalante snares her in a deadly pursuit.
Center Cut by John R. Corrigan Center Cut by John R. Corrigan Jul. 13, 2010 $0.99 91975 words Sample 30%
Corrigan writes well enough that Austin would be interesting [as] a baker, first-rate. - Mystery Scene Magazine. In this golf mystery, Jack Austin begins a new season in his worst slump—with a family to support. As he battles back into contention, friend Grant Ashley faces a worse problem: his new wife is missing. Jack’s investigation uncovers a betrayal and a woman’s secret past.
Out of Bounds by John R. Corrigan Out of Bounds by John R. Corrigan Jul. 12, 2010 $2.99 96485 words Sample 30%
...a thankfully fictional story. Will satisfy. -Publisher's Weekly. How far will a golfer go to maintain a lifestyle? Why are Tour players associated with one equipment manufacturer being killed? Tour player and reluctant sleuth Jack Austin uncovers disturbing answers. Have steroids reached golf? In this golf mystery, Jack risks it all to find out.
Bad Lie by John R. Corrigan Bad Lie by John R. Corrigan Jul. 12, 2010 $2.99 95060 words Sample 30%
Will remind many of Robert B. Parker and Dick Francis at their best. -Publishers Weekly (starred review). In this golf mystery, Jack Austin promises surrogate son Nash Henley to find his real father. When Owen Henley is murdered, Nash wants to know who the man was, a request leading Jack away from reaching golf's top echelon to an international smuggling scheme. A gunshot changes everything.
The Black Widow by Michael Hanson The Black Widow by Michael Hanson Jul. 11, 2010 $2.99 35545 words Sample 20%
Michael Hanson patrolled the streets of the West End of London as a 'bobby' in the fifties and then served as a detective in one of the busiest stations in the Metropolitan Police. This gives his writing and the reader an insight into human nature and police procedure when dealing with serious crime.
Memorial Day: A Mick Callahan Novel by Harry Shannon Memorial Day: A Mick Callahan Novel by Harry Shannon Jul. 11, 2010 $3.49 70125 words Sample 20%
Former television talk-show psychiatrist Mick Callahan, foiled by his own ego, is now earning an undistinguished living as a radio host in Dry Wells, Nevada. But things are looking up: he has an interview for a job that will return him to television. The only problem is the murder of a young woman caller to his show. Mick must find out whodunit before the case can foul up his job opportunity.
One of the Wicked: A Mick Callahan Novel by Harry Shannon One of the Wicked: A Mick Callahan Novel by Harry Shannon Jul. 11, 2010 $3.49 80651 words Sample 20%
Mick Callahan, ex-Navy SEAL turned talk-show psychologist, is doing a pal a favor. Bud Stone owes money to a gangster named Big Paul Pesci. He’s worried about his ex-girlfriend and asks Mick to keep her safe. But when Stone rips off a drug dealer to pay Pesci, the situation explodes. The girl disappears and Mick finds himself caught between the police and the Russian Mob. Third in the series.
Death's Memory by Matt Williams Death's Memory by Matt Williams Jul. 11, 2010 Free! 3024 words Read a sample
Panic strikes as a man wakes to find a dead body - and no answers. Has he been framed? A knock at the door triggers a series of events threatening to expose the truth...and the identity of the murderer.
Blade Chatter by Sara Marie Hogg Blade Chatter by Sara Marie Hogg Jul. 11, 2010 $3.99 41720 words Sample 10%
Blade Chatter, Twenty Four Stories of the Macabre is a volume of short fiction that includes such topics as geezers gone wild, alien life, strange medical conditions, phobias, alcoholic rants, creative bully removal, tainted, unrequieted love and jealousy to the max--refreshing, as short story collections are not so common these days. Maybe reminiscent of Poe, Saki and Hitchcockian in tone.
Patriotic Gestures by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Patriotic Gestures by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Jul. 10, 2010 $0.99 5378 words Sample 30%
Crime scene investigator Pamela Kinney heard the bad guys outside her house and smelled smoke, but it wasn’t until morning that she realized they’d burned the flag that covered her daughter’s casket. Her police colleagues called it a small crime, but to her, it wasn’t. She had to solve it, and she had to solve it now.
A Bucket of Ashes by P.B. Ryan A Bucket of Ashes by P.B. Ryan Jul. 09, 2010 $2.99 70900 words Sample 20%
Governess Nell Sweeney and wounded battle surgeon Will Hewitt reunite on Cape Cod to investigate the death of Nell’s long-lost brother--who may or may not have murdered a woman in cold blood--in Book #6 of P.B. Ryan’s critically acclaimed historical mystery series, A Bucket of Ashes. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Group, Inc.
Murder in the North End by P.B. Ryan Murder in the North End by P.B. Ryan Jul. 09, 2010 $2.99 68827 words Sample 20%
Irish-born governess Nell Sweeney and Brahmin black sheep Dr. Will Hewitt infiltrate the worst Irish slum in Boston to keep Detective Colin Cook from being framed for murder in Book #5 of P.B. Ryan’s celebrated historical mystery series, Murder in the North End. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Group, Inc.
Murder on Black Friday by P.B. Ryan Murder on Black Friday by P.B. Ryan Jul. 09, 2010 $2.99 60917 words Sample 20%
In Book #4 of P.B. Ryan’s popular historical mystery series, Boston governess Nell Sweeney, along with roguish Harvard professor and forensic scientist Will Hewitt, investigates the deaths of two men who committed suicide--or did they?--when the gold market crashed in 1869. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Group, Inc.
Death on Beacon Hil by P.B. Ryan Death on Beacon Hil by P.B. Ryan Jul. 09, 2010 $2.99 68991 words Sample 20%
Boston governess Nell Sweeney keeps one foot in her Irish roots and the other in the world of Brahmin privilege as she and Dr. Will Hewitt investigate the shooting deaths of a notorious actress and her Irish maid. Book #3 of P.B. Ryan’s critically praised historical mystery series, Death on Beacon Hill was originally published by Berkley Prime Crime.
Murder in a Mill Town by P.B. Ryan Murder in a Mill Town by P.B. Ryan Jul. 09, 2010 $2.99 75379 words Sample 20%
Boston governess Nell Sweeney and her employer’s morphine-addicted son, Dr. Will Hewitt, investigate the disappearance of a young woman who worked in the Hewitt family's textile mill in Book #2 of P.B. Ryan’s historical mystery series, Murder in a Mill Town. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Group, Inc.
Still Life With Murder by P.B. Ryan Still Life With Murder by P.B. Ryan Jul. 09, 2010 $2.99 95038 words Sample 20%
Nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award, Still Life With Murder is Book #1 of P.B. Ryan’s acclaimed historical mystery series featuring Boston governess Nell Sweeney and opium-smoking former battle surgeon Will Hewitt.Thought to have died during the Civil War, Will is arrested for murder, and Nell must prove his innocence. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime.
Primal Wound by Ruth Francisco Primal Wound by Ruth Francisco Jul. 09, 2010 $2.99 76745 words Sample 10%
When Cicely Scott sets out to find her birthmother in rural New Hampshire, she uncovers a dark family saga of insanity and murder. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Homicide Inspector Val Picard suspects Cicely may be responsible for the disappearance of a young preschool teacher. Lies and betrayal lead to additional murders. But who is at fault?
Black Market Princess by V. Alexander Black Market Princess by V. Alexander Jul. 08, 2010 $3.97 67588 words Sample 20%
Denise Rutledge can't have a normal life. Uneducated and bipolar, her only hope of escaping a minimum wage existence is to become a player in a secret multi-billion dollar industry where mobsters, ministers, and executives strike deals that often prove deadly. Based on events associated with the real Black Market, Denise shows it's possible to beat the system, to get rich, and to get revenge.