In this book, an international team of specialists reflects, more than a dozen years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, on the implications of that momentous conjuncture for the study of party politics in Europe. In particular, the authors and editors seek to address two inter-connected questions: To what extent is there evidence of convergence in patterns of party politics across Eastern and Western Europe? And how far has the theory of parties and party systems coped with the emergence of democratic politics in Eastern Europe? In a wideranging and stimulating set of essays, these issues are...

Andrew Wilton decides to write a novel based on Alex Hodge's memories of a visit to a family in pre-war Germany. However, while researching the death of a member of that family under mysterious circumstances during the Second World War, he receives a warning to stop his investigation. Ignoring the threat and coming face to face with life-threatening danger, he reunites ex Hitler Youth members and continues to delve into a part of history that was thought closed.

When James Forester inherits a farm on the edge of Dartmoor it is the beginning of more than a change of lifestyle. Finding new friendships, falling in love and learning about the man who bequeathed him the farm, pale into insignificance when the "Dog of Dartmoor" strikes near his home. What can James do to protect those he has grown to love.

Inheriting sufficient money to retire early, Stuart Webster decides that before embarking on a new life he will give himself time to take stock. Taking the job of live-in caretaker at a disused quarry he is able to relax and collect his thoughts. That is until a headless body surfaces in one of the pools. Stuart becomes the focus of media interest which accuses him of being complicit in the murder. The police are reluctant to come forward with information to repute this allegation so Stuart is forced to prove his innocence.

Barney Bridge has a lifestyle provided from inheriting a vast fortune and a publishing empire. However, this carefree existence comes to an end when a friend is found murdered. The press, having already linked Barney to the murders, direct the media spotlight on him so Barney decides that the only way to clear himself is to start his own investigation.

Having found love, Scott also finds he is in the middle of a mystery that takes his partner, Christian, from him. He learns that a fraud implicates all those around him and is unable to trust any of them. Finding an ally in one of Christian's co-worker's he sets out to find Christian. Unprotected by the police and without friends, they unwittingly place themselves in considerable peril.

Stephen Sawyer lives in the house of Sir Richard Brogan in Devon during the reign of Henry VIII. As the son of a servant, he and his friend Tim play freely around the estate. Once of age they take their place in the household with Tim as page to Sir Richard and Stephen companion to his son Robert. After several years this carefree lifestyle is brought to an abrupt halt when Stephen witnesses Tim's brutal murder. Stephen vows revenge, but how, when his duties confine him to the house? His opportunity comes when he is appointed Robert's page and is able to travel. He sees first hand the...

When King John wore the crown of England few people had an easy life. Timothy Gubbins is sent to a priory at the age of five. At eighteen the abbot insists that he leave With the help of a mysterious minstrel, Timothy finds work and learns about the fate of his family. He also discovers a neighbouring landowner's intention to kill him and take over his estate. Timothy and the minstrel are determined to regain his birthright.

Sam Tucker, a lowly gooseherd, is waylaid by a nobleman, Thomas Englestone, so does not attend to the geese. After they escape Sam is banished from his village. Later that day, when a body is found in their enclosure, he is accused of murder. He suspects Englestone is the killer. Whilst on the run, Sam meets men able to help him find the proof and his quest takes him from being an outlaw to having the ear of King Edward I.