The Best of Archie Comics Starring Betty & Veronica, Book Two, 416 pages

 The celebration of over 75 years of Archie Comics fun continues in this full-color collection, featuring over 400 pages of classic and modern Betty and Veronica stories!

The gals are back and better than ever on this second volume of THE BEST OF ARCHIE COMICS STARRING BETTY AND VERONICA!

This compilation features some of the most entertaining and well-loved Betty and Veronica stories from the past seven decades, starting in the '40s and continuing to present day. Also included in this volume are exclusive anecdotes and personal statements from comic writers, artists and editors about the impact of the two BFFs on their lives and work. This is a must-have edition for anyone who has enjoyed the Betty and Veronica comics as well as a great introduction to the history of the iconic duo!

Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey Through the Heart of America's Fast-Food Kingdom by Adam Chandler, 276 pages

 Most any honest person can own up to harboring at least one fast-food guilty pleasure. In Drive-Thru Dreams, Adam Chandler explores the inseparable link between fast food and American life for the past century. The dark underbelly of the industry’s largest players has long been scrutinized and gutted, characterized as impersonal, greedy, corporate, and worse. But, in unexpected ways, fast food is also deeply personal and emblematic of a larger than life image of America.

With wit and nuance, Chandler reveals the complexities of this industry through heartfelt anecdotes and fascinating trivia as well as interviews with fans, executives, and workers. He traces the industry from its roots in Wichita, where White Castle became the first fast food chain in 1921 and successfully branded the hamburger as the official all-American meal, to a teenager's 2017 plea for a year’s supply of Wendy’s chicken nuggets, which united the internet to generate the most viral tweet of all time.

Drive-Thru Dreams by Adam Chandler tells an intimate and contemporary story of America—its humble beginning, its innovations and failures, its international charisma, and its regional identities—through its beloved roadside fare.

Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann, 384 pages

 This refreshed deluxe paperback features a foreword by internationally bestselling author A. J. Finn, discussion questions, and bonus materials.

Something is not right with George the shepherd. His sheep have gathered around him outside the cozy Irish village of Glennkill to assess the situation. George has cared for the sheep, reading them books every night, and now he lies pinned to the ground with a spade. His flock, far savvier about the workings of the human mind than your average sheep, sets out to find George’s killer, led by Miss Maple, the smartest sheep in Glennkill (and possibly the world).

Her team of investigators includes Othello, who was rescued from the Dublin Zoo; Mopple the Whale, who is always hungry and remembers everything; and Zora, an existential ewe—just to name a few. Together, the sheep discuss the crime late into the night, and their speculations vary wildly. Determined to unravel the mystery, they embark on furtive missions into the village, where they encounter a hoof-full of two-legged suspects. There’s Ham, the terrifying butcher who smells of death; Rebecca, the secretive village newcomer; and Father Will, a sinister priest the sheep call God.

With wit and heart, this clever international bestseller is a mystery to chew on—and savor.

Number One is Walking: My Life in Movies and Other Diversions by Steve Martin & Harry Bliss, 256 pages

 Number One Is Walking is Steve Martin’s cinematic legacy―an illustrated memoir of his legendary acting career, with stories from his most popular films and artwork by New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss.

Steve Martin has never written about his career in the movies before. In Number One Is Walking, he shares anecdotes from the sets of his beloved films―Father of the Bride, Roxanne, The Jerk, Three Amigos, and many more―bringing readers directly into his world. He shares charming tales of antics, moments of inspiration, and exploits with the likes of Paul McCartney, Diane Keaton, Harrison Ford, and Chevy Chase. Martin details his forty years in the movie biz, as well as his stand-up comedy, banjo playing, writing, and cartooning, all with his unparalleled wit.

With gorgeously illustrated cartoons and single-panel “diversions” in Steve and Harry’s signature style, Number One Is Walking is full of the everyday moments that make up a movie star’s life, capturing Steve Martin’s singular humor and acclaimed career in film. The perfect gift from the team who brought you the #1 New York Times bestseller A Wealth of Pigeons.

The Heretic Royal by G.A. Aiken, 338 pages

 Ainsley Farmerson has always planned to break free of the family business—and the family drama. But what was once farming, smithworking, and bickering over the dinner table has turned into open warfare between sisters. Sides have been taken, lives are on the line, and Ainsley has no doubt which sister must be queen. She’ll do whatever is necessary to take down the soulless Beatrix. Even if that means joining forces with angry battle nuns, irritating monks, and overbearing centaurs.

Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan has no time for human beings. And yet . . . there is something about the uncontrollable princess that he can’t ignore. Maybe it’s the way her eldest sisters underestimate her. Or her bravery facing down dragons and mad queens from distant lands. Whatever the reason, Gruff is willing to fight by this human’s side. Not only for the entertainment value, but because she’s right. Beatrix must never be queen. So whatever he has to do, whoever he has to destroy, Gruff will battle beside Ainsley. Fast. Hard. And with absolutely no mercy . . .

World of Archie Jumbo Comics #138, 225 pages

 BRAND NEW STORY! A big budget movie about The Shield is being filmed in Riverdale, and Archie and all his friends can’t wait to see it! But how does Joe Higgins, the man behind the Shield mask, feel about all this fanfare?

World of Archie Jumbo Comics #91, 225 pages

 BRAND NEW “Rainy Day Beach Blues!” It has been raining for two weeks straight, and Betty is upset that she hasn’t been able to go to the beach. Archie gets a great idea – he would create an indoor fake beach for her to enjoy during the rainy day! Will this be a fun day away from the sun, or will Archie end up all wet?

Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing by Nicholas Meyer, 264 pages

 London, 189–: In the dead of winter, the great city is brought to a standstill by a series of blizzards and Sherlock Holmes is bored to distraction. It would take a miracle to bring a case to the detective’s door. . .

What arrives is not a landlady who complains to Holmes that her artist tenant is behind on his rent. Not exactly the miracle for which Holmes was hoping. But, next thing you know, there are several corpses and Sherlock Holmes and his amanuensis, Dr. Watson, find themselves drawn into one of the most bizarre cases of the great detective’s career. And into the cutthroat big business of Art, where chicanery, mendacity (and cut throats), proliferate.

What makes a work of art valuable? Worth killing for? Dying for? Is it the painter, his mistress, his dealer, or his blackmailer?

The cast of characters is large. But are they perpetrators, accomplices, or victims? And just who is Juliet Packwood, with whom Watson has become infatuated?

Oh, and there’s one other Is this a genuine Holmes case or a clever forgery? Is this the real thing?

If you can’t tell the difference, what is the difference?

Beard in Mind by Penny Reid, 468 pages

 All is fair in love and auto maintenance.

Beau Winston is the nicest, most accommodating guy in the world. Usually.

Handsome as the devil and twice as charismatic, Beau lives a charmed life as everyone’s favorite Winston Brother. But since his twin decided to leave town, and his other brother hired a stunning human-porcupine hybrid as a replacement mechanic for their auto shop, Beau Winston’s charmed life has gone to hell in a handbasket.

Shelly Sullivan is not nice and is never accommodating. Ever.
She mumbles to herself, but won’t respond when asked a question. She glares at everyone, especially babies. She won’t shake hands with or touch another person, but has no problems cuddling with a dog. And her damn parrot speaks only in curse words. Beau wants her gone. He wants her out of his auto shop, out of Tennessee, and out of his life.

The only problem is, learning why this porcupine wears her coat of spikes opens a Pandora’s box of complexity—exquisite, tempting, heartbreaking complexity—and Beau Winston soon discovers being nice and accommodating might mean losing what matters most.

World of Archie Jumbo Comics #87, 225 pages

 BRAND NEW LEAD “Food for Thought” – Betty and Veronica are fed up with Archie’s noncommittal ways, so Archie decides to embrace the single life. To do it successfully he turns to the master—Jughead Jones.

Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist by Dorothy Gilman, 215 pages

 Working with her retired CIA friend John Farrell, Mrs. Pollifax must smuggle a manuscript out of Jordan, a document that encodes the shocking truth of Saddam Hussein's reign.

Hardly are the two airborne when the coils of Middle Eastern intrigue begin to unwind. Mrs. Pollifax's seatmate is not the affable Arab businessman he pretends to be. It is not imagination that persuades Mrs. P. that wherever they go, she and Farrell are followed. To elude their pursuers in such a politically volatile country isn't easy. In fact, it can be downright deadly...

World of Archie Jumbo Comics #86, 225 pages

 BRAND NEW LEAD “Clean Start” Archie has to cancel a date with Veronica because he has chores that must be done. Veronica shows up at Archie’s house, angry, but finds that sharing the work with Archie can actually be pretty romantic!

Highland Hideaway by Lily Gold, 554 pages

 One bubbly city girl lost in the Highlands.

Three grumpy Scots determined to keep her there.

Yesterday, I was a fashion influencer on a trip to a luxurious Scottish spa. Today, I’m the internet's favourite trainwreck. All it took was one embarrassing viral video to end my career and leave me stranded in the Highlands.

I find shelter on Lochview Sheep Farm. It’s certainly not a luxury vacation spot… unless you count the three huge Scots running the place.

There’s Cameron, the grumpy shepherd who calls me ‘princess’ when my heels get stuck in the mud… before carrying me inside.

Fraser, the flirty rancher with the auburn hair, who promises to wear his kilt just for me.

And Alec, the commanding farm manager, who seems to hate me… until a sudden storm sends his protective streak into overdrive.

They all assume I’m just a clueless city girl. But when they find out what I’m hiding from, they swear to take care of me. Soon, I’m being kissed in freezing Scottish lochs, cuddled in front of the roaring fireplace, and being spoiled like the princess they once accused me of being.

And the best part?

My three handsome Highlanders are used to sharing everything…
And now they want to share me.

Highland Hideaway is a blistering standalone romance featuring three swoony heroes, grumpy-sunshine banter, and tons of found-family warmth. Cosy up and get ready for your next sweet-but-sizzling comfort read!

World of Archie Jumbo Comics #85, 225 pages

 BRAND NEW LEAD "The Case of Hiding in Plain Sight" Mr. Lodge knows Archie is sneaking in to visit Veronica, but he can't prove it—so he gets Detective Sam Hill on the case! Sam sets up an ambush and catches Archie in the act… but he's shocked by what he discovers!

Ain't Nobody's Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton by Martha Ackmann, 493 pages

 In Ain't Nobody's The Life and Times of Dolly Parton, Martha Ackmann chronicles the life of an American Original. From her impoverished childhood in the Smoky Mountains to international stardom as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton has exceeded everyone's expectations except her own. During a time when the Beatles set the standard for contemporary music, Dolly appeared on a local country music television show that her high school classmates thought was pure cornpone. The day after her high school graduation, she boarded a bus for Nashville, but record executives turned her down. One said her voice sounded like a screech owl.

When Dolly finally got her foot in the door, her talent and focus catapulted her to the top of country charts, the pop world, and movie stardom. Yet her success came at a price. Shunned by many in Nashville who saw her ambition as a betrayal of her country music roots, Dolly became the target of death threats, lawsuits, and a judge who threatened to throw her in jail. She nearly collapsed on-stage and later succumbed to depression that pushed her to the brink, but she refused to be counted out and came back stronger than ever developing Dollywood, the amusement park that became the economic engine of East Tennessee, and founding the Imagination Library that provides free books to children around the world. Her philanthropy to health organizations led to creation of the Moderna COVID vaccine. And, finally, she returned to her roots, recording bluegrass albums that became the most celebrated of her unparalleled 60-year career.

Ain't Nobody's Fool is a deep dive into the social, historical, and personal forces that made Dolly Parton one of the most beloved and unifying figures in public life and includes interviews with friends, family members, school mates, Nashville neighbors, members of her band, studio musicians, producers, and many others. It also features never before seen photographs and unearthed documents shedding light on her family's hardscrabble life. More than anything, Martha Ackmann's fresh and animated new book proves Dolly Parton knows just who she is and she ain't nobody's fool.

Brownies For My Grumpy Bunny by Honey Phillips, 290 pages

 She’s sweet, stubborn, and far too tempting. He’s big, grumpy, and determined not to fall.

Sara Cartwright came to Fairhaven Falls for a fresh start—quiet mornings, kind neighbors, and maybe a few furry friends hopping through her garden. She wasn’t expecting her next-door neighbor to be six-foot-plus of scowling muscle and twitching ears.

Ben Hollowell likes his peace, his pub, and his solitude. The last thing he needs is a relentlessly cheerful kindergarten teacher moving in next door with flower boxes, laughter, and curves that make his pulse race.

But when Sara’s warmth starts melting his defenses—and her brownies start showing up at his door—Ben finds himself craving things he swore he didn’t need. Will spring in Fairhaven Falls turn out to be mating season for the most reluctant of bunnies?

A Cold-Blooded Business by Dana Stabenow, 247 pages

 Once, Kate Shugak was the star investigator of the Anchorage D.A.'s office. Now she's gone back to her Aleut roots in the far Alaska north - where her talent for detection makes her the toughest crime-tracker in that stark and mysterious land...

Work hard, play hard. That's the credo on the oilfields of Alaska's North Slope, where harsh conditions and long, isolated shifts make for some of the best-paid jobs in the state. Management typically turns a blind eye to off-hours drinking and gambling, but a spate of drug-related deaths means it's time for Royal Petroleum to get its house in order. Working on behalf of the Anchorage DA, Kate Shugak is brought in undercover to identify the dealer and shut down the flow of cocaine. Of course, the dealer might have some very different ideas.

Informed by her own years working on the North Slope, Dana Stabenow's A Cold-Blooded Business captures a slice of life in a very Alaskan milieu.

True Grit by Charles Portis, 228 pages

Charles Portis has long been acclaimed as one of America’s foremost writers. True Grit, his most famous novel, was first published in 1968, and became the basis for two movies, the 1969 classic starring John Wayne and, in 2010, a new version starring Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges and written and directed by the Coen brothers. True Grit tells the story of Mattie Ross, who is just fourteen when the coward Tom Chaney shoots her father down in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and robs him of his life, his horse, and $150 in cash. Mattie leaves home to avenge her father’s blood. With one-eyed Rooster Cogburn, the meanest available U.S. Marshal, by her side, Mattie pursues the killer into Indian Territory. True Grit is eccentric, cool, straight, and unflinching, like Mattie herself. From a writer of true status, this is an American classic through and through.

two-by-fours by Charles M. Schulz & Kenneth F. Hall, 40 pages

 Short book encouraging parents to take their 2-4 year old kids to church and describing what the experience is like for them. The gag cartoons by Charles M. Schulz are largely unrelated to Kenneth Hall's text.

World of Archie Jumbo Comics #81, 225 pages

 BRAND NEW LEAD “Supply and Demand!” – It’s back to school time, and the gang is outraged to see the teachers having to spend their own money to supply their classrooms. The gang pools their resources to donate to the school. But when Veronica sees all of this, she decides she’ll kick it up a notch and help in her own way… Lodge style!

World of Archie Jumbo Comics #80, 225 pages

 BRAND NEW LEAD STORY: “We Can Work it Out!” Pop Tate opens a snack bar on the beach and hires Archie and Betty to work there. But when Betty gets sick, Jughead fills in and things go awry—especially when they run out of food and have to improvise!

Spy x Family, Volume 11 by Tatsuya Endo, 208 pages

 Master spy Twilight is unparalleled when it comes to going undercover on dangerous missions for the betterment of the world. But when he receives the ultimate assignment—to get married and have a kid—he may finally be in over his head!

Threatened by Yor’s relationship with Melinda Desmond, Anya gets serious about her own friendship scheme. On the way to a museum field trip, however, she and her class become the target of political activists looking to free their political allies…

World of Archie Jumbo Comics #78, 196 pages

 BRAND NEW LEAD "Historical or Hysterical!" When Brigitte makes her big Broadway debut, the gang gets together to support her -- but Veronica's in need of support herself when her expensive gown rips in two!

Bears With Me by Sam Hall, 286 pages

 My ex tried to take everything from me.

My last chance at happiness.
One of the men I've given my heart to.
But while before he was content to terrorise me to get what he wants, now his ambitions have widened. He's got the whole town in his sights and he doesn't care who he has to hurt to get what he wants.
But that's OK.
I've let him ride roughshod over me for way too long and now? Me and my mates are going to push back and he doesn't know what's coming for him.

World of Archie Jumbo Comics #75, 196 pages

 "You've Been Cancelled!" -- When Game of Crowns, Archie and his friends' favorite TV show, is cancelled, they'll do everything they can to get it back on air!

World of Archie Christmas Annual #73, 192 pages

 

The Nine Brides and Granny HIte by Neill C. Wilson, 244 pages

 These are nine highly readable short stories set in the same isolated mountain community. Nine women meet weekly at Granny Hite's house to work on bridal quilts.

Cupid is a Liar by Lexi Davis, 89 pages

 I thought the worst thing that could happen on Valentine’s Day was getting stood up.

I was wrong.

When my date ghosts me and I decide to confront him, I don’t expect the night to spiral. I don’t expect danger and I definitely don’t expect the quiet, intense man from down the hall to step in and change everything.

Damian Salvanti is calm under pressure.

Terrifyingly observant.
And far too willing to put himself between me and the world.

The more time I spend with him, the more unsettling the truth becomes.

He knows me.
My routines.
My fears.
The things I want but never say out loud.

Because Damian hasn’t just been watching out for me.

He’s been watching me…

World of Archie Jumbo Comics #71, 256 pages

 IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL for our DOUBLE DIGESTS! In the BRAND NEW story “Hitting a SOUR Note,” Archie’s musicianship lands him the opportunity to go to a private music school. When he realizes that his skills are not up to par with his peers, is it too late to go back to RHS?

Spy x Family, Volume 10 by Tatsuya Endo, 200 pages

 Master spy Twilight is unparalleled when it comes to going undercover on dangerous missions for the betterment of the world. But when he receives the ultimate assignment—to get married and have a kid—he may finally be in over his head!

As a child, [REDACTED] lived an unremarkable life with his parents, playing war games with his friends and quarreling with his father. It never occurred to young [REDACTED] that the life he’d taken for granted might one day end…

Death of a Fool by Ngaio Marsh, 302 pages

 A ritual dance becomes a murderous mambo...

At the winter solstice, South Mardian's swordsmen weave their blades in an ancient ritual dance. But for one of them, the excitement proves too heady, and his decapitation turns the fertility rite into a pageant of death. Now Inspector Roderick Alleyn must penetrate not only the mysteries of folklore, but the secrets and sins of an eccentric group who include a surly blacksmith, a domineering dowager, and a not-so-simple village idiot.

World of Archie Comics Double Digest #70, 196 pages

 BRAND NEW SUMMER STORY! In "Club Dread," Veronica brings the gang to a fun-filled island resort. But she doesn't tell them about the horror-themed murder mystery event that happens at night!

Bears in Mind by Sam Hall, 290 pages

 My ex-husband broke my heart asking for an open marriage.

Then I found out he had already been sleeping with someone else.
So I dumped his arse and moved out,
But in the process found myself in the arms of four smoking hot strangers.
They pull out all the stops, lavishing me with all of the attention I’d been missing out on,
But these guys have a secret.

World of Archie Comics Double Digest #68, 196 pages

 More MUSICAL MADNESS in the NEW story "The Fill-In!" The Archies are at the end of their latest tour when the unthinkable Jughead gets sick from eating some bad food at a hole-in-the-wall on the road. They need a replacement drummer ...fast! Introducing... Jughead's little sister Jellybean!

World of Archie Comics Double Digest #64, 196 pages

 When Reggie "gifts" Archie with a snow spinner, will Archie and the gang have a blast in the snow, or will someone end up limping home -- and most importantly, will Betty still have a date for the holiday dance at the end? Find out in "Spinner Winner!" the hilarious new lead story to this comics double digest!

Beard Science by Penny Reid, 378 pages

 Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need? 

Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer is officially desperate. 

And desperate times call for Cletus Winston.

Cletus Winston is a puzzle wrapped in a mystery covered in conundrum sauce, and now he’s in a pickle. Despite being convinced of his own omniscience, extortion by the exalted Banana Cake Queen of Green Valley has taken him completely by surprise. So... what’s a maniacal mastermind to do? 

Likely, the last thing you expect. 

Tell Me a Story Where the Bad Girl Wins by Caitlin McGurk & Emily Flake, 288 pages

 This gorgeous art book celebrates the work and legacy of Barbara Shermund, one of the first female cartoonists for humor and lifestyle magazines in the United States, including The New Yorker and Esquire.

Tell Me a Story Where the Bad Girl Wins doubles as an official biography and coffee table art collection honoring the life and art of pioneering cartoonist Barbara Shermund, an unheralded early master of magazine cartooning whose career spanned the heyday of American magazines from the 1920s–1960s. Her sharp wit and loose style boldly tapped the zeitgeist of first-wave feminism with vivid characters that were alive and astute. Shermund’s women spoke their minds about sex, marriage, and society; smoked cigarettes and drank; and poked fun at everything in an era when it was not common to see young women doing so. Shermund left behind a body of work that was ahead of its time and remains insightful, witty, relevant, and contemporary.

As one of the first women cartoonists to work for The New Yorker the year of its launch in 1925, she created nine covers and more than 600 cartoons for the magazine, in addition to countless spot illustrations, giving the nascent publication its unique visual brand. Shermund later became a mainstay at Esquire; contributed to Life, Colliers, Judge, and more; had a syndicated newspaper cartoon published by King Features; and illustrated a variety of books. In 1950, Shermund was among the first three women to be accepted as a member of the male-dominated National Cartoonist Society. A compelling facet of Shermund’s work is her frequent nods to queer audiences, which appeared in her work more than that of any of her contemporary New Yorker cartoonists. There are indications in her personal files that she also may have been queer, including love letters and other personal archives.

Readers will discover Shermund’s unique and vibrant life and art and gain an understanding of how women’s place in the history of cartooning has been controlled and sublimated by greater societal and cultural allowances. Through close readings, archival research, reproductions of original art, correspondence and photographs, this volume uncovers and celebrates a trailblazing female magazine cartoonist, and rightfully places her in the canon of cartoon art history.