LIFE’S A GAME. ARE YOU READY TO PLAY? The blood rushed from Alex’s head, and his body went limp. As he passed into an abyss of darkness, the chilling final words of The Deliverer rang in his ears, words that would haunt him for the rest of his life. “The next time you pull a knife on someone, you better know why. It’s not a toy. It’s not a plaything. You be prepared to either use it for real or have it used on you.You either kill or be killed. Always remember that.” —from Simon Says Alexander Baxter is a young man from the heart of D.C.’s most notorious ghetto and seems destined for a life of crime. But his intelligence triumphs over his fists when Simon Blake, the city’s illustrious mayor, plucks him out of the clutches of a violent fate and guides him to achieve his every wish. For Alex, it’s a fairy tale come true. But this isn’t a fairy tale—and no good deed ever goes unpunished. In this riveting story of murder, intrigue, romance, suspense, and political high jinks, Alexander Baxter learns to be careful what he wishes for, who he trusts, and where he leaves his heart. And he learns it the hard way.

Simon Says: A Novel of Intrigue, Betrayal...and Murder (Strivers Row)

Literature & Fiction

Dixon, Collen

United States

Villard

Alex Baxter knows what it’s like to fight for your survival on the meanest streets of Washington D.C. And he knows what it’s like to cross over to the other side, into a world where money flows like water, power is more precious than gold, and sex is the fuel that sends some lives soaring to the top. As a rising young aide to D.C.’s illustrious mayor, Simon Blake, Alex soon saw and touched things that were beyond his imagination–until he saw too much. Now Alex has escaped the clutches of Simon Blake and left his mentor dead in the brackish waters of the D.C. harbor. But as a shocked city grieves for the mayor it didn’t really know, competing crime lords, murderous foot soldiers, beautiful women, and dangerous spies lay siege to the turf that Simon once owned. Suddenly, Alex Baxter is a man with everything to lose and only one way to survive: by knowing his enemies from his friends, his passion from his purpose, and just how far Simon’s power really reached–and still does. . . .

Every Shut Eye (Strivers Row)

One World/Strivers Row

The mesmerizing conclusion to the thriller Behind Closed Doors... In My Father's House. This is a crime family's high drama, full of lies, deception, murder and secrets. The saga of this Mafia family comes to a surprising end, and you won't be able to keep their secrets to yourself.

Relative Secrets

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Thrillers & Suspense

Fin Group

A captivating, engaging, suspenseful tale of murder, lies, sex and revenge... all under one roof... This is what happens when "The Sopranos" meets "Sugar Hill" and "Dynasty"? This tale begins at the sizzling conclusion of "Simon Says." The second in a thrilling trilogy, which takes us on a whirlwind journey of the misadventures the four privileged Cavanaugh siblings. Each beautiful, stunning, captivating, and seriously flawed. This is the story of the Cavanaughs, a picture perfect family, wealthy, vibrant, intelligent, and full of dark secrets. On the surface, they are the epitome of style, class and power. But, behind closed doors, it is a completely different story. There's deceit, distrust, envy, jealousy, decadence and even murder. When Harrison, the powerful, half-Italian patriarch of this affluent African-American family falls ill, his ever supportive wife Sylvia insists that he pass on control to one of his children. As a family steeped in the bloody tradition of the Mafia, the question is, which one of the children will it be? Conrad: The most devilishly handsome and charming. But he has an uncontrollable temper and rage. Joseph: The most reliable. A handsome athlete, he wants nothing but to steer the family away from its sordid dealings, but has a vexed personal life. Christian: The most financially savvy, yet physically insecure Cavanaugh who's loveless marriage has taken a toll on both his personal and family life. Madison: The Cavanaugh's little princess. Gorgeous and indulged, she really wants nothing more than to marry someone as equally wealthy and beautiful as she is, but she's not about to let her brothers have anything she can't. All are vying for the reigns in their own ominous way. Who will win. or lose? As some of the sub-plots of "Simon Says" are delicately woven into this fast paced tale, you'll be intrigued, amused and horrified at the inner-workings of this fascinating family.

Behind Closed Doors... in My Father's House

Contemporary

A captivating, engaging, suspenseful tale of murder, lies, sex and revenge... all under one roof... This is what happens when "The Sopranos" meets "Sugar Hill" and "Dynasty"? This tale begins at the sizzling conclusion of "Simon Says." The second in a thrilling trilogy, which takes us on a whirlwind journey of the misadventures the four privileged Cavanaugh siblings. Each beautiful, stunning, captivating, and seriously flawed. This is the story of the Cavanaughs, a picture perfect family, wealthy, vibrant, intelligent, and full of dark secrets. On the surface, they are the epitome of style, class and power. But, behind closed doors, it is a completely different story. There's deceit, distrust, envy, jealousy, decadence and even murder. When Harrison, the powerful, half-Italian patriarch of this affluent African-American family falls ill, his ever supportive wife Sylvia insists that he pass on control to one of his children. As a family steeped in the bloody tradition of the Mafia, the question is, which one of the children will it be? Conrad: The most devilishly handsome and charming. But he has an uncontrollable temper and rage.  Joseph: The most reliable. A handsome athlete, he wants nothing but to steer the family away from its sordid dealings, but has a vexed personal life.  Christian: The most financially savvy, yet physically insecure Cavanaugh who's loveless marriage has taken a toll on both his personal and family life.  Madison: The Cavanaugh's little princess. Gorgeous and indulged, she really wants nothing more than to marry someone as equally wealthy and beautiful as she is, but she's not about to let her brothers have anything she can't.  All are vying for the reigns in their own ominous way. Who will win. or lose? As some of the sub-plots of "Simon Says" are delicately woven into this fast paced tale, you'll be intrigued, amused and horrified at the inner-workings of this fascinating family.

Behind Closed Doors: In My Father's House

Simon Says is a bold, riveting tale of intrigue, suspense, political thrills and romance. It is the gritty, compelling journey of Alexander Baxter, a young man of treacherous beginnings from one of Washington, DC’s most notorious ghettos. Seemingly sentenced to a life of crime, Alex is plucked from the clutches of fate by Simon Blake, who becomes his Svengali, and who also happens to be the city’s illustrious mayor. A malleable Alex does exactly as Simon says and flourishes, propelling himself from his dismal surroundings into a storybook environment. Alex’s life is charmed, almost Camelot-esque, and becomes everything he ever dreamed of being. Or does he? Through a series of plot twists, Alex’s life of self-discovery, savagery and victories is told in a gripping fashion. Every facet of his life is intricately woven as Alex learns that no good deed goes unnoticed… or unpunished, and to be careful what you ask for, you may end up getting it. And then what? Discover the shocking conclusion for yourself. Simon Says… Life’s a game…Are you ready to play?

Simon Says: "Life's a Game...Are You Ready to Play?"

Playing the Hand Life Deals You A Realistic Guide to Managing Your Loved Ones Aging & Illness This is a layperson's guide to understanding and manuevering through the perilous task of dealing with aging loved ones or their illnesses. This was written by an award winning author who managed to assist her loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease, moving into an assisted living facility, relocating her parents from their homestead of 40+ years, and finally, she was instrumental in supporting her 100 year old grandmother as she transitioned from this earth. There is information about estate planning, managing siblings and other family issues, establishing care plans, and providing support to your loved one. There is also an extensive appendix, that has a great deal of information on resources and support available to caregivers and families. It is a profound read, a no holds barred, self-help guide that will assist others as they are faced with these daunting tasks.

Playing the Hand Life Deals You: A Realistic Guide to Managing Your Loved One's Aging & Illness

Self-Help

Death & Grief

The FIN Group

What really happens to a fallen star? Biggie. Tupac. Aaliyah. Left Eye. R.I.P. Some of the biggest names in hip-hop and entertainment, all gone before their time. Too young, too talented, they were snatched from us when we least expected it. Just as we were bobbing our heads and moving to their tunes and videos. Yet, when they died, rumors sprung from every corner of the earth. We mourned for them, created shrines and websites to their talents. We wore their tee-shirts. We refer to them like old family friends. We all had a favorite song or a memory that was invoked when we heard it. We missed them. Their music kept them alive in our memories and in our world. Sometimes new CDs were released. It fanned the flames of suspicion. We missed them so much, refused to believe that they were gone. So we imagined that they were still alive. Conspirators cried that Tupac was alive, and living in Africa . Somebody spotted him. Is it true? Is it possible? They were priceless to us fans when they were alive, but who really benefits from their death? If any of these thoughts ever crossed your mind, then you need to read "Rocked Starr," by Collen Dixon. Award winning author Collen Dixon, the Empress of Intrigue spins a tale of what if your favorite performer dies, but you refuse to believe that she is dead. Drawing parallels and driving contrasts, "Rocked Starr" takes the reader down a spiraling path of familiar events, charting the lavish, blinged-out lifestyle of America 's reigning hip-hop princess. Camara "Starr" Addison, is a beautiful, young and vibrant singer, who has taken the musical world by storm, not only by her talent and striking looks, but for her refreshingly captivating personality. Just as she stands at the near pinnacle of her young success, she is tragically struck down during an exotic video shoot. See what happens in the fan's world when their Starr is suddenly extinguished. Do we accept that she is gone? Or is it possible that she isn't? Living in the Internet age, rumors, if spoken often enough, can become fact. Websites and videos can continue life. Bloggers and conspirators can resurrect it. Turn back the covers on the hotbed of industry insiders, the producers, the managers, the glitz and the glitter, and see the entertainment world for what it really is; filled with wannabes, ego-maniacs, posers, backstabbers, haters, and criminals. Be it for money, fame or power, "Rocked Starr" takes you captive on a precarious journey that will make you better appreciate those that sometimes give their lives for their craft.

ROCKED STARR : to a Fallen Starr

Rocked Starr

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Dixon, Collen. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Dixon, Collen