From O. Henry to Lilian Jackson Braun, North Carolina has nurtured some of the world's best-known mystery writers. This unique collection of mystery short stories showcases some of North Carolina's best writing talent from the past and the present--some famous, some less well known. Some of the mysteries are by authors who have earned solid reputations in other genres, such as Orson Scott Card and William Brittain, but as their stories here demonstrate, their talent embraces the mysterious. The stories in this collection are as diverse as the "detectives" they feature: the Native American policeman who solves his first case on the reservation; a Siamese cat with an intuitive affection for his paraplegic neighbor; an attentive convenience store owner; and a thirty-year-old computer whiz whose body stopped growing when he was nine. They solve crimes, locate treasures, and uncover deceit in a range of tales that reflects the breadth of the genre. With stories to delight mystery devotees and fans of all good writing, this anthology highlights one of the most vibrant and popular elements of North Carolina's literary legacy. Contributors: Nancy Bartholomew, Greensboro, N.C. Lilian Jackson Braun, Tryon, N.C. William E. Brittain, Asheville, N.C. Lisa Cantrell, Madison, N.C. Orson Scott Card, Greensboro, N.C. O. Henry (1862-1910) Toni L. P. Kelner, Malden, Mass. Michael Malone, Hillsborough, N.C. Margaret Maron, Willow Springs, N.C. Katy Munger, writing as Gallagher Gray, Durham, N.C. BarbaraNeely, Jamaica Plain, Mass. Guy Owen (1925-1981) David B. Sentelle, writing as Clyde Haywood, Washington, D.C. Sarah R. Shaber, Raleigh, N.C. Elizabeth Daniels Squire (1926-2001) Kathy Hogan Trocheck, Raleigh, N.C. Manly Wade Wellman (1903-1986) Brenda Witchger, writing as Brynn Bonner, Cary, N.C.

Drawing on more than thirty years of reporting experience, Rob Christensen combines firsthand analysis of modern politics with a well-researched look at the past. Beginning at the turn of the twentieth century, when North Carolina was a racially charged one-party state, The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics profiles an electorate that has embraced bo...

Are you considered a "dingbatter," or outsider, when you visit the Outer Banks? Have you ever noticed a picture in your house hanging a little "sigogglin," or crooked? Do you enjoy spending time with your "buddyrow," or close friend? Drawing on over two decades of research and 3,000 recorded interviews from every corner of the state, Walt Wolfram and Jeffrey Reaser's lively book introduces readers to the unique regional, social, and ethnic dialects of North Carolina, as well as its major languages, including American Indian languages and Spanish. Considering how we speak as a reflection of our past and present, Wolfram and Reaser show how languages and dialects are a fascinating way to understand our state's rich and diverse cultural heritage. The book is enhanced by maps and illustrations and augmented by more than 100 audio and video recordings, which can be found online at talkintarheel.com.

One of the few books concerned solely with the humor of a single state, this volume includes samples of what North Carolinians have laughed at -- and with -- from 1709 to the present. It is a rich anthology of Tar Heel anecdotes, homespun quips, hilarious stories, folklore, exaggerations, and observations. In this wide range of humor, Walser has provided a valuable recording of American folklore and the social history of North Carolina.

In the last three decades North Carolina has witnessed a remarkable growth in population, economic development, and political importance, and it now ranks as the tenth most populous state in the Union. The Tar Heel State: A History of North Carolina constitutes the most comprehensive and inclusive single-volume chronicle of the state's storied past to date, culminating with an attentive look at recent events that have transformed North Carolina into a southern megastate.

Endorsements: "Art West is in hot water in more ways than one in his latest adventure. After bathing in the famous thermal springs at Pamukkale, Turkey, the intrepid Bible scholar and archaeologist is invited to join an excavation at nearby Hierapolis. A papyrus related to Papias, the noted second-century bishop, has been discovered. However, demons unleashed by a cursed papyrus found in a menorah by Art's friend, the antiquities dealer named Khalil, are poised to attack. A visit to the Plutonium proves to be a real gas for Art, who must now discover the diabolical forces seeking to kill him. Papias and the Mysterious Menorah is a worthy sequel in the Art West series." -Mark Wilson Asia Minor Research Center Izmir, Turkey "Each of Ben and Ann Witherington's archaeological thrillers is more enthralling than the last. They deftly interweave the puzzles of the past with the complexities of the Middle East today." -Richard Bauckham Emeritus Professor of New Testament St. Andrews University, Scotland "Ever the pedagogues, Ben and Ann faithfully serve as highly informed, engaging, and deeply sensitive stewards of their narrative. Papias truly offers something for everyone." -Brad Johnson Instructor in Biblical Languages Asbury Theological Seminary Author Biography: Ben Witherington III is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University, and the author of over thirty-five books, including New York Times Best Seller The Brother of Jesus. Ann Witherington is Professor of Biology and Environmental Sciences at Asbury College. Ben and Ann have been married for over thirty years and have two adult children, Christy and David.

Get ready to board the same roller coaster that the North Carolina Tar Heels rode all the way to the 2009 national championship. Dan Wiederer, who covered the team as a reporter with The Fayetteville Observer, provides an insiders view of an unforgettable season that included ups, downs, twists, and turns. From a startling and dispiriting 2008 Final Four loss to Kansas to the blowout defeat of Michigan State in the next year's national title game, youll relive record-breaking performances, exhilarating victories and losses that caused panic. Discover what went on behind closed doors with never-before-told tales from players, coaches, and media members who were there every step of the way. Plus, youll read hilarious anecdotes of how the UNC players kept themselves entertained and came together off the basketball court. In addition to going behind the scenes with the title-winning team, youll join Wiederer as he analyzes where its players rank in the pantheon of UNC greats, and youll discover the role that former players continue to play at the school. Discover what makes North Carolina basketball so great and relive one of its most unforgettable seasons ever in Blue Streak.

The latest addition to the acclaimed series showcasing the best sports writing from the past year.

"The second novel in the New York Times bestselling Under Suspicion series, following The Cinderella Murder, features intrepid television producer Laurie Moran as she investigates the case of a missing bride.