Well, nothing against German language texts and obscure public domain listings, but we’re glad to see that Amazon has worked out the kinks that choked yesterday’s listings with a bunch of seriously non-contemporary listings! Today we’ve got over a dozen new freebies ranging from an immensely popular Marsha Canham regency romance to some decidedly naughty narratives, and nobody needs to know which ones you choose for your Kindle!
A Sicilian FBI agent, Nick Bracco, recruits his mafia cousin to chase down the world’s most feared terrorist in this award-winning, heart-thumping thriller from Kindle Nation fave Gary Ponzo – the first volume in the Nick Bracco Series.
? Get yours here
. Just in time for the release of the Nick Bracco sequel, A Touch of Revenge, later this month, A Touch of Deceit
is now available for the special promotional price of just 99 cents! Would you like us to give you a heads up when A Touch of Revenge, the new book, is live in the Kindle Store?
Winner of the Southwest Writers Novel Contest, Thriller category, and a Kindle Exclusive!
Here’s the set-up…
–Judith L. Pearson, author of Wolves at the Door
and Belly of the Beast
“Author Gary Ponzo has dashed off a fast-paced political thriller with the skill of a Tom Clancy or Ludlum. Loved the characters and the relationships and the insights into the world of counter-terrorism. Great book. Couldn’t put it down and now I want more. Bravo.”
–Stephen Carpenter, author of Killer
“A Touch of Deceit
” is a cleverly written thriller with plenty of twists and turns, action, and strong dialogue to keep you turning the pages well into the night. The characters show strength and depth. The plot moves quickly, leaving the reader to want more. The dialogue is direct and well written. Gary Ponzo is an author that everyone should add to their reading list. I highly recommend for thriller, suspense, and mystery fans.”His first novel, A Touch of Deceit
A Touch of Deceit
to download A Touch of Deceit (Nick Bracco Series) (or a free sample) to your Kindle, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry, Android-compatible, PC or Mac and start reading within 60 seconds!
Just use the slider at right of your screen below to scroll through a complete, updated list of free contemporary Kindle titles, and click on an icon like this one (at right) to read a free sample right here in your browser! Titles are sorted in reverse chronological order so you can easily see new freebies.
Seeing is believing. The demons are real. Joanna just has to convince everyone else before it’s too late, in our KND eBook of the Day: Shaun Jeffrey’s DEAD MAN’S EYE — Just 99 cents on Kindle!
by Shaun Jeffrey:
Blighted by an eye disease, Joanna Raines undergoes a corneal transplant operation to stop her going blind. The procedure is successful, but in the weeks that follow she begins to see dark coronas surrounding certain people. By turns fearful that something has gone wrong and worried that she’s going crazy, Joanna searches for an answer to the phenomena.
He has also had one collection published, Voyeurs of Death and three novels, Deadfall, The Kult and Evilution. His latest short story sale was to Cemetery Dance and his novel, The Kult has been optioned for film by Gharial Productions.
Three Special Bargain Deals from Two Great Writers
You could call this Great Deals from Men Behaving Badly, or Three Great Deals from a Couple of the Greatest Writers of the Past Half-Century,but we’ll just call it a bargain trifecta that must be passed on and thank Abhi over at Kindle Review from sharing….
From the award-winning novelist Judith Arnold, a story of fear, love and made-up identities. Pamela Hayes, a Seattle architect, is on the run from a hit man. Jonas Brenner, a Key West bar owner, needs a convincing wife to help him in a custody battle. Will this be a marriage of inconvenience?
“Judith Arnold is a perennial favorite whose keen wit and way with mystery always hits the mark.”—RT Book Reviews
? Get yours here. Jonas Brenner, a Key West bar owner and easy-going slacker, is about to lose custody of his orphaned five-year-old niece—unless he can convince the courts that he’s a responsible father. What he needs is a prim and proper wife who will create the illusion that Lizard, as his niece likes to be called, is being raised in a stable environment.
What Pam needs is a new identity. Joe offers her a deal: if she marries him and takes his name, no Pacific Northwest hit man is going to find her. In return, she can pose as Joe’s respectable wife, dutifully caring for the rambunctious, feather-wearing Lizard.
Of course, this will be a marriage in name only. No sex. No emotions. No love. Which, once Pam and Joe move in together and the sparks begin to fly, is easier said than done.
CRY UNCLE
‘s was named one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly. A New York native, Judith lives in New England.
Three Great Bargains in the Kindle Store
From Kindle Kids’ Corner: Peyton H. Reviews Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright & David Leslie: “A wonderful read that you are sure to enjoy” before or after you see the new movie!
Just in case you missed our announcement of the launch of our brand new kid-driven Kindle Kids’ Corner sister blog, I wanted to share this morning’s latest post by student Peyton H., along with a link to the blog itself — http://kids.kindlenationdaily.com –so you can keep up with reviews if you have or know of kids who are discovering the world of Kindle reading!
Peyton H. Reviews Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright & David Leslie: “A wonderful read that you are sure to enjoy” before or after you see the new movie!
eBook Title: Red Riding Hood
Author’s Name: Sarah Blakley-Cartwright & David Leslie
Kindle Price: $9.99
Kindle Kids Corner Reviewer Name: Peyton H., Westwood Schools
Peyton’s Review: Red Riding Hood is a riveting novel. I was not able to put the book down. You will be so curious to find out what happens next! In this modernized version of the classic folk tale, Valerie, a young girl in old Britain, is happy and full of life. ~ Until tragedy strikes. ~ Her beloved sister, Lucy, is killed by a menacing beast, the wolf, The wolf has haunted their English town for centuries. The Wolf usually only comes out during a full moon. However, for one week, a special Blood Moon, both full and totally red, appears in the sky. During this time, Valerie searches to discover which villager is behind the wolf, and why he wants her. Is it the one she loves and is destined to marry? Is it a dear family member? Find out in Red Riding Hood. It is a wonderful read that you are sure to enjoy!
Peyton’s Questions for students reading this book: Why does she think the wolf wants to kill her? Is the wolf a real animal or a person who takes animal form? Why does she think it might be the one she loves? Why did you enjoy the book? Supernatural elements? Love story? Suspense? Why do you recommend this book? Or do you?
Teacher Name: Deana Rogers
Educational Value: 2/ 5
Entertainment Value: 5/ 5
Device on Which This Book Was Read: Kindle
Date Review Filed: 2-28-11
Posted at Kindle Kids’ Corner for Thursday, March 10, 2011
(Editor’s Note: Congratulations to Peyton H. of Westwood School, our second Kindle Kids’ Corner reviewer, for a terrific and very timely review just before Friday’s theatrical release of the Warner Bros. film starring Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, and Gary Oldman. It too is titled Red Riding Hood, and it is rated PG-13. -Steve Windwalker)
Kindle Nation Daily Free Book Alert, Thursday, March 10: Dozens of Brand New Freebies Added in the Last 24 Hours! plus … Judith Arnold’s Cry Uncle, a story of love, fear, and invented identity (Today’s Sponsor)
With a hodge-podge of over 40 brand-new additions to this morning’s freshly updated presentation of over 250 Free Book Alert listings, it may take a bit more hunting and clicking to make sure you get the books you want in the language you want, so we’ve moved a James Patterson preview, Debbie Mayne’s Sweet Baklava, and an Aimee Leduc companion to the top of the list….
From the award-winning novelist Judith Arnold, a story of fear, love and made-up identities. Pamela Hayes, a Seattle architect, is on the run from a hit man. Jonas Brenner, a Key West bar owner, needs a convincing wife to help him in a custody battle. Will this be a marriage of inconvenience?
“Judith Arnold is a perennial favorite whose keen wit and way with mystery always hits the mark.”—RT Book Reviews
? Get yours here. Jonas Brenner, a Key West bar owner and easy-going slacker, is about to lose custody of his orphaned five-year-old niece—unless he can convince the courts that he’s a responsible father. What he needs is a prim and proper wife who will create the illusion that Lizard, as his niece likes to be called, is being raised in a stable environment.
What Pam needs is a new identity. Joe offers her a deal: if she marries him and takes his name, no Pacific Northwest hit man is going to find her. In return, she can pose as Joe’s respectable wife, dutifully caring for the rambunctious, feather-wearing Lizard.
Of course, this will be a marriage in name only. No sex. No emotions. No love. Which, once Pam and Joe move in together and the sparks begin to fly, is easier said than done.
CRY UNCLE
‘s was named one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly. A New York native, Judith lives in New England.
Just use the slider at right of your screen below to scroll through a complete, updated list of free contemporary Kindle titles, and click on an icon like this one (at right) to read a free sample right here in your browser! Titles are sorted in reverse chronological order so you can easily see new freebies.
In Richard Jackson’s sci fi thriller of futuristic “extreme broadcasting,” everyone gets what they have coming in the end. Here’s a free sample of Fall from Grace, our Kindle Nation eBook of the Day at just 99 cents!
As a Caster, Tyler uses cybernetic implants to broadcast his emotions and experiences to the viewers at home. He is living a life of action and adventure–until he loses his job. Now he must hustle illegal broadcasts and take odd jobs to survive.
A Reviewer Summarizes:
Now meet Tyler, a `caster’ who would do anything for a great story. After this superstar falls from grace, he begins to see life through new eyes.IF YOU ARE READING THIS POST IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE SAMPLE DOES NOT COME UP, JUST ENTER
INTO YOUR COMPUTER BROWSER TO READ YOUR FREE SAMPLE
Kindle Pricing Analysis: Number of Kindle Bestsellers Priced Below $2.99 Has Tripled Since December, But Publishers Are Also Finding Buyers at Prices Above $10
By Stephen Windwalker
Editor, Kindle Nation Daily
Posted March 9, 2011
- Click here to see the numbers in our latest check on Kindle book pricing.
- Click here some of our past posts on pricing in the Kindle Store catalog.
In the last issue of our Kindle Nation weekly digest we noted the existence of some worrisome headlines for Kindle enthusiasts, but we breezily dismissed them with a promise that we would be back this week with some analysis that supports a more hopeful view. Since it has been a little over three months since our last in-depth analysis of Kindle book pricing back on December 3, it’s time for a new price check on Aisle 5, and perhaps in the process we’ll be able to see why we’re a long way from coming to the end of the Kindle Revolution.
Two headlines jump out of the clutter of all the statistics:
- Proportionally, the selection of titles priced between $2.99 and $9.99 continues to grow significantly, and the percentage of “outlier” titles above and below that price range has declined dramatically.
- However, where bestsellers are concerned the trend is just the opposite. Among the Top 100 paid bestsellers in the Kindle Store, the number priced above $9.99 had grown slightly from 26 to 30 over the last three months, and — much more dramatically — the number of Top 100 paid bestsellers priced below $2.99 tripled from 10 to 30 between December 2 and March 7!
The juxtaposition of these two headlines is fascinating, and suggests the following:
- The obvious pricing tug-of-war continues, and Amazon appears to have decided that it can have it both ways by combining popular, quality low-priced offerings by (mostly) indie authors with corporate publishers’ new releases priced mostly in the $9.99-$12.99 range preferred by publishers. My sense is that we hear less and less from Amazon about $9.99 new releases these days, and the company has pivoted so that much of its marketing muscle on pages such as this is devoted to books priced in the $11.99 to $14.99 range.
- While this shift in emphasis has been very profitable for Amazon and appears to have been accepted by enough Kindle customers to allow ebooks priced over $9.99 to claim 30% of the rungs on the bestseller list, 30% may not be a high enough share to call this a victory for the agency model. Indeed, another way to look at this is that by insisting on these higher ebook prices (compared with 2008 and 2009), the publishers have wrapped up another 30% of the bestseller list, attached a bow, and given it away to indie authors. 24 of the 30 “cheaper” ebook bestsellers are priced at just 99 cents, and they are pretty much all by indie authors who will earn millions of dollars this year and turn the membership of the Kindle Million Club upside down. The corporate publishers may be enjoying their pie, but it is a significantly smaller slice, and there’s little chance they can get back what they have so blindly given away.
Otherwise, here’s where things stood as of the afternoon of March 7, 2010, and we’ll look at the same questions we always bring to this inquiry:
Q1. What’s the overall size of the Kindle catalog and how does it compare with that of other ebook retailers?
A1. The overall count of Kindle books has been growing by about 1,000 books a day over the last three months and currently stands just above 868,000, up from 769,766 books in December. Since that figure includes only about 15,000 public domain books, that means there’s no other ebook retailer that comes close to that count for commercially offered ebooks. Barnes and Noble inflates its Nook count with over a million public domain titles, and Apple just recently passed the 100,000-title mark in its iBooks store, which is so embarrassingly lame that Apple dropped iBooks from its Apps listings just as it was about to fall out of the Top 20 listings. (By the way, I’m still not convinced that Apple will use pricing, margins, and the totally bogus issue of in-app purchasing to try to freeze the Kindle and other ebook retailing apps off of its iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch platforms.)
Q2. How successful has Amazon been in herding prices into its preferred corral between $2.99 and $9.99, inclusive?
A2. The number of titles priced in this range is at 66.1 percent, the highest it has been at any time in the past year. As a percentage of the overall catalog, titles in the $2.99-$9.99 range are up 3.25% since we checked in December, while there are proportionally 10.2% fewer titles priced under $2.99 and 1.5% fewer titles priced at $10 and up. The growth of titles in the $2.99-$9.99 range has been supported both by the fact that Kindle pays indie authors who conform to this pricing range almost twice the royalty rate that is otherwise available to them and by the frequently stated resistance of many Kindle customers to prices above $9.99. Again, the largest area of growth has been for titles priced at exactly $2.99. After growing from 18,804 to 29,042 between September 5 and December 2, this group expanded to 45,528 in our latest look-in.
Q3. How successful have the big agency model publishers and their Black Knight, Apple anti-reading crusader Steve Jobs, been in raising Kindle Store prices above $10?
A3. The Agency Model, if you’ve come a little late to this party, is a baldly anti-consumer price-fixing conspiracy (I wish I didn’t have to use that word, but sometimes a conspiracy is just that, a conspiracy) that was hatched at the beginning of 2010 by some combination of Steve Jobs and executives of five of the Big Six publishers, with Random House abstaining. The stated goal was to mandate retail prices for Kindle books, and all other ebooks under the agency model publishers’ control, at levels that would be 30 to 50 percent higher than the $9.99 price that Amazon had previously set for Kindle Store new releases. The only slightly less obvious unstated goal was to slow the migration of readers from print books to ebooks. (Retailers had always had the freedom to discount as they saw fit from the publishers’ suggested retail prices in the past, and Amazon had in fact been selling many Kindle titles as loss leaders.) Since the Agency Model went into effect on April Fool’s Day, the percentage of the Kindle Store catalog priced in agency-model heaven at $10 and up has fallen from 21.7% to 19.2% on May 22, 18.8% on June 14, 18.1% on July 18, 16% on September 5, 15.3% on December 2, and 15.04% as of yesterday. Alas, as of last week Random House has joined the rest of the Big Six in the price-fixing game, and just as quickly it has seen serious slippage in the advantage it held previously in the Kindle Store bestseller list: the three previously discounted books in the Stieg Larsson
Q4. Has there been a significant change in the title count for Kindle books priced under $2.99 since Amazon began paying a 70 percent royalty for books in the $2.99 to $9.99 range?
A4. The proportional representation of Kindle books at every price point under $2.99 (free, 99 cents, under 99 cents, and $1.00 to $2.98) has fallen dramatically since December.
Q5. Overall, are ebook prices going up or down or staying about the same?
A5. It’s fair to say at this point that ebook pricing is moving in all directions at once. Publishers, authors, readers, and Amazon itself are digging in in various places to defend various pieces of what they see as their turf, and we’ll stay tuned.
Q6. Are there changes in the price composition of the Kindle Store’s key bestseller list, the Top 100 Paid Books?
A6. Since we addressed the Kindle Store bestseller list above, this seems like a good place to mention that ebooks continue to strengthen their hold on the USA Today bestseller list, relative to hardcover and paperback books. As of last week’s list 20 of the top 50 USAT bestsellers were titles for which ebook sales were dominant, compared with 10 for which hardcovers sold the most copies and 20 for which paperback sales led the way. Kindle Store stars held down 7 of the top 150 places on the USAT list, six of those belonging to Amanda Hocking
Q7. Are there any noteworthy trends with respect to free books in the Kindle Store?
A7. Although there are fewer free books in the Kindle Store than there were in December, it is worth pointing out that the reduction in free books has been among duplicate public domain titles rather than among the free promotional contemporary titles that populate Kindle Nation’s daily Free Book Alert posts.