Skein of Words

    In Brooklyn, New York, Beasley Cherries is facing challenging times. Teddy Beasley has tried his best to revitalize the maraschino cherry business by investing in organic operations and new lines. However, his business decisions haven't been entirely successful, and he gets caught up in some illegal dealings putting Made in Vermont labels on smuggled Chinese honey as a means of trying to pay off company debt. Now there is an increase in bee activity around the factory, and Teddy is positive that the local bees know what he is up to! Meanwhile, across town, Mims Walsh is also facing an uphill battle as she tries to become a successful freelance writer. Her journalism classmates seem to be all passing her by in their careers. It's not so much about fame and fortune at the moment as getting enough writing jobs to put food on the table. In her search for the next big story, Mims stumbles upon a local beekeeper who appeals for help from the town council. She meets with Charlie ...

Owen Bradley is a Chicago professor at one of the last universities. He's a specialist in the history of the Fuel Wars and in teaching about SOR – or synthetic oil replacement, in which the primary ingredient sugar is in declining production. At the end of one of his classes, Owen receives a mysterious package.  Despite his curiosity, he saves it for when he gets home, only to discover that it contains just a piece of paper with a clue written on it.  It appears to be a simple phrase, but it's a phrase that turns Owen's life upside down, and now he must seek out the truth.  The truth about his family and how the Fuel Wars have impacted his life in ways he never knew. The story then turns to Clare Furmore, a calm, cool, and strong paid assassin. She knows martial arts and other ways to kill without being apparent hits. She is also keen to take on cases where she can address social injustices.  And one of those social justice targets is Vigo, a shifty multi-millionaire...