A Prologue to Murder

It’s not the kind of killer wedding Samantha Washington had in mind for herself, but when murder makes an uninvited appearance, the Michigan bookshop owner and historical mystery writer doesn’t hesitate to get involved . . .

Sam knows a thing or two about plot twists. Still, with only two days till her wedding, this surprise takes the five-tier cake. The Avenue Hotel has suffered a plumbing disaster, and Sam and her beloved Frank urgently need a new reception venue. Thankfully, Sam’s stepfather finds an alternative that’s a decided step up: superyacht Siren of the Seven Seas. The wedding and reception proceed, including a visit from the governor himself, and all is wonderful—at first . . .

Shockingly, a shot rings out on deck, and suddenly Sam, Frank, and her ever-feisty Nana Jo are helping Detective “Stinky” Pitt with a confounding murder case. The Hawaiian honeymoon will have to wait while Sam not only wades through suspects, but questions whether the victim was really the intended target. She alleviates some stress by working on her latest novel in which wartime espionage has infiltrated Wickfield Lodge—but could there be strange parallels to this modern-day crime? And can Sam uncover a killer in time to set sail on her own happily ever after?

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs