Not Dead Yet

A former assassin turns bookseller in this charming mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoyed Deanna Rayburn’s Killers of a Certain Age.

Sixty-seven-year-old Sophie Swisher just killed a man. Again.

Sophie had left her deadly career behind and settled down in Des Moines, Iowa, where no one would think to look for her. Her new job at a bookstore is nothing like her last one. Surrounded by the scent of old books and with a sassy street cat who walks her home at night, decades of high-stakes missions were firmly in Sophie’s past. But peace proves short-lived when a mysterious yet alluring man in a fedora corners her in the culinary mystery section and offers her a choice: kill a popular presidential candidate or have her whereabouts touted to her enemies.

Stuck between a rock and a deadly place, Sophie is sure she can complete the mission unscathed, especially with the help of a coworker with a surprising knack for top-secret assignments. After all, she’s gotten out of worse binds before—like the time she took down a whole country’s electrical grid just by showing a little leg.

This madcap and unpredictable mystery proves that pluckiness never dies. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Jesse Q. Sutanto.

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