Dark and gritty tales set in the “Paris of the Plains,” including Nancy Pickard’s “Lightbulb”—selected forThe Best American Mystery Stories 2013.
Akashic Books’ groundbreaking, globetrotting noir anthology series sets all-new stories in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective metropolitan area. Now “Kansas City, famous for its jazz, its barbecue, and its shady history, provides the venue for this solid addition” (Publishers Weekly).
This collection includes brand-new stories from J. Malcolm Garcia, Grace Suh, Daniel Woodrell, Kevin Prufer, Matthew Eck, Philip Stephens, Catherine Browder, John Lutz, Nancy Pickard, Linda Rodriguez, Andrés Rodríguez, Mitch Brian, Nadia Pflaum, and Phong Nguyen.
“Hard-used heroes and heroines seem to live a lifetime in the stories . . . Each one seems almost novelistic in scope. Half novels-in-waiting, half journalistic anecdotes that are equally likely to appeal to Kansas City boosters and strangers.”—Kirkus Reviews “Travel has many unexpected benefits, so even if you’ve never had a reason to visit the city itself, you’ll find Kansas City Noir surprisingly well worth the price of the ticket.”—Bookgasm
“Picture steam rising from a sewer grate on a rain-slicked street. The sound of footsteps comes closer and closer behind you as you walk down a dark, downtown Kansas City alley. If this scenario entices you, then you just might enjoy Kansas City Noir.”—Kansas City Public Television
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Kansas City, famous for its jazz, its barbecue, and its shady history, provides the venue for this solid addition to Akashic’s acclaimed noir anthology series.” ― Publishers Weekly
“Travel has many unexpected benefits, so even if you’ve never had a reason to visit the city itself, you’ll find Kansas City Noir surprisingly well worth the price of the ticket.” ― Bookgasm
“Picture steam rising from a sewer grate on a rain-slicked street. The sound of footsteps comes closer and closer behind you as you walk down a dark, downtown Kansas City Alley. If this scenario entices you, then you just might enjoy Kansas City Noir.” ― KCPT
About the Author
Scott Aiello has narrated over a dozen audiobooks and is a 2013 Audie Award finalist for his nonfiction narration of Sex and God at Yale by author Nathan Harden. He is a graduate of the Juilliard School drama division and has since performed and directed various New York plays and has been seen on television shows such as Person of Interest and Elementary. Before Juilliard, he was a regular in the Chicago theater circuit.Lauren Fortgang, a graduate of Fordham University’s Theater Program, is an actress, narrator, and costume designer. She has recorded everything from video games to textbooks. Her audiobook narrations have earned two AudioFile Earphones Awards and placed her as a finalist for an Audie Award in 2014.Suzanne Toren has recorded over nine hundred audiobooks. She has performed on Broadway and in regional theaters in works penned by Shakespeare, Moliere, and Arthur Miller. She has also appeared on Law & Order and in various soap operas. She was awarded the Narrator of the Year Award for her audiobook recordings for the Library of Congress and has earned more than two dozen Earphones Awards from AudioFile magazine.Nick Sullivan, a Tennessee native, has worked extensively on Broadway and at many theaters throughout the United States. His television credits include 30 Rock, The Good Wife, All My Children, and all three Law & Order series. He has recorded over three hundred audiobooks and received numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards.
Yep, I’m finally doing it! I’m taking a (very) much needed break for 2 weeks starting July 1st and returning on July 16th.
I’ve been posting for over 5 years straight, through the Pandemic, my husband’s declining health, and finally his passing. I love each and every one of my followers and don’t want to leave you wondering what happened.
To be perfectly honest, my intentions are to use this time to find a place to live in Pennsylvania that is near to my oldest daughter. In the year since my husband’s death, I’ve discovered that right now I can’t bear to visit that cemetery. By the same token, I can’t bear to stay in Florida without him. I’m sure that’s something that other widows and widowers can sympathize with.
So, like Arnold Schwarzenegger said in Terminator, “I’ll be back.”
Simple Real Food Recipes for Healthy Lunchbox Meals (Bento box lunch recipes kitchen)
Tired of sad desk lunches and expensive takeout? Transform your midday meal with simple, satisfying bento boxes designed specifically for busy adults.
This practical cookbook revolutionizes lunch with 70 real food recipes and strategies that help you:
Break free from processed convenience foods without sacrificing time
Master efficient meal prep techniques that fit into even the busiest schedules
Create perfectly balanced, visually appealing lunches that keep you energized all day
Enjoy diverse flavors from around the world—from Thai-inspired to Mediterranean classics
This BENTO BOX COOKBOOK FOR ADULTS isn’t just another pretty cookbook with complicated recipes. It’s your complete system for creating healthy, delicious adult lunches using simple ingredients and time-saving techniques.
You’ll discover:
The essential bento equipment guide—from budget-friendly basics to premium options
Real food foundations that eliminate preservatives and empty calories
Make-ahead proteins, grains, and vegetables that maintain perfect texture
Quick-assembly strategies for 15-minute morning prep
Five complete meal prep plans with shopping lists and weekend prep schedules
Perfect for professionals, work-from-home parents, and anyone who wants to elevate their lunch routine without spending hours in the kitchen.
What sets this bento book apart? Every recipe is designed specifically for adult palates and nutritional needs, using accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques. No more adapting kid-focused bento ideas or complex gourmet recipes!
Say goodbye to midday meal monotony and hello to lunches you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Bento for Beginners is the perfect introduction to bento box lunches and includes 60 simple recipes and helpful tips to get started! helpful tips for getting started and 60 recipes.
This bento box cookbook is filled with easy-to-follow recipes and everything you need to create a bento-ready kitchen, including the best type of bento box to purchase, ingredients to keep on hand, and how to plan for the week ahead. Discover how easy it is to make bento box lunches at home with this cookbook!
From Japanese classics to simple fusion and Western-inspired bento boxes, you’ll be eating variety-filled, home-cooked lunches in no time, with:
Tips, tools, and ingredients—everything you need to get into a regular bento routine.
Step-by-step instructions for each recipe in a box—the Timing and Prep guide will help you plan meals for the future.
Delicious recipes and bento menu suggestions—recipes such as crispy Japanese-Style Fried Chicken and sweet-and-savory Pan-Fried Potato and Carrot, and Rice Croquettes with juicy Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs with a crunchy Celery and Apple Salad.
Make bento part of your lunch routine with Bento for Beginners!
Editorial Reviews
Review
“This book teaches you basic Japanese bento (lunch box) recipes using ingredients you can easily find in the United States. Each recipe is simple (but delicious) and teaches you how to season the food to make each ingredient stand out. The colorful vegetables have a great look and provide nutritional balance. When I was a child, I loved the moment when I opened my lunch box. I always felt my mother’s affection in every beautiful and delicious detail.”―Hitomi Takeuchi, food protection manager California, founder of Coloridoh LLC (coloridoh.com)
“I own many Japanese cookbooks―including some from my favorite Japanese chefs―but I find them to be a little intimidating. I also own a collection of bento boxes that, until I read this book, I never used! What I enjoy most about Chika Ravitch’s book are the simple instructions that don’t compromise the taste and sophistication of the dishes. She makes cooking Japanese food very accessible for beginners and experienced chefs alike.” ―Andy Burstein, nutritionist
“Always looking for ways to eat healthier without expending too much time in the kitchen. Bento for Beginners was the perfect book for helping achieve this goal. In addition to the great recipes it was very helpful to learn how to improve storage life and tricks to making larger quantities (saving time in the long run).” ―Barbara W.
About the Author
CHIKA RAVITCH grew up near Osaka, Japan. After moving to the United States, she created Japanese-Food.org to share her tips on making traditional, healthy, homemade Japanese food using familiar ingredients.