As a child, Chris Thorogood dreamed of seeing Rafflesia - the plant with the world's largest flowers. He crafted life-size replicas in an abandoned cemetery, carefully bringing them to life with paper and paint. Today he is a botanist at the University of Oxford's Botanic Garden and has dedicated his life to studying the biology of such extraordinary plants, working alongside botanists and foresters in Southeast Asia to document these huge, mysterious blooms. The Pathless Forest is the story of his journey to study and protect this extraordinary plant - a biological enigma, still little understood, which invades vines as a leafless parasite and steals its food from them. We join him on a mind-bending adventure, as he faces a seemingly impenetrable barrier of weird, wonderful and sometimes fearsome flora; finds himself smacking off leeches, hanging off vines, wading through rivers; and following indigenous tribes into remote, untrodden rainforests in search of Rafflesia's ghostly, foul-smelling blooms, more than a metre across. We depend on plants for our very existence, but two in five of the world's species are threatened with extinction - nobody knows how many species of Rafflesia might already have disappeared through deforestation. The Pathless Forest is part thrilling adventure story and part an inspirational call to action to safeguard a fast-disappearing wilderness. To view plants in a different way, as vital for our own future as for that of the planet we share. And to see if Rafflesia itself can be saved.

Judith, Suzie and Becks return in the brilliant second crime novel in the Marlow Murder Club series, from the creator of the hit TV series, Death in Paradise. ‘I love Robert Thorogood’s writing’ Peter James ‘Lots of laughs, a quick pace and an easy read to escape into’ Glamour ‘Cosy crime at its best’ Crime Monthly ‘Satisfying locked-room mystery’ Saga ‘Cleverly plotted and laugh-out-loud funny’ Yours magazine ‘The perfect cosy crime to curl up with’ Heat * * * It’s been an enjoyable and murder-free time for Judith, Suzie and Becks – AKA the Marlow Murder Club – since the events of last year. The most exciting thing on the horizon is the upcoming wedding of Marlow grandee, Sir Peter Bailey, to his nurse, Jenny Page. Sir Peter is having a party at his grand mansion on the river Thames the day before the wedding, and Judith and Co. are looking forward to a bit of free champagne. But during the soiree, there’s a crash from inside the house, and when the Marlow Murder Club rush to investigate, they are shocked to find the groom-to-be crushed to death in his study. The study was locked from the inside, so the police don’t consider the death suspicious. But Judith disagrees. As far as she's concerned, Peter was murdered! And it’s up to the Marlow Murder Club to find the killer before he or she strikes again… * * * Readers are GRIPPED by Death Comes to Marlow: ‘Thoroughly enjoyable locked-room murder mystery. Judith, Suzie and Becks are a formidable trio . . . . I highly recommend this book, and can’t wait for the next in the series’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Cozy crime at its best’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant, brilliant book. Catchy, funny, witty, well written . . . this was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘[A] wholly entertaining, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable romp in Marlow, with a glorious protagonist and a colourful cast of supporting characters. Wonderful escapism’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Never a dull moment, lots of red herrings, plenty of humour and a plot worthy of Agatha!!!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The first in a stunning new series introducing the Marlow Murder Club! 'A hugely enjoyable murder mystery written with wonderful verve, humour and compassion. Utterly delightful' Robert Webb 'Agatha Christie with a modern twist' SUN From the creator of the BBC One hit TV series, Death in Paradise To solve an impossible murder, you need an impossible hero... Seventy-seven-year-old Judith Potts is blissfully happy. She lives alone in a faded mansion in Marlow, sets crosswords for The Times, and there's no man in her life to tell her what to do or how much whisky to drink. One evening, while out swimming in the Thames, Judith witnesses a brutal murder. When the local police don't believe her story, Judith and two unlikely friends decide to investigate for themselves. Together, they are the Marlow Murder Club. But soon another body turns up, and it seems they have a real-life serial killer on their hands. Now the puzzle they set out to solve has become a trap from which they might never escape... READERS LOVE THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB 'Miss Marple with attitude' 5* Amazon Review 'I want to be Judith Potts when I grow up' 5* Amazon Review 'Wonderful escapism!' 5* Amazon Review 'Absolutely loved it!' 5* Amazon Review 'My favourite book of the year!' 5* Amazon Review 'I had an absolute blast reading this book' 5* Amazon Review 'So enjoyable, I laughed out loud !' 5* Amazon Review

Judith, Suzie, and Becks, AKA The Marlow Murder Club, are on the hunt for a killer . . . ‘I love Robert Thorogood’s writing’ Peter James * * * Geoffrey Lushington, Mayor of Marlow, dies suddenly during a Town Council meeting. When traces of aconite – also known as the queen of poisons – are found in his coffee cup, the police realise he was murdered. But who did it? And why? The police bring Judith, Suzie and Becks in to investigate as Civilian Advisors right from the start, so they have free rein to interview suspects and follow the evidence to their heart’s content, which is perfect because Judith has no time for rules and standard procedure. But this case has the Marlow Murder Club stumped. Who would want to kill the affable Mayor of Marlow? How did they even get the poison into his coffee? And is anyone else in danger? The Marlow Murder Club are about to face their most difficult case yet . . . * * * Praise for The Marlow Murder Club Mysteries: ‘Cosy crime at its best’ Crime Monthly ‘Cleverly plotted and laugh-out-loud funny’ Yours magazine ‘The perfect cosy crime to curl up with’ Heat

From its roots in ancient Greek herbal medicine, the popular spirit we now know as gin was established by the Dutch in the sixteenth century as a juniper-infused tincture to cure fevers. It gained notoriety during the London 'gin craze' in the eighteenth century before enjoying a recent resurgence and a profusion of new botanical flavourings. Garnished with sumptuous illustrations depicting the plants that tell the story of this complex and iconic drink, this enticing book delves into the botany of gin from root to branch. A diverse assortment of aromatic plants from around the world have been used in the production of gin over the course of several centuries. Each combination of botanicals yields a unique flavour profile that equates to more than the sum of its parts. Understanding the different types of formulation, and the main groups of plants used therein, is central to appreciating the drink's complexities and subtleties. As this book's extraordinary range of featured ingredients shows, gin is a quintessentially botanical beverage with a rich history like no other.

Discover the incredible story of how plant life grew to cover the surface of planet Earth, from long before human life existed up to the present day. This large-format, highly illustrated book will guide readers through the key aspects of the life of plants, from early ferns which were most certainly munched on by dinosaurs, to carnivorous plants that snap and 'attack' their prey, or powerful medicinal plants that can heal ailments and boost health. Mysterious and wonderful plants and trees are explored through the diverse habitats they're found in, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Sahara Desert, and through the animals found living on them or amongst them. This book also explores how humans use - and abuse - our precious plants, and how reliant we all are on the survival of our planet's network of botanical life. When Plants Took Over the Planet is the latest in the Incredible Evolution series, a beautifully illustrated set of books rich with facts about how life developed on the planet. Discover incredible stories of ancient species in When the Whales Walked, and explore the ancestry of the human race in When We Became Humans, as well as discover When Dinosaurs Conquered the Skies.

Forbes' "The Best Graphic Novels of 2022" list Cartoonist Zoe Thorogood records 6 months of her own life as it falls apart in a desperate attempt to put it back together again in the only way she knows how. IT'S LONELY AT THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH is an intimate and metanarrative look into the life of a selfish artist who must create for her own survival.

'Deftly entertaining ... satisfyingly pushes all the requisite Agatha Christie-style buttons' Barry Forshaw, The Independent DEATH IN PARADISE is one of BBC One's most popular series which averages 9 million viewers. DI Richard Poole is hot, bothered and fed up. He's stuck on the tropical island of Saint-Marie, forced to live in a rickety old shack on a beach, and there isn't a decent cup of tea to be found anywhere. When a boat explodes in the harbour, Richard and his team soon realise there's a new murderer on the loose. But who is it? And why did the killer leave behind a ruby at the scene of the crime? As the police dig deeper, they uncover secrets that go back decades, and a crime from the past that can never be forgiven. Worse still, they soon realise this is only the beginning. They've got to catch the killer before there's another death in paradise... An original story from the creator and writer of the hit BBC One TV series, Death in Paradise, featuring on-screen favourite detective, DI Richard Poole. READERS LOVE ROBERT THOROGOOD 'Fabulous, compulsive reading' 5* Amazon Review 'Another wonderful read' 5* Amazon Review 'Another excellent Death in Paradise novel' 5* Amazon Review 'Highly recommended' 5* Amazon Review 'Good fun' 5* Amazon Review

This veritable marine treasure trove of a book is richly illustrated by the author, with fifty of the most beautiful, easily encountered, and sometimes astonishing marine organisms found on British coasts, from seemingly exotic seahorses and starfish, to peculiar sea-potatoes and sea lemons. Together, these characterful critters paint a colourful picture of life between the tides: starfish that, upon losing an arm, can grow a new one; baby sharks hatching from their fancifully named 'mermaid' purses'; ethereal moon jellyfish pulsating in the current and, on some seabeds, even coral. Beachcombing, overturning a boulder or simply parting the strands of seaweed in a rock pool offer a glimpse into a thriving underwater world of curious creatures. Inspired by the Oxford University of Natural History's exceptionally rich zoology collections, which contain millions of specimens amassed from centuries of expeditions, this book tells the story of life on the seashore.

An original story from the creator and writer of the hit BBC One TV series, Death in Paradise, featuring on-screen favourite detective, DI Richard Poole. Enhance your enjoyment of the series as, for the first time, Robert Thorogood brings the characters to life on the page in an all-new locked-room mystery. Aslan Kennedy has an idyllic life: leader of a spiritual retreat for wealthy holidaymakers on one of the Caribbean's most unspoilt islands, Saint Marie. Until he's murdered, that is. The case seems open and shut: when Aslan was killed he was inside a locked room with only five other people, one of whom has already confessed to the murder. Detective Inspector Richard Poole is hot, bothered, and fed up with talking to witnesses who'd rather discuss his 'aura' than their whereabouts at the time of the murder. But he also knows that the facts of the case don't quite stack up. In fact, he's convinced that the person who's just confessed to the murder is the one person who couldn't have done it. Determined to track down the real killer, DI Poole is soon on the trail, and no stone will be left unturned. A must read for fans of the TV series and Agatha Christie crime classics featuring Marple and Poirot. Praise for Robert Thorogood: 'Very funny and dark with great pace. I love Robert Thorogood's writing' Peter James 'This second DEATH IN PARADISE NOVEL is a gem' DAILY EXPRESS 'Deftly entertaining ... satisfyingly pushes all the requisite Agatha Christie-style buttons' Barry Forshaw, THE INDEPENDENT 'For fans of Agatha Christie' MAIL ON SUNDAY 'A treat.' RADIO TIMES 'This brilliantly crafted, hugely enjoyable and suitably goosebump-inducing novel is an utter delight from start to finish' HEAT 'Plenty of red herrings and twists to keep readers guessing' DAILY EXPRESS 'Fans will enjoy returning to DI Richard Poole... just switch off and relax' LOVE READING

'For fans of Agatha Christie' Mail on Sunday The new DI Richard Poole mystery Two dead bodies. A family of suspects. And one very disgruntled detective. Reluctantly stationed on the sweltering Caribbean island of Saint-Marie, Detective Inspector Richard Poole dreams of cold winds, drizzly rain and a pint in his local pub. Just as he is feeling as fed up as can be, a mysterious vagrant is found dead in the grounds of the historic Beaumont plantation. Immediately assumed to be suicide, DI Poole is not so convinced and determined to prove otherwise. Never mind that the only fingerprints on the murder weapon belong to the victim. Or that the room was locked from the inside. Before long, death knocks twice and a second body turns up. The hunt is on to solve the case - despite the best efforts of the enigmatic Beaumont family... Praise for Robert Thorogood: 'Very funny and dark with great pace. I love Robert Thorogood's writing' Peter James 'This second DEATH IN PARADISE NOVEL is a gem' DAILY EXPRESS 'Deftly entertaining ... satisfyingly pushes all the requisite Agatha Christie-style buttons' Barry Forshaw, THE INDEPENDENT 'For fans of Agatha Christie' MAIL ON SUNDAY 'A treat' RADIO TIMES 'This brilliantly crafted, hugely enjoyable and suitably goosebump-inducing novel is an utter delight from start to finish' HEAT 'Plenty of red herrings and twists to keep readers guessing' DAILY EXPRESS 'Fans will enjoy returning to DI Richard Poole... just switch off and relax' LOVE READING

'I love Robert Thorogood's writing' Peter James An original story from the creator and writer of the hit BBC One TV series, Death in Paradise, featuring on-screen favourite detective, DI Richard Poole. Supermodel Polly Carter was famed for her looks and party-girl lifestyle. Now she's dead, apparently having thrown herself from the clifftop near her home on the island of Saint-Marie. Those who knew her say Polly would never have killed herself...and when he is called in to investigate, DI Richard Poole is inclined to agree there is more to Polly's death than meets the eye. Already fighting a losing battle against the intense summer heat of the Caribbean, Richard now faces fresh adversaries: a stream of alibis; a host of conflicting motives; and, worst of all, a visit from his mother. A frenzy which would surely allow a murderer to slip away unnoticed...yet Richard is certain that the guilty party is still on the island. As his team closes in on Polly's household, Richard becomes convinced that the model's death was an inside job. And he's determined to prove who planned the killing of Polly Carter, and why... Praise for Robert Thorogood: 'Very funny and very dark with great pace. I love Robert Thorogood's writing' - Peter James 'For fans of Agatha Christie' - Mail on Sunday 'A treat' - Radio Times 'Plenty of red herrings and twists to keep readers guessing' - Daily Express 'Fans of the Agatha Christie style BBC drama Death in Paradise will enjoy this book from the show's creator' - Mail on Sunday 'Fans will enjoy returning to DI Richard Poole... just switch off and relax' - Love Reading 'An absolute delight from start to finish.' - Entertainment Outlook 'A brilliant whodunnit' - Woman

Oxford Botanic Garden has occupied its central Oxford site next to the river Cherwell continuously since its foundation in 1621 and is the UK's oldest botanic garden. The birthplace of botanical science in the UK, it has been a leading centre for research since the 1600s. Today, the garden holds a collection of over 5,000 different types of plant, some of which exist nowhere else and are of international conservation importance. This guide explores Oxford Botanic Garden's many historic and innovative features, from the walled garden to the waterlily pool, the glasshouses, the rock garden, the water garden and 'Lyra's bench'. It also gives a detailed explanation of the medicinal and taxonomic beds and special plant collections. Lavishly illustrated with photographs taken throughout the seasons, this book not only provides a fascinating historical overview but also offers a practical guide to the Oxford Botanic Garden and its work today. Featuring a map of the entire site and a historical timeline, it is guaranteed to enhance any visit, and is also a beautiful souvenir to take home.

Zoe Thorogood's first graphic novel The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott is a story about what it's like to get something you want, have it immediately taken away from you and then how you can put it all back together again in unexpected ways. Set in a world of people down and out in Newcastle and London, it's a graphic novel that speaks to the problems facing many of those left behind in post-austerity Britain. It's also the debut work of an exciting author who many are tipping to be a great new talent in the world of comics.

On a seemingly normal August day in Boulder, Colorado, the skies are clear and Honeysuckle Speck couldn't be happier. She's finally moving in with her girlfriend Yolanda. But their world is literally torn apart when dark clouds roll in and release a downpour of nailsi?9;splinters of bright crystal that shred the skin of anyone not safely under cover. RAIN makes vivid this escalating apocalyptic event, as the deluge of nails spreads across the country and around the world, threatening everything young lovers Honeysuckle and Yolanda hold dear. So begins a gripping graphic-novel presentation of New York Times bestselling author JOE HILL's acclaimed novella, adapted by DAVID M. BOOHER (Canto) and ZOE THOROGOOD (The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott). Also features a bonus art gallery and an all-new introduction by author Joe Hill!

Health policy has become a contested arena for political and social debate over the last two decades. Analysing Health Policy: Sociological Approaches is an accessible text which places empirical research findings within the context of both contemporary policy debates and general approaches to policy analysis. Using illustrative material from research in health care, this book examines key issues in contemporary health policy and the sociological debates that surround them.

Health policy has become a contested arena for political and social debate over the last two decades. Analysing Health Policy: Sociological Approaches is an accessible text which places empirical research findings within the context of both contemporary policy debates and general approaches to policy analysis. Using illustrative material from research in health care, this book examines key issues in contemporary health policy and the sociological debates that surround them.

The flora of Iraq is particularly rich and diverse, owing to the country's diverse habitats of deserts, plains and mountains. The inspiration for this book was the work of the Iraqi herbalist, Abdul Jaleel Ibrahim Al-Quragheely, who documented the country's flora and its uses in ethnobotanical medicine. He opened a local practice in 1990 and dispensed herbal medicines for six years when communities were most in need. A Herbal of Iraq describes 50 plants and their uses in traditional herbal medicine in the region. In addition to the wealth of information it contains, this dual language English-Arabic herbal is illustrated richly throughout with archival and contemporary botanical art.

This stunning series of pocketbooks from Kew offers a snapshot into the diverse and beautiful world of plants. Kew Pocketbooks: Carnivorous Plants lavishly showcases 40 botanical paintings of these deadly beauties. Carnivorous plants are deadly beauties that trap, kill and consume everything from insects, spiders and crustaceans to lizards and mice, luring their prey in with specialised hairs, sweet nectar, bright colours, or the convenience of a toilet. 40 stunning botanical pairings of this extraordinary group are showcased here, including the famous Venus flytrap, as well as pitcher plants and sundews.

The Tropical Hothouse describes over 50 tropical plants, telling the intriguing stories of their origins and compelling features. Sourced exclusively from the archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, each accompanying illustration presses out of the page, transforming your book into a work of art. The Tropical Hothouse contains a botanical paradise, where tropical trees are festooned with vines, orchids and bromeliads, lurid blossoms perfume the air, and leafy ferns and palms jostle for the light. From exotic-looking potted orchids and motley assortments of succulents, to luxuriant, leafy greenery, house plants and terraria are more popular than ever as additions to stylish interiors. This beautifully presented and fascinating collection includes perennial favourites and unusual specimens, transporting this world of extraordinary plants into your hands and home.

With an estimated 20% of working women leaving their job or taking a lesser role because they are struggling to deal with menopause symptoms, there has never been a more urgent need for better education about this all too often taboo subject. Women feel confused and frustrated with the lack of support from health practitioners and often feel embarrassed or scared to raise the subject at work for fear of ridicule or judgement. And yet, women over 50 are the fastest growing sector of the UK workforce, with more than 80% of the 4.4 million working women currently dealing with menopause. This book provides a no-nonsense guide to help women not only get clear on what menopause is but also what they can do about it.

In his hair-raising adventures across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Chris Thorogood treads a death-defying path over cliffs, up erupting volcanoes, through typhoons, and out into the very heart of the world's vast, green wilderness. Along the way, he encounters pitcher plants, irises and orchids more heart-piercingly beautiful than you could ever imagine. An internationally acclaimed botanical illustrator, Thorogood conjures his adventures back to life in his electric paintings, which feature throughout the book. Joining his wild adventures is to be under a green spell: you'll never think of plants the same way again.

Packed with practical advice and research quick tips, this book is the perfect companion to your health research project. It not only explains the theory of qualitative health research so you can interpret the studies of others, but also showcases how to approach, start, maintain, and disseminate your own research. It will help you: Understand the role of the researcher Develop an effective research proposal Seek ethical approval Conduct interviews, observational studies, mixed methods, and web-based designs Use secondary and digital sources Code, manage, and analyse data Write up your results Whether you are studying public health, sports medicine, occupational therapy, nursing, midwifery, or another health discipline, the authors will be your surrogate supervisors and guide you through evaluating or undertaking any type of health research.