Best Murder Stories & Novels Collection

The Vampire King's Weapon

The Vampire King's Weapon

3.6k Views · Ongoing · Sashalouise Prior
“You are certainly handsome, for a bloodthirsty vampire.” I blurted, unable to stop the words as they slipped from my lips.
“Funny, no one has ever complimented my looks in the thousands of years I have walked these halls.” He smiled, his elongated fangs almost piercing his lips.
I took a sharp breath, forcing myself not to stare at his mouth. “Then you are clearly surrounding yourself with the w...
Daughter of The Wicked

Daughter of The Wicked

6.3k Views · Ongoing · Alexandra Knight
Lorraine finds herself entangled with three immortal beings as they try to solve mysteries about her, the town, and the cult of vampires trying to kill her. She must work with the immortal who wants to kill her and find out more about her family history, which seems to be behind everything that is happening.

The animal attacks in the small town of Secret Valley were the first blow of the wind of...
Cursed

Cursed

7.8k Views · Completed · Adison Anderson
This was a very bad idea—being here with him with the Bond affecting us the way it was. But in this moment I couldn’t seem to care.

“You should probably go, Kassie.”

“Why?” I asked, voice barely above a whisper.

“Because I don’t know how much more of you touching me I’ll be able to handle without doing something that we’ll both regret.”

The tug from the Bond was so strong I didn’t care.

“Kas...
Sold to the Best Bidder

Sold to the Best Bidder

3.4k Views · Ongoing · Andy Whitte
Can you imagine being sold by your boyfriend at auction to the highest bidder for a debt that could kill him and, to sweeten the pot, you are bought by his extremely handsome, multi-millionaire older brother, heir to a chain of hotels in Italy, who is obsessed with you?

Yeah, why not me.

In my situation as an illusionary reader with a thousand stories in her head, I realized that wishing also ha...
Hell Island

Hell Island

76 Views · Completed · LadyWet
I looked at the Form and read it. Hotel accommodation is free, food is free and there is an allowance

what kind of field trip is this? There is an allowance

I continued reading and there was a letter that startled me and grabbed my attention

"ONCE YOU LAY YOUR FEET ON MY ISLAND, IT MEANS YOU ALREADY FACE THE TRUE HELL"
Then Let's Just Make it Weirder

Then Let's Just Make it Weirder

85 Views · Completed · PurpleBud
Meet Yenn who thought his life will remain the same, but after
the game Arc of SHION released an announcement that every
player would receive $5 million and a chance to meet the
mysterious creator of the game if they finish 100 Arcs Hell
Mode. After getting the money, he was tricked into signing a
contract to stay in a private island where he met the other
people who had the same date ...
Law and justice

Law and justice

22 Views · Completed · Oluwatosin melody
Formerly known as law and order

Book 2 of the past series

Mecianda; A country ruled by the rich and powerful elite called the six feathers. Their preys we're the weak and poor, nobody could question them because they held more power than the president of the country but............ Someone decided to bring them to justice.

Jeremy Akinsola, a renowned lawyer, who had a tragic event in th...
Diana Costello Brothers I

Diana Costello Brothers I

6.1k Views · Completed · Ângela Rodrigues
Warning This is a dark novel, it contains scenes that can cause some kind of trigger, such as abuse, rape, trafficking and torture.
"I put my head between my knees trying to escape the memories, maybe because the first times were the ones that hurt, the ones that destroyed an innocent heart and stole my soul." Beatrice Costello was married at sixteen to Stefano Sartori after living seven years of ...
Zena The slave Lost Alpha

Zena The slave Lost Alpha

6.5k Views · Ongoing · Fauna Green
“Or else what,” she placed her lips close to my lips.

Just inhaling the scent of her fragrance activates my roguish personality, which makes me unleash my condemned soul of mine, she is a person that will continue to turn me into a sinner.

Marcus despises Zena with everything he holds dearly but pretend to love her at all cost.
Unknowingly, her throne was auctioned to two male potential Alpha...
The Alpha Assassin

The Alpha Assassin

7.2k Views · Ongoing · Aurora Archer
Reject and Revenge on the Alpha’s three sons.

The Alpha brothers stepped towards me.

They both got their dad's light brown hair, dull, and lifeless, like them.

They started circling me slowly, like animals that had already caught their prey and were just toying with it now.

“A few weeks, and then you belong to us,” Hunter took a step closer to me although he c...
Silent Neighbor (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 4)

Silent Neighbor (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 4)

12 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) SILENT NEIGHBOR (A Chloe Fine Mystery) is...
Cul de Sac (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 3)

Cul de Sac (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 3)

16 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) CUL DE SAC (A Chloe Fine Mystery) is book...
Next Door (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 1)

Next Door (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 1)

10 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) NEXT DOOR (A Chloe Fine Mystery) is book ...
A Neighbor’s Lie (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 2)

A Neighbor’s Lie (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 2)

8 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
"NEXT DOOR is full of completely unexpected twists—you will read it on the edge of your chair. It is Blake Pierce at his best! Another masterpiece of suspense and mystery. I highly recommend it to the permanent library of all readers that appreciate an excellent thriller, full of psychological suspense and with a completely unexpected ending. This is the first in what promises to be another excell...
If She Knew (A Kate Wise Mystery—Book 1)

If She Knew (A Kate Wise Mystery—Book 1)

38 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) IF SHE KNEW (A Kate Wise Mystery) is book...
Watching (The Making of Riley Paige—Book 1)

Watching (The Making of Riley Paige—Book 1)

23 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and ...
Cause to Dread (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 6)

Cause to Dread (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 6)

11 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.” --Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone) From #1 bestselling author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense—the AVERY BLACK SERIES—which continues here with CAUSE TO DREAD (Book #6), also a standalone novel. The series begins with CAUSE TO KILL (Book #1)—a free download with over 2...
Cause to Save (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 5)

Cause to Save (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 5)

63 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.” --Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone) From #1 bestselling author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense: CAUSE TO SAVE (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 5)—the final installment in the Avery Black series.In the epic finale of the Avery Black series, serial killer Howard Randall has ...
Once Cold (A Riley Paige Mystery—Book 8)

Once Cold (A Riley Paige Mystery—Book 8)

133 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and ...
A Trace of Vice (a Keri Locke Mystery--Book #3)

A Trace of Vice (a Keri Locke Mystery--Book #3)

87 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.”--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone)From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense.In A TRACE OF VICE (Book #3 in the Keri Locke mystery series), Keri Locke, Missing Persons Detective in the Homicide division of the LAPD, follows a fresh lead for her ...
Once Stalked (A Riley Paige Mystery—Book 9)

Once Stalked (A Riley Paige Mystery—Book 9)

162 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and ...
Cause to Fear (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 4)

Cause to Fear (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 4)

81 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.” --Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone) From #1 bestselling author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense: CAUSE TO FEAR (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 4).When a body turns up floating beneath the frozen Charles River, the Boston Police summons its most brilliant and controversial ...
A Trace of Murder (A Keri Locke Mystery--Book #2)

A Trace of Murder (A Keri Locke Mystery--Book #2)

168 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.”--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone)From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense.In A TRACE OF MURDER (Book #2 in the Keri Locke mystery series), Keri Locke, Missing Persons Detective in the Homicide division of the LAPD, remains haunted by the abdu...
Once Forsaken (A Riley Paige Mystery—Book 7)

Once Forsaken (A Riley Paige Mystery—Book 7)

106 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and ...
A Trace of Death (A Keri Locke Mystery--Book #1)

A Trace of Death (A Keri Locke Mystery--Book #1)

101 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.”--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone)From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense.Keri Locke, Missing Persons Detective in the Homicide division of the LAPD, remains haunted by the abduction of her own daughter, years before, never found. Still obses...
Once Hunted (A Riley Paige Mystery—Book 5)

Once Hunted (A Riley Paige Mystery—Book 5)

142 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and ...
Knockout (A Holly Hands Cozy Mystery—Book 1)

Knockout (A Holly Hands Cozy Mystery—Book 1)

84 Views · Completed · Mia Gold
Fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum and Jana DeLeon's Miss Fortune will find a new character to love in Holly Hands!Holly Hands. 29. Single mom. Disgraced, former boxing pro. Repo woman.Repossessing Lamborghinis and other exotic toys from criminals is second-hat for Holly.But finding a dead body—and solving a murder—is not.Luckily, Holly has Lucky by her side—a neglected pit bull she found on...
On the Rocks (A Ruby Steele Cozy Mystery—Book 1)

On the Rocks (A Ruby Steele Cozy Mystery—Book 1)

58 Views · Completed · Mia Gold
Ruby Steele, 30, beautiful, fit, seems just like any other ex-pat hiding out in the Bahamas and playing local bartender. But unruly patrons find out the hard way: Ruby is a mixed-martial-arts pro, and not one you’d want to cross.In fact, Ruby would be a champion if she hadn’t been forced to walk away and hide out in the Bahamas.Because Ruby knows too much. She knows where the bodies are buried. An...
Once Pined (A Riley Paige Mystery—Book 6)

Once Pined (A Riley Paige Mystery—Book 6)

170 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and ...
Cause to Hide (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 3)

Cause to Hide (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 3)

149 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.” --Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone) From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense: CAUSE TO HIDE (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 3).Bodies are being found in the outskirts of Boston, their corpses burned beyond recognition, as the police realize a new...
Cause to Run (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 2)

Cause to Run (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 2)

286 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.” --Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone) From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense. In CAUSE TO RUN (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 2), a new serial killer is stalking Boston, killing his victims in bizarre ways, taunting the police with mysterious puz...
Once Lured (a Riley Paige Mystery--Book #4)

Once Lured (a Riley Paige Mystery--Book #4)

355 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.”--Books and M...
Cause to Kill (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 1)

Cause to Kill (An Avery Black Mystery—Book 1)

1.3k Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.” --Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone) From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense.Homicide Detective Avery Black has been through hell. Once a top criminal defense attorney, she fell from grace when she managed to get a brilliant Harvard professor ...
Before He Kills (A Mackenzie White Mystery—Book 1)

Before He Kills (A Mackenzie White Mystery—Book 1)

136 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
From #1 bestselling author Blake Pierce comes a heart-pounding new mystery series.In the cornfields of Nebraska a woman is found murdered, strung up on a pole, the victim of a deranged killer. It doesn’t take long for the police to realize a serial killer is on the loose—and that his spree has just begun.Detective Mackenzie White, young, tough, smarter than the aging, chauvinistic men on her local...
Once Gone (a Riley Paige Mystery--Book #1)

Once Gone (a Riley Paige Mystery--Book #1)

4.5k Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.”--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone)“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will ...
Once Taken (a Riley Paige Mystery--Book #2)

Once Taken (a Riley Paige Mystery--Book #2)

346 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.”--Books and M...
City of Prey: An Ava Gold Mystery (Book 1)

City of Prey: An Ava Gold Mystery (Book 1)

2 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A MASTERPIECE OF THRILLER AND MYSTERY. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) CITY OF PREY (An Ava Gold Mystery—Book 1)...
A Murder in Paris (A Year in Europe—Book 1)

A Murder in Paris (A Year in Europe—Book 1)

17 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“When you think that life cannot get better, Blake Pierce comes up with another masterpiece of thriller and mystery! This book is full of twists, and the end brings a surprising revelation. Strongly recommended for the permanent library of any reader who enjoys a very well-written thriller.”--Books and Movie Reviews (re Almost Gone) A MURDER IN PARIS is the debut novel in a charming new cozy myste...
Murder (and Baklava) (A European Voyage Cozy Mystery—Book 1)

Murder (and Baklava) (A European Voyage Cozy Mystery—Book 1)

2 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“When you think that life cannot get better, Blake Pierce comes up with another masterpiece of thriller and mystery! This book is full of twists, and the end brings a surprising revelation. Strongly recommended for the permanent library of any reader who enjoys a very well-written thriller.”--Books and Movie Reviews (re Almost Gone) MURDER (AND BAKLAVA) is the debut novel in a charming new cozy my...
Girl, Alone (An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1)

Girl, Alone (An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1)

116 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A MASTERPIECE OF THRILLER AND MYSTERY. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) GIRL, ALONE (An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Th...
Left To Die (An Adele Sharp Mystery—Book One)

Left To Die (An Adele Sharp Mystery—Book One)

21 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“When you think that life cannot get better, Blake Pierce comes up with another masterpiece of thriller and mystery! This book is full of twists and the end brings a surprising revelation. I strongly recommend this book to the permanent library of any reader that enjoys a very well written thriller.”--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Almost Gone) LEFT TO DIE is book #1 in a new FBI thri...
Almost Dead (The Au Pair—Book Three)

Almost Dead (The Au Pair—Book Three)

5 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“When you think that life cannot get better, Blake Pierce comes up with another masterpiece of thriller and mystery! This book is full of twists and the end brings a surprising revelation. I strongly recommend this book to the permanent library of any reader that enjoys a very well written thriller.”--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Almost Gone) ALMOST DEAD is book #3 in a new psycholo...
Face of Death (A Zoe Prime Mystery—Book 1)

Face of Death (A Zoe Prime Mystery—Book 1)

25 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A MASTERPIECE OF THRILLER AND MYSTERY. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) FACE OF DEATH is book #1 in a new FBI thr...
A Trace of Hope (a Keri Locke Mystery--Book #5)

A Trace of Hope (a Keri Locke Mystery--Book #5)

4 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.”--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone)From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense. A TRACE OF HOPE is the final book in the Keri Locke series, bringing the series to a dramatic conclusion.In A TRACE OF HOPE (Book #5 in the Keri Locke mystery series),...
A Trace of Crime (a Keri Locke Mystery--Book #4)

A Trace of Crime (a Keri Locke Mystery--Book #4)

47 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn't let go.”--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone)From #1 bestselling mystery author Blake Pierce comes a new masterpiece of psychological suspense.In A TRACE OF CRIME (Book #4 in the Keri Locke mystery series), Keri Locke, Missing Persons Detective in the Homicide division of the LAPD, follows a fresh lead for her...
Homecoming (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 5)

Homecoming (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 5)

9 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) HOMECOMING (A Chloe Fine Mystery) is book...
Almost Lost (The Au Pair—Book Two)

Almost Lost (The Au Pair—Book Two)

21 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A MASTERPIECE OF THRILLER AND MYSTERY. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) ALMOST LOST is book #2 in a new psycholog...
Tinted Windows (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 6)

Tinted Windows (A Chloe Fine Psychological Suspense Mystery—Book 6)

8 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) TINTED WINDOWS (A Chloe Fine Mystery) is ...
Almost Gone (The Au Pair—Book One)

Almost Gone (The Au Pair—Book One)

74 Views · Completed · Blake Pierce
“A MASTERPIECE OF THRILLER AND MYSTERY. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) ALMOST GONE is book #1 in a new psycholog...
The Milanese Stars

The Milanese Stars

Completed · Pamela Q. Fernandes
The heist of the decade and yet, no one would have guessed… it was her.   The Milanese stars are missing from the famous Buccatino boutique. When American insurance investigator, Samuel Keane is called in to liaise with the polizia, he finds the whole heist odd. Not only are the Milanese stars, a set of five pink diamonds, not listed in the inventory of stolen items, worse, none of the surrounding...