Saturday, May 02, 2009

First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: New Series Titles for May 2009

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

, your source for information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults where each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older), is pleased to announce 11 new mystery series books scheduled for publication during May, 2009.

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen


Mudshark is the go-to guy for any mysteries that need solving. Lost your shoe? Can’t find your homework? Ask Mudshark. That is, until the Psychic Parrot takes up residence in the school library and threatens to overturn Mudshark’s position as the guy who knows all the answers. The word in school is that the parrot can out-think Mudshark. And right now, the school needs someone who’s good at solving problems. There’s an escaped gerbil running rampant, an emergency in the faculty restroom, and all the erasers are disappearing from the classrooms. When Mudshark solves the mystery of who’s stealing the erasers, he discovers the culprit has the best of intentions. Now he has to think of a way to prevent the Psychic Parrot from revealing the eraser-thief’s identity. With a bit of misdirection and a lot of quick thinking, Mudshark restores order to the chaos ... just for the moment. The 1st in what is presumably a new series for elementary school readers.

The Mudshark Series is recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

The Secret of the Junkyard Shadow by Kristiana Gregory

The Secret of the Junkyard Shadow by Kristiana Gregory


In this sixth book of the series, brothers Jeff and David and their cousin Claire are worried there might be another thief in Cabin Creek. Things keep disappearing ... but then they show up again, repaired and freshly painted! Does the shadowy figure they've seen in the junkyard have the answer to this latest mystery?

The Cabin Creek Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Secret at Jefferson's Mansion by Ron Roy

The Secret at Jefferson's Mansion by Ron Roy


While painting a closet in the White House, the President's daughter KC discovers an old box full of handmade toy horses that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson. KC and her friend Marshall go to Monticello, Jefferson’s home, to return the horses, but just after they get there, the box with the horses inside disappears! They have to explore historic Monticello, with its dank wine cellar, tiny dumbwaiter elevator, and spooky family cemetery to track down the thief before the horses are gone for good! The 11th book in this series.

The Capital Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer

The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer


Enola may have met her match with ... Florence Nightingale? For Enola, who has been longing for her absent mother, it's difficult to make personal connections. Other than her occasional run-ins with her brother Sherlock, Enola doesn't have many people in her life, except her landlady, Mrs. Tupper. While she's nearly deaf and can't cook to save her life, Mrs. Tupper is endearing, really the closest thing Enola has to family these days. So imagine her horror when Enola comes home to find Mrs. Tupper kidnapped! Who would take her, and why? And what does Florence Nightingale have to do with it? There must be more to the kind, homely Mrs. Tupper than meets the eye. Enola will put absolutely everything at risk to find Mrs. Tupper. And whoever took her had better watch out—because this time, it's personal. The 5th book in this series.

The Enola Holmes Series is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Dead Drop by Jennifer Allison

The Dead Drop by Jennifer Allison


When Gilda lands a summer internship at Washington, D.C.’s International Spy Museum, she finds herself embroiled in both a museum haunting and a real case of espionage. While investigating a cemetery where Abraham Lincoln’s son was once buried, Gilda stumbles upon a spy’s “dead drop” of classified information. Gilda’s efforts to decode the cryptic message lead to further intrigues: Is she on the trail of a mole operating inside the U.S. intelligence community? Aware that “nothing is what it seems” when it comes to spies in Washington, D.C., Gilda faces the most serious challenge yet in her career as a psychic spy.

The Gilda Joyce Series is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Case of the Pen Gone Missing / El Caso de la Pluma Privado by Rene Saldana

The Case of the Pen Gone Missing / El Caso de la Pluma Privado by Rene Saldana


When Toots Rodríguez approaches Mickey on the playground, he knows something is up. Toots, the prettiest girl in the fifth grade, never talks to Mickey, not even when they’re assigned to work together on a class project. But Toots has come to Mickey because she’s in trouble, and he’s a detective. The real deal. He has a badge and a certificate after completing an online course two years ago.

“You have to believe me, Mickey. I didn’t take that pen. I didn’t.” When Toots shines her big green eyes on him and insists repeatedly that she’s innocent, Mickey’s intuition tells him to run fast—in the opposite direction. But he’s a sucker for a pretty girl, so he takes on the case of the missing pen.

Rumor has it that Toots stole Eddy’s pen. It’s not just any old pen; it’s his dad’s pen. It has the White House logo on it. Eddy’s father, a senator from South Texas, got the pen from the President of the United States when he visited the White House last year. As Mickey begins his investigation, though, all the clues point to Toots and her newly ex-boyfriend as the primary suspects. The first book in this new bilingual chapter series.

The Mickey Rangel Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Beast of Blackslope by Tracy Barrett

The Beast of Blackslope by Tracy Barrett


Xena and Xander have been looking forward to their vacation in the peaceful country village of Blackslope in this second book of the series. But when a huge monster begins to terrorize the town, the young detectives are faced with a mystery that seems impossible to solve. Sherlock Holmes, Xena and Xander’s famous ancestor, investigated the case of a horrible beast in Blackslope, but that was nearly a hundred years ago. It couldn’t be the same creature after all this time—could it?

The Sherlock Files are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Everafter War by Michael Buckley

The Everafter War by Michael Buckley


Picking up after the dramatic cliffhanger that ended Book Six, Sabrina and Daphne’s prayers are finally answered when their parents awake from their sleeping spell. But their happy reunion is short-lived, as they are caught in the middle of a war between the Scarlet Hand and Prince Charming’s Everafter army. As the family works to help the prince’s ragtag group of rebels and protect their friends, Sabrina comes face-to-face with the family’s deadliest enemy—the mysterious Master—who reveals a secret so shocking it will rock the entire family to its core.

The Sisters Grimm Series is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

Death by Denim by Linda Gerber

Death by Denim by Linda Gerber


Even though Aphra Connolly knows there are some very dangerous people on their tail when she met her mom, Natalie, in Paris, she envisioned the two of them strolling along the Champs-Elysées, sharing Nutella-smeared crepes and mother-daughter bonding. But the only strolling they’ve been doing is from one cheap hostel to another, and the “moments” they share consist of Natalie instructing Aphra on the finer points of anonymity and survival. When Natalie’s CIA contact in Paris is found floating in the Seine with a deadly message stuffed into his mouth, Aphra realizes that, like Seth Mulo and his family, she will never be able to stop running unless she confronts the situation head-on. Sneaking away from her mom and her CIA protector Ryan, Aphra tracks down a criminal mastermind in Italy, only to discover that Seth had the same idea, and her presence may have just put Seth in mortal danger. The 3rd book in this series.

The Aphra Connolly Series is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

Dead is So Last Year by Marlene Perez

Dead is So Last Year by Marlene Perez


Something very strange starts happening in Nightshade the summer that the eldest Giordano sister, Rose, gets a job working at Dr. Franken's research laboratory. People are starting to see double. Doppelgängers of Nightshade residents are popping up all over town. Daisy, Rose and Poppy think it's a coincidence, until the rumors start that their father, who disappeared several years ago, has been spotted in town. Meanwhile, Daisy's beau, Ryan is spending all of his time training for football, and like the other guys on the team, he's grown enormous almost overnight. Samantha Devereux's boyfriend's neck has doubled in size since school ended. Could the football players be resorting to extreme measures to win? Between summer jobs, sugar rushes, and beach parties, the Giordano girls get to the bottom of these mysteries and more. The 3rd book in this series.

The Giordano Sisters Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

Young Spenser by Robert B. Parker

Young Spenser by Robert B. Parker


Spenser's father and two uncles, all three boxers and carpenters, raised him to be tough. However, his father also taught him something even more important: sometimes the toughest thing a guy can do is walk away from a fight. Between learning to spar from his father and uncles, Spenser forms a friendship with Jeannie. Jeannie's relationship with her abusive father challenges this paramount lesson of knowing when to walk away from a fight. When she gets into trouble, Spenser knows he has a difficult decision to make. Should he trust his gut and risk his own life to save hers? The 1st book in what will likely be a continuing series.

This Young Spenser Novel is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

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Games of Mystery: Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper, New for Windows PC

Games of Mystery

, your source for mystery-themed electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, and getaway vacations including murder mystery weekends, is pleased to announce the availability of a new mystery game for Windows PC computers. More mystery games for this platform are available on our recently updated webpage.

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper

It’s 1888, London, in the Whitechapel area, and a series of grisly crimes in the heart of the East End leave a gory trail of mutilated female bodies. The police struggle to pick up the scent as the bodies pile up and paranoia sweeps the city. Sherlock Holmes immerses himself in the dark, sordid alleyways of Whitechapel in order to follow the trail of the one that the press calls Jack the Ripper. During a terrifying investigation, Holmes will attempt to lift the veil of mystery that shrouds the motives and the face behind that horrific nickname.

Presented in full 3D, Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper offers players 2 different perspectives available at any moment in the game: a third-person view in the pure style of traditional point ’n’ click adventure games and a first-person view for close-up investigation. The player will be free to play in one or the other modes or even combine them for greater immersion into this terrifying adventure. Another novelty: the player will also find an original crime scene reconstitution system that will allow him to test his theories during his progress in the investigation to follow the bloody trail of the terrifying serial killer.

Currently scheduled for release on May 4th, 2009, Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper (PC Windows) is being shipped on PC DVD-ROM and is not yet rated (though an M for Mature content rating is anticipated). A version for the Xbox 360 is planned for later in the year.

Don't forget to visit for all types of mysterious fun!

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First Clues Review: One False Move by Gordon Korman

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

is delighted to introduce a new feature for our website, book reviews written by students. These students offer their unique perspective on the book in their review and provide a valuable resource to parents looking for new mystery adventures for their kids to read.

One False Move by Gordon Korman

One False Move by Gordon Korman
The 39 Clues Series

Scholastic (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-545-06042-7 (0545060427)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06042-4 (9780545060424)
Publication Date: December 2008
List Price: $12.99

Review written by Eric, Age 14, Grade 8. Date of review: April 2009.

Review: The 39 Clues: One False Note is the second book in “The 39 Clues” series and it is written by Gordon Korman. It features Amy and Dan Cahill on a race against other members of the enormous Cahill family to find the treasure left behind by their late grandmother.

Amy and Dan Cahill, along with their au pair Nellie Gomez and their grandmother’s cat, must race to Vienna, Italy after finding the first clue in the race to recover the treasure hidden by their grandmother Grace Cahill. Once there they must evade the other members of their family on the hunt for the treasure, while figuring out just what Mozart has to do with the next clue. They have to infiltrate an enemy base and act as maids, but do they have enough time? Who can they trust and is Mr. McIntyre really trying to help or does he want something more? The plot twists and turns, leaving the reader wondering what will happen next.

One False Note is a well written book that is packed with action. It is easy to understand and can be enjoyed by many young adults. The characters fit so well together it is amazing that this is only the second book in the series. With alliances made and broken it can be tough to tell who is on whose side at times though. Though not very long, the author does a great job of creating a sense of suspense and unknowing. Also there is another book planned and Korman does a marvelous job of creating a cliff hanger at the end to get reader to read the next book.

Overall I thought One False Note was an extremely good book and I would recommend it for all middle school students. On a five star scale I would give this book a five. It is easy to understand and it has a great plotline. Next time you are at the library or at your local bookstore, be sure to pick up The 39 Clues: One False Note.

Buy from Amazon.com

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is pleased to provide information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

All student book reviews are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any manner, print or electronic, without the express written consent of the copyright owner. Reviews are published here with permission of the copyright owner.

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Friday, May 01, 2009

Mystery Book Review: Little Blue Whales by Kenneth R. Lewis

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Little Blue Whales by Kenneth R. Lewis. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Little Blue Whales by Kenneth R. Lewis

by
A Kevin Kearnes Mystery

Krill Press (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-9821443-0-X (098214430X)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9821443-0-5 (9780982144305)
Publication Date: March 2009
List Price: $16.95

Review: Kenneth R. Lewis' debut novel, Little Blue Whales, is a cat-and-mouse-style thriller set on the Oregon coast that has a credible premise and some interesting characters but ultimately fails to adequately develop either.

Kevin Kearnes is the newly hired chief of police for the seaside town of Cutter Point. An outsider from Kansas, he struggles to fit into an established organization that needs him but doesn't want him. And his leadership skills are tested early: a serial killer has been targeting pre-teenage boys up and down the Oregon coast. Not unexpectedly, the town leaders try to play this highly explosive situation to their political advantage, interferring in the investigation at every step. But Kearnes doesn't need the town counsel to second guess how he's managing the investigation; Kearnes has a personal connection to the case that causes him to question his ability to bring the killer to justice.

The story in Little Blue Whales alternates between the perspectives of Kearnes and the killer, Uriah Beek. While each character has the potential to draw the reader in, neither does to any significant degree. Kearnes is the more complex of the two, conflicted in many (too many) ways, but his character is defined more by the conversations he has with others or the situations in which he finds himself. It's more two-dimensional than three. Beek is even less developed and is, somewhat ironically, largely forgettable. In many ways, Thud Compton, Kearne's second in command and candidate for the top job before Kearne was hired, is the most interesting character in the story. Fortunately, he's given a lot of face time, as it were.

The overall plot is fairly typical of a serial killer thriller, but is so loosely constructed that it doesn't generate any real suspense. The pacing is erratic, there are too many extraneous scenes that contribute little, the relationship between Kearnes and his new lady friend is never believable, and the surprising revelations are anything but.

Overall, Little Blue Whales is a disappointing effort in this increasingly crowded subgenre.

Special thanks to Krill Press for providing an ARC of Little Blue Whales for this review.

Review Copyright © 2009 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved

Buy from Amazon.com

If you are interested in purchasing Little Blue Whales from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): A random and sadistic killer stalks the summer beaches of Oregon at the height of the tourist season. An enigma to the local police, the already troubled town of Cutter Point on the southern Oregon coast is thrown into panic when the killer's body count of abducted and murdered young boys begins to rise. As newly hired police chief Kevin Kearnes wages an uphill battle for control of his agency, fighting corrupt city officials and even some members of his own department, a chance meeting with a beautiful and secretive woman leads to a second chance at love for Kearnes. That is, until an old horror from his past resurfaces, manifesting itself in the same murder cases he's been investigating, and he begins a slow descent into his own personal hell of fear and self-doubt over his ability to still do his job. Soon, the discovery and hidden meaning of a child's innocent toy found half buried in the sand at a crime scene puts Kearnes, the woman he loves, and the killer himself on a deadly collision course. And he is about to learn that the most dangerous secrets to keep ... are the ones you don't know you have.

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First Clues Review: Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

is delighted to introduce a new feature for our website, book reviews written by students. These students offer their unique perspective on the book in their review and provide a valuable resource to parents looking for new mystery adventures for their kids to read.

Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz

Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz
The Alex Rider Series

Puffin (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-14-240613-9 (0142406139)
ISBN-13: 978-0-14-240613-7 (9780142406137)
Publication Date: February 2006
List Price: $7.99

Review written by Eric, Age 14, Grade 8. Date of review: April 2009.

Review: Eagle Strike is the fourth book in the “Alex Rider” series written by Anthony Horowitz. In it, Alex is left on his own without any help from MI6, a British Secret Intelligence service. Can Alex save the world or will time run out?

On a vacation in France is the last place Alex Rider thought he would find trouble. After seeing Yassen Gregorovich, a hired assassin, and having his vacation home blown up he knows something amiss. After confronting Yassen, Alex finds out that he was not the target, it was actually the father of the family Alex was staying with and that Yassen was hired by Damian Cray. Alex decides it is time to end his vacation early and return to London. There he heads to MI6 to express his concerns about Damian Cray. Since Cray is the world’s biggest celebrity who has given millions to charity, MI6 has trouble believing Alex. Still not convinced that Cray is not a threat Alex decides to go after him on his own. In the process Alex learns that Cray has a secret operation under the name Eagle Strike. Can Alex figure out what Eagle Strike is and stop everyone’s favorite pop star before time runs out or is Alex in over his head without the help of MI6?

Eagle Strike is a well written book that will grab your attention and hold it throughout the entire book. Unlike some books, Eagle Strike doesn’t have any dry parts; there is action on every page. Another great thing is how Anthony Horowitz describes everything; it makes you feel like you are also part of the story. He also keeps the story not too simple, but not too complex making it a perfect read for middle and high school students

Overall I would give Eagle Strike five out of five stars. It is action packed and you will never want to put the book down. In my opinion there is only one negative about the book. I felt that some of the scenes went very quickly and could have been lengthened, but it did not take away from the overall story. Another plus was that Mr. Horowitz made the end of the book a cliffhanger to lead you into the next book in the series, Scorpia. So be sure you pick up Eagle Strike, it is an amazing book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Buy from Amazon.com

If you are interested in purchasing Eagle Strike from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

is pleased to provide information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

All student book reviews are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any manner, print or electronic, without the express written consent of the copyright owner. Reviews are published here with permission of the copyright owner.

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Harlequin Worldwide Mystery Titles for May 2009

eHarlequin.com has announced the May 2009 titles for their Worldwide imprint, your partner in crime. Amateur sleuths, traditional cozies, police procedurals and private-eye fiction, written by award-winning authors. To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title or the book cover. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

Secret for a Satyr by Dorothy Bodoin

Secret for a Satyr by Dorothy Bodoin
Non-series

When Cressa Hannett finds the body of her elderly neighbor, piano teacher Libby Dorset, drowned in her ornate backyard fountain, it's horrible enough. But shortly before she discovered the body, Cressa witnessed a cloaked figure lurking nearby. Did she see Libby's killer? Worse…did that killer see her?

Soon after the murder, Cressa uncovers an old scrapbook linking Libby with the thirty-year-old disappearance of a girl and her dog, and becomes intrigued by rumors of ghosts and haunted statues. Did the large, gothic stone satyr lure Libby Dorset to her death? Not if the very real and dark secret buried in Libby's garden has any clues to share. Especially when it leads to a killer with too much at stake to dare let Cressa expose the truth.

Destroying Angels by Gail Lukasik

Destroying Angels by
A Leigh Girard Mystery (1st in series)

Determined to make a fresh start after beating cancer, Chicagoan Leigh Girard leaves a failed marriage and a teaching career and moves to Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. One of her first assignments as a writer for the local newspaper is an obituary feature on Carl Peck, a carpenter who died suddenly while hospitalized. His widow is claiming medical negligence. But as Leigh looks into the story, she discovers something far worse: possible murder.

When the Pecks' daughter attempts to take her own life shortly after her good friend, a local librarian, kills herself, Leigh makes a shocking connection to a twenty-year-old secret. As she probes the heart of a tragic mystery that bridges past and present, Leigh learns the survival instincts that have carried her this far are about to be tested against a clever killer.

In Dead Man's Alley by Dorothy Kliewer

In Dead Man's Alley by Dorothy Kliewer
A Deedra Masefield Mystery

The crumbling California ghost town of North Ledge becomes the site of an exciting—and dangerous—mix of dinosaur bones and murder. Reporter Deedra Masefield packs her sleeping bag and camping gear and heads into the story, lured by the news that the prime suspect is an old flame accused of stabbing a fellow archaeologist with a hunting knife.

Deedra soon discovers the site holds as many secrets as fossils when another member of the twelve-party team is found knifed in the back. Behind the denials and accusations, she finds motives as dark as greed and hatred and as vindictive as jealousy and unrequited love. Deedra's instincts lead her to uncover the real secret behind the bloodshed, while a desperate killer races to ensure that both Deedra and her story bite the dust.

If you enjoy this series, you can join Worldwide Mystery and get 2 free books plus 2 free gifts just for giving the automatic program a try. Accepting your two free Worldwide Mystery books and mystery gifts places you under no obligation to buy anything. You may keep the books and gifts and return the shipping statement marked cancel. If you do not cancel, about two months later, and then every other month, eHarlequin will send you three additional Worldwide Mystery books.

Keep up to date by subscribing to eHarlequin.com's free newsletter that contains the latest information about their series of books as well as informing you about subscriber-only special offers and new products. Click on the banner below to subscribe for free:

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Harlequin Mira Mystery and Suspense Titles for May 2009

eHarlequin.com has announced the May 2009 titles for their Mira imprint, the brightest stars in women's fiction. From all titles available, we've only listed those that are mystery, thriller, or suspense on this page. To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title or the book cover. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

The Soul Collector by Paul Johnston

The Soul Collector by
A Matt Wells Mystery (2nd in series)

Brutally targeted by the "White Devil" serial killer, crime writer Matt Wells knows what it's like to look evil in the face and survive. He's rebuilt his life—but with a disciple of his tormentor still at large, he has never stopped looking over his shoulder.

When mystery writers start dying and his friend is found murdered, Matt's paranoia appears well-founded. Now he must use all his resources to orchestrate the psychopath's end. But as cryptic clues to the next victims mock him, it is chillingly clear that his dance with the devil has only just begun.

Silver Falls by Anne Stuart

Silver Falls by Anne Stuart
Non-series

Rachel is finally getting it right. After years of wandering, she's married the perfect man and settled into the ideal life. But as her sleepy little town turns into a killing ground, she realizes that this new life might come at too high a price.

Caleb Middleton says he's returned home to set things right. But as her husband's dangerous brother circles like a hungry wolf, poking holes in her perfect world, Rachel draws her young daughter in close. The rain and violence keep coming, and Rachel must decide whether to trust her dream life or her instincts…before the town of Silver Falls becomes her grave.

Darkness Under Heaven by F. J. Chase

Darkness Under Heaven by F. J. Chase
Non-series

"Heroism is having to do something drastic to keep from getting killed."

That's what security consultant Pete Avakian tells his dinner date, Dr. Judy Rose, on a night out in Beijing. Little does he know that his words are about to be illustrated in graphic detail.

Just as they are getting to know each other, chaos erupts in the street. China has launched missiles at Taiwan; a long history of tension has given way to war. Suddenly Pete and Judy are confronted by hostile youths, and an act of self-defense puts them on the run from the authorities in a country crazed by war.

Pursued by the Chinese police, the Americans race toward the Mongolian border. Their only chance of survival is to work together to escape a country gone mad…even if that means taking drastic action.

Bloodline by Maggie Shayne

Bloodline by Maggie Shayne
Non-series

Lilith awakens cold, naked and alone, knowing nothing—not even who she is—except that she has to run, run for her life…because someone is after her.

When Ethan discovers the terrified woman hiding on his ranch, he knows immediately not only who she is, but what. He's never forgotten her, not in all the time since he escaped their joint prison, a clandestine CIA facility where humans are bred into vampires willing to kill on command. He refused to accept that fate, and since he won his freedom he's become a legend to those he left behind. With her own escape, Lilith has become a legend, too, and now—together—they have no choice but to fight those who would become a legend by killing one.

5 Bodies to Die For by Stephanie Bond

5 Bodies to Die For by Stephanie Bond
A Body Movers Mystery (5th in series)

The Charmed Killer is on the loose in Atlanta and Carlotta Wren is caught up in the terror—especially when her body-moving side business brings her dangerously close to the action.

And then …

She's forced to take refuge in her former fiancé's house—much to the chagrin of other interested parties…

Her brother Wesley begins to behave as if he has his own death wish …

And someone close to her is implicated in the mass murders.

Meanwhile, Carlotta can't shake the feeling that danger is dogging her seemingly cursed family—and that the serial killer's exploits are starting to get personal.

(MBN note: Stephanie Bond was a recent guest blogger on Mystery Books News. Read her account of .)

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Mystery Bestsellers for May 01, 2009

Mystery Bestsellers

A list of the top 15 for the week ending May 01, 2009 has been posted on the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books website.

Two of last week's featured bestsellers, First Family by and Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by take over, respectively, the top 2 spots this week. Two new titles, one of which is almost certain to be top 4 next week, debut.

The 8th Confession by James Patterson

Entering the list at number 10 is the eighth mystery in the Women's Murder Club series, The 8th Confession by and co-written with Maxine Paetro. As San Francisco's most glamorous millionaires mingle at the party of the year, someone is watching--waiting for a chance to take vengeance on Isa and Ethan Bailey, the city's most celebrated couple. Finally, the killer pinpoints the ideal moment, and it's the perfect murder. Not a trace of evidence is left behind in their glamorous home. As Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the high-profile murder, someone else is found brutally executed--a preacher with a message of hope for the homeless. His death nearly falls through the cracks, but when reporter Cindy Thomas hears about it, she knows the story could be huge. Probing deeper into the victim's history, she discovers he may not have been quite as saintly as everyone thought. As the hunt for two criminals tests the limits of the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay sees sparks fly between Cindy and her partner, Detective Rich Conklin. The Women's Murder Club now faces its toughest challenge: will love destroy all that four friends have built?

First Family by David Baldacci

At number 14 is The Language of Bees, the ninth Mary Russell mystery by . For Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, returning to the Sussex coast after seven months abroad was especially sweet. There was even a mystery to solve—the unexplained disappearance of an entire colony of bees from one of Holmes’s beloved hives. But the anticipated sweetness of their homecoming is quickly tempered by a galling memory from her husband’s past. Mary had met Damian Adler only once before, when the promising surrealist painter had been charged with—and exonerated from—murder. Now the talented and troubled young man was enlisting their help again, this time in a desperate search for his missing wife and child. When it comes to communal behavior, Russell has often observed that there are many kinds of madness. And before this case yields its shattering solution, she’ll come into dangerous contact with a fair number of them. From suicides at Stonehenge to a bizarre religious cult, from the demimonde of the Café Royal at the heart of Bohemian London to the dark secrets of a young woman’s past on the streets of Shanghai, Russell will find herself on the trail of a killer more dangerous than any she’s ever faced—a killer Sherlock Holmes himself may be protecting for reasons near and dear to his heart.

On our bestseller page, we've added an icon next to every title that is available for immediate download onto the Amazon Kindle. To learn about this wireless reading device, visit the Amazon Kindle page for more information.

The top four mystery bestsellers this week are shown below:

First Family by David BaldacciTea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall SmithLong Lost by Harlan CobenThe Associate by John Grisham

Please visit the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books where we are committed to providing readers and collectors of with the best and most current information about their favorite authors, titles, and series.

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