Live Free or Die by Jessie Crockett (Book Review)

Live Free or Die by Jessie Crockett. A Gwen Fifield Mystery. Mainly Murder Press Trade Paperback, August 2010.

Acting fire chief Gwen Fifield is pressured into linking the death of a local museum owner with a series of small, though non-fatal, fires plaguing her small New Hampshire town, in Live Free or Die, the first mystery in this series by Jessie Crockett.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Live Free or Die by Jessie Crockett.

— ◊ —

Mysterious Reviews is your source for the latest mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime novel reviews, edited by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.

Telemystery: A New Season of Prime Time Crime begins Monday, September 20th

A new season of prime time crime starts tomorrow, Monday September 20th. For the next week, we'll be highlighting some of the new and returning series that may be of interest to fans of mystery and suspense television programming.

ABC: Castle returns for a third season at 10 PM (ET/PT) in an episode titled "A Deadly Affair". NYPD homicide detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) hasn't heard from Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) since he left for the Hamptons months ago to finish writing his second Nikki Heat novel, Naked Heat. The most Beckett, Ryan and Esposito have seen of Castle is a bookstore standee of him advertising an upcoming book signing. So when Beckett and her team burst into a shadowy apartment on the trail of a murderer, the last thing they expect to see is the real-life Castle standing over a dead woman's body holding a gun. As Castle protests his innocence, Beckett has no choice but to arrest him on suspicion of murder. (Note: Naked Heat hits bookstores on September 28th, and is available to pre-order.)

CBS: The pilot episode of Hawaii Five-O, an updated version of the original series that ran for 12 seasons on the network from 1968 through 1980, premieres at 10 PM (ET/PT). Upon returning to Hawaii to investigate his father's murder, decorated Naval officer Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) is recruited by the Governor to head up an elite new police task force -- his rules, her backing, no red tape. Their first case involves tracking a weapons dealer connected to McGarrett's father's murder. The series also stars Scott Caan as Danny "Danno" Williams, Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly, and Grace Park as Kono Kalakaua.

Fox: The pilot episode of Lone Star airs at 9 PM (ET/PT). Robert/Bob Allen (James Wolk) is a charismatic and brilliant schemer who has meticulously constructed two lives in two different parts of Texas. As "Bob," he lives in Houston and is married to Cat (Adreianne Palicki), the beautiful daughter of Clint Thatcher (Jon Voight), the patriarch of an ultra-wealthy Texas oil family. More than 400 miles away in the suburban west Texas town of Midland, he's "Robert," living a second life with his sweet, naïve girlfriend, Lindsay Holloway (Eloise Mumford). There he plays the perfect boyfriend while secretly bilking local investors of their savings. While in Houston, he's a devoted husband, charming Cat and her family to cement his position in the rich family business he aims to clean out. Now caught between a father-in-law who wants to hand him the company business and a father (David Keith) who wants him to take it all, Bob has to weigh the risks and make a choice.

NBC: The pilot episode of The Event premieres at 9 PM (ET/PT) in an episode titled "I Haven't Told You Everything". Sean Walker (Jason Ritter) stumbles into a national conspiracy after his girlfriend Leila mysteriously disappears from a Caribbean cruise. Elsewhere, President Elias Martinez (Blair Underwood) is scheduled to announce the release of a group of detainees led by Sophia Maguire (Laura Innes) -- despite the disapproval of his Director of National Intelligence, Blake Sterling (Zeljko Ivanek). Their futures are on a collision course in a global conspiracy that could ultimately change the fate of mankind.

NBC: The pilot episode of Chase follows at 10 PM (ET/PT). Cowboy boot-wearing U.S. Marshal Annie Frost (Kelli Giddish) is on the hunt for dangerous fugitive Mason Boyle. The members of Frost's elite team who help her anticipate Boyle's moves and track him down include true American cowboy Jimmy Godfrey (Cole Hauser), intelligence specialist Marco Martinez (Amaury Nolasco), weapons/tactical specialist Daisy Ogbaa (Rose Rollins), and the newest member of the team, Luke Watson (Jesse Metcalfe).

Mr. E. Reviews Mystery Team

Review of Mystery Team.

Mostly a series of sight gags, many of which are laugh-out-loud funny, there is actually a credible murder mystery plot at the center of it all, though it is clearly not the focal point of the film.

Read the full text of our review at Mr. E. Reviews.

— ◊ —

Mr. E. Reviews is your source for mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime drama reviews of television and film.

ABC Lands Series Adaptation of Comic Spy Thriller True Lies

One of our favorite comic spy thrillers is True Lies, which stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as special agent Harry Tasker, a top agent in the ultra-secret Omega Sector -- although to his neglected wife, Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), he's just a dull computer salesman.

Now, Deadline Hollywood is reporting that ABC has landed a series adaptation of the film, with James Cameron, who directed the film, executive producing the project.

We think the premise has the potential for an entertaining weekly series. What do you think?

Inspector Lewis in Your Sudden Death Question, Sunday September 19th on PBS

Tomorrow, Sunday September 19th, the fourth of five new episodes of Series III of Inspector Lewis airs on PBS (check your local listings for air times).

In "Your Sudden Death Question", it's a quiet holiday weekend and the Oxford campus has emptied out. But the competition is still fierce — and deadly — thanks to a group of quiz enthusiasts who have convened to compete for a cash prize and bragging rights. Foul play is afoot when one contestant, a charming but lecherous primary school teacher, is found dead in a fountain. The campus is locked down, and Detective Inspector Lewis (Kevin Whately) and Detective Sergeant Hathaway (Laurence Fox) start interviewing the other contestants — among them Oxford academics, young mothers, students, soldiers and lawyers. Is this a crime of passion or out-of-control competition? Lewis and Hathaway match wits with the contestants and race for answers as the game takes one final, grim turn.

Inspector Lewis is a spin-off of the long-running Inspector Morse mysteries, based on characters created by crime novelist Colin Dexter.

The first two series of Inspector Lewis are available on DVD from Telemystery: Inspector Lewis. This third series will be released on DVD on October 12th, and may be pre-ordered.

Reviews of Mystery and Suspense Books for Kids, New This Week on Book Trends (100918)

Book Trends, a review site for young adult and children books, published several new book reviews this past week. We're presenting here a summary of those in the mystery/suspense/thriller category.

The Ham Heist by Darrel and Sally Odgers. The second mystery in the Jack Russell: Dog Detective series, recommended for readers aged 7 to 9. Lexile measure: ~480L (estimated from other books in the series). Reviewed by a 6th grade student, who writes, "The author uses fun dialogue and humorous jokes that keep the reader chuckling throughout the book. Plus, the mystery is not overly easy to solve. I kept on guessing the identity of the thief and was surprised at the end."

Conspiracy 365: September by Gabrielle Lord. The 9th thriller in the Conspiracy 365 series, recommended for readers aged 10 to 12. Lexile measure: 700L. Reviewed by a 6th grade teacher, who write, "Once again, Gabrielle Lord beats the odds. She has written yet another fantastic addition to one of the most intriguing mystery series to date. ... This is a phenomenal series for early adolescents -- once they start they just won’t be able to stop!"

For more reviews of children and young adult books of all genres, visit Book Trends; their reviews will amaze you!

The First Episode of Adam's Venture, and Two Dark Fall Games, New at AVG

Games of Mystery is pleased to announce this week's new mystery and suspense casual and adventure games available for immediate download from Amazon Video Games.

A complete list of downloadable mystery games is available on our Games of Mystery: Amazon Video Games Download page.

— ◊ —

Adam's Venture, Episode 1: The Search for the Lost Garden

In an old Templar church in Luz, France, young explorer Adam Venture studies relics that were brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. He comes across the memoirs of Charles L'Heureux, a knight who joined the Third Crusade with Richard the Lionheart.

The knight writes that during his travels in the year 1191, he, Charles L'Heureux, was given an old scroll. Once he understood its meaning, he asked permission to split off from his regiment that was headed for Jerusalem, and instead traveled East by himself.

The memoirs then point Adam to the hidden scroll, buried in a tomb underneath the church. The scroll is filled with ancient symbols. They mention a mysterious labyrinth of caves and grotto's, guarding the headwaters of four rivers: Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, Euphrates.

With a shock, Adam recognizes the four legendary rivers from the Book of Genesis that mark the location of the Garden of Eden ...

This first episode in an on-going storyline is rendered in vivid 3D for striking visuals and a truly stunning environment. Physically interact with objects and your surroundings, and enjoy engaging puzzles and action-oriented (but non-violent) gameplay.

ESRB Rating: Not Specified.

Windows Vista/XP (291 MB download).

— ◊ —

Dark Fall: Lights Out (Director's Cut Edition)

Three men once manned the lighthouse on Fetch Rock ... but they vanished without a trace on New Years Day, 1900.

Only by jumping through time, from the ancient Bronze Age to a futuristic research base, will you be able to uncover what is really happening on Fetch Rock. Was your arrival upon the Island, that foggy night, really coincidence, or is someone, or something calling to you, across time.

Written by Jonathan Boakes, this Director's Cut Edition includes new scenes, ghosts and puzzles.

ESRB Rating: Teen.

Windows Vista/XP (723 MB download).

— ◊ —

Dark Fall: Lost Souls

Amy Haven went missing 5 years ago. On the anniversary of her disappearance you, the Police Inspector who failed to find Amy, have returned to the Train Station and Hotel at Dowerton for one last time. As you attempt to solve the mystery of Amy's disappearance you must face the horrors that await you. The old buildings have deteriorated since your first investigation, so you must watch your step, and never turn your back on the darkness ... for something hides there -- something evil, unknowable and hungry.

This third entry in the Dark Fall series is written by Jonathan Boakes and allows full exploration and movement within the game, allowing you to physically interact with the eerie setting.

ESRB Rating: Teen.

Windows Vista/XP (2460 MB download).

— ◊ —

Games of Mystery is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations, and more mysterious fun!

CBS to order a Pilot for Abrams/Nolan Project, Person of Interest

The untitled J. J. Abrams (Lost, Fringe, Undercovers) and Jonah Nolan (Dark Knight, The Prestige) project now has a title: Person of Interest.

New York Magazine is reporting that CBS won the network bidding war, committing to producing a pilot for the potential crime thriller series. No storyline details are currently known.

Yesterday, we reported that Fox had ordered a pilot for another potential (and untitled) Abrams mystery series, this one about Alcatraz.

Book of Nathan by Curt Weeden and Richard Marek (Book Review)

Book of Nathan by Curt Weeden and Richard Marek. Non-series. Oceanview Publishing Hardcover, August 2010.

Rick "Bullet" Bullock is taken on a wild ride when he tries to help a homeless man accused of murdering a popular Christian evangelist with a wooden cross in Book of Nathan, a novel of (at times comic) suspense by Curt Weeden and Richard Marek.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Book of Nathan by Curt Weeden and Richard Marek.

— ◊ —

Mysterious Reviews is your source for the latest mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime novel reviews, edited by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.

Arsenic and Old Paint by Hailey Lind (Book Review)

Arsenic and Old Paint by Hailey Lind. An Art Lovers' Mystery with Annie Kincaid. Perseverance Press Trade Paperback, September 2010.

Annie Kincaid -- ex-forger, now respected restorer -- has opened a new business with her sometime partner, sometime nemesis Michael X. Johnson -- a former, or so he says, art thief -- to do consultative work with the FBI on matters of fine art, and in drawn into a complicated case of insurance fraud in Arsenic and Old Paint, the cleverly titled fourth mystery in this series by Hailey Lind.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Arsenic and Old Paint by Hailey Lind.

— ◊ —

Mysterious Reviews is your source for the latest mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime novel reviews, edited by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.

Film Rights Acquired for Jeffrey Archer Novels

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that worldwide rights to the novels by Jeffrey Archer have been acquired, with the intention of turning the books into a series of film and television thrillers.

"I'm enthusiastic to see my novels move toward development as film and digital productions. Like any author, I am keen to see my books made into films, giving me the opportunity to reach an even wider audience," Archer said in a statement.

Furthest along, in the script stage, is the international art theft caper False Impression.

TNT Renews Memphis Beat for Second Season

In a press release yesterday, TNT announced that the network had renewed Memphis Beat for a second season. The series stars Jason Lee as Dwight Hendricks, a quirky Memphis police detective with an intimate connection to the city, and a passion for blues music.

“Memphis Beat is a real treasure: a slightly off-center crime drama with great actors, memorable characters and a soundtrack steeped in Memphis sounds,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president and head of programming for TNT. “We look forward to another fantastic season next year.”

Victorian Mysteries: Woman in White, a Mystery Game based on the Classic Wilkie Collins Novel, New at BFG

Games of Mystery is pleased to announce the availability of a new mystery casual game from Big Fish Games released today and available to BFG Club members. You can find out more about these games by visiting our Mystery Games: Big Fish Download Games page or by clicking on the links provided below.

— ◊ —

Who is this Woman in White and where did she come from? Walter Hartright, a poor drawing teacher, finds himself in the middle of an inexplicable mystery. Somehow his future is intertwined with an elusive woman who harbors a dreadful secret. A secret so damaging her life is in danger! Explore Victorian mansions finding hidden objects, search for clues, uncover diabolical plots, root out the lies, and discover the truth.

Based on the classic thriller Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.

See also the previous game in this series, Mystery Masterpiece: The Moonstone.

Also available: Victorian Mysteries: Woman in White Strategy Guide and Victorian Mysteries: Woman in White game walkthrough.

Victorian Mysteries: Woman in White may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (238.82 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.

Watch a preview video below:

Get any standard game for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. Other benefits include the $2.99 Daily Deal, Tomorrow's Game Today, and special member rewards. And if you purchase any 6 games within a single month, you earn a free game with the Big Fish Game Club Monthly Punch Card! (Collector's Editions earn 3 punches each, half-way towards your free game!)

Read Ms. Terri's reviews of the adventure and casual mystery games featured on this site, including Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy, Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses!, Enlightenus, and many more!

Big Fish Games: Bestsellers

Big Fish Games: New releases

— ◊ —

Games of Mystery is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic, and board games, parties for kids and adults, and murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations!

Mystery Bestsellers for September 17, 2010

A list of the top 15 mystery hardcover bestsellers for the week ending September 17th, 2010 has been posted on the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books website.

Again, another week with very little change among the top mystery bestsellers with The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson remaining on top. One new title debuts this week ... and we expect to see it shake up the top tier next week!

— ◊ —

Janet Evanovich spins off a character from her Stephanie Plum "between-the-numbers" books with his own series, starting with Wicked.

Life in Marblehead has had a pleasant predictability ... until Diesel arrives. Rumor has it that a collection of priceless ancient relics representing the Seven Deadly Sins have made their way to Boston’s North Shore. Partnered with pastry chef Lizzie Tucker, Diesel bullies and charms his way through historic Salem to track them down—and his criminal mastermind cousin Gerewulf Grimorie. The black-haired, black-hearted Wulf is on the hunt for the relic representing gluttony. Caught in a race against time, Diesel and Lizzie soon find out that more isn’t always better, as they battle Wulf and the first of the deadly sins.

— ◊ —

The top four mystery bestsellers this week are shown below:

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

It All Began in Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler (Book Review)

It All Began in Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler. A Mac Reilly Mystery. St. Martin's Press Hardcover, July 2010.

When searching for a fun summer “beach read,” It All Began in Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler could fit the bill. This is the third Mac Reilly mystery. Mac is a Hollywood detective with his own television show, dedicated to making other people’s lives better. But when Mac postpones their wedding -- once again -- his fiancé Sunny Alvarez takes off her ring and lets Mac know that she’s finished and boards a plane for France. When Mac comes home to find her missing, she suddenly becomes his most important case. But first he must figure out where she’s gone!

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: It All Began in Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler.

— ◊ —

Mysterious Reviews is your source for the latest mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime novel reviews, edited by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.