Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Nominees for the 2011 Macavity Awards Announced

Mystery Book Awards

The nominees for the 2011 Macavity Awards have been announced by Mystery Readers International. The winners will be announced at Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention, which will be held this September in St. Louis.

The nominees are ...

◊ Best Mystery Novel

The Glass Rainbow by James Lee Burke (Simon & Schuster)
Faithful Place by Tana French Review of Faithful Place by Tana French (Viking)
The Queen of Patpong by Timothy Hallinan Review of The Queen of Patpong by Timothy Hallinan (William Morrow)
Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer (Grove Atlantic)
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny (Minotaur Books)
The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard (Ballantine)

◊ Best First Mystery Novel

The Damage Done by Hilary Davidson (Forge Books)
Rogue Island by Bruce DeSilva (Forge Books)
The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron (Minotaur Books)
Full Mortality by Sasscer Hill (Wildside Press)
A Thousand Cuts by Simon Lelic (Viking)

◊ Best Mystery Non-Fiction

The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum (Penguin)
Agatha Christie's Secret Notebooks: 50 Years of Mysteries in the Making by John Curran (HarperCollins)
Thrillers: 100 Must Reads by David Morrel and Hank W. Wagner, editors Review of Thrillers: 100 Must Reads by David Morrel and Hank W. Wagner, editors (Oceanview Publishing)
Charlie Chan: The Untold Story of the Honorable Detective and His Rendezvous with American History by Yunte Huang by Yunte Huang (Norton)
Following the Detectives: Real Locations in Crime Fiction by Maxim Jakubowski (New Holland)

◊ Best Mystery Short Story

"The Scent of Lilacs" (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine) by Doug Allyn
"Swing Shift" (Crimes by Moonlight) by Dana Cameron
"Devil's Pocket" (Philadelphia Noir) by Keith Gilman
"The Gods for Vengeance Cry" (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine) by Richard Helms
"Bookworm" (Chesapeake Crimes) by G. M. Malliet

◊ Sue Feder Historical Mystery

A Marked Man by Barbara Hamilton (Berkley)
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell (Random House)
City of Dragons by Kelli Stanley (Minotaur Books)
The Red Door by Charles Todd (William Morrow)
The Fifth Servant by Kenneth Wishnia (William Morrow)

Mysterious Reviews indicates a review is available from Mysterious Reviews.

(Hat tip to Mystery Fanfare.)

New Trailer for Mission: Impossible, Ghost Protocol

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

A new trailer for the fourth Mission: Impossible film has been released by the studio, which we've embedded below.

Titled Mission: Impossible, Ghost Protocol, the film stars Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Jeremy Renner, and Paula Patton, who are implicated when the IMF is shut down in a global terrorist bombing plot. Ghost Protocol is initiated and Ethan Hunt and his rogue new team must go undercover to clear their organization'’s name. No help, no contact, off the grid. There has never been a mission grittier and more intense than this.

The film opens in US theaters on December 16th, 2011.

Bake Sale Murder by Leslie Meier is Today's Featured Free Nook Book Mystery

MystereBooks: Mystery, Suspense, and Thriller eBooks

MystereBooks is pleased to feature a mystery title that is currently available as a Nook Book for free from Barnes&Noble. We don't know how long it will be offered at this special price (typically only until a certain number of downloads have been completed), so download it today!

— ◊ —

Bake Sale Murder by Leslie Meier
Download Bake Sale Murder by Leslie Meier

Bake Sale Murder by Leslie Meier
A Lucy Stone Mystery (13th in series)
Kensington (Nook Book)
Download Link

About Bake Sale Murder (from the publisher): Ever since local developer Fred Stanton and his wife, Mimi, built five modular homes next door to Lucy Stone's farmhouse, life just hasn't been the same. With Mimi complaining about everything from the state of Lucy's lawn to another neighbor's lovable dog, quaint Tinker's Cove, Maine, is now entangled in cul-de-sac politics and backstabbing. And when Mimi doesn't show up for her shift at The Hat and Mitten Fund bake sale, the scent of burnt sugar leads Lucy to a shocking discovery — Mimi, face down on her kitchen floor-with a knife in her back.

While the police start their investigation, Lucy gets busy writing up the murder for the local Pennysaver — and following a few leads of her own. Lucy knows the women in her neighborhood didn't like Mimi, but they certainly didn't want her dead ... right?

Review: The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey. Non-series. Dutton Hardcover, June 2011.

This creatively imagined and solidly written novel of suspense is marred only slightly by several contrived story elements and a sense that, in an effort to continually surprise the reader, the plot needs to be more clever than it already is.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey.

Purchase Options:

Amazon.com Print and/or Kindle EditionBarnes&Noble NookBookIndie Bound: Independent BooksellersApple iTunes/iBooks EditionGoogle eBooks EditionKobo eBook

Read the first chapter(s) of The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes below. Use the Aa settings button to adjust text size, line spacing, and word density.

Mr. E. Reviews Doubt

Doubt (DVD Cover)
Purchase/Rental Option(s)
Doubt on DVDDoubt on Blu-ray DiscDoubt on iTunes

This suspense drama is a multi-layered, heavily nuanced film with exceptional performances by Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman as adversaries in an early 1960s New York City Catholic school.

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

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

Monday, June 27, 2011

Film Adaptation of The Host by Stephenie Meyer to be Released by Open Road Films

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Open Road Films has acquired the distribution rights to the film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's 2008 bestselling sci-fi thriller The Host.

Production is expected to begin in February 2012, with Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, Lord of War) directing his own screenplay adaptation.

Saoirse Ronan (Hanna, The Lovely Bones) has been signed to star as Melanie Stryder, a young woman who refuses to allow an alien species that has invaded the earth to take over her soul.

Wanderer, who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

The film has a tentative release date of March 2013.

(Source: Hollywood Reporter)

You can read the first chapter(s) of The Host below. Use the Aa settings button to adjust text size, line spacing, and word density.

Executive Privilege by Phillip Margolin is Today's Featured Free Kobo eBook Mystery

MystereBooks: Mystery, Suspense, and Thriller eBooks

MystereBooks is pleased to feature a mystery title that is currently available as an eBook for free from Kobo. We don't know how long it will be offered at this special price (typically only until a certain number of downloads have been completed), so download it today!

— ◊ —

Executive Privilege by Phillip Margolin
Download Executive Privilege by Phillip Margolin

Executive Privilege by Phillip Margolin
A Dana Cutler Thriller (1st in series)
Harper (eBook)
Download Link

About Executive Privilege (from the publisher): When private detective Dana Cutler is hired to follow college student Charlotte Walsh, she never imagines the trail will lead to the White House. But the morning after Walsh's clandestine meeting with Christopher Farrington, President of the United States, the pretty young coed is dead—the latest victim, apparently, of a fiend dubbed "the D.C. Ripper."

A junior associate in an Oregon law firm, Brad Miller is stunned by the death row revelations of convicted serial killer Clarence Little. Though Little accepts responsibility for a string of gruesome murders, he swears he was framed for one of them: the death of a teenaged babysitter who worked for then-governor Farrington.

Suddenly nowhere in America is safe for a small-time private eye and a fledgling lawyer who possess terrifying evidence that suggests the unthinkable: that someone at the very highest level of government, perhaps the president himself, is a cold and brutal killer.

Recently Published Indie Mysteries (110627)

Indie Mysteries: Mystery, Suspense and Thriller Books by Independent Publishers

We're always on the lookout for new mystery, suspense and thriller books, and with this series of recurring posts, we're looking at Indie Mysteries, books published by small, independent publishers, or self-published, that recently caught our eye ... and may be of interest to you too. Most of these titles, selected primarily from the Smashwords website, are ebook only, though some may be available in a print format.

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Victoria's Home by Joyce Freese

Victoria's Home
by Joyce Freese
Non-Series
Self Published (Ebook)
June 2011

After listing one of Connecticut's most prestigious Victorian homes, Victoria finds herself experiencing unnatural happenings. Believing these events are merely her imagination, she ignores any signs of evil. The home, now abandoned and with its own history of violence, attempts to warn her that her newly acquired buyer, Peter, may have a history of repeated methodical killings. As different dimensions of reality coexist simultaneously, Victoria faces danger intertwined in a web of violence that could result in life or death.

Lust and true desires are hidden behind a facade of normalcy. As Victoria and Peter struggle to fulfill their personal vision, their paths intertwine during a promotional masquerade ball at the home. As the storm of the century approaches, party guests cast aside all inhibitions while disguised behind the protection of their masks. The line between what is real and what is an illusion becomes blurred. The ultimate struggle of life and death ensues as each fights to fulfill their desires and ultimately reveal their true character.

 

Quarantined by Joe McKinney

Quarantined
by Joe McKinney
Non-Series
Permuted Press (Ebook)
June 2011

The citizens of San Antonio, Texas are threatened with extermination by a terrifying outbreak of the flu. Quarantined by the military to contain the virus, the city is in a desperate struggle to survive.

Inside the quarantine walls, Detective Lily Harris is working burial statistics duty at the Scar, San Antonio's mass graveyard, when she finds a murder victim hidden amongst the plague dead. But Lily's investigation into the young woman's death soon takes a frightening turn as yet another strain of the deadly flu virus surfaces, and now Lily finds herself caught up in a conspiracy orchestrated by a corrupt local government intent on hiding the news from the world and fighting a population threatening to boil over into revolt.

As the city erupts in violence, Lily is forced to do the unthinkable. With the clock ticking toward annihilation, Lily must lead her family through the quarantine walls and escape with news that just might save us all.

Quarantined was previously published as a paperback by Lachesis Publishing in March, 2009.

 

The Ninth District by Douglas Dorow

The Ninth District
by Douglas Dorow
A Jack Miller Mystery
1st in series
Self Published (Ebook)
June 2011

The Federal Reserve has never been robbed.

FBI Special Agent Jack Miller, pulled into a high-profile case to mentor a new agent, finds himself in a clash with the toughest opponent of his career. The chase culminates in the bowels of the city, in the storm sewers and tunnels beneath The Ninth District Federal Reserve of Minneapolis.

 

Grave Situation by Alex MacLean

Grave Situation
by Alex MacLean
Non-Series
Self Published (Ebook)
June 2011

After 12 years on the Halifax police force, homicide detective Allan Stanton has reached his limit. The days of thinking of himself as a crusader for justice are long gone, replaced by a weary sense that he’s just there to clean up the detritus left in the wake of the human predators that stalk the city streets. The job has taken everything from him—his innocence, his joy, even his family—and he finally makes the decision to leave it all behind and start anew.

Before he can do so, he’s assigned another case. This time the killer isn’t content just to slay his victims, but takes parts of their bodies with him when he goes. A pair of eyes. A set of hands. Even a heart. The murders have all the hallmarks of a serial killer who’s collecting trophies. But as Allan unravels the grisly mystery, he realizes that nothing could be further from the truth. He discovers that the killer might just be closer than he ever expected and has targeted him as the next victim.

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For more recently published Indie Mysteries, visit the Smashwords Mystery and Detective category page or the Thriller and Suspense category page.

First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: New Titles for July 2011

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is pleased to announce a selection of new mystery, suspense and thriller books (including series books) scheduled for publication during July 2011, listed in approximate order of reading level, from books for younger readers to books for teens.

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Jasmine and the Treasure Chest by Katy Kit

Jasmine and the Treasure Chest More Information about the book
Katy Kit
The Mermaid Mysteries (2nd in series)

The friends volunteer to help the water fairies tend to their underwater gardens. While they work, a fairy tells the sad tale of the beautiful mermaid Aroona and her human love, Sir Topaz. All the mermaids believe the tale — except for Jasmine, who thinks its just a silly story. But when Jasmine discovers the trail that leads to Aroona's lost treasure, she sets off to discover the truth.

The Mermaid Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 4 to 6.

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The Case of the Purple Pool by Lewis B. Montgomery

The Case of the Purple Pool More Information about the book
Lewis B. Montgomery
A Milo and Jazz Mystery (7th in series)

How can a pool suddenly turn purple? And who could be behind it? Detective duo Milo and Jazz make a splash as they investigate their most colorful case yet!

The Milo and Jazz mysteries are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

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The Case of the Beagle Burglar by Nancy Krulik

The Case of the Beagle Burglar More Information about the book
Nancy Krulik
Jack Gets a Clue (1st in series)

The day I found out I could talk to animals did not start out well. First, I couldn't find my lucky T-shirt. Second, my dog, Scout, dragged me around the yard chasing squirrels. And third, the squirrels threw a bunch of acorns at my head. After I was hit, I realized I could talk to animals! It sounds crazy but it's true. I could understand Scout, the squirrels, and every other animal — even bugs!

My day got even worse when my best friend Leo's homework went missing. Leo blamed Scout! I know Scout's a dog, but trust me — he did not eat Leo's homework. But how would I prove it? There was only one thing to do — I had to talk to the animals around town. It was up to me, Jack Doyle, to get a clue and solve the mystery.

Jack Gets a Clue books are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

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The Case of the Tortoise in Trouble by Nancy Krulik

The Case of the Tortoise in Trouble More Information about the book
Nancy Krulik
Jack Gets a Clue (2nd in series)

Yeah! My third grade class was going on a field trip to a farm, and I couldn’t wait for a day off from regular school. But I wasn’t expecting to hear a voice coming from my backpack during the bus ride to the farm. It turns out my annoying little sister had hidden her pet tortoise, Tut, inside, and the voice was his! It’s true — I can talk to animals, and they can talk to me.

As if babysitting a tortoise wasn’t bad enough, things got worse when Tut disappeared. My mystery-solving partner, Elizabeth, and I had to interview all the cows, horses, goats, and flies on the farm as we looked for clues. It was up to us to find Tut before the end of the day, and we were on the case!

Jack Gets a Clue books are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

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The L.A. Dodger by David A. Kelly

The L.A. Dodger More Information about the book
David A. Kelly
A Ballpark Mystery (3rd in series)

It's spring break and Kate and Mike are off to Los Angeles to visit Kate's dad, a scout for the Dodgers. But all is not sunny in L.A. — strange things have been happening to Kate's dad. Pages have gone missing from his clipboard. He's gotten threatening phone calls. And he thinks he's being followed! Is someone after Mr. Hopkins's top secret scouting reports?

The L.A. Dodger includes a fun fact page about Los Angeles's Dodger Stadium.

The Ballpark Mystery series books are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

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Vanished by Sheela Chari

Vanished More Information about the book
Sheela Chari

Eleven-year-old Neela dreams of being a famous musician, performing for admiring crowds on her traditional Indian stringed instrument. Her particular instrument used to be her grandmother’s — made of warm, rich wood, and intricately carved with a mysterious-looking dragon.

When this special family heirloom vanishes from a local church, Neela is devastated. As she searches for it, strange clues surface: a teakettle ornamented with a familiar-looking dragon, a threatening note, a connection to a famous dead musician, and even a legendary curse. The clues point all the way to India, where it seems that Neela's intrument has a long history of vanishing and reappearing. If she is able to track it down, will she be able to stop it from disappearing again?

This book is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

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The Wizard of Dark Street by Shawn Thomas Odyssey

The Wizard of Dark Street More Information about the book
Shawn Thomas Odyssey

Oona Crate was born to be the Wizard’s apprentice, but she has another destiny in mind.

Despite possessing the rare gift of natural magic, Oona wants to be a detective. Eager for a case to prove herself, she wants to show her uncle — the Wizard of Dark Street — that logic is as powerful as magic. But when someone attacks the Wizard, Oona must delve even deeper into the world of magic to discover who wanted her uncle dead.

This book is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

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The Spaghetti Detectives by Andreas Steinhofel

The Spaghetti Detectives More Information about the book
Andreas Steinhofel

Sometimes Rico acts a bit odd — his mom calls him a "proddity" — but he's genius at noticing little things nobody else does. Like a string of spaghetti stuck to the sidewalk. Or the big buckteeth of that boy in the blue motorcycle helmet. Or the strange behavior of the neighbors in his apartment building.

Oscar is a true prodigy, with a high IQ and high anxieties to match. He's the one who wears the blue helmet — to protect his precious brain! Oscar may have a lot of book smarts, but he needs Rico's help to face his biggest fears. And when other kids mysteriously start going missing, it's up to the two friends to use their noodles, keep track of the clues, and crack the case!

This mystery is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

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Spiders on the Case by Kathryn Lasky

Spiders on the Case More Information about the book
Kathryn Lasky
The Deadlies Mysteries (2nd in series)

Can Jo Bell spin a web big enough to catch ... a criminal?

They're sweet and friendly ... but they just happen to be super toxic. The Deadlies are the world's most misunderstood family of spiders. Kicked out of home after home, all the Deadlies want is to settle down in a cozy web with no exterminators around.

Now they've found the perfect place — the Rare Books room at the Boston Library. The librarian isn't afraid of the Deadlies, and they have lots of lovely books to explore. But their peace is threatened when a thief starts targetting the library. Can the Deadlies spin a web big enough to catch a crook — or is it back on the road once more?

The books in the Deadlies series are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

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Into the Trap by Craig Moodie

Into the Trap More Information about the book
Craig Moodie

Eddie's family has been trapping lobsters for generations. but lately someone has been stealing their catch. When Eddie happens across the thieves' trap, he knows it's up to him to bring in the culprits. With the unlikely help of a boy who has run away from sailing camp, Eddie embarks on an adventure that puts his very life at risk.

This tale of adventure is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

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First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is your source for information on over 200 mystery series for children and young adults, where each series is conveniently listed under four different age categories (New Sleuths, ages 4 to 6; Future Sleuths, ages 7 to 9; Sleuths in Training, ages 10 to 12; and Apprentice Sleuths, ages 13 and older).

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