Tuesday, March 16, 2010

First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye, a New Series for Future Sleuths

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

is your source for information on over 100 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).

This week we're featuring a new series that looks like a lot of fun and is written for future sleuths.

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Hamster and Cheese by Colleen A. F. Venable



Hamster and Cheese (synopsis from the publisher): There's a sandwich thief in Mr. Venezi's pet shop, and everyone is a suspect, from the chinchillas to the goldfish. Never fear! The world's fluffiest detective on the case: Sasspants, PI(G). By day, Sasspants is your average book-loving, gizmo-inventing guinea pig. By night she solves pet shop mysteries with the help of her sidekick, Hamisher the hamster. Our furry little heroes will stop at nothing to find the sandwich thief! This is the first book in the Guinea PI(G), Pet Shop Private Eye series.

Lexile level: 240L.

A note from the author: Hamster and Cheese is a graphic novel for kids and the first in a series starring a unfriendly Guinea Pig who is forced to solve crimes by a hyperactive hamster when the “g” falls off her sign. The art is by the incredible Stephanie Yue, who is a black belt in making-things-super-cute.

The Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye illustrated mysteries are recommended for children aged 7 to 9.

Hamster and Cheese has a scheduled publication date in April, but is already available to purchase. The sample image below was provided by the author (with a link to the original on Flickr.com).

Hamster and Cheese by Colleen A. F. Venable

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We are also pleased to offer First Clues Reviews, reviews of mysteries featured on our site written by students. These book reviews provide a unique perspective by their young readers, often insightful, always entertaining.

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CBS Schedules 6th Jesse Stone Film, No Remorse, for May 9th

Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone

In a press release from a couple of weeks ago (that we obviously missed), CBS announced that the 6th Jesse Stone movie, No Remorse, will have its broadcast premiere on Sunday, May 9th, at 9 PM (ET/PT).

CBS has been frustratingly slow in scheduling these made-for-television movies, based on a character created by Robert B. Parker. No Remorse completed filming in November 2008, and the 7th in the series, Innocents Lost, was filmed last fall. The first five films have all been commercial and critical successes for the network, and are currently available on DVD from Mysteries on TV: Jesse Stone.

In No Remorse, Police Chief Jesse Stone (played brilliantly by Tom Selleck), who was suspended by the Paradise, Massachusetts Town Council, begins moonlighting for his friend, State Homicide Commander Healy (Stephen McHattie), by investigating a series of murders in Boston, leaving Rose Gammon (Kathy Baker) and Luther "Suitcase" Simpson (Kohl Sudduth) to handle a crime spree in Paradise on their own. Jesse pours his energy into his work in an effort to push away his twin demons: booze and women. When his investigation leads to notorious mob boss Gino Fish (William Sadler), Jesse's pursuit becomes hazardous. William Devane reprises his role as Jesse's psychiatrist, Dr. Dix, and Saul Rubinek returns as Hasty Hathaway, fresh from a stint in prison. Krista Allen joins the cast as Hathaway's ex-wife, Cissy, who never misses an opportunity to tell Jesse she's interested.

Tom Selleck received an Emmy nomination for his role in Sea Change, the 4th in the series.

No Remorse is not based on any specific Parker novel, but is an original screenplay co-written by Selleck.

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Monday, March 15, 2010

FX Networks Crime Drama Justified, based on a novella by Elmore Leonard, Premieres Tomorrow

When the Women Come Out to Dance: Stories by Elmore Leonard
More information about the book

Tomorrow, Tuesday March 16th at 10 PM (ET/PT), marks the premiere of the crime drama Justified on FX Networks. Based in part on the novella Fire in the Hole by Elmore Leonard, the series stars Timothy Olyphant as Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, a true-blue hero and something of a throwback, given to wearing a Stetson and cowboy boots, carrying his sidearm in a hip holster – a weapon he only draws when he has to, and when he does, he shoots to kill, because, as he sees it, that’s the purpose of a gun. (Fire in the Hole most recently appeared in the collection When the Women Come Out to Dance: Stories by Elmore Leonard.)

In the premiere episode, also titled "Fire in the Hole", Raylan Givens enforces the law his way in his Kentucky hometown, where he's exiled after killing a gun thug under questionable circumstances in Miami. "It was justified," Raylan insists. Raylan's first order of business: a white-supremacist (Walton Goggins) with whom he once mined coal, who's suspected of robbing banks and blowing up a black church.

A profile of Elmore Leonard on the Justified website says the author is writing a fresh Raylan Givens story. “I can pick up Raylan’s story anywhere,” he said. “It’s like visiting with an old friend.”

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Lifetime Television Schedules Movies based on Patricia Cornwell Novels

At Risk by Patricia Cornwell
More information about the book

Last April, Lifetime Networks announced a number of television programs, including movie adaptations of the two books in the Monique Lamont and Win Garano series by Patricia Cornwell, At Risk and The Front. Lifetime has now announced the scheduling of these made-for-television films for next month.

On Saturday, April 10th at 9 PM ET/PT (and repeated at 11PM ET/PT), At Risk airs, featuring high-powered and sexy Boston District Attorney Monique Lamont (Andie MacDowell) and her favorite ace detective, Win Garano (Daniel Sunjata). In an attempt to become the next Governor of Massachusetts, the calculating Monique creates an anti-crime initiative and enlists Win's help to solve a 20-year-old murder in Tennessee. Grudgingly taking on the assignment, he delves deep into the case with the help of his colleague Sykes (Annabeth Gish) while Monique becomes a victim of a crime herself ... making it apparent there is much more at stake.

A week later, on Saturday, April 17th at 9 PM ET/PT (and repeated at 11 PM ET/PT), The Front airs. Having survived a brutal attack in her home and attempting to generate much needed publicity for her flagging political aspirations, Monique orders Win to re-open and investigate an unsolved brutal, decades-old murder. To crack the case, he must work closely with a no-nonsense and combative female detective named "Stump" (Ashley Williams). As Win and "Stump" unpeel layer upon layer of the 40-year-old crime, more of Monique's own dark secrets are brought to light, placing Win in the grave danger his grandmother, Nana (Diahann Carroll), has warned him about throughout his career. (For those who may have missed At Risk the previous week, it repeats at 7 PM ET/PT, immediately preceding The Front.)

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Harlequin Intrigue Titles for April 2010

eHarlequin.com has released the April 2010 titles in their Intrigue, breathtaking romantic suspense series. Get these edge-of-your-seat reads today with characters who conquer everything from kidnappings to murder mysteries, only to find themselves irresistibly drawn to one another! For more information or to purchase any of the books below, click on the book title or book cover. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

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Bulletproof Bodyguard by Kay Thomas
Buy the Book!

Bulletproof Bodyguard by Kay Thomas

Marcus North was an intriguing mystery to the residents of Murphy's Point, Mississippi—especially Cally Burnett, the single mom who ran the B and B where Marcus stayed. But despite the instant attraction that flared between them, Cally couldn't have guessed the secrets Marcus hid, or the way those secrets would come to haunt them both.

Working undercover on a crucial case, Marcus had to keep his identity hidden … but his desire to protect the young mother and her son had him putting everything else at risk. Including his career—and his life.

Passion—and desperation—rise as the determined mother and sexy cop come to an uneasy alliance, and everything rides on one deadly night …

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Enigma by Carla Cassidy
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Enigma by Carla Cassidy

Test Subject: Jared Maddox.

Ability: Mental telepathy.

Weakness: Willa Tyler, the only person he was able to communicate with while in a coma.

From the moment he came out of a coma, Jared Maddox knew his whereabouts had been compromised and that only one person could help him escape: trauma nurse Willa Tyler. Although he was reluctant to put Willa's life in danger, she refused to abandon him, insisting she help him reconnect with his mysterious past … and his identical twin. Using the abilities some saw as a gift, Jared sensed the moment they closed in on the truth. And the moment he started considering a future with the strong and beautiful woman who'd faithfully stood by his side. But was her healing touch enough to weather what they uncovered deep in the mountains?

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Takedown by Julie Miller
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Takedown by Julie Miller

SWAT Captain Michael Cutler's pulse was racing. He should have been thinking about the intense hostage crisis he'd just diffused. But he couldn't keep his mind off of her—Jillian Masterson, the leggy brunette who had come to him for protection from an obsessive stalker.

He certainly hadn't been looking for love, especially with someone fifteen years his junior. But their chemistry was undeniable.

As the stalker's threats intensified, Michael knew he'd go to any lengths to bring him down. Even if that entailed giving Jillian some very personal security …

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Rocky Mountain Fugitive by Ann Voss Peterson
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Rocky Mountain Fugitive by Ann Voss Peterson

Eric Lander hated to be tied down …

But when Sarah Trask, the woman he'd left months ago, came to him for help solving a very personal murder, saying no wasn't even an option. Especially once he learned she was pregnant with his child …

Running from the law through the Rocky Mountains after being wrongly accused about his role in the killing wasn't exactly how Eric planned on absorbing—or celebrating—the big news. Yet they had no other choice. Now, with the beautiful rancher and their unborn baby counting on him for protection, Eric found himself both excited and terrified by the idea of "family." He knew he'd be a good father—if only he could keep them all alive to prove it.

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Saving Grace by Patricia Rosemoor
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Saving Grace by Patricia Rosemoor

Grace Broussard never thought she'd trust a man again … until she met the right McKenna. Declan was a P.I. and he made New Orleans a safer place, but Grace's case was almost too hot to handle. He knew she needed protection from more than simple blackmail.

Every touch they shared knocked something loose, and the passion it ignited was too powerful to deny. But every touch also brought the curse of the McKennas closer to fulfillment—and certain death. Now, only Declan could save the life of the future Mrs. McKenna.

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Gun-Shy Bride by B. J. Daniels
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Gun-Shy Bride by B. J. Daniels

The discovery of human bones not far from the Winchester Ranch rocked the small town and its deputy sheriff, McCall Winchester. The grave held answers to questions that had long haunted her, and nothing would stop her from getting them … not even the return of Luke Crawford.

Luke wasn't about to be pushed out of McCall's life again. Not when she needed him the most. The blue-eyed boy was now a devastating cowboy who knew what he wanted—and that was to keep McCall safe. Not an easy thing to do when her investigation stirred up a hornet's nest of trouble. But nothing would stop him from taking this Winchester as his bride!

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If you enjoy the romantic suspense books in this series, you can get 2 free Harlequin Intrigue books plus 2 free gifts just for giving the automatic program a try. Accepting your two free Intrigue 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 four additional Intrigue 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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Games of Mystery: Prison Break, The Conspiracy, based on the TV Series, New for Windows PC, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3

Games of Mystery

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

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Prison Break: The Conspiracy (Windows PC)
More Information About Prison Break: The Conspiracy (Windows PC)

In Prison Break: The Conspiracy, you play as "The Company" agent Tom Paxton, sent to the Fox River State Penitentiary to unravel the mystery behind why Michael Scofield, a man without a previous criminal record, was sent to the same prison as your brother Lincoln Burrows, convicted for a crime he did not commit.

Based on the television series Prison Break, the game storyline runs parallel to the first season in which Paxton encounters several characters from the series and experiences key events from his own perspective.

Prison Break: The Conspiracy for Windows PC is scheduled for release on March 16, 2010, and is available for pre-order. It is ESRB rated Teen.

Also scheduled for release on March 16th: Prison Break: The Conspiracy (Xbox 360 version), and on March 30th, Prison Break: The Conspiracy (PlayStation 3 version).

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

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Mysteries on TV: Armchair Thriller, Hawaii Five-O, Monk, and Ruth Rendell Mysteries, New This Week on DVD

Mysteries on TV

, your source for the most complete selection of detective, amateur sleuth, private investigator, and suspense television mystery series now available or coming soon to DVD, is profiling three series that have season DVDs being released this week plus the a collection of British mysteries based on the novels by Ruth Rendell.

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Information on Armchair Thriller: Set Two

The classic British mysteries seen on will keep you on the edge of your seat. Each set features stellar casts and scripts based on novels and stories by acclaimed crime writers (such as Antonia Fraser and Lionel Davidson).

This set includes two versions of The Chelsea Murders. Originally commissioned for the Armchair Thriller series as six short installments, The Chelsea Murders aired instead as a feature-length television movie in 1981. Both versions are included in this set for the complete viewing experience.

The Circe Complex is based on the 1975 stand-alone novel by Desmond Cory, and originally aired as a 6-part episode.

Quiet as a Nun is based on the debut mystery in the Jemima Shore series by Antonia Fraser, published in 1977. It, too, originally aired as a 6-part episode.

The Armchair Thriller: Set Two DVD set of 4 discs contain the above references episodes that aired on ITV during 1978, 1980, and 1981.

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Information on Hawaii Five-O: Season Eight

The classic aired its 8th season on CBS from September 1976 through March 1976. It starred Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett, head of an elite (and fictional) state police unit in Hawaii. The series was filmed entirely on the islands.

In January, CBS officially ordered an updated version of the series, currently scheduled to premiere this fall.

Alex O'Loughlin will play Steve McGarrett, and Scott Caan McGarrett's right hand man Danny "Danno" Williams. Other cast members announced include Daniel Dae Kim as Detective Chin Ho Kelly, Grace Park as Kono Kalakaua (Kelly's niece), and Jean Smart as Hawaii's Governor Pat Jameson.

The Hawaii Five-O: Season Eight DVD set of 6 discs contain the 23 episodes (including the 2-part opener) that comprise the 8th season.

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Information on Monk: Season Eight

Tony Shalhoub is back for one last obsessively compulsive good time in the final season of the hit crime series .

From the very first moment police detective Adrian Monk (Shalhoub), on leave from but a consultant to the San Francisco Police Department, appeared on the scene, audiences have been hooked on this intelligent and irreverent sleuth who uses his quirky phobias and neuroses to solve crimes in a way other detectives just can’t. Join him now as he reunites with former colleagues and friends from seasons past for some of the most riveting cases yet, including the one that has haunted him for the past eight seasons.

The Monk: Season Eight DVD set of 4 discs contain the 15 episodes, including the 2-part finale, that originally aired on USA Network from August through December 2009.

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Information on The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Mysteries Collection

Bestselling crime writer Ruth Rendell (Baroness Rendell of Babergh) explores the motives for murder across England’s many landscapes, from rock-strewn moors to suburban estates in . The collection includes 17 stories of suspense based on her crime novels.

Featuring outstanding performances by Colin Firth, James Callis, Amanda Redman, James D’Arcy, Honeysuckle Weeks, and George Baker as Inspector Wexford, these programs bring Rendell’s work to life with every wicked irony and startling twist intact.

The The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Mysteries Collection DVD set of 11 discs contain these 17 made-for-television movies, running about 100 minutes each, three of which (Harm Done, Simisola, and Road Rage) are based on the the character Chief Inspector Reg Wexford starring George Baker. The films originally aired from 1994 through 1998.

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Visit the Mysteries on TV website to discover more currently available on DVD.

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Mystery Award Winners Announced at Left Coast Crime

Mystery Book Awards: The Edgars, The Agathas, The Anthonys, and many more.

Left Coast Crime concluded this past weekend with the announcement of the winners of the annual Lefty Award and Bruce Alexander Memorial Historical Award, and a special award, the PAnik Award, named in honor of the late LCC Chairman Paul Anik, honoring the best noir novel set in Los Angeles. And the winners are ...

... for the Lefty Award:
Getting Old Is a Disaster by Rita Lakin

... for the Bruce Alexander Award:
A Trace of Smoke by Rebecca Cantrell

... and for the PAnik Award:
Death Was In the Picture by Linda L. Richards Review of Death Was In the Picture by Linda L. Richards

The winner of the Dilys Award was also announced for the mystery title which the member booksellers have most enjoyed selling. The award is named in honor of Dilys Winn, the founder of Murder Ink, the first specialty bookseller of mystery books in the United States. And the winner is ...

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley Review of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Mysterious Reviews indicates a review by Mysterious Reviews.

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Mystery Godoku Puzzle for March 15, 2010

A new has been created by the editors of the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books and is now available on our website.

Godoku is similar to Sudoku, but uses letters instead of numbers. To give you a headstart, we provide you a mystery clue to fill in a complete row or column (if you choose to use it!).

Mystery Godoku Puzzle for March 15, 2010

This week's letters and mystery clue:

A B D E L O R U V

Bill Guttentag’s debut novel, a crime drama set on the streets of Hollywood, has this title (9 letters).

We now have two weeks of our puzzles on one page in PDF format for easier printing. Print this week's puzzle here.

Previous puzzles are stored in the Mystery Godoku Archives.

Enjoy the weekly Mystery Godoku Puzzle from the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, and Thanks for visiting our website!

   

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