New Canadian Children's Mystery Book Award Announced

A new mystery book award was announced this month, honoring excellence in the children’s mystery book format.

The John Spray Mystery Award comes with a C$5,000 cash prize, which will be awarded annually beginning in November 2011. To be eligible the book must be an original work in English, aimed at readers ages eight to sixteen, and written by a Canadian author. A mystery book can be a thriller, a crime novel, or a "whodunit".

John Spray, President of the Mantis Investigation Agency, is delighted to sponsor the prize, saying that reading mysteries made him a passionate reader at an early age and helped him find his chosen career.

The John Spray Mystery Award is organized and administered by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976 to encourage the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for young readers.

Deadline for submissions is February 16, 2011. All submissions must be received at the Canadian Children's Book Centre by this date (not postmarked by this date). Titles must be selected from books published between January 1 and December 31, 2010.

The Raven Secures US Distribution Deal

Deadline|New York is reporting that Relativity Media has acquired the US rights to The Raven, a fictionalized account of the last days of Edgar Allan Poe's life, in which the poet is in pursuit of a serial killer whose murders mirror those in the writer's stories.

The film, produced by Intrepid Pictures, stars John Cusack as Poe, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Brenda Gleeson, Kevin McNally, Alice Eve, and Luke Evans. With a distribution deal in place, we can hope to learn of a release date soon.

eHarlequin Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense Titles for February 2011

eHarlequin.com has released the February 2011 titles in their Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense series. Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense books combine suspense, romance, hope and faith to create a unique page-turning series that today’s readers love. To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

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Keeping Guard by Christy Barritt

"You can't hide from me."

Her anonymous stalker's threats are getting scarier and scarier. Now Kylie Summers fears for her life. She flees her home for the protection of a former military man in a small Virginia town. But her brother's handsome best friend already has a long list of obligations. Kylie knows she's intruding on Nate Richardson's life. Even though he promises to keep her safe, Nate's keeping her at arm's length emotionally. Until her stalker emerges from the shadows, forcing Nate to choose between keeping guard over his wary heart—or Kylie.

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Turbulence by Dana Mentink

Someone wants to ensure that the flight bringing Maddie Lambert and a transplant organ to her father never reaches its destination. Someone who's desperate enough to sabotage the plane. In the aftermath of the crash, Maddie finds herself stranded on an isolated mountain with the last man she'd ever trust again—her ex-fiancé, Dr. Paul Ford. He's the man she blames for her family's tragic loss, but now he's the only one who can get her to her father in time. Yet what neither of them knows is that the danger has just begun …

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Body of Evidence by Lenora Worth

When Texas Ranger Anderson Michaels goes undercover at an animal rescue farm in Texas Hill Country, he lands right in owner Jennifer Rodgers's path. Before long, he realizes that tracking down his target—a deadly drug-trafficking ring that was responsible for the murder of his captain—may be easier than winning this jaded woman's trust. Experience has taught Jennifer to keep her distance from adventure seekers. But her life will depend on her ability to push aside her fears—and trust Anderson to keep her safe.

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A Deadly Game by Virginia Smith

After discovering her boss's dead body, Susanna Trent receives an unusual package from him filled with strange metal tokens and odd clues. Then Susanna, who is the guardian of her three-year-old niece, starts getting anonymous phone calls taunting her with thinly veiled threats. Worried for her life and that of her sister's child, Susanna struggles to trust the one man who can help: wealthy executive Jack Townsend. As they work together to solve the mysterious puzzle, Jack and Susanna are led into a dangerous game neither knows how to play. But they do know the stakes—life or death.

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First Angel of ABC's Charlie's Angels Reboot Cast

TV|Line is reporting that the first angel has been cast in ABC's reboot of the 1970s series Charlie's Angels. She's Annie Ilonzeh, who is currently starring as Maya Ward on ABC's General Hospital.

This updated series will be set in Miami with three private investigators -- Kate (Annie Ilonzeh), Abby, and Marisa -- working for a mystery man named Charlie (previously reported to be the voice of Robert Wagner).

Film Adaptation Considered for Alfred Hitchcock/Psycho Book

The Los Angeles Times|24 Frames is reporting that a film version of the non-fiction book Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho by Stephen Rebello is being considered. Sacha Gervasi (Anvil! The Story of Anvil) is looking to write the adaptation and direct the feature. (It isn't clear if the intent here is to fictionalize the story or not.)

Published in 1990, thirty years after Psycho premiered, Stephen Rebello gives readers an intimate glance at the making of this incredible movie from beginning (the true life crime on which Psycho is based) to end (Hitchcock's obsessive instructions to darken theaters and close the curtains for 30 seconds after the opening credits, in order to raise the suspense).

You can read the first chapter(s) of Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho below:

NBC Orders Pilot for Supernatural Crime Drama 17th Precinct

Here's an interesting premise for a police drama: NBC has ordered a pilot for 17th Precinct, set in the fictional town of Excelsior where magic and supernatural elements rule over science. Ron Moore, the creative force (with David Eick) behind the successful re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica, will executive produce.

New Behind-the-Scenes Featurette for The Adjustment Bureau

A new behind-the-scenes featurette for The Adjustment Bureau (via Moviefone) has been posted online, and is embedded below.

The film stars Matt Damon as David Norris, an ambitious politician on the brink of winning a seat in the US Senate. But then he meets a beautiful contemporary ballet dancer, Elise Sellas (played by Emily Blunt) — a woman like none he's ever known. But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men of the Adjustment Bureau conspire to keep the two apart.

The Adjustment Bureau, adapted from the Philip K. Dick short story "The Adjustment Team", is scheduled to be in theaters on March 4th, 2011.

Michael Clarke Duncan Cast in Proposed Bones Spin-off

Deadline|Hollywood is reporting that Michael Clarke Duncan has been cast in Fox's proposed spin-off from its popular series Bones. The untitled project is based on a character created by Richard Greener, Walter "The Locator" Sherman, first introduced in the 2006 thriller The Knowland Retribution. (The second, and most recent, title in the series is The Lacy Confession.)

Duncan will play Sherman's friend and investigative partner; the role of The Locator, a tracker who honed his skills in Vietnam, has not yet been cast, but the producers had better hurry: the character is scheduled to appear in a Bones episode to air later this spring.

Bones itself is based on characters created by forensic anthropologist and crime novelist Kathy Reichs.

First Clues Review: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is delighted to publish a new student-written review of a mystery or suspense novel. 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.

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The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
The 39 Clues Series

Scholastic (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-545-06039-7 (0545060397)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06039-4 (9780545060394)
Publication Date: September 2008
List Price: $12.99

Review written by Noah, Grade 6.
Date of review: January 2011.

Review: What would you do if you were at your grandmother’s funeral and you had the choice to take one million dollars from her will and walk away? Or, you could take a clue that could lead you to being the most influential human being in the world, or lead you to death. Dan and Amy Cahill take the first clue and begin the adventure of their lives. These are the events that begin The Maze of Bones, the first book in "The 39 Clues" series. This book was written by Rick Riordan, but I find it interesting that each book in the series is written by a different author. The book is a mystery written in today’s world. Dan and Amy Cahill are the main characters of this story, Dan is 11 and Amy is 14 years old.

Dan and Amy Cahill are at the will reading during their grandmother’s funeral when they learn that their family is the most influential family in history. Amy has reddish brown hair and, like Dan has green eyes “like jade”. She also gets very nervous and tongue-tied around other people, especially crowds. I like Dan very much because he is a lot like me. He has dark blond hair like I do and he loves to collect things. He has a photographic memory and Amy thinks he is a huge dweeb. They begin a race to find the first of 39 clues which could lead them to either great power or certain death. Making enemies of fellow family members along the way, their many obstacles include when a library explodes with them inside, and other competitors stealing their leads.

The author wrote the story very literally which I liked because I might not have understood some parts if he had written the book with figurative language. The book is written as if it was really happening in our world today. The plot is very interesting; he made it seem as if you are there with them and you know what they are thinking. Rick Riordan filled the genre very well; he had everything a mystery novel needs to be great; suspense, intrigue and excitement. When I read the first chapter I was slightly confused as to what was happening, but that only made me want to read on, so it had an effective hook. The author described everything with phenomenal detail so I had a clear image in my mind at all times. The book is very well paced; it is not too slow or too fast the entire time, and it varied in speed appropriately throughout the book. The ending is written as a cliffhanger which well prepares the reader for the next book. Overall, the book is fantastic. Despite the fact that the author did not use figurative language, which I felt was not needed; I gave the book 10 out of 10. Readers of all ages will love The Maze of Bones.

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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.

First Clue Mysteries is pleased to provide information on over 200 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under four different age categories: New Sleuths (ages 4 to 6), Future Sleuths (ages 7 to 10), Sleuths in Training (ages 10 to 12), and Apprentice Sleuths (ages 13 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

eHarlequin Silhouette Romantic Suspense Titles for February 2011

Sparked by danger, fueled by passion, eHarlequin.com has released the February 2011 titles in their Silhouette Romantic Suspense series. Let yourself be swept away with characters who fall in love under larger-than-life circumstances. In Silhouette Romantic Suspense, suspense, emotion and glamour combine to create these highly charged books! 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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No Ordinary Hero by Rachel Lee

When veterinarian Mike Windwalker shows up on widow Del Carmody's doorstep, she soon discovers that he's no ordinary man. Mike's a drop-dead-gorgeous Native American caught between two worlds: those of science and his ancestors' spiritual ways. Del can't explain the strange things happening in her house—the unexplained noises and seemingly misplaced items—unsettling her and her teenage daughter.

Concerned for their safety, Mike offers his help. Besides, there's a sexual undercurrent simmering between him and Del and Mike needs to get to the bottom of that, too. Together they must unravel the mystery surrounding the house only to discover a passion that's hard to deny.

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The Prodigal Bride by Beth Cornelison

Wild card Zoey Bancroft is in a scrape. Her ex-boyfriend has left her stranded with no money in Vegas after hearing she's carrying his child. Desperate, Zoey calls her best friend, firefighter Gage Powell. Before she can tell Gage where she is, a loan shark enters her motel room and destroys her phone …

Tired of saving Zoey from yet another bind, but unable to forget the sparks they once shared, Gage impulsively proposes. For the sake of the baby, of course—it'll be a marriage in name only. But trouble that started in Vegas doesn't always end there, and this time Gage's life—and love—is on the line …

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In His Protective Custody by Marie Ferrarella

"You can go back to being the city's dark knight."

Dr. Aleksandra Pulaski tells officer Zane Calloway exactly what she thinks when he shows up in her E.R. with a bullet wound. But Zane isn't leaving her E.R. too fast. A former domestic violence case went bad, and now Alyx's life is in danger. With Zane her only hope …

Zane reluctantly signs up to be Alyx's bodyguard. Trouble is, he could get used to having the infuriating beauty around—permanently. But can he keep her safe from a bitter man's revenge long enough for her to penetrate his steely heart?

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Deadly Valentine by Various Authors

"Her Un-Valentine" by Justine Davis

When she's kidnapped, Taylor Burke is shocked to see her new coworker, Angus Kincaid, holding the gun. She later kisses him just to aggravate his partner and is even more shocked that she likes it. Could she be falling for the bad guy, or does Kincaid have other surprises up his sleeve?

"The February 14th Secret" by Cindy Dees

Colt McQuade is a soldier with a secret, and Layla Freeman is the one person who can unravel it. But someone else wants the information, too, sending the couple on the run. They'll do everything they can to protect Colt's precious knowledge—and guard their hearts in the process.

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Nominations for the 2011 Edgar Awards Announced

The Mystery Writers of America have announced the nominees for the 2011 Edgar Allan Poe Awards (click on the link to see the entire list). The winners will be announced on April 28, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York City.

Here are the nominees for the first few categories listed:

Best Novel
• Caught by Harlan Coben (Dutton)
• Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin (William Morrow)
• Faithful Place by Tana French (Viking)
• The Queen of Patpong by Timothy Hallinan (William Morrow)
• The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton (Minotaur Books)
• I’d Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman (William Morrow)

Best First Novel
• Rogue Island by Bruce DeSilva (Forge Books)
• The Poacher’s Son by Paul Doiron (Minotaur Books)
• The Serialist by David Gordon (Simon & Schuster)
• Galveston by Nic Pizzolatto (Scribner)
• Snow Angels by James Thompson (Putnam)

Best Paperback Original
• Long Time Coming by Robert Goddard (Bantam)
• The News Where You Are by Catherine O’Flynn (Henry Holt)
• Expiration Date by Duane Swierczynski (Minotaur Books)
• Vienna Secrets by Frank Tallis (Random House)
• Ten Little Herrings by L.C. Tyler (Felony & Mayhem Press)

We'll be updating our Mystery Awards: The Edgars page later today with the nominees, which also includes a list of past winners.

Against All Odds by Irene Hannon is Today's Featured Free NookBook Mystery

MystereBooks is pleased to feature a mystery title that is currently available as a NookBook 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!

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Against All Odds by Irene Hannon
A Heroes of Quantico Mystery
Revell (Baker Publishing) (NookBook)
Download Link

About Against All Odds (from the publisher): For FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner, dignitary protection duty should have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, Monica Callahan isn't making it easy. Estranged from her diplomat father--who is involved in a sensitive hostage situation in the Middle East -- she refuses to be intimidated by a related terrorist threat back in the States. That is, until a chilling warning convinces her that the danger is very real -- and escalating.

As Coop and his partner do their best to keep her safe, Monica's father triggers an abduction that puts his daughter's life at risk. And with every second that ticks by, Coop knows that the odds of saving the only woman who has ever breached the walls around his heart are dropping. After all, terrorists aren't known for their patience -- or their mercy.