Games of Mystery: New Trailer for Nancy Drew, Ransom of the Seven Ships

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 a new trailer for the next game in the Nancy Drew Adventure series. A complete list of Nancy Drew games for all gaming platforms including casual game downloads, is available from our recently updated Games of Mystery: Nancy Drew webpage.

In Nancy Drew: Ransom of the Seven Ships, the 20th game in this franchise from Her Interactive, Nancy's best friend Bess Marvin wins a vacation for three at a resort on a private island in the Bahamas. She naturally invites Nancy and her cousin George to go with her. But by the time they arrive, the owners of the resort are no where to be found and Bess has been kidnapped! To get her back, George and Nancy must find a long lost treasure. Nancy and George meet many strange island inhabitants on their journey to save Bess but can they find the treasure in time to save Bess?

Nancy Drew: Ransom of the Seven Ships is expected to be released in July 2009.

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

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Mystery Bestsellers for April 17, 2009

A list of the top 15 mystery hardcover bestsellers for the week ending April 17, 2009 has been posted on the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books website.

A new number 1 this week with Long Lost by Harlan Coben assuming the top spot. But only one new title in the top 15.

Entering the list a number 11 is Look Again by Lisa Scottoline. When reporter Ellen Gleeson gets a “Have You Seen This Child?” flyer in the mail, she almost throws it away. But something about it makes her look again, and her heart stops—the child in the photo is identical to her adopted son, Will. Her every instinct tells her to deny the similarity between the boys, because she knows her adoption was lawful. But she’s a journalist and won’t be able to stop thinking about the photo until she figures out the truth. And she can’t shake the question: if Will rightfully belongs to someone else, should she keep him or give him up? She investigates, uncovering clues no one was meant to discover, and when she digs too deep, she risks losing her own life—and that of the son she loves.

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:

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.

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eHarlequin's Free Book Friday: Scions Perception by Patrice Michelle

eHarlequin.com gives you another reason to love Fridays! Buy two or more books this Friday and they'll give you their weekly featured book absolutely free! That's right, every Friday, enjoy a featured free book with the purchase of two or more other titles! (Your free book will automatically be added to your cart.)

This Friday's free book (04/17/2009) is from the Silhouette Nocturne series.

Scions: Perception by Patrice Michelle
A Scions Thriller

She’d barely survived the treacherous drive to Kaitlyn’s house through an ice storm. Then, forced to break in when she couldn’t find the key, Abby was immediately grabbed by someone in the dark. She gave her assailant the fight of his life...until his accusation that she was a burglar told her a mistake had been made. Now, facing her opponent, she was overwhelmed by an electric attraction more intense than any she’d ever felt.

Gabriel was impressed by this fascinating spitfire. He also felt the most intense desire of his life--a relentless need so powerful it tore him apart. He understood immediately that Abby was the one--the female destined as his mate for life. But Abby was’t like the other females he’d been with. For one thing, she was human. Gabriel didn’t trust humans one bit. But the realization hit him--if he was to win Abby, he would have to win her trust...and Abby wasn’t going to make it easy.

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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New Trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The latest and final trailer for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie was released today by Warner Brothers (and can be seen below). The film's release date has also been moved up 2 days to Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is 6th and penultimate (or maybe not) book in the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling.

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Mystery Book Review: A Skeleton in the Closet by Judith K. Ivie

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of A Skeleton in the Closet by Judith K. Ivie. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

A Skeleton in the Closet by Judith K. Ivie
A Kate Lawrence Mystery

Mainly Murder Press (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-615-26899-4 (0615268994)
ISBN-13: 978-0-615-26899-6 (9780615268996)
Publication Date: March 2009
List Price: $14.95

Review: A 60-year-old skeleton behind a fake wall in the basement of a local mansion sets the stage for amateur sleuth Kate Lawrence and her friends in A Skeleton in the Closet, the third mystery in this series by Judith K. Ivie.

When Kate's realty partner Charlene rushes in one day to say there's a skeleton in the Henstock sisters' closet, the response from Kate and Margo is, "Well, doesn't everyone?" But it turns out it's a real skeleton. The Henstock sisters, both in their 80s, have lived in the large, roomy mansion all their lives, inheriting it from their father, Judge Henstock, but now interested in selling it. Kate immediately calls the police who, when arriving at Henstock home, find nothing. The skeleton is gone. But then Kate, completely by accident, stumbles upon it near a local pond while taking pictures of swans. Forensic evidence proves the bones are that of a middle-aged woman who died approximately 60 years ago. But there are far more questions than answers. Who was the woman? Who killed her? Why was she entombed behind a fake wall? And why was the wall built in Judge Henstock's basement? The sisters have little recollection of a past so long ago that they aren't going to be much help.

Meanwhile, someone has been sending threatening mail to the realtors' office. It isn't addressed to anyone in particular, but as the ladies pointed out, everyone has a skeleton in their closet. Could one of the friends be at risk from something that may have happened in their past?

A Skeleton in the Closet is delightful. The three women at the heart of the story (Kate, Charlene, and Margo) share a true and meaningful friendship. The straight-forward plot has some clever twists and readers will quickly relate to the endearing old ladies living in a mysterious mansion with a secret past. The romantic scenes between Kate and her soon to be live-in lover Armando are an added bonus to this genuinely entertaining mystery.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of A Skeleton in the Closet and to Judith Ivie for providing a copy of the book for this review.

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

If you are interested in purchasing A Skeleton in the Closet from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Everyone has a skeleton or two in their pasts, but the one that turns up at 185 Broad Street in Old Wethersfield is all too real. Afraid that the discovery of a corpse on their property might put off potential buyers, the elderly owners of the historic Victorian house turn to Wethersfield realtor and reluctant amateur sleuth Kate Lawrence to solve their problem.

As if that weren’t enough to contend with, Kate and her longtime love Armando are moving in together. Kate’s partner Strutter has a secret that sends everyone reeling. Best friend Margo sets her cap for a local police officer. And every last one of them is being threatened by an anonymous poison pen.

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Mystery Calendar: Murder 203, a Meeting of the Mystery Minded

This weekend, April 18 and 19, 2009, Murder 203 takes place at the Easton and Westport libraries in Connecticut. The event features panel discussions, book signings, writing tips from the professionals, and a unique opportunity to mingle with authors and fellow crime fiction enthusiasts at a Cocktails and Crime reception Saturday evening.

The Guest of Honor is Linda Fairstein, a veteran sex-crime investigator who is the author of the bestselling Alexandra Cooper mystery series. Over 30 other mystery writers are scheduled to attend.

Visit the festival website for more information including a schedule and directions to the event venues.

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Games of Mystery: Escape Rosecliff Island, New at Big Fish Games

Games of Mystery, your source for mystery-themed electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, and mystery getaway vacations, is pleased to announce the availability of a new mystery game from Big Fish Games released today. 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.

An unexpected storm has left you shipwrecked on a mysterious and remote private island. Seek and find helpful objects as you solve puzzles and attempt to Escape Rosecliff Island! Discover hidden objects, and play clever minigames as you piece together your getaway. Investigate dark locations and unlock bonus levels as you explore Rosecliff Island. Can you find an escape and make it back to civilization safely?

Escape Rosecliff Island may be downloaded and purchased for as little as $6.99 with the Big Fish Game Club Jumbo Pack. A demonstration version (43.2 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.

Watch a preview video below:

Other popular games on our download Big Fish Mystery Games page include several Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew games, games in the Mystery Case Files series and in particular the latest, Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst, Adventure Chronicles: The Search for Lost Treasure, Syberia and Syberia II, The Serpent of Isis, James Patterson's Women's Murder Club: A Darker Shade of Grey, and Nick Chase: A Detective Story.

Read our new game reviews by Ms. Terri: Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses! (Review), and Nick Chase: A Detective Story (Review).

Big Fish Games: Bestsellers

Big Fish Games: New releases

And don't forget to visit Games of Mystery for all kinds of mysterious fun!

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Silverock Films Options Henry Chang's Crime Novel Chinatown Beat

In a press release today, Silverock Films announced it has optioned the crime noir novel Chinatown Beat by Henry Chang, the first in the author's Chinatown series featuring NYPD detective Jack Yu. In Chinatown Beat, Jack tracks the path of a serial rapist who targets young Chinese girls and pursues the murderer of a powerful Tong leader.

"The narrative takes place in the 1990's, but the violent Chinatown of the 1970's and its consequences resonate in the lives of the characters," says Silverock founder Jacqueline McCaffrey.

"I'm absolutely thrilled about the option and for Chinatown Beat to be developed for the movies," says Chang. "I'm confident that Silverock will be true to the story and the rendering of the characters. Seeing the characters and situations come alive on the big screen would be a dream realized."

Chinatown Beat was published by Soho Crime in 2007. The second book in the series, Year of the Dog, was published last year, our reviewer calling it "frequently mesmerizing, the author creating a dark and cold, atmospheric environment, drawing the reader into the gritty streets of New York City." (Mysterious Reviews, Year of the Dog by Henry Chang.)

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Library Journal Discusses the Great Escape, Mystery Fiction

In an article on LibraryJournal.com today, reporter Wilda W. Williams says readers turn to mysteries in tough times as a form of escape. She goes on to discuss some of the subgenres and their outlook for the future.

Historical mysteries are growing dramatically in part because authors can make the past come alive for readers seeking to forget a dismal present. An editorial director adds that it's comforting for readers buffeted by tough times to know that others have survived equally bumpy periods in the past.

Also making a comeback is spy fiction, pronounced dead by some critics after the 1989 collapse of the Soviet Union, writes Williams. While these books offer plenty of escapism, they also address serious international political issues in the news today.

She adds that readers are also gravitating toward more literary mysteries, and many want the comfort of cozies or traditional mysteries.

Finally in the format wars, trade paperbacks are seeing increased support but the jury is still out on ebooks.

Williams offers specific recommendations in her article on current and upcoming titles that represent all the subgenres discussed.

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Mystery Book Review: Flipping Out by Marshall Karp

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is pleased to be participating in an online book tour for Marshall Karp. Today we are publishing a new review of Flipping Out. You can also win a free, signed copy of Flipping Out by Marshall Karp, courtesy of the author. Look for details following the review.

Photo courtesy Marshall Karp.

Flipping Out by Marshall Karp
A Lomax and Biggs Mystery

St. Martin's Minotaur (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-312-37821-1 (0312378211)
ISBN-13: 978-0-312-37821-9 (9780312378219)
Publication Date: March 2009
List Price: $24.95

Review: LAPD homicide detectives Mike Lomax and Terry Biggs investigate a series of murders that hit a little too close to home -- the victims are the wives of cops and Terry's wife may be next, in Flipping Out, the third mystery in this series by Marshall Karp.

Bestselling author Nora Bannister has hit on an innovative idea to boost the sales of her books: buy a house in need of an upgrade, throw a few dollars into sprucing it up, then set her next murder mystery at the house, giving it instant notoriety not to mention a premium price tag. The series is a bestseller, the cash pouring in. She allows some of her closest friends, wives of LA's finest including Marilyn Biggs, to become partners and profit from the successful venture. When one of the women is killed, and then another, it's clear someone is targeting them. But is it because of their success in flipping real estate, or because they're married to a cop?

Narrated by Mike, who delights the reader with his wry perspective on both his fellow officers and the investigation, Flipping Out is both a suspense-driven murder mystery as well as a darkly humorous novel. Though they are partners, Terry assumes more of the limelight here, after all it is his wife who may have a target on her back, but Mike steps in when Terry starts to overplay his role. It's a nicely balanced relationship, and the banter between them genuinely entertaining. The plot is cleverly devised, rarely pauses, and the transition from the setup and introduction of characters (read suspects) to the investigation smoothly and skillfully handled. Though red herrings abound, they are all consistent within the context of the story and offer real alternatives to the reader trying to identify whodunit.

Fast paced with plenty of twists and turns, at times wickedly funny, Flipping Out works on many levels as a crime novel. It is highly recommended.

Special thanks to William Morris Agency and Marshall Karp (LomaxAndBiggs.com) for providing an ARC of Flipping Out for this review.

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

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

Marshall Karp is offering one lucky visitor to Mystery Books News a chance to win an autographed copy of Flipping Out. To enter to win, send an e-mail message to flippingoutgiveaway@yahoo.com with the subject line Enter Me to Win! All entries must be received before Friday, April 17, 2009 at 11:59 PM ET. No purchase required to enter or to win; US residents only. A winner will be selected at random from all valid entries received.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Nora Bannister writes murder mysteries with a twist – a very lucrative twist. She buys a run-down house in LA, and while her business partners turn it into a showpiece, Nora makes it the scene of a grisly murder and the star of the next book in her bestselling House To Die For series.

As soon as the book goes on sale, there’s a bidding frenzy for the house. It seems a lot of people are willing to pay a lot of money to live in a real house where a fictional character has died a violent death.

Just before Nora’s latest book hits the market, one of her house-flipping partners is murdered. LAPD Detectives Mike Lomax and Terry Biggs are assigned the case, but this one is a hot potato. The dead woman is also the wife of one of their fellow cops.

In fact, all of Nora’s partners are married to cops, so when the killer strikes again, Mike and Terry realize that somebody is out to murder the house flippers. And the next logical target is Marilyn Biggs – Terry’s wife.

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