The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, Dust Jacket Covers Revealed Today

Dust jacket covers for The Lost Symbol, the third thriller featuring Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon by Dan Brown, were unveiled today. There is still no official information as to the storyline of the book.

The US dust jacket has a blood red seal with an embossed image of a double-headed phoenix, the number 33, and the Latin phrase "order from chaos". It is placed over a photograph of the US Capitol at dusk. The background is a wash of cryptic symbols.

The UK dust jacket is simpler in design but possibly more illuminating in terms of plot, showing what appears to be a Masonic key. It, too, is placed over a photo of the US Capitol.

The Lost Symbol goes on sale September 15th, and is available to pre-order.

  

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New Mystery Prize Package Giveaway! Purgatory Ridge by William Kent Krueger

Mystery Book Contests is thrilled to announce a new mystery book prize package giveaway! William Kent Krueger's award-winning Cork O'Connor mysteries are being reissued in trade paperback editions this summer and the author is generously providing 5 of our readers with a signed copy of the third title in the series, Purgatory Ridge.

An explosion at a lumber mill rips the heart right out of a beautiful summer morning and kills the traditional chief of the Iron Lake Ojibwe. Cork O'Connor, former sheriff of Tamarack County, Minnesota, finds himself caught once again in a battle between the two cultures of his heritage, White and Indian. Although a rogue environmentalist known as Eco-Warrior claims responsibility for the bombing, Cork isn't so sure, and he can't help investigating.

Enter daily! Provide your name and e-mail address on the Puratory Ridge giveaway entry form and correctly answer the contest question for a chance to win 1 of 5 prize packages courtesy of William Kent Krueger.

The prize package consists of a trade paperback edition of Purgatory Ridge signed by the author. Estimated prize package value: $25.

Remember to visit Mystery Book Contests regularly to check for new mystery book prize package giveaways.

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John Grisham Writing Original Screenplay on Norfolk Murder Case

The Virginian-Pilot is reporting that author John Grisham is writing a screenplay about one of the most notorious murder cases in the history of Norfolk (VA), the 1997 rape and slaying of young Navy wife Michelle Moore-Bosko. Four men of the men convicted of the crime have maintained their innocence and are collectively known as the "Norfolk Four".

According to the published article, the case had twists and turns from the beginning: First, a single man, Moore-Bosko's neighbor, was charged with murder. Six months later, a second man was also charged. In the months that followed, a total of eight men were arrested. Charges against three were withdrawn. Four of the five men convicted now say their confessions to the crimes were coerced and that they are innocent. Their lawyers say one man, the last man to be charged in the crime and the only suspect whose DNA was found at the scene, committed the killing alone.

Grisham said he believes the men are innocent. "I strongly believe they were wrongfully convicted," he said.

This is Grisham’s second original screenwriting effort, after his 2004 baseball movie Mickey. It's the first time he’s returned to nonfiction since making his debut in the genre with his 2006 bestseller The Innocent Man.

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Jayne Ann Krentz Writing Arcane Society Micro-Novel on Twitter

In a press release issued this morning, New York Times bestselling novelist Jayne Ann Krentz brings one of her most popular characters, a gruff, brooding private investigator named Fallon Jones, to the cell phones and laptops of readers everywhere.

While looking for new methods of connecting with readers, Jayne Ann Krentz initially dismissed Twitter as a good way for her to keep in touch. "No one wants to hear 'Wandering into the kitchen for a cup of coffee' every day. I eat, I write, I sleep. I'm boring," she says.

But instead of writing about what she is doing, Jayne takes her tweets further and is publishing a micro-novel from the perspective of Fallon Jones, 140 characters at a time. Fallon's brusque style of communication makes him an ideal candidate for micro-blogging. Newcomers as well as long-time readers of the series will enjoy this new Arcane Society mystery. The Arcane Society is a clandestine organization dedicated to paranormal research that has existed since the late 1600s. It is currently locked in a secret battle with Nightshade, a conspiracy of rogue psychics.

"This is the latest version of the old-fashioned serialized novel," says Krentz, who also writes under the pen names of Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle. "It's a challenge and a lot of fun to write. I'm really looking forward to hearing back from my readers as the story unfolds."

You can read the story, which began on July 4th and is expected to run through December, on Twitter by following @ArcaneSociety. The publication date of the seventh book in the Arcane Society series, Fired Up, is scheduled to coincide with the end of her Twitter micro-novel.

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Authors on Tour: Rosemary and Larry Mild Visit In Reference to Murder and Mystery Reader Discussion

Mystery Books News is pleased to be coordinating this week's online book tour for husband and wife authors Rosemary and Larry Mild for the third mystery in their Paco and Molly cozy mystery series, Boston Scream Pie.

Today, Tuesday July 7th, Rosemary and Larry will be visiting 2 blog sites:

• In Reference to Murder, where the authors are interviewed; and
• Mystery Reader Discussion, where Boston Scream Pie is reviewed.

We're also thrilled to announce that Rosemary and Larry are giving away a signed copy of their new book to one lucky tour visitor. Visit each tour site on the day indicated and pick up a unique PIN to be used to enter the giveaway on that day. The entry form can be found on Rosemary and Larry's tour page, which also has a complete schedule of their tour including a biography and more information about Boston Scream Pie.

We hope you have the opportunity to stop by each of the tour sites next week to learn more about Rosemary and Larry and their series characters Paco and Molly.

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Variety Reports George Clooney May Be Interested in Assuming the Role of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

Variety blogger Anne Thompson writes that George Clooney is interested in assuming the role of CIA analyst Jack Ryan, popularized in a series of thrillers by Tom Clancy.

Four films have been adapted from the novels featuring three different actors playing Ryan: The Hunt for Red October (Alec Baldwin, 1990), Patriot Games (Harrison Ford, 1992), Clear and Present Danger (Harrision Ford, 1994), and The Sum of All Fears (Ben Affleck, 2002).

Though the most recent, The Sum of All Fears, was a commercial success, Paramount (which has the rights to the franchise) has not moved forward with another film with Affleck in the role. In part, Thompson notes, because Affleck's prime supporter at the studio has left.

Still, with George Clooney in a production deal with Paramount, it seems like a natural part for the actor to play. And there's plenty of material to choose from: there are 8 novels in the series that have yet to be adapted (though not all prominently feature Jack Ryan in the plot).

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Margit Liesche's WWII Mysteries Feature the WASP, Recently Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal

Last week, President Obama signed into legislation a bill awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). "The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country's call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since," President Obama said. "Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve."

Mystery writer Margit Liesche captures the spirit of these intrepid women and sheds light on their courage and strength in her series featuring WASP Pucci Lewis. Her most recent mystery, Hollywood Buzz, was published in March 2009 by Poisoned Pen Press. It is Liesche's second WWII home front novel based on actual events and well-known figures including Jacqueline Cochran, the real-life leader of the WASP. "With this book, I set out to cast much deserved sunlight on this band of flying sisters," Liesche says. "I want to be there in person to see these inspiring women receive the top Congressional award they so richly deserve."

We've had the pleasure of reviewing Liesche's mysteries, calling her most recent "a delightfully entertaining mystery, especially for those readers who remember the great Hollywood stars of the 1940s." Read our full review here: Hollywood Buzz by Margit Liesche.

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Mystery Book Review: Dead Puzzling by Sue Birch

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Dead Puzzling by Sue Birch. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Dead Puzzling by Sue Birch
Non-series

YouWriteOn (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-84923-891-X (184923891X)
ISBN-13: 978-1-84923-891-5 (9781849238915)
Publication Date: March 2009
List Price: $8.95

Review: Suspense, Death, Questions: these are three topics that show up in Dead Puzzling, a children's thriller written by Sue Birch. Three kids, Lizzie Pickles, her little brother Oliver, who has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, and best friend Tom White, join together in an attempt to solve a murder in their town. Can they solve it though, with Oliver's unpredictable behavior?

One dark night the church cemetery keeper can't find his gardening shears only to find them stabbed into the back of an unknown visitor. He had been murdered! The next day Lizzie was talking with Oliver's teachers, he was in trouble again. He wouldn't do anything teachers had asked him. He would only do whatever he felt. Then news got over to the school about the murder, so to prevent a nervous breakdown, the whole school was let out early. With nothing to do Lizzie, Oliver and their friend Tom, decided to hang out and talk about this murder. Tom and Lizzie had always wanted to solve a mystery so the thought that they might as well try. Little did they know that this was the start of the greatest adventure they would ever have. Secrets are told and learned, nobody is who they seem, nobody can be trusted not even the police. Can they figure this out before, someone gets hurt, or will they die in the process?

The author says that the book is appropriate for children 8 to 13 years of age. I agree because there are parts of the book that are perfect for that specific age group. Also it doesn't go into detail about the condition of the body after they were killed so it won't frighten 8 year olds who get squirmy with dead bodies. The mystery part of it was excellent; it was almost a little like young Hercule Poirot and friends. The inquiries the kids made with their main suspects made it seem very professional. Also Oliver's antics would even make the most straight-faced person chuckle.

In the end I would give this book 4 stars, due to its heavy mystery content, and its comedic sense that lightened up what seemed to be a dark story.

Special thanks to Alex Nauert for contributing his review of Dead Puzzling and to Sue Birch for providing a copy of the book for this review.

Review Copyright © 2009 — Alex Nauert — All Rights Reserved — Reprinted with Permission

If you are interested in purchasing Dead Puzzling from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right. MBN note: Sue Birch, the author of Dead Puzzling, is donating half her royalties to the National Autistic Society, the UK's leading charity for people affected by autism.

Synopsis (from the publisher): A body in the churchyard turns Lizzie, Tom and Oliver into detectives as they try to find out "whodunit". With Oliver's "help" they are led deeper and deeper into danger and uncover some shocking surprises on the way.

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Authors on Tour This Week: Rosemary and Larry Mild, Boston Scream Pie

Mystery Books News is pleased to be coordinating this week's online book tour for husband and wife authors Rosemary and Larry Mild for the third mystery in their Paco and Molly cozy mystery series, Boston Scream Pie.

Rosemary and Larry will be visiting ten blog sites this week:

Tuesday, July 07, 2009
• In Reference to Murder: Author Interview
• Mystery Reader Discussion: Book Review 

Wednesday, July 08, 2009
• Cafe of Dreams: Book Review 
• Wendi's Book Corner: Author Guest Post

Thursday, July 09, 2009
• Allie's Musings: Author Interview
• Bookish Ruth: Author Guest Post

Friday, July 10, 2009
• The Friendly Book Nook: Book Review 
• Book Escape: Author Guest Post

Saturday, July 11, 2009
• Melissa's  Bookshelf: Author Interview
• Meritorious Mysteries: Book Review 

A complete schedule of Rosemary and Larry's tour including a biography and more information about Boston Scream Pie can be found at Authors on Tour: Rosemary and Larry Mild.

We're also thrilled to announce that Rosemary and Larry are giving away a signed copy of their new book to one lucky tour visitor. Visit each tour site on the day indicated and pick up a unique PIN to be used to enter the giveaway on that day. The entry form can be found on Rosemary and Larry's tour page.

We hope you have the opportunity to stop by each of the tour sites next week to learn more about Rosemary and Larry and their series characters Paco and Molly.

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Games of Mystery: Nancy Drew in the Secret of the Scarlet Hand, 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.

Help the classic heroine, Nancy Drew, solve the deep and dark secret behind a thief's scarlet handprint. Follow long-buried secrets, and piece together ancient clues to solve the mystery! Nancy Drew in the Secret of the Scarlet Hand is an exciting adventure game that will have you search through priceless Mayan relics and meet an intriguing cast of characters. Use your wits, along with your gut, to finish this exciting adventure!

Nancy Drew in the Secret of the Scarlet Hand may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. Due to its large size, a demonstration version is not available. Also available: Nancy Drew: Secret of the Scarlet Hand Strategy Guide.

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), The Hardy Boys: The Perfect Crime (Review), Enlightenus (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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