Ms. Terri Reviews Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat

As a mystery game, Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat is really first rate. The beautifully rendered scenes are appropriately mysterious and there is a lot to do, most of which requires some thoughtful action by, sometimes interaction with, the player. The storyline is well thought out, and though the titular cat has only a small role here, every time you see it there's a real sense of moving forward in the plot.

Read Ms. Terri's complete review on Games of Mystery Reviews: Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat.

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Games of Mystery is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations, and more mysterious fun!

Mr. E. Reviews Agatha Christie Marple: The Geraldine McEwan Collection

The twelve episodes in Agatha Christie's Marple: The Geraldine McEwan Collection clearly showcase the range the actress brings to the character -- and they are better for it. Many of these adaptations deviate significantly from their source -- indeed, some of the original novels don't even feature Miss Marple -- but, I would argue, they are often for the better; even in those episodes where the plot does seem to drag a bit, McEwan shines.

Read the full text of our review at Mr. E. Reviews: Agatha Christie's Marple: The Geraldine McEwan Collection.

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

Sherlock Holmes in The Blind Banker, Sunday October 31st on PBS Masterpiece Mystery!

Tomorrow, Sunday October 31st, the second of three episodes of Series I of Sherlock airs on PBS (check your local listings for air times).

We watched last week's episode ("A Study in Pink") and were enthralled, from the spot-on character depictions to the well-plotted storyline to the introduction of modern twists on classic lines from the canon. ("It's quite a three patch problem, Watson.")

In the second episode, "The Blind Banker," John Watson (Martin Freeman) is scrambling to do the errands and find a job while Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) sits around, apparently in deep contemplation. Sherlock seems oblivious, and in no hurry to take a case. When there's been a break-in at a bank, Sherlock inexplicably springs into action. Nothing has been stolen, only indecipherable graffiti painted on a wall. A bank employee is soon found dead in his apartment, the windows and doors locked from the inside, and Sherlock is at full, frenetic attention. An exhausted and hungry Watson (Sherlock doesn't eat while on a case — it just slows him down) watches from the sidelines of a case of which he'll soon inexplicably find himself at the center.

This first series of Sherlock will be released on DVD and Blu-ray disc on November 9th, 2010, and is available to pre-order from Telemystery: Sherlock. If you missed last week's episode, you can watch it online through December 7th, 2010, on the PBS: Sherlock website.

Watch a preview for "The Blind Banker" below:

The Walking Dead Premieres Sunday, October 31st, on AMC TV

Tomorrow, Sunday October 31st -- Halloween -- The Walking Dead premieres on AMC TV at 10 PM (ET/PT).

Based on Robert Kirkman's popular comic book series, The Walking Dead is an epic, edge-of-your-seat drama where personal struggles are magnified against a backdrop of moment-to-moment survival.

The comic book series first appeared in 2003, with six issues each collected into a series of books. The first is titled The Walking Dead Volume 1: Days Gone Bye with the most recent, The Walking Dead Volume 13: Too Far Gone, is scheduled for publication in late November.

In the series, County Sheriff Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) wakes up in an empty hospital after weeks in a coma, and finds himself utterly alone. The world as he knows it is gone, ravaged by a zombie epidemic. A survivalist story at its core, the series explores how the living are changed by the overwhelming realization that those who survive can be far more dangerous that the mindless walkers roaming the earth. They themselves have become the walking dead.

Shot on location in Atlanta, the first episode of six in the AMC series shares its title with the first entry in the comic book series: "Days Gone Bye." In the video embedded below, producer Frank Darabont and author Robert Kirkman discuss the process of converting the comic book into a television series, what they have in common and how they differ. More videos can be seen on the AMC: The Walking Dead website.

Murder au Naturel by Allen Barlowe (Book Review)

Murder au Naturel by Allen Barlowe. Non-series. Llumina Press Trade Paperback, August 2010.

Though this light murder mystery set at a clothing-optional resort may be intended as escapist fun for genre fans, there's too little humor and not enough suspense to achieve that level of entertainment.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Murder au Naturel by Allen Barlowe.

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Mysterious Reviews is your source for the latest mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime novel reviews, edited by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.

Reviews of Mystery and Suspense Books for Kids, New This Week on Book Trends (101030)

Book Trends, a review site for young adult and children books, published several new book reviews this past week. We're presenting here a summary of those in the mystery/suspense/thriller category.

The Curse of Deadman's Forest by Victoria Laurie. The second suspense novel in the Oracles of Delphi Keep series, recommended for readers aged 10 to 12. Lexile measure: N/A. Reviewed by a 6th grade student, who writes, "This is a great novel full of face-paced action, well-developed characters, and never-ending suspense. This book is very interesting, and very exiting. I just couldn't put it down!"

Roll Up the Streets by John Badek. A non-series mystery adventure recommended for readers aged 10 to 12. Lexile measure: N/A. Reviewed by a 6th grade student, who writes, "On the first reading, the beginning of the story is confusing, slow and Jake's little jokes and comments are supposed to be funny but instead are annoying. [But w]hen I read the book again, the beginning was not as confusing and I liked Jake's comments more than the first time I read the book. I got much more out of the book the second time I read it, so I suggest you read the book twice too."

For more reviews of children and young adult books of all genres, visit Book Trends; their reviews will amaze you! You can also follow Book Trends on Twitter.

Four Games of Mystery and Suspense, New This Week from AVG

Games of Mystery is pleased to announce this week's new mystery and suspense casual and adventure games available for immediate download from Amazon Video Games.

A complete list of downloadable mystery games is available on our Games of Mystery: Amazon Video Games Download page.

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Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper

1888, London, district of Whitechapel. A series of particularly horrible murders takes place in this district of the East End of London where atrociously mutilated prostitutes' bodies are found. The police are unable to find a serious lead and the murders increase creating a real psychosis. Sherlock Holmes starts looking for clues in the dark and sinister alleys of Whitechapel in order to follow the macabre trail of the one the press now calls Jack the Ripper. During a frightening adventure, Sherlock Holmes will try to bring out the true identity and the motives of the one who hides behind this scary alias.

Presented in full 3D, Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper offers players 2 different perspectives available at any moment in the game: a third-person view in the pure style of traditional point 'n' click adventure games and a first-person view for close-up investigation. Players have the total freedom to choose either of the angles they wish or use them both to immerse themselves completely in this terrifying adventure.

ESRB Rating: Mature.

Windows Vista/XP (1590 MB download).

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Kate Arrow: Deserted Wood

Set off on an adventure to help Kate return a valuable idol to a tribe by traveling deep into the jungle to find her grandfather in this fun hidden object game. Pack your bags and use your wits to avoid dangerous situations, and make it through a plane crash! Track down your grandfather and deliver the powerful idol that he has promised to the tribe that saved his life many years ago.

ESRB Rating: Not Specified.

Windows Vista/XP (151 MB download).

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Women's Murder Club: Little Black Lies

A cold case heats up when an inquisitive writer is put on ice.

Regina Blacklock, celebrated true-crime author and friend of the Women's Murder Club, is famous for uncovering the truth. But sometimes the truth can be deadly. Now her latest book is also her last. When Regina's body is discovered in her car, authorities find a strange clue leading them to the Women's Murder Club.

Join Lindsay, Claire and Cindy as they reveal what the murder of a teenage girl from 1975 has to do with Regina's recent demise. What did Regina uncover when digging deeply into the past ... what will you find in the present?

Discover the truth behind the lies in the fourth chapter of the hit series critics have called "smart,""inventive," and "refreshingly different." Search for hidden clues in a variety of beautifully illustrated scenes. Choose your own path as you explore a seemingly quaint, northern California town tormented by one horrifying night. Reveal a chilling story by solving challenging puzzles. Search for the disturbing truth behind the little black lies.

Based on characters created by bestselling mystery author James Patterson.

ESRB Rating: Not Specified.

Windows Vista/XP (200 MB download).

Read Ms. Terri's Review of Women's Murder Club: Little Black Lies.

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Nightfall Mysteries: Asylum Conspiracy

Help Christine explore the spooky Ashburg Asylum and find her missing grandfather in this dark hidden object game! Travel to the eerie grounds of Ashburg and work your way through spine-chilling locations. Solve unique puzzles to progress deeper into the asylum, and closer to Christine's grandfather. Meet interesting characters, unravel a mystery, and uncover an evil plot!

ESRB Rating: Not Specified.

Windows Vista/XP (191 MB download).

Read Ms. Terri's Review of Nightfall Mysteries: Asylum Conspiracy.

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Games of Mystery is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations, and more mysterious fun!

Explore in Eerie Mansion in Mystery Valley, New from BFG

Games of Mystery is pleased to announce the availability of a new mystery casual game from Big Fish Games released today and available to BFG Club members. 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.

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A rash of murders has struck, and it’s up to you as an FBI agent to find the murderer in this dark and spooky hidden object game! Explore an eerie mansion and find clues and the motive behind the murders. As you dive deeper in the case, you realize that you’re more connected to the murders than you ever would have imagined.

Mystery Valley may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (141.22 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.

Watch a preview video below:

Get any standard game for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. Other benefits include the $2.99 Daily Deal, Tomorrow's Game Today, and special member rewards. And if you purchase any 6 games within a single month, you earn a free game with the Big Fish Game Club Monthly Punch Card! (Collector's Editions earn 3 punches each, half-way towards your free game!)

Read Ms. Terri's reviews of the adventure and casual mystery games featured on this site, including Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy, Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses!, Enlightenus, and many more!

Big Fish Games: Bestsellers

Big Fish Games: New releases

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Games of Mystery is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic, and board games, parties for kids and adults, and murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations!

International Trailer Released for Film Adaptation of Blitz by Ken Bruen

Earlier today we posted a trailer for the film adaptation of London Boulevard by Ken Bruen. Now we've found (via /Film) a new international trailer for another Bruen thriller, the film adaptation of Blitz, the fourth novel in the Tom Brant series.

Jason Statham plays Detective Sergrant Brant in the film, which is expected to be released sometime during 2011.

Published in 2002, Blitz follows the South East London police squad as they track a serial killer. Nicknamed "The Blitz" by the rabid London media, the killer is aiming for tabloid immortality by killing cops in different beats around the city.

Watch the trailer below:

FX Networks Developing Crime Drama Adapted from Korean Thriller Soo

Deadline|Hollywood is reporting that FX Networks is developing a series adaptation of the Korean film thriller Soo, which itself is an adaptation of the graphic novel Double Casting by Shin Young-woo. Barry Josephson (Bones) will executive produce.

In the film, twin brothers Tae Jin and Tae Soogrew up in the streets together, but they get separated when Tae Jin gets caught by a gangster for stealing. Years later Tae Jin has grown up to become a police officer, while Tae Soo is now a top assassin. The brothers finally reunite after two decades of separation, only for Tae Jin to be brutally murdered in front of Tae Soo's eyes. Determined to avenge his brother's death, the guilt-ridden Tae Soo assumes Tae Jin's identity and sets out on a blood-slashing path for revenge and redemption.