Mystery Book Review: The Milo & Jazz Mysteries for Kids

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of The Case of the Stinky Socks by Lewis B. Montgomery. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

The Case of the Stinky Socks and The Case of the Poisoned Pig by Lewis B. Montgomery
The Milo & Jazz Mysteries

Kane Press (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-57565-285-4 (1575652854)
ISBN-13: 978-1-57565-285-6 (9781575652856)
ISBN-10: 1-57565-286-2 (1575652862)
ISBN-13: 978-1-57565-286-3 (9781575652863)
Publication Date: February 2009
List Price: $6.95 (each)

Review: Milo and Jazz, two school-age amateur sleuths, are introduced in The Case of the Stinky Socks which finds the duo searching for a pair of lucky socks lost by the pitcher of their school baseball team. The second book in the series, The Case of the Poisoned Pig, is being published concurrent with the first. The series is written by Lewis B. Montgomery and illustrated by Amy Wummer.

The Case of the Stinky Socks not only introduces Milo and Jazz, but also their mentor, world-famous private investigator Dash Marlowe, with whom they communicate by mail. Milo receives his first letter from Dash whose advice is, when looking for that next (or this case, his first) assignment, keep a sharp eye out for anything strange or unusual. Milo and Jazz find that when someone nabs the "lucky" socks of the school's star pitcher.

The Case of the Poisoned Pig continues the duo's adventures when Jazz's new pet pig falls ill, and the vet tells her she's been poisoned. Here Dash's advice is to look for a pattern; private investigators see things other people don't. Find the pattern in the clues and the case will be solved.

Both books end with a series of puzzles and brain-teasers only marginally related to the story.

The Milo & Jazz mysteries have an interesting premise and take a thoughtful, procedural approach to solving mysteries at an age-appropriate level. Though the ages of Milo and Jazz aren't explicitly stated, it seems as if they're about 10 years old. The publisher states these early chapter book mysteries are intended for readers aged 7 to 11, but the level of composition suggests readers at the younger end of this range may enjoy them more than older.

The end of book puzzles are a real treat and will likely challenge most readers, regardless of age level. They include finding differences between "identical" pictures, hidden object puzzles, clever riddles, logic and deduction exercises, and a final mini-mystery story.

If these first two books are indicative of what's to follow, the Milo & Jazz mysteries is a series that parents can enjoy reading with their children, together finding the clues and deducing "whodunit". According to the publisher, at least two additional books are planned for publication later this year.

Special thanks to Kane Press for providing copies of The Case of the Stinky Socks and The Case of the Poisoned Pig for this review.

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

If you are interested in purchasing The Case of the Stinky Socks or The Case of the Poisoned Pig from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): With the help of master detective Dash Marlowe, Milo and Jazz are ready to solve any mystery that comes their way. The two friends hone their detecting skills as they track down clues, stake out suspects, and become top-notch super sleuths. Super Sleuthing Puzzles at the end of each book add to the fun.

In The Case of the Stinky Socks, the Wildcats’ star pitcher is missing his lucky socks, and his pitching is going to pieces! Can detective duo Milo and Jazz find the thief -- before the big game?

And in The Case of the Poisoned Pig, who would want to harm an adorable pet piglet? Milo and Jazz have to find out the identity of the mysterious pig poisoner. And there’s no time to lose!

For more mystery book reviews visit Mysterious Reviews, a partner with the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books which is committed to providing readers and collectors of mystery books with the best and most current information about their favorite authors, titles, and series.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

BBC Reports James Patterson Most Popular Author in UK Libraries

We're not exactly sure what to make of this little tidbit of news.

BBC News is reporting that thriller writer James Patterson has retained his position as the most borrowed author from UK libraries.

Patterson said, "I'm absolutely delighted to be the most borrowed author in UK libraries for the second year running," adding, "It's great to know my stories are so popular with the UK audience and I hope library borrowers look forward to being thoroughly entertained in 2009."

The article went on to say that Patterson's nearest adult-fiction rivals were novelists Nora Roberts in fourth, Josephine Cox in seventh and Danielle Steel in eighth. The survey covered the period June 2007 through June 2008.

On the one hand, we're thrilled that readers embrace what is clearly our favorite genre of fiction. On the other hand, we're somewhat dismayed that readers have chosen Patterson as the best representative of the genre. But here's mystery author Simon Brett's take on this: "I think one of the reasons why crime and romance nip in-and-out of the shelves very quickly is they tend to be quite short and people read them quickly."

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Games of Mystery: Mystery P.I., The New York Fortune, New at PlayFirst 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 a special price for a mystery game available from PlayFirst Games. You can find out more about these games from our Mystery Games: PlayFirst Download Games page or by clicking on the links provided below.

A New York billionaire has hidden the will to his vast fortune somewhere in New York City in Mystery P.I.: The New York Fortune. His family has only 17 hours to locate the will or their Grandpa's entire estate will be given to his cat and dog. As the world famous Mystery P.I., you will track down the clues hidden all over New York City and help the family regain their inheritance. Search for over 2,100 hidden objects in 25 amazing NY locations like Times Square, Central Park and Coney Island and play 5 unique mini-games during your quest. There are 3 game modes from which to choose.

Mystery P.I.: The New York Fortune is available to purchase for $9.95 with the PlayPass program. A trial version is available to download for a 60 minutes of play (Windows PC, 32.8 MB).

Other popular games on our download PlayFirst Mystery Games page include other Mystery PI games, Mystery P.I.: The Vegas Heist and Mystery P.I.: The Lottery Ticket, James Patterson's Women's Murder Club: Death in Scarlet, and Private Eye.

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

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Mystery Bestsellers for February 06, 2009

A list of the top 15 mystery hardcover bestsellers for the week ending February 06, 2009 has been posted on the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books website.

The third between-the-numbers mystery featuring New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich retains the top spot this week by just the slimmest of margins over John Grisham's latest legal thriller, The Associate.

New this week at number 12 is the latest James Patterson collaboration (with Michael Ledwidge), the second Michael Bennet thriller Run for Your Life. A calculating killer who calls himself The Teacher is taking on New York City, killing the powerful and the arrogant. His message is clear: remember your manners or suffer the consequences. For some, it seems that the rich are finally getting what they deserve. For New York's elite, it is a call to terror. Only one man can tackle such a high-profile case: Detective Mike Bennett. The pressure is enough for anyone, but Mike also has to care for his 10 children -- all of whom have come down with virulent flu at once. Discovering a secret pattern in The Teacher's lessons, Detective Bennett realizes he has just hours to save New York from the greatest disaster in its history.

Debuting last week at number 18 but entering the top 15 this week is Nuclear Jellyfish by Tim Dorsey, the 11th entertaining mystery featuring serial killer Serge Storms. That loveable collector of trivia, souvenirs, and murder methods is back with a new A‑Tour of Florida. And this time he's out to set the record straight! Serge is upset that his beloved state isn't getting its proper recognition, so he signs on with the big Internet travel services. But his new employers aren't exactly sure they want to send their customers to Serge's favorite haunts -- nor do they want to provide tips on how to keep from getting killed on vacation. Serge couldn't disagree more, and he sets up his own wildcat site, hyper‑blogging his way down the coast with his perpetually hammered sidekick, Coleman. Unfortunately Serge's Web presence catches the attention of his nemesis, Agent Mahoney, and the chase is on. Meanwhile, professional robbery crews have begun targeting trade show exhibitors, who may or may not be what they seem. Bodies begin piling up, which is less than usual for the locale -- except this time it involves rare postcards. Serge has had enough! He's forced into the only logical course of action --go shopping at the Home Depot. And this only raises more questions: Who is tutoring strippers through the community college? What sparked the grudge match between coin and stamp enthusiasts? How'd the astronaut in diapers get involved? Why does Serge have to stop at the NASCAR superstore? Where did all these diamonds come from? And does Lynyrd Skynyrd hold the key to everything? It all starts with a tragic tattoo parlor mishap and soon nobody is safe, especially the person on the Robert De Niro stool, because, after all, Serge has to sit there or what's the point of life? But wait! You say you want more? Serge says, You got it! Guns, drugs, bloody crime scenes, historically relevant sex, library quiet time, glow‑in‑the dark deformities, hotel drink coupons, a naked woman in a shark cage, and John Travolta. Publishers Weekly states, "Dorsey's inspired insanity certainly won't appeal to everyone, but Serge's antics give vicarious satisfaction to those who too often see misdeeds go unpunished. In short, Serge continues to pummel convention and evildoers with exuberant abandon and wit."

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.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

The IACW Announces Nominees for 2009 Hammett Prize

We're not sure when the announcement was officially made, but the International Association of Crime Writers, North American Branch, has posted the nominees for the 2009 Hammett Prize on their website. The prize is awarded annually for literary excellence in the field of crime writing for works published in 2008.

The nominees are:

Leading Lady by Heywood Gould
The Finder by Colin Harrison
City of the Sun by David Levien
The Turnaround by George Pelecanos
South by South Bronx by Abraham Rodriguez

The winner will be chosen by three distinguished outside judges, and will be announced at the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association Fall Conference in early October, 2009.

Previous winners of the Hammett Prize can be found on our website, Mystery Book Awards: The Hammett Prize.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Mystery Savings: Buy Any 2 Eligible Items from B&N.com and Receive an Exclusive Tote for $4.95

Mystery Savings periodically provides our readers with current promotions that offer discounts or other incentives for purchasing mystery-themed products and services products through our partner websites. Below is a special offer recently received by us that we're pleased to pass on at this time.

Purchase any two mystery books, mystery movies, or mystery TV DVDs, and receive an exclusive Saint James "Brilliance" tote for just $4.95.

Oh wait. There is no restriction that you have to buy mystery-related items. Any two eligible items qualify! We just naturally read "mystery" into everything we see.

So, to start again, purchase any two eligible items (mystery are preferred of course!) and get the Saint James "Brilliance" tote for just $4.95. After placing the items in your cart, go to the Saint James "Brilliance" tote product page and add the tote to your cart. Proceed to checkout and you'll receive the discounted price.

World-renowned artist Synthia Saint James' work has graced more than 60 book covers and appeared in more than 22 children's books. Now you can carry her brilliant art over your shoulder with this gorgeous, reusable tote.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Love is Murder Conference Starts Tomorrow, February 6th

The 11th Annual Love is Murder Writers, Publishers, and Readers Conference opens tomorrow, February 6th, in Chicago. Held at the Westin Chicago North Shore, the conference is scheduled to run through Sunday.

Presentations will be made by mystery authors Jeffery Deaver, Alex Kava, Steve Berry, and Sharan Newman. Visit the home page of the conference for a complete schedule of events.

So whether you're a reader, a writer, a librarian, a writer-to-be, or simply a connoisseur of murder most foul, there's something for everyone to get caught up in at Love is Murder.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Amazon.com Enters Casual Download Games Market

On its blog yesterday, Amazon.com announced it was entering the highly competitive world of online casual games.

The beta launch of their download site features more than 600 games, all priced at either $6.99 or $9.99. Gamers visiting the site during the next week can download three games for free: Jewel Quest 2, The Scruffs, and Build a Lot (alas, none mysteries).

Any game may be downloaded for a free 30-minute trial.

When we visited, we found Treasures of Mystery Island, Private Eye: Greatest Unsolved Mysteries, Detective Stories: Hollywood, and Polly Pride: Pet Detective representing the mystery game category.

Although we regularly promote casual mystery games from Big Fish Games and PlayFirst Games, we strongly support Amazon.com's initiative. Competition is good, and this can only result in better, more interesting, less expensive mystery games for users to enjoy.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Mystery Savings: Save 10% on a Murder Mystery Weekend from BedandBreakfast.com

Mystery Savings periodically provides our readers with current promotions that offer discounts or other incentives for purchasing mystery-themed products and services through our partner websites. Below is a special offer recently received by us that we're pleased to pass on at this time.

Here's a wonderful way to surprise your valentine and at the same time enjoy some time away from home. Book a mysterious romantic retreat and save 10% with The Getaway Gift Card. Welcome at over 4,000 bed and breakfasts in the U.S. and Canada with no hidden fees, no expiration dates and no blackout dates, it's the best way to score points with your loved one for less!

To realize your 10% discount, purchase a gift card for $100 or more and enter the code ROMANCE10 at checkout. Then make a reservation at any inn featuring the "accepts gift cards" icon. Note this offer ends February 28, 2009.

Of course we'd like to suggest one of the many inns that feature murder mystery weekend packages. We've (finally!) updated our Mystery Getaways page on Games of Mystery where you'll find dozens of inns across the country that will welcome you to a weekend of mystery and fun. We've listed these inns conveniently by state and provided links to maps so you'll know just where they are located. Or you can click on the banner below and select the Special Packages option under the Search tab on the BedandBreakfast.com home page.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

The Interesting People One Meets on Twitter

What interesting people one meets on Twitter!

Yesterday, Robert Burton Robinson (his Twitter ID rbr_stories) started following us (our Twitter ID mysteries) so naturally we checked out his profile.

Turns out he's an online mystery writer who publishes novels and short stories, all of them available on his website to read or to download for free. Those books in progress are serialized with several chapters posted each week.

We checked a few of these out last night and will definitely be back to read more.

Though it seems unlikely we ever would have found RBR independently, we're delighted he chose to follow us giving us the opportunity to learn more about his work.

(And if you're on his website, check out his music games under links. Not mystery related, but frustratingly addictive nonetheless!)

Return to Mystery Books News ...

AP Reports an Estimated 500,000 Kindles Sold in 2008

The Associated Press is reporting this morning that an analyst with Citi Investment Research estimated that Amazon.com sold 500,000 Kindles last year.

Given that the Kindle seems perpetually out of stock, that is quite an achievement, selling almost 10,000 a week. Noting that the current wait time is 3 to 5 weeks to receive one, that suggests there are still 30,000 or so names on the waiting list.

If you'd like more information about the Kindle, Amazon's wireless reading device, click on the image to the right or any of the Kindle links in this post.

If you already have a Kindle, we maintain a list of available mystery titles for the Kindle that is updated monthly. 25 more titles were recently added for February 2009, including books by Robert Crais (Elvis Cole), Jonathan Kellerman (Alex Delaware), Robert B. Parker (Jesse Stone), James Patterson, and more.

Mystery books for the Kindle are generally priced between $3.99 and $9.99 and can be downloaded immediately.

Kindle Mysteries currently has a list of over 450 mystery book titles available on our website.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Games of Mystery: Nick Chase, a Detective Story, 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.

Nick Chase, a hard-boiled private investigator, is in need of a job. Lucky for him, one arrives from a man known only as The Collector. Solve a variety of puzzles and find hidden clues to uncover the mystery behind the missing manuscript penned by Leonardo Di Vinci. Explore gorgeous hand drawn scenes with a gritty film noir style in this one of a kind adventure game where everyone is a suspect!

Nick Chase: A Detective Story, a Big Fish Games exclusive, may be downloaded and purchased for as little as $6.99 with the Big Fish Game Club Jumbo Pack. A demonstration version (74.02 MB) may be downloaded and played for one hour for free.

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, the Carol Reed mystery Remedy, Mystery Legends: Sleepy Hollow, Mystery Chronicles: Murder Among Friends, and Lost Realms: Legacy of the Sun Princess.

Big Fish Games: Bestsellers

Big Fish Games: New releases

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

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Mystery Book Review: The Face of a Killer by Robin Burcell

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of The Face of a Killer by Robin Burcell. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

The Face of a Killer by Robin Burcell
A Sydney Fitzpatrick Mystery

Poisoned Pen Press (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 1-59058-374-4 (1590583744)
ISBN-13: 978-1-59058-374-6 (9781590583746)
Publication Date: November 2008
List Price: $24.95

Review: Robin Burcell introduces a new series character, San Francisco-based FBI forensic artist Sidney Fitzpatrick, in the fast-paced, multi-faceted The Face of a Killer.

Sidney's father was murdered 20 years ago. The man accused and convicted of crime is scheduled to be executed within the next ten days. He has always maintained his innocence. To bring closure of her dad’s death, something she has not yet been able to do, Sidney, on the twentieth anniversary of his death, goes to the prison to meet her father's killer face to face. She has no idea this visit would set up a chain of events that would place her friends, family and herself in harm’s way. On the day she goes to the prison, a manila envelope is placed in Sidney’s mail box. This envelope contains an old photograph of her father with his friends during the war. Also found in the envelope is a blackmail letter written by her dad, plus a bank deposit slip from a bank that had closed its doors years before. Unable to believe that her father was involved in a blackmail scheme, Sidney is beginning to have second thoughts about who did in fact did kill him. The more she pushes for answers the deeper she finds herself on a trail of corruption and cover-ups not only in the military, but within the CIA and other political offices. In order to continue her search for the truth she must learn to bend -- if not break -- the rules set down for investigators by the FBI. Time is running out for the convicted man. But little does she know that the clock is also ticking for her

The Face of a Killer is a remarkable debut for this series with an attention-grabbing, riveting story. The author effectively weaves the political realities of government and its bureaucracy into her fictional plot, drawing the reader in and not letting go. It is a pleasure getting to know the characters, and Sidney herself is particularly engaging. The doubt she experiences as both a daughter and an investigator, and the suspense that is generated as she learns more about the past, decidedly contribute to this intense, terrific book.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of The Face of a Killer and to Poisoned Pen Press for providing an ARC of the book for this review.

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

If you are interested in purchasing The Face of a Killer from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right. The Face of a Killer (Kindle edition) is also available. Learn more about the Kindle, Amazon's Wireless Reading Device.

Synopsis (from the publisher): FBI forensic artist Sydney Fitzpatrick questions the guilt of the man about to be executed for her father’s murder twenty years earlier. The first stirrings of doubt occur when one of her forensic sketches on an unrelated case brings forth memories about her father’s homicide that she’d hoped to forget. A mysterious envelope arrives in the mail on the anniversary of her father’s death. She opens the packet and discovers a blackmail letter written by her father, an old photo of his army buddies, and a deposit slip from a bank long closed.

Refusing to believe that her father was involved in any blackmail scheme, she searches for evidence to clear his name. Her investigation leads to a trail of corruption by high-ranking US political officials, and a meticulous and deadly cover-up by the military and the CIA. The more Special Agent Fitzpatrick digs into her father’s past, the more she finds it riddled with dark secrets and truths, including the fact that her father’s seemingly ordinary military career was anything but stellar or even routine.

For more mystery book reviews visit Mysterious Reviews, a partner with the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books which is committed to providing readers and collectors of mystery books with the best and most current information about their favorite authors, titles, and series.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Enter eHarlequin's Moonlight in Mexico Sweepstakes

Here's another benefit for signing up to receive free e-mail newsletters from eHarlequin.com: the announcement of the Moonlight in Mexico sweepstakes!

Indulge yourself and imagine a sulty adventure in Mexico. (OK, we'd have probably phrased it, a mysterious adventure in Mexico, but still, you get the idea!) Enter the eHarlequin.com Moonlight in Mexico sweepstakes today by visiting Moonlight in Mexico.com and you could win a romantic trip for two to Mexico.

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:

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Press Release: Poisoned Pen Press Partners With the NFL Players Association and the NEA To Launch The Great Mystery Book Giveaway

In a press release this morning, Poisoned Pen Press announced their partnership with the NFL Players Association as part of the National Education Association's Read Across America program to launch their 1st annual Great Mystery Book Giveaway.

Robert Rosenwald, Publisher of Poisoned Pen Press states, "Thanks to our new partnership with the NFL PA and the NEA, The Great Mystery Book Giveaway will be a year-round campaign through which we will put books in the hands of middle and high school students who don't have access to such needed resources, encouraging them to develop a life-long passion for reading. It is with great pride and joy that we are able to introduce this program by donating 43,000 books to Central Florida schools in conjunction with the 43rd Super Bowl."

The Great Mystery Book Giveaway will be an annual program whereby Poisoned Pen Press will donate thousands of books during Super Bowl week to schools in need, as identified by the NEA.

Additionally, Rosenwald plans to schedule author tours to schools where students and teachers will have the opportunity to meet these award-winning writers. Authors may do readings, discuss their craft, provide writing tips, or talk with teachers on subjects such as integrating reading into non-literature content areas like math, science, and social studies.

Return to Mystery Books News ...