Monday, May 04, 2009

Mystery Book Review: The Golden Treasure by L. S. Cauldwell

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of The Golden Treasure by L. S. Cauldwell. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

The Golden Treasure by L. S. Cauldwell

by

Star Publish (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-932993-98-3 (1932993983)
ISBN-13: 978-1-932993-98-1 (9781932993981)
Publication Date: October 2008
List Price: $15.95

Review: A new sleuth has come to town! Written by the creative author L. S. Cauldwell, The Golden Treasure is sure to open the eyes of young teenagers to aspire to be great. Cauldwell closes the gap between real and imaginary in this masterpiece all teens should enjoy!

Anna-Mae, an average African American girl living in Georgia, is walking to school one stormy day with her brother Malcolm and their best friend Raul. While walking to school a black fist appears out of nowhere and drops down small sheets of paper, each with words written on them. Then Pitt Bull, the school bully comes and makes fun of Anna-Mae. The black fist begins to defend her and blocks Pitt Bull from moving anywhere. Once they get into school weird things start to happen at school as more and more clues are place in front of her. Nothing seems to make sense.

This book was probably one of the most descriptive books I have ever read! Every single word helped to paint the picture the book was painting, it was spectacular! I felt that I was solving the case with Anna-Mae. It had a very deep mystery that kept you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what would happen next. Also the parts with the supernatural forces interested me a lot. Cauldwell really hit a home run with this book.

This book easily gets a five, since its mystery content is so deep and the creativity is one of the best I've ever read. I can't wait for Cauldwell's next book!

Special thanks to Alex Nauert for contributing his review of The Golden Treasure and to L. S. Cauldwell for providing a copy of the book for this review.

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

Buy from Amazon.com

If you are interested in purchasing The Golden Treasure from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Twelve-year-old Anna Mae Botts, her eight-year-old brother Malcolm, and Anna Mae's best friend Raul Garcia, face a ghostly black fist on their first day of school. It blocks their entrance into school, while dropping paper clues about Jefferson Davis' lost Civil War gold. Things get more complicated when a school fire occurs.

Mysterious events soon overtake Raul, Malcolm, and Anna Mae at school as well as at home. Rats, alphabet noodle clues, floating chalk, and phantom false-bottom wagons lead the tweens to travel the same route by car that was taken by Jefferson Davis and his gold-laden wagon train.

With divining rods given to her by her granma, computer printouts, and Spirit Journey memories that take her back to a Civil War past, Anna Mae, Raul, and Malcolm find Jefferson Davis' lost gold treasure, part of it buried on Chennault Plantation and more of it in a vacant lot on the outskirts of Warthen, Georgia.

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First Clues Review: Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

is delighted to introduce a new feature for our website, book reviews written by students. 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.

Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz

Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz
The Alex Rider Series

Puffin (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-14-240613-9 (0142406139)
ISBN-13: 978-0-14-240613-7 (9780142406137)
Publication Date: February 2006
List Price: $7.99

Review written by Shivam, Age 13, Grade 8. Date of review: April 2009.

Review: The missiles had been launched from Air Force One. Millions of people would be dead in just a couple of minutes. There was no hope. Where can one find exhilarating action at a breakneck pace? Eagle Strike has this and much, much more. Eagle Strike is a fictional book and is the fourth title in the "Alex Rider" series. This book was written by Anthony Horowitz, the English author of the other books in the series as well. In the Alex Rider series, the British intelligence agency, MI6 and Alex Rider cross paths through the Alex’s uncle. They then have him work for the agency, which includes saving many lives in the process. Alex Rider doesn’t enjoy these adventures, but always seems to be caught up in MI6’s work.

In this book, Alex is on vacation. He sees a person who he remembers as a terrorist and gets caught up in another plot which just so happens to include MI6. Alex starts to gather clues from everything that has happened, but the evidence points to a person that would involve himself in a plot of terrorism. As the story unravels, Alex must survive many life-threatening adventures. He unravels a plot to kill many people, but it’s for the best possible reason. In the end, he ends up in a conflict: how can you reason with a madman?

My personal opinion on Eagle Strike is that it is a must-read for suspense fans. The book leaves the reader feeling all of Alex’s emotions, from fear to vengeance. I think Anthony Horowitz really had some great character creation, for you relate to many of the characters. The plot, in my opinion, was very well thought out. Nowhere in the story did I have to sit back and wonder what was going on. In the end, I was almost sad that the complex adventure of Alex Rider had come to an end. To anyone craving a good mystery or action novel, I would recommend this book for some great enjoyment.

This book has been rated high. “Through the Looking Glass” reviews gave Eagle Strike high praise. Eagle Strike has been number 1 on the “US Bookboard of Children’s Fiction” top-100 list. On top of these, it has been a New York Times bestseller.

Eagle Strike is a very well thought out and interesting book. With a twisting plot, and danger in every chapter, this book leaves the reader of the edge of their seat. Out of 5 stars, I would give it a 5, because of the great suspense and thrills. With an extravagant storyline, Eagle Strike will not be forgotten soon.

Buy from Amazon.com

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

is pleased to provide information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

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.

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Mysteries on TV: Dexter and Jake and the Fatman, New This Week on DVD

Mysteries on TV

, your source for the most complete selection of detective, amateur sleuth, private investigator, and suspense television mystery series now available or coming soon to DVD, is profiling two series that have season DVDs being released this week.

The second season of was actually released on DVD last summer. This week brings the Blu-ray release. Based on the characters created in the series of Dexter mysteries by , Dexter stars Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, a man who leads a double life as an incredibly likeable forensics expert for the Miami Police Department and as an emotionless vigilante serial killer. Taught by his foster father to harness his lust for blood and killing, Dexter lives by his own strict moral code -- he only kills murderers who can't otherwise be brought to justice. The irony of Dexter's life is that he works closely as a blood splatter analyst with the very people who hunt his kind -- the homicide department.

In this second season, Dexter begins to doubt his murderous capabilities and continues to be haunted by his past. His difficulties multiply when evidence of his deadly after-hours activities begin to surface and the FBI is brought in to investigate the city's new serial killer dubbed the "Bay Harbor Butcher." The Dexter: Season Two (Blu-ray) DVD set of 3 discs contains all 12 episodes that aired during the fall of 2007 on Showtime. Extras include the the first two episodes of the series United States of Tara.

(MBN note: Purchase both Dexter: Season One (Blu-ray) and Dexter: Season Two (Blu-ray) from Amazon.com and save $15. No coupon code required; your discount will be automatically applied at checkout. This offer ends May 05, 2009.)

Joe Penny starred as private investigator Jake Styles and William Conrad as Los Angeles district attorney J. L. "Fatman" McCabe in , a crime drama series that aired on CBS from 1987 through 1992. McCabe first appeared as a character in an episode of during its first season.

Originally cancelled after its first season, the second season (actually a shortened spring airing due, in part, to a writer's strike) had the series moving to Hawaii, McCabe's home state. had completed its eight season run and CBS wanted another show with the same setting. (That they were still leasing the studio facilities in Honolulu undoubtedly influenced their decision as well.)

The Jake and the Fatman: Season Two DVD set of 3 discs contains all 10 episodes (including the 2-part opening episode) that aired from March through May, 1989.

Visit the Mysteries on TV website to discover more currently available on DVD.

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Mystery Godoku Puzzle for May 04, 2009

A new has been created by the editors of the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books and is now available on our website.

Godoku is similar to Sudoku, but uses letters instead of numbers. To give you a headstart, we provide you a mystery clue to fill in a complete row or column (if you choose to use it!).

Mystery Godoku Puzzle for May 04, 2009

This week's letters and mystery clue

A E G I J K M N S

This conspiracy is mentioned in the title of a 2009 thriller by (with “The”, 9 letters).

We now have two weeks of our puzzles on one page in PDF format for easier printing. Print this week's puzzle here.

Previous puzzles are stored in the Mystery Godoku Archives.

Enjoy the weekly Mystery Godoku Puzzle from the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, and Thanks for visiting our website!

   

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Sunday, May 03, 2009

Games of Mystery: Nancy Drew Dossier Lights, Camera, Curses!, New for Windows PC

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 the availability of a new mystery game for Windows PC computers. More mystery games for this platform are available on our recently updated webpage.

Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses!

Her Interactive introduces a new series of Nancy Drew games that are fast fun for busy detectives! Armed with a magnifying glass that sparkles when you're close to clues, you'll love Nancy Drew Dossier, a new twist on Nancy Drew games.

In the first game of the series, Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses!, a beleaguered movie studio is attempting to remake a classic film that cost its leading lady her life. Go undercover on the set to get to the bottom of suspicious press leaks and uncanny accidents that have put the production schedule in jeopardy. Is someone trying to sabotage the movie or is it the curse of the fallen starlet?

Currently scheduled for release on May 5th, 2009, Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses! is being shipped on PC CD-ROM and is rated E for Everyone. For those who can't wait, Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses! (download version) is also available.

Read our in which we called the game "delightfully agreeable," adding it "can be enjoyed by all ages and will provide hours of entertainment."

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

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First Clues Review: Silverfin by Charlie Higson

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

is delighted to introduce a new feature for our website, book reviews written by students. 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.

Silverfin by Charlie Higson

Silverfin by Charlie Higson
The Young Bond Series

Miramax (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-7868-3866-3 (0786838663)
ISBN-13: 978-0-7868-3866-0 (9780786838660)
Publication Date: March 2006
List Price: $6.99

Review written by Jennifer, Age 14, Grade 8. Date of review: April 2009.

Review: Superman -- the planet Krypton. Young Sherlock Holmes -- an English schoolboy. James Bond -- it’s our turn to find out about him. We can see how he grew up in the new, thrilling novel series by Charlie Higson. The first in the “Young Bond” series is Silverfin, a novel beautifully introducing the character James Bond, the action hero from the movies. He is the hero of the story, even at the age of 13. Taking place in 1933, the book has historical notations too. All 335 pages are great!

The novel is divided into three parts, and a prologue opens up the story. “The face, not human, but that of an eel rose above the water and …” It tells of a boy fishing in a lake, and being attacked by eels.

The first part tells of James’ experiences at Eton, the school he is transferred to after the death of his parents. Eton is an all boys’ school in London. He meets some new friends, such as an Indian boy named Pritpal. After making a few friends, he meets an old colleague of his father, the father of a bully, George Hellebore, two years older than James. This American bully’s father, Randolph is a major source of funds to the school, and a suspicious character. In a race designed by the father, James takes on the bully with shocking results.

The next part tells the readers about James’ return to his aunt and uncle’s house in Scotland. On the way, he meets a red-headed boy named Kelly who plays a huge role later in the novel. Kelly’s cousin has disappeared, and he suspects foul play. They become friends, realizing they are traveling to almost the same place. George, the bully is also on their train and stirs up trouble here too! Randolph owns a large castle near James’ family home. The arrival and stories from the house are enjoyable, characterized by an Aston Martin, fishing, and great foreign food.

The third part, the action scenes really characterize the book as that of James Bond. Our hero with his new side-kick Kelly decides to break into the castle, in which they deduce Kelly’s cousin must be hidden. They choose to break in, and the action scenes really intensify. Eels, a body enhancing formula and the death of a few characters really impart a sense of thrill to the novel.

Reading the book was a truly intense feeling. The action was tight, and I loved the comparison to the James Bond movies we have come to love. It was a very intriguing book to read, and I could not put it down, reading the entire 335 pages in one night. However, I caution the faint hearted, or those who faint at a drop of blood, for the descriptions in the book can get a bit brutal. I also had a difficulty believing a few parts. An unbelievable escape scene made my feeling for the novel fade a bit, but I quickly found the next few scenes great.

Nominated for a 2005 Edgar Allen Poe award, the book has received some of the honor I think it deserves. I, however think it deserves more recognition, as I found it intriguing, interesting and an all-over great book, and I would recommend it to almost anyone.

Buy from Amazon.com

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

is pleased to provide information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

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.

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Winners of the 2008 Reviewers' Choice Awards Announced

Mystery Book Awards: The Edgars, The Agathas, The Anthonys, and many more.

The 2008 were given out a week or so ago by Romantic Times Book Reviews and the results have now been posted on their website. There are many categories, but we've only listed here the winners for Best Mystery and Suspense Novels:

• Amateur Sleuth: Too Pretty to Die by (Avon, February 2008)

• Contemporary Mystery: Sleep Softly by Gwen Hunter (Mira, February 2008)

• First Mystery: Stalking Susan by (Doubleday, July 2008)

• Historical Mystery: Where Serpents Sleep by (Obsidian, November 2008)

• PI / Procedural Novel: The Dirty Secrets Club by (Dutton, June 2008)

• Suspense / Thriller: Dark Summer by (St. Martin's Minotaur, October 2008)

Congratulations from MBN to the winners!

Visit for a complete list of previous winners as well as winners of over 30 other awards recognizing excellence in mystery fiction.

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Games of Mystery: Undiscovered World: The Incan Sun, 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 new mystery game available from PlayFirst Games. You can find out more about these games from our page or by clicking on the links provided below.

Undiscovered World: The Incan Sun

Stranded on an unchartered island, you become a part of a mystery that has been haunting one family for decades. A choice confronts you: find your way off the island, or join in the obsession to prove the legend of the Incan Sun. In this spectacular hidden object game, journey far into the jungles and piece together artifacts that will lead you deeper into an ancient mystery.

Undiscovered World: The Incan Sun 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, 54.2 MB).

Other popular games on our page include the Mystery PI series of casual 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 for all kinds of mysterious fun!

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Saturday, May 02, 2009

Winners of the 2008 Agatha Awards Announced

Mystery Book Awards: The Edgars, The Agathas, The Anthonys, and many more.

The 2008 were awarded tonight during the Malice Domestic convention in Arlington VA. Thanks to Carl Brookins who attended the awards and posted the results (a partial list of which follows):

Best Novel: The Cruelest Month by (St. Martin's Minotaur);

Best First Novel: by (Midnight Ink);

Best Children's/Young Adult: The Crossroads by (Random House Children's Books).

Read mystery book reviews at Mysterious Reviews indicates a review by .

Congratulations from MBN to the winners!

Visit for a complete list of previous winners as well as winners of over 30 other awards recognizing excellence in mystery fiction.

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Third Annual International Mystery Writers' Festival Announced for August

Playbill reported yesterday that the International Mystery Writers' Festival will, indeed, be held this year in Owensboro (KY). At the conclusion of last year's festival, it was announced that the next one would be held in 2010. Now the organizers are saying the third annual festival will run August 11th through 16th this year at the RiverPark Center.

Center stage (if you will) will be four Agatha Christie classic mysteries in a radio-theater format. The works are Three Blind Mice, Yellow Iris, Butter in a Lordly Dish, and Personal Call.

This year's recipient of the First Lady of Mystery Award will be . Grafton was most recently the co-Grand Master at this year's .

For more information, visit the festival website at NewMysteries.org.

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First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: New Series Titles for May 2009

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

, your source for information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults where each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older), is pleased to announce 11 new mystery series books scheduled for publication during May, 2009.

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen


Mudshark is the go-to guy for any mysteries that need solving. Lost your shoe? Can’t find your homework? Ask Mudshark. That is, until the Psychic Parrot takes up residence in the school library and threatens to overturn Mudshark’s position as the guy who knows all the answers. The word in school is that the parrot can out-think Mudshark. And right now, the school needs someone who’s good at solving problems. There’s an escaped gerbil running rampant, an emergency in the faculty restroom, and all the erasers are disappearing from the classrooms. When Mudshark solves the mystery of who’s stealing the erasers, he discovers the culprit has the best of intentions. Now he has to think of a way to prevent the Psychic Parrot from revealing the eraser-thief’s identity. With a bit of misdirection and a lot of quick thinking, Mudshark restores order to the chaos ... just for the moment. The 1st in what is presumably a new series for elementary school readers.

The Mudshark Series is recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

The Secret of the Junkyard Shadow by Kristiana Gregory

The Secret of the Junkyard Shadow by Kristiana Gregory


In this sixth book of the series, brothers Jeff and David and their cousin Claire are worried there might be another thief in Cabin Creek. Things keep disappearing ... but then they show up again, repaired and freshly painted! Does the shadowy figure they've seen in the junkyard have the answer to this latest mystery?

The Cabin Creek Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Secret at Jefferson's Mansion by Ron Roy

The Secret at Jefferson's Mansion by Ron Roy


While painting a closet in the White House, the President's daughter KC discovers an old box full of handmade toy horses that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson. KC and her friend Marshall go to Monticello, Jefferson’s home, to return the horses, but just after they get there, the box with the horses inside disappears! They have to explore historic Monticello, with its dank wine cellar, tiny dumbwaiter elevator, and spooky family cemetery to track down the thief before the horses are gone for good! The 11th book in this series.

The Capital Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer

The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer


Enola may have met her match with ... Florence Nightingale? For Enola, who has been longing for her absent mother, it's difficult to make personal connections. Other than her occasional run-ins with her brother Sherlock, Enola doesn't have many people in her life, except her landlady, Mrs. Tupper. While she's nearly deaf and can't cook to save her life, Mrs. Tupper is endearing, really the closest thing Enola has to family these days. So imagine her horror when Enola comes home to find Mrs. Tupper kidnapped! Who would take her, and why? And what does Florence Nightingale have to do with it? There must be more to the kind, homely Mrs. Tupper than meets the eye. Enola will put absolutely everything at risk to find Mrs. Tupper. And whoever took her had better watch out—because this time, it's personal. The 5th book in this series.

The Enola Holmes Series is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Dead Drop by Jennifer Allison

The Dead Drop by Jennifer Allison


When Gilda lands a summer internship at Washington, D.C.’s International Spy Museum, she finds herself embroiled in both a museum haunting and a real case of espionage. While investigating a cemetery where Abraham Lincoln’s son was once buried, Gilda stumbles upon a spy’s “dead drop” of classified information. Gilda’s efforts to decode the cryptic message lead to further intrigues: Is she on the trail of a mole operating inside the U.S. intelligence community? Aware that “nothing is what it seems” when it comes to spies in Washington, D.C., Gilda faces the most serious challenge yet in her career as a psychic spy.

The Gilda Joyce Series is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Case of the Pen Gone Missing / El Caso de la Pluma Privado by Rene Saldana

The Case of the Pen Gone Missing / El Caso de la Pluma Privado by Rene Saldana


When Toots Rodríguez approaches Mickey on the playground, he knows something is up. Toots, the prettiest girl in the fifth grade, never talks to Mickey, not even when they’re assigned to work together on a class project. But Toots has come to Mickey because she’s in trouble, and he’s a detective. The real deal. He has a badge and a certificate after completing an online course two years ago.

“You have to believe me, Mickey. I didn’t take that pen. I didn’t.” When Toots shines her big green eyes on him and insists repeatedly that she’s innocent, Mickey’s intuition tells him to run fast—in the opposite direction. But he’s a sucker for a pretty girl, so he takes on the case of the missing pen.

Rumor has it that Toots stole Eddy’s pen. It’s not just any old pen; it’s his dad’s pen. It has the White House logo on it. Eddy’s father, a senator from South Texas, got the pen from the President of the United States when he visited the White House last year. As Mickey begins his investigation, though, all the clues point to Toots and her newly ex-boyfriend as the primary suspects. The first book in this new bilingual chapter series.

The Mickey Rangel Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Beast of Blackslope by Tracy Barrett

The Beast of Blackslope by Tracy Barrett


Xena and Xander have been looking forward to their vacation in the peaceful country village of Blackslope in this second book of the series. But when a huge monster begins to terrorize the town, the young detectives are faced with a mystery that seems impossible to solve. Sherlock Holmes, Xena and Xander’s famous ancestor, investigated the case of a horrible beast in Blackslope, but that was nearly a hundred years ago. It couldn’t be the same creature after all this time—could it?

The Sherlock Files are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

The Everafter War by Michael Buckley

The Everafter War by Michael Buckley


Picking up after the dramatic cliffhanger that ended Book Six, Sabrina and Daphne’s prayers are finally answered when their parents awake from their sleeping spell. But their happy reunion is short-lived, as they are caught in the middle of a war between the Scarlet Hand and Prince Charming’s Everafter army. As the family works to help the prince’s ragtag group of rebels and protect their friends, Sabrina comes face-to-face with the family’s deadliest enemy—the mysterious Master—who reveals a secret so shocking it will rock the entire family to its core.

The Sisters Grimm Series is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

Death by Denim by Linda Gerber

Death by Denim by Linda Gerber


Even though Aphra Connolly knows there are some very dangerous people on their tail when she met her mom, Natalie, in Paris, she envisioned the two of them strolling along the Champs-Elysées, sharing Nutella-smeared crepes and mother-daughter bonding. But the only strolling they’ve been doing is from one cheap hostel to another, and the “moments” they share consist of Natalie instructing Aphra on the finer points of anonymity and survival. When Natalie’s CIA contact in Paris is found floating in the Seine with a deadly message stuffed into his mouth, Aphra realizes that, like Seth Mulo and his family, she will never be able to stop running unless she confronts the situation head-on. Sneaking away from her mom and her CIA protector Ryan, Aphra tracks down a criminal mastermind in Italy, only to discover that Seth had the same idea, and her presence may have just put Seth in mortal danger. The 3rd book in this series.

The Aphra Connolly Series is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

Dead is So Last Year by Marlene Perez

Dead is So Last Year by Marlene Perez


Something very strange starts happening in Nightshade the summer that the eldest Giordano sister, Rose, gets a job working at Dr. Franken's research laboratory. People are starting to see double. Doppelgängers of Nightshade residents are popping up all over town. Daisy, Rose and Poppy think it's a coincidence, until the rumors start that their father, who disappeared several years ago, has been spotted in town. Meanwhile, Daisy's beau, Ryan is spending all of his time training for football, and like the other guys on the team, he's grown enormous almost overnight. Samantha Devereux's boyfriend's neck has doubled in size since school ended. Could the football players be resorting to extreme measures to win? Between summer jobs, sugar rushes, and beach parties, the Giordano girls get to the bottom of these mysteries and more. The 3rd book in this series.

The Giordano Sisters Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

Young Spenser by Robert B. Parker

Young Spenser by Robert B. Parker


Spenser's father and two uncles, all three boxers and carpenters, raised him to be tough. However, his father also taught him something even more important: sometimes the toughest thing a guy can do is walk away from a fight. Between learning to spar from his father and uncles, Spenser forms a friendship with Jeannie. Jeannie's relationship with her abusive father challenges this paramount lesson of knowing when to walk away from a fight. When she gets into trouble, Spenser knows he has a difficult decision to make. Should he trust his gut and risk his own life to save hers? The 1st book in what will likely be a continuing series.

This Young Spenser Novel is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

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Games of Mystery: Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper, New for Windows PC

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 the availability of a new mystery game for Windows PC computers. More mystery games for this platform are available on our recently updated webpage.

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper

It’s 1888, London, in the Whitechapel area, and a series of grisly crimes in the heart of the East End leave a gory trail of mutilated female bodies. The police struggle to pick up the scent as the bodies pile up and paranoia sweeps the city. Sherlock Holmes immerses himself in the dark, sordid alleyways of Whitechapel in order to follow the trail of the one that the press calls Jack the Ripper. During a terrifying investigation, Holmes will attempt to lift the veil of mystery that shrouds the motives and the face behind that horrific nickname.

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. The player will be free to play in one or the other modes or even combine them for greater immersion into this terrifying adventure. Another novelty: the player will also find an original crime scene reconstitution system that will allow him to test his theories during his progress in the investigation to follow the bloody trail of the terrifying serial killer.

Currently scheduled for release on May 4th, 2009, Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper (PC Windows) is being shipped on PC DVD-ROM and is not yet rated (though an M for Mature content rating is anticipated). A version for the Xbox 360 is planned for later in the year.

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

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First Clues Review: One False Move by Gordon Korman

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

is delighted to introduce a new feature for our website, book reviews written by students. 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.

One False Move by Gordon Korman

One False Move by Gordon Korman
The 39 Clues Series

Scholastic (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-545-06042-7 (0545060427)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06042-4 (9780545060424)
Publication Date: December 2008
List Price: $12.99

Review written by Eric, Age 14, Grade 8. Date of review: April 2009.

Review: The 39 Clues: One False Note is the second book in “The 39 Clues” series and it is written by Gordon Korman. It features Amy and Dan Cahill on a race against other members of the enormous Cahill family to find the treasure left behind by their late grandmother.

Amy and Dan Cahill, along with their au pair Nellie Gomez and their grandmother’s cat, must race to Vienna, Italy after finding the first clue in the race to recover the treasure hidden by their grandmother Grace Cahill. Once there they must evade the other members of their family on the hunt for the treasure, while figuring out just what Mozart has to do with the next clue. They have to infiltrate an enemy base and act as maids, but do they have enough time? Who can they trust and is Mr. McIntyre really trying to help or does he want something more? The plot twists and turns, leaving the reader wondering what will happen next.

One False Note is a well written book that is packed with action. It is easy to understand and can be enjoyed by many young adults. The characters fit so well together it is amazing that this is only the second book in the series. With alliances made and broken it can be tough to tell who is on whose side at times though. Though not very long, the author does a great job of creating a sense of suspense and unknowing. Also there is another book planned and Korman does a marvelous job of creating a cliff hanger at the end to get reader to read the next book.

Overall I thought One False Note was an extremely good book and I would recommend it for all middle school students. On a five star scale I would give this book a five. It is easy to understand and it has a great plotline. Next time you are at the library or at your local bookstore, be sure to pick up The 39 Clues: One False Note.

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is pleased to provide information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

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.

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Friday, May 01, 2009

Mystery Book Review: Little Blue Whales by Kenneth R. Lewis

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Little Blue Whales by Kenneth R. Lewis. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Little Blue Whales by Kenneth R. Lewis

by
A Kevin Kearnes Mystery

Krill Press (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-9821443-0-X (098214430X)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9821443-0-5 (9780982144305)
Publication Date: March 2009
List Price: $16.95

Review: Kenneth R. Lewis' debut novel, Little Blue Whales, is a cat-and-mouse-style thriller set on the Oregon coast that has a credible premise and some interesting characters but ultimately fails to adequately develop either.

Kevin Kearnes is the newly hired chief of police for the seaside town of Cutter Point. An outsider from Kansas, he struggles to fit into an established organization that needs him but doesn't want him. And his leadership skills are tested early: a serial killer has been targeting pre-teenage boys up and down the Oregon coast. Not unexpectedly, the town leaders try to play this highly explosive situation to their political advantage, interferring in the investigation at every step. But Kearnes doesn't need the town counsel to second guess how he's managing the investigation; Kearnes has a personal connection to the case that causes him to question his ability to bring the killer to justice.

The story in Little Blue Whales alternates between the perspectives of Kearnes and the killer, Uriah Beek. While each character has the potential to draw the reader in, neither does to any significant degree. Kearnes is the more complex of the two, conflicted in many (too many) ways, but his character is defined more by the conversations he has with others or the situations in which he finds himself. It's more two-dimensional than three. Beek is even less developed and is, somewhat ironically, largely forgettable. In many ways, Thud Compton, Kearne's second in command and candidate for the top job before Kearne was hired, is the most interesting character in the story. Fortunately, he's given a lot of face time, as it were.

The overall plot is fairly typical of a serial killer thriller, but is so loosely constructed that it doesn't generate any real suspense. The pacing is erratic, there are too many extraneous scenes that contribute little, the relationship between Kearnes and his new lady friend is never believable, and the surprising revelations are anything but.

Overall, Little Blue Whales is a disappointing effort in this increasingly crowded subgenre.

Special thanks to Krill Press for providing an ARC of Little Blue Whales for this review.

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

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Synopsis (from the publisher): A random and sadistic killer stalks the summer beaches of Oregon at the height of the tourist season. An enigma to the local police, the already troubled town of Cutter Point on the southern Oregon coast is thrown into panic when the killer's body count of abducted and murdered young boys begins to rise. As newly hired police chief Kevin Kearnes wages an uphill battle for control of his agency, fighting corrupt city officials and even some members of his own department, a chance meeting with a beautiful and secretive woman leads to a second chance at love for Kearnes. That is, until an old horror from his past resurfaces, manifesting itself in the same murder cases he's been investigating, and he begins a slow descent into his own personal hell of fear and self-doubt over his ability to still do his job. Soon, the discovery and hidden meaning of a child's innocent toy found half buried in the sand at a crime scene puts Kearnes, the woman he loves, and the killer himself on a deadly collision course. And he is about to learn that the most dangerous secrets to keep ... are the ones you don't know you have.

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First Clues Review: Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

is delighted to introduce a new feature for our website, book reviews written by students. 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.

Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz

Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz
The Alex Rider Series

Puffin (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-14-240613-9 (0142406139)
ISBN-13: 978-0-14-240613-7 (9780142406137)
Publication Date: February 2006
List Price: $7.99

Review written by Eric, Age 14, Grade 8. Date of review: April 2009.

Review: Eagle Strike is the fourth book in the “Alex Rider” series written by Anthony Horowitz. In it, Alex is left on his own without any help from MI6, a British Secret Intelligence service. Can Alex save the world or will time run out?

On a vacation in France is the last place Alex Rider thought he would find trouble. After seeing Yassen Gregorovich, a hired assassin, and having his vacation home blown up he knows something amiss. After confronting Yassen, Alex finds out that he was not the target, it was actually the father of the family Alex was staying with and that Yassen was hired by Damian Cray. Alex decides it is time to end his vacation early and return to London. There he heads to MI6 to express his concerns about Damian Cray. Since Cray is the world’s biggest celebrity who has given millions to charity, MI6 has trouble believing Alex. Still not convinced that Cray is not a threat Alex decides to go after him on his own. In the process Alex learns that Cray has a secret operation under the name Eagle Strike. Can Alex figure out what Eagle Strike is and stop everyone’s favorite pop star before time runs out or is Alex in over his head without the help of MI6?

Eagle Strike is a well written book that will grab your attention and hold it throughout the entire book. Unlike some books, Eagle Strike doesn’t have any dry parts; there is action on every page. Another great thing is how Anthony Horowitz describes everything; it makes you feel like you are also part of the story. He also keeps the story not too simple, but not too complex making it a perfect read for middle and high school students

Overall I would give Eagle Strike five out of five stars. It is action packed and you will never want to put the book down. In my opinion there is only one negative about the book. I felt that some of the scenes went very quickly and could have been lengthened, but it did not take away from the overall story. Another plus was that Mr. Horowitz made the end of the book a cliffhanger to lead you into the next book in the series, Scorpia. So be sure you pick up Eagle Strike, it is an amazing book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Buy from Amazon.com

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

is pleased to provide information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

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.

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