Winners of the 2008 Strand Magazine Critics Award Announced

The 2008 Strand Magazine Critics Awards were given out this evening, selected by The Strand Magazine to recognize excellence in the field of mystery fiction. The winners were:

Best Novel: Lush Life by Richard Price (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Best First Novel: Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith (Grand Central Publishing)

See Twitpics of Richard Price and Tom Rob Smith accepting the awards courtesy of @jasonpinter.

Congratulations from MBN to the winners!

Visit Mystery Book Awards for more information on over 30 other awards recognizing outstanding mystery fiction.

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Untitled Tom Clancy Project Screenplay Nears Completion

That was fast! Just a day or so after Variety blogger Anne Thompson posts that George Clooney is interested in assuming the role of Tom Clancy's CIA analyst Jack Ryan, she writes that screenwriter Hossein Amini has a first draft of an "Untitled Tom Clancy Project" nearing completion. She calls it an "original screenplay", which strongly suggests that it isn't adapted from one of Clancy's thrillers. She also doesn't mention whether it's written for a younger Jack Ryan or a role that George Clooney could play.

Anne Thompson opens her post with a somewhat rhetorical question: "Am I the only one who still adores The Hunt for Red October?" Our answer is an emphatic "No!" We watch it at least once a year and continue debate the finer points of how realistic the film is (or isn't) with our closest friends. (For those keeping score, we're right, they're wrong.)

We'll keep you posted on details as they emerge.

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Mystery Book Review: One Big Itch by Sara Williams

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of One Big Itch by Sara Williams. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

One Big Itch by Sara Williams
A John Spyer Mystery

ArcheBooks (BookZine Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-59507-197-0 (1595071970)
ISBN-13: 978-1-59507-197-2 (9781595071972)
Publication Date: July 2009
List Price: $14.95

Review: Sara Williams introduces "hapa haole" private investigator John Spyer, who looks into the circumstances surrounding the murder of an old friend, in One Big Itch. The novel is published as a "BookZine", a format similar in size to a magazine.

Noted economist Dr. Randolph ("Randy" to his family and friends) Haverhill has been on the receiving end of a number of petty crimes, manuscripts shredded, wedding china broken, office vandalized, and the like. But for Spyer, the trouble began with a note tucked inside an engraved invitation to a celebrity event featuring Randy. "John please come. You must. We need your help." It was signed by Randy's new wife, Hillary. Spyer agrees to meet her, but there seems little that he can do. Three months later, Haverhill is dead, shot in the chest and crotch. Though almost certainly a crime of passion (Randy was, well, randy with the ladies), the police arrest his son, Toby. Spyer is puzzled by this ("Toby Haverhill couldn't murder a cockroach. Of that I was quite certain.") and sets out to determine the truth.

The author provides a map of Oahu, with locations referenced in the book highlighted, a glossary of Hawaiian terms used, and even a pronunciation guide, all well and good and much appreciated. What would probably have been most helpful, however, is a cast of characters. There are a lot of them and it's not always easy keeping who's who straight. The story seems to take a somewhat circuitous path at times, but is otherwise well-plotted with an abundance of red herrings. A minor quibble: Toby never makes for a credible suspect and it's a little disingenuous to spend so much time on his defense, especially when there are so many other interesting suspects.

It would be remiss not to mention something about the book's format. Its size and attractive, eye-catching cover make it appear much like a trade magazine. It fits comfortably in a briefcase or seat pocket and in general is easy to read (though the font used is less than ideal). The format possibly works better with shorter novels (this, at nearly 150 pages, is probably on the long side) and it will be interesting to see if other publishers adopt it.

Overall, One Big Itch is a fast-paced, enjoyable novel with a lot of local Hawaiian color, published in an unusual format that's perfect for taking along to read in place of a magazine. It's well worth seeking out.

Special thanks to ArcheBooks for providing an ARC of One Big Itch for this review.

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

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

Synopsis (from the publisher): One Big Itch is set in Honolulu, the playful tropical city that's also haunted, as Detective John 'Oluhana Maalaea Spyer well knows. Too bad Spyer is a hapa haole (ha-pa how-lee), a half white, and so pays only half attention when Madam Pele herself warns him off the Randolph Haverhill case. No decent Hawaiian ever says no to an old friend, which makes Spyer the quintessential "soft boiled" detective. Despite Madame Pele's warnings, Spyer investigates the death of his childhood pal Randy Haverhill, opening his own psychic wounds and putting the love of his mainland girlfriend Maya to the test. Spyer is soon privy to a frightening tale of obsessive love. Trouble is, Randy became too popular with the ladies for his own good. It appears that one of Randy's crazed lovers shot Randy on his doorstep. So why do the police persist in the notion that Randy was murdered by his own son?

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Authors on Tour: Rosemary and Larry Mild Visit Cafe of Dreams and Wendi's Book Corner

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, Wednesday July 8th, Rosemary and Larry will be visiting 2 blog sites:

• Cafe of Dreams, where Boston Scream Pie is reviewed; and
• Wendi's Book Corner, which is hosting a guest post by the authors.

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 this week to learn more about Rosemary and Larry and their series characters Paco and Molly.

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Mystery Book Review: Black Water Rising by Attica Locke

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Black Water Rising by Attica Locke. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
Non-series

Harper (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-06-173586-8 (0061735868)
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-173586-8 (9780061735868)
Publication Date: June 2009
List Price: $25.99

Review: If you enjoy reading about the struggles faced by African Americans in the 1960s and the prejudice and discrimination that they still face in the 1980s, then Black Water Rising is the novel for you. Black Water Rising is the first novel written by Attica Locke. The inspiration for her novel comes from a real life incident, which happened to her father, Gene Locke, a Houston attorney. Gene heard gunshots and screams, but chose not to investigate them in order to stay and protect his wife, and his ten-year-old daughter Attica.

Jay Porter is a struggling African American lawyer who lives in Houston in the early 1980s. His clients often pay him in trade instead of cash, and he takes many cases for little or no money. One such “fee” was a boat ride on the bayou and dinner for two. The boat turns out to be barely afloat, but he and his pregnant wife Bernadine embark on the “cruise” anyway. As they journey down the bayou they hear screams and several gunshots. Moments later, Jay fishes a young woman out of the water. She refuses to give him any information and he drops her off at the police department. Jay himself does not accompany her into the police department because of his brush with the law in the 1960s. The story continues with Jay trying to find out who the mysterious woman is, and then it flashes back to his “civil rights” days when he was put on trial for “inciting a riot.” Meanwhile, the African American dockworkers of Houston are ready to go on strike because they are underpaid and not represented in management. Violence erupts and Jay is called on to represent the dockworkers. Add to this, the mayor of Houston is a former girlfriend of Jay’s from the 1960s. Will the dockworkers get better pay and more representation in management? Will Jay find out who the mysterious woman is, and if she is responsible for the death of a local man? Will his former lover help him solve the mystery or look out for herself?

This book was perplexing at times. I had a hard time following the jumps from the 1980s to the 1960s. His former girlfriend was white, something the reader was not able to figure out until halfway through the novel. His wife, Bernie, was given very little importance, and instead the focus was more on his former flame from the sixties. The characters as a whole needed to be developed further. As a reader, I did not really care about what happened to them until I was halfway through the book. The description of the dockworkers’ pay issues was unclear and also confusing in parts. If I were to rate this book, I would give it a 2.5 out of 5 stars. It took too long for me to want to continue reading this novel.

Special thanks to Ruth Miller for contributing her review of Black Water Rising and to HarperCollins for providing a copy of the book for this review.

Review Copyright © 2009 — Ruth Miller — All Rights Reserved — Reprinted with Permission

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

Synopsis (from the publisher): Jay Porter is hardly the lawyer he set out to be. His most promising client is a low-rent call girl and he runs his fledgling law practice out of a dingy strip mall. But he's long since made peace with not living the American Dream and carefully tucked away his darkest sins: the guns, the FBI file, the trial that nearly destroyed him.

Houston, Texas, 1981. It is here that Jay believes he can make a fresh start. That is, until the night in a boat out on the bayou when he impulsively saves a woman from drowning—and opens a Pandora's box. Her secrets put Jay in danger, ensnaring him in a murder investigation that could cost him his practice, his family, and even his life. But before he can get to the bottom of a tangled mystery that reaches into the upper echelons of Houston's corporate power brokers, Jay must confront the demons of his past.

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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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