Friday, October 16, 2009

eHarlequin Silhouette Romantic Suspense Titles for November 2009

Sparked by danger, fueled by passion, eHarlequin.com has released the November 2009 titles in their Silhouette Romantic Suspense series. Let yourself be swept away with characters who fall in love under larger-than-life circumstances. In Silhouette Romantic Suspense, suspense, emotion and glamour combine to create these highly charged books! To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

— ◊ —

His Wanted Woman by Linda Turner

His Wanted Woman by Linda Turner (book cover shown)

Special agent Patrick O'Reilly was determined not to let Mackenzie Sloan's good looks sway him from his task. The woman's innocent persona didn't mean she wasn't involved in illegal activities. And after keeping track of her day—and night—for weeks, he'd almost convinced himself his interest was all part of his job.

When the case placed Mackenzie in danger, he could no longer deny his duty had turned to desire. He'd lay down his own life to protect this woman. But laying down his embattled heart might be the truest test of his resolve.

— ◊ —

The Cowboy's Secret Twins by Carla Cassidy

One cold December night, Henry James Randolf III wanted to escape. His money, his heritage, his lonely life. But when the blizzard drove the sexy Melissa Monroe into his arms he made sure to avoid that trap, too.

A year later, when she shows up at his Texas ranch with adorable twin boys, he can't believe his eyes. The boys look just like him. Was their night of passion a premeditated snare or a Christmas surprise? But when shots ring out, his instincts take over. He'll stop at nothing to keep Melissa and the boys safe. And he just may recognize where his true wealth lies, if it isn't too late for them all.

— ◊ —

Imminent Affair by Sheri Whitefeather

Imminent Affair by Sheri Whitefeather (book cover shown)

Allie Whirlwind is well versed in the arts of the unexplained and has been known to see ghosts. But when she comes home to find a warning in red paint: This Is For Daniel, she knows she's dealing with a flesh-and-blood predator.

Daniel Deer Runner was a military man and Allie's best friend—until the injury he incurred saving her life left him with amnesia—and no memory of their attraction. As they search for clues to her stalker, forgotten memories surface…and unstoppable passion sparks. Yet someone out there will kill to keep Daniel from falling for Allie again.

— ◊ —

Blackout at Christmas by Sharron McClellan, Beth Cornelison, and Jennifer Morey

During a Christmas Eve blizzard in Seattle, three couples find themselves in a citywide blackout …

Stranded with the Bridesmaid by Beth Cornelison

When their car skids off the road, the best man and bridesmaid are snowbound. While struggling to stay warm, they spend long hours getting to know each other in the most intimate ways.…

Santa Under Cover by Sharron McClellan

On a trip to see Santa at the mall, the lights go out and a child goes missing. To stay alive, this couple must outsmart the Christmas bandits holding them hostage.

Kiss Me on Christmas by Jennifer Morey

Stuck at a coffee shop during the blackout, a man and a woman must share a hotel room for the night. Will this pair of opposites discover what they've been missing?

— ◊ —

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:

Sign up for email newsletters from eHarlequin.com

Return to ...

First Clues Student Review: The Falcon's Malteser 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.

The Falcon's Malteser by Anthony Horowitz

The Falcon's Malteser by Anthony Horowitz
The Diamond Brothers Series

Puffin (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-14-240219-2 (0142402192)
ISBN-13: 978-0-14-240219-1 (9780142402191)
Publication Date: July 2004
List Price: $6.99

Review written by Ohm, a 6th grade student. Date of review: October 2009.

Review: The Falcon’s Malteser is the first book in Diamond Brothers Mysteries series written by Anthony Horowitz. The main characters in the story are Tim Diamond & Nick Diamond.

Tim Diamond is probably the world’s worst detective, he is not very bright, and in fact he can be amazingly dim. Good thing he has his smart, 13 year old brother, Nick Diamond, who knows that something is fishy when their client, a dwarf pays them $500 dollars in advance to protect an envelope with another $500 coming up when the job is done. Little do they know that the package they are holding is worth $5,000,000! But, when their client is murdered and Tim takes the heat, Nick becomes the keeper of the package that every crook, bad guy, and thief in London is after! Will Nick be able to outwit them all? Or will he end up like his client?

I liked the part where Nick is racing through Selfridges with Himmell on his tail because it is fast paced and thrilling and because it was well described. I loved it when Nick harpooned Himmell to the wall. I especially liked it when Nick drops the piano on the van from 5 stories high because it sounded cool and I liked it how Mr. Horowitz described the piano as it fell through the air. The way Nick just left the construction worker standing there made me laugh till I was gasping for breath. I did not like the part where Tim gets arrested again for murder of the Fat Man’s driver because Tim and Nick are separated. Realistically 13 year olds are nervous and sad that their brother has been sent to jail.

Anthony Horowitz gives a real vivid description of the British community by acting as if he was Nick himself. He, like Nick has lived in London his entire life. This book was one of the best books I have ever read. I rate this book an 8 out of 10. I would recommend this book to anyone who is 9 years or older and to anyone who likes mystery/humor books.

Buy from Amazon.com

If you are interested in purchasing The Falcon's Malteser 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 four different age categories: New Sleuths (ages 4 to 6), Future Sleuths (ages 7 to 10), Sleuths in Training (ages 10 to 12), and Apprentice Sleuths (ages 13 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.

Return to ...

Filming Underway for Vera, based on the Ann Cleeves Crime Novel Hidden Depths

Hidden Depths by Ann Cleeves

ITV announced in a press release yesterday that Brenda Blethyn will star as Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope in Vera, a film adaptation of the crime novel Hidden Depths by Ann Cleeves. Hidden Depths is the third mystery in this series, but the first to be filmed.

Filming for the 120 minute drama is currently underway on location in Newcastle and Northumberland. No air date was announced.

About Vera: Julie Armstrong (played by Gina McKee) arrives home from a rare night out in Newcastle with boyfriend Gary Wright (Neil Armstrong) to find her son murdered. Luke (Sam Fender) has been strangled, laid out in a bath of water and covered with wild flowers while his sister, Laura (Gabrielle Ross), sleeps silently in the house. This stylised murder scene has Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) and Sergeant Joe Ashworth (David Leon) intrigued. A second body of beautiful young teacher Lily Marsh (Samantha Neale) is discovered laid out in a rock pool, the water strewn with flowers.

Vera must work quickly to find the killer who is making art out of death. Clues are slow to emerge from those who had known Luke and Lily, but Vera soon finds herself drawn towards a curious group of friends who discovered Lily's body.

As local residents are forced to share their private lives and those of their loved ones, sinister secrets are slowly unearthed. And all the while the killer remains in their midst, waiting for an opportunity to prepare another beautiful, watery grave.

Return to ...

New Trailer for Circle of Eight, an Online Supernatural Mystery that Debuts October 27th

Circle of Eight

Paramount has released a new trailer for its upcoming online murder mystery, Circle of Eight, a supernatural series where nothing is as it seems. The series premieres October 27th.

About Circle of Eight: Jessica, a newcomer to the City of Angels, has just moved into a loft on the eighth floor of The Dante, a historic and eerie downtown building filled with friendly twenty-something neighbors who eagerly welcome her into their bohemian world. Or do they?

As Jessica races to unravel the mystery behind a chain of horrifying deaths that only she seems to see, she’ll come face-to-face with the chilling truth behind her connection to The Dante. Join her and her hot neighbor, Evan, in ten intense episodes that offer multiple levels of interaction, including hidden clues, mobile content, an online game and exclusive material that builds the back story of the characters and their relationships and gives the audience the chance to affect their futures.

Paramount Digital Entertainment brings you Circle of Eight, starring DJ Qualls, Austin Highsmith, Ryan Doom, and a sizzling cast of the industry’s newest talent. Welcome to the circle, the compelling experience where the fate of the story and the possible redemption of its characters is in your hands.

Find the clues, unlock the mystery and choose wisely... or people will die.

Watch the trailer below; visit the official website for more information:

Return to ...

Games of Mystery: Hostile Makeover, 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 page or by clicking on the links provided below.

Hostile Makeover
Download →Hostile Makeover

Solve a fashion murder mystery in this unique hidden object game! The world famous supermodel Amanda Manville has been murdered! Help smart and sassy Lacey Smithsonian investigate nine quirky suspects to find the killer in Hostile Makeover. Explore Washington DC, searching for clues and interviewing suspects. Along the way, collect and wear new fashions that grant special sleuthing abilities to crack the case!

Hostile Makeover may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (141.45 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.

Watch a preview video below:

gcads_80x80

Other popular games on our page include several and games, games in the series and in particular the latest, Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst, Adventure Chronicles: The Search for Lost Treasure, Enlightenus, Cate West: The Vanishing Files, Return to Mysterious Island 2: Mina's Fate, and Nick Chase: A Detective Story.

Read our new game reviews by Ms. Terri: , , , and .

Big Fish Games: Bestsellers

Big Fish Games: New releases

mbfgads_468x60

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

Return to ...

Mystery Bestsellers for October 16, 2009

Mystery Bestsellers

A list of the top 15 for the week ending October 16, 2009 has been posted on the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books website.

No change at the top this week, with The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown remaining in the top spot, and only one new title entering our list.

Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly

Coming in at number 10 is Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly. Fortune Liquors is a small shop in a tough South L.A. neighborhood, a store LAPD Detective Harry Bosch has known for years. The murder of John Li, the store's owner, hits Bosch hard, and he promises Li's family that he'll find the killer.

The world Bosch steps into next is unknown territory. He brings in a detective from the Asian Gang Unit for help with translation--not just of languages but also of the cultural norms and expectations that guided Li's life. He uncovers a link to a Hong Kong triad, a lethal and far-reaching crime ring that follows many immigrants to their new lives in the U.S.

And instantly his world explodes. The one good thing in Bosch's life, the person he holds most dear, is taken from him and Bosch travels to Hong Kong in an all-or-nothing bid to regain what he's lost. In a place known as Nine Dragons, as the city's Hungry Ghosts festival burns around him, Bosch puts aside everything he knows and risks everything he has in a desperate bid to outmatch the triad's ferocity.

The top four mystery bestsellers this week are shown below:

The Lost Symbol by Dan BrownDead and Gone by Charlaine HarrisThe Professional by Robert B. ParkerRough Country by John Sandford

Please visit the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books where we are committed to providing readers and collectors of with the best and most current information about their favorite authors, titles, and series.

Return to ...

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Winners of the 2009 Macavity Awards Announced

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

Janet Rudolph reported on her website Mystery Fanfare the winners of the 2009 Macavity Awards, announced this evening at Bouchercon. The Macavity Awards are given out annually by Mystery Readers International, voted by members as their favorite mysteries of the year.

And the winners are ...

Best Mystery Novel: Where Memories Lie by Deborah Crombie

Best First Mystery: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Best Mystery Short Story: "The Night Things Changed" by Dana Cameron

Sue Feder Memorial Historical Mystery: A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen

Congratulations from everyone at MBN to the winners!

Return to ...

First Clues Student Review: The Ring of Rocamadour by Michael D. Beil

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.

The Ring of Rocamadour by Michael D. Beil

The Ring of Rocamadour by Michael D. Beil
The Red Blazer Girls

Knopf (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-375-84814-2 (0375848142)
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-84814-8 (9780375848148)
Publication Date: April 2009
List Price: $16.99

Review written by Sarah, 6th grade student. Date of review: October 2009.

Review: When three ordinary girls discover a series of clues that may be leading to the Ring of Rocamadour, they fall into many problems. Some are easy, some are not so easy. Can they get to the ring before someone else does? Or will the ring fall into the wrong hands and be lost forever? These questions will all be answered in the book The Red Blazer Girls: The Ring of Rocamadour by Michael D. Beil.

When 11 year old Sophie, the main character, and her friends Rebbeca Chen and Margret Wrobel (both age 11) make an unlikely friend, elderly Elizabeth Harriman, Elizabeth Harriman tells them that she has found a script written by her father to his granddaughter. The script basically says that the Ring of Rocamadour, a ring that makes your dreams come true, is hidden inside of St. Veronica, the girls’ school. Elizabeth Harriman wants them to find it so she can give it to her daughter as an apology present for not seeing her for many years. When trying to find the ring, they team up with Rafael Arocho, Sophie’s friend to find the ring. They run into many problems such as Elizabeth’s ex-husband who also seems to want the ring. Will they get it before Elizabeth Harriman’s ex-husband does?

This book is extremely entertaining. It kept me thinking and involved the reader to try to solve the problems. For example, right before the problem is answered, the book says “Before you turn the page, try to solve the problem. You’ll feel super smart!” This book is appropriate for all ages. It’s not violent and is funny and entertaining. In my opinion, the writer did an excellent job, and I am eager to read The Red Blazer Girls: The Ring of Rocamadour again. The book is funny at times, but also very sad. The book kept me on my feet and wondering what would happen next. It took many unexpected turns that surprised me. My favorite character is Rebbeca. She is a good artist and is very thoughtful. She gave up a night with Sophie and Margret to let her mom go out with a friend to go see the movies. Overall if I could rate this book on a scale of 1 to 5, I would give it a 4½. This is a fairly good book even though it is a little slow in the beginning of the book.

Buy from Amazon.com

If you are interested in purchasing The Ring of Rocamadour 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 four different age categories: New Sleuths (ages 4 to 6), Future Sleuths (ages 7 to 10), Sleuths in Training (ages 10 to 12), and Apprentice Sleuths (ages 13 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.

Return to ...

Harlequin Intrigue Titles for November 2009

eHarlequin.com has released the November 2009 titles in their Intrigue, breathtaking romantic suspense series. Get these edge-of-your-seat reads today with characters who conquer everything from kidnappings to murder mysteries, only to find themselves irresistibly drawn to one another! To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

— ◊ —

Bravo, Tango, Cowboy by Joanna Wayne

Bravo, Tango, Cowboy by Joanna Wayne (book cover shown)

Former navy SEAL Hawk Taylor never knew fear—until he met Alonsa Salatoya. Her young daughter had been kidnapped, and after two years the trail had grown cold. Hawk was certain he'd find the girl, but the sensual woman with a fragile heart scared him. She made the Texas loner yearn to belong where he never could—in her life and her bed.

Exhuming long-buried clues led only to dead ends—until the kidnapper turned his sights on Alonsa. Now, with a taste of fear, Hawk knew what he had to do: find the child, keep Alonsa alive and then walk away from the one woman he'd never be able to forget.

— ◊ —

The Colonel's Widow? by Mallory Kane

In her nightmares, Irina Castle relived the horror of witnessing her husband's murder. For two years she'd grieved his death while running Black Hills Search and Rescue—and privately searching for him. Then he emerged from the shadows and was in her life again…leading her to question everything she'd once believed about the man she loved.

Rook Castle, a former air force combat rescue officer, had "died" to protect Irina from a terrorist. He couldn't fault her for not trusting him when he returned on a mission to keep her safe from the danger that targeted her again. Nor could he resist the passion that even death could not erase.

— ◊ —

Magnum Force Man by Amanda Stevens

Magnum Force Man by Amanda Stevens (book cover shown)

He had little memory of who he was or where he'd been, but the images that kept flashing through his mind meant computer genius Claudia Reynolds was headed for danger and only Jack Maddox could rescue her. Although they'd technically met before, it wasn't until the bullets started to fly that the blond beauty was convinced to follow him through the remote South Dakota woods…far from the mysterious facility that Jack had once called home. Now, as Jack sensed they were closing in on answers too many people had died covering up, the long-forgotten pain buried deep in his past proved their connection was the only thing he could rely on. And the only thing keeping Claudia alive.

— ◊ —

Bodyguard Under the Mistletoe by Cassie Miles

Bodyguard Jesse Longbridge had been shot while trying to stop a kidnapping at the Carlisle Ranch. He swore he'd track the enemy to the ends of the earth. And his path led him to Fiona Grant's door.

The young widow only had one thing on her Christmas list: keeping her daughter safe from the chaos of the investigation next door. So when a body was discovered on her property, Fiona jumped at Jesse's offer to stay for the holidays. He had a stoic face, but honest, caring eyes. And no matter how she ached to feel his toned and chiseled arms around her, she needed the protection that only a man like Jesse could provide.

— ◊ —

Trusting a Stranger by Kerry Connor

Trusting a Stranger by Kerry Connor (book cover shown)

Luke Hubbard never claimed to have a soft spot for damsels in distress. But the moment he set eyes on Karina Fedrova, a mysterious beauty with assassins on her trail, turning her away was impossible. And a marriage of convenience was the only way he could guarantee her safety. Keeping one step ahead of the men who thought Karina's secrets were worth dying for, Luke found himself forgetting their nuptials were just an act. Because the way his blood stirred around this stranger couldn't be faked, and her vulnerability simply made him want to carry her to their marital bed and claim her as his own. However, keeping his libido in check was crucial to Karina's survival…and the only way to prevent Luke from repeating the tragic mistakes of his past.

— ◊ —

Operation XOXO by Elle James

FBI Agent Paul Fletcher spent years working on the Dakota Strangler case, only to have it end with the serial killer's presumed death. But when a threatening note surfaces, targeting past victim Elise Johnson and her new life, he's back on the case …

With all evidence leading to Elise's small Texas town, the only option to protect Elise and her boys is for the charming yet tough agent to move in. As he becomes a part of their lives, he discovers that he would sacrifice everything to keep this family safe. But tearing down the protective walls that Elise has built for herself may be just as hard as catching a killer—a killer who threatens to destroy the very home he's just found.

— ◊ —

If you enjoy the romantic suspense books in this series, you can get 2 free Harlequin Intrigue books plus 2 free gifts just for giving the automatic program a try. Accepting your two free Intrigue books and mystery gifts places you under no obligation to buy anything. You may keep the books and gifts and return the shipping statement marked cancel. If you do not cancel, about two months later, and then every other month, eHarlequin will send you four additional Intrigue books.

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:

Sign up for email newsletters from eHarlequin.com

Return to ...

ABC Orders New Crime Drama, The Gates

ABC

James Hibberd on THR Live Feed is reporting that ABC has given a 13-episode order for The Gates, a crime drama set in a gated suburban community.

The premise is a big city cop becomes chief of police of a planned community only to discover there's much more to the residents than meets the eye.

Filming is expected to begin next year, possibly in a South American location.

The Gates seems somewhat familiar (at least in concept) with another ABC series, Happy Town, which is expected to premiere sometime during the 2009/2010 television season as a mid-season replacement.

Return to ...

Games of Mystery: Insider Tales, The Secret of Casanova, 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 page or by clicking on the links provided below.

Insider Tales: The Secret of Casanova
Download →Insider Tales: The Secret of Casanova

Stroll through the gothic and gloomy alleys of Prague, listen to chansons on the streets of Paris and enjoy the elegant and light architecture of Venice in this hidden object game. As investigator Francesca Di Porta, you are looking for clues to shed some light on Casanova’s life and reveal his greatest secret. Unfold the mystery that is Casanova, the world's most famous lover and adventurer, in Insider Tales: The Secret of Casanova!

See also the first game in the series, Insider Tales: The Stolen Venus.

Insider Tales: The Secret of Casanova, a Big Fish Game Club exclusive, may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (147.82 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.

Watch a preview video below:

gcads_80x80

Other popular games on our page include several and games, games in the series and in particular the latest, Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst, Adventure Chronicles: The Search for Lost Treasure, Enlightenus, Cate West: The Vanishing Files, Return to Mysterious Island 2: Mina's Fate, and Nick Chase: A Detective Story.

Read our new game reviews by Ms. Terri: , , , and .

Big Fish Games: Bestsellers

Big Fish Games: New releases

mbfgads_468x60

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

Return to ...

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

First Clues Student Review: The Haunting of Hillside School by Kristiana Gregory

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.

The Haunting of Hillside School by Kristiana Gregory

The Haunting of Hillside School by Kristiana Gregory
The Cabin Creek Mysteries

Scholastic (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-545-00378-4 (0545003784)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-00378-0 (9780545003780)
Publication Date: September 2008
List Price: $4.99

Review written by Devin, a 6th grade student. Date of review: October 2009.

Review: Have you ever read a book where you read the first page and have to read the rest of the book? Well I have, the book is The Haunting of Hillside School. The Cabin Creek Mysteries is a series of books for children between the ages of ten and twelve, written by Kristiana Gregory. The series is about three cousins – Jeff who is twelve, David who is ten, and Claire who is nine – and the mysteries they encounter. Also their grandfather Mr. Wellback and a friend they met along the way called Sophie help with solving the mystery. The fourth book in the six-book series is called The Haunting of Hillside School.

It all started when Claire saw a pale face in the classroom window and believed it was a ghost. Claire told Jeff and David about it and at first they didn’t believe her. Once their grandfather told them that Hillside School used to be a mansion owned by the Tuttle family who had a daughter named Nettie, they were hooked on the idea of a haunting. Their grandfather also told them the story of how the Tuttle family mansion came to be their school and the connection to Nettie. That’s where their investigation began. Along the way they meet people who say that they are going to tear down Hillside school, and they meet Sophie. With Sophie they uncover strange clues that lead them closer to solving the mystery. Their quest for the solution to the mystery takes them to places in their town they never knew about where secrets will be uncovered.

This book was fantastic and very realistic. Although this book was very interesting I think it should be more geared towards younger readers. This book was good because it continuously captured your attention. One example of this from the book is that in one of the chapters at the end it said “He had fallen through some rotten wood and landed in the basement”. This makes you want to read on because it makes you ask questions like “Is he alright?” questions that can only be answered if you read into the next chapter. The book also made you feel as if you were part of the story due to the descriptiveness and book gives you a map and specifics of the area so much that you get a picture of their town in your head and when they go from place you follow along and can see where they are. Also the details in the book use some of the five senses. An example of this is that in the book it said “an aroma of gingerbread was in the air”. The plot and storyline make this book a realistic fiction which is my kind of book. The character of Claire was my personal favorite character because she was the biggest sleuth out of all of the cousins. The reason being why someone should read this book is because this book it’s amazing. The book could get anyone interested in reading it due to the well planned out plot and characters. It is a fun book to read and it was a very intriguing. Once I told my aunt and grandma about the book they said “can I read it after you’re done with it.” Can you believe that even my grandma and aunt were intrigued by this book? If she was intrigued by this book because she’s a picky reader I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to read it. If I were to rate this book out of ten stars it would be worthy of a hundred stars. I could read this book over and over again without getting bored because each time I discover something new that I didn’t notice before and the clues fall into the conclusion of the mystery in your head.

Buy from Amazon.com

If you are interested in purchasing The Haunting of Hillside School 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 four different age categories: New Sleuths (ages 4 to 6), Future Sleuths (ages 7 to 10), Sleuths in Training (ages 10 to 12), and Apprentice Sleuths (ages 13 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.

Return to ...

Mystery Book Review: An Old Chaos by Sheila Simonson

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of An Old Chaos by Sheila Simonson. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

An Old Chaos by Sheila Simonson

by
A Latouche County Mystery

Perseverance Press (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-880284-99-5 (1880284995)
ISBN-13: 978-1-880284-99-5 (9781880284995)
Publication Date: September 2009
List Price: $14.95

Review: A mudslide that buries several luxury homes, including some of their residents, touches off a scandal that may include some of the Latouche County's top officials in An Old Chaos, the second mystery in this series by Sheila Simonson.

During the spring of 2005, after a season of particularly heavy snow and ice, Mount St. Helens erupts at 5 AM, causing a small earthquake that brings down Prune Hill. Unfortunately, a small community of luxury homes, its residents mostly asleep, has been built at the base of the hill and is covered in the resulting mudslide. Six people die. The large homes were controversial anyway, constructed in a remote part of the county with spectacular vistas, and to some, a blight on the land. The disaster is only the beginning, though, as everyone involved begins to question how the homes came to be built on the land, and to identify who is to blame for the residents' deaths.

Readers expecting a whodunit in An Old Chaos may be somewhat disappointed; the mystery plot here is very thin. Rather, it is largely a study in politics: state, county, and tribal. And where there's politics, there's money. And where there's money, there's (at least the potential of) murder.

The book is divided into two parts: "Disaster", in which the characters (who include, of course, the suspects) are introduced at a dinner party at one of the homes that will ultimately be destroyed. In many ways, this first part of the book is the best, defining relationships between the characters and setting the stage for what is to come, effectively ramping up the suspense that culminates in the mudslide. The second part, "Aftermath", is the resulting investigation and is not nearly as engaging. It gets a bit tedious here, with a fair amount of finger-pointing and "I told you so"-type narrative. The outcome isn't entirely predictable, though, an interesting way to end the story.

The title comes from the poem Sunday Morning by Wallace Stevens: "We live in an old chaos of the sun, Or old dependency of day and night, Or island solitude, unsponsored, free, Of that wide water, inescapable."

Special thanks to Perseverance Press for providing an ARC of An Old Chaos for this review.

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

Buy from Amazon.com

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

Synopsis (from the publisher): When a landslide kills six people and destroys several expensive homes, Madeline Thomas, principal chief of the Klalos tribe, and geologist Charlie O’Neill know something is rotten in Latouche County: the land should never have been built on. Sheriff’s investigator Rob Neill uncovers a suppressed hazard warning and evidence of payoffs to county government, with the help of librarian Meg McLean. Rob leads an investigation that implicates local development bigwigs and county personnel, including his boss and mentor, the sheriff. Then there's a murder to keep the cover-up covered up.

Return to ...

Omnimystery Blog Archive

Total Pageviews (last 30 days)

Omnimystery News
Original Content Copyright © 2022 — Omnimystery, a Family of Mystery Websites — All Rights Reserved
Guest Post Content (if present) Copyright © 2022 — Contributing Author — All Rights Reserved