Monday, March 15, 2010

Harlequin Intrigue Titles for April 2010

eHarlequin.com has released the April 2010 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! For more information or to purchase any of the books below, click on the book title or book cover. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

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Bulletproof Bodyguard by Kay Thomas
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Bulletproof Bodyguard by Kay Thomas

Marcus North was an intriguing mystery to the residents of Murphy's Point, Mississippi—especially Cally Burnett, the single mom who ran the B and B where Marcus stayed. But despite the instant attraction that flared between them, Cally couldn't have guessed the secrets Marcus hid, or the way those secrets would come to haunt them both.

Working undercover on a crucial case, Marcus had to keep his identity hidden … but his desire to protect the young mother and her son had him putting everything else at risk. Including his career—and his life.

Passion—and desperation—rise as the determined mother and sexy cop come to an uneasy alliance, and everything rides on one deadly night …

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Enigma by Carla Cassidy
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Enigma by Carla Cassidy

Test Subject: Jared Maddox.

Ability: Mental telepathy.

Weakness: Willa Tyler, the only person he was able to communicate with while in a coma.

From the moment he came out of a coma, Jared Maddox knew his whereabouts had been compromised and that only one person could help him escape: trauma nurse Willa Tyler. Although he was reluctant to put Willa's life in danger, she refused to abandon him, insisting she help him reconnect with his mysterious past … and his identical twin. Using the abilities some saw as a gift, Jared sensed the moment they closed in on the truth. And the moment he started considering a future with the strong and beautiful woman who'd faithfully stood by his side. But was her healing touch enough to weather what they uncovered deep in the mountains?

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Takedown by Julie Miller
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Takedown by Julie Miller

SWAT Captain Michael Cutler's pulse was racing. He should have been thinking about the intense hostage crisis he'd just diffused. But he couldn't keep his mind off of her—Jillian Masterson, the leggy brunette who had come to him for protection from an obsessive stalker.

He certainly hadn't been looking for love, especially with someone fifteen years his junior. But their chemistry was undeniable.

As the stalker's threats intensified, Michael knew he'd go to any lengths to bring him down. Even if that entailed giving Jillian some very personal security …

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Rocky Mountain Fugitive by Ann Voss Peterson
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Rocky Mountain Fugitive by Ann Voss Peterson

Eric Lander hated to be tied down …

But when Sarah Trask, the woman he'd left months ago, came to him for help solving a very personal murder, saying no wasn't even an option. Especially once he learned she was pregnant with his child …

Running from the law through the Rocky Mountains after being wrongly accused about his role in the killing wasn't exactly how Eric planned on absorbing—or celebrating—the big news. Yet they had no other choice. Now, with the beautiful rancher and their unborn baby counting on him for protection, Eric found himself both excited and terrified by the idea of "family." He knew he'd be a good father—if only he could keep them all alive to prove it.

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Saving Grace by Patricia Rosemoor
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Saving Grace by Patricia Rosemoor

Grace Broussard never thought she'd trust a man again … until she met the right McKenna. Declan was a P.I. and he made New Orleans a safer place, but Grace's case was almost too hot to handle. He knew she needed protection from more than simple blackmail.

Every touch they shared knocked something loose, and the passion it ignited was too powerful to deny. But every touch also brought the curse of the McKennas closer to fulfillment—and certain death. Now, only Declan could save the life of the future Mrs. McKenna.

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Gun-Shy Bride by B. J. Daniels
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Gun-Shy Bride by B. J. Daniels

The discovery of human bones not far from the Winchester Ranch rocked the small town and its deputy sheriff, McCall Winchester. The grave held answers to questions that had long haunted her, and nothing would stop her from getting them … not even the return of Luke Crawford.

Luke wasn't about to be pushed out of McCall's life again. Not when she needed him the most. The blue-eyed boy was now a devastating cowboy who knew what he wanted—and that was to keep McCall safe. Not an easy thing to do when her investigation stirred up a hornet's nest of trouble. But nothing would stop him from taking this Winchester as his bride!

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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:

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Games of Mystery: Prison Break, The Conspiracy, based on the TV Series, New for Windows PC, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3

Games of Mystery

, your source for mystery-themed board, electronic and video games, parties for kids and adults, and murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations, is pleased to announce the availability of a new mystery game for Windows PC. More mystery games for this platform are available on our recently updated webpage.

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Prison Break: The Conspiracy (Windows PC)
More Information About Prison Break: The Conspiracy (Windows PC)

In Prison Break: The Conspiracy, you play as "The Company" agent Tom Paxton, sent to the Fox River State Penitentiary to unravel the mystery behind why Michael Scofield, a man without a previous criminal record, was sent to the same prison as your brother Lincoln Burrows, convicted for a crime he did not commit.

Based on the television series Prison Break, the game storyline runs parallel to the first season in which Paxton encounters several characters from the series and experiences key events from his own perspective.

Prison Break: The Conspiracy for Windows PC is scheduled for release on March 16, 2010, and is available for pre-order. It is ESRB rated Teen.

Also scheduled for release on March 16th: Prison Break: The Conspiracy (Xbox 360 version), and on March 30th, Prison Break: The Conspiracy (PlayStation 3 version).

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

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Mysteries on TV: Armchair Thriller, Hawaii Five-O, Monk, and Ruth Rendell Mysteries, 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 three series that have season DVDs being released this week plus the a collection of British mysteries based on the novels by Ruth Rendell.

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Information on Armchair Thriller: Set Two

The classic British mysteries seen on will keep you on the edge of your seat. Each set features stellar casts and scripts based on novels and stories by acclaimed crime writers (such as Antonia Fraser and Lionel Davidson).

This set includes two versions of The Chelsea Murders. Originally commissioned for the Armchair Thriller series as six short installments, The Chelsea Murders aired instead as a feature-length television movie in 1981. Both versions are included in this set for the complete viewing experience.

The Circe Complex is based on the 1975 stand-alone novel by Desmond Cory, and originally aired as a 6-part episode.

Quiet as a Nun is based on the debut mystery in the Jemima Shore series by Antonia Fraser, published in 1977. It, too, originally aired as a 6-part episode.

The Armchair Thriller: Set Two DVD set of 4 discs contain the above references episodes that aired on ITV during 1978, 1980, and 1981.

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Information on Hawaii Five-O: Season Eight

The classic aired its 8th season on CBS from September 1976 through March 1976. It starred Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett, head of an elite (and fictional) state police unit in Hawaii. The series was filmed entirely on the islands.

In January, CBS officially ordered an updated version of the series, currently scheduled to premiere this fall.

Alex O'Loughlin will play Steve McGarrett, and Scott Caan McGarrett's right hand man Danny "Danno" Williams. Other cast members announced include Daniel Dae Kim as Detective Chin Ho Kelly, Grace Park as Kono Kalakaua (Kelly's niece), and Jean Smart as Hawaii's Governor Pat Jameson.

The Hawaii Five-O: Season Eight DVD set of 6 discs contain the 23 episodes (including the 2-part opener) that comprise the 8th season.

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Information on Monk: Season Eight

Tony Shalhoub is back for one last obsessively compulsive good time in the final season of the hit crime series .

From the very first moment police detective Adrian Monk (Shalhoub), on leave from but a consultant to the San Francisco Police Department, appeared on the scene, audiences have been hooked on this intelligent and irreverent sleuth who uses his quirky phobias and neuroses to solve crimes in a way other detectives just can’t. Join him now as he reunites with former colleagues and friends from seasons past for some of the most riveting cases yet, including the one that has haunted him for the past eight seasons.

The Monk: Season Eight DVD set of 4 discs contain the 15 episodes, including the 2-part finale, that originally aired on USA Network from August through December 2009.

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Information on The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Mysteries Collection

Bestselling crime writer Ruth Rendell (Baroness Rendell of Babergh) explores the motives for murder across England’s many landscapes, from rock-strewn moors to suburban estates in . The collection includes 17 stories of suspense based on her crime novels.

Featuring outstanding performances by Colin Firth, James Callis, Amanda Redman, James D’Arcy, Honeysuckle Weeks, and George Baker as Inspector Wexford, these programs bring Rendell’s work to life with every wicked irony and startling twist intact.

The The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Mysteries Collection DVD set of 11 discs contain these 17 made-for-television movies, running about 100 minutes each, three of which (Harm Done, Simisola, and Road Rage) are based on the the character Chief Inspector Reg Wexford starring George Baker. The films originally aired from 1994 through 1998.

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

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Mystery Award Winners Announced at Left Coast Crime

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

Left Coast Crime concluded this past weekend with the announcement of the winners of the annual Lefty Award and Bruce Alexander Memorial Historical Award, and a special award, the PAnik Award, named in honor of the late LCC Chairman Paul Anik, honoring the best noir novel set in Los Angeles. And the winners are ...

... for the Lefty Award:
Getting Old Is a Disaster by Rita Lakin

... for the Bruce Alexander Award:
A Trace of Smoke by Rebecca Cantrell

... and for the PAnik Award:
Death Was In the Picture by Linda L. Richards Review of Death Was In the Picture by Linda L. Richards

The winner of the Dilys Award was also announced for the mystery title which the member booksellers have most enjoyed selling. The award is named in honor of Dilys Winn, the founder of Murder Ink, the first specialty bookseller of mystery books in the United States. And the winner is ...

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley Review of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Mysterious Reviews indicates a review by Mysterious Reviews.

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Mystery Godoku Puzzle for March 15, 2010

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 March 15, 2010

This week's letters and mystery clue:

A B D E L O R U V

Bill Guttentag’s debut novel, a crime drama set on the streets of Hollywood, has this title (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, March 14, 2010

Mystery Book Review: Where Armadillos Go To Die by James Hime

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Where Armadillos Go To Die by James Hime. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Where Armadillos Go To Die by James Hime

by
A Jeremiah Spur Mystery

St. Martin's Minotaur (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-312-53486-8 (0312534868)
ISBN-13: 978-0-312-53486-8 (9780312534868)
Publication Date: November 2009
List Price: $25.99

Review: Retired Texas Ranger Jeremiah Spur is drawn into the investigation of a restaurant owner gone missing in Where Armadillos Go To Die, the outstanding third mystery in this series by James Hime.

Sylvester Bradshaw owns one of the most popular restaurants in Washington County, Texas. His catfish always tastes clean and fresh, and customers from as far away as Houston, even people who don't like the cantankerous man, show up to dine there. His secret: a machine that removes impurities from the fish. But he's ultra-secretive about the device, refusing to market or even license it. When he -- and his invention -- disappears one evening, his sons don't seem all that worried. But his daughter is, asking Jeremiah to look into what might have happened.

The great appeal of Where Armadillos Go To Die is in its narrative style that seems to perfectly capture living and working in a small town in Texas. It's homey, at times a bit quirky, and always enjoyable. The richly drawn characters -- and there are quite a few of them -- are as varied as the landscape of ranchland is not, and include infomercial king Big Ty Daniels ("known the world over for his gridiron feats and his toaster oven"); Robert Bruni, an attorney from Houston who seems to know more than he lets on; Clyde Thomas, a security salesman and part-time PI looking for his big break; and Jeremiah's wife Martha, a gentlewoman who's the very definition of the word.

About the only weakness in Where Armadillos Go To Die is that it really isn't much of a mystery. The plot gently rolls along, steady and sure, but the surprises are few, the outcome long foreshadowed. Still, everything else about the book is so well done that it's well worth accompanying Jeremiah Spur on his investigation into the circumstances surrounding the missing inventor.

The title is taken from the lyrics of a fictional country song that "tended to put Jeremiah in mind of Washington County itself", the last verse of which goes ...

Lord give me the grace
'Fore we meet face to face
Without so much as a sigh
My fate in Your hands
To accept like a man
Where armadillos go to die.

Special thanks to St. Martin's Minotaur for providing a copy of Where Armadillos Go To Die for this review.

Review Copyright © 2010 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved

Buy from Amazon.com

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

Synopsis (from the publisher): Sylvester Bradshaw owns the Bouree restaurant, home of the best catfish within a hundred miles of Brenham, Texas. Besides being known for his cooking and for being one of the town’s nastiest residents, he also happens to have invented a machine that several venture capitalists and one former NFL star would like to invest in at almost any cost. But Bradshaw -- stubborn and miserly -- can’t be enticed no matter what offer they put on the table. Nobody gets a look and nobody gets to know how the device works, not even his family.

When the restaurant is ransacked and he goes missing, the only person willing to take his disappearance seriously is Jeremiah Spur. The retired Texas Ranger and rancher is a dedicated customer, if not a friend, which makes him the only man on whom the Bradshaws can pin their hopes.

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Mystery Book Review: Bleeding Heart Square by Andrew Taylor

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Bleeding Heart Square by Andrew Taylor. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Bleeding Heart Square by Andrew Taylor

by
Non-series

Hyperion (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-4013-1014-1 (1401310141)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4013-1014-1 (9781401310141)
Publication Date: January 2010
List Price: $15.99

Review: Andrew Taylor's stand-alone novel Bleeding Heart Square is a series of interwoven storylines that form a complex, but satisfying, mystery thriller.

It is 1934 and Lydia Langstone has left her abusive husband to live with her estranged father. Her mother, of course, would not approve of her leaving, but her parents have been separated since she was a child, but she's confident she's made the right choice. It's quite a change for her, from a life of privilege with servants attending to her every need, to a small apartment at #7 Bleeding Heart Square. The cobbled alley is small, too tight to even drive a car into, and legend has it that "the devil at one time danced in the square." Now there is a figure skulking in the shadows, who watches everyone as they enter and leave. He seems especially interested in Lydia, an aristocratic woman living with her drunken old father. What is his interest in the people of the square, and more particularly, Lydia herself?

Lydia is but one of the central characters of this most interesting story. Others include Miss Philippa May Penhow, who has not been seen since the spring of 1930. Though a journalist, Rory Wentwood, is suspicious of her disappearance, her common-law husband, Joe Serridge, who owns the building, insists she left him for another man, and is off in America, using a letter postmarked from New York City as proof. But someone has taken possession of Miss Penhow's diary, which details Joe's affairs with teenaged girls ... and Joe is now receiving decaying hearts in the mail -- revenge? blackmail? murder?

Bleeding Heart Square is in many ways an exceptional thriller with riveting characters, a fast-paced plot, and a moody, atmospheric setting. The tangled web of deceit and intrigue that draws Lydia into helping Rory investigate Miss Penhow's mysterious absence and Joe's hold over his tenants, including Lydia's father, also keeps the reader's attention and interest, up to the exciting conclusion.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of Bleeding Heart Square and to Hyperion for providing a trade paperback edition of the book for this review.

Review Copyright © 2010 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved

Buy from Amazon.com

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

Synopsis (from the publisher): It's 1934, and the decaying London cul-de-sac of Bleeding Heart Square is an unlikely place of refuge for aristocratic Lydia Langstone. But as she flees her abusive marriage, there is only one person she can turn to ...

Legend has it that the devil once danced in the square -- but is there now a new and sinister presence lurking in its shadows?

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