The winners of the IPPY Awards have been announced by Independent Publisher. These awards are designed to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent authors and publishers. The winners, chosen in 67 categories, will be honored at a gala awards ceremony in New York City on May 25th.
Below are the winners in the mystery, suspense, and thriller category.
◊ Gold: The Big Wake-Up by Mark Coggins (Bleak House)
◊ Silver (tie): Death of a Bronx Cop by Tom Walker (iUniverse)
◊ Silver (tie): Shamrock Alley by Ronald Damien Malfi (Medallion Press)
◊ Bronze: Dead Air by Deborah Shlian and Linda Reid 
Monday, May 24, 2010
Winners of the 2010 IPPY Awards Announced
Mysteries on TV: Flashpoint, George Gently, Leverage, and True Blood, 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 or Blu-ray disc, is profiling one series being released this week.
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Flashpoint is a drama which depicts the emotional journey into the tough, risk-filled lives of a group of cops in the SRU (inspired by Toronto's Emergency Task Force). It's a unique unit that rescues hostages, busts gangs, defuses bombs, climbs the sides of buildings and talks down suicidal teens. Members of a highly-skilled tactical team, they're also trained in negotiating, profiling and getting inside the suspect's head to diffuse the situation to try and save lives.
The ensemble cast includes Enrico Colantoni as Gregory Parker, Hugh Dillon as Ed Lane, Amy Jo Johnson as Juliana "Jules" Callaghan, Sergio Di Zio as Mike "Spike" Scarlatti, and Michael Cram as Kevin "Wordy" Wordsworth.
The Flashpoint: Season Two DVD set of 2 discs contain the 13 episodes that aired from January through May 2009 on CBS. The definition of a "season" here is a bit confusing. Strictly speaking, the first four episodes on this DVD are from the original first season, and are combined with the first nine episodes from the original second season of 18, leaving nine episodes unaired in the US (which CBS will characterize as the series third season when they are finally shown, probably this summer). Thirteen more episodes are currently being filmed as the third season in Canada, but likely the fourth season in the US. Flashpoint is not on CBS's official Fall 2010 schedule.
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George Gently stars Martin Shaw as the titular character, a former Scotland Yard sleuth now tracking murderers in Britain’s North Country. Far from London, these once-quiet counties are just beginning to feel the social and political changes of the 1960s. The menacing crimes test even Gently’s big-city experience and hard-won wisdom. And his impulsive young protégé, Sergeant John Bacchus, tests nearly all of his patience.
This series finds Gently and Bacchus confronting sex-club entrepreneurs, corrupt politicians, gangs, and more. The first-rate supporting casts include Tim McInnerny, Nicholas Jones, Mark Williams, and Andrew Lee Potts. Based on the long-running series of novels by Alan Hunter, these feature-length modern dramas teem with intrigue, wit, and style.
The George Gently: Series Two DVD set of 4 discs contain the four 90-minute episodes that originally aired on BBC during May 2009.
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Leverage is a slick and crafty drama following a team of thieves, hackers and con artists who act as modern-day Robin Hoods, standing up for the little guy who has been victimized by the rich and powerful. In this riveting and timely second season, the team takes on corrupt bankers, high fashion, the tabloid media and, most shockingly, an old nemesis from their past!
One of our favorite new series, Leverage stars Timothy Hutton as Nathan Ford, leader of the group, Gina Bellman as Sophie Devereaux, Christian Kane as Eliot Spencer, Beth Riesgraf as Parker, and Aldis Hodge as Alec Hardison. Jeri Ryan joined the cast this season for seven episodes as Tara Cole, a friend of Sophie's who helps out while Sophie is away (Gina Bellman being pregnant for most of the season).
The Leverage: Season Two DVD set of 4 discs contain the 15 episodes that aired on TNT from July through September 2009, continuing from January through February 2010. The third season returns on June 20th at 9 PM (ET/PT).
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Welcome back to Bon Temps, home to mystery, Southern sensuality and the dark secrets of True Blood.
For Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), life is more dangerous than ever after she and Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) become more deeply involved. Meanwhile, Tara Thornton (Rutina Wesley) finds herself under a lover’s spell; Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell) puts his trust in an unlikely ally; Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwanten) becomes involved with an anti-vampire sect; Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgard) becomes interested in Sookie after he recruits her to investigate the disappearance of his 2,000-year-old maker; and Maryann Forrester (Michelle Forbes) is revealed to possess a power that can control almost everyone in town. Then, after making a shocking discovery, Sookie, Bill and Sam must form the last line of defense against a diabolical plan that raises this award-winning series to bloody new heights.
True Blood is based on the series of Southern Vampire mysteries by Charlaine Harris.
The True Blood: Season Two DVD set of 5 discs contain the 12 episodes that originally aired on HBO from June through September 2009. True Blood: Season Two (Blu-ray disc) is also available. The third season of True Blood returns on June 13th at 9 PM (ET/PT). Watch a preview for the season here.
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Visit our Mysteries on TV website to discover more television mystery series currently available on DVD and Blu-ray disc.
Mystery Godoku Puzzle for May 24, 2010
A new Mystery Godoku Puzzle 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!).
This week's letters and mystery clue:
A C E H K O S V W
This 1996 adventure thriller was the 13th in the Dirk Pitt series by Clive Cussler (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!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Mr. E. Reviews: Murdoch Mysteries Season Two
Review of Murdoch Mysteries Season Two
The tagline for Murdoch Mysteries reads "CSI meets Sherlock Holmes: Forensic Sleuthing in the Age of Invention", which is a pretty apt description of this entertaining series from Canada. Set in late 19th century Toronto, Murdoch Mysteries pairs a male police detective with a female medical examiner/coroner, who work together to solve crimes. And yes, there's a nascent romance developing between them.
Read the full text of our review at Mr. E. Reviews.
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Murdoch Mysteries Season Two
Director: Various
Original air date(s): 02/10/2009 to 05/27/2009.
DVD release: 05/04/2010.
Studio: Acorn Media.
Recurring character(s): Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), Dr. Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy), Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig), Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris).
Rating: Not Rated.
Running time: 598 minutes.
Episodes in this series are based on characters created by Maureen Jennings.
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Mr. E. Reviews is your source for mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime drama reviews of television and film.
Winners of the 2010 CrimeFest Awards Announced
The winners of the 2010 CrimeFest Awards were announced yesterday during CrimeFest, an annual event in the UK for people who like to read an occasional crime novel as well as for die-hard fanatics. Thanks to The Rap Sheet for providing a list of winners, which are reprinted here.
◊ Last Laugh: The Day of the Jack Russell by Colin Bateman (for best humorous crime novel);
◊ Sounds of Crime: Abridged: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson (read by Martin Wenner, for best abridged audio crime novel);
◊ Sounds of Crime: Unabridged: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson (read by Saul Reichlin, for best unabridged audio crime novel);
◊ e-Dunnit: Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell (for best eBook crime novel).
Games of Mystery: Hotel
Games of Mystery is pleased to announce the availability of a new mystery casual game from Big Fish Games released today and available to BFG Club members. 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.
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Reveal the great mystery that lies behind high walls of the Bellevue Hotel in this supernatural adventure game!
A medieval castle, now a luxury hotel holds secrets beyond the wildest imagination. For detective Bridget "Biggi" Brightstone of NYPD, this is a once-in-a-lifetime investigation. Meet the ancient Egyptian cult in a search of an almighty artifact that Marcus Antonius, King Arthur and many others have tried to keep hidden away from those who wanted to use its terrible powers for conquering the world, and stop the evil from raising from its grave!
Hotel may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (136.13 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.
Watch a preview video below:
Get any standard game for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. Other benefits include the $2.99 Daily Deal, Tomorrow's Game Today, and special member rewards. And if you purchase any 6 games within a single month, you earn a free game with the Big Fish Game Club Monthly Punch Card! (Collector's Editions earn 3 punches each, half-way towards your free game!)
Read Ms. Terri's reviews of the adventure and casual mystery games featured on this site, including Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy, Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses!, Enlightenus, and many more!
Big Fish Games: Bestsellers
Big Fish Games: New releases
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Games of Mystery is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic, and board games, parties for kids and adults, and murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Reviews of Mystery and Suspense Books for Kids, New This Week on Book Trends (100522)
Book Trends, a review site for young adult and children books, published several new book reviews this past week. We're presenting here a summary of those in the mystery / suspense category.
The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk. A non-series novel recommended for readers aged 12 and older. Lexile measure: N/A. Reviewed by a 6th grade student who writes, "Overall, I think it was an okay book ... [but] it is unfortunate the author felt the need to pepper it with such foul scenes and language."
For more reviews of children and young adult books, visit Book Trends; their reviews will amaze you!
Authors on Tour: Jeffrey Leever Visits Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews
Mystery Books News is thrilled to be coordinating this week's online book tour for author Jeffrey Leever, whose thriller, The University (Capital Crime Press Trade Paperback, November 2009), has investigative journalist Kevin Gibson drawn into a cunning world few know exist -- a conspiracy involving facilty, students, and some well-connected people in high places on the campus of a local college.
Today, Saturday May 22nd, Jeffrey will be visiting one blog site:
• Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews, where The University is reviewed.
We're also delighted to announce that Jeffrey is giving away a signed copy of his 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 Jeffrey's tour page.
We hope you have the opportunity to stop by each of the tour sites this week to learn more about Jeffrey and the secrets that lie beneath a university's upstanding exterior.
Shortlists for some 2010 CWA Dagger Awards Announced
The Crime Writers' Association (CWA) announced yesterday the shortlists for several of its prestigious Dagger Awards.
Included in the announcement were nominees for the CWA International Dagger (for novels translated into English from their native language), the CWA Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction, the CWA Dagger in the Library (for authors judged on their body of work), the CWA Short Story Dagger, and the CWA Debut Dagger (a competition for writers who have yet to have their books published commercially).
The winners will be announced on Friday, July 23rd, during the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.
Shortlists for the CWA New Blood Dagger, the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, and the Gold Dagger will be announced later; these winners will be announced during the fall at the Crime Thriller Awards ceremony.
Games of Mystery: The Heritage, New at Big Fish Games
Games of Mystery is pleased to announce the availability of a new mystery casual game from Big Fish Games released today and available to BFG Club members. 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.
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The year is 1916. To escape from Great War, and to protect her daughter, a young woman must go to her Grandfather's abandoned -- but reportedly haunted -- manor. The local inhabitants of a nearby village tell stories about the ghosts and the terrible things inside the mansion, but you have no choice. Explore the old house and collect memories of her Grandfather to discover the heritage of the woman's family and uncover incredible secrets in this fun and immersive hidden object game.
Also available: The Heritage Game Walkthrough.
The Heritage may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (120.59 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.
Watch a preview video below:
Get any standard game for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. Other benefits include the $2.99 Daily Deal, Tomorrow's Game Today, and special member rewards. And if you purchase any 6 games within a single month, you earn a free game with the Big Fish Game Club Monthly Punch Card! (Collector's Editions earn 3 punches each, half-way towards your free game!)
Read Ms. Terri's reviews of the adventure and casual mystery games featured on this site, including Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy, Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses!, Enlightenus, and many more!
Big Fish Games: Bestsellers
Big Fish Games: New releases
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Games of Mystery is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic, and board games, parties for kids and adults, and murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Behind-the-Scenes Video for TNT's New Crime Drama Rizzoli & Isles
We received our ARC of Tess Gerritsen's next Rizzoli & Isles mystery, Ice Cold, today and coincidentally we noticed a new behind-the-scenes video of the new crime drama based on the series on the TNT website.
Angie Harmon stars as Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli, who joins forces with medical examiner Maura Isles (played by Sasha Alexander) to solve crimes. Also on hand are Jane's rookie partner (Lee Thompson), her former partner (Bruce McGill), and FBI agent Gabriel Dean (Billy Burke).
Rizzoli & Isles is scheduled to premiere Monday, July 12th at 10 PM (ET/PT) on TNT. Watch the 4 minute on-set preview below.
Mystery Book Review: In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon
Review of In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon
Irene Hannon's "Heroes of Quantico" series continues with FBI Special Agent Nick Bradley skeptical of a woman's story about a discarded Raggedy Ann doll ... until he discovers it may be a clue to the disappearance of an abducted child from Chicago in In Harm's Way.
Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews.
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In Harm's Way
Irene Hannon
A Heroes of Quantico Mystery
Revell (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-8007-3312-6 (0800733126)
ISBN-13: 978-0-8007-3312-4 (9780800733124)
Publication Date: April 2010
List Price: $14.99
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Mysterious Reviews is your source for the latest mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime novel reviews, edited by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.
Film Adaptation of Noir Thriller Game Heavy Rain in Works
Deadline.com is reporting that a deal is near for Unique Features to acquire the film rights to the noir thriller game Heavy Rain, released exclusively for the PlayStation 3 earlier this year. Former New Line Cinema co-founders Robert Shaye and Michael Lynne are behind the project.
About Heavy Rain (from the developers): How far will you go to save someone you love? Each player discovers their own answer to this question as they experience a gripping psychological thriller filled with innumerable twists and turns, where choices and actions can and do result in dramatic consequences. Spanning four days of mystery and suspense, the hunt is on for a murderer known only as the Origami Killer — named after his macabre calling card of leaving behind folded paper shapes at crime scenes. Even more chilling is the fiend's well established pattern of killing his victims four days after abducting them. The public is gripped with fear as the police seem powerless to stop the carnage, and another potential victim — Shaun Mars — has gone missing. Now four characters — a father, a photographer, a FBI agent with a special skill set and a retired cop turned private detective — each following their own leads and with their own motives, must take part in a desperate attempt to prevent the killer from taking yet another life.
Each of the characters (players) have different paths, means and motives to ending the reign of terror that the Origami Killer has imposed on their city. As players follow the path laid before their character of choice, they are able to explore, interact with and view their surroundings in a variety of ways using their controller's left and right sticks. At crucial times players are given a series of choices relating to how to proceed in various situations, with the outcome of these choices revealing both benefits and consequences. Benefits can be important to progressing through the game, while possible consequences can in turn pose a very real danger to characters, including death. But unlike other games, and because Heavy Rain features four playable characters that exist independently of each other, yet simultaneously within the same the story arc, this does not end the game. Players are instead able to play as one of the other available characters, with appropriate changes to possible outcomes due to the absence of the deceased character(s).
Authors on Tour: Jeffrey Leever Visits CMash Loves to Read and Murder by 4
Mystery Books News is thrilled to be coordinating this week's online book tour for author Jeffrey Leever, whose thriller, The University (Capital Crime Press Trade Paperback, November 2009), has investigative journalist Kevin Gibson drawn into a cunning world few know exist -- a conspiracy involving facilty, students, and some well-connected people in high places on the campus of a local college.
Today, Friday May 21st, Jeffrey will be visiting two blog sites:
• CMash Loves To Read, where The University is reviewed; and
• Murder by 4, where Jeffrey is the guest author.
We're also delighted to announce that Jeffrey is giving away a signed copy of his 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 Jeffrey's tour page.
We hope you have the opportunity to stop by each of the tour sites this week to learn more about Jeffrey and the secrets that lie beneath a university's upstanding exterior.
Games of Mystery: Robinson Crusoe and The Cursed Pirates, New from Big Fish Games
Games of Mystery is pleased to announce the availability of a new mystery casual game from Big Fish Games released today and available to BFG Club members. 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.
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1679: After escaping the inhabited island, Robinson Crusoe sets sail for England. Four weeks later, however, he and his friend Friday encounter an uncharted land mass. Something strange happens with their hands, with black spots appearing over them. Voodoo magic can be smelt in the air ...
Explore a ghost island inhabited by cursed pirates as you prepare an anti-curse cure from a local root. Find your way through an underground labryinth while searching for the undead captain. And test your knowledge of pirates in IQ contests, participate in turtle races and grog competitions, complete mind-bending puzzles, and more.
Also available: Robinson Crusoe and the Cursed Pirates Strategy Guide and a Robinson Crusoe and the Cursed Pirates Game Walkthrough.
See also the first game in the series, The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.
Robinson Crusoe and The Cursed Pirates may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (177.75 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.
Watch a preview video below:
Get any standard game for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. Other benefits include the $2.99 Daily Deal, Tomorrow's Game Today, and special member rewards. And if you purchase any 6 games within a single month, you earn a free game with the Big Fish Game Club Monthly Punch Card! (Collector's Editions earn 3 punches each, half-way towards your free game!)
Read Ms. Terri's reviews of the adventure and casual mystery games featured on this site, including Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy, Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses!, Enlightenus, and many more!
Big Fish Games: Bestsellers
Big Fish Games: New releases
— ◊ —
Games of Mystery is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic, and board games, parties for kids and adults, and murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations!
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