The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog is reporting that Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects, Valkyrie, The Tourist) will rework the screenplay for the film adaptation of Lee Child's One Shot, the ninth thriller in the Jack Reacher series. McQuarrie is also looking to direct.
Paramount has an option on the series and may be looking at its franchise potential.
About One Shot (from the publisher): Six shots. Five dead. One heartland city thrown into a state of terror. But within hours the cops have it solved: a slam-dunk case. Except for one thing. The accused man says: You got the wrong guy. Then he says: Get Reacher for me.
And sure enough, ex-military investigator Jack Reacher is coming. He knows this shooter -- a trained military sniper who never should have missed a shot. Reacher is certain something is not right -- and soon the slam-dunk case explodes.
Now Reacher is teamed with a beautiful young defense lawyer, moving closer to the unseen enemy who is pulling the strings. Reacher knows that no two opponents are created equal. This one has come to the heartland from his own kind of hell. And Reacher knows that the only way to take him down is to match his ruthlessness and cunning -- and then beat him shot for shot.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Paramount Moves Forward with Film Adaptation of One Shot by Lee Child
Nintendo Announces Earlier Release Date for Professor Layton and the Unwound Future
In a press release yesterday, Nintendo announced that the company was moving the US release date for the third game in the popular Professor Layton series, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, up a week to September 12th.
A mesmerizing mix of mystery, time travel and puzzle-solving fun, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future places the professor and his trusted apprentice at the center of a spellbinding adventure after they receive a strange letter sent from 10 years in the future. Players must wind their way through more than 165 mind-bending puzzles as they decipher clues and strive to unlock a time-twisting mystery that threatens to plunge London into chaos.
The first two games in the series, Professor Layton and the Curious Village and Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, have sold nearly 1.4 million copies in the United States. For more information about these games, as well as many other mystery games for the Nintendo DS, visit Games of Mystery.
Dreamhouse Kings, a Paranormal Suspense Series for Young Adults
Our friends over at Book Trends asked us recently if we were award of the young adult paranormal suspense series Dreamhouse Kings. We weren't, but when we looked into it, we thought it to be a terrific addition to our First Clues: Mysteries for Kids website.
There are six books in the series, the most recent (and last in the series) published this past May. Written by Robert Liparulo, they feature 15-year-old Xander and his 12-year-old brother David, who make a game of exploring the old Victorian home they have just moved in to. But they have no idea of the adventures -- and terrors -- waiting for them in this mysterious house.
For more information about the books, visit our summary and list of titles at First Clues: Dreamhouse Kings or check out the official Dreamhouse Kings website where you can learn more about the series as a whole, including downloading tracks from a soundtrack written to accompany the books.
eHarlequin Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense Titles for August 2010
eHarlequin.com has released the August 2010 titles in their Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense series. Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense books combine suspense, romance, hope and faith to create a unique page-turning series that today’s readers love. To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)
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Silent Protector
His life as a U.S. marshal was something Pastor Ian McNeal had left behind … until he's asked to care for little Charlie Troop. The boy witnessed a terrible crime and hasn't spoken since—except to his Auntie Liz, the one adult he trusts. Ian just wants to find the truth, something only Charlie can reveal. But Charlie isn't talking, and Liz is determined to protect Charlie against anyone who'd hurt, frighten or pressure him—including Ian. Yet with a killer dead set on making sure Charlie never speaks again, a protector like Ian is just what Liz and Charlie need.
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Vanishing Act
Eighteen months ago, Nora James watched as her father was shot in an alley—and then she fled. She changed her name, her appearance and her job, hoping to keep her father's shooter at bay. For months, it worked … but now her luck has run out. A ruthless assassin is on her trail, and soon Nora, now known as Danielle, will be found. But this time, she has FBI agent Nate Andersen by her side—right? The handsome agent would give his life to protect Danielle, but he's wary of giving his heart … until a deadly confrontation leaves him with both on the line.
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Protective Custody
Guarding witnesses? All in a day's work for deputy U.S. marshal Carly Masterson. Protecting the judge who was indirectly responsible for her mentor's death? That's another story.
Still, she won't let harm come to Judge Nicholas Floyd, or the niece and nephew in his care. She's determined to do the job right, and not let her emotions take over—no matter how wonderful it feels to be accepted by the little family. Can she let go of the past and learn to trust again before danger finds them once more?
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Assignment: Bodyguard
Her father will accept only the best for Kit Atkins's protection. So when Kit is threatened, he calls on Shane Warwick, a CHAIM agent. Shane is calm, capable, protective—and way too charming for Kit's peace of mind. Yet despite her protests, Shane refuses to leave her side. As they hide out at a remote Texas ranch, a powerful bond grows between them, even as danger rises. Connections to the mysterious death of Kit's late husband reveal old betrayals. Suddenly, Kit's assigned bodyguard is the only person she can trust.
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If you enjoy the suspense books in this series, you can get 2 free Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense books plus 2 free gifts just for giving the automatic program a try. Accepting your two free Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense 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 Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense 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:
End of the Line by Mike Manno (Book Review)
End of the Line by Mike Manno. A Parker Noble Mystery. Five Star Hardcover, June 2010.
Mike Manno's second mystery to feature homicide detective Jerome "Stan" Stankowski and his state attorney liaison Parker Noble, End of the Line, has the mismatched duo investigating the murder of a man found on bus.
Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: End of the Line by Mike Manno.
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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.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
ITW Announces Watchlist Vook Now Available for iPad
In a press release, Vook, the company that pioneered the integration of text and video into an innovative new mixed media experience, and the International Thriller Writers (ITW) announced the release of its newest two-part vook series, Watchlist -- a unique collaboration by twenty-one of the world’s greatest thriller writers including Jeffery Deaver, who conceived the characters and set the plot in motion -- together with 26 original videos and a manuscript reading with award-winning actor Alfred Molina, now available for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.
“There are endless possibilities in digital publishing, and we’re experimenting with many genres and production processes to empower writers and thought leaders to share content in new and innovative ways,” said Brad Inman, CEO and founder of Vook. “Watchlist introduces a new type of Vook, bringing together some of the best minds in the thriller genre to create a new type of collaborative fiction for anyone with an iPad or iPhone.”
Vooks are available on the web-based Vook Reader and also on-the-go as a unique mobile application for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch through the Apple iTunes App Store.
Watch M. J. Rose talk about the backstory to Watchlist below. You can also read our review of the book at Mysterious Reviews: Watchlist.
Janet Evanovich May Be Leaving Long-Time Publisher St. Martin's Press
It isn't often that an author changing publishers makes news. But when the author is Janet Evanovich and the publisher is the St. Martin's Press imprint of Macmillan and the reported amount involved is $50 million for her next four books, that's news.
Deadline.com is reporting that Evanovich is considering leaving her long-time publisher. The article says she is the publisher's biggest fiction author.
St. Martin's Press has published Evanovich's Stephanie Plum mysteries, without question her most successful series, since 1998, beginning with the fourth in the series. (Scribner published the first three books.) HarperCollins published the two books in a separate mystery series featuring Metro Girl Alexandra "Barney" Barnaby.
The most recent Stephanie Plum mystery, Sizzling Sixteen, has been near the top of the bestseller lists since its publication in mid-June. In addition to the "numbered" books in the series, Evanovich has also written four "between-the-numbers" books featuring the New Jersey bounty hunter.
Justice in June by Barbara Levenson (Book Review)
Justice in June by Barbara Levenson. A Mary Magruder Katz Mystery. Oceanview Publishing Hardcover, June 2010.
Defense attorney Mary Magruder Katz juggles two very demanding cases -- one of which is being tried in the press, the other very much behind the scenes, out of public eye -- in Justice in June, the second mystery in this series by Barbara Levenson.
Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Justice in June by Barbara Levenson.
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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.
eHarlequin Silhouette Romantic Suspense Titles for August 2010
Sparked by danger, fueled by passion, eHarlequin.com has released the August 2010 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! 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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To Catch a Killer
Ten years ago Kara Thistle fled her sleepy California town. She left behind bittersweet memories and a night that changed her life. Now deadly business brings the FBI special agent back home and face-to-face with her ex-lover—Lantern Cove police chief Matthew Beauchamp.
Forced to work with the special agent to track down a killer, Matt has to play nice with Kara, the last person he expected to see again. The woman he's never forgotten. Despite everything, he still wants her … even when he discovers her secret. Now their daughter's in danger, and Kara is stealing his heart all over again. This time they have everything to lose …
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Army of Two
Special Forces major Mitch Redinger didn't do weekends with businessmen. Simply wasn't his style. He had his own reasons for accepting the invitation to a corporate retreat—her name was Chantal.
A lifetime ago Chantal had been the perfect general's daughter—until she lost her heart to a soldier. Now she owns her own resort, isolated and peaceful … until Mitch's presence on her little slice of heaven threatens to upend her world again.
But an awkward situation turns deadly when the resort is attacked. As every avenue of escape is closed off, Mitch and Chantal must work together to rescue the hostages, before more innocent people die …
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Redstone Ever After
Redstone, Inc., pilot Tess Machado is awaiting her boss when two armed men muscle their way onto her plane in the middle of the California wilderness. It's Josh Redstone—of the Redstone empire—they want. But Tess isn't giving up the man she secretly loves—not without a fight.
Josh always knew this day would come. Being the head of Redstone put a giant target on his back. The kidnappers on board the Hawk V are armed and dangerous, but they're forgetting one glaring detail. No one—no one—puts his Tess in harm's way and gets away with it.
Will Tess and Josh admit what's been so obvious to others … before they're silenced forever?
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Covert Agent's Virgin Affair
Undercover agent Jake Pierson figures one romantic dinner will get never-been-kissed librarian Mary Walsh to tell him everything she knows about her late father's criminal activities. But the more Mary talks, the more Jake wants to shut her up with kisses. Because he's falling for his own too-trusting target—and there isn't a damn thing he can do about it. Well, maybe one thing …
With her shiny new lease on life, Mary has become wiser about a lot of things. For one, she can spot a liar a mile away. She knows her gorgeous new boyfriend is hiding something. And she has a sneaking suspicion those secrets will get them both killed unless he trusts her with the truth.
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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:
Inception: The Cobol Job, a Comic Prequel to the Film
This Friday, July 16th, the highly anticipated film Inception hits theaters. To whet your appetite in the meantime, Inception: The Cobol Job, a comic prequel (or prologue), has been published, which can be read and dowloaded from Yahoo! movies.
Written by Jordan Goldberg, the comic is based on characters created by Christopher Nolan (who wrote the screenplay).
The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a thief skilled in the art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious. But this ability has also made him an international fugitive, with one last chance at redemption if he can accomplish the impossible -- inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb must pull off the reverse, not to steal an idea but to plant one. It could be the perfect crime.
Slow Horses by Mick Herron (Book Review)
Slow Horses by Mick Herron. Non-series. Soho Constable Hardcover, June 2010.
When a British intelligence agent errs in the description of a suspected bomber, following the wrong man while the right one ends up killing and injuring over 100 people, he's sent to a half-way house for spies for rehabilitation in Slow Horses, author Mick Herron's sixth novel of suspense.
Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Slow Horses by Mick Herron.
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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.
Second Poster for RED Released, this one with Helen Mirren
Earlier this week we wrote about the first poster for the upcoming film RED, based on the graphic crime novel by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner. It featured Bruce Willis with an overall design similar to the cover of the source material.
Now a second poster has been released by the studio, this one with co-star Helen Mirren.
We're so hoping this film is a much fun as the trailer seems to suggest!
RED opens in theaters on October 15th and stars Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren as retired CIA agents who embark on an impossible, cross-country mission to break into the top-secret agency headquarters, where they will uncover one of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups in government history.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Psych Season Five Premieres Wednesday, July 14th on USA Network
The fifth season of Psych premieres tomorrow, July 14th, at 10 PM (ET/PT) on USA Network.
Psych stars James Roday as Shawn Spencer, who possesses uncanny powers of observation honed by his police officer father, Henry (Corbin Bernsen). Using his charm and well-tuned talent, Shawn convinces the cops that he's actually a psychic, and although highly skeptical of his explanation, they hire him to help solve tough cases. With the reluctant assistance of his best friend Gus (Dulé Hill), Shawn uses his skills of observation and charismatic personality to become the detective he was trained to be, opening his own PI agency –- Psych –- and solving cases for an ever-suspicious, but grudgingly impressed, police force.
Opening season five is an episode titled "Romeo and Juliet and Juliet" in which Shawn and Gus find themselves caught between two rival Chinese Triad gangs as they search for a powerful businessman’s abducted daughter.
Watch a 30-second preview below:
