P. D. James Wins 2010 Nick Clarke Award for Broadcast Interview

In a press release yesterday, the BBC announced that crime novelist P. D. James is the winner of the 2010 Nick Clarke Award for her interview last December with BBC Director General Mark Thompson. The award recognizes and celebrates the best broadcast interview of the year.

"The broadcast interview is one of the most effective ways in which the major issues of today's world can be discussed," James said, "and I am greatly honoured to be the recipient of this important prize established in memory of a distinguished broadcaster."

Mystery Godoku Puzzle for October 11, 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 E K M N O R S T

This secret agent’s name is in the title of a novel by Marc Holland (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!

Evil for Evil by James R. Benn (Book Review)

Evil for Evil by James R. Benn. A Billy Boyle Mystery. Soho Press Hardcover, September 2009.

Military investigator Billy Boyle is sent to Northern Ireland to look into the theft of artillery and ammunition from a US Army depot, a mission for which he may have some personal conflict given his deep Irish family roots, in Evil for Evil, the fourth World War II mystery in this series by James R. Benn.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Evil for Evil by James R. Benn.

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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.

Hardcover Mysteries Premieres Monday, October 11th, on Investigation Discovery

Tomorrow, Monday October 11th at 9 PM (ET/PT), a new series begins on Investigation Discovery: Hardcover Mysteries.

Over the course of eight weeks, Hardcover Mysteries will travel inside the minds of America's most popular novelists to explore the crossover from fact to fiction. How much of today's great mystery writing springs from the imagination ... and how much of it is ripped from the headlines? In this new series, top fiction crime writers share stories of real-life cases that inspired them to write, or captured their fascination.

First up is bestselling crime novelist David Baldacci, who talks about the 1964 murder of socialite Mary Meyer that was the inspiration for his 1996 debut thriller Absolute Power, which was also made into film starring Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman. Read more about the author and watch a preview video of the episode on Investigation Discovery: Hardcover Mysteries (David Baldacci).

Strange Cases: The Lighthouse Mystery, New at AVG

Games of Mystery is pleased to announce this week's new mystery and suspense casual and adventure games available for immediate download from Amazon Video Games.

A complete list of downloadable mystery games is available on our Games of Mystery: Amazon Video Games Download page.

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Strange Cases: The Lighthouse Mystery

FBI Agent Claire Ellery's latest strange case has become personal. Tom, her former partner, has died under bizarre circumstances. As Agent Ellery delves deeper into the mystery of his death, she finds that Tom himself has laid a trail of clues for her-a trail that leads her into a sinister web of corporate betrayal and the arcane. Follow the cards to solve this "Strange Case" and vindicate your partner's untimely demise.

See also the previous game in this series, Strange Cases: The Tarot Card Mystery.

ESRB Rating: Not Specified.

Windows Vista/XP (197 MB download).

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Games of Mystery is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations, and more mysterious fun!

The Bourne Legacy Won't Include Matt Damon as Jason Bourne ... and Won't Even Include Jason Bourne

A few days ago we reported that the fourth Bourne film was moving forward with a new director. Titled The Bourne Legacy, it is based on an original screenplay, and not on the fourth book of the series by Eric Van Lustbader (which also bears the title The Bourne Legacy).

Now that very same director, Tony Gilroy, has contacted Jeffrey Wells of Hollywood Elsewhere to clarify a few details about the film.

First, The Bourne Legacy will not only not star Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, it won't even include the character of Jason Bourne. "There will be a whole new hero, a whole new chapter ... this is a stand-alone project." Secondly, it is not a prequel or sequel to the original three films, but will feature a storyline that "enhances and advances and invites Jason Bourne's return [down the road]."

Overall, probably a pretty smart move on the part of the producers. Still, it's already confusing that the film's title matches one of the Bourne thrillers. Leaving Bourne out of the film entirely would only seem to add to the confusion. What do you think?

Wallander in The Man Who Smiled, Sunday October 10th on PBS

Tomorrow, Sunday October 10th, the second of three new episodes of Series II of Wallander airs on PBS (check your local listings for air times).

In "The Man Who Smiled", adapted from the fourth novel in the Wallander series of crime thrillers by Henning Mankell, Gustaf Torstensson quietly chants "Mea culpa, mea culpa," as he drives to his death. His son Sten Torstensson, a friend of Inspector Kurt Wallander (Kenneth Branagh), begs the detective to investigate the suspicious case — Wallander is his last hope. But hope has all but drained from Wallander's life, as he's now on indefinite leave from his work and has been all but forgotten after enduring an on-the-job trauma. When Sten is found dead, an apparent suicide, Wallander is drawn back to inquire. The clues and suspects are provocative enough — postcards with death threats, a respected and reviled philanthropist working in Africa and a former cop tormented by his own personal demons. But Wallander's reentry is an uneasy one, and even as the case comes together, his fragile stability and increasingly questionable judgment are severely tested.

The first series of Wallander is available on DVD from Telemystery: Wallander. This second series will be released on DVD and Blu-ray disc on October 19th, and may be pre-ordered.

A Sporting Murder by Chester Campbell (Book Review)

A Sporting Murder by Chester Campbell. A Greg McKenzie Mystery. Night Shadows Press Trade Paperback, September 2010.

When rumors of an NBA team coming to Nashville have the area's NHL fans up in arms, private investigators Jill and Greg McKenzie are hired to learn how serious the opposition is, in A Sporting Murder, the fifth mystery in this series by Chester D. Campbell.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: A Sporting Murder by Chester Campbell.

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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.

Mr. E. Reviews The Oxford Murders

Several years ago, I reviewed The Oxford Murders by Guillermo Martínez, an intellectual whodunit-style mystery. Published originally in Spanish in 2003, an English language translation came out in 2005, and a film adaptation was announced soon thereafter. And though The Oxford Murders was released in Spain in 2008, it sort of disappeared until this week, when film (on DVD and Blu-ray disc) was released here in the US.

As I enjoyed the book, I was eager to see the film treatment. I'm pleased to say upfront that, for the most part, it is a successful and enjoyable adaptation.

Read the full text of our review at Mr. E. Reviews: The Oxford Murders.

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Mr. E. Reviews is your source for mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime drama reviews of television and film.

Reviews of Mystery and Suspense Books for Kids, New This Week on Book Trends (101009)

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/thriller category.

All Hallows' Eve by Vivian Vande Velde. A short story collection for readers 12 and older. Lexile measure: 1010L. Reviewed by a 6th grade student, who writes, "Murder, suspense, horror and the supernatural ... This book made me want to sleep with the lights on. I think it is amazing how she put this many spine chilling stories into one book."

The Presence by Eve Bunting. A stand-alone title recommended for readers aged 10 to 12. Lexile measure: 550L. Reviewed by a 6th grade student, who writes, "If you like mystery/romance novels, this book is good for you. The book is a ghost story, but only because there's a ghost in it. The most thrilling part is the end because it's very suspenseful."

For more reviews of children and young adult books of all genres, visit Book Trends; their reviews will amaze you! You can also follow Book Trends on Twitter.

Match Wits with a Famous French Thief in Sherlock Holmes vs. Arsene Lupin, New at BFG

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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Play the role of Sherlock Holmes and embark on an investigation full of suspense in this thrilling adventure in the heart of 19th century London. Arsene Lupin, a young French thief with an impressive track record, has crossed the Channel with a daring proposition for you on your own territory. Lupin challenges you to prevent the theft of five priceless artefacts over five days, stored in prestigious locations such as the National Gallery, the British Museum and even Buckingham Palace! Prepare to rise to Lupin's challenge and confront the master thief!

See also the previous games in this series featuring the famous consulting detective: Sherlock Holmes: The Mystery of the Mummy, Sherlock Holmes: The Secret of the Silver Earring, and Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened.

Sherlock Holmes vs. Arsene Lupin may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. Due to its large size, a demonstration version is not available.

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!

CWA Announces Winners of Gold, Steel, and New Blood Dagger Awards

Three CWA Dagger Awards were given out today by the Crime Writers Association celebrating the very best in crime and thriller writing. The winners are:

◊ Gold (best novel): Blacklands by Belinda Bauer (Corgi)
◊ Ian Fleming Steel (best thriller): A Loyal Spy by Simon Conway (Hodder & Stoughton)
◊ New Blood (best first novel): Acts of Violence by Ryan David Jahn (Pan)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One Will Not Be Released in 3D

In a press release this afternoon, Warner Bros. announced that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One will not be released in 3D, saying, in part, that the studio "will not have a completed 3D version of the film within our release date window. Despite everyone’s best efforts, we were unable to convert the film in its entirety and meet the highest standards of quality. We do not want to disappoint fans who have long anticipated the conclusion of this extraordinary journey, and to that end, we are releasing our film on November 19, 2010, as planned. We, in alignment with our filmmakers, believe this is the best course to take in order to ensure that our audiences enjoy the consummate Harry Potter experience."

Director David Yates added, "This decision, which we completely support, underscores the fact that Warner Bros. has always put quality first."

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two is still scheduled to be released in both 2D and 3D on July 15, 2011.

Solve a Literary Mystery with Inspector Dupin in Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat, New at BFG

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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Go on a thrilling literary adventure with Inspector Dupin and behold Edgar Allan Poe's world of the macabre! Monsieur Mark Davies has reported his wife, Sara, missing and now it’s up to you to track her down and solve the mystery! Follow a mysterious black cat, who seems to be purposely helping you, and discover helpful clues. Use your hidden object talents to tackle the case, and discover the evil culprit behind Sara’s disappearance.

For a more in-depth playing experience, check out the Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat Collector's Edition, which includes bonus gameplay, original soundtrack, an integrated strategy guide, and more.

Also available: Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat Strategy Guide and Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat Game Walkthrough.

See also the first game in this series, Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's Murder in the Rue Morgue, which is also available in a Collector's Edition.

Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (373.12 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!

Mystery Bestsellers for October 08, 2010

A list of the top 15 mystery hardcover bestsellers for the week ending October 8th, 2010 has been posted on the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books website.

Though The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson continues to dominate the top of the list, we're seeing more new titles enter -- three this week.

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New last week but debuting just off the list, Bury Your Dead, the 6th Armand Gamache mystery by Louise Penny moves up smartly to number 7.

It is Winter Carnival in Quebec City, bitterly cold and surpassingly beautiful. Chief Inspector Gamache has come not to join the revels but to recover from an investigation gone hauntingly wrong. But violent death is inescapable, even in the apparent sanctuary of the Literary and Historical Society—where an obsessive historian’s quest for the remains of the founder of Quebec, Samuel de Champlain, ends in murder. Could a secret buried with Champlain for nearly 400 years be so dreadful that someone would kill to protect it?

Although he is supposed to be on leave, Gamache cannot walk away from a crime that threatens to ignite long-smoldering tensions between the English and the French. Meanwhile, he is receiving disquieting letters from the village of Three Pines, where beloved Bistro owner Olivier was recently convicted of murder. “It doesn't make sense,” Olivier’s partner writes every day. “He didn't do it, you know.” As past and present collide, Gamache must relive the terrible event of his own past before he can bury his dead.

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The 16th mystery featuring Harry Bosch and the 3rd with Mickey Haller, The Reversal by Michael Connelly enters the list in 10th position.

Longtime defense attorney Mickey Haller is recruited to change stripes and prosecute the high-profile retrial of a brutal child murder. After 24 years in prison, convicted killer Jason Jessup has been exonerated by new DNA evidence. Haller is convinced Jessup is guilty, and he takes the case on the condition that he gets to choose his investigator, LAPD Detective Harry Bosch.

Together, Bosch and Haller set off on a case fraught with political and personal danger. Opposing them is Jessup, now out on bail, a defense attorney who excels at manipulating the media, and a runaway eyewitness reluctant to testify after so many years.

With the odds and the evidence against them, Bosch and Haller must nail a sadistic killer once and for all. If Bosch is sure of anything, it is that Jason Jessup plans to kill again.

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New on the list in the 11st spot is the 38th Spenser mystery, Painted Ladies by the late Robert B. Parker.

Called upon by The Hammond Museum and renowned art scholar Dr. Ashton Prince, Boston private investigator Spenser accepts his latest case: to provide protection during a ransom exchange -- money for a stolen painting.

The case becomes personal when Spenser fails to protect his client and the valuable painting remains stolen. Convinced that Ashton Prince played a bigger role than just ransom delivery boy, Spenser enters into a daring game of cat-and-mouse with the thieves. But this is a game he might not come out of alive ...

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The top four mystery bestsellers this week are shown below:

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