TV|Line is reporting that the first angel has been cast in ABC's reboot of the 1970s series Charlie's Angels. She's Annie Ilonzeh, who is currently starring as Maya Ward on ABC's General Hospital.
This updated series will be set in Miami with three private investigators -- Kate (Annie Ilonzeh), Abby, and Marisa -- working for a mystery man named Charlie (previously reported to be the voice of Robert Wagner).
Thursday, January 20, 2011
First Angel of ABC's Charlie's Angels Reboot Cast
Film Adaptation Considered for Alfred Hitchcock/Psycho Book
The Los Angeles Times|24 Frames is reporting that a film version of the non-fiction book Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho by Stephen Rebello is being considered. Sacha Gervasi (Anvil! The Story of Anvil) is looking to write the adaptation and direct the feature. (It isn't clear if the intent here is to fictionalize the story or not.)
Published in 1990, thirty years after Psycho premiered, Stephen Rebello gives readers an intimate glance at the making of this incredible movie from beginning (the true life crime on which Psycho is based) to end (Hitchcock's obsessive instructions to darken theaters and close the curtains for 30 seconds after the opening credits, in order to raise the suspense).
You can read the first chapter(s) of Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho below:
NBC Orders Pilot for Supernatural Crime Drama 17th Precinct
Here's an interesting premise for a police drama: NBC has ordered a pilot for 17th Precinct, set in the fictional town of Excelsior where magic and supernatural elements rule over science. Ron Moore, the creative force (with David Eick) behind the successful re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica, will executive produce.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
New Behind-the-Scenes Featurette for The Adjustment Bureau
A new behind-the-scenes featurette for The Adjustment Bureau (via Moviefone) has been posted online, and is embedded below.
The film stars Matt Damon as David Norris, an ambitious politician on the brink of winning a seat in the US Senate. But then he meets a beautiful contemporary ballet dancer, Elise Sellas (played by Emily Blunt) — a woman like none he's ever known. But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men of the Adjustment Bureau conspire to keep the two apart.
The Adjustment Bureau, adapted from the Philip K. Dick short story "The Adjustment Team", is scheduled to be in theaters on March 4th, 2011.
Michael Clarke Duncan Cast in Proposed Bones Spin-off
Deadline|Hollywood is reporting that Michael Clarke Duncan has been cast in Fox's proposed spin-off from its popular series Bones. The untitled project is based on a character created by Richard Greener, Walter "The Locator" Sherman, first introduced in the 2006 thriller The Knowland Retribution. (The second, and most recent, title in the series is The Lacy Confession.)
Duncan will play Sherman's friend and investigative partner; the role of The Locator, a tracker who honed his skills in Vietnam, has not yet been cast, but the producers had better hurry: the character is scheduled to appear in a Bones episode to air later this spring.
Bones itself is based on characters created by forensic anthropologist and crime novelist Kathy Reichs.
First Clues Review: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is delighted to publish a new student-written review of a mystery or suspense novel. 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 Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
The 39 Clues Series
Scholastic (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-545-06039-7 (0545060397)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06039-4 (9780545060394)
Publication Date: September 2008
List Price: $12.99
Review written by Noah, Grade 6.
Date of review: January 2011.
Review: What would you do if you were at your grandmother’s funeral and you had the choice to take one million dollars from her will and walk away? Or, you could take a clue that could lead you to being the most influential human being in the world, or lead you to death. Dan and Amy Cahill take the first clue and begin the adventure of their lives. These are the events that begin The Maze of Bones, the first book in "The 39 Clues" series. This book was written by Rick Riordan, but I find it interesting that each book in the series is written by a different author. The book is a mystery written in today’s world. Dan and Amy Cahill are the main characters of this story, Dan is 11 and Amy is 14 years old.
Dan and Amy Cahill are at the will reading during their grandmother’s funeral when they learn that their family is the most influential family in history. Amy has reddish brown hair and, like Dan has green eyes “like jade”. She also gets very nervous and tongue-tied around other people, especially crowds. I like Dan very much because he is a lot like me. He has dark blond hair like I do and he loves to collect things. He has a photographic memory and Amy thinks he is a huge dweeb. They begin a race to find the first of 39 clues which could lead them to either great power or certain death. Making enemies of fellow family members along the way, their many obstacles include when a library explodes with them inside, and other competitors stealing their leads.
The author wrote the story very literally which I liked because I might not have understood some parts if he had written the book with figurative language. The book is written as if it was really happening in our world today. The plot is very interesting; he made it seem as if you are there with them and you know what they are thinking. Rick Riordan filled the genre very well; he had everything a mystery novel needs to be great; suspense, intrigue and excitement. When I read the first chapter I was slightly confused as to what was happening, but that only made me want to read on, so it had an effective hook. The author described everything with phenomenal detail so I had a clear image in my mind at all times. The book is very well paced; it is not too slow or too fast the entire time, and it varied in speed appropriately throughout the book. The ending is written as a cliffhanger which well prepares the reader for the next book. Overall, the book is fantastic. Despite the fact that the author did not use figurative language, which I felt was not needed; I gave the book 10 out of 10. Readers of all ages will love The Maze of Bones.
— ◊ —
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.
First Clue Mysteries is pleased to provide information on over 200 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.
eHarlequin Silhouette Romantic Suspense Titles for February 2011
Sparked by danger, fueled by passion, eHarlequin.com has released the February 2011 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.)
— ◊ —
No Ordinary Hero
When veterinarian Mike Windwalker shows up on widow Del Carmody's doorstep, she soon discovers that he's no ordinary man. Mike's a drop-dead-gorgeous Native American caught between two worlds: those of science and his ancestors' spiritual ways. Del can't explain the strange things happening in her house—the unexplained noises and seemingly misplaced items—unsettling her and her teenage daughter.
Concerned for their safety, Mike offers his help. Besides, there's a sexual undercurrent simmering between him and Del and Mike needs to get to the bottom of that, too. Together they must unravel the mystery surrounding the house only to discover a passion that's hard to deny.
— ◊ —
The Prodigal Bride
Wild card Zoey Bancroft is in a scrape. Her ex-boyfriend has left her stranded with no money in Vegas after hearing she's carrying his child. Desperate, Zoey calls her best friend, firefighter Gage Powell. Before she can tell Gage where she is, a loan shark enters her motel room and destroys her phone …
Tired of saving Zoey from yet another bind, but unable to forget the sparks they once shared, Gage impulsively proposes. For the sake of the baby, of course—it'll be a marriage in name only. But trouble that started in Vegas doesn't always end there, and this time Gage's life—and love—is on the line …
— ◊ —
In His Protective Custody
"You can go back to being the city's dark knight."
Dr. Aleksandra Pulaski tells officer Zane Calloway exactly what she thinks when he shows up in her E.R. with a bullet wound. But Zane isn't leaving her E.R. too fast. A former domestic violence case went bad, and now Alyx's life is in danger. With Zane her only hope …
Zane reluctantly signs up to be Alyx's bodyguard. Trouble is, he could get used to having the infuriating beauty around—permanently. But can he keep her safe from a bitter man's revenge long enough for her to penetrate his steely heart?
— ◊ —
Deadly Valentine
"Her Un-Valentine" by Justine Davis
When she's kidnapped, Taylor Burke is shocked to see her new coworker, Angus Kincaid, holding the gun. She later kisses him just to aggravate his partner and is even more shocked that she likes it. Could she be falling for the bad guy, or does Kincaid have other surprises up his sleeve?
"The February 14th Secret" by Cindy Dees
Colt McQuade is a soldier with a secret, and Layla Freeman is the one person who can unravel it. But someone else wants the information, too, sending the couple on the run. They'll do everything they can to protect Colt's precious knowledge—and guard their hearts in the process.
— ◊ —
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:
Nominations for the 2011 Edgar Awards Announced
The Mystery Writers of America have announced the nominees for the 2011 Edgar Allan Poe Awards (click on the link to see the entire list). The winners will be announced on April 28, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York City.
Here are the nominees for the first few categories listed:
Best Novel
• Caught by Harlan Coben (Dutton)
• Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin (William Morrow)
• Faithful Place by Tana French (Viking)
• The Queen of Patpong by Timothy Hallinan (William Morrow)
• The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton (Minotaur Books)
• I’d Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman (William Morrow)
Best First Novel
• Rogue Island by Bruce DeSilva (Forge Books)
• The Poacher’s Son by Paul Doiron (Minotaur Books)
• The Serialist by David Gordon (Simon & Schuster)
• Galveston by Nic Pizzolatto (Scribner)
• Snow Angels by James Thompson (Putnam)
Best Paperback Original
• Long Time Coming by Robert Goddard (Bantam)
• The News Where You Are by Catherine O’Flynn (Henry Holt)
• Expiration Date by Duane Swierczynski (Minotaur Books)
• Vienna Secrets by Frank Tallis (Random House)
• Ten Little Herrings by L.C. Tyler (Felony & Mayhem Press)
We'll be updating our Mystery Awards: The Edgars page later today with the nominees, which also includes a list of past winners.
Against All Odds by Irene Hannon is Today's Featured Free NookBook Mystery
MystereBooks is pleased to feature a mystery title that is currently available as a NookBook for free from Barnes&Noble. We don't know how long it will be offered at this special price (typically only until a certain number of downloads have been completed), so download it today!
— ◊ —
Against All Odds by Irene Hannon
A Heroes of Quantico Mystery
Revell (Baker Publishing) (NookBook)
Download Link
About Against All Odds (from the publisher): For FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner, dignitary protection duty should have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, Monica Callahan isn't making it easy. Estranged from her diplomat father--who is involved in a sensitive hostage situation in the Middle East -- she refuses to be intimidated by a related terrorist threat back in the States. That is, until a chilling warning convinces her that the danger is very real -- and escalating.
As Coop and his partner do their best to keep her safe, Monica's father triggers an abduction that puts his daughter's life at risk. And with every second that ticks by, Coop knows that the odds of saving the only woman who has ever breached the walls around his heart are dropping. After all, terrorists aren't known for their patience -- or their mercy.
Solve the Mystery Surrounding a Legend in Chronicles of Mystery: The Tree of Life, New from 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.
— ◊ —
For centuries people have risked their lives and committed unspeakable crimes to discover the secrets of The Tree of Life. Times have changed, but not human nature. As Sylvie Leroux -- a young archaeologist and adventurer, working to solve the mystery that surrounds the legend, finds herself tempted by the same promises like so many others before her.
What is linking the mystery of the missing crew from the Mary Celeste with a trunk dating back to the conquistadors? Who is the enigmatic Count of St. Germain? In order to get answers to these and many more questions, Sylvie will set on an epic journey which will lead her across the channels of Venice to the dark alleys of Cairo, rocky coasts of Gibraltar and into the unknown.
See also the first game in this series, Chronicles of Mystery: The Scorpio Ritual.
Chronicles of Mystery: The Tree of Life may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (1520.00 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!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
World's Greatest Sleuth! by Steve Hockensmith (Mystery Book Review)
World's Greatest Sleuth! by Steve Hockensmith. A Holmes on the Range Mystery. Minotaur Books Hardcover, January 2011.
The combination of a real historical setting and a real literary event provides a convincing backdrop to this cleverly-devised murder mystery, one that merges the excitement of a scavenger/treasure hunt with the eye-rolling antics of a modern-day reality show.
Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: World's Greatest Sleuth! by Steve Hockensmith.
Purchase Options: 
Blue Bloods Moves to Wednesdays on CBS
Tomorrow, CBS moves its new crime drama Blue Bloods from Fridays to Wednesdays at 10 PM (ET/PT) for a four week trial run. Hopefully viewers will follow it, as we believe it is one of the network's strongest new series this season.
Blue Bloods stars Tom Selleck as Frank Reagan, the New York City Police Commissioner, a position held by father. Reagan, a widower, has two sons who are also police officers, one a homicide detective, and a daughter who is an assistant district attorney. Another son, also a police officer, died in the line of duty and provides the backstory for a subplot involving a secret organization called the Blue Templars, which may have been involved in his death.
In tomorrow's episode, titled "Little Fish", Danny and Jackie investigate the murder of a high-end escort found floating in the river. Meanwhile, Frank vows to bring a killer to justice when a missing boy's remains are found from a case that he was emotionally invested in 25 years ago.
Watch a short clip from the series below:
James Ellroy's LA: City of Demons Premieres Wednesday, January 19th, on Investigation Discovery
Tomorrow, Wednesday January 19th at 10 PM (ET/PT), Investigation Discovery premieres a new series, James Ellroy's LA: City of Demons.
In the 6-part series, bestselling crime novelist James Ellroy takes a fresh look at some of Hollywood's most nihilistically notorious crimes from the past to the present.
Untamed, unfiltered, and narrated by Ellroy himself, the series begins with a deeply personal account of the genesis of Ellroy's fascination with crime, the unsolved murder of his mother in 1958. This harrowing event formed his moral and spiritual attachment to devastated women. "Murdered women own me," he narrates, and after a long downward spiral with drugs, booze and petty crime, the obsession provided him with the fire and fury to write his unprecedentedly praised crime novels and memoirs.
Read more about James Ellroy's LA: City of Demons on the series website. Watch a trailer for the series below:
Top Suspense Group Features Mystery and Suspense eBooks by Established Authors
Nine established, professional authors of mystery and suspense (and other genres) recently joined forces to promote quality ebooks and formed the Top Suspense Group.
"Readers can count on us," Max Allan Collins, one of the co-founders, explains. "Every member of our group has already made his or her mark on genre fiction, whether it's noir, crime, mystery, thriller, horror or Westerns, and in some cases, several of these genres."
In addition to Collins, the other authors are Bill Crider, Lee Goldberg, Joel Goldman, Ed Gorman, Vicki Hendricks, Paul Levine, Harry Shannon, and Dave Zeltserman.
Their website is conveniently organized by genre, with a featured "book of the day" title on the home page that includes an embedded preview. The authors also maintain a blog, where they discuss their books in more detail.
It's an interesting and informative site, one worth visiting and checking out.
Village of the Ghost Bears by Stan Jones, a Nathan Active Mystery
The Mystery Bookshelf, where you can discover a library of new mysteries, is pleased to feature a new mystery series title we recently received from the publisher.
— ◊ —
Village of the Ghost Bears by Stan Jones
A Nathan Active Mystery (4th in series)
Soho Crime (Trade Paperback)
Publication Date: January 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1-56947-864-6
About Village of the Ghost Bears (from the publisher): Alaska State Trooper Nathan Active must figure out what connects a dead hunter on a remote Arctic lake with a year-old fatal plane crash in the Brooks Range and a fire at the Chukchi Recreation Center that killed eight people, including the town’s basketball star. The case turns out to involve a lucrative polar bear poaching operation and the intense bond between a brother and sister from the village of Cape Goodwin, famous in the Arctic for twins, polar bears, and schizophrenia. The heart of the matter, he discovers, is a dead woman whose killer remembers her as having a mouth so sweet “it was like kissing a Hershey bar.”
— ◊ —
About Stan Jones: A native of Alaska, he has worked as an award-winning journalist and bush pilot. Visit his website at SJBooks.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
