Search for Five Lost Manuscripts in Vampire Mansion: A Linda Hyde Mystery

Discover a secret that has been hidden for centures in Vampire Mansion: A Linda Hyde Mystery.

When reporter Linda Hyde sets out to cover a rare book exhibition at the museum, she gets an offer she can't refuse. The job is to search for five lost manuscripts for a mysterious collector. As Linda, you will find that you are not alone in this quest.

A secret world of vampires slowly reveals itself. As Linda's search for the books intensifies, she discovers that she has taken on much more than she bargained for. Race against time to help Linda turn the tables against evil and outwit her supernatural enemies!

Vampire Mansion: A Linda Hyde Mystery is scheduled to be released on today, April 12, 2011, for Windows PCs. It is ESRB rated E10+, Everyone, 10 and older.

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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!

Mulholland Books to Publish The House of Silk, the New Sherlock Holmes Novel by Anthony Horowitz

Earlier this year we learned that Anthony Horowitz received authorization from the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle to write a new Sherlock Holmes novel, the first time such approval has ever been granted.

Today, the North American publisher of the book was announced to be Mulholland Books, the crime imprint of Little, Brown.

And the title of the book? The House of Silk.

A few details about the plot have also emerged. Set in 1890, it is written by John Watson a year after the death of Holmes. In a prologue, Watson reveals why he waited so long to write the tale: "It is no exaggeration to suggest it could tear apart the very fabric of society ..."

Horowitz reads from the novel in the video below. Expect to see The House of Silk on bookshelves November 1st, 2011.

(Source: Mulholland Books)

Return to Face the Dark Forces that Haunt You in Black Mirror 3: Final Fear

In the final chapter of this acclaimed horror trilogy, Black Mirror 3: Final Fear picks up right where the thrilling ending to Black Mirror 2: Reigning Evil left off.

Only a short time ago, Darren Michaels was a quiet store clerk in a sleepy New England town. Now in Willow Creek, England, a tormented Darren barely reacts as police handcuffs are closed on his wrists. All the evidence points to him, and the police have arrested Darren as their primary suspect in a fatal crime. He's subjected to extensive questioning, but Darren is numb to the events occurring around him, and has withdrawn into a deep emptiness. Then after several weeks of incarceration, Darren is unexplainably released.

But he is not free. Darren remains terrorized by sleepless nights, nightmare-like visions, and the chilling specter of murder and death.

Now alone, Darren must continue his search to uncover what has been happening to him and lift the veil on his clouded past. What has he really seen? What do his torturous nightmares really mean? Who is the mysterious person that posted the bail to set him free? What demons lie waiting in the crypt?

Return to face the dark forces that haunt the ominous Black Mirror Castle as you search for the secrets that lie behind the tangled web of haunting riddles, mysterious secrets and dark characters. Alternate between two playable characters, as you explore over 120 highly detailed and atmospheric locations, and interact with over 50 characters in your quest for redemption.

Dare to find the answers in the climactic final chapter of this epic trilogy — for once you gaze into the Black Mirror, you won't be able to look away.

Black Mirror III: Final Fear is scheduled to be released on April 12, 2011, and may be pre-ordered. It is indicated as Rating Pending, but it is likely to be rated M for Mature.

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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!

ITV Commissions Television Adaptation of Silent Scream by Lynda La Plante

ITV has commissioned a fourth made-for-television film from a book in Lynda La Plante's series featuring Detective Inspector Anna Travis. The author will adapt the fifth mystery in the series, Silent Scream, for a three-episode presentation.

Kelly Reilly returns as Anna Travis, who is assigned to a team investigating the murder of British film star Amanda Delany. Never one for the quiet life, Amanda has had a string of affairs with the hottest actors around. Then, coming home late from a night shoot, she puts the key in her front door for the very last time. The next morning, Amanda's body is found, stabbed many times, only her beautiful face left unharmed.

Anna is shocked by the truth behind Amanda's public image: her addictions to drugs and starvation diets; her cold, unemotional parents; her elusive film agent; and the former lovers so quick to distance themselves.

But Anna is also facing challenges of her own. The investigating team is headed by Anna's former lover, the demanding DCI James Langton (played by Ciarán Hinds). And just when she sees her promotion to Chief Inspector within her grasp, Anna faces a shocking accusation of personal misconduct.

(Source: Press release.)

You can read the first chapter(s) of Silent Scream below. Use the Aa settings button to adjust text size, line spacing, and word density.

Teaser Trailer for Literary/Political Thriller Anonymous

A teaser trailer for the political (and literary) thriller Anonymous has been released, which can be seen below.

The film speculates on an issue that has for centuries intrigued academics and brilliant minds ranging from Mark Twain and Charles Dickens to Henry James and Sigmund Freud, namely: who was the author of the plays credited to William Shakespeare? Experts have debated, books have been written, and scholars have devoted their lives to protecting or debunking theories surrounding the authorship of the most renowned works in English literature.

Anonymous, set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, poses one possible answer, focusing on a time when cloak-and-dagger political intrigue, illicit romances in the Royal Court, and the schemes of greedy nobles hungry for the power of the throne were exposed in the most unlikely of places: the London stage.

The film stars Rhys Ifans as Edward de Vere, the purported author of the plays attributed to William Shakespeare (played by Rafe Spall), Vanessa Redgrave as Queen Elizabeth I, and Joely Richardson as Princess Elizabeth Tudor. Anonymous is scheduled to be in theaters September 30th, 2011.

Telemystery: Dragnet, New This Week on DVD

Telemystery, your source for one of the most comprehensive selections of detective, amateur sleuth, private investigator, and suspense television mystery series, mini-series and made-for-television movies, now available on or coming soon to DVD or Blu-ray disc, is profiling one series being released this week.

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Los Angeles, California. The 1970s. The city is rife with homicide, forgers, bigamists, narcotics operators and even dognappers. It's up to the fine men and women of the LAPD to quell the ever-rising number of crimes and their perpetrators in Dragnet.

Jack Webb (who also created the series) stars as Sgt. Joe Friday with Harry Morgan as his partner Officer Bill Gannon in this final season of the updated series that originally aired for 8 seasons during the 1950s and had its origins on radio in the late 1940s.

"Just the facts, ma'am": The Dragnet: Season Four DVD set of 4 discs contain the 26 episodes that aired from September 1969 through April 1970 on NBC.

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Visit the Telemystery website to discover more television mystery series currently available on and coming soon to DVD and Blu-ray disc.

Investigate the Circumstances behind the Mayor's Murder in Mystery Novel, 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.

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While attending a ribbon cutting at the new prison not far from the city, Mayor Lambert is killed by a sniper's bullet. The killer is identified -- Mr. Jones -- who becomes the first person to enter the prison ... but also the last, when it mysteriously burns to the ground.

You play journalist Michael Jennings, the new Crime Editor for the city's newspaper, who must investigate the circumstances behind the strange events at the prison and discover the truth behind the an ancient amulet being worn by the mayor at the time of his murder.

Mystery Novel may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (173.15 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 Godoku Puzzle for April 11, 2011

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!).

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This week's letters and mystery clue:

A D F H O R T U Y

The title of Zoë Sharp’s 8th Charlie Fox mystery is this ordinal time period (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!

Potsdam Station by David Downing (Mystery Book Review)

Potsdam Station by David Downing. A John Russell Mystery. Soho Press Hardcover, April 2011.

There is no shortage of action and suspense in this fast-paced, tension-filled novel that chronicles journalist John Russell's harrowing journey from Stalin's Russia to Nazi Germany to be reunited with his family in Berlin -- a family he doesn't even know is still alive -- in the closing days of World War II.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Potsdam Station by David Downing.

Purchase Options:  |  | 

Read the first chapter(s) of Potsdam Station below. Use the Aa settings button to adjust text size, line spacing, and word density.

Nominations for the 2010 Strand Critics Awards Announced

We're a little late in getting this information out, but the nominees for the 2010 Strand Critics Awards have been announced. Recognizing excellence in the field of mystery fiction, this annual award for mysteries published in the prior year is judged by a select group of book reviewers from the nation's top daily newspapers, as well as by Andrew F. Gulli, Managing Editor of The Strand Magazine. The winners will be announced at an invitation-only cocktail party, hosted by The Strand, on July 6th, 2011, in New York City.

The nominees are:

◊ Best Novel
The Reversal by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown)
Faithful Place by Tana French  (Viking)
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson  (Knopf)
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane (William Morrow)
I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman (William Morrow)

◊ Best First Novel
Blacklands by Belinda Bauer (Simon & Schuster)
Rock Paper Tiger by Lisa Brackmann (Soho Press)
The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron (Minotaur Books)
The Sherlockian by Graham Moore (Twelve)
Snow Angels by James Thompson (Putnam)

 indicates a review by Mysterious Reviews.

(Hat tip to Mystery Fanfare.)

The Opposite of Dark by Debra Purdy Kong (Mystery Book Review)

The Opposite of Dark by Debra Purdy Kong. A Casey Holland Mystery. TouchWood Editions Hardcover, March 2011.

This murder mystery couples an interesting premise with a compelling plotline that has some interesting twists, but is flawed by thinly developed characters that act in often implausible ways.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: The Opposite of Dark by Debra Purdy Kong.

Purchase Options:  |  | 

Reviews of Mystery and Suspense Books for Kids, New This Week on Book Trends (110409)

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.

Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. The 5th book in the Lunch Lady graphic novel mystery series, recommended for readers aged 10 to 12. Lexile measure: N/A. Reviewed by a 6th grade student, who writes, "It's an action-packed story with a Lunch Lady twist. I especially love the "mirror broom" and "ketchup laser. ... The author did a great job with the plot of the story. It is very realistic, but still fun and silly." (Read the entire review.)

Witches' Brew by Mary Labatt. The 4th book in the Sam & Friends mystery series, recommended for readers aged 7 to 9. Lexile measure: N/A. Reviewed by a 6th grade student, who writes, "Witches, mysteries, spying, and a K9 detective? That's right, a dog who can communicate! Mary Labatt has written a short, yet totally comical, graphic novel." (Read the entire review.)

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.

Plot Revealed for Heat Rises, the Third Nikki Heat Mystery by Richard Castle

The third Nikki Heat mystery by Richard Castle is scheduled to be published this September, and now the plotline has been revealed.

The bizarre murder of a parish priest at a New York bondage club is just the tip of an iceberg that leads Nikki Heat to a dark conspiracy that reaches all the way to the highest level of the NYPD. But when she gets too close to the truth, Nikki finds herself disgraced, stripped of her badge, and out on her own as a target for killers with nobody she can trust. Except maybe the one man in her life who’s not a cop. Reporter Jameson Rook. In the midst of New York’s coldest winter in a hundred years, there’s one thing Nikki is determined to prove. Heat rises.

Richard Castle is the fictional crime novelist on ABC's Castle, played by Nathan Fillion. Heat Wave and Naked Heat, the first two Nikki Heat mysteries, both of which have been integrated into episodic storylines on the show, were bestsellers.

(Source: EW's Shelf Life.)

Winners of the 2010 RT Bookreviewer's Awards Announced

The winners of the 2010 RT Bookreviewer's Awards have been announced. (We're not actually quite sure when they were announced, but we just learned about it!) The winners, in various categories, are selected by a staff of over 50 reviewers representing the readers' voice in the women's fiction industry.

The winners of the mystery awards for books published in 2010 are:

◊ Amateur Sleuth: Bone Appetit by Carolyn Haines (Minotaur Books)
◊ Contemporary Mystery: Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin (William Morrow)
◊ First Mystery: Murder at Mansfield Park by Lynn Shepherd (St. Martin's Griffin)
◊ Historical Mystery: Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen (Berkley)
◊ Inspirational Mystery: The Bishop by Steven James  (Revell)
◊ Suspense / Thriller: One Grave Less by Beverly Connor (Obsidian)

 indicates a review by Mysterious Reviews.

Help Solve the Mystery of Your Parents' Death in Margrave: The Curse of the Severed Heart, 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.

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Deep in the English countryside, Edwina Margrave has returned to the cottage where her parents died, eager to speak with the one person who might shed light on the tragedy – the volatile landlady, Miss Thorn. But her shocking revelations are not what Edwina expected! Take on the role of Edwina and go on a journey into the supernatural to enlist the aid of the spirit world and evade the wrath of a disfigured beast as you explore the picturesque village where your mysterious host is hiding something.

See also the other games in this series, The Secret of Margrave Manor and Margrave Manor 2: The Lost Ship.

Margrave: The Curse of the Severed Heart may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (179.46 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!