Mystery Bestsellers for the Week Ending December 30, 2011

A list of the top 15 mystery hardcover bestsellers for the week ending December 30th, 2011 has been posted by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.

It's been another fairly quiet holiday week, with no new additions to the bestselling mystery list … though we're featuring two titles that just missed our cutoff.

Atop the list this week is a new number one, Death Comes to Pemberley, a stand-alone novel by P. D. James.

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Debuting at number 17 is the 22nd Stone Barrington mystery, D.C. Dead by Stuart Woods.

Seemingly out of the blue, Stone Barrington and NYPD detective, Dino Bacchetti, receive a most welcome invitation from the White House. It seems President Will Lee needs their investigative talents—and legendary discretion—for a particularly sensitive case. For his part, Stone is pleased to discover they’ll be working with his former partner in crime (and in bed), CIA agent Holly Barker.

In the exclusive world of Washington politics, power and privilege often go hand in hand with private indulgences and clandestine affairs. As Stone’s investigation takes him from the multi-million-dollar Georgetown houses of the city’s elite to the luxurious apartments of Watergate to the private residence of the president himself, it becomes clear that even clubby, buttoned-up Washington high society has a scandalous side that its most favored members would kill to keep secret.

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Just one place lower at 18 is Down the Darkest Road, the third thriller in the "Oak Knoll" series by Tami Hoag.

Four years after the unsolved disappearance of her sixteen-year-old daughter, Lauren Lawton is the only one still chasing the ghosts of her perfect Santa Barbara life. The world has given her daughter up for dead. Her husband ended his own life in the aftermath. Even Lauren’s younger daughter is desperate to find what’s left of the childhood she hasn’t been allowed to have.

Lauren knows exactly who took her oldest child, but there is not a shred of evidence against the man. Even as he stalks her family, Lauren is powerless to stop him. The Santa Barbara police are handcuffed by the very laws they are sworn to uphold. Looking for a fresh start in a town with no memories, Lauren and her younger daughter Leah move to idyllic Oak Knoll. But when Lauren’s suspect turns up in the same city, it feels to all the world that history is about to repeat itself. Leah Lawton will soon turn sixteen, and Oak Knoll has a cunning predator on the hunt.

Sheriff’s detective Tony Mendez and his team begin to close in on the suspected killer, desperate to keep the young women of their picturesque town safe. But as the investigators sift through the murky circumstances of an increasingly disturbing case, a stunning question changes everything they thought they knew.

Purchase Options:

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For more mystery books news, 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.

Irreparable Harm by Melissa F. Miller is Today's Third Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Irreparable Harm by Melissa F. Miller as today's third free mystery ebook. We don't know how long it will be offered at this special price (typically for a limited time only or until a certain number of downloads have been completed), so we urge you to download it while it is still available for free.

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Irreparable Harm by Melissa F. Miller
A Sasha McCandless Mystery
Publisher: Brown Street Books

About Irreparable Harm (from the publisher): There's a smartphone app capable of crashing a commercial jet. And it's for sale to the highest bidder …

Attorney Sasha McCandless is closing in on the prize: After eight years of long hours, she's about to make partner at a prestigious law firm. All she has to do is keep her head down and her billable hours up. Then a plane operated by her client slams into the side of a mountain, killing everyone aboard. She gears up for the inevitable civil lawsuits. But, as Sasha digs into the case, she learns the crash was no accident. She joins forces with a federal air marshal and they race to prevent another crash. People close to the matter start to turn up dead. And Sasha's next on the list. She'll need to rely on her legal training and Krav Maga training in equal measure to stop a madman and save herself.

Important Note: Prices can and do change without prior notice, so please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Download Link(s):

Amazon Free Kindle Edition Download Link.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

The Deadliest Sin by Caroline Richards is Today's Second Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Deadliest Sin by Caroline Richards as today's second free mystery ebook. We don't know how long it will be offered at this special price (typically for a limited time only or until a certain number of downloads have been completed), so we urge you to download it while it is still available for free.

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The Deadliest Sin by Caroline Richards
The "Sin" Trilogy
Publisher: Brava

The first title in an unforgettable trilogy filled with dangerous sensuality and dark secrets.

About The Deadliest Sin (from the publisher):

Dark Dreams …
They had haunted Julia Woolcott all her life, but the strangest of all began with an invitation to a scandalous house party, and a game more dangerously arousing than any she'd ever imagined.

Unbound Desires …
Driven by his ruthless ambition, Alexander Strathmore would do anything to come face to face with the mystery man who'd challenged him to first debauch Julia, then destroy her.

Deadly Sins …
A wild shot … a frantic carriage ride through the night … a forbidden seduction. Rakehell adventurer and sheltered spinster, Alexander and Julia will break every rule to chase down their nemesis and consummate their unlikely passion.

Important Note: Prices can and do change without prior notice, so please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Download Link(s):

Amazon Free Kindle Edition Download Link.

B&N Free Nook Book Download Link.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

Mysterious Reviews: The Best Mysteries of 2011

The title of this post is a little misleading, as the books listed below aren't necessarily the best mysteries of 2011, only the ones I most enjoyed reading and was most enthusiastic in reviewing. Only seven titles received my top rating of 5 stars — or diamonds, since that's the symbol I've chosen to use on the review summary page — but I am also listing six "honorable mention" books that would have received 4½ stars, if I actually had such a rating.

Another quick note: I'm only including those books I reviewed in this post. We oten feature guest reviewers; their choices as the best mysteries of the year aren't included here.

Herewith the best crime novels — mysteries, suspense novels, thrillers — reviewed by Mysterious Reviews during 2011, listed alphabetically by author.

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Devil-Devil by Graeme Kent
Soho Crime (February 2011 Hardcover)

Of the three things I typically look for in a mystery — solid plot/storyline, strong characters, interesting setting — sometimes it only takes one to capture my imagination and set it apart from all the others. It's rare when it's all three, yet that is the case here. Nearly everything works well together: the incredibly realized characters, the spectacular setting, and an intriguing whodunit-style plot. This is an extraordinary debut.

Read the complete text of my review at Mysterious Reviews: Devil-Devil by Graeme Kent.

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Bad Bird by Chris Knopf
Minotaur Books (February 2011 Hardcover)

Chris Knopf frequently appears on my "best of" lists, and with good reason. I find his characters engaging and appealing, and his murder mystery plots, which tend to be deceptively simple on the surface, and delightfully complicated without being obtuse or contrived. Bad Bird is the second mystery in this series, which is actually a spin-off of his Sam Acquillo mysteries, another outstanding series of crime novels.

Read the complete text of my review at Mysterious Reviews: Bad Bird by Chris Knopf.

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Storm Damage by Ed Kovacs
Minotaur Books (December 2011 Hardcover)

Storm Damage is another first-rate debut with a strongly developed lead character. I really enjoyed how the plot unfolded — this is definitely a mystery that's hard to predict what's going to happen next — though I dinged it ever so slightly in my review for leaning a bit too heavily on Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath in New Orleans.

Read the complete text of my review at Mysterious Reviews: Storm Damage by Ed Kovacs.

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Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger
Atria Books (August 2011 Hardcover)

Rarely do I characterize a novel as heart-pounding suspense, but that's exactly what this one is. Crisply written, it takes place in a remote region of Minnesota, a setting that enhances an already thrilling storyline. Cork O'Connor's mentor Henry Meloux is one of the best supporting characters in any series, and it's always a pleasure to revisit him. As I stated in my review, "This find series just keeps getting better."

Read the complete text of my review at Mysterious Reviews: Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger.

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East on Sunset by Ken Mercer
Minotaur Books (June 2011 Hardcover)

I must say, my expectations for this novel were low given I really didn't enjoy its predecessor, the first in the series. Suffice it to say, no one was more surprised than me when I found myself riveted to the storyline here. I think a comment from my review sums it up best: "There are no eye-rolling 'gotcha' twists in East on Sunset; rather the reader will likely feel in the end as if they were being smartly played ... and they were."

Read the complete text of my review at Mysterious Reviews: East on Sunset by Ken Mercer.

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All Cry Chaos by Leonard Rosen
The Permanent Press (September 2011 Hardcover)

There is a quiet confidence in this novel, from its strongly developed lead character to its really complicated — but in a good way — plot, that suggests the author has been at it for quite some time. Yet it is his first book, and simply stated it's a terrific one. I will be very surprised if this title doesn't appear as a nominee for best first mystery when awards are announced next year.

Read the complete text of my review at Mysterious Reviews: All Cry Chaos by Leonard Rosen.

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Liquid Smoke by Jeff Shelby
Tyrus Books (September 2011 Hardcover)

This relatively short, fast-paced mystery surprised me from the very beginning. It is an example of crime novel with a superficially predictable storyline that isn't, unfolding in unexpected ways. I had to include a minor spoiler in my review since the book's ending had me guessing as well: "It's hard to believe this character won't be heard from again, but it's also hard to see how he can return."

Read the complete text of my review at Mysterious Reviews: Liquid Smoke by Jeff Shelby.

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And now six mysteries that are definitely worth seeking out, but — for often really minor issues — didn't quite make the top tier on my list this year.

Hurt Machine by Reed Farrel Coleman. Tyrus Books (December 2011 Hardcover). One of the best murder mystery plots of the year … but with a narrative burdened by Moe Prager's diagnosis of stomach cancer.

The Trinity Six by Charles Cumming. St. Martin's Press (March 2011 Hardcover). A nuanced, smartly written thriller … but overly convoluted at times, and unnecessarily so.

Wyatt by Garry Disher. Soho Crime (August 2011 Hardcover). This winner of the 2010 Ned Kelly Award is a prequel to the series. Solidly written … but slightly uneven.

Trespasser by Paul Doiron. Minotaur Books (June 2011 Hardcover). Atmospheric with a well-crafted plot and a strong lead character … but not quite as polished as it could have been.

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey. Dutton (June 2011 Hardcover). One of the more original, cleverly devised crime novel plots of the year … but some story elements seem overly contrived.

Thick as Thieves by Peter Spiegelman. Knopf (July 2011 Hardcover). A crime caper novel with a superior storyline … but one that can be hard to follow at times and relies on an overused plot device in the end.

Jump Cut by Rory Tate is Today's Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Jump Cut by Rory Tate as today's free mystery ebook. We don't know how long it will be offered at this special price (typically for a limited time only or until a certain number of downloads have been completed), so we urge you to download it while it is still available for free.

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Jump Cut by Rory Tate
A Mimi Raynard Mystery
Publisher: CreateSpace

Rory Tate is a pen name used by crime novelist Lise McClendon. This book is the first in a new series.

About Jump Cut (from the publisher): Seattle reporter Mimi Raynard is having a bad week. Her ex-husband is now her boss at the TV station and wants her head on a platter. When three prostitutes die of a suspicious heroin overdose Mimi gets the story but in her nervous enthusiasm manages to bungle it. The narcotics detective on the case tries to help but both are out-foxed by the buxom intern. What’s a girl to do?

Desperate and out of ideas Mimi takes a friend’s advice and dresses up as a Russian Mafiya Madam for a resume tape she has no intention of sending out. But the lark turns serious when the intern steals the tape.

At the Seattle Police Department the narcotics detective Shad Mulgrew has his own career crisis. He is framed for stealing drugs from evidence. Are the murdered prostitutes linked to his case? Is he getting too close to the truth? And what is Mimi's father doing working for Eastern Europe's last Communists?

Working together to save their reputations, Mimi and Shad look for the truth, from the fishing docks of Puget Sound to the tiny Republic of Moldova.

Important Note: Prices can and do change without prior notice, so please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Download Link(s):

Amazon Free Kindle Edition Download Link.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

The Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville is Today's Barnes&Noble Nook Daily Find

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville as today's Barnes&Noble Nook Daily Find. The deal price of $3.49 is valid only for today, Thursday, December 29, 2011.

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The Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville
Non-Series
Soho Crime

Originally published in the UK under the title The Twelve, this debut novel was the winner of the 2009 Los Angeles Times Book Prize in the mystery/thriller category.

About The Ghosts of Belfast (from the publisher): Fegan has been a “hard man,” an IRA killer in northern Ireland. Now that peace has come, he is being haunted day and night by twelve ghosts: a mother and infant, a schoolboy, a butcher, an RUC constable, and seven other of his innocent victims. In order to appease them, he’s going to have to kill the men who gave him orders.

As he’s working his way down the list he encounters a woman who may offer him redemption; she has borne a child to an RUC officer and is an outsider too. Now he has given Fate — and his quarry — a hostage. Is this Fegan’s ultimate mistake?

Read our review of The Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville.

Important Note: Prices can and do change without prior notice, so please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Download Link(s):

B&N Nook Daily Find 12/29/2011 Download Link.

Watch a 10 Minute Preview to Next Week's Return of Revenge

The one stand-out new television show for us this season has been Revenge on ABC.

Emily VanCamp stars as Emily Thorne, who returns to the Hamptons home of her childhood to take revenge on the people who framed her father for a crime he didn't commit. The storylines are familiar and somewhat predictable, but what sets this series apart and keeps us coming back are the outstanding characters and the actors that portray them, in particular VanCamp and Madeleine Stowe as her nemesis Victoria Grayson.

ABC has released a 10-plus minute preview to next week's episode, "Duress", which airs on January 4th, 2012. We've embedded the video below.

Review: The Devil's Ribbon by D. E. Meredith

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: The Devil's Ribbon by D. E. Meredith.

Taylor Swift's Single Safe & Sound from The Hunger Games

Lionsgate has released a single from the soundtrack to its upcoming film adaptation of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Titled "Safe & Sound", it features Taylor Swift and the Civil Wars in a ballad that seems perfectly suited to the storyline of the book (and film). We've embedded a version below (via the studio). The single can also be purchased from iTunes.

The Hunger Games stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, a teenager forced to compete in a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains. It opens in US theaters March 23rd, 2012.

The Baby Thief by L. J. Sellers is Today's Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Baby Thief by L. J. Sellers as today's free mystery ebook. We don't know how long it will be offered at this special price (typically for a limited time only or until a certain number of downloads have been completed), so we urge you to download it while it is still available for free.

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The Baby Thief by L. J. Sellers
Non-Series
Publisher: Spellbinder Press

About The Baby Thief (from the publisher): Thirty-two and still single, Jenna wants a baby before it’s too late, so she visits a fertility clinic. Soon after she meets Eric, a charming reporter, and their attraction is powerful. Meanwhile the clinic doctor, after one look at Jenna, makes other plans. The doctor and her lover conspire to kidnap Jenna and steal one of her eggs—a simple procedure that the “donor” should no have memory of. But from the beginning, things go terribly wrong. When Jenna disappears, Eric is confused and heartbroken—but can he find her in time to save her?

Important Note: Prices can and do change without prior notice, so please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Download Link(s):

Amazon Free Kindle Edition Download Link.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.