Two Penny Warner middle-school Kindle edition mysteries are currently available to pre-order for free … as of the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change; you should confirm the price of the book before you 1-click purchase it. The books are scheduled to be published this July, 2012.
One of the titles is Warner's Agatha Award and Anthony Award winner for best juvenile/young adult mystery, The Mystery of the Haunted Caves, which introduced the fearless scouts from Troop 13. Originally published in 2001, a Kindle edition was released last year — and is still available — so we're not entirely sure what's new, or different, about the one coming out in July. (The cover in the upper right is that of the original print edition.)
The second is a sequel to the above title, originally published in 2002, and was also released as an ebook last year: The Mystery of the Missing Mustangs.
Here is the synopsis for The Mystery of the Haunted Caves: Thirteen-year-old Becca and her friends Sierra, CJ, and Jonnie are determined to win the gold medal for Troop 13 at the Gold Rush Jamboree. But they face stiff competition from the other troops — especially Troop 7, whose members love to pull pranks on them. When a mysterious clue hints at treasure buried in Camp Miwok's Haunted Caves, Becca and her friends are determined to get their hands on that, too — even if it means sneaking from camp, hanging out with bats, and being threatened by robbers …
And here is the synopsis for The Mystery of the Missing Mustangs: The four scouts are back again for another wild adventure, this time at a dude ranch in the western plains of Nevada. While learning how to care for horses, thirteen-year-old Sierra and her three best friends CJ, Becca, and Jonnie learn about the mysterious disappearance of government-protected wild horses, one of which was supposed to be adopted by their new friend Devyn. When the four friends decide to help Devyn find her horse, they discover it won't be easy, not with a suspicious rodeo owner standing in the scouts' way and leading them to believe someone is stealing the horses and using them for illegal purposes …
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Two Penny Warner Middle Grade Kindle Mysteries, Free to Pre-Order
Jeffrey Archer's A Matter of Honor Film Adaptation Gets Screenwriter
Last September we reported that Jeffrey Archer's A Matter of Honor would be the first of the crime novelist's works to be adapted for film. We're now learning that the producers have taken a step forward with the project by bringing on Richard Regen to write the screenplay.
In the book a disgraced British colonel bequeaths a mysterious letter to his only son. But the moment Adam Scott opens the yellowing envelope, he sets into motion a deadly chain of events that threatens to shake the very foundations of the free world.
Within days, Adam's lover is brutally murdered and he's running for his life through the great cities of Europe, pursued not only by the KGB, but by the CIA and his own countrymen as well. Their common intent is to kill him before the truth comes out. While powerful men in smoke-filled rooms plot ever more ingenious means of destroying him, Adam finds himself betrayed and abandoned even by those he holds most dear.
When at last he comes to understand what he is in possession of, he's even more determined to protect it … for it's more than a matter of life and death — it's a matter of honor.
A Matter of Honor does not feature a recurring series character, but the star of this adaptation is expected to return in subsequent films, using Archer's other books as a basis for the storylines.
(Related article: Deadline.)
New Poster, Trailer for Fact-Based Historical Thriller Argo
A new poster (right, click for larger image) and trailer (below) have been released for Argo … "based on a declassified true story".
Directed by Ben Affleck, who also stars, the film chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis — the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades.
On November 4, 1979 as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA "exfiltration" specialist named Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.
Argo opens in theaters October 12th, 2012.
Sean Bean to Star as DI Benny Griessel in Trilogy of Deon Meyer Adaptations
Back in January we reported that Sean Bean was expected to star as DI Benny Griessel in a film adaptation of Deon Meyer's Thirteen Hours.
Now we're learning that all three "DI Benny Griessel" books are being adapted, again with Sean Bean to star.
The first of these is Devil's Peak, originally published in the author's native Afrikaans as Infanta. Thirteen Hours (13 Uur) is the second book, with 7 Dae — no English-language translation is yet available, though the title translates into "7 Days" — the third.
The storyline in Devil's Peak follows a gruesome abuse case that has hit the newsstands … and one man has taken it upon himself to stand up for the children of Cape Town. When the accused is found stabbed through the heart by spear, it's only the beginning of a string of bloody murders — and of a dangerous dilemma for detective Griessel. The detective is always just one step behind as someone slays the city's killers. But the paths of Griessel and the avenger collide when a young prostitute lures them both into a dangerous plan — and the two find themselves with a heart-stopping problem that no system of justice could ever make right.
"The Deon Meyer trilogy will be a world-class series of films set in one of the most exhilarating places on earth — Cape Town, South Africa," said Michael Murphey, who is co-producing the films.
Filming is expected to begin in September on location in South Africa.
Today's Bestselling Free Kindle MystereBooks (120508)
Here is today's list of the top bestselling free Kindle mysteries, suspense novels and thrillers.
We're using a script to embed an RSS feed from Amazon.com, which is updated hourly, but if you cannot see the box below — or have scripts blocked — you can use this link to see the relevant page on Amazon.com.
Two New Mystery Features on 20SomethingReads
Our friends over at The Book Report Network wrote to tell us that they have recently added two features to their newest editoral website, 20SomethingReads. Best of all, both are mystery-related!
In their first "20 Over 30" feature, they asked 20 mystery authors over the age of 30 to weigh in with mystery book suggestions for twentysomethings — including what book of their own to start with, a mystery title by another author that they would recommend, what book they are reading now (not necessarily a mystery).
On the site's Mystery Lover's Bookshelf, Joe Hartlaub has selected a list of 20 titles published over the past two years that he thinks are worth checking out. We're thrilled to see that some are books we've enjoyed ourselves.
As for the site itself, 20SomethingReads was created for readers in their twenties, which The Book Report Network defines as, "A decade. A state of mind. An age. A lifestyle. A time for self-discovery. A new perspective. An attitude. A philosophy. Independence. Freedom. A time to re-discover reading for pleasure — and finally — read what you want.
Please Welcome Linda O. Johnston, Author of the Pet Rescue Mysteries
We are delighted to welcome back mystery author Linda O. Johnston as our guest blogger today. Linda is the author of the Kendra Ballantyne "Pet Sitter" mystery series and more recently the Lauren Vancouver "Pet Rescue" mysteries.
Her new book in this latter series is Hounds Abound (Berkley Prime Crime, April 2012 print and ebook editions).
Today Linda tells us more about her books and the real-life places that inspire them.
— ◊ —
I didn't know where my Pet Rescue Mysteries, published by Berkley Prime Crime, might lead me when I started them with Beaglemania. That one featured a rescue from a puppy mill. The second, The More the Terrier, dealt with an animal hoarder.
Photo provided courtesy of
Linda O. Johnston; Photo credit Dan Irvin Photography
My new Pet Rescue Mystery Hounds Abound, the third in the series, revolves around a very special pet sanctuary, one where hard-to-adopt pets go to seek wonderful forever homes, but if none is forthcoming those senior or disabled animals can live out their natural lives in wonderful and loving surroundings.
Do such places exist? Yes! I first heard of a local one near Los Angeles when I was in a local boutique grocery store and one of the people handing out food samples happened to mention it. Of course my Pet Rescue Mystery mind started focusing on it, I did some research, and the result was Hounds Abound.
The protagonist of my Pet Rescue Mysteries is Lauren Vancouver. She was introduced in the last two books of my Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mystery series as an absolute advocate of pet rescue, someone who would do nearly anything to save homeless or abused animals. Lauren is the chief administrator at HotPets, a fictional no-kill pet shelter in LA's San Fernando Valley — which is where I live, and I just happen to volunteer at a wonderful pet shelter called Pet Orphans of Southern California as a dog adoption counselor.
Are the two shelters alike? Well, there are some similarities since I use my volunteering also as a research asset, but there are plenty of differences, too, because I love to insert my own imaginings into my writing. For one thing, Pet Orphans is a wonderful shelter, but it's real, which means that sometimes animals become ill because of age or otherwise, and, even after being treated by the best vets, don't always recuperate. In the Pet Rescue Mysteries, I can save every animal. In fact, I always use the slogan: "In the Pet Rescue Mysteries, 'no-kill' means pets, not people!" They're mysteries, which means that at least one person gets murdered … but all animals come out just fine.
I mentioned Beaglemania before. A new version has recently been printed — with the Read Humane™ seal on it! I'm delighted and proud to report that I'm a member of Read Humane, a special program created by Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Berkley Prime Crime is an imprint of Penguin. Penguin has made a substantial donation to the Humane Society of The United States® in support of its Animal Rescue Team, and is also shipping 50,000 books starring furry friends, both dogs and cats, which encourage readers to learn more and donate to the Humane Society and its Animal Rescue Team. Participating authors besides me include Rebecca M. Hale, Alison Pace, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly — and I'm especially excited to report that the Read Humane spokesperson is Nora Roberts.
Will there be more Pet Rescue Mysteries? Yes — at least two. I'm excited that I can save a lot more animals fictionally, at least, and will continue to try to save them for real, too.
Come visit me at my website: LindaOJohnston.com or friend me on Facebook. I blog weekly at Killer Hobbies.
— ◊ —
About Hounds Abound:
Saving animals and solving murders seem to go paw-in-paw for shelter manager and amateur sleuth Lauren Vancouver. But this time, mixed up in a murder that may close a much-needed new shelter. Lauren will have to keep herself and her critters safe from an unleashed killer.
Every Precious Thing by Brett Battles is Today's Second Featured Free MystereBook
MystereBooks is pleased to feature Every Precious Thing by Brett Battles as today's second free mystery ebook.
This title was listed as free as of the date and time of this post. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.
— ◊ —
Every Precious Thing by Brett Battles
A Logan Harper Mystery
Publisher: CreateSpace
This is the second mystery (of two to date) in this series.
About Every Precious Thing (from the publisher): It was supposed to be a fun weekend, a celebration of a marriage and growing family. Alan Lindley couldn't have been happier … until his wife Sara disappeared. Asked by a mutual friend to help look for her, Logan Harper is sure he'd discover a wife who simply wants out of the marriage. What he finds instead is a woman who didn't exist, a diabolical plan, and people who would do anything to keep it a secret, including taking the life of the person most important to him. What would you do for those precious to you?
Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.
Download Link(s):
For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.
A Dangerous Woman by Debra Lee is Today's Featured Free MystereBook
MystereBooks is pleased to feature A Dangerous Woman by Debra Lee as today's free mystery ebook.
This title was listed as free as of the date and time of this post. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.
— ◊ —
A Dangerous Woman by Debra Lee
A Fay Cunningham Mystery
Publisher: SynergEbooks
This is the first mystery in this series.
About A Dangerous Woman (from the publisher): A murderer is on the loose in central Pennsylvania's Susquehanna Valley. Or was it murder? Fay Cunningham, newspaper publisher, is determined to find out.
Having taken a leave-of-absence from her newspaper, The Susquehanna Valley Daily, Fay is determined to lose weight, quit smoking, and completely turn her life around. As part of her new regime, she took on the task of delivering newspapers on foot. All is well - until she attempts to deliver a newspaper to her godfather, Joe Wise, and is met at the door by a mysterious young blonde.
Who is the young woman barring the doorway, and where is Joe? Will Fay's friend and mentor, Mitch Malone, help her uncover the truth? Surely, Joe didn't fire Ethel, his elderly housekeeper, in favor of some young slip of a gal?
Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.
Download Link(s):
For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.
Heat Wave by Richard Castle is Today's Amazon Kindle Daily Deal
MystereBooks is pleased to feature Heat Wave by Richard Castle as today's Amazon Kindle Daily Deal. The deal price of $1.99 is valid only for today, Tuesday, May 08, 2012.
— ◊ —
Heat Wave by Richard Castle
A Nikki Heat Mystery
Publisher: Hyperion
This is the first mystery (of three to date) written by the fictional character on the ABC television series Castle.
About Heat Wave (from the publisher): A New York real estate tycoon plunges to his death on a Manhattan sidewalk. A trophy wife with a past survives a narrow escape from a brazen attack. Mobsters and moguls with no shortage of reasons to kill trot out their alibis. And then, in the suffocating grip of a record heat wave, comes another shocking murder and a sharp turn in a tense journey into the dirty little secrets of the wealthy. Secrets that prove to be fatal. Secrets that lay hidden in the dark until one NYPD detective shines a light.
Mystery sensation Richard Castle, blockbuster author of the wildly best-selling Derrick Storm novels, introduces his newest character, NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat. Tough, sexy, professional, Nikki Heat carries a passion for justice as she leads one of New York City's top homicide squads. She's hit with an unexpected challenge when the commissioner assigns superstar magazine journalist Jameson Rook to ride along with her to research an article on New York's Finest. Pulitzer Prize-winning Rook is as much a handful as he is handsome. His wise-cracking and meddling aren't her only problems. As she works to unravel the secrets of the murdered real estate tycoon, she must also confront the spark between them. The one called heat.
Important Note: Amazon.com updates its Kindle book deal every day at approximately midnight PT. The title referenced above is available at a discounted price for Tuesday, May 08, 2012 only.
Download Link(s):
Monday, May 07, 2012
Dark Shadows Set Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
There have been seemingly dozens of TV spots, trailer variants, and more for Dark Shadows, but only a few have really caught our eye. One from a few hours ago did just that, which focuses on the set itself: Collinwood and Collinsport. "The house and the environment is a character," says director Tim Burton. We've embedded the video below.
Dark Shadows, starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins in an original screenplay by Seth Grahame-Smith, opens in theaters this Friday, May 11th, 2012.
Review: The Great Cake Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith
We've just published our Review of The Great Cake Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith. A Precious Ramotswe Mystery. Anchor Books Trade Paperback, April 2012.
Our rating:
Available to purchase from …
Today's Bestselling Free Kindle MystereBooks (120507)
Here is today's list of the top bestselling free Kindle mysteries, suspense novels and thrillers.
We're using a script to embed an RSS feed from Amazon.com, which is updated hourly, but if you cannot see the box below — or have scripts blocked — you can use this link to see the relevant page on Amazon.com.
Review: Fatal Induction by Bernadette Pajer
We've just published our Review of Fatal Induction by Bernadette Pajer. A Benjamin Bradshaw Mystery. Poisoned Pen Press Hardcover, May 2012.
Our rating:
Available to purchase from …
Telemystery: Chuck and Vega$, New This Week on DVD
Telemystery, your source for one of the most comprehensive listings of crime drama, amateur sleuth, private investigator, mystery and suspense television series, mini-series and made-for-television movies, now available on or coming soon to DVD or Blu-ray disc, is profiling two series being released this week.
— ◊ —
Zachary Levi stars as Chuck Bartowski in the NBC spy comedy/drama Chuck.
Chuck is back with new missions, a new business — and no Intersect. The stakes are high as Chuck sets out to become a full-fledged spy. But without the CIA as backup, Chuck will have to rely now more than ever on John Casey (Adam Baldwin), Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski), and a new Intersect — Morgan Guillermo Grimes (Joshua Gomez). Across this thrilling final season, Chuck will find that his wits, his friends, and his family are the only backup he needs.
Chuck: Season Five is available on DVD and Blu-ray disc and consists of episodes that originally aired from October 2011 through January 2012.
— ◊ —
Robert Urich stars as Thunderbird-driving PI Dan Tanna in Vega$. The series also stars Phyllis Davis as his assistant Beatrice, Greg Morris as Lt. David Nelson, and Bart Braverman as Binzer, his legman on the street.
Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dian Parkinson, Barbara Parkins, John Saxon, Erin Gray, Victor Buono, Joe E. Tata, Gary Lockwood, Jill St. John, Stepfanie Kramer, Ian Abercrombie, Priscilla Barnes, Patti Davis, Dick Sargent, Bubba Smith, Tony Curtis, Jill Whelan, June Lockhart, Don Stroud, and Noah Beery Jr. are some of the all-star guest stars you'll see in the first half of the final season of this action drama filmed entirely in Las Vegas.
Vega$: Season Three (V1) is available on DVD and consists of episodes that originally aired on ABC during the first half of the 1980/1981 television season.
— ◊ —
Visit the Telemystery website to discover more television mystery series currently available on and coming soon to DVD, Blu-ray disc, or video on demand.
