The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is Today's Third Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown as today's third free mystery ebook (A Robert Langdon Thriller; Kindle and Kobo formats).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, March 18, 2013 at 7:30 AM ET. 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.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown
A Robert Langdon Thriller
Publisher: Random House

Adapted for the 2006 film The Da Vinci Code starring Tom Hanks.

While in Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon receives an urgent late-night phone call: the elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum. Near the body, police have found a baffling cipher. While working to solve the enigmatic riddle, Langdon is stunned to discover it leads to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Da Vinci, clues visible for all to see, yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Langdon joins forces with a gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, and learns the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion, an actual secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci, among others.

In a breathless race through Paris, London, and beyond, Langdon and Neveu match wits with a faceless powerbroker who seems to anticipate their every move. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle in time, the Priory's ancient secret, and an explosive historical truth, will be lost forever.

Caution: The price on this book has been bouncing between free and its list price on Amazon. Before 1-clicking, please confirm that it is listed as $0.00.

    

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.

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

The Canton Connection by Fritz Galt is Today's Second Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Canton Connection by Fritz Galt as today's second free mystery ebook (A Jake Maguire Mystery; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, March 18, 2013 at 7:20 AM ET. 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.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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The Canton Connection
Fritz Galt
A Jake Maguire Mystery
Publisher: Sigma-Books.com

Assigned to a brutal murder case on a bike trail near Washington, DC, young FBI special agent Jake Maguire fears the death is linked to an imminent cyber attack. Yet nobody in the U.S. Government seems willing to act. Is his ambition causing him to over-think the case?

From a sexy computer programmer to a shadowy foreign firm, from the nation's Cyber Command to a murdered engineering student, Jake must put the clues together and determine whether this is, as he suspects, an attack on the very root of the internet.

He zeroes in on a young female programmer who holds the key to the root server of the .com world. Is she as wholesome as she seems?

Join Jake in the corridors of secretive government agencies, on a cross-country trail of blood and on a risky trans-Pacific flight. He must follow his instincts, and his heart, to break the case that could save the nation and make his career. Then he learns that he is a wanted man.

  

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.

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

The Girlfriend Experience by Charles O'Donnell is Today's Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Girlfriend Experience by Charles O'Donnell as today's free mystery ebook (A Techno-Thriller Adventure; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, March 18, 2013 at 7:10 AM ET. 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.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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The Girlfriend Experience
Charles O'Donnell
A Techno-Thriller Adventure
Publisher: Charles O'Donnell

Matt Bugatti has cracked the Internet's most secure code. Chinese and American agents are racing to learn his secret. Unaware of their power struggle, Matt wants only to control his own destiny.

When faced with a life-changing decision, Matt meets Gina, a woman with a secret of her own, and his choice seems clear — until the international conflict escalates and Matt finds himself threatened and alone. Then Matt discovers Gina's secret and his world turns upside-down.

Pursued by two nations, running for his life, Matt does whatever is necessary to regain control — and learns who he can trust in a world where no one is who they seem.

  

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.

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

The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake is Today's Kindle Daily Deal

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake as today's Amazon Kindle Daily Deal.

The deal price of $1.99 is valid only for today, Monday, March 18, 2013.

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The Hot Rock
Donald E. Westlake
A John Dortmunder Mystery
Mysterious Press

Adapted for the 1972 film The Hot Rock starring Robert Redford and George Segal.

John Dortmunder leaves jail with ten dollars, a train ticket, and nothing to make money on but his good name. Thankfully, his reputation goes far. No one plans a caper better than Dortmunder. His friend Kelp picks him up in a stolen Cadillac and drives him away from Sing-Sing, telling a story of a $500,000 emerald that they just have to steal. Dortmunder doesn't hesitate to agree.

The emerald is the crown jewel of a former British colony, lately granted independence and split into two nations: one for the Talabwo people, one for the Akinzi. The Akinzi have the stone, the Talabwo want it back, and their UN representative offers a fine payday to the men who can get it. It's not a simple heist, but after a few years in stir, Dortmunder could use the challenge.

Important Note: This book was listed at the price mentioned above 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.

Mystery Godoku Puzzle for March 18, 2013

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 E F H I L M T Y

The title of Robert Barnard's 2010 novel of suspense has a stranger in this (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!

Today's Mystery and Suspense Update from Big Fish Games (130318)

Here is today's mystery and suspense update from Big Fish Games …

• The New Release is The Secret Order: Masked Intent (Collector's Edition).

• The Daily Deal is Borgia: Faith and Fear, just $2.99 today only!.

• The current Catch of the Week is Amazing Adventures: Riddle of the Two Knights, just $2.99 through Sunday, March 24, 2013 only.

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Today's New Release is The Secret Order: Masked Intent (Collector's Edition)

Sarah receives shocking news from her father. One of the newest members in the Order of the Griffins has turned traitor, murdering one of the Secret Five, the heads of the Order. What's worse is that very traitor is about to join the Secret Five, and he's wearing a mask that gives him supernatural abilities. Sarah has to race back through time and search for the one artifact that can subdue the mask: a magical scepter. Hop aboard the Royal Griffin and help Sarah unmask the traitor before he destroys the Order in this exhilarating Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure Game.

This is a special Collector's Edition release full of exclusive extras you won't find in the standard version, including: a special bonus chapter; concept art and videos; downloadable soundtrack and wallpapers.

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour.

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Today's Daily Deal is Borgia: Faith and Fear

Basilius Valentius is a medic from the monastery of Camaldoli who is off to tend to his friend Lorenzo in Florence. Shortly after arriving, however, Lorenzo dies and Basilius discovers evidence suggesting foul play. Determined to find the culprit, Basilius begins a dangerous mission. Discover the truth by investigating a murder and survive a power struggle in 15th century Rome!

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour. You can purchase this game today only — Monday, March 18, 2013 — for $2.99.

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The current Catch of the Week is Amazing Adventures: Riddle of the Two Knights

An ancient chessboard is unearthed and the missing pieces need to be found. A curious trail leads you from the crowded bazaars of Morocco to the snow-swept summits of the Swiss Alps. With each new piece, a strange tale of two Medieval Knights is revealed. Complete 25 missions by finding hidden items and solving unique puzzles. Good luck!

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour. You can purchase this game at the special price of $2.99 through Sunday, March 24, 2013.

Review: Little Elvises by Timothy Hallinan

A Mysterious Review of …

Little Elvises by Timothy Hallinan. A Junior Bender Mystery.

Review summary: What seems to be lacking here in this second book of the series is energy, on the parts of both the character and the narrative. Maybe the problem is one of comparison to the previous book, which had edgier humor, more dynamic action, and fewer predictable twists. It is agreeable entertainment as a stand-alone, but disappointing as a sequel. (Click here for text of full review.)

Our rating:

Little Elvises
Timothy Hallinan
A Junior Bender Mystery
Soho Crime (January 2013)

Publisher synopsis: LA burglar Junior Bender has (unfortunately) developed a reputation as a competent private investigator for crooks. The unfortunate part about this is that regardless of whether he solves the crime or not, someone dangerous is going to be unhappy with him, either his suspect or his employer.

Now Junior is being bullied into proving aging music industry mogul Vinnie DiGaudio is innocent of the murder of a nasty tabloid journalist he'd threatened to kill a couple times. It doesn't help that the dead journalist's widow is one pretty lady, and she's trying to get Junior to mix pleasure with business. Just as the investigation is spiraling out of control, Junior's hard-drinking landlady begs him to solve the disappearance of her daughter, who got involved with a very questionable character. And, worst news of all, both Junior's ex-wife and his thirteen-year-old daughter, Rina, seem to have new boyfriends. What a mess.

      

Mr. E. Reviews Skyfall

Purchase/Rental Option(s)

This action thriller has much going for it, including a spectacular opening chase sequence. The performances save one are uniformly excellent, the exception being the villain, who I found weakly developed, flat and largely uninteresting. Still, a fine film, one definitely worth seeing.

Read the full text of our review at Mr. E. Reviews Skyfall.

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

MystereBooks: The Constant Lovers by Chris Nickson, Available this Month at a Special Price

Every month Amazon releases a new selection of Kindle books priced $3.99 or less.

Today's featured title from the Mystery & Thrillers category is The Constant Lovers by Chris Nickson. This Kindle book was listed at $3.49 as of the date and time of this post, Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 1:30 PM ET, and should be available at this price through the end of the month.

More information about the book is below; if other vendors have priced-matched this title, links to their sites are also shown.

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The Constant Lovers by Chris Nickson
A Richard Nottingham Mystery (3rd in series)
Publisher: Severn House

A tale of greed, ambition and thwarted love in eighteenth-century Leeds …

July, 1732. On a hot summer morning, Richard Nottingham, Constable of Leeds, is called out when a young woman is found stabbed to death among the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. In her pocket is a love note: "Soon we'll be together and our hearts can sing loud, my love. W." What happened to the maid who accompanied her mistress on her final, fatal journey? Who is the mysterious 'W' who signed the note?

Nottingham must delve into the dark secrets of the rich and influential to uncover the truth.

    

Important Note: 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.

Today's Amazon Local Deal a Free Voucher to Purchase Select Kindle Books for $2 Each

Today's Amazon Local Deal is a free voucher to purchase up to 20 pre-selected Kindle books for $2 each.

Here is a link to the Kindle books from which you can choose. It's an eclectic collection, to be sure, but there are a few mysteries and thrillers included.

After you have your voucher, choose the Kindle book you want, then click the "Buy" button. Please note that the price shown on the "Buy" button will not change to $2.00, but your code will be applied to your purchase automatically, reducing the purchase price of the item to $2.00. You may use your code toward multiple eligible book purchases (up to 20 in total). To make another purchase, simply come back to this page and select another Kindle book.

You have until Sunday, March 24th, 2013 to obtain your free voucher. You then have until March 27th, 2013 to use it; it will expire on that date.

The St. Patrick's Day Murder by Leslie Meier is Today's Nook Daily Find

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The St. Patrick's Day Murder by Leslie Meier as today's Barnes & Noble Nook Daily Find.

The deal price of $1.99 is valid only for today, Sunday, March 17, 2013.

Note: The price has been matched by Amazon.com for today only.

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The St. Patrick's Day Murder
Leslie Meier
A Lucy Stone Mystery
Kensington

Not many people in Tinker's Cove, Maine, knew Old Dan Malone. The grizzled barkeep's social circle was limited to the rough-hewn lobstermen and other assorted toughs that frequented his bar. But when his body is found bobbing in the town's icy harbor, Lucy Stone makes getting to know more about Old Dan a priority.

Local musician Dave Reilly insists Old Dan conned a winning lottery ticket worth five grand from him. Handyman Brian Donohue claims that Old Dan stiffed him for repair work he'd done at the bar. The confusion surrounding the death is only compounded by the arrival of actor Dylan Malone, Old Dan's brother and a prominent, if fading, attraction of the Dublin stage. Dylan has come to direct the production of "Finian's Rainbow", the featured event at Our Lady of Hope's annual St. Patrick's Day extravaganza.

Was Old Dan killed by someone he'd cheated or someone he'd loved? While Lucy can't be sure, one thing is abundantly clear — the stage is set for a murder mystery with a killer ending!

 

Important Note: This book was listed at the price mentioned above 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.

The Hangman's Daughter Series by Oliver Pötzsch is Today's Kindle Daily Deal

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Hangman's Daughter Series by Oliver Pötzsch as today's Amazon Kindle Daily Deal. Four books are included in this deal: The Hangman's Daughter, The Dark Monk, The Beggar King, and The Poisoned Pilgrim.

The deal price of $0.99 each is valid only for today, Sunday, March 17, 2013.

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The Hangman's Daughter
Oliver Pötzsch
The Hangman's Daughter Series
Mariner Books

Magdalena, the clever and headstrong daughter of Bavarian hangman Jakob Kuisl, lives with her father outside the village walls and is destined to be married off to another hangman's son — except that the town physician's son is hopelessly in love with her. And her father's wisdom and empathy are as unusual as his despised profession. It is 1659, the Thirty Years' War has finally ended, and there hasn't been a witchcraft mania in decades. But now, a drowning and gruesomely injured boy, tattooed with the mark of a witch, is pulled from a river and the villagers suspect the local midwife, Martha Stechlin.

Jakob Kuisl is charged with extracting a confession from her and torturing her until he gets one. Convinced she is innocent, he, Magdalena, and her would-be suitor to race against the clock to find the true killer. Approaching Walpurgisnacht, when witches are believed to dance in the forest and mate with the devil, another tattooed orphan is found dead and the town becomes frenzied. More than one person has spotted what looks like the devil — a man with a hand made only of bones. The hangman, his daughter, and the doctor's son face a terrifying and very real enemy.

Important Note: This book was listed at the price mentioned above 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.

MystereBooks: Awakening, a Lily Dale Young Adult Thriller by Wendy Corsi Staub, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Awakening by Wendy Corsi Staub, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Walker.

The ebook format of this title was priced at $2.99 from the listed vendors (below) as of the date and time of this post (03/17/2013 at 2:30 PM ET). 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.

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Awakening by Wendy Corsi Staub
A Lily Dale, Young Adult Paranormal Mystery (1st in series)
Publisher: Walker

Calla thought that her boyfriend breaking up with her in a text message was the worst thing that could ever happen to her. But just two weeks later, her mother died in a freak accident, and life as she knew it was completely over. With her father heading to California for a new job, they decide that Calla should spend a few weeks with the grandmother she barely knows while he gets them set up.

To Calla's shock, her mother's hometown of Lily Dale is a town full of psychics — including her grandmother. Suddenly, the fact that her mother never talked about her past takes on more mysterious overtones. The longer she stays in town, the stranger things become, as Calla starts to experience unusual and unsettling events that lead her to wonder whether she has inherited her grandmother's unique gift. Is it this gift that is making her suspect that her mother's death was more than an accident, or is it just an overactive imagination?

Staying in Lily Dale is the only way to uncover the truth. But will Calla be able to deal with what she learns about her mother's past and her own future?

  

Click on the Amazon button to see also the special Whispersync offer associated with this title.

Important Note: This book was listed at the above mentioned price 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.

MystereBooks: Crosscut by Jude Hardin, Available this Month at a Special Price

Every month Amazon releases a new selection of Kindle books priced $3.99 or less.

Today's featured title from the Mystery & Thrillers category is Crosscut by Jude Hardin. This Kindle book was listed at $1.99 as of the date and time of this post, Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 1:30 PM ET, and should be available at this price through the end of the month.

More information about the book is below; if other vendors have priced-matched this title, links to their sites are also shown.

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Crosscut by Jude Hardin
A Nicholas Colt Thriller (2nd in series)
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Things are going pretty well for Nicholas Colt. He has a loving relationship with his wife, his blues band has a house gig at a club in Jacksonville, and his adopted daughter is finishing her senior year in high school. He has no intention of reactivating his PI licensee, and he certainly has no plans to travel to Tennessee to investigate a double homicide and an old girlfriend’s missing brother.

Until she tells him something that makes his heart pause and his jaw drop.

Are the Harvest Angels, the white supremacist militia that Colt shut down three years ago, back in business?

Colt makes the trip to the mountains and soon thinks he has it solved: typical copycat case. Unfortunately, another unimaginable atrocity is waiting for him back home in Florida. Colt walks into a bloodbath, and he soon realizes nothing is typical and nothing is solved.

While relentlessly hunting down those responsible, Colt is abducted, drugged, and brainwashed before he can alert the authorities. Now he is a pawn in a heinous scheme that is bigger, badder, and literally more earth-shattering than he could have possibly anticipated.

  

Click on the Amazon button to see also the special Whispersync offer associated with this title.

Important Note: 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.