MystereBooks: Come and Find Me by Hallie Ephron, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Come and Find Me by Hallie Ephron, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, William Morrow.

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 (04/24/2013 at 1:30 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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Come and Find Me by Hallie Ephron
Publisher: William Morrow

Computer security expert and reformed hacker Diana Highsmith has not ventured beyond her home for more than a year — not since that fateful climbing vacation in Switzerland took Daniel's life. Haunted by the sound of Daniel's cries echoing across the gorge as he fell, Diana cannot stop thinking about the life they'll never have — grief that has transformed her into a recluse.

Diana doesn't have to shut herself off com­pletely from the world, though; she and Daniel's best friend run a thriving Internet security company. From her home, in her pajamas, Diana assesses security breaches, both potential and real, and offers clients a way to protect themselves from hackers — the kind of disruptions Diana herself used to create. Once Diana has a game plan she is able to meet with clients in OtherWorld, an Internet-based platform, using Nadia, an avatar she created for herself. Diana knows she'll have to rejoin the "real world" eventually, but right now a few steps from her door each morning is all she can handle.

When Diana's sister goes missing, however, she is forced to do the impossible: brave both the outside world and her own personal demons to find her sister. As one step outside leads to another, Diana soon discovers that she is following a trail fraught with danger — and uncovering a web of deceit and betrayal, both online and real-life, that threatens not only her sister's life, but her own.

    

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: California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, HarperCollins.

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 (04/24/2013 at 1:00 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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California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker
A California Crime Thriller
Publisher: HarperCollins

Winner of the 2005 Edgar Award for Best Novel

The Orange County, California, that the Becker brothers knew as boys is no more — unrecognizably altered since the afternoon in 1954 when Nick, Clay, David, and Andy rumbled with the lowlife Vonns, while five-year-old Janelle Vonn watched from the sidelines.

The new decade has ushered in the era of Johnson, hippies, John Birchers, and LSD. Clay becomes a casualty of a far-off jungle war. Nick becomes a cop, Andy a reporter, David a minister. And a terrible crime touches them all in ways they could never have anticipated when the mutilated corpse of teenage beauty queen Janelle Vonn is discovered in an abandoned warehouse.

    

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: Never Tell a Lie by Hallie Ephron, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Never Tell a Lie by Hallie Ephron, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, William Morrow.

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 (04/24/2013 at 12:30 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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Never Tell a Lie by Hallie Ephron
Publisher: William Morrow

Author's debut novel of suspense written under her own name; her previous "Dr. Peter Zak" mysteries were co-authored with Donald Davidoff and published as written by G. H. Ephron.

It all started with the yard sale …

Eight months pregnant and nervous about the future, Ivy Rose doesn't recognize the woman approaching her and husband David as they attempt to rid themselves of the decades-worth of junk cluttering up their suburban home. The woman says she's Melinda White — their former high school classmate, now pregnant also — and asks if she might revisit the old Victorian house she recalls playing in as a child. David takes her inside. But Melinda never comes out.

With her husband a suspect in the bizarre disappearance and probable murder of the near-stranger he claims not to remember, Ivy must now dive into a deadly whirlpool of deceit, betrayal, and terrifying alternate histories in pursuit of a shocking truth — a truth that could destroy everything …

    

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.

First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: New Titles for May 2013

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is pleased to announce a selection of new mystery, suspense and thriller books (including series titles) scheduled for publication during May 2013, listed in approximate order of reading level, from books for younger readers to books for teens and young adults.

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The Goldfish Mystery
David A. Adler
Young Cam Jansen

This series of mysteries is recommended for readers aged 4 to 6.

Cam, her silly aunt Molly, and her best friend Eric attend a local charity fair. While playing a tossing game, Aunt Molly wins two goldfish — one for Cam and one for Eric. But when Cam and Eric check on their goldfish at home, all they find are empty bowls. How can fish run away? It's up to Cam to solve the mystery!

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The San Francisco Splash
David A. Kelly
Ballpark Mysteries

These sports-themed mysteries are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

Splash! A hit soars over the walls of the San Francisco ballpark on the bay and drops into the water. But then Mike and Kate hear another, much larger splash nearby … and this time it's not a baseball. It's a man overboard! And when he's pulled from the water, the old-time ballplayer discovers his World Series ring is gone! Is it at the bottom of the bay? Or was it somehow stolen by a long-ago rival?

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The Case of the Prowling Bear
John R. Erickson
Hank the Cowdog

This long-running mystery series is recommended for raders aged 7 to 9.

Everyone knows that bears live in the mountains … and there are no mountains in the Texas Panhandle. So, when Slim claims to have seen a bear cross the road, no one knows what to believe, that is, until Deputy Kile spreads a report that there really is a bear on the loose in Ochiltree County!

With news like this, the ranch's Security Force goes on Red Alert. Will Hank be able to defend the ranch from a raging, prowling bear?

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Murilla Gorilla
Jennifer Lloyd

This (presumably stand-alone) mystery is recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

Murilla Gorilla, the jungle detective, is woken up by a new case: Ms. Chimpanzee's muffins were stolen. But who did it? It's up to Murilla to find out … as long as she can find her badge first! Murilla may seem like a hopeless detective — disorganized, messy and always thinking about her next snack — but out of her mess come some pretty good ideas, and some pretty funny moments too.

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Mystery of the Midnight Rider
Carolyn Keene
Nancy Drew Diaries

This "fresh approach" to the classic mystery series is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

At the prestigious — and competitive — River Heights Horse Show, the prizes, which range from money to possible placement on the Olympic Team, are so highly coveted that anyone from the riders to the owners will do anything to win … even drug the horses! Who's up to no good? Nancy, Bess and George are on the case!

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The Activist
John Grisham
Theodore Boone

This series of legal thrillers is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

Theodore Boone is back, and he's facing his most dangerous case yet. As Strattenburg sits divided over a hot political and environmental issue, Theo finds himself in the middle of the battle. When he uncovers corruption beneath the surface, Theo will confront bigger risks than ever to himself and those he loves. But even face-to-face with danger, Theodore Boone will do whatever it takes to stand up for what's right.

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In Harm's Way
Andrew Clements
Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers School

This series of mystery adventures is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

Benjamin Pratt and his friends Jill and Robert are determined to save their school from destruction. But just when it seems they've finally gotten the upper hand over that awful Janitor Lyman, they're caught completely off guard by his next move: Lyman has called in reinforcements, and suddenly Benjamin, Jill, and Robert find themselves dodging not one evil janitor, but two. That's right: Lyman's got himself a partner. And it quickly becomes clear that Wally, the new guy, is even more corrupt and menacing than Lyman.

Luckily, Ben's team has been growing too. Plus, thank to the latest safeguard, they also have a secret fund of millions of dollars. But all the money in Massachusetts isn't enough to stop Lyman and Wally, not when they've come this far, and not when they are about to put the most harmful part of their plan into play. Could the next safeguard give the Keepers what they need — or has their battle to save the school already been sunk?

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The Frog Who Croaked
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Platypus Police Squad

This new series of illustrated middle-grade books is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

When a call comes in about a crime down at the docks involving a missing schoolteacher and a duffle bag full of illegal fish, Zengo and O'Malley are going to have to learn to set their differences aside if they want to get to the bottom of this. Especially when the clues all point to Frank Pandini Jr., Kallamazoo's first son and its most powerful, well-respected businessman.

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The Pirate's Coin
Marianne Malone
Sixty-Eight Rooms Adventure

The books in this fantasy adventure series are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

Sixth graders Ruthie and Jack return to the Art Institute of Chicago's magical Thorne Rooms. During a school presentation, Ruthie and Jack discover that their classmate Kendra is descended from Phoebe Monroe, the young slave they befriended when they traveled to 19th-century South Carolina. Kendra tells them that long ago her family lost their good name and their business selling herbal remedies when mobsters accused them of stealing the recipes! Only Ruthie and Jack know the truth — because only they know about the secret ledger that Phoebe wrote the recipes in long ago!

Ruthie and Jack's mission to clear Kendra's name takes them back to the Thorne Rooms, where a mysterious old coin leads them to 1753 Cape Cod and to Jack's own ancestor … the pirate Jack Norfleet! But playing with history can be dangerous! Suddenly, Jack's very existence is in jeopardy! Can Ruthie and Jack find the proof they need to help Kendra? And can they fix the past and save Jack's future … before it's too late?

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Giving to the Poor
Peter Abrahams
Outlaws of Sherwood Street

The second book in this series is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

Robbie Forester has learned the hard way that life isn't fair. So have her friends Ashanti, Silas and Tut-Tut. But Robbie and her friends — who call themselves the Outlaws of Sherwood Street — want to change that.

When Sheldon Gun, an evil business man, ends up killing Silas's father so he can build a new apartment complex in Brooklyn, the Outlaws know it's up to them to make Sheldon Gun pay. With street smarts, Silas's inventions, and a little help from a charm bracelet, these friends know they can take on Sheldon Gun and win — at least, they hope so. If not, they may end up just like Silas's dad.

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Take Your Last Breath
Lauren Child
Ruby Redfort

This series of young adult adventures is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

Everyone's favorite girl detective is back for a second mind-blowing installment, packed with all the off-the-wall humor, action, and friendship of the first book. This time, though, it's an adventure on the wide-open ocean, and Ruby is all at sea. Can she crack the case of the Twinford pirates while evading the clutches of a vile sea monster as well as the evil Count von Viscount? Well, you wouldn't want to bet against her.

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The Case of the Plagued Play
David Lewman
Club CSI:

This mystery series for young scientists-in-training is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

Someone is trying to sabotage the school play, and it's up to Hannah, Ben, and Corey to make sure the show goes on. Club CSI: learns that the play was written by an eighth grader at Woodlands Junior High … Is the culprit a jealous classmate? Or could a disgruntled actor be to blame? As more props go missing and the set is vandalized, Club CSI: must use all of the investigation and forensic science techniques in their arsenal to crack the case. Because if they don't, the play's final curtain call might happen before opening night!

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The Cahill Files: Spymasters
Clifford Riley
The 39 Clues

This spin-off series of short stories is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

In 1814, redcoats burned the White House to the ground. In 1889, Harry Houdini discovered a trick that would save his life. In 1955, the U.S. launched the world's first nuclear submarine. And one family pulled the strings behind the scenes at each of these events: the Cahills — the most powerful family the world has ever known.

Now the Cahills have opened their vault and dangerous secrets are pouring out. This book contains three of them — three stories that will change history as we know it forever. Flee alongside a young Cahill as Washington burns, unlock Houdini's magic, and stow away with young Fiske Cahill on a desperate mission that could cost him his life.

Venture into the vault if you dare. But don't say we didn't warn you.

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First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is your source for information on over 200 mystery series for children and young adults, where each series is conveniently listed under four different age categories (New Sleuths, ages 4 to 6; Future Sleuths, ages 7 to 9; Junior Sleuths, ages 10 to 12; and Apprentice Sleuths, ages 13 and older).

A Conversation with Mystery Author Mitzi Kelly

with Mitzi Kelly

We are delighted to welcome mystery author Mitzi Kelly to Omnimystery News today, courtesy of Cozy Mystery Book Reviews, which is coordinating her current book tour. We encourage you to visit all of the participating host sites; you can find her schedule here.

Mitzi's second "Silver Sleuths" mystery is Deadly Policy (Thomas & Mercer, October 2012 trade paperback and ebook formats).

We recently had a chance to talk to Mitzi about her characters and books.

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Omnimystery News: Deadly Policy is your second mystery to feature a group of "silver sleuths". Tell us a little more about these characters.

Photo provided courtesy of
Mitzi Kelly

Mitzi Kelly: My mystery books features three main characters, Trish, Edna and Millie, older women who are steadfast friends with quirky personalities. When I started Classic Revenge, the first book in the series, I hadn't thought about a series of novels, but once the characters came to life, I knew their adventure couldn't end with just one book. In writing the third book, I've noticed the characters are evolving. They have some experience (uh, relatively speaking) behind their belt and they've become braver and, in Millie Morrow's case, a little more obnoxious. I imagine as the series continues that these characters will be constantly maturing and surprising us with their sleuthing skills!

OMN: These books would be considered traditional, or cozy, mysteries, right?

MK: This series definitely falls into the cozy mystery genre. The protaganists are normal folk who have been dragged into the detective world because a dear friend needed some help. There are tons of readers who love cozy mysteries, which is a distinct advantage when writing one. The only downside is that for readers looking for a grittier, edge-of-the-seat mystery, they could bypass a cozy mystery without realizing there is plenty of suspense involved. Cozy mysteries are a lot of fun to write, and I believe there will always be many loyal fans of the genre.

OMN: How did you go about developing the individual personalities of your silver sleuths?

MK: Actually, there's a little bit of me in each of my characters. The best part, though, is that there is a mixture of the many amazing women in my life who now live in Trish, Edna and Millie. I have truly been blessed with strong, funny, optimistic role-models who are very real. So, while the individual personalities of my characters are unique and specific, they developed from bits and pieces of actual people in actual situations.

The setting of this series is in a little suburb (fictional) of San Antonio, Texas. Texas is my home, so it was an obvious locale to launch the series. And, with Texas' powerful sense of independence, I couldn't imagine Millie living anywhere else!

OMN: Tell us about your writing process.

MK: When I begin a novel, I hand-write a one page overview of what I want the story to tell. Then I do character sketches on all the important characters, going into as much detail as I can. At that point I'm ready to start the chapter specifics. I've learned to do this only on the chapter I'm currently working on because very seldom am I able to fit everything in I had planned. More often than not, the original story idea changes so much that I hardly recognize it. I look forward to the point in the writing process where the characters take over and tell me what they want to say and do. The fun really begins at that stage because I'm as intrigued by the plot as — hopefully — the reader is!

OMN: Did any of the books you read as a child influence your decision to write mysteries today?

MK: When I was growing up, I read everything! I adore romances, and I love mysteries of all kinds. I was actually in the middle of a romance manuscript when the idea for the Silver Sleuths popped into my head and I couldn't wait to get the idea on paper. I'm particularly partial to books in a series. I become attached to characters and it's so satisfying to be able to pick up a new book and feel as if you are on an adventure with an old friend.

OMN: Give us an example of what you are reading now?

MK: My bookcases are filled with books from a plethora of different authors. I'm a collector of books, so I try to add new releases from my favorite authors as soon as I can. Two of my current favorites are James Patterson (isn't he everybody's favorite??) with his "Woman's Murder Club "series, and Sue Grafton's alphabet series. Did I mention I like to read books in a series?

OMN: What about films? What are some of your favorite movies?

MK: Now, don't laugh, but my favorite films involve animals in a dramatic situation. For example, some of my favorites are Spirit, Iron Will, Secretariat, and Seabiscuit. There are many more, but you get the idea. I can watch them over and over again. And, yes, horses happen to be my favorite hero, followed closely by dogs. I can't say any of these inspire my writing, but they do give me energy to get off my rear-end and get to work!

OMN: What are your interests or hobbies? Do any of these find their way into your books?

MK: Believe it or not, I really enjoy yardwork and home improvements. I have used these interests in my books occassionally, but I have to admit I exaggerate freely on how much my characters accomplish. I think I do it as a challenge to myself. "If Millie can do it, certainly I can!"

OMN: What kinds of comments do you get from readers?

MK: I really enjoy meeting readers at book signings and answering emails through my website. I never tire of answering questions about my characters, and it's particularly satisfying when a reader will mention a specific scene in one of the books. There have been a few times when a reader will tell me about a similar incident they personally experienced, and I can't think of a more rewarding compliment. It's also encouraging to know that even though my "ladies" are seasoned citizens, readers of all ages are enjoying the books!

OMN: What's next for you?

MK: I'm currently working on finishing up the third book in the "Silver Sleuths" series. It should be released toward the end of this year. I'm also working on a romance trilogy. As soon as I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with these projects, I plan to write a fact-based family saga, and then delve back into the next addition to the cozy mystery series. Maybe I'll have time to see a good movie in between — preferably one with a horse!

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Mitzi grew up in Texas, loving everything about the huge state. From the stark beauty of the desert plains, to the majestic glory of the mountains, to the intense power of the ocean, she's never had a desire to live anywhere else. Traveling is nice, but there's no place like Texas!

In 1981 she married her soul mate and best friend, John, and in 1982 their son, John Lewis, was born. Mitzi thoroughly enjoys the moments her husband steps in as her "co-plotter" to add spice to a scene with his unique sense of humor. With the love and support from the two most important men in her life, Mitzi has had the freedom to explore a myriad of interests and that's when she discovered she loved to write.

To learn more about the author and her work, visit her website at MitziKelly.com.

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Deadly Policy
Mitzi Kelly
A Silver Sleuths Mystery (2nd in series)

When a sudden rash of stolen cars brings Millie Morrow's daughter under suspicion for conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, Millie convinces her two best friends, Trish Anderson and Edna Radcliff, to help her find out who is trying to frame Michelle. Knowing the odds are against them that they will be able to discover who the thugs are, Trish and Edna nevertheless go through the motions of investigating, hoping Millie will feel productive in helping her daughter while the police do the real detective work.

But the situation becomes much more serious when a body is found in front of the insurance office Michelle works for. And even though the evidence pointing to an inside job is purely circumstantial, it could still destroy Michelle, something the ladies are determined to prevent. They're going to have to work fast to present a different theory for the police to consider, though, since Millie has once again alienated Henry Espinoza, the chief of police. And she's alienated someone else, too, if the suspicious incidents suddenly plaguing her are anything to go by.

Keeping Millie out of trouble while attempting to clear her daughter's name will take every ounce of skill … or luck … the amateur sleuths possess.

    

Rigged for Murder by Jenifer LeClair is Today's Fifth Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Rigged for Murder by Jenifer LeClair as today's fifth free mystery ebook (A Windjammer Mystery; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, April 24, 2013 at 7:50 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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Rigged for Murder
Jenifer LeClair
A Windjammer Mystery
Publisher: Conquill Press

On leave from the Minneapolis Police Department after being shot, homicide detective Brie Beaumont has gone to Maine where she has family roots. She ships out on the Maine Wind for an early season cruise with Captain John DuLac and eight others. Caught in a gale, they anchor off remote and windswept Granite Island.

But when someone aboard is murdered, Brie must single-handedly stage an investigation that moves from the ship to the small fishing village on the island. Plagued by flashbacks, and fighting a growing attraction to Captain DuLac, Brie works to unravel a mystery that will place her directly in the path of a psychopathic killer.

  

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.

Critical Value by D. C. Gogan is Today's Fourth Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Critical Value by D. C. Gogan as today's fourth free mystery ebook (A Novel of Suspense; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, April 24, 2013 at 7:40 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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Critical Value
D. C. Gogan
A Novel of Suspense
Publisher: D. C. Gogan

Adam Twohig is in his final year of Psychology at University College Dublin. He never settled into the college lifestyle, never plugged into the social scene, and never excelled at his studies. Which is why he's puzzled when Greg Taylor comes to him looking for help with his thesis.

Greg is studying the homicidal fantasies of UCD students, getting hundreds of written accounts of students' darkest, murderous desires. When high-profile Entertainments Officer Christine Harvey is savagely murdered, the investigating detective wants access to his data. At first Adam thinks that the police are clutching at straws, but another murder on campus draws him deeper into the investigation.

The secrets buried in Greg's data force Adam into an unlikely alliance between the Irish police and two FBI agents on the hunt for a serial killer, and put him and his friends in the sights of a murderer whose depravity seems to stand outside everything Adam knows about human psychology.

  

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.