Four Andrew Gross Thrillers is Today's Kindle Daily Deal

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Four Andrew Gross Thrillers as today's Kindle Daily Deal. We're highlighting one of his stand-alone thrillers, Eyes Wide Open, below.

The deal price of $1.99 each is valid only for today, Sunday, January 12, 2014.

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Eyes Wide Open
Andrew Gross
A Suspense Thriller
HarperCollins

Jay Erlich's nephew has been found at the bottom of a cliff at Morrow Bay. It's all just a tragic suicide, until secrets from the past begin to rear up again. Did a notorious killer, jailed for many decades, have his hand in this?

Years ago, Jay Erlich's older brother, Charlie, a wayward child of the sixties, set out for California, where he fell under the sway of a charismatic but deeply disturbed cultlike figure. Tragedy ensued and lives were destroyed, but as the decades passed, Charlie married and raised a family and lived a quiet, secluded life under the radar. Yet the demons that nearly destroyed him never completely disappeared.

When Jay heads out west to help his grieving brother, he is pulled back into Charlie's past — and begins to suspect that his nephew's suicide may not have been that at all. With eyes wide open, Jay puts his own life at risk to uncover the truth, a quest that goes beyond the edge of madness and a family haunted by a secret past … and into the depths of evil.

Read our review of Eyes Wide Open by Andrew Gross.

  

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.

Today's Mystery and Suspense Update from Big Fish Games (140112)

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

• The New Release is Haunted Train: Spirits of Charon (Collector's Edition).

• The Daily Deal is Dark Mysteries: The Soul Keeper, just $2.99 today only!

• The current Catch of the Week is Dark Parables: The Red Riding Hood Sisters, just $2.99 through Sunday, January 12, 2014 only.

• Today's Special Deal — This weekend only: Buy One Standard Edition Game and Get a Second for Just $0.99! Select two Standard Edition games, use coupon code 99CENTS and the second game will be just $0.99. Use as many times as you'd like. Offer valid through January 12th, 2014 only until 11:59 PM PT.

Visit the Omnimystery Entertainment Network for more games of mystery and suspense!

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The New Release today is Haunted Train: Spirits of Charon (Collector's Edition)

Charon's train has left the station, and you'll never believe who's on board. You and your fiancée were supposed to be happy, but someone's destroyed your wedding day, and your lives together. Now her ghost beckons to you from the train of death. Can you put this vicious deed to rest — and help Charon bring justice to your love's tragic end?

This is a special Collector's Edition release full of exclusive extras you won't find in the standard version, including: A bonus chapter that explores Charon's origin; Wallpapers, soundtracks, and concept art; and An available Strategy Guide.

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

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Today's Daily Deal is Dark Mysteries: The Soul Keeper

Charles Dexter Ward has summoned you to the island of Pawtuxet to stop a renegade spirit that is murdering the townspeople. The spirit is using human souls to become immortal, and you will be next if you can't stop him. Based on the novel by H.P. Lovecraft, this Hidden-Object Puzzle Adventure game will test your investigative skills as you solve the mysteries of Ward's family and complete the ritual that will banish this evil spirit once and for all!

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour. You can purchase this game today only — Sunday, January 12, 2014 — for $2.99.

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The current Catch of the Week is Dark Parables: The Red Riding Hood Sisters

Play as the fabled detective and defeat the Wolf Queen! Centuries ago, the first Red Riding Hood defeated the wolf and established the Order of Red Riding Hood Sisters. Recently, the nefarious Wolf Queen entrapped the sisters and planned to unleash legions of ravaging wolves onto our world. Assist the Red Riding Hood Sisters in this thrilling Hidden Object Adventure game!

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, January 12, 2014.

A New MystereBook: The Orkney Scroll by Lyn Hamilton

Here is a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during January 2014 priced $4.99 or less …

The Orkney Scroll by Lyn Hamilton is the 10th mystery in this series, first published by Berkley Prime Crime in hardcover in April 2006.

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The Orkney Scroll by Lyn Hamilton
A Lara McClintoch Archaeological Mystery
Publisher: Bev Editions
Publication Date: January 09, 2014
Price: $3.99 (as of 01/11/14 05:30 PM ET)

Lara McClintoch's professional pride is hurt when a writing cabinet she thought was a genuine antique turns out to be a fake. When the antique dealer who sold it for a million dollars is murdered and the money goes missing, Lara follows the forgery trail to Orkney, islands off the northeast coast of Scotland ruled long ago by Viking earls.

Amid the peaceful landscape and friendly inhabitants, Lara looks for vindication and finds danger instead.

  

Important Note: This book was listed for the price indicated on the date and time as shown. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Review: Rituals by Mary Anna Evans

A Mysterious Review of Rituals by Mary Anna Evans. A Faye Longchamp Mystery.

Review summary: The books in this exceptionally fine series have typically merged historical events with a fictional story, and this is one of the better examples. There is, not surprisingly and rather appropriately given the themes here, some misdirection on the part of the author, but the thrill for readers is trying to figure out how all the disparate pieces fit together in a way that satisfies all the clues provided. (Click here for text of full review.)

Our rating:

Rituals
Mary Anna Evans
A Faye Longchamp Mystery
Poisoned Pen Press (October 2013)

Publisher synopsis: Faye Longchamp doesn't believe in ghosts. But she's an archaeologist—dead people are her life.

While working in Rosebower, a rural New York town founded by Spiritualists, Faye is surrounded by people who talk to the dead on a regular basis. When the most influential Spiritualist in town, Tilda Armistead, invites Faye and her project assistant to commune with the dead, she can't say no. Curiosity is also a cherished part of an archaeologist's life.

An hour after her crystal ball shows Faye things no rational mind can explain, Tilda is dead. The evidence says that someone trapped Tilda in a small room, nailing its one door shut before setting Tilda's Victorian home afire. There is no possible way for Tilda to have escaped the blaze, let alone drive for miles before finding Faye and dying in her arms. Yet Tilda did. How? And why?

In this bizarre community—one not far from Seneca Falls where women's rights activists once convened—it is sacrilegious not to believe in spooks. Plus spiritual tourism is a main Rosebower income stream. And here is Faye, surrounded by people who had reason to kill Tilda. Tilda's estranged daughter may be the heir to the Armistead fortune. The daughter's husband is a stage magician with a long history of making things vanish—and he's sinfully sexy. A rich developer would like to turn Rosebower into a Disneyland complete with real ghosts, a project which Tilda fought with her considerable political clout. And then there is the town's famed root doctor whose mysterious herbal potions are consumed by Rosebower and customers far and wide, plus the museum owner who hired Faye's company to assess his questionable collection.

Anywhere but Rosebower, these people would be dismissed as crazy. As Faye watches the psychics and charlatans jockey for power, and sends an SOS to her shrewd husband Joe, Tilda's sister, Myrna, is slowly dying. Will Rosebower reveal its secrets, and the Armisteads their history, to Faye before more goes up in flames?

      

A New MystereBook: The Crane Pavilion by I. J. Parker

Here is a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during January 2014 priced $4.99 or less …

The Crane Pavilion by I. J. Parker is the 12th mystery in this series set in 11th century Heian Japan.

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The Crane Pavilion by I. J. Parker
A Sugawara Akitada Mystery
Publisher: I. J. Parker
Publication Date: January 09, 2014
Price: $3.99 (as of 01/11/14 04:30 PM ET)

After the loss of his wife and newborn son, Akitada returns home, ostensibly to care for his motherless children, but really to withdraw from the world into his grief. When his friends and family join in an effort to draw him out of his seclusion by tempting him with a mystery, he responds halfheartedly until he becomes intrigued by the young woman's alleged suicide and the slipshod way in which the police investigated.

But more serious problems arise: he faces dismissal and punishment for having left his last post without permission. Then Tora and Saburo are arrested for the murder of a gambler. Their dilemma forces Akitada to delve into the world of a gangster boss who controls gambling and prostitution, and this time Akitada will not escape.

  

Important Note: This book was listed for the price indicated on the date and time as shown. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

No One To Hear You Scream, A Suspense Thriller by K. J. Dahlen, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature No One To Hear You Scream by K. J. Dahlen, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Thomas & Mercer.

The ebook format of this title was priced at $1.99 from the listed vendors (below) as of the date and time of this post (01/11/2014 at 4:00 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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No One To Hear You Scream by K. J. Dahlen
A Suspense Thriller
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

When a serial killer murders Sam Sebastian's wife, the New Orleans cop turns bounty hunter to track down the killer and administer justice. Joining him on his quest is FBI agent Cole Davidson, whom Sam soon finds is connected to the killer.

As their journey takes them along the vast expanse of the Mississippi River, the investigation reveals that they are searching for a dark and troubled soul. The monster who killed Sam's wife has left a trail of blood in his wake, and it quickly becomes clear that he is adept at taking on other personas, including that of Sam's impromptu partner, Cole.

As they close in on the killer, Sam questions what he might do once they meet face-to-face. Will he be able to keep his emotions in check, or will he eliminate the man who destroyed his life?

  

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.

The Adversary, A Chris Bruen Thriller by Reece Hirsch, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Adversary by Reece Hirsch, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Thomas & Mercer.

The ebook format of this title was priced at $1.99 from the listed vendors (below) as of the date and time of this post (01/11/2014 at 3:00 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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The Adversary by Reece Hirsch
A Chris Bruen Thriller (1st in series)
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Former DOJ cybercrimes prosecutor Chris Bruen walks into a dark apartment in Amsterdam to confront a hacker known as Black Vector. The hacker has stolen the source code for the world's most ubiquitous operating system, which powers everything from personal computers to the NSA's data centers. This should have been a routine assignment for Bruen, but instead of obtaining a confession, Bruen finds the hacker's dead body and uncovers a hidden flash drive that contains the code for a remarkably sophisticated computer virus known as Lurker.

Upon his return home to San Francisco, Bruen finds himself the target of a shadowy group of hackers who plan on unleashing Lurker, which will bring a major US city to its knees in seven days. Bruen doesn't know why he's the target, but the answers seem to lie somewhere in his troubled past. Suddenly, Bruen is framed as the planner of the cyberattack, making him the top suspect in an international manhunt. Bruen must stay ahead of the FBI and CIA in a race across Europe while he tries to decode the virus, find the hackers, and clear his name. With the lives of tens of thousands of people hanging in the balance, and his own life about to be destroyed, Bruen must go beyond the brink to stop the hackers.

  

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.

Standup Guy by Stuart Woods, New in Bookstores in January 2014

Today's new hardcover mystery title, scheduled to be published during January 2014 by Putnam, is Standup Guy by Stuart Woods.

For a list of more new hardcover mysteries published this month, visit our New Mysteries page for January 2014. For new paperback mysteries, visit The Mystery Bookshelf where a selection of January 2014 mysteries, novels of suspense, and thrillers are shelved.

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Standup Guy
Stuart Woods
Series: Stone Barrington (28th)

Stone Barrington's newest client does not seem the type to bring mayhem in his wake. A polite, well-deported gentleman, he comes to Stone seeking legal expertise on an unusual — and potentially lucrative — dilemma. Stone points him in the right direction and sends him on his way, but it's soon clear Stone hasn't seen the end of the case. Several people are keenly interested in this gentleman's activities and how they may relate to a long-ago crime … and some of them will stop at nothing to find the information they desire.

On a hunt that leads from Florida's tropical beaches to the posh vacation homes of the Northeast, Stone finds himself walking a tightrope between ambitious authorities and seedy lowlifes who all have the same prize in their sights. In this cutthroat contest of wills, it's winner-takes-all … and Stone will need every bit of his cunning and resourcefulness to be the last man standing.

        

Nantucket Sawbuck by Steven Axelrod, a New 1st in Series Mystery Introducing Henry Kennis

We are pleased to present you with one of this month's new 1st in Series mysteries: Nantucket Sawbuck by Steven Axelrod and introducing Henry Kennis.

What we know about the character: Henry Kennis is the Chief of Police on Nantucket island.

For more information about his first case, see a synopsis of the book, below.

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Nantucket Sawbuck by Steven Axelrod
Series: A Henry Kennis Mystery
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Format(s): Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook

When Nantucket homeowner Preston Lomax is killed in his McMansion, everyone on the island could be a suspect. Lomax lived large, owed money, and the word was spreading he was planning to stiff them all and disappear. Chief of Police Henry Kennis, a newcomer from California, finds himself investigating with help from the State Police. Together they solve the case — or so it appears. But Kennis can't shake the feeling that they've missed something.

Kennis soon discovers scandals and intrigues behind the scenes in one of America's most exclusive resort locations. This glamorous setting hosts an eclectic cast of local characters — oddball journalists, surfing carpenters, drug dealers, wealthy homeowners, and their slacker children. Kennis uncovers a truth that lies somewhere between the bad blood and the good neighbors and realizes that the real answer hits painfully close to home.

        

A New MystereBook: Bitter End by Rex Stout

Here is a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during January 2014 priced $4.99 or less …

Bitter End by Rex Stout is the first novella length adventure featuring Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin, which first appeared in the November 1940 issue of "The American Magazine". It has previously been included in Rex Stout collections, but this is its first appearance as a single ebook.

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Bitter End by Rex Stout
A Nero Wolfe Mystery Novella
Publisher: Book Revivals Press
Publication Date: January 09, 2014
Price: $0.99 (as of 01/11/14 01:30 PM ET)

The story, which is dark and complex, explores the family, business and personal relationships of the owners and employees of a specialty food manufacturer. Wolfe has a personal encounter with one of their products that has been poisoned and feels compelled to investigate.

This ebook includes, as a bonus, the short story "Out of the Line" that was published first in "All-Story Cavalier Weekly" and is not available anywhere else in electronic format.

  

Important Note: This book was listed for the price indicated on the date and time as shown. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Semblance, The Midnight Society Series by Logan Patricks, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Semblance by Logan Patricks, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Strangecrow Books.

The ebook format of this title was priced at $0.99 from the listed vendors (below) as of the date and time of this post (01/11/2014 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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Semblance by Logan Patricks
The Midnight Society Series (1st in series)
Publisher: Strangecrow Books

Whoever said money couldn't buy happiness has never starved a day in their lives …

My name is Aria Valencia, a third year classical music student at the university, and I was down to my last dollar. Some nights, I seriously considered working at the rippers just to make ends meet, but the thought of my dad's spirit — God rest his soul — scowling at me while I danced up on some drooling degenerate was enough to turn me off the idea completely.

And then one night, chance came knocking on my door under the guise of the Midnight Society, a secret cabal comprised of the most wealthy and influential souls this side of the Universe. Their leader was a man named Shadow, who was equally enigmatic as he was gorgeous and, for some mystifying reason, had his dark brooding eyes focused on me.

Seduced by the promises of fame and fortune in exchange for a seemingly innocent request, I soon found myself drawn into a provocative world filled with both vast riches and unending lies and it didn't take long for me to realize what being a part of the Midnight Society actually entailed: shiny things, sensual romance, and dead bodies.

Being with Shadow came with a terrible price, one that I wasn't willing to pay. There's a dark side to every love story, and this one was mine.

  

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.

A New MystereBook: The Island Snatchers by Janice Kay Johnson

Here is a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during January 2014 priced $4.99 or less …

The Island Snatchers by Janice Kay Johnson was first published in hardcover by Forge Books in August 1997. This is (we believe) its first appearance as an ebook.

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The Island Snatchers by Janice Kay Johnson
A Novel of Suspense
Publisher: Janice Kay Johnson
Publication Date: January 10, 2014
Price: $3.99 (as of 01/11/14 12:30 PM ET)

Having come to Honolulu in the mid 1800s as the wife of a missionary, Anne Cartwright makes herself valued as a midwife and nurse by Hawaiians and foreigners alike after she is widowed. Taught harsh lessons by her father and husband, she vows never to put her life in any man's keeping again. In this time of turmoil, when British, French and Americans compete for the future of the strategically important islands while pledging dubious loyalty to King Kamehameha III, Anne comes to care for the natives and fears for the future of this kingdom.

Still reeling from his father's suicide, Dr. Matthew Cabe has sailed to Honolulu with the intention of reclaiming his father's sugar plantation from Edward Landre, the partner who employed deceit to become its sole owner. Consumed with his own share of guilt, Matthew has no interest in the treacherous political climate. Yet he finds that the former partner is now a government minister with dangerous ambitions that may make him untouchable.

When a smallpox epidemic comes ashore, Matthew cannot help joining the battle against the dread disease that threatens to decimate the unvaccinated natives. Soon, he has a more compelling reason yet to stay — he is the principal suspect in the murder of Edward Landre, and is freed from shackles and bars only because his medical expertise is so necessary.

Allied by their professions, he and Anne Cartwright hunt a murderer even as they deliver babies in primitive conditions, befriend a daughter of Hawaiian nobility who harbors her own secrets, nurse the sick and dying, and perform surgeries possible only with recent advances in medical knowledge. And they fall in love, despite Anne's terror of marital relations and Matthew's inability to imagine a future amid the intrigues and treacheries shaping this still primitive kingdom so far from his native Boston.

  

Important Note: This book was listed for the price indicated on the date and time as shown. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Reviews of Mystery and Suspense Books for Kids, New This Week on Book Trends (140111)

Book Trends, a review site for young adult's and children's books, published several new book reviews this past week. We're presenting here a summary of those in the mystery/suspense/thriller category.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein. Lexile measure: 720L. Reviewed by a 6th grade student, who writes, "The theme of the story is illustrated by Kyle and his friends who show that it's not about winning, it's about having fun. All in all, I think [this book] deserves an A+ for its descriptive writing." (Read the full review of this middle grade adventure story, here.)

For more reviews of children and young adult books of all genres, visit Book Trends; their reviews will amaze you! You can also follow Book Trends on Twitter.

Malicious by James Raven is Today's second Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Malicious by James Raven as today's second free mystery ebook (A Suspense Thriller; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, January 11, 2014 at 6:45 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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Malicious
James Raven
A Suspense Thriller
Publisher: Global House Publishing

He calls himself the Slave Master. He spies on women through their computer webcams. Then he blackmails those who unknowingly reveal their secrets to him.

His last victim was brutally murdered. Now he's targeting the cop in charge of the investigation. To him she's the perfect prey — because she has secrets of her own.

  

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.