Mystery Bestsellers for the Week Ending February 07, 2014

A list of the top 15 Mystery Hardcover Bestsellers for the week ending February 7th, 2014 has been posted by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.

We thought that maybe Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn regaining the top spot last week might have been a fluke, but no, it has retained the number one position again this week.

One new title enters the list this week (rank in [brackets]).

— ♦ —

[8]: Private L.A.
James Patterson and Mark Sullivan
— Jack Morgan, Private (6th)

Thom and Jennifer Harlow are the perfect couple, with three perfect children. They maybe two of the biggest mega movie stars in the world, but they're also great parents, philanthropists and just all-around good people.

When they disappear without a word from their ranch, facts are hard to find. They live behind such a high wall of security and image control that even world-renowned Private Investigator Jack Morgan can't get to the truth. But as Jack keeps probing, secrets sprout thick and fast — and the world's golden couple may emerge as hiding behind a world of desperation and deception that the wildest reality show couldn't begin to unveil. Murder is only the opening scene.

Purchase Options

        

Today's Mystery and Suspense Update from Big Fish Games (140207)

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

• The New Release is Dark Parables: Jack and the Sky Kingdom (Collector's Edition).

• The current Catch of the Week is Whispered Secrets: The Story of Tideville, just $2.99 through Sunday, February 09, 2014 only.

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

— ♦ —

The New Release today is Dark Parables: Jack and the Sky Kingdom (Collector's Edition)

The legendary Sky Kingdom suddenly appears and a destructive barrage is unleashed upon an unsuspecting town. Play as the Fairytale Detective and embark on an investigation to rescue the townspeople. In this quest, you will meet Jack — an infamous treasure hunter who shares a secret past with the Kingdom — and discover the tragic history behind the chaos.

This is a special Collector's Edition release full of exclusive extras you won't find in the standard version, including: Uncover the legendary Sky Kingdom; Adventure with Jack to rescue his fiancée; Breath-taking storyline and challenging gameplay; Bonus Gameplay — Rumpelstiltskin; and Expertly crafted wallpapers and more!

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

— ♦ —

The current Catch of the Week is Whispered Secrets: The Story of Tideville

You and your son, Tim, recently moved to the small town of Tideville to make a fresh start. One peaceful autumn evening, you arrive home just in time to see Tim vanish into thin air! Armed with only your wits and a cryptic clue about a scientist, you set out to find your son. But you soon learn that Tim was not the first resident of Tideville to disappear … In fact, people have been going missing for years. But who is behind it all? And what do they want? Explore the mysterious past of a sleepy seaside village and unravel the town's dark secret in this stunning Hidden Object 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, February 09, 2014.

Review: Billionaire Blend by Cleo Coyle

A Mysterious Review of Billionaire Blend by Cleo Coyle. A Clare Cosi Coffeehouse Mystery.

Review summary: The storyline moves along briskly, with an intriguing plot and a diverse cast of engaging characters. The combination of modern high-tech wizardry with decidedly low-tech coffee beans makes for a nice contrast in the story as does a change of scenery with locations outside New York City. Most certainly one of the better entries in this long-running series. (Click here for text of full review.)

Our rating:

Billionaire Blend
Cleo Coyle
A Clare Cosi Coffeehouse Mystery
Berkley (December 2013)

Publisher synopsis: When a car bomb goes off outside the Village Blend, a charming coffeehouse in the heart of New York's picturesque Greenwich Village, single-mom and manager Clare Cosi comes to the aid of an anonymous customer, one who turns out to be billionaire tech whiz Eric Thorner. In gratitude for saving his life, Eric hires Clare to create the most expensive coffee blend on the planet. But as Clare is pulled deeper into Eric's world — a mesmerizing circle of cutting-edge luxuries and cutthroat rivalries — she begins to wonder: Is this charming young CEO marked for termination? Or is he the one making a killing?

To solve this case, Clare will have to bribe a bomb squad lieutenant; conjure up a menu for a "billionaire's potluck"; fix her daughter's love life; stop a Slayer while working with one; and stay alive while doing it. Coffee: it can get a girl killed.

      

A Kindle Countdown Deal: Repo Chick Blues by Tracy Sharp

Amazon Kindle Countdown Deals, limited-time discounts on Kindle-exclusive books.

MystereBooks is pleased to present you with one of today's titles … but take advantage of this deal now as the price will go up to its digital list price soon! (See the countdown clock on the book product page to see how much time remains on this deal.)

— ♦ —

Repo Chick Blues by Tracy Sharp
A Leah Ryan Mystery
Publisher: Tracy Sharp
Price: $0.99 (as of 02/05/14 05:00 PM ET)

Reformed car thief Leah Ryan is trouble. She is turning over a new leaf, but needs a job fast. She's a natural at stealing cars. What better job for her than Repo Chick?

When Leah stumbles onto a sex ring during a routine repo job, her distrust of law enforcement and all things authority leads her to enlist the help of a few friends from her shady past.

A past she promised herself she'd never return to.

  

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.

A New MystereBook: The Murder of Wednesday's Children by N. S. Patrick

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 February 2014 priced $4.99 or less …

The Murder of Wednesday's Children by N. S. Patrick is the first murder mystery for amateur sleuths Archer Reed, Ione Wallace, and Tango the Greyhound.

— ♦ —

The Murder of Wednesday's Children by N. S. Patrick
An Archer Reed and Ione Wallace Mystery
Publisher: Silver Knight Publishing
Publication Date: February 02, 2014
Price: $2.99 (as of 02/06/14 04:30 PM ET)

When Archer and Ione are invited to take part in the newest venture by an industrial tycoon at his summer home on Mantioch Island, they are ready for the challenge.

Once arriving, an investment presentation is hosted by a man named Dr. Chapman. During this time, Archer and Ione meet an odd assortment of investors. The only investor their host seems to know personally is Ernst Meier, who is formally introduced. A few hours after the presentation, Dr. Chapman is found poisoned with strychnine.

Questioning by the police reveals that once the meeting ended, people came and went at will; therefore, no one can confirm the whereabouts of the others, and everyone becomes a suspect.

In a bizarre turn of events, their host is found bludgeoned with a heavy vase.

A hastily convened inquest reveals nothing except that the men were killed by person or persons unknown. Ione and Archer soon discover that the island has an international secret. More murders follow, and Archer and Ione find themselves racing against the clock to trap this cunning killer before he strikes again.

    

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.

The Deader the Better, A Leo Waterman Mystery by G. M. Ford, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Deader the Better by G. M. Ford, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, HarperCollins.

The ebook format of this title was priced at $3.99 from the listed vendors (below) as of the date and time of this post (02/06/2014 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.

— ♦ —

The Deader the Better by G. M. Ford
A Leo Waterman Mystery (6th in series)
Publisher: HarperCollins

Seattle P.I. Leo Waterman isn't looking for trouble when he and his forensic pathologist girlfriend Rebecca escape into the Washington wilder for a few days of relaxation — it just seems to find him.

An old friend has purchased some choice property here in North America's only rain forest and his posting of "No Trespassing" signs has incurred the wrath of every sportsman for miles around. But what starts as irksome harassment by the offended locals soon escalates into the real of the lethal.

And it's just Waterman's luck to be in the epicenter of this murderous mess at the very moment it bursts into flames.

        

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

Use this link to see more discounted titles by G. M. Ford on Amazon.com.

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 Hardy Boys Adventures Mystery: Peril at Granite Peak by Franklin W. Dixon

We are pleased to present you with one of this month's new First Clues: Mysteries for Kids books: Peril at Granite Peak by Franklin W. Dixon, a Hardy Boys Adventures Mystery.

For more information about the book, which is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12, see a synopsis, below.

— ♦ —

Peril at Granite Peak by Franklin W. Dixon
Series: Hardy Boys Adventures
Publisher: Aladdin
Format(s): Hardcover, eBook

Frank and Joe are thrilled to spend winter break hitting the slopes at the Granite Peak Lodge ski resort. What could be better than an action-packed week of skiing and snowboarding set against a scenic mountain landscape?

But their plans hit an unexpected bump when a blizzard blows in, closing the roads and leaving the boys stranded in the lodge with several others. Meanwhile, a series of deadly mishaps threatens to sabotage the resort — and the lives of its trapped guests.

First, a fellow vacationer nearly freezes solid when he's locked out during the raging storm. Then, the lodge's electricity is cut off, broken glass turns up in the breakfast waffles, and a resort employee is buried in a snowdrift. Who's behind these sinister acts? Is the culprit trapped in the lodge with them? The Hardys are determined to find out — before they're caught in an avalanche of danger.

      

Against the Wind, A Legal Thriller by J. F. Freedman, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Against the Wind by J. F. Freedman, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Open Road.

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 (02/06/2014 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.

— ♦ —

Against the Wind by J. F. Freedman
A Legal Thriller
Publisher: Open Road

Forced out of his firm, a hard-living attorney takes on one final, highly charged case — defending a notorious gang of bikers against murder charges …

A few years ago, Will Alexander was the top criminal lawyer in Santa Fe, with a thriving practice, a famously flamboyant courtroom style, and a marriage that landed him on the front page of the society section. Now, though, his wife has left him, and his constant boozing and womanizing have put his career in jeopardy. When Will's partners ask him — forcefully — to take a leave of absence from the firm, his life in law seems finished. He has only one client: a gang of men who call themselves the Scorpions.

Four rogue bikers are accused of committing a gruesome murder, and Will is the only one they want for their defense. Although all the evidence points toward their guilt, Will believes them, and it's time for these outlaws to stick together.

        

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 Counterfeit Agent by Alex Berenson, New in Bookstores in February 2014

Today's new hardcover mystery title, scheduled to be published during February 2014 by Putnam, is The Counterfeit Agent by Alex Berenson.

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

— ♦ —

The Counterfeit Agent
Alex Berenson
Series: John Wells (8th)

In an Istanbul hotel, a deep source warns a CIA agent that Iran intends to kill a CIA station chief. Quickly, John Wells is called in to investigate, but before he can get far, the tip comes true. Which means that the next warning the source gives will be taken very seriously indeed. And it's a big one. We've put a package on a ship from Dubai to the United States. A radioactive one. A bomb? Not yet. It's a test run.

As the threat level jumps and the government mobilizes, something still doesn't smell right to Wells's old CIA boss Ellis Shafer, and so he sends Wells on a private mission to find out what's going on. But the two of them are swimming against the tide. From Guatemala to Thailand to Hong Kong to Istanbul, Wells uses every skill he has, including his ability to go undercover in the Arab world, to chase down leads. But it might not be enough. Soon there might be nothing anyone can do to pull the United States back from the brink of war.

        

Telemystery: Watch the Pilot Episode of Bosch, Based on a Character Created by Michael Connelly

Amazon Studios invites you to watch its new pilots and help decide which shows become series.

There are five dramas and comedy pilots as well as five childrens' pilots online now here. All are available free to watch.

Of note to telemystery fans is a pilot for Bosch, based on a character created by crime novelist Michael Connelly.

Titus Welliver stars as LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch, who works to solve the murder of a 13-year-old boy while standing trial in federal court for the murder of a serial killer.

The screenplay was co-written by Connelly with Eric Overmyer and is an original story, not based on any specific book in the series. (Bosch was introduced 1992's The Black Echo, which won the 1993 Edgar Award for Best First Novel.)

"Sharing this story with television audiences is very exciting, something that's been twenty years in the making, said Connelly when the project was first announced. "It is amazing to have it come together with the synergy of Amazon — the world's largest bookstore — along with accomplished creator and showrunner, Eric Overmyer, and Fabrik, a production company dedicated to loyalty to the books. Harry Bosch can be in no better hands."

We watched the pilot episode earlier today, and this is definitely a show we want to see more of. We think you'll agree.

City of Mirrors, A Diana Poole Mystery by Melodie Johnson Howe, at a Special Price during February 2014

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 City of Mirrors by Melodie Johnson Howe. This Kindle book was listed at $1.99 as of the date and time of this post, Thursday, February 06, 2014 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.

— ♦ —

City of Mirrors by Melodie Johnson Howe
A Diana Poole Mystery (1st in series)
Publisher: Pegasus

Running out of money, Diana Poole is forced to go back to the only work she knows: acting. Her much-loved husband and movie-star mother have died, and now Diana is over thirty-five. In Hollywood that means she might as well be dead. Still, a few key people remember her talent, and she lands a role in a new movie.

But an actress should never get her hopes up, especially when she discovers the female lead's murdered body. Raised in her mother's shadow, Diana knows people in "the business" will go to dangerous lengths to protect their images.

When her own life and career are threatened, Diana decides to fight back and find the killer. But unmasking the surprising murderer isn't that easy, especially when she uncovers what's real — and unreal — in her own 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 Death Pictures, A Dan Groves, TV Detective Mystery by Simon Hall, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Death Pictures by Simon Hall, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Accent Press.

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 (02/06/2014 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.

— ♦ —

The Death Pictures by Simon Hall
A Dan Groves, TV Detective Mystery (2nd in series)
Publisher: Accent Press

A dying artist creates a series of ten paintings — The Death Pictures — which contain a mysterious riddle, leading the way to a unique and highly valuable prize. Thousands attempt to solve it. But before the answer can be revealed, the painter is murdered.

A serial rapist is working through a series of attacks. He isn't shy to make clear his hatred of women, and taunting of the police. He leaves his calling card, a witch's hat at the houses he breaks into, each numbered from a pack of six.

The detectives face baffling questions. Why kill the artist when he would die naturally in just a few weeks time? What to make of the attempted break in at his house just before his death? Could it be connected with the rapes, all of which have been carried out in the area around his home?

The media interest in the cases is intense, and Detective Chief Inspector Adam Breen again turns to his friend, TV Crime reporter Dan Groves to help him handle it. Dan does — at the price of some great scoops, and an involvement in the case that eventually leads him to effectively talk to the rapist, using the stories he broadcasts to lure him into a trap, and finally, discover the extraordinary solution to the riddle.

  

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.