Mystery Book Review: Murder in Los Lobos by Sue McGinty

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Murder in Los Lobos by Sue McGinty. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Murder in Los Lobos by Sue McGinty
A Bella Kowalski Mystery

Fithian Press (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-56474-477-9 (1564744779)
ISBN-13: 978-1-56474-477-7 (9781564744777)
Publication Date: October 2008
List Price: $14.95

Review: Sue McGinty introduces Bella Kowalski, an obituary writer (but hoping to become a reporter) for a central California newspaper in Murder in Los Lobos.

Bella is driving along a coastal highway when another vehicle, a much larger Hummer, tries to force her off the road. Initially she thinks it's because of her very public stance against a new wastewater treatment plant planned for a pristine piece of property in her community. Later when a co-owner of the property is found dead, her car, which was almost identical to Bella's, pushed over the side of a cliff, she isn't so sure. While researching the woman's background for her obituary, Bella discovers she kept a journal. Thinking the journal may yield clues to who killed her, Bella goes undercover to retrieve the information, too late realizing that she may also be risking her life.

Though Murder in Los Lobos is a promising start to this planned series of (at least) three mysteries, it ultimately suffers from a weak, improbable plot and erratic pacing. On the plus side, the author takes care to introduce interesting characters that are well drawn if a little overly complex. It probably wasn't necessary to have such intricate backstories for all the main characters revealed in this first book but it works to a degree because they're extended fairly evenly over much of the story. In contrast, the details of the murder investigation and its resolution are rapidly compressed into much tighter spaces, not all of it in a linear, logical manner. And it's always unfortunate when the central character does little to unmask the killer or discover the reasoning behind the murder, resorting to the simplistic "if I'm going to die anyway, you might as well tell me why you did it" tactic. Still, Bella is an engaging lead in a series that, with stronger plots that actually develop a credible mystery, has the potential for a long(er) run.

Special thanks to Perseverance Press for providing a copy of Murder in Los Lobos for this review.

Review Copyright © 2009 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved.

If you are interested in purchasing Murder in Los Lobos from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Everyone loves Connie Mercado, daughter of a prominent local family. Everyone, that is, except whoever pushed her off the cliff into the Pacific Ocean, ruining a perfect June morning and bringing turmoil to this small Central Coast community.

Bella Kowalski, former nun, now an obituary writer for the local paper and an activist for nature conservancy, knows Connie’s murder had something to do with plans to build a profitable but ill-advised wastewater treatment plant on environmentally sensitive land. And Connie is only the first victim in what becomes a thorny scandal, involving powerful politicos, corrupt local government, greed, family secrets, and skullduggery.

For more mystery book reviews visit Mysterious Reviews, a partner with the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books which is committed to providing readers and collectors of mystery books with the best and most current information about their favorite authors, titles, and series.

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New Hardcover Mysteries for February 2009

The Hidden Staircase Mystery Books has updated its list of new hardcover mysteries with books scheduled for publication in February 2009.

As we've done for several months now, we're listing those authors with returning series characters, new series characters, and non-series or stand-alone mysteries in separate sections. All titles are available on our February mystery books page. We're also using the "carousel" widget by Amazon.com to display a random selection of titles; refreshing this page will change the selection displayed.

Authors with mysteries having returning series characters (in parentheses) this month:

V. C. Andrews (Delia), Nancy Atherton (Aunt Dimity), Deborah Turrell Atkison (Storm Kayama), Ray Banks (Cal Innes), Jefferson Bass (Bill Brockton, Body Farm), M. C. Beaton (Hamish Macbeth), Alex Berenson (John Wells), Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant (Chloe Carter, Gourmet Girl), Bill Crider (Dan Rhodes), Vicki Delany (Molly Smith), David Dickinson (Lord Francis Powerscourt), P. C. Doherty (Canterbury Tales), Tim Dorsey (Serge A. Storms), Robert Ellis (Lena Gamble), Earl Emerson (Thomas Black), Linda Fairstein (Alex Cooper), Kat Goldring (Willi Gallagher), Andrew M. Greeley (Nuala McGrail), Susanna Gregory (Chaloner), Jan Kjaerstad and Barbara Haveland (Jonas Wergeland), Peter May (Li Yan and Margaret Campbell), Ian Morson (Medieval Oxford), Shirley Rousseau Murphy (Joe Grey), Tamar Myers (Magdalena Yoder, Pennsylvania Dutch), Nick Oldham (Henry Christie), Michael Palmer (Medical Thriller), Robert B. Parker (Jesse Stone), T. Jefferson Parker (California Crime), James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge (Michael Bennett), Cathy Pickens (Avery Andrews, Southern Fried), Matt Beynon Rees (Omar Yussef), J. D. Robb (Eve Dallas, In Death), David Roberts (Lord Edward Corinth and Verity Browne), Karen Rose (Daniel Vartanian), S. J. Rozan (Bill Smith and Lydia Chin), C. J. Sansom (Matthew Shardlake), Dana Stabenow (Kate Shugak), Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs), Lee Wood (Keene Dunliffe).

Authors with mysteries introducing new series characters (in parentheses) this month:

Cassandra Clark (Abbess of Meaux), Meredith Cole (Lydia McKenzie), Sarah Cox (Matt Arnold), Barbara Levenson (Mary Magruder Katz), Joan Rivers and Jerrilyn Farmer (Maxine Taylor, Red Carpet), Ally O'Brien (Tess Drake), Jerry Peterson (James Early), Spencer Quinn (Chet and Bernie).

Authors with non-series or stand-alone mysteries this month:

Jonathan Barnes, Jedediah Berry, John Birmingham, Terri Blackstock, Jon L. Breen, Lincoln Child, Sean Doolittle, Steven M. Forman, Lois Gilbert, Joe Gores, Tim Green, Pam Jenoff, William Lashner, Colin MacKinnon, Lee Martin, Robert Masello, Val Mcdermid, Philipp Meyer, David Moody, A. Scott Pearson, Dale Peck, Kitty Sewell, Efrem Sigel, Dan Simmons, Bruce Sterling, Whitley Strieber.

For more information on any of these titles, please visit the New Mysteries page on our website. If you're interested in new paperbacks, visit The Mystery Bookshelf where you can discover a library of new mysteries, also updated with February 2009 releases.

Please visit the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books where we are committed to providing readers and collectors of mystery books with the best and most current information about their favorite authors, titles, and series.

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NPR Welcomes Mystery Authors Paula Woods, Gar Anthony Haywood, and Gary Phillips

From the gritty streets of Baltimore to the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, few literary genres capture the imagination better than crime fiction. With this vivid description serving as an introduction, NPR's Authors Series this week welcomes mystery writers Paula Woods, who won a Macavity Award for the first book in her Charlotte Justice series, Gar Anthony Haywood, Shamus Award-winning author of the Aaron Gunner mysteries, and Gary Phillips, a writer and editor of crime stories. [MBN note: This is an audio program.]

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Mystery Bestsellers for January 30, 2009

A list of the top 15 mystery hardcover bestsellers for the week ending January 30, 2009 has been posted on the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books website.

The third between-the-numbers mystery featuring New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich retains the top spot this week with some shuffling in the order among last week's top eight. But almost certainly this will change next week.

New this week at number 9 is John Grisham's latest legal thriller, The Associate, a sequel (of a sort) to his blockbuster novel The Firm. Kyle McAvoy is the associate, a young man grew up in his father’s small-town law office in York, Pennsylvania. He excelled in college, was elected editor-in-chief of The Yale Law Journal, and his future has limitless potential. But Kyle has a secret, a dark one, an episode from college that he has tried to forget. The secret, though, falls into the hands of the wrong people, and Kyle is forced to take a job he doesn’t want -- even though it’s a job most law students can only dream about. Three months after leaving Yale, Kyle becomes an associate at the largest law firm in the world, where, in addition to practicing law, he is expected to lie, steal, and take part in a scheme that could send him to prison, if not get him killed.

On our bestseller page, we've added an icon next to every title that is available for immediate download onto the Amazon Kindle. To learn about this wireless reading device, visit the Amazon Kindle page for more information.

The top four mystery bestsellers this week are shown below:

Please visit the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books where we are committed to providing readers and collectors of mystery books with the best and most current information about their favorite authors, titles, and series.

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Ken Bruen's Thriller London Boulevard to be Filmed

We're always on the lookout for mysteries being made into movies, but we missed this report when it was announced last week. Variety among others is reporting that Ken Bruen's 2002 thriller London Boulevard is being adapted by William Monahan (The Departed, Body of Lies). It will also mark Monahan's directorial debut.

Colin Farrell is set to star as an ex-con who tries to go straight and gets work as a handyman for a reclusive, but wealthy, movie actress (played by Kiera Knightley). But it isn't long before his past catches up with him with not unexpected consequences.

Fliming is scheduled to shoot this summer in and around London. A 2010 release date is planned.

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Harlequin Celebrates 60 Years of Reading with 16 Free eBooks

eHarlequin.com is pleased to celebrate 60 years of pure reading pleasure by offering you 16 free, that's right, free ebooks. From steamy passion to tender romances to tales of suspenseful adventure (our favorites, of course!), you'll find exactly what you're looking for.

The mystery and suspense titles available for free download are:

Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry (book cover shown)

She couldn't turn her back on her family in their time of need.

So when her sister was injured, financial expert Andrea Hampton traded the big city for Amish country to help turn her grandmother's house into an inn.

But life with the Plain People took a treacherous turn when a string of accidents and pranks threatened her family. Someone didn't want the secrets the old house harbored to come to light. Trusting anyone -- even the handsome carpenter who seemed so genuine -- was a battle for Andrea, but her life depended on her ability to find the truth.

Hide in Plain Sight is part of the Love Inspired Suspense series.

Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by B. J. Daniels (book cover shown)

After Hudson Savage betrayed her, Dana Cardwell hoped never to lay eyes on the seductive cowboy again. Until a bunch of old bones showed up on her family ranch. Suddenly her former lover was back in her life in a big way -- to investigate a decades-old crime.

Five years ago, Hud left town with a heartload of regrets. But now, as acting interim marshal, he had a job to do. And this time he wasn't walking away. Because now Dana's life was on the line -- as the unsuspecting target of a killer who still walked the canyon. Hud would do whatever it took to keep Dana close. Even if it meant risking his own heart for a second chance for both of them.

Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch is part of the Harlequin Intrigue series.

Stranded with a Spy by Merline Lovelace (book cover shown)

To hell was more like it! When Mallory Dawes, suddenly infamous in the States, decided to take that vacation to France, her problems were just beginning: a lost passport. A car swept out to sea. Missing travelers' checks. And a mysterious, if intriguing, man who always seemed to turn up just when she was in trouble…

Cutter Smith—code name: Slash—was told to keep the beautiful blonde in his sights. But as his interest in her veered from the professional to the intensely personal, Cutter knew the cost of falling in love would be high indeed. And he would have to pay the price.

Stranded with a Spy is part of the Silhouette Romantic Suspense series.

Click on any of the titles (or book covers) to download your books. (Of course, there are 13 other titles available as well!)

Keep up to date by subscribing to eHarlequin.com's free newsletter that contains the latest information about their series of books as well as informing you about subscriber-only special offers and new products. Click on the banner below to subscribe for free:

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John Grisham Discusses His New Legal Thriller, The Associate

John Grisham's latest legal thriller, The Associate, was published this week with the author giving his first ever blog-based interviews to two organizations. (Alas, Mystery Books News was not one of them.)

On Above the Law, he notes that legal blogs where associates anonymously post their stories were a source of research for The Associate, his 22nd novel and a sequel of sorts to The Firm.

And on the Law Blog of the Wall Street Journal, Grisham discusses the business of law, the inspiration for his books, and controversial figures in the news today.

The Associate is Kyle McAvoy, a young man who grew up in his father’s small-town law office in York, Pennsylvania. He excelled in college, was elected editor-in-chief of The Yale Law Journal, and his future has limitless potential.

But Kyle has a secret, a dark one, an episode from college that he has tried to forget. The secret, though, falls into the hands of the wrong people, and Kyle is forced to take a job he doesn’t want—even though it’s a job most law students can only dream about.

Three months after leaving Yale, Kyle becomes an associate at the largest law firm in the world, where, in addition to practicing law, he is expected to lie, steal, and take part in a scheme that could send him to prison, if not get him killed.

Visit our website New Mysteries for a list of all newly published hardcover mysteries being released this month.

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Mystery Book Review: The Detective Wore Silk Drawers by Peter Lovesey

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of The Detective Wore Silk Drawers by Peter Lovesey. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

The Detective Wore Silk Drawers by Peter Lovesey
A Sergeant Cribb Investigation

Soho Constable (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-56947-524-5 (1569475245)
ISBN-13: 978-1-56947-524-9 (9781569475249)
Publication Date: October 2008
List Price: $14.00

Review: Peter Lovesey's second novel featuring Sergeant Cribb, The Detective Wore Silk Drawers, originally published in 1971 and newly reissued by Soho Press, is again a sports-themed mystery with the Victorian London detective investigating illegal bare-knuckle boxing.

Sergeant Cribb and his assistant Constable Thackery are called to investigate a headless corpse washed up on the shore of the Thames. Because of the wounds on his hands and the shape of his knuckles, they believe he was a fighter in the underworld of bare-fisted pugilism -- a sport ruled illegal years before. In order to learn more they enlist the help of young, well-built, ex-boxer Constable Jago. Jago continues to work out in the gym at Scotland Yard. Although he has never fought bare-fisted, he’s certain he has been trained by men who have. He could tell by their hands and knuckles. He knows of these “pugs”, men trained in secret mansions or buildings. Mystery not only surrounds the owners of these fighters, but what happens to those who lose. Some believe they go into hiding to keep from being jailed. Still others believe they are killed and their bodies buried. Cribb and his team suspect one such mansion, Radstock Hall, owned by Mrs. Vilbert, is not only her home, but also a training center for pugs. Why else would she have a large gymnasium with every work-out apparatus available to build a fighter’s body? Jago goes undercover and is accepted at Radstock to prepare for a fight against “The Ebony”, already a winning fighter.

But all doesn't go as planned. Mrs. Vilbert is soon murdered, stabbed to death, her take of the money bet on the upcoming fight missing and found under Jago's pillow. Jago, unknown to the local police, is under suspicion but not arrested. He continues to train but he knows he doesn't have a chance against Ebony. The only question is, can Cribb find who's behind the murders before Jago becomes a victim, either in the ring or soon afterward.

Lovesey draws Victorian London in a very descriptive manner, bringing to life the characters and settings in this story, drawing the reader in. The Detective Wore Silk Drawers is not only an engaging tale of a brutal sport but also an interesting take on a powerful woman who runs the training center for the men who participate in it. And not least, it is a strongly plotted mystery that will keep the reader in suspense until the very end. Soho Press is to be commended for re-releasing this outstanding series for a new generation of mystery readers.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of The Detective Wore Silk Drawers and to Soho Press for providing a copy of the book for this review.

Review Copyright © 2009 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved.

If you are interested in purchasing The Detective Wore Silk Drawers from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Set in the Victorian era in the world of bare-fisted pugilism -- an illegal sport. Constable Jago is sent, undercover, to Radstock Hall by Sergeant Cribb who suspects that fighters are being trained there and that the losers are then decapitated.

For more mystery book reviews visit Mysterious Reviews, a partner with the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books which is committed to providing readers and collectors of mystery books with the best and most current information about their favorite authors, titles, and series.

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eHarlequin Silhouette Romantic Suspense Titles for February 2009

Sparked by danger, fueled by passion, eHarlequin.com has released the February 2009 titles in their Silhouette Romantic Suspense series. Let yourself be swept away with characters who fall in love under larger-than-life circumstances. In Silhouette Romantic Suspense, suspense, emotion and glamour combine to create these highly charged books! To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title.

Scandal in Copper Lake by Marilyn Pappano (book cover shown)

No one believed Anamaria Duquesne when she had premonitions of her mother's death. Now, years later, the town pariah has returned to Copper Lake to unearth what transpired on that fateful night. Although she has the gift of foresight, she didn't predict falling under the tantalizing spell of a rich playboy who's been hired to spy on her.

Robbie Calloway scoffed at Anamaria's psychic mumbo jumbo about an unsolved murder and eerie family curses. But before long, the prominent attorney was entrenched in her crusade. With danger swirling around them, could they overcome incredible odds to be together?

A Hero of Her Own by Carla Cassidy

From the night he heard her scream, Quinn Logan sensed that something haunted Jewel Mayfair. The beautiful psychologist ran a ranch for troubled kids, but her own life seemed marked by grievous loss. Quinn had also known sorrow. Now he wanted to help Jewel move on -- beginning with a mutual attraction that was impossible to ignore.

Her days at Hopechest Ranch were filled with the joy of helping others. But Jewel's nights were plagued by fear -- and dreams that seemed all too real. Until the handsome vet chased away the terror. Could she trust Quinn and the passion he offered? Or was she falling in love with a man out to destroy her sanity and her life?

The Redemption of Rafe Diaz by Maggie Price (book cover shown)

Seven years ago, private investigator Rafe Diaz went to prison for a crime he didn't commit -- and Allie Fielding's testimony helped put him there. Now the popular socialite holds his client's fate in her manicured hands. But this time, the charge is murder one. And Rafe intends to question Allie until that glossy mouth of hers tells the truth.

Shooting daggers from those smoldering eyes, Rafe could easily pass for the bad guy Allie once thought he was. But now, her one-time enemy is the only man who can protect her. Because a cold-blooded murderer wants to ensure she never gets another day on the witness stand.

Heart at Risk by Ana Leigh

Ex-SEAL Kurt Bolen was planning only a quick visit to his hometown until gorgeous Maddie Bennett, a blast from his past, hit him with shocking news.

Maddie had worshipped Kurt since high school. She had no regrets about their one night together because it left her with a precious gift -- their son. And yet, she had no doubt Kurt would leave her again. As father and son started to bond, they were all threatened by an unexpected danger -- someone thought they knew too much. Though uncertain about their future, would Maddie realize just how far Kurt would go to protect those he loved?

Keep up to date by subscribing to eHarlequin.com's free newsletter that contains the latest information about their series of books as well as informing you about subscriber-only special offers and new products. Click on the banner below to subscribe for free:

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Harlequin Intrigue Titles for February 2009

eHarlequin.com has released the February 2009 titles in their Intrigue, breathtaking romantic suspense series. Get these edge-of-your-seat reads today with characters who conquer everything from kidnappings to murder mysteries, only to find themselves irresistibly drawn to one another! To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title.

Undercover Stranger by Pat White (book cover shown)

With her girl-next-door looks and quaint doll museum, Ciara O'Malley seemed innocent. But she was secret agent Griffin Black's number one suspect for a terrible crime and he knew how to get close enough to uncover her illicit activities. By seducing the truth right out of her. Then walking away. Except all of Griff's make-believe attraction turned surprisingly real once Ciara became a target herself. Suddenly Griff found himself protecting Ciara rather than using her. And yet, even with all his special training, Griff didn't know which was more frightening -- how deep this criminal network ran, or how far one beautiful redhead had worked her way under his skin.

Platinum Cowboy by Rita Herron

A true diamond in the rough, self-made man Flint McKade was one of the wealthiest men in the world and one of the hottest bachelors in Texas. So when his beloved Diamondback Ranch was sabotaged, Flint had a long list of suspects to choose from. His new veterinarian, Lora Leigh Whittaker, seemed to have an agenda, but he couldn't imagine the gorgeous blonde was out to get him. Then she was attacked, and Flint appointed himself her personal bodyguard. Standing beside her day and night, the chemistry that had been there from day one became unbearable. As a billionaire he was used to getting what he wanted. And he wanted her safe, in his arms -- and in his bed.

Profile Durango by Carla Cassidy (book cover shown)

The last time he'd seen forensics expert Callista "Callie" MacBride, she was the target of a hit man, and FBI Agent Tom Ryan had been assigned to keep her safe…but he hadn't kept his distance. Now, when every agent in the Four Corners was on the hunt for who killed one of their own, Callie was again in danger. And like before, it was Tom playing protector -- while trying to avoid their still-simmering attraction. He knew Callie resented his sudden return, but the haunted look in her eyes told him there was more to the story. And he was right -- but the truth rocked him to the core.

Expecting Trouble by Delores Fossen

Agent Cal Rico knew that Jenna Laniere was lying. But then he discovered that she was only trying to protect her baby from an untrustworthy ex and his ruthless associates. A deadly game of cat and mouse forced Jenna into hiding. And if Cal didn't help, the struggling single mother would have nowhere else to run. So it didn't matter that claiming the child as his own would ruin his career. Cal had to risk his future to help save Jenna from her past. As an agent, it was his duty. As a man falling for this tiny family, he couldn't turn away if he wanted to.

The High Country Rancher by Jan Hambright (book cover shown)

But Baylor McCullough wasn't talking, especially not to Mariah Ellis, the pushy but beautiful detective who considered him the prime suspect in a recent disappearance. A series of shocking murders and attacks revealed, however, that nothing was as it seemed -- not even the past -- and saddling up with Mariah might be his best chance at uncovering the truth. Still, protecting her while they searched for clues on his ranch was becoming increasingly difficult as the threats escalated. And the thought of Mariah getting caught in the cross fire didn't sit well with the rugged cowboy. Was it possible the beauty he'd rescued during a raging blizzard was the long-sought redemption he'd been hoping for?

Circumstantial Memories by Carol Ericson

Covert agent Ryder McClintock had returned home for the first time in years only to come face-to-face with Julia Rousseau, the woman with whom he'd once shared a bed -- then been forced to leave behind. Forgetting her had been impossible, but because of an accident, she was left with no memory…including the name of her baby's father. A little girl who looked remarkably like Ryder. But before he could tell Julia about their shared past, he needed to protect her and his daughter from someone determined to spoil their reunion. And as the threats escalated and Julia's memory returned, Ryder sensed her stalker's grudge ran much deeper than they realized.

If you enjoy this series, you can get 2 free Harlequin Intrigue books plus 2 free gifts just for giving the automatic program a try. Accepting your two free Intrigue books and mystery gifts places you under no obligation to buy anything. You may keep the books and gifts and return the shipping statement marked cancel. If you do not cancel, about two months later, and then every other month, eHarlequin will send you four additional Intrigue books.

Keep up to date by subscribing to eHarlequin.com's free newsletter that contains the latest information about their series of books as well as informing you about subscriber-only special offers and new products. Click on the banner below to subscribe for free:

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Mystery3, a Benefit for the Lifeline Theatre, to be held April 16, 2009

Mystery Books News has added a new listing to our calendar of mystery events.

The Lifeline Theatre in Chicago is holding a bloody fine benefit entitled Mystery3 on April 16, 2009 from 6:30 to 10:00 PM. Meet Chicago mystery mavens Sara Paretsky, Sean Chercover and Julie Hyzy as they reveal new endings to a classic Dorothy L. Sayers short story, performed live by the Lifeline ensemble. It's Lord Peter Wimsey, in three fascinating incarnations. Book signings, Chicago's favorite foods, free drinks, a very mysterious silent auction and more are on the docket. Don't miss this evening of killer fun ... and a chance to help Lifeline. Tickets are $100 in advance, $135 at the door. $200 tickets include a VIP champagne reception (limited to 40).

The Lifeline Theatre specializes in original literary adaptions. Its ensemble of artists uses imaginative, unconventional staging to portray sprawling stories in an intimate space.

If you have a mystery event you'd like added to our sidebar list, please let us know at info(@)omnimystery.com.

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Mystery Book Review: Stiffs and Swine by J. B. Stanley

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Stiffs and Swine by J. B. Stanley. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Stiffs and Swine by J. B. Stanley
A Supper Club Mystery with James Henry

Midnight Ink (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-7387-1267-1 (0738712671)
ISBN-13: 978-0-7387-1267-3 (9780738712673)
Publication Date: October 2008
List Price: $13.95

Review: One of the "flab five" supper club members is arrested for murder in Stiffs and Swine, the fourth mystery in this delightful series by J. B. Stanley.

Much to the group's delight, they are asked to judge the “Queen Sow Contest” in Hudsonville, Virginia. It would mean an overnight trip causing James Henry, head librarian for the Shenandoah Valley County Library, pause. Recently a large number of teenagers had been visiting the library on Friday nights, not reading or doing homework, just milling around waiting for something to happen. Since they didn't appear to be causing any trouble, James decided to wait until he returned from the contest to look into the matter.

At a charming bed-and-breakfast, the site of the contest, the group meets up with Jimmy Kane, a loud-mouthed flirt who seems to be offending everyone in sight, especially the women. When Kane wins first place for his BBQ brisket, Gillian, one of the supper club members, confronts him, screaming that he is the man who deliberately ran down her husband years ago, killing him. Gillian said that not one day had gone by that she had not wished him dead. The next morning, Kane is found dead in his motor home, Gillian sitting on the steps. The sheriff arrests Gillian for his murder, but the other four supper club members go into amateur sleuth mode. There is clearly no shortage of suspects. And there even seems to be a suspicious link between Kane and the teenagers occupying the library Friday nights.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Stiffs and Swine (in light of the plot, a particularly clever title) is the harmony and camaraderie between the five members of the supper club. A spirit of "all for one and one for all" resonates between the chapters. This diverse group (an ex-professor librarian, sheriff's deputy, mail carrier, high school art teacher, and animal-loving hippie) might appear to be an eccentric and unlikely bunch but their fun-loving and amateur-sleuthing ways are a winsome combination. Add in an interesting and credible mystery plot (and scrumptious-sounding recipes) and the result is, to paraphrase the words of the Queen Sow Contest moderator, a winner.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of Stiffs and Swine and to Midnight Ink for providing a copy of the book for this review.

Review Copyright © 2009 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved.

If you are interested in purchasing Stiffs and Swine from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): When the supper club members are invited to be guest judges at a regional barbecue contest, they accept the invitation faster than you can say "hog heaven." But the barbecue festival's family-oriented, finger-licking fun turns sour when a contestant is found dead. Things go from bad to worse when one of the five friends is accused of the murder and lands in jail. The strained relationship between James and Lucy is still no picnic, but the supper club members must stick together to find the real killer.

Includes authentic barbecue-friendly recipes!

For more mystery book reviews visit Mysterious Reviews, a partner with the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books which is committed to providing readers and collectors of mystery books with the best and most current information about their favorite authors, titles, and series.

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Mystery Author Martin Edwards Joins Exclusive Detection Club

The Liverpool Daily Post is reporting that UK crime author Martin Edwards has been invited to join the exclusive Detection Club. The club, primarily a social one, dates back to 1928 when it was formed by (among others) Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Anthony Berkleley Cox.

Edwards is the author of the Lake District mysteries featuring Detective Chief Inspector Hannah Scarlett and historian Daniel Kind, and the Harry Devlin mystery series. He recently won a CWA Dagger Award for his short story The Bookbinder's Apprentice. His most recent book, Dancing for the Hangman, a departure from his series works, was published in the UK last November but is not (yet) available in the US.

The Detection Club has an interesting oath administered to all new members. Among the questions asked is one regarding the rules of fair play: "Do you promise that your detectives shall well and truly detect the crimes presented to them, using those wits which it may please you to bestow upon them and not placing reliance on nor making use of Divine Revelation, Feminine Intuition, Mumbo-Jumbo, Jiggery-Pokery, Coincidence or the Act of God?"

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