eHarlequin Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense Titles for March 2009

eHarlequin.com has released the March 2009 titles in their Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense series. Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense books combine suspense, romance, hope and faith to create a unique page-turning series that today’s readers love. To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

Perfect Target by Stephanie Newton (book cover shown)

The corpse in her path was Bayley Foster's first warning. The second? A break-in at Bayley's own home! She's certain that the stalker who once tormented her has returned to toy with her again. But has her stalker truly escalated to murder? Her fiercely protective neighbor, police detective Cruse Conyers, is determined to get answers. Even if it takes him into the murky depths of the criminal underworld. What he uncovers adds a terrifying twist to the case that could land both Cruse and Bayley in the cross fire.

Poisoned Secrets by Margaret Daley

Maggie Ridgeway has spent years searching for her birth mother. And now, thanks to an anonymous tip, she's finally found her. Taking the apartment across the hall from her mother's family, Maggie is determined not to leave until she gets some questions answered. Who is her father? Why did her parents abandon her? And what item in her new apartment is provoking multiple burglaries? After an interrupted break-in leaves Maggie unconscious, the building's owner, Kane McDowell, promises to protect her. But then he learns who she really is. When the past is unveiled, the shocking disclosures could tear Maggie and Kane apart.

Cold Case Murder by Shirlee McCoy (book cover shown)

Her hometown of Loomis, Louisiana, holds no charm for Jodie Gilmore. Why be reminded of her mother's abandonment? Then the novice FBI agent is assigned to a missing person's case, and refusal isn't an option. Her coworkers are counting on her. Surely the tight-lipped locals will talk to one of their own. Or will they? A decades-old double homicide is discovered, and Harrison Cahill, the handsome forensic anthropologist on the case, thinks Jodie knows more than she's saying. But speaking freely can be deadly in Loomis.

A Silent Terror by Lynette Eason

When Marianna Santino's roommate is killed, Detective Ethan O'Hara can't fathom the motive. Then he realizes the deaf teacher was the intended target. Marianna must have something the murderer desperately wants. But what? Digging for the truth, the guarded cop tries to learn everything he can about Marianna. Her world. Her family. Her beauty, faith and fierce independence. In spite of himself, Ethan finds that he can't keep his feelings at bay. Soon, he's willing to risk everything -- including his heart -- to lay the silent terror stalking Marianna to rest.

If you enjoy this series, you can get 2 free Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense books plus 2 free gifts just for giving the automatic program a try. Accepting your two free Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense 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 Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense 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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Mysteries on TV: Canterbury's Law and Trial & Retribution, New This Week on DVD

Mysteries on TV, your source for the most complete selection of detective, amateur sleuth, private investigator, and suspense television mystery series now available or coming soon to DVD, is profiling two series that have season DVDs being released this week.

Another casualty of the writers' strike of 2007/2008 was Canterbury's Law which ultimately ended airing only 6 episodes on Fox. Julianna Margulies starred as defense attorney Elizabeth Canterbury, a woman haunted by the disappearance of her son. As a result, she wasn't afraid to push the boundaries of the law if she believed it would protect her clients.

Set in Providence, Rhode Island, the series also starred Ben Shenkman, Trieste Dunn, and Keith Robinson as her co-workers and Aidan Quinn as her husband Matthew.

The Canterbury's Law: The Complete Series DVD set of 2 discs contains the 6 episodes that originally aired during March and April, 2008.

Crime to court suspense is the hallmark of Trial & Retribution, a drama created by Lynda LaPlante who was also responsible for the long-running series Prime Suspect. It remains in production today having begun its most recent set of episodes last month.

Similar in format to Law & Order, each episode follows cases from the commission of the crime and the police investigation to the trial of the accused. The series stars David Hayman as Detective Superintendent Mike Walker and Kate Buffery as Detective Inspector Pat North.

The series premiered on ITV1 in 1997 and was produced as a once or twice a year episode until 2006 when additional episodes were produced and aired annually.

The Trial & Retribution: Set Two DVD set of 4 discs contains the 4 episodes that originally aired in June and October 2002, September 2003, and October 2004.

Visit the Mysteries on TV website to discover more television mystery series currently available on DVD.

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Mystery Godoku Puzzle for February 23, 2009

A new Mystery Godoku Puzzle has been created by the editors of the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books and is now available on our website.

Godoku is similar to Sudoku, but uses letters instead of numbers. To give you a headstart, we provide you a mystery clue to fill in a complete row or column (if you choose to use it!).

This week's letters and mystery clue:

A B C D I K L N W

Indians believed it carried the voices of evil spirits in this short story by Bill Pronzini (9 letters).

We now have two weeks of our puzzles on one page in PDF format for easier printing. Print this week's puzzle here.

Previous puzzles are stored in the Mystery Godoku Archives.

Enjoy the weekly Mystery Godoku Puzzle from the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, and Thanks for visiting our website!

   

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eHarlequin Silhouette Romantic Suspense Titles for March 2009

Sparked by danger, fueled by passion, eHarlequin.com has released the March 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. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

Safe by His Side by Linda Conrad (book cover shown)

"Twinkle twinkle little star. I know where you are."

Another threatening note sent to a beloved child star. But this time, the stalker got inside the house. Desperate to protect her young charge, guardian Blythe Cooper is grateful for the tall, strong bodyguard now standing sentinel at their door. Until Ethan Ryan awakens feelings in Blythe she can't acknowledge.

The former secret service agent turned bodyguard makes it his mission to protect children. The rules: never make it personal, and everyone walks away alive. Amendment: somehow, someway, keep beautiful Blythe and the little girl out of his heart -- and safe by his side.

The Rancher Bodyguard by Carla Cassidy

Fiercely independent, determined, driven and…betrayed. Grace Covington vowed never again to lay eyes on the arrogant, hotshot defense attorney who'd broken her heart. But everything changed when her stepfather was murdered, her sister found holding the bloody knife. Charlie Black was the only one who could help.

Accepting the case would shatter the simple life Charlie established after taking charge of the family ranch in Cotter Creek, but he couldn't deny Grace's pleas. Discovering who was bent on destroying the Covington clan might be the only way to prove he was a changed man capable of protecting her -- body and soul.

Claimed by the Secret Agent by Lyn Stone (book cover shown)

COMPASS agent Grant Tyndal had been dispatched to Germany to rescue CIA translator Marie Beauclair from her terrorist captors. But the mission had already been accomplished. The resourceful undercover agent not only escaped, she vowed to go after her kidnappers. Tyndal wouldn't let that happen. One, it was too dangerous. And two -- he worked alone.

Marie didn't need a bodyguard or a babysitter. What she needed was someone to help her complete a critical mission of her own. But the former Navy SEAL was already shattering her defenses. He awakened passion and tempted her to let down her guard…to risk everything for the promise of forever in his arms.

Suspect Lover by Stephanie Doyle

Eager to start a family, Caroline Sommerville marries Dominic Santos in a whirlwind courtship. Then the unthinkable happens: her husband becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his business partner.

With Dominic on the run from the police, Caroline is his last hope. Though she's only known him a short time, she's certain he was framed.

But there's so much about him she doesn't know. And when a damning secret in Dominic's past surfaces, Caroline has to decide whether she believes in the man she married. Is he the murderer he's accused of being? Or is he the husband who needs her trust…and love?

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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Mystery Book Review: Absinthe of Malice by Pat Browning

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Absinthe of Malice by Pat Browning. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Absinthe of Malice by Pat Browning
A Penny Mackenzie Mystery

Krill Press (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-9821443-1-8 (0982144318)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9821443-1-2 (9780982144312)
Publication Date: December 2008
List Price: $15.95

Review: Setting her debut mystery in a small town in California's central valley, Pat Browning introduces newspaper reporter Penny Mackenzie in the almost but not quite a cozy Absinthe of Malice.

Penny's friend and colleague Maxie Harper are on a midnight stake-out in a cotton field. Maxie's looking for that one hard-hitting story that will be picked up by the national news services and get her out of the small town in which they live and work. When a few boys show up to smoke some weed and dig around in the dirt in secrecy, they're disappointed. But when they suddenly run off, they're intrigued. What Penny and Maxie find are the bones of an old skeleton, unexpectedly uncovered by the boys. An old body would hardly seem all that newsworthy, but when Maxie is later found dead, possibly of food poisoning, Penny's not so sure. Then old secrets start to come to light and Penny realizes her small, unexciting town may be hiding more than just a body in a field.

The primary problem with a mystery like Absinthe of Malice is that it is a punny title in search of a plot. Worse for a mystery, with a title like this, it usually dictates not only how the victim was killed, but often who the culprit was, eliminating any element of surprise that may have been attempted. This isn't to say Absinthe of Malice isn't a pleasant read. The setting is appealing and creatively drawn, and the characters are interesting and well-developed. Penny Mackenzie in particular would seem to be a series lead worthy of following. But there's a lack of focus here; there are too many plot threads, most of them obviously tangential to the murder mystery, that seem to exist simply to fill out the narrative. It's unfortunate that the emphasis seems to be more on the clever title of this mystery than on constructing a strong plot to support it.

Special thanks to Krill Press for providing a copy of Absinthe of Malice for this review.

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

If you are interested in purchasing Absinthe of Malice from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right. Absinthe of Malice (Kindle edition) is also available. Learn more about the Kindle, Amazon's Wireless Reading Device.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Old crimes come back to haunt a small California town in this intriguing urban cozy. Absinthe of Malice introduces Penny Mackenzie, Lifestyle reporter for The Pearl Outrider and a cast of unforgettable characters who find their lives turned upside down when old secrets and new secrets all come to light after chance discovery of a skeleton in a cotton field leads to murder ... and romance.

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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Harlequin Intrigue Titles for March 2009

eHarlequin.com has released the March 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. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

Renegade Soldier by Pat White (book cover shown)

Secret operative Dalton Keen had never met a woman like Sydney Trent: sweet, innocent and so beautiful he couldn't look away. Trying to complete his latest mission meant he needed Sydney's help. But it was hard to control how his body responded when she turned to him with her violet eyes and looked at him with both awe and desire. Rather than crossing the line, though, he needed to protect her. Someone had discovered that she knew more than she was telling … and they didn't like it. Dalton regretted involving Syd in what was quickly becoming a very dangerous mission, but she couldn't back out now. And, secretly, he didn't want to let her go.

Multiples Mystery by Alice Sharpe

Olivia Capri knew giving birth to quads would cause a stir in her media-starved small town. But she didn't realize it would bring back Zac Bishop, the boy she'd once loved with all her teenage heart. Luckily, as sheriff, he'd returned just in time. It seemed someone was after her and her babies thanks to a past she knew nothing about. And though she knew whoever it was didn't stand a chance against Zac and his protective nature, reminiscing about old times stirred up too many long-buried emotions. Still, Zac assured her everything would be okay, all she had to do was trust him. And she did. With everything but her heart.

Snowed In with the Boss by Jessica Andersen (book cover shown)

CEO Griffin Vaughn knew Sophie LaRue was trouble the moment he agreed to hire her. Still, he hadn't become one of the wealthiest men in the world by being distracted by silky blond hair and legs that didn't quit, and he refused to start now. But thanks to a freak blizzard, he and Sophie were trapped in his Colorado mansion … and they weren't alone. With someone watching from the shadows, Griffin attempted to ignore their building attraction and focus on protecting Sophie. A successful businessman, Griffin thrived on challenge -- until his innocent assistant made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Desert Ice Daddy by Dana Marton

Billionaire Akeem Abdul's arrival at the McKade ranch went from business to personal when he learned Taylor McKade's little boy had disappeared. Taylor had only become more beautiful over the years, and Akeem couldn't stand seeing the pain on her face. As they followed the kidnappers' orders and trekked through the Texas heat, Akeem admired the strength it took for Taylor not to fall apart. But he was there when she did -- and vowed to bring her son home. Still, all the money in the world couldn't eliminate his secret fears: that if they didn't find her son, this woman he'd finally found again could be lost to him forever.

Cowboy Commando by Joanna Wayne (book cover shown)

On navy SEAL missions Cutter Martin had been a warrior. But when it came to Linney Kingston, he was just a red-blooded Texas cowboy with bad luck at love. Linney had walked out on him six years ago. Now she was back -- with a motherless child and a crazy story.

Linney's theory of murder and scandal was as preposterous as her body's traitorous response to Cutter. Still, when she was shot at, the cowboy came to her rescue. Cutter -- her hero. And the only man who could break her heart again. Trusting him a second time was more frightening than the killers stalking her every move.

Secret Delivery by Delores Fossen

Sheriff Jack Whitley hadn't seen Alana Davis in nearly a year. Not since he'd saved her life and helped to deliver her baby. And when she'd mysteriously disappeared, he'd raised her son as his own. So despite the way Alana's vulnerability tugged at his heart, Jack vowed he wouldn't let her claim his child. But with a dangerous killer hot on her trail, he found himself wanting to be her protector. Keeping her safe meant he ran the risk of losing his son. And ultimately his heart.

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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Mystery Book Review: The Actress by Elizabeth Sims

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of The Actress by Elizabeth Sims. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

The Actress by Elizabeth Sims
A Rita Farmer Mystery

St. Martin's Minotaur (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-312-37727-4 (0312377274)
ISBN-13: 978-0-31237-727-4 (9780312377274)
Publication Date: May 2008
List Price: $24.95

Review: Rita Farmer, a part-time actress, had her charge card declined at the grocery store and pawned Grandma Gladys’s brooch for $400, which might put food on the table for herself and Petey, her four-year-old son, but it won’t cover the late rent. But after her puppet performance for story time at the L.A. Public Library, she meets defense attorney Gary Kwan who offers her a difficult but lucrative job using her acting expertise to help his client appear more sympathetic to a jury. The media and public seem to have already convicted Eileen Tenaway who is beautiful, rich and accused of murdering her 18-month-old daughter. No easy task since Rita finds her cold and unfeeling, but for a thousand dollars a day and a bonus if she’s acquitted, Rita will give it her all.

But that’s just part of what’s going on here. Eileen’s husband, Richard, a Los Angeles jewel magnate, turned up dead in Brazil and a lot of gems went missing. Eileen and Richard’s business partner received a fat payment from the insurance company. But George Rowe, an insurance investigator, suspects there’s more to the story, and perhaps Richard faked his death. George travels to Brazil to research details of the case and recruits Rita, whose life and that of her son, might soon depend on her finding out the truth of Richard’s disappearance, the missing gems and who killed the little girl.

Elizabeth Sims has created a wonderful character and a terrific start to a new series with Rita Farmer and The Actress. It’s easy to sympathize with Rita’s situation especially given today’s economic circumstances, but above and beyond that she’s funny, loving, insecure, smart and tough when she needs to be: calling Eileen a bitch in one of their early meetings to elicit an emotional response. Rita has a lively supporting cast as well in her best friend Daniel a gay man with whom she can talk about everything including men; Gary Kwan, a flashy, smart defense attorney for whom she has a serious attraction; George Rowe, the fiercely determined and quirky investigator and Jeff, her easy-to-dislike ex-husband who has much to do with her self-esteem and wants to use Rita’s financial situation as a means to gain custody of their son. Pfew!

Sims has written a tightly plotted tale with multiple layers. The story maintains a fast pace except for a few places in the middle, but it’s not enough to distract from the story’s enjoyment. The sassy Rita takes some risks that seem a bit out of character, but perhaps none of us thinks too clearly about our actions when our loved ones are in danger.

The narrative switches viewpoints from Rita’s first-person voice to other characters in the third-person. This technique works especially well near the end when Sims switches back and forth between two simultaneously gripping situations, keeping the reader on pins and needles as to the resolutions. She uses all of our senses to bring the book’s settings to life from the sounds of the waves of traffic at the corner of Santa Monica and Rodeo where Rita frequently has consultations with Grandma Gladys’s spirit to the smell of the pawn shop and the feel of Petey’s soft skin. The dialogue rings true, especially the quips Rita shares with her best friend, Daniel. The plot has an engrossing complexity with lots of characters to keep track of and some surprises for the reader to discover. I look forward to reading The Extra, the second book in the series, due out this spring.

Special thanks to Katherine Petersen for contributing her review of The Actress.

Review Copyright © 2009 — Katherine Petersen — All Rights Reserved — Reprinted with Permission

If you are interested in purchasing The Actress from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right. The Actress (Kindle edition) is also available. Learn more about the Kindle, Amazon's Wireless Reading Device.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Aspiring actress and single mother Rita Farmer has gone from struggling to find work to downright desperate. If she doesn’t land a paying job soon---horror movie, soap commercial, anything---she’s afraid her ex-husband will use her dire financial straits to take away Petey, her cherished four-year-old son.

While she’s charming the crowd at storytime at the L.A. public library, a celebrity defense attorney approaches her with an unusual job offer: So long as she’s discreet, Rita can rake in a thousand dollars a day preparing his client for her appearance in court. Easy money? Hardly. His client, Eileen Tenaway, is not only a wealthy heiress and a queen of the tabloids but she’s been charged with the murder of her own child. The attorney needs Rita to coach Eileen secretly to help her seem more sympathetic, more human. He needs the jury to believe not only her words but the subtle cues of body language, facial expressions, even vocal style. Rita knows she can do it, but what she doesn’t know is how determined she’ll become to find out what really happened to Eileen’s family---once her own life and Petey’s life depend on it.

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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Games of Mystery: St. Patrick's Day Mystery Party Suggestions

Games of Mystery, your source for mystery-themed games, parties, and vacations, has some recommendations for your next party.

'Tis approaching the day for the wearin' of the green, and what better way for celebrating St. Patrick's Day this year than to throw a murder mystery party!

Patrick Murphy was the most popular man in town -- he owned the highly successful town pub, was a large contributor to the parish charities, and came home every night to his lovely and devoted wife. Last week he was killed coming home late from his pub. At first, everyone thought it was a tragic accident ... but now at his wake, it is very clear that Patrick was not the most popular man in town ... and that his murderer is present at Murphy's wake ...

The fully scripted clues in Murphy's Wake give you and your guests the chance to use your best Irish accents as you play the game. 'Tis a fine way to spend St. Patrick's Day.

This clue-based evening of mystery and fun is designed for 6 to 8 party guests plus host (see the character list), aged 18 and older. The party is rated M.

Another mystery party option with Irish characters is Paddy O'Really is Dead.

There was a storm brewing outside, but it was cozy and warm in O'Malley's pub and everyone was in good spirits. But just when musician Grace O'Malley was about to lead everyone in yet another rousing chorus, Molly O'Really came stumbling in. But her father wasn't with her. He was last seen heading towards the Cliffs of Moher. But he didn't fall ... he was pushed. Everyone will soon discover that Paddy O'Really is dead.

Who killed Patrick O'Really? This cozy murder mystery set in a pub in Ireland, and includes scripted clues to bring out your best blarney. Written for 6 to 9 guests including host (see the character list), aged 16 and older. The party is rated M.

And if you need costumes for your St. Patrick's Day mystery party, visit BuyCostumes.com for the best selection of adults and kids costumes, accessories, masks, and more. You can also find all your party needs there including supplies, decorations, and props.

Visit Games of Mystery: Mystery Parties for a wide selection of parties for kids, teens, and adults. You'll find all sorts of themed parties available to suit every occasion throughout the year.

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Author Online Book Tour: Barbara Levenson Visits Buzz About Books and Marta's Meanderings

Mystery Books News is pleased to be coordinating this week's online book tour for Barbara Levenson whose new mystery, Fatal February, was published earlier this month by Oceanview Publishing. Fatal February is the author's debut mystery and features Mary Magruder Katz, a criminal defense attorney in Miami.

Today, Saturday February 21st, Barbara will be visiting 2 blog sites:

• Buzz About Books where Barbara will be interviewed; and
• Marta's Meanderings where a review of Fatal February will be posted.

We're also thrilled to announce that Barbara is giving away a signed copy of her new book to one lucky tour visitor. Visit each tour site on the day indicated and pick up a unique PIN to be used to enter the giveaway on that day. The entry form can be found on Barbara's tour page, Author Book Tour: Barbara Levenson, which also has a complete schedule of Barbara's tour including a biography and more information about Fatal February.

We hope you have the opportunity to stop by each of the tour sites later this week to learn more about Barbara and her series character Mary Magruder Katz.

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Mystery Book Review: Pleasing the Dead by Deborah Turrell Atkinson

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Pleasing the Dead by Deborah Turrell Atkinson. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Pleasing the Dead by Deborah Turrell Atkinson
A Storm Kayama Mystery

Poisoned Pen Press (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 1-59058-597-6 (1590585976)
ISBN-13: 978-1-59058-597-9 (9781590585979)
Publication Date: February 2009
List Price: $24.95

Review: Deborah Turrell Atkinson continues following the life of Honolulu lawyer Storm Kayama who is on Maui doing the legal work required to set up a new business but drawn into the dangerous world of the yakuza in Pleasing the Dead, the fourth mystery in this series.

Setting up the dive shop for her friend Lara Farrell seems routine until two seemingly unrelated tragedies occur, a restaurant bombing and a destitute Japanese laborer killing himself and his daughter, wounding another. Storm begins to ask questions and is quickly caught up in a world unfamiliar to her, the Japanese crime organization known as the yakuza. Knowing the long arm of the yakuza may extend into legitimate business, and even the police department, Storm must tread carefully. But soon her own life is in danger, and she doesn't know who she can trust.

As she has with the previous mysteries in this series, Atkinson paints a gorgeous Hawaii, lush and beautiful, rich in its community and history. Her characters come alive with distinctive personalities, relatable to the reader, both good and evil. Storm's personal background also plays an important role in the story, allowing her to connect with the people she's trying to help, and ultimately rescue. The only drawback here is the somewhat confusing, at times hard to follow, plot. Though an exciting read, the appeal of this mystery is ultimately in its characters and setting. Pleasing the Dead is an agreeable addition to the series, just not a strong one.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of Pleasing the Dead and to Poisoned Pen Press for providing an ARC of the book for this review.

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

If you are interested in purchasing Pleasing the Dead from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Some nasty predators dwell in paradise, and they aren’t all hiding in the azure waters. The day attorney Storm Kayama arrives in Kahului to help Lara Farrell set up her new dive shop, someone bombs a restaurant. When one of Lara’s employees, a recent Japanese immigrant, kills himself and one of his young daughters, Storm begins to ask questions.

The tentacles of the Yakuza, the dangerous, Japanese organized crime group, grip local businesses, real estate, and politics. Cunning and deadly, the clan leaders exploit underage women and eliminate anyone who dares face up to them.

Storm finds herself up against a lethal and faceless enemy, in a place where disposing of a victim is easy as dumping her in shark-infested waters.

But who is hunting whom? In a struggle to the death, Storm begins to realize that surviving doesn’t always mean living. For some, the ghosts of the past may be more painful than the anguish of the present.

Hawaii lawyer Storm Kayama must battle against the yakuza's presence and an ancient adherence to tradition to save more young girls from a terrible fate.

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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