Mysteries on TV: HBO Releases New Trailer for True Blood Season 2

In case you missed it (and we did!), HBO released a new trailer for the second season of True Blood a week or so ago. True Blood is based on the series of Southern Vampire mysteries by Charlaine Harris and stars Anna Paquin as telepathic barmaid Sookie Stackhouse.

The first season of True Blood is being released on May 19th and will be available on both DVD and Blu-ray discs.

You can watch the trailer for the second season, which premieres June 14th, below:

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

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Games of Mystery: Detective Agency, New at PlayFirst Games

Games of Mystery, your source for mystery-themed electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, and mystery getaway vacations, is pleased to announce a new mystery game available from PlayFirst Games. You can find out more about these games from our Mystery Games: PlayFirst Download Games page or by clicking on the links provided below.

Help James, an accomplished private detective, look into a case involving a stolen relic. Resolve contradicting facts, figure out the motive and identify the burglar! Use your smarts to solve puzzles and your keen eye find clues in this hidden object mystery. Take out your magnifying glass and follow leads to learn the secret to an ancient legend now!

Detective Agency is available to purchase for $9.95 with the PlayPass program. A trial version is available to download for a 60 minutes of play (Windows PC, 30.3 MB).

Other popular games on our download PlayFirst Mystery Games page include the Mystery PI series of casual games, Mystery P.I.: The Vegas Heist and Mystery P.I.: The Lottery Ticket, James Patterson's Women's Murder Club: Death in Scarlet, and Private Eye.

And don't forget to visit Games of Mystery for all kinds of mysterious fun!

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Martin Booth's Thriller A Very Private Gentleman to be Filmed

Variety is reporting that Focus Features is developing an adaptation of Martin Booth's 1991 thriller A Very Private Gentleman to be directed by photographer Anton Corbijn. Rowen Joffe (28 Weeks Later) will adapt the screenplay. Production is scheduled to begin this fall.

Synopsis: Retreating to an Italian village prior to his next assignment, an assassin -- the locals call him Signor Farfallar, Mr. Butterfly, for he appears to be a discreet gentleman who paints rare butterflies -- prepares for his task. But as inconspicuous as Farfalla tries to make himself, he becomes enamored with his life there and to one woman in particular. He vows to make this his last kill but his past catches up with him and he senses a treacherous circle closing in on him.

Another book by the author, Evolution's Child, was filmed as a made-for-television movie in 1999.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Harlequin Intrigue Titles for June 2009

eHarlequin.com has released the June 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.)

Midnight Investigation by Sheryl Lynn (book cover shown)

After nearly being strangled by an unidentified attacker, the normally independent Desi Hollyhock had no choice but to turn to her new partner, Colorado cop Buck Walker, for help. As impressed as he was by her self-reliance, Buck was more concerned for her safety. There was no way he would let her deal with this threat on her own, especially when he felt how good it was to hold her in his arms. But getting past Desi's defenses was one thing … taking down the evil that was slowly stalking her was another.

Heiress Recon by Carla Cassidy

Brianna Waverly had barely escaped death once. So she had little choice but to accept the protection of former navy SEAL Troy Sinclair. Spirited away to a tiny cabin, her safe house was as far removed from her heiress lifestyle as she could imagine. And her bodyguard so much more exciting than any man she'd ever known.

Troy wasn't pleased to be playing house when danger lurked behind every door. Especially when the woman he had to protect was proving impossible to resist. But emotion was an entanglement he couldn't afford…because the ultimate price would be their lives.

The Phantom of Black's Cove by Jan Hambright (book cover shown)

Olivia Morgan was on a mission and Jack Trayborne was there to stop her. The investigative journalist had come to Black's Cove seeking answers to her traumatic past, but the long-closed medical clinic cast a shadow over the small town and refused to give up the truth she desperately sought. Jack saw the disappointment on Olivia's beautiful face, but he had no choice. He had to protect what was hidden behind the clinic's closed doors. The alternative would be devastating. And deadly. Instead, he'd stand by her side, 24/7, and convince her there was no reason for her to stay. As much as he wanted her to.

Royal Protocol by Dana Marton

rince Benedek Kerkay's long-held fantasy became reality when world-renowned opera singer Rayne Williams stepped off the plane and into his arms. Although royal protocol deemed the beautiful American off-limits, it was only the sudden barrage of rebel fire that kept Benedek from breaking all the rules.

Running through underground tunnels, trying to keep the enemy at bay, Benedek would sacrifice his life and his place on the throne if it meant keeping Rayne safe.

The stubborn prince was confident he'd survive this latest battle for his country. But letting Rayne go wouldn't be quite so easy.

Pulling the Trigger by Julie Miller (book cover shown)

It had been more than ten years since tracker Ethan Bia had seen the woman who'd loved him and left him with no explanation. FBI agent Joanna Rhodes was as beautiful and secretive as ever, but insisted on keeping their past—and their passion—where it belonged. Ethan knew tracking an elusive killer through the mountains was their assignment, but his need for answers was as tempting as his urge to touch Joanna. Unfortunately, resisting both was crucial to surviving this mission. A mission that would determine how long Joanna stuck around once it was over.

Big Sky Dynasty by B. J. Daniels

Dalton Corbett's secret past had finally caught up with him and taken residence above Whitehorse's knit shop—owned by the unsuspecting and sweet Georgia Michaels. Although Georgia had no reason to mistrust the woman she'd just rented to, Dalton knew how dangerous and deadly she was…just as he knew that Georgia was the type of girl his mother hoped he'd marry. Unwilling to see Georgia hurt, he devoted himself to ensuring her safety—and the more time he spent with her, the more he realized that she was the woman for him. But would his secrets jeopardize his brothers' marriage pact and put the next Corbett bride in danger?

* * *

If you enjoy the romantic suspense books in 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:

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Independent Publisher Announces Winners of 2009 IPPY Awards

Independent Publisher announced the winners of the 2009 IPPY Awards yesterday recognizing excellence in books published by independent authors and publishers in 65 national and 20 regional categories. Below are the results for the Mystery / Suspense / Thriller category:

Gold: Armageddon Conspiracy by John Thompson (Joggling Board Press)

Silver (tie): Ruins of Grandeur by Donald Geddes III (Morgana Press); Stealing Trinity by Ward Larsen (Oceanview Publishing); Death of a Cozy Writer by G. M. Malliet (Midnight Ink)

Bronze (tie): Leading Lady by Heywood Gould (Five Star); The Devil Can Wait by Marta Stephens (BeWrite Books); Conspiracy of Silence by Martha Powers (Oceanview Publishing)

indicates a review by Mysterious Reviews.

Congratulations from everyone at MBN to the winners!

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Mystery Book Review: Server Down by J. M. Hayes

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Server Down by J. M. Hayes. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Server Down by J. M. Hayes
A Mad Dog and Englishman Mystery

Poisoned Pen Press (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 1-59058-627-1 (1590586271)
ISBN-13: 978-1-59058-627-3 (9781590586273)
Publication Date: May 2009
List Price: $24.95

Review: Harvey Edward "Mad Dog" Maddox and his brother Sheriff English return in another amusing outing in Server Down, the fifth mystery in this series by J. M. Hayes.

Mad Dog takes a contrarian view to just about everything. His current target is the Benteen County Board of Supervisors who are leaning towards approving the construction of an ethanol plant in the area that will provide jobs for county residents. But then Mad Dog takes off for Tucson with his wolf Hailey to attend a local Native American ceremony during which a police officer is murdered, stabbed with Mad Dog's Swiss Army knife. Sheriff English sends his daughter Heather, a part-time deputy, to pick up her uncle and return him home. While he's in Arizona, someone blows up Mad Dog's house in Kansas. English must not only figure out who bombed his brother's house but if it's related in any way to what's going on in Tucson. When he finally gets in touch with him, Mad Dog, still on the run, claims a creature from the computer game War of Worldcraft is the culprit and is after him, even framing him for murder. But the threats continue and get even more personal: they now include Heather.

"Madcap" (but in a good way) is the word that comes to mind while reading Server Down. Everything is just slightly over-the-top, from the characters to the settings to the situations everyone finds themselves in. Frequently frenetic with a somewhat convoluted plot (non-gamers, for example, may have a more difficult time apprecriating the nuances of an online, multi-player game and relating it to the plot), it's entertaining nonetheless -- but not likely to everyone's taste.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of Server Down 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 Server Down from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Attending the Yaqui tribe's Easter Ceremonies in Tucson should be a dream come true for a Cheyenne wannabe shaman like Mad Dog. But immediately after his midnight arrival and a thousand-mile drive from Kansas, things turn nightmarish. Mad Dog is accused of being a witch and, moments later, a policeman is murdered and Mad Dog is blamed. That makes Mad Dog and his wolf-hybrid, Hailey, targets for a city-wide manhunt with shoot-first overtones.

Mad Dog's niece, Heather English, a part-time deputy for her father in Kansas, combs Tucson's mean streets to arrange a peaceful surrender or clear her uncle by finding the real killer.

Meanwhile, someone has blown Mad Dog's house off the face of the Great Plains. Sheriff English, investigates that crime and acts as a long-distance go-between for Arizona law enforcement and his daughter and brother.

At least Mad Dog can tell the sheriff who killed the cop. Mad Dog has been playing a massive online computer game, War of Worldcraft. There, a vampire wizard has made a habit of tormenting him. He recognized the monster as the cop killer at the Yaqui ceremonies. Somehow, he says, the creature has reached out of the game to come after him in the real world. The sheriff isn't convinced. Not until he begins receiving threats from a vampire wizard on his office computer. The ghost in the machine promises death for Mad Dog and explicit and horrible tortures for Heather—half a country away, and all before dawn.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Games of Mystery: Big Changes for the Big Fish Game Club

Games of Mystery, your source for mystery-themed electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, and mystery getaway vacations, is pleased to pass on a new change in the membership program at Big Fish Games that was announced today.

The Big Fish Game Club is the best way to buy and download casual games and it just got easier and better! This monthly membership program allows you to buy every game at the same low price of $6.99 (a $20 value!). Plus, there are no commitments – you can cancel online at any time. All existing customers of the Big Fish Game Club (and we're one of them) have been automatically converted to the new program.

Games of Mystery has two pages of mystery games available from Big Fish Games: a list of adventure mystery games and a list of hidden object mystery games. We have also started posting reviews of these games. You can read two of these here: a review of Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses! and a review of Nick Chase: A Detective Story.

You can find out more about the new and improved Big Fish Game Club by clicking on the banner below:

And don't forget to visit Games of Mystery for all kinds of mysterious fun!

Return to Mystery Books News ...

First Clues Review: Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is delighted to introduce a new feature for our website, book reviews written by students. These students offer their unique perspective on the book in their review and provide a valuable resource to parents looking for new mystery adventures for their kids to read.

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
The Alex Rider Series

Puffin (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-14-240611-2 (0142406112)
ISBN-13: 978-0-14-240611-3 (9780142406113)
Publication Date: February 2006
List Price: $7.99

Review written by Andrew, Age 13, Grade 7. Date of review: April 2009.

Review: At the beginning of Stormbreaker, Alex Rider wakes up to voices from downstairs. They are men who have come to tell him his uncle is dead. All seems to be normal- for a funeral- until a man named Alan Blunt talks with Alex about his future and his uncle’s job. His natural curiosity aroused by Blunt, he is determined to find out how his uncle died. While investigating his office he finds out that Ian Rider was not a banker- he was a spy. Alex is then recruited by M16, the spy agency Ian worked for. In a short while, Alex is sent to investigate Sayle Enterprises, a computer company with seemingly beneficial intentions to the world. While investigating he meets such personalities as Harold Sayle, the eccentric head of the company, Mr. Grin, an aide to Sayle, and Yassen Gregorovich, a Russian assassin who may or may not be connected to Ian Rider’s death.

This story as a whole was enjoyable, comparable to a more kid friendly Hunt for Red October or a James Bond spy thriller. Alex’s personality is very enveloping, and right after you’ve digested it, the rest of the book’s characters are introduced. The scenery is very detailed, containing such locations as a country town, a network of underground tunnels and a giant fish tank. This series is one of my favorites, and the first book is still the best in my mind. If you enjoy action books, this one is for you. If you like thrillers, this one is for you. If you like mysteries, this one is for you. I do recommend a 10+ age for reading this since it does have violence in it.

This book has been made into a movie and won the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award in 2004.

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

First Clue Mysteries is pleased to provide information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

All student book reviews are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any manner, print or electronic, without the express written consent of the copyright owner. Reviews are published here with permission of the copyright owner.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

Mystery Bestsellers for May 15, 2009

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

Last week's featured bestseller, Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris, made the biggest move this week landing in the second spot behind First Family by David Baldacci. A debut mystery that just missed the cutoff last week edges up a few notches.

The widely praised The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley moves into 12th position this week. It is the summer of 1950—and a series of inexplicable events has struck Buckshaw, the decaying English mansion that 11-year-old Flavia de Luce calls home. A dead bird is found on the doorstep, a postage stamp bizarrely pinned to its beak. Hours later, Flavia finds a man lying in the cucumber patch and watches him as he takes his dying breath. For Flavia, who is both appalled and delighted, life begins in earnest when murder comes to Buckshaw. “I wish I could say I was afraid, but I wasn’t. Quite the contrary. This was by far the most interesting thing that had ever happened to me in my entire life.” To Flavia the investigation is the stuff of science: full of possibilities, contradictions, and connections. Soon her father, a man raising his three daughters alone, is seized, accused of murder. And in a police cell, during a violent thunderstorm, Colonel de Luce tells his daughter an astounding story—of a schoolboy friendship turned ugly, of a priceless object that vanished in a bizarre and brazen act of thievery, of a Latin teacher who flung himself to his death from the school’s tower thirty years before. Now Flavia is armed with more than enough knowledge to tie two distant deaths together, to examine new suspects, and begin a search that will lead her all the way to the King of England himself. Of this much the girl is sure: her father is innocent of murder—but protecting her and her sisters from something even worse. Mysterious Reviews calls the book a "well paced story, written with Dickensian flair, Sherlockian suspense and tongue-in-cheek fun" adding, "[i]t's a 5-star performance for young and old, and well worth applauding." (MBN note: Read the full text at Review of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley.)

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.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

eHarlequin's Free Book Friday: Alpha Wolf by Linda O. Johnston

eHarlequin.com gives you another reason to love Fridays! Buy two or more books this Friday and they'll give you their weekly featured book absolutely free! That's right, every Friday, enjoy a featured free book with the purchase of two or more other titles! (Your free book will automatically be added to your cart.)

This Friday's free book (05/15/2009) is a paranormal suspense novel from Harlequin's Silhouette Nocturne imprint.

Alpha Wolf by Linda O. Johnston
Non-series

When Dr. Melanie Harding comes to rural Maryland to open a veterinarian clinic, she has no intention of buying into the area's absurd werewolf legends. Until she rescues an ordinary dog shot with a silver bullet, and meets his sexy owner, Major Drew Connell.

A founding member of the Alpha Force on a nearby military base, Drew has developed an elixir that helps werewolves control their shape-shifting abilities. Drew has always tried to keep his distance from the civilian population, but Melanie's sweet and gentle nature soon wears down his defenses. With the attacks on people and animals in the area mounting, can their fiery attraction withstand their toughest challenge?

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:

Return to Mystery Books News ...

First Clues Review: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is delighted to introduce a new feature for our website, book reviews written by students. These students offer their unique perspective on the book in their review and provide a valuable resource to parents looking for new mystery adventures for their kids to read.

The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
The Enola Holmes Series

Puffin (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-14-240933-2 (0142409332)
ISBN-13: 978-0-14-240933-6 (9780142409336)
Publication Date: November 2007
List Price: $6.99

Review written by Renee, Age 12, Grade 7. Date of review: April 2009.

Review: Do you like mysteries and adventures? Then this is the book for you. The title of the story is The Case of the Missing Marquess, by Nancy Springer. It is the first book of the series and the main character is Enola Homes, a 14-year-old girl that will not give up at any point in the story.

In the beginning of the book, Enola and her mom weren’t very close to each other. They loved each other but kept out the other’s business. Suddenly, at Enola’s 14th birthday, her mom went away and didn’t come back to celebrate it. Enola thought she had something important keeping her busy, but when she didn’t come back, she got worried. So, when her brothers, the legendary Sherlock and Mycroft Homes, came to investigate, she runs off in an effort to find her mother. Using the gifts her mom gave her, she finds money and clues leading Enola to her. She disguises herself as a widow and a plain, middle class girl to escape the dangers of London, and stop her brothers from taking her to boarding school. She meets up with another runaway child and they help each other in a getaway from the criminals. Enola’s eyes are opened for the first time about the world around her.

Enola is strong minded and stubborn. She always tried her hardest in a situation. She was faced with many things, but she thought through it and came out on top. And, with her book of ciphers and messages on flower paintings, she would crack codes and hidden messages and find important things her mom left her.

I would recommend this book to children that are between the ages of 7-10. It was a very exciting book but sometimes, like in the beginning, it was slow. Once you read past Chapter 5, it got better. I can’t say it was a middle school level book; it was a little young for me. But it was still exciting and kept you guessing. It was well written, but at some times I got confused and re-read it. It was sequential and pretty easy to follow.

In conclusion, this book is exciting and adventure filled. It tells a story about what a 14-year-old girl in London with its many dangers trying to find her mom. She uses disguises and the money she finds through the ciphers her mom left for her to embark on her perilous journey.

If you are interested in purchasing The Case of the Missing Marquess from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

First Clue Mysteries is pleased to provide information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

All student book reviews are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any manner, print or electronic, without the express written consent of the copyright owner. Reviews are published here with permission of the copyright owner.

Return to Mystery Books News ...

First Clues Review: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is delighted to introduce a new feature for our website, book reviews written by students. These students offer their unique perspective on the book in their review and provide a valuable resource to parents looking for new mystery adventures for their kids to read.

The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
The Enola Holmes Series

Puffin (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-14-240933-2 (0142409332)
ISBN-13: 978-0-14-240933-6 (9780142409336)
Publication Date: November 2007
List Price: $6.99

Review written by Mary, Age 13, Grade 8. Date of review: April 2009.

Review: Are you looking for an easy reader mystery book? The Case of the Missing Marquess is a children’s mystery by Nancy Springer. It is the first of three books in the “Enola Holmes Mystery Series”. This story takes place in England in 1880 about a 14 year old girl named Enola. Enola’s name spelled backwards is Alone, which fits her. Being the mistake and disgrace of the family, Enola was often alone and grew very independent. It wouldn’t have been such a big deal when her mother left one night, but minor clues like her mother’s wardrobe left Enola uneasy.

Following her instinct, Enola informs her brothers, the successful detectives, Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes. The siblings meet in London for a long overdue reunion. After brief conversation, Mycroft claims he has been giving money to their mother. Where did all that money go? Mycroft also insists Enola be sent to boarding school. Enola decides to take the journey to her mother alone.

Much to Enola’s advantage, she finds a hidden message from her mom. Following her mother’s clues, Enola uncovers money left in picture frames. Her mother had left the money Mycroft had sent for Enola. Disguised in her mother’s clothes, Enola takes off on a bike. She receives news that the Marquess of Basilwether had been kidnapped. She escapes to London only to be kidnapped herself. Coincidently, Enola finds herself captive on a boat with the Marquess! What happens to them? Will they escape? Will Enola find her mother?

This mystery was a great and adventure filled story. Written well, you feel as if you are in Enola’s shoes. Her feelings become real and understandable to the reader. This page turner leaves you hanging and on the edge of your seat. I would give The Case of the Missing Marquess a “thumbs up”. I along with many other readers cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel.

If you are interested in purchasing The Case of the Missing Marquess from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

First Clue Mysteries is pleased to provide information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

All student book reviews are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any manner, print or electronic, without the express written consent of the copyright owner. Reviews are published here with permission of the copyright owner.

Return to Mystery Books News ...