Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Author Book Tour: Mary Stanton Visits Musings of a Bookish Kitty and Mystery Reader Discussion

Author Book Tour

Mystery Books News is pleased to be coordinating this week's online book tour for author whose new mystery, Angel's Advocate, is published this week by Berkley. Angel's Advocate is the second mystery in the Beaufort & Company series to feature Savannah attorney Bree Beaufort.

Angel's Advocate by Mary Stanton

Today, Tuesday, June 2nd, Mary will be visiting 2 blog sites:

Musings of a Bookish Kitty where Mary will be interviewed; and
Mystery Reader Discussion where Angel's Advocate will be reviewed.

We're also thrilled to announce that Mary 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 Mary's tour page, .

We hope you have the opportunity to stop by each of the tour sites this week to learn more about Mary, her series character Bree Beaufort, and what makes Savannah such an ideal setting for this Southern Gothic series.

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Monday, June 01, 2009

Theakstons Crime Writers Novel of the Year Shortlist Announced

Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

The shortlist for the Theakstons Crime Writers Novel of the Year has been posted on the festival website. The winner is determined by the public with voting open from June 1st through July 22nd. (Click on the link above to vote for your favorite.)

The shortlisted novels are:

Death Message by Mark Billingham
The Accident Man by Tom Cain
Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child
Gone To Ground by John Harvey
Ritual by Mo Hayder
The Garden of Evil by David Hewson
A Cure for All Diseases by Reginald Hill
The Colour of Blood by Declan Hughes
Dead Man's Footsteps by Peter James
Broken Skin by Stuart MacBride
Beneath the Bleeding by Val McDermid
Exit Music by Ian Rankin
by Peter Robinson
Savage Moon by Chris Simms

The winner will be announced during the festival, which runs July 23rd through the 26th in Harrogate (UK).

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Mystery Book Review: Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl

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

Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl

by
A Triple Threat Mystery

Thomas Nelson (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 1-59554-705-3 (1595547053)
ISBN-13: 978-1-59554-705-7 (9781595547057)
Publication Date: April 2009
List Price: $24.99

Review: Lis Wiehl introduces three professional women, a Federal Prosecutor, an FBI Special Agent, and a Portland television news reporter, who call themselves the Triple Threat after a dessert they share weekly over which they discuss various aspects of their lives in Face of Betrayal.

When a 17-year-old girl goes missing, presumed kidnapped, all three women are brought together on the same case. Nicole Hedges, the FBI agent, is in charge of the investigation while Allison Pierce is pressured to find the perpetrator quickly. Cassidy Shaw, the reporter, is the face that brings the news, or lack thereof, to the viewing audience. It quickly becomes apparent that the missing girl, a page in the US Senate home for the Christmas holidays, was involved, possibly romantically, with the senior Senator from Oregon. Though he denies any wrongdoing, and claims that he had nothing to do with her being missing, the circumstantial evidence is overwhelming. Together the three women work the case from all angles, determined to uncover the truth behind the young girl's disappearance.

Face of Betrayal is all about character. Though the main plot involves the missing girl and serves to unify the women against a common danger, each of the characters has a compelling subplot unrelated to the case. Nicole, a black woman, feels she needs to work harder and smarter than her colleagues in the FBI. She's a single mother with a mysterious past in a job that requires her to be always prepared, on duty 24 hours a day. Allison, a hard-as-nails prosecutor, is newly pregnant after years of trying; she desperately wants a child but is concerned how she is going to be able to manage a family and a career. She's also being threatened by person or persons unknown, presumably as a result of one of her convictions. Cassidy is top local television talent, but wants more. She sees this case as her way out of Portland onto the national stage. She's also in an abusive relationship with a new boyfriend, something she refuses to recognize.

The author manages to keep these disparate subplots moving along at a brisk clip, but by moving in and out of them on a regular basis sacrifices much of the suspense that could have been generated by the primary case. There are, too, an unfortunate number of trite, stereotypical clichés presented (the right-wing Senator involved with an underage girl, prime among them) but on the whole, Face of Betrayal is a strong introduction to this series featuring a distinctive cast of appealing characters.

Special thanks to Goldberg McDuffie Communications for providing a copy of Face of Betrayal for this review.

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

Buy from Amazon.com

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

Synopsis (from the publisher): While home on Christmas break, a seventeen-year-old Senate page takes her dog out for a walk and never returns. Reporter Cassidy Shaw is the first to break the story. The resulting media firestorm quickly ensnares Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges. The three unique women are life-long friends who call themselves The Triple Threat--a nickname derived from their favorite dessert and their uncanny ability to crack cases via their three positions of power.

Though authorities think Katie might have been kidnapped or run away, those theories shatter when Nicole uncovers Katie's blog. They reveal a girl troubled by a mysterious relationship with an older man. Possibly a U.S. Senator.

As the three women race against time to find Katie alive, their increasing emotional involvement brings out their own inner demons and external enemies. There are many faces of betrayal, but they must find one face in a crowd of growing suspects before they become the next victims.

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First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: Beyond the Grave, Book 4 in The 39 Clues Series, Available Tomorrow

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

is your source for information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults where each series is conveniently listed under four different age categories (New Sleuths, ages 4 to 6; Future Sleuths, ages 7 to 9; Sleuths in Training, ages 10 to 12, and Apprentice Sleuths, ages 13 and older).

The 39 Clues: Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson

The 39 Clues: Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson


The hunt continues tomorrow with the release of the 4th book in The 39 Clues series, Beyond the Grave.

A clue found in Japan has Amy and Dan jetting off to Egypt to find out just what's behind the fierce rivalry between the Tomas and Ekaterina branches of the Cahill family. Was a clue stolen from the Tomas branch? Where is it now? And most important, can Amy and Dan get their hands on it before their rivals do?

It's a wild race that will take Amy and Dan deep down into the tombs of Egypt ... and right into the hands of the enemy.

Also being released tomorrow: The 39 Clues Card Pack 2, which includes 16 game cards (of 80 new cards) and secret clue records. No two packs are alike! The second card pack covers books 4 through 6 in the series.

The 39 Clues books are recommended for adventurers aged 10 to 12. The previous books in the series are Maze of Bones, One False Note, and The Sword Thief. See also the official website, The 39 Clues.

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The Mystery Bookshelf: The Headhunters by Peter Lovesey, an Inspector Hen Mallin Investigation

The Mystery Bookshelf: Discover a Library of New Mysteries

The Mystery Bookshelf, where you can discover a library of new mysteries, is pleased to feature a new mystery series title we recently received from the publisher.

The Headhunters by Peter Lovesey
More Information About The Headhunters by Peter Lovesey

The Headhunters by Peter Lovesey
A Hen Mallin Mystery (2nd in series)
Soho Crime (Trade Paperback)
Publication Date: June 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1-56947-580-5

About The Headhunters (from the publisher): “I could cheerfully murder my boss,” Gemma remarks over coffee. She and her friend Jo joke about fantastic ways of committing the crime. The game is so amusing that in a double date with Jake and Rick they discuss forming a murder society and soon the quartet are calling themselves “The Headhunters.” But some of Rick’s suggestions sound uncomfortably serious.

On the following Sunday morning, Jo is horrified to find a dead body on the beach at Selsey. By the time the police have identified the victim Gemma and Jo have found another corpse. This time it’s a colleague of Gemma’s. Worse still, Gemma’s boss is missing …

About Peter Lovesey: The author of 26 highly praised mystery novels, Peter Lovesey has been awarded the CWA Gold, Silver, and Diamond Daggers (for Lifetime Achievement) as well as many US honors. He lives in West Sussex, England.

Mysterious Reviews: Mysteries Reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery BooksMysteries by Peter Lovesey reviewed by Mysterious Reviews: The Secret Hangman (2008), Wobble to Death (2008), Abracadaver (2009), The Detective Wore Silk Drawers (2009), Mad Hatter's Holiday (2009), Skeleton Hill (2009)

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Mary Stanton's Book Tour for Angel's Advocate Starts Tomorrow

Author Book Tour

Mystery Books News is pleased to be coordinating this week's online book tour for author whose new mystery, Angel's Advocate, is published tomorrow by Berkley. Angel's Advocate is the second mystery in the Beaufort & Company series to feature Savannah attorney Bree Beaufort.

Mary will be visiting nine blog sites this week:

Angel's Advocate by Mary Stanton

Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Musings of a Bookish Kitty: Author Interview
Mystery Reader Discussion: Book Review

Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Book's Ahoy: Author Guest Post

Thursday, June 04, 2009
Bookish Ruth: Author Interview
Michele, Only One L: Author Guest Post

Friday, June 05, 2009
Wendi's Book Corner: Book Review
Mystery Books News: Author Guest Post

Saturday, June 06, 2009
Allie's Musings: Author Interview
Shhh I'm Reading: Book Review

A complete schedule of Mary's tour including a biography and more information about Angel's Advocate can be found at .

We're also thrilled to announce that Mary 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 Mary's tour page.

We hope you have the opportunity to stop by each of the tour sites this week to learn more about Mary, her series character Bree Beaufort, and what makes Savannah such an ideal setting for this Southern Gothic series.

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Harlequin Worldwide Mystery Titles for June 2009

eHarlequin.com has announced the June 2009 titles for their Worldwide imprint, your partner in crime. Amateur sleuths, traditional cozies, police procedurals and private-eye fiction, written by award-winning authors. To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title or the book cover. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

The Drifter's Wheel by Phillip DePoy

The Drifter's Wheel by Phillip DePoy
A Fever Devilin Mystery (5th in series)

When a deranged young man, toting a gun and claiming to be a hundred years old, shows up at Fever Devilin's Blue Ridge Mountain cabin, the introspective folklorist offers him a seat…before calling his buddy, the sheriff. But the vagrant vanishes before the law arrives, only to turn up dead the next morning. Surprisingly, when Fever arrives to identify the body, it is not his ranting visitor—but a stranger wearing the man's clothes.

Intrigued by the drifter and his strange stories of World War I, tango lessons and fratricide, Fever begins to investigate. Who is the dead man in borrowed clothes, and where is the stranger who waxed poetic on his couch? And where among them is the killer? The truth is as strange as the stories and legends that pervade the hills of Appalachia—haunting and sometimes dangerous.

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot by Jackie Lynn

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot by Jackie Lynn
A Rose Franklin Shady Grove Mystery (3rd in series)

As manager of the Shady Grove campgrounds, situated on the edge of the Mississippi, Rose Franklin is accustomed to colorful characters. She's also seen her share of trouble, which is why she welcomes Chariot Stevens, a young woman running from danger back in South Dakota. Her boyfriend, Jason, was brutally murdered and Chariot is a wanted woman—on both sides of the law.

The dead man was involved in illegal drug activities and was in possession of something his high-profile killer needs to beat the murder rap. Rose is determined to help the girl, and with the assistance of her trailer-park friends, attempts to figure out who is after Chariot … besides the police. But she steps in harm's way when she discovers the shocking identity of the killer—and the secrets that led to the fatal crime.

Riddled to Death by Joanne Clarey

Riddled to Death by Joanne Clarey
An Ellie Hastings Hummingbird Falls Mystery (2nd in series)

A lush and lovely June in Hummingbird Falls gives way to a strange and threatening game for transplanted librarian Ellie Hastings. Someone is sending her notes, each one a riddle, leading her on a strange hunt with malice implied at each turn. Her sharp mind enables her to keep up with the clues—but her nerves, and her sense of dread, are growing, especially when murder strikes.

The body of an unidentified woman is found floating in the falls, literally riddled to death with buckshot. A child goes missing, and a mysterious family moves into the village—a family with secrets. As events collide in unexpected ways, Ellie races to figure out the connection, before all the questions turn twice as deadly.

If you enjoy the books in this series, you can join Worldwide Mystery and get 2 free books plus 2 free gifts just for giving the automatic program a try. Accepting your two free Worldwide Mystery 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 three additional Worldwide Mystery 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:

Sign up for email newsletters from eHarlequin.com

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Harlequin Mira Mystery and Suspense Titles for June 2009

eHarlequin.com has announced the June 2009 titles for their Mira imprint, the brightest stars in women's fiction. From all titles available, we've only listed those that are mystery, thriller, or suspense on this page. To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title or the book cover. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

The Angel by Carla Neggers

The Angel by Carla Neggers
Non-series

Inside an ancient ruin, Keira discovers the mythic stone angel she seeks—but also senses a malevolent presence … just before the ruins collapse around her.

Search-and-rescue veteran Simon Cahill finds Keira in the rubble just as she's about to free herself. Simon holds no stock in myths or magic, so he isn't surprised that there's no trace of her stone angel.

But there is evidence of startling violence and—whatever the source—the danger to Keira is quite real. The long-forgotten legend that captivated her has also aroused a killer … a calculating predator who will follow them back to Boston, determined to kill again.

Deep Down by Karen Harper

Deep Down by Karen Harper
Non-series

As a child, Jessie Lockwood spent many hours helping her mother, Mariah, count the endangered ginseng plants hidden in the local woods of Deep Down, Kentucky. There she learned to appreciate the tiny Appalachian town—and ginseng's healing powers. Now a Ph.D., she's made her home in Lexington, even though that meant leaving Deep Down and her beloved mother—and Sheriff Drew Webb, the man she secretly loved.

When Jessie is notified that her mother never returned from her last walk in the woods, she comes home to Deep Down—and to Drew. As Jessie and Drew race to find her mother, several suspects emerge: an agent for those who market the herb for its life-giving properties; Mariah's disgruntled suitor; and an old Cherokee desperate to protect the sacred tribal herb.

In the mist of legend and fear, only two things make sense to Jessie. At any cost, she is desperate to find her mother. And she can't help falling desperately in love with Drew all over again.

Red Hot Lies by Laura Caldwell

Red Hot Lies by Laura Caldwell
An Izzy McNeil Mystery (1st in series)

They say bad things happen in threes. When her fiancé, Sam, disappears on the same day her mentor and biggest client is killed, hotshot Chicago attorney Izzy McNeil starts counting. But trouble keeps coming. Sam is implicated in the client's death, her apartment is broken into and it's not just the authorities who are following her.

Now, to find Sam and uncover her client's murderer, Izzy will have to push past limits she never imagined. Lucky for her she's always thrived under pressure, because her world is falling apart. Fast. And the trail of half truths and lies is red-hot.

Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss by Kyra Davis

Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss by Kyra Davis
A Sophie Katz Mystery (4th in series)

Mystery writer and dabbling recreational sleuth Sophie Katz is head over heels in love—with a three-bedroom Victorian. She's just got to have it, despite a few drawbacks. Her slimy ex is the Realtor. The rich, creepy seller wants her to join San Francisco's spirited Specter Society. And her first tour of the house reveals, well, a lifeless body clutching a cameo with a disturbing history of its own.

There's no way Sophie is going to give up the ghost on her dreams of stained glass and original woodwork, though—even when things become officially weird. A Society member is found with a slashed throat, and Sophie's house might as well be yelling, "GET … OUT!" She's hearing footsteps, lights are turning themselves off and her stuff keeps moving inexplicably. To top it off, boyfriend Anatoly thinks it's all in her head.

Sophie is 99 percent sure her problems are caused by someone six feet tall instead of six feet under, but the only way to be sure is to track down the killer—before he pushes her kicking and screaming to the other side.

6 Killer Bodies by Stephanie Bond

6 Killer Bodies by Stephanie Bond
A Body Movers Mystery (6th in series)

Carlotta Wren's world is crumbling beneath her well-shod feet. One of her closest friends has been arrested as the Charmed Killer, but Carlotta refuses to believe it. And to prove her friend's innocence, Carlotta goes against her boyfriend Peter's wishes and resumes her after-hours body-moving duties.

And then …

Peter pressures her for an answer to his proposal …

Her troubled brother Wesley goes missing …

And the madman stalking the city strikes again, this time a little too close to home.

But when Carlotta finds herself in the clutches of the Charmed Killer, is she destined for her own body bag?

(MBN note: Stephanie Bond was a recent guest blogger on Mystery Books News. Read her account of .)

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:

Sign up for email newsletters from eHarlequin.com

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Mysteries on TV: Cannon and Quincy ME, 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.

William Conrad starred as Frank Cannon, an overweight, balding ex-LAPD cop with expensive tastes in , a crime drama that aired on CBS for 5 seasons. Cannon worked as a private investigator who charged high fees but got results. Due to Conrad's large size, there wasn't much action, the series relying instead on intricate plots.

The series was popular with fans. Nine book tie-ins were published from 1971 through 1979 featuring the character (all now long out of print).

The Cannon: Season Two (V1) DVD set of 3 discs contain the first 12 episodes of the second season that aired on CBS from September through December, 1972.

Jack Klugman starred as the Los Angeles medical examiner in , a series that aired on NBC for 8 seasons. The first 4 episodes originally appeared as a rotating part of the NBC Sunday Mystery Movie (together with , , and ).

One of the earliest forensic mystery series, Quincy took an active role in police investigations as he looked deeper into what happened to a body -- before and after a crime.

The Quincy M. E.: Season Three DVD set of 4 discs contain all 20 episodes of the third season that aired on NBC from September 1977 through March 1978.

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

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Mystery Godoku Puzzle for June 01, 2009

A new 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!).

Mystery Godoku Puzzle for June 01, 2009

This week's letters and mystery clue

B C E K L O P R U

This group of buddies accidentally kill an intruder in this 1997 thriller by Ed Gorman (with “The”, 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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Games of Mystery: Lost Secrets, Caribbean Explorer, New at Big Fish 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 the availability of a new mystery game from Big Fish Games released today. You can find out more about these games by visiting our page or by clicking on the links provided below.

Lost Secrets: Caribbean Explorer

In Lost Secrets: Caribbean Explorer, you are the daughter of the infamous Francis Lafitte. Your mortally-injured father, along with your family’s fortune, has disappeared! Save your father and locate what is rightfully yours. Your journey begins in Port Royal and will take you to dozens of different locations scattered across pirate-infested waters. Learn the secrets of the sea in this exciting hidden object game! (MBN note: see also the first game in this series, Lost Secrets: Bermuda Triangle.)

Also available: Lost Secrets: Caribbean Explorer Game Walkthrough.

Lost Secrets: Caribbean Explorer, a Big Fish Game Club World Premiere Exclusive, may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (80.08 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.

Watch a preview video below:

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Other popular games on our page include several and games, games in the series and in particular the latest, Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst, Adventure Chronicles: The Search for Lost Treasure, Syberia and Syberia II, The Serpent of Isis, James Patterson's Women's Murder Club: A Darker Shade of Grey, and Nick Chase: A Detective Story.

Read our new game reviews by Ms. Terri: , and .

Big Fish Games: Bestsellers

Big Fish Games: New releases

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

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