Firsts on the 1st: New Series Characters Being Introduced in November 2009 Mysteries

The Hidden Staircase Mystery Books recently updated its list of November 2009 hardcover mysteries as well shelved new November paperbacks on The Mystery Bookshelf. In this post, which we're calling Firsts on the 1st, we're introducing readers to new series characters who will make their debut during November.

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Title: Murder on the Cliffs
Author: Joanna Challis
Series Character: Daphne du Maurier
Format: Hardcover

What we know about the character: Daphne du Maurier is the English author and playright, here as a young woman and amateur sleuth.

Her first case: Walking on the cliffs in Cornwall, she stumbles upon the drowned body of a beautiful woman, dressed only in a nightgown, her hair strewn along the rocks, her eyes gazing up to the heavens. Daphne soon learns that the mysterious woman was engaged to marry Lord Hartley of Padthaway, an Elizabethan mansion full of intriguing secrets. As the daughter of the famous Sir Gerald du Maurier, Daphne is welcomed into the Hartley home, but when the drowning turns out to be murder, Daphne determines to get to the bottom of the mysteries of Padthaway—in part to find fresh inspiration for her writing, and in part because she cannot resist the allure of grand houses and long buried secrets.

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Title: Cape Greed
Author: Sam Cole
Series Character: Vincent Saldona and Mullet Mendes
Format: Hardcover

What we know about the characters: Vincent Saldona and Jeffrey "Mullet" Mendes, former South Africa police officers, are private investigators in Cape Town.

Their first case: Involved in seemingly different cases, Jeffrey is hired by the wife of an adulterous financial consultant, while Vincent is contracted to find out who is stealing from an abalone farm. But the two cases converge, and the mastermind behind them both is a mesmerizing international gangster.

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Title: Bodies in Winter
Author: Robert Knightly
Series Character: Harry Corbin and Adele Bentibi
Format: Hardcover

What we know about the characters: Harry Corbin and Adele Bentibi are NYPD homicide detectives.

Their first case: On a cold winter's morning in New York, NYPD detective Harry Corbin and his partner Adele Bentibi arrive at the scene of a murder. It looks like a cut-and-dried case but, as Corbin and Bentibi investigate, they uncover a murky world of bent cops and cover-ups that puts both of their careers and their lives in serious danger.

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Title: The Murdered House
Author: Pierre Magnan
Series Character: Seraphin Monge
Format: Hardcover

What we know about the character: Seraphin Monge is a young man who seeks the identity of his murdered parents.

His first case: At the turn of the century in Upper Provence, a family is violently massacred. The sole survivor of the tragedy is a three-week-old baby. Twenty years later, the orphaned survivor returns home to avenge his family’s killers. Then unexpected secrets set in motion a dreadful unveiling of the past. (Originally published in the UK in 1999, this is its first US release.)

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Title: The Morning Show Murders
Author: Al Roker (with Dick Lochte)
Series Character: Billy Blessing
Format: Hardcover

What we know about the character: Billy Blessing is the host of a cooking show on morning television.

His first case: Network TV can be murder. Just ask Billy Blessing, famous for his smile, charm, and ability to survive the shark tank that is high-stakes morning TV. But though Billy has outlived his fair share of prima-donnas, his cooking segment on Wake Up America! is a staple of the American diet, and his Manhattan bistro is a mega-success, his career has just taken a very dangerous turn: His show’s perky cohost, Gin McCauley, has launched into some brass-knuckles contract negotiations. A visiting Mossad agent is about to tell all on the air. And then the network’s head honcho is murdered in his luxury apartment, and an ambitious D.A. decides that Billy is to blame. Billy knows that someone’s trying to frame him. He also knows that a ruthless international assassin has just arrived in New York City. And suddenly, for the most trusted guy on TV the ultimate career move is not about ratings. It’s about staying alive—and stopping the next murder from becoming tomorrow’s breaking news.

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Title: The Dead Hand of History
Author: Sally Spencer
Series Character: Monika Paniatowski
Format: Hardcover

What we know about the character: DCI Monkia Paniatowski is a protégé of Scotland Yard DCI Charlie Woodend (a character in the author's other series).

Her first case: It will be no easy task to fill DCI Charlie Woodend's shoes, the newly-promoted Monika Paniatowski tells herself, but, given a little time, she thinks she can grow into them. Yet, with the discovery of a severed hand, time is the one thing she does not have. When her colleagues prove untrustworthy, the urge to call Woodend for help becomes almost irresistible.

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For a list of more mysteries scheduled for publication during November, please visit our New Mysteries home page. If you're interested in new paperbacks, visit The Mystery Bookshelf where you can discover a library of new mysteries, also updated with November 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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Harlequin Worldwide Mystery Titles for November 2009

eHarlequin.com has announced the November 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.)

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Mystery at Clareton Manor by Kathleen Newberg
A Molly May Mystery (1st in series)

At scenic Clareton Manor, a bucolic South Carolina wellness spa, a weekend of relaxation and rejuvination comes to a deadly halt for one guest. Harvey Ruger was a pain in everybody's neck—arrogant, self-serving and apparently determined to interfere in the sea of tranquility and bliss the myriad guests were anticipating. Which is probably why somebody killed him.

The spa's owner, Erika Bischoff, had invited an old friend, retired detective Molly May, for a special getaway to soothe the soul—unfortunately now it's becoming a working weekend. But well-seasoned and experienced Molly knows her way around crime scenes and immediately spots some clues apparently overlooked by the local law. But with so many suspects and a growing list of motives, the dark secrets at the heart of the crime may be shared by more than just one among the spa's well-heeled guests.

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A Lesson in Murder by Augustus Cileone
A Frank DiSalvo Mystery (1st in series)

A series of perversely arranged murders seems to be connected to the wealthy friends and alumni of the elite Eastern Friends School in Pennsylvania. English teacher Maxwell Hunter has a knack for understanding literature's mysteries with all their red herrings and odd clues, and he offers his unofficial help to the investigating detective. It's an offer that the tough, no-nonsense Lieutenant Frank DiSalvo finally accepts when clues at the crime scene point to an intricate cat and mouse game. The killer is playing with bits and pieces of classic literature: a coin found in a dead woman's mouth; ashes marking another victim's face; a yearbook picture marked with a green dollar sign.

Shocking as the crimes may be, the truth proves far more explosive as Hunter realizes the lessons he's taught in class for years are now being played out in spilled blood.

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The Poetry of Murder by Bernadette Steele
A Geneva Anderson Mystery (1st in series)

Life for aspiring poet Geneva Anderson—working on her craft out of International House, the University of Chicago's creative melting pot—suddenly takes an ominous turn when she finds the body of her beloved aunt Victoria, brutally murdered. Geneva is stunned upon learning she is the sole heir to her aunt's million-dollar fortune. How did she get that kind of money on her salary as director of International House? And was it this secret fortune that got her killed?

When Geneva's massive inheritance makes her the primary suspect in the case, she starts digging into her aunt's past and finds a tangle of blackmail, suicide and madness—and another victim. But to clear her name, she must find the one person who wanted Victoria dead for reasons that had nothing to do with money—and everything to do with revenge.

 Read our review of The Poetry of Murder by Bernadette Steele.

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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:

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Harlequin Mira Mystery and Suspense Titles for November 2009

eHarlequin.com has announced the November 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.)

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The Killing Hands by P. D. Martin
A Sophie Anderson Mystery (4th in series)

Just as Aussie FBI profiler Sophie Anderson is settling into her job in the L.A. bureau, she's pulled into a case that's different from anything she's ever seen—the victim has had his throat ripped out. But what weapon could have caused such devastating injuries? And who is the John Doe?

Sophie and her team are dealing with a skilled killer, someone who leaves virtually no forensic evidence. When the team links the body to an Asian criminal organization, things get even more mysterious. The victim has been missing for fifteen years, so where has he been and why has he returned? More important, who wanted him dead?

As L.A.'s underworld rears its ugly head, Sophie will have to draw on her experience and her developing psychic skills to find a brilliant killer who's carved a trail of death in organized crime across the U.S. He leaves only one thing behind him—horrifying murder scenes.

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The Gatekeeper by Michelle Gagnon
A Kelly Jones Mystery (3rd in series)

From the moment sixteen-year-old Madison Grant is abducted, an unthinkable terrorist plot is set in motion—pitting Special Agent Kelly Jones against her most powerful adversary yet. The kidnapper's ransom demands aren't monetary … they come at a cost that no American can afford to pay.

As Kelly's fiancé, Jake Riley, races to find Madison, Kelly is assigned to another disturbing case: the murder and dismemberment of a senator. At first the two cases don't appear to be related. But as Kelly navigates her way through the darkest communities of America—from skinheads to biker gangs to border militias—she discovers a horrible truth. A shadowy figure who calls himself The Gatekeeper is uniting hate groups, opening the door to the worst homegrown attack in American history.

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Depraved Indifference by Joseph Teller
A Jaywalker Mystery (3rd in series)

An Audi sports car, speeding in the wrong lane, forces an oncoming van off the road. The van bursts into flames, killing all nine occupants … eight of them children.

Criminal defense attorney Harrison J. Walker, known simply as Jaywalker, is trying to keep his nose clean while serving a three-year suspension. But when a woman seduces him into representing the "Audi Assassin," a man who also happens to be her husband, things get messy.

Struggling with the moral issues surrounding this case, Jaywalker tries to stay focused on his goal—limiting the damage to his client by exposing the legal system's hypocrisy regarding drunk driving. But when he rounds a blind corner in the case, he collides with a truth that could turn his entire defense into disaster.

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See Jane Die by Erica Spindler
A Stacy Killian Mystery (1st in series)

Nearly killed as a teenager by a hit-and-run boater, Jane Killian is a woman with everything to live for. A series of surgeries restored her lovely face. She's the toast of the Dallas art community, her sculptures lauded as both disturbing and beautiful. And Jane and her husband, plastic surgeon Dr. Ian Westbrook, are expecting their first child.

Then a woman with ties to Ian is found brutally slain and, unbelievably, the police make him their prime suspect. At first determined to prove her husband's innocence, Jane cannot escape her own growing doubts. Then her nightmare escalates. She begins receiving anonymous messages and quickly becomes convinced they're from him—the boater she always believed deliberately hit her and got away with it.

Now Jane must face a terrifying truth. Her tormentor knows everything about her—her likes, her dislikes, her daily routine and, most frightening of all, her deepest fears. And he will use them mercilessly until he sees Jane dead.

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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: Death of a Cure by Steven H. Jackson

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Death of a Cure by Steven H. Jackson. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Death of a Cure by Steven H. Jackson
A Thomas Briggs Mystery

Telemachus Press (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-9841083-0-0 (0984108300)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9841083-0-5 (9780984108305)
Publication Date: July 2009
List Price: $13.95

Review: Marine surgeon Thomas Briggs returns home to investigate the circumstances surrounding his brother's death in Death of a Cure, the first book in this series by Steven H. Jackson.

Dr. Ronald Briggs' death is officially listed as a suicide. Thomas Briggs realizes he can't be completely objective here, but he doesn't believe his brother ended his life, or even that it was an accident. The investigating detective also seems to have his doubts. "I can't officially let you look at or have this list [of your brother's known associates]," he says to Briggs. "But then again, the copy you are holding might not make it back into this folder -- we don't log copies." Ronald Briggs had been a lead researcher for a medical foundation dedicated to finding a cure for CID, and though great progress had been made, a cure seemed elusive. His death would appear to be a setback for the foundation and the medical community. Thomas Briggs quickly learns, however, that a charitable research foundation is not just a not-for-profit organization, but big -- really big -- business. And not unlike its for-profit brethren, it must sometimes employ ruthless means to achieve its objectives.

Death of a Cure is less of a plot-driven novel than a character-driven one. But what a terrific character it is. In a book world full of cookie-cutter characters, most of which are so generic as to be interchangeable with those in the adjacent book on the shelf with little loss of continuity, Thomas Briggs is refreshingly different. He doesn't err on the side of being politically correct, but he's not insensitive either. He's often cynical but always realistic. He's not ill-tempered but doesn't "suffer fools gladly". He's a strong ally, fierce adversary, and good friend.

But the plot isn't as solid as its principal character. The book itself is far too long, and could have been tightened considerably (which would also have the added benefit of upping the suspense level), but the rapid pacing makes this minor criticism somewhat debatable. What is disappointing is that Briggs doesn't exactly solve the case, but essentially has the solution handed to him in a "let me tell you everything before I kill you"-type confrontation. He's more clever than that, and deserves a better resolution. Still, the development of a strong, appealing character in a first book bodes well for later installments in the series.

Special thanks to Telemachus Press for providing a copy of Death of a Cure for this review.

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

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

Synopsis (from the publisher): They are the keepers of our hope. They are better, we need them to be. They battle daily in the fight to find a cure for our loved ones. But is the dream of a cure really their mission? Have they come to see the disease, our enemy, as their benefactor? How far would they go to protect the enemy? Would they kill?

Death of a Cure is a novel of mystery, suspense and action. The murder of one good man by a respected colleague is more than a crushing personal deception, it is an unequaled violation of the trust of millions afflicted by a horrible disease. The brother of the murdered man, a military surgeon born to wealth and accustomed to success, is thrust into the role of homicide investigator. Discovering that his skills as a detective are insufficient, he calls upon a woman from his past for help. Together they unravel layers of evil and deception revealing that the work of this healthcare charity has little to do with curing the terrible disease born by a trusting constituency.

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Winners of the 2009 National Best Book Awards Announced

The 2009 National Best Book Award winners have been announced by USA Book News. These awards honor outstanding books from mainstream and independent publishers, and are given in over 150 categories.

The winners in the Mystery/Suspense and Thriller/Adventure categories are:

◊ Mystery/Suspense: Wyatt's Revenge by H. Terrell Griffin (Oceanview Publishing)
◊ Thriller/Adventure: Dead Air by Deborah Shlian and Linda Reid (Oceanview Publishing)

Our congratulations to the winners!

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Games of Mystery: 1912 Titanic Mystery, 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 Mystery Games: Big Fish Download Games page or by clicking on the links provided below.

Click for more information →

The launch of Titanic II is set to mark the 100th anniversary of the original ship. But a mysterious adversary has hidden a bomb aboard the new ocean liner. You are the sole person who can find out where the bomb is hidden and save the ship and all aboard! Search for hidden objects in unique locations around the majestic ship, discover hidden diary entries and other clues to reveal the bomb's location. Along the way you'll interact with different characters to learn little-known secrets of the original Titanic, and solve a century old mystery from that ill-fated voyage.

1912 Titanic Mystery may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (65.31 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.

Watch a preview video below:

Other popular games on our download Big Fish Mystery Games page include several Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew games, games in the Mystery Case Files series and in particular the latest, Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst, Adventure Chronicles: The Search for Lost Treasure, Enlightenus, Cate West: The Vanishing Files, Return to Mysterious Island 2: Mina's Fate, and Nick Chase: A Detective Story.

Read our new game reviews by Ms. Terri: Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses! (Review), The Hardy Boys: The Perfect Crime (Review), Enlightenus (Review), and Nick Chase: A Detective Story (Review).

Big Fish Games: Bestsellers

Big Fish Games: New releases

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

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Place of Execution, based on the novel by Val McDermid, Starts Tomorrow on PBS Masterpiece Contemporary

Starting tomorrow, Sunday November 1st, and comprising two weekly episodes of Masterpiece: Contemporary on PBS, is the crime drama Place of Execution, based on the 1999 novel A Place of Execution by Val McDermid. (Check your local listings for specific air times.) A Place of Execution is McDermid's most honored work, and was the recipient of several mystery book awards, including the Anthony Award for Best Novel, the Macavity Award for Best Mystery Novel, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in the mystery / thriller category, and the Dilys Award.

Synopsis: It's 1963, and young Alison Carter leaves her home in the small English village of Scardale and literally vanishes into the mist. The mystery unnerves a nation, and captivates George Bennett (Lee Ingleby), the officer investigating his first missing person case. Flash forward to contemporary London, where journalist Catherine Heathcote (Juliet Stevenson) is putting the finishing touches on a documentary about the haunting Carter case. Bennett, who had a long and lauded career as a result of his work on the case, suddenly pulls out of the film, adding fresh intrigue to a supposedly closed case. What could have so rattled the supposed hero?

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HBO Adapting Jason Starr Thriller The Follower for Series

Variety is reporting that HBO has ordered an adaptation of the 2007 thriller The Follower by Jason Starr for a series. (It isn't clear from the article if "series" means mini-series or weekly series.) Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho, Less than Zero) is writing the screenplay.

Though the book is a suspense novel about one man stalking one woman, the Variety article suggests the HBO adaptation will be a dark social satire chronicling the dating lives of a group of twentysomething New Yorkers as seen through the eyes of a stalker.

Book synopsis: With each meaningless date and disappointing new boyfriend, Katie Porter is becoming more and more disillusioned. No matter how wide a net she casts she can’t seem to find a guy who really understands her. But someone thinks she’s special—very special. And he’s watching her ...

Peter sees Katie at the gym. He sees her at the coffee bar she stops at on the way to work. In fact, he sees her almost everywhere, as he quietly trails her. But most of all, he sees her in his plans for the future. He’s got the proposal worked out, he’s even got the ring and their happy home already bought. After all, he’s had enough time to plan things to perfection—he grew up in the same small town. Surely, after all these years, he can’t let anything stand in his way …

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Reviews of Mystery and Suspense Books for Kids, New This Week on Book Trends

Book Trends, a review site for young adult and children books, published several new book reviews this past week. We're presenting here a summary of those in the mystery / suspense category.

Andrew North Blows Up the World by Adam Selzer. Non-series. Recommended for readers aged 7 to 9. Reviewed by a 6th grade teacher who wrote, "What makes children's literature an excellent work of fiction? It's the ability to transcend generations. Anyone who picks up this book will put it down with a smile on their face -- regardless of age. That's an excellent book."

For more reviews of children and young adult books, visit Book Trends; their reviews will amaze you!

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Mystery Book Review: The Violet Hour by Daniel Judson

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

The Violet Hour by Daniel Judson
Non-series

St. Martin's Minotaur (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-312-38357-6 (0312383576)
ISBN-13: 978-0-312-38357-2 (9780312383572)
Publication Date: October 2009
List Price: $25.99

Review: It takes just three days to turn Cal Rakowski from a quiet, hard-working, honest auto mechanic into a man running for his life in The Violet Hour, the fifth suspense thriller by Daniel Judson.

Cal’s father and his older brother were both criminals. For this reason Cal keeps a low profile, hoping to keep the Rakowski name out of the news. He works and lives in Bridgehampton, about as far removed from the Hamptons as you can get. His shop is in a rundown three pit garage with a dilapidated home attached. His boss, Eric Carver, pays him “under-the-table” for the work he does. He lives rent free with all utilities paid. Normally he spends Fridays with his friend, Lebell, bar hopping and occasionally drinking too much, but staying out of trouble. One day an old friend, Heather Pamona, calls Cal telling him that she is six months pregnant and she could sure use his help. She has just run away from her abusive husband, Ronnie, and needs somewhere to stay that he won’t find her. Cal suggests that she come to his place. He assures her will take care of her and keep her safe. That Friday, Lebell doesn’t show up for their evening of fun, nor does he call or answer his cell when Cal calls him. But this wouldn't be the first time Lebell skipped out, so Cal isn't overly concerned.

It's Halloween weekend, and Cal finds himself at a party where Heather's husband, Ronnie, is present. As is Heather's sister, Amanda, though it isn't clear if she's there voluntarily or not. Most surprising, though, is the presence of Lobell and his boss Eric, who Cal overhears talking about Lebell's criminal past. Why didn’t Cal know about it? They had been friends for years. What has his friend become involved with now? And what does this have to do with Ronnie Pamona and Eric Carver? Cal, confused by the association of his friend, his boss and Heather’s husband, first makes sure that the sisters are safe, then goes back to find his friend to help him. In doing so, he becomes involved in a criminal activity himself, and when trying to help Lebell flee from the killer, he too must go into hiding.

The Violet Hour is a compelling, if darkly written thriller that exposes abuse of power and corruption in the ranks of authority and compassion and good will between friends who have no one else to turn to. Cal's transformation from mild-mannered homebody to man of action is not as unexpected as it might initially appear; as a mechanic, he's good at tackling a problem, looking at the big picture and determining what he needs to do make things work. He's smart, pro-active, and resourceful. The book's success as a suspense novel is largely due to the strength of character he exhibits. It's all quite well done.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of The Violet Hour and to St. Martin's Minotaur 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 Violet Hour from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Bridgehampton auto mechanic Caleb Rakowski gets paid under the table at his friend Eric Carver's auto repair shop and lives in an apartment above. He's good at his job, he's a hard worker, and he’s making a decent living.

But right now he's sheltering a pregnant friend who’ll do anything to keep her abusive husband away from herself and her baby. Cal has sworn to protect her; that's the kind of guy he is, a true friend. Little does he know, though, the trouble destined to come down on them over the course of three days---Mischief Night, Halloween, and the Day of the Dead---when he learns the truth about Eric Carver and what he's been hiding all these years. And little does Cal know how those lies will force him to risk everything to save the people closest to him.

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Warner Bros. Launches Sherlock Holmes Viral Online Game

Warner Bros. has launched a new website to promote its upcoming Sherlock Holmes movie, this time creating an online game that can be played alone or with a partner.

The website, 221B.sh, is the gateway to the game, which requires a Facebook account. It's not clear if the game is related to the Sherlock Holmes viral website, which Warner Bros. launched in August.

Here's the official description of the game from the website: 221B is a two-player game immersing you into the world of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. 221B takes you through the events leading up to the very first scene of the new Sherlock Holmes film.

You can play with a friend, one as Holmes, one as Watson, or you can even play alone if you like, taking on the role of both characters. Just as in the stories, you and your friend will investigate crimes, sift through evidence and solve mysteries. You'll also have to stake your reputation as detectives on your deductions. Get them right and you'll soon be the envy of Scotland Yard.

You'll need a Facebook account to play the game. There is a registration process which uses the Facebook Connect system to link you with a friend, so that you can start playing. The game is played out in a prologue and eight chapters, each with its own mystery to solve. You will be notified by email when each new chapter is available.

We registered to play and received a message that the game shall soon be afoot!

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Mystery Book Review: Service Dress Blues by Michael Bowen

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of Service Dress Blues by Michael Bowen. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

Service Dress Blues by Michael Bowen
A Rep and Melissa Pennyworth Mystery

Poisoned Pen Press (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 1-59058-667-0 (1590586670)
ISBN-13: 978-1-59058-667-9 (9781590586679)
Publication Date: September 2009
List Price: $24.95

Review: Attorney Rep Pennyworth's latest client hires him to copyright a politically controversial song, then is found murdered soon thereafter, in Service Dress Blues, the fifth mystery in this series by Michael Bowen.

Ole Lindstrom and his wife Lena are aging hippies but still politically active, especially when it comes to local issues, in this case Indians and casinos. They've also been known to be physically abusive with each other. Not long after Ole hires Rep, Lena is arrested for knocking him out with a frying pan. Ole insists she didn't do it (despite the fact she's found with the object in her hands), and bails her out. When he's later found murdered, and scalped, Lena is taken into custody again, though the manner in which Ole is found suggests a political motive rather than a domestic dispute. Meanwhile, Ole had wanted to involve Harald, his All-American nephew and a midshipman at the Naval Academy, in his political campaign, but he's in a bit of trouble himself; his wallet, keys, and more important, his academy pass, have been stolen. Though Rep's client is dead, he wants to clear Lena's name as well as try to figure out if there's a connection between the death of Ole and his nephew's problems in Annapolis. "Ole Lindstrom [was] killed because he tried to prevent the corruption of a corrupt system from corrupting him," he says to Melissa.

Typical of the books in this series, the plot of Service Dress Blues is convoluted, involving disparate, seemingly unrelated events that will eventually be tied together by Rep and his wife Melissa. As Melissa summarizes at one point, "This mess didn't start with the arson in Loki or with Ole Lindstrom's murder or with the burglary of the Lindstrom home last December. It started with Harald Lindstrom being drugged and mugged near Annapolis. This isn't a series of isolated felonies. It's a mini-crime wave focused on the Lindstrom family." Much of the fun in reading these books comes from how Rep and Melissa will link a random encounter in their personal lives that triggers an "a-ha" revelation related to the case. Part of the problem here, however, is their case, solving the murder of Ole, simply isn't all that compelling. There are the requisite number of quirky characters that add color to the story, a locked room / impossible crime aspect that has some appeal, and some interesting locations that Rep and Melissa visit, but altogether it feels a bit flat.

Service Dress Blues has its moments, and fans of the series will enjoy Rep and Melissa's banter as well as the situations in which they frequently find themselves, but overall, it's rather disappointing as a mystery.

Special thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for providing an ARC of Service Dress Blues for this review.

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

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Synopsis (from the publisher): On the night before the 2008 Army-Navy Game, a midshipman is found stark naked and barely alive in the lobby of a cheap motel near the Naval Academy. The plebe's closest relatives are Ole and Lena Lindstrom, a pair of aging but still scrappy Wisconsin political activists who want lawyer Rep Pennyworth to help them get copyright protection for an audacious package of campaign ideas that put rich and ruthless gambling interests in the cross-hairs. The political neophyte they have in mind as a candidate heads a think-tank at UWM, where she is exploiting for her own political purposes the sensitive issue of domestic violence.

Ole and Lena themselves have a well-earned reputation for trading punches with each other. So when Ole is murdered, Lena becomes an instant suspect. But Rep and Melissa are sure that more than coincidence ties the midshipman's mugging near Annapolis to Ole Lindstrom's murder in Milwaukee. Along with their good friend, criminal lawyer Walk Kuchinski, Rep and Melissa attack the mystery with unconventional investigative techniques such as discussing Anna Karenina with a hooker, answering baseball trivia questions, and reviewing fourth-grade geography lessons.

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