First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: Nancy Drew Titles for December 2009

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), is pleased to announce Nancy Drew series books that are scheduled for release during December, 2009.

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Princess Mix-Up Mystery by Carolyn Keene
Series: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew

24th book in this series featuring an 8-year-old Nancy Drew.

No summary available.

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew books are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

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Green-Eyed Monster by Carolyn Keene
Series: Nancy Drew, Girl Detective

1st book in the Eco-Mystery Trilogy.

George, Bess, and I were so excited when we won an amazing vacation at an eco-resort in Costa Rica. Fun, sun, surf -- all in the name of ecology and helping to keep our planet clean. But, as always, dirty business seems to follow me wherever I go, and this resort isn't as spic 'n' span as we originally thought.

After a string of increasingly dangerous "accidents," it seems that there is a jealous predator staying at the resort, making trouble for the management and the guests. Against the urging of my friends, I know that I need to take this case and get to the bottom of it before our entire week at Casa Verde is ruined -- or worse. Can I uncover who is sabotaging the press tour before it's too late? Or will our vacation come to an unhappy end?

Nancy Drew, Girl Detective books are recommended for readers aged 10 and older.

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The Mystery Bookshelf: A Secret and Unlawful Killing by Cora Harrison, a Mystery of Medieval Ireland

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.

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A Secret and Unlawful Killing by Cora Harrison
A Burren Mystery (2nd in series)
St. Martin's Minotaur (Trade Paperback)
Publication Date: November 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0-312-58602-7

About A Secret and Unlawful Killing (from the publisher): It is 1509 and, for the people of the Burren in western Ireland, the Michaelmas Fair is a joyous time for trade and celebration, signaling the start of autumn. It’s a chance to gather, buy and sell their wares, and pay tribute to the lord of their clans. But this year is different. The steward of the MacNamara clan has decided to raise the amount demanded for its tribute, and it’s not long before tempers are running high.

When the steward’s body is found in the local churchyard, it falls upon Mara, the Burren’s Brehon Judge, to piece the puzzle together. Was it revenge, greed, or something more sinister that motivated the murder? When another body is discovered, it is up to Mara—despite the distraction of a surprising marriage proposal—to bring the killer to justice before there can be yet another death.

Originally published as Michaelmas Tribute in the UK.

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About the author: Cora Harrison lives in the Burren in the west of Ireland, an area whose landscape and history form the background to a medieval series of which this is the second novel. She has published twenty-six books for children, mainly dealing with Irish history and mythology. Please visit her Web site at CoraHarrison.com.

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First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: New Titles for December 2009

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids, 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), is pleased to announce a selection of new mystery books (including series books) scheduled for publication during December, 2009.

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January Joker by Ron Roy
Calendar Mysteries

First book in a planned series of twelve.

Green Lawn, we have a problem! When Bradley Pinto wakes up in the night to strange lights in his backyard, he thinks there are aliens in town. When he sees three-toed footprints in the snow, he’s sure of it. His twin, Brian, and friends Lucy and Nate aren’t so certain. But then Lucy’s cousin Dink, the twins’ brother, Josh, and Nate’s sister, Ruth Rose, all disappear. Are there really aliens in Green Lawn? And where could they be taking Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose?

Calendar Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

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February Friend by Ron Roy
Calendar Mysteries

Second book in this series.

It's a Valentine's Day party! Bradley is passing out his class’s valentines, but one of them has no name on it. Inside, the card tells the class to look in the closet. When they open the closet door, the kids find a rabbit named Douglas in a cage! What mysterious “friend” left him there? And why? Then the bunny gets sick. It’s up to Bradley, Brian, Lucy, and Nate to track down his owner and figure out what is wrong with poor little Douglas.

Calendar Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

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Fox Announces Midseason Schedule, including New Series Past Life and Human Target

In a press release today, Fox Television announced its 2009 / 2010 midseason schedule, which includes the new thriller Past Life, the action drama Human Target, and an additional 9 episodes of the crime drama Lie to Me.

Past Life is based on the novel The Reincarnationist (read our review) and features detectives who investigate the world of the unexplained. It will air its 2-hour premiere on Thursday, February 11th at 8 PM, with subsequent episodes airing on Thursdays at 9 PM.

Human Target is based on the comic book series of the same name and features a private detective and bodyguard who will stop at nothing to protect his clients. It will air its premiere on Sunday, January 17th, with subsequent episodes airing on Wednesdays at 9 PM. (This is the second adaptation of Human Target for television. ABC aired a summer series in 1992 with Rick Springfield in the title role.)

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Tommy Lee Jones Leaves Production of The Lincoln Lawyer, based on the Novel by Michael Connelly

Last month, we reported that Tommy Lee Jones was in negotiations to direct and co-star in the film adaptation of Michael Connelly's 2005 legal thriller The Lincoln Lawyer. Variety is now reporting that, much to our dismay, Jones has left the production over "creative differences on the script." No replacement was announced. Matthew McConaughey, much to our dismay, apparently is still attached to play the lead, Los Angeles defense attorney Mickey Haller.

The Lincoln Lawyer was the winner of the 2006 Macavity Award for Best Mystery Novel, and won the 2006 Shamus Award for Best P. I. Hardcover.

Book synopsis: Mickey Haller is a Lincoln Lawyer, a criminal defense attorney who operates out of the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car, traveling between the far-flung courthouses of Los Angeles to defend clients of every kind. Bikers, con artists, drunk drivers, drug dealers -- they're all on Mickey Haller's client list. For him, the law is rarely about guilt or innocence, it's about negotiation and manipulation. Sometimes it's even about justice.

A Beverly Hills playboy arrested for attacking a woman he picked up in a bar chooses Haller to defend him, and Mickey has his first high-paying client in years. It is a defense attorney's dream, what they call a franchise case. And as the evidence stacks up, Haller comes to believe this may be the easiest case of his career. Then someone close to him is murdered and Haller discovers that his search for innocence has brought him face-to-face with evil as pure as a flame. To escape without being burned, he must deploy every tactic, feint, and instinct in his arsenal -- this time to save his own life.

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Psych Renewed for Fifth Season by USA Network

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that the Psych sleuths will return for another year of "psychic" investigations. USA Network has ordered 16 episodes for its fifth season.

The series stars James Roday as Shawn Spencer who, with his keen eye for detail, convinces the police that he has psychic abilities and can assist them in solving crimes. Dule Hill plays his best friend and partner in their police consulting business.

The fifth season of Psych is expected to premiere during the summer of 2010.

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Games of Mystery: Cajun Cop in The French Quarter Caper, New from Big Fish Games

Games of Mystery, your source for mystery-themed electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, and murder mystery weekends 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.

Join Cajun Cop Jacques Lamont as he pursues a gang of jewel thieves through the streets of the Big Easy. Scour the city for clues, from the haunts of the rich to gritty back alleys. As the evidence piles up, the puzzles and mini-games only become more baffling. You'll need sharp eyes and keen wits as the gangsters attempt to cover their tracks. Will the long arm of the law ever bring them to justice? Join the pursuit and find out!

Also available: Cajun Cop: The French Quarter Caper Game Walkthrough.

Cajun Cop: The French Quarter Caper may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (55.09 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.

Watch a preview video below:

Get any game for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. Other benefits include the $2.99 Daily Deal, Tomorrow's Game Today, and special member rewards.

Read our new game reviews by Ms. Terri: Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy (Review), 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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Mysteries on TV: Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Law & Order Criminal Intent, and Life on Mars, 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 three series that have season DVDs being released this week.

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Legendary, award-winning and suspenseful, Alfred Hitchcock Presents set the gold standard for all TV mystery series to come and has remained an indelible part of popular culture.

Join guest stars Steve McQueen, Bette Davis, Claude Rains, Cloris Leachman, Roger Moore, Walter Matthau, Brian Keith, Elizabeth Montgomery, Art Carney, Mary Astor, Barbara Bel Geddes, Denholm Elliott, Dick York, Leslie Nielsen, and more as they act in stories of intrigue and murder, all under the watchful eye of the Master of Suspense himself.

The Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Season Four DVD set of 4 discs contain the 36 episodes that aired on CBS from October 1958 through June 1959.

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The legacy of television’s most successful brand continues with Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Analyze crimes from the unique perspective of the lawbreakers themselves as they strategize and execute the plans that end up on the New York Police Department's Major Case Squad roster.

The powerful fourth season features a distinguished cast including Vincent D’Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe, Jamey Sheridan and Courtney B. Vance. Joining them are powerful guest stars such as Chris Noth, Tatum O’Neal, Rosanna Arquette, Neil Patrick Harris, and Peter Bogdanovich.

The Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Season Four DVD set of 5 discs contain the 23 episodes that aired on NBC from September 2003 through May 2004.

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One of today's most original police dramas follows modern-day Manchester detective Sam Tyler (John Simm), a cop who's back on the beat ... and back in 1973 in Life on Mars (UK).

The time-travelling series returns for a second (and its final) season with more twists and turns as Tyler hunts down a notorious cop killer, investigates a racial hate crime, follows the trail of a young woman's killer and attempts to deal with an IRA bombing threat.

Much of the appeal in the series results from the ambiguity of Tyler's situation: is he hallucinating, or possibly in a coma dreaming, or has he really traveled back in time?

The Life on Mars (UK): Series Two DVD set of 4 discs contain the 8 episodes that aired on BBC during the spring of 2007.

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

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Mystery Godoku Puzzle for November 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 D G H I N S T

These “happen” in the title of Harry Dolan’s debut thriller (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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Enter to Win a Copy of Kwei Quartey's Darko Dawson Mysteries

Kwei Quartey will be releasing his second Darko Dawson mystery in 2011, and he's holding a contest to give away a signed copy of the first in the series, Wife of the Gods, as well as the second, when published.

The first letter of each word in the second book's title spell COTS, respectively. Guess the title of the book from the following description of the story: "In the second Detective Inspector Darko Dawson mystery set in Ghana, the discovery of a corpse plunges Darko face to face with the brutal environment of Accra’s largest slum, its dog-eat-dog underground economy in which street children fight for survival, and a series of shocking murders that resemble ritual killings."

Go to KweiQuartey.com to enter your guess. The first five people who guess correctly win!

(MBN note: In our review of Wife of the Gods, we called Quartey's debut novel "an outstanding effort", adding it was a "truly remarkable mystery that unfolds in a most unusual setting." We're definitely looking forward to the second in the series.)

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Mystery Book Review: The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac Barnett

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

The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac Barnett
A Brixton Brothers Mystery

Simon & Schuster (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 1-4169-7815-1 (1416978151)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-7815-2 (9781416978152)
Publication Date: October 2009
List Price: $14.99

Review: Mac Barnett introduces Steve Brixton, a school age investigative detective (just like it says on his license, which he received for 12 cereal box tops plus $1.95 shipping and handling) on a quest to find a national treasure in The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity.

Steve is given a homework assignment on a Friday, due Monday, to write an 8 page essay on needlework. He'd rather be writing about being a detective, the topic given to his best friend and chum Dana ("don't call me chum"). The following day he goes to the library and finds a book titled An Illustrated History of American Quilting, which he promptly labels the most boring book ever written. Worse even than The Serious Skald's Guide to Medieval Icelandic Poetry. But someone must think the book is interesting, because Steve is soon being chased by a secret society of librarians, a thug working for a mysterious Mr. E., and the Ocean Park Police, an officer of which just happens to be dating Steve's mom. Using helpful hints provided in The Bailey Brothers Detective Handbook, Shawn and Kevin Bailey being two amateur sleuths featured in his favorite series of mysteries, Steve narrowly escapes all sorts of dangerous situations, and with the help of his chum Dana ("don't call me chum"), solves a mystery that dates back to 1776.

The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity is a clever, at times wickedly funny, spin on The Hardy Boys mystery series, right down to the illustrations and endpapers. Quotes from The Bailey Brothers Detective Handbook are generously provided and include advice on hiding places ("You can hide in or behind ... grandfather clocks ... today's newspaper ... hedge mazes ... sea caves ... secret tunnels ... Mexico!), an illustrated guide to how to make rope, and what to do if you find yourself tied up with rope. Of course, the advice doesn't always work quite as well for Steve as it did for the Bailey Brothers. Shawn and Kevin, for example, simply flexed their muscles as they were being tied up, only to relax and have the rope fall effortlessly to the ground after their captors left. When Steve is tied up, he relaxes and the ropes are as tight as ever. "For the first time it occurred to Steve that Shawn and Kevin Bailey had considerably bigger muscles than he did. The old flex-your-muscles-while-you're-getting-tied-up trick did not work every time."

The plot is no more far-fetched than the typical Indiana Jones or National Treasure movie, and is really quite delightfully convoluted. That it will engage young readers is almost a given; what's possibly more surprising is how much the book will appeal to adults, especially those familiar with The Hardy Boys series books. The only incongruous aspect to the story is the inclusion of a scene in which Steve is threatened with a gun. It seems particularly inappropriate given how light and entertaining the story is; moreover, it's nonessential from a plot perspective. Children are exposed to enough overt violence in their everyday lives; it's unnecessary here in what is otherwise and overall an exceptional example of escapist entertainment.

Special thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing a copy of The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity for this review.

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

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

Synopsis (from the publisher): Steve Brixton always wanted to be a detective ... until he found out he already WAS one.

It all starts here: The thrilling story of Steve Bixton's first case. Our hero has a national treasure to recover, a criminal mastermind to unmask, and a social studies report due Monday -- all while on the run from cops, thugs, and secret-agent librarians.

Since when can librarians rappel from helicopters? Does Steve have any brothers or sisters? If not, then why is this series called The Brixton Brothers? You will solve all these mysteries and many more by the time you finish The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity.

We think you'll agree: Steve Brixton's first adventure is his best adventure yet.

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A Conversation with Anthony Horowitz, on Independent Weekly

Zack Smith of the Independent Weekly recently had a conversation with Anthony Horowitz, an author whose work we find particularly exciting, from his television screenplays and adaptations to his books for children and young adults. His most recent original screenplay is Collision, the second part of which airs on PBS this evening.

As well known as he is for his superb series Foyle's War and for writing several episodes of Midsomer Murders, he is probably most recognized as the author of the Alex Rider series of thrillers featuring a teenaged spy. Horowitz says that books give him fewer restrictions than TV: "I can destroy the world, I can visit other worlds, and I don't have to worry (about budgets)." He considers it a "golden age" for children's literature and looks forward to writing the further adventures of his teen spy: "I find Alex endlessly fascinating. It's a journey I haven't tired of, ever." Still, with eight books in the series published, he intends to end it after 10 books when the character turns 15. "I've aged 10 years to my character's one," says Horowitz. "It really doesn't seem fair."

Read the entire article about the author, his books and television series, here.

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Games of Mystery: Chronicles of Mystery, The Scorpio Ritual, New at Big Fish Games

Games of Mystery, your source for mystery-themed electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, and murder mystery weekends 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.

Professor Olivier Leroux, a well known archaeologist, is gone without a trace. The only person who can find him is his niece Sylvie. Frustrated with the police attempts to find her uncle, she decides to commence her own private investigation, which ultimately takes her to the ruins of an ancient church on Malta. It is there that the scholar encounters a dark secret from biblical times. Become Sylvie Leroux and find out what happened to the professor. Who are the people who wanted him to disappear? And uncover a conspiracy that is thousands of years in the making!

Also available: Chronicles of Mystery: The Scorpio Ritual Game Walkthrough.

Chronicles of Mystery: The Scorpio Ritual may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. Due to its large size, a demonstration version is not available.

Watch a preview video below:

Get any game for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. Other benefits include the $2.99 Daily Deal, Tomorrow's Game Today, and special member rewards.

Read our new game reviews by Ms. Terri: Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy (Review), 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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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.

The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac Barnett. 1st book in the Brixton Brothers Series. Recommended for readers aged 10 to 12. Reviewed by a 6th grade student who wrote, "[I]t is a great mystery for children and I loved everything about the book. I hope there are more books coming out for the Brixton Brothers series soon!"

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

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Games of Mystery: 1912 Titanic Mystery, New from Amazon Video Games

Games of Mystery, your source for mystery-themed electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations, and more mysterious fun, is pleased to announce this week's new mystery and suspense games available for immediate download from Amazon Video Games.

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1912 Titanic Mystery

A bomb is aboard the Titanic II on its maiden voyage, launched on the one-hundredth anniversary of the fatal Atlantic crossing. Find the bomb and save the ship and all aboard. Interact with different characters, discovering hidden diary entries and a century old mystery from the original Titanic. This multifaceted storyline offers a tale of lost love and reunion, challenging puzzles, and imagery lovingly recreated from original photographs!

Windows Vista / XP (62 MB download).

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A complete list of downloadable mystery games is available on our Games of Mystery: Amazon.com Game Download page.

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