Mystery Book Review: Buried Strangers by Leighton Gage

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

Buried Strangers by Leighton Gage
A Chief Inspector Mario Silva Investigation

Soho Crime (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-56947-614-4 (1569476144)
ISBN-13: 978-1-56947-614-7 (9781569476147)
Publication Date: January 2010
List Price: $13.00

Review: Mario Silva, Chief Inspector of Criminal Matters for the Sao Paulo Federal Police, is confronted with two ostensibly different cases, one of murder in his own country, the other of missing persons in another, in the aptly titled Buried Strangers, the second mystery in this series by Leighton Gage.

When "Mop", a playful dog, finds a human bone partially buried on the grounds near a rain forest on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Silva sends his team out to explore the area. What they find is the body of a young woman buried in a small narrow grave, clearly dug by hand. Upon further scrutiny, they discover several -- many, actually -- similar graves, some with a single person, others with what appears to be complete families. All the bodies are naked, stripped of any identifying clothing but bearing an unusual mark. The chief medical examiner tells Silva that the bodies are at least three years old, and have no obvious indications of trauma. That is, there are no bullet wounds, signs of blunt force trauma, nothing to suggest they were murdered. Oddly, though, all the victims had their chests cut open with precision, using what seems to have been a surgical instrument. Still, it appears to Silva that the victims must have been killed, possibly by a single person, a serial killer. And if so, by Brazil's all-time great serial killer.

Separately, Silva is also investigating a number of missing persons, people who were customers of a local travel agency who subsequently disappeared after arriving at their destinations in the US. It seems the agency was providing a means for entering the US without the necessary documents. In at least one case, a young man sent a post card from Miami to his mother, but was never heard from again. Silva senses a connection between these two cases, but there's no obvious evidence to link them.

Buried Strangers is a swiftly paced mystery, one often filled with dread as to what Silva will discover next. That it draws so much emotion from the reader is telling in and of itself. Silva is an interesting character, one who must navigate the treacherous waters of Brazilian politics, which seem fraught with almost as much danger -- or at least risk -- as the criminal cases he investigates. He's demanding of his team, yet sensitive to their needs and the victims of the crimes. A police procedural of the highest order, and in many ways a mesmerizing tale of intrigue, Buried Strangers is highly recommended.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of Buried Strangers and to Soho Press for providing a trade paperback edition of the book for this review.

Review Copyright © 2010 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved

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

Synopsis (from the publisher): In the jungle on the outskirts of São Paulo, Mario Silva and his team find hundreds of unknown corpses, often buried in family groups, and they learn that many would-be travelers to North America who used a local tourist agency have never reached their destinations. The motive for these murders is completely contemporary and completely appalling.

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New Website for Sin & Vengeance, a Film based on the novel by C. J. West

Thriller author C. J. West contacted us to let us know that the production company for the film based on his debut novel Sin & Vengeance has announced a new website. The adaptation is being written by crime reporter and journalist turned screenwriter Marla Cukor.

About the book: When his knee shatters on the playing field, Charlie Marston is plunged into turmoil. The fallen college superstar joins the family winemaking business, but working alongside his parents is not the future he had planned. He escapes work whenever he can and soon finds a new friend named Randy Black. Randy is part stunt-pilot, part Casanova, and part drunken Pied Piper. Randy introduces Charlie to Deirdre Deudon, the provocative wife of a French farmer. They come together in an ill-conceived stunt that explodes into consequences that chase Charlie and Randy back home to Massachusetts and change Deirdre's life forever. The after-effects of this tragic mistake bind the three of them together and threaten everything they hold dear.

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Fox Orders Series based on the Legal Thriller Pleading Guilty by Scott Turow

In still more television news, The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Fox has ordered a series based on the legal thriller Pleading Guilty by Scott Turow. Jon Avnet (Righteous Kill, The Starter Wife) will direct and produce the pilot, written by Burn Notice executive producer Jason Tracey.

Pleading Guilty (also the series title) will center on Mack Malloy, an ex-cop-turned-attorney who works as a partner at a powerful Chicago law firm. The book was the third in Turow's series set in fictional Kindle County (but which everyone knew was a thin disguise for Chicago's Cook County).

About the book: The star litigator from a top-notch law firm has gone missing, along with $5.6 million from a class-action settlement, and "Mack" Malloy, an ex-cop and partner-on-the-wane, must find both.

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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 Doom Machine by Mark Teague. A non-series science fiction thriller. Recommended for readers aged 10 to 12. Lexile measure: 610L. Reviewed by a 6th grade student who wrote, "The Doom Machine is a beautifully constructed story of companionship and a voyage through time and space. Suspense and adventure fill this book from the beginning to its end."

Crocodile Attack by Justin D'Ath. 1st book in the Extreme Adventures series. Recommended for readers aged 10 to 12. Lexile measure: 660L. Reviewed by a 6th grade student who wrote the book will "knock people's socks off their feet", adding "I think this book should be rewarded for its action and entertainment! I can’t tell you readers how much this book should be read by all readers young and old."

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

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Authors on Tour: John Le Beau Visits Allie's Musings and One Person's Journey through a World of Books

Mystery Books News is pleased to be coordinating this week's online book tour for author John J. Le Beau whose debut thriller, Collision of Evil (Oceanview, September 2009), has an American tourist and a German detective in a race against the clock to stop a sophisticated, covert, and deadly plot.

Today, Saturday, January 23rd, John will be visiting 2 blog sites:

• Allie's Musings, where John is interviewed; and
• One Persons Journey Through a World of Books, where Collision of Evil is reviewed.

We're also thrilled to announce that John is giving away a signed copy of his new book to one lucky tour visitor. Visit each tour siste 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 John's tour page, Author Book Tour: John J. Le Beau.

We hope you have the opportunity to stop by each of the tour sites this week to learn more about John and the two very different characters in his novel who join forces to solve a mysterious murder against the majestic backdrop of the Bavarian Alps ... and may return in sequel!

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Games of Mystery: Green Moon, New at Big Fish Games

Games of Mystery, your source for mystery-themed board, electronic and video games, parties for kids and adults, and murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations, is pleased to announce the availability of a new mystery casual 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.

For centuries ancient wizards, enchanters and alchemists were trying to create a miracle beyond the boldest human dreams. But, alas ...

And now it is you who by chance gets a unique opportunity to complete what have been started. Plunge into the world of breathtaking adventures, in the tangle of time and space, of triviality and incredible magic. Journey from damp prehistoric forests, to the sultry deserts of ancient Egypt, to dirty Wild West saloons, and luxurious medieval castles!

A captivating story combining science with magic and reality with mysticism. Travel to a unique world full of mystery and exciting opportunities as you learn ancient and timeless secrets!

Green Moon may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (161.42 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.

Watch a preview video below:

Get any standard 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. And if you purchase any 6 games within a single month, you earn a free game with the Big Fish Game Club Monthly Punch Card!

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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Nominations for the 2010 Left Coast Crime Awards Announced

The nominations for mystery awards to be given out at Left Coast Crime this year have been announced: the annual Lefty Award and Bruce Alexander Memorial Historical Award, and a special award, the PAnik Award, named in honor of the late LCC Chairman Paul Anik, honoring the best noir novel set in Los Angeles.

For the Lefty Award, the nominees are:
◊ Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews
◊ Living with Your Kids is Murder by Mike Befeler
◊ Strangle a Loaf of Italian Bread by Denise Dietz
◊ Getting Old Is a Disaster by Rita Lakin
◊ High Crimes on the Magical Plane by Kris Neri

For the Bruce Alexander Award, the nominees are:
◊ Tears of Pearl by Tasha Alexander
◊ In a Gilded Cage by Rhys Bowen
◊ A Trace of Smoke by Rebecca Cantrell
◊ Freedom's Fight by Gary Phillips
◊ Serpent in the Thorn by Jeri Westerson

And for the PAnik Award, the nominees are:
◊ Cemetery Road by Gar Anthony Haywood
◊ Trust No One by Gregg Hurwitz
◊ Death Was In the Picture by Linda L. Richards
◊ Boulevard by Stephen J. Schwartz

Thanks to Janet Rudolph, the fan guest of honor at LCC, for publishing the list, from which this information was taken.

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Authors on Tour: John Le Beau Visits Cheryl's Book Nook and Wendy's Minding Spot

Mystery Books News is pleased to be coordinating this week's online book tour for author John J. Le Beau whose debut thriller, Collision of Evil (Oceanview, September 2009), has an American tourist and a German detective in a race against the clock to stop a sophisticated, covert, and deadly plot.

Today, Friday, January 22nd, John will be visiting 2 blog sites:

• Cheryl's Book Nook, where Collision of Evil is reviewed; and
• Wendy's Minding Spot, where John is the guest blogger.

We're also thrilled to announce that John is giving away a signed copy of his new book to one lucky tour visitor. Visit each tour siste 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 John's tour page, Author Book Tour: John J. Le Beau.

We hope you have the opportunity to stop by each of the tour sites this week to learn more about John and the two very different characters in his novel who join forces to solve a mysterious murder against the majestic backdrop of the Bavarian Alps ... and may return in sequel!

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Mystery Bestsellers for January 22, 2010

A list of the top 15 mystery hardcover bestsellers for the week ending January 22, 2010 has been posted on the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books website.

Another week with no change in the top 4 mystery bestsellers from last week, but a new title that published a week earlier enters the top 15.

The second thriller in the Hunt Club series, Treasure Hunt by John Lescroart, moves up to 10th position.

Mickey Dade hates deskwork, but that's all he's been doing at Wyatt Hunt's private investigative service, The Hunt Club. His itch to be active is answered when a body is discovered: it's Dominic Como, one of San Francisco's most high-profile activists -- a charismatic man known as much for his expensive suits as his work on a half dozen nonprofit boards. One "person of interest" in the case is Como's business associate, Alicia Thorpe -- young, gorgeous, and the sister of one of Mickey's friends.

As Mickey and Hunt are pulled into the case, they soon learn that the city's golden fundraiser was involved in some highly suspect deals. And the lovely Alicia knows more about this -- and more about Como -- than she's letting on.

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.

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ABC Orders Pilot for True Blue, a San Francisco-based Crime Drama

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that ABC has ordered a pilot for True Blue, a crime drama featuring a group of San Francisco homicide detectives who reunite to solve the murder of one of their own and, in the process, revive old passions, rivalries and friendships.

The pilot is based on an original story by Jon Feldman (Dirty Sexy Money).

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TNT Places Series Orders for Rizzoli & Isles and Delta Blues

Last year, we reported that TNT had ordered a pilot for Rizzoli, a crime drama based on characters created by Tess Gerritsen, and a pilot for Delta, a crime drama featuring a Memphis cop who moonlights as an Elvis impersonator. Today, a TNT press release is reporting that the network has ordered a 10 episode (including the pilot) season of both series.

Both series have been renamed (Rizzoli & Isles and Delta Blues, respectively), but TNT notes these are still working titles.

About Rizzoli & Isles: Angie Harmon plays Jane Rizzoli, a Boston detective who works closely with medical examiner Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander) to solve crimes. “TNT is home to some of television’s most powerful female characters, and Rizzoli & Isles certainly fits that identity,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “We’re delighted to be working with Angie, Sasha and the rest of the talented cast of Rizzoli & Isles as well as the show’s outstanding production team, as we bring Tess Gerritsen’s vision to television.”

About Delta Blues: Jason Lee plays Dwight Hendricks, a Memphis police officer who lives with his mother. His intimate connection with the city and its people sets him apart from his fellow officers. “With a collection of unique characters brought to life by a stunning cast, Delta Blues is truly a one-of-a-kind series,” said Wright.

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Mysteries on DVD Review: Midsomer Murders, Barnaby's Casebook

Mystery Books News is pleased to publish a review of a "Mystery on DVD", a movie or television series that has been adapted from or based on a mystery book, or an original screenplay written with characters created by a mystery author.

Midsomer Murders: Barnaby's Casebook. Original air dates: September 2001 through December 2004; DVD release date: 01/05/2010.

Recurring characters: Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby (John Nettles), Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy (Daniel Casey, first 11 episodes in this set), Detective Sergeant Dan Scott (John Hopkins, last 6 episodes in this set), Joyce Barnaby (Jane Wymark), Cully Barnaby (Laura Howard), Dr. Bullard (Barry Jackson). Episodes in this series are based on characters created by Caroline Graham.

Midsomer Murders: Barnaby's Casebook includes the 17 episodes that originally aired on ITV in the UK in chronological order, but were released in a different order in the US (and comprise individual Sets 4, 6, 7, and 8).

Review: I recently reviewed Midsomer Murders Set 13, which starred Jason Hughes as Barnaby's current partner, Detective Sergeant Ben Jones. What's interesting about this set is that it includes episodes with both of his predecessors, DS Gavin Troy and DS Dan Scott. Gives one a chance to compare and contrast them!

It's probably best to start with DCI Tom Barnaby himself. He's a solid policeman with good instincts and even better leadership kills. He's also a family man, with his wife (long-suffering wife is probably a more apt description) and daughter appearing in most episodes.

John Nettles has played the character from the beginning in 1997, when the episodes were based on actual books by Caroline Graham. (Graham wrote seven books in the series, of which only the first five were actually adapted.) Sure he's evolved over time, but he's also been a constant, offering a sense of familiarity the series that is most welcome. Sadly for fans of the series, he's announced he's leaving at the end of 2010, after starring in more than 75 episodes. ITV (which broadcasts Midsomer Murders in the UK) has said a new DCI will appear to replace him. It will be a tough act to follow.

But as much as the series is about character, it wouldn't have lasted long if the stories, mysteries if you will, weren't compelling. And that they are. More about that later.

Barnaby's first partner was DS Gavin Troy. I think he was also the best of the three who have been in his position. He also seemed to work the most seamlessly with Barnaby, each playing off the others strengths.

Of the 17 episodes included in this set, Troy appears in the first 11, leaving at the end of "The Green Man" when he's promoted to Inspector. The episode that follows, "Bad Tidings", introduces his replacement, DS Dan Scott, who subsequently appears in the remaining 6 episodes of this set. Scott is a Londoner who resents being assigned to a post in Midsomer County. This resentment is most evident in this first appearance, but seems to simmer beneath the surface throughout his stay. He never comes across as likeable, and even Barnaby seems to just tolerate him, though he admits Scott can be quite charming when he chooses to be. In the end, he appeared in only 14 episodes of the series.

And now to the episodes themselves. By and large, they are excellent in both plotting and execution. Many episodes have a single plotline (the murder mystery itself), but several have parallel subplots, typically involving Barnaby's family and most tangentially related to primary plot.

Here's a list of the episodes in this set:

"Tainted Fruit"
"Ring Out Your Dead"
"Murder on St. Malley’s Day"
"Market for Murder"
'A Worm in the Bud"
"A Talent for Life"
"Death and Dreams"
"Painted in Blood"
"A Tale of Two Hamlets"
"Birds of Prey"
"The Green Man" (last episode with DS Gavin Troy)
"Bad Tidings" (first episode with DS Dan Scott)
"The Fisher King"
"Sins of Commission"
"The Maid in Splendour"
"The Straw Woman"
"Ghosts of Christmas Past"

Midsomer Murders: Barnaby's Casebook also includes two bonus discs, both of which add real value to this set.

The first disc is "Super Sleuths", a documentary about the show's first decade. But my favorite is the second disc, "Map of Midsomer Murders", which provides information about the fictional county and the filming locations for the episodes. It's a behind-the-scenes look that puts an interesting perspective on the villages of Midsomer County.

The entire set is attractively packaged in a sturdy case that resembles a, well, casebook, perfect for shelving. I strongly recommend it.

Midsomer Murders: Barnaby's Casebook runs for about 28 hours (each episode runs approximately 100 minutes) and is not rated (though is comparable to TV-PG; there are, however, no instances of suggestive dialog, coarse language, explicit sexual content or violence).

The DVD of Midsomer Murders: Barnaby's Casebook is available to purchase. The episodes on this DVD are also available to rent individually from Netflix. More information about the series can be found at Mysteries on TV: Midsomer Murders.

Reviewed on 01/21/2010 by Mr. E., television and movie critic for Mystery Books News.

Review Copyright © 2010 — Omnimystery — All Rights Reserved.

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Mystery Book Review: High Crimes on the Magical Plane by Kris Neri

Mysterious Reviews, mysteries reviewed by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books, is publishing a new review of High Crimes on the Magical Plane by Kris Neri. For our blog readers, we are printing it first here in advance of its publication on our website.

High Crimes on the Magical Plane by Kris Neri
A Samantha Brennan and Annabelle Haggerty Mystery

Red Coyote Press (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-9766733-5-5 (0976673355)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9766733-5-4 (9780976673354)
Publication Date: November 2009
List Price: $16.95

Review: Kris Neri introduces psychic (but not really) Samantha Brennan and FBI agent (but oh so much more) Annabelle Haggerty, a rather engaging if unusual pair of crime solvers, in the paranormal mystery High Crimes on the Magical Plane.

Samantha ekes out a living as a psychic in reality-impaired Los Angeles, but she'd really like to move on to some place where her talents would be more appreciated, like Sedona Arizona. But until she can save enough for a move, she dresses the part and sees the future for a small list of clients, which includes Dodi Drake, the widow of a former US Vice President. While on her way to visit Dodi, she sees an SUV filled with ... clowns? Not being a true psychic, but able to quickly make a connection, she believes the clowns may have something to do with another resident in Dodi's building, the actress Molly Claire. Molly had recently been in the news when she unsuccessfully tried to get a restraining order against a group of stalkers, which the press dubbed "Molly's clowns". Fearing the worst, she sneaks into Molly's apartment to find it trashed, Molly missing, and a dead body stuffed in an armoire. Seizing the opportunity to "see the future" before it happens (i.e. before the news gets out), but also do her civic duty, she rushes to the FBI to report her "vision". Assigned to hear her story is agent Annabelle who immediately recognizes Samantha for the fraud she is, but also trusts her instincts that the "vision" is real. She too seizes on her own opportunity: as a Celtic goddess, Annabelle believes she can use Samantha to help her solve the case without revealing who she really is.

The story moves along briskly, alternating between the two principal characters' points of view. For Samantha, it's a first person narrative, which suits her perfectly. Her character is edgy, sarcastic, and cynical -- but also self-aware. "Though I generally believed corners wouldn't exist if we weren't meant to cut them, I decided tonight I had to play my act straight. Well, pretty straight -- after all, it was still an act." For Annabelle, it's a third person narrative, which also plays well into her intellectual and reserved nature -- as reserved as a Celtic goddess who's also an FBI agent can be. And though paranormal mysteries must, almost by definition, stretch the bounds of credulity, the plot here seems overly convoluted, far-fetched even. Still, the pairing of Samantha and Annabelle, in a rather remarkable way, keeps High Crimes on the Magical Plane grounded and, if you will, credible. It is an interesting and entertaining debut for this series.

Special thanks to Red Coyote Press for providing an ARC of High Crimes on the Magical Plane for this review.

Review Copyright © 2010 — Hidden Staircase Mystery Books — All Rights Reserved

If you are interested in purchasing High Crimes on the Magical Plane from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

Synopsis (from the publisher): Imagine the surprise of scam psychic, Samantha Brennan, when she encounters the real thing: an honest-to-heavens Celtic goddess, hidden beneath the steely exterior of FBI Special Agent Annabelle Haggerty. Yet Annabelle's magical powers might not be enough when America's sweet and sexy movie star, Molly Claire, is made the centerpiece of a gangland siege that brings the City of Angels to its knees. And if Annabelle and her family of deities are no match for the Demon of Darkness that she believes is masterminding LA's own Armageddon, what chance does a poor little fake like Samantha have?

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Authors on Tour: John Le Beau Visits Novel Works and Lesa's Book Critiques

Mystery Books News is pleased to be coordinating this week's online book tour for author John J. Le Beau whose debut thriller, Collision of Evil (Oceanview, September 2009), has an American tourist and a German detective in a race against the clock to stop a sophisticated, covert, and deadly plot.

Today, Thursday, January 21st, John will be visiting 2 blog sites:

• Novel Works, where John is interviewed; and
• Lesa's Book Critiques, where John is a guest blogger.

We're also thrilled to announce that John is giving away a signed copy of his new book to one lucky tour visitor. Visit each tour siste 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 John's tour page, Author Book Tour: John J. Le Beau.

We hope you have the opportunity to stop by each of the tour sites this week to learn more about John and the two very different characters in his novel who join forces to solve a mysterious murder against the majestic backdrop of the Bavarian Alps ... and may return in sequel!

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Jon Land's The Seven Sins to be Filmed

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Christopher Kyle (K-19: The Widowmaker, Alexander, The Interpretation of Murder) has signed to adapt the Jon Land thriller The Seven Sins: The Tyrant Ascending, the first book in an expected series featuring Las Vegas entrepreneur Michael "The Tyrant" Tiranno. Moritz Borman and Peter D. Graves (Terminator Salvation, W) will produce.

Jon Land is the author of several series thrillers, including those featuring Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong, Palestinian detective Ben Kamal, and ex-CIA agent Blaine McCracken.

About The Seven Sins: To Dream ... To Dare ... To Win ...

The ancient motto, inscribed in Latin on a mysterious golden medallion, recovered from the ruins of the Roman Empire, has guided Michael Tiranno to heights few men have achieved. Once an orphaned farm boy in his native Sicily, Michael made millions by mastering the intricate world of high finance, and is now the fabulously wealthy owner of Las Vegas' The Seven Sins, the grandest and most extravagant casino in the world. The lavish resort embodies the personal philosophy fueled by his lust for power: the greater the risk, the greater the reward.

But he also has secrets, secrets that he and Naomi Burns, his driven corporate attorney and confidante, have gone to great lengths to bury. When an enemy from the past threatens to undermine everything he has built, his dark history must now be uncovered. Together, they must tear open painful scars in Michael’s heart and soul to discover the true identity of their unknown foe—before all of Las Vegas pays the price for Michael Tiranno’s realized dreams.

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