Saturday, May 29, 2010

Mystery Book Review: The Cold Room by J. T. Ellison

Mysterious Reviews: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller and Crime Novel Reviews, edited by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books

Review of The Cold Room by J. T. Ellison

Recently demoted Nashville homicide detective Taylor Jackson is called in to investigate an obviously staged murder scene that is eerily similar to several found in Europe ... and under investigation by her FBI boyfriend and expert in behaviorial analysis John Baldwin, in The Cold Room, the fourth mystery in this series by J. T. Ellison.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews.

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The Cold Room by J. T. Ellison
Buy The Cold Room by J. T. Ellison

The Cold Room

A Taylor Jackson Mystery

Mira (Mass Market Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-7783-2714-0 (0778327140)
ISBN-13: 978-0-7783-2714-1 (9780778327141)
Publication Date: March 2010
List Price: $7.99

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Mysterious Reviews is your source for the latest mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime novel reviews, edited by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.

First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: New Titles for June 2010

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

is pleased to announce a selection of new mystery, suspense and thriller books (including series books) scheduled for publication during June 2010.

The titles are listed in (approximate) order of appropriate age groups, from early readers to books for young adults.

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The Missing Apple Mystery by Ellie Seiss

The Missing Apple MysteryMore Information
Ellie Seiss


There's a giant wooden apple sign on the loose in Busytown and it's rolling over everything in its path! Come along and help Huckle Cat and his friends figure out where the apple sign is headed next. Will they be able to stop this rotten apple from rolling away for good?

Recommended for New Sleuths, aged 4 to 6.

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In a Pickle by Natalie Shaw

In a PickleMore Information
Natalie Shaw


Mr. Frumble can't find his famous pickle car! Will Huckle Cat be able to help?

Recommended for New Sleuths, aged 4 to 6.

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Missing! by Jodie Mellor

Missing!More Information
Jodie Mellor


The cat star of animal blockbuster Candy Come Home has been stolen from the set of her new movie. Now the film studio has received an enormous ransom demand! Can the girls and their magical mystery pups find the missing cat before it's too late?

Recommended for New Sleuths, aged 4 to 6.

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The Man of Mystery Hill by Tracy Carbone

The Man of Mystery HillMore Information
Tracy Carbone


Abby McNabb is a typical fourth grade girl. She hates her hair, thinks her mom is too strict, envies her best friend … Oh, and Abby's father is crazy. Andy McNabb is a famous author known for his investigations of aliens, ghosts and all things paranormal. This embarrasses Abby to no end, until the day he takes her to America's Stonehenge, aka Mystery Hill … and for the first time in her life, she sees a ghost, too.

The ghost needs Abby's help to make Andy remember his birthplace: a star named Gibeon, which crashed to earth hundreds of thousands of years ago. As Abby, along with her friend Claudia and cousin, Chase, work to uncover the truth about her father's past and his future, she is faced with losing him forever when destiny pushes him toward his forgotten life.

Join Abby and her zany father as they explore local New England spooky sites and learn what it means to believe in make believe and trust what you cannot see.

Recommended for Future Sleuths, aged 7 to 9.

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The Coyote Invasion by John R. Erickson

The Coyote InvasionMore Information
John R. Erickson


Hank’s in trouble again, but when he tries to apologize to Sally May, she just doesn’t get the message. Before Hank has a chance to convince her, he learns that the ranch is being targeted for a major invasion from the dreaded coyotes. Does Hank have what it takes to save his reputation and protect the ranch?

Recommended for Future Sleuths, aged 7 to 9.

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The Chihuahua Chase by A. E. Cannon

The Chihuahua ChaseMore Information
A. E. Cannon


When Teddy Krebs's speedy if homely little dog goes missing right before the town Chihuahua races, fourth-grader Addie May Jones can’t resist Teddy’s plea for help. Soon she has two mysteries on her hands: Is there a dognapper on the loose? And why won't Teddy stop making a pest of himself? Addie May turns detective to find the vanished pooch and at the same time discovers a bad case of puppy love.

Recommended for Future Sleuths, aged 7 to 9.

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Thea Stilton and the Secret City by Thea Stilton

Thea Stilton and the Secret CityMore Information
Thea Stilton


In this amazing adventure, Thea's friends the Thea Sisters head to Peru, where a good friend of Paulina's is in danger. There, the five mice climb the Andes mountains in search of a mysterious treasure that's hidden in the Secret City of the Incas.

Recommended for Future Sleuths, aged 7 to 9.

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The Tilting House by Tom Llewellyn

The Tilting HouseMore Information
Tom Llewellyn


Brothers Josh and Aaron Peshik are about to discover that their new home with the tilting floors hides many mysteries. When the boys and their neighbor Lola discover the hidden diary of F. T. Tilton, the brilliant but deranged inventor who built the house, they learn a dark secret that may mean disaster for the Peshik family. Can the kids solve the riddles of the tilting house before time runs out?

Recommended for Sleuths in Training, aged 10 to 12.

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The Elephant's Tale by Lauren St. John

The Elephant's TaleMore Information
Lauren St. John


Martine and her grandmother discover that they might lose Sawubona, their African game reserve, to the sinister Reuben James. But a prophecy from Grace rouses Martine and her best friend, Ben, into action. To find the truth and save the reserve, Martine and Ben must stow away in an airplane, which strands them in the desert, thwart Mr. James’s creepy henchman, and rescue a herd of very special elephants from the dangerous Moon Valley.

The adventure also leads the kids to answers about Martine’s destiny. Jemmy, the white giraffe, and Khan, the last leopard, are alongside Martine and Ben as the Secret Valley reveals its mysteries in this satisfying conclusion to the series.

Recommended for Sleuths in Training, aged 10 to 12.

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The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick

The Secret ZooMore Information
Bryan Chick


Noah, his sister Megan, and their best friends, Richie and Ella, live next door to the zoo. Megan is the first to notice the puzzling behavior of some of the animals. One day Megan disappears, and her brother and their friends realize it's up to them to find her. Their only choice is to follow a series of clues and sneak into the zoo. But once inside, will they discover there's much more to the Clarksville City Zoo than they could ever have guessed?

Recommended for Sleuths in Training, aged 10 to 12.

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The Talent Thief by Alex Williams

The Talent ThiefMore Information
Alex Williams


Adam’s sister is a singing sensation and he is her biggest fan. Unlike his superstar sibling, this twelve-year-old boy excels at absolutely nothing—although his sister would argue that he’s the master of getting on her nerves. But when a mysterious creature as old as time steals her talent, it’s Adam who fearlessly leads the charge to retrieve it and stop the creature before it can take the talents of other children.

Recommended for Sleuths in Training, aged 10 to 12.

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Secret Sabotage by Carolyn Keene

Secret SabotageMore Information
Carolyn Keene


This brand-new trilogy follows Nancy's adventures at a creepy carnival. Who's writing the burn book blog (i.e. gossip rag), and, later, passing along threatening notes to Lexi Claremont? Nancy goes undercover to find out.

Recommended for Sleuths in Training, aged 10 to 12.

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High School Musical Mystery by Stefan Petrucha and Sarah Kinney

High School Musical MysteryMore Information
Stefan Petrucha and Sarah Kinney


Carolyn Keene’s teen sleuth-sisters The Dana Girls meet Nancy Drew for the first time ever in part one if this two-part story!

Nancy and pals Bess and George meet Louise and Jean Dana on a trip to the town of Penfield, where they visit the Starhurst School for Girls. Once students hear that Nancy has arrived, a contest is developed to see who can solve a concocted mystery first. Their pals plant clues throughout the school, each one in the form of a song! See Nancy Drew and the Dana Girls compete for the title of Top Girl Detective!

Recommended for Sleuths in Training, aged 10 to 12.

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Conspiracy 365: June by Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365: JuneMore Information
Gabrielle Lord


Hurled into a life on the run, with a price on his head, 15-year-old Callum Ormond is a fugitive, isolated and alone. Hunted by the law and ruthless criminals, Cal must somehow uncover the truth about his father's mysterious death and a history-changing secret. Who can he turn to, who can he trust, when the whole world seems to want him dead? The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last. He has just 365 days ... the countdown has begun ...

Recommended for Apprentice Sleuths, aged 13 and older.

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First Strike by Jack Higgins with Justin Richards

First StrikeMore Information
Jack Higgins with Justin Richards


After saving the President’s life in the Middle East, the Chance family is invited to a banquet at the White House. Teen twins Rich and Jade are ready to relax, but even in the safest house in the United States, they can’t avoid danger: a radical American group takes the West Wing hostage to steal the U.S.’s nuclear launch codes and attack China. It’s a race through the halls of the White House as Rich and Jade fight to keep the President and the launch codes hidden from the terrorists.

Recommended for Apprentice Sleuths, aged 13 and older.

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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).

Reviews of Mystery and Suspense Books for Kids, New This Week on Book Trends (100529)

Book Trends: Reviews of Young Adult and Children Books

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 Stalwart Companions by H. Paul Jeffers. A Sherlock Holmes pastiche, originally published in 1978, newly issued by Titan Books as part of its "The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" series, and recommended for readers aged 10 and older. Lexile measure: N/A. Reviewed by a 6th grade student who writes, "This novel is exceptional! It is a fantastic story, filled with all of the things you could want in a book: suspense, thrill, plot, everything!"

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

Games of Mystery: Four New Games to Download from Amazon Video Games (100529)

Games of Mystery

is pleased to announce this week's new mystery and suspense casual and adventure games available for immediate download from Amazon Video Games.

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

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Everlight
Everlight

Everlight

A stirring adventure in a fascinating world! Melvin is a misfit and dreamer. One day he comes across a candle shop run by a mysterious old man only called Mr. Teeth. Promptly he becomes aware of Melvin’s magical talent. He offers Melvin to send him on a journey to learn the ancient candle magic in return for confronting him with his worst fears. As Melvin decides to accept, the fantastic adventure unfolds ...

ESRB Rating: Teen.

Windows Vista/XP (2 GB download).

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Journalist Journey: The Eye of Odin
Journalist Journey: The Eye of Odin

Journalist Journey: The Eye of Odin

Cathy is out to report on the strange, glowing symbols that are appearing all over the world. Journey with her through over 25 fantastic locations as she searches for answers among the hidden objects. Help to uncover the truth behind the ancient runes by solving minigames and puzzles. Learn about a mysterious group of followers and their connection to the mythical Odin though beautiful in-game comics. It's up to you to see that Cathy gets her story.

ESRB Rating: Not Specified.

Windows Vista/XP (132 MB download).

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Veronica Rivers: The Order of Conspiracy
Veronica Rivers: The Order of Conspiracy

Veronica Rivers: The Order of Conspiracy

After having a strange vision, famous pilot Veronica Rivers finds a mysterious warning claiming that disaster is about to strike! Veronica's vacation is about to end abruptly, as she has to travel across the globe to take on a brand new case. Discover who has been following Veronica, and what exactly they want from her. Use your hidden object skills to find the Gates of Destiny!

ESRB Rating: Not Specified.

Windows Vista/XP (113 MB download).

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Hidden in Time: Mirror Mirror
Hidden in Time: Mirror Mirror

Hidden in Time: Mirror Mirror

Do you come from royal blood or indentured servitude? Use your sleuthing skills to find out! Having found an antique mirror said to have magical properties, you set off to Castle Fairwich to investigate its shady history and unlock its true potential. Scour dusty rooms in the castle, spot differences reflected in your mirror, and play plenty of unique mini games!

ESRB Rating: Not Specified.

Windows Vista/XP (59 MB download).

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is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic and board games, parties for kids and adults, murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations, and more mysterious fun!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Film Adaptation of Julie Kenner's Carpe Demon in Development

Carpe Demon by Julie Kenner
More information about the book

The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog has news this morning about three novel-to-film adaptations, including the first book in the Kate Connor, Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom mystery series, Carpe Demon by Julie Kenner.

The other two books are Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book and the debut young adult fright novel Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor.

1492 Pictures and CJ Entertainment are developing the projects.

About Carpe Demon (from the publisher): Lots of women put their careers aside once the kids come along. Kate Connor, for instance, hasn't hunted a demon in ages.

That must be why she missed the one wandering through the pet food aisle of the San Diablo Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, he managed to catch her attention an hour later -- when he crashed into the Connor house, intent on killing her.

Now Kate has to clean up the mess in her kitchen, dispose of a dead demon, and pull together a dinner party that will get her husband elected to County Attorney-all without arousing her family's suspicion. Worse yet, it seems the dead demon didn't come alone ...

It's time for Kate Connor to go back to work.

Jeffery Deaver Will Write Next James Bond Thriller

Jeffery Deaver (London)

Crime novelist Jeffery Deaver, author of the Lincoln Rhyme and Katherine Dance mystery series as well as a dozen or more other thrillers and suspense novels, tweeted yesterday that he has been chosen by Ian Fleming Publications to be the new writer of the James Bond series.

Information about the content of the book remains top secret. Deaver says “I don’t want to give much away about the new book yet, except to say that the novel will maintain the persona of James Bond as Fleming created him and the unique tone the author brought to his books, while incorporating my own literary trademarks: detailed research, fast pacing and surprise twists”.

The untitled book, known only as Project X (with its own website), is expected to be published on May 27th, 2011.

Winners of the 2010 Arthur Ellis Awards Announced

Mystery Book Awards: The Edgars, The Agathas, The Anthonys, and many more.

The winners of the Arthur Ellis Awards have been announced by the Crime Writers of Canada recognizing excellence in Canadian crime writing.

The winners are:

◊ Best Novel: High Chicago by Howard Shrier (Random House)
◊ Best First Novel: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley Review of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley (Doubleday)
◊ Best Juvenile: Haunted by Barbara Haworth-Attard (HarperCollins)
◊ Best Non-Fiction: Murder Without Borders by Terry Gould (Random House)
◊ Best Novel in French: Le Mort du Chemin des Arsene by Jean Lemieux (La Courte Echelle Inc.)
◊ Best Short Story: "Prisoner in Paradise?" by Dennis Richard Murphy (Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine)
◊ Best Unpublished: Corpse Flower by Gloria Ferris

The annual Derrick Murdoch Award for contributions to the crime genre was presented to Peter Robinson.

Mystery Book Reviews by Mysterious Reviews indicates a review by Mysterious Reviews.

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