Monday, October 25, 2010

Mystery Godoku Puzzle for October 25, 2010

A new has been created by the editors of the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books and is now available on our website.

Godoku is similar to Sudoku, but uses letters instead of numbers. To give you a headstart, we provide you a mystery clue to fill in a complete row or column (if you choose to use it!).

Mystery Godoku Puzzle for October 25, 2010

This week's letters and mystery clue:

A C E H I N R S W

He is the author of the Good Thief’s Guide series of mysteries (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!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Mr. E. Reviews Premonition

Mr. E. reviews mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime drama television and film for Omnimystery

Premonition has one of those plots where it's hard to talk too much about it without giving some of the twists away. Despite a number of plot holes -- and an ending that should have been left on the cutting room floor -- I enjoyed and recommended it ... as long as one is willing to accept the concept of a non-linear storyline where events in the present may depend on what happens, not necessarily in the past, but also in the future.

Read the full text of our review at Mr. E. Reviews: Premonition.

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Mr. E. Reviews is your source for mystery, suspense, thriller, and crime drama reviews of television and film.

Roast Mortem by Cleo Coyle (Book Review)

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

Roast Mortem by Cleo Coyle. A Clare Cosi Coffeehouse Mystery. Berkley Prime Crime Hardcover, August 2010.

Manhattan coffeehouse owner Clare Cosi is drawn into an investigation of area cafés that have been targeted by an arsonist in Roast Mortem, the ninth mystery in this series by Cleo Coyle.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Roast Mortem by Cleo Coyle.

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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.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Danse Macabre by Gerald Elias (Book Review)

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

Danse Macabre by Gerald Elias. A Daniel Jacobus Mystery. Minotaur Books Hardcover, August 2010.

Aging, blind, and irascible violin teacher Daniel Jacobus reluctantly agrees to assist with the defense of a man accused of murder -- even though Daniel himself is convinced he's guilty -- in Danse Macabre, the second mystery in this series by Gerald Elias.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Danse Macabre by Gerald Elias.

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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.

Sherlock Holmes in A Study in Pink, Sunday October 24th on PBS Masterpiece Mystery!

Masterpiece Mystery! Sherlock

Tomorrow, Sunday October 24th, the first of three episodes of Series I of Sherlock airs on PBS Masterpiece Mystery! (check your local listings for air times).

Sherlock Holmes stalks again in a thrilling contemporary version of the Victorian-era whodunits based on characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the go-to consulting detective in 21st-century London, with Martin Freeman as his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson, and Rupert Graves as the long-suffering Detective Inspector Lestrade.

In "A Study in Pink", Holmes and Watson meet. Watson is back in modern-day London after serving in the war in Afghanistan. His therapist, convinced that Watson is plagued by violent memories, urges him to express himself in a blog. But nothing much ever happens to Watson, and it's not that he's haunted by the war — he longs for it. Enter an eccentric roommate — one Sherlock Holmes. He plays the violin when he's thinking, sometimes doesn't talk for days, and has a dubious career as a self-described consulting detective. When what appear to be serial suicide cases surface in London, a desperate Detective Inspector Lestrade reluctantly consults the freakish Sherlock. To Sherlock, a crime spree is like Christmas — only made better by the possibility that these crimes may be the work of a devious serial killer. The game is on, and before it is over, Sherlock will put his life on the line — all to keep from being bored to death.

This first series of Sherlock will be released on DVD and Blu-ray disc on November 9th, 2010, and is available to pre-order from Telemystery: Sherlock. It will also be available to watch online from October 25th through December 7th, 2010.

Watch a preview for the series below:

Four Brass Bancroft Mysteries Starring Ronald Reagan, Now Available on DVD

The Brass Bancroft MysteriesWarner Bros.
More information about the DVDWarner Bros.

As much as we like to think we know a lot about mysteries, rarely does a day go by that we don't learn something new. Like today, when we found out Ronald Reagan starred in a series of four mystery movies during his third year as a Warner Bros. contract player.

40 years before becoming our President, Reagan starred as another Federal employee, Lt. “Brass” Bancroft, a stalwart Secret Service agent who risked life and limb to bring to justice illegal alien smugglers, counterfeiters and enemy spies.

Warner Bros. has collected these films into Brass Bancroft of the Secret Service: Mysteries CollectionWarner Bros., a made-to-order DVD set that is now available to ship. The films are Secret Service of the Air (1939), Code of the Secret Service (1939), Smashing the Money Ring (1939), and Murder in the Air (1940).

Little Noir Stories and the PuppetShow Sequel, New This Week from AVG

Games of Mystery

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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Download and Buy Little Noir Stories: The Case of the Missing Girl
Download and Buy Little Noir Stories: The Case of the Missing Girl

Little Noir Stories: The Case of the Missing Girl

Lured to an old building by a puzzling picture, private investigators Anton Muller and Amelia Chandler step in to solve the mystery and find a missing girl! Track down clues as you follow Muller and Chandler through a multi-layered investigation where nothing is quite black or white. Everything is connected, and everyone has a story to tell.

ESRB Rating: Not Specified.

Windows Vista/XP (155 MB download).

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Download and Buy PuppetShow 2: The Souls of the Innocent
Download and Buy PuppetShow 2: The Souls of the Innocent

PuppetShow 2: The Souls of the Innocent

Return to the terrifying PuppetShow in this spooky sequel! A young girl has been asleep for over two days, and the local doctors are at a loss. The townspeople believe her condition to be a curse emanating from a dark magician's castle in the mountains, so it's up to you to track down the cause of the curse and save the Souls of the Innocent! Dive into in this dark and mysterious hidden object game.

See also the first game in this series, PuppetShow: Mystery of Joyville.

ESRB Rating: Not Specified.

Windows Vista/XP (241 MB download).

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Games of Mystery 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!

Tom Selleck Talks (briefly) about the 7th and 8th Jesse Stone Movies

Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone

We've closely followed the progress of the Jesse Stone series of made-for-television movies, based on the Robert B. Parker character and starring Tom Selleck.

Last May, the 6th Jesse Stone film, No Remorse, aired on CBS. We knew even then there would be a 7th in the series; titled Innocents Lost, as it was filmed in the fall of 2009 and is awaiting an air date by CBS.

When Selleck was hired for his current series, Blue Bloods, we were concerned that might be the end of Jesse Stone. But last August, the actor put those fears to rest, saying, "[W]e're writing number eight, which we don't have a title for yet. So yes, there's going to be more Jesse Stones."

All good news. But with the extension of Blue Bloods to a full season, we were once again concerned that Selleck might back-burner Jesse Stone. In an interview published yesterday with TV Guide, Selleck remarked on this, saying the 7th will air next spring and adding, "Hopefully, Blue Bloods will get renewed [for a second season] and we'll shoot [Jesse Stone's] No. 8 during the next hiatus."

Our takeaway message from this is that Jesse Stone is still on track! The 7th, Innocents Lost, will likely air on CBS next February or May (during sweeps); Tom Selleck will film the 8th, currently untitled (at least as far as we know), sometime after Blue Bloods finishes its first season production, with the episode airing on CBS in the spring of 2012.

Reviews of Mystery and Suspense Books for Kids, New This Week on Book Trends (101023)

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/thriller category.

Over the Edge by Norah McClintock. A Chloe & Levesque mystery (1st in series), recommended for readers aged 10 to 12. Lexile measure: 690L. Reviewed by a 6th grade student, who writes, "I enjoyed this book because of its suspense and excitement. It’s very hard to stop reading once you get into the middle of the book. ... The ending was very surprising, and I could not believe it."

A Taste for Red by Lewis Harris. A stand-alone novel for readers aged 10 to 12. Lexile measure: 720L. Reviewed by a 6th grade student, who writes, "What I like about this book is how the author has Svetlana talk directly to the reader. Svetlana basically narrates the book. I like how she interrupts her conversation with someone else in the book and talks to you. Honestly, I liked almost everything about the book."

For more reviews of children and young adult books of all genres, visit Book Trends; their reviews will amaze you! You can also follow Book Trends on Twitter.

Friday, October 22, 2010

The Shimmering Blond Sister by David Handler (Book Review)

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

The Shimmering Blond Sister by David Handler. A Berger and Mitry Mystery. Minotaur Books Hardcover, October 2010.

Mitch Berger comes to the defense of his on-again/off-again girlfriend, Connecticut State Trooper Desiree "Des" Mitry, when she's accused of killing a man she's convinced is the Dorset Flasher, in The Shimmering Blond Sister, the seventh mystery in this series by David Handler.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: The Shimmering Blond Sister by David Handler.

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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.

eHarlequin Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense Titles for November 2010

Free Shipping with coupon code EHQNFREESHIP at eHarlequin.com

eHarlequin.com has released the November 2010 titles in their Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense series. Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense books combine suspense, romance, hope and faith to create a unique page-turning series that today’s readers love. To purchase any of the books below, click on the book title. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

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Hidden in Shadows by Hope White
Buy the Book!

Hidden in Shadows by Hope White

An intruder in her house? But why? Tea shop owner Krista Yates has nothing worth stealing, and Wentworth, Michigan, is hardly a danger zone … or is it? DEA agent Luke McIntyre warns Krista that the prowler has some dangerous connections, and that she needs around-the-clock protection. Luke's presence in her life is a bit too easy to get used to—and his growing presence in her heart makes her dread saying goodbye. But her nonstop defender can't hide Krista away forever. And there's more than her safety—or her love—at risk when the threat steps out of the shadows again.

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The Christmas Rescue by Laura Scott
Buy the Book!

The Christmas Rescue by Laura Scott

When Kayla Wilson finds a body in Lake Michigan, she shields her daughter's eyes and calls the police. But not before spotting a stranger lurking in the woods—watching her. And when her bed-and-breakfast is broken into, she knows the man is after her. Coast Guard officer Rafe DeSilva is sure the attacks are related to his current case—a crime ring operating in the Great Lakes. He will do whatever is necessary to keep Kayla and her daughter, Brianna, safe…while holding them at arm's length. Until Brianna is kidnapped, and Rafe puts everything on the line for a Christmas rescue.

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Running Blind by Shirlee McCoy
Buy the Book!

Running Blind by Shirlee McCoy

The mission trip to Mexico was supposed to be an adventure. But the thrill turns sour when Jenna Dougherty and her roommate Magdalena are kidnapped. A head injury leaves Jenna temporarily blind, with no hope of escaping or helping her friend … until Nick Jansen arrives. The ex-marine brings Jenna safely home to doctors who restore her sight—but she opens her eyes too late to save her friend. Nick helped her before—can he help her find Magdalena's killer? Or will chasing this trail have Jenna running blindly again into danger?

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Holiday Havoc by Various Authors
Buy the Book!

Holiday Havoc by Various Authors

Mayhem and mistletoe share the holiday in these two suspenseful stories.

Yuletide Sanctuary by Terri Reed

A cry for help shatters youth counselor Sean Matthews's quiet Christmas night. He saves Lauren Curtis from her attacker—for now. But the vengeful man on her trail won't be held at bay for long …

Christmas Target by Stephanie Newton

She hadn't wanted the contest "prize" in the first place. But when police officer Maria Fuentes arrives for the holiday vacation she won, she finds much more than expected. Her "date"—handsome weatherman Ben Storm—is in danger, and Maria is the only protector he'll trust.

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If you enjoy the suspense books in this series, you can get 2 free Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense books plus 2 free gifts just for giving the automatic program a try. Accepting your two free Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense 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 four additional Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense books.

Keep up to date by subscribing to eHarlequin.com's free newsletter that contains the latest information about their series of books as well as informing you about subscriber-only special offers and new products. Click on the banner below to subscribe for free:

Sign up for email newsletters from eHarlequin.com

Explore a Spooky, Deserted Island in Twisted Lands: Shadow Town, New at BFG

Games of Mystery

Games of Mystery is pleased to announce the availability of a new mystery casual game from Big Fish Games released today and available to BFG Club members. 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.

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Twisted Lands: Shadow Town
Twisted Lands: Shadow Town

Why does your heart beat faster when you peer into a dark room? What makes the hair on your neck bristle when something invisible whispers in your ear? And why do you jump when something that should not be real appears in the corner of your vision? Dive into the emotion of fear, and find out, in this spooky hidden object adventure game! Gather items, solve puzzles and make spine-chilling discoveries as you explore a deserted island for your partner, who disappeared when your boat crashed on the shore.

For a more in-depth gaming experience, check out the Twisted Lands: Shadow Town Collector's Edition, which includes exclusive extras you won’t find in the standard version such as bonus gameplay and detailed video walkthroughs.

Twisted Lands: Shadow Town may be downloaded and purchased for $6.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (246.11 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! (Collector's Editions earn 3 punches each, half-way towards your free game!)

Read Ms. Terri's reviews of the adventure and casual mystery games featured on this site, including Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy, Nancy Drew Dossier: Lights, Camera, Curses!, Enlightenus, and many more!

Big Fish Games: Bestsellers

Big Fish Games: New releases

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Games of Mystery is your source for mystery-themed video, electronic, and board games, parties for kids and adults, and murder mystery weekends and mystery getaway vacations!

Mystery Bestsellers for October 22, 2010

Mystery Bestsellers

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

The list continues to be dynamic with a number of mysteries moving up and down, though The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson remains number one. One new title enters the list, and another moves into the top 15.

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Worth Dying For by Lee Child
More information about the book

Coming in at number 10 is Worth Dying For, the 15th Jack Reacher thriller by Lee Child.

There’s deadly trouble in the corn country of Nebraska ... and Jack Reacher walks right into it. First he falls foul of the Duncans, a local clan that has terrified an entire county into submission. But it’s the unsolved case of a missing child, already decades-old, that Reacher can’t let go.

The Duncans want Reacher gone—and it’s not just past secrets they’re trying to hide. They’re awaiting a secret shipment that’s already late—and they have the kind of customers no one can afford to annoy. For as dangerous as the Duncans are, they’re just the bottom of a criminal food chain stretching halfway around the world.

For Reacher, it would have made much more sense to keep on going, to put some distance between himself and the hard-core trouble that’s bearing down on him.

For Reacher, that was also impossible.

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Djibouti by Elmore Leonard
More information about the book

Moving up ten spots into the 13th spot is the latest thriller from Elmore Leonard, Djibouti.

Dara Barr, documentary filmmaker, is at the top of her game. She's covered the rape of Bosnian women, neo-Nazi white supremacists, and post-Katrina New Orleans, and has won awards for all three. Now, looking for a bigger challenge, Dara and her right-hand-man, Xavier LeBo, a six-foot-six, seventy-two-year-old African American seafarer, head to Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa, to film modern-day pirates hijacking merchant ships.

They learn soon enough that almost no one in the Middle East is who he seems to be. The most successful pirate, driving his Mercedes around Djibouti, appears to be a good guy, but his pal, a cultured Saudi diplomat, has dubious connections. Billy Wynn, a Texas billionaire, plays mysterious roles as the mood strikes him. He's promised his girlfriend, Helene, a nifty fashion model, that he'll marry her if she doesn't become seasick or bored while circling the world on his yacht. And there's Jama Raisuli, a black al Qaeda terrorist from Miami, who's vowed to blow up something big.

What Dara and Xavier have to decide, besides the best way to stay alive: Should they shoot the action as a documentary or turn it into a Hollywood feature film?

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The top four mystery bestsellers this week are shown below:

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg LarssonThe Reversal by Michael ConnellyAmerican Assassin by Vince FlynnDon't Blink by James Patterson

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.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

CBS Orders Full Seasons for its New Crime Dramas

CBS Television

The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed blog is reporting CBS has enough confidence in its new series that the network has given full season orders for Hawaii Five-0, Blue Bloods, and The Defenders. Two comedies were also given full season commitments.

CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler "credits the network's strong development this year, promotion and smart scheduling moves."

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