Friday, December 03, 2010

Mystery Bestsellers for December 03, 2010

Mystery Bestsellers

A list of the top 15 mystery hardcover bestsellers for the week ending December 3rd, 2010 has been posted on the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books website.

Just some minor shuffling on the list this week -- yes, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson is remains in the top spot -- with one new title debuting.

— ◊ —

Port Mortuary by Patricia Cornwell
More information about the book

Coming in at number 11 is Port Mortuary, the 18th mystery in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell.

A treacherous path from Scarpetta's past merges with the high tech highway she now finds herself on. At the beginning of her professional career, when she enlisted in the Air Force to pay off her medical school debt, she found herself ensnared in a gruesome case of what seemed to be vicious, racially motivated hate crimes against two Americans in South Africa. Now, more than twenty years and many career successes later, her secret military ties have drawn her to Dover Air Force Base, where she has been immersed in a training fellowship to master the art of CT-assisted virtual autopsy -- a procedure the White House has mandated that she introduce in the private sector.

As the chief of the new Cambridge Forensic Center in Massachusetts, a joint venture of the state and federal governments and MIT, Scarpetta is confronted with a case that could shut down her new facility and ruin her personally and professionally. A young man drops dead, apparently from a cardiac arrhythmia, eerily close to Scarpetta's new Cambridge home. But when his body is examined the next morning, there are stunning indications that he may have been alive when he was zipped inside a pouch and locked insider the Center's cooler. Various 3-D radiology scans reveal more shocking details about internal injuries unlike any Scarpetta has ever seen. These suggest the possibility of a conspiracy to cause mass casualties. She realizes that she is fighting a cunning and cruel enemy that is invisible as she races against time to discover who and why before more people die.

— ◊ —

The top four mystery bestsellers this week are shown below:

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg LarssonThe Confession by John GrishamCross Fire by James PattersonHell's Corner by David Baldacci

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, December 02, 2010

Buy 2 Books, Get the 3rd Free This Friday (December 3rd) at eHarlequin.com

eHarlequin Freebie Fridays!

We don't often mention eHarlequin's Freebie Fridays since they rarely -- much to our dismay -- feature mystery or suspense novels as the free book.eHarlequin Freebie Fridays!

But this week and next, as part of their 12 Deals of Christmas, you can buy 2 or more books and get a 3rd title of your choice absolutely free! The fine print: the lowest price book is free, and ebooks are excluded. This offer is only valid for purchases made on Friday, December 3rd, 2010.

Click on the banner above to start shopping!

Dexter Renewed for a Sixth Season

Dexter (Showtime)

E! Online is reporting that Showtime's crime drama Dexter has been renewed for a sixth season. The series, based on a character created by Jeff Lindsay, stars Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter expert for the Miami Dade Police Department ... and a ruthless serial killer.

The fifth book in the series, Dexter is Delicious, was published this past September. Read the first chapters of the book below:

Film Adaptation Considered for Thomas Pynchon's Inherent Vice

Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon
More information about the book

Vulture is reporting that Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood) is interested in adapting -- and may indeed have already written a treatment for -- Thomas Pynchon's comic crime novel Inherent Vice.

In the book, private gumshoe Doc Sportello's ex-girlfriend, who he hasn't seen in a while, suddenly shows up with a story about a plot to kidnap a billionaire land developer with whom she just happens to be in love. It's the tail end of the psychedelic sixties in L.A., and Doc knows that "love" is another of those words going around at the moment, like "trip" or "groovy," except that this one usually leads to trouble.

The reclusive Pynchon narrated the entertaining trailer for the book when it was published in 2009. You can watch it below:

Twilight Director may also Direct Film Adaptation of The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
More information about the book

The Playlist is reporting that Twilight director Caterine Hardwicke may direct the upcoming film adaptation of The Maze Runner by James Dashner (who is also writing the screenplay).

In the first book of what is expected to be a trilogy of young adult thrillers, Thomas wakes up in a lift and the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

Read the first chapters of The Maze Runner below; the second book in the series, The Scorch Trials, was published in October.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Film Adaptation of 21 Jump Street to Begin Production in Spring 2011

21 Jump Street

In a press release today (Deadline|Hollywood has a copy), Columbia Pictures confirmed that Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum will star in a contemporary film adaptation of the late 1980s Fox television series 21 Jump Street. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller will direct a Michael Bacall written screenplay, based on an idea by Hill and Bacall.

Columbia Pictures president Doug Belgrad said, "Jonah helped create a smart and funny vehicle that is tailor-made for him and Channing. They are a perfect duo for this film and Phil and Chris have a terrific, accessible take on the material. We love how this movie has come together and are very excited to begin production this spring."

In the original series, a group of young-looking cops (notably Johnny Depp as Officer Thomas Hanson and Holly Robinson as Detective Judy Hoffs) went undercover to investigate under-age criminals or troubled youths. This new film, which has been in various stages of development since at least early 2009, is expected to be a more comedic version of the series.

Film Rights Optioned for The Grounding of Group 6 by Julian F. Thompson

The Grounding of Group 6 by Julian F. Thompson
More information about the book

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Tom Sheppard has optioned the film rights to The Grounding of Group 6, the 1983 young adult thriller by Julian F. Thompson. Sheppard plans to direct his own screenplay adaptation.

In the book, five 16-year-olds arrive at what they believe to be an exclusive high school. As part of their orientation, they hike into the woods unaware and that their teacher is a murderer for hire ... and that their parents do not plan for them to come out alive.

Hard Case Crime to Resume Publication of Mysteries in September 2011

Hard Case Crime

Publishers Weekly is reporting that the Hard Case Crime series of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels will resume publication in September 2011 with a hardcover edition of Getting Off by Lawrence Block writing as Jill Emerson, a pseudonym the author used years ago. Hard Case Crime is publishing its new books in association with Titan Publishing, which is distributed in the US and Canada by Random House.

Other titles expected soon thereafter include Quarry’s Ex by Max Allan Collins and Choke Hold by Crista Faust.

Series editor Charles Ardai expects to publish four books a year in a combination of formats (trade paperback, mass market paperback, and the occasional hardcover).

Harlequin Worldwide Mystery Titles for December 2010

Get FREE shipping with coupon code EHQNFREESHIP

eHarlequin.com has announced the December 2010 titles for their Worldwide Mystery imprint, your partner in crime. Amateur sleuths, traditional cozies, police procedurals and private-eye fiction, written by award-winning authors. For more information or to purchase any of the books below, click on the book title or book cover. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

— ◊ —

On the Twelfth Night of Christmas by Jo A. Hiestand
Buy the Book!

On the Twelfth Night of Christmas by Jo A. Hiestand
A Brenna Taylor Mystery (3rd in series)

As holiday festivities wind down, Derbyshire investigator Brenna Taylor is roused from a cozy office and called to a frozen pond—and a waiting victim. Mercedes Salt mysteriously drowned during her morning walk on her rambling family estate. Tensions mount for the CID team as one of their own, Mark Salt, brother-in-law to the victim, is among the possible suspects.

As a clash of jealousy, blackmail and greed emerge, detectives conclude the woman's death was no accident. She had been planning on asking for a divorce and leaving the lucrative family business, thereby wreaking financial havoc on the Salts. Brenna, convinced of Mark's innocence, discovers he may have been illicitly involved with the victim. And when the killer strikes again, it's dangerously clear that murder is the final price of too many family secrets.

— ◊ —

Hark! The Herald Angel Screamed by Mignon F. Ballard
Buy the Book!

Hark! The Herald Angel Screamed by Mignon F. Ballard
An Augusta Goodnight Mystery (7th in series)

Holiday festivities are in full swing for Lucy Nan Pilgrim and her resident guardian angel, Augusta Goodnight—until murder meddles with the good cheer. No one recognizes the man pushed to his death from the balcony at Lucy Nan's abandoned ancestral estate. Still, Lucy Nan can only wonder who committed this dark deed: the centuries-old family ghost…or a very human killer?

But it's just the start of a season of mayhem and mistletoe in Stone's Throw, North Carolina, as someone drugs Idonia Mae Culpepper and steals an antique locket recently given to her by her new beau, Melrose DuBois. Naturally, neither Lucy Nan nor Augusta trust this newcomer, especially after his landlady falls to her death from the church balcony. Soon the plot is as thick as Christmas trifle and just as sticky for Lucy Nan as she tries to outwit a murderer before she's the next to be decked in the halls.

— ◊ —

Cold Winter Nights by Anne White
Buy the Book!

Cold Winter Nights by Anne White
A Lake George Mystery (5th in series)

It promises to be the best and brightest winter season yet for the picturesque Lake George town of Emerald Point. Mayor Loren Graham, newly engaged, anticipates goodwill and glad tidings—everything but murder. When a kind and well-liked nurse from town is found dead in her home, all clues point to a mysterious local man, an elusive mountain hermit called "the Woodsman." His immediate arrest upsets Loren, who knew the strange but kindhearted man from her childhood. Now he needs her help to prove his innocence.

Digging deeper into the circumstances of the murder, she discovers the victim had a few secrets of her own, including some close relationships with several men. When one of them turns out to be the husband of her dear friend, Loren is determined to clear his name, as well. Soon a sordid string of jealousy, lies and desperation draws into a dangerous stranglehold around Loren. Because all that stands between a killer and the perfect crime is a mayor asking too many questions …

— ◊ —

A Timely Alibi by Ilsa Mayr
Buy the Book!

A Timely Alibi by Ilsa Mayr
A Cybil Quint Mystery (1st in series)

Assigned to her first big case, apprentice investigator Cybil Quindt goes undercover for a wealthy industrialist who suspects insider theft. Cybil soon learns her client is right. The company is losing tens of thousands of dollars a month to someone clever enough to hide the trail. Cybil may be inexperienced, but she nows how to play it cool. Even so, she can't stop one curious employee from tumbling to her death. Murder or accident?

The answer seems clear when Cybil then finds the company's chief accountant shot dead in the conference room. And when a third victim turns up, she's wondering if she's stirred up more trouble than a greenhorn can handle. Uncovering a scheme of blackmail, greed and foul play, she pursues a killer, knowing her first case might just become her last …

— ◊ —

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

Firsts on the 1st: New Series Characters Being Introduced in December 2010 Mysteries

New Hardcover Mysteries from the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books

The Hidden Staircase Mystery Books recently updated its list of December 2010 hardcover mysteries as well shelved new December paperbacks on The Mystery Bookshelf.

In this series of monthly posts, which we call Firsts on the 1st, we're introducing readers to new series characters who will make their mysterious debut during December.

— ◊ —

Death and the Running Patterer by Robin Adair
More information about the book

Title: Death and the Running Patterer
Author: Robin Adair
Series Character: Nicodemus Dunne
Format: Trade Paperback

What we know about the character: Nicodemus Dunne is a former London policeman living in New South Wales in this series of "curious murders" set in the early 1800s.

His first case: Sydney in 1828 is a city built on the backs of exiled convicts. But in a colony of criminals, how do you narrow down the list of suspects when a murderer is on the rampage?

Nicodemus Dunne now lives in Sydney after being deported on trumped up charges of assault, making his living in New South Wales as a running patterer, spreading the news of the day by word of mouth. Confronted with a series of gruesome and horribly inventive murders, the governor seeks out Dunne for his investigative skills and his ability to infiltrate all levels of society.

With each mutilated body, the murderer has left clues for Dunne to decipher. Can he put the pieces of the puzzle together and catch his elusive quarry without becoming prey himself?

— ◊ —

Circle of Lies by Douglas Alan
More information about the book

Title: Circle of Lies
Author: Douglas Alan
Series Character: John Delaney
Format: Hardcover

What we know about the character: John Delaney is an ex-NYPD detective turned lawyer, married to Katherine Adams, also a lawyer.

Their first case: Delaney is asked to defend Ted Jordan, a childhood friend who has been arrested for the torture and murder of his law partner. Jordan adamantly maintains his innocence but the police have traced his fingerprints to the dead man's house and a half-million dollars to his bank account. On his way to interview Jordan at the jail, Delaney is approached by a mysterious woman who identifies herself as Ted's friend. She offers to post his bond and warns Delaney to be careful if anyone from the Tissinger Corporation contacts him in connection with the case.

Ted insists he has been set up by Tissinger because he accidentally stumbled onto data showing they deliberately concealed information about suicides in a test group for their latest depression medication.

As Delaney and Adams start to dig, they are confronted by an NSA agent who tires to warn them off. When a second dead body is found in Jordan's condominium and Jordan disappears they are left with more questions than answers. But Delaney isn’t someone who takes no for an answer and he and Katherine will stop at nothing to find the truth.

— ◊ —

If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell
More information about the book

Title: If Walls Could Talk
Author: Juliet Blackwell
Series Character: Melanie Turner
Format: Mass Market Paperback

What we know about the character: Melanie Turner remodels haunted houses in San Francisco.

Her first case: Melanie has made quite a name for herself remodeling historic houses in the San Francisco Bay Area. But now her reputation may be on the line.

At her newest project, a run-down Pacific Heights mansion, Mel is visited by the ghost of a colleague who recently met a bad end with power tools. Mel hopes that by nailing the killer, she can rid herself of the ghostly presence of the murdered man-and not end up a construction casualty herself ...

— ◊ —

Red Station by Adrian Magson
More information about the book

Title: Red Station
Author: Adrian Magson
Series Character: Harry Tate
Format: Hardcover

What we know about the character: Harry Tate is a former soldier, loyal Security Services (MI5) officer and a servant of the State. He does what he's told, fighting the war against terrorism, drugs and high-level criminal gangs.

His first case: When things go bad, and two civilians are shot dead during a drugs intercept, Harry agrees to take an immediate posting to a place called Red Station, to help the agency avoid embarrassing media questions.

All Harry knows is, it's in a remote place where he will be under strict orders to stay off the radar -- a No Contact Rule. That includes former colleagues, friends, family - everyone.

What his bosses haven't told him, however, is that Red Station is a punishment posting for washed-out spooks from MI5 and MI6 ... and that Harry won't be coming home.

Which is where they have seriously underestimated their man. Because the loyal servant has his limits, and when he finds that the set-up behind Red Station is not all that it seems, and his life is in imminent danger, not only from an invading Russian army but a government assassination team known as The Hit, he decides to fight back.

— ◊ —

For a list of more mysteries scheduled for publication during December, please visit our New Mysteries home page. If you're interested in new paperbacks, visit The Mystery Bookshelf, where you can discover a library of new mysteries, also updated with December 2010 releases.

Please also 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.

Harlequin Mira Mystery and Suspense Titles for December 2010

Get FREE shipping with coupon code EHQNFREESHIP

eHarlequin.com has announced the December 2010 titles for their Mira imprint, the brightest stars in women's fiction. From all titles available, we've only listed those that are mystery, thriller, or suspense on this page. For more information or to purchase any of the books below, click on the book title or book cover. (Previous months titles can be found on the backlist page.)

— ◊ —

Bone Cold by Erica Spindler
Buy the Book!

Bone Cold by Erica Spindler
Non-Series

Twenty-three years ago Anna North survived a living nightmare. A madman kidnapped her, cut off her pinkie, then vanished. Today Anna lives in New Orleans, writing dark thrillers under another name. She finally feels safe.

Suddenly Anna's quiet life takes a frightening turn. Letters start to arrive from a disturbed fan. Anna is followed, her apartment broken into. Then a close friend disappears.

Anna turns to homicide detective Quentin Malone, but Malone's more concerned with the recent murders of two women in the French Quarter. But after a third victim is found—a redhead like Anna, her pinkie severed—Malone is forced to acknowledge that Anna is his link to the killer…and could be the next target.

Now Anna must face the horrifying truth—her past has caught up with her. The nightmare has begun again.

— ◊ —

The 4th Victim by Tara Taylor Quinn
Buy the Book!

The 4th Victim by Tara Taylor Quinn
The Chapman Files (4th in series)

Kelly Chapman, psychologist and expert witness. She's unattached, but 100 percent committed to her clients, her foster child, her friends.

Clay Thatcher, FBI special agent: Missing Persons. A loner and, like Kelly, he too is unattached but 100 percent committed to his job—and only his job.

That's why he's in Chandler, Ohio. Kelly Chapman has disappeared. Is it because she testified against someone who now wants revenge? Or is she the fourth victim of a killer responsible for three recent deaths?

Searching for her, Clay has to work against the clock. And Kelly soon becomes more than just another case to him …

— ◊ —

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

Omnimystery Blog Archive

Total Pageviews (last 30 days)

Omnimystery News
Original Content Copyright © 2022 — Omnimystery, a Family of Mystery Websites — All Rights Reserved
Guest Post Content (if present) Copyright © 2022 — Contributing Author — All Rights Reserved