Thursday, February 24, 2011

Shadow Ranch, a New Nancy Drew Mobile Mystery Gamebook App

Nancy Drew: Shadow Ranch Game App

Her Interactive has released a new Nancy Drew Mobile Mystery app for the iPad/iPhone/iPad Touch.

Shadow Ranch is an interactive gamebook app that lets players decide how the story unfolds as they play games and solve mysteries, both big and small. As you navigate the mysterious events at Shadow Ranch, you will soon find yourself in a world of long lost treasure, phantom horses, rough and tumble cowboys, and fearsome creatures of the wild desert.

In the game, Nancy is off to lend a hand at Shadow Ranch with her two best-friends, Bess and George. But when she arrives, she quickly discovers that Shadow Ranch hides a darker past. A recent rash of ghost sightings and a series of horrible accidents, have been driving customers away from Shadow Ranch in droves, and with business at a standstill, it's only a matter of time before it closes the doors for good. It'll be up to you, as Nancy Drew to piece together the mysterious events at Shadow Ranch, before it's owners are forced to ride off into the sunset.

Two versions of the gamebook app are available: Shadow Ranch (standard edition) and Shadow Ranch HD (high definition edition).

Watch a trailer for the game below.

New Hardcover Mysteries for March 2011

New Hardcover Mysteries from the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books

The Hidden Staircase Mystery Books has updated its list of new hardcover mysteries with books scheduled for publication in March 2011. Please note that some titles may publish early (and may already be available) and some may be delayed, published at a later date.

Below we're listing those authors with returning series characters, new series characters, and non-series or stand-alone mysteries in separate sections. All titles are available on our March new mystery books page (which will become the default home page for the site on March 1st).

• Authors with mysteries featuring returning series characters (in italics) this month:

Catherine Aird, C. D. Sloan (22nd)Barbara Allan, Trash and Treasures (5th)Stephen Anable, Mark Winslow (2nd)David Armstrong, Frank Kavanagh (6th)Kate Atkinson, Jackson Brodie (4th)Jefferson Bass, Body Farm (6th)Simon Beaufort, Geoffrey Mappestone (8th)Cara Black, Aimee Leduc (11th)Rhys Bowen, Mollie Murphy (10th)C. J. Box, Joe Pickett (11th)Chelsea Cain, Archie Sheridan (4th)Laura Childs, Tea Shop (12th)Harlan Coben, Myron Bolitar (10th)Jack Coughlin and Donald A. Davis, Sniper (4th) — Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul, Oregon Files (8th)Mary Daheim, Emma Lord (22nd)Tim Davys, Mollisan Town Quartet (3rd)Anna Dean, Miss Dido Kent (2nd)David Dickinson, Lord Francis Powerscourt (10th)Carola Dunn, Daisy Dalrymple (19th)Martin Edwards, Short Story AnthologyLinda Fairstein, Alex Cooper (13th)Jasper Fforde, Thursday Next (6th)Joanne Fluke, Hannah Swensen (14th)John Galligan, Fly Fishing (4th)Lisa Gardner, D. D. Warren (3rd)J. G. Goodhind, Honey Driver (7th)Jason Goodwin, Yashim Togalu (4th)Dolores Gordon-Smith, Jack Haldean (5th) — Heather Graham, Krewe of Hunters (2nd)C. S. Harris, Sebastian St. Cyr (6th)Charlaine Harris, Aurora Teagarden (2nd)Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, Bill Slider (13th)Tony Hays, Malgwyn ap Cuneglas (3rd)Veronica Heley, Abbot Agency (4th)Charlotte Hinger, Lottie Albright (2nd)Jonathan Kellerman, Alex Delaware (26th)Lou Manfredo, Joe Rizzo (2nd) — Henning Mankell, Kurt Wallander (10th)Scott Mariani, Ben Hope (2nd)Nancy Martin, Roxy Abruzzo (2nd)Peter May, Enzo Macleod (5th)Russel D. McLean, J. McNee (2nd) — Ian Morson, William Falconer (8th)Walter Mosley, Leonid McGill (3rd)A. Scott Pearson, Eli Branch (2nd)T. Dawn Richard, May List (4th)Michael Robertson, Reggie Heath (2nd)Jeremy Robinson, Jack Sigler (3rd)Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker, Gotham Central (4th)Alexander McCall Smith, No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (12th)Sally Spencer, Monika Paniatowski (3rd)James Thompson, Kari Vaara (2nd)Keith Thomson, Charlie and Drummond ClarkMaggie Toussaint, Cleopatra Jones (2nd)Dan Wells, John Wayne Cleaver (3rd) — Laura Wilson, Ted Stratton (2nd)Darryl Wimberley, Barrett Raines (5th).

• Authors with mysteries introducing characters (in italics) in a new series this month:

Larry Millett, Shadwell RaffertyTaylor Stevens, Vanessa "Michael" MunroeCaroline Taylor, P. J. Smythe.

• Authors with non-series or stand-alone mysteries this month:

V. C. Andrews — Wayne ArthursonLouis BayardErin Brockovich and C. J. LyonsPhilip CarterLorna J. CookCharles Cumming — Peter T. Deutermann — David DuffyBrian Freeman — Kristin Hannah — Cara Hoffman — Cynthia Holz — Kōtaro Isaka — Graham Joyce — Patricia J. MacDonald — Fern Michaels — Manuel Muñoz — Andrew Neiderman — Gerard O'DonovanRay O'HanlonJames Patterson and Neil McMahon — Jodi Picoult — Landis PotterIan RankinLuís Miguel Rocha — James Rollins — Lori RoyMark RussinovichJenny Shank — Maris Soule — Larry D. ThompsonSimon TolkienJohn VorhausDon Winslow.

For more information on any of these titles, please visit the March new mysteries page on our website. If you're interested in new paperbacks, visit The Mystery Bookshelf where you can discover a library of new mysteries, also updated with March 2011 releases.

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.

Warner Bros. To Remake The Bodyguard

The Bodyguard (1992)
Available on DVD

Available on Amazon Instant

Another week, another announced remake.

This time we're reading (via Deadline|New York) that the 1992 film The Bodyguard, starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, is being remade by Warner Bros. Though most people probably remember the film for its music, notably Whitney Houston's cover of Dolly Parton's ballad "I Will Always Love You", we appreciated the film for its well-crafted suspense-driven plot.

Reportedly, the plotline involves a (male) Iraqi war veteran assigned to protect a (female) singer in an age of high technology.

But if you're going to remake it, why not mix it up a bit. When the 1954 film A Star Is Born with Judy Garland and James Mason was remade in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, the male/female roles were reversed. Why not try the same here? It might even make this announced remake worthwhile.

OMN Welcomes Kathryn Lively, Author of Dead Barchetta

Omnimystery News: Authors on Tour

Omnimystery News is delighted to welcome Kathryn Lively as our guest blogger. Her most recent mystery, Dead Barchetta, introduces musician Matt "Lerxst" Johnston (CreateSpace, December Trade Paperback, 978-1-4499-5949-4).

Today, Kathryn writes about how the book came to be published.

— ◊ —

Dead Barchetta, my first mystery in six years, launched in eBook and print formats through DLP Books on December 21 (or 21/12/10 as they say in Europe). If you're a Rush fan (by that I mean the band, not the radio host), you'll know the significance of the date. If not, just Google 2112 and crank the volume to 11!

I can't tell you how excited I am to see this work finally available — Barchetta, while probably not my magnum opus, is nonetheless a work that languished in various stages of progress over the last five or so years. After writing my last mystery, Pithed (with Mundania Press), I had every intention of writing another mystery, and while attending RushCon 2112 in Toronto several years ago I had the idea of donating my skills to their annual auction. The winning bidder would become a character in the book. I was so excited at the time I actually started the book that weekend. Some people might tell you about a lady they saw in the Orbit Room bar, writing on bar napkins. I can't tell you where those scraps are now, but the words remained unwritten for many years.

Well, the John Lennon maxim held true for me. Life got in the way of these plans, along with other things. Other projects, work, editing, publishing, traveling ... and on top of that, what I'd written in Toronto sucked. I lost the motivation to write more as I encountered corner after corner where I could find no right turn. I couldn't get into the main character — originally written as a woman — and when I signed up for NaNoWriMo two years in a row with the intent on making this the project, I fizzled.

In order to stimulate my desire to write, I changed genres and chose a pen name under which I could write this steamier prose. A good plan in theory, but in my case it worked too well. Not only did I start writing more, I published and sold more. The demand for sexier works kept pushing back plans to write Barchetta.

Meanwhile, somebody had bid a pretty penny on this project, and while he understood the writer's block and my other schedule, I didn't want to let him down or go back on my promise to the charity RushCon sponsors.

In 2010, I swore, no more delays. I wrote in the wee hours when everybody slept. I texted dialogue from my phone to my email. I composed entire chapters on my iTouch. If I had a spare minute to write — at Starbuck's, at the movies, even waiting for Rush to take the stage at Jones Beach, I took the opportunity. In the process of writing this book, the hero changed genders (I'm more comfortable writing male characters, don't ask me why) and the story left Toronto and moved to New York. I added a secondary story and a love interest, then set up the ending to segue into book two.

Now, the book is here. I leave the final word up to you.

Friends have asked if this is the end of my romance non de plume. Not by a long shot. I have plenty of ideas to keep me busy, and rest assured you'll see those come to light soon as well. For now, though, I'm having a Captain Morgan's and Coke (Mexican Coke at that, they're selling it at Fresh Market!) in celebration for the book I thought I'd never finish.

After that, I plot out the sequel. Yes, I love pain. Bring it.

— ◊ —

Dead Barchetta by Kathryn Lively
More information about the book

About Dead Barchetta: Music tutor by day and tribute band guitarist by night, Matt "Lerxst" Johnston doesn't have an enemy in the world … so he thinks. One night a pretty young woman tries to smother him in his sleep, and it's not for the usual reasons a woman would have for wanting to inflict harm upon him! The dream he enjoyed at the time quickly spirals into a nightmare of mistaken identities and nosy investigators who threaten Lerxst's freedom, to say nothing of coming close to discovering his grandmother's secret "herb garden."

Armed only with a guitar and endless questions, Lerxst escapes the discomfort of his beach home and hides out in New York City to learn the true identity of his would-be assailant. Instead he learns more about himself and what he needs to do to survive the next attempt on his life.

And what a long, strange trip it is …

Dead Barchetta is available as a trade paperback and in popular eBook formats including Kindle Edition and NookBook. Learn more about the book at DeadBarchetta.com.

Watch a video trailer for Dead Barchetta below, after which you can read the opening chapter of the book; use the Aa settings button to adjust text size, line spacing, and word density.

Journey through a Mysterious Forest in Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince (Collector's Edition), New from 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.

— ◊ —

Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince (Collector's Edition)
Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince (Collector's Edition)

Many centuries ago, a princess kissed a frog and transformed him into a handsome prince. Unlike the fable, however, they never ended happily ever after. It is rumored that the Frog Prince is still alive and now roams the deserted path in the Black Forest, capturing unsuspecting visitors. When the chancellor's daughter disappears, you are sent to investigate. Journey through the mysterious forest in a hidden world to find the missing princess and break an age-old curse in this eerie hidden object adventure game.

This is a special Collector's Edition full of exclusive extras you won’t find in the standard version, including an integrated strategy guide, bonus gameplay, wallpapers, concept art, an original soundtrack, and early access.

See also the first game in this series, Dark Parables: Curse of Briar Rose.

Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince (Collector's Edition) may be downloaded and purchased for $13.99 with a Big Fish Game Club membership. A demonstration version (186.53 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour; the full version is 417.98 MB.

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!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Mr. E. Reviews Prison Break Season Two

Prison Break Season Two (DVD Cover)

Though the second season lacks some of the edgy, intellectual and crisply plotted episodes of the first season, and focuses too much early attention on the storylines of characters who will be written out, the newly introduced characters and overall story arc of two brothers making their way to freedom make for compelling television.

Read the full text of our review at Mr. E. Reviews Prison Break Season Two.

Available on:

Available on DVDAvailable on Instant VideoAvailable on iTunesAvailable on Netflix

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

First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: New Titles For March 2011 (Part 2)

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

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 March 2011.

Due to the large number of titles being published, we're splitting the list into two, with books for readers aged 4 to 9 listed yesterday, and books for readers aged 10 and older shown below.

— ◊ —

Magic and Mayhem by Marcus Sedgwick

Magic and Mayhem More Information about the book
Marcus Sedgwick
A Raven Mystery: 5th in series

Join the wonderfully weird Otherhand family and their faithful guardian, Edgar the raven, and discover the dark secrets of Castle Otherhand.

A trip to the circus has far-reaching consequences for the Otherhands when Fellah goes missing. Before long the Castle is plagued by a duck, a suspect fortune teller, and several cartloads of lethal cabbages. The family is preoccupied: Valevine is busy inventing a cabbage-counting machine; Minty is waiting to hear the secrets of the universe; and Solstice has discovered that Cudweed is concealing three hundred and forty-two rabbits in his bedroom. When chaos strikes and thieves infiltrate the Castle, it falls to Edgar to extract his family from a very fluffy predicament.

The Raven mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

— ◊ —

The Midnight Tunnel by Angie Frazier

The Midnight Tunnel More Information about the book
Angie Frazier
A Suzanna Snow Mystery: 1st in series

It is 1905 and young Suzanna works at her family's inn in Loch Harbor, New Brunswick, where she is trained to be a well-mannered hostess and a charming lady. Suzanna has other ideas for her future — she wants to be a detective. When a young guest goes missing on a stormy summer night, Suzanna's famous detective uncle, and idol, comes to solve the case. But Suzanna learns that not everything is as it seems. With a little help from her friends, can she solve the mystery of the missing girl before her uncle gives up?

This Suzanna Snow mystery is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

— ◊ —

The Silver Guitar by Kathryn Reiss

The Silver Guitar More Information about the book
Kathryn Reiss
The American Girl Series: A Julie Mystery

When an oil spill threatens the sea birds of San Francisco, Julie is eager to lend a hand. So when she learns that her friend T. J. is helping with an auction to raise money for the clean-up efforts, she decides to get involved. But then she finds out that T. J. is in trouble, and Julie just can't shake the feeling that he's hiding something from her. Can Julie follow the clues before it's too late to help her friend?

Includes an illustrated Looking Back essay about the music of the 1970s.

American Girl mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

— ◊ —

A Bundle of Trouble by Kathryn Reiss

A Bundle of Trouble More Information about the book
Kathryn Reiss
The American Girl Series: A Rebecca Mystery

Rebecca is put in charge of the new neighbors' baby — and a kidnapper is on the loose in New York City! So when a strange boy shows up asking a few too many questions about the baby, Rebecca starts to worry. Could the child be in danger?

Includes an illustrated Looking Back essay about household duties of young girls in 1914.

American Girl mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

— ◊ —

Clue in the Castle Tower by Sarah M. Buckey

Clue in the Castle Tower More Information about the book
Sarah M. Buckey
The American Girl Series: A Samantha Mystery

Samantha and Nellie are in England for the first time, vacationing with Grandmary and the Admiral. They are excited to visit an English knight who lives in an ancient manor house, next to a castle that's rumored to be haunted. But the visit turns spooky when the girls see odd and eerie lights in the castle tower at night ... and learn that valuable books are disappearing from the manor's library. Can the girls find out who — or what — is behind the strange happenings?

Includes an illustrated Looking Back essay about Americans traveling abroad at the turn of the last century.

American Girl mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

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Johnny Swanson by Eleanore Updale

Johnny Swanson More Information about the book
Eleanore Updale

Eleven-year-old Johnny Swanson is in business. He's raking in the money with his advertising scams and his advice columnist persona, who offers advice on absolutely anything in return for a shilling. But his money-making schemes are getting him in too deep with the wrong kinds of people. Everything is spiralling out of control, and now his own mother is in mortal danger. There's only one thing to be done: Johnny must assume another role as undercover detective!

This mystery is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

— ◊ —

Max Finder Mystery Collected Casebook Volume 5 by Craig Battle

Max Finder Mystery Collected Casebook Volume 5 More Information about the book
Craig Battle
The Max Finder Mystery Series

Each solve-it-yourself comic stars amateur detective Max Finder and his best friend, budding journalist Alison Santos. Seventh graders at Whispering Meadows Junior High, these two intrepid investigators must call upon their skills to crack each case before them. Who defaced the town with graffiti? Who sabotaged the school magic show try-outs? And who stole the exam answer key from Mr. Reed’s desk? Readers can decipher the clues for themselves and make their own judgments — before the true culprit is revealed.

Bonus content unique to this volume includes a yearbook-style introduction to Max and Alison’s classmates: bully Ben “Basher” McGintley, gossip queen Leslie Chang, prankster Kyle Kressman, and a host of others. Plus, tips and tricks from Max and Alison for readers looking to develop their own eagle eyes and other sleuthing skills!

These solve-it-yourself casebooks are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.

— ◊ —

Scared to Death by Norah McClintock

Scared to Death More Information about the book
Norah McClintock
A Chloe & Levesque Mystery: 3rd in series

When Tessa’s body is discovered floating in Elder Pond, Chloe’s shock soon turns to guilt. If only she had paid more attention to what was bothering Tessa, instead of brushing her off. To come to terms with her feelings, Chloe tries to find out who’s responsible for Tessa’s murder, but all she uncovers is a web of lies. Then some key bits of evidence help her put the puzzle together, until all she needs is the last piece. But now that Chloe’s almost sure “whodunit” ... her own life is on the line.

The Chloe & Levesque mysteries are recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

— ◊ —

The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker

The Liar Society More Information about the book
Lisa and Laura Roecker

Kate Lowry's best friend Grace died a year ago. So when she gets an email from her, Kate's more than a little confused.

To: KateLowry@pemberlybrown.edu
From: GraceLee@pemberlybrown.edu
Subject: (no subject)
Kate,
I'm here ... sort of.
Find Cameron. He knows.
I shouldn't be writing.
Don't tell. They'll hurt you.

Now Kate has no choice but to prove once and for all that Grace's death was more than just a tragic accident. She teams up with a couple of knights-in-(not-so)-shining armor-the dangerously hot bad boy, Liam, and her lovestruck neighbor, Seth. But at their elite private school, there are secrets so big people will do anything to protect them — even if it means getting rid of anyone trying to solve a murder ...

This young adult thriller is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

— ◊ —

Clarity by Kim Harrington

Clarity More Information about the book
Kim Harrington

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case — but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother — who has supernatural gifts of his own — becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

This supernatural mystery is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

— ◊ —

Rattled by Lisa Harrington

Rattled More Information about the book
Lisa Harrington

Fifteen-year-old Lydia, resigned to a boring summer, is thrilled when Megan and her totally hot brother, Sam, move in across the street. But their rude and hostile mother, Mrs. Swicker, is strangely protective, and does everything she can to stop Lydia and her older sister, Jilly, from getting anywhere near her kids.

One day Lydia accidentally stumbles across something very puzzling in the Swickers' basement.

Determined to find some answers, Lydia enlists the help of Jilly. But the further they investigate, the more bizarre the discoveries.

Lydia's suspicions about Mrs. Swicker are mounting, but she has no idea what a twisted, dangerous secret she has uncovered until it's too late.

This mystery is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

— ◊ —

Adventure at Simba Hill by Susan Runholt

Adventure at Simba Hill More Information about the book
Susan Runholt
The Kari and Lucas Mysteries: 3rd in series

Best friends Kari and Lucas are thrilled to go on safari in Africa. They're fascinated by the lions, giraffes, and zebras. Even more intriguing to Kari is the cave where her uncle and other archaeologists have discovered artwork from thousands of years ago. But when some of the ancient artifacts are stolen, Kari and Lucas are thrust into an art mystery as compelling as any they've faced before — only, surrounded by wild animals, far more dangerous.

The Kari and Lucas mysteries are recommended for readers aged 13 and older.

— ◊ —

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is your source for information on over 200 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).

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Frozen Assets by Quentin Bates (Mystery Book Review)

Frozen Assets by Quentin Bates
More information about the book

Frozen Assets by Quentin Bates. A Gunnhildur Gísladóttir Mystery. Soho Crime Hardcover, January 2011.

This first in a new series featuring Gunnhildur "Gunna the Cop" Gísladóttir and set in a rural fishing village in Iceland has an appealing lead character, one readers will want to get to know better, but whose murder investigation seems less important to the plot than a running commentary on the macroeconomic climate of the country in 2008.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Frozen Assets by Quentin Bates.

Purchase Options: Amazon.com Print Edition | Amazon.com Kindle Edition | Barnes&Noble NookBook | Kobo eBook

Read the first chapter(s) of Frozen Assets below. Use the Aa settings button to adjust text size, line spacing, and word density.

First Clues, Mysteries for Kids: New Titles For March 2011 (Part 1)

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids

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 March 2011.

Due to the large number of titles being published, we're splitting the list into two, with books for readers aged 4 to 9 shown below, and books for readers aged 10 and older listed tomorrow.

— ◊ —

The Case of the Library Monster by Dori Butler

The Case of the Library Monster More Information about the book
Dori Butler
The Buddy Files: 5th in series

Buddy is in the school library and kids are taking turns reading with him. While Buddy listens to a ghost story, he hears rustling in the shelves behind him. He turns to look, but doesn't see anyone back there. He hears a book fall. Something smells strange. Not human ... not canine, not like anything Buddy has ever smelled before. Could it maybe be the school ghost Buddy has heard so much about? When the child he's sitting with leaves, Buddy goes over to the shelves to investigate ... and comes face to face with a mysterious creature that has a long, blue tongue.

The Buddy Files are recommended for readers aged 4 to 6.

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Thea Stilton and the Cherry Blossom Adventure by Thea Stilton

Thea Stilton and the Cherry Blossom Adventure More Information about the book
Thea Stilton
A Geronimo Stilton Special Edition: 4th in series

The Thea Sisters are off to Japan on a cultural exchange program. While they're busy exploring Kyoto and admiring the beautiful cherry blossoms, a valuable doll is stolen from a wealthy Japanese collector. Will the five mice be able to track down the doll and catch the thief?

The Geronimo Stilton books are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

— ◊ —

The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin

The Trouble with Chickens More Information about the book
Doreen Cronin
A J. J. Tully Mystery: 1st in series

J. J. Tully is a former search-and-rescue dog who is trying to enjoy his retirement after years of performing daring missions saving lives. So he’s not terribly impressed when two chicks named Dirt and Sugar (who look like popcorn on legs) and their chicken mom show up demanding his help to track down their missing siblings. Driven by the promise of a cheeseburger, J. J. begins to track down clues. Is Vince the Funnel hiding something? Are there dark forces at work — or is J. J. not smelling the evidence that’s right in front of him?

The J. J. Tully Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

— ◊ —

Witches' Brew by Mary Labatt

Witches' Brew More Information about the book
Mary Labatt
A Sam & Friends Mystery: 4th in series

When three odd sisters with a collection of scraggly animals move into the house across the street, Sam and her friends grow suspicious. Then Sam thinks she's been hexed — these new neighbors must be witches! The friends search the sisters' house for a spell book to help Sam when the homeowners return unexpectedly. Will they boil the intruders in a witches' potion?

The Sam & Friends graphic novels are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

— ◊ —

May Magic by Ron Roy

May Magic More Information about the book
Ron Roy
The Calendar Mysteries: 5th in series

The younger siblings of the A to Z Mysteries detectives — twins Bradley and Brian Pinto — are getting ready to celebrate Mother's Day by treating their mom to a show by Hypo, the world's greatest hypnotist. Brian hopes that if Hypo can hypnotize his mom into loving ducks, then she will let him raise ducks in their backyard. But when the Pinto family gets home from the show, the twins' mom starts acting strange. She splashes in the bathtub for hours, she leaves corn kernels all over, and — could it be? — she quacks! Bradley thinks his mom has actually turned into a duck! How did this happen? Can Bradley and Brian, with help from their friends Lucy and Nate, turn their mom back into their mom?

The Calendar Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

— ◊ —

June Jam by Ron Roy

June Jam More Information about the book
Ron Roy
The Calendar Mysteries: 6th in series

The younger siblings of the A to Z Mysteries detectives — Bradley, Brian, Nate and Lucy — are getting ready for Father's Day. They've decided that strawberry jam from the Pintos' strawberry patch would be a great gift. But something or someone has been taking bites out of the strawberrys! Polly the Pony, Pal and the dog, and the twins' brother Josh are all suspects. If the kids can't protect the strawberry patch from the mystery chomper, they might be in a real jam!

The Calendar Mysteries are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

— ◊ —

The Da Finchi Code by J. D. Smith

The Da Finchi Code More Information about the book
J. D. Smith
The Krow Twins: 1st in series

Twin Brothers Tommy and Terry Krow are no strangers to crime. In fact, they stole the book on it ...

The crime rate in East Wood is higher than a stork's armpit. The Bird Police think that the infamous Krow twins are to blame. They've been on their trail for years. First, there was the Great Crane Robbery, then there was that nasty business with Mad Mike and the Magpie gang. Now the terrible two have got involved with master forger Leonardo da Finchi. Old Mother Krow thinks the painting that her boys gave her is lovely. Will the secret code hidden in the painting lead the twins into a trap? Rookie copper Florissa Starling is on the case.

The Krow Twins books are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

— ◊ —

Mystery in the Sand by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Mystery in the Sand More Information about the book
Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Boxcar Children Graphic Novels: 18th in series

The Aldens are spending sunny days at the shore and summer nights in a mobile home right on the beach! One morning, Benny finds a gold necklace in the sand. Soon a search for its owner begins, and a trail of clues leads the children to Tower House. What will the Boxcar Children find in the strange old mansion?

The Boxcar Children Graphic Novels are recommended for readers aged 7 to 9.

— ◊ —

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is your source for information on over 200 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).

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