Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Review: Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson

Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson
More information about the book

Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson. A Scarlett Wakefield Mystery. Delacorte Press Hardcover, May 2011.

Though the fourth -- and final -- book in this series for young adults, this is for the most part a self-contained novel of suspense involving threats against Scarlett. The situations in which she finds herself -- both the amusing ones and the frightening ones -- are exciting, the Scottish setting adding an atmosphere of adventure and intrigue.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson.

Purchase Options: Amazon.com Print Edition | Amazon.com Kindle Edition | Kobo eBook

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

First Look at Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games (cover of Entertainment Weekly)

The new issue of Entertainment Weekly has the first photos from the set of The Hunger Games, including Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen on the cover. The golden pin she is wearing is taken from the cover of book from which the film is adapted, the young adult thriller The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson). If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

The Hunger Games, which is scheduled to be in theaters March 23rd, 2012, is directed by Gary Ross. The new issue of Entertainment Weekly hits newstands May 20th, 2011.

(Source: Entertainment Weekly.)

Amazon.com Announces New Mystery Publishing Imprint, Thomas & Mercer

Amazon.com

Amazon.com announced today the launch of its fifth imprint, Thomas & Mercer, which will focus on publishing mysteries and thrillers.

Four titles are the first scheduled for publication: Resuscitation by D. M. Annechino (on October 11th, 2011); Stirred, a "Jack" Daniels mystery by J. A. Konrath and Blake Crouch (November 22nd, 2011); The Immortalists by Kyle Mills (October 4th, 2011); and Already Gone by John Rector (October 25th, 2011). All four books will be available to English readers in Kindle, print and audio formats at Amazon.com as well as at national and independent booksellers.

Thomas & Mercer, named for streets that flank the Amazon headquarters in Seattle, joins its sister imprints AmazonEncore, AmazonCrossing, Powered by Amazon, and Montlake Romance in the Amazon Publishing family.

(Source: Amazon.com press release.)

Prime Time Crime: TNT Announces New and Returning Series, plus Projects in Development

Telemystery: Mystery and Suspense on Television

TNT announced this morning new projects for the cable network, many of which will interest fans of mystery and suspense television.

In what comes as no surprise, TNT is creating a spin-off from its popular series The Closer, ordering a 10-episode season of Major Crimes, set in the Los Angeles Police Department. The seventh and final season of The Closer will include 15 episodes in 2011 and six in summer 2012, leading into the launch of Major Crimes.

Of its other existing series, TNT is renewing all its current crime dramas, including Rizzoli & Isles (based on characters created by Tess Gerritsen), Leverage, Memphis Beat, and Southland. It will add to this list Perception, starring Eric McCormak as a neuroscientist who works to solve complex criminal cases.

TNT is also introducing the TNT Tuesday Night Mystery (working title), which will feature contemporary crime dramas adapted from bestselling authors of the genre. These will include the two-hour movie Innocent, based on the book by Scott Turow. The network is also developing movies based on Richard North Patterson’s Silent Witness; Sandra Brown’s Ricochet; Lisa Gardner’s Hide; April Smith’s Good Morning, Killer; and Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark’s Deck the Halls.

Prime time crime projects in development (taken from TNT's press release) include:

Untitled Kip Koenig/John Wells Productions Project: Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, this drama follows a family of cops who uncover the mystical and often crime-ridden world of a small town where things aren’t as they appear.

Scent of the Missing: A search-and-rescue officer braves the harshest conditions with her best friend and partner, a Labrador retriever. Based on the book by Susannah Charleston.

Gateway: In a nation still healing from the Civil War, lawlessness rules the small towns of the Old West. Three brothers bound by duty, honor and self-preservation take a stand. Together, they fight to survive and thrive – all in a small town called Gateway.

Untitled Eric Garcia Project: A daydreaming police clerk’s overactive imagination isn’t just a way to escape her mundane work life. It’s also her mind’s way of helping detectives solve crime.

Untitled Jay Cocks Project: Based on the character from the Laura Lippman series of mysteries, this drama centers on Tess Monaghan, a former newspaper reporter who has become a private eye in the tough city of Baltimore.

The Command: This crime drama centers on an elite and real squad of detectives within the New York City police department -- Borough Command. Cherry-picked by one commanding officer, these detectives get only the toughest, highest-profile and most-unsolvable cases. The best detectives, the hardest cases.

Enigma: A modern-day mystery-of-the-week in the style of Sherlock Holmes.

Harlequin Intrigue Titles for June 2011

eHarlequin.com: Save 20% On Your Order

eHarlequin.com has released the June 2011 titles in their Intrigue, breathtaking romantic suspense series. Get these edge-of-your-seat reads today with characters who conquer everything from kidnappings to murder mysteries, only to find themselves irresistibly drawn to one another!

For more information about the book from eHarlequin.com, click on the title or cover; other purchase options are also provided.

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Lassoed by B. J. Daniels
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Lassoed by B. J. Daniels

From the moment Billie Rae Rasmussen crashes into him, Tanner Chisholm realizes he is on a collision course with destiny. As Whitehorse's cowboy with a heart of gold, there is no way he could overlook the fear that shadows her eyes. Something has her running scared, but now that she is in his protective arms he intends to keep her safe.

Billie Rae can't run fast enough—or far enough. And if she sticks around this small town, the danger that follows her could put her newfound hero at risk. But Tanner refuses to leave her side, and his love gives Billie Rae the hope and courage she needs. Now she'll fight to take back her life … or die trying.

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Broken by Debra Webb
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Broken by Debra Webb

After seven years of agony, Linc Reece was certain he'd found his dead wife—alive and living in a tiny Tennessee town. He was sure Mia Grant was Lori, the wife he'd lost in an undercover case gone bad. Now the operative for the elite team of Equalizers had to prove it … even if he had to kidnap her.

Mia Grant saw the hope in Linc's eyes … but just because she liked vanilla, blues and old houses didn't make her his long-lost wife. Nothing about him was familiar, except the sizzle she felt when they touched. But when they discovered Lori's records destroyed and her photos stolen, even Mia knew someone had gone to great lengths to make her forget. And he'd do anything to ensure she never remembered …

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Cooper Vengeance by Paula Graves
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Cooper Vengeance by Paula Graves

J. D. Cooper had left no stone unturned when investigating a cold case that hit much too close to home. Or so he'd thought. Thanks to small-town deputy Natalie Becker, new evidence had surfaced that might lead J.D. closer to the truth. But Natalie had a stake in this situation, too, and claimed that joining forces was their best strategy—and their best hope. Problem was, after years of working alone to solve a seemingly unsolvable crime, J. D. found himself distracted by his beautiful partner and her passion for doing the right thing. He'd never met anyone like her and that scared him as much as this unidentifiable madman … until Natalie was made his next target.

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Capturing the Commando by Colleen Thompson
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Capturing the Commando by Colleen Thompson

Shannon Brandt's mission had failed—spectacularly. Instead of arresting AWOL Ranger Rafe Lyons, the merciless commando had kidnapped her—a tough, experienced FBI agent. Worse, she'd agreed to a deal with the devil and promised to help Rafe recover his abducted niece.

Before long, her promise becomes a wrenching ethical dilemma. If she breaks the law to reunite a family, she'll ruin her career and dishonor her family. But if she plays it by the book, an innocent life may be lost. To further complicate her decision, Shannon finds herself falling for the arrogant, abrasive—but undeniably attractive—commando … even though this dangerous mission might lead to both their deaths.

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The Missing Twin by Rita Herron
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The Missing Twin by Rita Herron

Detective Caleb Walker had taken on some tough cases for Guardian Angel Investigations, but when Madelyn Andrews came to him, claiming that her five-year-old daughter was able to "communicate" with her twin sister who'd never made it home from the hospital, Caleb was skeptical. One glimpse at the beautiful single mother, though, and he couldn't walk away. Now, as he looked into what had really happened when Madelyn went into labor, suspicious details were uncovered. Details that prompted Madelyn to cling to him as pain consumed her. And the deeper he dug, the more invested Caleb became in their tiny family, in their safety when danger penetrated their lives—and in their salvation when he promised to bring a little girl home …

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Cowboy Brigade by Elle James
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Cowboy Brigade by Elle James

Agent Wade Coltrane, ex-Army Special Forces, has returned home to Freedom, Texas, for his next assignment: infiltrate the Long K Ranch and bust the owner for attempted murder. The obstacle: Lindsay Kemp, his high school sweetheart—and his target's granddaughter. Wade never expected Lindsay to still be living on the struggling ranch, let alone be a single mother to precious twin girls. Each day he spends undercover only intensifies his lingering desire for Lindsay and rouses his protective instincts. And he'll need them, for there's a killer on the ranch, and he's set his vengeful sights on Lindsay …

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Prime Time Crime: CBS Announces Fall 2011 Schedule

Telemystery: Mystery and Suspense on Television

With more Prime Time Crime series than any other network, CBS announced its Fall 2011 schedule this morning. (All times below are ET.)

Monday: Hawaii Five-0 is renewed for a second season, and airs in its current timeslot at 10 PM.

Tuesday: Both NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles are coming back, in a two-hour time block starting at 8 PM. It is followed at 10 PM with the new series Unforgettable, about a female detective with perfect memory.

Wednesday: Criminal Minds is renewed for a 7th season, and airs at 9 PM. CSI (the original) moves from Thursdays to Wednesdays and airs at 10 PM.

Thursday: The new Person of Interest, featuring an ex-CIA agent who teams with a billionaire to solve crimes, airs at 9 PM. It is followed by the fourth season of The Mentalist at 10 PM.

Friday: CSI: NY is renewed for an 8th season at 9 PM, with the second season of Blue Bloods airing at 10 PM.

Sunday: CSI: Miami comes back for a 10th season at 10 PM.

Previously announced as canceled: CHAOS, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and The Defenders.

May be announced as a mid-season replacement: The 2-2 (formerly known as Rookies).

Not ordered from pilot to series: Hail Mary.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Review: And Every Man Has To Die by Frank Zafiro

And Every Man Has To Die by Frank Zafiro
More information about the book

And Every Man Has To Die by Frank Zafiro. A River City Crime Novel. Gray Dog Press Trade Paperback, May 2011.

This police procedural set in a fictional city in eastern Washington State sets up a conflict between the police department and the increasing power of a small criminal element within the growing Russian community. There may be battles to be won -- on both sides -- but at the end of this book, the war is not over by any means.

Read the full text of our review at Mysterious Reviews: And Every Man Has To Die by Frank Zafiro.

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

Prime Time Crime: CBS Renews CSI: NY, Cancels Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and The Defenders

Telemystery: Mystery and Suspense on Television

Although the official CBS upfront presentation for Fall 2011 isn't until tomorrow, there are a couple of things we do know tonight regarding the network's Prime Time Crime line-up.

After just one very high-profile, very highly publicized half-season, the network is canceling Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. It joins the previously announced cancelation of freshman drama The Defenders.

But CBS has renewed CSI:NY, which appeared doubtful just a week or so ago.

We'll have more about CBS's fall season plans tomorrow.

Prime Time Crime: Watch a Preview for Charlie's Angels, New on ABC This Fall

Charlie's Angels (ABC)

ABC has released a preview for its remake (update? reimagining?) of Charlie's Angels, which we've embedded below.

Everyone deserves a second chance -- even a thief, a street racer and a cop who got in a little too deep. After all, the three women who solve cases for their elusive boss, Charlie Townsend, are no saints. They're angels ... Charlie's Angels.

Set in Miami, this fun, glamorous, action-packed take on the 1970s series introduces three new angels, all fearless detectives, head-turning beauties and close friends. There's Abby (Rachael Taylor), a Park Avenue princess who became a world-class thief. Then there's Kate (Annie Ilonzeh), a Miami cop who fell from grace, losing both her career and her fiancé. Finally there's Gloria, a disgraced army lieutenant who has a way with explosives. When one of the angels' missions ends in Gloria's tragic death, Charlie persuades them to partner with Gloria's childhood friend, Eve (Minka Kelly), a street racer with a mysterious past. They may not know each other yet, but one thing's for sure -- Abby, Kate and Eve will always have each others' backs.

Charlie's Angels is scheduled to air Thursdays at 8 PM.

Prime Time Crime: ABC Announces Fall 2011 Schedule

Telemystery: Mystery and Suspense on Television

ABC has announced its Fall 2011 television schedule, including several new and returning Prime Time Crime series. (All times below are ET.)

Monday: Castle is renewed for a 4th season, and airs in its usual timeslot at 10 PM.

Tuesday: Body of Proof, which premiered just a few weeks ago, returns for a second season at 10 PM.

Wednesday: We haven't read much about Revenge, a contemporary reimagining of the classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo, so we're unsure if this qualifies to be included on this list or not. Even so, it will air at 10 PM.

Thursday: The Charlie's Angels reboot, now set in Miami, opens the night at 8 PM.

Sunday: Desperate Housewives -- we go back and forth on whether this series qualifies as a crime drama -- returns for its 8th season at 9 PM.

Possible mid-season replacements: Missing and The River.

Previously announced as canceled: Detroit 1-8-7.

Not ordered: Poe, featuring Edgar Allan Poe as amateur sleuth. Two other series that we were following, which we believe made it to the pilot stage but were not picked up as series, are Partners and One Police Plaza.

Graphic Novel Featuring Richard Castle's Derrick Storm to be Published

Deadly Storm by Richard Castle

If you watched Castle last night, you heard Richard Castle mention, and briefly show the cover art for, a new graphic novel, Deadly Storm.

The book, written by Brian Bendis and Kelly Sue DeConnick, and illustrated by Lan Medina, is scheduled to be published by Marvel on September 28th.

Though no details of the plot have been released, the graphic novel is subtitled "A Derrick Storm Mystery" and features the lead character from Castle's series of bestselling novels. Castle supposedly killed off Storm in 2009's Stormfall, so the events in this new graphic novel must take place earlier in his career.

Castle is also the author of the Nikki Heat mysteries, featuring a NYPD cop inspired by the "real" homicide detective Kate Beckett. In contrast to the Derrick Storm mysteries (that exist only in the minds of the series' writers), the Nikki Heat novels -- Heat Wave and Naked Heat -- have been published.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Prime Time Crime: Watch a Preview for Alcatraz, New on Fox This Winter

Alcatraz (Fox)

Another new series that Fox is planning for its 2011/2012 mid-season is the suspense thriller Alcatraz, centered on America's most infamous prison and one-time home to the nation's most notorious murderers, rapists, kidnappers, thieves and arsonists.

When San Francisco Police Department Detective Rebecca Madsen (Sarah Jones) is assigned to a grisly homicide case, a fingerprint leads her to a shocking suspect: Jack Sylvane, a former Alcatraz inmate who died decades ago. Given her family history — both her grandfather and surrogate uncle, Ray Archer (Robert Forster), were guards at the prison — Madsen's interest is immediately piqued, and once the enigmatic, knows-everything-but-tells-nothing government agent Emerson Hauser (Sam Neill) tries to impede her investigation, she's doggedly committed.

Madsen turns to Alcatraz expert and comic book enthusiast, Dr. Diego "Doc" Soto (Jorge Garcia), to piece together the inexplicable sequence of events. The twosome discovers that Sylvane is not only alive, but he's loose on the streets of San Francisco, leaving bodies in his wake. And strangely, he hasn't aged a day since he was in Alcatraz, when the prison was ruled by the iron-fisted Warden Edwin James (Jonny Coyne) and the merciless Associate Warden E. B. Tiller (Jason Butler Harner). Madsen and Soto reluctantly team with Agent Hauser and his technician, Lucy Banerjee (Parminder Nagra), to stop Sylvane's vengeful killing spree.

By delving into Alcatraz history, government cover-ups and Rebecca's own heritage, the team will ultimately discover that Sylvane is only a small part of a much larger, more sinister present-day threat. For while he may be the first, it quickly becomes clear that Sylvane won't be the last prisoner to reappear from Alcatraz. Through the course of the investigation, Madsen and Soto will learn that Agent Hauser has known about the prison's secret history and has been awaiting the prisoners' return. Soto will witness his life's work — the history of Alcatraz — come alive. Madsen will be forced to keep her supportive San Francisco cop fiancé, Jimmy Dickens (Santiago Cabrera), at arm's length from the highly classified assignment as she sees everything she thought she knew about her family's past shattered, all while fighting to keep the country safe from history's most dangerous criminals.

Alcatraz is scheduled to air as a mid-season replacement on Mondays at 9 PM (ET/PT). Watch a preview for the series below. More previews of Fox series can be found on its YouTube site.

Prime Time Crime: Watch a Preview for The Finder, New on Fox This Winter

The Finder (Fox)

Fox has uploaded a number of videos to its YouTube site, featuring previews of new shows scheduled for the Fall 2011 season (or in this case, the 2011/2012 mid-season).

Included among these is the Bones spin-off, The Finder.

Iraq war veteran Walter Sherman (Geoff Stults) gained a reputation while serving in the Army Military Police as someone who was very good at tracking down insurgents, deserters and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Unfortunately, Walter found one IED just moments before it found him. Two months later, when Walter woke from his coma, he earned an honorable discharge and returned home. His resulting brain damage from the explosion transformed him from someone skilled at recovering people and things into something much more extraordinary: a Finder.

His first post-military assignment was to find the CIA head honcho’s missing daughter and bring her home. Walter did both, and since then has never been without an assignment. After settling in Key West, Walter met the beautiful and worldly Ike Latulippe (Saffron Burrows), a woman with a mysterious past and many hidden skills. She tends bar at The Ends of the Earth, which also serves as a makeshift office and home base for Walter. Walter helped Ike escape a dangerous life, and for that, she is eternally grateful.

Another island denizen dedicated to Walter is Leo Knox (Michael Clarke Duncan), once an obese lawyer who, after the deaths of his wife and children, completely reinvented himself into a gentle giant, philosopher and Walter’s legal advisor. Because of his skills, Walter is often asked to find a person or a thing that law enforcement either will not or cannot find. With the help of Ike and Leo, as well as a patchwork of indebted connections, he and his team ultimately find meaning in their own lives by finding something or someone other people have lost.

The Finder is scheduled to air as a mid-season replacement for Bones on Thursdays at 9 PM (ET/PT). Watch a preview for the series below.

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