MystereBooks: Placebo by Steven James, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Placebo by Steven James, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Revell.

The ebook format of this title was priced at $1.99 from the listed vendors (below) as of the date and time of this post (03/29/2013 at 1:00 PM ET). Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

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Placebo by Steven James
A Jevin Banks Mystery (1st in series)
Publisher: Revell

Read our review of Placebo by Steven James

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did.

    

Important Note: This book was listed at the above mentioned price on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Review: If Snow Hadn't Fallen by S. J. Bolton

A Mysterious Review of …

If Snow Hadn't Fallen by S. J. Bolton. A Lacey Flint Novella.

Review summary: The storyline in this novella is set between the events of the first two books in this series and is written in a manner that provides a transition — mostly from a character development perspective — from one to the other. As such, it works well as an interesting, thought-provoking stand-alone story but doesn't really provide much of an introduction to Lacey Flint. (Click here for text of full review.)

Our rating:

If Snow Hadn't Fallen
S. J. Bolton
A Lacey Flint Novella
Minotaur Books (April 2013)

Publisher synopsis: Just weeks ago, a Jack the Ripper copycat terrorized London, leaving London police officer Lacey Flint scarred both physically and emotionally. Still recovering from the ordeal and technically off-duty, Lacey almost ignores it when she hears a call for back-up as she's heading home. But she's close by and figures they could use her help. She could never have expected the horrible crime she would witness on arriving at the scene, or the frightening twists the case would being to take.

      

MystereBooks: Elusive by Sara Rosett, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Elusive by Sara Rosett, now available at a special price, courtesy of the author.

The ebook format of this title was priced at $0.99 from the listed vendors (below) as of the date and time of this post (03/29/2013 at 12:00 AM ET). Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

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Elusive by Sara Rosett
An Zoe Hunter, On the Run Mystery
Publisher: Sara Rosett

Zoe Hunter loves living on the edge. Free-spirited and spontaneous, she's built a life stringing together various freelance gigs that keep her bank account barely in the black.

But when her ex, Jack, goes missing along with several million dollars from his business and the FBI zeros in on her as a person of interest, Zoe's life goes from delightfully unpredictable to downright frightening.

Plunged into a world of fake identities, deception, and murder, she's afraid to trust anyone. Zoe impulsively skips town in a search for answers that takes her from Las Vegas to Italy, but instead of tracking down answers, she only uncovers more questions.

Who was Jack? Is he dead or did he fake his disappearance? And, what was he mixed up in — art theft, the mafia, espionage … or all three?

      

Important Note: This book was listed at the above mentioned price on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Red Contract by Peter Wilben is Today's Third Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Red Contract by Peter Wilben as today's third free mystery ebook (A Joe Grace Thriller; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, March 29, 2013 at 7:30 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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Red Contract
Peter Wilben
A Joe Grace Thriller
Publisher: Orchard Wall Publishing

Wall Street is soaring and so is the share price of pharma giant Trident Drug … rumor on the street is they have discovered a cure for AIDS.

But when the scientist responsible disappears, ex-commando-turned-financial hot shot Joe Grace finds himself under pressure from one of his key investors to track down the missing man.

On a breathtaking chase from Dublin to New York, from Mexico to Moscow, Joe, a man fighting his own demons, finds himself in a place of no return where friends are few and the price for staying alive is paid in blood.

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

The Alberta Connection by R. Clint Peters is Today's Second Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Alberta Connection by R. Clint Peters as today's second free mystery ebook (A Ryce Dalton Mystery; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, March 29, 2013 at 7:20 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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The Alberta Connection
R. Clint Peters
A Ryce Dalton Mystery
Publisher: Writer's Edge Publishing

As a child, all Ryce Dalton wanted to be was an Army Ranger.

Conquering his dream, it was only 16 years later that he was forced into early retirement due to an injury.

Sworn to defend his country, putting his combat and intelligence skills back to work, he has joined the Joint Border Task Force.

Four laptops have been stolen from the Pentagon, containing critical data that could put us all in danger. Can Ryce keep those secrets from reaching the enemies of America?

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

Trick of the Mind by Jude Chapman is Today's Featured Free MystereBook

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Trick of the Mind by Jude Chapman as today's free mystery ebook (A Psychological Thriller; Kindle format only).

This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, March 29, 2013 at 7:10 AM ET. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

For a summary of all of today's featured titles, plus any that may have appeared before and are repeat freebies, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.

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Trick of the Mind
Jude Chapman
A Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Weatherly Books

On the day Kendra turns thirty, she arrives late for a dinner date with her husband, only to discover she has already come, ordered, eaten, and left the restaurant … and that two hours have been erased from her mind.

It can only mean one thing. Or possibly two. Either she must be losing her mind the same way her mother did decades ago. Or someone is playing a trick on her … a trick of the mind …

  

Important Note: This book was listed for free on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

For more free mystery ebooks, visit our Free MystereBooks page.

Birdman by Mo Hayder is Today's Kindle Daily Deal

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Birdman by Mo Hayder as today's Amazon Kindle Daily Deal.

The deal price of $1.99 is valid only for today, Friday, March 29, 2013.

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Birdman
Mo Hayder
A Jack Caffery Mystery
Grove Press

In his first case as lead investigator with London's crack murder squad, Detective Inspector Jack Caffery is called on to investigate the murder of a young woman whose body has been discovered near the Millennium Dome in Greenwich, south-east London.

Brutalized, mutilated beyond recognition, the victim is soon joined by four others discovered in the same area — all female and all ritualistically murdered. And when the post-mortem examination reveals a gruesome signature connecting the victims, Caffery realizes exactly what he's dealing with — a dangerous serial killer.

Important Note: This book was listed at the price mentioned above on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.

Mystery Bestsellers for the Week Ending March 29, 2013

A list of the top 15 Mystery Hardcover Bestsellers for the week ending March 29th, 2013 has been posted by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.

Last week's featured new bestselling title, Six Years by Harlan Coben, made a valient effort but it wasn't quite enough to displace Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn from the top spot.

Two new titles debut this week (below; position in backets).

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[9]: Leaving Everything Most Loved
Jacqueline Winspear
— Maisie Dobbs (10th)

The year is 1933. Maisie Dobbs is contacted by an Indian gentleman who has come to England in the hopes of finding out who killed his sister two months ago. Scotland Yard failed to make any arrest in the case, and there is reason to believe they failed to conduct a thorough investigation.

The case becomes even more challenging when another Indian woman is murdered just hours before a scheduled interview. Meanwhile, unfinished business from a previous case becomes a distraction, as does a new development in Maisie's personal life.

Purchase Options

          

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[10]: The Golden Egg
Donna Leon
— Guido Brunetti (22nd)

As the first leaves of autumn begin to fall, Brunetti's ambitious boss, Patta, asks him to look into a seemingly insignificant violation of public vending laws by a shopkeeper, who happens to be the future daughter-in-law of the Mayor. Brunetti, who has no interest in helping Patta enrich his political connections, has little choice but to ask around to see if the bribery could cause a scandal.

Then, Brunetti's wife Paola comes to him with an unusual request of her own. The deaf, mentally disabled man who worked at their dry-cleaners has died of a sleeping-pill overdose, and Paola's kind heart can't take the idea that he lived and died without anyone noticing him, or helping him.

To please her, Brunetti begins to ask questions. He is surprised when he finds that the man left no official record: no birth certificate, no passport, no driver's license, no credit cards. The man owns nothing, is registered nowhere. As far as the Italian government is concerned, the man never existed. It is even more surprising because, with his physical and mental handicaps, both he and his mother were entitled to financial support from the state. And yet, despite no official record of the man's life, there is his body.

Stranger still, the dead man's mother is reluctant to speak to the police and claims that her son's identification papers were stolen in a burglary. As clues stack up, Brunetti suspects that the Lembos, a family of aristocratic copper magnates, might be somehow connected to the death. But could anyone really want this sweet, simple-minded man dead?

Purchase Options

        

Today's Mystery and Suspense Update from Big Fish Games (130329)

Here is today's mystery and suspense update from Big Fish Games …

• The New Release is PuppetShow: Destiny Undone (Collector's Edition).

• The Daily Deal is Phenomenon: City of Cyan, just $2.99 today only!.

• The current Catch of the Week is Awakening: Moonfell Wood, just $2.99 through Sunday, March 31, 2013 only.

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Today's New Release is PuppetShow: Destiny Undone (Collector's Edition)

In the calm and peaceful town of Joyville the evil revisits the same family – Master and Felicia’s. Little Felicia should now live happily, but she needs help again. Her father, Master of Puppets, has gone missing and Cricks is there too! Cricks is in town for revenge! Felicia begs to help save her father from the death of his old friend but is it possible to change destiny? What has to be done will be done and you will believe in miracles!

This is a special Collector's Edition release full of exclusive extras you won't find in the standard version, including: bonus gameplay, screensavers and wallpapers, and concept art.

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour.

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Today's Daily Deal is Phenomenon: City of Cyan

Help Monica uncover the secrets and tragedies of her childhood! Twenty years ago a dangerous experiment destroyed most of Cyan City and turned many of the citizens into strange creatures. Explore the deserted city, overcome supernatural enemies, and find powerful allies on your quest to find out what happened to Monicas parents in this fantastic Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game.

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour. You can purchase this game today only — Friday, March 29, 2013 — for $2.99.

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The current Catch of the Week is Awakening: Moonfell Wood

After awaking from a century long slumber, Princess Sophia finds a world that is devoid of people! Help her find her friends and family and take her rightful place. Search gorgeous locations for helpful clues and discover Sophia's destiny in this beautiful Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game. Follow your fairy friend as you explore the incredible landscape and help Sophia find her people!

A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour. You can purchase this game at the special price of $2.99 through Sunday, March 31, 2013.

Book News: Le French Book To Publish Two More Nico Sirsky Crime Novels

Earlier this week we reported that Le French Book had announced that two additional novels in the "Winemaker Detective" series of mysteries by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noël Balen will be translated into English and made available in the US.

Now the publisher is announcing that two additional books in the "Nico Sirsky" series of police procedurals by Frédérique Molay will be translated and sold here in the US.

"This series brings a whole new dimension to Paris, with both realism and suspense," says publisher Anne Trager. "And there's something to be said about it being written by a French woman who knows her stuff."

The author herself adds, "Today, with the series, I want readers to get drawn into the plot and the suspense while they enjoy reading about characters they love, like when you see old friends again."

The series revolves around Chief of Police Nico Sirsky and the elite criminal investigation division in Paris. In the first book — La 7e Femme, published as The 7th Woman in the US — they race against the clock to stop a dangerous serial killer as he gets closer and closer to the chief's inner circle. In the second — Dent pour dent — they are called to a crime scene at one of the city's medical schools, and what looks like some kind of prank turns out to be much more dangerous. The third book in the series — Déjeuner sous l'herbe — takes readers to the Parc de la Villette, which used to be the city's slaughterhouse. The media is focussing on archeological digs when a horrible discovery is made, and the "butcher of Paris" starts spreading fear throughout the city.

More information about the first book in the series, La 7e Femme, which was the winner of the 2007 Prix du Quai des Orfèvres for best unpublished crime novel manuscript and the 2009 Prix du roman policier de la bibliothèque de Petit-Mars as the reader-chosen favorite crime novel of the year, below.

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The 7th Woman
Frédérique Molay
A Nico Sirsky Mystery (1st in series)

There's no rest for Paris's top criminal investigation division, La Crim'. Who is preying on women in the French capital? How can he kill again and again without leaving any clues? A serial killer is taking pleasure in a macabre ritual that leaves the police on tenterhooks.

Chief of Police Nico Sirsky — a super cop with a modern-day real life, including an ex-wife, a teenage son and a budding love story — races against the clock to solve the murders as they get closer and closer to his inner circle. Will he resist the pressure?

      

MystereBooks: Purgatory Chasm by Steve Ulfelder, Now at a Special Price

MystereBooks is pleased to feature Purgatory Chasm by Steve Ulfelder, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Minotaur Books.

The ebook format of this title was priced at $2.99 from the listed vendors (below) as of the date and time of this post (03/28/2013 at 3:30 PM ET). Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.

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Purgatory Chasm by Steve Ulfelder
A Conway Sax Mystery (1st in series)
Publisher: Minotaur Books

The job seems simple. Conway Sax, a no-nonsense auto mechanic with a knack for solving difficult problems, has never liked obnoxious blowhard Tander Phigg. But a promise is a promise. Tander's a Barnburner, a member of the unique Alcoholics Anonymous group that rescued Conway, and when a Barnburner has a problem, Conway takes care of it. Besides, all Tander wants is to get back his baby, a vintage Mercedes that's been in a shady auto shop far too long.

But Conway soon discovers there's much more to the problem than Tander first let on — especially when Tander turns up dead. Conway was the last person seen with the victim, and on top of that, he has a record, making him the cops' top suspect. He must catch the killer to clear himself, but beyond that, he's a man who honors his promises, even when the guy he made them to is dead.

      

Important Note: This book was listed at the above mentioned price on the date and time of this post. Prices can and do change without prior notice. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your purchase.