Fox has announced an "event series
order for an adaptation of ITV's popular crime drama Broadchurch.
Set in an unnamed American town, Broadchurch (working title) follows the tragic and mysterious death of a young boy found dead on an idyllic beach surrounded by rocks and a jutting cliff-face, from where he may have fallen. Although the cause of his death remains unsolved, the picturesque seaside town where the tragedy occurred is at the heart of a major police investigation and a nationwide media frenzy.
"Broadchurch is the kind of storytelling that grabs your attention and keeps you riveted with every minute — which is exactly what we look for in an event series," said Kevin Reilly, Fox Chairman of Entertainment. "We love the layered characters, we've seen how well-received it's been in the U.K., and we're lucky to be able to bring a new version of this mystery to the U.S. audience."
Chris Chibnall will write the premiere episode and executive produce the series.
Friday, August 02, 2013
Telemystery: Fox Orders Event Series Adaptation of Broadchurch
A Conversation with Edward Finstein, Author of the Woody Robins Wine Mysteries
with Edward Finstein
We are delighted to welcome mystery author Edward Finstein — internationally known as "The Wine Doctor" — to Omnimystery News today.
Edward's first mystery is Pinot Envy (Bancroft Press; July 2013 trade paperback and ebook formats), which introduces Woody Robins, a wine guru who solves mysteries in Napa Valley.
We recently had a chance to talk to Edward about how well mysteries and wines go together.
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Omnimystery News: You are a recognized expert in wines and your character is a wine guru. Is that where the similarity ends?
Photo provided courtesy of
Edward Finstein
Edward Finstein: I would be lying if I said that there wasn't some of me in Woody. It's much easier to write from personal experience. Not so much what happens to him, but certainly his character, likes and dislikes, taste in clothing and music and light-hearted approach to life.
There are certain traits of some people I know in real life that are infused into characters in Pinot Envy, but “the names and identities have been changed to protect the innocent and any similarities are strictly coincidental." How's that for legal mumbo-jumbo?
OMN: How would you categorize Pinot Envy?
EF: Pure entertainment value! A fun, easy read, where one might learn a little something about wine through a mystery adventure of sorts, all led by an irresistible, quirky protagonist and his accompanying, unusual posse. It's mainstream enough to appeal to both wine lovers and regular aficionados of hardcore mysteries. I feel Woody is likeable enough for, folks who read it, to crave for more, like the next installment (it's supposed to be a series) which is ¾ written. I really feel it has all the makings for a feature film (like Sideways) or a made-for-TV movie. If categorized, definitely a cross-over, because of the wine aspect, but also because of the comical side. I'd call it a Comical, Cozy, Wine-Drenched, Suspense Thriller. I think labeling it as such leaves a lot of room for creativity in the style. The only drawback would be if I decided to pen a really serious mystery and folks would find it hard to accept that style because it wasn't what they were used to from me.
OMN: Describe your writing process for us.
EF: My writing style actually combines a little of everything. I certainly have an idea of the story line, but this all evolves as the novel moves on. The main characters in a series, as this is supposed to be, usually remain intact with some slight alterations depending on subplots. As far as other characters, sometimes I'll find as I'm writing that a particular one is not working out as planned, so I'll go back and alter them. I'll even add a new one if it will make the story better. Either way, there is much rereading of the finished product and many alterations made, both in main plot, sub-plot and character development.
OMN: What is the best advice — and harshest criticism — you've received as an author? And what might you say to new writers in the field?
EF: Some of the best advice I've received as a fiction author of mysteries where there is a main male character or sleuth is that women are the largest market for this genre, so you best cater to them. You can't have your main male character bouncing from bed to bed. He or she needs to have a regular par amour. Oh they can be tempted alright, but there needs to be some sort of solid, steady love interest. One of the harshest is that if a number of pages or chapters don't move the plot along, they are not necessary and simply just filler, so get rid of them. It's so easy to ramble on about something or other that you might think is amusing or informational, but making sure it adds something to the story is key.
My advice to aspiring authors is to keep on writing, no matter what kind of criticism you receive. Write about what you know … it's usually the best policy.
OMN: What kind of feedback do you get from readers?
EF: I quite enjoy readers asking wine-related questions like where to go and stay in wine country. I also like hearing stories about their adventures in the wine world. Certainly questions about specific characters in the book are always welcome, especially if they have had first hand experience with someone like one of my characters.
OMN: You mentioned that you thought Pinot Envy would make for a good film or television movie. Who would you like to see playing the key roles?
EF: Deciding who would play certain characters is a tough call. Maybe someone like Robert Downey, Jr. could pull off Woody. Perhaps Jack Black could channel Charlie. Haven't really given the other characters much casting thought. I'll consult my casting agent!
OMN: What kinds of books did you read when you were young?
EF: I read many of the classics like Stevenson, Bronte, Orwell, Shelley and Twain. Also sci-fi stuff like Bradbury, fantasy like Tolkien and futuristic things like Huxley! I don't suppose any if them really influenced my writing today other than to impart the concept of good structure in a story with well-developed characters and plot lines.
OMN: What books do you read now for pleasure?
EF: Nowadays I tend to still read a lot of mysteries. For hardcore, Jonathan Kellerman, Peter Robinson, James Patterson, etc. On the lighter side, I'm presently working my way through Stuart Woods' Stone Barrington series.
OMN: Do you have any favorite series characters?
EF: I love Archie McNally in Lawrence Sanders' McNally series. Fun stuff along the lines of Woody Robins! I also dig Nick Charles in Dashiell Hammet's The Thin Man series. Also somewhat tongue and cheek! On a more serious note I enjoy Inspector Banks in Peter Robinson's series as well as Alex Cross in James Patterson's books.
OMN: Where might we find you when you're not writing?
EF: I travel a lot for wine business (judging, media trips, journalism, etc) and still love it. Having played music professionally for many years, I still listen to much music (sadly, don't get to play anymore). Having done a fair bit of acting myself, I adore live theatre. In fact, my wife and I have had season's subscriptions to many theatre series for the last 15 years. I enjoy reading, baseball, hockey, and of course wining and dining. And yes, many of these things work their way into my books on some level, especially the wine aspect.
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Edward Finstein, a.k.a ''The Wine Doctor,'' is an internationally recognized wine expert and the award-winning author of Ask the Wine Doctor. A TV and radio host, he is a renowned journalist writing for numerous newspapers, magazines and on the Internet in North America and abroad. As an international wine judge, he travels the world judging in competitions.
Edward is also a Professor of Wine at George Brown College's School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, a wine consultant, wine appraiser, wine tour guide, and former V.P. of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. ''Doc,'' as he is known, believes wine should be fun, and he preaches the gospel with a sense of humor and whimsy. He lives in Toronto with his wife Jo Ann and their cat Pepper.
For more information about the author and his work, please visit his website at WineDoctor.ca, or find him on Facebook.
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Pinot Envy
Edward Finstein
A Woody Robins, Wine Mystery
Murder, mayhem, and mystery in Napa …
Meet Woody Robins, a bon vivant, devil-may-care wine guru who specializes in investigatory work involving rare artifacts of a vinous nature. Amidst the backdrop of world-famous Napa, California wine country, and upbeat, cosmopolitan "city by the bay" San Francisco, Woody finds he's bitten off more than he can chew when hired by a wealthy grape grower to retrieve his stolen, rare, priceless, large bottle of red Burgundy that once belonged the French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte.
Tested by a colorful cast of characters, deceit, blackmail, intrigue, dealings with the mob, and even murder ensue. With the help of his dozy boyhood chum, girlfriend, aunt, and detective buddy with San Francisco's finest, he eventually manages to unravel the case, but not before he learns a thing or two about himself.
Lies Agreed Upon by Katherine Sharma is Today's Second Featured Free MystereBook
MystereBooks is pleased to feature Lies Agreed Upon by Katherine Sharma as today's second free mystery ebook (A Tess Parnell Mystery; Kindle format only).
This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, August 02, 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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Lies Agreed Upon
Katherine Sharma
A Tess Parnell Mystery
Publisher: Katherine Sharma
After losing her job and her lover, Tess Parnell hopes her luck has changed when she is contacted about a surprise Louisiana inheritance. Excitement turns to shock, however, when she realizes her family has hidden their New Orleans history, including her grandfather's murder and a possible link to her mother's suicide. Tess heads to New Orleans to cash in on her inheritance, explore her newfound roots and learn the reasons for her family's lies.
Sifting through memories and legends, she begins to trace her Creole heritage from a haunted plantation to bayou tragedies and bitter vendettas. Tess is determined to uncover the family secrets that may have warped her mother's life and her own childhood. When Tess unwittingly rouses vengeful forces from a dark New Orleans past, her fight for the truth suddenly becomes a fight for her life.
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 Fellowship by William Tyree is Today's Featured Free MystereBook
MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Fellowship by William Tyree as today's free mystery ebook (A Blake Carver Thriller; Kindle format only).
This title was listed for free as of the date and time of this post, August 02, 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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The Fellowship
William Tyree
A Blake Carver Thriller
Publisher: Massive Publishing
In Washington D.C., an American senator is the victim of a depraved murder. In London, a senior member of parliament is brutally slain in the tunnels beneath Whitehall. Only one thing appears to link the American and British politicians – the archaic ritual used to kill them.
As wayward intelligence operative Blake Carver hunts for the perpetrators, he discovers an ancient order of assassins thought to have been dissolved centuries ago. During an epic chase that takes him from the corridors of Washington to the wilds of South Africa and the catacombs of Rome, he finds himself caught in a shadow war that threatens to engulf the entire world.
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 Risk Agent by Ridley Pearson is Today's Nook Daily Find
MystereBooks is pleased to feature The Risk Agent by Ridley Pearson as today's Barnes & Noble Nook Daily Find.
The deal price of $1.99 is valid only for today, Friday, August 02, 2013.
Note: The price has been matched by Amazon.com for today only.
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The Risk Agent
Ridley Pearson
A Grace Chu and John Knox Thriller
Putnam
After a Chinese national working for an American-owned construction company is kidnapped in Shanghai, Rutherford Risk — a hostage rescue firm — is called in. But in China, private investigation is illegal, and operating within its borders will be difficult.
For the job, the company recruits two outsiders: Grace Chu, a refined forensic expert, to follow the money — and John Knox, a hard charger who is experienced in both combat and the street culture of Shanghai. But following the money leads to more complex and hazardous consequences than either anticipated. Who is behind the kidnapping? What are their true motives? And more important, can Knox and Grace save the hostages before the deadline?
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 August 02, 2013
A list of the top 15 Mystery Hardcover Bestsellers for the week ending August 2nd, 2013 has been posted by the Hidden Staircase Mystery Books.
J. K. Rowling's … err Robert Galbraith's … crime novel The Cuckoo's Calling takes over the top spot on our weekly list.
One new title debuts this week (postion in [brackets]).
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[13]: Death Angel
Linda Fairstein
— Alex Cooper (15th)
Assistant DA Alex Cooper and Detective Mike Chapman are in a race to track down a serial killer before yet another young woman is found dead. Is the body found in the Ramble the first victim of a deranged psychopath, or are other missing women in years past whose remains have never been found connected to this savage attack? Is this enormous urban park a sanctuary in the middle of the city — as it seems to the thousands of New Yorkers and tourists who fill it every day — or is it a hunting ground for a killer with a twisted mind?
Purchase Options
Today's Mystery and Suspense Update from Big Fish Games (130802)
Here is today's mystery and suspense update from Big Fish Games …
• The New Release is Grim Tales: Bloody Mary (Collector's Edition).
• The Daily Deal is Infected: The Twin Vaccine, just $2.99 today only!
• The current Catch of the Week is Dark Alleys: Penumbra Motel, just $2.99 through Sunday, August 04, 2013 only.
Visit the Omnimystery Entertainment Network for more games of mystery and suspense!
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Today's New Release is Grim Tales: Bloody Mary (Collector's Edition)
You're driving home from work when you get an urgent call from your favorite niece, begging you to pick her up from her boarding school. The teachers have gone missing, her classmates are becoming violent, and shadow creatures are haunting every corner. Search the school, but remember this one simple rule: Never look into a mirror after sunset. Bloody Mary is always watching.
This is a special Collector's Edition release full of exclusive extras you won't find in the standard version, including: Bonus game featuring Bloody Mary's origin; Downloadable wallpapers, concept art and soundtracks; Special viewing areas for achievements and collectibles; and a Secret room you can make over yourself!
A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour.
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Today's Daily Deal is Infected: The Twin Vaccine
Search for a missing girl who holds the key to stopping a global epidemic! A new breed of virus has spread throughout the City of Oxford forcing the area to be quarantined. The first reported case of the virus was found in 6 year old twin sisters Tiffany & Theresa Morrisey. Tiffany never survived the infection but Theresa made a full recovery and is now believed to be the key to finding a cure. In the chaos of a city-wide evacuation, Theresa has gone missing. You must travel back to the abandoned city of Oxford to find her before the virus spreads globally. Though be wary … you're not the only one back in town.
A sample version is available to download and play for free for one hour. You can purchase this game today only — Friday, August 02, 2013 — for $2.99.
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The current Catch of the Week is Dark Alleys: Penumbra Motel
During a road trip your friend's daughter is kidnapped by a mysterious man at the Penumbra Motel, the scene of murder and strange occurrences 50 years ago. You must head into the heart of madness to not only find the girl, but unravel the mystery haunting the descendants of the Penumbra family and the Motel grounds.
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, August 04, 2013.
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Review: The Accounting by William Lashner
A Mysterious Review of The Accounting by William Lashner.
Review summary: Told from the perspective of a single character, this is a nicely crafted thriller, with an intricate storyline that seamlessly interweaves events from the past into what's happening in the present, a really quite effective plot that includes an unusual mix of certainty and uncertainty, both in terms of character and situation. (Click here for text of full review.)
Our rating:
The Accounting
William Lashner
Thomas & Mercer (May 2013)
Publisher synopsis: Jon Willing was just a teenager when he and his pals Augie and Ben stole a fortune in drug money. Brazen with youth and stoned out of their gourds, they thought they had the perfect plan for getting away with it.
They were wrong.
Twenty-five years later, Jon's marriage is on the rocks, his kids are virtual strangers, and the recession has taken his job and decimated his finances. Worst of all, when he finds Augie murdered in Vegas, he knows the past has risen from its grave to grab him by the throat.
The battle that ensues will send Jon skittering across a landscape wracked by the Great Recession to confront the demons of his past: the grade-school bully who has terrorized him for decades, the grandfather that betrayed him, the girl that got away. And in the middle of a fight to death, with his daughter's life hanging in the balance, Jon Willing learns the most brutal of truths: The piper always gets paid, and sometimes he gets paid in blood.
Death Angel by Linda Fairstein, New in Bookstores This Week
Today's new hardcover mystery title, scheduled to be published this week by Dutton, is Death Angel by Linda Fairstein.
For a list of more new hardcover mysteries published this month, visit our New Mysteries page for July 2013. For new paperback mysteries, visit The Mystery Bookshelf where a selection of July 2013 mysteries, novels of suspense, and thrillers are shelved.
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Death Angel
Linda Fairstein
Series: Alex Cooper (15th)
Assistant DA Alex Cooper and Detective Mike Chapman are in a race to track down a serial killer before yet another young woman is found dead. Is the body found in the Ramble the first victim of a deranged psychopath, or are other missing women in years past whose remains have never been found connected to this savage attack? Is this enormous urban park a sanctuary in the middle of the city — as it seems to the thousands of New Yorkers and tourists who fill it every day — or is it a hunting ground for a killer with a twisted mind?
MystereBooks: Kitty Kitty Bang Bang by Sparkle Abbey, Available this Month at a Special Price
Every month Amazon releases a new selection of Kindle books priced $3.99 or less.
Today's featured title from the Mystery & Thrillers category is Kitty Kitty Bang Bang by Sparkle Abbey. This Kindle book was listed at $1.99 as of the date and time of this post, Thursday, August 01, 2013 at 1:30 PM ET, and should be available at this price through the end of the month.
More information about the book is below; if other vendors have priced-matched this title, links to their sites are also shown.
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Kitty Kitty Bang Bang by Sparkle Abbey
A Pampered Pets Mystery
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Caro Lamont — pet therapist — and her cousin Melinda Langston — owner of The Bow Wow Boutique — pamper the kitties and pooches of Laguna Beach's elites.
Unfortunately, their human clients keep turning up dead.
Important Note: 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.
Breach of Power, a Jake Pendleton Thriller by Chuck Barrett, Now at a Special Price
MystereBooks is pleased to feature Breach of Power by Chuck Barrett, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, Switchback Press.
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 (08/01/2013 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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Breach of Power by Chuck Barrett
A Jake Pendleton Thriller
Publisher: Switchback Press
A hiker finds a journal deep inside a glacier that was lost during World War II. On its frozen pages are etched the secret locations of treasures lost since the 1940s. But something more ominous is scribed in the journal, something that threatens the Presidency of the United States.
Jake Pendleton and his new partner, Francesca Catanzaro, work for an "off the books" intelligence firm and are summoned to the White House where they are instructed to locate and acquire the book. Jake soon realizes there are others on a quest to find it as well.
Others who will kill to get to it first.
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.
Strung Out To Die, a Divorced Divas Mystery by Tonya Kappes, Now at a Special Price
MystereBooks is pleased to feature Strung Out To Die by Tonya Kappes, now available at a special price, courtesy of the publisher, MagiCal Press.
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 (08/01/2013 at 12:30 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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Strung Out To Die by Tonya Kappes
A Divorced Divas Mystery (1st in series)
Publisher: MagiCal Press
Holly Harper's life is finally getting back on the right track after her divorce from "what's his name". She and a group of divorcees have formed a strong bond plotting creative ways to get back at their exes and created a self-help group known as The Divorced Divas where their meetings are held in Holly's bead store, The Beaded Dragonfly.
It's no secret that Holly's ex husband, Sean Harper, and the wealthiest bachelor in Swanee, Doug Sloan, don't get along because Sean is constantly fixing all of Doug's shoddy handy man work. Plus all the Divas would love to get their claws in some of Doug's money.
When Doug ends up dead on the floor of The Beaded Dragonfly with a string of cat eye beads around his neck, it's up to Holly to figure out whose framing her.
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.
