FREE/BARGAIN — Mystery, Suspense & Thrillers

[Kieran Seymour]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

I have both of them, purchased (or free?) back in 2013.

Aha!

So The Voodoo Murders could be the mythical "lost" Ed Noon freebie that I never picked up. Interesting!

And I may finally have a proper reason for reading some of them as well. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. starts its first repeat run in 10 or 15 years over here in the UK on Thursday, so I'm preparing to dive into the book cupboard and drag out Avallone's sole contribution to the tie-in series. It's just possible that some momentum might start to build...

[GA Russell]

Kieran, I hope you will let us know when UNCLE comes up. I remember reading The Radioactive Camel Affair in 1966!

[sufue]

A Sea of Troubles is the 10th in the Commissario Guido Brunetti series by Donna Leon. It has dropped to $1.99 at Kindle and Kobo US (couponable/VIPable).

Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Troubles-...dp/B0097D79G4/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-sea-of-troubles-6

Spoiler:

Donna Leon has amassed devoted fans around the world for her atmospheric and intelligent Commissario Guido Brunetti mysteries. A Sea of Troubles, the tenth book in the series, offers a rare glimpse into the scrupulous Commissario’s personal life.

On a beautiful spring morning on the island of Pellestrina, south of the Lido on the Venetian lagoon, a small boat moored at the docks suddenly explodes, killing two local clam fishermen. When it becomes clear that the fire was deliberately set, Brunetti decides to investigate. But when he tries to dig up information about the murder, the island’s tight-knit—and closemouthed—community closes ranks, forcing Brunetti to accept Signorina Elettra’s offer to visit her relatives there to search for clues. On the island, Brunetti finds himself torn between his duty to solve the murders and his concerns for the Signorina’s safety. Though loyal to his beloved wife, Paola, Brunetti’s concern for his boss’s spirited secretary may be driven by more than platonic feeling. Suspenseful, provocative, and deeply unsettling, A Sea of Troubles is an explosive and irresistible installment in Leon’s marvelous series.

[sufue]

Busman's Honeymoon is the 12th (SYKM) or 13th (blurb) in the Lord Peter/Harriet Vane series by Dorothy L. Sayers. It has dropped to $1.99 at Kindle US. As of right now it has not dropped at Kobo US, don't know if it will.

link: https://www.amazon.com/Busmans-Honey...dp/B008JVJO90/

Spoiler:

In this installment of the “literate and delightful” Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries, Harriet Vane’s honeymoon with the dapper British detective is marred by murder (Chicago Tribune).

It took several near-death experiences for Lord Peter Wimsey to convince Harriet Vane to be his wife, but she has finally relented. When the dapper detective marries Britain’s most popular mystery author—just a few short years after rescuing her from the hangman’s noose—the press could not be more excited. But Lord Peter and his bride have no interest in spending their wedding night surrounded by reporters. They sneak out of their own reception to begin their honeymoon early, out of sight of the world. Unfortunately, for some couples, calamity is inescapable.

On their 1st morning together, the newlyweds discover the house’s caretaker bludgeoned to death in the manor’s basement. If they thought finding a few minutes alone was difficult, they’re up against even steeper odds. In a house full of suspects, identifying the killer won’t be easy.

Busman’s Honeymoon is the 13th book in the Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries, but you may enjoy the series by reading the books in any order.

This ebook features an illustrated biography of Dorothy L. Sayers including rare images from the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College.

[sufue]

Mortal Remains in Maggody is the 4th (SYKM) or 5th (blurb) in the Arly Hanks/Maggody series by Joan Hess. It has dropped to $0.99 at Kindle US.

link: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Remain...dp/B01ENRHK9O/

Spoiler:

Another rip-roaring cozy mystery set in outrageous Maggody, Arkansas, a town so strange that even Hollywood filmmakers can’t believe it’s real.

From the Kwik-Stoppe-Shoppe to the Pot O’ Gold Mobile Home Park, there isn’t much glamour in Maggody . . . but this flyspeck Arkansas town is about to become famous. When a Hollywood production company chooses Maggody as a backdrop for an X-rated Ozarks “Romeo and Juliet,” the locals are starstruck. And as Maggody is flooded with washed-up actors, ruthless producers, and a cynical crew, the townsfolk will do anything for a close-up—even if it means resorting to murder.

Chief of Police Arly Hanks has no time for Hollywood—she’s got her hands full with a local arsonist—but when one of the actors is found dead in a bathtub, she’s forced to intervene. As the film spins out of control, Arly realizes that the citizens of Maggody will stop at nothing to get their fifteen minutes of fame—even as the town burns down around them.

In the spirit of David Mamet’s State and Main, this delightful novel shows that when Hollywood collides with small-town values, the movie industry doesn’t stand a chance.

Mortal Remains in Maggody is the 5th book in the Arly Hanks Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.

[GeoffR]

Stalker by Lars Kepler is $2.99 at Australian and New Zealand retailers. This is #5 in their Joona Linna series.

[sufue]

Two more price drops in the Daisy Gumm Majesty series by Alice Duncan, at both Kindle US and Kobo US (couponable/VIPable). As I've mentioned before, I really like this series.

Fine Spirits, #2, $0.99
Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Spirits-...dp/B00ERCS2U2/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fin...mystery-book-2

Spoiler:

Meet Daisy Gumm Majesty: spiritualist to folks with more money than sense.

The 1920s may be roaring among Pasadena's wealthy, but Daisy must earn a living for her family. When Daisy is approached by Mrs. Bissel about exorcizing a ghost from her basement, Daisy is tempted to back out until Mrs. B puts up one of her famous dachshund puppies as payment.

Hoping the basement ghost is not a skunk, Daisy begins snooping only to discover the matter is much larger than anyone imagined. Now if she can only find a way to solve it without undue consequences to anyone—including her own reputation.

REVIEWS:
"Readers will enjoy feisty, "spirited" Daisy and her predicament as she becomes involved in another's plight." ~Booklist

High Spirits, #3, $1.99
Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/High-Spirits-...dp/B00ERCSGE4/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hig...mystery-book-3

Spoiler:

Daisy Gumm Majesty's talent as a "medium" catches the attention of a dangerous mobster. Vicenzo Maggiori wants to get in touch with his dead godfather. And he wants to do it in his own speakeasy.

When Daisy receives Maggiori message through her wealthiest client, Mrs. K, whose daughter is in Maggiori's clutches, Daisy can't say no.

Then, as the séance begins, Maggiori's speakeasy is raided by Detective Sam Rotondo. Arrested with everyone else, Daisy's troubles are multiplied when Rotondo tells her she must channel the spirits for Maggiori and pass the information to him in exchange for her freedom.

REVIEWS:
"Alice Duncan deftly sweeps us back to 1921 with a fascinating story populated with a cast of characters reminiscent of many family trees—skeletons and all." ~Deb Stover, award-winning author of A Willing Spirit

[sufue]

Room With a Clue is the first in the Pennyfoot Hotel series by Kate Kingsbury. It is free right now at Kindle US. I remember that this was on sale sometime late last year, and someone posted that they didn't like it, however tastes vary, and free means you can just try it and decide for yourself if you wish... (I personally remember reading and mildly enjoying, but not going ga-ga over, the first few books in this series way back during DTB days...)

link: https://www.amazon.com/Room-Clue-Pen...dp/B01LX295P1/

Spoiler:

The Pennyfoot hides many secrets and its downstairs staff keeps a tight lip, even when the Edwardian aristocrats are spotted dallying with damsels in the boudoirs, or gambling in the forbidden card rooms hidden below the floorboards. Should now and then one of the hotel guests fall prey to a dastardly murderer, however, it is up to Cecily Sinclair to restore order before Scotland Yard steps in and shuts down her infamous seaside hotel.

ROOM WITH A CLUE
Lady Eleanor Danbury thoroughly enjoyed the view of the ocean from the rooftop garden of the Pennyfoot Hotel, until someone pushed her over to fall four stories to her death. In order to keep secret the goings-on of her illustrious guests, Cecily takes on the task of tracking down a killer. There are no shortage of suspects, since Lady Eleanor managed to alienate everyone with whom she came in contact. That includes the downstairs staff of the hotel, the fellow aristocrats staying at the hotel, and even her own husband. Since Inspector Cranshaw of Scotland Yard is bound and determined to shut down the Pennyfoot and put a stop to all the hanky-panky, Cecily must work fast and be terribly discreet, or she might lose her home and her livelihood….

There are twenty-one books in the Pennyfoot Hotel series, including seven Christmas Editions.

The twenty-first and final Pennyfoot book, MULLED MURDER, one of Kingsbury’s beloved Christmas editions, was published in November 2013 by Berkley Books.

[sufue]

And now a boxset of the fourth, fifth and sixth books in this series is $0.99 at Kindle US. Titles include Hungry Spirits, Genteel Spirits, and Ancient Spirits. Price has not dropped at Kobo US, but might in the future...

Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Majesty...dp/B01NAV0HJZ/
Kobo US (FOR PRICE CHECK ONLY, AS OF NOW): https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the...-novels-in-one

Spoiler:

From award-winning, bestselling author Alice Duncan comes the second Daisy Gumm Majesty Cozy Mystery Boxset filled to the brim with "intriguing plots with ample twists. A perfect 10, by gum!" ~RT Book Reviews

It's the 1920s and Daisy Gum Majesty is doing her part to support her family as a spiritualist to people with more money than sense... and she's training her dachshund, Spike, too.

HUNGRY SPIRITS: Tapped to teach a cooking class for immigrant German ladies, Daisy steps up and forces herself to confront her own prejudices about those she blames for her veteran-husband's war illness. But when a student disappears and Daisy discovers that the help needed has nothing to do with cooking—there's an anarchist's scheme about to boil over.

GENTEEL SPIRITS: The movie biz is coming to Pasadena and Daisy and Spike are up to their ears in trouble. A spoiled actress wants Daisy as her very own spiritualist, someone is sending poison-pen letters to the Leading Man, and Spike is butting heads with Detective Sam Rotondo, assigned to the movie-set as security.

ANCIENT SPIRITS: When Mrs. Pinkerton's daughter is arrested, Daisy picks up her Ouija board for the first time since her husband's death, and is rewarded with information that sends her to Cairo, Egypt where she lands in the middle of a smuggling ring.

AWARDS:
Romantic Times Top Pick
Reviewer's Choice Awards, finalist

Originally Posted by sufue

Two more price drops in the Daisy Gumm Majesty series by Alice Duncan, at both Kindle US and Kobo US (couponable/VIPable). As I've mentioned before, I really like this series.
Fine Spirits, #2, $0.99
Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Spirits-...dp/B00ERCS2U2/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fin...mystery-book-2

High Spirits, #3, $1.99
Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/High-Spirits-...dp/B00ERCSGE4/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hig...mystery-book-3

[ATDrake]

Soho Press has rotated their sale specials (couponable/VIP-eligible at Kobo CA, but apparently not in the US any more):

@ 99 cents: The List: A Novella by British author Mick Herron (SYKM, Wikipedia), part of his Gold Dagger Award-winning Slough House series about MI-5 intelligence agents banished for failures. This has been at the $2.99 for as long as I can recall seeing it (a few years, by now), so it's a pretty cheap price.

@ $1.99 for the 1st-in-series, and then $3.89 CAD at Kobo CA/$4.99 USD for the rest:

• PI Jade de Jong series by Jassy MacKenzie (SYKM), starring a private investigator in South Africa. The 1st novel was a Shamus finalist, and the series is up to 5 in total.
• Kramer & Zondi series by the late British writer James McClure (SYKM, Wikipedia), starring an Afrikaner detective and a Bantu police sergeant in South Africa, starting during the 1970s (has its own Wikipedia page). 1st novel was a Gold Dagger Award-winner, and there are 8 in the series.

Also @ $1.99 for the 1st-in-series, but no discount on the others: Outsider in Amsterdam by the late Dutch author Janwillem van de Wetering (ISFDB, Wikipedia), a translation of the 1st in his long-running and highly popular Grijsptra & De Gier series starring cops in Amsterdam during the 1970s. I've read this one and thought it was okay, but something of a time capsule in terms of retro sensibility.

And if you happen to read French, Kobo CA is also offering two fairly good promotions on francophone mystery/thrillers:

About a half-dozen of award-winning Québécois author Martin Michaud's (Wikipedia FR)'s mystery/thrillers are just $4.99 (couponable and also redeemable for points), including all of his popular Victor Lessard series. They regularly cost about twice as much. The dedicated promo page which can be accessed from the usual Kobo CA promotions page is malfunctioning, but you can pull up a list of all his sale titles via the regular author search.

They're also offering 2x points on selected already-discounted francophone thrillers until March 27th, with three categories available on this page. It's mainly works in translation by Stephen King, Donna Leon, and German author Sebastian Fitzek. But there are some native French authors in there such as Ian Manook (Wikipedia FR), who writes the Yeruldegger police procedural series set in Mongolia, which I've been meaning to try for a while, and there are volumes of Swedish author Viveca Sten's (SYKM, Wikipedia) Sandhamm Murder series which haven't yet been translated into English by AmazonCrossing (and won't be available until next year), going for half-off.

The Viveca Sten novels are also on sale in France as a special promotion from publisher Albin Michel, according to this shopping page @ Chapitre.com.

[ATDrake]

Bargain @ $0.99-$2.99 from Penguin's Berkley imprint in Canada & the US (linkage goes to Kobo, but should be available at all the usual retailers):

About 18 or so vintage novels by the late Mickey Spillane (SYKM, Wikipedia), some of which appear to be in his popular Mike Hammer series (Wikipedia). About a dozen of them are at the 99 cent price point, several of the rest at $1.99 (plus what looks like some of the posthumous collaborations with Max Allan Collins from Open Road Media's MysteriousPress.com imprint at the same price point), and a couple for $2.99 (and more at $4.99 and up).

[sufue]

And yet another title in the Jimmy Flannery series by Robert Campbell, The Cat's Meow (fifth in the series), is a US Kindle Countdown deal, at $0.99 for about 6 1/2 more days.

link: https://www.amazon.com/Cats-Meow-Jim...dp/B0169K56YE/

Spoiler:

Ignatius, Father Mulrooney's cat, has been found dead in the church and buried by the aging priest in the graveyard. Dead cats tell no tales, but the howls of Ignatius--according to the good father--startle him from a deep sleep the next night and send him to the church to investigate. On the sanctuary floor is a pentagon painted in blood and signs of a Black Mass. But all traces of the Satan worship vanish by the time he brings his housekeeper, Mrs. Thrimble, to witness the sacrilege. Can't Jimmy, with his growing reputation for investigation, take a look-see?

Matters of cats meowing from beyond the grave and old boneyards aside, Flannery doesn't consider either problem a matter of life and death...until he stumbles upon a corpse. That makes it murder. Someone has killed poor old Father Mulrooney, and Flannery suspects the motive lies in the world of the living , where passions run deep and politics lie at the bottom of land deals, buried secrets, and sudden death.

While former choir boy Flannery heads to the Catholic boys' school next to St. Pat's--that being the likeliest source of ghostly cats and devilish doings--his former ward boss "Chips" Devlin figures Jim's the one to revive some of Chicago's Irish political clout and squelch the gas station deal. Devlin's sainted grandmother lies in that graveyard, and he'd prefer her bones rest in peace, not make way for premium no-lead.

[sufue]

That Day the Rabbi Left Town is the 11th and last in the Rabbi Small series by Harry Kemelman. It has dropped to $1.99 at Kindle and Kobo US (VIP/couponable).

Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/That-Rabbi-Le...dp/B00ZJZGX5W/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/tha...abbi-left-town

Spoiler:

Rabbi Small comes out of retirement to solve his final case

Retired from his job at the synagogue in Barnard’s Crossing, Massachusetts, Rabbi Small now teaches Judaic studies at a Boston college. Finally able to enjoy theological contemplation without the annoyance of temple politics, the rabbi is shocked when one of his colleagues is found dead in his car—and the clues at the scene point to murder.

The deceased English professor was notoriously selfish and held long-standing grudges against other members of the faculty, so the list of suspects is long. But when the rabbi who took over Small’s position in Barnard’s Crossing is implicated, it falls to Small to clear his name and find the true killer, one last time.

[Mort1997]

Free today on Amazon UK - With Our Blessing by Jo Spain


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Blessin...WBR8YXS81V0SEH

[KyBunnies]

Originally Posted by Mort1997

Free today on Amazon UK - With Our Blessing by Jo Spain


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Blessing-Inspector-Reynolds-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00X66FJYM/ref=zg_bs_362247031_f_29?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refR ID=W4V0MVWBR8YXS81V0SEH

Also at Kobo UK - https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/with-our-blessing-1