We hear a lot about the decline of reading, often blamed on competing entertainment such as computer games. But for those who devour bestselling crime novels and science fiction/fantasy books, reading and computer games go hand in hand. Wildly popular author, James Patterson (“America’s #1 storyteller,” according to press releases), has expanded his brand to include an interactive game called “Death in Scarlet,” based on his Women’s Murder Club series of novels. The game, which is downloadable on PCs and available all over the web for a free trial, will be released for Windows Vista/XP on Aug. 26 for $29 (preorder at Amazon). It offers gamers a brand new Patterson story about a chilling series of murders in San Francisco. The investigation allows players to find hidden objects inside nine investigations full of brain-bending puzzles and “strikingly beautiful artwork” on their way to solving the psychotic killer’s identity. First of a planned series based on Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club novels, “Death in Scarlet” is aimed at female ”casual gamers” who like simple rules and ease of play. Fans of bestselling writer, Orson Scott Card, will soon have their own video game to enjoy. “Ender’s Game: Battle Room” (based on his novel) is coming to most downloadable platforms, though the release date is unannounced. Card will be a chief consultant on adapting the novel into a game.