Hello mystery fans! Let’s dive into new releases (historical mystery and nonfiction spy), backlist standalones that I’d like a sequel to, and the latest in news and roundups.
New Releases
Harlem Sunset (Harlem Renaissance Mystery #2) by Nekesa Afia
Louise Lloyd is back in the sequel to Dead Dead Girls, a great historical mystery series set during the Harlem Renaissance. Starting after the events of the first book’s conclusion (no spoilers here) we’re in Harlem, 1927 and Louise has a visitor from her past: one of the girl’s who had been kidnapped with her when she was a teen. But their reunion is cut short when she’s found dead and Louise’s girlfriend becomes the suspect…
The Spy Who Knew Too Much: An Ex-CIA Officer’s Quest Through a Legacy of Betrayal by Howard Blum
I’m currently listening to this audiobook and if you’re a fan of John le Carré, spy thrillers, moles, and people who won’t let go of an investigation, this is narrative nonfiction you’ll like. It starts with a boat found out in the water with no owner on board. But things pointing to the CIA are found, just not the CIA officer they belong to. From there things begin to unravel, things don’t line up, things are questioned, accused–what exactly is going on?
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I am a big fan of both series and standalone books, but sometimes I read a standalone and love a character so much that I hope there will be another book. Here are two examples.
Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland
This is such a great read as a standalone book with a completed mystery plot, but it also has one of my all time favorite child characters and I’d love to get to continue following Ophie in her life—it doesn’t even have to be a mystery. In 1922 Ophie is uprooted after her father’s murder from Georgia to Pittsburgh and in the process she learns she sees ghosts, something that can place her in danger, but also puts her in the position to see someone in the house she’s working in who may need their murder solved. It’s been some time since I read this and I still find myself randomly thinking about Ophie, how she’s doing, what she’s doing, where she’s going in life.
Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil by Melina Marchetta
This hit so many things I like: a blend of adult and child characters, being nuanced and not falling into tragedy porn, and having the balance of humor. After a bombing on a school trip, a suspended MET officer has to find the kids who ran away while also figuring out the culprit. When I read this in 2017 I wrote “I can only hope I will one day get to meet Bish, his daughter Bee, ex-wife Rachel, Violette and her family again in a future book.” and I still feel exactly the same way.
News and Roundups
True-crime author Billy Jensen’s Bexley event canceled as book publication postponed
Fall 2022 Announcements: Mysteries & Thriller
On the latest All The Books! Liberty and Tirzah discuss new releases including Vera Kelly, Lost and Found by Rosalie Knecht and Tree Thieves: Crime and Survival in North America’s Woods by Lyndsie Bourgon.
(There’s mysteries!) 27 Books, TV Shows, And Movies Jane Austen Lovers Should Check Out
Browse all the books recommended in Unusual Suspects previous newsletters on this shelf. See upcoming 2022 releases. Check out this Unusual Suspects Pinterest board and get Tailored Book Recommendations!
Until next time, keep investigating! In the meantime, come talk books with me on Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Litsy–you can find me under Jamie Canavés.
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