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Unusual Suspects

Mystery Novels Featuring Ernest Hemingway

Hello mystery fans! I’ve got another roundup of news and links and Kindle deals for you and then I’ll see you all back here in the new year! Until then, if you want to drink too much eggnog and solve a neighborhood mystery you have my full blessing, I’ll write you a note!


Sponsored by Book Riot’s 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2018 Giveaway.

We’re giving away ten of our favorite works of nonfiction of the year! Click here to enter.


Adaptations And News And Things Of Interest

9 Mystery Novels and Series Featuring Ernest Hemingway

11 Thriller & Mystery Authors Recommend The Best Books In The Genre That They Read In 2018

John le Carré to publish novel about ‘the new political turbulence’ in 2019

24 Podcasts For Readers Who Love Mysteries, Thrillers, And True Crime

A look at the lady detectives in Victorian Literature

BBC1’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The ABC Murders has a trailer and will air in three parts on December 26, 27, and 28 at 9 p.m.

True Crime

Alligator Candy cover imageHulu Inks First-Look Deal With Journalist & Author David Kushner (If you’re a fan of true crime memoirs Alligator Candy is very good– Full Review) (TW I remember this being very dark and it’s a crime against a child.)

The story about the murder of JFK’s lover, American painter Mary Pinchot Meyer, is being developed by Warner Bros TV as a potential limited series. (Based on Peter Janney’s book Mary’s Mosaic.)

Menendez Brothers spotted on 1990 Knicks basketball card

Serial killer Dennis Rader’s daughter shares her story in new book

True Crime & Cooking Show Obsessions Affect Your Brain In The Same Way, According To Experts

Kindle Deals

A detective mystery set in Jamaica with a pairing of a Jamaican detective and a Scottish detective sounds super good and it’s $4.09 right now: Murder in Montego Bay by Paula Lennon

One of my favorite Agatha Christie novels is $2.99: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.

And I recently reviewed the very good The Borrowed by Chan Ho-Kei, Jeremy Tiang (Translator) in the backwards mysteries newsletter and it’s $2.99! Don’t snooze! (Review) (TW  rape/ suicide)

Now I’m off to try and see how many books I can finish reading before the new year because you gotta have goals!

The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins cover imageCurrently halfway through and enjoying: The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins; Barbed Wire Heart by Tess Sharpe; Scrublands by Chris Hammer; Paper Gods by Goldie Taylor.

Browse all the books recommended in Unusual Suspects previous newsletters on this shelf. And here’s an Unusual Suspects Pinterest board.

Until next time, keep investigating! And in the meantime, come talk books with me on Twitter, Instagram, and Litsy–you can find me under Jamie Canavés.

If a mystery fan forwarded this newsletter to you and you’d like your very own you can sign up here.

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Today In Books

The Copyrighted Works Entering Public Domain: Today In Books

This edition of Today in Books is sponsored by MIRA Books and HUNTING ANNABELLE by Wendy Heard.


It’s Been 21 Years Since A Mass Of Copyrighted Work Entered The Public Domain

There’s a whole history as to why “the public domain has been frozen in time for 20 years” and of course it involved Disney. The good news is that at midnight on December 31st, tons of work–including books, films, paintings, music, photographs, and poems–from 1923 will be in the public domain. Click that link above for more on the why and which.

The Scottish Granny Does It Again

Janice Clark, The Scottish Granny, not only became a viral hit when a video of her reading her grandson The Wonky Donkey hit the internet but it also propelled the book’s sales. And she’s done it again with a new video of her reading I Need A New Bum! which has been viewed more than a million times and has once again boosted the book’s sales.

Ben Affleck Adapting Again

This time he’s starring in and looking to produce the adaptation of the YA novel I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall. Universal Pictures bought the rights in a bidding war of the novel described as “Wild meets The Revenant, infused with ferocious girl power.” Ya know we’re already making the popcorn.

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Today In Books

Most Popular Library Books Of 2018: Today In Books

This edition of Today in Books is sponsored by P Is for Pterodactyl by Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter.

P Is For Pterodactyl cover image


The Ebooks And Audiobooks Most Checked Out From Overdrive

Overdrive, a digital distributor used by many libraries in the U.S., released the books most read in 2018 in eBook and audiobook. Unsurprising were some novels that had been adapted to film recently and, of course, Harry Potter. Big congrats to Celeste Ng for the win, though! Check out the lists here.

Netflix Gets Witchy-er

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has been renewed for season 3 with an order of 16 more episodes. Don’t worry about how long you’ll have to wait for that season because the 2nd will be dropping April 5, 2019.

Don’t Be This Guy

Darin Webb was sentenced to two years in prison for embezzling over $3.4 million from the literary agency Donadio & Olson. “Somehow running undetected for years, Webb’s actions nearly bankrupted bestselling author Chuck Palahniuk, and ultimately destroyed Donadio & Olson, which officially filed for Chapter 7 protections on December 3.”

 

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Unusual Suspects

YOUR Best Under the Radar Mysteries

Hi mystery fans! A few weeks back I asked you to tell me about mysteries you enjoyed this year, which you thought didn’t get the attention they deserved, and I’ve collected those here. And of course I added some more because I always have more books to talk about.


Sponsored by Before We Were Strangers by Brenda Novak.

The official story was that Sloane’s mother abandoned the family, which hadn’t sat any better at the time than it did when Sloane moved out at eighteen. But not even a fresh start in New York could keep the nightmares at bay. Or her fears that the domineering father she grew up with wasn’t just difficult—he was deadly. Now another traumatic loss forces Sloane to realize she owes it to her mother to find out the truth, even if it means returning to a small town full of secrets and lies, a jilted ex-boyfriend, and a father and brother who’d rather see her silenced.


Monday’s Not Coming cover image“I don’t know how much attention it received, but I stumbled on Monday’s Not Coming, I also loved Tangerine by Christine Mangan but didn’t hear much about it.”–Tynisha

The Real Michael Swann by Bryan Reardon. Very good, and twisty.”– Sandra

“I read Our Kind Of Cruelty by Araminta Hall early in the season and was certain it would be one of the most talked about books of the year. But in fact, the opposite was true. I heard very little about this smart, thrilling, captivating book that had me anxiously turning pages from the very first page of the book. If you want to read an edge of your seat mystery with multi dimensional characters, this book is for you.”– Columbus

“I didn’t hear anything about The Ruin anywhere but book riot and I thought it was A++”– Maddie

Resurrection Bay cover image“Emma Viskic’s books are awesome, but I’m not sure if they are both out in the US yet (Resurrection Bay and And Fire Came Down)”–Sue (They are both out in the U.S.!)

Tear Me Apart by JT Ellison was pretty great.”–Jennie

“I know you already know about Salt Lane. I did also like November Road, and it didn’t seem to make much of a dent.”–Jessica

Ways to Hide in Winter by Sarah St. Vincent: It’s gorgeously written and beautifully sad, and really thought-provoking.”– Liberty

And I’m going to add:

The Night In Question by Nic Joseph cover imageThe Night In Question by Nic Joseph: For fans of character driven mysteries that are exploring an idea–like where the line between good and bad is? Also, great for fans of characters unraveling after a bad decision. (Review)

#FashionVictim by Amina Akhtar: If you like “fun” psychopaths/satire/Serial Mom meets Devil Wears Prada. (Review) (TW suicide attempt)

The Dinosaur Artist: Obsession, Betrayal, and the Quest for Earth’s Ultimate Trophy by Paige Williams: If you enjoyed Bad Blood and The Feather Thief–my current obsession are these nonviolent, bonkers true crime reads–this is another must-read. (Review)

A Dangerous Crossing cover imageA Dangerous Crossing (Rachel Getty & Esa Khattak #4) by Ausma Zehanat Khan: I love this procedural series that focuses on two Canadian detectives, and travels around the world–it should get way more attention than it does. Plus, I’m super excited that the next book in the series, A Deadly Divide, comes out in February! (Review) (TW child deaths/ rape/ torture)

Hollywood Ending (Detective by Day #2) by Kellye Garrett: If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries this one has a great group of friends, is funny, and I love seeing Day evolve in the second book to work towards becoming a real P.I. Can be read as a standalone. (Review) (TW suicide)

Recent Releases + End of December Releases (If they don’t have TW in this case it’s because I haven’t read them yet and don’t know.)

Eggs on Ice cover imageEggs on Ice (Cackleberry Club #8) by Laura Childs (Cozy mystery)

The Drowned Girl (Louise Rick #3) by Sara Blaedel (Dec 24) (Scandinavian procedural)

Live and Let Pie (A Bakeshop Mystery #9) by Ellie Alexander (Dec 31) (Cozy mystery)

Half of What You Hear by Kristyn Kusek Lewis (Dec 31) (Being compared with Big Little Lies.)

The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy (Paperback Dec 31) (Missing child thriller that, if I remember correctly, Reese Witherspoon chose as a book club pick; and it’s being adapted into a film.) (TW domestic abuse)

The Pope of Palm Beach by Tim Dorsey (Paperback)

Browse all the books recommended in Unusual Suspects previous newsletters on this shelf. And here’s an Unusual Suspects Pinterest board.

Until next time, keep investigating! And in the meantime, come talk books with me on Twitter, Instagram, and Litsy–you can find me under Jamie Canavés.

If a mystery fan forwarded this newsletter to you and you’d like your very own you can sign up here.

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Today In Books

6 Free Classic Audiobooks Narrated By Celebrities: Today In Books

This edition of Today in Books is sponsored by Waterhouse Press.

Undaunted cover image


Apple Book Users Listen Up!

You can download 6 classic audiobooks narrated by celebrities for free, including Pride & Prejudice narrated by Kate Beckinsale. Sounds like someone has decided to compete with Audible. *grabs popcorn*

The New York Times Book Review And Alice Walker Criticized

In her By the Book interview Walker mentioned having the book And the Truth Shall Set You Free by David Icke on her nightstand. “Ideas in the book in question and much of his other work revolve around concepts expressed in the fraudulent antisemitic propaganda text The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.” You can read more about people’s reactions, why Icke is problematic, and NYT’s statement here.

We’re Getting a Glow Comic!

In March, before the still unscheduled third season of Netflix’s Glow, we’ll be treated to a four-issue comic series. The show’s co-creators will be working with IDW Publishing to create a new story that has the ladies “accidentally scheduled for a charity wrestling match with real lady wrestlers.” Fun!

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Today In Books

Hogwarts Made Out Of 60lbs Of Gingerbread: Today In Books

Sponsored by Book Riot’s 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2018 Giveaway


And It’s Totally Edible!

This took some serious time–3 days–and it was totally worth it because look at this 60lb Hogwarts replica made of gingerbread! Point me to the parts made of crispy rice treats, please.

Fourth-Grader Publishes Anti-Bullying Book

After being prescribed glasses Marcayah Carter began being teased at school. Her response? To write a story about a friendship that ends when one friend begins to bully the other. As a surprise from her mom Don’t be a Bully: Love Always got illustrated and printed and began selling, including on Amazon. I’ll just be over here singing Whitney Houston NOT crying–you’re crying!

Canadian Public Libraries Want Better Prices From Publishers

Public Canadian Libraries say that the big publishers are not only not pricing fairly but are also restricting e-books and audiobooks. While this has always been a problem, it seems it’s only gotten worse in the last two years. “Libraries are about freedom to access and information, and we need to maintain relevance going into the future if we’re going to continue to be a valuable service for the public.” Read here for more detail.

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Today In Books

Amy Poehler With The Literary Adaptation Win: Today In Books

Sponsored by Book Riot’s 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2018 Giveaway


Amy Poehler’s Paper Kites Production Has Been Busy

It just optioned the rights to The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai. The novel was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and a finalist for this year’s National Book Award. Learn more about the adaptation and Makkai’s novel here.

#ReadTheOnePercent Shop Crowdfunding Campaign

Aimée Felone and David Stevens opened a children’s pop-up bookstore in Brixton as a “response to a damning report from the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), which found that of more than 9,000 children’s books published in the UK in 2017, just 1% had a BAME main character.” Their pop-up only sells books with protagonists who are black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) and now they’ve started a crowdfunding campaign to open more around the UK and Ireland.

YALSA’s Award For Excellence In Nonfiction

The Young Adult Library Services Association has announced its five finalist for YALSA’s Award for Excellence in Nonfiction. The winner will be announced Jan. 28, 2019 at the ALA Youth Media Awards, giving you plenty of time to read the five finalist if you haven’t already. Here they are!

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Today In Books

Tournament Of Books Zombie Poll: Today In Books

Sponsored by Book Riot’s 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2018 Giveaway


And Now The Shortlist, Judges, And Zombie Poll!

So the shortlist was released for the 2019 Tournament of Books along with the judges but also, my favorite, the zombie poll! Not just because I like saying “zombie poll” but because it “brings back two books that were eliminated previously during gameplay. As to which books return, it’s determined by a popular vote, i.e., you.” Learn more about the 2019 Tournament of Books, the books, judges, and vote in the zombie poll here.

Alyssa Milano’s Book Deal

The actress and activist will have a children’s book publish in October 2019 by Scholastic titled Hope. It will be first in a series about a spunky 11-year-old girl who is looking to start social change in her community. You had me at “spunky.”

And In Sad News

Tin House magazine announced that its 20th Anniversary Issue will be its last issue: “Given the current costs of producing a literary magazine, I have decided to shift resources to Tin House’s other two divisions: Tin House Books and the Tin House Workshop.” You can read the publisher’s letter here.

 

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Today In Books

Cher Memoir & Biopic Coming: Today In Books

This edition of Today in Books is sponsored by Book Riot’s 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2018 Giveaway.


Cher Tweets And We Listen

If you’ve been anticipating Cher “writing her life story” you only have to wait until 2020! She tweeted that not only is that when the memoir will release but there’s a biopic film to follow. No, YOU now have Believe stuck in your head for the day.

Marie Kondo’s Tidying Up On Netflix

The author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing is bringing the KonMari method to Netflix and here’s the trailer. It’s like the Supernanny but for clutter!

The Aquaman Red Carpet Is Awesome

Jason Momoa led a haka, a Māori traditional dance, on the red carpet of the Aquaman premiere. Oh, and did I mention he stripped down to his tank top? Add some awesome to your day and watch here.

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Unusual Suspects

Rioters’ Favorite Crime Books Of 2018

Hello mystery fans! Fellow Rioters brought to my attention that Pushing Daisies is now streaming on Amazon Prime. I’m not sure this show has ever streamed anywhere before, which is a shame because it is purely delightful, creative, fun, and filled with great mysteries! Plus, Lee Pace! So if you’ve never seen it before, or need a rewatch like I always need, the complete 2 seasons are streaming.


Sponsored by Book Riot’s 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2018 Giveaway. We’re giving away ten of our favorite works of nonfiction of the year! Click here to enter.

 


From Book Riot And Around The Internet

as long as we both shall live cover imageYou can read the first two chapters of JoAnn Channey’s As Long As We Both Shall Live (January 15) now! I can’t say it enough: this thriller should be the thriller of 2019, and you want to read it before everyone is talking about it!

Amanda was a guest on On Point The Year In Books: Taking A Look At The Top Titles Of 2018 and she talked about one of my favorite mysteries.

Rincey and Katie did an episode of Read or Dead where they answered listeners recommendation requests.

I asked Rioters what their favorite 2018 mystery, thrillers, and true crime reads were and they told me!

Lives Laid Away cover imageBeaten, but Never Beat: PW Talks with Stephen Mack Jones –author of August Snow; Lives Laid Away.

So we sat down with Gabino to talk about his new book, Coyote Songs, and how his barrio noir is leading an influx of great indie lit about the immigrant experience.

9 Holiday Mysteries & Thrillers For Readers Who Prefer Their Mistletoe With A Side Of Murder

News And Adaptations

Big Sky cover imageDoubleday Books announced that the fifth book in the Jackson Brodie series is coming out in 2019: Big Sky by Kate Atkinson

Roxane Gay announced she has an upcoming crime graphic novel: “My next comic is called The Banks, three generations of black women who are master thieves in Chicago. Their mantra: steal smart, right a wrong.”

Kindle Deals

The Secret History of Las Vegas by Chris Abani cover imageThe Secret History of Las Vegas by Chris Abani is $4.99 and if you like dark literary mysteries snatch this up real quick it’s the only time I’ve seen it on sale! (Review) (I don’t remember the specific trigger warnings but this was dark–like humanity has been evil throughout history and still is dark.)

If you’re looking for a suspenseful “who did I marry?” Undertow by Elizabeth Heathcote is $2.99 (Review) (TW rape)

Watch Now

CB Strike dvd cover imageC.B. Strike, the series adaptation of Robert Galbraith’s (J.K. Rowling) PI series Cormoran Strikes, is now out on DVD. You can watch the trailer here.

Browse all the books recommended in Unusual Suspects previous newsletters on this shelf. And here’s an Unusual Suspects Pinterest board.

Until next time, keep investigating! And in the meantime, come talk books with me on Twitter, Instagram, and Litsy–you can find me under Jamie Canavés.

If a mystery fan forwarded this newsletter to you and you’d like your very own you can sign up here.