Hello mystery fans! At the end of the year I try and read all the books outside of the crime genre that were high on my TBR all year and so far I’ve been on a winning reading streak:
- The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean (imaginative horror)
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (wonderful character voice–heads up for on-page sexual assault)
- Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman (second chance romance)
- The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern (the closest I’ve gotten to how I felt as a kid watching The Neverending Story)
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (felt like an epic love story but about friendship instead)
- Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke (hilarious and weird).
And now back to the previously scheduled all the crime–everything I’ve read so far coming in 2023 has been very good!
If you’re excited for a new year of reading and looking for a reading challenge, Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge is up and you can subscribe to the newsletter!
Bookish Goods
New Releases
That Dangerous Energy by Aya de León
I’m always excited for a new Aya de León and this is high on my reading list–especially since she always blends crime and romance so well! Morgan Faraday is securing her future by marrying Sebastian Reid, an oil company heir. The bonus: he runs a billion-dollar company that is green in order to offset the damage his family has done to the environment… or so Faraday thinks. A glimpse into Reid’s emails and private associates is painting a picture of “just for show in public”. Can Faraday gather enough evidence to expose him and stay alive?
The Kind to Kill (Shana Merchant #4) by Tessa Wegert
For fans of procedurals, island settings, and twisty mysteries. Shana Merchant previously transferred from the NYPD to Thousand Islands where she is a Senior Investigator. She’s currently dealing with fallout from things that happened recently and has a new case: tourists have come in for the Pirate Days event and one has been reported missing by her husband. But is it a coincidence that things are starting to suddenly feel like a previous case to Merchant?
This one does rely on events that have happened in previous books so if you want to start at the beginning (a remote mystery!), grab Death in the Family.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Legal mysteries are a favorite subgenre of mine so here are two great ones.
The Verdict by Nick Stone
A did-he-or-didn’t-he legal thriller! Just after receiving a humanitarian award, Vernon James is accused of murdering a woman in his hotel room. It turns out that the lawyer assigned his case, Terry Flynt, knows James from childhood and considers him a lifelong enemy! What could go wrong? Not only do you get a full case, but there’s plenty of twists and drama to keep you glued to the page. This gave me everything I love in a legal thriller.
(TW alcoholism/ attempted sexual assault scene, discusses S&M turned to assault, including partner abuse/ mentions death questioned as murder or suicide, detail/ past child and domestic abuse mentioned/ cancer/ discusses date rape drug during court case)
By Way of Sorrow (Erin McCabe Mysteries #1) by Robyn Gigl
This had somehow slipped my radar until I saw the third in the series (Remain Silent) is releasing next year, so I immediately grabbed this one in audio. The son of a prominent New Jersey man has been murdered and Erin McCabe has been hired to represent the accused, Sharise. Sharise is a Black transgender woman being held in the male prison who says that while hired for sex work, she killed the John in self-defense. McCabe, who transitioned herself four years ago, knows the danger transgender women face but still feels like there is more to the case, which her and her ex-FBI partner are trying to figure out. That is if they can stay alive and keep Sharise safe as witnesses start dropping dead around them…
I love McCabe’s character, watching her navigate her personal life and professional life, and am looking forward to continuing with the series. If you enjoy lawyer lead series, definitely pick this one up.
(TW transphobia/ misgendering/ mentions groping, and sexual assault threats in prison/ child abuse scene/ murder made to look like suicide, detail/ brief mention past cancer death, not graphic)
Watch Now
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan S3 on Amazon Prime: An episodic series based on Tom Clancy‘s books starring the character Jack Ryan (you probably know the previously adapted films The Hunt For Red October and Patriot Games). The former CIA analyst turned spy in the new series is played by John Krasinski.
News and Roundups
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15 New Winter Book Thrillers That You Won’t Be Able To Stop Thinking About
Glass Onion is dominating headlines, but this underseen mystery just might be better
Why Kate Winslet Isn’t Sure If Mare of Easttown Will Have a Season 2
7 Most-Anticipated YA Mysteries To Dive Into This Winter
Idris Elba’s troubled TV detective continues his story in Luther: The Fallen Sun movie
Browse all the books recommended in Unusual Suspects previous newsletters on this shelf. See 2022 releases and upcoming 2023 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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