Hello, mystery fans! I am late to the Bridgerton (Netflix) party, but I’m going with that I have arrived fashionably late and am now properly obsessed as a wonderful distraction from *frantically waves at everything*.
Make this your most bookish summer yet with personalized reading recommendations from Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists (aka professional book nerds) are standing by to help you find your next favorite read. Get your recommendations via email, or opt to receive hardcovers or paperbacks delivered right to your door. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Get started today from just $18!
Bookish Goods
Pressed Flower Bookmark by JLSquare
Enjoy spring flowers without worrying about allergies or having to water them! ($14)
New Releases
Ash Dark As Night (Harry Ingram Mystery #2) by Gary Phillips
For fans of historical fiction (1960s), a photographer PI, and an L.A. setting!
Harry Ingram is a photographer and PI who finds himself somewhat famous when he photographs police shooting an activist during the Watts riots. This places him with a target on his back from police and also gets him a new client: Betty Payton can’t find her business associate who disappeared during the riots. Dodging all the unwanted attention coming his way, Harry finds himself following leads into robberies and conspiracies…
While you can read this as a standalone if you want to, for the introduction of the character, pick up One-Shot Harry.
Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo
For fans of YA mysteries, fictional missing persons cases, ex-best friends, and characters taking on rape culture.
Jo-Lynn Kirby lost her social standing in school after nude photos of her were leaked. Now her ex-best friend Maddie Price suddenly wants to talk to Jo, asking for help. But Maddie vanishes before Jo can find out what Maddie needed, and this forces Jo to find a way back into the inner circle to investigate, all while reckoning with the past she’s trying to forget…
Looking for more new releases? Check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
Here are two mystery novels with buildings on the cover!
The Ancient Nine by Ian K. Smith
For fans of secret societies, ’80s settings, and academic mystery novels!
Harvard student Spenser Collins finds himself invited to join the Delphic Club, an exclusive club shrouded in mystery — including that in the ’20s, a former student disappeared after trying to break into the club. This makes Spenser think there’s more to look into regarding this club, which obviously isn’t going to go without danger…
The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word by Janet Sumner Johnson
For fans of middle grade mysteries, competitions, fortune, and secrets!
Twins Hope and Gordon Smith live with their mom, who is struggling to make ends meet, when they learn their deceased father was son of the Winterton’s, a tycoon family. They’re holding a charity spelling bee which Hope would happily have nothing to do with — except they may soon be evicted and need the money that can come from winning, so Hope enters. Soon, she and her twin brother find themselves in a clue hunt at the Winterton’s manor, surrounded by unknown relatives and secrets…
News and Roundups
Lady in the Lake First Look: Natalie Portman Is a ’60s Housewife Turned Investigative Journalist
How To Prepare for Pride Month in Libraries 2024
Readers’ Most Anticipated Summer Books
Bodkin and the 3 best crime dramas to watch on Netflix in May 2024
Browse the books recommended in Unusual Suspects’ previous newsletters on this shelf. See upcoming 2024 releases and mysteries from 2023. 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 Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Litsy — you can find me under Jamie Canavés.
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