What’s happening in the mystery genre world? Book awards, classic whodunnit recommendations, a readathon, feelings on final girls in the Scream franchise, and a dive into mystery book covers.
On one final girl
For Reactor, Emmet Asher-Perrin wrote about Gale Weathers being the best final girl of the Scream franchise. “…Gale Weathers is better than any Final Girl. She’s the one who never has to be here and always chooses it anyhow. And that means something very different than being chosen by fate and forced to reckon with the broken nature of things.” And now I need to go watch Scream again.
Trans Rights Readathon
Join the Trans Rights Readathon, March 17-31. The annual call to action is for readers and book lovers to support Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV), which is the last day of the readathon, March 31st. You can get more info here, and follow along on Bluesky, Instagram, and TikTok. If you’re looking for recs, my most recent five-star read is Woodworking by Emily St. James. For backlist in the mystery genre, definitely check out Robyn Gigl’s legal series and Justine Pucella Winans’ YA mystery, Bianca Torre Is Afraid Of Everything.
The 2026 Libby Book Award winners
Sherry Thomas’ The Librarians won the Best Mystery award, and Liann Zhang’s Julie Chan Is Dead Is Dead won for Best Thriller in this year’s Libby Book Awards. You can check out all 21 books that won at their official announcement.
Love a good whodunit?
Elle rounded up 26 mystery novels that follow the traditional whodunit trope. From classics like The Conjure-Man Dies to translated works like The Decagon House Murders, I spotted plenty of great novels on this list that will keep you entertained and sleuthing.
A backlist post on book cover art that is still worth the read
Here’s a still interesting look at crime novel covers and why sometimes you’ll see the same image on a ton of covers via AIGA: Why Do So Many Book Covers Look the Same? Blame Getty Images
All Access Bonus: Behind the Scenes of The Best Mystery/Thriller Books of the Century So Far
Earlier this month, we released our Best Fantasy and Best Romance Books of the Century So Far, the first two installments in an ongoing series on the Best Books of the Century So Far. Last week, we dropped the mystery/thriller list, and today, we’re giving All Access members a look at both the selection process and a list of titles that didn’t make the final cut.
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.Browse the books recommended in Unusual Suspects’ previous newsletters on this shelf, and see 2026 releases! Until next time, come talk books with me on Bluesky, Goodreads, Litsy, and Multitudes Contained.
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