Conclave Zine For Charity, True Crime Case Updates & More Mystery News!
In this round-up of all things for mystery fans to know, I have a hodgepodge of items: from updates on true crime cases to Conclave memes raising money for charities!
Make it fun!
The film Conclave, adapted from the same-titled novel by Robert Harris, was nominated for eight Oscars and has inspired internet personality Pope Crave to create memes and a Conclave fan zine. Not only are the creators of the film enjoying the attention, but the zine “has already raised an estimated $45,000 for charities including the Intersex Human Rights Fund.” Samantha Allen spoke to Pop Crave at Them: How “Pope Crave” Went From Conclave Memes to Raising Thousands for Intersex Rights.
A fantastic episode of television inspired by classic mystery books!
Mythic Quest (Apple TV+) is one of those shows* that is great, yet it is very difficult to get other people to watch it because they think if they’re not into gaming, they won’t get it or enjoy it. But if you like comedy shows with a particular kind of humor built around ridiculous people and their relationships at a job, I highly recommend it. I especially recommend one of the best TV episodes, “The Villain’s Feast,” which is inspired by—is an homage to, really—classic mystery books: (spoilers ahead) ‘Mythic Quest’ Writers Megan Ganz and Humphrey Ker On Pulling Off Two Major Plot Twists in “The Villain’s Feast.”
*Halt & Catch Fire also suffered from this problem!
Looking for your next detective show?
Laura Miller at Slate has got you covered if you’re after “The best crime shows to watch in the coldest, darkest, most melancholy depths of winter” with The Complete Guide to Sweater Detectives.
Los Angeles Times Book Prizes Finalists in Mystery/Thriller!
The finalist list has been revealed for the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes with five books in the running for the Mystery/Thriller category (two were on my fave of 2024 list and one I just wrote a recs list for!).
They are: Christopher Bollen, Havoc; Michael Connelly, The Waiting; Attica Locke, Guide Me Home; Liz Moore, The God of the Woods; Danielle Trussoni, The Puzzle Box.
Cover Reveals & Author Interviews!
Cover reveal for Fiend by Alma Katsu
Cover reveal for A Matter of Murder by Tirzah Price
Jean Kwok on Infusing Mystery into Literary Fiction
Thriller author Paula Hawkins knows how to tap into readers’ fears
Backstage with novelist Alex Segura
Updates: True Crime Cases
Book: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
Adnan Syed Sentenced to Time Served in Former Girlfriend’s 2000 Murder, Will Not Go Back to Prison
Book: Adnan’s Story: The Search for Truth and Justice After Serial by Rabia Chaudry
Browse the books recommended in Unusual Suspects’ previous newsletters on this shelf. See upcoming 2025 releases, and mysteries from 2024 and 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, Goodreads, Litsy, and Substack.
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