The Mystery Writers of America (MWA) has announced the nominees for the 2026 Edgar Allan Poe Awards. From Best Novel to Best True Crime, you’re sure to find a great next read on the list. Some of my favorites include the dystopian novel The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami, the murder mystery History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook, Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping, Sulari Gentill’s trapped-on-a-train murder mystery Five Found Dead, and two of my Best of 2025 picks: Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave by Ally Russell and Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson. Donna Andrews and Lee Child have been named the 2026 Grand Masters, the MWA’s highest honor, acknowledging important contributions to this genre. The awards will take place on April 29, 2026 in New York City at the Marriott Marquis Times Square Hotel.
Chidi Anagonye!
Hans Rosenfeldt’s Swedish crime thriller Vargasommar was adapted into a Swedish TV series, and that series is now the inspiration for Cry Wolf, FX’s upcoming limited series. The psychological drama had already announced Olivia Colman and Brie Larson’s casting, and now William Jackson Harper has joined! Deadline has more details on the production.
More Agatha Christie
Enjoyed Netflix’s Seven Dials? Harper’s BAZAAR has eight Agatha Christie adaptation recommendations for you. From a BBC 2015 adaptation of And Then There Were None to a 1980’s “campy” adaptation of The Mirror Crack’d, you’re sure to find something to watch next.
“Innocent people go to prison for crimes they had no part in.”
“The idea for my first novel, The Midnight Taxi, was born in part from my desire to spread the word about innocent people in prison and jails across the country. It follows a young woman wrongly accused of murder when a passenger is found stabbed to death in the back of her taxi cab. It’s meant to be engaging, humorous, and at times lighthearted, while also addressing the serious realities and heartbreak of what happens when someone is wrongly accused.” Yosha Gunasekera, an Attorney at the Innocence Project, wrote for People explaining how her job inspired her new murder mystery novel.
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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