What’s happening in the world of news for mystery and thriller fans? As usual, there is adaptation news, plus a big book club picked a new thriller, book recs based on popular new series, and a primer on the difference between cozy and noir.

Family vacation gone wrong

If you like secluded murder mysteries with family drama, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Mary Kubica’s newest suspense novel, It’s Not Her, is getting the adaptation treatment. Deadline reports it’s “been optioned by French studio and Narcos and Lupin producer Gaumont for development as a television series.” Kubica also has an extensive backlist worth diving into, my favorite to date being Local Woman Missing.

The Good Morning America Book Club picks a twisty crime novel

Leodora Darlington’s debut, The Exes, has been picked by Good Morning America’s book club as their February selection. “’If you’re looking for an anti-Valentine’s read that will keep you up all night, or if you want an emotional story to remind you that anyone can still change, it’s never too late, then The Exes is a perfect read for you,’ [Leodora Darlington] says.” You can check out Darlington’s chat with People here and get all the deets on GMA’s Book Club here.

Resurrecting The President Is Missing with Halle Berry

Back in 2020, Variety reported that the adaptation of James Patterson’s thriller The President Is Missing, which was written with Bill Clinton, would no longer continue at Showtime. Cut to 2026, and the project is getting new life with Halle Berry taking on the role of President for Apple Original Films.

Book recs for fans of His & Hers and Tell Me Lies

If you enjoyed the adaptation (or books) of His & Hers (Netflix) and Tell Me Lies (Hulu), People magazine has 10 thrillers and suspense novels to read next.

A quick 101 primer on cozy vs noir

If you’ve ever wondered the key differences between the cozy mystery genre and noir, here’s a primer via No Film School.

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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