If you’re wondering what’s happening in the mystery corner of publishing and Hollywood, I’m here with some recent news. As always, there’s adaptation and casting announcements, plus two of my favorite crime writers in conversation, and a list of new paperback releases to check out!

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice cast reunites on Netflix’s Wednesday

If, like me, you’re a fan of Winona Ryder and aren’t caught up on the Netflix show Wednesday, you’re gonna want to hit play before the Season 3 premiere where she’s set to guest star. “‘When it comes to Outcasts, Winona Ryder is the GOAT,’ said Gough & Millar. ‘Her legendary partnership with Tim Burton has defined some of cinema’s most unforgettable characters. We loved collaborating with her on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to Nevermore.’” Variety has all the deets.

A chat between two of the best crime writers

On Thursday April 30th, Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, CA is hosting an author chat between Jordan Harper and S.A. Cosby for Harper’s new crime book, A Violent Masterpiece. To purchase tickets and get more info, click here. And if you’ve yet to read Harper or Cosby, I highly recommend you remedy that with Blacktop Wasteland and She Rides Shotgun, to start with.

Spider-Man, but make it noir

Inspired by the noir genre, Marvel published Spider-Man Noir in 2008, which set Peter Parker in 1933 New York. Now we’re getting a live-action series adaptation with Nicolas Cage, Morris, Li Jun Li, and Brendan Gleeson. Amazon Prime Video has a teaser trailer and Entertainment Weekly has everything we know about Nicolas Cage’s gritty live-action series so far. And speaking of superheroes + noir, check out twisted noir superhero stories if you read graphic novels.

If you wait for the paperback

This is a great roundup at CrimeReads of the mystery and thriller books released in paperback in February. Some personal favorites include Kills Well with Others, Broken Fields, Dead in the Frame, and Saint of the Narrows Street.

Puzzle Master adaptation casts lead

Danielle Trussoni’s Puzzle series is getting an NBC series adaptation and Damon Wayans Jr. has been cast to star. In the book series (The Puzzle Master), Mike Brink was left with a syndrome from a past brain injury which he uses to assist in solving mysteries, because he is excellent at creating and solving puzzles.

Stay up to date with all things mystery in our mystery/thriller archives here.

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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