Mystery Melange - Easter/Passover Edition

The Quais Polar crime fiction conference returns to Lyon, France this weekend, from April 3-5. This year's Special Guests include Eva Björg Ægisdóttir, Chris Brookmyre, SA Cosby, Peter James, Abir Mukherjee, and Don Winslow. The event also includes meetings, screenings, games, puzzles, and walks.


The tradition of Påskekrim, or Easter crime, when Norwegians immerse themselves in crime fiction every spring, has become a unique and cherished aspect of Norwegian culture, dating back to the early 1920s when a publishing house, Gyldendal, launched a marketing campaign that coincided with the Easter holiday. The tradition has expanded beyond reading to include television adaptations, films, and themed events. Two of the most prominent Norwegian crime authors whose books are eagerly sought out during this season are Jo Nesbø, whose Harry Hole series are now global bestsellers (with a TV adaptation on Netflix), and Karin Fossum, often referred to as the "Queen of Norwegian Crime.".


Janet Rudolph has lists of Easter-themed crime fiction titles and also Passover-themed crime fiction on her Mystery Fanfare blog for some holiday reading.


Kings River Life has classic Easter-themed short stories to read for free, including: "Easter Haunting" by Margaret Mandel; "In Your Easter Bonnet" by Gail Farrelly; and "Never Miss a Chick" by Madeline McEwen.


The authors at Mystery Lovers Kitchen have shared both Passover and Easter recipes, including Seven Minute Apple Doughnuts and Italian Malfatti using Matzo Meal from Cleo Coyle for Passover; and for Easter, Armenian Sweet Bread or Choereg via Tina Kashian, Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns from Libby Klein, Make-Ahead Easter Cupcakes by way of Krista Davis, and a Strawberry Tart via Peg Cochran.