Review
What to read next: A comedian’s first novel and memoir of East Germany
Our reviewers cast their eyes over recent fiction and non-fiction.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll
Latest
Sick of winter? Survive the chilly nights with these eight books
Whether your favourite genre is romance, crime or history, there’s a new release to match your reading interests.
A murder most foul and the impact it has on everyone connected
Fiona McFarlane’s linked short stories focus on how a killer and his crimes affect various lives over time.
- by Jo Case
The nanny and the billionaire – steamy, and that’s not the ironing
Lauren Asher follows two wounded souls who make beautiful music – together.
- by Jessie Tu
A black parable and fine nature writing: Eight books to read next
Our reviewers consider the merits of recently released fiction and non-fiction.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Fiona Capp
Emotional grenades in a novel about mothers, daughters and identity
Jessie Tu’s follow up to her award-winning first novel is driven by three emotionally charged characters.
- by Frances Atkinson
Joni Mitchell’s life has been over-examined. But this is not your typical biography
Ann Powers was uneasy about taking on the life of one of the great figures from American music. The biographer’s work is a dazzling and discerning appraisal of the singer.
- by Nathan Smith
Striking debut novel with echoes of David Foster Wallace
Reading Ask Me Again is like a long catch-up phone call with an old friend.
- by Eddie Hampson
The Victorian madame whose name lives on in popular culture
Madame Brussels made her reputation running a brothel in Melbourne. Today, she has a laneway and cocktail named in her honour.
- by Simon Caterson
Love historical crime fiction? This sensual novel will grip you
Jane Sullivan’s Murder in Punch Lane is elegantly structured and moves deftly between fact and fiction.
- by Carmel Bird
Murder mystery and wartime survival: Eight books to read this weekend
Our reviewers cast their eyes over recent fiction and non-fiction releases.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll