Latest from Books
Book Review: Maine
I have to confess a prejudice against novels where the characters are continually lighting cigarettes and lifting drinks, and where the author continually tells you they're doing so.
A novel with intrigue in instalments
Nicky Pellegrino finds the intricacies of a French novel a touch far-fetched.
The Red Poppy explores common ground
New Zealand writer David Hill tells Linda Herrick how a song triggered his latest picture book and how he called upon his own uncles’ memories.
Book lover: Gordon McLauchlan
Gordon McLauchlan is a journalist and writer who has recently published The Passionless People Revisited (David Bateman, $29.99).
Fiction Addiction: The five best war novels
It's Anzac Day tomorrow, which makes it a good time to present Fiction Addiction's list of the five best war novels.
Books to remember them by
April 25 may be a public holiday on both sides of the Tasman, but a batch of new picture books and novels will ensure its meaning is not forgotten for another generation of young readers.
Not chilled but charmed by uninvited guests
Spooky events in an English manor house entertain Nicky Pellegrino.
Fiction Addiction: Let's write about sex, baby
Where does an erotic novelist get their inspiration? NZ author Leigh Marsden spills the secrets of sexy writing.
Book Review: The Uninvited Guests
Sadie Jones’ highly entertaining third novel seems perfectly conceived to appeal to two popular tastes — fascination with the Edwardian country house and the revival of the English ghost story.
Book Review: Painter of Silence
Georgina Harding's Painter of Silence is set in Dumbraveni in Romania, and spans the period from the onset of World War II, through the war's ongoing impact, to the imposition of Communism.
British writer goes off on a tangent
British writer Geoff Dyer tells Stephen Jewell how a book about tennis became something very different.
Fiction Addiction: Five hot new novels
We're stuck in the past this month, or so it would seem from our selection of hot new novels.
The enduring appeal of Enid Blyton
Nick Duerden’s daughters are hooked on Enid Blyton. But, 70 years on, why is the writing of the Noddy and Famous Five author still so compelling?
Gothic perils of a 'highly strung orphan'
Lurid yarn fails to score a favourable impression with Nicky Pellegrino.
'Mummy porn' book hits spot for women
Ten thousand copies of a "mummy porn" novel - based on Twilight characters - have hit Kiwi bookshelves.
Book lover: Lisa Gardner
Lisa Gardner is a US mystery suspense author whose latest novel is Catch Me (Headline).