‘Malta Exchange’ is blend of history and thrills

Steve Berry’s pragmatic hero Cotton Malone soon regrets taking on what is supposed to be a simple mission in “The Malta Exchange,” the latest blend of history

Author writes part biography, part Hollywood history

If there was an Academy Award for movie books, Victoria Riskin would be making room beside the Oscar her father won for writing the romantic comedy classic

New novel by Claire Adam tells haunting family tale

A new novel set in Trinidad spins the tale of an absorbing family drama that ultimately explores the tension between individualism and utilitarianism. Claire Adam’s debut

‘Killer Collective’ is another page turner from Barry Eisler

At first blush, Barry Eisler’s new thriller resembles one of those cartoonish action movies in which a handful of retired covert operators who don’t trust each other

Ruffin’s debut novel is challenging, thought-provoking

A fear-driven, racially charged world is the land in which the narrator of “We Cast a Shadow” lives. Half the black community — and eight out of 10 black

Gervais crafts intelligent and thoughtful thriller

Pierce Hunt has returned from a six-month forced leave after a reporter is injured during a bust even though it’s not Hunt’s fault. On his first

James Lee Burke’s new novel is engaging, emotional mystery

James Lee Burke’s novels have mysteries that light the fuse of the story, but the almost poetic prose sets his novels apart. A boy that detective Dave

‘The First Conspiracy’ unspools plot on Washington in 1776

George Washington faced some big problems as he tried to fortify New York City against British forces in the summer of 1776. His ragtag army was woefully short on

In ‘Seduction,’ Howard Hughes’ Hollywood no haven for women

Hollywood history for the #MeToo movement, Karina Longworth’s “Seduction” is an astute and entertaining takedown of the movie industry, the press and the multimillionaire turned wannabe filmmaker

Book reflects on Rock Hudson’s stardom, closeted love life

Had Rock Hudson not died of AIDS in 1985, he might be best remembered as the most successful of the postwar male stars who got into the

‘Pandemic’ rings warning bell about gene-editing technology

When there’s a scientific breakthrough, Robin Cook doesn’t just stand up and cheer. He uses his fertile imagination and writes a novel about its possible perils.

‘Broken Ground’ gives new insight to Scotland’s role in war

The past is always in the present for Edinburgh Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pirie, making her fifth appearance in Val McDermid’s expertly plotted “Broken Ground.” As head

Musician Jeff Tweedy displays sense of humor in his memoir

In his memoir, “Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back),” Jeff Tweedy, frontman of the American rock band Wilco, displays a sense of humor that his audiences

‘Frugal Traveler’ is disjointed book

Love travel? Love books? Love books about travel? If the preceding statements are true, do pick up a copy of “Rediscovering Travel: A Guide for the Globally

A new collection of essays by Jonathan Franzen

One subject comes up frequently in Jonathan Franzen’s latest collection of essays: how to live responsibly in the face of our all but certain extinction as a

Author offers retrospect of TV show ‘Friends’

Kelsey Miller has written the quintessential fan book for those obsessed with the hit TV sitcom “Friends.” “I’ll Be There For You” gives readers an insider’s look

Stephen King raises the bar with ‘Elevation’

After more than four decades of banging out best- sellers, Stephen King still has the power to surprise his beloved “constant readers.” Consider “Elevation,” which the

Pussy Riot founder’s guide to political activism

Power to the people: Where have we heard that before? In the 1960s, to be sure. And again today in “Read & Riot,” an invigorating new guide

Ellie Kemper endears herself to fans in ‘My Squirrel Days’

Ellie Kemper’s debut novel, “My Squirrel Days,” is exactly what you would expect from the comedian. It’s rich in personality, teeming with energy and full of laugh-out-loud

‘The Forgotten’ eyes evolution of white Trump voters

There have been many books, studies and feature stories on the rise of the alienated white voters who came out in large numbers to elect President Donald

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