Award-winning screenwriter Terry Hayes has made an undoubtedly successful move from writing for the viewer to writing for the reader. Hayes has an impressive track record: he trained as a journalist, then worked in newspapers and produced a radio programme in Australia before writing the screenplay for Mad Max 2. He also co-produced and wrote […]
Cracking thriller a hefty, compelling read Read Post »
Norman Kirk was the first politician I was truly aware of as a kid. I remember as a tender wee seven-year-old, seeing the mountain of a man on the news, the first famous person beyond Basil Brush to register in my world. I also vividly remember hearing the news that Norman Kirk died on August
Remembering New Zealand’s ‘Big Norm’ Read Post »
Some say he naturally faces magnetic north and has two sets of knees. He is, of course, The Stig. Forget that frilly wannabe Austin Powers, the true international man of mystery is the elusive and enigmatic Top Gear test driver The Stig. Simon du Beaumarche has penned biographies for many a famous subject – from
Good laugh for Top Gear aficionados Read Post »
This latest book by British doctor and science writer Ben Goldacre takes an often uncomfortably close look at what is happening in the global pharmaceutical industry. I’m not anti-medication by any means – without the heart, blood pressure and diabetes drugs I swallow every day I have no doubt I wouldn’t be feeling anywhere near
Drug companies’ tactics in spotlight Read Post »
This recent release to the New Zealand market from Norwegian musician, economist and author Jo Nesbo is actually one of the earlier Harry Hole novels that has finally been translated for his English-speaking fans. This time around, the troubled detective has been sent to Bangkok after the Norwegian ambassador is found dead in a motel
Popular hero is perfectly flawed Read Post »
Emily Coleman wakes up one day and simply disappears: she walks away from an apparently happy family with her husband and son, her lovely home and lovely life. But that seemingly happy life may not be all that it seems: Emily has a secret that no one has guessed. The story is told by mixing
Cracking read with plenty of surprises Read Post »
British girl Sophie Hayes didn’t have a great relationship with her father, or with men in general, mistrusting most of them on sight. However, at the age of 18 she met Kas, just a year older and (it seemed) the exact opposite of what she thought all men were: he was charming, kind and determined
Through the eyes of torment Read Post »
Wild Flowers of New Zealand, photography by Rob Suisted (New Holland Publishers, RRP $20) Wellington-based photographer and conservationist Rob Suisted has produced a book packed with shining and colourful examples of the wildflowers of New Zealand. Early botanists were amazed by the plants they found in New Zealand, many of which are unique to our
Trio of quick Kiwi reference books Read Post »
Another easy-to-read collaboration from the king of quick reads: James Patterson. Former United States Marine Jack Morgan owns Private, what has become the world’s foremost investigation firm. It is used by the rich and famous, and by the infamous, to handle indiscretions as discreetly as possible. In this story, Jack himself becomes the prime suspect
Formulaic? Yes … but still entertaining Read Post »
Author Donna Leon continues her Commissario Brunetti series, with this 22nd book to feature the Venice-based detective moving along at the same satisfying pace of its predecessor, Beastly Things. In the middle of a routine and somewhat mundane case, Brunetti gets a call from his wife to say the disabled man who worked for their
Gently flowing mystery Read Post »
