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The “QAnon Shaman” Jacob Chansley after storming the US Capitol in 2021.

The bonkers story of how a prank created America’s conspiracy culture

A fake government report intended as an anti-war satire became a viral phenomenon before the term existed.

  • Antony Loewenstein

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Florentine statesman Niccolo Machiavelli: big during The Renaissance.

This deep-dive into Europe’s golden age is scholar-meets-influencer

Historian Ada Palmer’s examination of the Renaissance won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but she does bust some myths.

  • Luke Slattery
Books.

Looking for something to read? Here are 10 new books

Our reviewers cast their eyes over new fiction and non-fiction titles.

  • Cameron Woodhead and Fiona Capp
Book Reviews 2025

Book Reviews

What’s good, what’s bad, and what’s in between in literature this year? Here we review the latest titles.

Alfred Hitchcock could learn a thing or two from the birds of Canberra about horrifying behaviour.

Forget scholars – this guide to filmmaking goes straight to the sources

Film critic and academic Adrian Martin’s new book allows filmmakers to speak for themselves in ways that open up connections between them that might never be apparent from their work.

  • Tom Ryan

Helter smelter: Was pollution a factor in a spate of US serial killings?

Caroline Fraser makes a provocative argument that the proliferation of serial killers in the US’ Pacific Northwest in the 1970s and ’80s is linked to the area’s toxic air.

  • Pat Sheil
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Sinead Stubbins

This dark corporate satire will distract you from your own work woes

Sinead Stubbins takes aim at deranged wellness culture in her debut novel.

  • Eddie Hampson

Here are 10 new books to add to your must-read list

Need a new read? Our reviewers have done the work for you

  • Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll
Besha Rodell.

A powerful, razor-sharp culinary and coming-of-age memoir

Besha Rodell, now The Age’s chief restaurant critic, reveals a fractured family life and a fascinating journey through the restaurant industry.

  • Michael McGirr

A gripping new thriller from the author who gives pulp fiction a good name

The latest instalment in C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett series explores the peculiarly American chaos that is also known as the state of the nation.

  • Tom Ryan

Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/topic/book-reviews-1q4