• Series
• Literature

Book Reviews

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

• See & Do

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.

• July 23, 2025
• Tom Ryan

• Spectrum

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.

• July 18, 2025
• Pat Sheil

• Spectrum

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

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

• July 16, 2025
• Eddie Hampson

• For subscribers

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

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

• July 16, 2025
• Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll

• For subscribers

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.

• July 16, 2025
• Michael McGirr

• For subscribers

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.

• July 15, 2025
• Tom Ryan

• For subscribers

Looking for a new book? Here are 10 new titles

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

• July 9, 2025
• Cameron Woodhead and Fiona Capp

• Literature

James Frey wrote his new book in 57 days. He doesn’t want Oprah to read it

Twenty years after saying sorry to Oprah for fabricating parts of his bestselling book, the writer of A Million Little Pieces makes an unapologetic return.

• July 9, 2025
• Thomas Mitchell