An Everything-but-Movies Mailbag

In 'Death at the Sign of the Rook', Jackson Brodie returns in a sixth installment of the series, set against the backdrop of a murder-mystery weekend at Burton Makepeace, a grand but crumbling estate. The story intertwines art thefts, a chaotic murder mystery, and a cast of complex characters, blending elements of Agatha Christie with Atkinson's unique style. As Jackson navigates the intricate web of secrets and deceit, the lines between fiction and reality blur, leading to a thrilling and humorous climax.

The Vanity Fair Diaries chronicles Tina Brown's eight years as editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, from her arrival in New York City in her early twenties to her transformation of the magazine into a cultural and financial success. The book includes insider stories of notable scoops and covers, such as the Reagan kiss and the Annie Leibovitz cover of a pregnant Demi Moore. It also delves into Brown's personal life, including her marriage to Harry Evans, her family, and her observations on the AIDS crisis and other significant events of the 1980s. The diaries offer a vivid portrait of the era's glamour, politics, and social scene, written with Brown's characteristic wit and insight.

Empire of Pain is a comprehensive and damning narrative about the Sackler family, who built their pharmaceutical empire through aggressive marketing and questionable ethics. The book traces the family's history from their early success with tranquilizers like Librium and Valium to the devastating impact of OxyContin, which contributed significantly to the opioid crisis. Keefe's work is based on extensive research and exposes the family's ruthless business tactics, their influence on medical and governmental bodies, and their attempts to evade accountability for the harm caused by their products.

The book delves into the bitter conflict in Northern Ireland and its aftermath, focusing on the lives of key figures such as Dolours Price, Brendan Hughes, Gerry Adams, and Jean McConville's children. It explores the civil rights movement, the Provisional IRA's bombing campaign, the 1981 hunger strike, the peace process, and the post-conflict struggle to understand crimes like McConville's murder. The narrative also incorporates the Belfast Project, a secret oral history endeavor that collected stories from former IRA members. The book is a panoramic history that captures the complexities and tragic consequences of the Troubles.

The Nickel Boys is a powerful and disturbing novel that delves into the horrors of Nickel Academy, a segregated juvenile reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. The story follows Elwood Curtis, a bright and idealistic young man who is falsely accused of stealing a car and sent to Nickel Academy. There, he and his friend Turner navigate the brutal and corrupt environment, marked by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The novel explores themes of systemic injustice, human perseverance, and the lasting impact of trauma. It alternates between the 1960s and the present, as the dark history of Nickel Academy is uncovered and its survivors come forward to share their experiences.

The Snakehead is a detailed account of the human smuggling operations run by Cheng Chui Ping, a charismatic middle-aged grandmother known as Sister Ping. The book delves into the inner workings of her complex empire, the decade-long FBI investigation that eventually led to her capture, and the intricate underground economy that sustained and exploited illegal immigrants. It also explores the broader context of immigration policy in America, highlighting the struggles and risks faced by those seeking to realize the American dream. Keefe's narrative is based on hundreds of interviews with law enforcement officials, immigrants, and other key figures, providing a vivid and suspenseful portrayal of this true crime story.