BONUS: Storks, Smoking and the Power of Doubt

Roderick Thorp's "The Detective" is a crime novel centered around Joe Leland, a seasoned detective investigating a murder case involving a severed penis. The story delves into the dark underbelly of crime, exploring themes of corruption, violence, and the psychological toll on law enforcement officers. Thorp's experience as a private investigator and crime reporter adds a layer of realism to the narrative. The novel's gritty realism and complex characters make it a compelling read for fans of crime fiction. The book's unique plot and characters have inspired various adaptations, including the film "Die Hard".

In 'How to Make the World Add Up', Tim Harford provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the world of statistics and data. The book outlines ten simple rules for understanding numbers, along with a golden rule to 'stay curious'. Harford draws on a wide range of examples, from historical figures like Florence Nightingale and John Maynard Keynes to contemporary issues, to illustrate how statistics can be both misleading and informative. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, overcoming biases, and maintaining a healthy skepticism when dealing with data. The book is structured around engaging narratives and historical anecdotes, making it an entertaining and informative read for anyone interested in statistics and data analysis.

In 'How to Lie with Statistics', Darrell Huff provides an engaging introduction to the ways statistics can be manipulated or misinterpreted. The book covers topics such as biased sampling, misleading averages, and the manipulation of graphs. It serves as a practical guide for readers to critically evaluate statistical information.