David Aaronovitch takes the bite out of conspiracy theories, a welcome relief in times like these.

"Villa Triste" uses a World War II death to introduce contemporary Italian political mystery.

Save-the-climate? No worries for Made-by-McEwan physics prof Michael Beard.

Martin Amis goes back in Italian time to capture the flavor of decadence.

Hillary Mantel's makes Oliver Cromwell and his King Henry come deviously alive.

Peter Ackroyd and Donna Léon honor Venice.

If it's cleverness you seek, Malcolm is a gift worth giving at any time of the year.

Book no. 30 is a white-knuckled detailing of self-deceit.

The legendary American writer's combative lust endures in 13 unpublished works.

Mortality permeates the work of new young American writers.

No romantic ruminations in tricky Ishiguro's dissection of music and musicians.