popular fiction

Sparks vs Steel: A Valentine’s Day battle of love

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Today is Valentine’s Day but for two very rich authors, every day is a day for romance. Nicholas Sparks and Danielle Steel go head-to-head in a battle for the trashy romance crown. Ten year old me browsed the books tables at the school fair. At 3pm, stalls were winding down and the tired volunteer mums … Read more

Book of the Week: What makes Jack Reacher books so damn good?

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Danyl McLauchlan celebrates the latest Jack Reacher masterpiece by Lee Child. About 15 years ago I was having a drink with an old friend, and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Dire Straits started playing on the bar’s stereo. My friend had very elevated taste in music and I wanted to impress him so I said, “Oh god … Read more