GREAT READS

Could an artist be so obsessed by a painting that he'd be compelled to destroy it? If so, why? This is the question psychiatrist Andrew Marlow wrestles with as he works to treat his newest patient, a painter of emerging fame and obvious genius, Rober...

Reading a review for Michael Robotham's newest thriller, "Say You're Sorry," (2012) I was intrigued and wanted to read it, but it wasn't available. I wasn't familiar with this author so I checked out his first book, "Suspect" (2005).

Joe O'Loughlin ...

Sometimes, I like to take risks. Like popping a chocolate from a sampler in my mouth without first checking if it's one I like. Recently, I grabbed a book and started reading, without a glance at the dust jacket!

This fast-paced debut novel grabbed ...

I've been drawn to reading World War I era fiction, no doubt thanks to the Edwardian Age setting of "Downton Abbey" and the wonderful maze of English society that is so different from American culture. As we near the 100th anniversary of America's in...

Clicking through cable channels offers an amazing amount of "reality" television shows. Why are we obsessed with shows about other's misfortunes, deformities, addictions or meltdowns? Is there a shift in modern society? Some point to MTV's "The Real ...

Does everyone have a double--a person who looks so similar they could be mistaken for the same person? This is the premise of Tana French's "The Likeness," the second in her Cassie Maddox series.

Six months after a grueling murder case, (French's fi...

What moves an artist to choose a subject, composition of a still life or position of figures? What would you ask Auguste Pierre Renoir about his Luncheon of the Boating Party?

Susan Vreeland's novel of the same name takes the reader on a journey int...

What if Shakespeare didn't actually author "Romeo and Juliet" but lifted the story from Sienna, changed a few names and made it his own in Verona? Ann Fortier's novel, "Juliet" explores this question and delves into the "true" story of Romeo and Juli...

Sometimes, I like to slip into something more comfortable.... And return to a favorite author and remind myself of the depth of his work. Pat Conroy is one favorite whom I have returned in recent months, and I have not been disappointed.

Conroy's in...

Always a sucker for the one-two punch of historical drama and a BBC production, I recently watched "Small Island" based on the award-winning book by Andrea Levy.

I was swept into the worlds of two strong, independent-minded women from opposite ends ...

Talking animals usually bring to mind old episodes of "Mr. Ed" or the kids' movie, "Babe." While cute, I don't tend to read books with talking animals, unless it's to my children. Recently, a friend's dog passed away and I felt so inadequate in offer...

As I shelved a DVD of the PBS miniseries, "Downton Abbey," I wished for the second season to finally air!

And then I saw her: a gorgeous young woman in a white ball gown, standing under a magnificent chandelier, silhouetted by a huge window. I imme...