Wednesday, June 10, 2026
David Levine on writers: Hilary Mantel
David Levine (1926-2009) was one of America’s most prominent illustrators during a career that spanned decades. No less an authority than Jules Feiffer described him as "the greatest caricaturist of the last half of the 20th century,” although Levine continued to work in the early years of this century as well. Levine’s subjects included himself (above) and people from many walks of life. Authors, scribes and scribblers were a big part of the mix, as these caricatures make clear.
First Lines: Irene Sabatini
Two days after I turned fourteen the son of our neighbour set his stepmother alight.
The Boy Next Door
Irene Sabatini
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Review: "It's Not What You Think," Clare Mackintosh
By Liz Soares
Nadeeka, a single mother of two, races home from work after an unsettling call from her partner, Jamie. He says he’s at the office, but she hears a train in the background. A woman’s voice. Jamie must be at the house. Is he having an affair?
Jamie is indeed at home when Nadeeka arrives. But he’s dead. Murdered.
Clare Mackintosh is a favorite author of mine, and her latest thriller is a humdinger. There are three—count ‘em—three twists in this one. Which certainly kept me swiping the e-pages on my Kindle, but makes it a tad difficult to write a review. I certainly don’t want to give all away, so I’m treading carefully.
Nadeeka, needless to say, is shocked by the discovery. A few days later, she goes to the police station to see if she can get her phone—taken for evidence—back, and is shocked once again.
Detective Chief Inspector Lauren Caldwell now takes over the narration (which alternates between several characters). She’s smart and efficient, but somewhat distracted. Lauren’s getting married in a few days—the day after Christmas, in fact. Her fiancĂ© is one of her subordinates, Fraser Hogan.
But how can she be worried about assembling wedding favors and dealing with venue drams when this case just keeps getting stranger and stranger? What exactly was Jamie up to that led to his death? Nothing good, it appears. Nadeeka doesn’t believe what Lauren is learning. Jamie was a good man. She begins her own investigation.
Which leads the reader into twist two.
Lauren’s official investigation is facing a lot of odds in this case, but the cops circle in slowly and the truth becomes more clear. Unfortunately, in a way. Because twist three is heartbreaking.
Whew.
It sounds crazy and complicated, but it’s a straightforward, relentless, sometimes breathtaking ride. Nadeeka and Lauren are sympathetic, relatable characters and the readers are rooting for them to have closure. The story of Jamie’s death (and subsequent events) is both timely and disturbing.
A thriller, indeed!
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I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book through NetGalley. It will be released on September 22.
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