Crime, cats and feminine rage: The new books to read this week
The Sydney Morning Herald’s weekly roundup highlights a range of new fiction and non‑fiction titles, from a courtroom thriller to a satire on tabloid journalism. Critics evaluate each release, noting strengths such as realistic legal detail and topical commentary on the media landscape. The article also points readers toward engaging histories on queer literature and the cats of Australia.
- ▪The piece reviews Jo Murray’s legal thriller Dissection of a Murder, which follows junior barrister Leila Reynolds defending a judge’s murder suspect amid personal conflict.
- ▪Erin Van Der Meer’s The Scoop is examined as a darkly comic look at the decline of print journalism and the ethical dilemmas of tabloid work.
- ▪The roundup includes non‑fiction titles covering queer literary history and a cultural history of Australian cats, offering diverse options for readers.
- ▪Critics recommend the featured books for genre fans and those interested in contemporary social issues, emphasizing strong character work and relevant themes.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.