Tim Flannery releases first fiction book, The Mystery of the Venus Island Fetish

ANDREW P STREET 1:08pm A dive into fiction was the salvation of Tim Flannery during his annus horribilis.

LINDA MORRIS Writer Patrick Holland steers his own writing path with the legend of St Brendan, a sixth-century explorer and adventurer.

Peter Craven Hilary Mantel's short stories satisfy whether you like ascending Tudor scaffolds with her or not.

Aged 10 or 11, Carroll was surprised to find he could read a whole book.

Thuy On Naomi Klein continues her campaign against capitalism is her treatise on climate change.

Owen Richardson Anecdotes of the stars – Madonna, Rod, Elton, the Ferrets – and backstage shenanigans at Countdown.

KAREN HARDY Karen Hard delves into the world of fiction with three book reviews.

Steven Carroll Reviews of non-fiction titles from Australia and overseas.

Cameron Woodhead Short reviews of fiction titles from Australia and overseas.

Jonathan Green Two new books examine the significant role the horse has played in Australian history.

Sue Turnbull Val McDermid's latest novel deftly links a murder in Edinburgh with war crimes in the Balkans.

Jane Sullivan Horror writers struggle to get their work published in Australia but a new anthology showcases two dozen creatives in the genre.

Frances Atkinson There are masses of children's books available at this time of year. Here's a look at some of the best.

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