CHATTY, ENTERTAINING HISTORIES of some of the world’s most famous pseudonymous writers. Gossipy, bookish fun!

OVERVIEW OF THE “9/11 Truth” movement has some interesting interviews, but flounders in off-topic axe-grinding.

FAST-PACED GARDENING MYSTERY features a spunky sleuth and an only-in-New-York supporting cast. Good fun!

SWEEPING HISTORICAL ROMANCE of an American heiress and an English duke has old-fashioned Whartonesque charm.

JOAN DIDION’S LATEST memoir is a raw and deeply affecting cry of grief at her daughter’s untimely death.

CRANKY COTSWOLDS SLEUTH Agatha Raisin’s 22nd mystery (!) is engrossing, fresh, and deftly plotted. Hurray!

THOUGHTFUL MEMOIR OF HOMELESSNESS is at its best when revisiting the writer’s terrifyingly chaotic childhood.

ANOTHER CHARMING 1930s mystery for “Her Royal Spyness” as she hits the Riviera with Chanel, Wallis Simpson.

AN OVERVIEW OF SCAMS and con games,  complete with case studies, is highly informative if a bit repetitive.