The Dog Stars
This is a great novel with a wonderfully reassuring message for our troubled times. The film comes out later this year.
Peter Heller’s The Dog Stars is a beautifully written literary fiction quality novel that also comes with genre style dramatic action. That’s quite a remarkable feat to pull off.
I listened to the audio book version read by Mark Deakins and what a great narration. It feels so incredibly effortless. When I reached the end I wanted to start all over again. Either the book or this wonderful Audible audio books are both highly recommended.
The movie adaptation of The Dog Stars comes out later this year (slated for August 2026). It’s directed by Ridley Scott, director of Blade Runner, one of my all time favourite films. I can’t wait to see it!
The Housemaid
A fun read psychological mystery and an explosive movie – both with a fabulous twist!
Freida McFaddens’s The Housemaid is a tense psychological mystery, which is also an accessible, fun read. The movie is also out. It’s an immersive watch.
Both the novel and the movie work within genre conventions but come with a fresh take that feels both compelling and authentic. There’s a flavour of The Girl on the Train meets 90s psychological mystery, but also updated with today’s #metoo awareness.