Bookish: STRANGE JOURNEYS (9#) -

Ramping up to the Holiday Season . . .

Do secret societies run the world? Steven Poole reviews a new book by Michael Streeter called Behind Closed Doors which explores a topic close to the hearts of many conspiracy buffs. And, somewhat related, Ben Macintyre writes about coded communications.

# Ruth Rendell's latest Mystery novel is Portobello which is reviewed by Chris Petit. And reviewed at The Times of London by Lucy Atkins.

# Leonard Cassuto writes about Patricia Highsmith and her story Strangers on a Train which was made into a Hollywood movie by Alfred Hitchcock.

# Gentlemen of the Road by
Michael Chabon is reviewed by Alfred Hickling.

# THWACK! Paul Constant writes about his participation in NaNoWriMo and claims that Seattle produces the most words in that yearly ritual.

# Christmas Best Books Specials:

:: The Guardian :: and at [The Times]

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