Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films and TV shows we’re watching, and the music we’re listening to.

Stella Charls is reading Universal Harvester by John Darnielle

I recently inhaled John Darnielle’s creepy and wonderful second novel. As I wrote in my review, Universal Harvester is a remarkable psychological thriller, as original as it is ambitious. The narrative starts out as a suspenseful page-turner, then evolves into a unsettling study of family and loss. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before. I’m looking forward to meeting Darnielle at our St Kilda shop on Wednesday 12 April.

Next on my TBR pile are three new releases I’ve been excited to get my hands on for a long time: Abandon Me by Melissa Febos, The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy and Things That Helped by Jessica Friedman. Critics and colleagues alike have praised these memoirs by fascinating women, and they all sound brilliant. In particular, Friedman and Febos reportedly weave threads of critical theory into their books and have been compared to two writers I already adore – Maggie Nelson and Leslie Jamison.

Ellen Cregan is reading The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall

I usually have a few books going at once, and in my active pile at the moment is Zoe Whitall’s compulsively readable new novel, The Best Kind of People. I have been sneaking pages of this book everywhere – over breakfast, while watering the garden, in the last spare minute before I have to leave the house. The premise is so intriguing. A mild mannered and suspiciously wholesome science teacher, regarded as a town hero for stopping a potential school shooting years before, is accused of sexual impropriety by a group of young girls.

Beyond just being a good, dramatic mystery, this book is also a many-angled assessment of rape culture. Whitall places every single character on trial, and at this stage, it’s very difficult to predict who is guilty of what. I’m impatient to find out though, and am already compiling a list of people I want to lend the novel to once I’ve finished.

Chris Gordon is reading A Writing Life by Bernadette Brennan

Bernadette Brennan’s A Writing Life is the first full-length study of Helen Garner’s body of work. Brennan takes readers back to the beginning of the author’s working life, and then walks us through the history and context of each published piece. This structure allows us to view the evolving political landscape – the changes in law, attitudes and environments – and it’s intriguing to see how rapidly Melbourne has changed over time.

A Writing Life is quite an astonishing portrait of both an author and a place. I’m enjoying seeing familiar names in the book, as well as coming across locations I recognise, and being reminded of books I read years ago. I’m also very much enjoying the ‘gossipy’ side to the book. I’m finally understanding how everything and everyone fitted together all those years ago – I had no idea.

Michael Awosoga-Samuel recommends three music releases

With After Hours, Close To Dawn, Melbourne band Kingswood have incorporated a whole lot of different styles that ultimately gel together to create a cohesive record. The track ‘Golden’ feels very Hall & Oates, while other tracks reveal more of a rock or gospel influence. Great songwriting and some fine vocal work really make this album happen.

Tuxedo is the duo of Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One and their second record takes us on a funky, soulful journey. Their fun sound brings to mind the vibe of soul and funk bands from the 80s, such as Chic and Kool & The Gang.

And – wow! Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain are as good as they have ever been in their new album, Damage and Joy. Their trademark guitar feedback along with the snarly vocals from brothers Jim and William Reid will delight fans and new listeners alike.