Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films we’re watching, the television shows we’re hooked on or the music we’re loving.

Ed Moreno is reading The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee

Historical fiction doesn’t usually grab me but Alexander Chee’s novel made for obsessive reading. I’m a fan of nineteenth-century French realism (especially Émile Zola) so the time and setting appealed, but the subject matter (opera) was new to me. However, the author piqued my interest and I’m so glad I picked this one up. The writing and the story are magic – I spent several nights reading well into the early hours of the morning because I just couldn’t put this book down. Highly recommended.

I’ve also recently read Claire Vaye Watkins debut novel, Gold Fame Citrus. I’ve been going through a ‘dirty realism’ phase – John Fante, Charles Bukowski, Tobias Wolff and Richard Ford – and I’m enjoying venturing into the dark underbelly of human life. Gold Fame Citrus definitely fits this theme in its portrayal of a brutal, bleak near-future Californian dystopia but Watkins’ writing style is much richer than that of the other authors I mentioned above. They each tend towards spareness and detachment and in contrast, the writing in Gold Fame Citrus is lush, gracious, and limber. Wonderful.

Robbie Egan is reading Life or Death by Michael Robotham

I’ve just read last year’s Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger winner: Life or Death by Michael Robotham.

After three years of study and full-time work I find I’m struggling to get back into reading mode, so I picked this one up based on critical and popular acclaim, assuming it would be a cracking read. Fortunately it was, and I devoured the book in days. The setup is straightforward enough – Audie Palmer has escaped from jail the day before he is officially due for release. Why? Well, that’s the point.

This is an expertly-written, perfectly paced crime novel. It put me in mind of The Shawshank Redemption, a sometimes maligned tale that is a wonderful example of popular storytelling. Is it manipulative? Hell yes. Far-fetched? You betcha. Hugely entertaining? Bloody oath.

You like crime fiction? Read this fine example; you won’t be disappointed.

Amanda Rayner is reading The Women in Black by Madeleine St John

I have just finished reading The Women in Black by Madeleine St John, which has recently been adapted for the musical Ladies in Black by Tim Finn and Carolyn Burns. (This show is currently being presented by the MTC at the Southbank theatre.) Many of my colleagues have enjoyed this book and I too adored it – for its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and heart.

If, like me, this book has been on your reading list for a while I urge you to take the plunge! And the musical production is wonderful too…

Nina Kenwood is reading Ruins by Rajith Savanadasa

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this novel by Rajith Savanadasa recently, and while its release date is a long way off (it’s not available until July) I wanted to give it a shout-out now so that readers will have it on their radars. I can absolutely say that this is an Australian debut novel to look out for later in the year. Set in Colombo, Sri Lanka, it’s a family drama that looks at class, wealth, inter-generational conflict, cultural conflict, and more. I found it to be a real page-tuner, filled with flawed, interesting characters who I kept thinking about (and worrying about!) long after finishing the book.

Isobel Moore is reading The Fight by Norman Mailer

To wrap-up my sports-themed reading run (I wrote about my decision to adopt this theme in last week’s column) I selected Norman Mailer’s The Fight. I am really enjoying this one – to an astonishing degree. Mailer’s telling of the iconic fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman makes for an enthralling read; he really encapsulates their huge and mesmerising personalities. I’m just about to finish and I genuinely can’t believe that I’ve been so engaged and invested in a boxing match I already know the outcome of!

Kim Gruschow is crushing on Peanuts

The recent release of The Peanuts Movie has seen Snoopy and the gang popping up everywhere and we’ve had a swell variety of Peanuts books on our shelves lately. I headed along to the cinema and while it can be treacherous watching an adaptation of something you love deeply, the film felt familiar and fun. The story has a classic Peanuts feel and I was pleasantly surprised at the old-school charm of the animation style.

As someone with permanent Peanuts fever, I often flip through my collection of comics when I’m feeling in need of something comforting. Plus, they also cater nicely to my frequently struggling attention span. The earlier comics are my favourites; Snoopy and the gang look so damn cute in their youth as fifties toddlers. There is a huge body of Peanuts comics and I think it’s worth starting at the beginning. It’s obvious how perceptive, funny and charming these strips are from day one. I have also been enjoying my copy of How to be a Grrrl!. This is a hilarious collection of fine and fierce moments from my favourite crabby heroine Lucy.