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.

Mark Rubbo is reading The Great Swindle by Pierre Lemaitre

I’ve just started this novel from Pierre Lemaitre. Lemaitre is known for his crime stories, but The Great Swindle is actually a work of historical fiction. It won the Prix Goncourt (a major literary prize for French literature) back in 2013, but was only released in English late last year. I’m a few chapters in and I’m already hooked. Set in the dying days of WWI, Lieutenant Henri d'Aulnay Pradelle is desperate for one last chance of promotion and murders two of his own soldiers in hopes of inciting his men to heroic action to further his own reputation. When another solider realises what the Lieutenant has done, Pradelle goes to extreme lengths to silence him. I can’t wait to get back to the story this weekend.

Chris Gordon is reading Econobabble by Richard Denniss

Earlier this week, Readings hosted a conversation between economist Richard Denniss and Federal Member Adam Bandt about the mysteries of economic talk in the public sphere. Without sounding like a script for Yes Minister, Denniss made the audience laugh – at themselves and at others – as he revealed the tricks of the trade and the ridiculous nature of terminology. He presented reasons why the general public winds up feeling so baffled by our journalists and our politicians, and I really believe his book, Econobabble, should become a bible for anyone speaking to us, for us, and about us.

Mike Shuttleworth is reading The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge

The last time a novel for teenagers and older children won the overall Costa Prize was in 2001 when Philip Pullman was awarded the then-Whitbread Award for the third and final book of the His Dark Materials trilogy. Now, 15 years later Frances Hardinge has joined him in this distinction for her novel, The Lie Tree.

This is the richly-imagined story of 15-year-old Faith whose father – as well as England’s most renowned scientist – disappears amid a deepening scandal. Set in the nineteenth century amid debates about evolution, science and religion, the novel really crackles with energy and ideas, while fine editing keeps the reader well and truly on the hook. The novel modulates a number of themes, including the role and status of women, class and authority, and the narrative is masterfully held together through the always engaging character of teenage Faith. The Lie Tree is surely now being measured up by the BBC Drama department. Fabulous stuff!